All heated up on global warming

For so many days the political leaders have been engaged in a dialogue in Copenhagen to do something to check the climate change. It's indeed a poker game as each country representative try to read what's behind the minds of the others. I find it uncomprehensible that so much persuasion need to be done on this issue to get everyone at the roundtable. Climate change has been talked about for the past 10-20 years, but no pay paid any serious attention. As always, the attitude adopted is that it is not my problem. It's the next generation's problem. It was not until temperatures started to rise, icebergs melted, sea levels began to rise that the politicians begin to sit up. Let's hope something worthwhile comes out of the whole discussions, otherwise the Copenhagen gathering becomes yet another event that did just the opposite. It would go down as yet misdeed by mankind to add to the global warming as volumes of papers were printed for the discussions, all the fuel burnt to give warmth to the delegates, journalists and demonstrators.

Thaksin...a wedge between Hun Sen and Abhisit

The uncanny stance taken by Cambodia's PM Hun Sen at the ASEAN Summit in Thailand certainly raises many an eye-brows in the regional grouping. Prior to his allegience of friendship with Thaksin (outside Thai PM), Hun Sen had not made any public proclamation of the ties between them. Not only had Hun Sen not behaved well as the guest in a host country, but he has taken the additional step of creating a wedge between himself and the Thai PM Abhisit Vijjajiva at a meeting that is meant to be a dialogue among neighbours. Whether or not Hun Sen words are just rhetoric and his pronoucement to offer Thaksin the job as his country's economic adviser is a theatrical act to capture the awe of his audience, it certainly undermines the attempt by the regional group to promote a united front of Southeast Asian nations.
What's the motivation behind this whole episode could perhaps be seen in the context of the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand. The undulating terrain between the two countries are known to be havens for smugglers of all trades. Both countries from the economic standpoint are at different levels of playing field, and indeed the Thai army is better equipped than the Cambodians. But, one must not forget the ruthlessness and ferocity of the Cambodians during the regime of the Khmer Rouge. Certainly in a jungle warfare, military hardware may not always give the ground troops an upper hand, from the lessons learnt during the US-Vietnam War and even now in the war in Afghanistan and in Pakistan against the Talibans and others.

Pride takes on a high price in Asian culture. Both Hun Sen and Abhisit may find it difficult to come together for a handshake after the latter remarks about Thaksin. Now ASEAN has not only Mynammar (with its infamous human rights track record) as a thorn in their flesh, but the row between Cambodia and Thailand as a fish bone in its throat.

Earthquakes, underground nuclear tests

The recent slew of underground movements of tectonic plates should indeed raise eyebrows from geologists to turn their attention to the war mongers, who have been testing nuclear bombs underground over the past years. While I only attended Geo101, my suspicion is that the tectonic movements could have been accelerated and exacerbated by these tests. Indeed, Indonesia which bore the brunt of the plate movements, which inflicted untold hardships and misery on its people, is not responsible for any of these underground test but still there is room for experts to take a closer look at the occurrences.

Today, Iran is anxiously trying to join the ranks of the nuclear powers with North Korea competing and behaving like the antics of two spoilt kids trying to rush for a toy. In the context of the unnerving soil movements seen globally, from Taiwan across to Japan, down to Indonesia and the Mediterranean, we have to circumspect in doing what we think others can't see - underground. The ramification of one country's actions is taking a toll on another, with the loss of many innocent lives.

It is timely that a multi-disciplinary team of experts should dwell on this matter, and an organization like the United Nations should assemble it team of learned individuals to put the matter under the microscope. Alas, if we don't do something, we may all end up as - who knows - just nothing as the world disappears into dust.

Two Great Talents Lost In A Day

What a sad day for many people to see two great talents passing away - Michael Jackson the pop icon, and actress and poster girl of the 1970s-80s, Farrah Fawcett.
Unmistakeably the music of MJ would make every young man or woman snap his/her fingers. His signature "ooo" at intervals in his performances would make everyone scream, especially the women. MJ was unmatched and was a performer with his own style of music and dance, just as Elvis was. The journey for MJ was turbulent as he went from one operation to another, and he suffered fainting spells. The court litigation against him added to his woes. Bad publicity also dogged his career and I vividly recall his dangling his baby outside the window which was also slammed by the media and his critics. But whatever he did, he was an influence on people young and old. For a time, he was the King and he entertained. I remember his appearances on video clips like Heartlight City and stuff, together with others such as Lionel Richie, and how they took the world by storm.

And during that time, there was also Farrah in Charlie's Angles invariably got everyone glued to their television sets. Her sweeping hair style was a real sensation for the women during her time in the 1980s. Her posters were everyone at the women's hair salons, and magazine covers.

Today the curtains come down for the last time for both stars. We pray that they will go to the never never land where there will be no pain and no more hardship, and enjoy eternal peace and blessings. We mourn the loss of the two super stars.

Iranians seeking change

It's ironical how life comes a full circle and what's happening in Iran is an example. It was demonstrations like what we see now in Iran that overthrew the then Shah of Iran, but will history repeat itself. Apparently some political watchers are skeptical about the outcome of the present demonstrations, and rightly so because the current government is not like the Shah which didn't have any ground support. Ahmadinejad, according to the election results, secured more than 63.4% of the votes. Pro-Moussavi supporters are disputing the outcome. Moussavi scored 34.7%. Today's Friday sermon, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei alluded the large turned out to a free election. He endorsed the results. The events consequent to his pronouncements would have to be closely watched. Whatever is said, Iran is fractured as pointed out by a commentator. The clerics certainly have a vested interest, to stay with Ahmadinejad and consolidate their positions.

Let's hope Tiananmen will not be replicated in Iran. Demonstrators would be allowed to express their feelings, and there would be minimum bloodshed. Ultimately a government must be of the people, by the people and for the people, or it is no government.

Jailing of US Journalists by North Korea

The job of a journalist is invariably demanding. Not only are they expected to bring the latest news to the world, they are often challenged by difficult circumstances to get the "breaks" so that we could be better informed of what's going on around us. The London news break about MPs who were making unacceptable expenses claims is one fine example of journalism. Often journalists are also made the scape goats by politicians and other newsmakers when events turned sour, or used as hostages for political mileage. The case of the two US journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee, who have been sentenced to 12 years hard labour by the North Korean regime is one case that comes to mind. North Korea must be punished for its habit of snatching citizens of other countries. They did this to countless Japanese. Now they turned to the two US journalists. A concerted effort must be made by the world to force the North Koreans to comply with civilized behaviour. Kim Jong Il must be put in his place. China must bear some responsibility for mollycoddling a despotic political leader. There is a time and a place for everyone. A mad man has his place in a mental institute, not at the helm of a government that is driving its people to doom.

The world community has enough of these antics. Some sense needs to be knocked into the head of Kim Jong Il. He is the one who should be in the hard labour camp. I hope it comes sooner than later.

Let there be peace

The purring of the scooter attracted the barks from my two dogs. The postman is at the gate to deliver mails. Just as soon as the scooter made it way down the next turn, my dogs promptly pranced their way back to the house.

Life is peaceful from where I am. Plenty to eat, a lot to look forward to, and there's opportunities for everyone. My son has gone out with his girlfriend, while my wife is going to give my dogs a hair trim.

But reading about events around the world, it saddens me. Everyday lives are lost in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Sudan because of political strife. And these deaths piled up when you add in the natural disasters that descended on countries like Bangla Desh, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia and so forth.

The world needs a relook. There was AIDS, then came bird flu, mad cow disease, SARS and now swine flu. So what's next?

Some blame it on the nuclear tests, others on the callous attitudes of manufactuers who dump toxic materials into the eco system, and yet other say it is the global warming. Till now there hasn't been an answer...not because there is no answer. More so, it is because there is no will. Countries and politicians are thinking of their own economic growth. Thinking of their own glory and wealth and politicians think of their own hold to power.

The only hope lies in non-government organizations and the stamina of their volunteers to soldier on till the day when all nations can come to an agreement to set out the framework for a new world order...and a new world peace.

Good luck, good health...

It's just funny how things come not by the dozen but by the droves. Even as I am recovering from saying farewell to my male Shih Tzu, I am now told by the vet that my female Maltese is suffering from nose cancer and probably has about six months or so to live. Well, if I were to backdate to the time when I first noticed a swelling on the bridge of her nose and her frequent sneezing, then at least two months would have gone by. We discussed chemo and radiation, but I guess having been associated with medical teams that handle cancer patients, I would just have to face the facts and move ahead.

All said, I was working with a client after some four years and now she has resigned to take up another job. Barely weeks after she tendered her resignation, it was time for me to send my maid back to Indonesia for her work contract has expired after two years. Thinking that these were just coincidences, I went to my usual watering hole, and there was the two guitar strollers who told me that they were leaving because their contract was terminated. So another "adios amigoes" and they sang their last seranade. But before they left, another solo guitarist who was performing at an affiliated pub also had his contract cut short, and strummed his last song one Saturday evening.

Tomorrow, and I hope it will be the last for now, I will be giving a lunch to bid one of my staff good luck and good health as he takes up another job. But at the way things are going at home, I may have to shake hands with my new maid because she's just unable to cope with her duties.

Well I am just thinking of the lyrics from one of the evergreen songs: "I wonder should I go, or should I stay...The band has only one more song to play..."

EULOGY TO DEAREST GOOFY….(1995-2009)

Goofy is a white Shih Tzu…named after the Walt Disney character because of his good sense of humour. He was at his worse an intelligent dog who would not allow you to outwit him. You shut the front door and he would make a dash through the side exit to get to the car porch. His appetite for food and his happy disposition undoubtedly won the hearts of all family members. He was very territorial and would not hesitate to mark the flower pots and car rims with his water trademark each time he lifted his hind legs, but otherwise he was well housetrained.

Since a pup, he was a bundle of joy for everyone at home. My son Felix bought him from a local farm. Goofy refused to sleep alone and on his first night with us, he whined until we took him upstairs to sleep in the bedroom. Since then our bedrooms were as much his as everyone else at home, much to the horror of our family doctor. He fathered a son when a female Maltese, Snowy, was brought home from Australia. Richie today is a seven-year-old bundle of joy like the father.

The three dogs would do all their antics together. They would charge to the gate and bark as musicians would synchronize harmoniously in a symphony, jumped into the car and wrestle for the window seats, or stand astride in a row when taking their meals from the bowls. The three white dogs…so some neighbours called them.

Goofy was always protective of his son. He would bark, as if to scold his son if he felt there was any transgression. At times he would playfully wrestle with his son, pushing and shoving each other before rolling on the floor, while two rolling white towels.

Over the past year, Goofy began to slow down. He was eating less. He lost weight. He couldn’t run as fast nor bark as loud. He would amber up the stairs and insisted that he be carried downstairs every morning, which was an additional chore for the maid, who cared for him affectionately.

On the rare occasions that he was temperamental, he would give a short snap but caused no damage or hurt to anyone. His latter years were also marred by an ear infection which was easily resolved with some cream and daily cleaning.

Friday March 6, Goofy he was nauseas but didn’t vomit. A visit to the vet on Saturday resulted in him being put on the drip. He began to limp and was lethargic. Sunday March 8 he was rushed to the veterinary hospital for an X-ray as his condition deteriorated. He pulled through and we took him home.

His faithfulness to our family saw him struggling to cling on to life till Wednesday March 11, when my son Felix flew back from Hongkong to spend the whole day by his side. A last family portrait of my wife Margaret, Felix and I, was taken with Goofy, Snowy and Richie. Even in his last months, he kept looking for his son, who would come by to lick his face and sniff him.

Goofy retired for the evening around 11pm together with his family for one last time that evening. He passed away in the wee hours, possibly around 5.30-5.40am March 12 [perhaps coincidentally it was the time when my wrist watch stopped], with his head transfixed at the spot where his son was asleep. His body was still warm when I touched him at 6.30am. In many ways, he looked the stately gentleman that he was even in his passing, with his front legs crossed and his hind legs together.

We will cherish the many happy moments together, when we went for strolls along the waterfront and the car rides…and how proudly he would bark at the other dogs in the neighbourhood as if to tell the others he was going out for an evening drive.

All’s that is left is for us to remember the lines in CATS the Musical:

Memory
All alone in the moonlight
I can smile at the old days
I was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again

Pets...and their bonds with humans

I have three pet toy dogs at home, but my first pet was Fred who was given to my family when he was about three years old. He was a Shih Tzu, squat and with whitish brown fur. Because he was not properly brought up, he was rather temperamental and would snap at anyone who approached him from the front to pat his head. But other than that, and besides an occasional growling, he was a delightful chap who would run a good run up and down the garden. He would consume all his energy chasing after a ball up and down the lawn and end up panting for dear life after that. One day his health began to deteriorate because of old age and the vet said he needed an operation to remove a cancerous growth in his abdomen. Dutifully we put Fred on the operating table. He recovered somewhat, albeit for only another six months or so. This time he suffered from am inability to urinate and his kidneys were failing. Eventually the fateful decision had to be made for Fred to take one last look at all of us, and with a few faint breaths he was put to sleep by the vet to relieve him of all his sufferings. For more than a year, we didn't buy any new pets in deference to Fred.

Now once again I have to go through the stress and trauma of coping with Goofy, who is almost 16 years old, and is suffering from failure of his liver, heart and kidney. From a bouncing Shih Tzu, he became a bony, subdued dog, who is now unable to take but a few strides before he collapses onto the ground. He hardly eats and has to be forced feed with water to keep him going. The doctors couldn't do much except to try and give him a quality life as he inches towards the certainty in the circle of life. Goofy is yet another family pet, lovable and adorable. He is clever and is the only dog who uses his paws to scratch on the door if he wants you to let him into the room. He supervises his son, Ritchie, like a good father and would be the first on the car porch if he sees his son rushing to the main gate. His wife Snowy would stand idly by as she watches him discipline his son. Goofy is a father who dotes on his son. He would gladly give way to Ritchie when he takes his meals. Now Goofy is but a helpless father as his son comes and kisses him by licking his face. I can only do my best to prolong the days for Goofy and pray that he would be able to move on without more pain or suffering to the next world. Whatever...the passage of time will not erase the fond memories of Fred and Goofy.

Soon there will be Tigers no more in Sri Lanka

At long last we read about the Sri Lankan government forces having an upper hand over the Tamil Tigers. It is hoped that soon peace will return to this paradise island and it can shed its image as the tear drop of India. Sadly we are told the civilian population are bearing the brunt of the last ditch stand by the Tigers. With the Colombo government determined to exercise its rightful authority, it is believe that the conflict is unlikely to last for long. What brought about the turn of tide in this conflict will be eagerly followed by other governments, as there are lessons that may be drawn from here. Interestingly it will be good to know if big brother India has a part to play in helping to determine the victor.

The next goal will be for the Colombo government to rebuild the northern territory so that the residues from the Tigers will not be given another opportunity to build its lair and resurrect itself. Seeking revenge, searching for skeletons and isolating the people in the north should not be the way to win over their hearts and minds. Let's hope the last chapters of the insurgent war will close with all the people united under the Sri Lanka flag.

Of accountants, auditors and accountability

A new world order is likely to emerge after all the reshuffling of cards in the corporate world as well as in bilateral ties between nations. Let's hope that the way ahead to economic recovery and rebuilding of economies will not take too long. The job cuts by the big corporations have been swift and furious. Individuals who have over extended themselves financially will find themselves in a state of shock if not panic. There are some basic lessons to remember, such as cultivating the habit of saving during good times and keeping within one's budget, and constantly reminding ourselves that not every day is a sunny day. One good principle to follow is to ask yourself how can you work you way to become financially independent of your full time job?

In the coming weeks as the East celebrates the Lunar New Year, the time for festivities is over for the West as they try to find their foot back on the slippery ground. Hopefully the harsh weather they are facing now will be over before long and by April Barack Obama's 100 days in office will be over. The world will then know whether the new US President is able to make the change that he talked so much about.

One change that is not on his cards is the need to make corporate auditors more stringent and accountable in their work. I often wonder with all the accounting audits being carried out throughout the corporate world, how did all the frauds and scams escape them? It frightens me to think after years of scrutiny by internal and external auditors, the frauds were allowed to continue under their eyes. What's the purpose of audits then, if they are not able to detect the very task they are assigned to do. Should the entire syllabus for the training of accountants be reviewed. Should the relationship between auditors and clients be reviewed so that the former can be truly independent in their scrutiny of accounts without worrying about whether their contract will be renewed in the next fiscal year? Millions of dollars are lost...many lives are shattered...not to mention the many jobs that are lost because someone out there didn't do a good job of what they were paid to do as professionals.