Monday, November 30, 2009

Last Day of November...Tomorrow Dec!

Today is the last day of November.  1 more month will pass by and we usher in 2010.  Well, lets see what is coming up in the month of Dec..

Dec 3-6  : Penang Island Jazz Festival
Thursday, 3rd December 2009


•Finals of The Penang Island Jazz Festival Young Talent Competition, Bayview Beach Resort

•Jazz Photograph Exhibition by William Ellis, G Hotel, Gurney Drive, (on exhibit from 1st December 2009)

•“An Evening With Michelle Nicolle Quartet” at G Spot, G Hotel, Gurney Drive, Penang

Friday, 4th December 2009

•Jazz Photograph Exhibition by William Ellis, Bayview Beach Resort

•Winning Exhibits of Penang State Art Competition at The Penang State Art Gallery

•Jazz Pics! Deutscher Jazz - German Jazz. A photo exhibition Presented by Goethe-Institut Malaysia at Bayview Beach Resort

•Jazz Gallery at Bayview Beach Resort (Poster, Photograph, Painting & Percussion Exhibition)

•Fringe Stage Performances at Bayview Beach Resort & G Hotel Lobbies and Hard Rock Hotel Poolside

•“Jazz With A Heart” Charity Dinner at Bayview Beach Resort

Saturday, 5th December 2009


•Workshops (Tropical Spice Garden & Bayview Beach Resort)

•Island Jazz Forum ( Bayview Beach Resort)

•Jazz Photograph Exhibition by William Ellis, Bayview Beach Resort

•Jazz Pics! Deutscher Jazz - German Jazz. A photo exhibition Presented by Goethe-Institut Malaysia at Bayview Beach Resort

•Jazz Gallery at Bayview Beach Resort (Poster, Photograph, Painting & Percussion Exhibition)

•Fringe Stage Performances at Bayview Beach Resort & G Hotel Lobbies and Hard Rock Hotel Poolside

•“Jazz By The Beach” Main Stage Performances Featuring 6 Groups

Sunday, 6th December 2009

•Community Drum Circle (Bayview Beach Resort)

•Workshops ( Bayview Beach Resort)

•Jazz Photograph Exhibition by William Ellis, Bayview Beach Resort

•Jazz Pics! Deutscher Jazz - German Jazz. A photo exhibition Presented by Goethe-Institut Malaysia at Bayview Beach Resort

•Jazz Gallery at Bayview Beach Resort (Poster, Photograph, Painting & Percussion Exhibition)

•Fringe Stage Performances at Bayview Beach Resort & G Hotel Lobbies and Hard Rock Hotel Poolside

•"Jazz By The Beach” Main Stage Performances Featuring 6 Groups

“Jazz By The Beach” (Main Stage Performers)
Michelle Nicolle Quartet (Australia), Buzz Bros Band (Holland), Dainius Pulauskas Group (Lithuania), Paulo Bellinati & Cristina Azuma (Brazil), Charlie Jung Band (South Korea), In The Country (Norway), Janek Gwizdala Project (USA/Norway), Studnitzky Trio (Germany), Band of Brothers (Thailand), Sizhukong (Taiwan), Island Palm Beach Boys (Malaysia) and Organamix (Singapore / Thailand).

Get your tickets at : http://www.ticketpro.com.my/jnp/concert/jazz/170338-Penang-Island-Jazz-Festival-2009.html

See the promo video:

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

House Prices in Penang Out of Reach for Salary-Man

House prices for average salary-man in Penang is way out of reach.  A typical 3 storey terrace house about 20'x70' will set you back about $900K in the middle of the island. Assuming the current interest at 5.5% pa, and if you have some $$ to pay $200K ( ~20%) of the house, that still leave a balance of $700K, and with 25 yrs repayment period, one will need to cough up $4.3K/ month ( like coughing blood).  Usually the house loan given by the bank shld not be > 30% of the persons net income. So this means, that the person will need to earn or show that he earns about $14K/month.
I guess with market forces where demand exceeds supply, and those who are able to pay for these prices can only be those who have business or earn foreign $$ with more favorable exchange rate to the RM$.
The only option for a salary man will be to live in condos or apt.  However, that too is getting pricier. At the rate of price inflation for properties increasing at a higher rate than salary rate, this category of property may soon be out of reach. Better get one before the prices gets too high. Sigh.



Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Malaysia's Biggest Pillow Fight in Penang

From the Star.... All for a good cause

Big pillow fight — for fun and funds


GEORGE TOWN: Penang will host what it says will be the world’s largest pillow fight on Nov 21.
The fun event, with some 4,500 people taking part, is also a fund-raising one with proceeds going to the Children’s Protection Society, SPCA Penang and St Nicholas Home.
The event, Fight for a Good Cause — World’s Largest Pillow Fight Guinness World Record Attempt, will be held at the Penang Times Square open stage.
“We are targetting 4,500 participants to break the record. The event will not only showcase Penang and Malaysia to the world but also show that Malaysians are generous in helping the needy,” organising chairman Tommy Ooi said.
The event will start at 10am. Tickets are priced at RM5 (if you bring your own pillow) and RM15 (inclusive of a pillow).
Tickets can be obtained from the Children’s Protection Society (tel: 04-829 4046), SPCA Penang (04-2816 559) and St Nicholas Home (04-2265 911).
The event is being jointly orga-nised by the New Century Lions Club of Penang Island, Penang Leo Clubs, PCGHS Rangers, In-teract Club and Catcheye.com.my.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Missing Private Investigator (PI) is back...


Missing PI Bala is back with some revelation on his SD that he made last July regarding the case of the murder of Altantuya.
My take is that it will be a matter of time for the truth to come out, be it in a few months or years, but it will be out one day.  Someone is so desperate that they will do anything including murder to protect their hide. This smells of a cover up and an innocent life was lost in the process. 
AMOS 5:24 "But let justice roll on like a river,righteousness like a never-failing stream!"

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Malaysia in Top Ten Countries to Visit in 2010 by Lonely Planet

What a pleasant surprise to hear that Lonely Planet rated Malaysia as one of the top ten destinations to visit in 2010. Below is excerpt of the article:
"
Malaysia often gets criticised as being mild in comparison with its grittier neighbours, Thailand and Indonesia. It’s true, natural disasters and coups only seem to happen across its borders, the roads don’t have too many potholes, buses and trains have air-con and plush seats, and hotels are of international standard. While troubles are few, visiting Malaysia lets you leap into the jaws of one of the most interesting parts of Southeast Asia’s roaring cultural smorgasbord – and not be too worried about it. Cheap connections to Europe and great exchange rates mean that you won’t get eaten up by your wallet either.  "
Check the link: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/el-salvador/travel-tips-and-articles/42/15809

My comments:  It is certainly safe from natural disasters and political coups, plus definitely still a cheap destination considering our exchange rate depreciated against a few major currencies except the US$.  Only thing pricier is the "sin" products e.g. liquor.  Must try the many great cuisines and I do miss the food whenever I am away. :P

Friday, November 6, 2009

Something Italian... Bella!


Enjoy one of my favorite singer, Laura Pausini duet with James Blunt.

I am impressed...

There are some semi-govt agencies that offers pretty good customer service nowadays. One recent pleasant encounter was when I wanted to find out how to get the water pipe plan to my apartment unit so that I will know where exactly to hack my wall to install my water filter for my whole house. I went to the Penang Gov't website customer service site ( http://epintas.penang.gov.my/) to get information on how to get the water pipe plan since my developer didn't want to release the plan on grounds that it is classified. Within 1 day I received a reply frm them via my registered email to check with PBA( The PG State Water Supply Corp). I sent them an email (customer@pba.com.my), and likewise within a day they replied to me. I was informed to write a formal letter to request for the plan. I will be doing that and hope to hear from them soon.  This "rakyat" is pleased so far with the level of service from our local state government.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Hong Leong Bank Buying Public Bank??

There is news out that potentially HLB might buy Public Bank?? This is a surprise. Not sure if Datuk Teh Hong Piow, the chairman of Public Bank is willing to relinquish control of the bank that he started. Although, there are some rumors that his health is suspect and a worthy successor is wanting. Not sure on the details but the merger will make Hong Leong & Public Bank to be the 2nd largest local bank in Malaysia. Hong Leong Bank has one of Najib's 4th brother as one of its Non-Executive Director.  Let's see for the next few weeks what will happen.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Racket at Island Park

 I am writing this get opinions and suggestions on why must concerts at residential areas need to blast their so-called " music" until everyone in a square mile radius is able to hear them?  Just view attached video and you'll see the kind of "inconsiderate" behavior that somehow our society tend to tolerate in the name of harmony and avoiding conflicts. I am not against them having their concert, but the problem I have is having their concert at such a high noise level especially at residential areas where I am sure a lot of people wants some peace and quiet.  Sometimes these concerts goes on till midnite. Is there a law regarding acceptable noise levels for outdoor concerts at residential area?