Remembering John Spencer

I cannot say for sure if he was the brains of the West Wing - somehow Jed Bartlett's IQ of 150 (see definition here) seemed to overshadow his sensibilities. Nor can I say he was the conscience of the show, because evidently that was why Communications Director Toby Ziegler was fired from the White House staff. One can look at it in oh so many ways, but when no reason is left standing, John Spencer remains in his death, an integral pillar that held up the show for what it was and in some ways always is - intelligent, loyal and personable. My short tribute - John Spencer, the wind beneath the West Wing...

The way we put out lights at Christmas, are we celebrating Jesus or TNB?

The following report convinces me that we are celebrating Christmas the wrong way... :)

Christmas is damaging the environment - report
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Christmas is damaging the environment, says a new report by the Australian Conservation Foundation.
The report titled "The Hidden Cost of Christmas" calculated the environmental impact of spending on books, clothes, alcohol, electrical appliances and lollies during the festive season.

Every dollar Australians spend on new clothes as gifts consumes 20 litres (four gallons) of water and requires 3.4 square metres (37 sq feet) of land in the manufacturing process, it said.

Last Christmas, Australians spent A$1.5 billion (US$1.1 billion) on clothes, which required more than half a million hectares (1.2 million acres) of land to produce, it said.

Water that would approximately fill 42,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools was used in the production of Christmas drinks last December -- most was used to grow barley for beer and grapes for wine.

"If your bank account is straining under the pressure of Christmas shopping, spare a thought for our environment," Don Henry, the foundation's executive director, said in a statement.

"It's paying for our Christmas presents with water, land, air and resources. These costs are hidden in the products we buy."

The report said that gifts like DVD players and coffee makers generated 780,000 tonnes of greenhouse pollution, even before they were unwrapped and used. A third was due to fuel consumption during production.

Even a box of A$30 chocolates or lollies this Christmas, will consume 20kg (44 pounds) of natural materials and 940 litres (207 gallons) of water.

"We can all tread more lightly on the earth this Christmas by eating, drinking and giving gifts in moderation, and by giving gifts with a low environmental cost, such as vouchers for services, tickets to entertainment, memberships to gyms, museums or sports clubs, and donations to charities," said Henry.

Were You Present Mr Glazer?

The passing of Britain's best footballing talent has cast a new light on Manchester United - the people's club. The poignant manner in which Best's life was celebrated and the wonderful displays of soccer, tribute and sense of history cannot have come at a better time for this glorious institution of the beautiful game. Too much has been thrown in and out of the once hallowed corridors of Old Trafford, with little or no sense of the past and putting footballing rivalries aside, no one has emerged the wiser, nor in this case nobler...

To the Glazers, now is the time to embrace the colossus that you have so shamelessly "purchased." For you may hold the purse strings and power over the body corporate, but until you live and embrace it, you will never be a part, don't even mention own, the spirit that is Manchester United. In his time on the field, George Best, this genius from Belfast threw caution into the wind, and the gusts that swept lifted the club to heights it never knew before. He became a part of us, a part of our dreams and now, a part of our past. Now is the time for Malcolm Glazer and Sons to throw caution to their ill winds, embrace the club and lift United to the heavenly heights we yearn to see!

The press speak about our nameless jersey as if it were a tarnished cloth, but we know better... Mr Glazer, were you present at George Best's tribute? If you were, were you listening?

SC Attempts to clean-up MESS-DAQ?

The Star online reports read:SC tightens rules for Mesdaq listing candidates. The rumbling among investors at the underperformance of Mesdaq listings is not new, nor has it increased in decibels. Merchant bankers point to the recent spate of rejections by listing candidates and claim this is an active sign from Mesdaq that the SC is beginning to focus on quality rather than quantity.

While prudence remains pertinent, it is important to consider the role Mesdaq could have played and the mess it now finds itself in.

I believe the idea for Mesdaq was to be an avenue for high-er risk technology companies to seek funding from financial markets. The reason for the less stringent requirements was the fact that new technology is, well... new! It was a solution whereby people could have a slice of the action - and RISK, with a very good returns is things worked out.

However, as with most good ideas, it became embroiled in self interests. Listen, if there is anyone to blame, start with the merchant bankers! Let's be realistic, there was never a situation where SC was expected to vet each proposal. It was the merchant bankers afterall who presented each case, and they afterall who first took their share of the proceeds when a listing was successful.

Now that new rules are put in place, how much in truth is Mesdaq different from the 2nd Board? So where does this leave genuine technology companies?

Battle Starring Galactica

TrekWeb.com reports that Ronald D. Moore's BATTLESTAR GALACTICA is back for another 20 episodes!

For those of you who've missed the remake of Battlestar Galactica, you cannot ever call yourself a genuine sci-fi fan. It's one of those remakes that renders its predecessor forgetable in so many aspects. Frankly, I was skeptical with the idea of cigar smoking, womanizing, hot shot Starbuck cast as a female - but comparing the two, Dirk Benedict is better off staying with the A-Team! There's meat in character all woven together in complex web of intentions. The cliffhanger for season 2 is better than many I've seen in recent years and ranks up there with the "who killed JR Ewing-s of yester-year".

mrjefe's gumption: Who says sci-fi is one dimensional?

Time for Manchester United FC to Stand Up and Be Counted

A side on the brink of possible Champions League elimination, news of Vodafone's premature termination of shirt sponsorship is not surprising. Arguably still the biggest name in world soccer, the lustre now finds new company in the form of doubt, under achievement, controversy and rejection. The once unassailable positions of manager and club captain are now myth, with Keane reduced to a cursory past and Sir Alex Ferguson reading of his impending departure with utter disdain.

Yet ever so often, as it has been with this Champion club of modern football, it is when their backs are against the wall that they find the extra will to push back! This is no longer a matter of the Glazer repayment structure, how shirt sales have dovetailed, the identity of the new jersey sponsors or even Sir Alex's successor. It is very simply a football matter. How much do our boys want to play in the knockout stage of the Champions League? Take care of the football and other things will eventually fall into place.

The fact is, we have some of the best talents this generation has to offer - and in the case of Van Der Sar and Gary Neville, the best of the soon to be past generation! So let's play football guys, we know you are capable of better.

Sunset on the 12 Apostles

Sunset on the 12 Apostles
Originally uploaded by MrJefe.

Taken from my recent adventures along the Great Ocean Rd drive...

Big Fish, Small Fish

Ever tried frying a fish? There's frying big fish, and of course, small fish. With the BIG fish, more skill and experience is needed - kind of like being a Prime Minister doing a better job compared to say - and ordinary minister or member of parliament. Alternatively if the job is too tough, why not go for the small fry - i.e. the baby fish even? It's really a lot easier and in the end goes some way towards feeding a frenzy...

Zainal.com

Well, not quite... but the decision by veteran Malaysian entertainer Zainal Abidin to launch a web-only album has yielded a lot a naysayers in the recording industry. Perturbed, suprised, bewilded are among the expressions used by senior executives, yet truth be told, each one chose to ignore the not so subtle message - the curtailment of power of the Music labels. True, the broadband penetration may be low - but interpreted differently one would say that the potential for growth would be excellent! How will younger fans pay for online content? The same way they stock up on the latest kids' fads - via the generous coffers of their loving parents, of course.

It would take a great optimist to imagine that ZA will make a windfall from this at this point of time, however, it is free publicity and a cheap way to test a more discerning market - and of course, to drive home a point to the senior music execs.

Microsoft in Schipol Airport, Amsterdam

Microsoft in Schipol Airport, Amsterdam
Originally uploaded by MrJefe.

Yeah, I know the resolution's not so great. But it was quite funny to see this error message on the flight information system in Schipol Airport, Amsterdam, recently! Bill obviously doesn't travel to Holland a lot :)

Samy: Be prepared for rise in toll charges

According to our benevolent Works Minister, motorists should expect anincrease in toll charges. The government who are only allowed to impose tax, excise and duties on its people are no longer interested in carrying the burden of increasing costs, expecially when it comes to protecting the profitability of highway concessionaires.

This is only fair, given the manner the fact that our freely elected government are also not interested in maintaining petrol subsidies. Afterall, they are already protecting our rights by declaring that traders should not in any way take this as an opportunity to increase prices. It is easier and more practical to take care of the rights of one group of individuals at a time, and surely the concessionaires, evidently selflessly, deserve the utmost protection of the government of the rakyat, by the rakyat, for the few...

The AP Hipocrisy

According to the Star, our MPs have denied selling their personal APs. What irks me more is the fact that members of Parliament are accorded this priviledge despite our having a national car! Putting the 2 together, my conclusion is neither complimentary nor kind... and I believe many would take a more sinister view of such an arrangement. How many more will fall at the expense of one?

Pot calling a Kettle...

From a reader's perspective, it was interesting to read the Star's Article on UMNO Youths poking fun at the Minister's expense. While I can understand the resentment, it is apparent that these same "youths" do not understand the crux of the matter.

Coupled with the call for a return of the NEP, there was a general displeasure at how the APs were given to a privileged few; as opposed to spreading it among other "worthy" persons. The fact of the matter is that AP as a principle is erroneous and open to abuse. In an age where the leadership is preaching transparency and opposing graft, such practices should be abolished and a more (I am tempted to say equitable but it would be wrong) effective method implemented to allow and control the inflow of foreign vehicles.

If indeed the anger is an extension of envy, and delegates have not demonstrated anything else but, the end result is cosmetic and only serve another flock of privilege birds.

Zahavi to Face FIFA Censure?

The Cole-gate affair has reignited discontentment in the role of agents in modern day football commerce. Pini Zahavi's nickname as the super agent of football is not without merit, and hardly a major (and controversial) deal occurs that does not bear his scent (some say stench).

The basic idea that an agent represents the best interests of the principal may not wholly apply in this day and age. In all fairness, it is quite difficult to deliniate where the agent's priorities transforms from looking after the best long term interests of the client to looking out for number one. However, when players are navigated into ethically untenable situations at the beckoning of these agents, it is surely time for FIFA to reconsider the system. While on one hand, the laws are increasingly stringent in protecting the legal rights of the individual, such flagrant disrespect of contracts will surely bring the clubs to their knees and widen the gap between the haves and the have nots.

Is there a solution in all this madness then? Sadly, I think, there is none. The market will continue to dictate how deals are made, and call them agents or just "well meaning" advisors, any censures will only create a more sophisticated and obscure system of operating. Here's a frightening thought, "the tapping of Ashley Cole is not an isolated occurence, and is unique only in its lack of care in execution".

Movie Review: Sepet *****

It appears than taugey chicken no longer has the strangle-hold over what's good left in Ipoh. And it comes in the way of 'Sepet' - the Malay word for slit eyes, distinctly oreintal ones to be sure, and one of the better Malaysian dramas unearthed in recent memory.

Ipoh provides the quaint setting for this melancholic Yasmin Ahmad love story, and the two love struck youths are ably potrayed by Ng Choo Seong (Jason) and a very energetic Sharifah Amani Yahya (Orked). By no measure of imagination would I call myself a fan of local films - and unless this is not an exception to the trend, my bias should remain. However, more than a love story, Sepet captures the fabric of Malaysian society compete with racial bias, while making no apologies for this. Imagine Harith Iskandar in his John Masters underwear and nothing else and you can begin to understand that this is not your ordinary local fare.

This is the movie many in my circle of friends would like to have a hand in, and in a way perhaps we did, considering our youthful past...

Is This the Face of Greed?

glazier
Originally uploaded by MrJefe.

US Billionaire Malcolm Glazier may have taken control of Manchester United PLC, however when it comes to the hearts of United's fans, he just cannot make any headway...

However, as a United fan myself, I find the reaction of Shareholders United hypocritical to say the least and unbecoming of real fans of the club. By taking the actions they so threaten, SU would in effect be hastening the "probable" demise of the "wealthiest football club in the world".

However, if indeed Glazier is seen to be the mercenary pirate whose greed we are all "aware" of, I wonder what principles drove the likes of Peter Kenyon and lately David Gill? God forbid that the Board should even consider money at the expense of the venerable fans??? Remember the controversy over the regular change in United jerseys? That United has been run as a financially successful club is beyond doubt - so why should the Glazier takeover be viewed as a careless attempt by a successful businessman no less, to have his cake and choke on it?

How is it that Roman Abromovich is viewed as the savior of Chelsea and Malcolm Glazier the scourge of Old Trafford? Or are we prepared to be second or even third best off and on the pitch? We fail to realise that Roman's exercise cost a whole lot less, and at that time, he had no track record other than more priviledged pickings in the Russian oil fields... Mr Glazier at the very least, has the story of turning the Buccaneers into World Champions in his biography.

And to think the way SU welcomed the attention of John Magnier and JP McManus, that the Irish duo would at least avail them the loyalty of not selling at the right price...

Lastly, is this the beginning of the end for Manchester United? In a word - NO. Is Malcolm Glazier going to take United back on top of the heap? I am not sure. But take away the stores and TV rights, the name Manchester United is worth too much for any American to ruin - and perhaps the only people who could contribute to that end are the fans or so-called fans themselves. The day we became a PLC and reaped its benefits was also the day United became a corporate. The fans on the other hand are the human face of United. So which face will we see this weekend? The ugly British hooligan or the proud Yorkshire fan that says "we may be down but we ain't out! So prove yourself Glazier and let us dominate the future of world soccer!"

Talk is Cheap, right?

Stop relying on cheap foreign labour, subsidies and rent-seeking announces PM Abdullah Badawi. My first reaction was to laugh it off as another futile exercise to bring in some badly needed FDIs. Cheap labour, subsidies and especially know-who "technologies" have been the bane of Malaysian commerce for so long, I wonder if our corporate leaders know how to do business any other way.

Someone I know calls it a systemic problem. Another calls it the handout mentality. For so long we have been looking at the wrong bottom line, the time may be upon us to pay for the sins of the father... hence this reality check. Everyone I know has a suggestion where this posterity "movement" should start - and each with a different agenda and reason. I won't go into that except to say it will hurt us all, but even the Holy Bible is clear that "if your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." It may hurt, but that may be the only way to go.

P1010051

P1010051
Originally uploaded by MrJefe.

Trying out Flickr...

Anyway, this photo highlights the reason behind Real Madrdid's end season good form.. :)

Petrol Hike Yet Again

The cabinet's decision to increase the price of petrol and diesel is apparently to stem the increasing cost of subsidizing petroleum products to the rakyat. Reading beyond the headlines, the reasons are further explained that it is to control:

i) Wastage - by way of inefficient use of petrol; and
ii) Abuse - by way of liiegal smuggling

It seems our cabinet is worried that Malaysians, with petrol being so cheap in comparison to the world, will find it compelling enough reason to drive around aimlessly and leave our furnaces burning for fun...

Then again, if we are going to be penalised as a result of unscrupulous and greedy smugglers, should it not be also at the expense of inept enforcement? Of course not. It is the ever-forgiving, all-expending rakyat's priviledge to do their part.

Kelana Mahkota - Expect No Royal Treatment

Just finished the third inspection of my Kelana Mahkota Condominium and finally (!) I am relieved to say most of the defects have been attended to. Suffice to say, this coiincides with the approval of the certificate of fitness and the developers are looking at concluding the project for handover as soon as possible.

As my title suggests, I have been far from happy with the level of customer service and more importantly, the end product deliverables. Naive as I may seem, when a sales representative claims that the actual unit is identical in dimension to the show unit, and that the same would apply to the quality of tiles and fixtures, he/she should be held to this "truth" at the expense of say... their heads? After more than 2 years waiting in anticipation, I suffered the same type of anti-climax as most first time Malaysian home owners upon inspecting the unit. It's a cocktail (or should I say mocktail) of massive disappointment, anger and anguish that could result in murder - except in this case, I would probably have to take a number given the developer's reputation...

Still, friends tell me that I got off easy, despite decidedly sub-standard kitchen tiles, and that it was time to move in or move on. Decisions, decisions...

Ferdi-wara

If I were Peter Kenyon, I'd be setting my sights on United... then again, if I were David Gill, I'd be turning my accusations towards Peter Kenyon... and as Pini Zahavi, I'd be pitting one against the other... lastly as Rio Ferdinand, I'd sit tight and claim innocence before buying my favourite island resort...

Seems to me as if everyone is playing their part, and this recent uproar over who did what with whom, a mechanism for negotiation, and on the part of the press, news that sells!

The bottom line is, Rio Ferdinand is captain elect of the largest club in the world and there's only one outcome from this. United keep their man, Ferdinand gets his money and the Board have another reason not to buy in the season break, making Alex Ferguson the real loser in all this...

Wonder What's Next on the Menu

Winning the FA Cup is scant consolation... Red is the color on the faces of fans all over the planet, and red is the mark of failure this season. For despite the unfortunate taste buds of some prawn sandwich loving fans, the majority of us associate Manchester United with nothing less than glory and guts. Far be it that we be called fair weather fans, for our passion for the club burns not red but blue even in intensity, the manner in which we have served the better cuts of the hunt to our London and Milan based rivals slaps even the strongest of us into submission that we are just not good enough this year.

On the pitch, the quality of the squad is nowhere near the previous championship winning teams under Sir Alex. For despite the likes of Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo, it is beyond the first team that United demonstrate weakness. No longer do we have a ready replacement for each first team position. In key areas, particularly between the posts, players have the confidence of someone trying to avoid bad headlines as opposed to hungering for success. The self-belief and unbreakable spirit of the past rings hollow in some hearts and can only bring grief to the likes of Keane and Rooney who may be at opposite ends of their careers but very much soul mates at the fiery edge of determination as far as temperaments go. Perhaps it is the failure of Carlos Queiroz to impose a winning mentality to the squad. Compare the quiet and calculated pre-Real Queiroz to the more unsure post-real Queiroz who is seen as picking up broken pieces of his pride in the hallowed dugouts of Old Trafford. Can it be a despondent Sir Alex who has forgotten where the lines of friendship end and where the boot of profesionalism belongs... for I have not seen a team under him until now, that played with so little pride and fire as they did against Norwich.

Perhaps the problems lies not only on the lesser greens this year. Throw into the fray Malcolm Glaziers bid to takeover the plc and his highly geared plan to facilitate this. Rather than focusing on the core business of football and franchise, the Board of Directors have been forced into pre-emptive defensive positions that is only detrimental to the overall health of the club. Who is to say that canvassing for support only takes place outside of the locker room? Even Sir Alex, the proverbial captain of the ship, has voiced his displeasure at having limited funds made available to fortify the team. Sell before you buy is the mantra - except in football, more so with the big clubs, not making the grade guarantees poor returns for players. At this point, the 30 million pounds supposedly to be made available for purchasing players under the Glazier scheme smacks like a bouquet of roses - except when you read between the lines and realise this is part of a road much travelled - and you remember the plight of Leeds...

But there's hope yet for Red Devils...

Change is looming. I wonder if we will see the likes of Scholes, Giggs, Brown and even Fortune next season. I am sure Kleberson, Carroll and Ricardo will be donning other colors next season. And I won't be surprised if Silvestre, Bellion and sadly Tim Howard make may for newer blood as well.

Watch out for some young guns to build their legacy. I quite fancy Spector (yes, he should be a more regular inclusion) and Pique to break into the first team squad with Rio as the centre of their universe! Fletcher will learn from this season and make central midfield his - perhaps with a new midfield enforcer (see next para). Watch out for a brand new Saha once he overcomes this bad patch! And sit back and watch Rooney build the most fearsome attacking duo on the planet with a fit Van Nistelrooy.

With the outflux of talent, expect some younger legs on the flanks and a bold sweep for a midfield dynamo from AC Milan... And if I get my way, Paul Robinson will cement his England no.1 in our stripes rather than mundane white!

You know it is bad when fans start talking about next season with the FA cup still at stake. But there's really nothing to look forward to in Cardiff...

Goodbye CEBIT... 

What I want for Christmas... forget Christmas, anytime will do!!! The world's largest Plasma TV from Samsung - 102 inches of clarity! 

Taken from my Smartphone II, this is Sony Ericsson's prototype Walkman Phone. Nice, sleek and quite a performer! 

The irony does not escape me. I took this picture using a 4 Megapixel Olympus C-750 Camedia. Thing is, this is Samsung's 7 Megapixel Camera Phone - One of the highlights of CEBIT 2005. 

Oops.. forgot the pix.. 

Old friends, older friends. My pals of more than a decade gathering once again after many years. 

We joke about our Microsoft programmers joining the Dark Side but this is too much!!