Car Quotation

I felt the need to post what I’ve posted. I wont deny the fact that I was actually near the stage of self destruct. But blurting it out makes me sane again. Blogging makes sense. Here’s a copy of the quotation given to me by Thong Hing Motors in Jalan Ipoh on the 27/6/05.

As can be seen, the price of certain parts were reasonable albeit a bit higher than standard, but wtf were they thinking about when they charged me RM 750 for battery as seen in the picture! Were they putting 3 superchargers into the car?? For me, the final straw was the incredulously excessive and high labor costs! That completely put me off immediately! I rung them up and was subsequently told that it was actually a typing error which they rectified but the point was, if I hadn’t called, I would be charged RM 5,042 for it. Anyway, the total quotation still came up to about RM 4,400 which I think was still high. Hence, I opted out, towed the car all the way back to Ipoh and got this final quotation where work begun yesterday.

Quotation in Ipoh *(KL Prices are in bracket)

1. Bumper : RM 180 (RM 310)
2. Bonnet : RM 250 (RM 320)
3. Headlamp RH : RM 200 (RM 290)
4. Grille Front (or called Sarong+ no. plate) : RM 100 (RM 210)
5. Engine Repair (cond., fan, radiator, rad hose, etc) : RM 800 (RM 1,058)
6. Labour Charges : RM 500 (RM 1,680)
7. Painting : RM 400 (RM 340)
8. Service Tax : RM 0 (RM 80)

Total Payable (Ipoh)

– RM 2,430 + RM 490 (Towing Fees for KL-Iph, Iph-Gpng)
– RM 2,920

Total Payable (KL- Thong Hing)

- RM 4,288 + RM 80 (Towing Fees Sgmbt – Jln Ipoh)
- RM 4,368

Price Difference : RM 1,448

One can imagine what I can do with the extra RM 1,500!! The car is in the garage now and repairing works are underway. Hopefully in a week or two, it'll be ready.

p/s: I am still sane...

Black Monday: Before & After

Before ...(5 minutes earlier)

...After (5 minutes later)

It was supposed to be a fine Monday… had breakfast, gave the car a good scrubbing, a bit of wash and wax, a bit of admiring, BUT 5 minutes later… all there was, is a wrecked car. Its hard for me explain, more so to comprehend and come to terms on what had happened on that fateful morning. The last two weeks have been turbulent… I am not gonna even go into it… but it has been SHITE! I’ve never felt sicker and disappointed with myself ever before like this… every aspect of my life has changed. The angst and frustration is slowly but surely building up in me. Things don’t look rosy at all anymore… Life in KL is intoxicating… (offence retracted)! but I am NOT retracting my thoughts.

I miss those times back there… everyone... Liverpool… the KOP… Sefton Park, you can just go there and sit there for hours and you wont regret every second of it… or you can just walk along the cobbled lanes of Matthew Street and feel the vibe that brings the city to its ultimate and glorious stature. I really miss the passion and freedom of Liverpool that will never ever be found here. At the moment, I fucking hate the position I am in! I fucking detest my life back here! Everything’s so not kewl, so screwed up, I have messed up my life, and I am about to mess other people’s life up! Maybe its just me or maybe I really need to start accepting reality quick that says “Welcome Back!” But one thing for sure, the crash really summoned up all the fucking luck, angst, dejection and depression I’ve been going thru since I got back. It’s not the first, and it certainly wont be the last. I am currently ¾ thru my Wolf Blass… its leaving a sour taste already. I used to LOVE it. It was there at the top. Will it come back? Will it taste the same? I certainly hope so. I’m so very numb now. ..

D-Day

D' Arrivo D-Day... the day I've been waiting for. Two separate offers on the table and having listened to both sides, both offers were equally tempting. I find it hard to choose but I would be lying if I said I wasnt leaning towards the corporate fence. The earlier was good but somehow I find HuaWei much better in terms of context and its aesthetics. Went for an interview today with Huawei at Menara MNI... it was good and the offer was better. Never expected that but all is left to be seen as there'll be another 2 weeks wait before I get any news from them. Hopefully, I can get in. If not, tough luck, I'll try another day. I am currently blogging from my friend's place and so sorry I couldnt upload the Chamonix pictures as promised. Will do so when I return to Ipoh. Gotta go now... wish me luck. ta'

Sinful Saturday Night: The Morning After

Its the first time I am blogging on a Sunday... nothing special abt it but yes, its my first. And there's something interesting... never knew Garfield is 27 today! I still remember reading his section in the papers everyday in the past and I use to be at awe in his ability to gobble up anything he can find. I grew so fond of his laziness and cunningness that eventually, he was my number one comic hero (I know he isnt any Marvel superhero!) but hey... he was cool and during art lessons, I loved sketching and drawing him out in all sorts of poses that I can imagine, in tux, as a pilot, fireman, football star, etc.. (basically all that I aspire to become)... he was simply my hero then. Now that I look back, it has been almost 18 years now since he existed in my life. How time flies.

Anyways, this weekend also holds many 'firsts' for me after a long long time. Last nite, I had a brief reunion with the most unhygienic food of all time.... the 'Lok-Lok'! There are only I think 2 of these stalls in Ipoh (which I know of...there could be more); one in Ipoh Gdn South (which I also presume is the longest serving Lok-Lok in the community ever since them hey days) and another in Ipoh Gdn East. I knew it was sinful to even think about what they were offering but I couldnt resist it. I was actually waiting for this car to get out so that I could park my car, and thanks to the over time-generous-couple-cuddling-kissing-in-the-car, they were actually really taking their time... but thanks to the 'Lok- Lok', I actually managed to control myself from going berserk... but that's also where I've sinned Father. I wound down the car windows and saw plates and plates of tastefully decorated skewers of fish balls, livers, crabsticks, etc.... and people (including a few ang mohs) were actually savouring these sinful 'delicacies' with enormous appetite and I was actually drawn into their laughter and moment of joy (in slow-mo) as they enjoyed every skewer they could grab. That was it... that was it... I told myself as my friend and I got down from the car (without even parking) and grabbed a few sticks, dumping them into the boiling soup. The aroma was too tempting... the stakes were high but we didnt care. As we shoved each skewer into our mouth, there was this satisfaction beyond imagination... it was 12 years in the waiting because the last I had it was in 93'... and I never had a chance to taste it again because I was advised not to.

Finally after about 20 skewers or so, we paid up and left the premise feeling so satisfied and nostalgic about the whole damn thing! One part of me was...man.... when was the last I had a chance to do whatever I wanted! In actual fact, not many can achieve this and if we ask ourselves properly, the probable answer would be a blank stare at nothing and a big sigh. Anyway, we went off to our next stop and that was when the 'sinful act' began to sink in. We were still trying to deny our wrong-doings but not our stomach. We began to feel uncomfie, a blank stare at each other, a quiet moment and yes!.... we agreed in silence that the after effects were beginning to get the better of our satisfaction. Lesson learned? Definitely! Moral of the story?... Do not disregard other people's kind advice. 'Lok-Lok' is SINFUL yet sumptuous, unhealthy yet tempting. For me, that'll be the last I'll ever have it. This morning, I had a brief recollection of the events and moments that took place last nite... It was absolutely horrendous.

1. Apart from our own few skewers in the boiling water... there were other skewers in there as well which meant that other ppl were also using that particular pot, which also meant that it was a continuous process that the water wasnt or hasnt been changed for a long time.

2. There was this particular moment of this chap that took his skewer out, took a bite and thought to himself... oh... it isnt cooked yet! The fish balls or pig vein balls (translate into cantonese) were half bitten, and was subsequently dumped back into the water together with the rest of the skewers to be cooked again. Urrrghhh!

3. Everyone was dipping their sticks into the same pot of satay and chilli sauce (I need not elaborate on this).

4. The man who was preparing the skewers wasnt wearing any gloves... and in between the intervals of shoving meat into those skewers, he had to perform a multitude of tasks including counting the skewers of those who finished, handling of money, talking on the phone, wiping sweat off his forehead, etc etc.

5. Someone actually sneezed without covering their mouth albeit not towards the stall but.... (I need not elaborate on that too).

Therefore, after experiencing the never-again situation last nite, I'll take every precaution not to go near it or even be tempted to look at it again. This applies to all other sinful acts as well. My advice..Be strong! Always stand on your moral grounds!

And yes... I have frequented the loo over the past few hours, it hasnt stopped and dont think it'll be that soon.

Let this be a lesson. Till I blog next, might put up some pictures of Chamonix Ski Resort. I am working on it. Ta'

p/s: I forgot to take some pics of this sinful 'lok-lok', so, hope you guys know what I mean.

Prague: The Immortalized City

Spectacular Prague

Prague Castle from far

The Infamous Charles Bridge

The spireson top of the building which gave this city its nick (City with a thousand spires)

The famous Astronomical Clock which gives out an eerie chime that spells out the character of the city, charming and unique

One of the serene and cobbled streets found in the city of Prague

The Grand Prague Castle by night

After a long layoff, it feels good having to look back at these pictures. Although these pics are fairly recent, it seems a long time from the last 3 months. I am back in Ipoh now, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, away from the depressing feeling that has engulfed me for the last few weeks. Its not that I feel better back here... but its a welcoming respite from the norm. These pics give me a sense of serenity knowing that such places exists in the world and it gives me great comfort especially when I've been there. How I wish I can turn back the clock.

Went for an interview with HuaWei Technologies (M) the other day...2 infact in a matter of 2 days. Result? I am still contemplating. In a way because I wasnt offered the position that I wanted but was given a challenging role instead. Neither the company nor me is holding the upper hand as both parties are stuck. On my part was the interest. On their part, the language barrier. Stalemate! Still thinking. But I would be silly if I refused them... rite? Hmmmphh... What about our principles then? ... that its sad if we do the things that we dont wanna do? Or shall we just fuck that and treat it as a stepping stone? HuaWei is a huge MNC and the Msia HQ in KLCC is responsible for the AP region spanning 15 countries in total. I might just have to doubly consider it since the job has so much of a corporate pulling power and future. Hmmmph...

Stephannie has started work and she has been coping pretty well considering the fact that she has been complaining abt the whole Msian thing. Good Luck Steph! But you really have impressed me very much. Proud of you! In fact, the past few weeks or even months have been tremendous. Together with Stephannie, we've been through such a drastic transition... from the monotonous to the uncertainties, from the highs to the lows and most of all, our perspectives and focus on the three most important things, life, money and career has shifted into another gear. Its easy to say that we just have to move along with it... but doing it is another thing. However such, things have calmed down a little and I am just hoping for the best, taking each day at a time without stressing myself out!

Hopefull the next when I blog, I can post some pictures from my other Euro destinations. Ta'...

Ritual Inadequacies: M'sian Grievances

What meritocracy bullshit the government has practiced over the years irked me most is, their ignorance over QUALIFIED students. What sicken me are those who qualified with practically results that spell BOLLOCKS!... and I know a few. These are just one of the few little things that has been overlooked by the government, and APPRECIATED by others and we just cant fault these students for not returning home after their education just because they are wanted there…can we? And still, the government has the balls to pass the buck back to us by saying that we (ooopps), have to return and serve the nation, when all they did was to ignore student’s plights in the first place. How can you ever fault us or these students? These are people that really deserve it for every sweat, hour and second that they pour into their effort. To be honest, during my time there, I’ve seen and known some great scholars, and MANY MANY undeserving scholars… and what really irate me is that none of these geezers are appreciative of the extremely kind gesture that the government has given them that many many many other deserving ones could have had. To me, those people are called ignorant and unappreciative bastards. Assholes to be precise. And if I were to highlight some of the things that has been done and still is a continuing trend up todate, you’ll be in for a shock. The entire system is absolutely atrocious and it should be completely overhauled. In time to come, no one can blame anyone for anything done…and this is with special reference to our overzealous government. Think! …but apart from that, nothing new, another year, same ritual and life goes on.

I read an article in The Star on Friday (10/06/2005) regarding a rape…or was it a sodomy case which took place in Kelana Jaya. An Indonesian construction worker from a nearby site watched and monitored the woman’s every move for weeks before attacking her by climbing 4 storey’s high to her condo unit before raping her. Think!... I sometimes wonder what value does our society hold… or for that matter, in this instance, what does the government do? How can we make this nation a much safer place to live in? I am a returning scholar and to be honest, what I have read in the past and what is still a continuing trend is very worrying not to mention, appalling, uncivilized, and sickening.

The government has a lot on their hands and heads. Please do something to really improve the nation’s grievances… listen, think and rectify. It isn’t hard to do. Its really not just about world class infrastructures… we need that, but we too need educating… education on how to behave like one and not like low life assholes. Not third world mentality anymore. Wake up! Wake up to the nation’s cries and distress call! Address issues that assure your citizens a fair share of the pie, security and noble mentalities. Its really something not very hard to achieve. Think!...

Learning Curve

Well... to say I havent seen anything yet is an understatement, yet, I really think I have not seen anything yet. So, what am I on about here? Last 2 weeks was a learning curve for me... it was tough...damn tough to be honest. It was like a whole new world to me. Malaysia is my country and yet, I still feel alienated from my peers. People dont talk and act the same way as I felt 7 years ago. Things have changed so much. I need time to cope and for that matter, Stephannie has enlightened me alot on this. Although we belong in the same boat, we have both offered advices to each other and I can only say I hope it augurs well with each other. I have always had a dream... distant at the moment... but I will make it good in due time! Watch me. To my dear, sorry to have been a pain... I am learning in this new environment. Lets go through this together. I am actually listening and learning frm you. Lets make it happen.

Jargons

Its been almost 3 weeks now to the date I got back and things seem to have pretty much stayed the same. The changing phase of my life seems to be getting more exciting as days go by... yet, my life is still blighted with anxiety, uncertainties and worries. Maybe its due time I had a reevaluation of myself and see where I stand. Its almost easy to say that there are plenty of jobs out there, and yet, getting one is almost elusive. For the next coming few weeks, things will change and I am sure of that.... by what margin, I dont know but its sure hell going to be tough. wish me luck.

It's Just The Beginning

Been there, done that, now its time to start over. Its been almost 2 weeks since I touched down to the place I was once so familiar with.... 'was' actually compliments the echo of fear deep down in me. Neither Stephannie nor I have found our rhythm yet... and yet, the word 'yet' offers us some comfort in knowing that the end is yet nigh for we will gain momentum in almost everything we do... at least that is what we are hoping for. Things have been tough and it has been such comfort to see all these guys coming forward to lend a listening ear as well as dishing out invaluable advices. You may say it takes time but it is traumatic as well.

All we know is, time will tell and till then, we'll be keeping our fingers crossed hoping that everything will turn out not too bad if not fine. Ta'... we miss you Liverpool... and CONGRATULATIONS KOPITES for being in the finals of Europe's finest in over 20 years. You'll Never Walk Alone!

Countdown Begins

It was hectic all round ever since 19th March as I ventured out to Europe and back. Time flies... and I am only left with another 8 more days to go before I return home. It has been manic as I leap from one place to another, one person for lunch and another for dinner... and of course, not forgetting my most wonderful and magical trip to Europe, paella dinner at La Rambla and a French toast the next and before you know it, pizzerias lined up along piazzas, coffee under the sun and then mysterious trips on cobbled lanes and dark alleys. It was fun but tricky. Now, I am back to a different ball game... something which I have been having mixed feelings about and some what for the first time ever, an unfamiliar territorial advantage I would put it. Tricky and challenging. I am tired now, excited, worried, sentimental, but very much looking forward to start my life back in Malaysia from scratch that is. Hopefully, everything turns out well. Chao...ta'. Till then, and probably the next when I can update, I will be in Malaysia. Goodbye Liverpool...

Scam Uncovered: Part 1

26days before my last day at work, 30 days before my Euro trip begins, and finally 57 more days before I bid adieu to the country I've becomed so fond of, and to Liverpool that I've felt so ever passionately about. Over the years, I've grown to appreciate the basic things in life and seen people from all walks of life (in which I should be counting myself lucky for)... however, it brought me to realise how far complicated one's life is and also how cynical the society has become.

I remember those days when I used to burn the midnight oil trying to do everything possible to reach as far as any academicians would, or for that matter, even when I was in Liverpool, forsaking everything just to support myself in pursuit of wearing the grand robe, receiving the scroll and bla bla bla... but in just a matter of these few years, many things have changed. I feel there is no more meaning to the word honour anymore. It's all a whole load of bollocks! While universities in Britain are bracing itself for a tremendous influx of foreign students (thanks to the expansion of EU and also massive advertising in Asia), they are also raking in billions of pounds from genuine and also unscrupulous accounts. Whatever happened to those hard earned titles or Honours in the past? It really baffles me how money talks, bullshit walks. Right, I've heard all these before but these days, it seems everything is possible with money... and that includes buying a degree or even gaining entry into universities. I mean, c'mon, universities in Britain are considered to be the creme de la creme of universities in the world with the likes of Cambridge, Oxford, Kings, etc... but NOW, after experiencing some very exciting encounters with other peers, I feel let down by the whole system. Let me cite this example and you judge by yourself.

I know this person, J, a foreign student who has a network of friends in the UK as long as the Queen's honorary list (and I am not joking). This person is one of charisma and character and J's contacts not only include friends from the native country but also friends who hold legal and authoritative positions in this country's hierarchy. Incidentally, we are close friends and I do get to hear a lot of very unjust dealings that has been going on lately although I believe J's not part of the scam. Then, there was this one fine day when M, another close friend of mine who happens to know J, contacted J and begin confiding in J. I listened closely and began to have mixed feelings on how to help M. M's predicament was of failing to gain entry into university after faring badly in M's second attempt in 2 years. My first reaction was of course of advice from the experience I've had but it came to a grand halt when J smiled and interrupted our chat with an outgoing call. M and I continued but a minute later, it came to another halt as J interrupted us for the second time (after finishing the call)... only to start explaining a series of terms and conditions (as seen in most agreements) to M. I was utterly shocked, baffled, stunned, and most of all, ANGRY. The terms were short, precise and simple, .... "What course you want to be enrolled in, your name, address, start date and which university?". The conditions were... "Have your bank details ready in 3 days. Amount payable for entry gain to university of your choice with no holds barred = £3000"!

Without a doubt, this of course triggered a series of shocking but hysterical celebration by M which was understandable by his means but CERTAINLY not by me! I wasn't a bit amused by this scam to be honest. I tried so hard to abstain from bursting out in anger that I kept quiet and left the impromptu celebrations to themselves. It was during this period that I thought long and hard to myself... was it worth the while for me to FORSAKE everything when others are having it so easy! Nonetheless, my conscience reassured me that I was made out of the real material and NOT a bogus scholar. Five months on, M failed again and has left the university not only with a broken spirit but a broken person. Nevertheless, all is not lost as M has vowed to make a comeback during the next term commencement and in the mean time, announced a period of leave-me-alone to let-me-down-all-my-sorrows and go for a long awaited break! For J, a sum of commission must have been pocketed and shared between the other bastards of this scam. J's income will never be shortcoming in the near forseeable future and neither will J's accomplices be. This is because, the scam is never ending with other prospective plans lined up during the entire academic year which includes BOGUS Graduation ceremony packages starring bogus scholars, robe hire companies, bogus deans, lecturers and a complimentary scroll with a truly authentified certificate of your CHOICE. The much common packages include the sorry-but-rich-ass kids buying out of courseworks while they are partying all night long wasting their life away. This forms a network of scam, one of MONEY TALKS, BULLSHIT WALKS while there is the other one of an-innocent-man trying to earn some money while there is. Coming to think of it, they are all pretty lucrative in a way. I was the latter.

The story continues...

Happy Chinese New Year

.... Its Chinese New Year... that time of the year again... just like Christmas... with a bit more spice to it. However, I find it strange that Christmas now to me is much more celebrated than CNY because there is so much more atmosphere from where I am at the moment. Plus, I have not celebrated CNY since 1999 which makes it even harder for me to grasp what is it like celebrating CNY at home now that the turn of the century has passed. I suppose its much more different now. Anyhow, CNY is another day here in Liverpool, work as usual and the only difference between the years is that I've become a vegan for the day... the first day that is. This has never been attempted before and its my first. I've cleared the attempt and I have vowed to continue doing so for the years to come.

At the other front, business as usual but things are getting a bit more stressed with lots to do. Ordered them boxes today and hopefully it'll arrive next Tuesday so that I can actually start packing and ship the whole lot out by February. Things are beginning to come together and lets just hope everything turns out well. Till then... ta' and more updates soon.

Strange Week

It has been a strange week indeed. So strange that I've had to crack my brains to think of the previously unthinkable. Started with Liverpool losing three in a trot, and how often do you see that? Then it was with two of my closest allies... it was a case of '...at the wrong place and wrong time...' the turn of the weekend was thought to be better but it turned out worse! Smart Wings cancelled my local flight from Rome-Prague and I am left with the mess of sorting out my other cancellations with the hotels that I've booked in for including Rome and Prague respectively plus my flight back to London. Well... I thought shit happens... I'll sort it out but before I finish meddling with my mess, there comes another one. Another ally of mine was detained and is in detention in Manchester now before being transferred to another detention center in Oxford tomorrow. No reasons given for his detention but honestly, this is the case of 'why does all good people have to die first...?' scenario... He was just earning his noble living in peace and this shit has to happen! I know shit happens but damn... I just hope things get better tomorrow or by next week before the New Year of the Rooster sets in. Pray for me! Till then...chao'... 76 more days to go...

Busy Days Ahead

There you have it. The new year started with a bang, in fact a tremendous bang that shook the entire world. None saw it coming but anyway, after 19 days, everyone moved on although I must say, the generosity of people from all walks of life rather amazes me.

Well, a lot has been done and there is more to do. As for me, I've gone through 75% of my Euro trip now after weeks of searching through the internet for flights and accomodation and I am rather glad to have found a few good ones. I'll be off on a trip of my life *so far*, to places like Barcelona, Geneva, Chamonix (Ski Resort in South of France), Rome, and finally Prague and it'll all take place on the 23rd March right up till 5th April. It'll be more of a backpacking trip rather than a luxurious one but hey, I am dead excited about it! And immediately after that, I'll be staying in London for a good 2 weeks before I wrap it up in Liverpool, my 2nd home town after Ipoh, Malaysia, and fly off from Manchester, days later. Oh yeah... before I forget... this is one my friend's homepage dedicated to her voyage around the world and it was made for that purpose. So, Anne... there you go... Bon Voyage! (*she's actually touring now with her first country, South Americas... so, I'm pretty late here).

In the mean time, I am struggling but also coping to juggle my time between work, planning, gym, and packing. Hmmph... packing, it's all a wonder to me that after spending almost 6 years here, I've bought loads and loads and never really got to use them. Some are such as a Black & Decker Dustbuster, CD racks, VCR, books etc etc.

Hence, Stephannie and I are currently packing everything in and accumulating everything so that we can have a rough idea on what to sell or give. Things like uplighters or halogen lamps, PC (desktop), scanners, dustbuster, cds (£5 for 3cds?), Denon hi-fi system, car, tv, VCR, guitar(Westfield electric acoustic and in brand new condition+stand), computing, economics and management books (loads and loads at cheap prices), speakers+sub woofers, tables, iron etc. Name it, you got it. So, if anyone is looking and interested, gimme a bell. Having to deal with this is secondary though as primarily, I'm in a fix on what to throw and what to bring back as I am shipping them all back home in a months time. Therefore, I am pressed for time as I only get to spend that mere 2 hours tops after work every single day to pack my things up while sorting out every other single thing as mentioned above. It's a great deal of work here.

Apart from all these, I've finally received something today that I so dearly longed for months and months and months. I saw the white 'air mail' envelope today in my mail box and I was hesitant in opening. Looking so unconvincing, I pondered whether it was really true before Stephannie finally shoved me aside and gave me a impatient snare (that we were actually gonna be late for work if I dont pick up my letter) and opened it. I closed my eyes for a second there as I awaited the good news. But there was silence and when I opened my eyes, there she was smiling at me, more like grinning, as I jumped for joy! It was the best news for me in 2005 and I hope more will come. What made it better though was when I opened the main door, snow greeted us (it was a blizzard actually) and although it was quite terrible in those windy conditions + snow, I was smiling all the way through as I couldnt contain my joy. Well, enough said though as I am back to square one now trying to find my final accomodation in Prague as it was freaking difficult trying to get one in Chamonix and Rome (dead expensive!).

Therefore, when more is done and when time is on my side, I will write again. Till then, ciao and ta'! .....96 more days to go!

Let's Begin

The year ends again... and next comes a new one. But this was a special year; 2004. Natural disasters, war, and femine grabbed all the headlines. Not much I can remember of except sufferings and lost of loved ones. This must be the most forgettable year of all in a decade. Never have humans ever witnessed such sufferings. Iraq was likened to the killing fields of Vietnam, genocide in Sudan, and natural catastrophes all are very distressing pictures that will remain in our minds for as long as we live. Whenever the tv is turned on these days, disturbing images are beamed and we would be forgiven if we thought that a movie was showing.

I would like to forget about 2004 as we usher the year 2005 in. Not many years or for that matter, never have I forgotten any year in that respect as I greet the new one in and may this be the first and last. The only light side of this year was when snow greeted my wonderful Christmas at 8.15pm which coincidentally was the first in many years right on Christmas Day in Liverpool. Turbulence, distress and the limbo factor was all but prevalent in my 365days in 2004. May the next year, today onwards in 2005, everything will be in place and let us pray that the world is a safer place to live in. Happy New Year to all out there.