When I was on the train, on my way home, I looked at each individual there, every face tells a human story that creates us. Chinese, middle eastern, caucasian, Indian, polynesian, African, all of them bound to clash to each other in a packed train carriage. Remind me of a movie called "Crash" about racial tension in Los Angeles. Lucky, so far we haven't had any racial motivated riot or violence in Melbourne yet. Not so long ago, distance was a major hurdles for understanding and economy. These days, everything seem to be everywhere, from humans to goods.
The train I rode today was made in Germany by company called Siemens, an Indian sat in front of me, I listened to a Japanese design Sony walkman made in China, listening to Korean songs, while two guys sitting across my seat chatted in Greek. Somehow, I feel so lucky to be able to live and accept different cultures and exposures around me. Back at home, the racial and religious tension is always running high. There are less race and religion in Indonesia and they are yet to live harmoniously. The chinese, only 3%, often look down at the locals because there is a perception where they are lazy to work and can only ask. The locals hate the chinese, as they are controlling most of the economy. The muslim extremist wanted to make the country into a muslim country by killing and terrorised the christians (Indonesia is not an Islam country with Islam law, despite the majority of its population are muslim).
Acceptance of other cultures and new things are also terribly slow in Indonesia, girls wearing tight mini skirt in shopping malls can create havoc among the some. Don't even think of mentioning gay in the society, it's unheard of (It's not accepted, but general population doesn't even know what gay is!!!). The world is getting smaller, but some parts of our living space is isolating itself.
On the other note, in the train 2 Chinese guys kept looking back at me. Initially, I thought there was something wrong with me, but then one of them was smirking. Creeeeepppyyy..... Yuck...
月曜日, 5月 29, 2006
幸福は環境いかんによるものでなくて、むしろ自分の人生に対する見方いかんによる
Somehow, meeting my old friends cheered me up a lot today. It was my friend's birthday lunch today. Her birthday was actually almost 2 weeks ago, but I guess she was pretty busy and couldn't celebrate it last week. It has been a very long time since I met her and she was as excited and noisy as ever. Some of my other friends that I haven't met for a long long time was there as well. Listening to some of their stories, I started to realised I belong to a different world now. I can't be childish as I used to be, I have to learn to start growing up and accepting and adjusting to changes around me. One of my coursemates is getting married in January next year, some of us are planning to go home and come to her wedding. Another one, the mother died of stroke more than a month ago, the birthday girl broke up with her boyfriend, my feeling mixed up like bim bim bap (Korean mixed rice), happy and sad together. I missed those times when we can just share everything without distance and boundary. These days, I feel lacking behind in what happen to my friends. Nevertheless, I treasured their companions and their willingness to share stories with me.
On the other note, one my friends, a girl named Rei, asking me if i have been to gay club. I was so surprised with what she asked, I wonder if she knows about me. I don't mind if she knows, but it has to be from me, I don't like people spreading rumor like fire. And she is actually curious about going to one and asked me if I wanna go with her. I guess she knows rite? Oh well...
On the other note, one my friends, a girl named Rei, asking me if i have been to gay club. I was so surprised with what she asked, I wonder if she knows about me. I don't mind if she knows, but it has to be from me, I don't like people spreading rumor like fire. And she is actually curious about going to one and asked me if I wanna go with her. I guess she knows rite? Oh well...
水曜日, 5月 24, 2006
俺の新便のラップトップとウォークマン
俺のラップトップとウォークマンをあう
プロセッサー: インテル Core Duo プロセッサー T2400 1.83GHz（拡張版 Intel SpeedStep テクノロジー搭載）
システムバス: 667MHz
キャッシュメモリー: L1 Cache: 64KB L2 Cache: 2MB (on CPU)
メインメモリー標準/最大: 512MB / 最大2GB（DDR2 SDRAM、DDR2 533対応(533MHz動作）、デュアルチャンネル転送対応）・（ビデオメモリー共有)*
ハードディスクドライブ: 100GB (C:20GB, D:80GB) Serial ATA, 5400 rpm
ワイヤレス LAN: Integrated Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11a/802.11b/802.11g
DVD/CDドライブ: Reading Speed: DVD-ROM, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW: 8x / DVD+R DL (Double Layer): 6x / CD-R, CD-RW, CD-ROM: 24x
DVD/CDドライブ: Writing Speed: DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW: 8x / DVD-RW: 6x / DVD+R DL (Double Layer): 4x / CD-R, CD-RW: 24x
グラフィックアクセラレーター: NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 7400 with NVIDIA® Turbocache™
ビデオメモリー: 256MB*
液晶表示装置: 15.4" WXGA (1280 x 800) TFT colour display (Clear Bright High Colour LCD)
外部接続端子: USB 2.0 x 3, 4-pin i.Link (IEEE 1394) S400, ExpressCard™/34 Slot, PCMCIA Type I/II x 1(Cardbus Support), RJ45 Ethernet, RJ11 Modem, Headphone jack, Microphone Jack, Monitor Connector (VGA, D-SUB 15 pin), Memory Stick Duo Slot, Port replicator connector Bluetooth®: Bluetooth® standard version 2.0+EDR, Output: Maximum +6dBm, Frequency: 2.4GHz
内蔵カメラ: 310,000 pixels effective, Image Device: OmniVision 1/5", VGA CMOS, Lens: 2 elements in 2 groups, F2.8 (Fixed), Focus distance: f=3.0mm, *Built-in monaural microphone front side.
モデム: V.92 and V.90 Compliant
エターネット: 100 Base-TX/10 Base-T
オーディオ機能: Intel® High Definition Audio Compatible, 3D audio (Direct Sound 3D support), Built in Stereo Speakers
キーボード/ポインティングデバイス: ca 19mm Keypitch / 2.5mm Key stroke, 86 Keys, Intelligent Touchpad
バッテリー: Up to 3 hours of use with supplied Lithium-ion battery
本体外部寸法: 366 x 26 (minimum) - 35.3 (maximum) x 274.5mm
質量: Approximately 2.8kg (including the supplied battery)
ツニ VAIO VGN-FE18GP
プロセッサー: インテル Core Duo プロセッサー T2400 1.83GHz（拡張版 Intel SpeedStep テクノロジー搭載）
システムバス: 667MHz
キャッシュメモリー: L1 Cache: 64KB L2 Cache: 2MB (on CPU)
メインメモリー標準/最大: 512MB / 最大2GB（DDR2 SDRAM、DDR2 533対応(533MHz動作）、デュアルチャンネル転送対応）・（ビデオメモリー共有)*
ハードディスクドライブ: 100GB (C:20GB, D:80GB) Serial ATA, 5400 rpm
ワイヤレス LAN: Integrated Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11a/802.11b/802.11g
DVD/CDドライブ: Reading Speed: DVD-ROM, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW: 8x / DVD+R DL (Double Layer): 6x / CD-R, CD-RW, CD-ROM: 24x
DVD/CDドライブ: Writing Speed: DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW: 8x / DVD-RW: 6x / DVD+R DL (Double Layer): 4x / CD-R, CD-RW: 24x
グラフィックアクセラレーター: NVIDIA® GeForce® Go 7400 with NVIDIA® Turbocache™
ビデオメモリー: 256MB*
液晶表示装置: 15.4" WXGA (1280 x 800) TFT colour display (Clear Bright High Colour LCD)
外部接続端子: USB 2.0 x 3, 4-pin i.Link (IEEE 1394) S400, ExpressCard™/34 Slot, PCMCIA Type I/II x 1(Cardbus Support), RJ45 Ethernet, RJ11 Modem, Headphone jack, Microphone Jack, Monitor Connector (VGA, D-SUB 15 pin), Memory Stick Duo Slot, Port replicator connector Bluetooth®: Bluetooth® standard version 2.0+EDR, Output: Maximum +6dBm, Frequency: 2.4GHz
内蔵カメラ: 310,000 pixels effective, Image Device: OmniVision 1/5", VGA CMOS, Lens: 2 elements in 2 groups, F2.8 (Fixed), Focus distance: f=3.0mm, *Built-in monaural microphone front side.
モデム: V.92 and V.90 Compliant
エターネット: 100 Base-TX/10 Base-T
オーディオ機能: Intel® High Definition Audio Compatible, 3D audio (Direct Sound 3D support), Built in Stereo Speakers
キーボード/ポインティングデバイス: ca 19mm Keypitch / 2.5mm Key stroke, 86 Keys, Intelligent Touchpad
バッテリー: Up to 3 hours of use with supplied Lithium-ion battery
本体外部寸法: 366 x 26 (minimum) - 35.3 (maximum) x 274.5mm
質量: Approximately 2.8kg (including the supplied battery)
ツニウォークマンNWE507N
スペック:
- 容量: 1 GB
- 最長約50時間（＊）連続再生できるスタミナ設計バッテリー
- 音声圧縮方式: ATRAC3plus/ ATRAC3/ MP3 playback
- FMチューナー
- ディスプレイ: Organic EL (Electro luminescence) Display
- パソコンとの接続/本体端子の形状: High Speed USB Transfer
- USB充電 充電時間: High power 3 min charge mode for 3 hours play
- 対応アプリケーションソフトウェア: Sonic Stage Music Management Software (Ver. 3.0)
- バッテリー: Lithium Ion Rechargeable battery
一リトルの涙
Last night, I watched this Japanese drama called 一リトルの涙 (1 litre of tears). From the title itself, I think it should be pretty obvious how sad and maybe boring the drama is. However, I watched it coz it's not about those lovey doey couple separated by ocean and time, but a this is a life story of a young girl which died 1988 due to Spinocerebellar ataxia. This is a genetic disease where one slowly losing control over their body, losing ability to walk, talk, and write. One may even have difficulty swallowing and breathing at later stage. However, even though one lose its body control, his/her brain can still think normally like normal people do. This girl, Ikeuchi Aya was diagnosed with the disease at 15 years old and died 10 years later. During her 10 years, she wrote a diary which was published in Japan and sold in millions. Her courage, hope, and bravery have inspired many. It was so moving and touching how her family and friends react to this. For those who never watch it, I would recommend this series strongly.
It inspires me a lot and asked me to reflect on myself. She was so young, so fragile, on the bed most of the times, yet she gave courage and hope to others. She make use of her remaining ability to make a difference. She said to her loved one that he has future of infinite proportions and he must make use of it. I feel deeply affected when she said that, I'm 23 and I have not encounter any disease that affect my mobility or thinking, so have I made any difference to people around me? Have I created the purpose of my life? I have no idea. Instead of create a living for myself, maybe I should create a better life for others.
Anyway..... I did cry a bucket when I watched it. I don't like watching sad movies, but this was an exception as it is such a wonderful and inspiring series. Plus Nishikido Ryou is sooooooooooooooooooooooooo HOT.... Hahahaha...
It inspires me a lot and asked me to reflect on myself. She was so young, so fragile, on the bed most of the times, yet she gave courage and hope to others. She make use of her remaining ability to make a difference. She said to her loved one that he has future of infinite proportions and he must make use of it. I feel deeply affected when she said that, I'm 23 and I have not encounter any disease that affect my mobility or thinking, so have I made any difference to people around me? Have I created the purpose of my life? I have no idea. Instead of create a living for myself, maybe I should create a better life for others.
Anyway..... I did cry a bucket when I watched it. I don't like watching sad movies, but this was an exception as it is such a wonderful and inspiring series. Plus Nishikido Ryou is sooooooooooooooooooooooooo HOT.... Hahahaha...
金曜日, 5月 19, 2006
メルボルンは嫌い
After almost 7 years living, eating, drinking, and sleeping in Melbourne, I have grown to both love and hate this city. Too bad tho, my hate has grown so much more than before. I can't stand of living in here anymore, I wish to go home as soon as I have settled everything here, which means not in near the future. Sometimes, I also found that I lived in a mismanaged country. Here are few things that I get irritated with or hate:
* TAX!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Goodness, here is the worst. If you have high salary, think about sneaking it overseas. The tax here is 47% for anyone with salary above $150,000. Compare it to Hongkong which its highest rate is only 15% and Singapore 20%, even UK is only 30%. The government here steal so much and give so little, keep reading to find out.
* Education is a bloody joke here. The university depends on the international students to survive. Apparently private sectors doesn't give much funding and so is the government. University here already increased the student fee, yet their quality is either deteriorating or the same. Barely any improvements in their teaching system and facilities for students. And with the government abolishing compulsory student union, expect expensive sporting facilities, no or little student clubs and definitely no more student radios, magazine, and orientation week. For those who is considering to study overseas, DON'T COME HERE!!! It's expensive and you will not be looked after by the government. In Victoria, international students are not allowed to ride public transport with student concession, they have to pay full fare.
* Health system is another thing. We have less and less benefit with medicare, while keep paying high rate of tax. The government seems want to put less money in the health system.
* Transportation in Victoria is horrible. The government doesn't f*^#ing care with the people. We have underfunded, underdeveloped privatised public transport system. My train is only running every 20minutes on non peak time and every half hour after 7pm, this is nuts. So many people use the train especially since the high petrol price, but nothing is done. In the latest budget, they don't have any plan to reduce the street congestion and trains problems, instead they just put another 5 million bucks into another transport study.
There are so many other things that become huge problems here, but I don't want to write all of them, I don't want to turn this into political blog. Isn't it ironic that Australia is always promoting itself as a democratic country, yet the government never listen to the public. Who are they working for? And who paid them anyway?
I also wonder why Australia want to americanised itself, too bad tho it doesn't work. Unlike its big brother, Australia is too protective of itself. When Singapore Airlines want to fly to US, the government doesn't allow it to protect Qantas biggest profit making route. What's the use of fifth freedom rights when you can't fly anywhere except New Zealand from this remote continent. Telstra also have been given too much rights and now, what happen is telecommunication is very expensive and internet is lacking behind other developed countries. This place is basically monopolised by the big players. How to make this country a condusive place to do business, when the basic expenses is astronomical compared to other developed country? Do you even know that many of my Japanese friends when they come here, they said there are not much different in living cost with their home country? That's how expensive is it to live here.
Anyway, enough is enough, I will go home for sure. At least I get what I paid at home. Corruption maybe bad, safety is no good, benefit for public maybe non existent, but hey I can get rich faster and avoid tax, when you pay nothing you get nothing right?
* TAX!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Goodness, here is the worst. If you have high salary, think about sneaking it overseas. The tax here is 47% for anyone with salary above $150,000. Compare it to Hongkong which its highest rate is only 15% and Singapore 20%, even UK is only 30%. The government here steal so much and give so little, keep reading to find out.
* Education is a bloody joke here. The university depends on the international students to survive. Apparently private sectors doesn't give much funding and so is the government. University here already increased the student fee, yet their quality is either deteriorating or the same. Barely any improvements in their teaching system and facilities for students. And with the government abolishing compulsory student union, expect expensive sporting facilities, no or little student clubs and definitely no more student radios, magazine, and orientation week. For those who is considering to study overseas, DON'T COME HERE!!! It's expensive and you will not be looked after by the government. In Victoria, international students are not allowed to ride public transport with student concession, they have to pay full fare.
* Health system is another thing. We have less and less benefit with medicare, while keep paying high rate of tax. The government seems want to put less money in the health system.
* Transportation in Victoria is horrible. The government doesn't f*^#ing care with the people. We have underfunded, underdeveloped privatised public transport system. My train is only running every 20minutes on non peak time and every half hour after 7pm, this is nuts. So many people use the train especially since the high petrol price, but nothing is done. In the latest budget, they don't have any plan to reduce the street congestion and trains problems, instead they just put another 5 million bucks into another transport study.
There are so many other things that become huge problems here, but I don't want to write all of them, I don't want to turn this into political blog. Isn't it ironic that Australia is always promoting itself as a democratic country, yet the government never listen to the public. Who are they working for? And who paid them anyway?
I also wonder why Australia want to americanised itself, too bad tho it doesn't work. Unlike its big brother, Australia is too protective of itself. When Singapore Airlines want to fly to US, the government doesn't allow it to protect Qantas biggest profit making route. What's the use of fifth freedom rights when you can't fly anywhere except New Zealand from this remote continent. Telstra also have been given too much rights and now, what happen is telecommunication is very expensive and internet is lacking behind other developed countries. This place is basically monopolised by the big players. How to make this country a condusive place to do business, when the basic expenses is astronomical compared to other developed country? Do you even know that many of my Japanese friends when they come here, they said there are not much different in living cost with their home country? That's how expensive is it to live here.
Anyway, enough is enough, I will go home for sure. At least I get what I paid at home. Corruption maybe bad, safety is no good, benefit for public maybe non existent, but hey I can get rich faster and avoid tax, when you pay nothing you get nothing right?
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