Free Trade

China imposed more trade restrictions in 2009, increasing concern that the country is failing to comply with its obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said in an annual report Tuesday.


Intellectual property rights, industrial policies, trading rights and distribution services, agriculture and services were the main areas of concern, it said.

Recently, i read an article regarding the issue of setting up high barriers for the entry of new competitors. As far as I am concerned, China has already been opening up to the world by a mile since the past decade and that is definitely flagrant throughout the past 5 years.


Nonetheless, China is still concerned about its own domestic supplies not being utilised by the citizens. Afterall, as the aphorism mentions, "Utilization is the sincerest form of flattery." If the China citizens were to start capitulating to the temptations from aboard, the domestic market will definitely suffer. This will inevitably damaged the level of recognition of China goods along with the reputation of the country per se. And given China's scale of economy, it will be a devastating damage to their local economy and many will start returning to their poverty cycle.

Government interventions by China is definitely imperative considering that there needs to be a control on the imports of goods at the end of the day. While it may be true that there should not be any limits placed given that it is now an open market, we have to give them some "space to breathe" before they get choked to death by the massive amount of imports.


All in all, to be fair to China, it really has been incredible for the past 5 years, pushing the world economy to a new high and accentuating itself as the world's next top economy in the years to come.

Credits -marketwatch, -destination360, -nicholsoncartoon, -made-in-china

Defrosting from X'mas

Golden Mickey Mouse

This snowflake looks like a Swarovski crystal

2010

Is this the quintessence of a morning dew?

He melts my heart

Credits -photoholic

Burj Khalifa

It opened on 4 January 2010, isn't that a great start to the year for Dubai? Remember how it owes a total of $81 billion dollars in debt last year? However, we shall put the past behind us and look at the new Dubai.


On top of the Dubai World, now we have the Burj Khalifa which stands at an incredulous height of 828 metres tall. It costs a total of $1.5 billion dollars to build, definitely an incredible feat. Not only do you need the superlative technology and engineering to build it, you too need the talent and tremendous amount of resources.

Ever wondered why so many skyscrapers out there in the cities looked so boring when they can do something out of the box?

The two most flagrant reason has to do with the stability of the building and its profitability.


1. A grandiose building might appear to be unstable and extremely vulnerable to natural disasters.

2. A well carved out building might have too little space for business which in turn limit itself to the myriad of opportunities out there. Burj Khalifa has committed this mistake. However, since it has won the highest accolade as the tallest building, I don't think it is going to have much of a problem.

Being heralded as the new tallest building in the world. Let's take a look at what is actually inside the building now.

The skyscraper contains five hotels, a huge shopping mall and at least 150 restaurants and 1200 shops.

In addition to that, it houses 1,044 apartments and 49 floors of offices and a 160 room 7-star Armani branded, designed and furnished by the renowned Giorgio Armani


Just by reading the above mentioned details, I'm pretty sure all of you must be in awe right now.

The incandescent masterpiece is de facto a gold mine by itself, housing the most renowned and notable brands in the entire world. In other words, if you own a space in Burj Khalifa, you are instantly acknowledged as one of the powerhouse in the world. The amount of recognition you received is insurmountable, almost synonymous to that of received by Leona Lewis as the star who sang "I see you" for Avatar.

However, there's always an ugly side to every masterpiece in the world. Let's take a look at them now.


"If you look at it, it's a really bad idea. It uses as much electricity as an entire city. And every time the toilet is flushed they've got to pump water half a mile into the sky," he said.


This might sound stupid and ridiculous but on hindsight, it is definitely an ugly truth. Really, how much money do you think is spent once you flush a toilet at the highest floorth?

If such a simple case is going to cost an exorbitant price, think about the electricity bills, the maintainence fee and the daily cost on the utility bills alone. How much rent is it going to cost the tenants to purchase a small space in this building?


How much will a night in the 7-star hotel cost you? Definitely no where below a 5 figure sum I assure you.


Hence, this building is taking a precarious move, because the tenants will need constant influx of rich Hollywood stars, powerhouse businessmen and tycoons to sustain them through. If the financial crisis strikes back, do you think the tenants will still be able to recoup their losses?

I don't think so. In fact, their problem will further be exacerbated and the demise of their corporation will be imminent for sure.


"The upper 30 or 40 floors are so tiny that they're useless, so they can't use them for anything else apart from storage. They've built a small, not so useful storage warehouse half a mile in the sky," he said.


This is a good point as I have already mentioned earlier on. Constructions are done in such a way to boost profitability. However, if you want to go for the ostentacious look, you will have to pay the exorbitant price.


All in all, even after taking into the regards that one flush in the toilet at the highest floorth might cost you $100, along with the million of dollars worth of utilities bill every month, I still have sanguine expectations of the potential of Burj Khalifa.

I am going to bet that it will be extremely successful and that the tycoons around the world will frequent Dubai from now on, not only for its Burj Khalifa, but also for its Dubai World and of course its gorgeous scenery. No doubt it is going to have a rough start because everyone is still sobbing away as they chase away the financial crisis and start to fill up their pockets again, there are people out there who are impervious to the financial crisis.


This is not a building promoted on a national scale, nor a regional scale but an international scale. A masterpiece known to the entire world. In fact, after the Dubai World's mistake, Dubai has gained a whole new level of recognition and now it is probably the greatest iconic place on the planet without a shadow of a doubt. It is comparable to the superlative recognitions which Apple has in the technological industry, P&G's quality in the consumer market, Boeing in the aircraft manufacturing industry, Delta airlines in the airline industry, and Merck in the healthcare industry.

Many businessmen out there are even riding on top of the financial crisis instead of under it, they have continued to stay on top of their game even though the crisis hit them hard. Just look at Google, Apple, Exxon, Delta Airlines and the Trump organisation. So let's not worry and continue to enjoy our life while we can!

Enjoy the finale video below.



WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!

Credits -cnn, -youtube, -laughingsquid, -clickhere, -yahoo, -smileosmile, -map-world

XTO Deal

Exxon Mobil said Monday it will buy natural gas producer XTO Energy Inc. for $41 billion in a stock and debt transaction.


The world's largest publicly traded oil company agreed to issue 0.7098 common stock share for each common share of XTO (XTO, Fortune 500), representing a 25% premium to XTO stockholders.

But some of the shale is near major population centers, and residents near the drilling are worried about air and, especially, water pollution from the chemicals used to extract shale gas.

It is imperative that Exxon will continue to drill these areas even though they are hazardous to the public living near the drilling spots. Nonetheless, I postulate that Exxon will never make any precarious moves when it comes to the lives of the public.

Besides, the rocks are located way, way deep down below so there is a very low chance that the water the public consumes will actually be contaminated by the drilling process.

Perhaps, on the part of air pollution, it is inevitable. You too experience air pollution as you walk by a car that drove past you. People have been living with it for so long already.

You might argue that this excess discharge of toxic gases is actually rather significant as compared to the air pollution in the city. That is true to a certain extent but once again, I trust that Exxon will deal with that by installing air purifier to reduce the damage it will bring to the environment in the future.

Exxon is so concerned about a change in the law it has a clause with XTO that allows it to walk away from the deal if Congress bans hydraulic fracturing or makes it prohibitively expensive, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commision. Exxon declined to comment for this story.

To make a pact with XTO on this issue is definitely an impressive contingency plan from my point of view. I bet Exxon has long predicted that this acquisition will definitely draw a lot of unnecessary attention that is once obscure in the past.

In the past, people are quite oblivious to natural gases extraction and hydraulic fracturing. But not anymore as far as I'm concerned. Now that the leading oil company has made such a brobdingnagian move, not only will the industries be watching, the public will also be scrutinizing their every actions.

The key here is to manage the pollutions well and Exxon will be fine. Not forgetting that Copenhagen is just over, Exxon had better watch where they set their foot on.

Credits -cnn, -businessweek, -raztec

Demons

This pictures seem like a forbidden love that's entrapped in the ocean.

Somehow, this reminds me of Mortal Kombat! Freaky.

I must say that this is a spectacular creature. The grotesque shape of it is stunningly breathtaking.

The colours are shiny and it looks like it is still in its pristine condition.

Credits -picapixels

Costco shows no fear

Markups at supermarkets are in the mid-20% range and markups at Wal-Mart are in the high teens to low-20% range, while Costco's average markup is about 11%.

"In terms of pricing, I don't want to be arrogant about it, but I can't predict what the future will hold," the CFO said. "We've held our own pretty well in tough times."

Some of you might be wondering, since Costco's markup is 10% lower than that of Wal-Mart's as stated above, why does people still continue to shop at Wal-Mart instead?

Well there are a few fundamental reasons to that.

Firstly, it offers a greater variety with greater innovation which showcase products in an orderly manner and provides the consumers with the most up-to-date products along with impeccable services.

Secondly, it provides more value than Costco. Costco is playing a commodity-low price strategy whereby the focused on cost leadership. Conversely, Wal-Mart is playing more of a differentiation strategy whereby they try to make their organisation and display standout with their services.

These 2 factors allowed Wal-Mart to stand out from Costco and combat their low-priced products.

Credit -marketwatch, -printingdone

New Year 2010

Our first stop for this year's New Year's eve celebration was at Marche.

Unfortunately many outlets of Marche have been shut down due to poor business but I can tell you that the business at Vivocity is definitely booming and roaring.

But but but !!! I don't like Marche at all to be honest with you.

First of all, we had to wait damn long before we got a seat, then the table is so freaking low that it was extremely hard to eat the food comfortable. I had to bend down and eat it in an uncomfortable position. Totally sucks I swear, we can't even eat properly. Do they really think only kids patron Marche? Why do they make the tables so low in the first place?

Then, the variety was pathetic, food selections were weak and it was pricey and the portions were small too.

And, the place was so squeezy that we have to give way if we see another person approaching, I'm not lying or exaggerating. It is that narrow.

Then again, I must give them the credit for the food presentation. It was gorgeous, definitely suitable for picture taking sessions. There were much colours and the food looks delicious but does not taste delicious apparently.

So I guess the hype is abit over the board considering that the food were mediocre and that the place is so squeezy with lousy tables. How am I suppose to dine there again ?

Perhaps, with lower supply comes high demand, now that there are only a few outlets, people are rushing in! So I conclude that the number of outlets does not commensurate to the equivalent rise in profits.

Waiting for the last person to arrive, Fu Qi. He's perpetually late but this time round he wasn't too late. Only 1 hour 15 minutes late!!?!??!!?

Still waiting ~ ~

Dada. Spot the last guest arrival !!! Look at Chee Siong. Simply delirious with joy

I was betting with him how long more will Fu Qi take to arrive. I bet 2 minutes and he betted 20 minutes. In the end he lost and he was supposed to treat me a meal but he did not.

LIAR !!!

Then, we embarked on a precarious expedition up Mount Faber.

Me and my ludicrous idea of going to Mount Faber. The path was pretty precipitous and thank god no one fell or I will definitely be castigated !

But the next few pictures proved that it actually turned out to be a great idea to at Mount Faber for the New Year!

Spectacular scenery of the houses and the incandescent city !

Albeit tired and exhausted, we continue to move up the hill.

And then we saw this magnificent tree lighted up by bulbs and spotlights. The trees were blue in colour as shown below.

The first thought that came into my mind was that, "Are we in Pandora?"

It's really gorgeous I must say, the breeze and the scenery up here!

Then we chanced upon the Jewel box.

The Jewel Box is undeniably Singapore’s iconic hilltop destination. With its new extension of a pioneering green architectural structure encased in an eight three-storey high glue laminated timber arches made of Hiba wood and renamed venues, be ready to discover sparkling “Gems” at The Jewel Box. Created through a technique called ‘glue lamination’, never before done in Singapore, it also has a huge glass-encased Angsana tree piercing through the roof creating a singular ‘tree-in-a-vase’ effect.

Apparently it is brobdingnagian I must say. There were a plethora of people out there at the entrance and there was simply no way we can possibly squeeze our way in. Hence, we decided to continue moving up as we strive towards the peak.

The culmination point. Mount Faber Peak.

We heaved a huge relief after we saw this concrete slab with the word "Faber" encarved on it.

Finally, after 30 minutes of climbing, we finally reach the Peak and the view is gorgeous.

We can practically see the whole of Singapore from that Peak man. Nothing was obstructing us and our view penetrated throughout the city.

People were playing a fool up at the peak. Some were playing sparklers while others were taking pictures and some were busy BBQ-ing. Seriously, why are there people BBQ-ing at Mount Faber? They had better be glad that there weren't any police officers patrolling.

Initially our plan was to play with the sparklers at the Peak but the only people playing with sparklers were a bunch of kids of age ranging from 5 to 10. So we thought that it might not be very appropriate to embarass ourselves in front of everyone so we pulverized the idea basically.

But, we did not waste a single minute up there, we enjoyed the scenery as we try to drink in the magnificent sight and we also took a myriad of pictures.

Check this out!

Before you guys continue to scroll down. I will like to say that the above picture is actually supposed to the last for the day because we sensed harbingers from the dark sky above us and droplets of water trickling down.

So the girls and some of the guys concluded that we should head down before the imminent thunderstorm hit us.

At that point in time, inside me I was feeling chagrined and dissapointed because we spent so much time climbing up Mount Faber. It will be such a pity to go down so quickly without even seeing the fireworks!

However, due to Chin Keong's persistence, I have decided to give him my support and in the end all of us stayed. Cheers to that!

Whose finger is that behind my head?

It was god-damn windy I swear. Our hair were flying all over the place.

2 Guys came in to join us!

Do you guys find that this picture is actually awkward? It is !

See Brandon on the extreme left? Don't you guys think it's weird that there is a gap in between? In actual fact, they wanted to capture the girl in the gap sitting down on the concrete slab.

Total phidophile!

I thought this picture is nonsensically funny! Check out the twists behind. Somebody is trying to steal the shot!

These 2 are going to ORD in January this year. OMG THIS YEAR!?!?!? Wow 2010 is here already? So surreal!

More pictures

On a side note, as we were walking down Mount Faber, one of my friends' slippers gave way and he had much difficulty walking down. And if you think that was a bad start to the year. There's actually more.

As we sent this girl home, he dropped his iPhone and that left scars on it. We were flabbergasted and we chose to remain silent because deep inside we know he's filled with intense hate and anger.

Unhappy stuff aside !

Cheers to 2010. I wish you all a Happy New Year and may all your seeds of labour blossom into fruits of success this year !

Ciaos !

Credits -flickr, -wikimedia, -iphonefaq