Sounding out a postcode (Post 1 of 2)

Posted to The Age (27/11/2011) on 30/11/2011 at 7:06 PM
Commenting on "Sounding out a postcode"
http://theage.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/sounding-out-a-postcode-20111126-1o0g5.html

If you are investing hundreds of thousands of dollars and can't be bothered to check out the potential purchase at different time of the day, then you're just as a fool. You're buying the property, the agent or vendor is not. If you are so trusting and take their words blindly, you're no wiser than someone handing over hard earned money to a Nigerian email scammer.

For many people, a major hospital can be the worst neighbour. The frequent ambulance siren, the helicopter’s rotor noise, turbulence caused by the same, air quality, etc. can be extremely annoying, disturbing, depressing and may even present a health hazard. However, for someone needing regular hospital services and medical treatment, or someone in the health profession, the address can be a bonanza.

Windows of properties near a railway line do rattle when a train dashes past or draws close to the station. For people commuting on train daily or more frequently, such addresses are perfect. Spending a few thousand dollars to double glaze the windows is a worthwhile investment, and is compensated by saving time and money for not having to drive to work in congested traffic.

Talking about traffic, many busy roads are quiet at night and should not deprive anyone for a good night sleep. A buyer with good negotiating skill can be rewarded for a reduction of $10000 or more by emphasising the negatives, which in fact post no health or life-style problem to the dwellers.

A bad location for a buyer may be an ideal one for another!

Home price falls accelerate

Posted to The Age (30/11/2011) on 30/11/2011 at 3:20 PM - 3:22 PM
Commenting on "Home price falls accelerate"
http://www.theage.com.au/business/home-price-falls-accelerate-20111130-1o5wx.html

The house prices fall is real, many people cannot afford to buy houses is real, many are waiting for the prices to come down further is real, and interest cut by RBA does not arouse buyers' excitement is real.

Student accommodation market is booming is false, there are not enough houses to sell is false, sellers are not prepared to negotiate is false, real estate agents are doing a good job is false, and the Australian's economy will continue at gang busting rate is false.

End of Part 1 of 3

Whew, now that these are off my chest, I shall say something about the current state of affairs. You probably have heard the saying "what goes up must come down". Why can so many things defy gravity and go up? Almost everyone in the real estate or other investment market understands the word "bubble". I prefer an alternative choice - balloon, or to be precise, a helium filled balloon.

If one fills a balloon with helium, the balloon will fly upwards against gravity. When most of the gas has escaped, the balloon will fall back to the ground. If one fills more helium than originally intended, the balloon will either fly further up, but still comes down eventually or burst before it has a chance to rise.

Many helium-like factors made the real estate balloon rise. In fact, before the real estate balloon started to descend after December 2008 (for Victoria), the State and Federal governments topped up the balloon with more helium-like incentive mid-air by extending the FHOG. The hype and craze lived on, pushing the houses prices and interest rate up. The door allowing more foreigners to buy real estate with less scrutiny from FIRB started to sideline a lot more genuine and hardworking home buyers, as distinct from house buyers.

End of Part 2 of 3

The flood gate for overseas investors is closed. The policies on international students coming to study have been revamped. The lending criteria have tightened. These major reasons have resulted in disastrous outcome. Those who did not understand the reasons for the uncontrolled rise of the over inflated balloon and joined in the wild party were hurt badly.

To many people, investment is business. Some business people cut their losses and walk away from it when prevailing conditions are not favourable. However, ill-advised and unwise business people may have to default, and assets are up for grabs.

If that is the case, there should be more properties in the market for sale. Why do not many real estate agents have enough listings? Many real estate representatives (only real estate licensed professionals can be called as agents) lack the human touch. Their technique is too aggressive, and they lack the apathy and sympathy in dealing with potential vendors who are in financial or marital trouble. These clients cannot afford expensive advertisements, and therefore you cannot find them in the real estate section of the newspapers or magazines. They also need every cent of the sale proceed, and cannot afford to pay thousands of dollars in commission.

With all these clues, what is your next move?

End Part 3 of 3

Measuring housing affordability

Posted on The Age (30/11/2011) on 30/11/2011 at 12:06 PM
Commenting on "Measuring housing affordability"
http://theage.domain.com.au/blogs/talking-property/measuring-housing-affordablity-20111129-1o4ff.html

I am no bleeding heart; individuals have to take charge of their own lives. While many complained about lack of money to have a roof on their heads, they spend it on cigarettes and alcohol instead. Australia is fast becoming a Sin City (nothing to do with me) because of the hypocritical State and Local governments keep approving extra gambling machines to rip off those who can't really afford.

Many adult children even in their late twenties are still staying with parents. Instead of saving up for a deposit for a home or a block of land, they dispose of their money on carefree lifestyle like dining out and sipping wine in trendy and expensive joints, getting drunk at night clubs, travelling overseas, unnecessary chatting on latest mobile phone that clocks up big bills, or buying the latest electronic gadgets. The money spent on the number of cups of "classy" coffee for some people is enough to contribute substantially towards their mortgage repayment.

Like most statistics, e.g. unemployment rate, you may take it with a grain of salt! However, if these figures can be finetuned, expanded and qualified, they provide useful information. We can take median house prices as an example. They are broken into categories like houses, units, apartments, etc. by city, suburb or street.

Affordability can be calculated not only based on city, suburb or street, but also classified under income range and household makeup. In order to make Affordability more realistic, economic condition should be given weights in the calculation!

Asylum seeker bill up $1.3 billion (Post 2 of 2)

Posted to Adelaide Now (30/11/2011) on 30/11/2011 at 11:11 AM
Commenting "Asylum seeker bill up $1.3 billion"
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/asylum-seeker-bill-up-13-billion/story-e6frea8c-1226209717799

I would like to seek asylum from the Australian Government on humanitarian grounds. I have been tortured mentally by financially inept, dictatorial fibbers each day....

Asylum seeker bill up $1.3 billion (Post 1 of 2)

Posted to Adelaide Now (30/11/2011) on 30/11/2011 at 4:23 AM
Commenting on "Asylum seeker bill up $1.3 billion"
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/asylum-seeker-bill-up-13-billion/story-e6frea8c-1226209717799

Please lock up Julia Gillard and her troop in the detention camp and throw away the key in the South China Sea off Malaysia. While they are in the camp, make sure they study mathematics to improve their numeracy skill. BTW, by putting that "slippery" guy with them will save $1.75 million of travel expenses a year. Why? Don't forget Kevin Rudd will not be travelling if he is in the camp with them!

Know whether the market is turning

Posted to The Age (26/11/2011) on 28/11/2011 at 11:11 PM
Commenting on "Know whether the market is turning"
http://theage.domain.com.au/home-investor-centre/know-whether-the-market-is-turning-20111125-1nymj.html

Even if one can predict the bottoming of the real estate cycle or knows of a winner, they may not become a millionaire due to fact that they cannot raise the fund. I would love to add a few more properties to my portfolio if I can raise the finance in the next few days.

In early 2009, I was laughed at by many, including my peers, when I said property prices in some areas could fall by 40% in the next downturn (meaning the present one). I was branded as a doomsday sadist. I always say there is nothing to worry about in good time. On the contrary, we must have enough reserve for the bad time and have strategy in place to ride out the worst.

When the market displays all the signs mentioned in the article, it may be too late to join in the fun. Buyers may be buying impulsively like the last boom, without doing enough homework, or borrowing excessively and unwisely from the wrong financial institutions.

End of Part 1 of 2

Posted to The Age (26/11/2011) on 28/11/2011 at 11:12 PM
Commenting on "Know whether the market is turning"
http://theage.domain.com.au/home-investor-centre/know-whether-the-market-is-turning-20111125-1nymj.html

Australia's economy, and therefore the real estate market, is not immune from the financial crises around different corners of the globe. The dominant influencers are US, EU and China at present, but other individual nations, can change the fortune in short period of time. Government policies, home and abroad, can also motivate or dampen investors’ enthusiasm in the market.

In addition to economic analysis, hypothetical real estate cycle, buyer psychological needs, company reporting period and federal budget announcement come into play in long range forecasting.

Long range forecasting is not as difficult as rocket science, but to pinpoint the exact month of a particular year takes more than just using a crystal ball.

End of Part 2 of 2

'Slippery Pete' is a man who does things his way

Posted to The Age (24/11/2011) on 24/11/2011 at 4:40 PM
Commenting on "'Slippery Pete' is a man who does things his way"
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/slippery-pete-is-a-man-who-does-things-his-way-20111124-1nw37.html

Harry Jenkins, are you still as honourable as you were once? How can you sleep well as from tonight? How about prove to the Australian public that you still have pride and dignity. Resign from the Labor Party which has no loyalty to party member, "slippery" and does not work for the good of this country.

Southbank skyscrapers ire

Posted to The Age (24/11/2011) On 24/11/2011 at 11:13 AM
Commenting on "Southbank skyscrapers ire"
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/southbank-skyscrapers-ire-20111123-1nv0z.html

@Ho Hum, do you know that these high rise buildings are called apartments NOT flats? They share excellent bird's eye views of many ugly Melbourne roof tops. The interior of the building might be "green", but these "Five-Finger Mountains" that house the modern primates create the concrete jungle, and likely have much higher carbon emission due to denser population. Be careful, Julia Gillard may whack the carbon tax on all high rise residents. (PS Five-finger Mountains are found in China).

Hybrid fender benders save people and the planet

Posted to Sydney Morning Herald (19/11/2011) on 19/11/2011 at 5:58 AM
Commenting on "Hybrid fender benders save people and the planet"
http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/hybrid-fender-benders-save-people--and-the-planet-20111118-1nmhb.html

A heavier car means more materials used, and therefore bigger carbon footprint. While the number of hybrid cars is still small, disposal of batteries is not a major concern as yet. However, the day will come when this will present a big challenge and the impact will negate any "green" quality, making such technology environmentally unfriendly. So, can anyone come out with a recyclable green battery design?

Real estate market in retreat

Posted to The Age (22/11/2011) on 22/11/2011 at 2:01 PM
Commenting on "Real estate market in retreat"
http://www.theage.com.au/business/real-estate-market-in-retreat-20111122-1ns10.html

I said that before, and say it again now, March/April 2013 is the time for the upswing. If you want me to tell you more, sorry, I won't. May be I should make a documentary entitled "Real Estate Nostradamus", or start a business like Access Economics!



Posted to The Age (22/11/2011) on 22/11/2011 at 2:12 PM
A number of people asked me why I am so confident about my prediction. My reply is that "patience has its limit"!

Tips for young investors

Posted to The Age (22/11/2011) on 22/11/2011 at 1:37 PM
Commenting on "Tips for young investors"
http://theage.domain.com.au/blogs/talking-property/tips-for-young-investors-20111122-1nrhx.html

Trust me, young people, it is not very smart just to be trendy, live in area you can't afford and stay close to the CBD. Try to look for a job close to where you live after you have digested what I have said in the first sentence.

Your money in the bank can never catch up with inflation, unless you keep piling up the balance with additional income from extra sources. The rental return for most properties is still not very good in Melbourne, so it is NOT a silly idea to continue renting. Be a good tenant, and you can see your rental payment goes down in real term.

So, you want to invest? Land appreciates, house depreciates - that is the saying. Your deposit money for a house may be sufficient to BUY, I stress the word buy NOT borrowed money, one or two blocks of land - obviously not in the already expensive / unaffordable suburbs. You have to do your homework and you'll find them. Google Earth can give you an idea about the surrounding environment.

Short term pain, long term gain does not mean that you go to borrow beyond your ability to repay. Look for win-win situation whereby you can achieve short term gain and long term gain - start searching for the "Far, Far Away Land" where there is a pot of gold buried underneath but will surface in years to come!

Until next time, keep reading my comments.


Posted to The Age (22/11/2011) on 22/11/2011 at 2:58 PM
When I was younger, I worked three jobs - 7 days and 6 nights before I was attached / married. Was there any life for me then? The answer is definitely Yes. Meeting people is life; talking to people is life; moving about contributing to the society is life, etc. Changing scenery from one job to another job was exciting and mind stimulating.

Last year, I used to get up at 5:15 am to catch the 6:06 am / 6:08 am train free-of-charge to Melbourne CBD. Sometimes, I dozed off for 30 minutes, or organised my thoughts during the train journey how I would conduct my class for the day. I was always the first one to arrive at the office; it was so quiet and no interruption. I could get great heaps of work done or marked plenty of papers before the office turned into a fish market.

There are properties you can afford to buy, but you must organise your life accordingly. You can drive to and park at the train terminus where train seats are plentiful.

Money does not grow on tree, and day dreaming does not increase bank balance. There are no rule books telling you where you should live or work. There are no rules telling you how you should make use of the 24 hours in a day, or where you can recharge his brain cells.

My friend gave me a big button on my birthday few days ago. On it was the wisdom "Aged to Perfection!"

Hybrid fender benders save people and the planet

Posted to Sydney Morning Herald (19/11/2011) on 19/11/2011 at 5:58 AM
Commenting on "Hybrid fender benders save people and the planet"
http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/hybrid-fender-benders-save-people--and-the-planet-20111118-1nmhb.html

A heavier car means more materials used, and therefore bigger carbon footprint. While the number of hybrid cars is still small, disposal of batteries is not a major concern as yet. However, the day will come when this will present a big challenge and the impact will negate any "green" quality, making such technology environmentally unfriendly. So, can anyone come out with a recyclable green battery design?

The Pope did not like this Benetton image

Posted to Nine MSN (18/11/2011) on 18/11/2011 at 8:39 PM (Not published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "The Pope did not like this Benetton image"
http://grazia.ninemsn.com.au/blog.aspx?blogentryid=953267&showcomments=true

Whoever came up with that idea must be a very sick cookie. This is distasteful to the nth degree. The so-called "symbolic images of reconciliation" can create more divides than what was intended. The provocative photoshopped trash conjures up two gay men in action, which I find unacceptable and repulsive. I do sincerely hope that not only the Pope but also the affected world leaders take legal action against Benetton for such devious perversions.

Gillard goes 'all the way' with Obama's big regional push

Posted to The Age (18/11/2011) on 18/11/2011 at 12:26 PM
Commenting on "Gillard goes 'all the way' with Obama's big regional push"
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/gillard-goes-all-the-way-with-obamas-big-regional-push-20111117-1nl15.html

If there are laws on almost every form of discrimination, one more should be added to the list - international alliance discrimination! How will the US President or international leaders react if China were to propose forming close alliance with some of small countries in the Pacific region and set up military "training" bases there? How will the Australian Government and its citizens respond to China's proposal to set up bases around Broome, probably to keep an eye on Indonesia, or in the name of safeguarding the Asian Pacific region due to the US presence? These are not absurd questions, and Australian Government will need to start thinking before the latter proposal is put on the table.

Millions of acres of land, especially in the northwest of Australia, have been sold to unknown, non-government buyers from different countries. I am not a scare monger, not to the extend to say that there will be production of WOM, but I can think of many ways the "farmland" can be used or camouflaged which can bring Australia to its knees. Satellite surveillance system can detect a lot of things from above, and yet refugee boats slipped through detection. If it cannot detect what's above ground / sea surface, what hope can the system detect what's going on below?

Foreigners owning Australia's sovereign land is better than wars, because it involves no bloodshed. While prevention is better than cure, it is useless once infiltration has already taken place. Occupation of land is the beginning of infiltration and it is not limited to China only!

Touching times for Prime Minister Julia Gillard and US President Barack Obama

Posted to Herald Sun (17/11/2011) on 17/11/2011 at 3:00 AM
Comment on "Touching times for Prime Minister Julia Gillard and US President Barack Obama"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/touching-times-for-prime-minister-julia-gillard-and-us-president-barack-obama/story-fn7x8me2-1226197260438

If Tony Abbott were to kiss Julia Gillard on her cheeks, or put his hand or palm on her back, she probably would scream, calling him a sexual pervert, and condemning his act as sexual harassment. Should Michelle or Tim be concerned about such public display of affection or intimacy?

Barack Obama arrives for whistle-stop Australia visit

Posted to Herald Sun (16/11/2011) on 16/11/2011 at 5:08 PM
Commenting on "Barack Obama arrives for whistle-stop Australia visit"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/barack-obama-arrives-for-whistle-stop-australia-visit/story-fn7x8me2-1226196101449

Posted to Herald Sun (16/11/2011) on 16/11/2011 at 5:08 PM (Not published by Newspaper)
Harry Jenkins, do you mean the MPs have not been at their best behaviour in the House? I think these "children" should not be spared from the Black Rod; bring it out and get the House in order.

Posted to Herald Sun (16/11/2011) on 16/11/2011 at 5:08 PM (Not published by Newspaper)
Just a thought, if the US is to set up bases at Darwin, we can use them to keep an eye on financial refugee boats from EU countries.

Posted to Herald Sun (16/11/2011) on 16/11/2011 at 5:08
Julia Gillard did not curtsy when greeting the Queen but just a handshake. It is disgusting though that she gave a sexy kiss on Obama's cheek instead of a simple handshake.

Posted to Herald Sun (16/11/2011) on 17/11/2011 at 11:38 AM (Not published by Newspaper)
Just a thought, when the US set up bases at Darwin, we can use them to keep an eye on financial refugee boats from EU countries.

Gillard's uranium backflip 'to appease big miners'

Posted to The Age (16/11/2011) on 16/11/2011 at 1:53 PM
Commenting on "Gillard's uranium backflip 'to appease big miners'""
http://www.theage.com.au/business/gillards-uranium-backflip-to-appease-big-miners-20111116-1nhze.html

Green energy, brown coal, yellow cake, black gold, amber sun, infra-red and ultra violet rays - who says power is not tainted by colours!

Markets Live: Stocks waver as Europe eyed

Posted to The Age (16/11/2011) on 16/11/2011 at 1:19 PM
Commenting on "Markets Live: Stocks waver as Europe eyed"
http://www.theage.com.au/business/markets-live-stocks-waver-as-europe-eyed-20111116-1nhwb.html

Uranium and coal seam gas - energy sources of the future. Buy until they become toxic shares!

Hotels offering free drinks to women

Posted to Adelaide Now (12/11/2011) on 14/11/2011 at 12:23 AM, 17/11/2011 at 11:11 AM (Not published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "Hotels offering free drinks to women"
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/hotels-offer-free-drinks-to-women/story-e6frea83-1226193574195

Round up all the male or female drunkards and exhibit them in fenced open field like animals in a zoo. Irresponsible idiots should have their rights stripped off. By the way, when are graphic pictures going to appear on alcohol bottles, cans and bill boards warning about health hazards resulted in consuming this "legal" and yet addictive harmful product.

Aussie stocks trim gains

Posted to The Age (11/11/2011) on 11/11/2011 at 1:25 PM
Commenting on "Markets Live: Aussie stocks trim gains"
http://www.theage.com.au/business/markets-live-aussie-stocks-trim-gains-20111111-1na5v.html

If Rome was not built in one day, how could Italy? Besides, it will cost a lot more in money and time to rebuild what has been "destroyed" by its ageing population, bureaucracy, corruption and tax-avoiding black market. With that in mind, how can anyone believe that this bad wind will blow away in just a matter of a day or so, and have so much confidence in pushing up share prices in such turbulent market?

Anything happens in Europe can affect economy worldwide. It is evident from other reports that China export has slowed. It is myopic to think that internal consumption will keep China economy going just like before. If it does, it is only temporary, because China needs a lot of money to look after a huge population.

Australia must also be cautious about continuous outflow of monies to overseas through online shopping and outbound tourism. Once consumers parted their monies, there will be less for internal circulation required for job creation and tax revenue.

Debt makes the world goes round, but debt is virtual money and must be repaid at some point in time. Prosperity created by debt is temporary, unless it can be repaid sooner by real money and not by another form of debt.

Australia's tourism brand image suffers big hit, new survey shows

Posted to Herald Sun (11/11/2011) on 11/11/201Posted to Herald Sun (11/11/2011) on 11/11/2011 at 12:15-12:17 PM
Commenting on "Australia's tourism brand image suffers big hit, new survey shows"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/travel/news/australias-tourism-brand-image-suffers-big-hit-new-survey-shows/story-fn32891l-1226192233651

It is most unfortunate that many recent sports arenas in Melbourne are tucked away in very congested and rather uninviting surrounds. These are fantastic show pieces, much more than what I can say for the patch-work-look architecture of the Federation Square. These stadiums look great from above as well as unblocked side-views, and yet they have not been used in tourism promotion. They are comparable to the Water Cube and Bird Nest of China, "Durian" of Singapore, "Gherkin" of London, etc. The Sydney Opera House is still a fantastic talking point for tourists, but the Sydney Harbour Bridge which resembles a big clothes hanger really needs to take the back seat. There are so many longest, biggest, most dangerous and architecturally excellent bridges in the world.

I enjoy playing with English words, and I "look" at them from a foreigner's perspective. Sunburnt country is definitely a frightening place to visit. Who in the world wants to get sunburnt and risks skin cancer? Furthermore, the word sunburnt may not be understood properly by potential foreign visitors who may think that this country is arid and black - just being charred by forest fires. Down Under is a term sounds cool for the younger and trendy, or those who have heard the song by "Men at Work"; but isn't "down under" synonymous to "hell"? I just can’t imagine how these terms are translated in foreign languages. The combined effect of these terms conjures up an image that Australia is like a place where one gets burnt in the "Hot Hell Hole".

Melbourne and the surrounding, including the suburbs, have a lot to offer to foreign tourists. In saying this, we must not market the way we think fit for us unless the promotion is for local consumption. As it is very expensive to travel around to various intrastate and interstate places in Australia because of the vast distances, therefore it is more appropriate to target market different regions or states in different campaigns, unless special package tours can be offered to bring down the cost.

What we must keep in mind is that beautiful coastline is only beautiful for the first few kilometre in the eyes of a tourist, after which the remaining kilometre are just plain monotonous and boring. Most tourists cannot afford to spend too much time and money at one location, and in order to make the initial visit memorable, the tourist attraction must have certain wow factor. Not only this will be captured in photos, but also forever remains in their brains and mouths.

I am always excited to talk about Melbourne with foreign visitors, and when I am on overseas trips. Most visitors or potential visitors like to know a little bit of the history but not too much. Surprisingly, they want know how this country is run, compared with theirs. They want assurance that this is not a racist country. They like my comparing Melbourne with their hometown and other places. They like to know more about what we eat, what we do, where we "live" and whether they can see kangaroo or koala in the streets. They want sincerity and honesty.

Being a Melbournian, I have to admit that I do not have in-depth knowledge of other interstate cities. I think I am a good promoter and ambassador of Melbourne and even have a blog showing the beautiful photos of Melbourne. The collection of photos is growing. Any tourism related organisation wants to offer me a marketing position? I am all-ears!

Risk-taking commuters caught out and stung

Posted to Herald Sun (11/11/2011) on 11/11/2011 at 2:04 AM
Commenting on "Risk-taking commuters caught out and stung"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/m-in-transport-user-fines/story-fn7x8me2-1226191936152

How much does it cost to put conductors on, more than or less than $80 million? At $40000 per conductor per year, $80 million is equivalent to 2000 conductors. That means 2000 people can bring home the bacon, pay taxes and mortgage, less family conflict, reduce unemployment and CentreLink payout. Who were the idiots that proposed the removal of human conductors?

Markets Live: Stocks lose $37b on Italy fears

Posted to The Age (10/11/2011) on 10/11/2011 at 12:18 PM
Commenting on "Markets Live: Stocks lose $37b on Italy fears"
http://www.theage.com.au/business/markets/markets-live-stocks-lose-37b-on-italy-fears-20111110-1n85g.html

As if you don't know that this is coming, really? Do you know who the PI(I)GS are? Bad luck for those who are so pig-headed in insisting that Santa Claus will bring them the gold nugget this Christmas will lose not just the pair of pants they are wearing, but the all wardrobe’s. Take off the blinkers or the Stevie Wonder style glasses and look again. If you believe in the end of the world will occur 2012, you still have a tomorrow, because there are a lot of tomorrows yet to come before 2012. The financial turmoil in Europe is real, and it is a lot bigger than Ben Hur. The flow-on effect is real as well, but then many economists just brush it off - China cannot just rely on internal consumption to keep its prosperity going. Without inflow of export or investment income, savings will dwindle. It’s elementary, Watson!

Gillard feels right at home

Posted to Herald Sun (10/11/2011) on 10/11/2011 at 12:03 AM, 9:28 AM (Not published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "Gillard feels right at home"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/gillard-feels-right-at-home/story-e6frf7jo-1226190631503

Werribee, isn't where the sewage farm located? That explains why the stink of carbon tax was not detected during Julia Gillard's visit!

Aussie stocks hold onto gains

Posted to The Age (9/11/2011) on 9/11/2011 at 12:30 PM
Commenting on "Markets Live: Aussie stocks hold onto gains"
http://www.theage.com.au/business/markets/markets-live-aussie-stocks-hold-onto-gains-20111109-1n67q.html

My goodness, who will come out with the money for any new bail out? That's nothing to sing and dance about!

Message to men: 'It's not you, it's Mr Right'

Posted to Adelaide Now (9/11/2011) on 9/11/2011 at 2:18 AM, 10:20 AM
Commenting on "Message to men: 'It's not you, it's Mr Right'"
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/ipad/its-not-womens-careers-that-delay-children-says-study/story-fn6t2xlc-1226188271358

Ladies, what make you so sure that you are the RIGHT choice for Mr Right? Don't forget Mr Right has his selection criteria, too. Unfortunately, the preaching from I-ism gurus creates division between the sexes, and encourages individuals to be uncompromising and ego-centric.

It is almost wishful thinking to have a perfect match. To go one step further it is naïve to believe that life will be completely plain sailing after two perfect persons decide to live happily ever after. In life, there are internal and external influences that can cause cyclonic turbulences to a perfect union.

It is regrettable that many people, men and women, suffer from Peter Pan syndrome. They still want to live the life as though they are in the teenage years - free of worries, no ties and no responsibilities, and bugger the rest of the people in the whole wide world. Life gets a bit lonely when one by one the single friends are single no more. The conversation topics become incomprehensible and routines changed.

Mr Right today may turn out to be the wrong partner quality in the future. On the contrary, the outsider may be the Mr Right that you have been looking for but you have just missed the boat.

Government sticking to $23 carbon price

Posted to Perth Now (8/11/2011) on 8/11/2011 at 7:48 PM
Commenting on "Government sticking to $23 carbon price"
http://www.perthnow.com.au/business/business-old/government-sticking-to-23-carbon-price/story-e6frg2qu-1226188502875

Posted to Perth Now (8/11/2011) on 9/11/2011 at 12:57 AM, 11:35 AM
Commenting on " OPINION: Is the carbon tax good policy?"
http://www.perthnow.com.au/business/opinion/opinion-is-the-carbon-tax-good-policy/story-fn8t4my5-1226189224709

Can anyone explain to me why there were Ice Ages before Man walked on this planet Earth? Why were early Man nomadic, moving from one place to another when climatic or environmental conditions became unfavourable? What caused the heavy downpour and big flood that resulted in Noah building the Ark and transporting pairs of animals to safety? Why were there frequent floods along the banks of the River Nile which left evidence of markings on the huge columns in ancient Egyptian temples? What brought about all the droughts, forest fires, cyclones and tsunamis in various parts of the World in pre-industrialisation history?

I stress the word pre-industrialisation because those were days when coal power generation plants were not around and the mode of transport was definitely not by cars run on petrol. So, what really caused the climatic changes even though there was minimal carbon (dioxide emission? Going back further to prehistoric time, what really caused the climatic changes even though Man were not around to cause any air pollution?

Using carbon tax to curb carbon emission is no difference from ghost busting, or trying to find the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. It's a myth!

Finally, carbon tax becomes law

Posted to The Age (8/11/2011) on 8/11/2011 at 3:35 PM
Commenting on "Finally, carbon tax becomes law"
http://www.theage.com.au/environment/finally-carbon-tax-becomes-law-20111108-1n4rq.html

Posted to Herald Sun (8/11/2011) on 8/11/2011 at 3:54 PM, 4:45 PM (Not published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "Senate votes to pass carbon tax by 36 votes to 32"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/senate-votes-to-pass-carbon-tax-by-36-votes-to-32/story-fn7x8me2-1226188702193

The carbon (dioxide) emission per capita of Australia is and will always be much greater than China and India because of our small pollution. To explain this, let us look at a household of 1 and another of 5. Both need only a refrigerator to keep food fresh or a washing machine to wash clothing. The household of 5 uses the same amount of electricity for the appliances and therefore "polluting" the planet with the same amount of greenhouse gas. Now, a hall with 1 occupant or 100 occupants requires the same number of lights to be turned on for a performance; and an electrified train carrying 1 passenger or 500 passengers consumes about the same amount electricity to commute between Melbourne and Sydney.

There are times when no consumers are involved and yet the waste has to be shared by the population. A lot of power is lost in transmitting electricity from the power stations to hundreds of kilometres of nothingness before populated towns or cities. A lot of energy is required to get rid of the sewer travelling great length of pipes to filtration plant. When we talk about power and energy, we really mean electricity which operates the equipment to make these things happen.

These examples explain the concept of economy of scale and illustrate the principle of fixed and variable costs. So long if we continue to live in a cocoon and not to increase our population, Australia will always be more expensive to live in and the greenhouse gas emission will be a lot higher than more populated countries. BTW, population of China is 59 times of Australia's.

Navy Seals reveal truth about raid against Osama Bin Laden

Posted to Perth Now (6/11/2011) on 8/11/2011 at 4:33 AM
Commenting on "Navy Seals reveal truth about raid against Osama Bin Laden"
http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/top-stories/navy-seals-speak-out-how-we-killed-bert-laden/comments-e6frg12l-1226186932206

Is this an act of an eye for an eye? So what's going to happen to the US Navy Seals who killed Bin Laden? When is the killing cycle going to end? Is the world going to be a better and safer place after the three "evils" are killed (I intentionally not to use the word gone)? As long as hatred and suspicion continue to propagate, the human world is no different from the one roamed by animals which kill their prey by instinct.

Colombo's restaurant takes a stand against technology at the dinner table

Posted to Adelaide Now (7/11/2011) on 7/11/2011 at 3:18 AM
Commenting on "Colombo's restaurant takes a stand against technology at the dinner table"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/colombos-restaurant-takes-a-stand-against-technology-at-the-dinner-table/story-fn7x8me2-1226188123526

Before iPad, some children read books, colouring or play electronic games at dining tables. It really drove me bonkers.

Tax may prove to be a toxic win for PM

Posted to Adelaide Now (7/11/2011) on 8/11/2011 at 3:01 AM
Commenting on "Tax may prove to be a toxic win for PM"
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/tax-may-prove-to-be-a-toxic-win-for-pm/story-e6frea8c-1226188205766

Doing all the wrong things right are not right by the people of Australia.

Teacher guidelines - Students are not your friends

Posted to Adelaide Now (7/11/2011) on 8/11/2011 at 2:53 AM
Commenting on "Teacher guidelines: Students are not your friends"
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/in-depth/teacher-guidelines-students-are-not-your-friends/story-e6frebvu-1226188193815

This guideline should not just apply to schools, but also extend to higher education, such as colleges, TAFEs and universities. In fact, getting too close with students in person can present just as much, if not more, problems as with social networking media.

I am still keeping in touch via FB with a few of my former students, who live in Australia and various countries in the world. Interestingly, some still treat me as their teacher instead of their friend, and ask for different sorts of advice.

Police fine motorists $40 million over three years for ignoring safety

Posted to The Age (7/11/2011) on 7/11/2011 at 3:13 AM
Commenting on "Police fine motorists $40 million over three years for ignoring safety"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/phone-crazy-drivers-fined-40-million/story-fn7x8me2-1226187119126

There is one simple way to solve this problem. Pass laws similar to the Hoons Laws to give authority to confiscate the mobile phone on the spot, and crush it in front of the driver. As to the phone number, it is barred or suspended for 6 months or longer effective immediately. In addition, driver will be fined for $250 and 3 demerit points.

Will anyone be silly enough to break such laws? Don't whinge, ACT!

The Block unearths home truths about renovation spending

Posted to The Age (5/11/2011) on 6/11/2011 at 11:35 AM
Commenting on "The Block unearths home truths about renovation spending"
http://theage.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/the-block-unearths-home-truths-about-renovation-spending-20111105-1n0qw.html

Posted to The Age (5/11/2011) on 7/11/2011 at 9:50 AM
Commenting on "The Block unearths home truths about renovation spending"
http://theage.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/the-block-unearths-home-truths-about-renovation-spending-20111105-1n0qw.html

I have been writing about the over presumptuous model used by RBA in determining inflation and interest rate. This is why must read the ABS data with great caution, and interpret the underlying trends more carefully.

Read http://sinfongchaneconomy.blogspot.com/2011/10/australian-consumers-starting-to-spend.html and other by the same author.

It is presumptuous that TV program The Block has great influence on renovation resulting in such positive impact on the economy. Insurance claims on damaged properties caused by unseasonal strong winds, storms and floods of previous few months do not get processed overnight. The delay effect comes through likely and coincidentally with the ABS reporting period.

There is another flaw in the data: there is no guarantee that the windfall is derived from retail business data NOT from tradespeople. There are fair amount of unethical practices whereby some tradespeople charge their client 10% less, that is GST not charged, on condition that the clients pay cash instead of by means that the taxman can trace.

I have seen many people over capitalised their properties by being overzealous. It is important to note that many property buyers are buying similar type of properties they were raised in or familiar with. One must not romanticised about living in a weather board home if they have been raised in a brick veneer one during their childhood days. This is the same reason why some buyers over commit themselves in buying big homes because they cannot imagine living in a small one since the day they were born!

Shares rally as Greece backs down

Posted to The Age (4/11/2011) on 4/11/2011 at 2:32 PM
Commenting on "Markets Live: Shares rally as Greece backs down"
http://www.theage.com.au/business/markets-live-shares-rally-as-greece-backs-down-20111104-1myk8.html

People do believe in fairy god mother. How likely will Greece get out of their financial trouble after the bail out? How can years of reckless, mismanaged economy and short-sighted industrial modification be fixed with the stroke of a pen, or some loud verbal threats by their neighbours?

Greece faced economic hardships and defaulted on its loans in 1826, 1843, 1860 and 1893 (Wikipedia). Greeks are supposedly one of the most hardworking after the South Koreans. However, the number of hours cannot be translated to efficiency or effectiveness.

Loss of competitive edge in manufacturing to more efficient and cheaper countries costs export income. Greece also relies heavily on service industries including tourism, which prosper during economic good times. Not unlike many other countries, the hosting of the Olympics Games resulted financial losses in the millions. All these create huge unemployment, and no matter how big the bail out, the situations will be difficult to reversed.

Greece has to default and free itself from the Eurozone and start afresh. Change experts know that change can only be achieved effectively if one is prepared to do so without the external pressure. Greece citizens have to bite the bullet and learn to live within their means.

Germany is flexing its muscle to get this finished and done with, because it has a lot more to lose if Greece were to go bankrupt and leaves the clan - it will affect the Euro currency, and make export expensive.

The rise of unemployment is not a unique Grecian phenomenon. It is a lesson Australia must take note.

Australia gets a new budget airline

Posted to The Age (3/11/2011) on 3/11/2011 at 9:59 PM
Commenting on "Australia gets a new budget airline"
http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/australia-gets-a-new-budget-airline-20111103-1mwm5.html

Mrs Field who makes cookies can tell you that as business grows, you need more than just operation staff. A next layer is needed to oversee the staff, and coordinate the operation. This level is the management. Unfortunately, management demands higher pay than ordinary operation staff, and therefore the cost goes up disproportionately. When more people are employed, there will be more sticky IR and OHS issues; new specialist personnel who also command higher pay are engaged.

Oops, I forget the rostering, IT, posh offices, flashy furniture, corporate image, functions, advertisement and promotion, PR, Board members, CEO perks, etc.

Budget airline can afford budget airline fare no longer.

Holden still to decide on Commodore future after claims union claims it's going offshore

Posted to Adelaide Now (3/11/2011) on 3/11/2011 at 9:40 PM
Commenting on "Holden still to decide on Commodore future after claims union claims it's going offshore"
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/union-claims-holden-commodore-design-to-be-taken-offshore/story-e6frea83-1226184180442

@Bitter as of Paradise, comment 101: Of course we do, Australia makes Australian babies who can't find employment when they grow up!

If all those CEOs, marketing gurus, fortune telling economists are so good, how come they don't foresee all these icons disappear from Australia one after another?

Unions have a fair share in the making, but the mega-million buck CEOs are just as big a culprit. It's about time shareholders keep an eye on the power hungry Boards and money grabbing Board members, CEOs and top executives, to make sure that they are doing right by you. If you are unsure about what you are investing in, not only the brick-and-mortar and machinery, but also the people in the company and how they perform, then find out more or don't touch the unknown.

Higher share price normally don't benefit the general mum-and-dad shareholders, but those who know how to play the game. The top people benefit a bigger slice of the winnings. In a real world, what goes up will come down, but these smart people have put their golden nest eggs in secure places that will last them many life times.

Flying Kangaroo hands out perks

Posted to The Age (3/11/2011) on 3/11/2011 at 2:00 AM (Not published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "Flying Kangaroo hands out perks"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/flying-kangaroo-hands-out-perks/story-fn7x8me2-1226183967166

No, this can't happen in Australia! Can it? Well, I think Australia is getting too close to Asia. Can any reader help me with the correct word associated with Asian public servants and ministers accepting gifts?

Impulse gadget buying - a recipe for disaster

Posted to Sydney Morning Herald (2/11/2011) on 3/11/2011 at 1:15 AM
Commenting on "Impulse gadget buying - a recipe for disaster"
http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/computers/blogs/gadgets-on-the-go/impulse-gadget-buying--a-recipe-for-disaster-20111102-1murw.html

There's no difference when come to buying or selling property. I am often asked by "friends" what I think of certain properties after they have signed the sale contracts. Unfortunately, many people just want an endorsement rather than an opinion or advice. For the humble ones, I can help them to save or sell for an extra $20,000 to $50,000.

Rate cut to spark modest price rises

Posted to Sydney Morning Herald (2/11/2011) on 2/11/2011 at 10:22 PM
Commenting on "Rate cut to spark modest price rises"
http:// http://smh.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/rate-cut-to-spark-modest-price-rises-20111102-1mun4.html

Unfortunately some real estate agents do not submit unsuccessful auction results, and therefore the clearance rate can be a bit rubbery. The main intention is not to distort the clearance rate, but to hide any embarrassment from vendors and potential vendors that the agency does not achieve the desire results as they have been bragging about. As a reader of the auction result, would you engage an real estate agency that does not perform well, showing PI or VB in many of their auctions?

Superheroes wheeled out on a plate

Posted to Herald Sun (3/11/2011) on 2/11/2011 at 9:30 PM
Commenting on "Superheroes wheeled out on a plate"
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/superheroes-wheeled-out-on-a-plate/story-fn7x8me2-1226183966531

When will Australians learn to be themselves as Australians, creating their own culture instead of following the Americans like puppy dogs? It is absolutely disgraceful and sad to have lost many Australian iconic brand names and products; now we have to stare at and follow literally those fictitious American iconic heroes when driving behind the wheels. Grow up Australia, time to have self-respect and dignity, time to have some real Australian heroes instead of imaginary ones.

Home prices continue downward trend

Posted to Sydney Morning Herald (31/10/2011) on 1/1/2011 at 9:42 PM (Not yet published)
Commenting on “Home prices continue downward trend”
http://smh.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/home-prices-continue-downward-trend-20111031-1mr9p.html

When you buy an investment property, you pay say 20% and borrow the rest. If the property is worth $250000, the total rental receipts breakeven after 7 years, and the property has increased by 10% in value, that is $125000, what is the return on investment? 50%? No, it is 250%. OK, even after deducting the opportunity loss for not putting the $50000 to receive compound interest, the net return is still far more substantial than most investment.

What most people forget is that when investing in property, they only pay a small proportion of the total initial cost, but reap all the capital gain before tax in the end. No bank deposit can give you this kind of return.

Absurd to say the airline is abandoning Australia - 2

Posted to Herald Sun (1/1/2011) on 1/1/2011 at 9:03 PM (Not yet published)
Commenting on “Absurd to say the airline is abandoning Australia”
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/opinion/absurd-to-say-the-airline-is-abandoning-australia/comments-e6frfhqf-1226181881200

What a load of bull! How many airlines maintained by the cheap labour countries crashed? Answer: Cannot recall. How many overseas airlines run by staff with lower wages have won award? Answer: I don't know the exact number, but compared with Qantas, they won at least 1 more than Qantas.

Absurd to say the airline is abandoning Australia

Posted to Herald Sun (1/1/2011) on 1/1/2011 at 7:03 PM (Not yet published)
Commenting on “Absurd to say the airline is abandoning Australia”
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/opinion/absurd-to-say-the-airline-is-abandoning-australia/comments-e6frfhqf-1226181881200

Continual dispute is going to bring down the Flying Kangaroo. The dogmatic and pig-headed Alan Joyce’s move to ground Qantas, the wait-and-see, indecisive and inapt Government’s intervention, the uncompromising union’s demand, the nagging reminder of the pay differential, Qantas’ less than honest communication have caused huge damage to Australian tourism business, and definitely leads on to loss of employment.

Soon, Qantas like many Australian icons will be gone for good to foreign owners, with their business name registered in foreign country, and therefore entitled them to use foreign staff without further industrial problem caused by the Australian union. As for those mega-million buck CEOs and Executives, they can get transferred to work overseas, continue to receive bonuses and huge payout when they finally call it a day.

RBA rate cut sparks commercial response

Posted to Sydney Morning Herald (1/1/2011) on 1/1/2011 at 5:12 PM
Commenting on "RBA rate cut sparks commercial response"
http://www.smh.com.au/business/rba-rate-cut-sparks-commercial-response-20111101-1mte4.html

The benefits of FHOG should be tested by the Myth Buster team. The concept is nobly good, but in the real world where sellers of properties are out there to maximise profit or minimise loss, the amount of FHOG is normally costed it, that is, sold at inflated price. This is a double whammy for the buyers. Higher house price means higher stamp duty (in Victoria) and bigger loan.

Let say a property is $200000, FHOG $7500, and average stamp duty in Victoria 5% approximately. If the buyer requires borrowing 80% for the property value, and FHOG is not costed in, he needs a loan of $168000 (excluding other fees and charges). However, many house prices have already included the FHOG component since its introduction, the house price is in effect $207500, plus $10375 stamp duty. A loan of 80% of the total amount $217875 comes to $174300, or $6300 more than pre-FHOG day.

If FHOG is to increase, we can only see the house prices rising again, instead of coming down.

New house sales slump to 10-year low

Posted to The Age (1/1/2011) on 1/1/2011 at 12:52 PM
Commenting on “New house sales slump to 10-year low"
http://www.theage.com.au/business/new-house-sales-slump-to-10year-low-20111101-1mt1w.html

Interest rate is no longer the key factor. The "subliminal" messages in daily news about job losses, casualisation of workforce and saving up for a big deposit keep buyers away. Bank and lending institutions rely mainly on the PAYG summaries to determine the loan amount one can borrow. ABS has to produce new sets of data to reflect the true employment situation. It has to redefine the term "employed", because at present, one is considered employed if he/she receives payment for at least 1 hour of paid work during the survey period.

Qantas recriminations fly

Posted to The Age (1/1/2011) on 1/1/2011) at 12:12 PM
Commenting on “Qantas recriminations fly”
http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/qantas-recriminations-fly-20111031-1msbz.html

Unfortunately, one cannot have his cake and eat it too. I’ve written on many occasions about the potential negative impact on online buying, especially from overseas, and buying cheaper imports. We are, in fact, outsourcing our wholesale and retail businesses overseas, and as a result there will be loss of local sales and subsequently causing huge unemployment and closure of businesses.

Convenience comes with a price, in fact, a humongous one. Qantas losing its competitive edge is no difference from other wholesalers and retailers. All airlines experience similar pain much earlier than the non-aviation industries. For quite awhile, air travel consumers have been using online booking and online check-in, booking connecting flights with cheaper airlines from overseas which employ cheaper labour for maintenance and in-flight service.

Like water, it will find its own level. Due to higher standard of living, an average Australian earns more than many people living in developing countries; we want to work less hours, less laborious work, more leisure, and own more. We buy products from these countries because they are cheaper, our money flows out of Australia, and our kitties have less, while their levels rise. Australian leisure industries are hopeful to benefit, but we turn to cheaper overseas holidays. Overseas countries benefit from our spending and keep hundreds of thousands of their citizens employed, and our situation goes south.

Posted to The Age (1/1/2011) on 1/1/2011) at 12:16 PM
Commenting on “Qantas recriminations fly”
http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/qantas-recriminations-fly-20111031-1msbz.html

Adding to this disgust is that since we do not want to work in blue collar jobs, like other technologically advanced countries, we hand over years of research materials to them. They learn new skills and build machineries that we have not heard of or use by our own people. Eventually, like water, our standard of living level goes down and theirs rise.

Virgin Airline in Australia can afford to pay more because they have a smaller fleet, and fly to more selective, profitable destinations. Sun Tze Bing Fa has written that “The best way to win a war (competition) is to destabilise the enemies (competitors), causing internal unrest”, and by doing so, “one spends less energy in destroying the enemy (competitors)”.

Continual dispute is going to bring down the Flying Kangaroo. The dogmatic and pig-headed Alan Joyce’s move to ground Qantas, the wait-and-see, indecisive and inapt Government’s intervention, the uncompromising union’s demand, the nagging reminder of the pay differential, Qantas’ less than honest communication have caused huge damage to Australian tourism business, and definitely leads on to loss of employment.

Soon, Qantas like many Australian icons will be gone for good to foreign owners, with their business name registered in foreign country, and therefore entitled them to use foreign staff without further industrial problem caused by the Australian union. As for those mega-million buck CEOs and Executives, they can get transferred to work overseas, continue to receive bonuses and huge payout when they finally call it a day.