PM adopts Howard 'trust me' line

Posted to The Age (27/3/2012) on 27/3/2012 at 9:02 AM
Commenting on "PM adopts Howard 'trust me' line"
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/pm-adopts-howard-trust-me-line-20120326-1vuov.html

If a person is new to the game, trust is given as a matter of “benefit of doubt”. Subsequent trust is based on that person’s behaviour, action and performance. In short, trust is earned, and once that is broken, the damage is almost irreparable in most cases. There was an “original Gillard”, then the “real Gillard”. It looks like we are getting a re-jigged 1203 version Gillard. If whatever she says, she means the opposite, what she is telling us is “DON’T TRUST ME!”

Aussies are known to be knockers, and people in opposition party are not different. How much longer is Tony Abbott going to knock the Government / Julia Gillard? A week is a long time in politics, and when the time due for election arrives, voters are feeling just as sick to vote for the opposition for their less than impressive policies, only if they have any real policies.

The opposition cannot afford to sit on their backside to wait for the opportunity to come to push the Government over. Opportunities are created at times, and the time is now. Australia is not like some northern African countries, and it is unlikely to see riots in the streets to bring down the Government, yet!

When the “hidden” employed, educated Centrelink dependents, distressed former house owners, heads of broken families were to join forces, the repercussion can be disastrous. “Where the hell are you, Coalition strategists?”

Big retailers hammered

Posted to The Age (22/3/2012) on 22/3/2012 at 4:20 PM
Commenting on "Big retailers hammered"
http://www.theage.com.au/business/big-retailers-hammered-20120321-1vkdi.html

Besides online shopping, there are other factors at play. China’s design is no longer dreary and dull. Many designs are comparable to European designs, and accepted by many consumers.

In fact, some big boys are importing directly from China, and by cutting off the many middlemen in between, the retail prices are much cheaper. I can get my jeans from Kmart as a price I used to pay in Hong Kong, minus the heckling.

The consumers’ mentality tends more towards disposable. Long product life cycle seems to be things of the past, whether it is fashion or electronics. It does not seem wise to pay for something overpriced, or costs too much, because soon the product will be out-dated and a new one need to be purchased.

Many take on the will-do attitude these days. Furthermore, there are outlets which sell recycle high-end market fashion at bargain basement price.

The generation that grows up Myers and DJ are now beyond the “used by date”. These yesterday consumers, in fact, can most afford but they do not require as much cosmetics, handbags, hats, fashion, etc.

For consumers who are prepared to pay more to go to these well known establishments, they do expect certain level of services. However, this has been downgraded to what had happened in Hong Kong before SARS struck the island – customers received no service, and the staff were kings / queens.

Sparse transport adds to health woes

Posted to The Age (22/3/2012) on 22/3/2012 at 3:45 PM
Commenting on "Sparse transport adds to health woes"
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/sparse-transport-adds-to-health-woes-20120321-1vk8d.html

It is not about the infrastructure, but population density within an area.

It is true that many CBDs including Melbourne are well served by public transport, because the trains, trams and buses converge to the city. On the contrary, not everyone of the vehicle will go out to the same spot, and therefore services and frequency drop dramatically. Many countries have a lot more efficient public transport services, including Singapore and Hong Kong. In busy Hong Kong CBD, normal size and mini buses are everywhere competing with cars and trams on the main roads; some meander at high speed in the narrow laneways. However, the problem of infrequent public transport services also prevails in the outskirt.

Couple of years ago, the Hong Kong Government had to restrict 50% of the buses to run at peak hours to ease the congestion!

In one high rise block in Hong Kong, the population can be as high as a complete Australian estate. There is no way we can keep complaining unless we review the type of life style, demographics and population growth. Whether the services are run publicly or privately, no tax payers will support services run at big losses.

Lenovo plans to be first with Windows 8

Posted to The Age (16/3/2012) on 16/3/2012 at 3:06 PM
Commenting on "Lenovo plans to be first with Windows 8"
http://www.theage.com.au/it-pro/business-it/lenovo-plans-to-be-first-with-windows-8-tablet-20120316-1v9es.html

@AM, if you are a real contributor, not just to kick start the conversation, I strongly suggest that you attend some training courses on computer; otherwise you'll be an embarrassment to your child if you continue to tell people about your "experience".

Wanted: a visionary to plug the leadership

Posted to The Age(14/4/2012) on 14/4/2012 at 2:15 PM (Not published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "Wanted: a visionary to plug the leadership"
http://www.theage.com.au/national/wanted-a-visionary-to-plug-the-leadership-hole-20120413-1wz3p.html

I called 4 real estate agents to appraise a house, and only young representative impressed me very much. The house was a rental property, dated with telltale sign of mission brown door frame and skirting. However, he did not see all these as the downside. He was very enthusiastic, saw the potential, talked about the positives and explained how he would market the house.

Whether he could sell the house eventually is secondary, but he excited me by giving me hope that the house could be sold at the current depressive market. He never put any other real estate agents down; in fact throughout the whole appraisal process he concentrated his energy in the house only.

Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott are worse than lack lustre and lack vision; they lack the enthusiasm and salesmanship to put ideas across. They lack the important rapport called honesty and trust. Their views are superficial and mainly party line driven.

Julia Gillard is like a little spoilt brat; she wants her way to get the carbon tax bill passed, miscalculates the Malaysian solution and refuses to impose GST on online imports less than AUD1000; despite the public outcry, the risk of wiping out most of the small businesses which employed bulk of the working population and torment the already heavily debt-ridden farmers who are the guardians of the Australian food bowls.

Tony Abbott has to work on his body language. However, body language is a reflection of what he is within. It would be better if Tony Abbott could come up with something more positive in revitalising the manufacturing industries or any industry for that matter.

On many occasions, political parties use negative campaign to scare voters on their choice, but time and again the tactic failed. Polls after polls people of Australia have spoken that they want a strong a leader, a leader that leads and not to kowtow to foreign powers; a leader to give us hope, create job opportunity for present and younger generation and drive Australia economy further.

China was a third world country perceived to have nothing to live for during early Mao’s time. Australia was a lucky country according to Donald Horne then. Now China has the largest airport, fastest train, tallest building, rocket, space station, factories that building hi-tech computers and electronic, factory of the world, etc. What do we have in Australia – primary producing industries that cannot absorb all the so called smart Australians having university degrees? Can Julia Gillard or Tony Abbott do anything to move Australia forward?

The case for RBA tipsters being wrong – again (Part 2 of 2 Posts)

Posted to The Age (5/3/2012) on 5/3/2012 at 1:02 PM
Commenting on "The case for RBA tipsters being wrong – again"
http://www.theage.com.au/business/the-case-for-rba-tipsters-being-wrong--again-20120305-1uc2k.html

The rate will remain unchanged due to societal pressure rather than economic rationalism.

The unemployment rate will not change because of the inaccurate model used for calculation, and the seasonally adjusted data are just as rubbery due to "goods-dumping" from China.

The case for RBA tipsters being wrong - Again (Part 1 of 2 Posts)

Posted to The Age (5/3/2012) on 5/3/2012 at 12:44 PM (Not published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "The case for RBA tipsters being wrong – again"
http://www.theage.com.au/business/the-case-for-rba-tipsters-being-wrong--again-20120305-1uc2k.html

The current model used to calculate unemployment rate is unrealistic and unreliable, and should not be taken into consideration for RBA to decide rate changes.

The model is unrealistic because anyone works for one hour paid employment during the survey period is considered employed. If that same person works for 35 one-hour jobs, he is in fact equivalent to a full-time worker, but instead he is counted 35 times.

It is unreliable because seasonally adjusted is not no longer valid. Many people purchase goods when sales are on, including Christmas items after Christmas, summer fashion after summer, etc. The latter is true, because most goods are sourced from China, and there is a two-season difference between China and Australia.

What is more concerning is that when travel expenditure is down, this is a reflection more on air travel. Unfortunately air tickets are made up of two components, the actual cost of ticket and the fuel surcharge. Many airline companies are living in the lah-lah land by slashing the ticket price continuously to an unprofitable level just to attract extra patronage. This price slashing is not to curb inflation, but for survival. It is, therefore incorrect to be used as a determinant variable for RBA.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard's surprise move to put Bob Carr into Foreign Minister role (Post 2 of 2)

Posted to Adelaide Now (2/3/2012) 2/3/2012 at 7:05 PM (not published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "Prime Minister Julia Gillard's surprise move to put Bob Carr into Foreign Minister role"
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/gillard-to-reshuffle-cabinet-after-rudd-revolt/story-e6frea8c-1226287011216

All these reshuffling will cost the taxpayers truckload of money, because all those involved will have stationery thrown into garbage bins, to redecorate the offices, recruit and appoint staff, reorganise computer information for access authorisation, receive training and briefing on the new position, fix myriads of mistakes made when climbing the learning curve, etc.

Julia Gillard is no stranger in regards to staying in a position for short duration. She was a Jacquie of all trades, and Ms of almost none. This is the best way to make excuses that "I'm still new to the job".

For the dumped or out-of-flavour MPs, such as Harry Jenkins, Kevin Rudd, Robert McClelland and Mike Kelly, please look deep inside your hearts and do the honourable thing by resigning thus bring forth an early election to rid off this habitual lying PM.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard's surprise move to put Bob Carr into Foreign Minister role (Part 1 of 2)

Posted to Adelaide Now (2/3/2012) 2/3/2012 at 6:22 PM (not published by Newspaper)
Commenting on "Prime Minister Julia Gillard's surprise move to put Bob Carr into Foreign Minister role"
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/gillard-to-reshuffle-cabinet-after-rudd-revolt/story-e6frea8c-1226287011216

Liar, liar, liar! Once a liar it is always a liar. Now, another liar comes on board!

I'm in fact referring to the habitual liar PM, and Carr who categorically denied of having the PM offering him the FM position, his expressing enthusiastically about Australia's bid for a seat on the Security Council which he had never been a fan of, and he said he did not want to go to Canberra, but will be sitting in the Senate. Bob Carr may be the excellent choice as the Foreign Minister, but Julia Gillard is definitely the wrong choice as the Prime Minister.

Carr a good addition, but what a saga

Posted to The Age (2/3/2012) on 2/3/2012 at 5:57 PM
Commenting on "Carr a good addition, but what a saga"
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/carr-a-good-addition-but-what-a-saga-20120302-1u7gq.html

Liar, liar, liar! Once a liar it is always a liar. Now, another liar comes on board!

I'm in fact referring to the habitual liar PM, and Carr who categorically denied of having the PM offering him the FM position, and his expressing enthusiastically about Australia's bid for a seat on the Security Council which he had never been a fan of.

Tough times for young job seekers (Post 2 of 2)

Posted to The Age (2/3/2012) on 2/3/2012 at 3:22 PM
Commenting on "Tough times for young job seekers"
http://www.theage.com.au/business/tough-times-for-young-job-seekers-20120302-1u721.html

Since Hawke and Keating years, young people are encouraged to go for paper qualification in University, and even now, the Government is so proud of the increase in University enrolment. The reasons for the increase are of twofold: one is due to the lowering of marks to gain entrance to higher education, and second, young people cannot find employment and hence are forced to pursue further education after high school.

At the vocational trade front, Australia is still crying out for more tradespeople many of whom have retired or are retiring. The shortage drives up cost of labour in construction, plumbing, connection and maintenance of household utilities, etc.

The smart Alec politicians want to make Australia to have a highly educated and qualified workforce. By population proportion, when Australia churns out one university graduate, USA churns out 15 and China 62.

Workforce needs work! Closure of factories takes away not only the full time jobs for the working families, but also apprenticeships and employment for the young people who need the starting point for future career path.

It is not that the young unemployed are choosy; just that some of the workplaces are inaccessible by public transport, and they may not speak the language to enable them to service special racial clients.

By the way, I'm a very qualified matured age unemployed, but fortunate enough to survive mortgage-free!

Tough times for young job seekers (Post 1 of 2)

Posted to The Age (2/3/2012) on 2/3/2012 at 2:56 PM
Commenting on "Tough times for young job seekers"
http://www.theage.com.au/business/tough-times-for-young-job-seekers-20120302-1u721.html

It is a myth to think that when one is prepared to work, and with certain qualifications, there is no problem in getting a job, or any job.

When one is in employment, it is easier to look for another job. If one is out of employment or has never worked before, there is a Buckley chance to get one.

Not all young people have problems with attitude (a term I still don't quite understand), and not many can afford iPhone. Some even have to resort to prostitution to earn enough to survive, and hopefully get out of the rut when they finish their study.

I am not a young job seeker; I had the opportunity to work three jobs to get through my University. I shared with several students renting a house in Faraday Street, Carlton when it was almost declared as a slump. I could afford to take on jobs that paid little, because the shared rent was minimal, close to Victorian market, did not have to travel to University and stayed in the air-conditioned library to do my homework until it closed late at night.

These days, the cost of living is very high and hourly pay rate is low. The comparative ratio is disproportionate. I know of a master-degree-graduate in International Banking working as cashier in a restaurant, a bachelor in architecture at Bunning's garden centre as sales staff, but many unemployed who have lost their self-esteem and confidence.

Plans for the future (Post 2 of 2)

Posted to Sydney Morning Herald (25/2/2012) on 1/3/2012 at 12:31 PM
Commenting on "Plans for the future"
http://smh.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/plans-for-the-future-20120224-1trbw.html

Many apartment owners are wasting their money paying owners' corporation fees to subsidise other owners' / tenants' life style e.g. maintenance of swimming pool, gym, library, etc. if they don't use such facilities.

Plans for the future (Post 1 of 2)

Posted to Sydney Morning Herald (25/2/2012) on 1/3/2012 at 12:21 PM
Commenting on "Plans for the future"
http://smh.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/plans-for-the-future-20120224-1trbw.html

"It's so light and bright ... on the plans," No one can tell from a 2-dimensional plan whether the finished apartment will be light and bright. The buildings on the sides, front and back can affect the amount of sunlight shone inside the building. Furthermore, the design of corridors and interior colour can have an effect on the intensity of brightness.

There are always risks associated with buying off the plan. Such practice is very common in Asian countries. The developer may go under if GFC hits Australia harder than expected, and that the development cannot attract enough early birds to place orders. Overseas inestors can buy up to 50% of a new development, and the remainder must be sold to locals.

Far too often buyers are over eager to rush into placing their orders and pay the asking price. Good negotiators should always ask for special discount for being the first to help kick start the business.

It is most unfortunate that Australia with large land mass has to resort to high rise, high density living, turning many CBD's in Australia into concrete jungles, causing many City dwellers lack Vitamin D sourced from sunlight.

While many people want to live in clean and green environment, high density living is not the solution. Most buildings are artificially lit, and require expensive air conditioning for heating and cooling, including the wasted common areas. Energy is also wasted on filtering and recycling the air within the building.