Road Tax reduction...Woohoo!!!

I was going through The Star Online and stumbled upon this interesting piece of news.
It reads,

"SEPANG: Road users may enjoy further road tax reductions, Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat disclosed.

The ministry was studying this possibility and had asked the Road Transport Department to collate the relevant information, he said.

He hoped that the road tax would be reduced further after he passes on the details to the Finance Ministry.

“Of course it depends on the overall fiscal situation,” he said after a working visit to MASKargo yesterday.

On Wednesday, the Government announced a RM200 reduction on road tax for private vehicles with engine capacity above 2,000cc, and RM50 reduction on road tax for private motorcycles with engine capacity above 250cc.

Also announced were rebates of RM625 a year for private vehicles with engine capacity of up to 2,000cc, and private pick-up trucks and jeeps with engine capacity of up to 2500cc.

Rebates of RM150 will be given to private motorcycles with engine capacity of up to 250cc.

Asked if public transportation would receive further subsidies following the fuel price rise, Ong said the Cabinet Committee on Public Transportation would discuss it further.

“Of course, certain things have yet to be worked out. Some of the input, initiatives and proposals will be discussed by the committee.

At this juncture, it (further public transport subsidy) is still open-ended,” he said."

Yes, I think all Malaysians are very alarmed with this current decision in the increase of petrol. I personally know people that were driving individual cars are starting to car pool, people who took cabs are finding other alternatives as they are scared that they will be charged higher cab fares with the current increase in petrol prices, and some are looking into moving closer to their working place to reduce the driving distance and avoiding traffic jams during peak hours.

Therefore, with the tax reduction being implemented most people will be able to lead their normal lifestyles without making drastic changes. I hope this will be implemented soon!!!


Cheers...

Want to win at an Online Poker Tournament? Try this, it may help!

I was going through some articles that was giving all sorts of tips on being a winner at an Online poker tournament. I have compiled some tips to get you started in being a CHAMPION!
To be successful in the Internet poker world, one should try to adopt this simple strategy:

1. Pick a Poker table where there's lots of action
Popular poker sites that have huge numbers of players at their online poker tournaments at any given time, day or night. You will be guaranteed to always find action here and the poker tables fill up very quickly. This is a good thing for you, because they can't all be good poker players! :o)

2. Pick a stake level you're comfortable with
Don't go charging straight to the $100 tables if you've never player poker before, you need to start small and work your way up so start at the low end of the scale until you find yourself winning there, then move up. Consider it as your apprenticeship into becoming a fully fledged poker player.

3. Fold almost all of your hands
This is the hardest part especially for new players. They fold a few hands then they'll see a flop of J J 6 when they've just folded the J 6 and the cautious approach goes straight out the window. Remember for every hand that you would have won, there are probably five that you wouldn't so stick to the game plan.

4. When you do get a big hand, bet it aggressively
If you're using this strategy, you need to win the pots when you do land a monster hand so you need to come out betting strongly. Avoid slow play and trying to lay traps unless you really know what you are doing, most of the time these tactics just let your opponent have a cheap look at the next card which could make his hand a winner.

5. Change your tactics as the game goes on
As players are knocked out, hands that you would have been folding in the early stages become more attractive so you should start to consider lesser hands, especially in late position in the dealing. This has the added advantage of unsettling your opponents who have become used to seeing you folding almost every hand.

6. Don't go all-in
Your aim is to get into the final three so that you're in the money. Don't go all-in unless you know that you have the best hand. There's no harm in putting an opponent who's short stacked all-in though, take the opportunity to get rid of any players you can from the game.

Being successful in online poker tournaments is relatively simple (although I am still trying to be the best), you just need to have a plan and have the patience and strength of character to sick to it.

Cheers...

24 Hours stores/ shops closed?? No..no..no..

Woke up this morning and was listening to the radio and was alarmed to hear the headlines in the News Straits Times that said that 24 hours stores and shops to be closed.
Their argument being that it will save electricity and will reduce the 'lepak' culture . Wow, dont you think that is a little over the top?

According to the Wikipedia, " Mamak stalls tend to be popular among Malaysian youths as hang out spots, due to cheap food and beverages being served as well as being open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The mamak stall has been etched permanently into Malaysian culture, much in part because of its ubiquitous nature. The mamak stall is very much a melting pot of cultures, a symbol of multiracial harmony. People of all races, religions and ages frequent mamak stalls to gossip or catch a late-night football game while enjoying a cup of hot teh tarik or Milo Ais. No other eatery has quite as much cultural significance in Malaysia, save for the kopi tiam."

The Mamak is deffinately no where close to al fresco dining as it is a sidewalk hangout spot, the mamak stall has become a permanent fixture in many parts of Malaysia, especially within the state of Selangor, particularly in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya. It is eminently popular among teenagers and young adults who look at these stalls as a clean (up to one's discretion) and safe place to gather with friends to while the night away. One can call it an option to clubs and bars, or rather the only option after the clubs and bars are closed. On the other hand, we are certain that it has brought about a new city trend, a uniquely Malaysian culture, one that demonstrates the fact that cities like Kuala Lumpur, never really go to sleep.

The 24 hours convenient stores are there for a reason. Many of these stores are fully equipped with almost all the necessary product ranging from electronics, Engine Oils, car accessories, daily products such as soap, facial wash, sanitary and so on, food, junk food, drinks, emergency/ medical products ranging from plaster, panadols, antiseptics and so on! These days, petrol station stores also have a mini dining area with hot foods, just to name a few are fresh DIY hot dogs, instant noodles corner, pastries, and more. The reason, these stores are open are to ensure that people's needs are being met and that in case of an emergency that are places one can go to, to seek help or grab a quick bite when one is hungry.

These stores also cater to people that are driving long distance or traveling on the road at late hours at night or wee in the morning. These places allow one to rest and relax while on a long journey. Not only catering for people that are on the road at odd times but also cater to the people that work on a 24 hour shift.

Here is a scenario to ponder upon, "One finishes work at 3 am, and wants to grab a bite as he/ she is hungry. But with all the shops closed at this hour one has no other choice but to head back home immediately with a hungry stomach. On top of that, one needs to go to bed with an empty stomach which in the long run may cause gastritis."

Therefore, I think these store/ stalls should be left alone and not be closed down. Shutting them down only means, removing a distinctive Malaysian Culture. Who are we with no culture??


Cheers...

Mobile Advertising Crucial to Reaching Consumers in Economic Downturn

Woke up this morning and I was listening to the morning crew. They asked a question, "What would you do in an Economic Downturn?" Callers were calling and sharing their thoughts and views. A lady called saying that she will cycle to work to save on fuel and to get a great work out first thing in the morning. A guy called and said that we would car pool or even move to a neighbourhood closer to work. Another said she will become a vegetarian and consume less rice. A lot of them said that they will cut down on shopping for clothes, and electronics such as television, computers and so on.
The irony of it all, no one mentioned about reducing the usage of the mobile phones. I was reading this article and realised the power of mobile advertising as it is crucial to reaching its consumers in this economic downturn. Everyone is cutting down on all other expenses but none have thought about reducing the usage of a mobile phone. Hence, almost everyone owns a mobile phone and with registered users details, targeted mobile advertising will be able to take place.

SMS are affordable and maybe its the next best thing! Woo hoo...

Sadden By Discrimination

It was a beautiful Saturday morning, the sun was up, the birds were chirping (haha don't think I even saw a bird that day) but it was a sunny morning. My boyfriend and I decided to make a trip to Genthing Highlands. So we frove up there just the two of us. As we reached, parking was hard to get as it was a school holiday, on top of that it was also a weekend. But we manage to get parking after going round in circles.

The day was chilly and we head inside to 'make some money :o)' We walked about trying to scan the scene to see which will be our lucky table. I only gambled once before this and this was going to be my 2nd one! So I didnt want to rush into anything and loose my money. We walked about for a good half an hour before I sat down at Mini Dice. I manage to pick up the game as I had no idea what / how to play the game. Almost clueless but I observed the game before I tried my hand in making some money. Made some money, I told myself its time to leave a happy women!! hahaha

We walked about more just to see all the different tables that were opened that day. I came across some strange gambling tables. Just to name you a few, Pontoon, Three Picture and Three Card Poker and many more. To some these are the normal gambling tables but I has no clue what these were. All sounded alien to me! So I was on a mission to find out what these games were. There was an information counter there and I was ditermined to find out how to play these games so I could try my luck. I went to the counter and there was this Chinese lady standing behind the counter and explaining to a couple. There were brochures there on the table and I picked it up to read up on the games there. There were sample cards explaining the game too. I decided to briefly ask her on the samples that were shown on the table. To my surprise, the lady looked at me and smiled and completely ignored my question. Thinking she may have not heard my question, I repeated the question. This time, she completley ignored me and continued speaking to the other couple that was there. I was pissed as hell and decided to walk way! Now not only I had no clue what these weird games were, I was disciminated by the Customer Service personel!!! I think this is very bad reputation for the reputation of Genthing Highlands. Known for its world class Casino, I think they should put in more resources in hiring someone that speaks English and not only Chinese as it says CUSTOMER SERVICE !!!!