tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55537382012-01-26T00:57:52.788+08:00I tell you... one day... one day...Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.comBlogger1901100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-63220489113816891442012-01-18T19:16:00.002+08:002012-01-18T19:19:07.323+08:00

Moving on...After 5 and half years in Asian lands working for a management consulting Firm, I am now moving on to the more moderate weather of San Francisco.There, I will be joining Kii Capital - a micro-VC fund - as a Managing Partner.Posts will become more geeky...oh yes, they will.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-32640714688491120502009-01-05T23:55:00.004+08:002009-01-06T00:14:27.234+08:00

A new blog: Rushed - The Accidental Business TravelerAs activity on nein has come close to a stand-still, please check out my new more focused blog: Rushed - The Accidental Business Traveler

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-53752913938655639032008-09-15T20:20:00.003+08:002008-09-15T20:23:46.440+08:00

Married Lives: A new projectV and I have started a new project called Married Lives. V will write in Chinese and in English (or so she says) and I will write mostly in English and some Portuguese.It will talk about our lives... together... that's it.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-77577397199508712382008-08-26T15:22:00.001+08:002008-08-26T15:23:51.107+08:00

An article I really liked on the OlympicsThree encounters that showed what the Games meant to China

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-21512337895105913782008-08-25T13:23:00.004+08:002008-08-25T14:50:55.824+08:00

It's over - final impressions and lessons-learntWell, the Olympics are over. Just wanted to share some final impressions and lessons learnt.Final impressionsA great spectacle and fantastic way for China to "open" to the world. Many of the events produced amazing results (world records, olympic records), new heroes(e.g. Phelps) and quite some drama (e.g. Taekwondo's last day).Most of the new

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-6851031048616943922008-08-23T22:45:00.006+08:002008-08-23T23:32:50.807+08:00

Controversy and disgrace in Taekwondo heavyweight boutsWell, what a day it was. Great bouts and fantastic Men's over 80 Kg final between Greece (the Goliath) and Korea (the David). David won, but there were some/one unhappy greek(s) that threw some bottles in and I am sure should have been detained by security, if security wasn't too shocked just looking at him and not doing anything.Yet, I

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-44897656135328127092008-08-23T01:39:00.004+08:002008-08-23T02:15:40.816+08:00

Of Basketball and other thingsWell, after watching the Men's Quarter-finals and today the Semi-finals, I can say I am impressed.Men's Basketball has evolved significantly since I started watching in 86/88 and today there are strong teams all round: Spain, Lithuania and Argentina at the fore-front, but solid teams such as Greece and Australia, and future hopes such as China. I am also sure that

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-31091952833767935952008-08-19T22:54:00.003+08:002008-08-19T23:17:22.844+08:00

When the most exciting moment of the session is changing seats... something is wrongWhat a boring session. The women's basketball quarter-finals 1st session with the matches between China and Byelorussia, and Australia and Czech Republic, were painfully boring. Granted that China is playing well and Australia has a great team - although today it really didn't impress me. Please note that the

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-61756631235412572862008-08-19T13:41:00.001+08:002008-08-19T13:41:36.316+08:00

after complaining. It's a security seat so fingers crossed on security letting me stay here.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-4250580669951919932008-08-19T13:31:00.001+08:002008-08-19T13:31:04.046+08:00

How can they call this a seat? It's in a passage way between sections and is not even a category c but is a b. Shame on whoever did this.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-24036930068618017212008-08-17T13:50:00.002+08:002008-08-17T14:02:40.705+08:00

The two most interesting events I have attended so farGoing into the 2 week, it's important to recognize the two most interesting events I have been to. Specifically:- Beach volley: the atmosphere, the fun you have as part of the audience is quite unique. Adding to that, the quality of the players and the quasi-individual battle of one against the other. I know it's teams but it's as close as it

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-34693169748015430432008-08-14T21:46:00.002+08:002008-08-14T21:53:27.597+08:00

10 predictions until end of the Games- Nadal will not win Olympic gold.- Phelps will get his 8 gold medals.- US will win both Men's and Women's Basketball competitions.- China will win all 4 gold medals in table tennis - the two in teams and the two in singles.- China will be number 1 in gold medals and total medals.- The Athletics 100 meters world record will be beaten.- Liu Xiang will not win

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-51986112976843442852008-08-14T21:41:00.002+08:002008-08-14T21:45:08.410+08:00

Federer is outFederer was just beaten in 2 sets by Blake. Americans rejoice with their last shot at a medal in the Male competition and for the Swiss the remainder of the competition is in doubles.What a bad year for this guy. Truly amazing how this amazing player went from clearly best to absolutely beatable. As Courier once said when asked "It's all in the mind".

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-23844450641280116352008-08-14T21:39:00.002+08:002008-08-14T21:40:51.450+08:00

End of Olympic bloggingGiven a lower number of hits than I expect as well as no comments (yes, yes), I decided it would be more useful to spend the rest of the Olympics organizing photos and videos I take from the events than to spend much time on blogging.I will be posting some stuff, but not as meticulously as before.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-43948551965291301192008-08-12T14:15:00.003+08:002008-08-12T14:25:30.255+08:00

Some random updates- In Beach Volleyball, men world champions Rogers/Dalhauser from the US made for a good come-back after losing their first match. They won the second comfortably agains Heyer/Heuscher from Switzerland. In women, the Chinese double Tian Jia/Wang are doing well, thank you very much, although they lost the first set agains the Belgium pair.- In Tennis, Venus and Serena are through

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-3098828196682544202008-08-12T14:09:00.002+08:002008-08-12T14:14:53.655+08:00

The US-China Basketball thingWell, there was eager anticipation in knowing how China would fare against the US and at home in both the Women and Men's competitions. The answer was unequivocal: not well. In Men, the US won by 31 points (101-70). Amongst accusations of arrogance from the American team (arrogance ?!), Mike K - the American coach - replied that the Americans dunked so much because

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-62780824739563195092008-08-12T13:37:00.006+08:002008-08-12T14:09:31.087+08:00

Tennis on August 11thI watched three matches at the evening session - all of which at Centre Court.Venus Williams looked confidant in beating Timea Bacsinszky 6-3, 6-2. There were some good exchanges but pretty much one-way traffic.Robby Ginepri was not able to keep up with Novak Djokovic for long in a straight set loss 4-6, 4-6. Robby seemed at times to have enough game for Djokovic but then he

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-24612476372504905042008-08-11T19:02:00.001+08:002008-08-11T19:02:32.099+08:00

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-87383379236535873992008-08-10T12:34:00.003+08:002008-08-10T17:49:27.364+08:00

Getting into the Olympic event sitesNot too bad, although there are two clear security areas - one to do thorough checking and the other one just for tickets. Still some strange procedures that make them take away any liquids and in particular some pills (they took some medicinal pills that looked just the same as normal pills and let us kept some pain killers). The reason they gave us on the

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-16088997786751423572008-08-10T12:24:00.003+08:002008-08-10T17:48:11.388+08:00

Women's basketball: Latvia vs. RussiaThis was supposed to be a tight affair and although the basketball quality varied quite dramatically throughout the game, it ended up leaving up to its expectations.The game was actually the tale of two women - both Latvians - and a team - the Russian one. - The Latvians have Anete Jekabsone-Zogota has their key star, who had just scored 34 points agains the

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-56761799674189595302008-08-10T12:14:00.004+08:002008-08-10T17:31:59.761+08:00

Women's Basketball: USA vs. Czech RepublicI had warned V that the exciting match was coming later (Latvia vs. Russia) and unfortunately I was right. The Czechs started well being in advance 10-2 and the 13-4, but then the Americans woke up. Initially led by a low scoring, yet strong presence Lisa Leslie (2 points, 10 rebounds in the match) and a "Jordan like" Diana Taurasi (17 points, 54% field

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-74574439572248538802008-08-10T12:07:00.008+08:002008-08-10T17:12:54.518+08:00

Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium: first impressionsThe newly built Basketball Gymnasium is beautiful from the outside although probably less eye-catching that its brothers the National Stadium ("Birds nest") and National Aquatics Center ("Water cube").Inside there is a functional Basketball gym with displays at both ends - the classical ones with names of players, fouls, points, etc - and

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-74864488877598324612008-08-09T16:19:00.004+08:002008-08-09T16:22:05.731+08:00

It's funny...That the Chinese Basketball team is sponsored by Nike while Spain is sponsored by ... Li-Ning.Well, China just won the Female match by 67-64 and Torrens from Spain stood out with 20 points and an amazing performance. Shame for Spain that the rest of the team couldn't strongly follow suit.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-76913422945015322152008-08-09T00:10:00.002+08:002008-08-09T00:18:56.388+08:00

Opening: the best ever?In my humble opinion, the one to beat was Barcelona with the amazing artistically innovative acts, the unique lighting of the flame and great performances (the anticipation of the Caballe-Mercury duet did not realize itself given Mercury's death, but that song is still in our mind). Was this enough to beat it?The acts were quite amazing and more accessible than in previous

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-39280737514293091242008-08-08T17:45:00.003+08:002008-08-08T17:50:21.405+08:00

The Opening... almost thereWe are all waiting in deep anticipation for the Opening ceremony in just little more than 2 hours. Despite the rumors of security threats, the hassle of tremendous measures that literally will close out Beijing within the first 3 ring roads from the outside (in some parts even to the 4th ring road)... despite not being able to go to the places where we were going to

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-34040249090059640182008-08-07T21:45:00.003+08:002008-08-07T22:38:44.653+08:00

Olympics start tomorrow... not reallyWell, the opening ceremony is tomorrow, but the Olympics started yesterday with the Football competitions for Women (yesteday) and Men (today).China has done ok with a good win over Sweden in Women's football and a last-minute draw with New Zealand in Men (thanks to CCTV I thought for a part of the match they were playing Australia). The big story is the

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-77754293171867264552008-08-06T21:15:00.001+08:002008-08-06T21:15:31.837+08:00

Overall great experience albeit pricey. Service started bad but improved dramatically. Food is extremely good by beijing standards.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-61489928800327572792008-08-05T17:20:00.001+08:002008-08-05T17:20:12.357+08:00

My firm was nice enough to give me these. It was worth the waiting.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-247742685699795682008-08-05T16:38:00.003+08:002008-08-05T16:42:36.898+08:00

Remember "Thoughts"?This was my website that started it all for me... the "digital storytelling days". You can now see it at http://web.archive.org/web/20010509190654/mega.ist.utl.pt/~njsgp/Ok, poor web-design, Flash object that would make you cry (or laugh or both)... "How much more 'Mickey mouse' can you get?" - you are probably thinking.Now people... it was the 90s so give me (and Miguel) some

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-33079761910756067312008-08-05T16:03:00.003+08:002008-08-05T16:18:26.993+08:00

Because I told you so...I just went through another one of those "why do I have to travel so much?" episodes. While going through security at the KL International Airport on my way back to Beijing, I was stopped by security who told me "Sir, you cannot bring these liquids on board since you are going to Beijing".I looked at him straight-faced and with early signs of rage."- Sorry?! These flasks

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-16079025935870885812008-08-03T10:59:00.001+08:002008-08-03T11:00:18.308+08:00

Beijing weather revisitedIn the past three days or so, Beijing weather has been quite amazing with blue skies and overall very sunny.A good omen for the weeks to come... or so we all hope.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-86297364134356423832008-08-02T21:06:00.006+08:002008-08-02T21:28:06.760+08:00

Mali is not that bad after all, until... I was just watching the China-Mali game for the Diamond Ball Female Basketball tournament and was pleasantly surprised with how close Mali was keeping to the Chinese team as illustrated below.But then... but then, the Chinese started playing real Basketball and the game ended 91-67. Why am I interested? Well, I will be watching USA vs. Mali during the

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-14105841970480046682008-08-02T20:02:00.001+08:002008-08-02T20:05:31.570+08:00

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-54366110011701007032008-08-02T19:32:00.001+08:002008-08-02T19:36:30.255+08:00

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-4747913214930753552008-08-02T19:17:00.003+08:002008-08-02T19:28:56.422+08:00

Disclaimer on my "coverage" of the OlympicsFirst of all, I am not going to cover anything. I will most likely have fun and in the process "blog" about it. I am not a journalist and have no aspirations of being one. That said, I will bring to those that read nein (not that many, are you?), my views on the Olympics, the events, the people, the nightlife, etc.A couple of disclaimers so we are all

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-76631324687909470652008-08-02T19:01:00.003+08:002008-08-02T19:15:42.169+08:00

Less than 1 week to go... the soft previewLess than 1 week to go to the Olympics and here goes the list of events I will be attending:- 9th: Basketball Female evening session (yes, US is in it)- 10th: Beach Volleyball Male and Female preliminary sessions- 11th: Tennis evening sessions- 12th: Artistic Gymnastics - Male team finals- 12th: Beach Volleyball Male and Female preliminary sessions-

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-89722757750674161632008-07-28T12:17:00.004+08:002008-07-28T12:27:16.266+08:00

Beijing today- Weather is not good at all and there is smog all over town. Although we have had some good clear sky sunny days recently, recently the weather has been quite bad.- Traffic is a bit improved but not dramatically (1). It may have to do with people like me and others renting two cars and thus having no real reduction in effective traffic.- Traffic ... (2): Given the Olympic lanes in

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-60423473413179410502008-07-12T15:56:00.005+08:002008-07-28T12:31:45.504+08:00

The girls... all grown upKima, you already know. The other one is Molly.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-7565191332345809422008-07-12T15:42:00.003+08:002008-07-12T15:47:12.661+08:00

My favourite restaurants and club in BeijingRestaurants: - Chinese - Da Dong or Duck de Chine for Peking Duck, depending on whether you want to go Beijing classic or high-end. I love Silk Route for Sichuan food... there's a couple more but don't remember the names ;-) - Fusion - My Humble House for Asian fusion; Salt for ... fusion. - American - Chef Too for good steaks (and food in general) and

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-84470185427992499842008-07-10T10:17:00.004+08:002008-07-28T12:27:00.391+08:00

The hassle that has begun... will continueWell, these stories have been widely publicized so I won't go in detail into them... Basically, from making sure dogs are legal to more thorough Visa applications, we have seen it all in Beijing in the past few months.Now comes the really tough measure that we all knew was going to happen: limitation on cars circulating in town. For 2 months - from July

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-10873247788068993112008-07-10T10:13:00.002+08:002008-07-10T10:15:42.970+08:00

Coverage of the Olympics... right hereI have plenty of tickets for the Beijing Olympics and will be attending many events from Basketball to Handball, Tennis, Football, Table tennis, Beach Volleyball, Athletics, etc. On top of that... I live in town :-)I will try to post some observations during this period so check this space.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-60349717623789014482008-04-27T19:00:00.004+08:002008-08-05T16:29:20.662+08:00

... and when departing 1. Find out what your terminal is! 16 or so airlines have moved to Terminal 3. One rule of thumb is that Skyteam (AirFrance, KLM, etc) is in Terminal 2, while Star Alliance (Air China, Thai, Singapore Air, etc) and Oneworld (BA, JAL, Cathay, etc) are in Terminal 3. While this rule might hold true, don't trust it! Always check.Terminal 22. Check-in smartly! If traveling in

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-57659219250190458392008-04-27T18:24:00.003+08:002008-04-27T19:00:00.306+08:00

A couple of things that might help when landing in Beijing Capital International airport... for those visiting during Olympics and others (international flights only)Terminal 2 :1. Have your paper(s) ready! The landing card is also stuck with the departing card these days. If you are just visiting for a few days, fill-in both while on the flight and make sure you got everything right. Keep your

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-30098499978572444402008-03-16T20:19:00.000+08:002008-03-16T20:20:00.371+08:00

When a concierge shows you the secret places in the city you live in, either you have found a great concierge service or you haven't spent enough time at home

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-30063947225643175672008-03-15T22:16:00.001+08:002008-03-15T22:17:09.313+08:00

The Singapore skyline

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-9877511370995722702008-03-15T22:11:00.001+08:002008-03-15T22:12:15.960+08:00

...not as glamorous as one would think. 130 flights last year... A record not to beat.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-10460172512400817292008-03-15T21:50:00.001+08:002008-03-15T22:06:57.255+08:00

There she is. Kima, the baby

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-76358597462702502672008-03-13T16:55:00.003+08:002008-03-13T16:57:35.334+08:00

HappinessWhile happiness is at times elusive, it can also be perfect in its showing. We typically ignore it in those moments and sigh for happiness to come... Fools as we may be, it is there and it is ours to grab.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-71489636018714531182007-07-18T13:49:00.000+08:002007-07-18T13:56:36.952+08:00

Re-evaluating lifeSo let's re-evaluate my life from where I was some months ago (when I decided to close the blog):> - don't like the city I'm supposed to live in;I like it much more now due to something that happened (see below). Have actually found myself thinking of Beijing more and more as my home ... albeit a strange one.> - have metaphysical doubts about the work I do;Well, the doubts

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-68182530463122045582007-07-18T13:44:00.000+08:002007-07-18T13:48:46.787+08:00

The comeback... no, it wasn't just hypeWell, you asked for it (at least one person did :-) ) and so I've decided that nein.blogspot which "no longer was", is now back again.Truth be told, I missed writing on this blog. Granted that myotherfakeme.blogspot will continue, but it has a different "feel" and rhythm to it...

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-15640783428605827542007-04-08T22:38:00.000+08:002007-04-08T22:49:35.332+08:00

The last postWell, this is the last one. I still have things I want to write about, but have decided to close this chapter ... Or small book.No more appropriate time than Easter. Having participated in the Vigil yesterday in Singapore, I did feel as if was being reborn. Not in a "revolutionary" way, but steadily throughout the cerimony I felt different.Maybe this is it... A new phase... One I

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-61035083744760689422007-03-11T23:28:00.000+08:002007-03-11T21:39:23.151+08:00

About someone else...Although I write mostly about myself or always trying to come from my own perspective, I've normally found myself looking at others and trying to make sense of what they do, how they interact.I call it "modern anthropology", but it's basically just spending time in restaurants, bars, clubs looking at other people... and, more often than not, looking at girls/women.What still

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-28171167745625375932007-03-11T21:28:00.001+08:002007-03-11T21:40:49.946+08:00

Smile more!I was in a reasonably intensive training last week and it was mostly focused on leadership. The key finding: I should smile more.At this time, some of you will smile or even laugh thinking "One whole week of training and that was the key thing?"Well, yes, but what an important thing it really is.I have tried it after I left the training ... even in my own personal life and I've seen

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-9321483608903893982007-03-10T13:22:00.000+08:002007-03-11T21:24:18.992+08:00

Hummingbirds do flyOh yes, they do. Or so I've been told.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-20642024555999294362007-02-23T18:36:00.000+08:002007-02-23T18:38:33.968+08:00

Ordinary People by John LegendThis song doesn't remind me of any situation in particular, but the music (the piano, oh the piano) with these lyrics just elevate me when I listen to it... over and over again.----------------------------------Girl im in love with you This ain't the honeymoon Past the infatuation phase Right in the thick of love At times we get sick of love It seems like we argue

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-54766464432526840312007-02-23T13:27:00.000+08:002007-02-23T13:25:49.058+08:00

And still thinking of...

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-56508435756677576422007-02-22T13:19:00.000+08:002007-02-22T13:17:21.606+08:00

Or is it jet-lagged? Humm, still pretty comfy

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-59639280362837162512007-02-22T08:49:00.000+08:002007-02-22T08:51:53.125+08:00

Series: 3rd Rock from the Sun6 incredible series and we learnt what being human is all about. Oh, the stupidity of it all... yet, we found the comedy in our own very human actions and responsibilities. All of this through the eyes of 4 (sometimes more) aliens.A classic in comedy. A fantastic criticism on what makes us all... human.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-50478388871459278622007-02-04T21:00:00.000+08:002007-02-04T21:07:19.683+08:00

Series: Studio 60 on the Sunset StripAnd Aaron Sorkin does it again. After the incredible West Wing, he is back to do with the counter-power of media and television, what he previously did with politics.Fantastic cast of actors and actresses: some that we know from the West Wing and others that we simply know... Matthew Perry (Matt) from Friends is the flagship example.Tremendously sharp

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-58898569937409107492007-02-03T23:23:00.000+08:002007-02-03T23:27:22.996+08:00

Acrobat by U2Don't believe what you hear Don't believe what you see If you just close your eyes You can feel the enemy When I first met you girl You had fire in your soul What happened your face Of melting in snow Now it looks like this And you can swallow Or you can spit You can throw it up Or choke on it And you can dream So dream out loud You know that your time is coming 'round So don't let

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-4524856140138163032007-01-29T10:07:00.000+08:002007-01-29T10:09:16.769+08:00

Faith by Czesław MiłoszThis poem was dedicated to me by my great friend Gorod. I really like it.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-44590542302676353502007-01-27T22:59:00.000+08:002007-01-27T23:00:29.381+08:00

New blogHave decided to create a new blog... My other fake me. Check it out.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-44669115483328755132007-01-27T22:46:00.000+08:002007-01-27T22:53:24.402+08:00

A wii exerciseWell, I bought a Wii. I really couldn't resist it after peer pressure and also I found the whole thing let's say a bit ... goofy, which is good.To convince myself, I kept saying that unlike the PS3 - my more serious game playing machine - this would become my exercise unit at home.After a couple of issues (bought the Japanese version... stupid me), I did finally get it to work and

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-40649196260056405982007-01-25T23:01:00.000+08:002007-01-27T23:10:29.449+08:00

Film: Babel Inarritu does it again: a movie with inter-linked stories that come together in tragic yet meaningful ways. So what's new? Not much and that's the problem. Mind you, the movie is beautiful, some of the interpretations like that of the Morrocan peasant and his children are mesmerizing, the Japanese story is really well constructed - exceptional moments like the one in the disco with

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-3302835562742003682007-01-22T21:32:00.000+08:002007-01-22T09:36:10.949+08:00

Of love, being faithful and getting someone back in "The Last Kiss""I love her, Stephen. I realize now I love her more than I will ever love anybody else""Stop talking about love. Every asshole in the world says he loves somebody. It means nothing""But it's true""It still doesn't mean anything. What you feel only matters to you. It's what you do to the people you say you love, that's what matters

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-29209134725173623712007-01-16T23:48:00.000+08:002007-01-16T20:23:19.850+08:00

Film: The QueenWhat an exquisite film. First, very well defined story-line and characters that we can all relate to: a superbly tight story that has all the ingredients for a melo-drama/comedy.Then, the interpretations, but one more than any other: Helen Mirren. What an astonishing performance. An Oscar-worthy one, I would dare say. Or at least one that will be reminded like Jodie Foster in Nell

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-71855082868836145702007-01-12T23:58:00.000+08:002007-01-12T11:06:45.753+08:00

Reverent hesitating gestures by GorodAnd he does it again ... My friend Gorod with this exquisite post."Looking in each other's eyes is touching"... hummm... now I feel semi-depressed. Don't know quite why though.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-42793906783039381532007-01-11T08:42:00.000+08:002007-01-12T15:37:36.869+08:00

Signs you might be in love or on the verge of* You say stupid things you weren't meant to say and you aren't even drunk.* You try and create opportunities to talk / email / text her that are tremendously lame, in fact "Homer" lame.* You fall a sleep with extreme difficulty and wake up at odd hours and can't go back to sleep again... all this and there isn't any more jet lag to blame.* You write

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-87405221689291501332007-01-09T22:29:00.000+08:002007-01-12T15:36:11.574+08:00

What I got on my "style of seduction" quizDisclaimer: I do not agree with the findings the very least... I am actually shocked.------------

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-78730813623184218222007-01-06T14:45:00.000+08:002007-01-06T14:54:27.682+08:00

Public apologyWell, just wanted to publicly apologize to my great friend J. I missed his birthday on January 2nd and would just like to say happy birthday to him and apologize for having missed the date.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-12769657465809219282007-01-05T22:47:00.000+08:002007-01-06T14:53:49.589+08:00

Film: The Good ShepherdWhat a movie!Fantastic cast: Matt Damon at an exceptional level and even Angelina Jolie (not a fan) behaving like a prime actress.Tone and pace: light, slow. I have to confess I fell asleep yesterday while trying to watch it the first time, but I blame it on my jet lag. It all makes sense.Direction: de Niro as a Director achieves great heights with this tale of espionage,

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-31202029503930054322007-01-05T06:53:00.000+08:002007-01-05T06:59:15.030+08:00

Home ... -8 degress of it and of losing weightBack home, everything - or almost - is white, -8 degress outside... 25 degrees or so inside and the clear notion of a new year with some good resolutions (they are always good aren't they?) and also some resolve to put them in practice.Losing weight has been the first on the "project plan" and so far so good: strong drive, not feeling overly "lost" in

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-83519799118327157052006-12-31T09:36:00.001+08:002006-12-31T09:36:14.853+08:00

It's what i'm brutally good at: observing people, knowing their stories (bartenders, club managers, consumers and even 'bosses'), mix and match as i call it. Got several drinks for free tonight that prove it, attended a staff meeting at a club as well... The theme was me.Qed

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-1236645698192031572006-12-27T19:35:00.000+08:002006-12-28T19:35:42.200+08:00

Today I start!!!

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-23443734699511012822006-12-26T00:14:00.000+08:002006-12-26T00:13:49.364+08:00

'You smell good' 
'You taste good'
'Are you trying to get into my pants already?'
'I wouldn't say that'
'Is that because I'm wearing a skirt?'
'Probably'

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-17251773823035468372006-12-25T00:49:00.001+08:002006-12-25T00:49:27.318+08:00

Family together, tears of happiness and joy. . . And presents, of course.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-28106850335802780512006-12-24T03:47:00.001+08:002006-12-24T03:47:01.130+08:00

Stopped. Simply stopped. Crossing fingers by now.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-75252487775835975602006-12-23T21:00:00.000+08:002006-12-23T20:59:43.729+08:00

You must have heard of the mess at heathrow already: tents outside the terminals, you need to wait outside etc. Today my knowledge of heathrow paid up. Went in through the queens building between terminals 1 and 2, going to the business center and finally got to zone r for the ba executive club check-in. Felt proud at the end and my latin genes once again felt alive with such wits.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-24609416799791207052006-12-23T06:08:00.000+08:002006-12-23T06:07:58.604+08:00

The picture is not from fifty per se but anyway. Still my urban safari. Still this strange place where the club manager argues with me on which women are of negotiable affections and which are not. The place where you need to spend too much money to sit at a table at the club and maria just gets it to me for the price of a gin and tonic. Cool

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-76521045947010505432006-12-23T04:29:00.001+08:002006-12-23T04:29:18.018+08:00

I want to vent. I have now been in london for a couple of days and how i love this city. Why isn't my new home as nice? Why doesn't it have this glamour? Why can't girls be as nice (nice i said)? Why can't clubs be as fun and relaxed? Why can't i have fun when and how i want to as i do in london? Cognitive dissonance would say a friend of mine. Bastard, i would tell him.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-56714328423555721692006-12-23T04:09:00.001+08:002006-12-23T04:09:20.389+08:00

Ok, they left me a couple of presents in true christmas style. The service is perfect, but the pillows: four of two different where all combinations do not work. With three it becomes too high and with two it becomes too low. Come on guys, just get it right so i can enjoy my jet-lag.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-12537345922733548522006-12-23T03:34:00.001+08:002006-12-23T03:34:15.255+08:00

Cold, foggy, but oh so "civilized"

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-10920133903694879132006-12-19T00:00:00.001+08:002006-12-19T00:00:02.397+08:00

And he looked once again and wished this time it would be more than a 'meet and leave'. While watching her, he had lost all sense of self once again. Through the corner of his eye he saw her and between his fingers he tried not to lose her

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-72994006707794306422006-12-17T00:52:00.000+08:002006-12-17T01:12:10.595+08:00

UnfriendlyI have been slightly unfriendly in the last few days or rather reclusive: I don't make the effort to talk much to people around me; don't try being too nice.Just today I had the office Christmas party and I wasn't down, sad or whatever, but just didn't care too much about the people around me. I did interact, but not strongly, not in a strong way. Yet, I had the feeling people wanted to

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-40020127817488000572006-12-16T23:21:00.001+08:002006-12-16T23:21:22.512+08:00

There it is. I know the time would come

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-74720215156619596992006-12-14T16:29:00.000+08:002006-12-14T20:20:35.119+08:00

P.S.: This is my first "mobile blog" post, courtesy of Blogger and SonyEricsson with its K800i. Just from the different format of title you will know which is mobile and which is let's say "more" fixed :-)

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-62084398496139273212006-12-11T00:55:00.000+08:002006-12-11T23:56:30.796+08:00

A quote by James Thurber"It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers."That's basically what I need... less answers and more questions?

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-38918146496262407472006-12-11T00:47:00.000+08:002006-12-10T23:11:03.159+08:00

Short story: Non-fiction writing"Romeo y Julieta. No. 1 de Luxe""Yes, sir""Oh and a Kaipirinha. Brazil-style, please""Sorry, sir?!""Forget it. You wouldn't understand"He wouldn't.I sat down and started writing something about the New Year and suddenly it hit me: why not write something fictional about this situation? why not write it in the first person.I sipped the Kaipirinha."Not bad. Actually

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-40375641760387281442006-12-10T21:58:00.000+08:002006-12-10T23:07:37.104+08:00

In anticipation of a new yearIn anticipation of the new year, here go my resolutions:* Lose massive amount of weight by:--- leading a healthy life--- exercising ... at least once in a while--- eating properly and stop pretending you are eating healthy* Make new friends--- stop whining about "London was it!". It was, but that's beyond the point--- step out of your comfort zone* Get closer to God--

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-8482825828027346132006-12-09T21:55:00.000+08:002006-12-10T21:58:10.077+08:00

A new startA re-invigorated start to everything. No more crying for small losses, no regrets for minor decisions in the past.No tension, no ansiety, no far-fetched personal objectives.One day at a time, a cliched "Carpe Diem".No search for anyone, no wait for anyone, no sense of loss for what is not worthile.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-1165417899567121752006-12-07T00:46:00.000+08:002006-12-10T23:07:54.171+08:00

The 100th postI could tell you about the experience of running a blog since 2003 and actually after a failed start in the late 90s.I could summarize my adventures in the last few years and how my life has changed.I could tell you about my exceptional friends who have been patient enough to put up with me (quite an achievement, I might add).But no... I have decided to tell you about the most

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-1165335875032984692006-12-06T00:11:00.000+08:002006-12-10T22:05:46.656+08:00

Beautiful eyes?I've let myself gain substantial weight over the years. In my stay in Paris and then back home several years I picked up 20 kilos and "never looked back". I can't really say I have ever done a proper diet because mostly (I thought) I never wanted to.The last 3 years didn't help: various girlfriends, all very beautiful and for some time I have tried not to think too much about my

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-1165291348012869322006-12-05T23:59:00.000+08:002006-12-10T22:06:00.943+08:00

Saturday after dinner and Sunday after brunch

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-1165292003517202232006-12-05T22:05:00.000+08:002006-12-10T22:06:10.773+08:00

Film: Quatre EtoilesA great French comedy... one that I truly laughed to (with) in my latest flight. After "Le diner de cons" which is a truly superb comedy, this one follows in the same line: situational comedy at its best - French style; likeable characters and a hint of humanity that makes us all enjoy it.The story is not that complex, but it works end-to-end. Isabelle Carré playing Franssou

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-1165243977612685372006-12-04T22:46:00.000+08:002006-12-10T22:06:27.259+08:00

Somewhere only we know by KeaneI walked across an empty land,I knew the pathway like the back of my hand.I felt the earth beneath my feet,Sat by the river and it made me complete.Oh, simple thing, where have you gone?I'm getting old and I need something to rely on.So tell me when you're gonna let me in,I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin.I came across a fallen tree,I felt the branches

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-1165598710144473742006-12-04T01:24:00.000+08:002006-12-11T15:59:46.218+08:00

Of prostitutes and puntersHe looked around..."What the hell is this?"There were girls around him and he felt disgusted. He felt disgusted as part of human kind. For the people. That people that care.... No matter what.The girls were moving as if there was something expected in return...After 10 minutes...10 minutes too long. He went to his room. Alone. He felt as if he had been left alone and

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-1165242742345654302006-12-03T22:28:00.000+08:002006-12-10T22:06:38.421+08:00

Film: SlummingWhat can I say to describe this movie?A guy, well two guys who try to play God once in a while in the "slums" of Austria. The main one actually falls in love (I guess) and realizes what life is all about... in Indonesia (?).She - the girlfriend - tries to save a homeless guy that does not need saving (?)And that's it. I liked it. Don't know why, but liked it.

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-1164944248366379042006-12-01T20:25:00.000+08:002006-12-10T22:08:42.789+08:00

Business as usualYou leave the imposing Petronas Towers after your last meeting of the day at 11 pm.You get in car headed to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and your driver is almost falling asleep. You wake him up - or so it seems - twice.You check-in, go to the lounge and then to the gate.You try to sleep but they won't give you the immigration papers so you can take care of that and

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-1164774161930189072006-11-29T23:16:00.000+08:002006-12-10T22:12:13.553+08:00

Irrationality Playstation styleOk, ok, I've just received my Playstation 3 and this was a photo-finish. I tried to get it through several sites and finally got it almost out of desperation from YesAsia.The thing is... I really didn't need to get it. I didn't need to overpay to get it now... but I wanted it, I really wanted it.So this slight irrational behavior has led me to rethink my approach on

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5553738.post-1164729436106574432006-11-28T23:53:00.000+08:002006-12-10T22:08:27.788+08:00

Ironic?A suite upgrade at a hotel where you will only stay a couple of nights and couple of hours a night?A special message for you but it's actually for somebody else (as well as the bottle of wine to go with it)?A bottle of wine and no way to open it?Is this what Alanis would call Ironic or is it just a strange mix of good and bad luck?

Neinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16420818893676709528noreply@blogger.com3