Akubas86

Liquor in Coca-Cola

2011-09-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

The recent buzz all over news on the allegedly leakage of secret recipe confirming coca-cola(coke) containing alcohol had caused a large portion of people screaming all over the web, frantically call for the boycott of coke. If that's not all, it was said that the main culprit of the entire event of blending this mixture of booze in the coke was allegedly being pointed to the Israelites and US. However, pathetically those who claimed as such merely linking their article with those from 'The American Life' without committing themselves of further research.

I do not care whether they conduct a rally or boycott or whatever against coke. Carbonated drink, is, as a matter of facts contain a lot of sugar. In fact, it would be even better if the boycott to be extended to all carbonated drink without any bias including all manufacturer brand, even Zam-Zam cola or Radix cola.

To clarify this matter, I would like to explain chronology of the establishment of coke company. Hopefully, misunderstanding is to be avoided. Whatever that we voice should be of truth, those who doubt my fact please conduct your own research.

Before we learn the chronology of coke company, one must remember, coke company was built on the trade secret. Trade secret are secret that is kept in the company so is to avoid it from being stolen by others. Stealing of other's recipe dated back until 1900's when numerous companies established in USA. One of those companies is Coca-Cola.

Initially, the producer of 'The American Life' radio station discovered the secret recipe of coke from a local newspaper 'Atlanta Journal Constitution'. This article dated back in 1979. The producer claimed the handwriting was that of Dr John Pemberton. Pemberton is the person who created coke drink. He is veteran, due to injury suffered by him, he created drinks to overcome his 'immense addiction of cocaine'.

This original article is written by Charles Salter. He claimed his sources is a pharmacist who said to be the friend of Pemberton. This recipe was written in a notebook, which is his fortune being passed in his family.

However, there is a fatal flaw in the argument, which we will discover as we learn the history of coke companies.

Coke was initially a drink created for medication purpose. However, this drink is far from an actual medication, coke was a combo of cocaine and alcohol. This cocktail was known as Pemberton's French Wine Coca. At that time, coca wine was the most popular beverage. Ahead of the list is Vin Mariani. Coke in particular was popular within USA. Initially, Pemberton sold coke from his pharmacy. His highest sales were between 1049 gallon, which is estimably about 3000-4000 liters. His associate, working with him, Frank Mason Robinson. He work as secretary and bookkeeper for Pemberton Chemical Company. Frank Mason are the person who gave the name coca-cola and the person who wrote it in the well known Spencerian script style.

However, in 1886, alcohol is prohibited in Georgia, Atlanta. Bear in mind, although historically it is claimed alcohol prohibition in US is around 1920, there are several states implement it far earlier. Other states, such as Massachusetts implement far earlier in 1657. This force Pemberton to alter his recipe using non-alcoholic syrups substitute.

By the end of 1888, Pemberton sold his recipe to Asa G Candler for $ 2300. By this time, coca-cola was no longer a sole proprietary. Candler bought coke recipe with his share holder. Pemberton later died in 1888 leaving a son, Charles Ney Pemberton and small fortune from his initial success of coca wine.

Candler who bought the recipe was a well known real estate developer and banker. However, most important of all, he is a drugstore owner and manufacturer of patented medicine.

Upon receiving the recipe, Candler made several changes to the recipe one of the changes as I believed is to take out cocaine from the cocktail. As I mentioned earlier, in those days, drug addiction is a serious issues, Pemberton himself was allegedly claimed his drink is to soothe his immense addiction. By 1904, moral panic on drug abuse gathered by America's forced manufacturer to remove cocaine from coca-cola. Although it is believed coca leaf still remained as the ingredient. (At this point, some traditionalist believed coke has lost his glory)

Apart from the pressure, Candler also made changes so that his coke drink taste better, have longer shelf life (perhaps the intention to bottle coke) and most important of all so that his coke is unique than other in the market. Bear in mind he is a drugstore owner who is familiar with the concept of patent. However, in contrary he never patented coke, instead it remained as a trade secret. This is in fact an evidence of Candler brilliance, by doing so he ensured that coke cannot be reproduced as generic coke by other manufacturer.

Frank Mason who is mentioned earlier was part of this new coke companies and remained as one of it's director and work vigorously for it's commercialization and later retired in 1914 and died in 1923.

From this chronology, it is important to note, the recipe which is described by 'The American Life' is cannot be of Candler who is experienced in patent and choose to kept the recipe as trade secret (the whereabout of the trade secret will be discussed later).

Frank Mason joined as part of Candler companies, hence no secret leaks there. Charles Ney Pamberton, sons of John Pamberton, if to be allegedly having the secret recipe could not have obtained recipe which is later altered by Candler. The only recipe he might have is of his father.

So, the question is where are the recipe. The recipe was actually written down by Candler. This recipe is stored and well kept in the vault of a bank - SunTrust Bank.

SunTrust bank was established in atlanta back in 1891, same birthplace as coke companies and have a good relationship with coke companies. As a matter of fact, SunTrust bank underwrite the initial public offering of coke companies in 1919.

By right, this history proved coke recipe is yet unavailable in the market. Secondly, the alleged evidence of the use of alcohol could not be proven unless any of the people who had access to the bank vault (coke co. rep.) or sitting on the top echelon of coke companies revealed it. Third, the only way as I deemed as possible to reveal the truth of whether alcohol is contained in coke is via the use of chemical knowledge - Ex: The use of chromatography. Since people lie, chromatography machine don't. However, this might not provide clear evident since some ingredient might be alcoholic in nature, and if this ingredient is part of alcohol recipe it might screw up - Ex: vanilla extract.

In the end, the choice whether to boycott or to not coke is in your hand. However, the claim that the recipe has been revealed containing clear cut evidence of alcohol use is without a doubt prospoterous.

Malaysia entertainment industry....

2009-12-12T07:37:00.000-08:00

I still remember the first time I watch a movie in theater. It's a Malay movie's (Castello,depicting julie's biscuit as main cast), ever since I would say to myself never ever to bother myself to watch any other Malay movies (of course I haven't had chances to watch U-Wei movie's, some say he is maestro). I would never ever waste a single ringgit to watch a full loads of crap. Not that I sense nothing good in Malaysian made movies, it just I had sophisticated taste whenever it comes about my hobies. My officemate for instance always criticize selection of movies I watched. I had a very broad genre of movies I like to watch and I don't really had soft spot for all action movies.

Back to the point, ever since then I seldom watch Malay movies. However, recently a friend suggested me to watch anak halal. Reluctantly, I watched it, despite I thought he was actually exaggerating on how the good the movie was and so on. I kept the movie for a quite a long time. As usual, I'll spend my Saturday and Sunday watching movies. So I took out Papadom by Afdlin Shauki (afdlin movies on other hand was in its own quality, unlike typical malay movies comedy, they weren't slapstick) and anak halal.

To my astonishment, anak halal was in its own par. Nothing to compare with typical Malay movies. Anak halal definitely in my all time best malay movies list. Well, I would definitely suggest my friends who haven't watched this movie yet to try watch it. Though the dialogue is still quite rigid, frankly, as a whole it is still okay. Villain character portrayed by Zul Huzaimy and the other two guys was perfect. The movie flows is equally perfect.

Though there are still enormous void to be filled, overall, anak halal isn't too shabby. For those who craves for Remp-It, Bohsia and Impak maksima, anak halal is way better.

Beyond Big Bang...

2009-11-29T06:52:00.000-08:00

World today had yet been closer unveiling what really happened in the event of Big Bang. This is really my cup of tea. Thought I am not really well verse in physics involved in Big Bang, quantum Mechanics and Big Bang had always been my interest. Recent, development had enabled scientist to finally reenact event happened during the initial moment of Big Bang. This is perhaps the most significant achievement ever since Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson discoveries. However, these achievement was somewhat more significant since it might open the possibilities achieving what Einstein had failed - Unification of gravitational force into quantum mechanics.

Ever since Einstein challenged Newton on theory of gravitational force, Einstein was somewhat puzzled in stark differences between quantum mechanics forces and gravitational forces. His famous quotes on unpredictable qualities in quantum mechanics, the building blocks of universe, literally,

"I, at any rate, am convinced that He does not throw dice"

Physics world today face yet another dilemma, unifying all four fundamental forces into a single theory, theory of everything, the string theory.

String theory had long being an enigma to scientific community. However, as CERN unveiled the largest laboratory ever built for an experiment, we just might be able to perhaps accept this theory finally. If, the particle collider able to prove the existence of massless particle and existence of extra dimension, string theory might finally accepted.

Apostasy In Islam

2009-11-20T19:27:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I came upon a news on apostasy. As common as when we encounter on issue regarding apostasy most would find certain uneasiness mostly among non-muslim perceiving Islam as cruel for not allowing freedom on religion. I, at most, had trouble addressing on this issue. On the other hand, some more liberal Muslim said freedom of religion are fundamental tenet of Islam. As for my opinion both are equally correct and wrong to a certain degrees. Below are solely my opinion. I'm open for those who want to differ.

Undeniably, Islam proposes freedom of religion. However not to an extent as proposed by liberalist. Most liberalist claims that there is no execution for apostasy in Islam. This apologist quote words from Quran and questioning Hadith on execution to apostate in islam.

We might unable to fully understand God's mind. Thus, it's hard for us actually to question why is there death sentence for apostate. However, here I quote some of the article I read on why execution on apostate are reasonable.

Undeniably, apostate had been a greatest threat to Islam. Apostate, who couldn't fully grasp their knowledge on Islam, judging Islam and criticizing as if Islam is filthy religion. Hence, we could see their attack in form of philosophical view and audacious criticism such as by Salman Rushdie, Ayyan Hirsi Ali, Ehsan Jami, and not to forget a Malaysian who proudly steps on a podium denouncing Islam, Hasnah Abu Bakar.

Not only these person are hypocrite they are unprincipled. Apostasy is repugnant to the faith of Islam. If this offense to be taken lightly it will severely damage the fundamental of Islam to its core. The reason D'etre for execution was simply as deterrent.

However, Islam doesn't simply execute, apostate was given choices to repent. I couldn't perceive why death execution is cruel. If we could punish a drug dealer with death penalty, why we wouldn't for apostate. Talking about fair judgment, those who bought drugs from the drug dealer free to say no. He doesn't compel them to do drugs. Let say even if the person say, "Okay, I wouldn't sell any weeds no more" would we let him to just walkaway. I doubt it.

Death execution to apostate in fact isn't alien to Christianity as well.

Old Testament : Deutronomy 17:3-5

3) And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;

4And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and enquired diligently, and, behold, it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel:

5Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.

New Testament : Roman 1:21-32

21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Whats the difference ?

Christianity abandoned death execution. Christianity undeniably crumbling with growing numbers of atheism. They make Jesus a laughing stocks with their secular mentality. Harsh attacks by atheist such as Richard Dawkins was somehow isn't really answered. Same might happen to Islam perhaps sooner or later. Apostate might leads the way.

Answering Wenger

2009-10-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

I came across bigdog blogs on an issue about irda CEO resignation. Thereupon, I read the comment on that issue. However so, I came across some heated argument on which one of our former prime minister (between Tun Lah and Tun Dr M is better), albeit some vulgar words in the argument, wenger khairy produce same inarguable claim based on indisputable facts. Kudos to wenger by not reducing himself being a regular blog thugs by using facts than vulgar words answering those arguments. Nevertheless, I might had found some flaws in his argument and as suggested by fellow commentary, I hereby produce some facts where I differ with wenger.

1) Export (from BOP – Current Account)

Wenger claims : In 2008, Exports were RM 779 billion, compared to only RM 450 billion in 2003. This is a gain of 70% in just 5 years.

In a media conference on MALAYSIA’S TRADE PERFORMANCE 2008, matrade gives some facts on why our export grow in 2008. Some of those facts include the implementation of AFTA in 2003. AFTA was infact initially proposed in 1992 by Thai prime minister. In fact, by 1997, 9 states has joined AFTA, ever since than our export growing by years. By December 2008 Malaysia had registered a continuum of 134th month trade surplus since 1997. Not only AFTA had significantly grows Malaysia export, ASEAN export ever since 2003 has been growing.

2) Current Account Surplus (BOP)

Since AFTA implementation, our trade has grown tremendously. This in one way reflected in BOP.

However, BOP itself isn't a good indicator determining country economic growth. There are inherent flaws in BOP. such as reinvestment earning involves investing into a company using its own profits made from past investments in the same host country. This means that there are no cross border transactions.

Some of the methodology in acquiring BOP data also involves via country's administrative sources. These come in the form of approvals for investment projects from foreign enterprises, tax revenue forms, or even information from securities exchange offices and statistical authorities. When an approved project was finally unrealized, BOP data acquired than would be meaningless. Even if the project was realized albeit timeliness and performance of the project, the BOP data again would certainly be inaccurate. Since under Tun Lah administration there are several unrealized corridor project due to global economic crisis, I can't help but to wonder by how far BOP data would be meaningful. It is important also to note there are several states does have deficit current account yet having a positive economic growth, such as Australia.

Since this post itself a regular commentary, I would therefore stop here and would continue if any interested to further discuss on this topic. However, I hope it is clear my intention is not to criticize Tun Lah, I sincerely hope to have a clearer picture discussing in this issues and I do hope let us not criticizing 22 years effort of a man merely because we hate him.

In the wake of weakining Dollar...the four horsemen have been summoned...

2009-10-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

When I start blogging, I posted on fall of US empire in the wake of current economic crisis. I questioned about outcomes for current economic crisis on whether would it constitutes to deflation or inflation. Clearly though, some might prompted to say "way to go captain obvious", it is always either deflation or inflation if it had everything to do with economic crisis. Nevertheless, as event turns around, it is clear an enormous worldwide hyper-inflation might just lurking around the corner, awaiting right moment to unveil.

Though some argue such event is inevitable, however, some experts saw US might had purposefully allow such to happen. This certainly, inevitably trigger worldwide hyper-inflation.

Okay I might seems being rather anti-US to make such a blasphemous claims. Let me rephrase. US might 'lead' to a worldwide hyper-inflation.

However so, if those pundits allegation is nothing but truth, I couldn't think any other better words to better describe US. They are filthy, self-centric, blood sucking, inhumane states.

Throwing entire world into catastrophe just so they could salvage themselves...

This power (control over world economics) they had gained is the responsibility to maintain world stability. In the past we made a futile decision tying-entire world economics fate on Dollar. Somehow, this decision seems irreversible. US economics power now doesn't only lay upon Bretton Woods decision during post WWII. US control over worldwide economics now lay upon their unquenched thirst for consumption. US fall simply means worldwide exports declining.

Let us put aside those exports downfall crisis for a while...This is truly inevitable..

Do they really couldn't stop their Dollar from further weakining...

Of course they could. Yet they wouldn't...

Weaker Dollar means they could salvage enormous debt incurred on them...

If this ideology (letting currency to remain weak so effectively reducing amount of debt) accepted worldwide by other states. Hyper-inflation is inevitable.

Even if we don't follow their footstep, worldwide currency would only get weaker as worldwide currency is tied to US Dollar - Kudos to Bretton Woods agreement.

http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=ODg5MDEzNTYz

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence....

2009-10-15T18:41:00.000-07:00

Why does human tends to pursue something that might seems more attractive than what they already had?

Is it true that what we do almost every single things driven by our self-interest?

I firmly believe, yes, it is. World out there is bitterly competitive and those who act against their self-interest would definitely being ruthlessly swept aside by who does.

is it wrong to dream...is it wrong to achieve something better in your life...No, certainly no...

However, there is a paradox, we would never satisfy our interest, when we get something we wouldn't be satisfied by what we already had. We would want more and in the process we lost our rationality and will always ended up being duped by something seemingly alluring - The grass on the other side of the fence.

I really had a busy week. However in the mean time I do read some news. I was particularly captivated by this article.

This article keeps me wonder how easily we could be duped into believing that what we already had seems being inadequate. We want to strive for something better yet most of the time we left with no better.

I believe there is clear line between ambition and greed. This line is so much blurred that it is very difficult for us to distinguish between them. When self-interest overpowered by greed most certainly dooms await us...

Dan Brown:The Lost Symbol - Godless society conundrum...are appocalypse nearing ?

2009-10-13T06:12:00.001-07:00

I finally manage to finish reading Dan Brown's Lost Symbol, not struggling, in fact with ease. His style of writing in fact intriguing and fascinating, captivate my interest well. However as usual, Dan Brown works never shy away from controversy. Perhaps his style entangling fact and fiction in such notorious way making difficult for us actually distinguishing it. Despite shortcoming, I find this novel really enjoyable and would definitely recommend fellow friend to read it.

However...(if you are fan of Dan Brown or someone who hate spoiler, this is part where thou would find most unpleasant...my advice, thou shall read no more)

I find stark similarities reading Lost Symbol and Richard Dawkins, God Delusion. Somehow I sense Dan Brown being exceptionally secular,godless so to speak. When I read The Da Vinci Code, I sense his true intention wasn't about whether there are probability whether Jesus do had a daughter nor whether was Jesus married or not. His true intention was probably the divinity of Jesus. In his, Angel and Demon, I sense Dan Brown somehow question integrity of church institute. He had instill an aged old question, was really Christianity crushing any sort of religion or belief which might rival it ?

In Lost Symbol, Dan Brown might had went a step further questioning every single religion ever existing today. He claimed, religion as what we had today was simply a continuation of pagan Egyptian religion to the extend Apotheosis could be found in every single religion we have today. (Unless I had misunderstood what he meant in Lost Symbol)

It is disturbing in a sense he was actually promoting secular way of thinking-becoming a godless society. I personally against Atheism and freethinker society. Such unprincipled way of life essentially catastrophe to mankind.

One might argue in what sense godless society denigrate moral of our society ?

Wouldn't we would be able stand stronger believing we were divine and we could transcend every barrier ahead us in order to achieve greater success ?

I, myself, isn't a theologian, who perhaps has much better argument to discuss religion related issues. Despite that, this is my argument, if we were really a divine being and brain is indeed our greatest asset.

What bound us to rules ?

What bound us to morality ?

Sin was simply brain circuitry processed in a region called Nucleus accumbens,Hypothalamus.

Adultery isn't a sin, it is simply true human desire...

Lurid scenarios of demon and devil is simply how religion played us, shackling us from committing pure sexual desire, rage and so on.

There is nothing wrong being greed nor do there are anything wrong destroying others for your own gain. It is purely nature.

Suicidal is normal...it's your choice thought it isn't wise...its genuinely a choice...

No matter who you are and whatever crime you commit...there aren't going to be any punishment for you because there aren't going to be an afterlife. There are never hell nor heaven...why would you want to do good deeds in your lifetime.

Just fuck any girls you want...just fuck any damn losers life, as long you would simply gain wealth...if you are smart enough, pull a Ponzi scheme, lure some suckers, and enjoy your life...if you are smart enough you won't be caught...

Proton will not be fucked yet...Proton sentiment, we love it or hate it...

2009-10-05T05:34:00.000-07:00

I am delighted to read statement by Datuk Nadzmi and Syed Zainal on issues of Proton 'partnership' by other car maker corporation. Hopefully their enthusiasm last and not intervened by politics. I believe Proton has yet to offer, past record under Tengku Mahalel premiership shall never be the judgement of Proton future. Syed Zainal proves he is in fact the right person to steer Proton to greater achievement-Sort of Edgar Hoover for FBI.

Local share market improvement from 29% to 33% for me was a perfect indicator. Some might doubt. Some would say that : " Abbas you are just looking for a damn reason to stood up for our fucked up automotive industry "

If so, I'm delighted for my search, be it this search is merely a dim light at the end of tunnel.

My personal attachment for Proton has got nothing to do with it being the national car maker status. Nor it got anything to do with their achievement. Everybody knows Proton achievement up to current level being a crap-this wasn't what I said,this what most people said. What more could be said, embarrassment statement by Top Gear UK. Am I had no shame upholding national embarrassment. Certainly, I don't, because I see a dream...I see a vision.

This vision has nothing to do with chedet's. I visioned how our nation would prosper if we able to gain the most from technology transfer in automotive industry. I visioned what it would be if there are a moment we had something that we built it on our own. Something what can we claim being truly ours. Something not being a mere copy from others vision. Proton realized my vision and this could just be the beginning.

Proton Exora was something out of my expectation (and I believe most of us) and I believe Proton could achieve greater if they had enough source. Syed Zainal commitment to increases further and fully utilize its subsidiaries company-Lotus.

Lotus is no crap talk. Lotus is a giant car maker and once stood alongside Ferrari and Lamborghini. Its unfathomable that we almost would just simply ties and unholy matrimony with other car maker such as Volkswagen and simply let they fuck us with filthy intention penetrating into Asian market. International corporation doesn't runs welfare looking over Proton and at the same time let us continues with our dream.

Unless there are really good intention by this international corporation. I am very well pleased we tying the knot-but I seriously doubt it.

We could still stand. Yes of course this would meant that we need to spend huge amount of money but I believe money should never be a yardstick if we are really intended becoming a developing nation. Technology isn't cheap but it is priceless.

Is Dollar to be replaced...if so, what would be the fate of the world....

2009-10-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

This morning I read a recent updates on che det blog. Tun det wrote an intereting article on world monetary system regarding with the replacement of Dollar. He describes an idea of replacing fiat money to a more reliable Gold-money standard. This literally means returning to the original idea of money. However, I can't help but to wonder was this means the end of US empire ???

This idea of replacing US dollar had been surfaced for quit a long time. When I first time read it, I though this was some sort of a conspiracy theory ( try googling for Amero ). As current world economic crunch began to draw its shape this idea re-surfaced again. Let us try to get some hold on idea by Tun det.

Tun det claims US currency being totally replaced with a more reliable Gold-money standard. This idea has been well accepted by UN - This was the central idea of the whole article...

Here I quote an interesting comment from that article :

" How does the world stop using USD to trade ? It look like a chicken and egg question to me.The more important question is how to remove USD from trade without losing confidence of the value? I think it will come naturally when US economy weakens further. Nobody would want to hold depreciating asset.It is just not yet time to throw out USD as most people still dont see USD losing value forever.

Would the price of gold go up if we use gold to trade? Should we start saving in GOLD? "

I am not interested to argue on the stability of gold, the feasibility of this replacement process and gold reserves paradox. What is in my interest is, would this replacement significantly side-lined US as world economic powerhouse?

I personally doubt it. I am not well educated on economic issues. I am just a laymen who loves to read issues on economic. From what I had read, I came to realized, US economic supremacies does not lies on the strength of its Dollar but more on their trade consumption.

US consume the most in the world. They had high trade deficit and this numbers growing annually. US trade deficit began in the early 1960s, this very thing drove US out of Gold-money standard in the early 1970s under Nixon leadership. By the end of 2008, this deficit had grown to more than $800b. Although high trade deficit might leads to economic crunch, that wasn't the case here. In fact the economics remains growing.To the contrary of what most believes, US welcomes this trade deficit. Henry Paulsen quoted :

"Critics often ask: If trade is so good for America, why do we run a trade deficit? These critics might be interested to know that the last time we ran a trade surplus [1991] our economy was in recession."

There is a paradox here. If the rest of the world wanted to grow their economic they should hopes for US economic survival. This is due to the facts that US are the main consumer of world production....( It’s like a shopkeeper providing the money to a customer so that the customer keeps buying from the shop. If the customer will not buy, the shop won’t have business, unless the shopkeeper funds him )

Well, I am equally puzzled by this facts, it is so incomprehensible but this is what you would read in most article related to economics.( Try to grabs some newsweek or perhaps read on several article posted in NY times and Washington Post )

Okay, let us consider back the facts behind Tun det article....I am so far unconvinced any sort of replacement in the highest echelon of economic powerhouse. No matter whether we were to used a brand new Gold-money standard or to remains with US Dollar. So why bother ???

Would Gold-money standard would have a significant impact on our MYR. It might, but what sort of implication. We need to remember here, World monetary system as what written in the Bretton Woods agreement was tied to US Dollar because initially US Dollar was tied to Gold standard. However, this does not remain because they (US) need to run their economies. Gold standard tied the growth of their economies. Would not similar decision to return to original agreement means the return cycles of similar event (1970s Nixon decision).

Well I am damn puzzled. I am just a layman. This is not even an amateur's point of view. I don't have enough knowledge on this issues. However, I hope some do read my article and leave me with an answer on what would be the fate of the world....I don't think there would be any significant impacts.

Empayar Amerika di penghujungnya - Bhg 4

2009-04-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Apakah ertinya sebuah negara perkasa?

Adakah Amerika sebuah negara perkasa?

Adakah Amerika boleh dianggap perkasa andai mereka terpaksa mengharap ehsan dari negara lain bagi kelestarian ekonomi mereka.

Terbaru Presiden Obama dan Presiden China, Hu jin Tao bertemu untuk membincangkan isu ekonomi. Menariknya perbincangan ini kerana Obama meyakinkan Jin Tao kestabilan ekonomi mereka. Mungkin ada yang mendakwa ini adalah reaksi normal buat sebuah negara yang menjadi tunjang ekonomi dunia.

Tetapi anda harus ingat, hanya beberapa ketika sebelum pertemuan ini, Amerika telah menerima tamparan hebat dari China apabila gabenor bank China menyarankan agar peralihan sistem keewangan dunia daripada Dollar kepada matawang yang lain. Saranan China ini terdahulu turut disarankan oleh Rusia.

Apakah kata-kata Obama cukup untuk meyakinkan Jin Tao dan dunia secara amnya?

Atau adakah langkah ekonomi Obama memadai?

Mampukah Bail Out Amerika merangsang ekonomi mereka?

Dengan Bail Out, defisit bajet Amerika akan meningkat.

Apakah kesan Bail Out kepada Amerika? Deflasi atau inflasi?

Dengan sebegini banyak cabaran buat Presiden Amerika, mampukah beliau memastikan kelestarian Amerika di pentas dunia. Mampukah Obama membeli masa yang cukup agar Amerika dapat kekal untuk seberapa lama yang mungkin.

Ibarat kata Tun Dr Mahathir kekuasaan Amerika merupakan satu pembohongan, satu ilusi,

Mungkin kini kebenaran mula menunjuk diri, mungkin kini kita melihat kemampuan sebenar Amerika

Ilusi Amerika kini menunjukkan bayang sebenar (hujah ini akan dikemukakan di post yang berikutnya)

Empayar Amerika di penghujungnya - Bhg 3

2009-04-02T03:46:00.000-07:00

Saya terlebih dahulu ingin memohon maaf kerana agak lama saya tidak update blog saya kerana agak sibuk dengan urusan kerja seharian.

Ramai yang ragu-ragu atas hujah saya yakni globalisasi akan membawa kepada saat sakaratul maut buat empayar Amerika.

Hakikatnya saya terpaksa akui atas hujah mereka,

Mungkin globalisasi tidak akan membawa kepada kehancuran muktamad Amerika. Mungkin Amerika mampu sedar akan bahaya menanti dan bangkit.

Mungkin Amerika mampu bangkit,

Persoalannya, Bagaimanakah Amerika harus bangkit menongkah arus globalisasi?

Thomas L Friedman seorang kolumnis akhbar New York Times, memenangi anugerah Pulitzer sebanyak 3 kali dan seorang penulis buku yang popular berjudul The World Is Flat.

Dalam bukunya beliau memberi hujah bagaimana Amerika mampu bangkit dari kemelut ancaman globalisasi;

“In order to maintain or improve their living standards, they will have
to move vertically,not horizontally.They will have to upgrade their education and
upgrade their knowledge skills so that they can occupy one of the new jobs sure to
be created in the much expanded United States-China market.” Pg 229

Andai Amerika berhasrat menangani krisis ekonomi yang dibawa oleh globalisasi, rakyatnya perlu mengubah mentaliti mereka. Dalam erti kata lain Amerika memerlukan anjakan paradigma dalam menangani krisis ini.

Adakah rakyat mereka telah bersedia?

Perubahan ini dari segi galakan untuk berinovasi dan galakkan kepada rakyatnya untuk terus menambah ilmu pengetahuan mereka. Adakah Amerika kini semakin berinovasi menerajui bidang Sains dan Matematik?

National Science Board menunjukkan bagaimana penurunan graduasi didalam bidang Sains dan Matematik di Amerika amat membimbangkan.

Malah apa yang lebih membimbangkan adalah penurunan minat terhadap bidang ini dan bagaimana langkah kontingensi mengambil masa yang lama yakni sekurang-kurangnya 10 hingga 20 tahun untuk mengubah fenomena ini di Amerika.

Dengan keadaan sedemikian saya agak skeptics apabila ada yang yakin Amerika tidak akan tumbang dalam tempoh ini.

Kesan yang lebih dahsyat kini semakin kelihatan kerana Amerika terpaksa merayu kepada negara lain untuk yakin kepada ekonominya (hujah ini di post yang seterusnya)

Empayar Amerika di penghujungnya - Bhg 2

2009-03-15T05:56:00.000-07:00

When the cold war ended with the defeat of communism, it was not democracy that won. It was capitalism with a big capital 'C.'

Tun Dr Mahathir

Penyataan diatas cukup menarik, pertamanya, ia menegaskan bahawa perang dingin bukan semata-mata perang antara US dan Rusia dari segi perlumbaan senjata nuklear dan teknologi dan sebagainya. Perang dingin juga adalah perang ideologi antara komunisme dan kapitalisme.

Kedua, penyataan diatas penting kerana ia menegaskan bahawa kapitalisme bukanlah demokrasi. Tun Mahathir bahkan menegaskan kapitalisme merupakan imperialisme.

Ini adalah hakikat yang tidak dapat dilihat oleh kebanyakan pemimpin negara diluar - Terutamanya US. US yang selama ini dibuai mimpi indah pembangunan ekonomi yang berasaskan kapitalisme dan pasaran bebas secara tiba-tiba dikejutkan dengan kejatuhan ekonominya yang mendadak.

Semuanya bermula dengan globalisasi yang menjadikan outsourcing dan offshoring sebagai sesuatu aktiviti penting dalam aktiviti pentadbiran perniagaan bagi mencapai keuntungan optimum dengan margin kos pengurusan yang rendah. Hasil daripada kedua proses diatas menyebabkan kebergantungan US dengan negara asia (rakan outsourcing dan offshoring utama) bertambah.

Selain itu, kedua aktiviti diatas menyebabkan keperluan tenaga kerja di US menurun disebabkan lebih banyak tenaga kerja luar boleh didapati dengan kos yang lebih murah menerusi outsourcing. Hasilnya, kuasa beli rakyat US menurun ekoran lebih ramai rakyatnya menganggur.

kebergantungan kepada aktiviti offshoring yang tinggi oleh US untuk menghasilkan produk made in China semata-mata kerana kos yang lebih murah menyebabkan berlakunya proses pemindahan teknologi dan pengetahuan yang aktif antara benua asia dan US. Apabila telah sampai suatu ketika dimana kita mampu menghasilkan produk yang sama dengan pengetahuan yang sedia ada seperti : lenovo, Tata, Cherry dan sebagainya. Dalam jangka masa panjang permintaan kepada produk US dirantau luar akan semakin menurun.

Bahkan kini, ekoran dari krisis subprima, kegagalan pelaburan bank dan penurunan harga rumah telah melumpuhkan lagi ekonomi US. Saya bukanlah seorang yang arif mengenai ekonomi dunia. Pengetahuan saya mengenai ekonomi terbatas. Namun hasil daripada apa yang saya dapati dari sumber yang saya baca, pemulihan ekonomi US kali ini adalah sukar. Pemulihan dari krisis keewangan yang sukar diramal ditambah dengan kesan globalisasi hampir pasti tidak mampu meletakkan dirinya di kedudukan kuasa ekonomi dunia lagi.

Empayar Amerika Di Penghujungnya - Bhg 1

2009-03-14T23:27:00.000-07:00

Setelah selesai membaca sebuah buku menarik oleh Sheikh Imran Hosein bertajuk Jerusalem In the Quran saya segera beralih untuk membaca sebuah buku yang telah lama berlegar di kotak fikiran saya, berjudul The World Is Flat oleh Thomas L Friedman.

Setelah 3 suku selesai membaca buku ini saya mula menyedari satu kaitan mendalam antara buku karangan Thomas dan Sheikh Imran. Kedua-dua buku ini meramalkan kejatuhan Empayar US adalah tidak mustahil. Sheikh Imran didalam bukunya menceritakan bagaimana ekonomi dunia yang bergantung kepada Fiat money bakal menghadapi cabaran yang besar di masa hadapan. Didalam krisis ini, ekonomi US yang bergantung kepada kukuhnya matawang Dollar dan perniagaan antarabangsa yang berasaskan wang US semenjak perang dunia ke-2 bakal menghadapi krisis paling teruk didalam sejarah ekonomi US.

Thomas dalam hujahnya pula menegaskan, globalisasi akan memaksa US untuk berlari dengan lebih pantas ke hadapan jika ingin terus bergerak maju. US yang membina empayarnya semenjak kemerdekaannya adalah berasaskan pengetahuan dan perlindungan kepada harta intelek (paten). Namun tahun yang mendatang telah merubah senario ini sama sekali. Hatta kita sebagai layman yang meneliti perkembangan semasa ini pasti mampu menginterpretasi hakikat ini.

Perhatikanlah apabila Airbus (Eropah) yang telah mendahului US dalam membina kapal terbang gergasi, atau bagaimana eropah sekali lagi mendahului US membina makmal yang tercanggih alaf ini, ataupun Ienovo (China) sebuah syarikat yang lahir dari tempat di mana syarikat gergasi US selalunya akan hantar offshore kilang mereka bagi kos yang murah, atau bagaimana China bakal berdiri sama tinggi didalam eksplorasi angkasa mereka.

Empayar Amerika berada di kemuncaknya ketika tamatnya perang dingin. Perang dingin menandakan menangnya kapitalisme mengatasi komunisme. Kemenangan kapitalisme memandu rantau sekitar memilih untuk sistem ekonomi kapitalisme berbanding komunisme. Segalanya kelihatan seperti sempurna sehingga akhirnya kini sistem kapitalisme yang dipandu globalisasi mula menuntut rakyat US sebagai mangsa.

Steven Pearlstein mengambarkan bagaimana kebanyakan negara di rantau eropah timur berkejaran mengecapi ekonomi kapitalisme manakala di rantau barat eropah mereka cuba melarikan diri daripadanya. Keadaan seumpamanya kini berlaku di US. Mereka perlu membebaskan diri mereka dari belenggu globalisasi dan kapitalisme bagi terus berkuasa.