p.A Twisted Road Ahead

The last part is here:   Personal Depression

Life is absolutely interesting.

A blooded relation once told me that I am totally interesting. Every time, he talked to me, he claimed that I will have a new twist in the tale.

"That, my dear, is painful. The reason why I have so much tale is because my path was not wise. I took the longest road to succeed." Do remember always a rolling stone gathers no moss.

Many have taken the straight road to success. But, recently that was also in doubt during the recent events. On the other hand, I have chosen the longest road to success. That too, my dear, I am afraid is also not the shortest path to success. What then is the correct road to succeed?

There is no straight answer. Some times people like to involve the word luck. I opined differently. Luck only seeks the hard workers. But, hard-working is considered given in the competitive market. If every one is hard-working, then how Tengri is going to seek out the lucky ones. Puzzling indeed.

Recently, one of my major projects was staled. Tengri has instead opened a new tiny window for me. Not just one but two. I now have a headache as to which path to take. A truly twisted path instead.

Recently too, I have refocused my path. I have chosen a truly difficult and twisted path to travel. I have lost interest in walking straight paths. My daily companion is my tears. I hope one day Tengri is kind enough to let me through.

Twisted road, twisted tale, twisted man, twisted pride.

I thought my eyes can no longer weep. But, when I do meet difficult decisions and humble people, I will weep with no restraint.

One day, I hope to declare to myself that I had never lived my life in vain.

b.Passion Business II - The Connection Needed

The last part is here:   Passion Business II - How to Grow Ginseng

The best part is that I am buying a cute little land to plant this marvel this winter. Nice price and I am going to ace it.

The next best part is that I have rented a little 10-acre nursery for $200 per year for the next 10 years. Imagine the fun I am going to get. On top of that, they throw in an alpaca barn farm for free. They simply wants me to rent their premises and occupy it and pay their taxes.

I am now securing the seedlings from the white land to start the game. Hopefully the returns of $20-30k per acre comes true.

On top of that, they wanted me to try to help them build a fresh water fish farm. Nice farmers, nice lands, nice projects.

The last best thing I heard for the day is that many lands are now selling for a song as their parents all died on them (i.e., 1920s-1930s). Over the next 15 years, many more baby boomers have to die and transfer their land holdings to their city-bound kids and most kids can't pay their huge estate taxes and they have no choice but to sell their lands on the cheap to pay for their taxes.

This is how good the news over the day.

Today every white is having a dying parent with huge land reserves and they all smiled at me hoping to find me renting their lands on the cheap. But, I am a cheapo. I don't rent lands even if it is near free. I don't want to help them on their property taxes. I want them to sell on the cheap.

I am know to pay only on average 25% of the market value and nothing more. That's how bastardy I am. I am also succeeding. A devil is not a fun guy to play with.

a.The Generations Game - A Worked Example

The last part is here:   Capital - How did It All Begin

The news is here:   Penang Monthly - Migrate for What

A short excerpt:

... For migrants who came to Australia back in the 1960s, the 1970s or even the 1980s, their decision to migrate would have benefitted them much more than if they were to do it today. Back in those days, Malaysia was still not adequately developed, modernised and industrialised. Foreign direct investments, education and infrastructure were definitely a far cry from today’s standards. Particularly for the average Malaysian professional, his or her work would have been much more richly rewarded in Australia than back home.

If a Sudanese or Afghan were to migrate to Australia today, then I can say with almost absolute certainty that their lives will be better off. But today’s Malaysians had better think twice. Jobs are moving in big numbers from Australia to Asia; Australian educational institutions are failing many of their own students, with many schools (even public ones) turning to attracting more students from China, Korea and other Asian countries for financial reasons; drug-related crimes and schoolyard bullying are becoming more rampant; and the total cost of income support (i.e. welfare) payment has now (as of 2014) topped A$70bil a year. 

These trends and developments are here to stay, and the shift of fortune from the West to the East is an irreversible one. Investor Jim Rogers frequently remarked that if you were smart in 1807, you would go to London, if you were smart in 1907, you would go to New York, but if you were smart in 2007, you would go to Asia. (In 2007, Rogers moved his entire family to Singapore.) 

So I wonder, why on earth are we still leaving Malaysia? What are we actually running away from? While most of us think that we are running away from some potential or real political threat, the actual fact might well be that we are running away from some real lifetime opportunities! With market saturation and an ageing population in the EU, US, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and China, the Asean region, with its population size, relatively young median age and richness in natural resources, is poised to grow like never before. ...

Interesting read. These people are still trying to time the market.

There is no such thing as timing the market. One would get lucky once a while. Just like in the casino, one can ride a 25-times BIG roll of dice. But, the curtains would fall one day, the dice would go the other way. Every great city would meet its demise, so would one empire.

If one must time the market, then if one judges that there is no hope in a turn-around. Just pack the bags and move. Which is true in the case of that fuckened little island. No resource, no future, no intelligence and still dare to suck my cock. Disgusting.

10 years is too short an example to a generations game. Even 20 years, my acquaintance is planning to return to her ex-home country. I am not helping her to stay even if I am just new to the game. Why? Too frequently mere acquaintances take dim looks of new immigrants. They felt that the new migrants must feed the older migrants or the older migrants feeding the locals, otherwise, the locals would have voted the government-of-the-day out. I am into packed hunting. Not only in business, also in gals. Co-operation is a powerful tool to deploy.

Let's take a look at Australia's opportunities (I am a blur-fuck in Australia's opportunities, but I am willing to try understanding her from the outside):

• Cities - Her cities are not as crowded as the Asian's, hence, they stand a great chance to win if one is early. That fuckened little island did talk about famous katong laksa. Overnight 4 stores competed in the exact same location for the customers. Today only one left. Dense cities are not for the faint-hearted. Try your hands in Chinese cities, one would be eaten whole without much of a second glaze from the predator's neighbours.
• Glass Ceilings - Of cos there are glass ceilings. Tell me frankly, how many non-Chinese dine in Chinese restaurants here and overseas. Zero! How many Japanese or Koreans can one spot in a Chinese restaurants? Please. How many non-Chinese staff can one see in a Chinese restaurant's kitchen? The conclusion: Every business are owned and operated by their kinship, make no mistake. Even in my work, I employed no non-Chinese even though all my work involved the whites and white agents.
• Property Investments - White properties are way cheaper but appreciate much slower. First, one must start with a house home. After that, investment houses for passive returns. After that, lands for long term potential. Malaysian properties are super nice. I can't finish enjoying each of them. But, so are the white properties.
• Businesses - Not easy to start but once started, it is easy to sustain. 30 years is a good investment.
• Employments - Nothing wrong with that. But one needs to start young. If reach the white shores at 40-50yo, then be prepared to reinvest the money that one's gotten or ill-gotten from ex-home country to plant the first seeds.
• Back Doors - I always keep a back door for myself. I am still fully invested in the ex-home country and her neighbours. I am still doing passive incomes from each and every asset in my command. Over time, these assets might deteriorate due to lack of care. Minding them occasionally will bring them up once more.
• Generations Games - Bring forth the next generations to fulfill key business positions in the own business structure. Let them fail and guard them to better success than the parents.
• Intellectually Dumb - There is a need to be intellectually dumb. Never question why but just do the jobs. In the Malaysians' case, they allowed their anger for lack of opportunities in their ex-home country to cloud their visions. They like to do total in and total out. Yes. Total in and total out are grand moves. These are showy steps. Admired by all. But, yield very little results. The mantra is Things Take Time.
• Education - Educating kids are not the job of the school but that of the parents. There is no such thing as good school but good parenting.

It is easier said than done. But, that's what generations game is all about. Very slow. Very unfortunate. Very disgustingly degrading. But, one will find the footing soon enough. Evreywhere I see, as long as you are 30yo immigrants, you are alright. So be brave and stick to the original game plan. It is not that hard. Be early and smell the rose.

I do understand why muds left mudland due to the madhatter. Now that with ahJip kor in charge, things are super rosy. People are now tempted to return. Nothing wrong, just be invested in both countries lor. Better, globally. One can never tell when is the next mass exodus.

Yes. I finally got it. There is indeed a timing issue in the generations game, i.e., be early. Wow ... what a revelation. But, 30 years can recover this mistake, i.e., once you reach 30 years in migration, you are classified as early. Nice.

Always remember that fuckened mafia boss was a Baba-Nyonya. So don't play with him on that little island, now that he is strong. Wait for him to go, then replay the generations game again lor. One has all the time in the world lah. Do battle using extended families mah.

b.Passion Business I - Trust

The last part is here:   Passion Business I - Taste 

The time has come to decide on trust. The factory is ready. The deals are struck. The labourers are few but capable.

Many opinions have suggested against the new partnership. I think so too.

As in all deals, there would be good parts and bad parts. If the bad parts weigh over the good parts, I guess the decision would be easy. If the weightage is balanced, then the decision making is also easy, just abandon the deal. It is hard if the majority of the deal is good, but with a few bad major parts.

My current decision point is this partnership is weak. But, the greater good part is that I will have company. I guess I need to be strong. Very strong.

Tomorrow would be the day of reckoning. I will have to decide on the issue of trust.

It is ok that I go at it alone. There was nothing in the past of me and there is nothing in front of me. So why be so concerned? I have been so alone. I don't need to be so concerned about loneliness. Yes. Loneliness is sad. Loneliness is draining. Loneliness eats the soul. But, why must I be so afraid? Loneliness is just a state of mind.

Warmth may be a super tempting commodity at all times. But, I needed a trusted partner not someone whom I have to guard against always.

If tomorrow is indeed a good day to negotiate, I will drop all pretence and ask for the one important question - trust.

If the answer is truth, I will go forth with this partnership. Else, I will plot my separation and severence.

I have walked this question of trust before. I shall walk once more.

It is very interesting that now that I have spoken about it, I felt so much better in dealing with it. Thank you.

b.Article - Queen Elizabeth's cash crisis: Monarch 'down to last million'

Queen Elizabeth's cash crisis: Monarch 'down to last million' 
Published January 28, 2014 FoxNews.com 

June 2, 2012: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip arrive for the Epsom Derby at Epsom race course, southern England at the start of four-day Diamond Jubilee celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. 

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain is apparently one royal who is no longer flush. 

According to The Daily Telegraph, a report by the House of Commons' Public Accounts Committee has found that the Queen's financial reserves have reached a "historic low," dwindling to 1 million pounds ($1.66 million) from 35 million pounds ($58 million) in 2001.* 

The Committee's report has placed the blame squarely on the Queen's advisers for overspending in a manner out of line with the austerity measures that have been adopted by Prime Minister David Cameron's government. According to the Telegraph, the royal household only managed 5 percent efficiency savings over the past five years, while some British government departments have cut their budgets by up to 33 percent. In the 2012-13 fiscal year, the report found that the royal household received 31 million pounds ($51.4 million) in taxpayer funds, but spent 33.3 million ($55.2 million), dipping into the reserves in the process.* 

Margaret Hodge, a Labour MP who chaired the committee, told Sky News that the financial mismanagement has resulted in two of the Queen's most famous residences falling into disrepair, with no contingency plant to pay for the backlog of repairs.* 

"Forty percent of [the royal estate] needs something doing to it," Hodge said. "The boilers at Buckingham Palace haven't been replaced for 60 years. Windsor Castle has problems with the bedrooms and the Royal Picture Gallery has buckets to catch the water coming through."

Hodge also called on the Treasury to "be actively involved in reviewing the Household's financial planning and management," which she claimed it has failed to do.* 

A Buckingham Palace spokesman the Telegraph that repairing the royal palaces was "a significant financial priority" and claimed that the royal household had doubled its income since 2007.* 

Interesting Video (Please watch the entire show):    THRIVE: What On Earth Will It Take?

My Comments:
(Passion Business VII - cryptocurrency) 

This article and the video is so interesting. It presented in no uncertain terms that the fiat currency is accelerating the erosion of value. The video said it in completeness: "This erosion by printing more fiat money every single year is making the value you held on to in terms of the currency you hold is reduced every single year. It guaranteed the currency printer will rob and eat you for free."

With this grim circumstance, the cryptocurrency I am proposing would be successful beyond my wildest dreams. Hopefully I don't get in the way of too many bureaucracies. My partner-in-crime is concerned with the ultimate security of the system. I am proposing the most difficult hash codes - SHA-3 2048 bits (four times more than the current 512 bits). In time, it will be able to automatically handle even more complex hash functions.

As long as the system don't get hacked and multiple mirrors set-up, I am sure we would be resistant to physical and cyber security breeches. We would have time to perfect the system, as the bureaucracies need time to catch up. Finally, I have re-engaged my cyber business. I lost it about 20 years ago. Now it is all coming home. Thank You, partner-in-crime.

b.Passion Business VII - Cryptocurrency (II)

The last parts are here:   Passion Business VII - Cryptocurrency   and   Exploration - Fiat Currency

Before the new spring, already so happening. Never has my partner-in-crime supported an idea so out-rightly. When I explained the idea behind the cryptocurrency (hoping to drill it into a passion business), he was bored claiming that it will take a genius to work the algorithm. When I explained the concept of fiat currency (just an business exploration), he immediately pointed out these are two very different animals. After further explanation, the latter meant a totally different thing. He pointed out that one thing - xxxxx (for inner ring only). I was floored. He drew blood from the concept just like that. I was silent for a while.

He then suggested he will initiate the programming in good time. As programmers, I believe we belong to the original breed. His programming is scarily good. Finally, we have a mobile phone app in good time. He claimed this is a huge project on its own. I was pleased.

When I rehashed the concept to a friend. She immediately pointed out that it meant only one thing - xxxxx. I was flabbergasted. How can I be so dumb as to the true meaning of my discovery?

This concept has been on my mind for the better of 10 years. I have done talking, programming and negotiations, but yet I never manage to bring to fruit. Although this time it is still on paper. But, our progress is way, way ahead. Together with my partner-in-crime, we already saw its possibilities.

My friend after so many years has also grown in business feelings. She was a lot more agile in her criticisms.

Not a bad start indeed ... 黑皮 New Year.

p.Article - 世界上寿命最长的人 -- 李清云

在百度百科上面有一條記載歷史上壽命最長的人瑞的介紹，名叫李清雲，據說曾被紐約時報及其他國際媒體給報導過，由於活的壽命實在不尋常，我自己有點存疑，但還是將內文放在這裡，給大家參考。

世界最長壽的素食者——李清雲 

李清雲（1677-1933年），傳說中他在世256年（傳說來源：易俊傑，湖南省邵陽教育學院中文教研室主任、副教授、科普作家）是清末民國初年的中醫中藥學者，也是世界上著名的長壽老人，但無確切史料考證。在他100歲時（1777年）曾因在中醫中藥方面的傑出成就，而獲政府的特別獎勵。在他200的時候，仍常去大學講學。這期間他曾接受過許多西方學者的來訪。李清雲一生娶過24個妻子，子孫滿堂，180位後人。當時的紐約時報與時代雜誌都做了報導。按照這個年代推算，他應該生於清康熙16年（1677年），先後歷經了康熙、雍正、乾隆、嘉慶、道光、咸豐、同治、光緒、宣統九代至民國，在世256歲，是世界上極罕見的長壽星。

長壽秘訣

他認為自己健康長壽的原因有三：一是長期素食；二是內心保持平靜、開朗；三是常年將枸杞煮水當茶飲。(Wolf-berries are easy to get)“保持一種平靜的心態，坐如龜，行如雀，睡如狗” (This should be replaced by yoga.) 這就是李清雲留給後人長壽的秘訣指引。他始終認為保持一個平靜安寧的心態是長壽所必須的。他的飲食主要以米飯和少量的葡萄酒為主。(I intend to upgrade this wine to mead.)

英國、法國的醫學科研工作者得到這一消息後，便對枸杞進行了深入研究，發現枸杞中含有一種沒有 見過的維生素，便取名為“維生素X”，也稱為“駐顏維生素”。經動物實驗證實，枸杞具有抑制脂肪在纖維內蓄積、促進肝細胞的新生，降低血糖及膽固醇等作 用。枸杞的返老還童作用表現為：對腦細胞和內分泌腺有啟動和新生作用，增強荷爾蒙的分泌，清除血中積存的毒素，從而可維持體內各組織器官的正常功能。

民國二十年《萬州日報》曾載“開縣二百七十三歲老人李清雲”，一時轟動全川。1986年《氣功》雜誌第六期又刊載開縣籍人劉成勳所寫“憶二百五十六歲的長壽老人李慶遠”（即李清雲）的文章。筆者利用參與編修地方誌之便，對李清雲在開縣的活動情況，廣為收集，現將所得資料加以整理，供有興趣者參考。

李清雲，原名陳遠昌，籍貫不詳，傳說是上海附近的人，又說原籍雲南省。約在清嘉慶二十五年 （1820）前單身一人來到開縣陳家場上。李身材魁偉，體態肥胖，禿頭無發，皮膚光滑無皺紋，肌肉結實，來時看上去約摸五十有餘歲年紀。但自稱已一百五十 多歲（一說九十多歲到開縣定居），在一百年前來過開縣，能講出陳家場附近百年前的人名和情況。李會武功，以賣草藥為生，先借住于陳家鄉石龍村（現龍鳳 村），後移往開縣（現兼善鄉平和村），並娶妻向氏，定居於此。李生活習慣異于常人，不飲酒、不喝茶、不抽煙，吃飯定時定量，早睡早起；閒時閉目靜坐，兩手 置於膝上，昂首挺胸，幾個小時一動也不動；左手蓄長指甲，常用小竹管套在手指上保護指甲，長至六寸左右即剪下置於木匣內保存，李死時有指甲殼一小匣；平時 寡言少語，從不談及無關的話。別人問及年齡，僅答兩百多歲。究竟生於何朝、何年、何地？均無人知曉。他雖娶妻，但不同居，僅讓為其洗衣、煮飯而已。李擅長 眼科和骨傷科，1820年雇用十四歲的少年向此陽為其挑藥擔，常年遊鄉治病，對富有人家收取高額藥費供養全家生活。李閒時常到高橋附近穿心店約人打牌，他 每次都輸一百二十文左右，讓牌友贏夠當天飯食錢。李對人厚道，從不發怒，故鄰人多願與之相處，均尊稱他為李二老師（因曾有一個自稱是他哥哥的老人從上海來 陳家場探望過他）。 　　

民國十六年（1927），李雲青應四川軍閥楊森的邀請去萬縣傳授養身之道。楊森對李敬若上賓， 為李特製全身新衣，請照相館照相放大陳列在櫥窗裏，標明“開縣二百五十歲老人李清雲肖相，民國十六年春三月攝于萬州”。一時之間省內各報競相作為奇聞報 道，轟動全川。因李講不出養身奧秘，不久即送返家。民國二十年（1931）《萬州日報》九月十五日又載：“開縣二百七十三歲老人李清雲，已於前晚由陳家場 到萬縣，住李家花園。老人系應王師長之邀到萬縣的，在萬縣期間，老人談了長生之道只一靜字。李于此次去萬縣返家後二年（1933年，癸酉）病逝，葬於開縣 長沙鎮義學村李家灣。 　　

李清雲在開縣生活的時間約一百一十多年，傳奇性故事頗多。如傳說他是太平天國石達開手下的將 領，隨石達開來到四川。石達開在大渡河全軍覆沒，陳遠昌就改名李清雲，喬裝草藥醫生逃到開縣陳家場一帶避難，他能講很多太平天國的戰鬥故事。（注：石達開 在大渡河被俘是1863年，而李早40多年來到開縣）又說他會水火二遁，也能遁來錢物，因此他買藥雖掙錢不多，但家用不乏。長期打牌只輸不贏也未見過缺錢 用。還傳說他善相法。曾有開縣南門人張驥若年輕時，李算定張將來要當大官，約定算准了以後，以兩石穀子作酬謝。後來張當了四川軍閥的旅長，果真送了他兩石 穀子酬謝。 　　

四川省高縣慶符鎮八十老人胡英華先生在1986年獻出他保存的李清雲照片，還提供書面資料記敍 李清雲壯年時入山采藥。持刀拒虎的壯舉和掘得形似人頭的靈芝草 (This is also something I will farm in my pine/cedar trees)，以及後來楊森為李祝壽的故事。現住常州市成全巷24號的開縣籍八十七歲老人劉成勳先生在 1986年《氣功雜誌第6 期沙鍋上也發表回憶李（誤為李慶遠）的文章。 　　

李清雲不是開縣土生土長的人，他的確年齡和來開縣前的經歷僅憑自己所講，無從考查。加之民間口頭流傳，添油加醋，越來越神秘，這才引起大軍閥楊森的興趣，以至有聘請他去萬縣傳授養身之道及登報照相等事。 　　

李清雲究竟有多大歲數？至今仍是個難解的秘。據現已經掌握的資料證明，李清雲至少有170 歲無疑。李清雲來開縣後雇傭的挑藥擔子的少年向此陽，是現在住在長沙鎮李家灣人黎廣松的外公，生於1806年，活了九十三歲，死於1899年。那時，李青 雲還健在。向此陽十四歲為李挑藥擔子，李當時象個五十多歲的老人，以此推算，至少活了 170 年。

野史

幾乎沒有人知道李清雲早年的身世，目前的資料只知道他出生於四川，最後也終老在了那裏。他10歲的時候出外前往甘肅，陝西，西藏，安南，暹羅和滿洲採集 草藥。隨後他的事情就基本上沒有任何記載可循。再隨後的日子裏，他就依靠為人看病出售中草藥為生，並在其右手留有長達6英寸的指甲。 　　

他自己也承認自己並不是出生於1677年而是1736年，也就是說他活了197歲。但在1930年時成都大學的教授胡忠謙發現了他的出生“證明”，他應該出生於1677年，當時的清政府還為他舉行了150歲和200歲的壽禮慶典。

My Comments (in blue):

When one becomes rich, they are scared to die soon. There is therefore a need to learn the art of longevity. 

The above text remained sketchy. But, all is well. More research are needed along the way.

The herbs that he consumed regularly were He Shou Wu, Ginseng, and Gou Qi Zi (Wolfberries) He ate the Wolfberries raw and cooked the He Shou Wu with the Ginseng. (I am farming He Shou Wu, Ginseng, deer antlers, parts of deer, Dang Gui, Gan Cao and wolfberries respectively.)

It is also known that he consumed 雷公根 regularly both fresh as a salad and brewed as a tea. There is also some evidence that he may have also put these four herbs (along with Dang Gui and Gan Cao) in strong liquor as a tincture and drank a swallow or two every day. (雷公根 is farmed in Bornea.)

雷公根：已经被南亚的 Ayurvedic 文化当作神经激动器使用了几千年，它可以加强大脑的功能，并减缓情绪低落和疲劳的症状。

「何首烏」這名辭及其藥效的由來，源自中國唐朝何田兒的傳奇故事 (公元813 年) 。 唐代李翱所著《何首烏錄》一書中說，唐朝順州南河縣何田兒，天生陽痿卻嗜酒，五十八歲仍單身。有天因醉夜歸，倒臥於山野，醒來看到兩株相隔三尺藤本，二藤 相交，久乃解，且前後合解三、四次。好奇下就挖其根、曬乾研成末、和酒服用，七天後天閹痊癒，娶個曾姓寡婦，生了數男，髮鬚也變黑。兒子何延秀跟著常服， 兩人都活到一百六十歲；孫子何首烏也服用，活至一百三十歲。因他們個個鬚髮黑亮，遂把這植物名為「何首烏」，其藤稱為「夜交藤」。傳說它的生長年代愈久， 藥效愈顯著，例如一些中國藥書所記述，如長筋骨、益精髓、消炎、黑髮鬚等等；呈人形者，其效更佳；甚或有千年何首烏，服用後可長生不老的傳說。

If I had to say which single herb from these had the most "anti-aging" properties I would have to say He Shou Wu!

Read an article by 李清雲 himself! 

In the fifties, the Domestic and Foreign Magazine reported the story of a 李清雲 in Sichuan province, who died at the age of 250 in 1930. It's more then possible this is the same 李清雲 mentioned above. 

In his own account (from an interview in the 1920's) Li says, "When I was 139 years old, and before I met my Master, I could still walk and do the power walk, as if I practiced Chinese martial arts. As a result some people thought I might be a deity or an accomplished swordsman. At the time I thought it was really amusing. I think the reason that I have lived this long and am still perpetually healthy is because nothing has irritated me since I was 40 years old. Because of that, my heart is very calm, peaceful and divinely tranquil. That is why I am free from any illness, and always healthy and happy. 

At the age of fifty when I went to a mountain to collect some herbs, I met an elderly man who lived on the secluded mountain. He didn't appear to be a supernormal man, but he took big strides when he walked, as if he was flying in the air. No matter how hard I tried, I could not keep up with him. Later, I met him again. I knelt before him and begged for his secret. He gave me some wild fruits and said, "My only secret is that I only eat these fruits." I took the fruits, and found that they were Chinese Wolfberries. Since then I consumed three qian of Chinese Wolfberries daily (a qian is the weight used to measure Chinese medicine which is equal to five grams). From then on I became healthy and agile. I can walk a hundred li (a li equals half a kilometer) and not feel tired. I became better in strength and stamina than an average person."

If you notice, my passion businesses are centred with this longevity in mind. Remember and analyze the herbs involved.

You will find enlightenment.

b.Passion Business VII - Cryptocurrency

The last part is here:   Passion Business I - Taste

One of the latest trends now in internet is the creation of cryptocurrency. The most famous being Bitcoin. Search it, read about it and digest it in full from the internet. There are millions of literature on it.

This trend is the next wave in internet. Learn it, master it and lord over it.

Although I have ear-marked it as the passion business VII, my hands are so full now that I can't really exercise this business-type with personal attention.

So if you are reading this topic, done research totally on it and concluded that it is the next wave. Then, write to me. I might be interested to create another cryptocurrency with some of my small funds.

The key problems faced by the bitcoin are:

• It is highly speculative. It goes from US$13 in Jan 2013 to US$1,100 (Dec) and then plunged back to US$800 right now (Jan 2014). Merchants don't like such volatility.
• It has very low volume, i.e., 10 million coins in circulation.
• Since each coin is so expensive now, merchants would shy away from transacting in it.
• Low merchant penetrations.
• It doesn't have a good conversion table against other currencies. A cryptocurrency is only good if it can easily be convertible into other currencies.  

Our cryptocurrency must solved the above short-falls:

• It must not be speculative, its value must be deterministic for a reasonable period of time.
• It must be able to grow according to demand for use of coins.
• A good deterministic conversion table against other fiat currencies.
• Able to trade and accepted by common merchants.
• Must have deflationary features.

This my dream coming true for micro-payment system. I have been playing with this idea for at least 20 years. Maybe now is a good time to pull the rabbit out of its hat.

This project if placed in an after-burner may not take off. So be warned. Internet is a fast-paced business, which I don't always like. That is why I am not too keen to participate using my personal time. Off-handed fund is alright for me though.

b.孫子兵法 (謀攻篇第三) (Chapter 3 - 3) (Part 19)

The last part is here:   孫子兵法 (謀攻篇第三) (Chapter 3 - 2) (Part 18)

謀攻篇

孫子曰：凡用兵之法，全國為上，破國次之﹔全軍為上，破軍次之﹔ 全旅為上，破旅次之﹔全卒為上，破卒次之﹔全伍為上，破伍次之。 是故百戰百勝，非善之善也﹔不戰而屈人之兵，善之善者也。
           故上兵伐謀，其次伐交，其次伐兵，其下攻城。攻城之法為不得已。 修櫓轒轀、具器械、三月而後成，距闉，又三月而後已。將不勝其忿 ，而蟻附之，殺士三分之一，而城不拔者，此攻之災也。故善用兵者 ，屈人之兵而非戰也。拔人之城而非攻也，破人之國而非久也，必以 全爭于天下，故兵不頓，而利可全，此謀攻之法也。
          故用兵之法，十則圍之，五則攻之，倍則分之，敵則能戰之，少則能逃之，不若則能避之。故小敵之堅，大敵之擒也。
          夫將者，國之輔也。輔周則國必強，輔隙則國必弱。
          故君之所以患于軍者三：不知軍之不可以進而謂之進，不知軍之不可 以退而謂之退，是為縻軍﹔不知三軍之事，而同三軍之政者，則軍士 惑矣﹔不知三軍之權，而同三軍之任，則軍士疑矣。三軍既惑且疑， 則諸侯之難至矣，是謂亂軍引勝。
          故知勝有五：知可以戰與不可以戰者勝，識眾寡之用者勝，上下同欲 者勝，以虞待不虞者勝，將能而君不御者勝。此五者，知勝之道也。
          故曰：知己知彼，百戰不貽﹔不知彼而知己，一勝一負﹔不知彼不知 己，每戰必貽。

Let's continue ...

          故用兵之法，十則圍之，五則攻之，倍則分之，敵則能戰之，少則能逃之，不若則能避之。故小敵之堅，大敵之擒也。
          夫將者，國之輔也。輔周則國必強，輔隙則國必弱。

Some translation suggested: 
It is the rule in war, if our forces are ten to the enemy's one, to surround him; if five to one, to attack him; if twice as numerous, to divide our army into two. If equally matched, we can offer battle; if slightly inferior in numbers, we can avoid the enemy; if quite unequal in every way, we can flee from him. 
Hence, though an obstinate fight may be made by a small force, in the end it must be captured by the larger force.
Now the general is the bulwark of the State; if the bulwark is complete at all points; the State will be strong; if the bulwark is defective, the State will be weak.
Moran:   So the method for using troops is as follows:
If your strength is ten to their one, then surround them. If your strength is five to their one, then attack them. If your strength is double theirs then divide them.【PEM: Later he says that if you surround an army you should give it a way to escape the blockade — the idea being that you would rather have them go back where they came from, or, if they seem not likely to go home and stay home, then a corridor of flight may be offered to them, and it can be a long killing field through which their troops will continue to flee even as the near end of the corridor is being closed off and as they are being culled from both sides as they flee.】
If one is their worthy opponent, then one can fight them. If one is numerically inferior, then one can (flee them)/(take a completely defensive posture with regard to them). If one is not at all a match for them, then one must strive to become able to avoid them entirely. 【PEM: There are two versions of the text at this point.】
【PEM: To "avoid them entirely," one's intelligence service must be equal to the task of telling your soldiers where to go and where not to go.】
So by obdurateness a minor combatant can become the captive of a major combatant. 【PEM: Continuing the idea above, why would a numerically inferior army willingly meet a superior force on an equal footing? The only way the numerically inferior army can win is by ambush or other stratagems that prevent more than a small portion of the other army from getting at them.】
Now a general is an aide to the nation. If his assistance is well-rounded, then the nation must be strong. But if his assistance has lapses in it, then the nation must be weak. 

Let's discuss:

故用兵之法，:   Therefore, the method for using troops is as follows:
十則圍之，五則攻之，倍則分之；:   If the troops are ten times that of the target, surround the target. If the troops are five times that of the target, attack the target. If the troops are double that of the target, divide the target.
敵則能戰之，少則能逃 / 守之，不若則能避之。:   If the troops are comparable to that of the target, stay and fight. If the troops are numerically smaller to that of the target, flee / defend the position. If the troops are no match to that of the target, avoid conflict.
故小敵之堅，大敵之擒也。:   Hence, though an obstinate fight may be made by a small hardened force, in the end it must be captured by the larger force.
夫將者，國之輔也。輔周則國必強，輔隙則國必弱。:   A general is the pillar to the nation. If his advice is well-analyzed, then the nation must be strong. But if his advice has cracks, then the nation must be weak.

SunTzu meant that in business, if the size is 10 to 1, do not engage the target directly, produce full compatible products and surround the target's market place. If the size is 5 to 1, attack the target directly by aggressive marketing and market grabbing. If the size is 2 to 1, concentrate on taking on target's products that have significant market share. If the size is 1 to 1 parity, stand and defend own turf. If one is slightly smaller in size, flee to other suitable market space or defend own turf. If one is truly small in size, avoid direct confrontation with the major business. A small business, no matter how clever, will always be captured / killed by the large business. Therefore, a carefully considered plan and execution by a business steward will strengthen the business, otherwise, the steward shall weakened the business' resources.

Generally, I feel that this is quite common business sense. Frequently, I would say that most businesses one conducts no matter how big is still small compared to major business empires (as in controlled by the state enterprises). Therefore, it is not ideal to fight. It is always about defending one's turf. I don't believe in fleeing. If you flee, you just go into another business-type. In that new business-type, you will meet its head honchos there. The problem set is still the same. If that is the case, why don't you, after so much careful considerations in the current business-type, always stand and fight. Sometimes, the answer lies not in warfare, but in co-operation. Give the large entities the feeling that they are advantageous in the dealings. Grow your strength from there.

In many cases, the mom-and-pop store (I am staring at one right now) in a very small town will do roaring business. The service provided is very friendly and personal, but extremely expensive. The next nearest similar store is 100 km away. But, given time, the town will grow and soon the big-box store will arrive, driving out the very mom-and-pop store out of business. The big-box store is cheaper, bigger range and has more accurate delivery of business ethics. The decades of hard work and build-up of branding of the mom-and-pop store are nullified by its entry.

You are not to be fooled by this approach. Battle-hardened yourself through proper product development.

b.Passion Business I - Taste

The last part is here:   Passion Business I - Great Wine Fermentation 

It's been a while since I last wrote about wine-making.

Here is my pigeon account:

Most people in the wine-making industry would like to mystify the wine-making process. Once upon a time, I crapped up tens of thousands of dollars to get a gal to concoct the best wine for me. Fuck her! All my money were wasted.

Wine-making is actually very simple. If you study the wine scientifically, you would realise that only about 11%-17% are alcohol, the rest (which is actually the majority) is still very much fruit juice. Therefore, to start the wine-making, one must have the most tasty fruit juice to start.

So the most tasty fruit juice must come from fruits that are sun-ripened, i.e., the best fruits must be naturally sweet while it is still on the tree. Most fruits in the markets are plucked well before they are ripened. Hence, they are not sweet and only marginally sweeter after a few days; the fruits are ripened artificially using funny methods, such as putting in rice sacks and so on. Hence, the first step is to collect sun-ripened fruits.

Once juiced, the must may be very nice and very tastefully sweet. But, this will still make very bad wine. The must must have a certain level of acidity, i.e., sour. That is why lemon juice when nicely sweetened is one of the hot ladies' favourite. At this point, it is important that you let a few gals to taste the must. They would always like a hint of sour-ness.

Water is always an enemy to the wine-making. Use pure spring water if you can. Notice the fucking hawkers will always add syrupy water to buffer their fruit juice and they taste horrible. Hence, never add water to the must if at all possible.

Even if the must tastes sweet, it is still not enough to start the fermentation and not be poisonous. The yeast must take control of the must. Any wrong conditions, the bad bacteria or other organisms will take over and you would be out of business quite soon. Sugar has to be added. Make sure the sugar is of the highest quality and dissolve quickly.

The next step is to add the yeast. There are too many yeast species. Hence, learn to find the right ones by playing god. This is a trade-secret and shall remained so.

The rest of the additives are also trade secrets.

So please don't mystify wine-making. It is actually quite simple to make a decent wine. But, wine with character is a different kettle. This type of wine needs great experimentation.

The other important factor is aging. Any brandless wine when aged correctly will taste like nectar, i.e., (in Greek and Roman mythology) the drink of the gods.

b.Passion Business VI - Rent-to-Own

The last part is here:   Passion Business V - Alpaca 

This business-type is not to be your first business-type. You can't play this game without having cash. Lots of cash. Its investment returns vis-a-vis huge capital upfront, is also not as fast as others. employ this business-type when you have spare cash over your other passion business-types.

In other places where property prices are sky-high, this business-type totally cannot be employed.

Buying a goner property
When you observed the property market, noticed that those properties that are fairly good looking and well-maintained are normally easily bought up by the buyers and banks love to finance such properties. The reason simply being buyers are poor bastards. They got no cash. They only have the initial deposit to down-pay. The rest they hoped like hell that the bank will pay the rest. Hopefully, with a 30-year burden, they will live happily ever after.

Hence, properties that are structurally good but in poor state of repair would take years to complete the sale with prices dropping every 3 months. For this type of property, no banks would finance and thus, no buyers can buy. Further in the white land (unlike yellow or shit lands), the contractors are poor bastards, they can only render services but not cash investments.

When viewing such goner properties, watch for structural damage. If exist, don't buy. If it is only a coat of paint and redo all furnishings, then consider buying it. Bring a contractor along to guess-timate the ultimate total cost.

Give a 50% knock-down, don't be embarrass, your seller realtor already have been marketing for a long long time. She needs to close too for food. She will pressurize the seller to close. Just behave like a poor yellowskin bastard.

If the seller is hard, just move on. There are plenty to choose from.

Once you get it, smile to your contractor.

Renovation
Get your contractor to start to do basic repairs. Give it a good paint. Change all appliances to new ones. Change all toilet bowls, bathtubs, kitchen sinks. Change any old curtains and so on. The total renovation should not cost more than 50% of the purchase price.

Put up a Signage
Put up a RENT-TO-OWN signage and welcome realtors to contact you too. Once the renter come in, get him to sign a rent-to-own contract.

Investment Returns
It should take about 2 years to fully recover the full investment cost. Mean time, you hope like hell, the renter will be late in payment or move out, you can restart the business. With this investment return, you can restart another rent-to-own property every 2 years.

Even if the property is not rented out, you only incur property tax which is super reasonable. No other expenses. You can choose to shut down all services until reconnected.

General Cash-flow Model
Initial Property Purchase:   $10,000   (for example)
Renovation Cost:   $5,000
Total Property:   $15,000

Gross rent-to-own:   $600 (+$200 rent-to-own premium) per month (yearly: $9,600 plus any property taxes to be borne by the renter)
Net Rent-to-own:   $560 per month (yearly: $6,720, deducted to pay for income tax)
Recovery Period:   2.23 years   (=$15,000/$6,720)

Enjoy ...

b.Passion Business V - Alpaca

The last part is here:   Passion business IV - Black Périgord Truffles (as a)

I have decided to play in this business-type.

Main driver:   Farm lands are not easy to own and hold. The government-of-the-day happy happy will cut a road, happy happy will run power lines, happy happy will buy back, happy happy change the land of neigbouring to rubbish, thus forcing you to quit prematurely. They want to see you working on your land. Sit idle, they will rob you blind. Government-of-the-day hates land squatters or land banking.

Why Alpaca?    For every cow, you can keep 10 alpacas. For every sheep, you can keep 2 alpacas. Alpacas are hardy and don't die easily. Alpacas are low on food quality. For every acre, you can keep up to 10. Alpacas can live up to 20 years and achieve maturity at age 2 years onwards.

Negatives:    The fleece produced by alpacas are superior products but poorly priced. The farmers are currently not into fleece production but nonsensical pure bred competitions. Although this is a negative, one can turn it around by going into pure fleece. But, the current fleece price is very poor, after sale (about 6-8 lbs), the money can only feed the animal for the year. There is no profit. The only profit is in their off-springs.

Positives:   The farm needs not be too well-kept. Fence needs not be too high, except against predators. The status of the farm is very well-protected. The farm will look extremely vibrant.

Investment Returns:   Assuming both the male and female are sold at the same price, the reason being that some bucks are good priced, which sometimes the female also fetch good price. On the whole, female being seen as reproductive usually fetch better prices. But, for analysis, let's leave it as equal. Simple and easy to understand. It is not impossible.

Let's start with 3x3-years-old females and 2x3-years-old males (all productive); all males not buck quality would be sold as soon as possible; all females should be sold by the 8th year, else the price and fleece are crapped; the ratio of males and females are 1:1 equal chance for each sex; always choose one or two young strong bucks to sex all females:

Year 0:   F3, F3, F3, M3, M3 (e.g., F2 - first letter is sex, second letter is age, i.e., female, 2-years-old)
Year 1:   F4, m1, F4, f1, F4, m1, M4, M4
Year 2:   F5, f1, M2, F5, m1, F2, F5, f1, M2, M5, M5
Year 3:   F6, m1, F2, M3, F6, f1, M2, F3, F6, m1, F2, M3, M6, M6
Year 4:   F7, f1, M2, F3, M4, F7, m1, M3, F4, f1, F7, m1, M2, F3, M4, M7, M7
Year 5:   F8, f1, F2, M3, F4, m1, M5, F8, f1, M2, M4, F5, m1, F2, F8, f1, M2, M3, F4, m1, M5, M8, M8
Year 6:   F9, f1, F2, F3, M4, F5, m1, M2, M6, F9, f1, F2, M3, M5, F6, m1, M2, F3, F9, f1, F2, M3, M4, F5, m1, M2, M6, M9, M9

From 5 animals to 29 in 6 years, i.e., IRR of 34%. Not too bad for a return. If in time, the fleece is saleable, then the return is even more fun.

Year 7:   F10, f1, F2, F3, F4, m1, M5, F6, f1, M2, M3, M7, F10, m1, F2, F3, M4, M6, F7, f1, M2, M3, F4, m1, F10, f1, F2, F3, M4, M5, F6, m1, M2, M3, M7, M10, M10
Year 8:   F11, f1, F2, F3, F4, m1, F5, f1, M2, M6, F7, m1, F2, M3, M4, M8, F11, f1, M2, F3, F4, m1, M5, M7, F8, f1, F2, M3, M4, F5, m1, M2, F11, f1, F2, F3, M5, M6, F7, m1, M3, M4, M8, M11, M11
Year 9:   F12, f1, F2, F3, F4, m1, F5, f1, M2, F6, m1, F2, M3, M7, F8, f1, M2, F3, M4, M5, M8, F12, m1, F2, M3, F4, f1, F5, m1, M2, M6, M8, F9, f1, F2, F3, M4, M5, F6, m1, M2, M3, F12, f1, F2, F3, F4, m1, M6, M7, F8, f1, M2, M4, M5, M9, M12, M12
Year 10:   F13, m1, F2, F3, F4, f1, F5, m1, M2, F6, f1, F2, M3, F7, m1, M2, F3, M4, M8, F9, f1, F2, M3, F4, m1, M5, M6, M9, F13, f1, M2, F3, M4, F5, m1, F2, F6, f1, M2, M3, M7, M9, F10, m1, F2, F3, F4, f1, M5, M6, F7, m1, M2, M3, M4, F13, f1, F2, F3, F4, m1, M2, M7, M8, F9, f1, F2, M3, M5, M6, M10, M13, M13

From 5 animals to 73 in 10 years, i.e., IRR of 31%. Quite consistent or at least 30%.

As for the feed, it is almost free as the land area is plenty.

After a while, the herd is almost free. Every year, the off-springs would be enough to feed you. There is no IRR to talk about. It is just free money like an orchard.

p.Story - A Stupid Gal

The last part is here:   Story - A Banker and a Fisherman

Looks like every one loves to tell stories. I also wan.

Once upon a time, there lived a gal in suburb of a large city. She was not very educated. She was lazy and used her little beauty to get by. Gradually she was attracted by the golden songs of another large city, like every one else, she went to work in that big city. Her life was tough. She lived in a single room and paid exorbital rent. Her pay was meager and after a few years, she applied for permanent resident and got it too. But, her pay remained very weak.

Her landlady even suspected she was from the kampong and laughed non-stopped at her, without realizing that she had 4 cars at the driveway in a large landed property.

Every dollar she made she spent it away in clothes and food, leaving very little savings for herself. After a few more years, she talked to her elder sister about her future.

Her sister instead of suggesting a way out for her, chided her for being stupid and not hard-working. See ... She went on to an overseas varsity and got qualified as a professional, now she can make multiple thousands at any one time. She therefore asked her sister to be like her to study even more.

She followed her elder sister's advice and went to a tertiary institution for a part-time course. She was very hard-working. After work, she would rush to school for her classes. Interestingly, every time she stared at the books, she would dose off within seconds. After a few months, as expected, she quit the school. Her elder sister laughed at her to no ends.

She was clueless. Even with close siblings, she was burnt upside-down. There was no help. Even her father refused to send her overseas like her elder sister.

Life unfortunately ended quite abruptly for her. No dream. No asset. No money. No harbour.

She then knew this guy who is good in wine-making. She asked humbly for him to teach her business. The guy was a bastard. No good words could come from him. But, he did impart superficially the art of wine-making. She was stupid enough to listen to his half-baked advice. When she has questions in wine-making, instead of telling her, he asked her to consult the internet instead. he's a fucker in every aspect. He was no 伯乐 to her. Her knowledge was not gained from him, but from every key stroke she impressed on the internet.

After a good one year, she announced that her wine is ready for tasting. Her elder sister instead of helping her to spread the good word. The elder sister debarred all her friends from contacting her younger sister.

But, good things cannot be suppressed for long. Soon many of her friends came to know about it and started to buy from her. The authority also got the wind of it and the authority too felt good about the event and have decided to process the wine-making license for her.

As expected, she has grown from someone whom many people would have brushed aside to someone who can stand on her own two little feet and be counted equal among the giants before her.

As said many times before, there are no weak genes amongst us. The only difference if we are either 帅才 or 将才。什么是帅才，什么是将才呢？兵法云：“能领兵者，谓之将”，“能将将者，谓之帅”。

Due to her limited education, she would not be a 帅才 for the time being. But, no one knows, given time, she might tear away and be a true 帅才。 Never underestimate what one can do. Mdm Lu was only a samsui woman, but, she displayed judgement of deadly love offering at age 95. We often heard stories too that a mother can lift a car to rescue her child. Such strength of love can only be given to very determined person.

Her weapon-of-choice:   Downward doe eyes, with pity-me-not face.

If you classify her as stupid, then I am sure you are already had.

I wish her every success ...

I just pray that the world is fairer and nicer to those who are weaker by virtue of lack of resource allocation. They are never stupid, they are just robbed of what was rightfully theirs.

p.Living in Fairer Shore

The last part is here:   Leaving the good shore in search of a better life 

Finally I have a pet. This little brown bat will keep me through the dark wintry days.

I was playing with it for the whole night. I believe it is a he. He would fly around me at very low flight path and I would use a magazine and wave it in the air. He will just fly over the magazine and come back again for more.

When he was tired, he would just rest on a tall speaker. I would just throw a sock at it to start it flying again.

When he was finally tired, he would climb through the chimney making clumsy sounds and disappeared into the night. The next following night, he would return and do the same playing with me.

I used to have a squirrel as a pet, I would feed the squirrel with fruits and biscuits. Although these animals are wild, they are absolutely fun to keep.

After my current fiascoes with the grand chieftains, I would be making a pigeon house to keep loads of pigeons. Don't know if they let me play with a pair of alpacas. I want to do some training before I go at it full time.

Alpaca

An amazing find! Recently I just spoken to an alpaca farmer, he said that to buy male wethers is very cheap. They can go for $50 a pop. If buy in bulk, it might even be cheaper. 

"It is generally accepted by most alpaca breeders that males who are not required for breeding are wethered. This results in a quieter, more handle-able animal who is not under the influence of sexual hormones. Wethers make great pets when sold to buyers who only want a small herd, and they are easier to manage on the stud farm, too. They don’t tend to fight, and can be kept with your breeding females without risk of an unwanted pregnancies, and some quiet machos also appreciate the company of a wether (don’t make assumptions on this – some working studs can’t stand wethers, and will attack your uncomprehending wether mercilessly. Be very sure that your macho is not aggressively inclined before leaving wethers and machos unsupervised). Wethers also make great companion animals for weanlings, sick animals, or any alpaca you need to separate from the main herd for any reason. Wethering make good practical sense both economically and for ease of management."

It is quite a joke the the current farmers are more inclined towards breeding champion alpacas and win prizes and in exchange be sold for a high breeding price. They are not interested in the true fleece production, which is the key farming activity. The farmers are not into hard work. They just keep alpacas and try to produce champions for sale. It is no different from trying to keep and breed fighting cocks for sale. A non-farm activity. Possibly below are the reason:

"Our farm of 75 plus alpacas and over 40 acres puts us in the large end of the range of all alpacas breeders though there are a few with over 500 alpacas and the largest, Magical Farms in Ohio, with more than 1,500 alpacas. There are many alpaca farms with only two or three alpacas though the national average falls into the ten to 20 alpaca range. Most herds start out small and grow to the size that fits the breeder's farm and financial goals. Since the alpacas are self-producing after a while, the farm will grow."

"The U.S. market is focused on breeding alpacas, not on fiber production. The actual value of the animal ultimately is based on what people will pay for it - or its services. The alpaca's only real economic service is to provide fleece (or more alpacas). With global alpaca production of fleece far outstripping demand there is no need for more fiber production locally. Spurious people promote alpaca breeding as a quick way to make money, but eventually people will realize that nobody will want to buy more alpacas and the price per animal will plummet.

The plummeting price might bring quality alpaca goods to your neck of the woods, but it is also a disaster for the poor U.S. alpacas and their farmers. The economics of raising an alpaca in the U.S. for profit on fiber alone is depressing. It is extremely difficult to make money, especially as Peru and other international fiber producing countries could readily supply any demand for the product. On this note, it might be wise for existing or future alpaca ranchers to think about adopting organic and sustainable practices now. Creating a niche market for local grown sustainable products might be the best way to weather the coming storm."  

"There is a considerable range in the purchasing prices for alpacas. The average selling price for purebred, breeding, registered stock is around $5000.00-$10000.00 Unregistered or non-breeding alpacas will generally sell for $200.00 to $500.00. There are cases where some people who no longer want their animals will take them to a general livestock or odd and unusual auction where they can fetch as low as $25.00. At such sales the buyer has no idea as to health or registration status of the animals so it is "buyer beware". At the other end of the scale, purebred, registered alpacas have sold for $30,000.00 and up. Not all alpacas are of equal value, please refer to the following sections for more detail."

For a package of 5 females and 2 males, it will give about 39.5 animals in 5 years' time. Sell off all animals that are 10 years or older. If the initial cost is 34 units, then in 5 years' time, it will worth 155 units, i.e., IRR of 35.44%. An excellent return.

Alpacas can be pastured at 5-10 per acre. The largest farm size is 3000 alpacas. I am fairly sure I will be the largest given a little more time. Together with my black truffles farming need, I am sure I am finally home.

b.Exploration - The Meeting with Another Grand Chieftain

The last part is here:   Exploration - The White Co-operative

Next week, I am going for the test of my life:   I am going to meet the grand chieftain to ask for my land. This grand chieftain has previously promised me a piece of land. He has promised to give it to me free.

Dealing with grand chieftains is a serious matter. One cannot treat it lightly.

I must now count the alignment of the stars tonight and predict my fate of the coming meeting.

Meditation is the order of the day and I must now fast in my temple ... The battle is nigh and the time has come once again for me to don my body armour ...

p.Show - 射雕英雄传 1983

The last part is here:   Show - 天龍八部之六脈神劍 1982 

The show is here:   射雕英雄传83版 粤语

The actors were 黄日华,翁美玲,苗侨伟,杨盼盼. A beautiful combination. This is a very, very good show. Never stopped watching every 10 years. Another journey opens ...

Plenty of chance to cry.
满江红 - 罗文

怒髮衝冠 憑欄處 瀟瀟雨歇
抬望眼 仰天長嘯 壯懷激烈
三十功名塵與土 八千里路雲和月
莫等閒 白了少年頭 空悲切
靖康恥 猶未雪 臣子恨 何時滅
駕長車 踏破賀蘭山闕
壯志飢餐胡虜肉 笑談渴飲匈奴血
待從頭 收拾舊山河 朝天闕

To survive, we have to surround ourselves with familiar objects. Don't try to assimilate. You would be disappointed.

On this land, there are so many pinoys. They are locusts to the land. Don't trust any pinoys. The guys and gals are great consters. I have no good fuckens with them.

It may seem slow if we don't integrate with the locals, we would be shunt from their communities. But, what's the use of joining their communities to feel lost. Our direction is to be hard working. You won't learn it right from them. Most of the locals are so used to be lazy that we would end up even more lost. These guys are willing to take on jobs that are always at minimum wages. They talked non-stopped about the weather. But, I couldn't. I can't even live just for myself. Such is the difference. We just have to burn a little more to get going faster.

I just received good news that my wares have orders. A very, very small order indeed, but, it was good enough for me. A very honest deal. A very delightful project. I wish all who were involved happy days. This project is very important not only to me, but to all the families involved with the project. If done correctly, this business will feed them and their families for the next thousand years. I am glad to be of good company. First, I would like to thank my partner-in-crime for believing in me that a maverick like me could be controlled and directed towards greatness. My humble thank-you to him. Next, I would like to thank a friend. She single-handedly against all odds fulfilled my bidding. Harshly, at many times. I apologized for my brashness. It was the pressure to see the project through. It was so hard, hard, hard for 4 long years. I hope she forgives me for the bad behaviour. I will do my utmost never to disappoint her. There are many others. You and I know who we all are. A big thank-you. I better don't listed them out. Lol. Otherwise, my infrastructure is as naked as the day.

We must be in business. Fool's stop.

Let's enjoy the show ... I will comment about the show later ...

b.Exploration - The White Co-operative

The last part is here:   That Straight Narrow Path

學那春蠶吐心絲 自縛繭追隨君背 掏盡我生命 來換你的愛 盡此生都不悔 ...

Every step is difficult. It is so difficult that one must never despair. It is just part of a very difficult path. Once you have gotten through, it is fun to look back and marvel at the feats you have been through. Right now, my path is still so uncertain that I wonder if I could still come out alive.

From the ring of white chieftains, the chieftains I have spoken to were so very fierce. They were so proud that they refused to even talk to me. They mentioned they were governed by a white chieftain co-operative. Every sizable farm business had to join this cartel. They would produce and sell everything to this cartel. The cartel would set the price at the beginning of each year. In the event of over-supply, the cartel would dump the external market. These producers would be paid in 4 installments, spread over the whole fucking year ahead. On top of that, a part of their receivables was made to buy shares in the co-operative and cannot be paid till the producers are 70 years of age. Sounded like a fucking con job from another fucken little island.

The most draconic measure was that if any of the chieftains were to under-produce what they produced last year or failed to deliver on time. Their membership to the co-op would be terminated immediately. Their wares would be sold in the open market as bulk.

So when I said I am a buyer of their wares, their faces changed from white to red. They were embarrassed by my brashness. How can a small fart with a small budget be talking to them the farmers. Out of curiosity, they asked me for my volume, I told them a very modest figure, but mentioned that I would pay cash for the wares. They started to chide me for being such a small fart. I smiled. If a rich cattle farmer needs to talk to me to buy his heifers, I can't be that bad, after all I was the only yellowskin in the whole ring of camp fire. No pinoys, no shitskins, no yellowskins.

I then inquired if I could sneak some wares off them on the quiet. They then replied in a very straight face. They couldn't. I smiled. Whites are so easy to handle.

In conclusion, they finally asked me what happen if they deliver in quantity less than what I have asked. I then replied in agreement that I will source my short-fall from other farmers. They then heaved a sign of relief. My power as a buyer was felt to the fullest by now. If I commit the quantity to them, they can be rest assured that I will honour the purchase as their supplies formed only a part of my ingredients every year.

Cartel, my foot! See how I use cash to kill the co-op's strangle hold on these chieftains. So sad. I didn't know for all their proudness, they have been too fucken by the government-of-the-day.

Learn to smell behind that facade, their true weakness.

b.Passion Business I - Great Wine Fermentation

The last part is here:   Passion business I - Red Sorghum Wine 

Just tasted the concoction made by my co-worker. It was heavenly. Just 3.5 months old and it already proved to be worthy of a vintage collection.

My partner-in-crime asked me to keep the formulation secret and limit the ingredients and procedure to within only a few of us.

Well, now I just have to wait for that one license to rule them all.

b.Passion Business II - Ginseng's Profit

The last part is here:   Passion business II - The Birth Place of Ginseng

Based on the daily palm oil price of RM2,215, that gives RM3,985 per acre (1.8x2215) or USD1,226 per acre (3985/3.25) per year (being used as a standard and guide), growing ginseng is considered superior.

After the third year, the ginseng farm would have reached full productivity. The yield per acre is about $50,000 whole sale. Not too bad for a young plantation. Seeds can be purchased at $25 per lb. So no shortage of stratified seeds. The yield will include both the seeds and the roots in the ratio of 1 : 3.

Since I have nothing much to do from now to spring, I will do some hobbies and know more gals. Maybe ask the Father to let me be his assistant Father. Must pressurize this gangster, he practizes common church belief. He seems like a nice bloke. Next week, I am attending the Mormon church service for the first time. Already got so many pretty gals asking me out.

Project Update:

• Discussion with a stratified seed supplier is on-going. He asked for $25 per lb. I will initially need about 500 kg. I will check further. Planting will start in spring.
• Equipment suppliers were also contacted to provide shade design and water management.
• Soil test samples would be taken in spring too, just before planting. Adjustments to pH would be made.

b.Passion Business IV - A chinaman's Scorn

The last part is here:   Passion Business IV - Black Périgord Truffles (as a) 

I have by way of convo (I was so lonely in white land, so got to blow some water to find out investment vibes) spoken to a chinaman as I happened to conduct a short convo with my white agent in his presence.

Ohhhh ... boy ... I was bombarded with a million questions and I need to handle and return 999,999 deflections. I returned one serious question, so are you therefore keen? with a cute smile.

He asked how long more is needed to complete the truffle grove planting since it is only 1-2 years old? I replied 10 years. What if it fails? I think for a while and suggested 20 years. I was so proud. I learned my zen teachings well.

His face was contorted with rage. How can he wait for 10-20 years of his life to find the black diamonds? I expounded a possibility that maybe that is why my white agent was able to persuade the current owners to let go the truffle grove to me at a very reasonable price. He was dumb-founded. He has no more energy left of him and we passed the convo talking about the birds and the bees. LOL.

I had the same convo with my partner-in-crime. But, his reaction was totally different. He don't even bother to ask any questions. He just asked if I am in it? I replied yes. He said that is good enough for him. He wanted a good share then. I said it might take a longer time to fruit this investment. For the king of food, he said it is a all worthwhile wait. Even a Durian tree takes 40-60 years to become great and its price is not even anything near the king of food. I was floored. He understood me by the back of his hand.

I am a maverick. One has to know me to deploy me.

Two different persons, two different reactions. I wouldn't hazard a guess if I am right at the end of the day. Who cares?  It is the fun journey that I am after. At the end of the journey, there might be a rainbow waiting, a pot of gold waiting or just shit all over me. LOL. One thing I know for sure, I have lived and always remembered my crane's telling me to breathe.

Winter chills please come early. I needed to place that purchase ...

Sometimes I do wonder if I am a man who dreamed about being a butterfly and has woken up, or I am a butterfly who has dreamed about being a man?

Two songs:   黎明不要來 葉蒨文   and    《倩女幽魂 》主题曲 还泪

《黎明不要來》
作詞：黃霑   作曲：黃霑   編曲：戴維雄

黎明请你不要来
就让梦幻今晚永远存在
留此刻的一片真
伴倾心的这份爱
命令灵魂迎入进来
请你唤黎明不要再不要来
现在浪漫感觉放我浮世外
而清风的温馨
在冷雨中送热爱
默默让痴情突破障碍
不许红日 教人分开
悠悠良夜不要变改
请你命黎明不必要再显姿彩
现在梦幻诗意永远难替代
人闯开心扉 在漆黑中抱着你 莫让朝霞漏进来

《还泪》
唱：林鹏   曲：伍乐城   词：林夕 (倩女幽魂／普通话版)

怀了爱 赎了罪
心里还有鬼
昨天错 何时对
到底谁把谁连累
天网中 向人间 寻觅是非
欠你一笑还你一身眼泪
有情 无理 有愧 无悔
似有 还无 有我不该有谁
有心 无意 有去 无回
真情需要谁的假慈悲
一时 冒昧 一夜 暧昧
一般 愚昧 你我是谁傀儡
一番 体会 一场 误会
一朝化灰谁写纪念碑
还了爱 赎了罪
心里还有鬼
昨天错 何時对
到底谁把谁连累
有情人 离恨天 惹甚是非
欠你一笑还你一身眼泪
欠你今生还进来生的眼泪

Let's enjoy the songs ...