Investing Ponderables

 

Stamp Duty Hike from 0.1% to 0.15%  

That was not a smart proposal. It already makes an "expensive" small Asian bourse even more so, and it's not like our bourse offers something highly significant or unique compared to other regional markets. If you want to collect more tax revenues, use the GST, that's more effective. What some people do not appreciate is that a small move has leveraged effects. The approximate value of stamp duty charged last year was around RM500m. So we are looking at an extra RM250m ... but is anyone calculating the dampening effect of that move, which will surely bring the trading volumes down. Net net, we all lose.

Do you know what the big foreign brokers are paying in commission for local stocks? 0.05%-0.1%, that's it... hence the hike in stamp duty is a big thing for them. 

It is a smallish sum but it affects the most vulnerable traders. Needless for me to say, they make up a substantive portion of daily volume. They provide the grease and liquidity for volumes to move. Now its a dead market, no more lubricant, big sellers cannot sell, big buyers cannot buy, small day traders avoiding the market as no liquidity means cannot make money.

Just a small move can pull the markets back substantially. Markets are all about sentiment. This move is backfiring on us. 

JUST REVERSE THE MOVE.

Sophisticated Investors

The LEAP market is only available to sophisticated investors. Herein lies the issue why some companies are throwing in the towel by exiting LEAP. Volume and liquidity are critical for any markets to function properly. The current rules set up are too cumbersome and restrictive.

• Why are LEAP Market investors limited to Sophisticated Investors?

  As one of the guiding principles for this market to have facilitative rules and regulations, this market will only be available to Sophisticated Investors who are deemed to have better knowledge on the potential risk and return of this market.

  I think it is RM5 million before you are termed as sophisticated investors. RM5 million does not qualify anyone as sophisticated investor. Some of the most qualified investors are worth a lot less than that. That is like getting a Masters from Stanford because you have RM5 million.

  Is it because they have RM5 million to lose? Or is it they have to better understand the risks of investing?

  Cause if you are talking of risks in investing ... the normal stocks listed on Bursa are already RISKY. Sure on Bursa there are blue chips but look at the top 20 volume stocks everyday, most of those are some of the riskiest stocks you can come across ... and played by many who cannot afford to lose much.

  There is a big discord here in reasoning. Name me any company on LEAP and I can name you 20 stocks on Bursa more risky.

  RECONSIDER.

First Out Best Dressed

This may or may not be a right or wrong issue (read that line again). The recent debacle surrounding ATAIMS - thanks to pressure exerted by a lobbyist on labour issues. When ATAIMS finally caved with two or three rounds of limit downs, the activist say there may be other "targets". What was giving a bitter after taste was that KWAP and EPF sold some of their substantive stakes in other related counters.

Now, lobbyists may or may not be "good" but certainly they shouldn't be allowed to run roughshod over any listed companies without proper due process. Imagine being at the mercy of foreign NGOs, and we shit ourselves before putting up proper "checks and balances ourselves". Why leave ourselves at their mercy?

It is absolutely the right of an institutional investor to sell or buy to rebalance their risk, but doesn't it leave an awful taste in your mouth when our pre-eminent institutional investors sell first and ask questions later?

I am not saying all foreign lobbyists are evil. I am saying why don't our institutional investors ENGAGE with these companies first. Find out and see if the claims or whispers have credence. If the claims are without basis, then our collective institutional investors can come up and say so and not be at the mercy of unsubstantiated claims.

We saw nothing of that. We only saw "first out best dressed".

Easily The Best New Japanese Restaurant 2021

 

When we talk of Japanese restaurant, we have to categorise them properly. What I am referring to is the usual sushi/sashimi outlet. KL has been inundated with many high end Japanese restaurants per the last 3 years in particular. Sadly, most of them were respectable but had no soul. The offerings were premium but usual run of the mill. 

(Chef with the flying fish which we had for sashimi and the bones for soup at the end)

A proper sushi/sashimi place has nothing much to work with except the ingredients, and even then you only need to tweak it lightly to bring out the flavours. Sourcing usual fine ingredients is a given, added to that, effort must be made to source out seasonal stuff and even imaginative ways of sourcing produce.

(the absolute beauty of the shark's heart sashimi, crisp and clear ... I has chicken liver and heart sashimi before, they were good but had a tinge of metallic aftertaste, the shark's heart was wonderful on the palate)

This new place more than fulfils those requirements. As in any "labour of love" establishments, you cannot be BIG. This place can only take 8 pax max at the counter (the place to be), plus a couple of tables. Thus we are looking at 10-16 pax max for lunch or dinner. Reservations a MUST.

Helmed by all Malaysians... led by the effervescent Mister Foo (having done his rounds in various places in Japan for over 30 years). 

(very young botanical with uni ... chef uses two types, ottawa and anabi uni for different dishes, this was their attention to detail, aftertaste and how well the uni meshes with different seafood)

The setting is modest but stylishly minimal. Reminiscent of the usual small 2-3 star Michelin places in Tokyo. Solid sake and shochu but feel free to bring your own premium alcohol. Must offer your drinks to Mister Foo as he is a mighty purveyor of alcohol.

Its almost a pure OMAKASE place. Prices starts at RM400pp, RM600pp to RM800pp. Let me assure you that their RM400 menu beats the XXXX out of paces in KL that price their menu at RM900-1,200pp.

(this the dish of the night, it is ONDEN, the cut behind the head of bluefin tuna, small area, lightly seared to release the oils... nowhere are jelly as the toro or chutoro cuts, its mild but very pleasing)

Freshness of ingredients is a given. Its the sauces and the cuts that highlight the natural taste or enhances them. Below was the tamagotchi's, my least favoured thing from a sushi place, but I had to show them here, its the best piece I have ever eaten. Its eggy but oh so light and not sweet, the essence of the egg was the star here.

I won't go into all the things I had, have a look at the pictures. Then you will discover the world of: Sekko Kani, Wakasaki, Onden, Madai, Ohaji, Ogawa uni and Anabi uni ..... you will still get great cuts of kampachi and shima aji, and a delicate crab broth flavoured chawanmushi.

HINOIRI Japanese Omakase

F-5-1 Pusat Perdagangan Bandar, Jalan Persiaran Jalil 1, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Reservations: 016-3279516

The Genius Of Stephen Sondheim

 Stephen Sondheim, the renowned composer of "Into the Woods," "Sweeney Todd," "Gypsy," "Sunday in the Park with George" and other essential works of musical theater, died early Friday morning/  He was 91. 

Sondheim died suddenly. Sondheim had just celebrated Thanksgiving with a dinner and friends the day before.

As lyricist, songwriter, conceptual artist and creative force, Sondheim was perhaps without par in the modern American theater. His works encompassed astonishing range:  "West Side Story" (for which he wrote the lyrics), the travails of a modern group of friends and lovers in "Company," even the woes of presidential murderers (and attempted murderers) in "Assassins", and of course "Sweeney Todd".

In modern times, many will regard Andrew Lloyd Webber as the champion creator of musicals but to me

, in terms of creativity, poignant and searching lyrical abilities, and musicality - Sondheim was the GOAT.

While I still regard Les Miz as the best musical ever written, Gypsy runs a close second. The lyrics for West Side Story was triumphant.

 

To me his best achievements were: Gypsy, Company, A Little Night Music which featured his most brilliant song "Send In The Clowns".

It is a ballad from Act Two, in which the character Desirée reflects on the ironies and disappointments of her life. Among other things, she looks back on an affair years earlier with the lawyer Fredrik, who was deeply in love with her, but whose marriage proposals she had rejected. Meeting him after so long, she realizes she is in love with him and finally ready to marry him, but now it is he who rejects her: He is in an unconsummated marriage with a much younger woman. Desirée proposes marriage to rescue him from this situation, but he declines, citing his dedication to his bride. Reacting to his rejection, Desirée sings this song.

The lyrics were gold. We may have heard the song many times but with that storyline, the lyrics are now layered, and "send in the clowns" have such deeper meaning - owing to the embarrassing situation she found herself in, she has nothing left to say to send in the clowns, cause clowns are "tension breakers" ... plus the turn of events makes them all 'clowns' as well.

https://youtu.be/yvZex3Qf7QQ

Sondheim's accolades include nine Tony Awards (including a Lifetime Achievement Tony in 2008),^[6] an Academy Award, eight Grammy Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, a Laurence Olivier Award, and a 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom. He also had a theatre named for him on both Broadway and the West End in London. 

Sondheim basically reinvented the whole genre of musical theatre, from the usual fantasy characters or historical settings, to tackling real life issues head on. In that sense he was a great dramatist as well. Which was why many of his songs were more than just catchy melodic tunes but with inquisitive and soul searching lyrics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_eD1btsIAE

The highlights from Gypsy by Sondheim's favourite muse, Bernadette Peters.

Somewhere

Barbra Streisand

Someday, somewhere
We'll find a new way of living
We'll find a way of forgiving
Somewhere

There's a place for us
Somewhere a place for us
Peace and quiet and open air
Wait for us somewhere

There's a time for us
Someday there'll time for us
Time together with time to spare
Time to learn and time to care

Someday, somewhere
We'll find a new way of living
We'll find there's a way of forgiving
Somewhere, somewhere, somewhere

There's a place for us, a time and a place for us
Hold my hand and we're half way there
Hold my hand and I'll take you there

Somehow, someday, somewhere

That were nice
Well you're all my friends
I love you for being here, thank you
Thank you

I wanna welcome you to my home
I don't mind telling you that, erm
I've spent more than a few sleepless nights
Wondering what I could possibly do
That would be worth 5000 dollars
And erm, then I figured out that erm
I would be singing 3, 924 notes
And that comes over a little up to a dollar a note

And you know some notes were longer
And so they're worth about three dollars
Some are shorter 50 cents but you know, it averages out
I'm really glad you are here tonight
This place is very special to me
Here I'm constantly reminded of the
Awesome balance of nature
And how precious it all is

And maybe that's why I felt like
This was the perfect place to gather
Surrounded by beauty, life, and lots of good friends, you know

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Stephen Sondheim / Leonard Bernstein

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOTHRn_o5qE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7ppy2D7_M4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A92wZIvEUAw

Malaysian Stocks About To Shift From Dormant To Overdrive

 

Look at the broader markets for local stocks, we have been in the doldrums for more than 6 months. Although the indexed stocks have picked up over the last couple of weeks, the broader market still has not found its legs yet. However indications are strong for a good run for second and lower liners for the next 3-4 months going into CNY 2022.

There are concerns over supply chain bottlenecks and logistics "route/delivery" congestion. To me, it will take time to work itself out as different countries are opening up more liberally in recent weeks. These bottlenecks should not be viewed negatively, it shows the pent up demand is there, that the demand recovery is more sustained than it appears to be.

IT IS NOT THE FLIP SIDE, we are not at a situation where inventory is building up over weak demand.

Bottlenecks are viewed negatively by some as a rush for product delivery completion, and once satisfied, will die down. Well, looking at broader data, the recovery is from pent up demand, and also amore sustained recovery from businesses reopening. The massive liquidity taps turned on by most countries are now circulating with greater velocity.

The recent inflation data from the US supports that. Real inflation will creep in as more sustained demand is seen. If demand is a quick one off, you won't see much price pressure.

Look at where palm oil prices are. Look at the margins for gas, and the flow on rally into oil as some are switching to alternatives. The world’s most crucial metals continued on a breakneck surge as energy shortages forced more production cuts and piled pressure on manufacturers, fueling concerns about inflation.

Producers of metals from zinc to aluminum and steel are restricting output due to power restrictions or rising energy costs that are outpacing surging metal prices. The latest victim was one of the top zinc producers Glencore Plc, with production at its three European plants being cut because of surging power prices.  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-10-15/metals-waver-near-record-as-supply-cuts-fuel-inflation-concerns

Copper inventories available on the London Metal Exchange hit the lowest since 1974, in a dramatic escalation of a squeeze on global supplies that sent spreads spiking and helped drive prices back above $10,000 a ton. Copper tracked by LME warehouses that’s not already earmarked for withdrawal has plunged 89% this month after a surge in orders for metal from warehouses in Europe. Stockpiles have also been falling fast on rival bourses and in private storage, and LME spreads have entered historic levels of backwardation, with near-term contracts trading at record premiums. The slumping global stockpiles and resilient demand for copper stand in stark contrast to mounting worries over the macroeconomic outlook, and the risk that stagflation and power shortages could derail the world’s strong growth trajectory. The last time that type of dynamic developed was during a historic squeeze in 2006, when a buying spree early on in China’s industrial boom drained LME on-warrant inventories to a near-record low. LME inventories are now at even lower levels than was the case then, while Chinese inventories also dropped Friday. Shanghai Futures Exchange stockpiles declining to 41,668 tons, the lowest level since 2009.  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-10-15/copper-spread-spikes-to-record-in-latest-sign-of-tight-supply

Of course there is angst over inflation, as you should. We also know that there is a fear that the recovery might just be a surge and nothing more, hence governments will be wary of that by not being too aggressive in turning off the taps just yet. These considerations will be debated, or else business media will have nothing to write about. But to have these considerations will help to "prolong and sustain" good market conditions going forward.

Catalyst - Every move up requires catalysts. The ground is fertile as exemplified by the above factors and developments. The catalyst - Malaysian equities is on track for a broader rally as the recent opening up has shown strong promise to get the ball rolling again. 8 months of tepid markets is a lull long enough. The record number of new retail accounts over the past 18 months will be ready to move in a big way, once the "activity" restarts.

The above chart shows the confirmed signs of an early stage massive bull for the market back in 2019. This mega trend will not be broken as long as the index stays mostly above 1500. From the chart, it will not stop till it tries for 1900 level. Likely to be from 2019-2024. It will spike and ebb but the longer term trend will be there.

Why SQUID GAME

 

On the outset, let me state that I think Squid Game is the best series I have watched since Breaking Bad. So, that's saying something, I guess. Why has it shot up to becoming the most watched series globally?

What is more significant is that culturally, for entertainment, cinematic industry in particular, it was always a Western thing. For the first time, its Asian fare. It tells us that the world is quite flat now. Politically correct casting and minorities representation are more than catchphrases now - they are being "mainstreamed".

Cultural FAD? - A fad, trend, or craze is any form of collective behavior that develops within a culture, a generation or social group in which a group of people enthusiastically follow an impulse for a short period. ... Fads are often seen as sudden, quick-spreading, and short-lived.

I dislike some people who pooh-pooh things like Squid Game as cultural fads. You can choose not to participate in them, no need to sit on your high horse and diminish others' delight. It is like a non drinker opining what a waste of money to drink expensive wines - its unnecessary, irrelevant and reveals more about your insecurities that you need to put people down in order to bring yourself up.

There are cultural fads that I did not latch on to but I keep largely quiet about it. I have only ever watched the first Star Wars movie (and didn't like it). I have not watched a single Star Trek movie franchise. I have not read or watched Harry Potter with his Excruciating Opaque Glasses. I have not watched The Game of Thrones. But it is ok not to participate in all things and everything.

Squid Game is 10x better than Hunger Games, and Hunger Games copied too liberally from Battle Royale. All movie concepts are borrowing something that has been done, so don't get too worked up over it.

Cultural fads or not, these things are stuff to get a bit excited about cause "its life". Let's collectively enjoy them... World Cup, Olympics, moon landings, etc... do you also pooh-pooh the World Cup as a cultural fad?

Why SQUID GAME Is So Good:

a) The premise is interesting, rich person creating games for betting and testing a person's limits, morally and tasting mortality. It is very relevant for the current pandemic times - when a lot of people are in debt, facing bankruptcy, prolonged unemployment, investments being wiped out ... the desperate lives which most of us can fathom and empathise. The twist when they voted to get out, only to realise the real world is a lot worse than the "games".

b) Stories such as Battle Royale, Hunger Games ...etc. should not have been movies. Squid Game took the right path in making it a series as characters needed to be fleshed out. Soon every of the top 6 characters has a strong affinity with us - we feel for their anxieties, fears, apprehensions, betrayals, futility, and dances with the devil.

c) Casting & Details - what brilliant casting. Every one of the top 6 roles were brilliantly casted. Even in your desperate lives, every one's story is different, and heart breakingly so. Note the use of classical music for most of its background - deliberate, classy and funny at times.

d) The games are those we played when we were young. The innocence of it all. The mind boggling part is when those games came with death when you lose. The innocence collided with harsh reality and unnerving mortality of it all.

e) The framing of those games was a killer. You could be playing solo, or be in teams, or in partnership of 2... because you don't know the games ahead of time, your best pal teammate could very well be a one on one winner takes all game. Nobody's a true friend when chips are down. Makes us question our relationships in real life - are we friends/family because we have not been "tested"?

The gory part of it all is to ask if we are celebrating the "gore". I don't think so. But the serpent's throne of capitalism, the evil that can permeate when capitalism islet unchecked and unabated - that's all over Squid Game, when too much goes to too few, bad things can happen.

The spectacle of the games, the selfish voyuerism of those millionaires with masks on, betting and delighting with the on-goings. Are we, the audience, no better than these VIPs with their masks on?

The Redemption Of Louis CK

Louis CK is my all time favourite stand up comedian. A few years ago he had to own up to some sexual shenanigans. But I have to say his was a lot more tamer than Kevin Spacey. Google it, I think its wrong but not beyond redemption. That's a tough one, when your idol does something or reveals something utterly reprehensible. You question whether he/she is still your idol.

To me, the misdemeanours are not vile or evil. It has more to do with slight sexual perversions (hey, who doesn't have some). It is certainly forgivable. Moreover, there is only one Louis CK. His comedy is at a couple of levels above the rest. He is brutally hones
t, he will discuss thoughts that should have been filtered by us all, knowing that he will be judged for saying it, and we will be judged for laughing at them. Watching Louis perform is like a long session at therapy... you go and discuss your dreams and nightmares with utter honesty. Worse, you discuss your fears and prejudices as well.

You either love Louis CK, or despise him, because he is so honest and forces you to consider things which are flying through your minds. Some disgusting, some blatantly racist, some uproariously true and wonderful ... mainly he forces us to be totally naked as a human and be frank with is.

Absolute genius, welcome back Louis CK.

Making Sense Of Beijing's Purge

 We understand that China is still a communist party at heart. Collectively as a force they have managed to move the most number of people from poverty to middle class in a matter of a decade or two. The focus, diligence, exceptional application, intellect, taking bits from the best global practices,  and dedication to strong work ethic - have led to the best infrastructure coverage across the country, thus liberating huge spaces and people, and bringing fervent economic gains overall. China has certainly more than propelled itself to assume the global leadership economically.

Western media latched onto these purges with glee, wincing at every move that seems a huge detriment to basic human rights. That is where we have to appreciate that it is a communist, socialist yet capitalistic country. Still it is capitalistic nation as well. The recent purges across certain industries needed further clarification and understanding. The affected industries thus far:

BIG TECH - dealt with big data and privacy breaches; tries to address low pay scale for gig workers (delivery workers, warehouse workers); the bigger issues are those few big tech companies already exhibiting monopolistic or duopolistic or the more pervasive oligopolistic behaviour; certain companies will have to be dismantled or broken up (you know who you are); this sector will be further purged

EDUCATION - no more listings for education based companies; some private tuition banned; this clampdown is a bit severe and haphazard; hard to justify really, and now they even restrict the amount of time kids can play video games; this is to level the playing field for more parents in the case for tutoring and related costs

CELEBRITIES - those exhibiting too grandiose a lifestyle needs to be reined back apparently; questions exorbitant pays for celebrities as unhealthy; they better pay all taxes and dues; there is now classes for how a celebrity ought to behave and many top notch celebrities have taken them; looks like Beijing wants excesses cut and have celebrities (who have huge followings) to be more conscious of their influence and using that influence to do broader good for society (and not just enriching themselves)

FANDOM - Beijing is like a parent who is pissed that so many young people devote an inordinate amount of time following, liking, supporting, even donating to their idols; Beijing wants to tone down these wasteful activities

GAMING - this is naturally a big scourge, not only a great way to fritter away savings but also lost-investments, and trickle down effects to real economy; Macau is and will be further in deeper stink I think; next targets will be junkets and money transfers; gaming is also seen as a way to launder funds or park China funds outside of the country

LISTINGS - too many so-so companies have listed overseas and created havoc (USA, Singapore and Malaysia... somehow HK has managed to attract better ones from China); they are soiling China's reputation; to remedy that, new more liberal exchanges have been set up in Shanghai and Shenzhen over the last 2 years to take up the slack for tech/high growth companies; will be near impossible to list overseas now unless tacit approval has been obtained (no one wants to answer Beijing's question: why overseas?)

ENTERTAINMENT - tv productions and cinematic productions will have to be more circumspect in having ballooning budgets, paying stars too much, or script being non-conducive to China's interest; film/tv concepts or storylines will have to less evil, vile, violent ... and express proper retribution of course; even reality shows will have to be toned down, less dramatic, no more over-production or falsification to fake the audiences

INDIVIDUALISM - this mainly goes back to celebrities and cinematic/tv producers; Beijing has a big disdain with expression of individualism; Beijing is also concerned with the rising lack of "masculinity" in male artistes (many imitating the fair, pretty boys from K-entertainment) or as they like to term it as "sissyman" (niangpao)

CHARITY - those who have high visibility and wealth, from entertainment or corporate world, will have to show that their wealth are also used for the greater good and social causes, in order to proper together; I think a lot of data collection and notes taking will be happening

BITCOINS - Chinese make up an awful lot of the miners and traders in this sphere; again deemed as an unsustainable industry, luring many to gamble excessively, and many questions as to the leakages to allow for money shifting and laundering ... Beijing has sounded the warning bells, I see an eventual total clampdown in this area ... get out while you can, Bitcoin will plunge if China exercises total shutdown

ALIBABA's CASE - the crackdown on Jack Ma seems unnecessary or random; it is not, it has to do with the fall of Hangzhou (Alibaba's home) party secretary Zhou Jiyang; Zhou's family somehow happens to hold a lot of Alibaba shares; Jack Ma had been criticising China's financial regulators leading up to the IPO of Ant Financial; Jack's rising popularity is also a concern;  too much, too belligerent, too little respect, too cocky for own good ... do not do that in China is the "hidden message" here

HK - the purge will get worse for HK now that they have "control", beware

Basically, the purge will continue for sometime. But they will all be traced back to the mantra:

INCOME INEQUALITY,  SHARE/COMMON PROSPERITY

Opinion: I can see the justification for many of the purges. Maybe hold back a bit or introduce measures over time. Beijing has correctly capture what's wrong in many industries? But, didn't Beijing "allow" that to flourish in the first place? These things doNOT happen overnight. You allowed your garden to have weeds for such a long time, and then go to the garden and shout at the weeds ... when you should have trimmed the weeds when they were sprouting. Shouldn't there be some collective responsibility here?

While we are at it, these may be the "ills of society", but Beijing should also address inherent big problems of their doing. The massive number of state corporations doing xxxx all and having gargantuan debts, with banks not daring to move on them. The healthcare system which is still based on a for profit model ... pot calling kettle black. Should do things fairly - inside and out.

FAQ - Andropause Succor

Composition

1) What does it consist of?

The main ingredients being Tongkat Ali, Cordyceps, Pomegranate and Zinc.

2) Why these ingredients?

Following the research findings thus far, we found that artificial T injections or creams only work sparingly and does not address the root causes of andropause. Andropause is mainly a result of aging and the body winding itself down in the reproductive cycle. Thankfully, we have formulated a mostly herbal supplement to counter the effects effectively. Our formulation was based on the need for better circulation, restarting normal sperm production, reducing chronic inflammation ~ basically an anti-aging strategy that happens to restore testosterone to normal levels.

3) How is it different from other similar supplements?

Firstly the composition is revolutionary. Secondly, it addresses the inner working of our body functions rather than address the symptoms. Thirdly, our manufacturing facility has been able to better extract the herbs by a factor 5x using nanotechnology. The said manufacturing process is being patented as the time of writing. In terms of potency, it will be hard to match.

https://andropausesuccor.com/

Dosage

1) How many can be taken a day?

It is recommended to take 2 a day for the first five days, to be taken in the morning following a meal. After the first five days, you may revert to one tablet a day.

2) How long before it becomes effective?

Boosting testosterone levels is not an overnight thing. You should have a blood test before taking and then have another blood test after a month to measure your testosterone levels. However, you should have better overall wellbeing within 2-4 days, in particular with the quality of erections and libido.

3) After my testosterone levels are up, does it mean I can stop?

Yes and no. If your T levels are near to 10/30, you may want to bring that closer to 20/30. Once that levels have been reached you may reduce the dosage to one a day. If you were to stop once you have reached desirable levels, and you maintain the same lifestyle choices as before, you will find yourself grappling with low T again within 3-4 months.

4) Why so bitter?

The experts will tell you that the more potent Tongkat Ali is, the bitterer it will be. We have decided against using artificial sweetener in our formulation. You may want to take the tablets with fruit juices to better cope with the bitterness. Most will get used to it after a few days.

5) How long will the supplement stay in my body?

As it is largely herbal, your body is likely to flush them out within 24-48 hours.

6) How will I know it is effective without measuring my T at a clinic?

The first few days should result in overall better wellbeing. You should experience better sleep, more energy, better libido, improved quality of erections. Longer term you will be able to better build and retain muscle mass, lose some of the visceral fats, and have a better temperament. There are other benefits, too many to list, which has to do with reducing inflammation. Reducing inflammation goes a long way to reducing the risks to many other diseases (esp. the heart).


Testosterone Booster

1) Testosterone supplements boosting vs. anabolic steroid
Even if the goal is the same (more testosterone), there’s a key distinction in the method. With steroids, you’re putting more testosterone into your body from an outside source. With boosters, you’re trying to trick your body into making more testosterone on its own.

2) How does Andropause Succor compare to other testosterone booster supplements?
Testosterone booster just boosts the level of testosterone. That is like curing the symptoms but not addressing the cause. Andropause Succor is a more holistic approach to countering the effects of andropause by "reclaiming body functions as a younger person" (including sperm production, higher metabolism, better anti-inflammatory platform for cells to thrive and not breakdown).

https://andropausesuccor.com/

3) Is it more than an andropause reversal remedy?
Actually yes it is, but we stop short of claiming it is anti-aging as that brings forth a lot of needed studies and clinical research confirmation. However, we have strong reasons to believe that by reversing the andropause cycle naturally, we also address the need to contain the "inflammation" aspect of cells - both we think are crucial in any anti-aging therapy.

Not a week goes by that I am not asked about testosterone levels. Especially one of the following questions:

—”How can I raise my testosterone?”

—”Can supplements actually boost testosterone?”

—”How do I know if I have low testosterone?”

The questions are endless. Testosterone is a hot marketing area for men, that strikes at the core of machismo and male health. Attach testosterone to any product with some hyperbole, and you can market it effectively.

But truth be told, testosterone levels are critical for male health. Low testosterone causes:

Low energy
Low sex drive
Low strength
Anxiety, depression, and general lethargy
There are no advantages to having low testosterone. Zero. Nada. In fact, hypogonadism (which is when your body is not producing enough testosterone) is linked to:

Alzheimer’s disease
Dementia
Cardiovascular disease
Recent research even points to low testosterone being a precipitating factor for prostate cancer.

With all this in mind, it’s concerning that testosterone levels have been dropping in men worldwide for decades.

The reasons for this are legion:

Environmental endocrine disruptors, plastics, contaminants; lack of sunlight and solar radiation; lack of key micronutrients, skewed diets; lack of exercise, lack of sleep, increased stress; the list is long.

And this drop in testosterone is not only seen in humans, but animals as well. Across the world, environmental pollutants are affecting animal life and disrupting sex hormones.

The pragmatic reality is this:

Our environments and lifestyles do affect our bodies. And many men are slowly castrating themselves through their lifestyles.

Increasing your testosterone levels, and thus your general vitality, should be of paramount focus for all men.

High testosterone levels are a representation of overall good health.

You have everything to lose and nothing to gain by ignoring your hormone levels.

Others

1) Where can I buy Andropause Succor?

We intend to make it available only online.

2) Will there be other products?

Yes. We intend to release two more products by 2022. One is an all herbal mouth spray. The other is another herbal supplement that helps with female constipation.

3) Is Andropause Succor a bit on the pricey side?
Ask anyone who knows about supplements. Once you start to add more components to your formulation, the cost adds up. The other to bear in mind is the superior production facility which allows for up to 5x better extraction. The production process is already in the process of being patented and that explains the cost.

Local Market Jitters

The last few days have seen the local bourse getting the shivers. At first glance no one could see what was troubling. Basically it was due to two factors, one was unnecessary, the other plausible.

1) Parliament conducted the second reading of the Windfall Profit Levy (Amendment) Bill 2020 in the Parliament Order Paper published on Tuesday. And that has frightened the corporate world and investing fraternity.The bill’s first reading was conducted in December 2020. We had something similar for palm oil in the past. You may argue that we should have one for glove makers. The jitters go so real that even highly profitable companies got dragged down: such as Press Metal and electronic segment.

Generally, I wouldn't advocate a windfall tax as most businesses go through cycles. Periods of tilted supply/demand will eventually correct itself. Under supply will attract new entrants. Any windfall tax will be short sighted.

A windfall tax hampers sentiment and the negative sentiment will result in deflated liquidity and valuation for the whole market - the "gains" from the windfall tax WILL ALWAYS be dwarfed by the losses (and indirect losses) from lower liquidity and stagnant valuation. Depressed market conditions will have a cascading effect on corporate exercises and investment.

Let the market decide, a stock market is where parameters have been set to allow for proper valuations. Too heavy handed interference will be viewed as highly negative.

Zafrul has said it will send the wrong signal to the markets. 

2) The very high death rates over last few days: This has to be answered properly by the right people responsible. Glitches in data collection or reporting? We are still NOT addressing vaccination for undocumented and/or illegals in the country properly. I mean, we are talking about at least 2m-4m people. 

While we are on that, why suddenly stop the private clinics from giving out vaccination. Unjustified and unreasonable. 

Higher unseating death rates may question the moves to reopen the economic sectors swiftly. Already the "logjams in the supply chain" caused by Malaysia is making big waves globally. I am certain there's a lot of pressure from other jurisdictions on Malaysia to open faster. Be real, let us know the real numbers. 

While getting the country vaccination rates towards 80%. We should start implementing booster shots immediately.

Conclusion, the scares are overdone. There's better stability in the "government" now. Vaccination rates are better than most... we just need to address some "issues" cited above. Valuation wise, we are lagging our neighbours. 

Tall Poppy Syndrome & Self Check

 

Never have I receive so many SMS for a simple innocuous photo incident ... and its of an electric car purchase.

The tall poppy syndrome is a cultural phenomenon in which people hold back, criticise, or sabotage those who have or are believed to have excessively high opinion of oneself or their importance - "cutting down the tall poppy".  It describes a draw towards humility. 

Commonly in Australia and New Zealand, "Cutting down the tall poppy" is used to describe those who deliberately put down another for their success and achievements, due to being perceived as egotistical, vain or displaying self-adulation.

Egotistical (tick), Vain (maybe but inconclusive), displaying self adulation (tick).

The metaphor, though popular in Australia and NZ, is also popular almost everywhere else on earth, though they may or may not have a similar worth metaphor.

In Ireland, it is prevalent within the culture to encourage humility in yourself and others. People perceived to be tall poppies will often be described as "getting notions about themselves" and the cautionary words of "don't go getting notions about yourself" will meet any boast
ful remarks.  This culture is most obvious in the Irish people's cutting-down of Irish celebrities.

You will find the tall poppy syndrome almost everywhere but Europe, which has a more egalitarian culture and system. 

Distinction

Nobody likes it when flouting is involved, in particular when it is undeserved or obtain via dubious means. Say a corrupt politician (am I being redundant) showing off his new Ferrari. To be outraged would be fair game.

However if the person flouting is not a criminal, but probably became wealthy from his own efforts largely (nothing is absolute). Then to disparage him flouting the Ferrari would probably reflect more on OURSELVES (jealousy, bitterness, spitefulness, discontent). 

Side note, it is not even an extravagant purchase relative to his net worth. I mean, I do not have much affection for the guy but how he runs listed company may not be 100% splendid but nothing sinister or criminal.He did build a beautiful company from scratch. The way he ran the company was his own discretion. He has done well already considering that most airlines that still survived mostly needed huge capital injection from their governments ... not his. 

Some say its the refunds/salary ... halloooo.. one is corporate the other is personal. Apalah ...  you mean he should put his private funds into his company? Where's this coming from, what warped thinking. If he still  rubs you up the wrong way,... don't invest,  ... don't fly in his planes. Why the hatred?

Check our own attitudes, why are we jealous, bitter, spiteful, discontent. Justifiable in any way?

We live in a capitalistic world, and that's how we operate. People CAN get rich and enjoy. The POOR is in the system because they also can be rich. 

The system does not come with instructions that you have to be humble, contrite, apologetic, modest, diffident ... That's character, that comes from your family, friends, culture and most importantly ..
self-introspection.

LIFE is not fair, but you know that already. As Cristiano Ronaldo beautifully said: "Money does not make people wealthy. In fact, some of the people are so poor all they have is money".

Some examples of extravagance spending (USD) below. How does that make you feel? Why? You can pissed off thinking of better ways to spend the money ... well, its not yours to spend. We attach our value system on material things and monetary value - again, not your call, you can only attach those things to your things.

So do you also hate all of them below?

Bono: $1,500 Plane Ticket for His Hat

Kate Middleton: $2,350 Stroller

Mila Kunis: $7,000 Diamond Facial

Madonna: $10,000 Monthly on Holy Water

Paris Hilton: $25,000 Designer Dogs

Victoria Beckham: $33,000 iPhone

Nicolas Cage: $270,000 Dinosaur Skull

Kylie Jenner: $432,000 Diamond-Studded Handbag

Kanye West: $750,000 Gold-Plated Toilets

Angelina Jolie: $900,000 a Year on Nannies

Rihanna: $1 Million a Year on Hairstyling

Celine Dion: $2 Million Humidifier