Nesohu 2.0

What came across your mind when someone tells you that you have talent in a certain area of interest – singing, cooking or dancing? You should be a professional they say.

A ‘true’ professional must be proficient in all criteria for the field of work they are practising professionally in.

I was downstairs watching “Sheer Genius“, another reality show that follows American’s Next Top Model, Amazing Race and Survivor. All these contestants have the confidence in their skill, talent and are really good at what they do. But “so what” if they won?

Friends and family have been praising the photos I’ve taken and they even claim that there’s life in my photos. But so what if I don’t get paid for doing what I’m good at? During the show, I noticed that those that are really successful are those that made a living out of their passion. Just like the magazine editor, the entrepreneur that charges USD600 for a hair-art. These are people that we aspire to be one day – in whichever field that we’re in.

As I was forced to stay home on Friday, I came up with the idea to see how many people are willing to pay RM20 for me to take their artistic potraits. I stuck a few of my favourite shots on a piece of board, and stand beside the road. Yes – I’m a photo-peddler! It was a terrible start as I was late. By the time I reached the destination, there were a handful of cars there, taking photos happily below the beautiful “Penang Sakura”. I was rather nervous at first until some patrons took a closer look at the photos.

Spending about 2 hours there, I managed to get enough to cover for my “forced leave” as well as earning myself a nice satay dinner. The following morning, we were there again but the support we got was rather dissapointing. Well, at least I have a taste of what it feels like if I want to get serious on photography. Glamour will not come without any pain. Thankfully my “idea” caught the media’s attention and was out on the Sunday’s cover page.

What I learn from that weekend have motivated me to charge more, and deliver more. But before that, I’ll need to go back to the drawing board – plan, compare and execute my ideas. Hopefully, before the end of this year, I’ll be able to afford an assistant to help me in my quest to capture more beautiful photographs.

McD’s are always a favourite place to “hang out” and grab the most delicious fast food. They are the largest profit makers for little kids, and children at heart. Having been in the Burger business since 1940′s, they can sell ANYTHING with a premium as long as they add “MC” in front. – McEgg, McFries, McChicken… Who knows when we’ll see McPod, McBook, McPhone…

As my parents are away these few weeks, I’ve to get my Dinner somewhere. Well, where else but my friendly neighbourhood McD’s. They are having this Ramadan promotion with “Spicy Chicken McNuggets”. Simply say it’s Nuggets with some chilly pepper, but I just have a soft spot for nuggets. Simply ordering 6 pieces is never enough…I need at least twice that amount.

When I was queuing for the nuggets, I found something strange:

Ala Carte:
4pcs – RM 3.50
6pcs – RM 6.25
9pcs – RM 8.65
12pcs – RM11.55
20pcs – RM18.40

Now why are the prices goes up if you order more? Are they charging a McPremium for their Deliciously Alluring Spicy McNuggets (short DAMN)??? Let’s do some calculation:

If I’m about to order 36 pieces of DAMN, I can
A. Order 9 packets of 4pcs – RM31.50
B. Order 6 packets of 6pcs – RM37.50
Calculator: B – A = RM 6

DAMN…that’s a whole lot of price difference!!! Besides, for every 4pcs I buy, I’ll get a free “new and improved” sauce. Well boys and girls, the next time you are craving for McNuggets….bring your calculator

Since young, I’ve been taught about financial wisdom little by little. At the end of last year, Dad sign me up for a course in Unit Trust Consultation. I’ve get to pick up quite a lot about the benefits and advantages on the system. Further down the road, I noticed how much fun it can be trading in the stock market. To improve on my understanding on that subject before putting “ruining my wedding dinner”, I’ve got a book that simplifies all the terminology for me – understanding the fundamentals, technical and what not.

As usual I’ll login during breakfast to check on my portfolio. The first thing that pops up in my mind is “eh? What happened?” All the stocks are not traded and TheStar reports “technical difficulties”. Then I go and find out what’s the problem from the horses’ mouth. Here’s what I see.

To laugh or not to laugh…that is the question. Most people will be avoiding from investing more this point of time. Let me ask you, “when is the right time then?”

p/s: If you are interested in investing, I can recommend a few suitable funds for you to choose from. Just call me up or send me a comment below this post.