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In memory of Marilyn Chan and Mark Seltzer
July 2008 marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of my good friend and colleague, Marilyn Chan and her husband Mark Seltzer. I can recall hearing the news of their tragic death like it was yesterday. I didn't know Mark very well, but I used to chat frequently with Marilyn who was a trusted friend and mentor to many. Ironically, I was working in Montreal at that time, just as I'm now. What made it so hard then was that I was the only one from out of town. I was totally devastated by Marilyn's death. I had no idea why but it actually hit me harder than the death of my parents. As they say, time is a great healer. It took me a while, and yes, I still miss her. I still feel the same as my thoughts of 10 years ago, as written here.
Posted by Ba on Sunday 10 August 2008 - 23:07:29
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My kid & my money went to University of Toronto!
Actually, the T-Shirt that my daughter Michelle got me, says "My Kid & My Money Go to the University of Toronto". But, I figure now that she's graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, I can change it to past tense. 
Congratulations, Michelle!
As a parent, this is a proud moment. It's a major accomplishment, and the beginning of a bright future for a young woman. Well, it's also the day that I've fulfilled my part. The rest is up to her. OK, kid, you're on your own! I can now start saving for my BMW! With any luck, I may just get it before I turn 60 ... 
That's the family (me, Michelle, Christine, Andrew) at Michelle's graduation. Click the picture to enlarge.
More pictures can be seen here.
Posted by Ba on Tuesday 24 June 2008 - 09:31:00
Bonjour, Montréal!
Well, it's been more than a month since I'm back in Montréal, minus a week when I had to make a trip to San Francisco. Considering that in 2007 I spent more time outside Canada (mostly United States, but also Europe and Asia Pacific) than in Canada, this is a good change. But, I must admit, of all places, Asia Pacific is more exciting and to my liking, now that I'm older and seem to have the "urge" to return to my roots.
However, as I've previously written in this blog, I like the city and have enjoyed my stay here. Besides, indications are that I'll be in Montréal for a while. I've thought about renting an apartment again, but for now I'm quite happy staying at a hotel. I'm just too lazy to have the responsibility of living in an apartment.
Perhaps I'll try to learn some French this time.
Posted by Ba on Monday 19 May 2008 - 17:13:53
Go ahead. Make his day!
I don't like Stephen Harper, period. Not because I think he doesn't have any charisma whatsoever. I simply don't trust him. He is the most right wing prime minister that Canada has ever had. Heck, he is the most right wing leader of a major political party in this country. But you would never know because he has somehow "changed his views", sounding more "liberal". Yeah, right.
Given the real or perceived weakness of Stéphane Dion, Leader of the Official Opposition, Harper has been itching for a general election. Despite the fact that he could govern until October 2009, unless his minority government loses a non-confidence vote. He has been challenging the Liberal party to bring down the government. Harper wants a majority. He probably believes that he can get a majority if we have an election sooner rather than later. The government may just engineer their own defeat. What the heck. Harper wants an election. Give him one!
I've voted for the Progressive Conservative party before the merger with Canadian Alliance (Reform). But I will never vote for Conservative as long as Harper is the leader. Having said all of that, I'm fine with Harper being the prime minister of a minority government. Make no mistake about it. If the Conservatives form a majority government, we will see a very different Stephen Harper emerging as our prime minister. Harper is running such a tight ship in his minority government that it is literally a one-man show. He is even trying to control the media. Since when did we have a U.S. style Canadian president, er, prime minister?
Posted by Ba on Friday 14 March 2008 - 23:26:44
Tribute to Angie Lau
This time of the year is supposed to be joyous and for us to celebrate the holiday season, regardless of our religious conviction. Instead, I'm deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Angie, wife of my good buddy, Ser Chai that I reunited recently. I met Angie for the second time only in my recent trip to Malaysia. Angie died of cancer on Saturday, December 22, 2007. The news of her death was shocking as we had no idea of her condition. She looked perfectly fine and healthy when I saw her. My heart goes out to my buddy Ser Chai, their 3 sons and all members of his family, having to endure such a tragic loss. Life is indeed too short.
Posted by Ba on Tuesday 25 December 2007 - 12:48:18
