What Really Rules

Underlying the veneer of international affairs, long ago there already is no such thing as rules based order, for the standards of such rules are determined by those who can. Ponder more if you agree the following factors are more relevant, persistent and practised in the conduct of world affairs, politics and human matters. Alliances and Peer Pressure. There is more pressure on governments of various kinds to show support for the articulated actions and thoughts of allies, then dabbling in self intelligence and independent approaches - especially when one ally carries more weight than the others. Some nations may have to reflect if their alliance partner status may be lost once they are no longer useful to the chief ally. Reflect on how the two world wars of the 20th century developed. Cultural Sentiment and the Diaspora Effect. When some nations and societies are formed through shared history, the cultural vibes can over rule other considerations. Generations of humans, even if residing in disparate territories, have been inculcated into the same language, philosophies and ideals from an early age. That over bearing sense of belonging gives a uniqueness which has to be protected and strengthened through the ages, come what may. This can be related to the social mesh of tribal dynamics. Trade Dependency. It can be common sense to know where the food comes from, who brings home the bacon (so to speak) and to not jeopardise your main market who pays the cash. Yet there have been episodes around the world where economies have thrashed those who buy most from them. Apart from food sources, world trade thrives on energy needs, vital minerals, manufacturing components for weapons, health products and telecommunications plus niche items. Economic Prowess and Market Power. If you can pull and leverage on what makes the world tick and grow, there can be a ruthlessness in the exercise of such dominating abilities. Some do so just because they can and all polite talk is thrown out the window. More competition can erode such wrecklessness, but lack of competition is a form of so called free market forces that are ruinous. Independent Abilities. When your society has optimal leadership to manage an economy despite the lack of physical resources, it is a telling sign of how potential can truly become reality. It is also useful as an example of how to rise above challenges, risks and weaknesses. The ability to transform and compete can be nurtured, encouraged and maintained. Underlying rhe success of such growth nations is their ability to recognise and exercise their strategic advantage/ differential play, despite accompanying weaknesses. Historical Animosities. Conflicts that rage on in the hearts of various succeeding generations can lead to more destruction and overtones of emotional anguish. Beliefs can be portrayed in black and white, with no compromise for meeting opinions half way. The persistent human tendencies for scoring an eye for an eye churns negativities into more complicated forms. Human beings like these are obsessed with an attachment to beliefs that can be manipulated by certain individuals and organisations to their private and selfish advantage. Colonial Cords. For a few centuries, most of the non European world was colonised. Reasons for such a rise in widespread colonialism can be an imbalance in the power of technology, living standards, funding and passion for trade on the part of the colonisers. Some societies were already easily down trodden for conquest in the luck of the draw. The effects of past and present colonisation still exist in the influence of language, perception, beliefs, inequity of international relationships and culture. Some previous colonial powers still remain strong in exerting decisions made over world wide entities and matters. Their economic prowess can remain formidable even if the sun of colonisation is supposed to have long ago set below the horizon. Technological Links and Enablers. The quality and quantity of technology employed, whether for war or peace time purposes, is a key differentiator in history. Technology can fast track efficiency, robustness and superiority. Technology enables growth in finances, economy and power held. When the means of technology is employed for less desirable purposes, that is what we should be more aware and cautious of. Food and Energy Security. Human societies have to be realistic - the bottom line is to have sufficient food to nurture human strengths, thinking abilities and physical optimums. Few nations produce more food than they can consume. The same goes for energy requirements to propel transport, electricity and data centres. When you rely on importing what you do not have, you are dependent on risks in supply lines, trade relationships and public security. When a society or country has only a few weeks supply of materials, produce or products indispensable to its survival or viability, good leadership works on mitigating such risks to its independence. Religious Motivations. The drive of religion underlying political actions is most readily observed. Such power is embedded in existing religious based institutions that call on the masses to take action and decisions that glorify higher powers and thereby justify the necessary sacrifices to be made. The Migrant Factor. The Us Versus Them argument hypes up the corral under siege logic, in that inherent problems in a society are alleged to be caused by recent arrivals or perceived outsiders. Instead of realistically resolving the causes of a problem, the blame game in politics can be an easy manipulation of the more vulnerable in the community. Benefits brought by migration are downplayed while racial harmony is ruthlessly broken. Power Families, Funds and Hubs. Old money and new money can join forces discreetly and quietly to be puppet masters in local and international politics. Media, fund movers, secret groupings and choice of government leaders operate in the background with unannounced priorities, agendas and execution. Those at the Top Can Often Do So, especially at the height of their powers, without justifying any regulation, ethics or requirement. Man made precedents can be removed in the guise of emergencies, external threats and sheer exercise of control, especially if the army is behind you - and all protestations of legality are thrown out the window. The Grip of Political Ideologies. Legacies from the 19th and 20th centuries still vibrate in differences of governance systems. Can the original tenets of democratic ideals truly work and be effective with millions of voters, gerrymandering of electorate boundaries, interference in vote counts and the speculation of polls? Communism is painted by liberals as covered with dictatorships. Can communist principles exist with a capitalistic economic framework and mindset? Go figure, observe and make up your own mind. Remoteness in Geographical Locations. Does this offer a layer of protection against the effects of the more violent parts of the World? Advances in technology can make all corners of Earth more accessible. The overpowering chains of alliances can demand isolated places to decide and make a stand or take sides. Information Access and Influence. Control of personal information, commercially useful data and so called smart device daily use analysis are so significant to any party controlling the world. Individually or collectively, the data amassed are not only utilised to determine patterns of present consumption, but become the basis of predictive science, AI learning and behavioural monitoring. Continuing Addictions of the Masses. Power and control by the distinct few are enhanced by giving peanuts to the masses, utilising the opium effect by ensuring addictive stupor on those whom you wish to manipulate and by ensuring constant socio-economic distractions for the majority in any society. Most of the world's economic wealth is held by a decreasing minority of the Earth's population. Even in contemporary times, do reflect on how a typical human being's effort, time and skills are spent on mundane, repetitive and relatively not so worthwhile activities. #yongkevthoughts

Iconic and Festive Cantonese Dishes

The Guangzhou style of culinary travelled with the migration of southern Chinese to South east Asia, Anglo centric nations and parts of Latin America as early as 200 years ago ( if not more). Here is my selection of celebratory Cantonese dishes for any festive occasion. Whole crab claypot with egg noodles combines the best of fresh seafood cooked with garlic, ginger and shallots. Roast goose is an iconic dish in the Teochew heartlands of southern Guangdong Province (south east of China). Stir fried savoury greens must be combined with sufficient Wok Hei or heat to bring out the full taste when served - the dish uses dried shrimp, chilli cuts and bean paste to enhance. Roast pork slices are de riguer present for meals on special occasions in Chinese and Vietnamese culture. They signify cubes of gold to bring in good omens. They also signify prosperity and good fortune. Steamed fish garnished by fresh herbs, ginger slices, cherry tomatoes and other condiments to accompany the freshness of the seafood. Whole fish indicate plenty, abundance and energy. Singapore and Malaysia can have their Hainan chicken rice - but the Cantonese treasure their yellow skinned poached chicken on the bone with a gratifying flavour and bite. An entree of steamed oysters served on the shell. This delicacy uses subtle other ingredients to manage a sensation on the palate and must be served warm. Piping hot noodles must be mixed thoroughly before being served - and must never be cut at the meal table. Braised seafood nestles over a bed of steamed Kai Lan in a traditional celebratory choice. The virtues of vegetables cannot be underestimated in a collection of savoury mushrooms, carrots, brocolli and more. The ubiqutious fried rice remains one of the banquet dishes at southern Chinese weddings, reunions and gatherings. Warmly braised meats and vegetables warm up the appetite when served in claypots - Chinese tradition is cut up ingredients in tiny bitesize which can be easily picked up by chopsticks. Shangdung roast chicken can be found even in Westernised Chinese restaurants outside Asia. Steamed packs of glutinous rice await diners with aromatic slices of the Cantonese sausage ( Lap Cheong) and bites of refined Shitake mushrooms. Sweet and sour welcome with battered meatballs, onions, capsicium and pineapple slices.

The Bunker Mentality

Does your residential locality offer viable air raid shelters? Even with the contemporary array of military weapons used, a bunker or air raid shelter maintains its usefulness, relevance and viability. The strength of concrete utilised, the location of such shelters and practical accessibility to them in the event of an emergency all count as significant. Why do specific cities, societies or nations take the trouble or have the foresight to build them? Is it because they have learnt from the past of the damage incurred in all out confrontations, or is it due to strategic planning and proactive mindsets? Usually places or communities which feel vulnerable can be small city states, with populations that embrace financial vibrancy and growth and with leadership that value their citizens more than most. It is thereby surprising that dynamic Dubai has no air raid shelters. Dubai lies at the crossroads of vital trade, shipping and airline routes. In contrast, Singapore integrated a bunker room early on with the layout of its social housing. In regions that physically seem to be distant from the usual hubs of war in history, one may assume that there can be no sense in building bunkers. This logic is smashed by the presence of bunkers in Hobart and Brisbane, on the eastern coasts of Australia - although they were built related to the 20th century world wars, I understand they are not truly maintained for 21st century politics. Bunkers are also a favourite tool to hide from an ugly outside world, the stuff of scifi movies and novels. They hold a peculiar fascination for the human pysche. There are websites that provide guidance on what to stock in such bunkers. Northern Europe has serious bunker interests in communities that deeply feel a need to protect them regarding incursions from nearby nations. Bunkers need to consider impacts of climate, ventilation, energy and supply requirements. Above all there is a necessary layer of secrecy and privacy. Most of all is the concern on whether the bunkers can be destroyed easily, in these days of deployment of missiles and drones. Are bunkers essentially a temporary tool of survival? Is the public drilled and trained in how to use them? Do bunkers need more than concrete to be strong? Can digital technology enhance or reduce the viability of a bunker's usefulness? #yongkevthoughts

Long Ago and Far Away

My residential suburb lacks having accessiblity to buy Nyonya Kueh (Straits Chinese snacks) and Char Kueh Kak (stir fried savoury radish cake)- but makes up in other things which I should not take for granted. I just came back home having as takeaway, freshly made soy milk made by nice middle aged China lady, a Vietnamese salmon fillet claypot pack, a Bahn Mi made beautifully by an expert baguette maker and a goat curry serve ( all from Eastwood in north west Greater Sydney). There can be this inherent longing for things Asian when one has migrated long ago and far away. It can all come back intensely during celebrations for the Lunar New Year. In Singapore and Malaysia, it is called the Chinese New Year, in Vietnam, Tet and in Korea, Seolall. What are the things for this festive season that are no longer done around the world, or less of it? The customary duty and joy of giving red packets with cash inside to those younger than you, handed over with encouraging blessings. The visits to each other's abode on the first day of the 15 day long celebration. The sending of greetings on cards posted through the government run mailing system. The vocalisation of traditional and well crafted greetings when meeting up with each other. The obvious absence of fruits with good omen and meaning, when one lives in the hemisphere opposite to that of East Asia. The increasing disregard for several things one must avoid doing during the New Year period - for example, taking brooms out, using sharp implements, wearing clothes of unfortunate colours, gifting of items like clocks which can signify negative things and cutting your hair. Buying and cooking with tight schedules for the reunion dinner on the eve of Lunar New Year. Many reunion dinners are now taken outside the home at commercial eateries. Not coming back to the family home for the New Year's Eve reunion dinner, especially when there is no public holiday, when it is a school night and when one is overseas. The careful choosing of which lucky direction to face and what indicative time to first step out of your abode on the morning of the first day of the New Year. To not visit each other on the third day of the festive season, to obtain a much needed restful time after the hecticness of socialising during the first two days. To not honour our best four legged friends on the second day of the Lunar New Year, for it is said that dogs were created then, earlier than human beings, who came into existence on the seventh day. At the same time, new practices are emerging in this contemporary world of over 8 billion human beings. Online electronic transfers of money are the preferred method of delivering good luck and blessings instead of utilising the traditional red packet. The over commercialisation of gifts that are given to elders, family members, business clients and politicians. People are becoming more health conscious and discerning when consuming particular traditional festive snacks. People leaving the city or country of residence to go on overseas holidays "just to get away from it all". The Lunar New Year coincides with the earnest start of mainstream business, school and corporate execution in Australia and New Zealand. So celebrations can get low key when the Lunar Year begins on a week day. Celebrations are therefore moved to the nearest weekend. What has not changed throughout the years are increased consumption of hard liquor and lobster; increased traffic jams; airport congestion and rising air fares; significant wifi use, video communication and app clicks; and opportunities to catch up. Acrobatic lion dances, dragon parades and fresh blooms continue to rise in popularity. The use of fire crackers and fireworks in public and private places is decreasing, as drones and AI imagery get more sophisticated. More individuals find themselves working on festive days in societies that do not close for the holidays. It may be convenient to purchase goods and commercial services during Chinese New Year, but prices asked do spike up. Festivals are a significant occasion to reaffirm political, commercial.and personal relationships. There are addresses by national leaders to their people. Bosses throw a sumptous meal and gathering to reward their staff. Bonuses are given. I do not take for granted that we can celebrate festivals in a relatively peaceful world - and also acknowledge the suffering of our fellow human beings in continuing unresolved conflicts. The Lunar New Year is best celebrated by seriously reflecting what truly counts in life. #yongkevthoughts

To Go The Distance

Friends and relatives back in Asia do remind me of their relative convenience when accessing food they want at any time. It is often a maximum of driving out for only 30 minutes one way, before they are already physically in their eatery. Piping hot, freshly made and with appetite to be fulfilled. Staying in a large metropolitan area in Australia can mean very different circumstances. Getting to do anything in the course of daily life can mean the no choice but to commute for long distances. Whether it is to get to the latest shopping buzz, hyped restaurant, art gallery, preferred medical provider, niche grocery, not to be missed live concert, international flight, seasonal international cricket game, beloved relative or latest sensational bakery, one has to make effort and allocate time in travel before arriving at the destination and then again, before arriving back home. Several people I know with kids and elderly present book into accommodation close to their purposed venue - instead of having to drive several hours all in one day. Vehicle parking availability is increasingly a growing problem as well when one arrives at the destination. Australian mainstream populations continue to love their sense of spaciousnes, even if it can get increasingly expensive and not so practical to do so. New housing continues to spread out on the fringes of metropolitan areas. Those who live in units in the high rises in more densely packed city suburbs can on the other hand just take their elevators down to drop by the cafe or eatery that are commercial tenants in the same building. These same individuals can now also hop on to nearby street light rail ( even in Canberra) or sparkling underground Metro stations ( only in Melbourne and Sydney) to commute to all the fun out there. The two dominant supermarkets operating across Australia have branches in many suburbs. Such is their commercial power that it is easier to locate a Woolies or Coles than to find a post box, bank branch, butcher, pub or taxi stand. I must reiterate that I can find a refreshing and well maintained Nature's park in any Australian suburb, more easy than walking past a duopolistic supermarket. I am grateful that I can walk to several parks, small or large, near a forest or by the sea, within a 2km radius of my abode. It is important to carefully select the suitable kind of local community for your or family needs. Is it more significant that you do not need to use your private vehicle to travel to fulfil your variety of needs and daily use? Do you enjoy driving long distances or commuting for hours just to do things in your social profile? Do you make the long journey locally only once in a while and not on a regular basis? Levels of mobility, purpose of trip and easier means of travel do figure a lot in your decision making on these matters. Or do you commute only for work purposes? I know of individuals wh0 never venture beyond their residential precinct, except when going overseas for holiday or on a family reunion. More and more of today's population transact on line and in a virtual world, physically confining themselves to a particular site - getting food delivered to the door, obtaining stimulation through artificial intelligence and earning money on clicks and clacks. They do not have to commute much, except when they occasionally relocate internationally for better jobs, influencer nomadity and because of falling in love. #yongkevthoughts