23 weeks of bowling, 1 night of argument

After 23 weeks of competition, our ten pin bowling season is finally over. We were way down the ladder, but that didn't matter as much as the drama that unfolded during presentation. Apparently, 1st and 2nd place was separated by only half a point. And it seemed like the team that came second wasn't happy with the result, and demanded a recount. They were still not happy after the recount of points over the last two weeks. So they demanded a recount for the whole of the season.

The secretary of the league proceeded to quit over the scoring debacle. So now, 1st and 2nd place still have not been decided, and someone else other than the secretary, who usually doing the scoring, will have to redo all the scores again.

That was a dramatic end to the season. I certainly didn't expect that.

First, earthquake, and now flood, and then the Olympics?

It was only a month ago that the Sichuan province in China was hit by a devastating earthquake that killed tens of thousands. And now, at least 12 provinces in China is hit by flood. China is having one of her worst years in recent times.

It was the snow storm at the start of the year, then the earthquake, and now the flood. China now has millions upon millions of people displaced by the two natural disasters hitting so close to each other.

And with the Olympics less than 2 months away, who's going to the Olympics now? Who's going to enjoy the sports when so many are suffering? I haven't seen an Olympics held in a host country which had so many natural disasters all in the year that the event was held.

Even if the Olympics is run without a hitch, I doubt many could enjoy the spirit of the sports fully, except Sharon Stone.

eBay backs down... for now.

eBay has been given notice from the ACCC regarding their proposal to change payment methods on all transactions on its Australian website to PayPal only. They basically lost this battle, as ACCC rejects its immunity from anti-competitive sanctions.

They ought to, with hundreds of complaints flying from all sides, including individuals, business, and institutional bodies like RBA, eBay better rethink its future in introducing its PayPal only policy. Of course, eBay is still hanging onto the "PayPal offers better customer protection" line.

The idea was ridiculously stupid to start off with, especially when PayPal is owned by eBay itself. The major problem that I see is that PayPal charges sellers for accepting payment. Given that eBay also charges sellers for selling things on its website, everyone feels that eBay is double dipping. It's nothing more than a revenue raising exercise.

ACCC has done the right thing, and eBay should just back off, and let the consumers decide what's the best payment method that suits them.

More and more Earthquake

The world is shifting. The earth plates look to be under a lot of pressure lately. First it was the tragic 7.6 magnitude earthquake that killed tens of thousands in Sichuan province in China, then it was Greece early this month.

And on Sunday, Japan was hit by a 7.2 magnitude quake in the northern part of the country in Iwate prefecture. That's three in two months. Earthquake is one natural disaster that no-one can prepare for. At least, you can see hurricane and cyclones coming. But you can't predict when an earthquake is going to hit.

May all those who perished in earthquakes and other natural disasters around the world rest in peace.

Max still in power, and I will not watch another Formula One race until he's gone.

Thanks, Formula One, you have given me some very good years, some enjoyable races, and some controversies, too. But now I must abide you farewell, for Max Mosley is still in charge of the association that governs F1.

And I hate Max to the max. Instead of resigning from his post, like every decent person should do, after such an ugly revelation that he had taken part in a "Nazi-style orgy" with prostitutes, Max refused to resign, and went on to hang onto power. What the fuck was the motor clubs thinking when they cast their 'secret' ballot? After all these revelations, do they still think that Max is the best person to represent them?

I have had enough of Max. I'm not going to watch another Formula One race until Max steps down / get fired from FIA. See you, Formula One, until such time that Max is ousted.