Sunday, January 31, 2010

The Accidental Billionaires

Title: The Accidental Billionaires
Author: Ben Mezrich
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing
ISBN: 9780385529372

 
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The high-energy tale of how two socially awkward Ivy Leagues, trying to increase their chances with opposite sex, ended up creating Facebook.

Eduardo Saverin and Mark Zuckerberg were Harvard undergraduates and best friends, outsiders at a school filled with polished prep-school grads and long-time legacies. They shared both academic brilliance in math and a less-than-smooth with female population.

Eduardo figured their ticket to social acceptance and sexual success was getting invited to join one of the university's Final Clubs, a constellation of elite societies that had groomed generations of the most powerful men in the world and ranked on top of the inflexible hierarchy at Harvard. Mark, with less of an interest in what the campus alpha males thought of him, happened to be a computer genius of the first order, which he used to find a more direct route to social stardom. One lonely night, Mark hacked into the university's computer system, creating a ratable database of all the female students on campus and nearly getting himself kicked out of school. In that moment, in his Harvard dorm room, the framework for Facebook was born.

What followed a real-life adventure filled with slick venture capitalists, stunning women, and six-foot-five-inch identical-twin Olympics rowers makes for one of the most entertaining and compelling books of the year. Before long, Eduardo's and Mark's different ideas about Facebook created in their relationship, faint cracks which soon ruptured. The collegiate exuberance that marked their collaboration fell prey to the adult world of lawyers and money. The great irony is that while Facebook succeeded by bringing people together, its very success tore two best friends apart.

The Accidental Billionaires is a compulsively readable story of innocent lost and of the unusual creation of a company that has revolutionized the way hundreds of millions of people relate to one another.

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Visit BenMezrich & DoubleDay
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Friday, January 29, 2010

A Gift To My Children

Title: A Gift To My children
Author: Jim Rogers
Publisher: John Wiley
ISBN: 9780470742686



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When I was a boy, my father often pulled me aside to convey lessons intended to build what we generally refer to as "character". Often his advice was very simple, work hard, think for yourself, do right by others but I believe those lessons provided the foundation for everything that has followed in my life. Now that I'm dad myself, I wanted to put them down in one place, with examples of my own experiences, as a guide to life, adventure, and investing, both for my young daughters and for anyone seeking success in his or her chosen field. I hope that parents will be inspired to give this book to their children, and vice versa, as many of the lessons that I have learned apply not just to young people but to all adults, for example, question everything, never follow the crowd, and beware of boys!
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Buddha Sakyamuni

About 2500 years ago, this noble prince decided to renounce his throne and family in order to get an answer of all suffering. So he went for the quest and He eventually found it while meditating under a Bodhi tree with the vows he took of not leaving the spot he meditating no matter what happen. He thus became the Awakened One, or the Buddha.

He has many names:
  • Siddhartha Gautama
  • Gautama Buddha
  • The Honored One
  • The Wise One
  • Shakyamuni / Sakyamuni Buddha

Images of him frequently depict him
  • sitting crossed legged in full meditation, 
  • his right hand lightly touching the ground beneath him. This is symbolic of how Buddha responded to the challenge of Mara’s. Buddha invoked the earth to bear witness to the truth and virtue of his words and actions through countless aeons that earned him the right to sit and meditate there. Buddha thus constantly reminds those who take refuge in him to cultivate virtues of the six paramitas of giving, patience, concentration, wisdom, morality and perseverance. 
  • His left hand cradles a begging bowl in a meditative pose.
  • sometimes He never hold anything but just sitting on a meditation position

More info about Buddha Shakyamuni, please visits:
Wikipedia
TheBenzinArchive

Images of Buddha Sakyamuni

(the most common image of Buddha)


 (Tibetan style)

(Thailand - normally the hair is pointing up)


Hope this will clear-up for those who get it hard and difficult on identify Buddha Shakyamuni.

Next up - Buddha Amithaba
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

How To Save Your Own Life

Title: How To Save Your Own Life
Author: Michael Gates Gill
Publisher: Gotham Books
ISBN: 9781592405213



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The author of the New York Times bestseller How Startbucks Saved My Life shares inspiring lessons on finding true happiness at any age and any stage of life.

 In his heartwarming memoir How Starbucks Saved My Life, Michael Gates Gill shared the story of starting life over in his fifties. As he travelled the country speaking about his first book. he found that certain parts of his story especially resonated with readers. the response he got wan overwhelming and some people even thanked him bu saying, "mike, your story literally saved my life."

In How to Save Your Own Life, Michael has distilled his wisdom into fifteen meaningful lessons on weathering downturns at any age, including:
  • Leap...with Faith - When Crystal, a young Starbucks manager, approached Michael as he was hiding behind his briefcase in her store and offered him a job he replied "Yes!" without thinking. That very small word was the key to turning his life around. 
  • Look..with Respect at Every Individual You See - As a a boy growing up in Mew York City, Mike was told, "Don't make eye contact." But Mike's Starbucks experience opened his eyes to the possibility that every individual you meet, no matter how outwardly different, has the potential to uplift your life. 
  • Lose..Your Watch (and Cell Phone and PDA) - Many of us literally never stop working, checking the PDA for e-mails and surfing the Web for news that affects our businesses at all times of the day. Slow down! Our time on earth is limited and we need to find balance.
Michael shows readers how he discovered true happiness and how they can do the same. It lies not in yielding to 'fate', but in finding the strength to reach out and help others and to start our lives anew.


Michael Gates Gill also wrote the book How Starbucks Saved My Life

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Monday, January 25, 2010

Googled

Title: Googled
Author: Ken Auletta
Publisher: Virgin Books
ISBN: 9780753522424


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There are companies that create waves and those that ride or are drowned by them. Bestselling author, Ken Auletta, takes readers for a ride on the Google wave, telling the story of how it formed and crashed into traditional media businesses from newspapers to books, to television, to movies, to telephones, to advertising, to Microsoft and how hopes to become the world's first $100 billion media company.

Auletta gained unprecedented access to Google's notoriously private founders, Larry Page and Sergery Brin, as well as to those who work with and against, them. Using Google as a stand in for the fullest account ever told of Google's rise, shares the recipe of their 'secret sauce' and shows why the worlds of 'new' and 'old' media often communicate as if residents of different planets.

Yet there are many obstacles that threaten Google's future, and opposition from media companies and government regulators may be the least of these. Google faces internal threats too, from its burgeoning size to losing focus to hubris. In the coming years, Google faith in mathematical formulas and slide rule logic will be tested to limit.

Distilling the knowledge accrued from a career covering media, Auletta presents a revealing, forward looking examination of the outsized influence Google has had on the changing media landscape and offers insights into what we know, and don't know, about what the future holds for an imperiled industry.

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Thursday, January 21, 2010

What I've Bought!!



1. The Secrets of Happiness, Richard Schoch
2. The Accidental Billionaires, Ben Mezrich
3. A Gift To My Children, Jim Rogers
4. How To Save Your Own Life, Michael Gates Gill
5. The Princess And The Frog: Graphic Novel
6. Googled : The End of The World As We Know It, Ken Auletta
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010

The Success Principles

Title: The Success Principles
Author: Jack Canfield
Publisher: HarperCollins

ISBN: 9780060594893


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Jack Canfield, cocreator of the phenomenal bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul series, turns to the principles he's studied, taught, and lived for more than 30 years in this practical and inspiring guide that will help any aspiring person get from where they are to where they want to be.

The Success Principles will teach you how to increase your confidence, tackle daily challenges, live with passion and purpose, and realize all your ambitions. Not merely a collection of good ideas, this book spells out the 64 timeless principles used by successful men and women throughout history. Taken together and practiced every day, these principles will transform your life beyond your wildest dreams!

Filled with memorable and inspiring stories of CEOs, world-class athletes, celebrities, and everyday people. The success Principles will give you the proven blueprint you need to achieve any goal you desire.
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For more info:
See Inside the Book
TheSuccessPrinciples
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Monday, January 18, 2010

Bestsellers (as at 16th January 2010)

Kinokuniya, Kuala Lumpur
Fiction 


1. Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel
2. Path of Glory, Jeffrey Archer
3. The Lovely Bones, Alice Sebold
4. Between The Assassinations, Aravind Adiga
5. Have A Little Faith, Mitch Albom
6. Ford County, John Grisham
7. Lost Symbol, Dan Brown
8. Twenties Girl, Sophie Kinsella
9. The Gift, Cecelia Ahern
10. Gathering Storm, Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson

Non-Fiction


1. Superfreakonomics, Steven Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner
2. Wristwatch Annual 2010: The Catalog, Peter Braun & Elizabeth Doerr
3. What The Dog Saw, and Other Adventures, Malcolm Gladwell
4. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, Daniel H. Pink
5. Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace With Marriage: Elizabeth Gilbert
6. Rules of Work: A Definitive Code for Personal Success: Richard Templar
7. Stones Into Schools, Greg Mortenson & Mike Bryan
8. Food Rules: An Eater's Manual, Michael Pollen
9. Happiness Perscription: The Seven Keys To A Life of Joy And Fulfillment, Deepak Chopra
10. The Tropical House: Cutting Edge Design In The Philippines, Elizabeth Reyes & Luca Invernizzi
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Superfreakonomics

Title: Superfreakonomics
Author: Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner
Publisher: Penguin Books
ISBN: 9780713999914


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They're back.
And this time it's sensational.

Here at last is the long-awaited follow-up to the international bestselling phenomenon Freakonomics. Steven Levitt, the original rogue economist, and Stephen Dubner have uncovered the hidden side of even more controversial subjects, and with their inimitable style and wit they will take us on another, even more gripping journey of discovery.

Four years in the making, Superfreakonomics will once agin transform the way we lok at the world. It reveals, among other things, why you are more likely to be killed walking drunk than driving drunk; how a prostitute is more likely to sleep with a policeman than be arrested by one; why terrorists might be easier to track down than you would imagine; how a sex change could boost your salary; and how there really is a cheap fix for climate change.

This freakquel is even bolder, funnier and more surprising than its predecessor. With their unflinching analysis Levitt and Dubner overturn received wisdom: looking more deeply, asking more questions and, above all, thinking a little differently. Because sometimes the most superfreaky solution is the simplest.

                Steven D. Levitt                                                Stephen J. Dubner
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See Inside The Book
More reviews from Powell
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Sunday, January 17, 2010

This is a place where I am going to post everything on Buddhism and how Buddhism influence my life.

This blog will discuss from the teaching of Buddha, Zen, Dharma, books on Buddhism,  and other types of media and sources. Here, I am by no means an expert on Buddhism rather I am simply a lay Buddhist who is following the path like anyone else. I just hope that by setting up a blog like this will benefits others on getting to know more on Buddhism, not only as a blog but also a place where people who're new to Buddhism can get what they need in their practices and needs.

I welcome your comments and thoughts.

- Holden
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Friday, January 15, 2010

Letters To Sam

Title: Letters To Sam
Author:
Daniel Gottlieb
Publisher: Sterling Publishing

ISBN: 9781402756689

 


Back Cover text
"What does it mean to be human?" asks acclaimed psychologist and talk show host Dan Gottlieb at the beginning of this award-winning book.

The answers are in these pages.
With The gentle ad guiding voice that has endeared him to millions readers and listeners, Dan describes how we gain deeper wisdom and understanding from the unexpected events in our lives. A classic storyteller, Dan provides tender and deeply affecting "lessons" that reveal his own very human vulnerability as well as the love and generosity of others.

These revelations come from an author who has experienced many forms of loss in his own life. From the moment he suffered a spinal cord injury that left him quadriplegic at the age of thirty-three, Dan found himself facing the kinds of questions that most people encounter over the course of a lifetime. In the process of rebuilding his career, his family, and his life, Dan made discoveries about what all humans have in common, including a longing for love, understanding, and security. And he learned that the speed of life only takes us further away from what we long for.

In these chapters, Dan is unstintingly generous in sharing the thoughts and feelings that have touched the lives of so many. From "Our Orphanhood" (why the universality of loneliness can make us feel less alone) and "We, the Wounded" (how wounds may be inevitable, but so is healing) to "What Our Children See" (how parental stress can shape a child's future) and "Holding My Mother's Hand" ( a moving recollection on the death of a parent), Dan reflects on the challenges that all of us face as humans and the feelings that, too often, we do not allow to surface.

And finally, Dan succeeds in answering the primary question: What does it mean to be human? His answers, challenging and reassuring, humorous and transcendant, are sure to touch the heart of every reader.
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For more info:
See Inside The Book
Dr Dan's site Dan And Sam on CNN
Barnes&Noble
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WooHoo!



Exactly in one month, we're celebrating 2 big festivals coincidentally. One is Chinese New Year and another is Valentine Day. For those who have partner, bf or gf, thus it's a double celebrations for Chinese's around the world. For those who are still single, nevermind la, you and me just celebrate Chinese New Year will do. But what's good about this year was, many Chinese movies are produced in conjunction for this coming new year. The one that I most anticipated in was WooHoo!. This is a 100% Malaysia produced CNY movie from the collaboration of MyFM and Astro.

The casts are Jack Lim 林德榮, Gan Mei Yan 顏微恩, Royce Tan 陳志康, Vivian Tok 卓卉勤, Gan Jiang Han 顏江瀚 , Bernard Hiew 邱文博, Jason Yeoh 楊佳賢, Chen Keat Yoke曾潔鈺, and Freddie Ng 黃一飛.

According to some sources, “Woohoo!” actually means tiger dance in mandarin, which is in fact part of the traditional Chinese culture although it has not been practiced as commonly as lion or dragon dance in Malaysia.

Synopsis:
The villagers of Beserah, near Kuantan, celebrate traditional ceremony with woohoo (tiger dance) in every 60 years. Unfortunately, the last practitioner is too old to perform the dance, therefore five youngster applying for it after an advertisement has been puts up.

They are Ah Beng (Jack Lim), Ah Huat (Jason Yeoh), Rain (Royce Tan), Bobby (Bernard Hiew) and Alan (Gan). And the story goes on with a lots of funny scenes, Malaysian Chinese dialogue and jokes in very Malaysian style.

Here are some images from the show:









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Thursday, January 14, 2010

Dear John

Title: Dear John
Author: Nicholas Sparks

Publisher: HachetteBookGroup

ISBN: 9780446698320

 


Back Cover text
From #1 New York bestselling author Nicholas Sparks comes an unforgettable tale of a man who must make the most heartrending decision of his life, in the name of love....
"Dear John," the letter read. And with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives changed forever.

When Savannah Lynn Curtis comes into his life, John Tyree knows he is ready to turn over a new leaf. An angry rebel, he had enlisted in the army after high school, not knowing what else to do. Then, during a furlough, he meets Savannah, the girl of his dreams. The attraction is mutual and quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah vowing to wait for John while he finishes his tour of duty. But neither can foresee that 9/11 is about to change the world. Like so many proud men and women, John must choose between love and country. Now, when he finally returns to North Carolina, John will discover that loving Savannah will force him to make the hardest decision of his life.
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Read this before the movie release.....

Here is the trailer for this novel-based movie, starring: Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried

For more reviews:
NicholasSparks
Barnes&Noble
Wikipedia

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Images:
Collider
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A Bend In The Road

Title: A Bend In The Road
Author: Nicholas Sparks

Publisher: HachetteBookGroup

ISBN: 9780446611862

 

Back Cover text
Miles Ryan's life seemed to end the day his wife was killed in a hit-and-run accident two years ago. As deputy sheriff of New Bern, North Carolina, he not only grieves for her and worries about their young son Jonah but longs to bring the unknown driver to justice. Then Miles meets Sarah Andrews, Jonah's second-grade teacher. A young woman recovering from difficult divorce, Sarah moved to New Bern hoping to start over. Tentatively, Miles and Sarah reach out to each other...soon they are falling in love. But what neither realizes is that they are also bound together by a shocking secret, one that will force them to reexamine everything they believe in, including their love.

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More reviews on:
Barnes&Noble
BookHaven
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010

MPH Best Selling List (as at 10 January 2010)

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Microtrends

Title: Microtrends
Author: Mark J. Penn with E. Kinney Zalesne
Publisher: TwelveBooks

ISBN: 9780446536431


 
Back cover text
Now discover....
Microtrends

Mark Penn, the man who identified "Soccer Moms" as a crucial constituency in President Clinton's 1996 reelection campaign, is known for his ability to detect relatively small patterns of behavior in our culture. Microtrends that can wield influence on a global scale. Now in this innovative book, Penn identifies more than seventy microtrends in religion, leisure, politics, and family life that are changing our lives. Among them are:
  • People are retiring but continuing to work.
  • Teens are turning to knitting
  • Geeks are becoming the most sociable people around.
  • Women are driving technology
  • Dads are older than ever and spending more time with their kids than in the past.
Learn how small ideas can lead to large changes. 


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See Inside The Book
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010

You Need This Book To Get What You Want

Title: You Need This Book To Get What You Want
Author: Mark Palmer & Scott Solder
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781847377043


Back Cover text
Imagine how much better your life could be if you had the skills of effortless persuasion. If you could get people on your side instantly to get what you want and what you need.

You Need This Book is the simplest and most powerful recipe for getting what you want. Whether it's from the everyday challenges we all face, or that big opportunity you can't afford to miss. Mark Palmer and Scott Solder are experts in the way humans think and communicate. Until now, their elite technique have been available only to high-paying business clients. here, for the first time, they bring their accessible style and in-depth knowledge to a wider audience. Learn to use your 'inner celebrity'. Find out about the autopilots that control our instinctive behavior. Master your words for maximum impact. This book is invaluable for anyone who wants to get on in life and get the job, relationship and happiness they deserve. Find out how to get:
  • career you want
  • your boss on side
  • the love life you need
  • the pay rise you deserve
  • a refund at the shops
  • out of a parking fine
  • the kids ready for school in time
  • served at the bar when it's busy
  • more than you're already got
This is your instantly accessible formula for figuring out what makes other people tick. Read it and take control of your destiny!


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Simon&Schuster
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What I've Bought!!



1. The Success Principle, Jack Canfield
2. Super Freakonomics, Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner
3. Letter To Sam, Daniel Gottlieb
4. A Bend In The Road, Nicholas Sparks
5. Microrends, Mark J. Penn
6. You Need This Book To Get What You Want, Mark Palmer & Scott Solder
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