How to be a ‘Tiger Mother’

 By: ryan    2:14 PM  Amy Chua, Books   No comments

BEIJING, Jan 19 – A book by a Chinese-American woman about her no-nonsense child-rearing has sparked an online flurry of criticism and debate over strict “Chinese” parenting methods versus more relaxed Western ways.
 
In “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother,” Yale University law professor Amy Chua recounts the ultra-strict regime of piano lessons and homework favoured by some Asian immigrant families in the US as the key to future success.

Links to an excerpt published this month in the Wall Street Journal have been shared countless times on Facebook and Twitter, triggering a debate over cultural values at a time of concern in the West about falling behind China.
Chua, who says she has received death threats via email, has defended herself in subsequent media interviews, saying the excerpt did not include later passages on how she learned to strike a softer balance in her parenting.

“There are death threats. And, ‘Go back to China, you abusive monster.’ It’s much more overwhelming than I thought it would be,” Chua told Newsweek magazine.

In the book, Chua tells how she and her husband elected to raise their two daughters the “Chinese” way.
That meant heavy pressure for nothing less than top school marks, no sleepovers or watching television, and mandatory piano or violin study.

In one incident, she makes one of her daughters stand out in the cold for falling short on piano practice, while in another she tells guests at a dinner party how she once called her daughter “garbage” – shocking the room.
In the book excerpt published by the Wall Street Journal, Chua says for “Chinese” parents, “the solution to substandard performance is always to excoriate, punish and shame the child”.

“All decent parents want to do what’s best for their children. The Chinese just have a totally different idea of how to do that,” she writes.

Reactions have been vicious, with Chua being called a “monster” and “Mommie Dearest” – a reference to late movie star and accused child-abuser Joan Crawford.

There has been comparatively little comment so far in China, where children study intensely for make-or-break exams to enter high school and college. A Mandarin version of the book has only just been released in China.

Those Chinese online users already aware of Chua’s book both lauded her commitment to pushing her children – and criticised her for going too far.

“It is incorrect to call these ‘Chinese’ parenting methods,” said tangshihuang, a user of the micro-blog service of top portal Sina.com.

“I am a parent. You must ensure a good future for your children but throughout Chinese history the concept of balance has also been important. China is evolving and it may no longer be accurate to apply the “Chinese” tag as before.” – AFP/Relaxnews

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‘Three Cups of Tea’ in Hot Water

 By: ryan    12:11 PM  Books, Greg Mortenson   No comments

“60 Minutes” has reported that parts of author Greg Mortenson’s account are untrue. — charlestoncitypaper.com pic

NEW YORK, April 19 — The publisher of US author Greg Mortenson’s memoir, “Three Cups of Tea,” said yesterday it was reviewing the bestseller following claims that parts of the inspirational book were fabricated. Television news program “60 Minutes” said in a Sunday broadcast that parts of Mortenson’s account of a failed attempt in 1993 to climb the world’s second-highest peak, K2, and being kidnapped in Pakistan in 1996, were untrue, citing several people interviewed.

“60 Minutes” also reported that Mortenson was using his charitable institute, Central Asia Institute, to promote his books.

“Greg Mortenson’s work as a humanitarian in Afghanistan and Pakistan has provided tens of thousands of children with an education. ‘60 Minutes’ is a serious news organization and in the wake of their report, Viking plans to carefully review the materials with the author,” Viking spokeswoman Carolyn Coleburn said in a statement.
“Three Cups of Tea,” was first published in 2006 and has since been a popular paperback.
It may be the latest embarrassment for the publishing industry over partly-fabricated memoirs in recent years, notably James Frey’s “A Million Little Pieces.”

The “60 Minutes” report claimed that Mortenson did not get lost and stumble into a remote mountain village on his way down from K2, and that he did not visit the village until a year later, according to expedition porters.

Mortenson told “60 Minutes” in a statement that he first visited the village in 1993, and went back each of the following three years. He suggested the discrepancy could be because the “Balti people have a completely different notion about time.”

“The concept of past and future is rarely of concern,” he said. “Often tenses are left out of discussion, although everyone knows what is implied.”

“60 Minutes” also disputed Mortenson’s account in “Three Cups of Tea,” of being kidnapped in the Waziristan region of Pakistan in 1996. His second book, “Stones into Schools,” publishes a photograph of his alleged captors.

The program located four of the men who were there when the photo of Mortenson was taken and two of whom were actually in the picture. All denied that they had kidnapped Mortenson.
Mortenson’s stood by his story, saying he was detained in Waziristan for eight days in 1996. “It was against my will, and my passports and money were taken from me,” he said.

Mortenson’s charity, the Central Asia Institute, founded in 1996, has built schools, mostly for girls, in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

But “60 Minutes” said about roughly half of 30 schools listed on the charity’s tax forms were empty, built by someone else or not receiving any support. - Reuters

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Power Dryer

 By: ryan    9:46 AM  Ranting   No comments

Indeed we're all shocked and some are surprised by the utilities fees (electicity and water ONLY) of our beloved PM's home that close to the usage of a plant amounting RM10,267,868.15 for the electricity and the water bills are RM1,967,386.55 for a year.....

Then I pokes my calculator so many times but still the electricity bills amounting to RM10,267,868.15 per year = RM160,000.00 per month. 

OMG!! 6 digits. Seriously how can a private home use up to RM160,000.00 per month you may ask? I also dunno. Only them can explains. I heard that there're several factors (can't said it here or I may be charges under ISA or being political motivated) but the main reason most of the people will think of would be caused by the main contributor of our beloved first lady's  POWER HAIR DRYER to form her "gaya beralun-ombak" million ringgit hair.... or or or maybe there is a private saloon in the residence of PM's, maybe "Vinnie Looh" or "Mikhael Poh" hair saloon. Oh I almost forgot that our first lady is damn good in singing too...maybe also lah got some private studios inside her house to produce her soon to be publish albums. Here are some MVs you don't want to miss. 

Maybe la the blower is specially made according to the first lady requirements that comes with a super high speed blower mode that once switch on, the hair will dry instantly or sekali tiup the hair shape become some sarang beralunkan ombak look.

I don't remember issit our PM of the DPM recently said that in such time, "Rakyat Malaysia seharusnya pandai berjimat" but you see, they spending millions of ringgit just for their water and electricity bills. How are we going to agree on what you guys said leh?? Always says government no money, save up subsidies to cover this and that, then end up rupa-rupanya to cover this lor. Hmmmmm.....

Seriously with such amount, I can pay my electricity for 100 years and the water are enough for 6,000 peoples. Rakyat indeed Didahulukan. Yay!!

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MP Pakatan persoal, bil elektrik PM saja RM10 juta setahun
KUALA LUMPUR: Ahli-ahli Parlimen Pakatan Rakyat meminta penjelasan kerajaan berhubung kos penyelenggaraan kediaman rasmi perdana menteri dan timbalannya yang menjangkau hampir RM49 juta setahun.

Dalam jawapan bertulis menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri semalam, sejumlah RM48,789,115.03 dibelanjakan termasuk kos sewa, kos baik pulih, bil elektrik dan bil air.

Kos sewa untuk dua kediaman rasmi itu didedahkan berjumlah RM32,972,115.55 sementara kos baik pulih pula RM3,581,744.78 setahun.

Lebih memeranjatkan, bil elektrik bagi kediaman perdana menteri dan timbalannya sahaja berjumlah RM10,267,868.15 dan bil air pula mencecah RM1,967,386.55 untuk tempoh yang sama.

Ahli parlimen Kota Raja, Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud berkata penjelasan itu penting ketika rakyat diseru supaya berjimat cermat dan mengubah gaya hidup ekoran tindakan kerajaan mengurangkan subsidi.

“Apabila mendidik orang ramai supaya berjimat, ia sepatutnya bermula dengan pemimpin,” katanya kepada wartawan di lobi parlimen hari ini.

Sementara itu, Ahli parlimen Rasah, Anthony Loke pula menyatakan hairan tentang belanja besar yang ditanggung, terutama kos elektrik dan air yang mencecah jutaan ringgit setahun.

“Kami tidak tahu sebesar mana keluarga perdana menteri dan timbalannya sehingga hari ini,” katanya.

Menurutnya jika jumlah itu dibahagikan sepanjang lima tahun dan mengikut bulanan, kerajaan membelanjakan RM160,000 untuk bil elektrik dan RM33,000 untuk bil air bagi kedua-dua kediaman rasmi.
- keadilandaily

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Little Princess

 By: ryan    12:10 PM  Books, Conor Grennan   No comments

Title: Little Princess: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal
Author: Conor Grennan
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 9780062049858

Side Cover Text
One Person Can Make A Difference 
In search of adventure, twenty-nine-year-old Conor Grennan traded his day job for a year-long trip around the globe, a journey that began with a three-month stint volunteering at the Little Princess Children's Home, an orpganage in war-torn Nepal.

Conor was initially reluctant to volunteer, unsure whether he had the proper skill, or enough passion, to get involved in a developing country in the middle of a civil war. But he was soon overcome by the herd of rambunctious, resilient children who would challenge ad reward him in a way that he had never imagined, When Conor learned the unthinkable truth about their situation, he was stunned: The children were not orphans at all. Child traffickers were promising families in remote villagers to protect their children from the civil war, for huge fee, by taking them to safety. They would then abandon the children far from home, in the chaos of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu.

For Conor, what began as a footloose adventure becomes a commitment to reunite the children he had grown to love with their families, but this would be no small task. He would risk his life on a journey through the legendary mountains of Nepal, facing the dangers of bloody civil war and a debilitating injury. Waiting for Conor back in Kathmandu, and hopeful he would make it out before being trapped in by snow, was the woman who would eventually become his wife and share his life's work.

Little Princess is a true story of families and children, and what one person is capable of when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. At turns tragic, joyful, and hilarious. Little Princess is a testament to the power of faith and the ability of love to carry us beyond our wildest expectations.

Back Cover text
In was well after nightfall when I realized we had gone the wrong way.

The village I had been looking for was somewhere up the mountain....if we could even find the trail in the pitch-dark. My two porters and I had been walking for thirteen hours straight. Winter at night in the mountains of northwestern Nepal is bitterly cold, and we had no shelter. Two of our three flashlights had burned out. Worse, we were deep in a Moaist rebel stronghold, not far from where a colleague had been kidnapped almost exactly one year before...I wondered how things would have been different if I hadn't gotten hurt. Or if I hadn't split from my team, or if I hadn't decided to wait on that mountain for a helicopter that never came. It didn't matter now. What did matter was figuring out how we would get through the night. - from Little Princess

 Conor Grennan

Conor Grennan volunteered in Nepal at the Little Princess Children's Home in the village of Godawari in 2004. He would eventually return to Nepal to launch Next Generation Nepal (NGN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to reconnecting trafficked children with their families in postwar Nepal.

Conor is graduate of the University of Virginia and the NYU Stern School of Business. He currently resides in Connecticut with his wife and son.

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Why I Like The Book

This memoir about Conor Grennan's experiences in working with victims of child trafficking in Nepal is truly an wonderful read not only did finished it in about 3 days.

I enjoyed reading this book very much. The author's love, passion, and commitment to the children of Nepal is very inspiring. He doesn't give up when things gets tough, but does what needs to be done. He is living proof that one person can truly make a difference, one child at a time. That is how the world is changed. This is a very inspirational and uplifting book.

Another point why I like this book is not simply a normal tale of someone who is out in the world doing volunteer work. In fact it's so well written full with honesty, funny, and a heart-wrenching stories. A tale that needs to be told and that allows you to look into your own surroundings and see what small changes you can make right here at home to help make the world a better place.

This is a horrible story but with a happy ending. The war in Nepal has ended, many of the children have been reunited with their parents, and young man in question has found love. This is an inspiring book especially since the good work being done is still going on.

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Conor sets up a home called "Next Generation Nepal" and did fundraising back in the United States to buy the home, furnish it with furniture, stoves, beds, blankets, and pillows for the children he hoped to house there. He figured he could accept approximately 26 children and all these children came to love Conor dearly. With a total of $6,000.00 raised he began to build the home. Just visit nextgenerationnepal for more information.

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The Reasons Behind Nicholas Tse’s Divorce Decision

 By: ryan    12:30 PM  Worth A Read   No comments

After Cecilia Cheung’s (張栢芝)lawyer issued a divorce request on May 24th, Nicholas Tse (謝霆鋒)made a painful decision to agree to divorce last week. Nic’s lawyer flew to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to provide legal counsel in the divorce proceedings. To avoid Cecilia suffering an emotional breakdown after receiving Nic’s divorce request and attempt to visit the set of The Viral Factor <逆戰>, Nic asked his EEG manager, Mani Fok (霍汶希), to arrive on location and control the situation.

Nic’s divorce decision was not solely instigated by Cecilia’s friendly photo collaboration with ex-flame, Edison Chen (陳冠希), in May. He could no longer withstand her rash personality and her “threats” in their marriage. Since the incident with Edison, Nic felt that Cecilia did not consider his feelings and was deeply angered. He refused to celebrate Cecilia’s birthday with her and did not return her phone calls and text messages. This did not make Cecilia reflect on her actions but rather incited her to ask her lawyer to send a letter asking for divorce. She sent threatening text messages that she will commit suicide as well.

Filming The Viral Factor in Malaysia, Nic finally reached a clear-minded decision. He felt that sacrificing unconditionally in the marriage will not lead to happiness and that divorce was his only choice. As a result, he invited his lawyer to Malaysia to discuss divorce proceedings. Nic’s lawyer will stay at least one week to discuss obtaining custody rights for Nic’s sons, Lucas and Quintus, as well as the settlement of the couple’s assets. Nic’s lawyer will prepare a separation agreement to officiate the divorce proceedings.

Nic’s younger sister, Jennifer Tse (谢婷婷), flew to Malaysia to support her brother during this difficult time period. Nic’s mother, Deborah Dik (狄波拉), will fly from Singapore to meet with Nic in Malaysia. Deborah will meet with the lawyer and offer her advice in the preparation of divorce documents.

Nicholas Tse’s Current Emotional State

An inside source revealed, “Nic is currently deeply grieved. He is very professional and the situation will not affect the filming progress or his performance [in The Viral Factor]. We know that he is extremely sad. Normally he loves to play video games. However, he would rather sleep in his spare time now. This is very unusual! During this time period, he thought about matters clearly. He knew that there was no need to struggle with a marriage where he was living under ‘threats’ and being ‘controlled.’ Living this way for so many years was enough. Nic is very clear-headed and knew that divorce was the only solution.”

Earlier, there were speculations that Nic would forfeit the custody rights of Lucas and Quintus. However he hoped to have his two sons by his side. An inside source noted, “Due to Lucas and Quintus, there is a need to sign a separate custody rights agreement. Nic is currently very troubled. He did not want to give up the custody rights to his sons. If he lost money, he can earn it back again. However, his two sons meant the world to him. He wants custody over both his sons, especially since he witnessed Cecilia bringing Lucas to a filming set and missing school. Nic was heartbroken and felt that Lucas was living through his own childhood experiences.

“Nic realized that if he pushed for sole custody of Lucas and Quintus, Cecilia would go crazy. Nic’s lawyer recommended splitting the custody rights, such as allowing the children to stay with each parent for a one or two week period or perhaps one month at a time. This will allow Lucas and Quintus to stay together. Nic had to discuss the issue with Deborah. If Deborah felt that it was better for Quintus to stay with Nic while Lucas stayed with Cecilia, he will follow her suggestion.”

Cecilia Cheung Asks for Forgiveness

Allegedly, Cecilia started asking Nic for a reconciliation approximately one week ago. When Nic disregarded her communication attempts, Cecilia started contacting Nic’s assistant to seek his help in reconciling their marriage. An inside source revealed, “Cecilia sent numerous text messages to Nic’s assistant, hoping to soften his heart and help with the reconciliation. However, it is difficult for an outside party to offer too much input. Nic does not like nagging, thus his assistant did not say too much. She asked whether Nic had misunderstood her, noting that she gained financial control of their savings in order to invest for their mutual fund account. Nic’s assistant was in Malaysia and did not follow the latest news, thus he was unaware of what Cecilia was talking about.

“We are afraid to think of how Cecilia will react when she learns Nic wants to divorce. She will definitely be very emotional. She may fly to Malaysia in an attempt to save the marriage. Everyone is very concerned about the matter. The filming set and hotel will have extra security arrangements to prevent disturbance.

“Nic does not want to see Cecilia have an emotional outburst [on the filming set]. He was concerned this will disrupt other cast and crew members. He especially requested EEG manager, Mani Fok, to handle the crisis if Cecilia were to arrive in Malaysia. However, Mani did not want to be put in such a difficult situation. She said it was fine to reconcile the pair, however she did not want to manage the divorce situation. If Mani will not come, Deborah Dik and Nic’s assistant will handle the situation.”

Deborah Dik put in her best efforts to support Nic through the divorce proceedings. An inside source said, “The media speculated that while Lucas stayed with Cecilia in Shenzhen during the filming of her movie, Quintus was being cared for by Deborah. However, Cecilia only instructed her maid to take care of Quintus and did not ask Deborah for help. Cecilia kept Quintus, her ‘Ace Card,’ by her side to threaten Nic.

“Actually, Deborah treated Cecilia just like her own daughter. Although she realized Cecilia did not treat her son well, she tolerated the situation. Deborah respected Nic’s decision. If it were another mother-in-law, she may have turned the tables long ago!” (Did Cecilia curse at Deborah?) “I don’t think so! Deborah treated Cecilia so well. If Cecilia did curse at her, she should be careful in being struck by thunder!

“Nic is very clear-minded now. He will not struggle to keep the family together. Deborah agreed with Nic’s decision. If a married couple lost mutual trust and love, it is impossible to live together anymore. Deborah felt that money was unimportant. The most important was that Nic and her grandsons have better lives ahead of them.”

Credit: JayneStars
Source: Ming Pao 

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Brilliant Moon

 By: ryan    10:49 AM  Books, Buddhism, Dilgo Khyentse   No comments

Brilliant Moon: The Autobiography of Dilgo Khyentse is a compilation of anecdotes, stories, and recollections from the friends, family, and students of Buddhist meditation master and scholar Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Half of Brilliant Moon consists of Dilgo Khyentse's early life story told in his own words; the other half draws testimony from his wife, grandson, and spiritual heir, as well as such notable figures as the Queen Mother of Bhutan and many more. Enhanced with a handful of black-and-white photographs, extensive notes, a glossary, and a bibliography, Brilliant Moon is a welcome addition to Buddhist studies shelves strong in biographies of spiritual leaders.

Book

Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910-1991) was one of the most influential and respected Tibetan Buddhist masters of our age. There was something remarkable about his presence that impressed everyone who met him, a quality of mind that comes across even in photographs. Here is his memoir of an incredible life of study, teaching, and solitary retreat, told with a wealth of anecdotes and stories. It will be an inspiration to the readers of his numerous books - as well as to all Buddhist practitioners, who will welcome this rare opportunity to hear the experiences of a highly realized being in his own words.

The second half of the book is a treasury of recollections about Khyentse Rinpoche by his wife, Khandro Lhamo; his grandson and heir, Sechen Rabjam Rinpoche; and other lamas and friends who knew him well.

"It gives me immense pleasure to know that this authentic account of the life and activities of Khyentse Rinpoche, who I am fortunate to revere among my own precious teachers, has been prepared to remind those who knew him and inform those who did not." The Dalai Lama.

"Who could ever forget Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche if they had ever seen him? Both in his spiritual realization and in his physical appearance and build, he was larger than life. In every sense there was something universal, even superhuman, about him." Sogyal Rinpoche.

Movie 

Brilliant Moon: Glimpses of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche
Brilliant Moon: Glimpses of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche chronicles the life of the writer, poet, and meditation master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, one of Tibet's most revered 20th-century Buddhist teachers. Known as the teacher of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Royal Family of Bhutan, his life and teachings were an inspiration to all who encountered him. Two of his admirers are Richard Gere and Lou Reed, who provide the narration for his dangerous journey out of China and the subsequent spread of his influence around the world.

Brilliant Moon was filmed in Tibet, India, Bhutan, the United States and Nepal, and uses animation, rare archival footage, and photos, along with new interviews with some of Tibet's great teachers, to tell Khyentse Rinpoche's moving life story, from birth to death to rebirth.

Written and directed by Neten Chokling (Milarepa movie), a student of Khyentse Rinpoche, and filmed in Tibet, India, Bhutan, Nepal and the United States, Brilliant Moon uses animation, previously unseen archival footage and photos along with new interviews of Tibet's great teachers, to tell Khyentse Rinpoche's moving life story, from birth to death to rebirth. This is an intimate, moving and revelatory look at a transcendent spiritual being.

• Featuring
• • Richard Gere &Lou Reed (Narration)
• • His Holiness the Dalai Lama
• • Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche
• • Matthieu Ricard
• • Orgyen Topgyal Rinpoche
• • Rabjam Rinpoche
• • Sogyal Rinpoche

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You Sucks

 By: ryan    11:00 AM  Dear Diary   No comments

Sometimes a person can just ruin the rest of your day. This mean people, tsk tsk tsk. I can handle most of what comes to me. If I was unhappy with it, so what? I'd start over. But sometimes these people can cause me the most hurt and grief. Cruel people, ignorant people, arrogant people, selfish people, stupid people and 2-faces people. I know I can't change them, but now I can only change myself so that my cells won't dies for these silly people. Correct or not? What for go frustrated yourself over these people?

I am pretty sure enough to know what I can't do with them, but I don't have to enable them either. Like what some old people said, "Got you or don't have you, the world is still stop moving. I have spent the past few days cutting people off that had only bad intentions towards me and these people are the one that's hurting me the most. This included real good friends. You know, your very best friend that you share most of your stories with them, those kind. Once I knew that they would never respect me, this is good. You asked: will I be lonely then? Well hell yeah but having all these sick feeling and stress in my life are even worse. I believe my sanity is more important. Some people are blessed with caring friends, some are even blessed with true friends but why not me?? Must be Karma!! Karma!!

When we're surrounded by people who are constantly pointing out your faults and mistakes, or people who only talks to you when they want something, people who don't talks to you when your not significant to them anymore, then you will be depressed. Who would not wor?? Afterall we're all human what and we need each others to communicate or interacting with what, else you think where does those gossips come from. We need comforting people around us don't we? We need someone who will tell us we are ok when we feel useless, sad, being ignored or hurt. This is what friends are all about.

You tell me I should take actions to help ourselves but it ain't as easy you know. You think I am some yogi with super high EQ? Even some spiritual leaders will throw tantrum. All in all, we just need more people who will help build our self esteem up, not tear it down. 

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Responsibilty

 By: ryan    4:21 PM  Dear Diary   No comments

Life itself is a duty. Duty means to benefit either our self or to serve others. It is the responsibility and the ambition that drives one's to perform a duty. Those who have a sense of responsibility will only be concerned if the work is done, and not care about success of failure or even gain or loss. They will not argue over how difficult the task it, how fair or unfair the duty assigned, but instead put in their best effort to accomplish their responsibility. 

Yesterday the company I am working with is giving out increment. When I found out that I am categorized under the lowest range, I am in a very bad mood and frustrated. Moreover, I fall onto the lowest category, so of course I think that I perform very badly during my 2 years of working over here. But this is not the case. I am frustrated over what the policy or quota are set for the increment and what the hell are the appraisal is for since they're distributing the increment base on your position, your period of service and your level in this company's hierarchy.

 The worst part is I got a lower increment compare to last year and my boss don't even give me any reason or explanation on it. I managed to found out that quota n rules are set to aggregates our increment and that is why I felt truly unfair and it's understood that companies that doesn't appreciate their real assets (employees), are always runs by lousy management and managed only by lousy people. Sometimes I just think that being hardworking and loyal to a company are all nonsense where else being whatever-lah, pretend you care everything in front of your boss, and shoe-polishing are the true survival skills to secure your increment, promotion and better yet your boss best puppy. I admit I do, sometimes get laid-back and even lazy but in this case, people who performed worst than me are the one who gets better rewards compared to me.

 But hey, this is not the end of the world, still I need to carry on with my life. After having an uneasy night and thinking over what I did all this while is not wrong. Still to have a sense of responsibility is the main act of being capable of achieving greater achievements. While to those who're doing what are wrong and mean to get what they want, I can only tell that they are people who're irresponsible and are actually inept, no matter how strong and intelligent they are. In order to progress and improve, I will not say that I will resign soon or being demotivated after the announcement of this shitty increment, blame others, or attempt to garner sympathy since I had already choose to pursue and they're still paying me.

My Guru always said that we should not give up on the lack of recognition or opportunity given But instead, we should be fearful for the lack of courage to deals with responsibility. How far we succeed in our career is depend on how much responsibility we can shoulder. Only those with a sense of responsibility, not doing harm to others to garner benefits for themselves, having no false intention and doesn't back stabbing are able to overcome adversity and create a good opportunities for themselves. Having such intention and motivation then only we will have an open-mindedness that can embrace what shortcomings on us.

 My deepest gratitude to my Guru for teaching us this and I am now practising this. I always believe and it is always important to cultivate strength to bear what happened on us either it's bad, very bad or ridiculously bad so that we can start getting to know ourselves better.

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A Year In Tibet

 By: ryan    12:15 PM  Books, Sun Shuyun   No comments

Title: A Year In Tibet
Author: Sun Shuyun
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 9780007265121

Back Cover text
Sun Shuyun grew up in China and has always been fascinated by Tibet and by Buddhism. Accompanied by a television crew, she spent a year in a remote town in the Tibetan mountain area and recorded what life is like for the people there.

Despite half a century of Communist rule, the residents of the town of Gyantse have been returning to religion and much of the traditional way of life. But as Sun Shuyun follows the daily lives of a shaman and his family, of monks, a village doctor, a Party worker, a hotel manager and a ricksaw driver, it becomes clear that the community is facing the pressure of change.

Capturing the tensions between Chinese and Tibetans, between an ancients and an alien culture, and between continuity and modernization, this is a rare and vivid insight into Tibet's isolated communities.

Contents
The Shaman, The Gun and Mao's Red Book
Sky Burial
Journey to the Next Life
The Learning Curve
Cold Feeling
I'm Getting Married?
One Wife, Three Husbands
The Woman, the Goat and Chang
Three Million Prayers
Crime is Its Own Punishment
Keeping the Faith

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Why I liked: 

I just loves everything related to the Tibetans especially the culture and religions, Buddhism. One of my friend told me about this book after I told her about Sky Burial by Xinran.

I think I should start on Tibetan Buddhism which is simply fascinating, mystical and full of rituals. Here in the book, we can see that the Tibetan can recite their mantras more than hundred times a day. How Padmasambhava, an Indian master who brings Buddhism into Tibet.

Another chapter where I love is Sky burial. Sky burial is a common funeral practice in Tibet where the dead body being cut into pieces and fed to the vultures. Beside that, another shocking chapter is One Wife, Three Husbands. I was really shocked that it's common for brothers to share a wife or sisters share a husband. Funny!!

Another thing I like this book as there were many beautiful pictures served between the book. Almost all the characters are portrayed in this book, colorful yet beautiful. A Year in Tibet is a book for someone who loved Tibet. Worth reading it.

Very hard to get this book in KL. But finally manage to get the last copy from Times Bookstore Sunway Giza.

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Aunty Lai Meng's Biography Book Sharing & Autograph Session

 By: ryan    10:08 AM  Worth A Read   No comments

Who is Aunty Lai Meng?

Aunty Lai Meng who was famous and known for her acting in “Empat Sekawan” (Four Great Friends) is already over her 50 years in showbiz such as dramas, movies and advertisement to name a few. She had won many audience hearts especially in "Money Not Enough II and even nominated for the best Supporting Actress in the prestigious Golden Horse Awards in 2008 for her excellent protrayal of a dedicated mother who gives a lot of love to her children in the movie. It is actually one of the movie that I liked so much.

Now you have a chance of meeting the sweet and charming actress in person. Popular Bookstore Malaysia is having a Lai Meng's Biography Book Sharing & Autograph session on 4th June 2011 in Popular Ikano Power Center on 2.00pm - 3.30pm.

Here are some pictures and video clips of her:

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Kung Fu Panda 2 (Game)

 By: ryan    5:08 PM  Worth A Read   No comments

The Adventure Continues for Po!

Journey with Po to protect the Valley of Peace

Join forces with Po and race through time to collect the strength he needs to succeed and journey across the valley to face his threats. Unleash the keyboard master skills within you now!

Click here to play the game

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Water for Elephant

 By: ryan    12:42 PM  Books, Sara Gruen   3 comments

Title: Water For Elephant
Author: Sara Gruen
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
ISBN: 9781444715989

Back Cover Text

When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, grifters, and misfits the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth a second-rate travelling circus struggling to survive during the Great Depression, making one-night stands in town after endless town. Jacob, a veterinary student who almost earned his degree, is put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It is there that he meets Marlena, the beautiful young star of the equestrian act, who is married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. He also meets Rosie, an elephant who seems untrainable until he discovers a way to reach her. Water for Elephants is illuminated by a wonderful sense of time and place. It tells a story of a love between two people that overcomes incredible odds in a world in which even love is a luxury that few can afford.

What I Like About the Book

I got a pair of free movie tickets when purchasing this book in MPH Mid Valley. Hahahahaa!!

It seem that this may be like a love story of humans, you know the cover of Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon hugging each other, but it's more to love story between humans and animals .

I couldn’t help but falling for these 2 characters, the super talented Rosie the elephant and ever loyal Queenie (Kinko’s dog)! They all added humour to this story where in the movie didn't reveal more. I was expecting Rosie to come in much earlier in the story, but it appeared only much later. Nevertheless, this old beauty never ceased to make me fall for her over and over again. I could picture each animal, each scenario in my mind. I grew to love the characters through Jacob's eyes.

 (Jacob, Marlena and Rosie)

At first this book was very boring but once I got into it I could not put it down. It twisted and turned all over the place. It was such a relief despite some of the very depressing points that it had a great happy ending. It was like an interesting history lesson or a memoir and I learned a lot about the horrors of living with the circus in the early 20th century.The author did a great job giving Rosie the elephant human characteristics. I liked that it was told from the point of view of an older man looking back. Even his ending to the story was an amazing one.

 (Jacob and Rosie)

What I Don't Like About the Book

Not really like Marlena’s character, actually there’s nothing much to her character, rather a silly little lady who always feeling helpless and lost. What I hate the most is she chose Jacob not because that she loved him, but because she had nobody else she could rely on, poor Jacob.

 (August (you'll hate him) and Marlena)

Seriously, I'm so glad I finally picked up this book. (Is all because of the free movie tickets :P). I highly recommend it.

In case you don't like to read, here are the trailer of the movie:

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How I Survived The Embarrassing

 By: ryan    11:42 AM  Dear Diary, Random Thought   No comments

Sorry cause I haven’t blog for the past few weeks because I was busy with my Wesak preparations. Nothing much happened except I was damn tired and lazy. Even now I also dunno what to blog. Sigh. See how lazy I am. So I was asking my best friend in office for some idea and she suggested I write something that will embarrassed myself. According to her philosophy, to embarrass oneself can gain popularity. Nice idea hor?

Even though I am Chinese, Mandarin was not my mother language thanks to my dad who threw me into Malay's school. It's always sucks when think of how most of my friends can understand Chinese where else I am totally ABC. So here are some of the words I had spoken and let you see how embarrassing I am to direct translate the slang of some of the words from Cantonese/Hakka to Mandarin.

This involves a story where a Chinese guy who can't speaks well in Mandarin but twisting his tongue and squeezing his brain to made a sentence out to communicate and create most embarrassing moments that made him speechless.

Situation 1: Raining + Umbrella

My asst manager asked me how I am going back since it was raining heavily. I just tell her don worry, I have "pa jer". Direct translation from Cantonese as umbrella is called "Pah Jeh". Her eyes get widen after hearing it and I know I did some mistake there. Ish!!

Correct way of saying umbrella in Mandarin:  "yu shan 雨伞"

Situation 2: Banana

My way : "Gong Jiao" is actually sound obscene as Gong in Chinese mean men while Jiao refer to men's private part

Correct way of saying banana in Mandarin: "siang jiao 香蕉"

Situation 3: Wallet

I was telling my friend that I forget my wallet as I said in "he bao". Then they all laugh till stomach ache and at the end I found out what I said is direct translation from Hakka. In Chinese culture, water always represent wealth or money, so in Hakka maybe due to this they call their wallet as "Stream bag" meaning bag that contain unstoppable water flowing in.

Correct way of saying wallet in Mandarin: "chien bao 钱包" 

Situation 4: Fried Egg

Me and this mean girl was having lunch in KFC. Then dunno what happen I tease her saying, she being a girl she should know how to cook. So I teasing her saying at least I know how to cook instant noodle and fried egg as I saying it as in "zhar dan". Nothing wrong right? But she start laugh uncontrollably. Not correct meh?  'Zhar' as it mean fried and  'Dan' mean egg.

Correct way of saying fried egg in Mandarin: "jien dan 煎蛋"

And why she laugh is Zha Dan actually mean BOMB or grenade in Mandarin that's why she laugh unstopable. But then till now I don't think what I said is wrong as you see ah, in mandarin fried chicken also call Zhar Zhi then fried egg why not call Zhar Dan?? Hmmphh!!

Anyway is some of the stupid mistake but hey, one cannot succeed without taking risks. In fact, in as embarrassing as they may be, they often turn out to be great stories for future speeches. They become my signature stories, my unique stories that no one else can duplicate because they happened to me, not you. They also make for great jokes in future for sure : P.

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