We Can Only Be Humble.

There’s a Chinese saying :
謙恭者可得上之教诲，亦可得下之尊敬。

Somehow this saying appeals to me greatly. In other words, I believe in it strongly. I’m constantly reminding myself to be humble, yet maintaining my self-confidence / self-esteem as much as possible. Sense a contradiction here? Heh.. I think there isn’t.

Humble is not about “acting-blur”. It’s also not about saying “this one I’m not that good”.

Just imagine, whatever we truly know is already so little (comparing with the vast knowledge existing in the universal). Hence “acting-blur” about the little knowledge we know is just so senseless.

Perhaps, this line sums up well :
不要出卖你的所知，因为它已经少得可怜。

Haha..

Humble can still be about admitting confidently what we already know (no matter how trivial it may be). But at the same time, we believe that the people around us can be even better than us.
知之为知之， 不知为不知，是知也。
所以不知并不是可耻的事，不知道而假装知道，才是可笑的事呢！

We share with people also in the belief that they can know our limitations so that they can make suggestions for us to further improve.

Come to think about it …
- Being humble can empower us. Just during the past few days, many of my errors and limitations were brought up to me by many kind souls. And I learn from them.
- We simply have no reason to be cocky. There are simply too many great, capable, better people out there.
所以不要自以为很了不起，那可能会让我们起不了。

Just observe a stalk of growing rice shoot. When it is young, the stalk is usually very sturdy and upright. However, as the stalk grows, the heavier end creates a signifant bent to the entire stalk.
稻秧越成熟就越『弯腰』。
大自然是否也在教导我们『谦虚』之道？

Thinking About Their (Present) Results

The passing rate of the mathematics subject during this recent preliminary examination is safely less than 17%. Mm.. This translates to a possibly dangerous outlook. These *little pals are clearly not ready for the battle (yet).

What am I going to say to them?
Can I blame them for not studying (enough)?
Did they set their priorities right?
Have I not assist them enough?

Some facts remain…
- The preliminary examination was brought forward to the end of term 3, instead of the beginning of term 4.
- Students hardly have time to do proper (or complete) revision.
- Students allocate only 2 to 3 days per subject. Yes, only 2 to 3 days to study/revision a 2 year course.
- Quite a few of them actually only concentrate on one or two subjects, completely ignoring the others.
- Most students were studying very hard. They even engage private tutor(s) to give them the boost in power level.

I even have many *little pals claiming that they had studied very hard. They protested by their body language when I hinted in the slightest sense that they may not be hardworking enough. Actually I know they were/are studying. But their effort simply doesn’t translate to decent results. Some are quite lost, frankly.

As the saying goes…
Study is not how much we put into it, but how much we get out of it.

Obviously, these *little pals had put in heart and soul in their revision effort, but they may not fully comprehend what they are studying. They are not grasping the concepts well enough and they can’t apply them effectively. Haiz..

Perhaps, this little traumatizing experience can wake them up a little. The “As” and “Bs” don’t come that easy after all. They would have realised how easy it is to lose a mark or two here and there. Scary.

Still… We should not be finding excuses for our failure. We should be exploring means to success.
不要为失败找借口，当要为成功找方法。

We have to act. We shall try to work out some plans (even for this coming September holiday). Are you willing to cooperate?

I only hope they are not giving up on themselves. The journey ahead is certainly a stressful one. But, please, you are not walking the journey alone. Let’s work together, be focused and unleash your potential to the fullest.

我愿意继续的为你“添水”、“加油”。
你可否会虚心的来“接纳”、“消化”？
对你们我仍然是有信心的。
而你们对自己的信心足否？
接下来是同舟共济的时候，
别分心而变成各唱各的调。
多言也无益，落于纸上谈兵更是下下策。
用心来实践，有如马不停蹄方是上上策。

Gentle Reminders from Friendster

We got many reminders from friendster nowadays.
We got reminders when

- your friends’ blog (with friendster) is updated
- your friends’ birthday is round the corner
- your friends’ profile is updated
- your friends’ photo set is updated
- your friends leave you a message
- your friends write you a testimonial
etc.

I got a gentle reminder today. An email streamed in reminding me of someone’s birthday being today. Actually I need no reminder, for I remember. But the reminder from friendster is just too graphic, for his picture is there, staring at you, at the same time he is smiling at you broadly.

Wait a minute, I can no longer say "he is smiling".
I can only say "he was smiling".

It leads me to recall an event more than one year ago (29 Jun 05, to be precise). This event was worth various mentions in many papers and speeches. One of them is here.

I did a simple google search using his name as the parameter. I re-read what I had read about what others said about him one year ago, and even now. He is indeed dearly missed.

Even till now, whenever I drive past that stretch of Bendemeer road, I will still irresistibly steal a glance at that block. That block where he was sent off. The feeling is … mm…

It may be just a birthday reminder. But certainly it also gently reminds me of many other things. Amongst the list…
- the jovial nature of this kind young man
- the promise that he wanted to jio me to KTV
- death may knock at the door of anyone, anytime
- impermanence nature of life
- only today belongs to us, every tomorrow is a gift, etc.

只能为你献上白菊一躲
永在怀念中

Always Enjoy a Good Chat Here & There ...

I think I've always enjoy a good chat here and there...

- Over a meeting, when the atmosphere is comfortable (and safe) to talk and express our views freely.

- Over a meal, when people somewhat feel most relax and of course the content of conversation more interesting.

- Over a phone line, when we hear only the sound, but the images we gathered in our mind about what’s happening over there, are always the nicest.

- Over a piece of paper and a pencil, when mutual sharings with peers are carried out sincerely. I only hope I can do more to assist, and not to confuse.

- During a journey, when somehow a long journey seems short and a short journey seems almost negligible.

- Through smses, when each word you want to say or to express is carefully (and slowly) keyed in. You can be so brief and trust your friend over there will always interpret them in the most positive light.

- Over a cup of kopi-O or tea-O, when the fragrance of the beverage enhances the quality of the conversation. Somehow I find this rather appropriate to catch up with some old pals.

- Over the internet, when the speed of conversation is somewhat determined by our typing or whether our friends are multi-tasking. Oh, Emoticons somehow adds a little more flavour to a simple conversation.

Is it possible to try all the above in a day? I just did.

Maybe I am simply (too) talkative (by nature). Haha.. Did I bore anyone?

On the other hand, I also enjoy silence or quietness, the same way I appreciate liveliness. I mean, sometimes, I may be with just a friend or two, we can be so quiet yet comfortable. Maybe it just feels good enough to know there are friends around, just beside.

Communication need not be always that verbal. I believe you agree. A simple "hello" may do the magic. Just a smile may also serve its purpose. Just a friendly glance may be equally soothing to the soul. Or maybe ... just a ...

~ ~ Light Friendly Touch ~ ~

I don’t think they talk to each other. If they try, it would be or a very different language, I supposed. But would we agree they are very comfortable with each other? Their hearts telling them how wonderful each other are. :o)

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有一位圣者这么说：

圣人者，虽然有力，但是战胜自己者才是强。

往往打倒别人，只需要一个拳头，而打倒自己，一百个拳头都不够用，这是为什么？

当要对付自己的时候，心就软了，手就没有力气了。
自己永远是万魔当中的王，永远退不了、倒不了，所以，在这个时候还是一样失败。
想要改变，就要振作精神。
精神乃是沙漠中的泉水，取之不尽、用之不竭。
精神乃是冬寒里的阳光，照耀天地、温暖宇宙。

Seeing is Believing?

Someone just told me a tale.

Gentleman M lives in a small town. He works as a delivery man, delivering gas (liquefied petroleum gas) for cooking purposes to whomever and wherever.

One day, M was asked to deliver quite a big quantity of gas to a very popular (maybe infamous?) bar in town where many decent men would not want any association with it (you get it?). It was real business for the company and M was ordered to do the delivery. In other words, M had to do it.

But when the delivery was done, the boss of the bar wasn’t around to pay the bill and he was asked to return at night (yes, when the business is on) to collect the money owned.

M did just that.

Little did he know, his exit from the bar was observed by one of his neighbours who happened to be nearby. From that day onwards, tongues were wagging. It became news in this home town. It was even “reported” how contented he had looked when he walked out of the shop. (Of course lah, collect a lot of money you know.)

"You know hor.. this M hor, look like gentleman like that, but hor, visit that bar one you know… " or something along that line.

Undeniably, it remains a fact that M walked in and out that bar. His service was prompt and very likely the bar will approach the company again and M will be “making his trip” to that bar so very soon. Haha.. To provide his service and not receiving “service”. :P

Yet, in the eyes of many who just take things at such surface level, his “morality” was somewhat degraded, even though he was only doing a very decent business.

M had an interesting time, explaining himself. I mean explaining to those who at least bother to clarify with him. For those, who choose to believe only what they see and then judge without further clarifying, I am afraid M doesn’t have a chance to cleanse his name. He might have to bear the occasionally weird stares from folks in his home town. Mm..

So, if we think “seeing is believing”, think again. Poor M.

~ ~ Moving Pictures ? ~ ~

Your eyes tell you that the blue items in the pictures are moving.
Come on, you see the motion. You believe what you see, don’t you?
But.. ladies and gentlemen, the blue “petals” are all as still as stone.
I was told that little kids see these picture as really rather still.
Heavy weight criminals and psychotic people basically see these pictures in wild swirls.
Haha.. So, tell me, what are your wild thoughts now?

Allow me to digress and talk about another topic based on the same theme.

It’s the last day of the seventh lunar month yesterday. But it only means today is the first day of another seventh lunar month. In the lunar seventh month, what would we think of? Amongst many things, I believe (hungry) ghost does cross our minds.

You believe in “it”? I mean do you believe in the existence of “it”?
If we try to apply the “seeing is believing” theory here.. erm.. not too wise, perhaps. You may know people that can see. Do you consider yourself lucky not being able to see such? Or you are just so curious about it and wish to take a peek (into the other realms)?

The son of a close pal of friend, took a dark(er) lane last Friday, and he regretted what he saw : wearing dark robe.. long hair.. almost translucent form… floating by… staring at him!! Blah blah blah…
You can still sense his shock/fear while he was relating a part of his experience to his mother. Mm..

In short, let’s need not be too curious (in seeing “it”). If you ask me, I will believe in the existence of many other beings of different form in the universe. I don’t need to see it. If they like me so much and wish to help me (in the right things that I wish to do), then please do so very discretely. That, I will be more grateful.

Just learn to respect each other. In fact, respect every beings, in whatever forms of existence they may be in.

欢迎光临

今天，这个粗略的网站可来了两个贵嫔好友。
他们可是动了脑筋、靠着耐心才闯了进来的。
并非我在为难他们，而是我真的是信心不足。
我也设置了一些简单措施来防备外来的入侵。
但面临这两位足智多谋的高手，我还是败了。
真想不道我竟然是败给了简单的“三个字”：

小和尚，BLOG， HDB.

好利害。我服了。哈哈。
还真的是蛮不好意思呢。

往后，我只有更认真的涂涂写写就是了。
你们这两位贵嫔好友，也要多多指教哦。

I can only say, welcome here.
Bear with the sloppy and childish writings at times.
I will be glad to learn from you. :o)

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有一位圣者这么说：

心情可以改变一个人的形相，也可以改变人的一生。
心情快乐，如同心中有眼光，温暖菩提的幼苗，致使明理守道。
心情安然，如同春风吹怀中，而使腐朽的菩提树，再复新生机。
心情活泼，百花香味浓，能使杂乱的花草，去芜存菁。
心情轻松，如同流水，顺其方向而流，盈科后进，滋润大地。
如果心情不好，就会执著在一切缺陷方面。
如此，也就会妨碍前进的工作。
若能将悲观化为乐观，去圆满一切不足的地方，是不是很好呢？

Majority Wins?

Many times, when a vote is to be taken, we play by the rule “majority wins”. I like the rule somewhat, as things get done quite swiftly. I mean, the minority has to accept the fact and to also comply with the views of the majority, no matter how much they don’t believe in it.

However, lately I sense a “danger” in this game, if it is not taken in the right spirit.

I ask myself :

Okay, when they say “majority wins”, what did they “win” actually?

Almost along the same line of thought…

Does it mean that when our ideas are voted by the majority, then we are necessarily more correct, more sensible?
We know this is not always the case.
究竟是『志同道合』还是『臭气相投』呢？

When “majority wins”, does it really reflects the view of the majority?
We know quite well, how many people do things. Many people (particularly those who had voted in the majority) may just be following blindly. Or, many people may just be taking the seemingly “safest” path, making the “safest” decision, or they are basically being swayed. As an illustration, not everyone can participate in active, meaningful political discussion, yet everyone needs to vote for his favourite party during an election. Which party will he vote for? Are they “afraid” of the consequence(s) for voting against a certain party? Okay, something even more extreme, I so believe that most (if not all) of the suicide bombers cannot participate in any meaningful religion-related debate effectively, yet they buy in the idea of their leaders and willingly sacrificed themselves.

Never mind let those ideas past. Actually, I am more interested in the following.

Does anyone listen to the views of the minority; understand why they disagree in the first place?
Would we like the situation to be like :
Let’s put this to a vote.
Okay, 9 for, 1 against. Case closed. The decision is taken. Heh..

Have you ever in the shoe of the minority and were suppressed? How you actually felt?

I think I have to learn to at least ask even the only one who had voted against (me). Ask him why he disagrees and would be patient enough to listen to his case. For what I know, he may be more right. This to me, is demonstration of respect for each other. In other words, we hear each other out and fine-tune the proposal accordingly.

~ ~ Majority are Drinking ~ ~
Yes, majority of them are drinking by the river. Did they notice a few of them who simply refuse to get near the water? Are the miniority being silly? Are the majority blind to the threat of some crocodiles nearby?

Of course, I know getting 100% consensus is near impossible in real life. You know in some ministries, I was told, as long as there are 30% consensus, the plan will be rolled out. Did you recall anything about SAT? It was rolled out rather hastily (amidst plenty non-supporters) and was scrapped even before it was effectively put into its primarily use – University enrolment. Haha..

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有一位圣者这么说：

做一件事情，最怕的是有始无终。

做事
不怕没有经费，只怕没有志向。
不怕没有人才，只怕没有智慧。
不怕没有时间，只怕没有恒心。

世间上最可怜的人，是不想接受他人的劝谏，也没有人会劝谏他，执迷不悟，以苦为乐，自坠陷于陷阱之中，而不知不觉。

你们想做这样的人吗？

An “Organic” Experience..

I heard about this particular eating outlet some years back. I recalled once, I was searching for it together with a pal around the region, but just couldn’t spot it. I know it was somewhere there, but.. heh.. we couldn’t find it and decided to dine elsewhere, instead.

Few days back, I was told to attend a gathering. I said okay, without knowing any detail. Anyway, we decided to chat over dinner. I only know the place about half an hour before departure. How wonderful! F & W decided to dine there : that place I have always thinking of trying it all along. Yes, they are that thoughtful!

That dinning place is
Yogi Hub located at Little India.
The link : http://www.yogihub.com.sg/
They serve mostly organic vegetarian food.

It wasn’t a big place, but no worries, the nine of us can still be comfortably seated.

I would say the taste of the food there are mostly pleasantly exotic. I mean I tried quite many vegetarian stalls, but I don’t remember tasting anything like that. Oh well, for me when food is concerned, I am not that particular. But what amazed me is the other eight of them find the food pleasantly different too. Some declared they may go back to the stall again. Ha.. Knowing that these words actually came out from non-vegetarian pals was quite heart-warming.

We dined and chatted at the place till all customers left, except us. Haha..

I have also noted.
- With pals around, even the plainest food tastes not that bad. What more, when this place has such well-acclaimed reputation?
- As the food are mostly organic, I realised they are really more gentle to the stomach.
- R & J actually left us as colleagues. Yet they came along to join us. Really nice to see them again. They really look better and happier. I have a sudden silly thought of “leaving” too. Haha..

Huh? They pick up the bill?… Thanks lor! So touched. :o)

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Since I am talking about food, I would like to side-track a little.
There's another new stall I would like to visit again (and maybe again). Not too bad, really. It's quite near to many of the visitors to this site :

菜根香
Cai Gen Xiang Vegetarian Cuisine
Blk 236 #01-1000 Yishun Ring Road Singapore 760236
(Not a kopitiam stall. It's functioning almost like a mini restaurant, under the void deck of a flat.)

Is it near you enough? Haha..

Random “Creation”

I was reading some Chinese materials and two phrases crossed my mind a few times :
『感动』 and 『要求』.

Somehow my mind wonders. I thought of using the phrase to create something.

First attempt :

女儿对老爸 (有一点羞涩的) ：
老爸，他感动了我。
(“了”说得小声了一点。)

老爸对女儿(很气愤的) ：
什么？！ 他敢动你？！他想死不成？！告诉我，他是谁？我非把他给宰了！

女儿无言以对。


Second attempt :

女儿对老爸(很气愤的) ：你看！ 你看！ 他真是诸多要求！我真受不了！
老爸对女儿(很安慰的) ：既然是他要求你，不如你就成全他吧。

要 ：yao1
要 ：yao4

女儿更是无言以对。

Ha..
Rather lame, I know. We can’t expect too much from an exhausted mind, I guess. :p

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对我而言，
感动很简单，轻轻的一声问候即可。
说也奇怪，
对他的实力，我就是那么信心满满。
这也难怪，
已不只一次，他就是表现那么卓越。
希望来程，
他更加努力，对他所学能更加体悟。

大伙儿也加油吧！
人生旅途中，要学习的还有好多好多呢。:)

Feels Like Picking Up Cooking

I know my cooking really cannot-make-it. Erm.. I am not being modest here. My taste buds are fine and I can taste what I have experimented. Yet a sudden urge surges through me, telling me perhaps I should pick up some cooking skills. Strange.

I am not that particular about what I eat. I can simply skip a proper meal or two when I am that lazy and maybe just survive on fruits and water. Heh.. Just did that last night. But when I am with friends, I really like to suggest some places with good food. So mentally, I will register where’s good and nice so that I can bring friends over when the need arises.

Lately, the focus seems to have changed slightly. I ask myself what if I can prepare some nice and decent food myself and invite some friends over? Or, at least I can prepare something fine food to bring along when visiting pals during gatherings and all?

能为朋友们作点好吃的，相信应该也是一件快乐的事吧？

I don’t lack of masters. There are just many great chefs around me and they are forever generous enough to share their very personal tips. So, when am I starting? Heh..

~ ~ The Raw Materials ~ ~

I don't think I have problem getting the raw materials or any ingredients for any dishes. I don't think I have problem getting some fine tips about cooking. And, I don't think "no time" is an excuse. In a few months’ time, if you meet me and ask whether if I know how to cook and if my answer is still a “NO”, then you know how lazy I am. :)

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有一位圣者这么说：

人
要在困境中，求坚强；
要在平顺中，求知足；
要在快乐中，求节制；
要在逆旅中，求真实。

A Rather Worrisome Read : Bird Flu

.

Indonesia has many priorities to deal with. It is contending with the aftermath of earthquakes, a volcanic eruption and a tsunami – all in the last seven weeks. More than 1500 children die every day from treatable illnesses such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, dengue fever and malaria. Besides, many Indonesians either do not believe the hype – they point to the SARS threat in 2003 that never materialized – or say that if outsiders are so worried they should pay for the necessary measures.

- The Economist, July 29th 2006

They are really having a hard time.

Some random thoughts :
Are they doing enough?
Are we doing enough?

Indonesia not very far, you know?
Keep our fingers crossed.

Can You Smell In Your Dream?

梦驼铃
Dreaming of the camel’s bell..

I would have forgotten all about this entry, if not because of the song : 梦驼铃. Some one was casually talking about desert and another one blurted out the title of this song. And what happened to me some days’ back flooded back into my memory.

Was it just a few days’ ago, I was vividly riding a camel in my dream. I was with a her and she was teaching me how to ride it. It felt that as if I know her very well, but I can’t figure out (now) who she was. It was a pleasant feeling, for she was super patient in her instructions.

The camel is so gentle too, as if understanding my language. It walked gracefully with a slight swaying movement. And I was swayed along. I don’t think I was in a desert for I have noted cars driving by pretty fast. I wasn’t too absorbed with the surrounding anyway, for I was too absorbed by the camel and her. ;)

I was feeling the soft thick brown fur of the camel as I was riding along. Actually, to be more precise, it wasn’t just “feeling”. I was “playing” with the fur. When the ride was more stable, I was constantly rubbing the back of the neck of the camel and sank my hand into the thick fur and felt the warmth of the camel’s skin. Of course, I was also in constant conversation with her.

It occurred to me even in my dream, that I must be dreaming. I mean I know I was dreaming, for I know I wouldn’t be riding a camel in real life. Knowing that things will vanish when I wake up, I actually tried to make an extra effort to register her face, but at that moment I was immediately brought to another scene. Sian ah…

I woke up. Smiling.

I’ve noted
- I can hear in dreams, for I was conversing. And yes, the occasion tingle of the camel’s bell.
- I can feel in dreams, for the feeling of the touch of the thick fur still lingers.
- I can see colours in dreams, for I saw the camel’s thick brown fur and her long black hair.
But, I don’t seem to be able to smell anything. I didn’t register the scents of the camel and her, despite that I was so close with them. Mm..

If I know I am dreaming, I shall try to remember to register the different scents around. Oh, and of course, try to see if I can taste in dreams as well. Heh.. I am not thinking about tasting the camel or tasting her hor. I would really also like to see if my taste buds are active in my dreams.

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有一位圣者这么说：

人之患，在恶问过，而强饰非；
人之忧，在滥交友，而行末路；
人之贱，在矜富贵，而笑谄媚；
人之祸，在不谨言，而少容忍；
人之益，在知礼仪，而明天理；
人之乐，在远俗情，而博广闻；
人之品，在惜廉耻，而守本分；
人之福，在存善心，而积阴德。

Light Bulb & Customer Service..

I was searching for an odd-shape light bulb to replace the one that had faithfully served me since my first year in university. It is the light bulb meant for my table lamp. I used it practically everyday and each day for rather substantial amount of hours. Ha.. So long lasting! 14 years, no less. That’s the power of Germany products, I guess.

I visited the stall at “odd sequence”. I mean, I thought I could get that odd bulb in NTUC, but no. So I have to visit the kind of D.I.Y. essentials stall after my NTUC visit and with bags and bags of groceries. (NTUC stalls are generous with their plastic bags. But they don’t use big bags to put many things together. They use many small to medium size bags to put your purchased items. Therefore it is not uncommon to walk off with at less 4 to 5 bags of goods, in my case.)

Upon entering the stall, I had noted that the boss (I think he is) was busy attending to another customer and so I didn’t bug him. I looked around first. Not too long after, I had spotted that type of light bulb. What followed after that may be a simple, yet pleasant experience.

- The friendly boss came forward to explain to me, just to ensure I get the correct product.
- It may be just a light bulb, but we know pretty well bulbs give different shades/tones of light. What day-light lah, what warm white lah..
- He directed me to a corner with different light bulbs demo to appreciate the different terms used. Cool! Something, I would not have experienced in NTUC, perhaps. Heh..
- When at the cashier counter, the lady cashier (with a mega-watt smile) also made an effort to remind me that if anything is not too right about their products, I could go back to them for an exchange.
- When making payment, both the cashier and the boss noted (with wanting-to-help facial expression) how clumsy I was as I was carrying too many grocery bags. He offered a bigger bag to hold my (NTUC) stuff collectively. It was more convenient, certainly.

I think I like their sincere customer services. What they had done were not-too-difficult, but enough to strike a chord in my heart-string, affirming what I've always belief in.

Naturally...
If I need any plastic bag, where would I think of first?
If I need any light bulb in the near future, where would I think of first?

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有一位圣者这么说：

当你们想要说人是非时，就要想想自己的口为什么这么脏；
当你们想要批评人时，就要想想自己的口为什么这么糜烂。

A Little Footwear Lobang..

Birkenstock was brought into our local "sole-scene" many years ago, but only lately the brand somewhat becomes very popular here. So popular that even the sotong-me also becomes aware of it. Actually I only learnt about the brand few weeks ago. And that is because two of my friends switched their jobs and landed themselves as salespersons in one of the 4 Birkenstock branches.

I can’t believe people actually can make a living by selling sandals. 4 branches some more. Plus, the rent (I’d just learnt) for each branch is easily more than $20000 per month!!! Mm… Still, the boss is only getting richer and richer.

I checked out the sandals the other day. Kaoz.. I tell you, it’s damn expensive! Okay, you already know that. But it’s wonderfully comfortable. Haha… It’s light and fits the curvature of our sole neatly. The feel is solid. The floor grip by the sandal is also very powerful.

Aiyo.. How? I can’t imagine myself forking out more than $100 for a pair of sandals or slippers. I need a very good reason. Okay, their products are famous for its durability. I heard of cases whereby people actually wore it for more than 4 years (with extensive usage hor). Looking at the sorry state of the my current pair of 1 year-old sandals, I am somewhat convinced of the worth of the Birkenstock product. But, there is still hesitation on my side.

Hey, they are my friends working there. Wow! I think I can get at least 15% to 20% off the selling price. Hehe.. My hesitation becomes lesser now. But still… erm… What’s the problem?!

Erps.. I just learnt of another lobang to grab it, to grab them – the stocks – the Birkenstock stocks! That is purchasing them through the internet. I did a simple calculation for the model I was eyeing. It works out to be more than $40 cheaper (equivalent to about 35% discount). Free delivery* some more. Yahoo!

Ladies and gentlemen, the link to the sole : http://www.footshopping.com/

What am I waiting for? Actually, I am still “waiting”…
Okay, it’s expensive, but I can get the pair I wish for about 35% discount leh.
It’s expensive, but it’s going to last and it is super comfortable. Mm…
I shall see... I shall see...
Maybe it’s high time I pamper myself a little? :P

NOTE :
That link is not set up by the local distributor. In fact, the boss is somewhat disturbed by such websites. Yes I am assuming this is not the only site. They obviously draw away many of her potential customers. Or more painfully, she might be serving walk-in customers who were there to only try out the sizes and then walk away to buy it from the internet. She has noted the trend anyway. Mm.. Unless she is willing to make her prices more competitive, or else…

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有一位圣者这么说：

人生有如渡重洋，
一位老渔航海的人，虽遇到惊涛骇浪，浓雾冰山，他不慌不乱不紧张，只有紧紧的握着舵掌。
如此方能渡过危险困难。

人生也是如此！
不怕考验、不怕阻挡，怕的是自己不肯追求上进。

I Wish all Singaporeans a Happy National Day..

(A simple entry, upon a direct request by -Za|- )

I wish all Singaporeans a Happy National Day..
These were the exact last words by PM Lee’s National Day Message.

I’m rather impressed by how many politicians are able to put things neatly and concisely in words. Yes, very impressed. The content aside I am also impressed by the way, some managed to deliver the message in public in such a clear fashion. Believe me, not everyone can do it. The solid enunciation, the rightly timed pauses, the effective change of tone at the right moments, etc. In other words, the same text when presented by two different presenters will have different impact. I would say PM Lee does it pretty artfully.

I feel fortunate to be raised in Singapore. The thoughts that the Middle East is in upheaval, the possible threat of a world-wide bird flu pandemic, the many natural disasters happening nearby.. I’m… haiz… a Chinese phrase just came to my mind :

覆巢无完卵。

Anyway, these are real big worldly issues.

Let’s look at the smaller, closer-at-heart issues.

Is there anything you wanna complain about in Singapore? Wait wait wait, just before you start listing such, why not try listing the reasons why you are so safe and comfortable (not how you “feel” now, but try to be as objective as possible and compare the situation here with anywhere else on the globe) here?

Have you experienced hunger? Ha.. I’m not talking about the hunger for power. I am talking about the literal sense, whereby we want to eat, but have no means to fill your stomach. If you are reading this now, I would think, you never. Perhaps, the only kind of hunger we’d felt is that we were spoilt for choices and decided to “boycott” by skipping a meal or two. Mind you, no harm at all is done to our body, as we have enough “reserve” to sustain our so-called “boycotting”. Haha..

Have you experienced cold? Ha.. I’m not talking about the cold you’d felt because of the strong gust of air-conditioned wind blowing at you. Or the wintry shiok feeling you’d experienced during one of your dream holidays. I am talking about the literal sense, whereby we would like to cloth ourselves better so as not to catch a cold (a sickness), but have no means to do so.

Of course, of course, how can I be so naïve? Life is not all about getting a full tummy and getting enough to cover our bodies. Life is... ahem… the way you wanna define it. Why not try defining it in such a way that we don’t feel so miserable ourselves?

In Singapore where we call home, the basics are satisfied. That is certainly an understatement! Majority of us have acquired far more than the basics. And maybe at this kind of pretty advanced stage of development, we are looking for more, wanting more. If this creates a propelling force for us to go forward, why not? While moving forward, please don’t compromise on our standards of morality.

Yes, there are countries far better endowed, far more charming naturally. I like to visit them. But nothing beats coming home, seeing your families, meeting your friends, feeling for the roots you grow and cultivate…

I really feel fortunate being raised here.
I wish all Singaporeans a Happy National Day!
~ ~ 国泰民安 ~ ~

七月

Today is the exact mid of the seventh lunar month. Maybe I can pen down some random thoughts.

This is the month of many taboos.
If you have noted…
- No “sane” chinese person will get married during this month.
- If anyone were to get a new house during this period, he will make sure the renovation does not start during this month.
- It was reported that in Taiwan, the hospitals are crowded as people rushed and asked to be admitted to the hospital just before the month, as getting admitted into hospital during this period is unthinkable. Sway lah, they claimed.
- Some even said there is an observable increase in the number of funerals all around the island.

Etc..

Besides, there are just too many offerings (of joss sticks and joss papers) almost everywhere. I came back late last night, only to see a pile of joss papers burning wildly and strongly near a tree with no one to attend to it at all. It didn’t look like the strength of the fire was going to diminish any sooner. Obviously, that fellow who started the offerings wasn’t patient enough to stay on to ensure it was safe (in any sense), left (too) early to sleep. How irresponsible?! Mm..

A thought raced through my mind.
Do these people who offer the joss sticks and joss papers so generously know what they are doing?
What is the purpose of “中元节”? The essence is for “普渡”.
Do we think the souls can be “普渡” with just the offerings of joss sticks and joss papers (and many food items)?
Do we carried out all these rituals in the true spirit of wanting to “普渡”?
Or we performed all those rituals just to appease those wondering souls?
Or is it the case that whether we believe or not, just do it, just in case? Heh…

Yes, many people are practicing it…
But, there are even more people who are not observing it or practicing it, yet living very well.
难道是“信则有，不信则无”的关系？荒唐！

Hey, I am not suggesting all people to forgo the practice. I just want people to think about their own practices.

若言普渡众生，尔等可知普渡之法？
若只是将重点至于地府幽魂，岂有参透“普”字之意？
相信参与者皆认同有“鬼魂”，那么应该也认同有“神明”。
再想想“鬼魂”与“神明”是谁人当？
了解他们都曾经在人间走一回，百年岁后，路却不相当，因何故？

咳！
其实还有千言，不知从何开始。
不如今天就到此为止。
…
敢问一句：我们自己被“渡化”了吗？

Talking to Doctor..

Have you ever talk to a doctor? Silly question. Of course, you do. Erm.. Recently, F visited a doctor. Upon listening (not too attentively) to F’s description of his symptoms, his illness was confirmed and prescription issued, without much examination. F felt worse after taking the issued medicine. He cast the medicine aside and just took a day off to rest and came back feeling better, knowing full-well it was because of the rest he had taken and the medicine he took had only slowed down his recovery.

You may have many of your very own experiences, giving you the feeling how easy the doctors are earning their dollars.
Headache – Panadol.
Cough – Cough Mixture.
Sore Throat – Lozenges
Infection – Anti-Biotic.
Etc..

As if, they just match symptoms with “established” medicines.
As if, if we have the “manual”, we also can be doctors, like that. Haha..
Nay, I know doctors are not just that. It is still a very respectable profession to me. I am merely saying, when we are ill, some silly thoughts do race through our brains.

Only if I am more brainy, I would have studied medicine. But.. heh.. I just know my limits.

Coming back to the topic.

I think talking to a doctor is quite a personal experience. This is especially so when you are talking to your “personal” doctor : someone you always visit when you are not feeling well so that your entire medical history is held by him. You may have shared with him the nastiest condition you are going through, hoping he can alleviate it / cure it, so that you can always present your “best” to the others.

Because of the supposedly personal exchange of personal information, I actually felt a little awkward to have a few “trainee-doctors” beside the doctor while I was talking to him. I immediately became an object of study too. At some points, I have to remove my shirt and those very young female “trainee-doctors” just swarmed near me. Haha.. I tell you, the feeling is so comical. Luckily I was not supposed to remove my pants. Oh dear! I wonder if I will defy the “order” of the doctor if I was told to do so. Thinking too much again. :p

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有一位圣者这么说：

世俗烦恼处， 要耐得下；世事纷扰处，要闲得下；
世情冷暖处， 要放得下；胸怀牵缠处，要割得下。

Another Korean Drama : 医道

I’ve just watched the entire 48 VCDs of the Korean Drama 『医道：一代神医许浚』. It must be good enough to captivate my attention (and concentration) even during this period of time when deadlines are rather pressing.

Ha.. There are just too many websites talking about it, analyzing it. Just google 『医道』 and we may be pleasantly amazed. By the way, this series is pretty much like the 『男版大长今』 . 哈哈。。

This is 许浚 :

There are 3 very important ladies in his life. His mother, his wife and the other being his (secret) admirer. The latter two are here :

I am very impressed by 许浚 for some reasons :

(1) His learning attitude and perseverance. He was obviously learning in the harshest conditions. In a society where cast-system was practiced, how could he possibly raised from a 贱民 to become a 御医? He did!

(2) His strong principles. Even when threatened with his own death, he was never moved, although he can walk out of the trouble with a simple denial. Yet he chose to be truthful and bravely faced the consequences. With a clear conscious there is no fear, perhaps. How true!

(3) His benevolence. He was fully aware of how some people had tried to bring him down by all means. Yet he did not just maintain a neutral attitude towards them, but more than once, tried to help and safe them. That was how he managed to cleanse off 道知’s hatred / jealousy towards him. How Cool!

(4) His compassion towards his patients. Just look at him and what he had done, you would understand better what’s 『心医』 : a doctor who can feel his patient’s pain as his own and always put his patient as top priority, regardless of social status. That's the way!

(5) His loyalty to his master(s). His master 柳义泰 "donated" his body to him. Hence, apparently he is the first to have done dissection. Throughout his journey as a doctor, his late master has always been his driving force, especially during very difficult times. He always remembers what he promised his master. Just admirable.

(6) His filial piety to his mother and his unwavering love for his wife and his son. Beside his patients, there is another big aim in his life. That is to give his family a good life. Rather touching.

And so on..

Heh.. I am so inspired, I actually bought 3 texts on 中医, meant for a one-year course.

Warm Water + +

What would you think of to quench your thirst on a hot afternoon, or after a nice work-out?
A bottle of cold sizzling drink perhaps?

I don’t deny the immediate shiok feeling. I beg you don’t deny much.

However, I am making the switch to warm water instead, as much as possible, whenever, wherever....

I can somehow feel the difference. The feeling is rather soothing, rather pleasant. My conclusion : warm water is better for our bodies and cold water hurts our body (no matter how shiok you may feel).

Interestingly, I have heard far more than once, some Chinese physicians forewarning some of their (usually ageing) patients “NOT to drink cold water”. Heh.. So there must be some truth in my conclusion. Oh dear, or is it that I have already crossed the age-line, to be sensitive enough to feel the difference? :p

In any case, what’s good enough for old man must also be good for you. Haha..
Try it. :-)

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Let me side track a little as I was pretty amazed by the following puzzle.

The only instruction :
Count every "F" in the following text :

HOW MANY ?

[Answer]

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Side Track again.

I just calculated and I actually only missed by 8 heart-beats (per minute) to cross over from the bronze to silver award in the walking test. Yea, my heart was beating 8 beats (per minute) too fast, that is to say.

Anyway, the big company was good. Haha..

War – A Little Thought

While most of us are working, studying, having a life at the comfort of our office, home or wherever, some parts of the world are struggling to get by because of war.

They may have their “valid” reasons to fight. The entire population is then dragged in, playing a role in the effort either directly or indirectly. Most commonly, suffering is common place. And in some days or months – and I hope not years – to come, the battle will end, and a “winner” will emerge. Mm.. Will there be a “winner”? Who’s winning and who’s losing?

常言道：一将成名万骨枯。
Heh...

I so believe human beings are peace-loving by nature.
However,
- to protect some political/personal interests the idea of defensive measures is drawn.
- to demonstrate we also have the capability, the idea of offensive tactics is in place.
- to get even what’s not so pleasant, the action of aggressive plans is carried out.

Still, I believe human beings are peace-loving in nature. Just that (too) many are susceptible to many “external or internal factors” and subsequently changed the course of actions – to fight it out. Are we equally susceptible to factors gearing us towards a battle-mood (battle in the most generic sense)? Sad...

彼方正处烽火连天，心惊胆颤而致无法入眠；
此处似乎太平顺日，欢乐尽享也常刻意少眠。
咳...

人生顶多活百年，何须水火难容、干戈来相见；
此身不过一瞬间，切要懂得把握、善用每一天。
哗...

多渴望礼让包容大家实践，自然无恙你欢我喜过每天。
也祈愿尧天舜日近在眼前，当然人人先要有个好心田。

又忆起这么一段...

观音菩萨曰： 要知世间刀宾劫，但听夜半屠门声。
(So, there are reasons why things are happening "this" way. Mm.. )

他对战乱的抗议