Bee & meE

Clarifications of Misconceptions in Pastor Rony Tan’s Videos on ‘Buddhism’ | Moonpointer : Buddhist Blog of Everyday Dharma

2010-02-19T12:28:00.000+08:00

Clarifications of Misconceptions in Pastor Rony Tan’s Videos on ‘Buddhism’ | Moonpointer : Buddhist Blog of Everyday Dharma

Pastor Rony's (most Christians) misconceptions about Buddhism

2010-02-18T22:31:00.003+08:00

The following is not my work, they are published in The Kent ridge Common on 12th Feb 2010 by Christopher Ong:

Following the series of video interviews, NUSBS has identified the following common misconceptions about Buddhism.

Misconception 1: Pastor Rony commented about Buddhist chanting: “One could chant ee-ee-oo-ah-ah, ting-tang-wala-wala-bing-bang, it doesn’t mean anything.”

Answer: Buddhist chanting is not meaningless babble. In Buddhism, chants have definite meanings, contrary to what Pastor Rony’s interviewee claimed. For instance, the chants may refer to the practitioner’s wish to radiate loving-kindness to other beings. Chanting is also an aid to meditation. By focusing on the act of recitation, chanting helps to stop the mind from wandering and instead cultivate inner happiness.

Misconception 2: Pastor Rony said, “The teaching is this, everybody is potentially a god … and you can be above God and be even more powerful than God.”

Answer: Buddhism does not subscribe to the theistic concept of God that is common to the Abrahamic faiths. We believe that everyone has the potential to develop into a Buddha – a perfected being free from hatred, anger, and ignorance.

Misconception 3: Pastor Rony’s interviewee (a former monk) didn’t know what Nirvana was, and said that his fellow monks didn’t know either, implying that Buddhists don’t know what they’re talking about when they refer to Nirvana.

Answer: Nirvana is not a meaningless entity. In conventional language, the best approximate we can say is this: Nirvana is the freedom from the underlying cause of all suffering – the illusion of being a separate self. The word ‘Nirvana’ literally means ‘blowing out’, like the extinguishing of a flame. It’s the extinguishing of all delusions, leading to extraordinary clarity and peace. It is a state that defies conventional language, and belongs to the realm of spiritual attainment, not logical understanding. So we may know what Nirvana is logically, but not know what it is on the experiential level. It is like knowing the possibility of zero-gravity but without the actual experience of weightlessness in space.

Misconception 4: Pastor Rony said, “If something bad [happens], they say it’s because of your karma … If somebody falls sick, oh it’s because of your karma. It’s so easy to explain… It seems that you cannot do anything about the bad things that are happening.”

Answer: The doctrine of karma does not entail fatalism. The word ‘karma’ literally means ‘action’, and refers to our intentional mental actions. What we are now is determined by our thoughts and actions in the past, and similarly, what we will experience in the future is influenced by our thoughts and actions in the present. Karma doesn’t mean that we’re dealt a fixed destiny that we have to passively accept. Our karma continuously changes depending on how we think and act now. By changing our thoughts and behaviour, we can definitely transform the quality of our lives for the better.

Misconception 5: Pastor Rony claimed that Buddhism had simply ‘repackaged’ the doctrine of reincarnation as ‘rebirth’.

Answer: Reincarnation and rebirth are philosophically distinct concepts. Reincarnation is the belief, common to Hinduism and Jainism, that each individual has a soul, and that this soul will travel to another body after death. Rebirth, however, is the theory that there is no such thing as a soul (because each individual is a flowing, continuous process) and it is the mind which establishes itself as a personality, much like how a flame is passed from one candle to another.

Misconception 6: Pastor Rony said, “How could you ever learn from your past life when you do not know what you were or who you were; whether you were a prince or a cockroach, you also don’t know… Surely there isn’t any past life because when you were born as a baby, you started with a new slate with no recollection whatsoever… There is no such thing as a previous life, or to be reborn into the next life.”

Answer: This understanding of the mind stems from John Locke’s epistemological theory of ‘tabula rasa’, which claims that individuals are born as a blank slate, and all their knowledge comes from experience and perception. This theory is still subject to ongoing philosophical debate. In any case, according to the doctrine of rebirth, our thoughts and actions leave imprints on our consciousness which we may not be fully aware of. These imprints result in consequences which come to fruition when causes and conditions allow them to.

Misconception 7: Pastor Rony said, “Ladies should be very offended [by the doctrine of rebirth]… One of the Buddhist persons who argued with me many years ago, he said, ‘…You are such an unbeliever, he said, next life ah, … you’ll be born as a woman!’ So you ladies, don’t believe in reincarnation.”

Answer: Buddhism does not regard women as inferior to men. In fact, the Buddha himself was explicit about treating men and women equally; he initiated women into the Sangha (the Buddhist monastic order) despite fierce controversy. Any sexist sentiments of individuals derive from the attitudes of their cultures, not from Buddhism.

12th Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche

2010-02-05T10:52:00.002+08:00

This series of 20 videos introduce the lineage of Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche, in his 12th reincarnation. He is my precious guru and whenever I meet Rinpoche, I immediately (and easily) see transformation of Rinpoche into glorious Manjushri and bring tears of joy to my heart. As though I have known Rinpoche for many aeons .... These clips are not very clear, I have the actual DVD, if you like to watch it, let me know
PS. I won't lend you, but we can find a way that you can watch it. Also, I will not copy it for you but I encourage you to sponsor a copy to support Rinpoche's work.

1 of 20

2 of 20

3 of 20

4 of 20

5 of 20

6 of 20

7 of 20

8 of 20

9 of 20

10 of 20

11 of 20

12 of 20

13 of 20

14 of 20

15 of 20

16 of 20

17 of 20

18 of 20

19 of 20

20 of 20

十月圍城

2009-12-27T18:55:00.003+08:00

If you are planning to watch this movie, I guess you would have know by now what this story is all about.

The story build-up in the 1st hour is full of anticipation, climax almost. The characters introduction is detail, clear and by the end of this 1st hour, you almost weep for their motive in offering their life for a common cause.

With so much excitement build up, however, the next one hour, which supposedly to be the meat of the show, is disappointing.
1. The "escape" sequence is not tight, too little challenges, too short
2. The fighting scenes are like those in 亚洲电视 or our very own TCS. Each 招 is not cleanly shown but the camera pan across quickly and someone died.
3. I am most furious in this one: I did not pay close to $10 to watch a censored movie, hello!!!
4. Leon Lai, a well fed beggar and had a hair rebounding.

At the end of the who show, you feel that the movie could offer more, very much more.

Who act well:
梁家辉 - he connects all the characters very well, especially when 孙中山 decoy was picked and he cried our,"我过不了我自己。"
谢霆锋 - if you didn't know the cast list, you wouldn't know it is him, he act the character very well.
曾志伟 - though not the main character, but he fully expresses his 无奈 when he said the sentence, "五分钟后，香港就没有警察了。"

My take: go watch if you have really nothing to do and have cash to spare. If not, wait for DVD, it may be spared from the censored.

蘇民峰，麥玲玲：肖馬虎年运程

2009-12-17T19:13:00.003+08:00

肖馬運程舒服得財
出生年份：1930、1942、1954、1966、1978、1990

天生富貴指數
(五$最高)
$
性格人見人愛
性格活潑爽朗、行動敏捷、靈活好動。優點是多才多藝,善於交際, 而且往往外形出眾, 所以勁有人緣, 惹桃花, 是公司里的人氣王、萬人迷。缺點是坐唔定、做事性急、過分直腸直肚, 容易得罪人多、稱呼人少, 而且缺乏耐性、貪玩、容易分心, 所以難成大事,做不成老闆。
馬仔馬女處事靈活又擅於交際, 最適宜從事多走動的工作, 如投資顧問、判頭、保母等。

整體運事事變動
今年沖太歲, 沖代表動, 凡事都有機會變動, 常見是感情變化、住屋變化、事業變化, 但無好壞之分, 例如結婚是變化、分手是變化、懷孕亦算感情變化。而單身的人容易發展出戀情。
又今年水火相沖, 慎防跌傷, 尤其於農曆五月及十一月為損傷月, 要特別留意手指及背部, 及要提防遇到交通意外, 可在全屋中央放三盆植物或綠色物件作化解, 亦可於這兩個月捐血或洗牙、驗血以應損傷。

寒命人
運程進一步下降再加上沖太歲, 盡可能以不變為佳, 尤其事業會愈變愈差, 不如索性暫停工作, 讀書去也。

熱命人
運程進一步上升, 加上沖太歲, 容易突然碰上一個好機會, 因而改變一生。

平命人
雖然一生平穩, 但今年將出現一個好機會, 一個好的變動。

宜
宜多回家陪屋企人, 少出街, 少去蒲, 在家中央及正北位放四盆植物。

忌
今年有「歲破」, 易得罪人, 所以切勿態度囂張、口沒遮攔。

財運
蘇民峰：小心破財
今年為貴人舒服得財年, 財運較平穩, 但由於沖太歲的關係, 財運會出現兩極化, 熱命、平命人容易獲得意外之財, 寒命人則相反, 要小心破財了。又因今年有「大耗」這大破財星, 特別容易因搬屋或裝修要花一大筆錢, 倒不如買車、買樓或買一些保值物品以應破財劫。熱命、平命人可嘗試投資當作破財, 待時機成熟才賺回來吧。

麥玲玲：謹慎理財
財運欠佳, 有損耗大筆金錢之象, 要謹慎理財, 投資及投機都不宜過分進取。做生意人士, 能達到收支平衡已算不錯。
另外要提防被騙財, 不宜將大量財物留在身邊, 可以購買自己喜歡的物品, 或具實力的中長線股票, 收緊自己的流動資金, 減低損財的影響力。運勢反覆不定, 如想置業要非常謹慎, 同時不宜開拓新業務, 以免有損失。

事業運
蘇民峰：各有機遇
寒命人特別要注意, 面對許多轉變, 但以不變應萬變為最好, 如真的無法留在原有崗位, 便要有心理準備, 因新環境不會太理想, 要待 2010 年後才有轉機。熱命人會遇到一個好機會, 宜努力把握, 不必猶豫; 平命人亦會出現不錯的機會, 你可選擇維持現狀, 或者去試一試,結果都是好的。今年有「月空」吉星, 代表逢凶化吉, 遇到任何凶險都能避過。凶星「囚獄」主是非官非、人事不和, 但官非可能指買樓或開公司。

麥玲玲：得罪高層
事業運一般, 屬較為辛苦勞碌的一年, 宜動不宜靜, 有被委派出國公幹的機會, 工作有新嘗試。如能虛心請教有經驗的長輩, 做足各方面的準備, 便能安然度過。
在「歲破」星牽動下, 有得罪權貴高層之象, 因而惹出大禍,故此今年應少說話多做事。另外, 若工作性質不穩定, 經常要往返香港及其他地方工作, 則今年的事業運不俗, 愈做愈起勁。

麥玲玲醒你投資秘訣
偏財運較弱, 絕對不宜短炒, 否則只會損手爛腳, 不妨作長線的穩健投資, 在應驗了破財命之餘, 也有保本作用。

蘇民峰批旺財月份
旺財月：西曆 8、9 月
破財月：西曆 6、7、12 月
肖馬今年財運和工作運麻麻, 影響心情, 想心情回復開朗, 最好隨身佩帶與食物有關的用品或飾物。推介 CABANEdeZucca 黑色蛋糕圖案 totebag$189。

出生年份
30 年慎防血光
財運不錯, 但要小心遇上交通意外或損傷, 農曆 5 月及 11 月更要留神。

42 年有新發展
今年是思想學習投資年, 有新發展機會, 尤其熱命及平命人, 不妨放膽嘗試。

54 年財運上升
從事專業或收入不穩定工作的人, 因工作量上升而收入增加。

66 年提不起勁
行貴人懶運, 凡事都好像提不起勁, 但因今年變動會頗頻繁, 令你想懶也無法去懶。

78 年變動之年
熱命、平命人宜把握機會, 有任何機會應放膽嘗試, 寒命人可以不變的話就不變為佳。

90 年注意安全
剛巧可考駕駛執照的年紀, 但因今年容易有交通意外及損傷, 還是暫時擱置吧。

蘇民峰，麥玲玲：肖虎虎年运程

2009-12-17T19:00:00.004+08:00

肖虎運程多勞多得
出生年份：1926、1938、1950、1962、1974、1986、1998

天生富貴指數
(五$最高)
$
性格虎口婆心
肖虎為人野性而好勝心強, 做事有決心。富同情心, 很喜歡照顧別人, 故往往深受同事愛戴。而性格勇敢果斷, 極富正義感, 行事光明正大, 絕不會為一己私利而走後門。在職場上, 多數是小團隊的領導, 頗能凝聚同事間的士氣與感情, 但性格過分仁慈, 容易婦人之仁, 而且欠缺耐性, 做事難免心浮氣躁, 所以未必會是個成功的老闆, 但若能瞻前顧後, 可提升成功的機會。
虎仔虎女做事喜歡多走動同照顧別人, 最適合從事護士、社工、心理醫生或藝人保母等, 亦適合做服務性行業, 例如空姐、酒店業。

寒命人
運程比去年差, 即使今年有任何看似很好的機會, 也要三思而後行。

熱命人
持續順境, 有新機會可放膽嘗試。

平命人
即使一生平穩, 這年也可嘗到行運的滋味。

整體運驛馬星動
工作較往年辛苦, 每事親力親為才有回報。在「驛馬」星帶動下, 有向外發展及走動的機會, 即使過往工作性質穩定, 今年亦要經常遊走各國; 而一向要往外地開會及洽商人士, 今年工作將特別辛勞。但由於有凶星出現, 出外時務必注意身體健康。
另外「喪門」及「孤辰」兩顆凶星作祟, 提防家宅不穩, 家中長者有跌傷的危機; 而「孤辰」代表感情變化不定,關係陷入谷底。
而今年屬辛苦個人力量得財年, 最利自僱及專業人士, 如律師、醫生、會計師等, 工作忙碌, 收入自然水漲船高, 即使對寒命人來說也有幫助。如從事地產、金融、保險等收入不穩定行業, 亦有明顯進帳, 但對寒命人則幫助不大。

宜
向外地發展, 傾談業務或投資, 有機賺到異地財。

忌
不要獨留長者在家, 否則易有意外發生。

財運
蘇民峰：辛苦得財
今年辛苦得財, 一分耕耘、一分收穫, 從事和計算有關的工作, 收入會明顯增加。打工仔財運平穩, 但工作量大增, 收入卻沒有太大升幅。

麥玲玲：賺外地錢
投資者可多留意海外的投資市場, 或者購入外地的投資基金, 可望得到理想回報。
今年驛馬星動, 宜將眼光放遠, 做生意的應多注意能否拓展海外市場, 盡量多與外國人洽商, 特別是從事出入口貿易的, 能夠令你財源滾滾來。今年驛馬星動, 虎同馬又夾到旺局, 所以今年配合有馬仔圖案的衣服或飾物可旺財勢。推介 Bernhard 動物 tee$1,480。

事業運
蘇民峰：主動出擊
今年工作勁忙碌,熱命、平命的你正好把握機會表現自己, 打工仔就要採取主動, 積極爭取表現; 自僱或從商的更要利用這時機, 全身投入工作賺大錢, 如把握不到今年時機, 就要等到 2016 年了。

麥玲玲：自我增值
沒有任何與事業有關的吉星, 只有「驛馬」星坐鎮, 因此極有機會被委派往返或長駐外地公幹, 奔波勞碌。如公司並無向外地發展, 則有搬辦公室的機會。虎仔虎女難免工作辛勞, 可視作耕種期, 趁今年學習增值, 可得到上司的賞識及眷顧。

麥玲玲醒你投資秘訣
今年驛馬運旺, 有利賺取異地錢, 投資外地基金、股票或外幣等較有利, 反而本地市場的投資炒賣則不宜。

蘇民峰批旺財月份
旺財月: 西曆 6、7、12 月
破財月: 西曆 8、9 月

出生年份
38 年名氣提升
雖然年紀不小, 但仍有進步機會, 如從商或從事專業工作的話, 事業仍有發展。

50 年財運最強
肖虎中財運最好, 尤其熱命及平命, 只要加把勁, 有望取得更佳的回報。

62 年謹慎投資
寒命人不宜投資; 熱、平命人, 有任何發展計劃都可嘗試, 因這兩年成功率較大。

74 年愈忙愈賺
辛苦個人力量得財年, 工作量大增, 對收入不穩定的自僱一族最有幫助, 進帳不少。

86 年有待適應
剛踏入社會工作, 未能適應快速的社會步伐, 手忙腳亂, 工作未能穩定, 經常有變。

98 年考試運弱
運勢沒有特別, 只是考試運平平, 但年幼的你未遇上重要的考試, 故不需太多顧慮。

蘇民峰，麥玲玲：肖狗虎年运程

2009-12-15T17:05:00.003+08:00

肖狗運程有貴人幫
出生年份：1934、1946、1958、1970、1982、1994

天生富貴指數
$$(五$最高)
性格追求完美
狗狗為人富正義感, 事事追求完美, 而且喜怒形於色, 不懂溝通與表達, 容易被人誤解, 難以捉摸, 做事愛斤斤計較, 疑心大, 所以通常是個難服侍的老闆, 員工勁憎。
相反, 作為打工仔的狗仔狗女, 性格忠心、率直,做事從不三心兩意, 態度認真, 老闆放心。惟肖狗勁迷信, 終日疑神疑鬼。
適宜從事跟宗教或玄學有關的工作, 如玄學家或殯儀事業 ,另外, 從事地產亦無妨。

整體運先凶後吉
今年運勢好壞參半, 吉星只有「天解」, 幸而此星威力強勁, 代表先難後易, 將要面對突如其來的困局, 但最終得貴人扶持, 而能迎刃而解, 化險為夷, 所以今年容易凡事節外生枝, 但只要有充足心理準備, 毋須過分擔心。
今年凶星頗多,「血刃」代表易受傷, 不宜進行劇烈運動;「吊客」指個人能量處於低點, 盡量避免探病問喪, 免招厄運;「寡宿」會有孤單感覺, 即使有伴侶陪伴也感空虛;「浮沉」則有犯水險的機會。

寒命人
運程進一步下降, 打工仔尚好, 只要有固定職業, 不要輕易轉工就好, 除非手上有足夠金錢, 也可趁此機會海外留學。

熱命人
運程提升, 任何機會都可一試。打工仔有意搞生意, 做老闆都可以, 容易成功。

平命人
經濟好, 對平命人也有幫助, 故此今年事業發展良好, 要把握新發展機會。

宜
不論工作或者投資,宜穩守突擊,等年尾有斬穫。

忌
忌游水,以免有血光之災;遠離醫院、殯儀館。

財運
蘇民峰: 入冬旺財
今年財運平穩, 看不見意外驚喜, 相比下熱命、平命人財運較佳, 寒命人收入不下降已算是幸運。財運以秋、冬天較容易出現突破, 尤其入冬以後容易有意想不到的收穫。

麥玲玲: 物極必反
今年沒有強勁的財星照耀, 對於財運沒有太大影響力。做生意人士, 今年處於「三更窮、五更富」的狀況。幸好在擔心生意不理想時, 將突然有客人出現, 為你解窘, 但切勿將賺回來的金錢留在身邊, 可以投資基金或物業, 減低破財的機會。

事業運
蘇民峰: 有提升運
今年是權力地位提升年, 所以對打工仔較為有利, 不論寒、熱、平命人皆有提升機會, 不過寒命人即使升職, 新職位也不太如意、壓力更大,還是不要太爭取升職吧。幸好今年有吉星「八座」、「天解」, 代表逢凶化吉, 將衰運減到最低。

麥玲玲: 走出困局
打工仔運勢不俗, 能夠接觸到新範疇的工作, 由於初時未能適應, 總有力不從心的感覺; 而工作壓力大, 不妨請教有經驗的長輩。但始終毋須擔心, 因最終能走出困局, 幸好一切努力都得到上司的認同, 但不要期望多勞就多得。
而在「天解」星照耀下, 以往與別人的糾紛及纏繞已久的官非訴訟, 同樣可於今年解決。

麥玲玲醒你投資秘訣
今年有「天解」星之助, 事情往往先難後易, 所以前半年的投資表現不甚理想, 直至下半年才會逐步回穩。

蘇民峰批旺財月份
旺財月: 西曆 3、7、10 月
破財月: 西曆 6、8、12 月
旺財潮物
肖狗今年常感覺孤單寂寞, 麥玲玲建議多用開心、甜蜜的衣服佩飾, 可改善心情。推介 GraciaMarquez 日本 CrystalBall 總店限定款式手袋, 狗狗圖案甜蜜溫馨$2,380。

出生年份
34 年精力旺盛
雖然年事已高, 但精力依然旺盛, 有機會應去旅遊散散心, 享受生活。

46 年舒服得財
今年是貴人舒服得財年, 有可能是取回你的強積金, 因而多了一筆財富

58 年地位提升
打工仔可爭取升職機會, 更上一層樓。從商、自僱的你,名聲大增, 收入自然增加。

70 年財運最佳
肖狗中財運最好, 尤其熱、平命人更有利; 寒命人則在逆運中, 難有意外驚喜。

82 年牛刀小試
今年為思想學習投資年, 學習也好、牛刀小試學人投資也好, 都對日後有幫助。

94 年情緒不佳
今年為辛苦年, 運程不太穩定, 可能出現情緒上的問題, 應多提醒自己放鬆一點。

蘇民峰，麥玲玲：肖兔虎年运程

2009-12-15T16:17:00.006+08:00

肖兔運程有升冇跌

出生年份：1939、1951、1963、1975、1987、1999

天生富貴指數

(五$最高)

$$$

性格機靈跳脫

溫純機智, 天生性格跳脫, 卻又懂得細心待人, 觀人於微, 人緣超好, 勁惹桃花, 所以往往是交際能手, 備受同事與客戶的稱讚, 經常有生意臨門, 老闆放心。而且, 兔兔感情豐富, 對生活文化藝術都有一定修養, 學識廣博, 更有利交朋結友。

兔兔缺點是依賴性強, 卻又多心兼心散, 容易分神貪玩, 所以難以成為一個當機立斷的領導人物。兔兔最擅長交際應酬, 且處事圓滑, 識臨場執生, 最適宜從事市場推廣、傳媒或教師等, 經常要與陌生人接觸的行業。

整體運得失參半

適逢紅鸞桃花年, 事業運有所提升, 財運不俗; 桃花運旺盛, 有桃花代表人緣好, 亦代表有婚嫁機會。

人緣好但今年是非亦多, 容易人事不和, 幸好有「太陰」女貴人星坐鎮, 有女貴人扶持, 應盡量近貴人而遠小人。

今年處於正、偏兩財俱旺之年, 但不要過分急進行事, 又由於今年處於「桃花破財」之年, 切勿與剛相識的女士有金錢瓜葛, 提防有被苛索金錢的危機。

寒命人

有貴人或異性相扶, 能提升事業運, 但不宜獨自發展新事業, 因寒命人運勢始終較弱。

熱命人

從商及自僱一族, 財運明顯上升; 打工仔如遇上有新發展機會, 例如被高薪挖角或有新任務亦應嘗試。

平命人

事事順利, 運氣提升。

宜

多與同事溝通、行街食飯,尤其多些約女同事,對你工作有數都未定。

忌

切勿借錢給別人或做擔保人,否則會破財。

財運

蘇民峰: 可搵大錢

無論寒命、熱命或平命人, 因今年是紅鸞桃花年, 對事業運都有所提升, 加上是辛苦個人力量得財年,如從事收入不穩定工作, 如律師、醫生、金融、保險、地產等行業, 多勞多得, 財運不俗。可是寒命人於這幾年運程不濟,財運相對減少。

麥玲玲: 賺女人錢

雖然有財星, 但不能過分急進, 做生意人士宜以穩步上揚為從商策略。「太陰」屬女性貴人星, 假若生意範疇與女性有關, 例如賣女裝或美容生意, 今年必定生意興隆。而今年有凶星主女性導致破財, 要慎防與女性相關的金錢瓜葛。

事業運
蘇民峰: 人緣助運
由於是辛苦個人力量得財年, 工作量必然比往年多, 幸好本年亦是你的紅鸞桃花年, 人緣特別好, 對工作亦間接有幫助; 而今年有女貴人扶持, 如上司是女性的話, 做起事來更事半功倍。

麥玲玲: 女上司撐
得到「太陰」星眷顧, 假若上司為女性, 今年可得到對方的賞識, 加薪幅度理想, 工作發展穩步上揚。不過今年三刑作祟, 與同事及下屬溝通不足, 因而阻礙工作進度。今年有轉工念頭, 謹記不要急進, 以免下錯決定。

麥玲玲醒你投資秘訣
不宜短炒, 只宜長遠而能保本的投資。另外, 今年「太陰」屬女貴人, 多留意身邊女性會對投資有利。

蘇民峰批旺財月份
旺財月: 西曆 4、6、7、9、12 月
破財月: 西曆 5 月
是非多, 要靠「太陰」女貴人幫助解窘, 月亮屬陰, 佩帶月亮形飾物可旺貴人運。推介 MarcEcko 手表, 表面有兩個半月形圖案。$1,190

出生年份
39 年地位提升
工作上仍有提升之象, 尤其是從商、自僱一族,名氣、地位提升將更加明顯。

51 年錦上添花
財運暢旺之年, 尤其熱命、平命人更錦上添花, 寒命的你, 財運仍有一定增長。

63 年不宜投資
寒命人不宜投資, 只適宜學習或買實物為佳。熱命、平命人, 有機會自應大膽嘗試。

75 年財運向好
工作量大增, 從事收入不穩定的工作最為有利, 對普通的上班一族來說則無大幫助。

87 年情緒波動
情緒不穩定, 所有發展都突然慢下來, 倒不如放下心情, 索性遠遊, 見識世界。

99 年備受注目
今年是桃花年, 在校內特別受歡迎, 從而提高學習情緒。另參加校內比賽有機會得獎。

蘇民峰，麥玲玲：肖羊虎年运程

2009-12-14T17:20:00.002+08:00

肖羊運程謹慎理財

出生年份: 1931、1943、1955、1967、1979、1991

天生富貴指數

(五$最高)

$$$$

性格大將之風

天性溫馴、注重感情、重信用、老實。做事踏實、內斂、有大將之風，不愛譁眾取寵，喜歡按

部就班，實事求是，是一個天生的老闆人材。

可惜，羊仔羊女性格保守，不易接受別人意見，工作態度過於安逸，為人不懂變通，故很難與

人合作，即使勉強合夥，都要做大股東話事人。

羊仔羊女如要做生意，最好以講求穩定、少變化的工業生產最為適合,，玩潮流一定不是羊羊杯

茶。

整體運再遇貴人

今年太歲相害，難免是非多，幸好只屬輕微的是非，對整體運程並無大影響，可在西曆二月四

日之後，在正西方的是非位，放粉紅色物件及在中央桃花位放一杯水加一個音樂盒，既可化是

非、又可旺人緣。

此外去年因太歲遙合，易有遠方貴人之助，貴人之力量可維持至今年西曆五月六日為止，故整

個春季的運程仍不錯。

今年腸胃容易出毛病，尤其秋冬季，其中農曆九月及十二月要特別注意飲食。

寒命人

運程平平，且有機會進一步下降，惟有事事以保守為上，即使工作不如意，亦不要隨便轉工。

熱命人

運勢強勁，得貴人扶助，打工仔有升職機會，自僱或從商財運亦亨通，非常順利。

平命人

運氣進一步提升，雖然是非稍多，但不會構成壞影響；如遇到新發展機會不要錯過。

宜

工作運唔錯，但是非多影響工作，宜採取「雞髀打人牙骱軟」政策，討好同事。

忌

偏財運差，切勿過大海、打麻雀、炒股票，小心輸到一頸血。

財運

蘇民峰：偶有財運

本年是權力地位提升年，地位提升，財運自然相應增加，惟自僱及從商的寒命人，全年財運會

較差，相反熱命、平命人財運依然不錯。

但農曆三月，羊羊有暗財，可能得到客戶突然給你介紹一單生意，發了一筆意外之財；打工仔

則可能分到額外花紅。農曆九月財運更佳，財如春水，源源不絕，是努力得來的成果，正好紓

緩農曆八月的財政壓力。

麥玲玲：正財運旺

有望獲得權貴的扶持，做生意人士得到舊客戶的推薦，有新客戶主動提出合作，毋須積極尋找

客源。但因處於變化不定之年，諸事宜有多方面的準備，以防出現始料不及的大變化，變成

「三更窮、五更富」。

偏財運不濟，容易破財，或財來財去，除了不宜投機及投資外，從商人士注意今年的經營成本

有上升之勢，慎防變成收支不平衡，可以借搬遷辦公室來減低破財的力量。

事業運

蘇民峰：貴人擁護

打工仔有升職機會，縱使寒命人在逆運當中，但只要努力仍有機會升職。不過自僱或從商的寒

命人，受運氣的影響較為明顯，小心業績倒退，故今年守得住已算好。

幸好今年有「紫微」、「龍德」兩顆貴人星，能幫助減少是非和減輕衰運，又有「地解」吉星

照耀，能夠逢凶化吉，不用太擔心。

麥玲玲：人事不和

打工仔今年運勢比做生意人士好，得到上司的賞識及提攜，領導才能得以發揮，即使遇上任何

棘手問題都可以解決。受「歲煞」星的影響，人際關係有輕微阻滯，與同事相處欠缺默契，可

能拉低工作效率。

與上司則關係良好，但與下屬及同事之間會發生暗鬥，切忌鋒芒太露，對事業發展會造成極大

障礙。

另外在「玉堂」星的帶動下，從事創意及藝術工作的人士，才華得以徹底發揮，今年運勢相當

強勁。

麥玲玲醒你投資秘訣

今年受「暴敗」星的影響，容易出現「三更窮、五更富」之象，必須注意市場的波動。

蘇民峰批旺財月份

旺財月:西曆 4、8、9、10 月

破財月:西曆 7 月

正財運唔錯，但偏財則易破財，為免財來財去，羊羊可戴圓形飾物補救。推介 Loewe 圓形散紙

包，有 4 款任揀,每款$1,100。

出生年份

31 年意外之財

財運不錯，為肖羊中最好，今年可能獲得一點意外之財，或子孫給予零用錢。

43 年有新發展

今年為思想投資得財年，有新發展機會，熱命、平命人不想安於現狀的話，亦可一試。

55 年工作辛勞

寒命人可能勞而功少，甚至徒勞無功；熱命、平命人則勞而有功，收入增加。

67 年舒服悠閒

今年為貴人舒服得財年，經過一番努力後，事業已上軌道，令你有一點私人空間。

79 年婚嫁有望

今年為權力地位提升年，羊女婚嫁有望，因 08、09 兩年都有較大的結婚機會。

91 年情竇初開

羊仔容易遇到心儀對象，步入情場，但拍拖之餘要努力讀書，不要為情而荒廢學業。

蘇民峰，麥玲玲：肖牛虎年运程

2009-12-14T17:01:00.003+08:00

肖牛運程超多貴人

出生年份：1937、1949、1961、1973、1985、1997

天生富貴指數

(五$最高)

$$$

性格牛心牛力

肖牛為人有規律、勤力，只會耕耘，不問收穫，是一個不可多得的好員工，受老闆愛錫，而且多數能長時間任職同一機構，既忠誠又老實。

缺點是創造力低、唔識變通，但求安穩，而且為人偏心，感情用事，工作上容易混入私人感情，幫親不幫理,所以做老闆時只管任用親信，公司超多黃馬褂，因而影響營運。總括而言，勤奮的牛牛永遠打不死，最適合做運動員、工業家。

寒命人

運程下滑，有機會也不要輕舉妄動，除非與家族或朋友合作，或可倚靠別人提高自己的運氣。

熱命人

有機會便要把握，不應再猶豫不決，是時候起步作新發展。

平命人

運勢提升，有任何機會或新構想，都應嘗試。

整體運貴人扶持

今年有「玉堂」「歲合」及「太陽」，全部屬貴人星，尤其「太陽」屬男貴人星，力量亦最大，

代表容易得到男性貴人之助，有升職機會，或有到外地走動而大賺異地財之象。

凶星則有「晦氣」，心情不佳，事事被人捷足先登，又覺被人針對，宜放鬆心情，以免損失了金

錢又輸了心情。

總括而言，屬無風無浪的一年，只有少數牛仔牛女需加倍注意自己與家人的健康狀況。

宜

出外旅行順手入些水貨，或者索性出國投資，有機賺大錢。

忌

忌上拍賣網購物，遇上頂心杉，同你鬥高價，令你買唔到心頭好，激餐懵。

財運

蘇民峰：財運提升

財運一般，好彩鼠牛太歲相合，易得朋友貴人幫助，財運都會相應提升，尤其是熱命同平命

人，運程順利，有如順水行舟，一瀉千里；寒命人今年運勢都比較差，不過寒命牛因為得貴人

出手，最終都能平穩度過。

麥玲玲：賺男人錢

從商牛仔牛女，因得到「太陽」星幫助，財來自遠方，適宜跟外國人傾生意，或者外地出差，

以求動中生財，大賺異地錢。

有男性貴人相助，若從事以男性為主要對象的生意，例如汽車零件、影音器材、男士服飾及紅

酒生意，財源自然滾滾來。

事業運

蘇民峰：春冬最旺

今年是名氣地位提升年，打工仔只要努力自能爭取到好成績，尤其農曆一、二月及十一、十二

月機會最大；從商或自僱人士，亦可增強名氣，間接對事業亦有幫助，所以今年係事業進展較

為良好之一年。

麥玲玲：權力上升

事業發展順利，打工仔有望升職加薪，權力有明顯遞增，升職後又得有實力的貴人相助。今年

對從事文職工作人士較為有利，而對武職人士如紀律部隊則較為遜色。「太陽」吉星代表男貴

人，若上司為男性，將更能獲得提攜及扶持。

今年運氣都算唔錯，如果想財運更旺，就要多用火旺之物，例如紅色物品就最適合。推介

SonyEricssonW910i 手機$3,880。

麥玲玲：醒你投資秘訣

若有男性給予投資貼士，或身邊有男性經紀、男性拍檔，對投資者有利，但要慎防財運大上大

落。

蘇民峰：批旺財月份

旺財月：西曆 4、6、8、11 月

破財月：西曆 9 月

出生年份

37 年享受人生

貴人舒服懶運年，長久以來忙碌的你，今年終於可真正停下來，放鬆心情，好好享受。

49 年再闖高峰

有名氣、地位權力提升之象，如仍努力於事業當中的話，望能把事業推至更高峰。

61 年財運最佳

財運佳，熱、平命人財運來得明顯，即使寒命人亦因得到貴人扶助而有一點意外之財。

73 年學習投資

寒命人以學習投資或買實物為佳；熱命、平命人若有投資機會可放膽嘗試，是好時機。

85 年無所適從

今年是辛苦得財年，剛踏足社會甚麼也不習慣，更不懂怎樣安排時間，手足無措。

97 年考試運弱

今年為貴人舒服懶運，考試運一般，幸好對年幼的你來說，不算太重要。

Foie Gras

2009-11-25T00:31:00.002+08:00

Received an email on the cruelty of Foie Gras made from goose liver. After some research, I came across this article in SoShiok.com. Well, here it is and some pictures to wet your appetite.

Malaysia, July 27, 2009 - IN any killing of animals for food, there is a certain degree of cruelty, a fact that has led many people to stop eating meat.

There’s also the environmental concern in animal agriculture, which is the main source of methane worldwide, a significant contributor to global warming.

This, however, is not a polemic for vegetarianism, despite the proven benefits to our bodies and the planet (the food must be organic, though), or a question of morality. The fact of the matter is that one can be an animal lover and still eat meat.

Standard animal agriculture practices leave much to be desired and many informed meat-eaters draw the line at what they consider unfair treatment of an animal before it ends up on their tables.

The matter is especially contentious when it comes to gourmet food. Certainly, there appears to be no bigger controversy than the production of foie gras (pronoun ced “fwah grah”) – duck or goose liver that is fattened by force-feeding.

This is done by feeding the birds through a tube shoved down their throats. Anti-foie gras campaigners say this is painful, cruel and something the industry wants to hide. This has also led many animal rights groups to go undercover to film the process. These videos can be viewed on their websites, along with images of unkempt and dead birds.

As a counter to such horrifying footage, you have people like celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain taking a camera crew to a farm to show “happy ducks” scurrying to be fed from the tube.

So what is the truth?

Frenchman Jean Michel Fraisse says the feeding process is real, but is incensed at what he describes as manipulation and “a campaign by puritans”.

“There is nothing to hide. Sure there are dead ducks, as in any farm, but these are images of one or two birds and they (the activists) make it appear as if that is what happens to all the birds,” says the managing director of HTC in Asia Sdn Bhd, which runs the Kuala Lumpur-based French Culinary School in Asia.

“There is no cruelty (in producing foie gras),” he emphasises. “Just think, if you put stress on an animal it will affect the taste of the meat, and no one wants that.”

Foie gras production has been banned in at least 15 countries, including Britain, Switzerland, Germany (which, in 2002, became the first country to grant animals a constitutional right) and Israel, which was formerly the world’s largest producer of foie gras.

This fact, says a local food blogger who wishes to go by the initials WMW, clearly sends the message that there are concerns over foie gras production.

“It must be causing enough of an impact for these governments to do something about it,” says WMW who has tried foie gras but having learned of how it is produced, swore never to eat it again.

Feeding off the fat

Foie gras, designated by law as part of French cultural and gastronomic heritage, is made by force-feeding corn-based meal to farmed ducks and geese over a few months so that their livers swell with fat.

Historically, foie gras was produced from geese, but today 96% of the delicacy comes from ducks.

The final weight of each lobe of raw foie gras is between 600g and 1kg. The price fluctuates according to quality and how it is prepared. At Rougie, a famous French supplier of gourmet specialities, the products can start from as low as ‚7 (RM35) for a 50g block of duck foie gras. Local restaurants usually don’t price their foie gras main courses for less than RM50 a plate.

France is the world’s leading producer of foie gras, turning out some 18,450 tonnes a year, or almost 80% of the world total of around 23,500 tonnes. Most of the French production is consumed by the domestic market, much of it during the festive season.

Hungary and Bulgaria are also major producers, Canada has a thriving industry, and China has become a sizeable producer in recent years.

The objection to foie gras centres on force feeding, or gavage, which is necessary for the production of the fatty liver.

This is done after the duck reaches around 12 weeks old (before this, it lives a relatively free-range life) and is carried out for the final two to three weeks of its life by inserting a tube – “like a petrol pump”, says Fraisse – carrying cornmeal down its throat. Each duck is fed about 450g of food two to three times a day and each feeding lasts under 10 seconds.

Gavage takes advantage of birds’ natural tendency to gorge before migration and was practised in classical Rome and ancient Egypt. Gorging, however, only results in the liver doubling in size, not 10 times as in force feeding.

The concentration of fat – 50% to 60% at the end of the process – gives the liver its distinctive taste. This, to those who take pleasure in eating foie gras, is a case of the end justifying the means.

Coming from the south of France, Fraisse, 45, was “born with touching foie gras”, which he considers the flagship of French gastronomy.

“The ducks enjoy the force feeding, and become addicted to it,” he claims.

“If you don’t see it, you will think it is cruel, but it is no different than other types of farming,” says Fraisse, who has led several groups of Malaysians, including students and journalists, on tours of foie gras production facilities in France.

“In fact, if you want to see cruelty to animals, just go to any chicken farm in Malaysia, any type of farming in Australia that raises grain-fed beef.

(The Department of Veterinary Services guidelines on rearing commercial broiler chickens in Malaysia recommend suitable-sized barns having an area of 1sqft per bird. That’s only slightly larger than a sheet of A4-size paper.)

“I would rather be a duck in France than a chicken in Malaysia,” says Fraisse.

To this, WMW says: “But we don’t have the luxury of choice here,” referring to intensive chicken farming. “If we choose to eat chicken, we have to take whatever we can get.”

Sitting duck

To be fair, there are first-hand accounts from unbiased journalists about foie gras duck farms in the United States, like the one Bourdain visited in New York State, which describe birds grouped in pens large enough to comfortably move about in during the force-feeding period.

Barns are air-conditioned and equipped with electronic devices for temperature, humidity and oxygen control. With each worker caring for 300 to 350 birds and receiving a bonus for low mortality and good quality livers, the handling of the ducks is done carefully.

There is also plenty of proof of reprehensible acts of cruelty. Particularly disturbing is undercover footage from an industrial farm in Canada and another in the south-west of France. The films show ducks housed in gloomy sheds, brutally manhandled and placed in wire cages so small they cannot move at all for the two weeks or so that they are force-fed.

Some cannot lift their heads or lie dead with cornmeal clotted in their bills. Witnesses say they have seen dirty birds being attacked by rats and suffering from diarrhoea, incessant panting and lesions. Activists refer to the unnaturally engorged liver as “diseased”.

Protestors denounce force-feeding as a painful process which often leaves ducks with throat lacerations and ruptured livers, and cause them to vomit the surfeit of cornmeal that is pumped into them. The foie gras lobby, however, insists that the oesophagus of the duck is hard and the birds have no gag reflex.

In Malaysia, foie gras is often in the spotlight but only on restaurant menus. There have been murmurs of local opposition to the product, mostly in the form of letters to the press, from individuals and organisations. Environment watchdog Sahabat Alam Malaysia has called for a ban on the import of food products containing foie gras and for hoteliers and restaurateurs to “enlighten the consumers or food lovers on the needless suffering of birds for a mere palatable dish.”

With so many food-related issues to worry about, is foie gras simply an easy target for activists and economic sanctions, and an attack on those who can afford the luxury?

Fraisse seems to think so.

“Why focus on foie gras? What about shark fin and live fish in (restaurant) aquarium, which are harvested using cyanide (this stuns the fish so they are easily caught)? That is more cruel.

“We should be more concerned about the things we eat every day than what we eat once in a while. People should be more worried about molecular gastronomy (because of the chemicals that are used).”

For him, it comes down to choice. “You can choose not to eat foie gras. Make your own opinion, investigate yourself, do not rely on the opinion of one person.”

WMW agrees that it is about choice – informed choice.

“Most people are not aware of what happens. But once you are aware ... well, it’s up to the individual,” she says, adding that she knows people who continue to consume foie gras despite this knowledge, even making light of the production process.

In the end, you may defend the way you live or change it. For the vast majority, however, it would be just as important to rally against what we can hope to change in this country – for example, battery cages and intensive farming – so that animal welfare is protected, the benefits of which we will enjoy.

The pictures that follows detail the life of the goose. An employee at the Ferme Basque in St-Urbain, Quebec, Canada, feeding a Mulard duck for the production of foie gras. Mulard ducks – a cross-breed between a male Muscovy duck and a common female duck – are the preferred species for the delicacy.

The goose try to defend itself ... but is in vain ... As long as they are alive, they will be forced feed. It only stop when they are dead (the food is over its mouth) or when their liver is ready for "harvest". Those who survive have crapped to be inflamed asses ... blood easily come up with the shit ... their legs were bloated from long standing everyday. No need to sleep because they will be routinely force feed again and again. Finally, you get the beautiful and white liver that becomes unusually big like this that turns into a delicacy.

Does the Buddha have feelings?

2009-11-24T00:57:00.002+08:00

There is a common misconception that the Buddha and the arhats do not have any feelings since they have overcome all defilements. But not all feelings are defilements. The Maha Saccaka Sutta (M 36), for example, records how the Buddha, recalling how he had meditated and attained dhyana as a 7-year-old child under a jambu tree during the ploughing festival, realizes that there is “a pleasure that has nothing to do with sensual pleasures and unwholesome states” (M 36.32/1:246 f). [Note 1]

This wholesome pleasure refers that of dhyana (Pali: jhana) or deep meditation, which the Buddha attains by using breath meditation. Coming out of the dhyana, in the stillness and clarity of his mind, the Buddha directly sees true reality and awakens to nirvana.

Even today, those who do Buddhist meditation of one kind or other, experiences great joy. Whether we use the so called Vipassana or Insight Meditation or the Forest Meditation, when we learn to see the present moment as it is, we feel a profound bliss. It is this kind of bliss that helps wisdom to arise when we see the joy as being impermanent.

The Mahaparinibbana Sutta (D 16) [Note 2] records the last days of the Buddha We know from this discourse that the Buddha feels pain. The 80-year-old Buddha describes how he is attacked by severe sickness and sharp pains, which he can only overcome through deep meditation (D 16.2.26/2:100 f).

The most interesting thing the discourses tell us about the Buddha is perhaps that he feels for his disciples. The Salayatana Vibhanga Sutta (M 137) [Note 3] the discourse on the analysis of the six elements for example, shows how the Buddha gives the teaching of the three bases of mindfulness (satipatthana). This is different from the better known set of four focusses of mindfulness.

The three bases of mindfulness are about how the Buddha responds to three types of situations when he teaches:

“Here, bhikshus, the Teacher teaches the Dharma to his disciples, out of compassion, for their happiness, moved by
compassion, thinking, ‘This is for your welfare! This is for your happiness!’”

(1) His disciples do not wish to listen, do not pay attention, do not make an effort to understand the Teaching, and deviate from the Teaching.
As such, the Buddha is not pleased, but although not feeling pleased, he dwells untroubled, mindful and fully aware.

(2) Some of his disciples listen, pay attention, make an effort to understand the Teaching, and do not deviate from the Teaching.
As such, the Buddha is pleased, but although feeling pleased, he dwells untroubled, mindful and fully aware.

(3) His disciples listen, pay attention, make an effort to understand the Teaching, and do not deviate from the Teaching.
As such, the Buddha is pleased, but although feeling pleased, he dwells untroubled, mindful and fully aware.

It is clear from this Salayatana Vibhanga Sutta passage that the Buddha (and other awakened beings) do have feelings towards how others behave. This is only natural, and indeed it would be very weird if the Buddha and the arhats had no feelings at all! The “negative” feelings are simply a reflection of the reality of the situation, but none of these feelings affect or trouble the Buddha or the saint in any way: they only see the arising of great compassion to remove the suffering and ignorance of these beings.

This is the true meaning of equanimity. We do feel disappointed when others do not seem to respond positively to the good we have done. Or, sometimes, people may seem overwhelmed by the kindness we have shown. Either way, we should be mindful and remain unaffected by them.

The meaning is that we should not depend of external conditions for our true happiness. We should cultivate the kind of inner happiness that is good in itself, that is independent of any condition. This is called unconditional love.

by Piya Tan

The Minding Centre
Blk 644 Bukit Batok Central, #01-68 (2nd flr),
(near Bukit Batok MRT/Interchange) Singapore 650644.
HP: 8211 0879

Dharmafarer (Sutta)

3rd day in hospital ... part 2 ...

2009-11-05T23:07:00.006+08:00

As usual, a round up of today mean:

Breakfast: peanut, fishcake and minced pork porridge:

This is rather blend because no soy-sauce nor pepper. But the fish cake taste yummy as it is the only thing taste salty.

Lunch time is Pork Bratwurst with mushroom sauce.
You can tell that this is boil rather than grilled. Notice the generous serving of vegetables? And seriously, oil-less.

But it still taste good. If you let me eat like this, I'm ok ... how did they make everything to healthy and still tasty?

And ... dinner ... yes, you won't believe me: Mutton Bryani on banana leaf.

OK, though the mutton is, yes, boil but the curry is tasty, not very spicy. Except for less oil, everything taste just like my favourite Mutton Bryani.

Went for CT-Scan this afternoon at 4pm, I think the result will be out tomorrow morning. The CT-Scan basically is to have visual on my lower abdomen to determine the cause of the pain and bloatedness when hungry and after food (last for an hour).

Senior Surgeon Doc. Selvam has indicate that he will contact a gastric specialist on the CT-Scan as well as a Liver Specialist to determine the function level of my liver. He is more relieve as he spoke, as if to tell me everything should be fine and if there is anything wrong, it can be fix.

This afternoon before I leave for CT-Scan, a hospice nurse visited the patient directly opposite me. Like my mom, he has liver failure, and the doctor is saying that chemo, resection and medication can no longer help him. He is 57 years old and once his fever subsided, he will be discharged.

The hospice nurse spend a lot of effort to introduce the subject of death to him, and he readily acknowledge the un-desire. He finally request in that fateful moment, he want to tubes, no opt and only pain killer to enable him to leave in certain level of comfort, among his love ones. The nurse promised, "it will be so, we can do this."

Mom's final stage of liver failure carries sign of swollen hands and feet, jaundice on the eyes as well as whole body, literally turn yellow and pain on the back. Than she went into a stage of confusion and character changes, totally lost control of her behaviour and bowel. This is the most trying period. Shortly she slip into coma, but can respond to conversation by movement of hands and feet. This is the period where doctors will administer heavy dose of morphine to eliminate any pain. During this stage, her eyes literally turns into jelly and you know life is leaving her. The coma stage can last very long depends on the will of the patient, mom lasted close to a week. But on a particular day, I woke up at 2am, took a cab to SGH and talk to her till 6am. I am close to mom, I will be the one translating the English TV programe for her, and she loves animal documentary. By 6am, she no longer respond to my conversation, and the muscles are less tense. I told her I need to take a nap and go to work and will be back at night to chat with her again. Shortly after I left for work at about 8am, mom left us.

To date, liver related diseases were given the lease attention in medical research. Partly because most patients are Asian and from the poor countries of the world. Doc Lee Wei Leng once criticised A*STAR on The Straits Times for giving little to no attention on liver diseases related research which is one of the main killer disease in Singapore. She express disgust on a national funded body performing only profit base research on medical areas that does not critically concern Singaporean. I can't remember if A*STAR retorted her criticism. Today, Liver disease is still the lease research area and mortality rate is a high 70%.

If you have not take your Hep A & B vaccine, please do immediately.

My prayer goes with the man opposite me ... may all his sincere wishes comes true.

3rd day in hospital ...

2009-11-05T10:56:00.003+08:00

The ultra-sound result is out: liver, pancreas, kidney, stomach and intestinal are fine, no visual sign of cancer. That is a great relief for everyone concerns, especially for Bee. She sounds happy and I'm glad. It hurts to see her sad or suffering.

The senior surgeon came and told me that they need to investigate the unusual high alpha-protein, enzymes in the urine and the reason of the intestinal bloated. Further check will be required on the liver function as well as the gastric function. I may need to be ambulance to NUH and SGH for such test. Details to be out later.

The next bed patient is in his late 60s, heard him talking to the senior surgeon that he is not afraid to die, but must die with dignity and not bring inconveniences to others. How I wish that will always be the case. As I always said, we are not bigger than life, definitely no match with death.

The limitation of this frail human body is not just for one self, it provides an opportunity for others around us to benefit. I often think, the historical Buddha could evaporates to thin air or simply self-cremate. He need not suffer his disciples to take care of him when he is old or stricken with sickness during the last few days of his life. However, having chosen to be reborn in human form, he clearly understood the lesson this body can brings to his disciples, that everything, absolutely everything is inter-dependent. There is nothing existed on itself and will never be - this is emptiness.

The benefit of being able to care for the sick, provide for the needs, lending a helping hand in similarly indistinguishable gesture, are the very lesson we need to adhere. We depend on each other and that includes your pets, the animals, the plants, the water, etc. During this trying moment, it is our friends who provided us the support. And you know something, if not because of Rain, we will never have met Joey & Julie. If not because of Shine, we would not have met Janet, Joy and the other doggy friends. If not because I still choose to stay with my current employer despite the very difficult situation we are in, I would not have experience very nice bosses (seriously, not boot licking here) and great colleagues. Ricky, the disposable underwear fits ... ha ha ha ... thanks. I have been wrong to classify different types of "friends" and try to create different protocols in dealing, all of them are my friends, my benefactors. I'm dependent on them and they on me, we are all into samsara.

There is no life-long enemy, and don't make any, it will be enemy with yourself.

The nature of everything is illusory and ephemeral,

Those with dualistic perception regard suffering as happiness,

Like they who lick honey from a razor's edge.

How painful they who cling strongly to concrete reality:

Turn your attention within, my heart friends.

~~ Nyoshul Khenpo ~~

OK, I'm hungry, 15mins more to yummy lunch.

2nd day in hospital ...

2009-11-04T21:58:00.004+08:00

This morning went for the ultra-sound scanning so got to miss breakfast.

I have to change to another room in the middle of the night cause the other two patients are keeping me awake. Not their fault at all, they are suffering from some extreme discomfort. Some of the subjects on the book I'm reading talks about this. Many time we wish to lead a long life but forgetting that as this body age, minor sickness can bring immense physical suffering. Rinpoche is not suggesting that we should all die young, he is emphasizing that what we see as good, may not have any benefits at all - for self or others. Since we are not bigger than life, there is no point worrying or fighting. We just need to accomplish this life purposes, even in our battle over sickness.

The contrary is, Buddhism believe that it is extremely difficult for one to be reborn as human, what more to be reborn as human with the ten extra-ordinary assets. Birth, age, sickness and death comes to everyone regardless of status, race or religion. It is so silly for us to cease death, in fact, we should be prepared towards death cause this is where we all will end.

I have no confidence that fear of death will not grip me, in fact, even if I will live till 80, I think I'll still have fear of dying, I will think of hundred of reasons to justify that I should live on for a few more years. That's exactly what we are: totally un-prepared. I have given much thought on the teaching and I hope it can treasure in me and prepare me for that final day, when it eventually dawn.

The stuff and nurses of AH are really great, that's the reason why I prefer here. I warded in AH many years ago and that good experience lingers and once again proven. Maybe the location of AH makes it ... less commercialise and less competitive in spirit? I really enjoying myself ... ha ha ha ...

OK, the food here is good. I manage to have my curry chicken for lunch and I tell you, it is good, tasty.

At night I have stewed beef with mushroom sauce, yummy. Not forgetting still got afternoon tea: dao-suan.

The blood test result is out. OK, I'm not HIV positive (mandatory check by MOE) and there is a high level of alpha-protein. Alpha-protein is a sort of cancer marker that determines if there is cancerous cells. The normal human have two digits alpha-protein but mine is three digits, so that tells you something. However, it is still not conclusive because other digestive related sicknesses such as gastric will also cause an increase of alpha-protein. Therefore, the ultra-scan result is critical.

If the ultra-scan came back and verify that it is cancerous, than a CT-Scan will determine its location and size so that the doctors can decide what's next. I was reading various web site today and it seems the National Cancer Centre Singapore is the right place to go. They have achieve 60% success rate in liver cancer procedure and have on going research on this subject.

The other one will be Parkway Cancer Centre, but I think being a private hospital, this is going to be expensive.

Any other suggestions?

1st day in hospital ...

2009-11-03T20:29:00.003+08:00

Warded into Alexandra Hospital today suspect acute liver infection. Don't exactly know what that means, anyway ...

Very bless to have a group of caring friends like Joey, Joy & Julie. They help me to keep Bee company and transported her because our doggy car can only move after 7pm.

My boss, Nick also came, with three Linux/PC mags to keep me company, nice.

Anyway, the service here is really good, the menu are great and food is tasty. Had fried dory-fish for dinner just now and curry chicken for lunch tomorrow . . . ha ha ha ...

Tomorrow I'll be undergoing a series of tests to determine the course of my condition.

Just some history, my mom died of liver failure/cancer, so I am 200% more prone to develop liver failure.

At this point, I am reading "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" by Sogyal Rinpoche. It has been sitting in my book shelve for many months and finally I can start reading now.

Completed a few chapter and realise that I am so un-prepared for death. OK, it is not that I wish to die, but who can guarantee that you can determine the time of passing away? Suddenly I came to my senses that all the practices and charities I did were for prosperity, health and success. Nothing, absolutely nothing is prepared for a time as such. This is really refreshing. I pray, my precious guru, the essence of the three jewels and three roots, will keep this message in my heart and change my motive around.

Lastly, I pray that I can attend Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche's programme and the programme of Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche's programme this month.

LAMA KHYEN NO
Lama, thinks of us.

DRIN CHEN TSA WIE LA MA KHYEN NO
Kind root lama thinks of us.

DU SUM SANG GYE KYI NGO WO
Essence of the Buddhas of the three times,

LUNG TOK DAM CHO KYI JUNG NE
Source of genuine Dharma in scripture and realization,

PHAK TSOK GEN DUN GYI NGA DAK
Master of the noble gathering of sangka,

TSA WEI LAMA KHYEN NE
Root lama, may you think of us.

JIN LAB THUK JE YI TER CHEN
Great treasure of blessing and compassion,

NGO DRUB NAM NYI KYI JUNG NE
Source of the two siddhis,

TRIN LE CHI DO KUN TSOL DZE
Buddha activity that grants whatever is desired,

TSA WEI LA MA KHYE KHYEN NO
Root lama, may you think of us.

This and that thoughts ...

2009-10-23T17:37:00.004+08:00

Life is truly interesting.

An event can quickly turn your emotion, aspiration, and even purpose around.

There are two events emerging at this point, both are not certain and the outcome unknown. I am not overly anxious over either one because there is no way I can thwart the results.

As a practising Buddhist and an ordinary samsaric being, I have my aspirations and wishes. I cannot guarantee all my sincere wishes can comes true. There is also no way I can ensure that if they do, it will be all good.

But I do pray that my sincere prayers can be realise.

Recently I have a very strong inclination with 喃无大慈大悲观世音菩萨, the recitation of Om Mani Padme Hum brings tears and in one visualisation, the whole room transform into the Mandala of Chenrezig for a short moment. I put it in Chinese because that is the exact name that comes to me. Not Chenrezig nor Avalokiteshvara but 喃无大慈大悲观世音菩萨.

I read an account, a testimony that I cannot trace now, and it goes like this:
~~~~~

This guy in his ealy 20s had a failed business, driven to the brim of suicide. Just before he commit the act, he came kneeling at the feet of 喃无大慈大悲观世音菩萨 and pray that if his situation can be spared, he'll do whatever 观世音菩萨 will instruct him. Within the week, his business regain momentum and within months, he is out of his business crisis and continues to grow.

Many years past and he is now in his mid 30s. His wife had a difficult labour and both her life and her baby are in danger. The man recalled 观世音菩萨 and once again went before Him and pray. He confessed that he has neglected his promise but am now wish to renew his vow so that the life of his wife and his baby will be spare. Shortly after his prayer, he got a call for a successful delivery by his wife and both live are safe. Overjoyed, he rushed to the hospital to meet his loved ones.

The man is now in his late 50s, a very influential business man but he is contracted with terminal illness. The doctor gave him less than a year to live and encourage him to make good use of his life. Devastated, once again, he went before 观世音菩萨 and confess his neglect of his promises but pray that 观世音菩萨 will enable him to provide for his love ones and witness at least one of his grand children got married. After the prayer, life goes on and he make sure his remaining days are put to good use and spending time with his love ones. In a routine medical check, the doctor report that his terminal illness are miraculously recovering. True enough, six months later along with medical care, he fully recovered.

This time he remembered, went back to pray before 观世音菩萨 and asked, "now You have see me through three crisis and yet, You did not come after me to fulfil my vows, please tell me what can I do for You?" His prayer is met with silent, no signs nor thunder.

He went home and continue on with his life but constantly looking for ways to benefit others and treasure the vow he made in case one day he is ask to fulfil them. He help the poor, love his family, try to be a good man, help out Dharma activities, assisted the Sangha and assisted a temple (a famous one, whom the testimony comes from) in securing and financing a piece of land. He is now living pass 70s.

One day, in his dream, the appearance of 喃无大慈大悲观世音菩萨 visited him and spoke gently saying, "you have fulfilled all your vows, I am very happy."

The man, in awe, replied, "but what is Your tasks for me?"

观世音菩萨 replied saying, "all that you did positively to others are all that I want from you."

~~~~~
The heart of Buddha and the magnitude of His compassion ~ 喃无大慈大悲观世音菩萨

I did not fabricate the above story, I don't think it is on the web. Probably in one of the free booklet that I picked up in temple. The booklet comes with contact details of the man and everyone are welcome to verify. That's why it imprints strongly on me.

If there be any exaggeration or error, it is purely mine.

May your heart be bless and have a great weekend.

Eight years ago ...

2009-10-06T16:35:00.002+08:00

I met Bee through a friend, classmate to be exact, who happens to know her through an ICQ, who happens the Bee injured her ankle and on MC.

That's the past, and, as you know, we went on courtship and got married.

6^th October, 2001, Saturday @ 11:15am, we were officially husband and wife, Mr. & Mrs. Chan . . . the story just got started.

There isn't much point reminiscent the past … what lies ahead is more precious to cherish. Since we never going to know what will meet us tomorrow or a week later or a month later. We want to be in all our future together, well, at least, that's what I wish I can give her.

There are no great promises that I'll becomes an angel or earn lots of money that she no longer needs to work nor will I stay healthy forever never to let her worries nor I will not leave first. She has brought much into my life and so have I brought much into her life. We have rough edges that may never get smoothed. We are not couple matched in heaven nor enemies from hell. We are not deadly attached like peas & honey. But we put breath into each other.

My Guru cannot promise us that we can ever meet in all our future rebirths, even if we will, will we be life-long partner or enemy? This is the only life we'll ever going to be together, the 20+ or, fortunate enough, 30+ years are all it left for this life. So, let us enjoy our differences, fighting life till the end with our different strokes. Turning this life story into one that completes our journey through Samsara.

That much I like to assure Bee that I'll stay by her and with her as long as I breath.

I bet not many people saw our wedding photos ... I shall upload them tonight.

FAQ on nutrition

2009-10-02T15:54:00.002+08:00

Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?

A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?

A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?

A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ..... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?

A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And remember:
'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOO HOO, What a Ride'

AND.....

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION

Eat and drink what you like.
Apparently speaking American English is what kills you.

Mark Shuttleworth keynote: Coordinated Software Released

2009-10-02T10:37:00.002+08:00

Linuxcon, Portland 2009

Mark Shuttleworth keynote: Coordinated Software Released

hosted by Linux Mag

A short story ...

2009-10-01T17:48:00.003+08:00

Among the first generation of Milarepa's students was a brilliant scholar named Rechungpa. Even though Milarepa advised him that integrating practice is more important than mere textbook study, Rechungpa set out for India anyway, intent on receiving classical instruction at one of the great Buddhist philosophical institutions existing at that time. Indeed, Rechungpa studied diligently with many great Indian scholars and saints.

When he returned to Tibet after many years, his old master Milarepa came to welcome him on a barren plateau. After they had exchanged greetings and discussed Rechungpa's studies for some time, a voilent hailstorm suddenly broke from out of the sky.

There was nowhere to hide in the flat open plain. Milarepa spotted a yak horn on the ground and quickly took refuge inside of it - without the horn becoming larger or Milarepa becoming smaller.

From this dry shelter, Milarepa sang a song letting Rechungpa know that there was still plenty of space in the yak horn ... if only his student had realized the nature of emptiness.

The karma on wealth ...

2009-08-31T11:27:00.003+08:00

Like to share the following story I read in Shangpa Rinpoche's blog:

"Long ago, a great Bodhisattva met the Wealth God and the Bodhisattva asked him “You are the god of wealth and yet you did not give wealth to the needy ones. People are suffering from poverty, yet you simply did not care for them. You should give them wealth to relieve their problems instead of giving more to the people who already have so much wealth.”
Then the Wealth God replied, “I also wish to do that but somehow my wealth doesn’t seem to benefit the poor people and on contrary, benefits the rich people.”
The Bodhisattva then asked, “How can that be if you wish to give and they do not benefit? It is not possible like that.”
The Wealth God answered, “If you don’t believe in what I just said then I will show you what will happen. Please come with me and let’s see”. Both of them walked towards a bridge and the Wealth God placed a big piece of gold that is shaped like a stone in the middle of the bridge. Both of them stood aside to see what is going to happen.

Soon, three beggars came along and they were jesting with each other on who is smarter. Just before crossing the bridge, they decided that whoever crosses the bridge the fastest whilst being blindfolded is the smartest person amongst them. So they tied a small piece of cloth over their eyes, blindfolded themselves and started to cross the bridge. All three of them crossed the bridge without seeing the gold! They were merely engrossed with praising the person who had walked the fastest and they left.

Later another person came along and he was singing a song while crossing the bridge. Though his feet struck the gold, he did not notice it as gold but deemed it just an ordinary stone. In fact, he was angry and spat on it and left.

Subsequently, one rich man riding on a horse carrying many jewelry and wealth came onto that bridge. Immediately he saw the gold, got off the horse, picked it up, carried that along and left.
After that the Wealth God told the Bodhisattva, “You see, I too wish needy people will benefit from my wealth but it is usually not the case. On the contrary, it benefits those who already have some assets by way of accumulation of past merits and which creates a cause for them to achieve worldly and beyond worldly accomplishments.

The Bodhisattva thinks it is individual’s Karma to receive the results from the cause, which they have created earlier. No one can simply change the fate of another. He felt very compassionate towards them and decided that the most important thing is to create a good cause for everyone so that they can be free from suffering.

Many people think luck is different from Karma. I think luck is linked to Karma. It is the sole creator and main cause of happiness or suffering so when it is ripened, we experience the result accordingly."

My note: the above is one reason why I do not bet on TOTO or 4D during this period of time. Especially if you had some bad situation, don't waste your money gambling or betting 4D. It will have a lesser chance to strike. I recall the last time I actually strike big in 4D were the better days when the economy was pink and I have my regular increment.

Browser Security ...

2009-08-19T13:38:00.003+08:00

A very interesting document, do spend some time reading:
Browser Security Handbook

Written and maintained by Michal Zalewski <lcamtuf@google.com>.
Copyright 2008, 2009 Google Inc, rights reserved.

The Lovely Bone

2009-08-07T11:32:00.001+08:00

Interesting ...

World 2nd largest fish tank ... breath taking ...

2009-07-30T11:55:00.001+08:00

Here it is. Will Singapore try to beat this, again?

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Revisioning Buddhism by Piyah Tan

2009-07-30T11:49:00.002+08:00

This article is published in the Singapore Buddhist News.
Though I belongs to the general Mahayana tradition, I do agree with Piyah Tan on this. I know he is not conservative in view, but his caution is not without warrant. I've been a Christian and I know how f~a~r some church leaders have stretch and exaggerate the idea of prosperity gospel. Do we want Buddhism to adopt similar "tactics" as modern Christianity? If that is so, you should really consider Christianity instead.
I remembered my guru, Gharwang Rinpoche ever mentioned that if you perceive the Buddha as those in Christianity, Muslim and Judahism and the deities as those in Hinduism and Taoism, then you should not consider Buddhism at all. Though monetary rewards do provide certain kind of happiness, but this kind of happiness does not lead us to nirvana, instead, to eternal reincarnation or samsara. Apart from choosing your Buddhism carefully, choose our mind carefully, too.
Have a nice day.

Dear Dharma Friends,

Greetings in Peace!

Revisioning Buddhism
[an occasional re-look at the Buddha’s Example and Teachings]

MODERN MONASTICS?

There is no such thing as a “modern” monastic, if we accept Buddhist monks or nuns as renunciants (those who “have left home”). A monastic with the Singapore dreams of the 5 C’s (cash, credit cards, cars, condominiums and country club membership) is clearly a contradiction in terms.

The Vinaya not only forbids monastics from buying and selling but also from what we today call “social work” (see the “Moralities” section of the first 13 Suttas of the Digha Nikaya). In the Maha Parinibbana Sutta (D 16), the Buddha even declares that monastics should have nothing to do with his funeral. There are wise and capable lay followers who can do that.

If monastics become good meditators and Dharma teachers, and are fine examples of those who have mastered inner stillness and simplicity, they can teach and inspire wise lay people to run the temples, centres and social work. In fact, this is quietly happening right now in some with the more truly caring groups of lay Buddhists inspired by the forest monastics of today.

In other words, a Buddhist monastic is not a priest. A monastic by definition is a celibate, single person, with no dealings with money. He is regularly engaged in spiritual training and meditation to gain awakening in this life itself. If the monastic ideal were any less than this, there would be no need for the Buddha to arise in the world.

Examine closely the monastic or lay person who says anything like “Society is changing. So we cannot stick with tradition,” or “Buddhism must change with the times,” you will invariably find that he or she has little or no training in Buddhism, and is steeped in worldly affairs and moneytheism of some form. This is business talk, not Dharma talk.

The Buddha’s Buddhism arose as an antithesis to society. Society moves fast and tires us; Buddhism slows us down and rests us. Society wears us down, even sickens us; Buddhism builds, heals and energizes us. It is the mind-healing methods of the Buddha, preserved in his meditation training that are healing and awakening.

The external forms of Buddhism, especially religious rituals are often exploitative and materialistic. They are recidivist: they bring us back to the very problems that the Buddha speaks and acts against: the exploitative priestcraft of the brahmins. The modernized monastics are invariably Buddhist “brahmins”!

The Buddha and the early monastics all alike dress in simple rag-robes, live on almsfood, stay at the foot of trees and in simple dwellings, and use simple medicine. They wander about teaching the Dharma or live quietly meditating alone in the forests and mountains, For the three months of the rains, they stay together in a suitable place, supported by the laity, to whom they give Dharma and meditation instructions.

In due course, such rains retreats have become rituals, used even by those who do not really observe them, by holding kathina and other ceremonies to raise funds for themselves. Many of “modernized” Buddhisms have even forgotten about the rains retreat and the robe-offerings.

But how did the “modernizing” changes start? They clearly began after the Buddha’s death, when the monasteries became more settled, larger, more wealthy and started owning property, mostly through support of the kings and powerful people. While the wandering forest monks quietly continued with their meditation practices, the settled monastics (like those of the Nalanda University in India and the Mahavihara fraternity in Sri Lanka) became more scholastic and worldly, turning more to ritualism, and “modernizing” Buddhism.

The Buddhism of the Nalanda period (for example), copied brahminical practices like mantras, fire puja, and myths. They became successful as a revitalized new tantric forms of Buddhism, but it was a far cry from what Buddha had taught. In fact, the monasteries became so wealthy, that they caught the attention of the Turkish Muslim marauders who plundered and completely annihilated Indian Buddhism by the early 13th century.

Those who are ignorant of early Buddhism, or had little information about it, or who try to fit Buddhism into their own ideas, found this modernized Buddhisms very attractive because they promise various kinds of power, purification and entertainment. In fact, one of the attractive qualities of such modernized Buddhism is their virtuoso rituals and performance quality. They are like sophisticated religious choirs or orchestras; some more like popular pop groups that cater to immediate religious and social needs in a magical or entertaining way. For a high fee, of course.

Modernized Buddhisms externalize and ritualize the healing process. They try to help us without telling us how the healing works. Modernized Buddhism works like a life-saving service at a swimming pool complex: when you are in danger of the waters, they try to help you. But the life-guards cannot be there all the time.

Early Buddhism teaches us how the mind works, how to heal ourselves and how not be lost in worldliness. The Buddha teaches us how to swim, how to avoid dangers in water, and stay safe.

Please choose your Buddhism wisely.

Piya Tan ©2009

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Is Google Trustworthy?

2009-07-29T11:03:00.001+08:00

Security expert on Google Apps for Los Angeles: Is Google trustworthy?

4:30 AM, July 21, 2009

Original article is here.

In an effort to cut costs, the city of Los Angeles is mulling a $7.25 million contract to shed its antediluvian e-mail system in exchange for Google Apps, the search company's suite of e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet and other generally useful utility programs.

By outsourcing a big hunk of its communication system to Google, however, the city would no longer be directly responsible for the manner in which its own information is stored and secured. And because city officials frequently use e-mail to send protected documents -- as when a police official would send digitized criminal records to a colleague -- Google would become the de facto steward of huge amounts of confidential information.

Is that something the city and its residents should worry about?

Maybe, said Bruce Schneier, a computer security expert and chief security technology officer at British Telecom. Everyone who uses a computer relies on security systems they barely understand, outsourcing the important choices to IT managers and hoping they get it right. Even the people in charge of security have to assume...... the hardware and software they're using functions as advertised.

"Security is about who you trust," Schneier said. "Do you trust Google more than your sysadmin? Do you trust Google Docs more than Microsoft Office?"

"Trust is social," he said. "It's not technical."

There's nothing inherently less secure, then, about keeping information in "the cloud," where documents exist out on the Web rather than in a physical location, like a server in a basement.

"If your computer's connected to the Internet, it's accessible by the entire Internet," Schneier said, meaning e-mail stored on company computer systems are open to security threats. "Just like Google docs are."

So the question you ask is: Is Google trustworthy?"

It's hard to tell, Schneier said. When it comes to the way Google's highly confidential security system works, "you're not allowed to get an impression. It's very much a 'trust me' -- you can't evaluate it -- you can't look at it."

He's skeptical about using Google Apps -- which was created as a set of office tools -- to store highly sensitive materials."

When you go into one of these outsourced systems, you're buying into a common security level," he said. "Generally that's a good uniform standard, but it's not the uniform standard you protect nuclear missiles with, or police blotter data. It's meant for your business plan and your spreadsheets. It's meant for stuff you're doing at home."

Updated, 1:20 p.m. July 22nd: Earlier this week, British Telecom, Schneier's employer, announced a partnership with Microsoft to provide cloud-based services to business customers. The Times returned to Schneier to inquire about the skeptical eye he cast on Microsoft competitor Google's cloud security, given the new partnership. We asked him if users should be any more or less inclined to trust Microsoft's cloud services over Google's.

"I don't think so," Schneier replied.

-- David Sarno

NIST has published a working draft of the Cloud Computing Security presentation. Some of the Security Advantages mentioned in the presentation are:

Shifting public data to a external cloud reduces the exposure of the internal sensitive data
Cloud homogeneity makes security auditing/testing simpler
Clouds enable automated security management
Redundancy / Disaster Recovery
Data Fragmentation and Dispersal
Dedicated Security Team
Greater Investment in Security Infrastructure
Fault Tolerance and Reliability
Greater Resiliency
Hypervisor Protection Against Network Attacks
Possible Reduction of C&A Activities (Access to Pre-Accredited Clouds)
Simplification of Compliance Analysis
Data Held by Unbiased Party (cloud vendor assertion)
Low-Cost Disaster Recovery and Data Storage Solutions
On-Demand Security Controls
Real-Time Detection of System Tampering
Rapid Re-Constitution of Services
Advanced Honeynet Capabilities

In theory, if cloud services are implemented properly, NIST's list of advantages hold true. Therefore, it is the implementation, not the technology.

Alice in Wonderland trailer ...

2009-07-24T01:38:00.002+08:00

The leaked trailer of latest Disney 3D movie, Alice in Wonderland. It appeared shortly in YouTube but was removed. Anyway, it is here:

35 Buddhas Practice Resources - Interactive

2009-07-22T10:35:00.004+08:00

This is designed to aid in learning the names and placement of the 35 Buddhas. It contains the images of the Buddhas and audio of the pronunciation of the names. This is a complement to the text compile by 14th Shamar Rinpoche.

Click the following icon to open the file directly in a new browser window.
(Depending on the speed of your internet connection it may take a while to load before the buttons will work. The file size is approx. 2.6MB)

Simply click the arrows to advance and click the sound icon to play the audio.

IE8 is superior ... says Microsoft ...

2009-06-22T17:45:00.004+08:00

What can I say ... check out "their" comparison chart of IE8 with the rest of the BEST Browsers ...

Just blogging ...

2009-06-22T17:01:00.002+08:00

It is Monday, and I am being hurried for something that I'm totally not responsible for. Late pay + 30% pay cut (after 20% to CPF) + demand me to do work out of my scope. That is still fine, but making me fully responsible to some other people's responsibility. Who's doing mine? Urrrrr ... getting into my nerve. I can't wait to get of of here.

Anyway, check out these vids - this "robot" is so Fun to have ... I want one.

The robot, according to the creator's site, has following detail:
Name: 雛(ヒナ) or Chicks
Height: 36cm
Weight: 1.1kg
Degrees of freedom: feet 6 × 2, arms 4 × 2, the neck in a total of 21
Using Servo: KRS-788HV × 20, GWS-PICO-STD × 1 (head only)
Power: 12V battery or power cable for Hobby Robot
Control Board: RCB-3J postural control: gyro × 2, acceleration sensor

Read more at the web page.

"Home Project" free movie from Yann Arthus-Bertran

2009-06-16T10:39:00.002+08:00

In 200,000 years on Earth, humanity has upset the balance of the planet, established by nearly four billion years of evolution. The price to pay is high, but it is too late to be a pessimist: humanity has barely ten years to reverse the trend, become aware of the full extent of its spoliation of the Earth's riches and change its patterns of consumption.

What is HOME ?

HOME is an ode to the planet's beauty and its delicate harmony. Through the landscapes of 54 countries captured from above, Yann Arthus-Bertrand takes us on an unique journey all around the planet, to contemplate it and to understand it.

But HOME is more than a documentary with a message, it is a magnificent movie in its own right. Every breathtaking shot shows the Earth - our Earth - as we have never seen it before. Every image shows the Earth's treasures we are destroying and all the wonders we can still preserve.

"From the sky, there's less need for explanations". Our vision becomes more immediate, intuitive and emotional. HOME has an impact on anyone who sees it. It awakens in us the awareness that is needed to change the way we see the world. (HOME embraces the major ecological issues that confront us and shows how everything on our planet is interconnected.)

Runtime ......... 1:33:18
Language ........ English
Genre ........... Documentary
Quality ......... HighDefinition
Release ......... June 5th 2009

IMDB URL ........ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1014762
IMDB Rate ....... 8.5/10

Homepage ........ www.home-2009.com

Note: you probably can't watch this movie on YouTube, it is here in torrent

2009-06-11T12:40:00.002+08:00

Top 10 Game Trailers From E3

The videos are hosted by

You must check out the 6th videos on Project Natal.

Culture Unplugged Video

2009-05-07T00:44:00.001+08:00

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

2009-05-04T16:16:00.001+08:00

The AWARE after-thoughts ...

Now that the AWARE saga unfold (not over, yet), I like to post my comments and after-thoughts.

I've been a Christian with the Charismatic Movement for close to 20 years, place in leadership role in various ministries. So I know what I'm talking.

The AWARE saga is hardly new: infiltrate, divide and conquer. I am pretty much certain that the context of their prayer will be like: defeat Thy enemies and glorify Thy-self.

'Those years' I readily agreed in prayer that God should plant God-fearing servants in the Government and high places to rule this city for His glory. Having prayed and looking at the politics in Christian-dom, I'm not sure if a Christian from my denomination makes good leader at all.

Christian not only want another Christian to lead them, they actually have preference over certain type of Christian only. For e.g. they do not infer that a Catholic is a God fearing Christian at all.

In many Christian's mind, all things negative or sinful belongs to the devil. But I often ask my leaders then: Jesus died for our sin, so sin belongs to us and not the devil, why do we exhaust so much time and energy pray-battling the devil? The battle is within rather then without, why spent so much time praying that God eliminates the problem? Why not take practical steps to deal with the problem? It is much later (when I became a Buddhist) that I understood that putting the blame at others is far easier then blaming it on yourself. So many Christians suppress their personal 'weaknesses', such as masturbation, sexuality, entertainment (going to movie is a lure by the devil), etc. For the rest of their life, they wrestle with the imaginary devil, never experience the victory they claim to know in Christ, obviously knowing without understanding.

When I decided to leave the Church, out of a sudden, I have 'friends' that I never knew very well called and invite me for coffee, lunch, etc. All with the intention to evangelise me back to the flock. To them, I've backslide, I've gone to the devil, in hell I will be for eternity.

I remember rebuking one such guy telling him that while I am in church, we never even stop to talk for more then 5mins, what do I have in common to chat with you? He never call, period. Last week a "long-time-no-see' friend who left the church recently called and ask how do I deal with the “guilt & fear” in converting to a Buddhist because he is discovering faith and freedom in Buddha's teaching. This incidence clearly displays the FUD approach in Christian education: since Sunday school. I wander how many others are in bondage.

Just recently I found some 'friends' in Facebook whom I knew in church, so, I naively added them. To date, no one accepts my contact (I know they log-in, added new contacts and a whole lot of other activities) except one, but only to be told that she wants to add "fellow Christians only, sorry". So you think close to 20 years of friendship is priceless? Not in church; and especially if you had "backslided".

What I discuss above are not a religion problem. They are also not Buddha's or God's problem, human that is. Human being has the tendency to eliminate things or ideas that contradicts to our fundamental belief, especially if that occurrence threatens to have effect in our day to day. For e.g. we hate cockroaches, so we kill whenever one flew into our home accidentally (OK, I'm one of those). We will never seek the recourse to co-exist because that will take too much time, inconveniences and I may get "contaminated" with that opposition.

So, the AWARE saga is nothing new under the sun. Christian community is growing, I know many "God fearing servants" are serving in government and making governance policies. They are getting rich, enjoying power and are highly educated. Fortunately, to date, many are still tolerable, our government is sensible and still secular. But nobody can predict when the "great revival of any religion" can sweep this tiny island. If Jesus will to establish his dominance, He can rule, but he chooses sacrifice. Similarly, Buddha can sway the kings of His era, he chooses enlightening minds. Many great men and women of great religions choose not to rule, but to bridge.

The communist try to rule the "free-world" with their ideology and the "free-world" tries to eliminate the communist. The biggest looser, us.

2009-04-28T11:26:00.003+08:00

聖嚴法師 108 句自在语

3rd Jan 1930 ~ 3rd Feb 2009
人生
01. 生命的意义是为了服务，生活的价值是为了奉献。
02. 人生的目标，是来受报，还愿，发愿的。
03. 人的价值，不在寿命的长短，而在贡献的大小。
04. 过去已成虚幻，未来尚是梦想，把握现在最重要。
05. 不用牵挂过去，不必担心未来，踏实于现在，就与过去和未来同在。
06. 智能，不是知识，不是经验，不是思辨，而是超越自我中心的态度。
07. 积极人生，谦虚满分；自我越大，不安越多。
08. 上等人安心于道，中等人安心于事，下等人安心于名利物欲。
09. 你是有哪些身份的人，就应该做那些身份的事。
10. 在安定和谐中，把握精彩的今天，走出新鲜的明天。
11. 担心，是多余的折磨；用心，是安全的动力。
12. 财富如流水，布施如挖井。井越深，水越多；布施的越多，财富则越大。
13. 面对生活，要有最好的准备，最坏的打算。
14. 只要还有一口呼吸在，就有无限的希望，就是最大的财富。
15. 救苦救难是菩萨，受苦受难是大菩萨。
16. 超越生老病苦三原则：获得快乐、病得健康、老得有希望。
17. 超越死亡三原则：不要寻死、不要怕死、不要等死。
18. 死亡不是喜事，也不是丧事，而是一件庄严的佛事。
19. 对青少年，要关心不要担心，要诱导不要控制，用商量不用权威。
20. 爱你的孩子，与其担心，不如祝福吧！
21. 夫妻是伦理的关系，不是“论理”的关系。
22. 心不平安是真正的苦，身体的病痛不一定是苦。
23. 明知心不平安是苦，就赶快以持念“南无观世音菩萨”来安心吧。
24. 现在拥有的，就是最好的。拥有再多也无法满足，就等于是穷人。

2009-04-28T11:10:00.002+08:00

Homage to His Holiness Penor Rinpoche

Wikipedia article on Rinpoche

Rigpa Shedra article on Rinpoche

2009-04-23T01:01:00.002+08:00

聖嚴法師 108 句自在语

3rd Jan 1930 ~ 3rd Feb 2009
工作
01. 忙而不乱，累而不疲。
02. 忙得快乐，累得欢喜。
03. 忙没关系，不烦就好。
04. 工作要赶，不要急；身心要松，不要紧。
05. 应该忙中有序的赶工作，不要紧张兮兮的枪时间。
06. 任劳者必堪任怨，任事者必遭批评。怨言下有慈忍，批评之中藏金。
07. 随遇而安，随缘奉献。
08. 人生的起起落落，都是成长的经验。
09. 以智能时时修正偏差，以慈悲处处给人方便。
10. 山不转路转，路不转人转，人不转心转。
11. 船过水无痕，鸟飞不留影，成败得失都不会引起心情的波动，那就是自在解脱的大智能。
12. 甘愿吃明亏，是仁者；受辱吃暗亏，是愚蠢。
13. 压力通常来自对身外事物过于在意，同时也过于在意他人的评断。
14. 用感恩的心，用报恩的心，来做服务的工作，便不会感到倦态与疲惫。
15. 随时随地心存感激，以财力，体力，智能，心力来做一切奉献。

... 明天：平安人生 ...

2009-04-03T12:29:00.002+08:00

Ubuntu to rewrite Linux kernel using Mono

OK, I think this is an April fool joke ... is it???

Original article is here.
~~~~~ *** ~~~~~

Mark Shuttleworth, the Benevolent Dictator for Life of the popular Ubuntu Linux distro, has announced his plans to rewrite all of Gnome, X11 and the Linux kernel using the Mono platform.

Mono - the open source re-implementation of the Microsoft .NET Framework - has long been the subject of criticism from Free Software advocates as a potential patent minefield, particularly in the wake of Microsoft suing companies such as TomTom for other patent violations just recently.

But Shuttleworth, speaking from his gold-plated rocket ship, brushed aside any problems, saying, "Ubuntu is Linux for human beings, and, believe it or not, Microsoft employees are human beings too. We think we need to work closer with Microsoft to ensure heterogenous data silo paradigm middleware enhancements can continue to grow. Oh, and they gave me this nice T-shirt."

We tried to get in touch with Miguel de Icaza, the lead developer of the Mono project, but he was unavailable for comment, reportedly on a skiing trip somewhere near Redmond, Washington.

But a Novell spokesperson who wished to remain anonymous responded, saying, "neither Novell nor our good friends at Microsoft think Mono is a problem. Linux users have nothing to worry about, and we think Monobuntu should really silence all the Mono critics because it proves that we were right all along. So neener!"

While some might say that it's near-impossible to rewrite Gnome and the Linux kernel using Mono and C#, Shuttleworth has said the first fruits of the work will make it into Ubuntu 9.04, Jaunty Jackalope. "We think it's important to start rolling out this cool stuff immediately. People are going to see some incredible performance benefits from the Mono switch, and I think Microsoft will happy to have some extra support in these trouble times. Plus this T-shirt is really nice. Go on, touch it - it's so soft!"

snopes.com: Katie Kirkpatrick

2009-04-03T00:09:00.001+08:00

snopes.com: Katie Kirkpatrick

Posted using ShareThis

2009-04-01T17:30:00.004+08:00

~ MediaCorp = Microsoft ~

I am disappointed how much Singapore suck up to Microsoft, the only outstanding will have to be MINDEF.

Wanted to check out a Unexpected Access in MediaCorp website and to my dismay, they only support Micro$oft's Silverlight.

So I've officially lodge my disappointment to them:

~~~~~ email ~~~~

From: Joshua Frasir Chan
Date: 2009/4/1
Subject: Ch5 Feedback
To: promo5@mediacorp.com.sg

Hi,

I am disappointed that MediaCorp employs vendor bias solution such as Microsoft Silverlight.

There are many more OS neutral and browser neutral solutions employs by International broadcasters. Some even comes free.

MediaCorp ought to make good use of our TV license dollars.

Here I am, leaving high and dry, not able to watch any of the online media - disappointed.

Best regards,
Joshua Frasir Chan

~~~~~ email ~~~~~

Now we know why MediaCorp is not internationally successful, after we keep on pay-and-pay ...

2009-03-30T01:50:00.002+08:00

What Makes You Not a Buddhist

An excerpt from the book ...

Buddha had a cousin called Nanda who was deeply, passionately in love with one of his wives, They were obsessed with each other, inseparable day or night. Buddha knew it was time for his cousin to wake up from his indulgence, so he went to Nanda's palace to beg for alms.

Visitors were customarily turned away because Nanda was busy with lovemaking, but Buddha had special influence. For many lifetimes he had never told a lie, and because of this merit he earned to power of persuasive speech.

When the guard delivered the message that Buddha was at the door, Nanda reluctantly got up from his love seat. He felt obligated to at least greet his cousin. Before he went out, his wife wet her thumb and traced a circle of saliva on his forehead, telling him that he must come back before it dried. But when Nanda went to offer alms, Buddha invited him to see something truly rare and fantastic. Nanda tried to find an excuse not to join the sightseeing tour, but Buddha insisted.

The two journeyed to a mountain where many langurs dwelled, including one particularly gnarly one-eyed she-monkey.
Buddha asked Nanda, "Who is more beautiful, your wife or this monkey?"
Of course, Nanda replied that his wife was the most beautiful, and he described all her delights. Speaking of her made him realize that the spit on his forehead had long dried up, and he longed to return to his home.
But instead Buddha dragged Nanda to Tushita Heaven, where hundreds of beautiful goddesses and mountains of heavenly wealth were on display.
Buddha asked, "Who is more beautiful, your wife or these goddesses?"
This time, Nanda bowed and replied that his wife was like a she-monkey compared to these goddesses.
Buddha then showed Nanda an opulent throne that stood vacant amid all the treasures, goddesses, and guards.
Awestruck, Nanda asked, "Who sits here?" Buddha told him to ask the goddesses.
They said, "On Earth there is a man called Nanda who is soon going to become a monk. Because of his virtuous actions he will be reborn in heaven and assume this throne so that we can serve him."
Immediately Nanda asked Buddha to ordain him.

They returned to the mundane world and Nanda became a monk. Buddha then summoned a second cousin, Ananda, and told him to make sure that all the other monks shunned Nanda. They were told to avoid him at all costs.
"Do not mingle, because you have different intentions, therefore your views are different and your actions will of course be different," said Buddha. "You are looking for enlightenment, and he is looking for [worldly] happiness."

The monks avoided Nanda, who became sad and lonely. He spoke to Buddha about feeling left out. Buddha told Nanda to come with him again. This time they journeyed to a hell realm, where they witnessed all kinds of torture, dismemberment, and asphyxiation. In the center of all the activity stood an enormous cauldron, with all the hell staff gathered around making grand preparations.
Buddha told Nanda to ask what they are doing. "Oh," they replied, "on Earth there is a man named Nanda who is a monk now. Because of that he will go to heaven for a long time. But because he hasn't cut the root of Samsara, he will be too caught up with enjoyments of the god realm and won't seek to generate more good circumstances. His merit will become exhausted and he will fall straight into this cauldron so we can boil him,"
At that moment Nanda realized that he must renounce not only unhappiness [suffering] but [worldly] happiness as well [and strive for True Happiness that comes with spiritual liberation].

I'll like to read this book ...

2009-03-20T16:14:00.005+08:00

Thank God You're a Man

These are publish in the SOKSA Forum.

2009-03-18T16:43:00.002+08:00

Baaaad ass!

Extreme Sheep LED Art
A SAMSUNG LED Commercial ... but fun ...

2009-03-18T10:40:00.002+08:00

Relating and Relation

Just read Shangpa Rinpoche's blog on his relation with his disciples.

I'm a disciple of Ven. Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche.

Unfortunately, I have only twice attended Shangpa Rinpoche's teachings in KKBC. However, I have a strong affiliation with Rinpoche.

Relationship need not have definition, sometimes, and could still be very positive. In a way, I don't have much direct relationship with the Buddha Himself, but through the Dharma, some how, the relationship establish. So the Dharma becomes a medium between the Buddha and me. But, if I were to physically meet Him, can I really get along with Him? I don't know.

Cantonese has a saying: "相处好，同住难。" Literally means you may be good friends or close friends, but you'll have conflict when you started staying under one roof. This roof can means a house, or it can also means office, workplace, hotel room, etc.

同床异梦 is a common "problem" of married couples, but is it really a problem? It is, only when we impose that our close partner for life must share similar inspiration, aspiration and even perspiration (ha ~). I have to tell you that that's not true. Your partner who has live his or her own life for 20+ to 30+ years, cannot suddenly change and it will be impractical to expect so. On the other hand, why don't you change instead?

The above applies to diverse aspect in our lives. At work, in social gathering, family meeting, etc. We should respect diversity of characters and personalities and appreciate their existence. It is due to these diversity that our life are therefore meaningful.

Back to my relating with Shangpa Rinpoche, I do not know him on a personal basis, but I enjoy his teaching and read his writing, I learn. Apart from learning from people close to us, time and location wise, we can also learn from those far away, geographically as well as dimensionally. For e.g. I learn from the teachings of Buddha. I learn from the great beings of the past. Yet I may have never been around them nor met. Therefore, in relating, there is always a medium.

Time, space and physical are not the obstacle for a good and healthy relationship, we are. Find the right medium that you can relate to the other person and the other person with you. Know how far should your relationship goes and respect that boundary, sometimes you can go further, at times, it is better to leave it as it is. Soon you'll find that you are happier.

But, there are always some one you'll never ever want to waste any effort on, so be it. But don't get entangle over it.

The final result: you learn life lesson being with the other person - that's more important then trying to make the other person treasure you or your relationship. When it eventually comes to an end, move on but that person will always be in your heart. Not physically, but the experiences both experience. So, make every encounters a positive one, even if it is not.

Have a nice day.

2009-03-17T14:35:00.002+08:00

Microsoft 2019 ~ no more Windows

The original post is here: Microsoft's vision of 2019

... and watch the video ...
<a href="http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-GB&playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:a517b260-bb6b-48b9-87ac-8e2743a28ec5&showPlaylist=true&from=shared" target="_new" title="Future Vision Montage">Video: Future Vision Montage</a>

2009-03-11T12:33:00.002+08:00

The original post is here

Every week I read a new blog post giving 10 – 25 or even 100 reasons you should switch to Linux right now. I say bah humbug to them. If you need someone to give you 100 reasons to switch your current OS of choice, you are better of sticking with it. As someone who is literally forced to use windows for work-related task, use a Mac just because I have money to blow and runs an obscure Linux distro to prove my point about my anti conformist views; I know a thing or two about why you shouldn’t switch to Linux.

1) You shouldn’t switch to Linux because... you actually enjoy paying for an operating system that is so mired with bugs and issues that it shouldn’t be even released as an alpha build. What recession?

2) You shouldn’t switch to Linux because... change is always scary. Look at Obama, he scares the shit out of me. I voted for him but he always talks about change and change is always scary even if that change will make things better.

3) You shouldn’t switch to Linux because... the only thing you use your computer is to play games. I mean people still use computer for anything other than games?

4) You shouldn’t switch to Linux because... You love to dedicate one whole day of your week just for scanning purposes. Anti-virus scan – Spyware Scan – Defragmentation scan – Registry Scan & defrag. What Fun!

5) You shouldn’t switch to Linux because... You love to pay for Anti-virus/spywares (with yearly subscription renewal) for protection that the OS should provide you in the first place. Even though Windows Defender does a fabulous job, its just not there yet.

6) You shouldn’t switch to Linux because... most people use Windows. If most people use windows it must be good!

7) You shouldn’t switch to Linux because... you realize that nothing lasts forever. Eventually your windows will succumb to a BSOD, while Linux has its version of kernel panic, you might have to wait couple of years to experience it, if at all.

8) You shouldn’t switch to Linux because... you LOVE Internet Explorer and you can only use the latest version of Internet explorer on windows. Imagine going online without IE?

9) You shouldn’t switch to Linux because... you have to be a geek to use Linux and we all know that geeks don’t have girlfriend.

10) Last but not least. You shouldn’t switch to Linux because... you don’t want to be a conformist and do what everyone tells you to do. You want to be unique, which is why you want to use windows. Oh wait…

2009-03-06T15:49:00.002+08:00

Nicky JRT For Adoption:VERY DOMINANT AND AGGRESSIVE DOG!
... but please help ...

Original post is here

This is from the posting in the forum, by a friend of ours. We happens to know the incident rather well and Nicky is obviously the victim.

If you can, please considering rehabilitate him ...

We are writing this with a very heavy heart, this is a typical example of owner(s) no time for dog, humanizing dog, close in the toilet dog, no boundaries/rules were set and thus creating an aggressive dog that got into trouble numerous time. Will you give him another chance?

Name: Nicky (Jack Russell Terrier)
Age: Going 2 years old
Size: Small-Medium - HDB approved
Color: White & Brown patches

Character: Handsome face with beautiful smile but VERY AGGRESSIVE. SO FAR HE HAS BITTEN 6 HUMANS(3 OF THEM ARE CO-OWNERS), HE IS VERY TERRITORIAL, BARKY AND FOOD AGGRESSIVE. VERY DOMINANT TO BITCHES/WEAKER DOGS. (WILL TRY TO HUMP AT ALL COST! IF YOU TRY TO STOP HIM, HE SNAPS!!). NOT A DOG FOR INEXPERIENCE/FIRST TIME DOG OWNER AND DEFINITELY NOT SUITABLE FOR FAMILY WITH CHILDREN OR ELDERS. HE IS EVEN MORE AGGRESSIVE NOW AFTER LEG SURGERY.

Adoption Fee: Nil. New owner will need to nurse his broken hind leg. (Surgery already done at MP by Dennis Choi)

Sterilize? : No but new owner will need to sterilize the dog after successful adoption

Reason: Tied up with work and studies, can't give more time, owner(s) doesn't know anything about dogs to be true. Totally unable to tame/train Nicky. Poor dog has been hopping around in different homes.

Contact: Will be sent via PM.

Special Request: Will need to re-home him ASAP else owners are going to PTS him to prevent him from biting more people and creating chaos in the neighborhood! *BARKING* They have a newborn baby in the house adding fuel to the fire.

Will update more post injury photos later . . . PLEASE TAKE YOUR TIME TO THINK ABOUT THIS ADOPTION AND REHABILITATION OF THE DOG. THIS DOG BITES!!

2009-02-26T11:54:00.003+08:00

~ Video Hub ... service suck ~

OK, this is more of a rant, as well as to make the public aware of bad service, Video Hub Online Video Rental

Was looking for BluRay disc rental online and came across this local service provider. The write-up was fantastic, promising everything (as usual), so I went ahead and register for the 14-days free trial.

Happily, I browse their catalog looking for the BluRay disc that I like to rent, added about 12 discs. Later that I found out, my "current subscription" does not allow me to rent BluRay disc. Acceptable, so I email their one and only Sales/Enquiry requesting them to tell me which subscription plan allows me to rent BluRya disc. On my mind, I was thinking that if it means going for the paid subscription plan, why not?

Here is my exact question to them sent @ 17:10:
Hi,

What attracts me to Video Hub is your availability of BluRay.

I like to know what is the Subscription Plan that will enable me to rent BluRay disc and the charges before I make a decision.

Thanks.

On 17:22, they replied the following:
Thanks.

Accept for ‘Casual Basic’ plan, you may select any plan to best suit you. Please refer Plans & Prices for more details.

We look forward to serving you soon.

Best regards,
Ben

PS. I did not spell wrongly, they did, I copy and paste the exact email.

So, on 17:25, I replied to their email:
Hi,

Whoever is replying to my email, you are not helping. If you can, please re-read my question.

To date, they have not reply me or they really don't understand my English?

So I terminated my subscription with them and will take my money elsewhere. I wonder if the management will get to read this rant, but they sure lost me for good. They might have good products, but their customer service sucks ... big time.

Being in IT support for some years, I realise that just being knowledgeable is not good enough, you need to know how to communicate.

One of the litmus test on a company's service is to irritate their customer support and see how far they will go to support you. I must say that even though StarHub's Customer Service people no nothing about their own products, but I never get angry at them before (irritated, yes) because they actually goes out of their ways to help.

However, the "red umbrella ISP", support suck big-time. For commercial ISP, I'll highly recommend PacNet and even Qala.

2009-02-25T11:34:00.005+08:00

~ Changes ~

Will be posting all doggie related post in my wife's blog http://cckjrt.wordpress.com and keep this blog for Buddhism, Computer/Technical and Martial Art.

Cheers

2009-02-23T14:57:00.003+08:00

Outdated ... but still current ...

I think I watched these two videos before, maybe thousands have posted it on their blog. It doesn't matter, they are still worth re-watching.

Heroic dog or true friends?

Beings weighs our affection to things or others according to our "relation". This is one of the many 'sufferings' we constantly battle. Similarly, if it was a cat that's ran down, in the above video, I don't suppose the heroic dog will risk its life to save.

So I can't say that the dog is a hero because it still have the 'self' in it. However, it is a true friend to the dog being ran down. A true hero is a Bodhisattva.

This is about a claim disclosure of IAMS cruelty in their laboratory test. This is like 3 years ago and to date I've found no updates except this news dated August 2008. If this comes out to be true as claimed, then I think the management of IAMS ought to be answerable.

According to this news it seems that IAMS did not intentionally endorse the cruelty, but ignorance does not mean un-accountable.

Sometimes when I chew on roast duck, chicken rice, hamburger, 肉骨茶, I can't help but think, "how did these animal died and that I get to eat their fresh?"

For those dog owner (i can't say the same for cat and hamster, but you can try and let me know) whom yourselves are Buddhist, I recommend you do this before feeding your kids:
1. Make them sit & wait for their food
2. Recite "Om Mani Padme Hung" according to the kid's required waiting time
For e.g. my kids needs to wait about 10mins before they can take their meal, so I'll recite (mouth out the mantra softly, calmly and clearly, preferably in low voice) the mantra 108 times (very easy to count: both hands, each finger recite 5 times, repeat once more, then follow by 8 times = 108)
3. Dedicate merits to your kids (take the Theravada's view for your kids) and pray specifically:
3a. Take precious human rebirth in all future lives
3b. Meet with a perfectly enlighten master
3c. Return as enlighten being to bring benefits to all sentient beings
3d. May they be happy, have good health and live to the fullness of present live
3e. May all your negative karma with them be eternally dissolve
Accordingly, during Bardo, they'll remember this mantra (pleasant and positive because this mantra will give them food!!!) and recalls it. Immediately, they can escape lower realm rebirth.

Last but not least, print the following mantra and paste it somewhere your kid will get to "see" it.

2009-02-23T02:15:00.002+08:00

A Dog's Saturday

On a fine Saturday morning, we decided to wear out Rain's and Shine's energy by taking a very long walk. True enough, they soon feel sleepy by 10am ... {{following conversation are in Cantonese}

sleeping 陈阿牛

sleeping 陈肥美

Out of a sudden, 肥美 decided to join 阿牛 on his bed, a woken up 阿牛 not so happy.

阿牛: 你又想掂阿?

肥美: 无好这孤寒啦, 借睡吓啦

阿牛: 死肥狗, 拿你来做枕头

2 hours later ~ ~ ~

肥美: 爸爸, 我醒了, 几时出街阿?

阿牛: 死肥狗, 我总没睡醒阿!

Anyway, we bring them out to Pet Mover's Dog Run and meet up with 靚女泡, Ah Bubble. That's not all, our scheme to flatten their battery is almost done, just one more stop to go ... Urban Pooch.

阿牛: 么啲人将啲靚女锁埋咖

阿牛: 真是无阴功

>阿牛: 欸, 索阿!

靚狗甲: 死咸湿佬, 掩着你! 阿牛: 早就掩着啦, 嗜啖啦

of course we did not allow Rain's evil scheme ... {{they were just playing lah}}
by the end of the day, our mission accomplished and they sleep sweetly shortly reaching home ...

阿牛: 无好影啦, 翻脸咖!

肥美: 爸妈嘅房真好睡

Shine was snoring away ~

2009-02-20T12:12:00.002+08:00

~ ASD's A-Dog-tion Day ~

From ASD Singapore

ASD will be holding her first Adoption Drive of 2009 ! Lots of beautiful, friendly and affectionate puppies and dogs of all size, colors and breeds. If you are looking for a dog, do come by on that day to pick out your lifelong friend ! Please help to tell your friends, family and foes about the Adoption Drive as well !

Date: 28th Feb, 1st Mar 09
Time: 11am to 6pm
Venue: Little Paws

201 Telok Kurau Rd, #01-03 Kurau Court
Tel: 63451233
Ricky Yeo: 9259-0698

2009-02-19T11:50:00.002+08:00

~ Dog Run in Singapore ~

I guess not many dog owners in Singapore realise that we have five dog run parks in Singapore. So, here there are, with map ...

Bishan Park Dog Run, Bishan Park 2

West Coast Park Dog Run, off West Coast Highway

Katong Park Dog Run, off Meyer Road

The Animal Resort Dog Run, off Seletar West Farmway 5

Pet Movers Dog Run, off Pasir Ris Farmway 2

Other Resources for Doggie

2009-02-14T23:40:00.002+08:00

A New Tune by His Holiness Shamar Rinpoche ...

Someone posted a video of His Holiness playing a flute. The tune is very nice and I feel move hearing it. Share it here with everyone ...

2009-02-09T12:49:00.004+08:00

Vajrakilaya Grand Puja & Dharma Teaching

by Venerable 12th Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche

Click on picture for more details
19 Feb 2009, Thursday (7:30pm): Lion-face Dakini Initiation & Instruction
20 Feb 2009, Friday (7:30pm): Green Tara Fire Puja
21 Feb 2009, Saturday (7:30pm): Krurkullei Initiation
22 Feb 2009, Sunday (2:00pm)): Vajrakilaya Grand Empowerment & Marmi Monlam Aspirational Prayers

View Larger Map

Click on picture for more details

View Larger Map

2009-02-07T01:19:00.002+08:00

People actually likes Linux ...

I can testify to the above.

Just because Linux is free, people thinks that it is inferior. That's what the big M tries to deceive you ...

2009-02-05T12:03:00.006+08:00

Tribute to 聖嚴法師

3rd Jan 1930 ~ 3rd Feb 2009
無事忙中老，空裡有哭笑，
本來沒有我，生死皆可拋。

2009-02-01T13:09:00.003+08:00

Snowy stayed a day with us on 28 Jan, after the Tanjong Beach outing.

Throughout the stay, she did initially display panic when she could not find her master, but soon settle in. One thing though, she tend to feel in-secure without seeing another human. She'll actually cuddle around human and not as active as a JRT should be.

As usual, she is closer to Bee. That is, when both of us are sitting on the sofa, she'll cuddle beside Bee instead of me. Maybe because I reprimanded all three when they try to sneak into the toilet ... cheeky dogs.

Contrary to what her master claim, Snowy can be train to pee and poo on pee-pan, which she did. Yeah ... smart girl!!!

Snowy initially feel lost without her master ...

Still looking and waiting for her master after she left for about 10mins ago

Guess what they are 'waiting' for ...

She happily accepted a crate we erected for her

Comfy ... dozing off ~~

Finally sleep ...

2009-01-30T06:17:00.002+08:00

A day out to Tanjong Beach @ Sentosa ...

Other blogs of fellow pawrents:
Jojo Ma's Blog
Ginger Ma's Blog

Check out the full photo album here:

A day @ Tanjong Beach, Sentosa

2009-01-30T05:54:00.004+08:00

CNY for Doggies ...

CNY has nothing much to do with doggie, so we brought them to Botanical Garden to spent a good afternoon ... {{actually to tired them out}}

Rain ~ as usual, camera shy ~

Big head dog photo ...

Mama and monsters ...

Shine, never shy from camera ...

Some photos that are not dogs ...

2009-01-02T01:03:00.002+08:00

At the start of 2009, I like to introduce our new family member ... Shine.

She's such a pretty but a bit grumpy. Anyway, we believe that she'll be sweet after she grew pass her puppy stage.

Shine ~ new family member

Shine ~ very sleepy

2008-06-24T02:07:00.000+08:00

Inspiring true story ... inspiring song ...

2008-05-22T00:33:00.004+08:00

A letter from His Holiness 17th Karmapa:Please continue to recite the six syllables Mantra if you have done everything you can in your power for various sentient beings in need.
Each syllable of the six syllable mantra "Om Ma Ni Pad Me Hung" has the ability to liberate the beings in a particular realm by eliminating a particular defilement.

2008-05-21T14:05:00.002+08:00

Emerging Enterprise 2008 ...

Here are the five finalists:

My boss, Nicklaus D'Cruz, 2nd from right.

OAAG is one of the three finalists ... so ... get it?

2008-05-21T12:59:00.003+08:00

Studying ...

Take a break and listen to some music.

I specifically love songs from 游鸿明. It helps me to concentrate and reduce anxiety. OK, I'm not gay lah :D

Took a break and just so happens this song played from my list of songs:

Title: 无字的情批 (in Hokkien)
Lyrics by: 許常德
Music by: 游鴻明
Original singer: 黃乙玲

But I prefer the version by 游鸿明, anyway, enjoy the Music Video by 黃乙玲, it is just as good:

Lyrics as follow, in Hokkien or Taiwanese pronunciation:

阿嬤不識字　但是伊識真多的代誌
伊講閃電是天的鎖匙　鎖匙打開有雨水
阿嬤不識字　但是有一張情批寫乎伊

經過幾十年不曾拆開　她講寫字不如相思

＊我愛的伊　欲來離開　伊講孤單尚適合伊

　無留半字　就斷了過去　不甘心付出　為伊哮歸暝

　我愛的伊　欲來離開　伊講孤單尚適合伊

　山盟海誓　也失去意義　情批攏無字　癡心變青眠

＃我甲阿嬤問　阿嬤的情批是寫啥咪

　伊講情人欲愛無勇氣　才來用字騙情意

伊講情人欲愛無勇氣　才來用字騙分開

Back to study ...

2008-05-09T02:06:00.005+08:00

Monks Aid Survivors, Authorities Sell Rooftops

by WAI MOE, The Irrawaddy, May 7, 2008

Rangoon, Burma -- The survivors of tropical cyclone Nargis are trying to recover their lives and livelihoods almost without any help from the military government. However, Buddhist monks have emerged to come to the aid of many victims.

<<>

“I saw monks in Rangoon, after the storm, distributing food to survivors,” a physician in the former capital said. “I also saw monks clearing up fallen trees and rebuilding houses.”

A doctor in Laputta Township, one of the most seriously affected areas in the Irrawaddy delta, said that, after the storm, survivors went to monasteries for food and shelter because there was nowhere else providing aid. “Monks and young people in each town collected money and rice after the storm, and they cooked rice soup for the survivors,” he said.

While Buddhist monks were striving to save lives and aid survivors, the Burmese military authorities were attempting to prevent the monks from getting involved in relief efforts. Burmese military officials ordered monks not to use monasteries as safe houses for survivors and, according to journalists in Rangoon, the Ministry of Information ordered news agencies not to publish photographs of Buddhist monks aiding survivors, working in the streets or rebuilding homes.

“The authorities won’t allow people to take refuge in monasteries,” a journalist in Rangoon said. “They will only permit people to shelter in schools. Even if the monks want to distribute water to survivors, they have to get permission from the authorities.”

State-run-newspapers and television have repeatedly shown images of high-ranking generals and officers helping survivors and handing out aid packages. However, many survivors in Rangoon have cast doubts on the state media’s reporting.

“The newspapers said the ruling generals and troops encouraged and aided survivors,” a dentist in Rangoon told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday. “But this has quickly become a standing joke among people in Rangoon. We now say soldiers can only be seen in newspapers—nowhere else.

“My house was destroyed,” he added. “But I don’t see any officials coming to visit me.”

Meanwhile, local authorities in Rangoon began distributing tin roofing materials on Tuesday - some three days after the disaster—but not for free. And first, rooftops were only being provided to those with military connections.

“You are survivor. But if you want a new roof for your house, you need to pay 4,900 kyat (US .29) to the authorities for the materials,” said a housewife in Rangoon.

“Then you are lucky - because what I see is that mostly relatives of local authorities buy those roofing materials and sell them on to ordinary people at an inflated price of 30,000 kyat (.3) per tin roof.”

2008-02-24T23:44:00.002+08:00

Video Recordings by H.E. Beru Khyentse Rinpoche

Khyenkong Tharjay website has added interesting video clips recorded and narrated by H.E. Beru Khyentse Rinpoche from November to December 2007.

1. Monlam Puja led by H.H. 17th Karmapa in Bodhgaya
2. Mahakala Puja conducted by H.H. 17th Karmapa in Bodhgaya
3. Lama Dance led by H.E. Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche
4. H.E. Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche's birthday celebration in Kuala Lumpur's centre
5. Kindergarten at Nyethang that is opened on 6th June 2007 and presently it has more than a hundred children studying there
6. Tour of Tashi Gang Monastery in Tibet
7. Tour of holy place where Padmasambhava subdued Naga in Nyethang

Hoped that the video clips would enable better understanding of Rinpoche's Dharma and charitable works. It would also provide a glimpse to the holy places and tradition of Buddhism to you.

2008-02-24T03:34:00.000+08:00

Just added new photos to my albums ...

Chinese New Year - 2008

Enjoy

2007-10-16T16:47:00.000+08:00

After using OpenSuSE 10.3 64bit version for more than a week, my conclusion is: It is not ready.

Many thing still fails:
- Java on FireFox (intermittently)
- Amarok crashed
- KNetwork Manager does not start in some occassion - reboot needed
- Konqueror File Manager crashed
- SCIM on OpenOffice will freeze the system
- Netbean can't work on 64bit
- XGL and Compiz will freeze your screen
- The worst of all, HAL fails to read any DVD/CD as well as USB Devices.

Yeap, you guess, I can't backup my data with 10.3, so I boot it with Knoppix, save all my data and re-install the notebook with a 32bit version.

Disappointing because the 64bit of 10.3 is far inferior than 10.2. I have been using the 64bit of 10.2 for more than 6 months and nothing of this sort ever happens.

So, goodbye, 64bit, it is not ready for users with productive purposes in mind. If you have all the free time to test it, go ahead.

2007-10-07T18:44:00.000+08:00

This is my second day into OpenSuSE 10.3. Resolved two issues:

1. Java for Firefox
OK, it happens that the solution is simple. Uninstall the default 64bit FireFox and reboot your system.
Re-select FireFox through YAST's Software Manager. But this time, under the package info, navigate to Version and select the i586 version instead of the 64bit version. Go ahead and install
Now you can follow the java.com instruction to install the latest jre.

2. Note for wireless card on notebook
In order for your wireless card to get detected every time, you need to select it as default network device during installation.

That's it ... two down and some (lesser troubles) to go ...

2007-10-06T13:46:00.000+08:00

This is my second day using the brand new OpenSuSE 10.3.

Fast, responsive but still wanting ... hmm

The attempt is made on an ACER Aspire 5680 on Intel Core2Duo with 2GB RAM. Of course, I kept the 40GB for Windows VISTA that I hardly boot except to play SimCity.

Here's my journey:

First, I attempt to upgrade existing OpenSuSE 10.2 to 10.3. During the system checks, there were lots of conflicts needing “manual intervention”. So I did just that, some of those that have problems are: OpenOffice, Xine, SCIM, Gstreamer, Amarok and some other libraries. The choice is obvious, remove all those conflicting and hope that 10.3 will install the “new”.

40 minutes pass and the system went into reboot for the first time. Happy, I log in and true enough, all the “conflicting application” is not there.

That's easy, I put the DVD back into the ROM and install from it. At this point I must say, the Software Management is a great improvement from 10.2.

Now I try to launch OpenOffice .... waiting ... the bouncing icon appears for a brief 10 seconds and nothing else happens, so is Amarok. Worse of all, SCIM does not work any more ...bad!!!

Tried other applications and it seems that my OS is broken.

Fortunately, I have backup my data. Without any alternative at this point, I go for fresh installation.

The fresh installation is a lot faster than upgrade, it took me less than 30mins and the system is up and running. Actually I attempted two fresh installation, the reason is, on the first attempt, I try to keep the /home partition without formatting, but it ends with disaster. I could not log on at all. This has to do with the permission. Even after I change the directory permission in terminal, I still have lots of error and application launch problem. That drives me to perform the 2nd fresh installation.

And here I am, typing this blog through my brand new OpenSuSE 10.3.

What's good (for me):
+ Fast boot – compare to OpenSeSU 10.2 but still slower than Kubuntu.
+ Application starts up faster.
+ Software management is greatly improve.
+ MP3 codec install automatically – Amarok plays my MP3 songs on first launch.
+ Java JRE install automatically – DO NOT install the one download from java.com. OpenSuSE uses the 1.5 version and it ONLY WORK ON KONQUEROR, NOT FIREFOX. Hello, did I get any attention?
+ Adobe Flash install automatically – it is the latest release.
+ Beryl, Compiz & 3D Desktop works – but you need to install the driver manually and be careful about this.

What's bad (for me):
- SCIM / SKIM not working – in OpenOffice only, but work in Koffice, so this is an alternative. However, do not expect the similar stability found in OpenOffice.
- Java not supported in FireFox – this is repeated on purpose.
- Still can't install Skype.
- Where is Alexandria?
- The wireless card does not launch in all boot-up. Will submit this as bug.

Conclusion
There is only one question to ask: should you move to 10.3?
The answer is a loud YES! For the performance improvement and the stability. The “not working” has alternatives, so it isn't that bad. Give some time for our beloved folks in OpenSuSE to iron out the solution. In most cases, it is not really their problem, it is the community problem. For e.g., SCIM and OpenOffice does not work due to its development layer, not due to OpenSuSE. But may I make this request to Novell/OpenSuSE, please make input-method works. For many of us here in Eastern Asia, this is a major obstacle preventing users to switch. Simply, many Asian speaks and writes more than one languages.

I support a base of more than 30 users and when test driving on Linux, everything is acceptable, including changes in order to adept to OpenOffice. But is this input method that drives than crazy. They will be screaming like, “Josh, this thing does not allow me to key in Chinese! I need it!”

Is anyone reading?

PS. Today is our 6th wedding anniversary ... yeah!

2007-09-29T02:44:00.000+08:00

Was introduce to Pan Kun and James and eversince, I can't stop them making us laugh ...

Enjoy!

2007-09-13T11:13:00.000+08:00

Ubuntu ... OpenSuse ... yeah ...

Was reading Spevack's blog this morning and I am very much compel to write about my opinion.

I was a Windows user until someone introduce me to Ubuntu Warty Warthog. It was really easy to use and I start to see alternative, I like it.

As an IT profession, I find Linux challenging at that point. Though I would play with it on my old P3 computer, but I would never recommend it to ID-10T users, you know, like my wife, Bee.

As Ubuntu continues to “improve”, I started to switch to Kubuntu instead. Call me a fan, but I feel the KDE is the heaven-match for Linux. Gnome just have that something “un-available”.

Many of you would have know, Kubuntu is not altogether the same as Ubuntu and some of us K fans are rather disappointed. So I explore other distro such as Mandriva, Mepis and even PC-BSD, but they all lack that “stability” I crave in a production system (OK, PC-BSD was pretty good but it does not support a lot other hardware, what a shame). For enthusiasts, yes, but not for serious production use.

Anyway, my interest in Linux grew and it drives me to attain the LP1 Certification.

My search never did land me on a distro that seems stable enough for users. Until I discover SuSE, than was SuSE 9 Enterprise that my company bought for us to review. Right away, we love it!

We did lots of things to it and it stay alive and all its applications running on the desktop. Soon, the OpenSuSE was initialised and we were excited but only to realise that OpenSuSE 10 was just as bad as Ubuntu Warty Warthog. It was not until OpenSuSE 10.2 that we really think that OpenSuSE has make it ... but with one glitch: its update and install process – suck big time. So, any of you OpenSuSE developer, I can't wait to test out your promised improvement on 10.3.

To date, we have 6 OpenSuSE 10.2 for our users. These machines were before, Ubuntu 6.06 than Kubuntu 7.10 and finally OpenSuSE 10.2. After each distro being used for 3 months, the users' verdict: OpenSuSE is it.

So, honestly, Ubuntu has lots of fans, but Kubuntu kind of marginalise. But OpenSuSE is fantastic. Could it be because of their evil alliance with Microsoft that drives their fans to the other side? If you are reading this, look beyond that and test drive OpenSuSE, especially on a newer machine, you'll appreciate the stability that Ubuntu, till the latest distro, could not provide. And mind you, it is not I talking alone, my colleagues and those ID-10T users said the same.

If OpenSuSE 10.3 is really as good as they promise, we will roll out for users that has no need of Microsoft products.

2007-09-11T14:07:00.000+08:00

This comes a little late.

Last Friday, 7th Sep 2007, is my 39th birthday. Took a day off and I will say that it is indeed eventful and I enjoy myself.

As a technical person, I like to list things, so here they are:

12pm: yummy lunch at Ling Zhi Vegetarian Restaurant – great food except for the first dish.

1:30pm: tour de Buddha Tooth Relic Temple along South Bridge Road. Took some photos and will post it in my Picasa on-line album later.

3:30pm: went to 四馬路觀音廟 partly because Bee like to make prayer. This is totally different topic, I'll let Bee write about it if she wish.

4:10pm: went to visit His Eminence 12th Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche, who happens to be in town. How auspicious! After making offering of gifts and food to Rinpoche, I sought advice on my practices. He left me some instructions and proceed to gave an oral transmission. Though intended for me but all three of us there are bless – Bee, Jenny and myself. Very auspicious indeed.

6:00pm: Karaok with Bee – 2 hours non-stop singing ... yeah!

8:00pm: Satay dinner at Lau Pa Sat

10:00pm: home sweet home ...

The two of us were tired.

I am most bless by getting to meet Rinpoche on my birthday and having to spent it with Bee. You don't get too many such occasion in one's lift time.

This birthday is rather significant because if I will live till 80, I am reaching the half-way mark of my life.

For the next 10 years, I hope I can accomplish some of my wishes. In fact one of them is already here before me, I will post about it another time.

I am also bless to have Rinpoche here conducting events and giving initiation & blessings during my birthday month, just day after my birthday. I kind of feel like it is all plan for me, my birthday gifts from Rinpoche – blessings to all.

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ho ....

2007-08-10T21:33:00.000+08:00

Bee and I went to Pulau Ubin this afternoon.

I tell you, we cycle throughout the whole island and our legs are so tired that we almost left it there.

Nice weather: windy & sunshine!

Unfortunately, Wat Siam, the only Siam Buddhist Temple is close (for reason unknown, why?). Also, it was high tide so we can't see much at Chek Jawa. But it was a nice trip and good dinner.

So, enjoy the photos here:

A day at Pulau Ubin

2007-08-07T13:54:00.000+08:00

Is low esteem a product of civilisation or is it part of human?

Low esteem cannot be sympathise because it will creates more problems both that individual and the rest. It should be battled on and see the true self of an individual.

Nobody in this world esteem oneself lower than the others. We do see our in-competent or lacks but we do not think that colleague sitting opposite me is better. Perhaps my education level is lower or perhaps my university is not as good or perhaps my grades wasn't better.

The company I work with has need to upgrade our security surveillance system for sometime. It did not get any urgency until we have had security audit by two of our BIG customers. We pass all level except for the area on security surveillance system. OK, that is not enough to fail us, so we agree to get it upgrade in a given time frame.

One of my colleague is really good at all things building facility, electronic & electrical. There is no better person to drive the project, so he is arrowed. The usual process of asking for vendor, survey, list our requirements and quotation selection. He head it all except for some vendors he could not meet, so I meet them on his behalf.

It so happen, that during the selection process, a vendor that I met was selected. Actually the selection process was rather un-professional, my colleague actually refuse to explain it to our boss. So I ended up explaining it to my boss, with my half-plus-six knowledge and request my boss to clarify with my colleague. However, my boss called the vendor directly, ask a few questions and decided, that's it. So, he returned the signed quotation to my colleague and ask him to follow up.

Days pass and today my colleague happens to speak to the vendor of our existing security surveillance system. The vendor post many questions on the selection and the deployment, which my colleague post it back to me. So in somewhat frustration, I question him, why don't you find out from our selected vendor? Guess what, he shun the responsibility and commented that he don't know what we want and don't know why we choose the vendor and don't want to get blame when thing goes wrong in future. Familiar?

Taking in calmly, I shoot this question back at him: as a facility administrator shouldn't you drive the project to completion? He kept quiet, grumble something and went on to shoot an email. Com'on, just because a PABX system has a PC, it doesn't mean the PABX is part of data network, right?

Who wouldn't want a job that will never get blame for anything? Who wouldn't want a job that has all the perfect resources and set-up? Who wouldn't want a job that you and only you get it with your way? This is exactly what low esteem individuals will always complain: this is not there, this is not done, this is not fair, etc. I've seen it all too many times.

But to some low esteem individuals, I will always express my appreciation. The cleaning uncles and aunties in our Singapore food court or eating places, whenever they clean our table of rubbish from the last 'eater' Bee and I will find opportunity to look into their eyes and say 'Thank you!' Return from their face, a surprise and quickly a gleam of appreciation. These are individuals whose esteem are lowered by other impose social status and wages. But they are great in doing jobs that all our mothers warn us against. So, they deserve to be appreciated.

But to those self inflict low esteem individual, come out from yourself!

2007-08-06T16:22:00.000+08:00

Tired of my slow Compaq Presario V2000 and not wanting to wait forever for DELL to offer their Linux Notebook here in Singapore, I went ahead to purchase an ACER Aspire 5680 last Saturday.

The package offered is pretty good for something of this spec and cost less than $2K.

Initially I was tempted to go ahead with the StarHub Max Online Ultimate (100Mbps Internet surfing) that comes with a Compaq Presario F576AU. The catch is a contract tie down for 30 months. Well, that's fine, just take it as an instalment, so I thought. But you should do your math properly:

You should take the upgrade package to the Notebook, that cost $99.
You need to spend $267.00 to change your broadband modem.
You need to change to an N router that cost you another $200++.
Surely you want to have a WiFi card that supports your N router full speed, that cost another $150++, I need two, so that will be $300++.

So, you need to spend additional $1K to get up to speed surfing on 100mbps for a start. Adding to your so called “instalment” which is actually your monthly subscription to Max Online at $87 a month = $2610.00 in three years. So all in all, you spend $3600++ just for a Notebook?!

Get a Mac!

For me, an avid fan of Linux, the ACER Aspire 5680 suite my needs. So I brought it home, spend 3 sleepless (with Bee waking up every hour questioning me why am I not sleeping) hours “protecting” my VISTA. Yeah, I keep it to play Sim City Rush Hour and surfing to Windows friendly ONLY website, such as our NDP Live ( http://www.ndp.org.sg/infocomm/livecelebration/ ) web site. What? IE + Active X only? What about Firefox, Safari and Opera???

On the second partition, I installed OpenSuSE 10.2 (64bit) version and in less than an hour, I'm up and running. Everything works straight out of installation and Compiz work with the Nvidia GeForce GO. So I just spend an hour tweaking it to my likes on a KDE desktop.

What an ironic, Windows state-of-the-art Operating System, oh, it is called VISTA, is only a 32bit system (I know it has a 64bit version, but why should I pay more for it? Why wouldn't it come as OEM on a 64bit processor? Because their 64bit VISTA does not work?? You guess!) while my OpenSuSE is a 64bit system and best of all, it is free!!!

You may question why OpenSuSE and not Kubuntu?

I can only say this, Kubuntu (I don't like Gnome, they treat you like children) or Ubuntu is not altogether stable. Partly due to their Debian testing branch, I think. I am not the only one speaking here, my colleagues who tested Kununtu and Ubuntu concluded the same. After 1 month, our workstation switch to OpenSuSE and remain there.

And there are more that bug us on Kubuntu: the IME for Chinese and Japanese will crash your system, especially so on KDE. OpenOffice can't edit document through SMB protocol.

Bee was first amaze by VISTA desktop effects, but till she sees Compiz on my OpenSuSE, she's convinced and converted.

So here I am enjoying my OpenSuSE can't wait for their 10.3 to be available in October 2007, still free. But I will definitely purchase a box set and support the community, in monetary terms.

2007-07-26T01:30:00.000+08:00

Hi ... I kind'a move my blog to MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/frasir

See ya. Remember to add me!

2007-05-20T23:38:00.000+08:00

Just came back from a wedding in Serembang, Malaysia. Took some photos and here they are:

Serembang - Rames Wedding

2007-05-13T22:09:00.000+08:00

Thailand - 1st to 6th May 2007

Finally, uploaded our photos of our Thailand trip. Enjoy:

Day 1 - Chiang Mai

Thailand - Chiang Mai

Day 2 - Chiang Mai (Adventurous Tour)

Thailand - Chiang Mai (adventure tour)

Day 3 - Chiang Rai

Thailand - Chiang Rai

Day 4 - Bangkok

Thailand - Bangkok (day 1)

Day 5 - Bangkok (a day out with Nong)

Thailand - Bangkok (day 2)

Day 6 - Bangkok (half day only ... so sad)

Thailand - Bangkok (day 3)

Enjoy!

2007-04-07T22:52:00.000+08:00

Salute to Tony Bennett

I have love for songs of the 20s to late 50s and one of the many fabulous singers that that mark that era ... Tony Bennett

Enjoy:

For now ...

2007-03-14T01:03:00.000+08:00

A day out to Sungei Kadut Country Side ...

The photos album here:

A day out: Sungei Kadut Country Side

You must try the Poison Ivy Bistro, great food and not expensive. Must try: curry, brinjal, roast chicken, mani chye and all their cakes (kueh kueh).

We thought of going there this weekend ... again. If you are going around lunch time, better make reservation.

2007-03-09T23:22:00.000+08:00

Music ... nice music ...
This afternoon Bee bought a few CDs. It all started when we accidentally discovered Orange Music.

We are enjoying it right now, totally relax and baptize in it.

Right now we are listening to the album, Spring of Life by Eric Chiryoku.

Now, what can I say ... mainly piano, light touch with occasion flute. Something that you can listen ... listen ... listen and listen loh ...

OK, don't disturb us liao, let us continue our music.

2007-02-28T12:14:00.000+08:00

Nice Tai Ji display

2007-02-25T23:07:00.000+08:00

Rhymes in Bloom - SENTOSA

Our photo album is here:

Rhymes in Bloom

Enjoy!

2007-02-19T14:37:00.000+08:00

Chinese New Year - 2007

Click on the following and enjoy the photos ...

Chinese New Year - 2007

2007-02-11T00:48:00.000+08:00

Program by H.E.12th Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche

Venue for program from 22nd to 25th Feb 2007:
Singapore Futsing Association
2 Allenby Road
Singapore 209973
(opposite Jalan Besar Stadium)

22nd Feb 2007, Thursday
7:30pm to 10:00pm - Five Zambala initiation and instruction

23rd Feb 2007, Friday
3:00pm to 5:00pm - Zambala Tsok Offering
7:30pm to 10:00pm - Vajrapani initiation and instruction

24th Feb 2007, Saturday
3:00pm to 5:00pm - Tara Fire Puja
7:30pm to 10:00pm - Namgyalma initiation and instruction follow by Refuge Taking
(pre-registration require for those wish to take refuge in the Three Jewels)

25th Feb 2007, Sunday
10:00am to 12:00pm - Chang Chog Prayer
2:00pm to 5:00pm - Grand Five Zambala Empowerment & Marmi Monlam Aspirational Prayers

Venue for program from 1st to 4th Mar 2007:
Ngee Ann Cultural Centre
Cultural Room, level 2
Teochew Building
97 Tank Road
Singapore 238066

1st to 3rd Mar 2007, Thr - Sat:
7:30pm to 10:00pm - Bardo Teaching

4th Mar 2007, Sunday:
7:30pm to 10:00pm - Teaching on the 1st of the Four Foundation

More info and poster download, please visit Zurmang Kagyud Buddhist Centre web site.

2007-01-17T18:59:00.000+08:00

Selling the following:

1. CCNA Self-Study Certification Library (ISBN: 0131306464)

includes NetSim LE Network Simulator
for CISCO CCNA ICND exam 640-811
for CISCO CCNA INTRO exam 640-821
CD Serial #:100923082 and 100502259
5^th printing, February 2004, CISCO Press
S$50.00

2. CISCO Routers, Second Edition (ISBN: 0-7821-4107-2)

by Chris Brenton and Bob Abuhoff, 2002 Sybex Inc.
S$30.00

3. CCSP Self-Study: CISCO Secure PIX Firewall Advance (CSPFA), Second Edition (ISBN: 1-58705-149-4)

for CISCO 642-521 foundation learning
S$30.00

4. CheckPoint NG/AI (ISBN: 1-932266-89-5)

by Chris Tobkin, 2004 Syngress Publishing
S$20.00

5. Lotus DOMINO Administration: in a nutshell (ISBN: 1-56592-717-6)

by Greg Neilson, 2000 O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
S$20.00

6. SAP R/3 Administration for Dummies (ISBN: 0-7645-0375-8)

by Joey Hirao & Jim Meade, 1999 IDG Books
S$10.00

7. SAP BW: a step-by-step guide (ISBN: 0-201-70366-1)

by Biao Fu & Henry Fu, 2002 Addison-Wesley
S$20.00

8. Administering SAP R/3: the HR-Human Resources Module (ISBN: 0-7897-1756-5)

1999, QUE
S$10.00

9. Getting Started with SAP R/3 (ISBN: 0-7615-1904-1)

by Dennis L. Prince, 1998 Prima Publishing
S$10.00

All the books are good conditions, the CD (if it comes along) are still there. Only thing is, I sign all my books, it is a habit, sorry.
Up till 2nd Feb 2007, if no taker after that I'll throw them away because books are piling up.

Contact me: sherub.palden@gmail.com
Singapore only, self collect.
Thanks

2007-01-12T02:56:00.000+08:00

Those of us who like Jet Li's movie, <<霍元甲>>, here's the deleted scene in youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DsSLOIdYSg

Why they delete it? Not to offend the Thai?

Enjoy

2007-01-12T00:00:00.000+08:00

Breaking News: Orgyen Trinley meets Shamar Rinpoche

Original news from The Karmapa Conflict website:

Following to this historical event, you should read this report.

After various attempts to get an audience and have a personal meeting with H.H. Shamarpa Rinpoche, H.H. Orgyen Trinley Rinpoche finally met Shamarpa Rinpoche at Delhi on the 9th of January at New Delhi, India.

According to a reliable source of IKKBO, Shamarpa Rinpoche had been approached twice before to arrange a meeting between him and Orgyen Trinley Rinpoche which did not materialize. However, this time on behalf of Orgyen Trinley Rinpoche, Shamarpa Rinpoche was approached by venerable Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, the eldest son of late venerable Tulku Orgyen Rinpoche. Chokyi Nyima on his way back after meeting Orgyen Trinley Rinpoche at Bodh Gaya contacted Shamarpa Rinpoche at New Delhi and mentioned Orgyen Trinley Rinpoche's urgency for the meeting. Since Orgyen Trinley Rinpoche wanted to have the meeting immediately, Shamarpa Rinpoche and Orgyen Trinley Rinpoche met for the first time at New Delhi, India. However, it is not known at this point as to what they discussed.

IKKBO Staff reporter.

2007-01-06T01:12:00.000+08:00

This is abit back date lah, my dear brother Paul gave me a Feng Sui Fountain. So here's the picture where we put it:

Originally we like to put it in our lovely balcony but really could not find a suitable spot. Furthermore, the dirction of the ball should roll inward, thus signify good luck coming in. So we found this spot most appropriate, facing the door and rolling inward. Yeah!!! Thanks, Paul!

Above picture: This is Goldie, one of the the last two off-spring from Ah Brown and Snowhite. Unfortunately, Goldie has detected to have similar growth on the scent gland.
So Bee and me just hope that he'll live this final period of his life in all happiness and satisfaction.

2007-01-04T02:27:00.000+08:00

Some advertisement for my second love: Wing Chun

New intake for year 2007, info as follow:

Class starting 8th Jan 2007, Monday @ 8:00p.m.

Venue: Kong Chow Chinese Association (岡州)

Along New Bridge Road, opposite Pearl Centre.

Frequency: every Monday and Wednesday night, 8:00pm for 1.5hrs (may extend sometime but you are free to leave).

Fees: S$100.00 per month (approx S$12.50 per lesson)

Martial Art form/lineage: Cho Gar Wing Chun (曹家詠春拳)

About the art: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wing_Chun

The first session is free to attend so that you know what you are in for and decide for yourself. No obligation, but Si Fu will conduct lesson as usual so you should come with T-Shirt, loose jogging pants and track shoe. Remember to bring extra t-shirt to change after lesson.

Lesson conduct in English, so all races are welcome.

There is no restriction to gender.

Feel free to contact me if you wish to attend.

Following are summary of quotes from Si Fu Andrew & Jimmy:

1. Wing Chun is not pure exercise. If you just want to work out, you should take up sport and go to a Gym.

2. The objective of training is to harden your fighting skill, reflexes and discover your weakness so that you can make rectification.

3. You should first defuse a possible fight. If threaten, you need to protect yourself and those needing your protection. That means you must win: that is the objective of Wing Chun training. If you have no intention to win a fight, than you should just surrender. Wing Chun does not teach you to kill your opponent.

4. There is no single invincible martial art form. It all depends on how hard and how serious you train. Do note, it takes lots of hard work, sweat and blood to be a skill martial artist. Wing Chun present that possibility, for e.g. Bruce Lee who is a Wing Chun student, but the effort is in your own hand.

See you ...

2007-01-01T00:13:00.000+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR ~ 2007 ~

2006-12-31T01:24:00.000+08:00

So sad, See-the-World (our lovely Gerbil) is not well and in much dis-comfort. We don't think he can make it to 2007, what a day to go ...

I keep Bee distracted so that she need not see him because whenever she sees him, she'll weep. We are so helpless, there's nothing we can do for him. Ah Grey keeps grooming him as if to comfort his ailing brother.

We put this little 'radio' that keeps chanting of Amithaba Buddha's name in wish that he'll take rebirth into Amithaba's Pure Land and end all sufferring.

When he goes, it left Goldie and Ah Grey. I don't think we will keep any pets after they leave us...

Sigh~~

2006-12-20T00:28:00.000+08:00

This evening we celebrated our boss's birthday. Nick's birthday in on 24th Dec while Nora is on 23rd Dec.

On the birthday card for Nick I wrote,"I think happy wishes you have many, so I wish you prosper."

It is not just for fun, I seriously wish him to be successful. You see, if he is happy, he is just happy. But if he is successful, he, too, will be happy. Not only that, it means the Company is successful. That means we as employees are happy, too (well job satisfaction and good bonus, Happy!!!) and it also make our love ones happy. So that's what I am going to pray for Nick and Nora in my practice. May they be successful, attain all their goals and reward their team justly - I think they will.

Back home, our Gerbil passed away. He has been ill for a long time and there is nothing we can do. Sometime I wander why the vet are only for dogs and cats. What about small rodents? Anyway, he hide himself under a log and passed away. Bee was very sad she just stood there and weep. I feel very sad, as well as glad for him. May the compassionate Amithaba Buddha lead him to His pureland and may he attain precious human rebirths and attain enlightenment.

Now left are three brothers: Goldie, See the World and Ah Grey.

Life is so interesting ... every moment has its twist. Every moment is amazing.

2006-12-16T00:32:00.000+08:00

Sitting for CSC paper tomorrow ...

So you should know what I am doing now: revising ...

Actually the subject is not difficult at all, but not for me. This is very much into Java programming and for one that have not been doing programming of any type, this is tough!!!

The last one I did ... Pascal ... ha ha ha ... really ancient mann ...

But long long ago I got distinction for BASIC and BASICA. I remembered I did a Master Mind game to entertain myself.

OK, any interested soul like to try, last terms paper here.

Email me your answer, I'll share mine, too.

Please wish me "success!!!"

Good night.

2006-10-22T01:26:00.000+08:00

Happens to watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHVobYxdgmw

After watching I miss my parents ...

Many a time I am sadden that I could not provide them while they have toiled their lives for us.

Anyway, this did not come without reason, you see, I was contemplating doing Sojong tomorrow, being the 1st day of the 9th month in the lunar calendar. It is a struggle, because I fear that I may fail. This video gave me the courage: I want to dedicate pure merits to my parents by observing Sojong ... but I am still un-certain.

While contemplating, I come to my blog and found that someone left a comment so I click on the person's profile and visit his/her blog, lo-and-behold right at my face, the teaching of Sojong by Shangpa Rinpoche, the very same teacher whom I receive the teaching, too.

Well, OK, I will ... so, getting to bed, tomorrow should wake up at 6 a.m

Thank you for the kindness of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas ... may I not disappoint thee ...

2006-10-15T02:06:00.000+08:00

In a blink of an eye, His Holiness Karmapa is leaving Singapore. Wander if most of us will have the opportunity to meet His Holiness again.

This week is seriously tiring, for me at least. The programs are intensive and the hall ... packed like sardine. My guess is the Red Chenrezig Empowerment pack the hall with about 2000 devotees.

Recalling the whole event, this is one that has the most obstacles, for me at least. First of all, the Centre lost my registration card, whom seat was allocated. I suppose to seat at 141, but they have to put me to seat 386. I was not too please ... well ...

Next is work, daily at 5:55p.m. someone computers will goes wrong. Yeap, consecutively from Tue to Fri. So bad that I can't attend Friday's events at all.

Lastly, well, the seat where I am allocated, is full of kids and some very in-considerate devotees. Yes, I am irritated. So I did not really enjoy the whole events actually. But I treasure the meeting of His Holiness, he would feel more than me ... seeing sentient beings like us ... sigh ...

Karmapa khyenno ...

With all this, I am seriously seeing the lack of merits on my part. I should not disappoint His Holiness and practice diligently. I hope by the time His Holiness Shamarpa comes, I have all the positively merits to seat at the feet of His Holiness Shamarpa.

Shamarpa khyenno ...

2006-10-08T23:18:00.000+08:00

Finally, I got the precious opportunity to meet with His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje. His Holiness will be in Singapore from 7th to 15th October 2006.

Today I received the Bodhisattva vows from His Holiness and given the Bodhisattva Name: Karma Tenzing Gyatso. Got certificate some more. Here're the 14 vows given:

Honestly speaking, I do not feel similar closeness to His Holiness as compare to meeting His Holiness Shamarpa and His Holiness Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche.

As a Kargyupa, this is rather disturbing, if you know what I mean.

That's all I have.

Just want to remember this day, I make a step forward in my Dharma practice. Hope that I can realize my vows in all sincerity with my Guru's help.

Om Ah Hra Pa Cha Na Di