TV Drama Review #76 - Thank You 谢谢

How long? 16 episodes
When & which tv stn? 2007/MBC
Who's in?
Jang Hyuk ~ Min Ki Seo
Gong Hyo Jin ~ Lee Young Shin
Seo Shin Ae ~ Lee Bom
Shin Sung Rok ~ Chui Suk Hyun
Kim Sung Eun ~ Suh Eun Hee
What's it abt?
Min Ki Seo is orginally a doctor who always looks down on people and is very haughty as well until he met Lee Young Shin and her child Lee Bom, who has aids. Ki Seo's girlfriend, Ji Min happened to be the doctor who caused Lee Bom to suffer from aids. Ki Seo quitted his job and worked for his mum. Young Shin is a very cheerful and positive person despite the difficult life she has to face. Through her, Min Ki Seo slowly become a warm, gentle person because of love. Suk Hyun is the first love of Young Shin, who didn't know that Lee Bom is his child. Coincidentally, he works for Ki Seo's mum's company too and has a fiancee Eun Hee, who is from a rich family of lawyers.
This drama also deals with the problems of Aids and how the villagers in the island finally accept Bom.
Loves & Hates:
Wow...Initially I don't have plans to watch it, tho' this is Jang Hyuk's comeback drama. I wld really regret if I didnt watch it now. Airing at the same time alongside with Ma Wang & Yoo Hee, this drama's viewership rose up each time. Plot looked kinda simple, but u'll be addicted to it very soon. Besides the nice plot, many gals wld be attracted to JH's hotness..lolz! (sounds crazy yeah?) That's what army makes wonders...lolz..
JH and GHJ have the sizzling chemistry...GHJ is not pretty, but her acting skills made up for it. Here, she's a single-mum who has a child with AIDs, and she gotta take care of her grandpa, who is also ill. Background is an island near Seoul and a group of tightly-bonded villagers, who work and care for each other. GHJ's expressions are vivid...she worries when Bom went home, she smiles, she cries, her anger when she knew the truth from Ki Seo...and her gratefulness to Ki Seo etc. This character is so rich in feelings and expressions.
Couldnt stand the scenes with Ki Seo doing the operations or saving ppl. Kinda gruesome...yaks! I realised i'm kinda scared of blood in the dramas...lolz! The operation scenes were kinda unprofessional, i mean how can the doc be so "chor lor"...aiyo. haha! Ki Seo was an arrogant fella, so u may be abit "buay song" with him initially, but as he got to know Young Shin's family gradually, he started to change. Haha..but the most anticipating part was how he started liking YS...and all the kissing scenes! Woot! Hahaha! Jang Hyuk rox!
Seo Shin Ae, this cute pretty pie..so lovely! She wld definitely be a great actress if she continues acting.....haha! Actually to me..she's the limelight of the show..without her, there won't be a story. Without her, both YS and KS have nothing to be thankful for.
Shin Suk Rok....havent seen him in other dramas before, his acting is kinda stiff...I only got to see 2 expressions from him ba...when he was "suffering" and when he was with Bom...Hmm..gotta work harder lo...His character was the standard fella in kdramas...didnt know his ex-gt bored his child..and got engaged with a qian jin..then his mum didnt want him to go back to his ex..blah...haiz..pathetic.
Kim Sung Eun...didnt left me with a deep impression too...her screen time was too little la! Haiz..
Worth watching?
Must must must watch! Haha....Komapsumnida! (Thank You's korean title, which also means ty in korean).

Vesak Day Special #4 - Light (May 30th)

It just takes a flash of light to shatter the darkness of countless aeons. But it takes more than just a flash of light to destroy the darkness forever. A little light of the Dharma is good. But just a little light of the Dharma is not good enough. That much light can only destroy that much darkness. Burn on bright the torch of Truth. Light up the countless other torches that light up the other torches...
To create a land of infinite light, of infinite life, with not a moment of darkness is to create a Pureland, paradise.
From "The Daily Enlightenment" Book 1, Reflections for the practising Buddhists.

TV Drama Review #75 - Witch Yoo Hee 魔女柔熙

How long? 16 episodes
When & which TV Stn? 2007/SBS
Who's in?
Han Ga In ~ Ma Yoo Hee
Jae Hee ~ Chae Moo Ryong
Jun Hye Bin ~ Nam Seung Mi
Kim Jeong Hoon ~ Yoo Jun Ha
Dennis Oh ~ Johnny Kruger
What's it abt?
As the director of her father's advertising company, Ma Yoo Hee is known as a witch for her ruthless, no nonsense character. After a string of failed attempts to hire a housekeeper, she runs into Chae Moo Ryong, ex-medical student turned aspiring chef. As a way to work off his debt for crashing into her car, he agrees to become her housekeeper and personal love affairs coach for one month. Gladly, he gives her a makeover that attracts both her old friend Johnny Kruger and her first love Joon Ha. Despite having a girlfriend, Seung Mi, Moo Ryong eventually finds himself falling for Yoo Hee.
Loves & Hates:
SBS has been known for having great cast but with lousy plots. This drama is again another gd example...and I was disappointed. Haiz~~What's interesting was the character Yoo Hee, before she changed to become the normal "standard" character. (tt means she fell in love and lost her "witch" character). Plot was just too boring, with Jun Ha and Yoo Hee's dad plotting evil schemes to seperate Moo Ryong and Yoo Hee.
Han Ga In's acting was quite good initially, becoz' she has to give that super cold look to everybody, and that expressionless face. She looked pretty with her short-hair image too, with her new fashion style..butta her character lost her "uniqueness" as the drama went on. So Yoo Hee looked like another poor gal, who's stuck b/w a few men.
Jae Hee's character didnt impressed me much either. May be there were Dennis and KJH sharing the screen, so somehow JH's screen time wasnt alot. Acting wise, Jae Hee reminded me of his character in "Choon Hyang"..think with the same name also..lolz! I guessed he need to choose something new to act..or else my impression wld always stuck with Choon Hyang.
Dennis Oh..first time saw him acting...and he spoke Korean thru'out. I thought he did a great job in memorising those lines ya. Acting leh...abit woody, and I thot he's supposed to be the "2nd lead" in the drama leh..how come KJH snatched his place? Haha! Anyway, his character Johnny wasnt too special...so in the end, he gotta cuo he MR and YH...ha! Poor guy...
Jun Hye Bin...i know she's a singer, but havent seen her dramas. Her screen time was pathetic too...may be the drama was too focused on the triangle-relationship...and forgot abt this gal suffering..lol. Not much comments la..but at least I dun find her expressionless...
Ha...Kim Jeong Hoon....not a nice guy anymore. Worse than Yul-goon in "Goong" ah. I can guarantee no one wld like his Jun Ha character here...Well, that's a gd thing for Mr Kim, at least he can shed off the "Yul-goon" image, but then he still looked too "adorable" to be an evil guy. Actually he shouldnt be in the drama thru'out, but the PD decided to let him stay longer in the drama, so Jun Ha became worse and worse..with so much bad thots in his brain ah. His looks do give him constraints, esp. on age and the type of character. Well, i believe i wld get to see KJH in other dramas...without the "Chi qing nan" image. Haha!
Worth watching?
I think there are plenty of nice dramas around...can skip this one if you want. However, if u dun wan to miss KJH's performance, go for it...He's the only guy who's changing alot in this drama.

Zooooooooooooooooooo

--SPH Family Day--
My last visit to the Zoo was also on Family Day 2 or 3 yrs back. Hehe..This time round, with Aunt Jo & 2 more gals taggling around...and they were Ann and SC. It's a pity I couldn't meet up PF la. Anyway, everything was going smoothly....except my Japanese lunch...haiz. (Lolz...I am too picky la). My digi cam died on me halfway la..so most pics were with Ann. Well..still got pics for u to check it out..hehe!
White tiger~~I wonder where are the normal tigers? Lolz!
Kangaroos~~~
Emu~~~
Ooops! Why u wanna show me your back Mr Baboon?
Tortoise.....or turtle?
Elephants~~
Nice view of the Pierce reservoir..dunno is it Upper or Lower..shld be the former ba?
Forgot the name of this animal...
Crocs!!!
Saw many other animals la...of coz' gotta mention the Polar bears! Butta, they weren't very co-operative today leh. Inuka didnt stay long enuff outside...while his mama was resting behind the rocks..could only view her backview most of the time...haiz~
--Hg Mall--
Had a walk ard the mall while Tuan bought her jogging shorts and a pair of URS heels..hoho..this woman...

PF's belated birthday celebration

--KBOX @ MS--
Met up with PF and ML for karaoke session, which I didnt go for quite sometime. I really doubt that I will want to have their Klunch again...coz' the food was just inedible. Can u imagine your crispy fish, cant be poked into by your fork?! Hahaha....Anyway, really don't worth my money for their food sia. Had an enjoyable session tdy with the gals tho..sang many songs...and I think PF didnt expect us to celebrate her belated bdae..hehe! Hope u like your gift....and cake.
Walked ard MS before heading for our "proper" meal at "The Asian Kitchen" @ City Link.
The menu~
The ancient armour wor~what a unique deco!
PF's wan tan mee soup.
My Xiao Long Bao~~for 5 bucks..haha! Btw, first time saw Xiao long bao with prawn filling. Hehe..didnt try it tho..
--Dinner--
Disappointed with PizzaHut. The food spoilt my dinner...pizzas were kinda out-of-shaped and the "star crunchy" was not crunchy at all. Anyway, all the food were in their small-sized, totally different from what i saw on the pamplet. Haiz...my curry chicken pizza cant save the day..not delicious lo! Sianzz....Wasted money sia.

What a morning~

--Morning--
Ah Ching...finally dragged herself to cycle with E.W. Jogged for awhile, but cant jogged for long. Haiz...give me your stamina ba Tuan~ Haha...ok she's gg to laugh at me liao..sobbzz.
Anyway, went home before 12pm...too hot la.
Well....the following u r going to read....NO OFFENCE to any Christians out there.
So I just got home, havent got a chance to rest properly...and there came 2 Chinese women.
So, I went to see what they wanted la..and one of them started asking me abt attitudes and behaviour of people nowadays, and that the environment is getting worse blah blah...
I told her don't generalised when she said what everybody is selfish or stubborn etc. Hahaha..
I wanted to ask her what she really wants and then she just asked me if i had read the bible b4, and took out a bible from her bag...
First thought in my mind....."Die Liao, not easy to tackle.."...lolz!
Anyway, I told her I'm buddhist la..but i guessed many of u know they won't give up upon hearing this...(shall i say i'm muslim then?)
So...she asked if i believe there's a creator...and I said no.
Then i told her Buddha is not a god..and she rebutted, saying some buddhists whom she had met claimed they believed there's a creator...well, i just replied some self-claimed "buddhists" believed that coz' they are influenced by other beliefs or from other "sects".
Anyway...it's not the end yet...I couldn't quite remember the details la..
I think she got asked abt what my beliefs said abt the "situation" she talked abt just now..and I told her abt Karma...(obviously they don't believe it..lol) I really hope I was speaking mandarin...then i cld present my thoughts better...haiz...
Then, she started reading something from the bible, about what their creator said abt the current world tt we're living la...what selfish, violent etc ppl...(so that's how terrible our world is huh?) And he promised his believers something...(think is that these "bad" ppl wld be "destroyed"...) I said....when will i get to see his promise...haha..and she wanted to ans my qns..but my brain actually wanna said, "Such ppl have already existed in our world thousands of yrs ago..in early human civilisatons...so your Creator hasnt done anything to it la? " (haha..i'm glad that i didnt say it out..or else is mei wan mei liao..) I just wanna end everything asap.
So in the end, she wanted to discuss with me abt the bible again..but I declined her offer with a thanks..ha! (E.W was watching us all the way...lolz!)
What I wanna say is that....their main purpose is to sell that bible. I am fine if you wanna exchange ideals abt your religion, butta I don't like the idea that some of you came knocking on everyone's door, trying to convince ppl to believe in your religion and to buy your bible. I believe if ppl is interested, they will buy the bible themselves...
And, since I already said I'm not interested, pls do respect me and leave.
Finally, I'm glad that i gave them a chance to speak, and i wasn't angry at all during the process, giving them a faint smile all the while. Buddhists are nice ppl....:)

New drama...*updated*

--Hanazakari no Kimitachi e--
Just a short update for those who like TW idol drama "Hanazakari no Kimitachi e" or "Hana Kimi". Well, the Japanese version is coming up this summer (July) from Fuji TV. Hahaha...i bet there will be comparisions again. Anyway, the lead actor who will act as "Quan" would be Oguri Shun, who acted as Hanazawa Rui or Hua Ze Lei in "Hana Yori Dango". Hohohoho! I dunno the other cast la, all new faces. Anyway, I shall be watching it...and hopefully, I wont be disappointed with the Japanese remake again...like its counterpart HYD..haiz.
--Ying Ye San Jia Yi--
For those who like Ming Dao and Qiao En....their new drama wld be replacing "My Lucky Star" in July! Wow...another manga-turned-idol drama la..other cast include Jason Hsu & Huang Zhi Wei..just some basic info of the characters...
http://www.settv.com.tw/metro/m111/guess/

Vesak Day Special #3 - Loving-kindness Meditation - Forgiveness

"Please put the attention on the breath.
Have forgiveness in your heart for anything you think you've done wrong . Forgive yourself for all the past omissions and commissions. They are long gone. Understand that you were a different person and this one is forgiving that one that you were. Feel that forgiveness filling you and enveloping you with a sense of warmth and ease.
Think of your parents. Forgive them for anything you have ever blamed them for. Understand that they too are different now. Let this forgiveness fill them, surround them, knowing in your heart that this is your most wonderful way of togetherness.
Think of your nearest and dearest people . Forgive them for anything that you think they have done wrong or are doing wrong at this time. Fill them with your forgiveness. Let them feel that you accept them. Let that forgiveness fill them. Realizing that this is your expression of love.
Now think of your friends. Forgive them for anything you have disliked about them. Let your forgiveness reach out to them, so that they can be filled with it, embraced by it.
Think of the people you know, whoever they might be, and forgive them all for whatever it is that you have blamed them for, that you have judged them for, that you have disliked. Let your forgiveness fill their hearts, surround them, envelope them, be your expression of love for them. Now think of any special person whom you really need to forgive. Towards whom you still have resentment, rejection, dislike. Forgive him or her fully. Remember that everyone has dukkha. Let this forgiveness come from your heart. Reach out to that person, complete and total.
Think of any one person, or any situation, or any group of people whom you are condemning, blaming, disliking. Forgive them, completely. Let your forgiveness be your expression of unconditional love. They may not do the right things. Human beings have dukkha. And your heart needs the forgiveness in order to have purity of love.
Have a look again and see whether there's anyone or anything, any where in the world, towards whom you have blame or condemnation. And forgive the people or the person, so that there is no separation your heart.
Now put your attention back on yourself. And recognize the goodness in you. The effort you are making. Feel the warmth and ease that comes from forgiveness."
May all beings have forgiveness in their hearts!
A guided meditation by Ven. Ayya Khema.
Credit: A basic Buddhism Guide @ Buddhanet.

Dinner+Overseas Trip+Post-exam life

--Yesterday's dinner--
Went to "celebrate" my aunt's birthday yday @ Furama Palace. Well, though i got exam the next day...die die also muz go la..coz' it's on Mr Chean's treat. Ha...Anyway, the food was rather delicious la..and quite innovative. Butta, i ate the most expensive fish in my life also...hahaha! Kinda feeling terrible now...coz' it's a live one....arrghh...nvm..fishy, u'll be in my prayers.
--Overseas Trip--
Settled all the payments yday. Just some info for my coming Taiwan trip.
Date: 4/6/07-11/06/07
Flight details: Midnight flight to TPE and evening flight back to SIN via China Airlines.
Tour type: Group
Agency: Nam Ho
--Post-exam--
Haiz....exams are officially gone liao...and I know i am gone as well...haiz...September-doom month. Anyway, what will slacker Ching be doing for hols? Honestly, "temp job" is still on my waiting list...hahaha! Going to meet up my gals, chiong dramas, chiong bks and chiong games la. Oh ya...gotta do excercise also...I really need to shed some weight...gosh...

Yesterday's sunset

--Busy snapping pics--
Yday...kinda bo liao...was using comp while i noticed i got a chance to snap the sunset. So, quickly find batteries and snapped at different timings..haha!
Tai Yang gong gong going down...
My wallpaper now..hehe
--PSOC--
Read a forum just now...our PSOC case was on The New Paper..haha! Dunno who go tell them this news...
--HM--
Welcome back gal! Yeah! Can meet up soon!

TV Drama Review #74 - Alone in Love 恋爱时代

How long? 16 epis
When & which tv stn? 2006/SBS
Who's in?
Gam Woo Sung ~ Lee Dong Jin
Son Yeh Jin ~ Yoo Eun Ho
Lee Ha Na ~ Yoo Ji Ho
Gong Hyeong Jin ~ Gong Joon Pyo
Oh Yoon Ah ~ Kim Mi Yeon
Lee Jin Wook ~ Min Hyun Joong
What's it abt?
Yoo Eun Ho is an instructor at a fitness club, who divorced her husband Lee Dong Jin after the death of their new born baby as she blamed him for not being there for her when she needed him most. They remained as friends after the divorce and met regularly. Even though both started to see other people, they still had great feelings towards each other. With the help of Eun Ho's sister Ji Ho and Dong Jin's good friend Joon Pyo, they finally realised that they should get back together.
Loves & Hates:
Adopted from a Japanese novel with the same title, AIL's plot was quite different from the norm. The pace was slow, but the emotions and thoughts of the characters were clearly presented through their narrations. The whole idea of this drama was interesting too. Hardly any drama touches on this topic...life of a divorced couple. Honestly, I really dont know why they wanna get divorce after Eun Ho gave birth to a still-born child. The reason was quite unusual..as in they still love each other. Well...perhaps if their reason for divorce is like any other, then this drama would be quite standard la.
Son Yeh Jin...received 2 big acting awards after acting as Eun Ho. Honestly, she's improving each time i see her in a drama. Eun Ho is not a perfect woman...and Yeh Jin sshi acted well to bring out her Eun Ho's mixed emotions. Nothing exaggerating...very natural.
Gam Woo Sung...may be u don't know him. But once i told u he's one of the leads in "King and the clown"..ah~Now u know who he is right? Not a handsome fella..and his voice sounded abit weird to me..haha! Who cares? He portrayed Dong Jin well...this character is quite funny at times, but he's very careful not to let his emotions shown...aiyo~Really fed up when he wanna be together with his first crush...poor Eun Ho..lol!
Ok I am rooting for this couple to re-unite again la..so as the drama progresses..i really cant wait to see them be 2gether again.
Another cute couple here is Ji Ho & Jun Pyo...without them to be the "happy folks" here, the drama would be quite boring la. Super good chemistry from them..and i loved to see them trying all their ways to get Eun Ho & Dong Jin together..
Oh Yoon Ah and Lee Jin Wook appeared in the 1st half of the drama...quite a waste somehow. OYA's Mi Yeon is a sexy mum who was hurt by her ex-husband..and her child Eun Seol didnt talked much...super mature kid..cute! Haha! Too bad she couldnt be Dong Jin la~
LJW..had seen him in "Smile again"...acting was average. Looking forward to his performance in the coming "Air City". His character Hyung Joong was a rich kid..who thot his dad "betrayed" his mum...Honestly, I am still not quite clear abt who really betrayed who..lolz! Paiseh ah..But i thot he's quite pathetic.
2nd half of this drama..2 new characters appeared and they would be hindering the couple to re-unite la. Dong Jin's first crush and a prof, who had phobia with water.
OST was nice..and initally i wanna dl. Butta i found 3 osts with tons of songs...haiz..forget it. Lolz!
Worth watching?
Wld reco to kdrama fans out there..Well, dont expect sweet stuffs from them la..coz' this is a rather mature drama. The whole feeling was rather plain somehow...u wont be overly excited to see the drama unfolds..but u would wanna know how they got together again...(How i wish they could show more abt DJ & EH after they got back together...)

Nothing to say....

--Principles of Sociology--
Dear Students who sat for the Principles of Sociology exam on 15 May,We are aware that Section C of the exam only provided a choice of 4 questions when there were supposed to be six and the last question on Organisations which students should answer was one of the two questions missing from the exam paper.
The LSE became aware of the situation only after SIM told them yesterday evening. Apparently there was a printing error when the paper was produced in London. The printing error was not picked up and affected candidates in Singapore, Hong Kong and a few other countries. We are all sorry that this happened. It really should not have. The University will issue a statement about this on the UOL website later today or tomorrow.
Mrs Gosling would like to assure students that no one will be disadvantaged. She has asked me to express her concern and that she hopes students will stay focused on your other papers and do well in your other exams. Don't worry about the Sociology paper now that it is over. Thank you.
So....I guessed most of the folks experienced their "horror" in their lives yday...haha! Yeah! No qns on org! Wah lao 25 marks gone ah..and i gotta crapped out something i didn't know. The best part was SIM informed UOL...win liao lor! They didn't check their papers ah?!
Haiz.....there goes my PSOC paper....
--Exams--
2 more down and 1 more to go...the killer paper.
Anyway, find that this yr's foundation units' exams are all quite tough. At least I find Stats 1 and PSOC rather different from the norm. Heard that Maths I was tough too. The best part is the dumb basic calculator. Imagine u gotta calculate tri-squares and regression graphs with it..win liao la. 2 hours not enough man! Haiz...
I regret not taking Soci last yr...it was the last time for Intro to Soc...it was easier!! Just like my mkting....Haiz.....Too late liao...
I need miracles now....but I know they don't exist....at least for my pathetic case. Haiz...
--Today--
So i realised that SC's pal PJ was my HRM classmate..and only till today. Wah win liao...saw her talking to Ann..and she recognised KH by her long hair. Hahaha....What a small world.
--Money money--
The only reason to be happy about for getting old...is to get $$ from govt. Hahaha! What a GST package. Initially thought that those who haven't celebrate their 21st bdae wont be able to get it, but i was wrong la..haha! And....NS man below 21 also got eh? Why huh? Haiz...but I heard some ppl got $250 leh!!! Aiya....should have stay in a smaller flat....50 bucks less eh! (super-money minded...lolz!)

Happy Mother's Day

Wanna wish all mothers out there...
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Ah Ching doesn't buy Mother's day present every year la.
So guessed what i did today?
I waited for at least 10 mins for a single rose....ha! And sweating like siao.
And Empress Wang said i wasted money buying that rose....
But who cares? I know she's glad la..haha!

Vesak Day Special #2 - Realisation: A reason why we are unhappy

All the suffering in the world arises out of wanting happiness for self.
All happiness in the world arises out of wanting happiness for others. - Shantideva
A reason why we are unhappy is that we are not true to ourselves. Paradoxically, we are also untrue to ourselves when we are untrue to others, as true sincerity to yourself naturally overflows to those around you. How (un)happily we relate to others is related to our happiness, since much of our lives involves relating to others. When we speak of being true to ourselves, it is usually mistaken that we should simply do whatever we fancy for ourselves. Obviously, this doesn't really bring happiness. If it does, we would be perfectly happy already. This means we are doing the wrong things to be happy. Being true means being aligned with the truth, qualities of which include the realisation of generosity, loving-kindness and wisdom. Often, happiness is seeked through their opposites - attachment (to personal happiness), aversion (to those who "threaten" our happiness) and delusion (about what is happiness). Attachment and aversion arise from this delusion, which keeps True Happiness out of reach.
A common symptom of unhappiness is the complaint that we want happiness, but others make us unhappy. The truth is, no one other than ourselves can make us unhappy. We are unhappy about others only when we choose to relate to them in an unhappy manner. Flip this around and it is equally true - those who "make" you unhappy should realise that the cause of unhappiness is not you, but in how they choose to relate to you. If our happiness is always determined by how others treat us, how can we be truly happy? What if someone deluded thinks that making you unhappy brings happiness for oneself? Be generous, loving and wise to that person. Respond with sincerity. Seek to understand and bring happiness to that person. Focus on dissolving the person's unhappiness instead of being unhappy with how that person is affecting you. This also dissolves your unhappiness about that person. It's a win-win situation. Retaliating with aversion would only perpetuate unhappiness on both sides.
What if those unhappy with us do not appreciate our sincerity? This is still no cause for you to be unhappy. True sincerity expects no reciprocation. It simply does what is right - that aligned to happiness. There is happiness in knowing we are blameless, when we do our best to bring others happiness. The only ones who hold our happiness ransom is us. For instance, if someone is unhappy with me for saying the Earth is round, why should I be unhappy about that? The truth is that the Earth is not flat. Others' unhappiness with the truth has no power to make us unhappy if we are at peace with the truth. Likewise, others' unhappiness with the trueness of our sincerity has no power to make us unhappy. The options are obvious - If we do not choose to relate to those unhappy with us happily, we choose choose to relate to them unhappily. Our happiness first comes from how kindly and wisely we relate to the universe; not how it treats us. Yet the kinder and wiser we are, the kinder and wiser the universe is to us - for we are our most immediate "parts" of the universe! - Shen Shi'an
To be unhappy, have expectations that others make you happy.
To be happy, make others happy without expectations. - Stonepeace

Exams

2 down...and 3 more to go.

Vesak Day Special #1 - Buddhism Major Differences

1. There is no almighty God in Buddhism. There is no one to hand out rewards or punishments on a supposedly Judgement Day.
2. Buddhism is strictly not a religion in the context of being a faith and worship owing allegiance to a supernatural being.
3. No saviour concept in Buddhism. A Buddha is not a saviour who saves others by his personal salvation. Although a Buddhist seeks refuge in the Buddha as his incomparable guide who indicates the path of purity, he makes no servile surrender. A Buddhist does not think that he can gain purity merely by seeking refuge in the Buddha or by mere faith in Him. It is not within the power of a Buddha to wash away the impurities of others
4. A Buddha is not an incarnation of a god/God (as claimed by some Hindu followers). The relationship between a Buddha and his disciples and followers is that of a teacher and student.
5. The liberation of self is the responsibility of one's own self. Buddhism does not call for an unquestionable blind faith by all Buddhist followers. It places heavy emphasis on self-reliance, self discipline and individual striving.
6. Taking refuge in The Triple Gems i.e. the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha; does not mean self-surrender or total reliance on an external force or third party for help or salvation.
7. Dharma (the teachings in Buddhism) exists regardless whether there is a Buddha. Sakyamuni Buddha (as the historical Buddha) discovered and shared the teachings/ universal truths with all sentient beings. He is neither the creator of such teachings nor the prophet of an almighty God to transmit such teachings to others.
8. Especially emphasized in Mahayana Buddhism, all sentient beings have Buddha Nature/ Essence. One can become a Buddha (a supreme enlightened being) in due course if one practises diligently and attains purity of mind (ie absolutely no delusions or afflictions).
9. In Buddhism, the ultimate objective of followers/practitioners is enlightenment and/or liberation from Samsara; rather than to go to a Heaven (or a deva realm in the context of Buddhist cosmology).
10. Karma and Karma Force are cornerstones in Buddhist doctrines. They are expounded very thoroughly in Buddhism. Karma refers to an important metaphysical concept concerned with action and its consequences. This law of karma explains the problem of sufferings, the mystery of the so-called fate and predestination of some religions, and above all the apparent inequality of mankind.
11. Rebirth is another key doctrine in Buddhism and it goes hand in hand with karma. There is a subtle difference between rebirth and reincarnation as expounded in Hinduism. Buddhism rejects the theory of a transmigrating permanent soul, whether created by a god or emanating from a divine essence.
12. Maitri or Metta in Pali (Loving Kindness) and Karuna (Compassion) to all living beings including animals. Buddhism strictly forbids animal sacrifice for whatever reason. Vegetarianism is recommended but not compulsory.
13. The importance of Non-attachment. Buddhism goes beyond doing good and being good. One must not be attached to good deeds or the idea of doing good; otherwise it is just another form of craving.
14. In Buddhism, there is consideration for all sentient beings (versus human beings, as in other religions). Buddhists acknowledge/accept the existence of animals and beings in other realms in Samsara.
15. No holy war concept in Buddhism. Killing is breaking a key moral precept in Buddhism. One is strictly forbidden to kill another person in the name of religion, a religious leader or whatsoever religious pretext or worldly excuse.
16. Suffering is another cornerstone in Buddhism. It is the first of the Four Noble Truths. Sufferings are very well analysed and explained in Buddhism.
17. The idea of sin or original sin has no place in Buddhism. Also, sin should not be equated to suffering.
18. Buddhist teachings expound no beginning and no end to one's existence or life. There is virtually no recognition of a first cause — e.g. how does human existence first come about?
19. The Dharma provides a very detailed explanation of the doctrine of anatman {anatta in Pali} or soullessness , i.e. there is no soul entity (whether in one life of many lives).
20. The Buddha is omniscient but he is not omnipotent. He is capable of innumerable feats but there are three things he cannot do. Also, a Buddha does not claim to be a creator of lives or the Universe.
21. Prajna [Panna in Pali] or Transcendent Wisdom occupies a paramount position in Buddhist teachings. Sakyamuni Buddha expounded Prajna concepts for some 20 years of his ministry. One is taught to balance compassion with prajna i.e.emotion (faith) with rationale (right understanding / truth / logic).
22. The tradition and practice of meditation in Buddhism are relatively important and strong. While all religions teach some forms or variations of stabilising/single-pointedness meditation, only Buddhism emphazises Vipassana (Insight) meditation as a powerful tool to assist one in seeking liberation/enlightenment.
23. The doctrine of Sunyata or Emptiness is unique to Buddhism and its many aspects are well expounded in advanced Buddhist teachings. Briefly, this doctrine asserts the transcendental nature of Ultimate Reality. It declares the phenomenal world to be void of all limitations of particularization and that all concepts of dualism are abolished.
24. Conditioned Arising [Paticcasamuppada in Pali] or Dependent Origination is another key doctrine in Buddhism. This doctrine explains that all psychological and physical phenomena constituting individual existence are interdependent and mutually condition each other; this at the same time describes what entangles sentient beings in samsara.
25. The concept of Hell(s) in Buddhism is very different from that of other religions. It is not a place for eternal damnation as viewed by 'almighty creator' religions. In Buddhism, it is just one of the six realms in Samsara [i.e. the worst of three undesirable realms]. Also, there are virtually unlimited number of hells in the Buddhist cosmology as there are infinite number of Buddha worlds.
26. The Buddhist cosmology (or universe) is distinctly different from that of other religions which usually recognise only this solar system (Earth) as the centre of the Universe and the only planet with living beings. The Buddhist viewpoint of a Buddha world (also known as Three Thousand-Fold World System) is that of one billion solar systems. Besides, the Mahayana Buddhist doctrines expound that there are other contemporary Buddha worlds like Amitabha's Pure Land and Bhaisajyaguru's world system.
27. Samsara is a fundamental concept in Buddhism and it is simply the 'perpetual cycles of existence' or endless rounds of rebirth among the six realms of existence. This cyclical rebirth pattern will only end when a sentient being attains Nirvana, i.e. virtual exhaustion of karma, habitual traces, defilements and delusions. All other religions preach one heaven, one earth and one hell, but this perspective is very limited compared with Buddhist samsara where heaven is just one of the six realms of existence and it has 28 levels/planes.
Compiled by Tan Swee Eng.
From Buddhanet.net

清子@日本語を話す会-第三章

--3rd Conversation group @ JAS--
Hmm...was kinda prepared to give my little speech on festival today, butta think Yuko-san had forgotten about it. Haha..anyway my groupmates didnt prepare much also. Haiz...imagine i spent hours doing it yday lo~Hahah! Still quite happy with it, coz' i got put in effort mah.
Anyway, only had an hour for conversation today. All the groups were given songs to practice wor. Then, we learnt that there's a "1 minuite Speech" today. Wah scary sia..lolz! What if one day i kenna ah? Haha...Got 2 newbies joined my group today la..both are learning Japanese in Japanese lang schs lo. Stressed sia...haiz.
Alright...saying about the songs. One of them was an oldie called "上向いて歩こう". (I think there's an eng version..."sukiyaki"? Not sure about the title.) Another song is from SMAP! Their well-known single "世界に一つだけの花". If you havent heard this before, Nicolas Teo had sung it's chinese version before..."世界唯一的朵花". So...knowing that I am a fan of SMAP, Yuko-san asked me to sing a little with another classmate and her. Haha...bo bian la, since most of my grpmates don't know that song. Jimmy-san joined our grp later and he told us that Yuko-san could dance traditional Japanese dance & participated in Chingay wor! Then she said she had participated for 5 times! Wow!
Alright..went to classroom 1 for the "1 min speech". There's 8 participants today..and the last speech was made by a Japanese volunteer. Hmm...I really wanna applaud for these participants lo, coz' they were really courageous. (Unlike me..haha!) There's one auntie who can't speak Japanese correctly and her speech was rather 一段一段. However, she's not afraid la..From her speech...she had cancer, but recovering from it. Wow! Though I cant fully understand what most of them were talking about, I could at least get some basic idea of their topic. Hehe! 2 younger participants talked on dorama and Hokkaido trip respectively. Hehe! (Too bad I didnt find Nishikido Ryou handsome leh...)
Will be learning how to make "onigiri" on the 3rd wk of June during their "日本食紹介". Hehe...should be quite fun la.
--Ichiban Sushi--
Had my dinner with Tuan @ our fav. restaurant la. Today had the 3pm-5pm promotion meal.
The set is 5 bucks and u can upside with a drink + a side order for 3 bucks. Check it out!
Our bowls are divided into 2 parts..this's the special cooked rice..
My spicy pork miso ramen. Tuan's spicy salmon tonkotsu ramen...
The set also comes with gyoza and chili sauce!
Tuan's side order...Agedashi tofu.
My side order...Tori Karaage!
The other 2 side orders available are Chawan mushi and Chicken wings. Wld reco u guys to order Tori Karaage or Agedashi Tofu coz' they are more ex. Hahaha! U can also choose b/w Ocha & Coke for the drink.
Btw, Orange Lantern @ HM had closed down...the new restaurant coming up is.....Ajisen Ramen! Ha~ (Lucky Tuan gets more choices for her dinner next time...)

TV Drama Review #73 - Trimming Success 飞短流长父子兵

How long? 20 epis
When & who created? 2006/TVB
Who's in?
Kevin Cheng ~ Jason Fan Tian Lang
Nnadia Chan ~ Peng Cheng
Sharon Chan ~ Choco Gao Zuo Qi
Wayne Lai ~ Johnny He Zu Sheng
Halina Tam ~ Lin Hui Zi
What's it abt?
Jason is a successful hair-stylist who owns a trendy salon "Fei Duan Liu Chang". His girlfriend Choco is a 2nd-rate model and is a spendthrift. The couple cohibited in Choco's apartment and travelled overseas frequently. Jason's family lives in Stanley and his father is also a barber. Cheng, who is Jason's high sch classmate works in her father's boat repair shop. Cheng is a good-hearted girl who can fix or repair many things as she was an engineering grad.
Johnny returned to Stanley and moved into Jason's house. Everybody except Jason's parents did not like him and were suspicious of him as his father was a thief. While trying to fulfil his father's wish, he was conned by Hui Zi, who's a single-mum with her son & mother-in-law. Hui Zi try to cheat people for money to clear her debts and Johnny helped her to clear her debts later on.
Jason moved back to Stanley after he broke up with Choco while Cheng's ex-boyfriend Vincent returned from the States...
Loves & Hates:
Plot isnt exciting and too predictable. As i said many times before, TVB would try to squeeze in another bad scenario before the drama ends of happily. So, I am watching for the cast..thank goodness! Ha!
I must applaud for Wayne and Halina...super funny pair! Without them I think this drama is gonecase ya. Wayne did looked "suspicious" initially, I really thought he's coming up with something bad, butta I was wrong la. It's good to see how he proved the others wrong and soon nearly everyone could accept him. I was loling when I saw how Halina tried to seduce Cheng's uncle for his money.
Kevin's acting hasnt impressed me much, coz his characters arent special enough. Jason is one of them too. Predictable and standard. Sharon's Choco was "interesting" enough. I really disliked this gal, even tho' she became a better person later on. Gotta credit to Sharon's acting and image la. Very convincing..haha! Hope to see her in other dramas lo..(but pls dont be a bad gal again..)
Nnadia's Cheng...some ppl found her "too gd to be true". Honestly I dont think Cheng is perfect. Take her relationship with Vincent for eg..she didnt love him enough & didnt want to sacrifice for him. I gotta agree this character was near to perfect, but I believe there are such ppl around. Haha! Nnadia looked very cheerful in this drama and her sunny image is just quite different from the rest. (Short hair, always in tees & pants) Mr Chean said Nnadia looked too old for Kevin..but they looked fine to me. Hahaha! As for chemistry wise, still a little lacking b/w them though.
Worth watching?
Hmm....I wont say it's a "must-watch" drama. Mainly becoz' the plot is too standard and kinda dull. However, u can check out how Stanley looks like, if u havent been there. Nice beaches & landscapes...something different from the downtown.

Kenna tagged by ML

RULES: Each person who gets tagged needs to write a blog post of their own 6 idiosyncrasies as well as clearly state this rule.after stating your 6 weirdness you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names at the bottom of the entry. dont forget to leave a comment on their tagboards that says “you’re tagged!” and tell them to read your blog for information as to what it means.Idiosyncrasy means: a characteristic, habit, mannerism, or the like, that is peculiar to an individual
Won't be entertaining those not creative memes or tagged stuffs next time liao. So, tagged me only if they are unique. Hahaha!
1. I would feel uneasy if I can't watch TV or use Comp at home. Lolz...(except Exam period).
2. I would feel uneasy when I dont wear my watch.
3. I cant tolerate my hair to be messy, but it's a different case at home. Wahaha!
4. 英雄主义作祟。。。不喜欢朋友受到不好的待遇。(In chinese)
5. I love t-shirts and jeans/pants!!! (Don't humptump me when u see T-SHIRTS!)
6. A Habit...to be up-to-date with the latest dramas & music via Internet. Hahaha!
As for tag who leh?
My usual habit...anyone who is free can do it..lolz!
--Just Wondering--
Received a sms from Sherry days back..and the msg asked, "what's the thing you wanna steal from me?" I told Sherry I wanna steal her ability to speak Japanese lo, and she replied that she wanna steal my smiley face...lolz!
So...to my pals out there...wanna tell me what u wanna steal from me? Hahah!

Happy Labour Day...& coming up

--Exams--
Counting down to 21st May. Lolz..wish myself good luck!
--The gals--
HL, ML & PF are going to Taiwan this month. Hey gals...enjoy yourself ok? Must let me know any lobangs when you are back! Must take care hor?! Hahahaha!
--Vesak Day--
Hoho...glad that i could stay in SG for this holy day. Well..the annual "Vesak Day Special" would be up again.
--HM--
Hahaha! Gal...finally May is here ya? Good luck for ya exams and...QUICKLY COME BACK! Hohoho!
--Happy Birthday--
3/5-XH
5/5-QY
18/5-HJ & PF
"Happy Birthday to you~Happy Birthday to you~Happy Birthday to youuuuuuu~Happy Birthday to you!"