Veronica Liew Hui Mei

Deutsch

2011-03-14T20:16:00.002Z

1. erst sind sie am fluss entlang bis zur brücke gelaufen.
1. First they are gone along the river bridge to.

2. dann sind sie über die brücke gelaufen.
2. then they are running on the bridge.

3. dann sind sie durch den wald gelaufen.
3. Then they ran through the forest.

4. hinter dem wald sind sie nach links gelaufen.
4. behind the forest they ran to the left.

5. dann sind sie zum spielplatz gelaufen.
5. then they walked to the playground.

6. dann sind sie um den spielplatz herumgelaufen.
6. then they are walking around the playground.

7. sie sind die kirchstraße entlang gelaufen, am bahnhof vorbei.
7. they are the Church Street ran along past the station.

8. jetzt sind sie gegenüber der kirche.
8. now they are against the church.

理想錢途

2011-01-27T14:19:00.001Z

* 星雲
* 副刊

2011-01-27 21:30

我認識一個人。

她很有志向，要為社會作貢獻，推動民主自由發展。她在學校的成績不錯，當過學長，老師亦對其辯才大有揚贊。從各方面看，她都具備出人頭地的條件，只是她選擇了“理想”，而不是“錢途”。

後來，我有一次在某個場合遇見她，駕著國產車，一頭青絲添白髮，原本朝氣的臉孔，也遭歲月無情洗禮，盡顯老態。

我還認識很多朋友。

他們沒有甚麼理想，一心一意只想發達，賺更多的錢。社會公義、政治制度、道德原則全不是他們關心的事。他們的目標很堅定，要往上爬，住大房子、駕豪華車。多年後，他們當中有人真的住洋房、駕大車了，衣食無憂。

她是一個熱心的理想青年，她為社會而操心，回報她的是沒有保障的生活，還有那一輛國產車；而他們沒有高尚的情操，只為自己的口袋打拼，卻獲得安樂的生活享受。

想起她的國產車，他們的豪華車，我不禁疑惑。只是，我相信，她依然會為理想堅持下去，而他們也會繼續走在“錢途”上。

世事，有時真令人感慨……。
星洲日報／副刊‧文：張慶祿‧2011.01.14

絢麗深海美若仙境

2010-09-10T02:41:00.000+01:00

潛水是一件矛盾的事，愛海的人遺憾海底生物遭受破壞，卻又無法自拔的追求潛水的深度與滿足感；潛水像是在太空漫步，這是在陸面上無法感受到的虛浮感；蛙鞋是翼，潛水員雙腳上下揮擺，宛如鳥兒振翅在海里飛翔。

若有幸在海中遇見海流，四肢平衡，就可順海流漂潛。身體受到海流推動，不斷移動往前，海底的風景不斷退後，不費吹灰之力，兩旁海底生物盡收眼帘。潛水愛好者黃禮財第一次聽潛水教練授課時，就是聽見老師把潛水形容成是在深海里當神仙。

黃禮財發現海底深處是心靈的泡湯，當他埋首於工作，快要透不過氣時，就迫不及待想要潛入海底深處呼吸，徜徉在海洋里放鬆自己。

不同深度的海，有不同的景觀，不見得越深的地方，景觀越別緻巧妙。對一名潛水者來說，往越深的地方潛去，是追求深度的滿足感。當你潛得越深，就得更用力呼吸。黃禮財說，只有在那一刻，才可真正感受到自己在深度呼吸，享受用力的快感。

海洋越深的地方，大氣壓力越大。在陸地上，人體承受一個大氣壓力，進入海中，每增加10米深度，身體就要多承受一個大氣壓力，身體的細胞會開始吸收氮氣，不再只吸收氧，留在體內的氮，會令人有昏沉的感覺。

一般而言，只要潛進超過20米深的深海，就會有些昏沉沉，這是氮醉的徵兆，潛得愈深，“醉”得愈重。黃禮財笑說自己曾在海底30米下“mabuk”過，感覺天旋地轉，明明沒有游動，但是身邊的景物都在轉動。這個時候，只需由旁人協助，緩緩的往上回升，在特定的深度停留，讓身上的氮氣排出去，就可恢復正常。

與海底生物曼妙共舞

東馬海域的保育工作比西馬海域做得好。像邦咯島的海水十分混蝕，潛水已看不到瑰麗的海底生物，唯一可以看見的是如手掌般大小的海馬。“在大馬半島的海洋，能夠看見的海底生物已越來越少。島上的建築、海上行駛的遊艇、岸上建碼頭、道路嚴重破壞海洋生態。”

當一個島嶼成為熱點觀光區，海洋也無可避免受到污染，單是防曬油，已不容小覦它對海底生物的殺傷力。

值得一讚的是，刁曼島一帶的海洋保育值得作為其他半島海域的學習榜樣。“1995年曾到刁曼島潛水，2003年再回去同樣的地方潛水，發現當地的海洋生物品種依然不減。”

刁曼島海底蘊藏風情萬種的大型海扇，潛水者可以憑藉海扇的扁平面向海流方向，來判定水流的流向。婀娜多姿的隨海水飄動，展開曼妙的舞姿，令人驚艷不已。

至於東海岸的海域，季候風剛過，海底必然遭到天然的破壞。每逢3月至5月，海水清澈、蔚藍，但是魚類不多。到了7、8月，浮游生物漸多，也是大魚出沒佳期，海水則相對較混濁。

有一次，他在那裡看見墨魚躲在珊瑚叢中產卵，觸須一關一閤的吐出圓滾如乒乓球的卵子。這些難得一見的海底風景，令他無時無刻眷戀潛水，對海底世界如癡如醉。

封鎖龜洞禁潛入

馬爾代夫是潛水天堂；東馬的詩巴丹（Sipadan）也不遑多讓。“馬爾代夫是千島之國，可以看到很多大魚，這是大馬海域鮮見的海景。一條條生性溫馴的鯊魚從你身旁游過，令人雀躍萬分。”他曾與一尾大獅子魚不期而遇。

詩巴丹是大馬潛水員朝聖的天堂，它是由海底下的火山溶岩噴射到600米海面上，而形成了蘑菇狀的島嶼，所以沙灘下就是700米深的斷崖。詩巴丹以豐富的海底生物見稱，Turtle Patch是海龜的栖息處；White Tip Avenue鯊魚大道有巨型的軟硬珊瑚，尤其是黑珊瑚與巨型海扇及海綿，也可見大型的魚群、鯊魚。

龜洞是詩巴丹著名的潛水景點之一，據說，海龜臨終前會游入龜洞等待安息長眠，所以洞內有許多海龜骨骸，不過，近年來，龜洞已完全封鎖，禁止進入，潛水者只能在洞外一窺它的面貌或拍照留念。

夜潛，不一樣的海景

人類在晚上睡覺，海底生物也有睡眠時間，晚上七八時，海里是一片寧靜的，不適合夜潛。晚上10時後，海洋部份生物又恢復了動靜。魚都有求生術，像鸚鵡魚就有獨特的睡姿，它會吐出一層膜保護自己，躲在洞穴內睡覺。

有的深海魚會發光，魚的發光器一般有兩種，一種是魚的皮膚裡能發光的細胞，會分泌一種含磷的粘液，磷和血液中的氧接觸就發出光來。在黑暗的深海裡，發光是一種生存適應，可用來誘捕食餌，迷惑敵人，引誘異性，以利於集群生活。另一種發光器是它有發光細菌。比如說，光瞼鯛的發光器在眼睛下方，口裡面有幾億個發光細菌，這些細菌把從魚的血液中得到的能量變為螢光。光瞼鯛的發光本領勝過任何生物，在夜間人們大約從15公尺遠的地方就能看到它發出的光亮。

海洋之景收納鏡頭下

有人以潛入深海打魚為樂，上岸時拎整串海鮮戰利品。而先進的捕魚技術，已導致海洋生物銳減60%，大型魚類越來越少。若潛水員漠視海洋生態，只顧眼前短暫的享受，罕見的海龜、鯨鯊逐漸減少，總有一天，我們的下一代將看不見這些美麗的風景。

“在海裡，潛水者真的只是一個過客，不亂丟垃圾以免增加海洋的負擔。”

黃禮財最喜歡拍攝屬於較靜態的海蝸牛，它蠕動很慢，比起游動的生物更容易捕捉拍攝。海蝸牛色澤艷麗，外形奇特，斑紋色彩鮮明，而且呈透明狀，姿態千嬌百媚，令人目不暇給。它們鮮艷的外表似是在告誡掠食者“我有毒，離我遠一點”。海蝸牛能夠分泌一種紫色的煙霧來嚇跑掠食者。海底生物就是這般有趣。

星洲日報／副刊‧報導：吳嘉雯‧2010.06.08

南极

2010-08-18T04:15:00.004+01:00

世界上唯一没有国界政府的地方南极

这里是地球上唯一的净土，唯一没有政府的地方，只有憨态可掬的企鹅，懒散贪睡的海狮，巨浪遨游的天鲸，柔柔白白的雪花，宁静怡人的冰川、浮冰、白云、浪花。

1.南极梦

　　资料记载，南北极是不一样的！最大的差异，第一，北极全都是海洋，人们称它为北冰洋，四周是陆地，有格陵兰、欧洲、亚洲和北美洲；南极是被南冰洋环抱的大陆。第二，北极点 (North Pole) 在浮冰上，南极点 (South Pole) 在高原上。第三，北极圈有居民200多万人，南极圈没有居民。第四，北极年平均温为零下18度，南极年平均温为零下50度。第五，北极的象征动物为北极熊，南极的象征动物为企鹅。还有，南极是目前世界上唯一没有政府的地方！

2.两天体验惊涛骇浪

　　我们带着兴奋和激动的心情，从南美洲最南端的城市，同时也是世界最南端的城市，阿根廷的乌斯怀亚市（Ushuaia）乘破冰船游轮Prince Albert II)渡过德瑞克海峡（Drake Passage）。

　　德瑞克海峡位于南美洲最南端的合恩角（Cape Horn）和南极半岛之间的海峡，也是地球上最宽和最深，风浪最大的海峡；它汇合太平洋、大西洋及南冰洋之冷暖不同洋流，又处于南半球大气循环形成的强风地带，造成这里的风浪特别大。因此，德瑞克海峽也被航海家和探险家视为“最险恶的黑暗海域”！

　　来到这里，我们才知悉游轮必须经过这“最险恶的黑暗海域”，才能抵达南极洲。船上负责人再三告知团员，必带晕船药，也分送晕船药给团员在晚餐后开始服用；有的还在耳根的穴道或手腕上的脉搏处，贴上有针炙效果的药布。

　　船一开始啓程，便有着渡过黑暗海峡的恐惧和晕船的担心，紧张和后悔交杂着，但也充满着刺激与对南极的神秘渴望。

　　用完晚餐，吃了晕船药，便倒头睡了。在连续不断猛烈的摇晃中惊醒，听到的是船舱外狂风的呼啸，还有巨浪涌向船身的冲击声，舱房内的书桌、衣柜和大床也在不断摇晃和移动，人躺在床上如在海上玩冲浪板似的，忽高忽低地随风浪一波又一波地飘走。

　　过一会儿，只感到船还在不断地摇晃，连洗脸刷牙都没办法好好的站着，从舱房走去餐厅用早餐，也是步履蹒跚，用手紧抓船上走道的栏杆，不平衡地走着，栏杆上还置放不少的呕吐袋供备用。

　　怪不得用早餐时，有经历过地震的团友描述，其感受与地震十分雷同。坐在餐厅，只见滔天翻滚的巨浪不断冲击着船舷，有时竟打到船的七层楼高，这是我一生中真正亲身体验什么是“ 怒海上的惊涛骇浪”，怪不得老人家总是劝说“欺山莫欺水”。

　　虽然我们谨记船上的服务人员千叮万嘱不可喝太多水，也不可吃得太饱，应多吃姜糖或姜茶，但我们都连续两天晕船晕得很厉害，有些还不断呕吐，吃也吃不下。这两天两夜的晕船和呕吐之苦，让不少团员开始“ 后悔 ”来到南极，想起回程时又要再熬多另外的两天两夜，大家不寒而栗。

3.胜宝旺造船厂修理的船

　　南极洲强劲的暴风，至今仍令我寒惧，由于受到地球自转影响和南极的低气压等因素，南极不仅仅是地球上最冷的地方，也是暴风最强劲最多的地方。这里的暴风既猛烈又酷冷，威力比热带的海上台风有过之而不及。暴风来势极为疾速，最常见时速56公里，会使南极的气温骤降至少摄氏10C。

　　在南极的法国科学研究站，1951年曾测到每秒92.5公尺的风速，约等于时速333公里，也就是说相当于12级风的三倍！

　　每年也只能有三四个月，可坐破冰船深入南极，那便是在南极的夏季。我们很幸运，遇到的强风算是普通，一般风速是介于14公里至45公里之间。

　　船长向大家透露，我们乘坐的船，还是新加坡胜宝旺造船厂经过修理好久才安全下海的。一听到这艘船也和新加坡有一段“情缘”，心里的安全感也跟着踏实多了。

4.上不了企鹅岛

　　破冰船抵达企鹅岛时，船长报告可能有机会下船看企鹅。

　　破冰船不能靠岸，只能将船上的小橡皮船先去企鹅岛探虚实，了解南极突变的天气和风向的变化。

　　小橡皮船往企鹅岛驶不太远，就摇晃不已。突然而来的大风大浪往橡皮船猛吹着、打着，小船似乎要“被掀翻”的感觉，挺嚇人的。

　　小船急速驶回破冰船，船长告知大家，由于气候和风速，上不了企鹅岛。我们都带有少许失望离开久盼的企鹅岛。

　　船长透露，由于南极洲天气特冷，若有不幸的翻船事件发生，人掉入海里，三分钟便有昏迷的危险。

橡皮船驶进冰山和浮冰。
5.冰山和浮冰

　　南极洲的浮冰 (Icebergs)，开始出现在南冰洋的海面上，约有80公里的海面长度，据知每年来自雪崩的浮冰有1万至1万5000公里，最大的浮冰相等于14个至20个台湾岛的面积，但只有10至30％的浮冰露在海面上，全世界有93％的浮冰是来自南极洲。

6.冰崩奇景

　　冰河是经过长年累月，由上流向下推挤，渐渐地缓缓流动，造成濒临海面前端的冰墙不时融化，发生冰墙断裂坠落海中。

　　冰崩奇观在每年12月至翌年2月的南极夏季最为显著，由于海水温度升高，促使冰墙前端的侵蚀融化速度也加快，因此冰崩 (Ice-fall)的几率便增加。

　　当我亲身经历自然界中的冰墙断裂和观赏冰崩的飞爆奇观，不得不叹为观止。特别是冰崩的声音有如炮击声，有时右边突然“轰”了一声，冰崩了。一下子，左边远处也传来另一个“ 轰隆巨响 ”的声音，又是冰崩了。像被大炮炮击爆裂坠落海中的冰，激起巨大浪花，是观赏冰崩奇景的千载难逢的机会。于是造成南极的海洋上，不时漂浮着从冰河崩裂坠落的“冰山”和“浮冰”，将海面点缀成另一种美丽的风景。

　　我特别喜欢近看在阳光照耀下的冰河冰墙，有些像水晶般晶瑩剔透，有些又如锯齿般嶙峋灿烂，有些能从冰缝的间隙闪耀着迷人的淡青色彩，如艺术家的精品之作，但却那么自然。

7.企鹅世界的伟大父爱

　　企鹅是南极洲最可爱的小动物。在新加坡动物园和美国海底世界都看过不少小企鹅，它们都被关在冰冻的大玻璃屋和冰水池塘边，给我的感觉是，小企鹅都是懒洋洋或一动不动似的。

　　可是到南极，企鹅却可爱极了。它们不怕人，或许它们也把我们当作一只只的“大企鹅”，常在我们的身边大搖大摆的走着，一会儿又像溜冰似的往下一滑，便滑至冰雪山下；一会儿又成群結队“扑通”一声，全跳下冰海里遨游嬉戏。若想和它拍个美丽姿势的照片，它会是让你拍到手软，又分文不收的可爱“模特儿”！

　　据知地球上18种企鹅都分布在南半球，但以南极周围企鹅的数目最多，这些可爱的企鹅能在寒冷和寂寞的南极，带给探险家和旅客不少喜悦和兴奋。

　　来到南极才开始了解和认识企鹅的不同品种、条纹、色泽的差异，但其外型总是胖胖圆圆，背部为黑色，前胸为白色，像个“小胖子”。它短手、短脚、短尾巴，两只原是翅膀的短手已经退化无法再飞翔，那只短脚各有三趾，粗大有力，趾间有蹼；游泳时双脚摆动，双手成桨，能灵敏地在冰海中游泳和潜水觅食。

　　企鹅食物主要为冰海中的磷虾和小魚，即使在南极冬季时，海面上冻结成浮冰，企鹅还会利用冰缝或海豹钻过的冰洞，潜入海面的浮冰层下的水中捕磷虾和小鱼。

　　由于天气严寒，企鹅保持体温必须靠其体内皮下那厚厚的脂肪和其浓密的羽毛，同时相互蜷靠和聚居取暖的群居生活以抗禦南极洲的零下50度的冰冷气候。

　　最让我感到惊讶的是，企鹅的孵蛋是靠爸爸！当企鹅妈妈下蛋后，便交由企鹅爸爸孵蛋。为了防止被野鹰或贼鸥伺机掠食企鹅蛋，企鹅爸爸在经过一或一个多月的不吃不喝，小企鹅才破壳而出，由已经吃得饱饱的企鹅妈妈来接替抚育小企鹅。这时已经饿得很瘦的企鹅爸爸，才卸下重任离巢去觅食，然后再回来接班照顾小企鹅，这样轮流合作照顾三个月后，小企鹅才成熟独立。

　　“父爱”在企鹅的动物世界里，是让我最难忘的事！

镜头不错过可爱的小企鹅。

8.帝王企鹅最美最威武

　　在南极洲看过的企鹅，主要有阿德利企鹅 (Adelie Penguin)、绅士企鹅 (Gentoo Penguin)、帽带企鹅 (Chinstrap Penguin) 和帝王企鹅 (Emperor Penguin)，其中以帝王企鹅最大最美也最威武。

　　帝王企鹅颈部的羽毛带深黄色，体型最大，雌企鹅一次只下一个蛋，一般体高大约120多公分，体重约37公斤，平均寿命约20多年。其数目最少，据说只有30万只，主要棲息在南极大陆寒冷的海岸，较为温暖的南极半岛和岛屿则不易看到。

　　在南极地区数目最多的是阿德利企鹅，估计有500多万只。阿德利企鹅、绅士企鹅和帽带企鹅有时一次可下两个蛋。

　　每次登陆海岛，便有一股刺鼻的企鹅粪臭味随风飘来，岛上尽是成群密集的企鹅像农家饲养的鹅一样，“咯咯咯”叫个不停，它们直立地站着，也有的趴着，仿如列队欢迎我们，不停地呼叫着“欢迎！欢迎！”，既不紧张也不恐慌，有的企鹅还可爱到大摇大摆走到我们的跟前，它看着我们，我们也看着它。它们不怕人也不攻击人，总是自由自在和很写意地走着、趴着或游着。不得不佩服它们与恶劣的生存环境搏斗的顽强生命力，它让我学习到的不只是执著的奋斗精神，还有生命的忍耐极限，可爱的企鹅真的不愧为“南极的勇士”。

9.海狮和企鹅和谐共处

　　令我最惊讶的是登上一海岛时，发现岛上卧着十来只的大海狮，懒洋洋的，偶尔翻一翻身体，抬头望望，又躺着睡着了。更怪的是，大海狮的周围，竟然有一大群企鹅直站着或趴着孵蛋，井水不犯河水似的和谐共处，无意中奏出一曲自然界的和谐之章，让人向往。

10.海上遨游的大鲸鱼

　　从1985年起，南极的海域便被划为鲸鱼保育区，全面禁示捕鲸。第一次在游轮上看到在海洋悠游的鲸鱼，是好几年前在阿拉斯加的冰川之旅。这次在南极，据说游轮由于螺旋桨推进的声音很大，把鲸鱼吓得远远的。

　　我们还能在南极海域看到鲸鱼悠游，也算是一种运气。

11.龙卷风和大海浪

　　在游轮上用午餐时，船长突然报告船的左边远处有龙卷风，希望大家多加注意和有所防范。在海洋上一听到有龙卷风，心里总是不舒服的，只见远处的龙卷风正卷起海面上的浪花直向空中翻腾，有如海水被天空抽吸似的，但不到半小时，我们的游轮便被巨浪冲击得大摇大摆。

12.迷失在大雾里

　　从游轮坐橡皮船登上小岛，当要回船时，海上突然有大雾把我们的游轮给蒙没了，连橡皮船的方向指导仪GPS，也不能预测到游轮的位置，在没有人烟又寒冷的南极，不得不让我们焦急！有经验的导游和船手很自信地告诉我们，一定能冲出大雾走向我们的船。

13.新加坡首位女性征服南极

　　一想到南极零下30至40度寒冷的严峻天气，还有暴风雪、大雾、恶浪、龙卷风，不得不佩服在同年同月和我们一起到南极，进行探险的七位英联邦国家女队员组成的南极探险队（Kaspersky Lab Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition ），她们跨越重重困难，花了39天，在2009年12月29日抵达南极点 ( South Pole ) 。

　　南极点位于南纬90度，在南极内陆海拨约2800公尺的高原上，是地球自转的南轴心点，据说站在南极点，不论是向前向后向左向右，都只有一方向，那便是北方！

　　南极探险队里有一位新加坡成员彭素翠，是新加坡首位抵达南极点的女性，她在南极洲度过了37岁生日。她靠坚强的毅力，还须背负一定重量的食物和配备，同时为了避免破环南极洲的自然环境，在探险的16天期间坚持背着自己的排泄物，总重达41公斤。对她们的冒险精神，我深深感动。

14.亲吻南极

　　又下雪了！游轮缓缓地驶进海峽的另一个尽头，迎来一大块又一大块的浮冰和一片又一片的雪景，真是人间仙境，美不胜收。根据《南极条约》及有关规定，旅客不可带走南极的任何一物，但我却带走了南极无尽的美丽回忆和拍摄下来的精美照片，也让我了解，这个唯一没有国界和政府的地区，同时更加完整的认识这个世界。回到舱房内，我随心写下这首抒情诗《亲吻南极》，作为南极之旅的总结：

　　亲吻南极／一位裸睡／在冰川上的女孩／她很美／美得／那么原始自然／那么高贵纯美／那么坦然宁静／让人没有非分之想

　　她／话也不说／眼也不睁／身也不动／就那么的／全裸地甜睡着

　　这里是／地球上／唯一的净土／唯一没有政府的地方／所以／她不懂得／什么叫国家纷争／什么叫社会险恶／什么叫人类仇恨

　　只晓得／这里／有的只是／围绕在她身边／憨态可掬的企鹅／懒散贪睡的海狮／巨浪遨游的天鲸／柔柔白白的雪花／宁静怡人的冰川浮冰　白云　冰山　浪花／企鹅　贼鸥　海狮　天鲸／都无法吵醒她的梦

　　我原不舍得／走近／干扰她清静的梦／但为了／向她告别／我还是情不自禁地／亲吻着她那透红的脸靨／留给她／我那最真最纯最深最美的吻／南极／永远是／我一生中最难忘的裸睡美人！

白振华 (2010-08-15)
《联合早报》

地面上的浩瀚蓝天

2010-01-04T06:39:00.004Z

(2009-12-28)
《联合早报》

唐古拉山在蒙语中意为 “雄鹰飞不过去的高山”，即便是成吉思汗，也无法翻越这一山一水了。他含恨回望这仙境般的天堑，兴叹败退……

　　俯下身掬一捧湖水，水温比气温低很多，是冰彻的感觉。水很干净，透明得像空气，把手中的掌纹放得更加清晰。

　　青藏高原响彻着不寻常的马蹄声，车轮滚滚，长枪和铠甲折射出不属于这里的威武。一声长喝，轰隆隆的大军赫然止步，层叠的弯弓里夹杂着战士的残喘，他们的眼神比刚打过几场硬仗还要疲倦。

　　领军的首领巍然矗立——他就是铁木真，中国战争史上所向披靡的成吉思汗。

　　铁木真怔在战马上，望着近在眼前，却遥遥无法翻越的念青唐古拉山。山下的纳木错湖闪烁出神秘的深蓝，粼粼的湖光冲散了他的坚毅。纳木错史称“天湖”，是蓝天降到地面。苍天般的蒙古大军遇到了真正的蓝天，他铁木真真要含恨于此吗？

　　高原反应让一身铁铠显得愈发沉重，士兵们疲乏无力，嘴唇酱紫，手指不住地颤抖。念青唐古拉主峰的千年积雪投射在纳木错湖上，闪烁着胜雪的光泽，湖面氤氲透亮，水天相融，隐约真有来自天界的光。

　　大批蒙古士兵轰然倒下，战无不胜的神话终于停歇在纳木错湖畔。唐古拉山在蒙语中意为“雄鹰飞不过去的高山”，即便是他铁木真，也无法翻越这一山一水了。成吉思汗含恨回望这仙境般的天堑（意：天然形成的隔断交通的大沟，多指长江。念qiàn），兴叹败退，班师回往漠北。

　　这就是当年关于这世界上海拔最高的湖的传说。

地面上的蓝天

雄鹰也飞不过的蓝天。
　　14世纪，西方世界第一次听说了这片高原的虚构描述后，许多探险家、传教士、登山者接踵而至，用身体的极限来换取仙境般动人的美景。

　　纳木错海拔4000多米，可要抵达纳木错，还得经过很长一段5000多米甚至更高的路程。当身体里的氧气被抽离，大脑嗡嗡疼的时候，所有人都只剩下了一个信念坚持着——我要见到纳木错。

　　一下车就被蓝色包围了，有些令人眩晕。湖水是透明的天蓝色攒叠的，和天空的颜色连成一片。湖底的细石清晰可见，所以感觉不到湖深。浩瀚却无厚重感，真的像是地面上的蓝天。俯下身掬一捧湖水，水温比气温低很多，是冰彻的感觉。水很干净，透明得像空气，把手中的掌纹放得更加清晰。

　　我想不明白，这一湖的蓝到底藏在哪里？当年的铁木真是不是凝望着这一湖的蓝，然后下令退兵的呢？

　　一些人在湖边作揖祈祷，口中喃喃自语，然后将珍宝和哈达抛进湖里。西藏古老传说纳木错是帝释之女，是有生命的神湖，只要来到湖边就能洗尽业障，带来好运。藏民有羊年转湖的习俗，据说转湖每念经一次，胜过平时念经十万次。

　　湖中有五个岛屿，传说是五方佛的化身，每月受制于月亮出现潮涨潮落的现象。纳木错的湖水由念青唐古拉山融化了冰雪注入，千年雪积的水怪不得是这样的冰冷和纯净了。

高原旅者的全部意义

湖水清澈透明，湖底的细石清晰可见，完全感觉不到湖深。
　　一抬头，念青唐古拉山的主峰就在湖的东南面。山顶终年积雪，高耸入云与天连成一体，似真似幻。高原空气稀薄，一切的色彩都是原色体现，是真正意义上的风景如画。土黄色的山脉间光影斑粼，山顶的雪和云纯白欲滴，倒影在湛蓝色湖水的粼光里，相互辉映着。

　　湖畔许多经幡连接成一串一串，围成的丛束称之为玛尼堆，信徒诵经路过都会往里面丢石子。蓝色、白色、红色、绿色、黄色的经幡交互舞动，藏北的梵音随风低回。日积月累，玛尼堆竟累积成为一座长达上百米的玛尼坡。

　　剩下的地方全是草原，连绵辽远，细细短短的草蔓延开去，给高海拔的萧索润上了一层绿。

　　藏民们的牛羊滚落在各处，簇拥成一团一团，闲散地移动着，眼花了就看成天上的云朵。每当夏初，成群的野鸭在湖边栖息繁殖后代，湖周围也常有狗熊、野牛、野驴、岩羊、狐狸等野生动物栖居。

　　雪山、天湖、玛尼堆、一望无际的草原，这大概就是钟爱高原的旅者全部的意义了。

　　坐在湖边的碎石地上，视角与湖面近乎平行，在充满力量的湖水紧紧包围下，我试图理解成吉思汗为什么选择败退绕道。创世者将纳木错放在最高海拔地区，就像给豪华宫殿围上了围墙，防止所有人的亲近和指染。纳木错需要一种骄傲，被尊敬、景仰、被珍藏——可能它就是神仙居住的地方。雄鹰飞不过的高山纳木错

（编辑：罗婉菁）

秘製擂茶

2009-10-05T06:42:00.001+01:00

秘製擂茶百吃不厌（2）
2009-10-05 07:08

小小碗的香软炆饭配上多多蔬菜，再加上花生味浓浓的铁观音擂茶汤，怎不让人垂涎欲滴?

秘製擂茶
材料A（炆饭）：
白米適量（洗净备用）
油1大匙
蒜茸酌量
盐酌量
材料B（擂茶汤料）：
铁观音茶叶8克
花生1饭碗（炒香去皮）
九层塔200克
材料C（擂茶菜）：
四季豆1斤
中国蒜1斤
生菜1斤
菜心1斤
咸菜脯300克
甜菜脯200克
豆腐干6块
虾米300克
做法：
1.炆饭：以油爆香蒜茸，把白米和盐放入锅子炒一下，加入適量水后煮沸，然后以小火炆到饭熟，等干水后，得翻一翻以防煮焦。
2.把所有材料C的擂茶菜全部切成小粒备用。
3.把豆干、虾米等以蒜米及油爆香，然后逐样菜炒熟。
4.在炒菜脯时，注意得先把咸菜脯浸20分钟，才和甜菜脯一起炒香。
5.用擂茶砵及蕃石榴木棒，把铁观音茶叶擂碎，再以沸水衝入，焗10分钟。
6.把花生和九层塔放入擂茶砵，擂至细幼。
7.把焗好的浓茶隔渣衝入擂好的花生九层塔酱中。
8.把擂茶汤再擂至均匀。
炸酿豆腐（10人份）
材料：
豆腐干10块（对半切开）
猪肉300克（打碎）
虾肉200克（剁碎）
小葱头5粒（切碎）
腌料：
幼盐2小匙
生抽2小匙
糖1小匙
鲍鱼汁1汤匙
炸鸡粉1汤匙
花雕酒2大匙
做法：
1.除了豆腐干外，把全部材料捞均，以腌料腌1小时。
2.在腌好的肉里打一个蛋，拌均备用。
3.把適量的肉酿进豆腐干里。
4.把油烧热，以小火把酿好的豆腐炸至金黄色，即可上桌。

白果雪耳燉豆奶（6人份）
材料：
白果20粒（切成小块）
雪耳1大块（切碎）
鲜磨的无糖豆浆1.5公升
斑兰叶6片（扎起备用）
甘蔗糖適量
做法：
1.把200毫升的水煮沸，把白果、雪耳、斑兰叶及蔗糖全放入慢燉锅，大火煲半小时。
2.放入豆浆，以大火煮沸后，再转小火燉。
3.燉3小时即可食用。

另类女博士嘻哈小天后

2009-06-06T04:10:00.003+01:00

上个月的豆瓣网有一个话题：谈谈对女博士的印象或者想象，发起人用暗示的语言说，“比如清高？找不到男朋友？或者……” 。

　　一般人对博士，尤其是女博士的印象，应该是带着眼镜，埋头读书，不解世事，甚至不解风情。这是一种误会。

　　毕业自北京大学、分别在新加坡南大和国大攻读博士学位的关冲和孙婧博，让人看到的是不一样的女博士。她们热爱舞蹈，充满活力，尤其是关冲，擅长的竟是跟博士风格截然相反的Hip Hop。

关冲：鼻翼和唇下都嵌钢珠

　　关冲那天穿一件黑色宽棉衬衫，露出一大个背，还有那飞舞的纹身。七分长的粗布牛仔裤，松垮垮的。细密长发垂在古铜色的肩膀上。她涂了浓郁的睫毛膏，鼻翼和唇下的钢珠在灯下一闪一闪。这装扮跟“想象”中的博士，尤其是女博士简直是天壤之别。

毕业自北京大学、分别在新加坡南大和国大攻读博士学位的关冲和孙婧博，让人看到的是不一样的女博士。

　　关冲笑说：“我平时不这么穿，这是跳舞的衣服，要穿成hip hop，跳起来才有hip hop的感觉。”

　　关冲祖籍西安，但在广东长大，高考以广东省单科英文状元身份考上北京大学光华管理学院，念市场营销，毕业后得奖学金，2006年起在新加坡南洋理工大学商学院攻读博士，明年就可拿到学位。

　　光看外表，关冲不像是个很会读书的人，但人不可貌相。大学三年级时，她突然醒悟，学习成绩很重要，于是好好学了一年，拿过班上第一，还得了一个杜邦奖学金和三好学生标兵。

　　她喜欢校园生活，期望毕业后可以继续留在学校教书，对校园外的花花世界没有按捺不住的动心。

　　关冲说，在新加坡读博的好处是没有像美国那样压力大，而且这里文化相近，广东福建潮州方言她都熟悉，像回家一样，感觉比在北京还要亲切。

　　离开广东到北大读书，关冲孤身一人，早已养成超强的生活适应能力。来到新加坡，她融入很快，说话一点北方口音都没有，还不时掺杂几句英语，马来话也能用上两句。

　　她说：“刚来时一切都很陌生，难免觉得孤寂。调适方法就是去跳舞，多认识朋友。”

关冲平时穿着端庄朴素，一到嘻哈舞场却反差极大。

　　关冲从小学习华族舞，可在北大却迷上跳hip hop（嘻哈舞），还当上北大健身协会会长。她说：“我大一时，hip hop非常流行，是很时兴的玩意儿。当时北大健身协会举办各种活动，包括请专业老师来教hip hop，我学了一阵子，也在youtube上看了很多表演，自己揣摩出一点心得，愈发跳得起劲。”

在夜店跳舞竟遇到学生

　　因为有华族舞蹈的底，关冲身段灵活，学习hip hop上手容易。在新加坡，她平日除了读书、做研究、当助教，多出来的时间都拿来跳舞，晚上要不到studio练舞，要不就是到夜店去小high一下。她笑说：“试过在夜店跳得很high时，遇到我的学生，场面还满pai sei（尴尬）的。”

　　平时在课堂上，关冲穿着端庄朴素，一到舞场却反差极大，和她一起跳舞的朋友，鲜少知道她是个女博士。她说，跳hip hop的多半是十八九岁的年轻人，而她今年已经25岁了，算是“超龄”，早该退出舞场，但她还是乐此不疲。她说：“像salsa之类舞蹈，50岁还能跳，但跳hip hop一定要趁早。”

　　hip hop（嘻哈舞）是上世纪70年代源于美国城市黑人青少年文化的一种街舞，据关冲介绍，还有所谓的新式和旧式之分，各有不同招式，连音乐和穿着都不同。她原来学的是新式hip hop，后来觉得越是原始的越有吸引力，于是转学旧式hip hop，什么locking（锁舞）、popping（机械舞）、breaking（霹雳舞）她都手到擒来，一连串快速动作，看得人眼花缭乱。

　　身高1.67米，关冲块头不小，但看她扭腰摆臀甩头劈腿，只觉得她身段轻盈，舞功高强。这6年来，她跳舞热忱不减，至今还在跟不同老师习舞。

　　跳舞使人年轻，如果体力允许的话，关冲希望自己可以一直跳下去。“我觉得一个人如果能有多种不同身份，比方说一个建筑师同时也是一个钢琴家，那他的生活才会丰富，生命才能圆满。”

孙婧博：“传说中的北大杨丽萍”

　　如果不是因为学习太好，太会念书，孙婧博很可能已成为舞蹈家。

　　在她很小的时候，偶然在电视里看到一个“美到不能再美”的身影，那是她第一次看到有“舞神”之称的中国舞蹈家杨丽萍在跳舞，轻盈身影流泻出丝丝入扣的生命律动，使人悠然神往。看在孙婧博眼里，是那么的似曾相识。虽然那时她只是一个小不点，不可能知道什么叫舞蹈，她却感受到内心的触动，仿佛前世今生，舞蹈已在她血液里奔流。她说：“我讲不出那是什么感觉，但冥冥中，我好像见过这舞蹈，那幼小的心灵，仿佛很能理解那流动的身体所要表达的是什么东西。”她苦苦哀求父母让她习舞，没获得支持，老师更是反对，说：“你学习成绩如此好，将来一定大有作为，干嘛书不读，竟要去跳舞？”

　　孙婧博是满族人，生长在内蒙古，从小读书名列前茅，升上初中、高中，也一直是佼佼者，大学考上内蒙古大学国际贸易专业，之后又以优异成绩被北京大学录取，攻读环境经济硕士。

　　在北大时，孙婧博血液里的舞蹈因子又开始作祟。她加入北大的国标舞协会，再从国标进入民族舞。没经过专业训练，她凭着不懈坚持，通过自学去感受舞蹈的精髓，碰触舞蹈的灵魂。

孙婧博未来想专心发展自己在舞蹈方面的兴趣。

　　她观察别人跳舞，然后用研究学问的方法解剖分析每一个动作，再根据自己的想象和领悟，在心中勾勒一系列动作，然后化为自己的身体语言。她说：“我欠缺专业训练，也没有基本功，专业舞者马上就能看出来我是业余的，但我是为了跳舞而跳舞，追求的纯粹是一种感觉，舞蹈最重要是跳出‘神’，而不是动作或肢体。”

　　孙婧博身段柔软灵活，线条优美而富张力，实在难以想象她没进过舞蹈学校。

　　北大毕业后考获奖学金到新加坡国立大学攻读房地产管理，孙婧博不久前顺利完成博士答辩，已开始在一家房地产公司从事策略研究分析。

　　她说，选择到新加坡读博，因为这是人才荟萃的大都会，离中国很近，语言和文化没有隔阂，就像在家门口的感觉，很容易适应。

　　孙婧博爱念书，学习上总要往最高处追求。她说：“读博是我的愿望，值得用一生最美好的青春去追求，但它不是生命的全部。现在学位修完了，未来想专心发展自己在舞蹈方面的兴趣，找个老师，认真学习民族舞蹈的精妙。”

　　还在北大读硕士时，孙婧博曾自编自演一支独舞，出乎意料地得到同学的赞赏，后来不知怎么就有孙婧博是“传说中的北大杨丽萍”之类的赞美话语。她说：“我怎能跟杨丽萍比？我只能把她当作楷模，希望将来像她一样舞出最美丽的意境。”

　　孙婧博的舞蹈梦，单纯却不单薄。她给的名片上也印着“非专业舞者”的字样，这位女博士对舞蹈的痴迷，可见一斑。

北大在新校友200多人

　　孙婧博和关冲都毕业自北京大学，到新加坡后，她们曾先后担任北京大学新加坡校友会的理事。北大新加坡校友会（www.pkuaas.org）成立于2004年，2008年7月正式注册为社团，目前会员有200人左右，现任主席是南洋理工大学舒东伟副教授，此外还有一名副主席及6名理事。

　　成立以来，北大新加坡校友会举办过许多活动，中秋联欢是固定举行的年度大型活动，此外，逢年过节，校友会也不定期举办各类大小聚会。校友会也曾邀请各界人士举办各种讲座，内容涵盖金融、创业、家庭、教育等。

　　北大新加坡校友会的未来工作方向将集中思考如何帮助在新加坡学习、工作，或已成为公民的校友更好地融入新加坡本土社群，并更多地与本地团体和业界擦出火花。

　　（摄影／龙国雄、李白娟、谢光凭）

2008-09-10T04:04:00.000+01:00

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but
because of those who look on and do nothing." - Albert Einstein

Top 10 Success Factors

2008-05-14T14:27:00.000+01:00

1. Being honest with all people
2. Being well disciplined
3. Getting along with people
4. Having a supportive team
5. Working harder than most people
6. Loving my career/business
7. Having strong leadership qualities
8. Having a very competitive spirit/personality
9. Being very well organised
10. Having an ability to sell my ideas/products

瑪拉教授薩沙林：兩黨制隱然成形‧大馬進入新政治時代

2008-03-24T01:52:00.000Z

瑪拉教授：兩黨制隱然成形‧大馬進入新政治時代

薩沙林：朝野政黨強調多元種族路線，這是積極和良好的現象。
（布城）瑪拉工藝大學法律系教授薩沙林表示，經歷本屆大選，馬來西亞政治已邁入更成熟的階段，跑上一個健康的政治軌道，不論是在朝，還是在野的政黨陣線，都由多元種族的政黨組成，兩黨制已隱然成形。

他認為本屆大選的結果，象徵馬來西亞已進入一個新的政治時代，不僅反映選民已厭倦過去政黨製造恐懼氣氛，也否決由巫統支配的局面。

選民更全面看待國家課題
他不認同這種新政治格局的出現，是因為新生代選民的投票趨向所致，而是選民普遍上更全面看待影響國家的課題，摒棄過去政黨只靠種族和宗教課題，向選民下指導棋，影響選民投票的取向。他形容如果只一味靠宗教和種族課題來影響選民，這屬於過時和破產的手法。

多元種族組成反對黨
他表示本屆令人感動的現象是，在野的反對黨陣線，也是由多元種族所組成；這種現象不同與1969年，非巫裔只支持反對黨，如今在野的回教黨和公正黨，都以巫裔為主，在朝政黨也是強調多元種族路線，這是積極和良好的現象。

他說，本屆大選出現反風的因素之一，是與獲取資訊的管道有關，而網絡資訊是重要的環節，讓人民接觸更多另一面的故事。

因此，他說，當選民的政治意識日趨醒覺，就不會認同指點應如何投票的模式，而會思索為何只須以“一個種族，一個宗教”的舊框框，來思考問題。

選委會努力值得一提
他說，即使選舉委員會面對很多缺失的問題，仍能順利完成大選工作，讓人民在自由情況下，自行投票，選舉過程沒有造假，選委會的努力還是值得一提。

此外，他說，警方維持秩序，維護選舉過程順利進行，讓選民自由投下他們的一票，也是本屆大選值得提出表揚的事。

局勢沒混亂難能可貴
薩沙林也高度肯定首相拿督斯里阿都拉和檳城首席部長丹斯里許子根對坦然接受大選成績的風度，局勢沒有混亂，為行使民主制度的馬來西亞，留下可貴的一頁。

他接受《星洲日報》訪問時指出，以普世的標準來看，只要在民主選舉贏得60%的席位，仍然算是漂亮的勝利，繼續執政不成問題，只是心態上，必須有所調整，不能像過去那樣隨便修改憲法，同時也要做好準備，面對國會反對黨的強大聲音。

他表示，過去執政黨以巨人的姿態出現，心理上已習慣這種優勢，但如今國陣不再處於多數，必須懂得接收反對黨，並應對反對黨的反對聲音。

他提醒國陣在這種形勢下，國會下議院不再是過去的模式，只是一個樹膠印，提什麼通過甚麼。但他表示憂心，國會下議院出現的新政治氣象，與舊模式的上議院，會產生矛盾。

他相信首相阿都拉仍然可以繼續領導國陣，但他需要更多的智慧去面對這種新形勢，並尋求解決問題的方案。

未來政局料出現複雜問題
薩沙林教授表示他預見接下來的政治局會出現一些複雜的問題。他舉例，沙巴和砂拉越、柔佛等州政府，在未來會與中央之間的關係更複雜；同時國陣成員黨之間的問題，也會更趨複雜化，巫統黨內也面對一些危機。

他指出，由於馬華和民政表現不佳，這次內閣的代表可能減少，但希望權力分享的結構，能像以往一樣跑多元化路線。

他揭露，由於金錢政治盛行的關係，這次大選後，他預料會出現政黨，或個別人士，針對大選成績向選舉法庭提出上訴；當選舉過程涉及貪污的成份，法官需要宣佈成績無效時，會產生很多政治效應。

他也提醒法官處理此類案件，需要更公平，因為已有林甘短片事件，人民也評估法官審案的公正性。

星洲日報‧2008.03.09

I am prove for brave Malaysians

2008-03-10T16:42:00.003Z

Malaysians are known to be warm and friendly. On the 8th of March 2008, I've learnt that Malaysians who love peace are also brave. They are brave enough to go for uncertainty in an exchange for a real stability and prosperity. They know, as long as they are calm with unity, storms will be overcome.

The people have expressed in no uncertain terms that they want accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.

Malaysians woke to a new political era: Hope for A Malaysia for All Malaysians

2008-03-09T00:32:00.003Z

"The People are the boss" - The statement is proven on the 9th of March 2008 in Malaysia.

9th of March 2008 is a meaningful day in Malaysia's history. It shows a significant democratic progress for Malaysia, it shows that Malaysians are very much concerned about the future of Malaysia, it shows strong desire of majority Malaysians for change with the hope for a better and cleaner Malaysia!

The election results also reflect that most Malaysians no longer believe in politics based on racial arguments. Indeed, they are mature to see a bigger picture - a Malaysia for all Malaysians.

Today, I witness a healthier growth of Malaysia!

清道夫的教育方式

2008-01-14T10:01:00.000Z

微弱的燈光下，用過了清淡的膳食，清道夫在飯桌旁教誨孩子︰“學習要盡力、交友貴乎真誠、做人處事應光明磊落、為社會作出奉獻……”

同樣的時光，不同的背景，貴婦在偌大的華麗廳堂灌輸孩子︰“每科必須考獲A、交友須擇家境富裕者、立下志願長大後成為受人尊敬的專業人士、千萬別淪為清道夫……”

星洲日報/副刊•文：蘇雅香•2007.12.27

Lycris of "Les Miserable"

2007-12-11T16:12:00.000Z

- The Runaway Cart Lyrics

[The crowd parts to reveal that the cart has crashed, trapping Monsieur Fauchelevant]

[VOICES]
Look at that!
Look at that!
It's Monsieur Fauchelevant!
Don't approach! Don't go near!
At the risk of your life!
He is caught by the wheel!
Oh, the pitiful man!
Stay away, Turn away!
There is nothing to do!
There is nothing to do!

[VALJEAN]
Is there anyone here
Who will rescue the man?
Who will help me to shoulder
The weight of the cart?

[VOICES]
Don't go near him, Mr. Mayor
The load is heavy as hell
The old man's a goner for sure
It'll kill you as well.

[Valjean attempts to lift the cart... but fails. He tries again. They manage to pull Fauchelevant clear]

[FAUCHELEVANT]
M'sieur le Mayor, I have no words
You come from God, you are a saint.

[Javert takes Valjean aside]

[JAVERT]
Can this be true?
I don't believe what I see!
A man your age
To be as strong as you are!
A mem'ry stirs...
You make me think of a man
From years ago
A man who broke his parole
He disappeared
Forgive me, Sir,
I would not dare!

[VALJEAN]
Say what you must
Don't leave it there...

[JAVERT]
I have only known one other
Who can do what you have done
He's a convict from the chain gang
He's been ten years on the run
But he couldn't run forever
We have found his hideaway
And he's just been re-arrested
And he comes to court today.
Well, of course he now denies it
You'd expect that of a `con'
But he couldn't run forever -
No, not even Jean Valjean!

[VALJEAN]
You say this man denies it all
And gives no sign of understanding or repentance?
You say this man is going to trial
And that's he's sure to be returned
To serve his sentence?
Come to that, can you be sure,
That I am not your man?

[JAVERT]
I have known the thief for ages
Tracked him down through thick and thin
And to make the matter certain
There's the brand upon his skin
He will bend, he will break
This time there is no mistake.

[Javert leaves. Valjean is alone]

Chain Gang - Overture / Work Song / Look Down Lyrics
[PRISONERS]
Look down, look down
Don't look 'em in the eye
Look down, look down,
You're here until you die

[CONVICT ONE]
The sun is strong
It's hot as hell below

[PRISONER]
Look down, look down,
There's twenty years to go

[CONVICT TWO]
I've done no wrong!
Sweet Jesus, hear my prayer!

[PRISONERS]
Look down look down,
Sweet Jesus doesn't care

[CONVICT THREE]
I know she'll wait,
I know that she'll be true!

[PRISONERS]
Look down, look down,
They've all forgotten you

[CONVICT FOUR]
When I get free ya won't see me
Here for dust!

[PRISONERS]
Look down, look down
Don't look 'em in the eye

[CONVICT FIVE]
How long, oh Lord
Before you let me die?

[PRISONERS]
Look down, look down,
You'll always be a slave
Look down, look down,
You're standing in your grave

[JAVERT]
Now bring me prisoner 24601
Your time is up
And your parole's begun
You know what that means.

[VALJEAN]
Yes, it means I'm free.

[JAVERT]
No!
It means you get
Your yellow ticket-of-leave
You are a thief

[VALJEAN]
I stole a loaf of bread.

[JAVERT]
You robbed a house.

[VALJEAN]
I broke a window pane.
My sister's child was close to death
And we were starving.

[JAVERT]
You will starve again
Unless you learn the meaning of the law.

[VALJEAN]
I know the meaning of those 19 years
A slave of the law

[JAVERT]
Five years for what you did
The rest because you tried to run
Yes, 24601.

[VALJEAN]
My name is Jean Valjean

[JAVERT]
And I am Javert
Do not forget my name!
Do not forget me,
24601.

[PRISONERS]
Look down, look down
You'll always be a slave
Look down, look down
You're standing in your grave.

[VALJEAN]
Freedom is mine. The earth is still.
I feel the wind. I breathe again.
And the sky clears
The world is waking.
Drink from the pool. How clean the taste.
Never forget the years, the waste.
Nor forgive them
For what they've done.
They are the guilty - everyone.
The day begins...
And now lets see
What this new world
Will do for me!

[He finds work on a farm]

[FARMER]
You'll have to go
I'll pay you off for the day
Collect your bits and pieces there
And be on your way.

[VALJEAN]
You have given me half
What the other men get!
This handful of tin
Wouldn't buy my sweat!

[LABORER]
You broke the law
It's there for people to see
Why should you get the same
As honest men like me?

[VALJEAN]
Now every door is closed to me
Another jail. Another key. Another chain
For when I come to any town
They check my papers
And they find the mark of Cain
In their eyes I see their fear
`We do not want you here.'

[He comes to an inn]

[INKEEPER'S WIFE]
My rooms are full
And I've no supper to spare
I'd like to help a stranger
All we want is to be fair

[VALJEAN]
I will pay in advance
I can sleep in a barn
You see how dark it is
I'm not some kind of dog!

[INNKEEPER]
You leave my house
Or feel the weight of my rod
We're law-abiding people here
Thanks be to God.

[They throw him out of the inn]

[VALJEAN]
And now I know how freedom feels
The jailer always at your heels
It is the law!
This piece of paper in my hand
That makes me cursed throughout the land
It is the law!
Like a cur
I walk the street,
The dirt beneath their feet.

[He sits down despairingly outside a house from which emerges the Bishop of Digne.]

[BISHOP]
Come in, Sir, for you are weary,
And the night is cold out there.
Though our lives are very humble
What we have, we have to share.
There is wine here to revive you.
There is bread to make you strong,
There's a bed to rest till morning,
Rest from pain, and rest from wrong.

[VALJEAN]
He let me eat my fill
I had the lion's share
The silver in my hand
Cost twice what I had earned
In all those nineteen years -
That lifetime of despair
And yet he trusted me.
The old fool trusted me -
He'd done his bit of good
I played the grateful serf
And thanked him like I should
But when the house was still,
I got up in the night.
Took the silver
Took my flight!

[Taking the silver cup, he runs off, but is brought back by two constables]

Policeman - Valjean Arrested/Valjean Forgiven Lyrics

[CONSTABLE ONE]
Tell his reverence your story

[CONSTABLE TWO]
Let us see if he's impressed

[CONSTABLE ONE]
You were lodging here last night

[CONSTABLE TWO]
You were the honest Bishop's guest.

[CONSTABLE ONE]
And then, out of Christian goodness

[CONSTABLE TWO]
When he learned about your plight

[CONSTABLE ONE]
You maintain he made a present of this silver.

[BISHOP]
That is right.
But my friend you left so early
Surely something slipped your mind

[The bishop gives Valjean two silver candlesticks]

You forgot I gave these also
Would you leave the best behind?
So, Messieurs, you may release him
For this man has spoken true
I commend you for your duty
And God's blessing go with you.

Fantine & Valjean - Fantine's Arrest + Come to Me (Fantine's Death) Lyrics

[Fantine is lying in a hospital bed, deliriously dreaming of her daughter Cosette]

[FANTINE]
Cosette, it's turned so cold
Cosette, it's past your bedtime
You've played the day away
And soon it will be night.

Come to me, Cosette, the light is fading
Don't you see the evening star appearing?
Come to me, and rest against my shoulder
How fast the minutes fly away and every minute colder.

Hurry near, another day is dying
Don't you hear, the winter wind is crying?
There's a darkness which comes without a warning
But I will sing you lullabies and wake you in the morning.

[Valjean enters]

[VALJEAN]
Oh, Fantine, our time is running out
But Fantine, I swear this on my life

[FANTINE]
Look, M'sieur, where all the children play

[VALJEAN]
Be at peace, be at peace evermore.

[FANTINE]
My Cosette...

[VALJEAN]
Shall live in my protection

[FANTINE]
Take her now

[VALJEAN]
Your child will want for nothing

[FANTINE]
Good M'sieur, you come from God in Heaven.

[VALJEAN]
And none shall ever harm Cosette
As long as I am living.

[FANTINE]
Take my hand. The night grows ever colder.

[VALJEAN]
Then I will keep you warm.

[FANTINE]
Take my child. I give her to your keeping.

[VALJEAN]
Take shelter from the storm

[FANTINE]
For God's sake, please stay till I am sleeping
And tell Cosette I love her
And I'll see her when I wake...

[She dies with a smile. Javert arrives]

=============

[BAMATABOIS]
Here's something new. I think I'll give it a try.
Come closer you! I like to see what I buy...
The usual price, for just a slice of your pie

[FANTINE]
I don't want you. No, no, m'sieur, let me go.

[BAMATABOIS]
Is this a trick? I won't pay more!

[FANTINE]
No, not at all.

[BAMATABOIS]
You've got some nerve, you little whore
You've got some gall.
It's the same with a tart as it is with a grocer
The customer sees what he gets in advance
It's not for the whore to say `yes sir' or `no sir'
It's not for the harlot to pick and to choose
Or lead me to a dance!

[He hits her with his stick, she claws at his face, drawing blood]

[FANTINE]
I'll kill you, you bastard,
try any of that!
Even a whore who has gone to the bad
Won't be had by a rat!

[BAMATABOIS]
By Christ you'll pay for what you've done
This rat will make you bleed, you'll see!
I guarantee, I'll make you suffer
For this disturbance of the peace
For this insult to life and property!

[FANTINE]
I beg you, don't report me sir
I'll do whatever you may want

[BAMATABOIS]
Make your excuse to the police!

[Javert enters, accompanied by constables]

[JAVERT]
Tell me quickly what's the story
Who saw what and why and where
Let him give a full description
Let him answer to Javert!
In this nest of whores and vipers
Let one speak who saw it all
Who laid hands on this good man here?
What's the substance of this brawl?

[BAMATABOIS]
Javert, would you believe it
I was crossing from the park
When this prostitute attacked me
You can see she left her mark

[JAVERT]
She will answer for her actions
When you make a full report
You may rest assured, M'sieur,
That she will answer to the court.

[FANTINE]
There's a child who sorely needs me
Please M'sieur, she's but that high
Holy God, is there no mercy?
If I go to jail she'll die!

[JAVERT]
I have heard such protestations
Every day for twenty years
Let's have no more explanations
Save your breath and save your tears
`Honest work, just reward,
That's the way to please the Lord.'

[Fantine gives a last despairing cry as she is arrested by the constables. Valjean emerges from the crowd]

[VALJEAN]
A moment of your time, Javert
I do believe this woman's tale

[JAVERT]

[VALJEAN]
You've done your duty, let her be
She needs a doctor, not a jail.

[JAVERT]
But M'sieur Mayor!

[FANTINE]
Can this be?

[VALJEAN]
Where will she end -
This child without a friend?

I've seen your face before
Show me some way to help you
How have you come to grief
In a place such as this?

[FANTINE]
M'sieur, don't mock me now, I pray
It's hard enough I've lost my pride
You let your foreman send me away
Yes, you were there, and turned aside
I never did no wrong

[VALJEAN]
Is it true, what I have done?

[FANTINE]
My daughter's close to dying...

[VALJEAN]
To an innocent soul?

[FANTINE]
If there's a God above

[VALJEAN]
Had I only known then...

[FANTINE]
He'd let me die instead

[VALJEAN]
In His name my task has just begun
I will see it done!

[JAVERT]
But M'sieur Mayor!

[VALJEAN]
I will see it done!

[JAVERT]
But M'sieur Mayor!

[VALJEAN]
I will see it done!

[VOICES]
Look out! It's a runaway cart!

Javert & Valjean - Confrontation Lyrics

[JAVERT]
Valjean, at last,
We see each other plain
`M'sieur le Mayor,'
You'll wear a different chain!

[VALJEAN]
Before you say another word, Javert
Before you chain me up like a slave again
Listen to me! There is something I must do.
This woman leaves behind a suffering child.
There is none but me who can intercede,
In Mercy's name, three days are all I need.
Then I'll return, I pledge my word.
Then I'll return...

[JAVERT]
You must think me mad!
I've hunted you across the years
A man like you can never change
A man such as you.

[VALJEAN (in counterpoint)]
Believe of me what you will
There is a duty that I'm sworn to do
You know nothing of my life
All I did was steal some bread
You know nothing of the world
You would sooner see me dead
But not before I see this justice
done
I am warning you Javert
I'm a stronger man by far
There is power in me yet
My race is not yet run
I am warning you Javert
There is nothing I won't dare
If I have to kill you here
I'll do what must be done!

[JAVERT (in counterpoint)]
Men like me can never change
Men like you can never change
No,
24601
My duty's to the law - you have no
Rights
Come with me 24601
Now the wheel has turned around
Jean Valjean is nothing now
Dare you talk to me of crime
And the price you had to pay
Every man is born in sin
Every man must choose his way
You know nothing of Javert
I was born inside a jail
I was born with scum like you
I am from the gutter too!

[Valjean breaks a chair and threatens Javert with the broken piece. Turns to Fantine]

[VALJEAN]
[to Fantine] And this I swear to you tonight

[JAVERT]
[to Valjean] There is no place for you to hide

[VALJEAN]
Your child will live within my care

[JAVERT]
Wherever you may hide away

[VALJEAN]
And I will raise her to the light.

[VALJEAN AND JAVERT]
I swear to you, I will be there!

[They fight, Javert is knocked out. Valjean escapes]

Cosette - Castle on a Cloud Lyrics

[Young Cosette is working as a drudge in the Thénardier's inn at Montfermeil]

[YOUNG COSETTE]
There is a castle on a cloud,
I like to go there in my sleep,
Aren't any floors for me to sweep,
Not in my castle on a cloud.

There is a room that's full of toys,
There are a hundred boys and girls,
Nobody shouts or talks too loud,
Not in my castle on a cloud.

There is a lady all in white,
Holds me and sings a lullaby,
She's nice to see and she's soft to touch,
She says "Cosette, I love you very much."

I know a place where no one's lost,
I know a place where no one cries,
Crying at all is not allowed,
Not in my castle on a cloud.

Oh help! I think I hear them now,
and I'm nowhere near finished sweeping and
scrubbing and polishing the floor.
Oh, it's her! It's Madame!

[MME. THENARDIER]
Now look who's here
The little madam herself!
Pretending once again she's been `so awfully good,'
Better not let me catch you slacking
Better not catch my eye!
Ten rotten francs your mother sends me
What is that going to buy?
Now take that pail
My little `Mademoiselle'
And go and draw some water from the well!

We should never have taken you in in the first place
How stupid the things that we do!
Like mother like daughter, the scum of the street.
Eponine, come my dear, Eponine, let me see you
You look very well in that new little blue hat
There's some little girls who know how to behave
And they know what to wear
And I'm saying thank heaven for that.

Still there Cosette?
Your tears will do you no good!
I told you fetch some water from the well in the wood!

[YOUNG COSETTE]
Please do not send me out alone
Not in the darkness on my own!

[MME. THENARDIER]
Enough of that, or I'll forget to be nice!
You heard me ask for something,
And I never ask twice!

[Young Eponine pushes Cosette out. Thénardier says good night to his daughter as the inn fills up for the evening]

M. & Mme. Thenardie - Master of the House Lyrics

DRINKER THREE
Come on you old pest

DRINKER TWO
Fetch a bottle of your best

DRINKER ONE
What's the nectar of the day?

(Thenardier enters with a flask of wine)

THENARDIER
Here, try this lot
Guaranteed to hit the spot
Or I'm not Thenardier

DRINKERS
Gissa glass a rum
Landlord, over here!

THENARDIER
Right away, you scum (to himself)
Right away, m'sieur (to customer)

DINER ONE
God this place has gone to hell

DINER TWO
So you tell me every year

DRINKER SIX
Mine host Thenardier
He was there so they say,
At the field of Waterloo

DRINKER SEVEN
Got there, it's true
When the fight was all through

DRINKER ONE
But he knew just what to do
Crawling through the mud
So I've heard it said
Picking through the pockets
Of the English dead

DRINKER EIGHT
He made a tidy score
From the spoils of war

THENARDIER
My band of soaks
My den of dissolutes
My dirty jokes, my always pissed as newts.
My sons of whores
Spent their lives in my inn
Homing pigeons homing in
They fly through my doors
And their money's as good as yours

DINER ONE
Ain't got a clue
What he put in this stew
Must have scraped it off the street

DINER TWO
God what a wine!
Chateau Neuf de Turpentine
Must have pressed it with his feet

DRINKERS
Landlord over here!
Where's the bloody man?
One more for the road!
Thenardier, one more slug o' gin.

GIRL
Just one more, or my old man is gonna do me in.

(Thenardier greets a new customer)

THENARDIER
Welcome, M'sieur
Sit yourself down
And meet the best
Innkeeper in town
As for the rest,
All of 'em crooks
Rooking their guests
And cooking the books.
Seldom do you see
Honest men like me
A gent of good intent
Who's content to be

Master of the house
Doling out the charm
Ready with a handshake
And an open palm
Tells a saucy tale
Makes a little stir
Customers appreciate a bon-viveur
Glad to do a friend a favor
Doesn't cost me to be nice
But nothing gets you nothing
Everything has got a little price!

Master of the house
Keeper of the zoo
Ready to relieve 'em
Of a sou or two
Watering the wine
Making up the weight
Pickin' up their knick-knacks
When they can't see straight
Everybody loves a landlord
Everybody's bosom friend
I do whatever pleases
Jesus! Won't I bleed 'em in the end!

THENARDIER & CHORUS
Master of the house
Quick to catch yer eye
Never wants a passerby
To pass him by
Servant to the poor
Butler to the great
Comforter, philosopher,
And lifelong mate!
Everybody's boon companion
Everybody's chaperone

THENARDIER
But lock up your valises
Jesus! Won't I skin you to the bone!

(To another new customer)

THENARDIER
Enter M'sieur
Lay down your load
Unlace your boots
And rest from the road

(Taking his bag)

This weighs a ton
Travel's a curse
But here we strive
To lighten your purse
Here the goose is cooked
Here the fat is fried
And nothing's overlooked
Till I'm satisfied...

Food beyond compare
Food beyond belief
Mix it in a mincer
And pretend it's beef
Kidney of a horse
Liver of a cat
Filling up the sausages
With this and that

Residents are more than welcome
Bridal suite is occupied
Reasonable charges
Plus some little extras on the side!

Charge 'em for the lice
Extra for the mice
Two percent for looking in the mirror twice
Here a little slice
There a little cut
Three percent for sleeping with the window shut
When it comes to fixing prices
There are a lot of tricks he knows
How it all increases
All those bits and pieces
Jesus! It's amazing how it grows!

THENARDIER AND CHORUS
Master of the house
Quick to catch yer eye
Never wants a passerby
To pass him by
Servant to the poor
Butler to the great
Comforter, philosopher,
And lifelong mate!
Everybody's boon companion
Gives 'em everything he's got

THENARDIER
Dirty bunch of geezers
Jesus! What a sorry little lot!

MME. THENARDIER
I used to dream
That I would meet a prince
But God Almighty,
Have you seen what's happened since?
`Master of the house?'
Isn't worth me spit!
`Comforter, philosopher'
- and lifelong shit!
Cunning little brain
Regular Voltaire
Thinks he's quite a lover
But there's not much there
What a cruel trick of nature
Landed me with such a louse
God knows how I've lasted
Living with this bastard in the house!

THENARDIER & CHORUS
Master of the house.

MME. THENARDIER
Master and a half!

THENARDIER & CHORUS
Comforter, philosopher

MME. THENARDIER
Ah, don't make me laugh!

THENARDIER & CHORUS
Servant to the poor. Butler to the great.

MME. THENARDIER
Hypocrite and toady and inebriate!

THENARDIER & CHORUS
Everybody bless the landlord!
Everybody bless his spouse!

THENARDIER
Everybody raise a glass

MME. THENARDIER
Raise it up the master's arse.

ALL
Everybody raise a glass to the master of the house!

M. & Mme. Thenardie - The Thenardier Waltz of Treachery Lyrics

THENARDIER
What to do? What to say?
Shall you carry our treasure away?
What a gem! What a pearl!
Beyond rubies is our little girl!
How can we speak of debt?
Let's not haggle for darling Cosette!

Dear Fantine, gone to rest...
Have we done for her child what is best?
Shared our bread. Shared each bone.
Treated her like she's one of our own!
Like our own, Monsieur!

VALJEAN
Your feelings do you credit, sir
And I will ease the parting blow
He pays them.
Let us not talk of bargains or bones or greed
Now, may I say, we are agreed?

MME. THENARDIER
That would quite fit the bill
If she hadn't so often been ill
Little dear, cost us dear
Medicines are expensive, M'sieur
Not that we begrudged a sou
It's no more than we Christians must do!

M. & MME. THENARDIER
One thing more, one small doubt
There are treacherous people about
No offense. Please reflect.
Your intentions may not be correct?

VALJEAN
No more words. Here's your price.
Fifteen hundred for your sacrifice.
Come, Cosette, say goodbye
Let us seek out some friendlier sky.
Thank you both for Cosette
It won't take you too long to forget.

(Valjean and Cosette leave the inn)

Come, Cosette, come, my dear
From now on I will always be here
Where I go, you will be.

YOUNG COSETTE
Will there be children and castles to see?

VALJEAN
Yes, Cosette, yes, it's true.
There's a castle just waiting for you.

VALJEAN & YOUNG COSETTE
La la la la la...

Gavroche & The Begg - Look Down Lyrics

1832. The teeming, squalid streets of Paris. Beggars, urchins, prostitutes, students, etc.

BEGGARS
Look down and see the beggars at your feet
Look down and show some mercy if you can
Look down and see the sweepings of the street
Look down, look down,
Upon your fellow man!

GAVROCHE
'Ow do you do? My name's Gavroche.
These are my people. Here's my patch.
Not much to look at, nothing posh
Nothing that you'd call up to scratch.
This is my school, my high society
Here in the slums of Saint Michele
We live on crumbs of humble piety
Tough on the teeth, but what the hell!
Think you're poor?
Think you're free?
Follow me! Follow me!

BEGGARS
Look down and show some mercy if you can
Look down, look down, upon your fellow man!

(An old beggar woman finds a young prostitute occupying her pitch)

OLD BEGGAR WOMAN
What you think yer at?
Hanging round me pitch?
If you're new around here, girl
You've got a lot to learn!

YOUNG PROSTITUTE
Listen you old bat...
Crazy bloody witch...
'Least I give me customers
Some pleasure in return!

OLD BEGGAR WOMAN
I know what you give!
Give 'em all the pox!
Spread around your poison
Till they end up in a box.

PIMP
Leave the poor old cow,
Move it, Madeleine.
She used to be no better
Till the clap got to her brain.

BEGGARS
When's it gonna end?
When we gonna live?
Something's gotta happen now or
Something's gonna give
It'll come, it'll come, it'll come
It'll come, it'll come, it'll come

ENJOLRAS
Where the leaders of the land?
Where are the swells who run this show?

MARIUS
Only one man - and that's Lamarque
Speaks for these people here below.

BEGGARS
See our children fed
Help us in our shame
Something for a crust of bread
In Holy Jesus' name

URCHIN
In the Lord's Holy name.

BEGGARS
In his name, in his name, in his name...

MARIUS
Lamarque is ill and fading fast!
Won't last the week out, so they say.

ENJOLRAS
With all the anger in the land
How long before the judgement day?
Before we cut the fat ones down to size?
Before the barricades arise?

GAVROCHE
Watch out for old Thenardier
All of his family's on the make
Once ran a hash-house down the way
Bit of a swine and no mistake
He's got a gang
The bleeding layabout
Even his daughter does her share
That's Eponine, she knows her way about
Only a kid, but hard to scare
Do we care?
Not a cuss
Long live us.
Long live us!

BEGGARS
Look down and show some mercy if you can
Look down, look down upon your fellow man!

Javert - Stars Lyrics

JAVERT
There, out in the darkness
A fugitive running
Fallen from grace
Fallen from grace
God be my witness
I never shall yield
Till we come face to face
Till we come face to face

He knows his way in the dark
Mine is the way of the Lord
And those who follow the path of the righteous
Shall have their reward
And if they fall
As Lucifer fell
The flame
The sword!

Stars
In your multitudes
Scarce to be counted
Filling the darkness
With order and light
You are the sentinels
Silent and sure
Keeping watch in the night
Keeping watch in the night

You know your place in the sky
You hold your course and your aim
And each in your season
Returns and returns
And is always the same
And if you fall as Lucifer fell
You fall in flame!

And so it has been and so it is written
On the doorway to paradise
That those who falter and those who fall
Must pay the price!

Lord let me find him
That I may see him
Safe behind bars
I will never rest
Till then
This I swear
This I swear by the stars!

GAVROCHE
That inspector thinks he's something
But it's me who runs this town!
And my theater never closes
And the curtain's never down
Trust Gavroche, have no fear
Don't you worry, auntie dear,
You can always find me here!

Enjolras, Marius & - Red and Black - The ABC Cafe Lyrics

(The ABC Cafe, where the students, led by Enjolras, meet to discuss their revolutionary plans)

COMBEFERRE
At Notre Dame the sections are prepared!

FEUILLY
At rue de Bac they're straining at the leash!

COURFEYRAC
Students, workers, everyone
There's a river on the run
Like the flowing of the tide
Paris coming to our side!

ENJORAS
The time is near
So near it's stirring the blood in their veins!
And yet beware
Don't let the wine go to your brains!
For the army we fight is a dangerous foe
With the men and the arms that we never can match
It is easy to sit here and swat 'em like flies
But the national guard will be harder to catch.
We need a sign
To rally the people
To call them to arms
To bring them in line!

(Marius enters)

Marius, you're late.

JOLY
What's wrong today?
You look as if you've seen a ghost.

GRANTAIRE
Some wine and say what's going on!

MARIUS
A ghost you say... a ghost maybe
She was just like a ghost to me
One minute there, and she was gone!

GRANTAIRE
I am agog!
I am aghast!
Is Marius in love at last?
I've never heard him `ooh' and `aah'
You talk of battles to be won
And here he comes like Don Ju-an
It's better than an o-per-a!

ENJOLRAS
It is time for us all
To decide who we are
Do we fight for the right
To a night at the opera now?
Have you asked of yourselves
What's the price you might pay?
Is it simply a game
For rich young boys to play?
The color of the world
Is changing day by day...

Red - the blood of angry men!
Black - the dark of ages past!
Red - a world about to dawn!
Black - the night that ends at last!

MARIUS
Had you been there tonight
You might know how it feels
To be struck to the bone
In a moment of breathless delight!
Had you been there tonight
You might also have known
How the world may be changed
In just one burst of light!
And what was right seems wrong
And what was wrong seems right!

GRANTAIRE
Red...

MARIUS
I feel my soul on fire!

GRANTAIRE
Black...

MARIUS
My world if she's not there!

ALL
Red...

MARIUS
The color of desire!

ALL
Black...

MARIUS
The color of despair!

ENJOLRAS
Marius, you're no longer a child
I do not doubt you mean it well
But now there is a higher call.
Who cares about your lonely soul?
We strive toward a larger goal
Our little lives don't count at all!

ALL
Red - the blood of angry men!
Black - the dark of ages past!
Red - a world about to dawn!
Black - the night that ends at last!

ENJOLRAS
Well, Courfeyrac, do we have all the guns?
Feuilly, Combeferre, our time is running short.
Grantaire, put the bottle down!
Do we have the guns we need?

GRANTAIRE
Give me brandy on my breath
And I'll breathe them all to death!

COURFEYRAC
In St. Antoine they're with us to a man!

COMBEFERRE
In Notre Dame they're tearing up the stones!

FEUILLY
Twenty rifles good as new!

(Gavroche rushes in shouting)

GAVROCHE
Listen!

JOLY
Twenty rounds for every man!

GAVROCHE
Listen to me!

JEAN PROUVAIRE
Double that in Port St. Cloud!

GAVROCHE
Listen everybody!

LESGLES
Seven guns in St. Martin!

GAVROCHE
General Lamarque is dead!

ENJOLRAS
Lamarque is dead.
Lamarque! His death is the hour of fate.
The people's man.
His death is the sign we await!

On his funeral day they will honor his name.
It's a rallying cry that will reach every ear!
In the death of Lamarque we will kindle the flame
They will see that the day of salvation is near!
The time is near!
Let us welcome it gladly with courage and cheer
Let us take to the streets with no doubt in our hearts
But a jubilant shout
They will come one and all
They will come when we call!

Enjolras, The Stude - Do You Hear the People Sing? Lyrics

ENJOLRAS
Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!

COMBEFERRE
Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?
Courfeyrac:
Then join in the fight
That will give you the right to be free!

ALL
Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!

FEUILLY
Will you give all you can give
So that our banner may advance
Some will fall and some will live
Will you stand up and take your chance?
The blood of the martyrs
Will water the meadows of France!

ALL
Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!

Cosette, Valjean, M - In My Life Lyrics

(Cosette stands in her garden on Rue Plumet)

COSETTE
How strange
This feeling that my life's begun at last
This change,
Can people really fall in love so fast?
What's the matter with you, Cosette?
Have you been too much on your own?
So many things unclear
So many things unknown.

In my life
There are so many questions and answers
That somehow seem wrong
In my life
There are times when I catch in the silence
The sigh of a faraway song
And it sings
Of a world that I long to see
Out of reach
Just a whisper away
Waiting for me.

Does he know I'm alive?
Do I know if he's real?
Does he see what I saw?
Does he feel what I feel?

In my life
I'm no longer alone
Now the love in my life
Is so near
Find me now, find me here!

VALJEAN
Dear Cosette,
You're such a lonely child
How pensive, how sad you seem to me
Believe me, were it within my power
I'd fill each passing hour
How quiet it must be, I can see
With only me for company.

COSETTE
There's so little I know
That I'm longing to know
Of the child that I was
In a time long ago...
There's so little you say
Of the life you have known
Why you keep to yourself
Why we're always alone
So dark! So dark and deep...
The secrets that you keep!

In my life
I have all that I want
You are loving and gentle and good
But Papa, dear Papa,
In your eyes I am just like a child
Who is lost in a wood

VALJEAN
No more words
No more words. It's a time that is dead
There are words
That are better unheard,
Better unsaid.

COSETTE
In my life
I'm no longer a child and I yearn
For the truth that you know
Of the years... years ago!

VALJEAN
You will learn
Truth is given by God
To us all in our time
In our turn

(Valjean leaves the garden. Marius and Eponine arrive outside)

MARIUS
In my life
She has burst like the music of angels
The light of the sun
And my life seems to stop
As if something is over
And something has scarcely begun.
Eponine
You're the friend who has brought me here
Thanks to you I am one with the gods
And Heaven is near!
And I soar through a world that is new that is free

EPONINE(to herself)
Every word that he says is a dagger in me!
In my life
There's been no one like him anywhere
Anywhere, where he is...
If he asked... I'd be his

MARIUS & EPONINE
In my life
There is someone who touches my life

MARIUS
Waiting near

EPONINE
Waiting here

A Heart Full of Love

(Marius goes into the garden, leaving Eponine outside the gate)

MARIUS
A heart full of love
A heart full of song
I'm doing everything all wrong
Oh God, for shame
I do not even know your name
Dear Mad'moiselle
Won't you say?
Will you tell?

COSETTE
A heart full of love
No fear, no regret

M,ARIUS
My name is Marius Pontmercy

COSETTE
And mine's Cosette

MARIUS
Cosette, I don't know what to say

COSETTE
Then make no sound

MARIUS
I am lost

COSETTE
I am found!

MARIUS
A heart full of light

COSETTE
A night bright as day

MARIUS
And you must never go away
Cosette, Cosette

COSETTE
This is a chain we'll never break

MARIUS
Do I dream?

COSETTE
I'm awake!

MARIUS
A heart full of love

COSETTE
A heart full of you

MARIUS
A single look and then I knew

COSETTE
I knew it too

MARIUS
From today

COSETTE
Every day

COSETTE & MARIUS
For it isn't a dream
Not a dream after all.

EPONINE(Interjecting)
He was never mine to lose
Why regret what cannot be?
These are words he'll never say
Not to me...
Not to me...
Not to me...

His heart full of love
He will never feel this way...

(Marius and Cosette move away as Montparnasse enters furtively)

Cosette, Marius & E - A Heart Full of Love Lyrics

(Time has passed. Suggest Marius convalescing, encouraged by Cosette who takes his arm as he walks with firmer step)

COSETTE
Every day
You walk with stronger step
You walk with longer step-
`The worst is over.'

MARIUS
Every day
I wonder every day
Who was it brought me here
From the barricade?

COSETTE
Don't think about it, Marius!
With all the years ahead of us!
I will never go away
And we will be together
Every day.
Every day,
We'll remember that night
And the vow that we made:

A heart full of love
A night full of you
The words are old
But always true.
Oh, God, for shame
You did not even know my name!

MARIUS
Dear Mad'moiselle
I was lost in your spell.

(Valjean enters, unnoticed)

COSETTE
A heart full of love
No fear no regret
`My name is Marius Pontmercy'

MARIUS
Cosette, Cosette!

COSETTE
I saw you waiting and I knew.

MARIUS
Waiting for you
At your feet

COSETTE
At your call

BOTH
And it wasn't a dream
Not a dream after all

VALJEAN(interjecting, to himself)
She was never mine to keep.
She is youthful, she is free.
Love is the garden of the young
Let it be... let it be...
A heart full of love
This I give you on this day.

(They notice Valjean)

MARIUS
M'sieur, this is a day
I can never forget.
Is gratitude enough
For giving me Cosette?
Your home shall be with us
And not a day shall pass
But we will prove our love
To you, whom we shall call
A father to us both
A father to us all.

(Cosette leaves)

Thenardier's Gang & - Plumet Attack Lyrics

EPONINE
'Parnasse, what are you doing
So far out of our patch?

MONTPARNASSE
This house, we're going to do it
Rich man, plenty of scratch
You remember he's the one
Who got away the other day
Got a number on his chest
Perhaps a fortune put away!

EPONINE
Oh Lord, somebody help me!
Dear God, what'll I do?
He'll think this is an ambush
He'll think I'm in it too!

What'll I do, what'll I say?
I've got to warn them here
I've got to find a way.

(Thenardier arrives with the rest of his gang)

THENARDIER
This is his lair
I've seen the old fox around
He keeps himself to himself
He's staying close to the ground
I smell profit here!

Ten years ago
He came and paid for Cosette
I let her go for a song
It's time we settled the debt
This'll cost him dear

BRUJON
What do I care
Who you should rob?
Gimme me my share
Finish the job!

THENARDIER
You shut your mouth
Give me your hand

BRUJON
(catching sight of Eponine)
What have we here?

THENARDIER
(not recognizing her)
Who is this hussy?

BABET
It's your brat Eponine
Don't you know your own kid
Why's she hanging about you?

THENARDIER
Eponine, get on home
You're not needed in this
We're enough here without you

EPONINE
I know this house
I tell you there's nothing here for you
Just the old man and the girl
They live ordinary lives

THENARDIER
Don't interfere
You've got some gall
Take care, young miss,
You've got a lot to say!

BRUJON
She's going soft

CLAQUESOUS
Happens to all

MONTPARNASSE
Go home, 'Ponine,
Go home, you're in the way

EPONINE
I'm gonna scream, I'm gonna warn them here.

THENARDIER
One little scream and you'll regret it for a year.

CLAQUESOUS
What a palaver
What an absolute treat
To watch a cat and its father
Pick a bone in the street

BRUJON
Not a sound out of you!

EPONINE
Well I told you I'd do it, told you I'd do it...

(She screams)

THENARDIER
You wait my girl, you'll rue this night
I'll make you scream, you'll scream all right
Leave her to me, don't wait around
Make for the sewers, go underground!

(The gang scatters. Marius and Cosette run back into the garden and he hurriedly introduces Eponine before she takes
off)

MARIUS
It was your cry sent them away
Once more 'Ponine saving the day
Dearest Cosette - my friend 'Ponine
Brought me to you, showed me the way!
Someone is near
Let's not be seen
Somebody's here!

(Marius leaves quickly as Valjean enters)

VALJEAN
My God, Cosette!
I heard a cry in the dark
I heard the shout of angry voices in the street.

COSETTE
That was my cry you heard, Papa,
I was afraid of what they'd do.
They ran away when they heard my cry.

VALJEAN
Cosette, my child, what will become of you?

COSETTE
Three men I saw beyond the wall
Three men in shadow moving fast

JAVERT
This is a warning to us all
These are the shadows of the past

Must be Javert!
He's found my cover at last!
I've got to get Cosette away
Before they return!

We must get away from shadows
They will never let us be
Tomorrow to Calais...
And then a ship across the sea!

Hurry, Cosette, prepare to leave and say no more,
Tomorrow we'll away!
Hurry, Cosette, it's time to close another door
And live another day!

Company - One Day More! Lyrics

VALJEAN
One day more!
Another day, another destiny.
This never-ending road to Calvary;
These men who seem to know my crime
Will surely come a second time.
One day more!

MARIUS
I did not live until today.
How can I live when we are parted?

VALJEAN
One day more.

MARIUS & COSETTE
Tomorrow you'll be worlds away
And yet with you, my world has started!

EPONINE
One more day all on my own.

MARIUS & COSETTE
Will we ever meet again?

EPONINE
One more day with him not caring.

MARIUS & COSETTE
I was born to be with you.

EPONINE
What a life I might have known.

MARIUS & COSETTE
And I swear I will be true!

EPONINE
But he never saw me there!

ENJOLRAS
One more day before the storm!

MARIUS
Do I follow where she goes?

ENJOLRAS
At the barricades of freedom.

MARIUS
Shall I join my brothers there?

ENJOLRAS
When our ranks begin to form

MARIUS
Do I stay; and do I dare?

ENJOLRAS
Will you take your place with me?

ALL
The time is now, the day is here

VALJEAN
One day more!

JAVERT
One more day to revolution,
We will nip it in the bud!
I will join these little schoolboys,
They will wet themselves with blood!

VALJEAN
One day more!

M. & MME. THENARDIER
Watch 'em run amuck,
Catch 'em as they fall,
Never know your luck
When there's a free for all,
Here a little `dip'
There a little `touch'
Most of them are goners
So they won't miss much!

Students (2 Groups)
1: One day to a new beginning

2: Raise the flag of freedom high!

1: Every man will be a king

2: Every man will be a king

1: There's a new world for the winning

2: There's a new world to be won

ALL
Do you hear the people sing?

MARIUS
My place is here, I fight with you!

VALJEAN
One day more!

MARIUS & COSETTE
I did not live until today.

EPONINE
One more day all on my own!

MARIUS & COSETTE
How can I live when we are parted?

JAVERT(overlapping)
I will join these people's heros
I will follow where they go
I will learn their little Secrets,
I will know the things they know.

VALJEAN
One day more!

MARIUS & COSETTE
Tomorrow you'll be worlds away

EPONINE
What a life I might have known!

MARIUS & COSETTE
And yet with you my world has started

JAVERT(overlapping)
One more day to revolution
We will nip it in the bud
We'll be ready for these

Schoolboys

THENARDIERS(overlapping)
Watch 'em run amok
Catch 'em as they fall
Never know your luck
When there's a free-for-all!

VALJEAN
Tomorrow we'll be far away,
Tomorrow is the judgement day

ALL
Tomorrow we'll discover
What our God in Heaven has in store!
One more dawn
One more day
One day more!

Enjolras, The Stude - AT THE BARRICADE Lyrics

(Enjolras is addressing the revolutionaries)

ENJOLRAS
Here upon these stones
We will build our barricade
In the heart of the city
We claim as our own!
Each man to his duty
And don't be afraid.
Wait! I will need a report
On the strength of the foe.

JAVERT(disguised as a rebel)
I can find out the truth
I know their ways
Fought their wars
Served my time
In the days
Of my youth.

PROUVAIRE
Now the people will fight

GRANTAIRE
And so they might
Dogs will bark
Fleas will bite.

LESGLES
They will do what is right!

(Marius spots Eponine, who is dressed as a boy)

MARIUS
Hey, little boy, what's this I see?
God, Eponine, the things you do!

EPONINE
I know this is no place for me,
Still, I would rather be with you!

MARIUS
Get out before the trouble starts.
Get out, 'Ponine, you might get shot!

EPONINE
I've got you worried now, I have
That shows you like me quite a lot!

MARIUS
There is a way that you can help
You are the answer to a prayer!
Please take this letter to Cosette
And pray to God that she's still there!

EPONINE
Little you know!
Little you care!

(She walks to the Rue Plumet, where she meets Valjean)

EPONINE
I have a letter M'sieur
It's addressed to your daughter, Cosette
It's from a boy at the barricade, Sir,
In the Rue de Villette.

VALJEAN
Give me that letter here, my boy.

EPONINE
He said to give it to Cosette

VALJEAN
You have my word that my daughter will know
What this letter contains.

(He gives her a coin)

Tell the young man she will read it tomorrow
And here's for your pains
Go careful now, stay out of sight
There's danger in the streets tonight.

(He opens the letter... and reads it)

"Dearest Cosette, you have entered my soul
And soon you will be gone.
Can it be only a day since we met
And the world was reborn?
If I should fall in the battle to come
Let this be my goodbye...
Now that I know you love me as well
It is harder to die...
I pray that god will bring me home
To be with you.
Pray for your Marius. He prays for you!"

(Valjean goes in, leaving Eponine alone)

Eponine - On My Own Lyrics

EPONINE
And now I'm all alone again
Nowhere to go no one to turn to,
Did not want your money sir
I came out here coz i was told to
And now the night is near
Now I can make believe he's here.

Sometimes I walk alone at night
When everybody else is sleeping
I think of him and then I'm happy
With the company I'm keeping
The city goes to bed
And I can live inside my head.

On my own
Pretending he's beside me
All alone, I walk with him till morning
Without him
I feel his arms around me
And when I lose my way I close my eyes
And he has found me

In the rain the pavement shines like silver
All the lights are misty in the river
In the darkness, the trees are full of starlight
And all I see is him and me for ever and forever

And I know it's only in my mind
That I'm talking to myself and not to him
And although I know that he is blind
Still I say, there's a way for us

I love him
But when the night is over
He is gone, the river's just a river
Without him the world around me changes
The trees are bare and everywhere
The streets are full of strangers

I love him
But every day I'm learning
All my life I've only been pretending
Without me his world will go on turning
A world that's full of happiness
That I have never known!

I love him
I love him
I love him
But only on my own.

Javert, Enjolras & - Javert at the Barricade/Little People Lyrics

GAVROCHE
Liar!
Good evening, dear inspector
Lovely evening, my dear.
I know this man, my friends
His name is Inspector Javert
So don't believe a word he says
'Cause none of it's true
This only goes to show
What little people can do!

And little people know
When little people fight
We may look easy pickings
But we've got some bite
So never kick a dog
Because he's just a pup
We'll fight like twenty armies
And we won't give up
So you'd better run for cover
When the pup grows up!

GRANTAIRE
Bravo, little Gavroche, you're the top of the class!

PROUVAIRE
So what are we going to do
With this snake in the grass?

ENJOLRAS
Tie this man and take him
To the tavern in there
The people will decide your fate
Inspector Javert!

COURFEYRAC
Take the bastard now and shoot him!

FEUILLY
Let us watch the devil dance!

LESGLES
You'd have done the same, Inspector,
If we'd let you have your chance!

JAVERT
Shoot me now or shoot me later
Every schoolboy to his sport
Death to each and every traitor
I renounce your people's court!

COMBEFERRE
Though we may not all survive here
There are things that never die

GRANTAIRE
What's the difference, die a schoolboy,
Die a policeman, die a spy?

ENJOLRAS
Take this man, bring him through
There is work we have to do!

(Javert is bundled away as the first shots ring out.
Eponine enters, wounded)

JOLY
There's a boy climbing the barricade!

MARIUS
Good God! What are you doing?
'Ponine, have you no fear?
Have you seen my beloved?
Why have you come back here?

EPONINE
Took the letter like you said
I met her father at the door
He said he would give it

(She collapses in his arms)

Don't think I can stand any more.

MARIUS
Eponine, what's wrong? I feel...
There's something wet upon your hair

(There is blood on his hands)

Eponine, you're hurt
You need some help!
Oh God, it's everywhere....

Enjolras & Students - The First Attack Lyrics

(Enjolras gives Valjean a gun)

ENJOLRAS
Take this and use it well!
But if you shoot us in the back,
You'll never live to tell.

STUDENT ONE
Platoon of sappers advancing toward the barricade!

STUDENT TWO
Troops behind them, fifty men or more!

ENJOLRAS
Fire!

(Gunfire is heard)

FEUILLY
Sniper!

(Valjean shoots a sniper who is aiming at Enjolras)

LESGLES
See how they run away!

GRANTAIRE
By God we've won the day!

ENJOLRAS
They will be back again,
Make an attack again.
(To Valjean.)
For your presence of mind
For the deed you have done
I will thank you M'sieur
When our battle is won.

VALJEAN
Give me no thanks M'sieur
There is something you can do.

ENJOLRAS
If it is in my power.

VALJEAN
Give me the spy Javert
Let me take care of him!

JAVERT
The law is inside out
The world is upside down

ENJOLRAS
Do what you have to do,
The man belongs to you.

The enemy may be regrouping. Hold yourself in readiness.
Come my friends, back to your positions.
The night is falling fast.

VALJEAN
We meet again.

JAVERT
You've hungered for this all your life;
Take your revenge!
How right you should kill with a knife!

(Valjean cuts the ropes which bind Javert.)

VALJEAN
You talk too much,
Your life is safe in my hands.

JAVERT
Don't understand

VALJEAN
Get out of here.

JAVERT
Valjean, take care!
I'm warning you...

VALJEAN
Clear out of here.

JAVERT
Once a thief, forever a thief
What you want you always steal!
You would trade your life for mine.
Yes, Valjean, you want a deal!
Shoot me now for all I care!
If you let me go, beware,
You'll still answer to Javert!

VALJEAN
You are wrong, and always have been wrong.
I'm a man, no worse than any man.
You are free, and there are no conditions,
No bargains or petitions.
There's nothing that I blame you for
You've done your duty, nothing more.
If I come out of this alive, you'll find me
At number fifty-five Rue Plumet
No doubt our paths will cross again.

(Valjean fires his gun into the air, Javert leaves quickly. Muted applause from the students who think Javert has been shot)

ENJOLRAS
Courfeyrac, you take the watch
They won't attack until it's light
Everybody stay awake
We must be ready for the fight
For the final fight
Let no one sleep tonight!

Eponine & Marius - A Little Fall of Rain Lyrics

EPONINE
Don't you fret, M'sieur Marius
I don't feel any pain
A little fall of rain
Can hardly hurt me now
You're here, that's all I need to know
And you will keep me safe
And you will keep me close
And rain will make the flowers grow.

MARIUS
But you will live, 'Ponine - dear God above,
If I could heal your wounds with words of love.

EPONINE
Just hold me now, and let it be.
Shelter me, comfort me

MARIUS
You would live a hundred years
If I could show you how
I won't desert you now...

EPONINE
The rain can't hurt me now
This rain will wash away what's past
And you will keep me safe
And you will keep me close
I'll sleep in your embrace at last.

The rain that brings you here
Is Heaven-blessed!
The skies begin to clear
And I'm at rest
A breath away from where you are
I've come home from so far
So don't you fret, M'sieur Marius

I don't feel any pain
A little fall of rain
Can hardly hurt me now

That's all I need to know
And you will keep me safe
And you will keep me close

MARIUS(in counterpoint)
Hush-a-bye, dear Eponine,
You won't feel any pain
A little fall of rain
Can hardly hurt you now
I'm here

I will stay with you
Till you are sleeping

EPONINE
And rain...

MARIUS
And rain...

EPONINE
Will make the flowers...

MARIUS
Will make the flowers... grow...

(She dies. Marius kisses her, then lays her on the ground)

ENJOLRAS
She is the first to fall
The first of us to fall upon this barricade

MARIUS
Her name was Eponine
Her life was cold and dark, yet she was unafraid.

COMBEFERRE
We fight here in her name

PROUVAIRE
She will not die in vain.

LESGLES
She will not be betrayed.

(They carry her body off)

Grantaire, Students - The night / Drink With Me Lyrics

(The defenders settle down for the night with wine and a song)

ENJOLRAS
Marius, rest.

FEUILLY
Drink with me to days gone by
Sing with me the songs we knew

PROUVAIRE
Here's to pretty girls who went to our heads.

JOLY
Here's to witty girls who went to out beds.

ALL
Here's to them and here's to you!

GRANTAIRE
Drink with me to days gone by
Can it be you fear to die?
Will the world remember you
When you fall?
Could it be your death
Means nothing at all?
Is your life just one more lie?

ALL
Drink with me to days gone by
To the life that used to be

WOMEN
At the shrine of friendship, never say die

MEN
Let the wine of friendship never run dry

ALL
Here's to you and here's to me

MARIUS
Do I care if I should die
Now she goes across the sea?
Life without Cosette
Means nothing at all.
Would you weep, Cosette,
Should Marius fall?
Will you weep, Cosette,
For me?

(Marius settles down to sleep)

Valjean - Bring Him Home Lyrics

(Valjean is standing over Marius at the barricade)

VALJEAN
God on high
Hear my prayer
In my need
You have always been there

He is young
He's afraid
Let him rest
Heaven blessed.
Bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home.

He's like the son I might have known
If God had granted me a son.
The summers die
One by one
How soon they fly
On and on
And I am old
And will be gone.

Bring him peace
Bring him joy
He is young
He is only a boy

You can take
You can give
Let him be
Let him live
If I die, let me die
Let him live
Bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home.

Thenardier - Dog Eats Dog Lyrics

(Thénardier is picking through the corpses in the sewers)

THENARDIER
Here's a hint of gold
Stuck into a tooth
Pardon me M'sieur
You won't be needing it no more.
Shouldn't be too hard to sell.
Add it to the pile
Add it to the stock
Here among the sewer rats
A breath away from Hell
You get accustomed to the smell.

Well someone's got to clean 'em up, my friends
Bodies on the highway
Law and order upside down
Someone's got to collect their odds and ends
As a service to the town!

(Valjean arrives, carrying MARIUS.
VALJEAN collapses)

(THENARDIER robs marius)

Here's a tasty ring
Pretty little thing
Wouldn't want to waste it
That would really be a crime
Thank you sir, I'm in your debt
Here's another toy
Take it off the boy
His heart's no longer going
And he's lived his little time
But his watch is ticking yet!

Well, someone's got to clean them up, my friends
Before the little harvest
Disappears into the mud
Someone's got to collect their odds and ends
When the gutters run with blood.

It's a world where the dog eats the dog
Where they kill for bones in the street
And God in His Heaven
He don't interfere
'Cause he's dead as the stiffs at my feet
I raise my eyes to see the heavens
And only the moon looks down
The harvest moon shines down!

(He turns over Valjean's body, recognizes him, and leaves. Eventually, Valjean picks up Marius again and walks
through the sewers. As they emerge, they meet Javert)

VALJEAN
It's you, Javert!
I knew you wouldn't wait too long
The faithful servant at his post once more!
This man's done no wrong,
And he needs a doctor's care.

JAVERT
I warned you I would not give in
I won't be swayed

VALJEAN
Another hour yet
And then I'm yours
And all our debts are paid.

JAVERT
The man of mercy comes again
And talks of justice

JAVERT
Come, time is running short
Look down, Javert
He's standing in his grave
Give way, Javert
There is a life to save.

JAVERT(overlapping)
Take him Valjean,
Before I change my mind
I will be waiting
24601.

(Valjean carries Marius off)

Javert - Javert's Suicide Lyrics

(Javert walks the deserted streets until he comes to a bridge over the river Seine)

JAVERT
Who is this man?
What sort of devil is he
To have me caught in a trap
And choose to let me go free?
It was his hour at last
To put a seal on my fate
Wipe out the past
And wash me clean off the slate!
All it would take
Was a flick of his knife.
Vengeance was his
And he gave me back my life!

Damned if I'll live in the debt of a thief!
Damned if I'll yield at the end of the chase.
I am the Law and the Law is not mocked
I'll spit his pity right back in his face
There is nothing on earth that we share
It is either Valjean or Javert!

How can I now allow this man
To hold dominion over me?
This desperate man whom I have hunted
He gave me my life. He gave me freedom.
I should have perished by his hand
It was his right.
It was my right to die as well
Instead I live... but live in hell.

And my thoughts fly apart
Can this man be believed?
Shall his sins be forgiven?
Shall his crimes be reprieved?

And must I now begin to doubt,
Who never doubted all these years?
My heart is stone and still it trembles
The world I have known is lost in shadow.
Is he from heaven or from hell?
And does he know
That granting me my life today
This man has killed me even so?

I am reaching, but I fall
And the stars are black and cold
As I stare into the void
Of a world that cannot hold
I'll escape now from the world
From the world of Jean Valjean.
There is nowhere I can turn
There is no way to go on....

(He throws himself into the swollen river)

Women Of Paris - Turning Lyrics

WOMAN ONE
Did you see them
Going off to fight?

WOMAN TWO
Children of the barricade
Who didn't last the night?

WOMAN THREE
Did you see them
Lying where they died?
Someone used to cradle them
And kiss them when they cried.

WOMAN FOUR
Did you see them lying side by side?

WOMAN FIVE
Who will wake them?

WOMAN SIX
No one ever will.

WOMAN TWO
No one ever told them
That a summer day can kill.

WOMAN SEVEN
They were schoolboys
Never held a gun...
Fighting for a new world
That would rise up like the sun.

WOMAN THREE
Where's that new world now the fighting's done?

WOMAN FOUR
Nothing changes.

WOMAN SEVEN
Nothing ever will.

WOMAN EIGHT
Every year another brat, another mouth to fill.

WOMAN SEVEN
Same old story. What's the use of tears?

WOMAN FIVE
What's the use of praying if there's nobody who hears?

ALL
Turning, turning, turning, turning, turning
Through the years.

Turning, turning, turning through the years
Minutes into hours and the hours into years.
Nothing changes. Nothing ever can
Round about the roundabout and back where you began.
Round and round and back where you began!

Marius - Empty Chairs at Empty Tables Lyrics

(Marius, recovering from his wounds, imagines he is back at the ABC cafe)

MARIUS
There's a grief that can't be spoken.
There's a pain goes on and on.
Empty chairs at empty tables
Now my friends are dead and gone.

Here they talked of revolution.
Here it was they lit the flame.
Here they sang about `tomorrow'
And tomorrow never came.

From the table in the corner
They could see a world reborn
And they rose with voices ringing
I can hear them now!
The very words that they had sung
Became their last communion
On the lonely barricade at dawn.

Oh my friends, my friends forgive me

(The ghosts of those who died on the barricade appear)

That I live and you are gone.
There's a grief that can't be spoken.
There's a pain goes on and on.

Phantom faces at the window.
Phantom shadows on the floor.
Empty chairs at empty tables
Where my friends will meet no more.

(The ghosts fade away)

Oh my friends, my friends, don't ask me
What your sacrifice was for
Empty chairs at empty tables
Where my friends will sing no more.

Guests, M. & Mme. T - Wedding Chorale/Beggars at the Feast Lyrics

(Marius and Cosette lead a wedding procession)

CHORUS
Ring out the bells
Upon this day of days!

May all the angels
Of the Lord above

In jubilation
Sing their songs of praise!

And crown this
Blessed time with
Peace and love.

(The procession becomes a dancing celebration. A waltz is played)

MAJOR DOMO
The Baron and Baroness de Thénard wish to pay their respects to the groom!

THENARDIER
I forget where we met
Was it not at the Chateau Lafarge
Where the Duke did that puke
Down the Duchess's de-coll-etage?

MARIUS
No, `Baron de Thénard'
The circles I move in are humbler by far.
Go away, Thénardier!
Do you think I don't know who you are?

MME. THENARDIER
He's not fooled. Told you so.
Show M'sieur what you've come here to show.
Tell the boy what you know!

(Applause from the dancers as the waltz finishes)

MARIUS
When I look at you, I remember Eponine.
She was more than you deserved, who gave her birth
But now she is with God and happier, I hope,
Than here on earth!
The waltz starts up again.

THENARDIER
So it goes, heaven knows
Life has dealt me some terrible blows.

MME. THENARDIER
You've got cash and a heart
You could give us a bit of a start!
We can prove, plain as ink
Your bride's father is not what you think.

THENARDIER
There's a tale I could tell

MME. THENARDIER
Information we're willing to sell...

THENARDIER
There's a man that he slew
I saw the corpse clear as I'm seeing you!
What I tell you is true!

MME. THENARDIER
Pity to disturb you at a feast like this
But five hundred francs surely wouldn't come amiss.

MARIUS
In God's name say what you have to say.

THENARDIER
But first you pay!
What I saw, clear as light,
Jean Valjean in the sewers that night.
Had this corpse on his back
Hanging there like a bloody great sack.
I was there, never fear.
Even found me this fine souvenir.

(Thénardier shows Marius a ring)

MARIUS
I know this! This was mine!
This is surely some heavenly sign!

THENARDIER
One thing more, mark this well
It was the night the barricades fell.

MARIUS
Then it's true. Then I'm right.
Jean Valjean was my savior that night!

(Marius punches Thénardier and then throws money at him)

As for you, take this too!
God forgive the things that we do.
Come my love, come Cosette,
This day's blessings are not over yet!

(Marius and Cosette leave)

====

BEGGARS AT THE FEAST

THENARDIER
Ain't it a laugh
Ain't it a treat?
Hob-nobbin' here
Among the elite?
Here comes a prince
There goes a Jew.
This one's a queer
But what can you do?
Paris at my feet
Paris in the dust
And here's me breaking bread
With the upper crust!

Beggar at the feast!
Master of the dance!
Life is easy pickings
If you grab your chance.
Everywhere you go
Law-abiding folk
Doing what is decent
But they're mostly broke!
Singing to the Lord on Sundays
Praying for the gifts He'll send.

M. & MME. THENARDIER
But we're the ones who take it
We're the ones who make it in the end!
Watch the buggers dance
Watch 'em till they drop
Keep your wits about you
And you stand on top!
Masters of the land
Always get our share
Clear away the barricades
And we're still there!
We know where the wind is blowing
Money is the stuff we smell.
And when we're rich as Croesus
Jesus! Won't we see you all in hell!

(Valjean is alone in the shadows, with a bare wooden cross for company)

VALJEAN
Alone I wait in the shadows
I count the hours till I can sleep
I dreamed a dream Cosette stood by
It made her weep to know I die.
Alone at the end of the day
Upon this wedding night I pray
Take these children, my Lord, to thy embrace
And show them grace.

God on high
Hear my prayer
Take me now
To thy care
Where You are
Let me be
Take me now
Take me there
Bring me home
Bring me home.

(Fantine's spirit appears to Valjean)

FANTINE
M'sieur, I bless your name
M'sieur, lay down your burden
You raised my child in love
And you will be with god.

VALJEAN(interjecting)
I am ready, Fantine
At the end of my days
She's the best of my life.

(Marius and Cosette rush into the room; they do not see Fantine)

COSETTE
Papa, Papa, I do not understand!
Are you alright? They said you'd gone away.

VALJEAN
Cosette, my child, am I forgiven now?
Thank God, thank God, I've lived to see this day.

MARIUS
It's you who must forgive a thoughtless fool
It's you who must forgive a thankless man
It's thanks to you that I am living
And again I lay down my life at your feet.

Cosette, your father is a saint.
When they wounded me
He took me from the barricade
Carried like a babe
And brought me home to you!

VALJEAN(to Cosette)
Now you are here
Again beside me
Now I can die in peace
For now my life is blessed...

COSETTE
You will live, Papa, you're going to live
It's too soon, too soon to say goodbye!

VALJEAN
Yes, Cosette, forbid me now to die
I'll obey,
I will try.
On this page
I write my last confession.
Read it well
When I at last am sleeping.
It's the story
Of those who always loved you.
Your mother gave her life for you
Then gave you to my keeping.

(The other spirits, including Eponine appear)

FANTINE
Come with me
Where chains will never bind you
All your grief
At last, at last behind you.
Lord in Heaven,
Look down on him in mercy.

VALJEAN
Forgive me all my trespasses
And take me to your glory.

FANTINE & EPONINE
Take my hand
And lead me to salvation.
Take my love,
For love is everlasting.

VALJEAN, FANTINE & EPONINE
And remember
The truth that once was spoken
To love another person
Is to see the face of God!

Company - Finale Lyrics

CHORUS
Do you hear the people sing
Lost in the valley of the night?
It is the music of a people
Who are climbing to the light.

For the wretched of the earth
There is a flame that never dies.
Even the darkest night will end
And the sun will rise.

They will live again in freedom
In the garden of the Lord.
They will walk behind the plough-share,
They will put away the sword.
The chain will be broken
And all men will have their reward.

Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Somewhere beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?
Do you hear the people sing?
Say, do you hear the distant drums?
It is the future that they bring
When tomorrow comes!

Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Somewhere beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?
Do you hear the people sing?
Say, do you hear the distant drums?
It is the future that they bring
When tomorrow comes...
Tomorrow comes!

Stay solid and keep shinny

2007-12-06T02:57:00.000Z

"God allows life to be rocky. His challenge is not to let the rocks grind us into dust, but to polish us to become a diamond. Stay precious as always."

White Humpback Whale ~ Migaloo

2007-11-15T14:08:00.000Z

http://www.migaloowhale.org/
http://www.shakamarlin.com/migaloo.htm

Migaloo ~ the only documented all-white humpback whale in the world.

First sighted on 28th June, 1991 passing Byron Bay - Australia's most easterly point - Migaloo is an adult male member of the east Australian humpback population, suspected to number around 8-10,000 individuals in 2007.

The name means "white fella" in the language of the Australian Aboriginal community of the Hervey Bay area in Queeensland.

This is cute:
Migaloo's turtle cousin
Monday, 3 July 2006
While Migaloo keeps to the southern Queensland waters, he has a relation of sorts in the Tropical North - an albino turtle who was found on Mackay's Blacks Beach about three months ago. There were grave concerns for the welfare of the cute white turtle who was shipped off to the Great Barrier Reef Marina Park Authority's Reef HQ in Townsville to be monitored and cared for. Turtle carer Paul Groves is pleased to report that the little fellow is doing very well indeed. After arriving at Reef HQ weighing 24g and measuring 51mm in length, he's now a whopping 140g and 105mm long. "He's actually outgrown his tank," Paul explains.

This is funny:
When an eligible whale leaves his bachelor pod
June 28, 2004 – The romantic notion of a white whale hit unprecedented amorous heights yesterday when Migaloo, the world's only identified pale humpback, paraded what is thought to be a new girlfriend off the state's Far North Coast.

Value to science:
Because the whale is so visible and easily identified, Pacific Whale Foundation researchers have been able to gather a lot of data about its sightings - without the use of radio tags. This has helped researchers better understand the migratory pathways of humpback whales in the South Pacific.

For example, in 1992, there were nine reliable sightings of Migaloo, which made it possible for Pacific Whale Foundation to plot the whale's migratory movement along the east Australia coast during the northward migration to the breeding areas, as well as its southward migration at the end of the season to its feeding area.

Eye Test

2007-11-13T10:38:00.000Z

Specific technology expertise?

2007-11-13T07:09:00.000Z

ASK THE HEADHUNTER® What do employers really pay for?

Question
After I got laid off from a company that I had 27 years with, I have not been able to get interviews, let alone job offers. I have been told that my resume is very strong and well-written. I am fortunate enough to know several executives in large corporations that have been sending my resume to recruiters, but the drought continues.

I believe the problem lies in that I do not have a specific technology or industry expertise. Earlier in my career I did programming, but as I advanced I took on several management and technical liaison positions. None of these required me to have a particular expertise. In fact, I successfully managed a 35-person development team without knowing the languages they used. I managed it from a business perspective and the application was delivered on time.

It seems the marketplace today is looking for people with in-depth knowledge in a particular area. It's very frustrating to have as much breadth of experience as I do, along with a Master's degree, and not even be able to get a single interview. I would greatly appreciate any insight you can share that might help me.

Nick's Reply
I think the marketplace is looking for people who can tackle specific problems, but managers are not good at figuring out how to map your resume onto a problem. You have to do it for them. That requires a targeted approach. Pick companies (just a handful) you'd love to work for. Then research them inside-out, mainly by finding and talking to people who do business with them (or work there). You're looking for one key thing: What do they need? This probably has little to do with job titles or position descriptions in job ads. You must look deeper to learn what work actually needs to be done to address the specific challenges the company faces. Then you must put together a business plan (instead of a resume) and get it to the right person. (See The New Interview.) You'll find that person in the course of your research, by talking to insiders. It's the long way around, but it works best.

Please read A Good Network is a Circle of Friends. Then check the other articles on the web site for additional ideas. People like you are actually rare -- you can be re-configured to do many things. But no employer will re-configure you. You've got to do it for them. This isn't any different from switching from one project to another when you're employed. It's part of doing the job. But when you're on the outside, you must do the work necessary to gain insight on the company and department you want to work in.

I know this is frustrating. But, if you've been successful, you can be again. There are many obstacles you must get past, including personnel jockeys and recruiters. Your next job will come from a dialogue directly between you and the manager who needs you. You must overcome your own distracting thoughts: worrying that you don't fit, questioning yourself, and focusing on your perceived weaknesses. (We all have weaknesses. Weakness is nothing more than the period before you adapt so you can perform well. It's as fleeting as you make it.)

Specific skills are not the problem. Offering a specific approach to specific problems is the challenge. This means you can go after only a handful of opportunities at a time. That's a risk. But, the bigger risk is scattering your credentials, waiting for others to find the fit for you. It's not likely to happen. Managers are generally lousy at figuring out how a candidate fits into their business. You must establish your own fit, and the best way to start is to select a handful of targets.

So, pick the company you really want to work for, and focus on it. Follow every trail that leads to insiders. Get to know them on online forums and via e-mail. Graduate to phone calls and meetings. This sure beats sending out resumes and waiting! It's a lot more fun and satisfying, and it requires a basic skill -- engaging others to talk about their work.

It's not about you. It's about what your target company needs. You can address that, but you must figure it out first. And that, my friend, is what I'm betting you are very good at. In the end, it's what you will get paid for.

Best,
Nick Corcodilos
Ask The Headhunter®

Arts of dealing with demanding boss

2007-10-30T12:29:00.000Z

Working for a demanding, uncompromising boss can be really difficult. As unpleasant as it may be, it can also be a real learning experience depending on how you handle it. Remember that the managerial mandate includes setting high standards, making tough decisions and pushing the organization to higher levels. With that in mind, you want to establish who you’re actually working for – a perfectionist or a bully – and, then how best to manage that boss. In either event, there are a number of things you might try in an effort to smooth out your working relationship with what might just be an insecure, reactionary supervisor.

First, be certain you are presenting yourself and your work in a way that diminishes your boss’s ability to take shots at you. Assess his patterns and identify what sets him off and either avoid those areas of conflict or get ahead of them. For example, if you know he will complain about the work that you didn’t get done, consider providing a status report that will show deadlines for those items yet to be completed. Be sure he sees that before he can ask you about unfinished business. If you feel you’re being held to unattainable standards, find out what other managers expect of their subordinates. Once you have a balanced view, prepare a documented picture of what seems realistic to you. Ask your boss to meet on the topic so you can present your thinking.

Before you attempt any such discussion, you will want to address two other areas: your judgment of your boss and your own inner critic. On the other hand, you want to be clear of any self-blame so that you can simply address the issues of how you work and what is acceptable treatment on your job. This will require a clear, neutral mind and disciplined, unemotional focus on the issues.

It’s possible that your boss simply does not have the leadership or interpersonal skills needed to manage others. But, it’s certainly your right to carefully articulate that you do not work well with anyone yelling at you or continually criticizing you. Stay solution-oriented as you voice your boundaries and concerns - e.g. “It’s really hard for me to concentrate when I’m being yelled at but I know I can improve if we discuss some positive suggestions about how I can do my job better.” Be ready – in your own words – with these kinds of boundary-setting statements. Even if your boss is unnerved by your candid, rational behavior and has no answer, you will have established a new style of communication with him. The big goal is to concentrate on changing the negative tone of any of your encounters and make a genuine attempt at establishing a respectful way of talking to and working with your boss.

If you can't seem to get your boss to listen, try changing how you get his attention. Determine if he seems to respond better in the morning or in a team meeting instead of one-on-one. Find out how he prefers to get information – from memos, e-mail, phone mail, in person. The most effective thing you can do is find out exactly what your boss expects and needs from you and determine how you can meet those expectations and needs. Be sure to work at developing a positive, nurturing support system as you go through this corrective process.

Ultimately, you have to face the fact that changing your boss is unlikely - that changing yourself is the easiest way to improve your relationship with him. Trial and error will help you develop strategies for effectively influencing your supervisor and, perhaps, find common ground upon which to build a more positive relationship.

Finally, if you determine that your boss is simply a bully who has you in his cross-hairs, the best strategy may be to plan your exit. In fact, determining to put into place a plan for leaving an unsatisfying job can often be a liberating experience. It can release a lot of built-up emotional pressure, change your day-to-day attitude, even allow you the perspective you need to solve problems that once seemed impossible. Keep your eye on the lessons that emerge from this experience and you will soon be in command of a whole new set of skills. You will have called on your own strengths to positively meet a difficult workplace challenge and, if required to do so, will walk away a much improved person.

Ask the Business Coach
Joyce K. Reynolds is an expert Business Coach who works with CEOs, Sr. Execs, entrepreneurs and countless others providing knowledge, solutions, motivation and support that assist her clientele in successfully meeting workplace challenges.

I am banned from diving for a month because of sore throat and coughing

2007-09-24T14:26:00.000+01:00

Received a "sarcastic" and "unkind" message fm my diving instructor friend who has been discussing about having a weekend diving: "I am going out to PERHENTIAN island this weekend. You are not fit to dive even if you get well. So my kind advice is to take good rest and dive next time."

How can they go diving without waiting for me to get well from fever, sore throat and couching that has been troubling me for a week!

My diving instructor accidentally pressed my phone number just now. So i questioned: "How can your guys go diving without me! and why can't your guys wait for me one more week!"

His answer was even crueler:
"First, you will not be well this week, will you?"

"No, i don't think so."

"Second, even after you get well, you are not allowed to dive for a month."

"A month!!!"

:'( Who takes away my happiness with the nature!

Diving in Tenggul Island, Terengganu, 5 Sept - 8 Sept 2007

2007-09-12T02:57:00.000+01:00

I went for a 4-day diving in Tenggul Island with a group of 14 students for Advanced Open Water Course of the University Malaysia Diving Club supervised by Major Mike on 5 Sept - 8 Sept.

Surprisingly, jelly fish which was not seen last June had been spotted during most of our dives. Was told that September, October and November are the season of jelly fish in Tenggul Island.

I saw a turtle again.

It was my first underwater photography practise. Have learnt some basic photography techniques from Roslin, a photographer from the News Straits Times.

Strive To Be Happy

2007-08-23T02:52:00.001+01:00

Max Ehrmann, Desiderate

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
_________________________________________

(1) Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;

(2) Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

(3) With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Mei, NOTE THAT THE LAST POINT reads "Strive to be
happy..." and NOT "Be happy". There's a huge
difference.

"Strive" means "make effort, try, or work towards",
and hence it implies it's not something easily
achieved.

We finally reap what we sow -- as also implied by the
saying "What goes around comes around."

If an individual wishes to achieve happiness, first
he/she must try to make the world a happier place i.e.
contribute positively in small ways (eg helping our
friends, or even strangers, in our dauily lives:) or
in a BIG way if possible, like becoming a MINISTER:)!

Join us at Malaysia Salsa Festival in August

2007-07-24T10:38:00.001+01:00

Visit http://www.malaysiansalsafestival.com/2007/

Diving in Tenggul Island, East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia (29 June - 1 July 2007)

2007-07-23T10:43:00.000+01:00

About 70 km south of Kuala Terengganu lies the sleepy town of Dungun, gateway to Pulau Tenggol just 30 km or 1 hour away by speedboat. Tenggol offers some of the best diving to be found in Peninsula Malaysia. Seas can be rough and deep with dive sites more suitable for advanced & experienced divers. Hard and soft corals in pristine condition and marine life thrive in its spectacular sunken cliffs.

Tenggul Island is a heaven of Nudibranchs! (Nudibranchs photos taken by Major Mike)

The small and rugged island of Pulau Tenggol is a forgotten gem set in the azure waters of the South China Sea - an emerald of deep, green forested interior flanked by white powder beaches and beautiful reefs. This wild island with beaches awashed with pristine warm water is a divers' paradise and host to Tenggul Aqua resort tucked away on its largest palm-fringed bay.

My Parents back from an 8-day Shanghai trip

2007-06-23T05:17:00.000+01:00

My parents are back to their home country Malaysia after an eight-day Shanghai trip.

It's the first time for them to travel on their own without the accompany of their kids. My younger brother taught them how to take photo fm our digital camera before their departure. They ended up taking only 4 photos and the rest are videos because the camera mode was accidentally changed to video mode without anyone realizing about it. I teased my father that he was so sophisticated that he was able to shoot video and not normal photography.

My parents are very happy to visit places in real where they have been studying from books and were familiar of.

It's SALSA 101 "The Hottest Party of the Year in Malaysia"

2007-06-22T07:40:00.000+01:00

4 World-Class DJs
* DJ Domingo - From Peru
* DJ Juanito - From Colombia
* Dr Salsa - From France

1 Great Movie
- From Son to Salsa ( The Story of birth and Expansion of Salsa Worldwide)

3 Massive workshops
* Introduction to Guanguanco & Body Isolation Technique by Patricia - From Venezuela (All Levels)
* Casino Rueda on Salsa Timba by Güpson Pierre from Canada (Intermediate)
* Newest Sexy moves & Dips on Rumba Wena (Intermediate)

3 Exclusive Performances
* Dancers from Salsa schools all over Kuala Lumpur & Singapore
* Amateur Dancers from around the world
* 1 World-Class Afro-Cuban Percussion Band, Headed by Master Percussionist Austin from Cape Town ( South Africa)

1 KL-Open Salsa Dance Competition
Gavin & Sally
Güpson & PAT Calzadilla
Fahmy & Friends

www.salsaprojects.com

It rains again

2007-04-16T09:58:00.000+01:00

It was raining in the afternoon again. About ten years ago, that was significant raining season in Malaysia during July to September. But since about three years ago, it seems to have frequent rains in any month. London is regarded as a "fog city", perhaps Malaysia can be called as a "rain country" someday.

My book of "Western Civilization"

2007-04-06T08:19:00.000+01:00

When I was staying in Singapore about seven years ago, I searched and ordered a book of "Western Civilization" which I found a detailed book in allowing me to understand better about the process of Western civilization.

It still looked new when I lend it to a friend who was doing her master's in International Civilization Studies three years ago. Unexpectedly, when she returned the book to me a few months later, all pieces in the book were taken off.

With driving my motorbike, I chased her and demanded her to open her car window. I told her to keep the book because I couldn't accept a book that was broken.

Until today, I still miss the book that had been formerly looked new until I lend it to a friend. I have to spend some money and efforts to purchase another copy now.

Documentary Film - "The Rise of Great Nations" 大国崛起

2007-04-06T08:18:00.000+01:00

"The Rise of Great Nations" is the first Chinese documentary displaying the evolution of world great powers in the history. After the geographic discovery in the 16th century, some states accelerated speed of expanding over the rest of the world. Thus the gap between countries was broadened in terms of development. In the last 500 years, nine countries emerged as great powers of super powers one after another in the world history including Portugal, Spain, Holland, Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Russia and USA.

I saw some places in Europe where I had been to and now by watching this documentary film, I had relatively deeper understanding about the history significance of those places.

这部12集大型电视纪录片《大国崛起》是中国中央电视台第一部以世界性大国的强国历史为题材并跨国摄制的大型电视纪录片，解读15世纪以来世界性大国崛起的历史，探究其兴盛背后的原因。它所说的“世界性大国”，不是人口和面积意义上的大国，而是在历史“成为全世界的历史”之后出现的具有全球性影响的国家。它以其平和的叙事风格、深厚的文化气息、精良的电视制作引起各界的广泛关注，尤其是它透过九个历史上的世界大国的发展经历，给今天带给了思考。

· 著名经济学家厉以宁谈电视纪录片《大国崛起》
央视《大国崛起》用电视来让更多的人了解世界历史上强国崛起的故事，非常好。我长期研究西方经济史，看了这部大型纪录片感觉可以给人几点启示……

· 北京大学国际关系学院院长王缉思：《大国崛起》这部片子非常令人振奋
我觉得《大国崛起》这部片子非常令人振奋，因为它有一个广度和深度，让我们看了整个事件一个发生的历史，各个国家发展的历史，这个里头有经验有教训，有很多值得我们思索的东西，现在我们讲统筹国际国内两个大局，那么国际大局是怎么变成现在这个样子的，那么这个不光是大国崛起的历史，也是一个大国权力和影响交替的历史。

· 外交学院院长吴建民：一个大国必须要有自己独立思考的能力
看了以后觉得片子非常好，中央电视台作了一件非常有意义的事情。这部片子对现在的中国特别有意义，因为中国正处在一个怎么办的时间段里。通过看这部片子，可以看到别的国家在发展中的长处，我们可以借鉴的地方。中国人需要了解这些。

· 清华大学经济管理学院院长钱颖一：在浮躁环境下的一部严肃纪录片
我觉得这是非常好的题材，而且是一个非常有意义的片子，我的评价是，我觉得这部片子是有深度有广度，大视角，大手笔，这样的一个讲历史的片子，同时它又非常有现实意义，对于我们思考下一步国家的这个发展，经济的发展都是有意义的。实际上这部片子是一个用很短的时间来展现过去人类500年的一个发展的主要的轮廓。

· 北京大学光华管理学院院长张维迎：我个人特别强调创新
中央电视台作这样一部片子非常有意义，因为中国的落后实际上都是过去300年的历史，那么在过去的300年，西方的这些国家先后崛起了，但是中国变得越来越落后了，所以我想通过这样一个片子，来去让更多的观众了解西方国家在过去300年里边，是怎么发展成长起来的。对我们国家非常重要，尤其在我们好多的认识上，我们能够达成一致的看法，这样的话，我们国家下一步的发展才可以比较顺利。

· 社科院世界历史研究所教授汤重南：片子的史观是正确的
这个片子应该是说棒极了，非常好。它给我一个非常大的冲击力，我感到真是有好多个第一次，第一次用电视的语言，用这样美丽的画面，用这样丰富的历史资料，用这么多的外国的专家、领导人和中国的一些学者们，来谈这个历史，来谈这九个国家怎么样走向大国之路，那么多丰富的经验教训！我看了这个片子，特别是看了出的这套书以后，感慨就更深了。觉得你们付出的辛劳没白费，而且是得到了广大电视观众的认可。它给我最大的冲击就是说，中国真的应该从此打破封闭，应该让全民多能够关注全世界，睁眼看世界。

· 北京大学历史学系教授钱乘旦：中国正在深入地了解世界
看到这部片子的播出，我觉得非常高兴，为什么呢？因为我觉得学术能够为中国的社会大众做一点事，做一点服务。我们做学术工作的，实际上一直就是有一个很大的困扰，也是一个困境，非常苦恼的，就是钻在象牙塔里面，让人不能理解，也不容易接触到，但是通过这部片子我觉得学术的工作和学术的活动，还是有可能为社会大众服务的。所以我感到非常的高兴。

· 北京大学历史学系主任牛大勇：把人家的优点都学来了，你就是最好的
我觉得《大国崛起》这部片子拍得非常及时，非常有意义，因为我们国家这20多年来都是在一个改革开放的进程当中，我们中国在走向世界。在这个时候，我们不仅要让我们的学者、学生，而且要让我们整个的国民都充分地了解这个比我们国家本身要大得多的世界，特别是对世界大国兴衰的规律，应该有一个非常清醒的历史认知。

Link to download:
http://www.zishu.cn/blogview.asp?logID=572

My friends and colleagues

2007-04-04T21:07:00.000+01:00

I am glad and very pleased to meet my friends and ex-colleagues in Asia again, but at the same time, I miss my friends in Europe, especially my coleagues whom I worked with and were able to correspond face to face almost every weekday in England.

Fortunately, there still have been email correspondence or sometimes online chatting with some of them. With not lossing contact, I believe we will meet again.

心的轉化—締造生命的喜悅

2007-04-04T06:52:00.000+01:00

"現代人非常嚮往幸福喜悅，但所追求的都是外在的快樂，卻不知這些快樂都是暫時性的。快樂很多時候是種心境，心才是快樂的主導者，只有心的轉化，才能締造生命的喜悅。”

Chinese Calligraphy Drawings 水墨畫

2007-01-07T18:22:00.000Z

I like Chinese Calligraphy because by writing it and seeing it, it leads us to our soul.

Calligraphy, the Soul of Chinese Fine Arts

Besides Chinese characters writing, that is also chinese calligraphy drawings.

Colmar, France

2007-01-07T16:28:00.000Z

Colmar is a lovely town in the eastern part of France, near the German and Swiss border. Besides being famous as the Capital of Alsatian wines, Colmar is also the birthplace of the sculptor Bartholi who created the Statue of Liberty in New-York.

Yeah, snowing!!!

Sorry, it was artificial snow of Christmas decoration. Anyhow, it was still a fun seeing "snow" during christmas in winter.

Le musée d'Unterlinden est un musée d'association situé à Colmar dans l'ancien couvent des Dominicaines d'Unterlinden. Elevée entre 1252 et 1269, l'église pourvue d'une tribune au XVIIIe siècle adopte le plan type des églises des ordres mendiants. Le cloître non voûté, aux arcades de grès rose, a été construit de 1280 à 1289. L'église et les bâtiments conventuels abritent désormais le musée. Les bâtiments, à l’abandon depuis la Révolution française, furent sauvés par la Société Schongauer instituée en 1847.

The Musée d´Unterlinden in Colmar possesses eleven panels of Martin Schongauer whose engravings are mainly religious of Christianity.

You may pick up your christmas present at Colmar. :-D

13 Nobel laureates seek strong backing for UN resolution on Myanmar

2007-01-06T14:44:00.000Z

Friday, 5 January 2007

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Thirteen Nobel Peace Prize winners called on the UN Security Council to give unanimous support to a US-proposed resolution condemning political repression in military-ruled Myanmar.

"We welcome the recent proposal of a Security Council resolution on Burma (Myanmar), and urge all members to support it immediately," said American Nobel laureate Jody Williams.

She and Iranian laureate Shirin Ebadi spoke on behalf of the 13 in front of the Myanmar embassy in Washington where they joined a group of activists demonstrating against the military junta in Yangon.

"We want to send a message that the world is paying attention, the whole world does care of what the UN Security Council does on this issse," said Williams, who won the Nobel award in 1997 for her campaign to ban landmines.

The Security Council is weighing its first ever resolution on Myanmar after voting in September to place the Southeast Asian state also for the first time on its permanent agenda.

The Nobel laureates said Security Council action would send an "important" signal to Myanmar's military rulers accused of human rights abuses.

The United States last month circulated a draft resolution in the council urging the military rulers in Myanmar to release political prisoners, abort operations against restive ethnic minorities and end the use of rape as an instrument of war.

Russia, the current council chairman, and another heavyweight China could block the resolution, which the US State Department said last week would be pursued "as soon as possible in the new year."

The 13 Nobel laureates from Seoul to Washington also wanted to apply for visas simultaneously on Friday to travel to Yangon to meet with Myanmar's detained democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi.

She is the only imprisoned Nobel peace laureate and has been kept under house arrest for more than 10 of the past 17 years.

Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party won a landslide victory in 1990 elections but has never been allowed to take office.

"As the elected leader of the Burmese people, we have to ensure Aung San Suu Kyi's voice reaches beyond the walls that confine her," Williams said.

Ebadi, who received the prize in 2003 for her work in promoting human rights in Iran, and Wiliams were barred from entering the Myanmar embassy building.

"I think their failure to even meet with us is symbolic of the paranoia of the regime. What threat are little Shirin and myself? We are peace laureates. Why is it so threatening to sit down and talk to us? This is tragic," Williams said.

Ebadi said they wanted to visit Suu Kyi "to tell our sister that the world has not forgotten her and the people of Burma, and we want to tell her that we support her movement's call for a UN Security Council resolution."

The Nobel laureates also urged the junta to release the more than 1,100 political prisoners behind bars who, according to the UN, are held in often grim conditions.

Blood Types

2007-01-03T20:52:00.000Z

In some ways, every person's blood is the same. But, when analyzed under a microscope, distinct differences are visible. In the early 20th century, an Austrian scientist named Karl Landsteiner classified blood according to those differences. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for his achievements.

Landsteiner observed two distinct chemical molecules present on the surface of the red blood cells. He labeled one molecule "A" and the other molecule "B." If the red blood cell had only "A" molecules on it, that blood was called type A. If the red blood cell had only "B" molecules on it, that blood was called type B. If the red blood cell had a mixture of both molecules, that blood was called type AB. If the red blood cell had neither molecule, that blood was called type O.

If two different blood types are mixed together, the blood cells may begin to clump together in the blood vessels, causing a potentially fatal situation. Therefore, it is important that blood types be matched before blood transfusions take place. In an emergency, type O blood can be given because it is most likely to be accepted by all blood types. However, there is still a risk involved.

A person with type A blood can donate blood to a person with type A or type AB. A person with type B blood can donate blood to a person with type B or type AB. A person with type AB blood can donate blood to a person with type AB only. A person with type O blood can donate to anyone.

A person with type A blood can receive blood from a person with type A or type O. A person with type B blood can receive blood from a person with type B or type O. A person with type AB blood can receive blood from anyone. A person with type O blood can receive blood from a person with type O.

Because of these patterns, a person with type O blood is said to be a universal donor. A person with type AB blood is said to be a universal receiver. In general, however, it is still best to mix blood of matching types and Rh factors.

Almost 40% of the population has O+ blood

Patients with Type O blood must receive Type O blood

About half of all blood ordered by hospitals in our area is Type O

Type O blood is the universal blood type and is the only blood type that can be transfused to patients with other blood types

Only about 7% of all people have Type O negative blood

Type O negative blood is the preferred type for accident victims and babies needing exchange transfusions

There is always a need for Type O donors because their blood may be transfused to a person of any blood type in an emergency
If your blood type is . . .

Type >> You Can Give Blood To >> You Can Receive Blood From
A+ >> A+ AB+ A+ >> A- O+ O-
O+ >> O+ A+ B+ >> AB+ O+ O-
B+ >> B+ AB+ B+ >> B- O+ O-
AB+ >> AB+ >> Everyone
A- >> A+ >> A- AB+ AB- A- O-
O- >> Everyone >> O-
B- >> B+ B- AB+ >> AB- B- O-
AB- >> AB+ AB- AB- >> A- B- O-

Source: AABB.ORG

2005 White Christmas & 2006 Sunny Christmas

2007-01-03T19:51:00.000Z

Sunny Christmas 2006

March 2006

Christmas 2005

Top of Zurich

2007-01-02T15:18:00.002Z

I love the blue sky with white clouds when we were on the "Top of Zurich".

It was the most beautiful sky I've ever seen during my stay in Europe. :P

We were on the Top of Zurich in the morning. Fortunately, the sky was not foggy with a morning sun shinning on the lake amigst those fonding mountains.

I admire the unique design of lamps and chairs there too.

"The Top of Zurich" located at in Uetliberg is the highest mountain Zurich with the height of 2671 feets.

The Rheinfalls - the largest waterfall in Europe

2007-01-01T16:56:00.000Z

I enjoyed a magnificent natural wonder by having visited The Rheinfalls - the largest and the most powerful waterfall in Europe with the weight of 150m and height of 23m, in Zurich that is regarded as the capital of world's finance arena. It is located about half an hour by car and about an hour by train from Zurich. What is particularly interesting is how close we can get to the falls. There are platforms extending out over the water so we can feel the power of the water as it rushes beneath. I am amazed how those platforms were constructed under such powerful water.

There is also boat excursion available in summer. The boat right to the foot of the falls across the white-water of the cataracts to the Centre Rockx. Visitors can even disembark and climb stairs to the top of a huge rock that is sitting squarely in the middle of the falls that would allow an exhilarating view of the rushing water.

One of my New Year's resolutions: It should be a joint battle against Global Warming

2007-01-01T10:37:00.000Z

On New Year's eve, while waiting for the count down and champagne toss session to receive the new year of 2007, I was seeing photos of comparison on the rapid change of our earth environment from a book written by Al Gore "An Inconvenient Truth" .

I was watching closely the result on the 2000 US Presidential Election by 7 November 2000. Although I didn't know much about Al Gore at that time, I had been wishing Al Gore to win the US Presidency instead of George Bush from their highlighting political issues.

Until today, I still wish Al Gore would stand into US Presidential election again as I want our global environmental issues to be the focus of our world arena, instead of those sicking and wrong shift of attention onto a tragic misadventure terrorism that not only help nothing on surviving our earth, but also make our environment even more worse by creating more wars.

The United States presidential election of 2000 was one of the closest presidential elections in the history of the United States. It was a contest between Democratic candidate Al Gore, the Vice President of the United States, and Republican candidate George W. Bush, the Governor of Texas. On election night, the news media twice declared a winner in the state of Florida prematurely based on exit polls, before deciding the race was too close to call. It became clear that both candidates needed Florida's electoral votes to win the presidency. A month of controversial court challenges and recounts folllowed, until the Supreme Court of the United States halted further recounts in its ruling for Bush v. Gore. Bush was certified as the winner in Florida by a margin of 537 votes, thereby defeating Gore, who received more votes than Bush nationwide. It was the third time in American history that a candidate won the vote in the Electoral College without receiving a plurality of the popular vote.

I enjoyed the peace and family joy on the very new year day in Switzerland without a sign of snow. I asked myself why should I care for global warming issues as the efforts from a family solely would be insignificant for helping the recovery of our damaging earth if world politicians do not make a joint efforts in alerting people and rescuing our mother earth.

I have new year resolutions made for the health of my family and beloved families of my friends as well as my personal career establishment.

What else?

I hope it is still not too late for us the world citizens to recover our earth. However, what were in the news on new year's eve were execution of Saddam Hussein that has not ended a tragedy but creates angers, continuous flood in Malaysia, ferring sinking in Indonesia due to rough weather, devastating drought in south-eastern Australia, bombings in Bangkok and car blast in Madrid, firework celebrations in London and other cities in England had to call of because of dangerous winds, brutal winter storm in Colorado, as well as China's pledgs of peaceful growth of army.

Why the cry of Burma has yet to be cared whereas cry of Iraq continues

2006-12-31T14:41:00.000Z

I did not access into internet for two days when i was in Zurich. When i came back to Basel and read news online, Saddam Hussein whose death sentence had been on discussion "was executed".

I do not have any feeling towards Saddam Hussein's execution although he was said a tyrant and had killed many innocents during his ruling of Iraq. I believe my indifference was caused by the injustice invasion of US on Iraq.

If the US invaded Iraq for the building of Iraq's democracy, why the US does not take a similar action on Burma???

Christmas Markets in Switzerland, Austria and France

2006-12-28T20:57:00.000Z

Christmas Market in Basel, Switzerland

Christmas Market in Vienna, Austria

Christmas Market in Annency, France

水果应该买小不买大？

2006-12-27T09:59:00.000Z

水果应该买小不买大？

"对心血管健康非常有益的多酚类物质主要存在于果实的外层部分，包括外层组织、叶片以及果皮当中。维生素C的分布也有同样的规律。这是因为，太阳是植物的能量之源，植物的“养分合成基地”也在接近阳光的地方。因此，甚至在同一种果实中，也因为阳光照射状况的差异，健康成分的含量也会有所不同。

樱桃番茄同样符合以上规律，它的类黄酮含量明显高于普通大番茄，因为它和阳光的接触面比较大。从维生素C来说，因为果表面的比例较高，维生素C丰富的部分也随之增加，比大番茄更有优势。

从膳食纤维来说，体积很小的樱桃番茄含有更大比例的果皮。而番茄的果皮是膳食纤维的极好来源，具有一定的防癌作用。显而易见，小番茄在这方面得分更高

同样的规律，体积比较小的果实，实际上营养价值更高。

比如说，苹果营养价值最高的地方是红色果皮下面的果肉；李子、茄子、葡萄等有色水果，都是果皮附近营养价值最高。而柑橘类的皮下白色组织中含有最高的类黄酮物质，显然小金桔连皮吃是非常可取的...

只有草莓、樱桃和桑椹等，从里到外的养分含量都差不多。但是，它们本身就属于那种体形很小的水果。

明白了这个道理，我们就不必去追求个头更大的果实，只需要在正常成熟的前提下，选择体积正常或偏小的水果品种，就可以获得更多的养分！这样，果农们也就没有必要去一味追求大果，喷洒各种“促长剂”、“膨大剂”了，岂不是营养健康两全其美么。 "

A joint effort against Global Warming

2006-12-26T10:20:00.000Z

Our world should shift their attention on battles against terrorism to a more threatening fatal crisis - global warming.

Glühwein

2006-12-25T11:24:00.000Z

Glühwein是只有圣诞节前后才有的一种特别的酒。它即是把红酒煮沸，然后加些蜂蜜之类的糖，尝起来酸酸甜甜。在冰冷的冬天，一杯Glühwein下肚，人立時暖和多了。

Glühwein in the German Language is called "Mulled wine" in the English Language.

It is hot red wine boilt with spices and honey. It is a traditional drink during winter, and especially around Christmas, to warm up.

I personally prefer Glühwein in Switzerland. I find Glühwein in Denmark is too strong and thus it is bitter; whereas Glühwein in France is too sweet for me (Perhaps it is because French people like desserts?).

Ingredients:
1 bottle of dry red wine (750 ml)
one lemon
2 sticks of cinnamon
3 cloves
3 tablespoons of sugar
some cardamom (or ginger)

Heat the red wine in a pot (don't boil). Cut the lemon into slices and add to the wine. Then add the cinnamon, cloves, sugar and a little cardamom (to taste). Heat everything for about 5 minutes - do not boil - and let stand for about an hour. Before serving, reheat and strain. Serve in prewarmed glasses or mugs.

"The Devoted Friend"

2006-12-25T11:17:00.000Z

"The Devoted Friend", written by Oscar Wilde.

An ironic frame story about "friendship".

I.
One morning the old Water-rat put his head out of his hole.

He had bright little eyes and a long black tail. The little yellow ducks were swimming about in the pond, and their mother, who was white with real red legs, as trying to teach them how to stand on their heads in the water.

“You will never be among the top people unless you can stand on your heads,” she kept saying to them; and every now and then she showed them how to do it. But the little ducks paid no attention to her. They were too young. It is a great advantage to be among the top people, but the little ducks were too young to know that.

“What bad children!” cried the old Water-rat.

“Not at all”, answered the Duck. “Everyone must make a beginning. Children need plenty of time to learn. Every parents know that.”

“Ah! I know nothing about the feelings of parents,” said the Water-rat; “I am not a family man. In fact, I have never been married, and I never want to be. Love is very good, in a way, but friendship is much higher. There is nothing in the world that is more beautiful than a devoted friendship.”

“And what, sir, is your idea of the duties of a devoted friend?” asked a Green Linnet. The little bird was sitting in a tree by the pond, and he had heard the Duck and the Water-rat talking.

“Yes, that is just what I want to know,” said the Duck. Then she swam away to the end of the pond, and stood upon her head, in order to give her children a good example.

“What a silly question!” cried the Water-rat. “I should expect my devoted friend to be devoted to me, of course.”

“And what would you do in return?” said the little bird, standing upon a silver branch, and moving his wings up and down.

“I don’t understand you,” answered the Water-rat.

“Let me tell you a story on the subject,” said the Linnet.

“Is the story about me?” asked the Water-rat. “If so, I will listen to it, for I like stories that are not really true.”

“It is not about you, but it has something to do with you,” answered the Linnet; and he flew down and, landing by the side of the pond, he told the story of The Devoted Friend.

***

“Once upon a time,” said the Linnet, “there was a pleasant little fellow named Hans. He never stole, and never told a lie.”

“Was he a high-class man?” asked the Water-rat.

“No,” answered the Linnet. “I don’t think he was high-class at all, but he had a kind heart, and a funny round smiling face. He lived in a little house all by himself and everyday he worked in his garden. In all the country-side there was no garden so lovely as his. Every kind of flower grew in it, month by month, one flower taking another flower’s place, so that there were always beautiful things to look at, and pleasant flowers to smell.

“Little Hans had a great many friends, but the most devoted friend of all was big Hugh the Miller. Indeed, he was so devoted to Hans that every time he passed his garden he wound lean over the wall into the garden. While doing so, he would pick several flowers, or fill his pockets with fruit if it was the right time of year.

“Real friends should share everything between them,” the Miller used to say. Then little Hans smiled in agreement, and felt very pleased to have a friend with such fine ideas.

“Sometimes, the neighbours thought the friendship a little strange. This was because the rich Miller never gave little Hans anything in return, though he had a hundred sacks of flour stored away in his windmill, and six fine brown cows, and fifty large white sheep. But Hans never troubled his head about these things. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than to listen to the Miller as he spoke about friendship. The Miller used to say wonderful things about the unselfishness of true friendship.”

“So little Hans worked away in his garden,” continued the Linnet. “During the spring, the summer, and the autumn he was very happy, but then the winter came. In the winter, when he had no fruit or flowers to bring to the market, he suffered a good deal from cold and hunger. He often had to go to bed without eating anything but a few pieces of dried fruit. In the winter, also, he was very lonely, as the Miller never came to see him then.

“There is no good in my going to see little Hans as long as the snow lasts,” the Miller used to say to his wife. “When people are in trouble they should be left alone. It is not right for visitors to come and take up their time. That at least is my idea about friendship, and I am sure I am right. So I shall wait till the spring comes, and then I shall pay little Hans a visit. He will be able to give a large basket of primroses (a yellow spring flower), and that will make him so happy.”

“You are certainly very thoughtful about others,” answered the wife, as she sat in her large warm chair by the big hot fire; “very thought indeed. It is very pleasant to hear you talk about friendship. The clergyman himself could not say such beautiful things as you do, though he does live in a fine big house, and wear a gold ring on his little finger.”

“But could we not ask little Hans up here?” said the Miller’s youngest son. “If poor Hans is in trouble I will give him half my breakfast, and show him my black and white cat.”

“What a silly boy you are!” cried the Miller. “What is the use of sending you to school?” you seem not to learn anything. Why, if little Hans came up here, and saw our warm fire, and our good breakfast, and all our red wine, he might start wanting such things for himself; and that is a most terrible thing in a man, and would make his nature unfriendly. I certainly will not allow Han’s nature to become unfriendly. I am his best friend, and I will always watch over him. Besides, if Hans came here, he might want to have some flour and pay for it later, and that I could not allow. Flour is one thing, and friendship is another. The two words are quite different, and they mean quite different things. Everybody can see that.”

“How well you talk!” said the Miller’s wife, taking up a large glass of warm beer. “Really I feel quite sleepy. It is just like being in church.”

“Lots of people act well,” answered the Miller; “but very few people talk well. So we can see that talking is much the more difficult thing of the two, and much the finer thing also.” Then he made a very serious face, and looked across the table at his little son. At that, the boy hung his head down, and grew quite red in the face, and began to cry into his tea. However, he was very young, so that was quite natural.”

***
“Is that the end of the story?” asked the Water-rat.

“Certainly not,” answered the Linnet. “That is the beginning.”

“Then you are quite behind the age,” said the Water-rat. “Every good storyteller nowadays starts with the end, and then goes on to the beginning, and finishes with the middle. That is the new method. I heard all about it the other day from a critic who was walking round the pond with a young man. He spoke of the matter at great length. He must have been right, for he looked very clever, and whenever the young man made any remark, he always answered “Nonsense!” But please go on with your story. I like the Miller very much indeed. I have all kinds of beautiful thoughts myself, so he and I are very much alike.”

II.

“Well,” said the Linnet, standing now on one leg and now on the other. “I shall continue the story. As soon as the winter was over, and the primroses began to open their pale yellow stars, the Miller spoke to his wife. “I shall go down and see little Hans,” he said.

“Why, what a good heart you have!” cried his Wife. “You are always thinking of others. And remember to take the big basket with you for the flowers.”

“So the Miller tried the sails of the windmill together, and went down the hill with the basket on his arm. When he arrived, Hans was working in his garden.

“Good morning, little Hans,” said the Miller.

“Good morning,” said Hans, looking up from his work, and smiling from ear to ear.

“And how have you been all the winter?” said the Miller.

“Well, really,” cried Hans. “It is very good of you to ask, very good indeed. I am afraid I had rather a hard time of it, but now the spring has come, and I am quite happy, and all my flowers are doing well.”

“We often talked of you during the winter, Hans,” said the Miller, “and wondered how you were getting on.”

“That was kind of you,” said Hans; “I was half afraid you had forgotten me.”

“Hans, I am surprised at you,” said the Miller; “Friendship never forgets. That is the wonderful thing about the full beauty of life. How lovely your primroses are looking, by the way!”

“They are certainly very lovely,” said Hans. “and I am very lucky to have so many. I am going to bring them into the market and sell them to the Mayor’s daughter, and buy back my wheelbarrow with the money.”

“Buy back your wheelbarrow? Have you sold it? What a very silly thing to do!”

“Well,” said Hans, “I had to sell it. You see, the winter was a very bad time for me, and I really had no money at all to buy bread with. So I first sold my Sunday coat, and then I sold my smallest chair, and then I sold my big pipe, and in the end I sold my wheelbarrow. But I am going to buy them all back again now.”

***

“Hans,” said the Miller, “I will give you my wheelbarrow. It is rather old; indeed, one side is gone, and there is something wrong with the wheel; but in spite of that I will give it to you. I know it is very kind of me. A great many people would think me very foolish of giving it away, but I am not like the rest of the world. I think that kindness is the most important part of friendship, and besides, I have got a new wheelbarrow for myself. Yes, you may set your mind at rest, I will give you my wheelbarrow.”

“Well, really, that is kind of you,” said little Hans, and his funny round face shone all over the pleasure. “I can make it as good as new, as I have a plank of wood in the house.”

“A plank of wood!” said the Miller; “why, that is just what I want for my mill-roof. There is a very large hole in the roof, and I must mend it. How lucky you mentioned your plank! It is quite wonderful how one good action always leads to another. I have given you my wheelbarrow, and now you are going to give me your plank. Of course, the wheelbarrow is worth far more than the plank, but true friendship never notices things like that. Please get the plank at once, and I will set to work on my roof this very day.”

“Certainly,” cried little Hans, and he ran into the house and pulled the plank out.

“It is not a very big plank,” said the Miller, looking at it. “After I have mended my roof there won’t be any left for you to use for the wheelbarrow; but of course, I can’t help that. And now, as I have given you my wheelbarrow, you will of course want to give me some flowers in return. Here is the basket, and make sure you fill it quite full.”

“Quite full?” said little Hans, rather sadly, for it was really a very big basket. If he filled it, he saw, he would have no flowers left for the market; and he very much wanted to have his Sunday coat back.

“Well, really!” answered the Miller. “As I have given you my wheelbarrow, it is surely not much to ask you for a few flowers. I may be wrong, but surely friendship, true friendship, is quite free from selfishness of any kind.”

“My dear friend, my best friend,” cried little Hans, “You are welcome to all the flowers in my garden. I would much rather have your good opinion than my Sunday coat, any day;” and he ran and picked all his pretty primroses, and filled the Miller’s basket.

“Goodbye, little Hans,” said the Miller, as he went up the hill with the plank on his shoulder, and the big basket in his hand.

“Goodbye,” said little Hans, and he began to dig away quite happily, he was so pleased about the wheelbarrow.

***

“The next day,” continued the Linnet, “Little Hans was nailing up some tall flowers against the front of the house, when he heard the Miller’s voice calling to him from the road. So he jumped down from the house, and ran down the garden, and looked over the wall.

“There was the Miller with a large sack of flour on his back.

“Dear little Hans,” said the Miller. “Would you mind carrying this sack of flour for me to market?”

“Oh, I am so sorry,” said Hans, “but I am really very busy today. I have got all these tall flowers to nail up, and all my other flowers to water, and all my grass to roll.”

“Well, really!” said the Miller, “I am going to give you my wheelbarrow, and now you refuse to go to market for you. That seems rather unfriendly.”

“Oh, don’t say that,” cried little Hans, “I never want to be unfriendly to you;” and he ran in for his hat, and walked tiredly off with the big sack on his shoulders.

“It was a very hot day, and the road was terribly hot and dray. Before Hans had walked for two hours he was so tired that he had to sit down and rest. However, he got up and went on again, and at last he reached the market. After he had waited there some time, he sold the sack of flour for a very good price, and then he returned home at once with the money.

“It has certainly been a hard day,” said little Hans to himself as he was going to bed; “but I helped the Miller, and I am glad of that, for he is my best friend. Besides, he is going to give me his wheelbarrow.”

III.

“Early the next morning,” the Linnet continued, “the Miller came down to get the money for his sack of flour, but little Hans was so tired that he was still in bed.

“Well, really!” said the Miller. “Still in bed! I am going to give you my wheelbarrow, which is very kind of me; and I think you should work harder because of it. I certainly don’t like it when my friends lie in their beds instead of working. You must not mind my speaking quite openly to you. Of course, I only speak openly because I am your friend. What is the good of friendship if one cannot speak openly? Anybody can say nice things and try to please, but a true friend always says unpleasant things, and does not mind giving pain. Indeed, if he is a really true friend he tries to give pain. To give pain is to do good.”

“I am very sorry,” said little Hans, trying to keep his eyes open and sitting up in bed, “I was so tired that I wanted to lie in bed for a little time, and listen to the birds singing. I always work better after hearing the birds sing, did you know that?”

“Well, I am glad of that,” said the Miller, laying his hand on little Hans’s shoulder, “for I want you to come and help me now. Come up to the mill as soon as you are dressed, and mend my roof for me.”

“Poor little Hans very much wanted to go and work in his garden, for he had not watered his flowers for two days; but he did not like to refuse the Miller, as he as such a good friend to him.

“I really am very busy today; does that sound very unfriendly?” he asked very quietly.

“Well, really!” answered the Miller. “It is not much to ask of you. Remember, I am going to give you my wheelbarrow; but of course if you refuse to help me, I will go and do the work myself.”

“Oh! I can’t allow that,” cried little Hans; and he jumped out of bed, and dressed himself, and went up to the Miller’s.

“He worked there all day long, till sunset, and at sunset the Miller came to see how he was getting on.

“Have you mended the hole in the roof yet, little Hans?” cried the Miller with a friendly laugh.

“It is quite mended,” answered little Hans, coming down from the roof.

“Ah!” said the Miller, “There is no work so delightful as the work one does for others.”

“I am certainly very lucky to hear you talk,” answered little Hans, sitting down on a stone. “I am very lucky indeed. But I am afraid I shall never have such beautiful ideas as you have.”

“Oh! Ideas will come to you,” said the Miller, “but you must work harder at it. At present you have only the practise of friendship; some day you will have the theory also.”

“Do you really think I shall?” asked little Hans.

“I have no doubt of it,” answered the Miller; “but now that you have mended the roof, you had better go home and rest. You must rest now, for I want you to drive my sheep to the mountain tomorrow.”

***

“Poor little Hans was afraid to say anything to this. Early the next morning the Miller brought his sheep round to the little house, and Hans started off with them to the mountain. It took him the whole day to get there and back; and when he returned he was so tired that he went off to sleep in his chair, and did not wake up till it was broad daylight.

“What a delightful time I shall have in my garden,” he said, and he went to work at once.

“But somehow he was never able to look after his flowers at all, for his friend the Miller was always coming round and sending him off the market or the mountain, or getting him to help the mill. Little Hans felt very worried about this at times. His flowers, he felt, would think he had forgotten them. However, he felt better when he remembered that the Miller was his best friend. “Besides,” little Hans used to say to himself, “he is going to give me his wheelbarrow, and that is an act of great kindness.”

“So little Hans worked away for the Miller, and the Miller said all kinds of beautiful things about friendship. Hans wrote these things down in a notebook. Then he used to read the notes at night, for he was very good at reading and learning.”

***

“Now it happened,” the Linnet continued, “that one evening little Hans was sitting by his fireside when a loud knock came at the door. It was a very wild night, and the wind was blowing and roaring terribly round the house. It was blowing and roaring so terribly that at first he thought the knock at the door was only the storm. But a second knock came, and then a third, louder than either of the others.

“It is some poor traveller,” said little Hans to himself, and he ran to the door.

“There stood the Miller with a lantern in one hand and a big stick in the other.

“Dear little Hans,” cried the Miller. “I am in great trouble. My little boy has fallen off a wall and hurt himself, and I am going for the Doctor. But the Doctor lives far away, and it is a very bad night. It would be much better, I think, if you went instead of me. After all, I am going to give you my wheelbarrow, and so it is only fair that you should do something for me in return.”

“Certainly,” cried little Hans. “I am very glad that you came, and I will start off at once. But you must let me have your lantern, as the night is so dark. I am afraid I might lose my way in the darkness, and leave the road by mistake.”

“I am very sorry,” answered the Miller, “but it is my new lantern. It would be a great loss to me if anything happened to it.”

“Well, never mind, I will do without it,” cried little Hans. He took down his thick winter coat, and his warm hat, and started off.

“What a terrible storm it was. The night was black. It was so black that little Hans could hardly see, and the wind was so strong that he could scarely stand. However, he never lost heart. After he had been walking for about three hours, he arrived at the Doctor’s house, and knocked at the door.

“Who is there?” cried the Doctor, putting his head out of his bedroom window.

“Little Hans, Doctor.”

“What do you want, little Hans?”

“The Miller’s son has fallen off a wall, and has hurt himself, and the Miller wants you to come at once.”

“All right!” said the Doctor; and he ordered his horse, and his coat and hat, and his lantern. Then he came downstairs, and rode off in the direction of the Miller’s house, little Hans walking tiredly behind him.”

***

“But the storm grew worse and worse, and the rain faster and faster, and little Hans could not see where he was going, or keep up with the horse. In the end he lost his way, and the road by mistake. He was now in a wild, open place which was very dangerous, as it was full of deep holes. And into one of these great holes, as full of water, little Hans fell. The next day, poor little Hans’s dead body was found by some men. They pulled the body out of the great hole full of water where it lay, and they carried it back to the little house.

“Everybody went to little Hans’s funeral, as they all loved him, and the Miller was the most important person there.

“As I was his best friend,” said the Miller. “It is only fair that I should have the best place.” So he walked ahead of all the other people in a long black coat, and every now and then he put a big pocket-handkerchief to his eyes.

“Little Hans is certainly a great loss to everyone,” said one of the men, when the funeral was over, and they were all sitting round the table, drinking hot wine and eating sweet cakes.

“A great loss to me at any rate,” answered the Miller. “Why, I was going to give him my wheelbarrow, and now I really don’t know what to do with it. It is very much in my way at home, and it is so old that I cannot even sell it. I will certainly take care not to give away anything again. One always suffers for being kind.”

***

“Well?” said the Water-rat, after a long silence.

“Well, that is the end,” said the Linnet.

“But what became of the Miller?” asked the Water-rat.

“Oh! I really don’t know,” replied the Linnet; “and I am sure that I don’t care.”

“Well, one thing is certain,” said the Water-rat; “you yourself never feel sorry for anyone.”

“I am afraid you don’t quite see the moral of the story,” remarked the Linnet.

“The what?” cried the Water-rat.

“The moral.”

“So the story has a moral?”

“Certainly,” said the Linnet.

“Well, really!” said the Water-rat, in a very angry manner. “You should have told me that before you began. Then I need not have listened to you. In fact, I should have said “Nonsense,” like the critic. However, I can say it now.”

So he shouted out “Nonsense” at the top of his voice, waved his black tail twice, and went back into his hole.

“And how do you like the Water-rat?” asked the Duck, who came swimming up some minutes afterwards. “He has a great many good points, but for my own part I have a mother’s feelings. When I see a man who is still not married, the tears come into my eyes.”

“I am rather afraid that I have made the Water-rat angry,” answered the Linnet. “The fact is, that I told him a story with a moral.”

“Ah! That is always a very dangerous thing to do,” said the Duck.

And I quite agree with her.

**********************************
I tend to be selective and stay with friends whose friendship is proven during hard times. I am gentle and polite, but I am brutally honest most of the time to some people who claim they are my friends: "Excuse me, I don't think you see me as a friend"; or, "I am afraid your perception of friendship is different from mine! Thus, I would prefer to be left on my own as i don't feel comfortable interacting with you as a friend."

Swiss Cheese Fondue

2006-12-24T09:53:00.000Z

I had a dinner of Swiss Cheese Fondue with my Swiss friend's family in Basel in the evening of the 23rd of December, 2006. The fondue that I had was melted chess plus white wine dipped with bread cubes.

Swiss Cheese Fondue reminds me of steam bot at home that a group of family members or friends sit around the table and put their dips into a same pot. Nowadays, Swiss Cheese Fondue is a typical food of dinner for the Swiss during Christmas.

It became very popular in the 1970’s. Fondue was said to be invented for the purpose of using up old cheese and dry bread. Cheese fondue was invented out of necessity. In the remote and isolated mountain villages in the Swiss Alps people had to rely upon locally made food. During winter, fresh food became scarce. The Swiss found that melting stale cheese made it edible. Local wines and seasonings were added and even dry and hard bread tasted delicious after it was swirled in the creamy melted cheese.

Fondue refers to several French Swiss communal dishes shared at the table in an earthenware pot ("caquelon") over a small burner ("rechaud"). The term "fondue" comes from the French "fondre" ("to melt"), referring to the fact that the contents of the pot are kept in a liquid state so that diners can use forks to dip into the sauce. The sauce is usually warmed by tealights. Though cheese fondues are the best known kind, there are several other possibilities for the contents of the pot and what is used for dipping.

INGREDIENTS:
1 medium clove garlic
2 cups dry white wine
1 pound Swiss cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons kirsch or brandy
pinch ground nutmeg
dash hot pepper sauce
French bread or other crusty bread, about 2 loaves, cut into pieces (all pieces should have some crust)

"Der Geschmiedete Himmel" - The Sky Disc of Nebra

2006-12-08T19:50:00.000Z

I visited two museums in Basel today.

The highlight of a museum is an ancient astronomical disk called "Der Geschmiedete Himmel" or "The Sky Disc of Nebra".

The Sky Disc of Nebra and the Sun Chariot of Trundholm (Denmark), archaeological finds of world status, are the focus of attention in this unique display of the Bronze Age world.

The Sky Disc of Nebra - a bronze disc around 32 centimeters (12 inches) in diameter and weighing about 2 kilos (4.5 pounds) with gold-leaf appliques representing the sun, moon, stars and a ship- discovered in 1999, is one of the most important archaeological finds of the last century. The bronze disc with gold appliqués shows the oldest concrete representation of the cosmos to date worldwide and is thus a key find not only for archaeology but also for astronomy and the history of religion.

The Nebra Sky Disc that is seen as one of the most important archaeological finds of our time was stolen by treasure hunters who wanted to dispose illegally and seized in a spectacular police operation in Basel, the Switzerland in February 2002.

The priceless Nebra Sky Disc was originally deposited on the summit of the Mittelberg hill near Nebra in eastern Germany 3,600 years ago alongside with valuable swords, jewellery and tools.

Its discovery provides an opportunity to bring its era to life again!

According to the current interpretation, the sky disc had to be held up above the head and interpreted by looking up (at the sky).

The find initiated a new presentation of the Bronze Age world in Central Germany. The natural riches of this region - copper, salt and fertile soils - formed the power basis for the resident Early Bronze Age princes, who exchanged goods from all regions of Europe. Mighty tombs, extensive bronze treasures, gold jewellery and unique display weapons survive as their status symbols.

Find more of its academic interpretation on these sites:

The artistic world construction of the Sky Disc of Nebra is based on mathematical principles

Interpreting the Bronze Age Sky Disc of Nebra using 3D GIS

It reminded me of Stonehenge in England. I am glad that I paid a visit to Stonehenge during my stay in England and speant a lovely afternoon there alone imagining ancient times.

In a car driving from Austria to the Switzerland

2006-12-06T10:10:00.000Z

Salzburg, Austria: 2 Dec 2006

2006-12-06T10:09:00.000Z

Vienna, Austria: 29 Nov - 02 Dec 2006

2006-12-06T10:07:00.000Z

Prague, Crezh Republic: 27 Nov - 29 Nov 2006

2006-12-04T19:39:00.000Z

I attended an orchestra play at the National Theatre the first night of my stay in Prague, and a concert in a church the second evening. They were good experience. Nevertheless, I miss musical plays in London that I had been attending at least once a month, and even twice a week the last month of my one-and-the-half-year stay in England.

Finland: 23 Nov - 26 Nov 2006

2006-12-04T19:17:00.000Z

Digital Camera

2006-11-21T22:09:00.000Z

I may need to get a digital camera amid my Europe tour instead of initial thought of buying one until i land in Tokyo next January. Gladly, my digital camera only boycots after I have taken many photos of the Little Mermaid. It has been stucked until now due to whole day exposed in rain.

I have a good impression of my Swiss friend's model of Canon Digital IXUS 800IS.

It is sold at 3699 Dennish Krones (equivalent to 335 British Pounds) in the largest camera shop in Copenhagen.

Checked online. There is Canon WP-DC5 waterproof case as I intend to have a new digital camera that allows me to do underwater photography when i go scuba diving.

Unbelievable! Searched online. The same model was only about 440 CHF (190 British pounds) in the Switzerland.

Copenhagen, Denmark: 19 Nov - 22 Nov

2006-11-21T21:07:00.000Z

Denmark is another bicycle country.

The Little Mermaid was not as small as I heard of. I found the size and location of the statue in a cozy and artistic park at seaside in Østerport was just perfect.

Every Danish sailor who ever stood on a deck knows that the Øresund used to be full of Mermaids. The legend tells us that the home of all Mermaids was the Mermaid Banks in Øresund. The banks are no more but Copenhagen's own Little Mermaid is.

The Carlsberg brewer Carl Jacobsen was inspired to donate money to a sculpture after having seen "The little Mermaid" based on a fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen. The sculptor Edward Eriksen, sculptured her in bronze and his wife Eline Eriksen modelled. The story says that she is a sea king's half-human and half-fish daughter, who must wait on her rock for 300 years before she can enter the world of humans. She's been sitting here since 1913 so she still has a few more years to go.

We can only wait and see…

Nevertheless, the head of The Little Mermaid we see today is a transplant. Her original head was decapitatated and was storen.

Further down from the statue of The Little Mermaid towards a church in the park, that is a foundation shows the ploughing scene from an old legend in Nordic goddess of ferticity, Gefion, who was promised as much as land by the Swedish king Gylfe as she was able to plough in 24 hours. Gefion then turned her four sons into oxen and ploughed Zealand out of Sweden where the lake Vanern is situated today.

Danish companies have a tradition of providing breakfast and lunch in the office. My friends invited me to join them for lunch. Thus, I have the opportunity of exposing to Danish working environment and tasting Danish dishes.

The Danish monarchy is the oldest in the world. The Tivoli Amusement Centre located across the Copenhagen Central Centre is world wellknown although I just knew about it during my visit. :p It is recommended to visit at night because those lights broadcast from its decorations. Entrance Fee is required. Tivoli is a place of lights, which makes Tivoli a very special place to visit once it gets dark.

As the religious centre of Denmark, Copenhagen has quite a few churches which are architectural master-pieces commemorating the past history of Denmark and its royal family. Among those, I like the architect design of The Church of our Saviour specifically its exterior golden staircase winding up to the top where a golden globe is crowned by a statue of the victorious Christ. It is located in Christianshavn where is named after King Christian V, the first monarch on the Danish throne with absolute power. When inside the church, look up into the ceiling, where you'll see the chains of the Order of the Elephant and the Order of the Dannebrogen. Both decorations were instigated by King Christian V. The church's exquisite organ is supported by a relief of two elephants. (The Danish name for the Church is: Vor Frelses Kirke)

Real Friends

2006-11-21T20:55:00.000Z

It is good to meet friends in some of those cities along my Europe journey.

The familiarity! Warm hugs! And Trustworthiness!

They caress your incomfortability in travels and genuinely cheer you up to carry on!

When you are staying at your own old friends' house, you know that they are trustable. You don't have to keep all your valuable things such as passport and cash with you at all times as you do when you stay in a dormitory bed sharing with other backpackers or a hotel room.

My speechless heartfelt gratitude to my beloved friends who have been kindly and warmly sharing their genuine friendship with me! May all of you be blessed with Good Health and Happiness.

A warm and lovely Malaysian-Swedish Family

2006-11-19T23:33:00.000Z

I visited a couple of a Malaysian lady and her Swedish husband in Alingsas, Goterborg, Sweden.

Unexpectedly, I was even granted "graduation" gifts from their eldest daughter Samatha and third son Jeremiah! Samatha and Jeremiah presented me their drawings. It was really heart touching!

Revisits Goteborg: 18-19 November 2006

2006-11-19T22:09:00.000Z

When I visited Goteborg last Easter from Oslo, i reached Goterborg by bus in the morning and left in the late evening.

When I re-visits Goterborg on the 18th November 2006, I arrives in the evening and have to go back to Copenhagen the next day's morning.

I was blurred the first time and had absolutely no idea about its town structure when I arrived Goterborg. But for the second visit, I have got a clearer idea about direction I should head to.

I arrived Goterborg (Sweden) fm The Hague (The Netherland) by having changed buses twice at Hamburg(Germany) and Copenhagen (Denmark).

Amsterdam

2006-11-18T09:02:00.000Z

They are so many bicycles in the Netherland. Ladies dressed elegantly in nice dresses with high boots also ride bicycles.

Amsterdam is relatively a new city in Europe with 800 years of history. Dutch people in the old days were sailors or merchants. They are canals in Amsterdam.

The Dutch Government tends to be liberal. Drugs and prostitution are run legally in the Netherland.

The Netherland has many Chinese shops. I had a bowl of wan tan noodle soup that was authentic and only cost 7 euro in the China Town, Amsterdam yesterday's afternoon. I like the restaurant because it was not decorated as a luxurious restaurant but a traditional local shop.

China Town in Amsterdam is located just next to Red Light District.

I learnt that mushroom is also a type of drug.

Coffee shops don't sell coffee. Coffee shops are shops for people to smoke joints. If you want to drink coffee, don't step into "coffee shop", but "Coffee Company Shop".

I have mixed feeling towards Amsterdam.

So far, all Dutch people I have interacted with are patient, friendly and very helpful. They speak fluent English because they are many big international companies in the Netherland. For example, the headquarter of Saudi-stated-owned company which is the richest oil company in the world - Aramco is located in the Netherland because of the Netherland's tax redemption benefits.

Those canals in Amsterdam has made the city cozy and attractive whereas streets are narrow that cause traffic jam. Public transport like trams and buses are conveniently available.

The main reason I hold mixed feeling towards Amsterdam is its legally run drug activities and red light district. If i am a tourist for merely a short visit, I may be thrilled to see such activities. However, if i live in the town for a long period, I would think twice for the security of the town.

"Travelled" 4 countries in 24 hours!

2006-11-16T23:28:00.000Z

Am in Amsterdam now after having been in the bus for 26 hours.

I have unexpectedly have had very good impression about Dutch people. So far, I have been meeting friendly and very helpful people upon my arrival.

Hahaha, you know what! No use of toilet in the long drive bus journey!!!!!

Thanks for the journey fm Barcelona to Amsterdam, I "travelled" 4 countries - Spain, France, Belgium and the Netherland - in 24 hours (the bus journey took 2 hours more, so 26 hours due to traffic jam in highways in Amsterdam)

When i was moved in the bus, I "dropped by" several cities, namely Lioret de Mar, Figueres, Luxembourg, Reims, Lille, Kortrijk, Gent, Brussels, Antwerpen, Utrecht, Breda, Rottermdam and then finally arrived Amsterdam. :encore:

Because of this bus journey, i re-visited Lille (France) and Brussel (Belgium). It was raining AGAIN in Belgium! Nevertheless, leaves have turned more colourful and thus atmosphere was more romantic. I wanted to take photos of those sentimental autumn leaves, however, I could only admire this nice view through window fm the bus.

Lively Barcelona

2006-11-15T14:56:00.001Z

Barcelona tends to have unique architect building design. For instance, La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, Casa Calvat, Pabellones Guell, Colegio Teresianno, Casa Vicens, Park Guell, Casa Mila - La Pedrera and its wood bridge at Barcelona harbor located at Barceloneta.

The construction of La Sagrada Familia has been started since 1883 and until today, its building that has taken 130 years has yet to be completed. It is one of the major attractions of Barcelona.

Barcelona has interesting night life to offer especially those pubs, bars and discos located in Olimpica that is near to beach site. Night life in Barcelona starts from 12 midnight. Those night shops are open until 4 a.m. as understand from a local friend.

I particulary like the wood bridge architect design in Barceloneta harbour. It has helped to make the life in Barcelona more relaxing.

Ohya, Paella is offered at special price every Thursday in all restaurants in Barcelona.

Barcelona to Amsterdam

2006-11-15T14:56:00.000Z

I will be in the bus for 24 hours moving fm Barcelona to Amsterdam. Thrilled ha!? ;p

When i got my bus ticket, the departure is 1745. I asked the ticket counter the arrival time.

"1745"

"What time will i be arriving Amsterdam?"

"1745"

"What i mean is time of arrival, not time of departure"

"The bus journey is exactly 24 hours, miss."

:-S

Madrid, Spain: 10-14 November 2006

2006-11-12T21:31:00.000Z

I have long got good impression abt the Spanish people. Now after having been in Madrid, I have even developed better impression. In general people are warm and friendly, streets are clean, fresh vegetable, fruits and seafood are easily available. Cost of living is relatively lower than those in England and France, whereas i personally quality of life is better in Spain than England and France.

Saudi culture vs Japanese culture

2006-11-11T15:09:00.000Z

I involved in an interesting project which is a 50-50 joint venture project between the Saudi and the Japanese (Aramco and Sumitomo Chemical) who are respectively from 'extreme' different cultures.

Among those, the Japanese stay back in the office until late evening; but the Saudi leave the office punctually.

The Saudi must bring the whole family when they are on a long period overseas assignment; whereas for the Japanese, they go overseas alone with their family remain in Japan.

The Japanese bow to each other when they meet. The higher degree one bows, more respect is transmitted. Whereas, the Saudi cium each other's cheek when they meet. The more cheek ciuming is, the closer brotherhood is shown.

Haha, one more: Generally, the Japanese like to drink, but officially the Saudi can't drink at all because of religious reason.

Cathedrale Saint-Denis

2006-11-09T02:30:00.000Z

I visited an ancient site called Cathedrale Saint-Denis in North Paris. It is the place of burial for the kings of France since the 7th century. It houses over 70 sculpted tombs, including those of Dagobert, Francois I, Catherine de' Medici and Louise XVI. It has been considered as one of the principle masterpieces of Gothic art.

06-09 November 2006: Paris, France

2006-11-09T01:25:00.000Z

I supposedly have left for Madrid yesterday's afternoon but i have extended one more day (as Musee de Louvre was closed every Tuesday when i wanted to make a visit) and will be leaving Paris this afternoon.

My left knee is decorated with the colours of pupple and red. I couldn't walk as convenient as i wished. My shoulders are in pain too. Nevertheless, miraclely they were okay when i did sightseeing but not after :)-

I bought two comprehensive books over the collections of the Musee de Louvre. Wow, these two books are really heavy.

Paris, instead of Rome, would be the "best" city i have visited if the people in general are friendlier and more polite, and the city could be cleaner.

In terms of country, the Switzerland is indisputably the best country I have been visited. The whole country is in tune with nature, people are friendly, places are clean, indeed every city carries its distinguish features.

Nevertheless, I find Paris is more interesting than London (excepts the offer of musical plays). Most attractions in Paris are respectively huge historical buildings with very fine architectural arts.

I was in the Eiffel Tower every night excepts the first night commuted fm Lille to Paris.
I am very much impressed by the architectural design of most buildings and city structure in Paris.

I like the creative architectural design of Eiffel Tower and the Musee de Louvre. Among all, the look of the Arc de Triomphe from the corridor along the "Pencil Tower/Statue" to the Musee du Louvre was marvelous. As the Arc de Triomphe becomes bigger when i move further away from it. Why?

I wish to have a day in Versailles, but it will be not in this trip as they are so many places worth to see in Paris and each place inquires long hours to admire to obtain a better understanding instead of merely a sightseeing.

I went to Basilique Royale de Saint-Denis this morning. This ancient burial for the kings of France since the 7th century is also one of my recommendations to spend a few hours there.
Among those, namely, I visited the Conciergerie, the Sainte-Chappelle, Tours de la Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Arc de Tiomphe de l'Etoille, Basilique Royale de Saint-Denis, Les Invalides, The Opera, the Montmartre Basilique du Sacre-Caeur.

In the evening after i covered main historical attractions, i walked through popular shopping streets, but sorry that i only know their names in the Chinese Language which one the street famous for branded brands and one was called ParisSpringShoppingCentre. I didn't have the time to go in (Haha fortunately) as my top priority are nature, culture, history and arts.
A Singaporean lady whom i met in the Musee De Louvre showed me three bags she bought today. One cost 200 euro and a small one cost 60 euro. She said she would go back to buy two more tomorrow that she has been regretting for not having bought today!

I joined a guided-tour in the Musee de Louvre in the beginning before i did a few hours on my own. They were people sitting in a corner sketching. Although I didn't have such talent, I could sit and admire a piece of arts for long hours. When I was in the Stonehenge, I rounded those stones three times and sat on the ground for the whole afternoon.

Dirty, Messy, Smelly and Impolite Paris

2006-11-06T09:03:00.000Z

I arrived Paris on the night of 5th November (Sunday). Those staff or specifically black French at metro station have given me a very bad impression on Paris.

I wonder why Black French are such impolite (I don't mean to be a racist). I feel that those Black French they simply want to get a target to vent their frustration.

Later on, i even felt down fm escalator at the Portede Clichy Station as i carried two luggages. My left knee is wounded. Nevertheless, I have learnt to be fine and move on.

Why Some People Have All The Luck

2006-10-11T17:40:00.000+01:00

By Professor Richard Wiseman, University of Hertfordshire-

Why do some people get all the luck while others never get the breaks they deserve?

A psychologist says he has discovered the answer:

Ten years ago, I set out to examine luck. I wanted to know why some people are always in the right place at the right time, while others consistently experience ill fortune. I placed advertisements in national newspapers asking for people who felt consistently lucky or unlucky to contact me.

Hundreds of extraordinary men and women volunteered for my research and over the years, I have interviewed them, monitored their lives and had them take part in experiments. The results reveal that although these people have almost no insight into the causes of their luck, their thoughts and behavior are responsible for much of their good and bad fortune. Take the case of seemingly chance opportunities. Lucky people consistently encounter such opportunities, whereas unlucky people do not.

I carried out a simple experiment to discover whether this was due to differences in their ability to spot such opportunities. I gave both lucky and unlucky people a newspaper, and asked them to look through it and tell me how many photographs were inside. I had secretly placed a large message halfway through the newspaper saying: "Tell the experimenter you have seen this and win $50."

This message took up half of the page and was written in type that was more than two inches high. It was staring everyone straight in the face, but the unlucky people tended to miss it and the lucky people tended to spot it.

Unlucky people are generally more tense than lucky people, and this anxiety disrupts their ability to notice the unexpected.

As a result, they miss opportunities because they are too focused on looking for something else. They go to parties intent on finding their perfect partner and so miss opportunities to make good friends. They look through newspapers determined to find certain types of job advertisements and miss other types of jobs.

Lucky people are more relaxed and open, and therefore see what is there rather than just what they are looking for. My research eventually revealed that lucky people generate good fortune via four principles. They are skilled at creating and noticing chance opportunities, make lucky decisions by listening to their intuition, create self-fulfilling prophesies via positive expectations, and adopt a resilient attitude that transforms bad luck into good.

Towards the end of the work, I wondered whether these principles could be used to create good luck. I asked a group of volunteers to spend a month carrying out exercises designed to help them think and behave like a lucky person.

Dramatic results! These exercises helped them spot chance opportunities, listen to their intuition, expect to be lucky, and be more resilient to bad luck.

One month later, the volunteers returned and described what had happened. The results were dramatic: 80% of people were now happier, more satisfied with their lives and, perhaps most important of all, luckier.

The lucky people had become even luckier and the unlucky had become lucky.

Finally, I had found the elusive "luck factor".

Here are Professor Wiseman's four top tips for becoming lucky:
1) Listen to your gut instincts - they are normally right
2) Be open to new experiences and breaking your normal routine
3) Spend a few moments each day remembering things that went well
4) Visualize yourself being lucky before an important meeting or telephone call. Luck is very often a self- fulfilling prophecy

Have a Lucky day and work for it.

Some thoughts on Totoro

2006-10-03T21:18:00.000+01:00

From: R. J. Dalton http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki

It's been a long time since I actually sat down and watched a movie, but, after class, job, school work and the requiste two hours a day of reading, I found I had some spare time (where it came from, I haven't the slightest clue). I decided to watch Totoro, which I've had in my collection for months, but haven't found the time to really sit down and enjoy.

I could go on about the general beauty of Miyazaki's work, but I've done that more than enough times. This time, I'd like to talk about the small moments; for, as all good Miyazaki accolytes understand, it's the little details that make the master's work not just good, but excellent.

So, where to begin?

If ever you get the chance to really analyze Totoro, take a look at the expressions of the characters. I think in Totoro, more than any other film, Miyazaki has captured the expressions of his characters so profoundly, especially so in the case of the children and the creatures.

All of the characters have very simple expressions that are easy to overlook, yet they express so much with their gestures that even when the characters never say a word, volumes of ideas are communicated between them.

For one example, let's look at Kanta, the quiet, shy, but extremely expressive little boy. Kanta is at that age when it's still "wrong" for boys to like girls, and he behaves exactly as would be expected of such an individual. He looks away when he first sees Mei and Satsuki, with a look that says "Oh no, girls!" Later, when he's sent to deliver a package to Ba-chan, he is forced into a conversation with Satsuki. Being shy, he can't seem to form a coherent sentence and simply hands her the bag and runs off, then with his boyhood pride at stake, he runs back and shouts, "Hey, that house is haunted!" as an explanation of his behavior. This kind of subtlety in his relationship with the other characters is continued throughout the film, but, at the same time he does grow more accustomed to their presence.

My favorite example, however, has got to be the big Totoro. At first glance, many of his expressions seem vacant and dull, or over-simplified, but this only seems so to those who are expecting more human-like expressions. Totoro's expressions are a perfect mix between human and animal expressions. It tells that the creature is possessed of human intelligence, but on a simpler scale. From his wide-eyed curiosity, to his big, goofy grin, Totoro expresses the whole range of human emotions with but the smallest change in facial gestures.

These same gestures fill in for all the words the creature never says and then some. In watching each scene with him, you can construct entire wordless conversations. Go ahead and give it a try; imagine for yourself what the creature would be saying if it had the words.

Another brilliant aspect fo the film is the settings. The first image that strikes you is a beautiful pastoral community. Rice feilds around a dusty, country road and in the background, mountains and forests. The location of this town is firmly established, by the little transiant moments that usually wouldn't think about. The long walks it takes to get to any given location, the several hour bike ride to get to the hospital, and many other moments give you a sense of location for a town that's as close to the middle of nowhere you can get without actually being there. Other small moments, such as when we're allowed to watch a toad walk across the street in the rain, or a snail crawl up a reed by the river, give you a sense of the general attitude of the setting; laid-back, easy-going, but determined.

And with it's hidden shrines expressing the many secrets the area holds (note the Kitsune statues hidden by the bus stop) the setting has a personality that makes all the more appealing.

The way that all the people come together when Mei gets lost toward the end of the film also gives the community of people a personallity. A hard-working, caring group that centers it's life around serving each other.

There's something invigorating about watching little children. Rold Dahl once said, "There's nothing more dangerous than the adult mind." While he meant it to mean that adults are not really very creative people, I think that the idea behind the quote still applies strongly to this movie. The adult mind is like a dark hallway full of closed doors. Years of exposure to meaningless social protocol has turned their world is a place of can'ts and won'ts. But children, anything is possible to them. An adult may look in a dark forest and see lions and tigers and bears (oh my!), but to a child, that forest may be full of friendly ghosts and creatures willing to help you with your problems. Little children are the most imaginative creatures on the earth and with this film, Miyazaki has perfectly captured the bright-eyed wonder of the young mind. He has also captured the energy, the fearless curiosity and the emotional power of children. To see Mei running around the yard, picking flowers and exploring is a scene so brimming with childish excitement, that you become infected by its energy and emotion. Mei's statement of "You're the flower shop, dad!" is simple, yet so profound in its own way that you can't help but smile.

Another thing that I've always loved about Miyazaki's work is the influence of classic literature. Miyazaki is clearly a literary-minded individual, something which is sadly uncommon in the film world today. It's clear that he not only reads, but enjoys classic novels from all over the world, from Guliver's Travels to The Princess who Loved Insects. The scene with Mei chasing the little white Totoro through the feild, then falling into it's den is evocative of a certain young girl chasing a white rabbit and falling through the rabbit hole into a place beyond imagination. There are so many sublte moments that evoke the power of classic literature that you feel like your reading a good book rather than watching a movie.

All of these elements combine in Totoro to make a statement of the utmost profoundness; sometimes, we need to let go of our foolish adult world and see the beauty of it through the eyes of a child. Christ's commandment to be as little children may not have been on the master's mind when he wrote this story, but it's nonetheless the perfect expression of the sentiment.

Thai's Deposed PM arrives London as a political refugee

2006-09-21T08:38:00.000+01:00

I hope Thai military returns power to the people after having pulled down a corrupted Thai political leader as its military General promised.

Thailand is an interesting country. It is the only country in Asia has never been officially politically colonized by any foreign power in history.

Thai's coming investigations of the corruption in the ousted government reminds me Peru's ex-PM Alberto Fujimori who resigned during his visit in Japan after a bribery scandal.

Also, The Thai military coup reminds me the sarcastic pain of Myanmar that is ruled by a military regime despite the fact that the political party of The National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi won a decisively victory in the general election in 1990.

Relationship

2006-09-19T15:18:00.000+01:00

Relationship is for us to learn interactively from others and to know ourselves more.

高尚的品德与坚韧的毅力

2006-09-12T11:36:00.000+01:00

以其高尚的品德与坚韧的毅力赢得人生的胜利。

Musical Plays

2006-08-24T14:58:00.000+01:00

The Producer: 5 October 2006
The Phantom of the Opera: 28 September 2006
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers: 27 September 2006
The Lion King: 9 August 2006
Evita: 8 June 2006
Les Miserable: 24 April 2006
Mamma Mia: 13 March 2006
The Woman in White: January 2006
Fame: November 2005
Saturday Night Fever: March 2005

Wisdom Tooth Extration

2006-07-12T12:20:00.000+01:00

I had a wisdom tooth extration and followed with a visit to general clinics for skin allergy during summer.

I couldn't buy few tablets of the painkiller. Instead i had to purchase a whole box of 100 tablets. I don't like to take chemistry things into my body. I intended not to buy but the prescription of the doctor had been stamped by the pharmacy shop. If I didn't buy now, i had to go through the process of ringing for an appointment, paying a visit to the clinic and getting the presciption from a doctor again.

Decency

2006-07-04T11:03:00.000+01:00

In the traditional Chinese literature, we were taught to hold a decent personality despite of either prosperity or difficulty.

That is the dictum i have been reminding myself especially recently.

On the other hand, leaving the job that i had been enjoying juggling in Japanese Embassy and coming to the U.K. without a steady ground was a hard decision. But it was the step of life i have chosen to make.

I was generously granted more than I anticipated and was fortunate to meet and make friends with kind and nice people.

The nature

2006-06-29T09:26:00.000+01:00

What make life meaningful is love.

What make us at ease and rejuvenate is home.

Friends

2006-06-27T13:10:00.000+01:00

It's good to have friends. We enjoy each other's accompany. We learn from each other's personality.

Mutual Consolation

2006-06-19T12:02:00.000+01:00

A lady colleague whom I was actually not really closed to, but merely had the chance to say Hello with smile formerly, unexpectedly shared her family problem with me.

It was early of last week...

We met on the corridor again. She asked me gently: "How are you?" as usual.

I smiled and laughed: "Well, whether we are okay or not, we normally tend to response Good, Thank you."

Unexpectedly, she told me: "I am undergoing a divorce now. My husband who has been enjoying his bachelor life for the past few years finally asked for a divorce."

On the surface I remained calm after hearing the news. However, I was actually shocked because she looked alright all the time.

I didn't have chance to speak to her since then until this morning.

We met in the ladies. She shared with me that her daughter was upset because her father couldn't with her yesterday when it was Father's Day.

I told her that I had thought of making a Chinese or Japanese dinner for her and her daugther.

She was delightened. She said the news would help to cheer her lovely 14-year-old daughter up.
As her daughter likes Japanese food, I would be showing her daughter to make simple Japanese sushi with cucumber and carrots. I would be cooking a Japanese noodle for dinner also.

Umm, that is what I wish to do: To give consolation to those who are in need; To make the life more meaningful to live in.

Motivating, Coaching, Counselling & Mentoring

2006-06-06T12:13:00.000+01:00

"Motivating, Coaching, Counselling & Mentoring: Strategic Tools for Effective Leadership"

It is a workshop run by my mother company. Will love to write an article over the importance of coaching.

*****
Introduction

We often hear record-breaking athletes say; I owe it to my coach; That’s because however talented they are, athletes need a coach to improve their performance and competitiveness. Likewise, Companies and Organisations need to create a culture where coaching and feedback occur as a routine part of each day. Towards this strategic end.

· This innovative and motivating course, explains a structured approach to coaching which is effective whether a manager is working with a new recruit or seeking improvement from an experienced player.
· Being less of a boss and more of a coach is fundamental to modern management.
· Urging people to do better won’t work unless they know how to do it better.
· Good coaching builds trust and collaborative climate between manager and team.
· The process involves breaking tasks down to their component parts, helping people to improve performance in each element and enabling them to pull these elements together to achieve the desired effect.

Who Should Attend
· This course is designed for managers, team leaders and professionals at all levels who want to become effective at coaching and motivating others.

Course Objectives
It is essential for effective leadership to understand that -
· Coaching and equipping, is one of the most important acts of leadership.
· Successful managers recognise that to get things done cost effectively they must ‘grow’ people to their full potential.
· Outstanding performance must be drawn from every member of the team.
· This requires clear direction, feedback and personal empowerment.

Training Methodology
The Course will be presented in a highly inter-active manner, with a very impactive computer presentation style.

Together with your fellow participants, you will bring a wide variety of experience and resources to the programme. The course facilitator’s role is to help you learn for yourself and to assist you as you make sense of new ideas and techniques that you can use at work. We learn things as we try them out, stepping out of the zones that we find comfortable. Joining in role-plays and having a go may feel awkward but is often the best way to find out how we are doing with our learning. You will have plenty of opportunity during the workshop to experiment and try out new skills and understanding. The course facilitator will give you some input and then help you to make sense of the models through some discussion and then practice. You’ll then decide actions to apply the learning to your workplace.

Organisational Impact
Organizations change only as much as individuals within them change. This workshop will offer clarity to each participant on how to consciously influence themselves and others so as to create productive behaviors that lead to optimal personal impact.

Personal Impact
Optimize your own and others in your organization personal productivity and personal enjoyment. Promote enhanced job productivity, job satisfaction and pride

Competencies Emphasised
Supporting organizational excellence
Supporting staff development
Creating a positive coaching environment
Using motivation to influence and inspire performance
Leading people and helping them excel via empowerment
Developing pro-active, self-managing employees

Delegates will Learn

Why coaching and motivation is so important.
What coaching is (a set of interpersonal skills) and what it isn’t
(telling others what to do). .
What 21st. Century Leadership requires.
How to set the scene and prepare for coaching.
How to be supportive and approachable.
when to give advice and when to be natural.
How to motivate yourself and other Staff.
How to coach top performers.
How to equip others with peak performance skills
What is required for Leadership empowerment.
How to develop pro-action plans.

Seminar Outline

Day 1

STRATEGIC EQUIPPING FOR LEADERSHIP

Changing Manager’s roles.
What is real Leadership?
How to equip Leaders for excellence.
The pursuit of excellence.
Developing key management competencies to create excellence.
12 Ways to develop your Staff potential and talent.
The Manager as a Change agent.
The need for peak performance.
Activators, Behaviours and consequences.
Benefits for the organization, manager and performer.

Day 2

THE MANAGER AS A COACH AND MENTOR

What is coaching?
Why is coaching so important?
Making the transition from Manager to Coach.
Qualities and attributes of a good Coach.
Develop the Coaching Model.
What does coaching achieve?
Deciding When and How to coach.
Select the appropriate coaching style.
Arranging a coaching session.
Use the “GROW” model.
Measuring and observing performance.
How to appraise a person’s performance.
The link with feedback motivation.

Day 3

THE COACHING / MOTIVATION PROCESS AND SKILLS

Influencing the readiness to change.
The importance of handling change
Gaining a persons commitment to change.
Raising their effectiveness through questioning.
Motivation as a lever.
Setting action orientated performance goals
End goals, performance goals and process goals.
Working your own goal setting strategy.
Developing efficient Time management.
Learn to prioritize your time.
The importance of essential Listening skills.
Developing the cycle for continuous improvement.

Day 4

PUTTING COACHING & COUNSELLING TO WORK

Understanding the performers agenda.
Coaching the subconscious mind.
Knowing what improvements to aim for.
Exploring barriers to progress.
Replacement principle.
Coaching the right performance attitude.
Making appropriate attitude adjustments.
Knowing what empowering improvement to aim for.
Leading by example.
Develop appreciation within and without.
The coach’s role as a facilitator.

Day 5

COACHING FOR DECISIVE ACTION

Adopting the approach, process and skills as a way of life.
Self coaching to fit your own aims and objectives – personal discipline.
Improving your ability to make decisions.
Ten steps to vital decision making.
Choosing Pro-Active leadership.
Understand the Circle of control.
How to be pro-active in your relationships.
How to apply Persistence Performance.
Using the learnt skills to apply at every level.
Ten essential qualities of a successful Corporate Executive.

止定靜安慮得

2006-05-30T16:43:00.000+01:00

心安是處
坐觀紅塵

Friends come, friends go

2006-05-25T14:56:00.000+01:00

I was shocked knowing that two female colleagues whom i am relatively fond of will be leaving for the State very soon.

A senior Venezuelan engineer will be leaving for Houston next Friday.

A Chinese Malaysian girl from Proposal Dept whom i met in the gym will be leaving for York in August as her husband has got a scholarship for his PhD studies.

Friends come, friends go, make new friends, remain in contact with some longtime friends...

Accommodation Hassle

2006-05-24T10:23:00.000+01:00

A Saudi engineer is having difficulty to get a luxurious apartment with nice garden even with the budget allocation of 1500 Pounds a month as he only looks for three month rent. He has run out his time because his wife and his children will be coming next week. He said: "My wife will kill me if i still cannot get a good place when she comes!"

His Saudi colleague spoke to me and looked for help.

I shared with him about the hassle I have in my present shared house. I gave a one-month notice last 15th of May but the houseowner said the notice should be given on the 1st and therefore i must stay until end of June.

Well, i didn't like to argue and agreed to stay until end of June.

Two days ago, unexpectedly, the houseowner asked whether i can move out end of this month since he has got people saw my room (without my knowledge) and they are interested in moving in the 1st of June.

I said: Well, although it is short notice, i will find out whether i can do so and i will let him know the next day.

He said: Oh, it's ok, you can let me know the day after the next day.

I had appointments for room viewing arranged yesterday evening and got one although it is far from town centre, which is at the other end of Bus 17, indeed it would be a long distance for me to go to work by taking two buses. I paid a down payment of 25 pounds as I didn't have much cash with me.

I went home and told the houseowner that i have got a place and i could move out end of May as he asked.

AS EXPECTED, he said: No, those people are only interested but they have yet to give me confirmation by the day after the next day. If they don't want to come in 1st of June, you have to stay until end of June!

Well, I have made down payment to move into another place end of this month.

I could give a ring to the coming houseowner that I could not move in because of so and so.

However, although it was only merely 25 pounds to burn compared with the 200 pounds of deposit that will be most likely refused to be refunded by the present houseowner if he insisted me to stay until end of June, for me, a word is a word that I have given my words to the coming houseowner. Indeed, I am not one who breaks the promise on any cost and am certainly also not a self-centered one who chooses to suffer others for self survival.

The Saudi colleague offered me the extra room of his apartment until 23rd of June when his family come. I laughed and told him that his offer should come yesterday instead of today.

Actually, quite a number of my colleagues are senior engineers sent from their respective companies. Therefore, most of them stay in a two-bedroom apartment alone.

Meditation

2006-05-17T09:08:00.001+01:00

I feel good after having practised meditation for a few sessions. It makes me stay in focused, steady and calm.

Meditation helps us to neutralize our energy. Negative and excessive energy flows out from our body. We will be back to our inner neutral tranquility.

Copy Writing

2006-05-17T09:08:00.000+01:00

Copy writings from a company and I like it:

"Creative without being unrealistic
Professional without being dull
Fun without being frivolous
Knowledgeable without being know-it-alls
Focused without being blinkered"

ai, money!

2006-05-17T08:23:00.000+01:00

I've been feeling unstable mainly over the accomodation that does not make me feel comfortable. First, the house-owner who also lives in the shared-house has been a pain. He is not only uncivilized but also money-oriented. Before I moved in, everything was okay. But not long later, restrictions have been imposed gradually. Indeed, all five tenants in the house share merely one shower room and one toilet. Imagine when you have urgent natural call to do, but others have been taking turn and occupying the only one.

What to do? I can't afford or do not want to pay double to rent an own place. Most places at the range of my budget allocation are nasty. After having seen a few places, one would realize that how people have used housing property to make MORE money.

That was once I arranged a room viewing and I was delighted to see it was a bungalow. I got shocked immediately when i stepped into the bungalow. The whole house was re-structured into many rooms and one could only pass by through spaceless corridors along the cheap wood walls of those rooms that look like prison cells! In the mind of the house-owner, that is only the concern of $$$ making, and not also the quality of life of those tenants.

You will be surprised to see such significant number of people live in poverty. The gap between the established rich and struggling folks is big. I call the U.K. a very much capatalist country.

The Peace of Mind

2006-05-16T13:31:00.000+01:00

Anger, Jeaulousy, Pride, Thinking you are the best, Arrogance, Revenge, Greed, Lust, Lies produce negative energey and we will become sick in mind and body.

Be Generous, Caring, Forgiving, Understanding, Loving, Mediatate, Compassionate, and this will eliminate ego, then we will be genuinely happy from inside and be blessed wholly with the inner peace.

Work

2006-05-15T15:49:00.000+01:00

It is human habit: Always not satisfied with one's present stage and desperates for something else.

When I was working for the Japanese Embassy in Malaysia, sometimes I got frustrated with the red tape of government operation and I wished to get a way out by being eager to go overseas.

Now, I am working abroad, but I have been missing my duties as well as my colleagues at the Japanese Embassy.

"Be gladful as long as you stay healthy and make use of what life has given to you!" ~ That's what I have learnt.

Stay Focused

2006-05-15T15:46:00.000+01:00

I am sorry that I have been bothered by the outside wave and have yet to stay focused on things that I aim to do, including few writings on my excursions to Norway and the Switzerland. I wish to write my personal experience of working and travelling in the Western world for the benefits of the national growth of my motherland.

A season, A reason, A Lifetime

2006-05-12T11:56:00.000+01:00

I have met people and made friends who are a reason and a season...

For me to my friends whom I fortunately have met and made, I wish that I am not a reason, and I will not be a season, but lifetime genuine friendship.

For the only one, I believe that I will certainly be more than a lifetime for him and me.

保護自己的寧靜與幸福

2006-05-12T11:47:00.000+01:00

"保護自己的寧靜與幸福，是我們人生的一大目標，找到一個對的男人則不是人生一大目標。只有抱持著這種態度，我們才能夠開始去尋找一個能夠用健康、正常的方法關愛我們的人。"

Safeguarding one’s tranquility and peace of mind should be one of the main objectives in life instead of acting desperately to get someone.

自信與優雅

2006-05-12T11:40:00.000+01:00

＊高雅、幽默、聰明、仁慈
＊多閱讀、多分享、多體會
＊待人有禮、溫和謙恭
＊說話語氣和緩、不急不徐
＊飲食細嚼慢嚥，是教養與優雅的展現
＊認真做事的女人最美麗
＊高跟鞋更顯出女人的高貴
＊乾淨的香味是女人優雅的風味
＊簡單的穿衣風格為你的優雅氣質加分
＊嘮叨與抱怨會讓你的優雅氣質扣分

奧黛麗赫本之所以是絕佳的優雅女人角色典範，不僅是她擁有的寬闊胸襟與氣度，也是因為她質樸不做作的風格使然。所以囉，在以上所提的優雅守則當中，如何學習其中的精神，而使其毫不做作地自然展現出來，才是真正的「赫本精神」。

Old Folk Homes

2006-05-05T08:20:00.000+01:00

2005. 01. 20-21

I went to an old folk home that I have been visiting regularly in KL last weekends.

I cooked and cleaned the place at the old folk home. Most of the old folk homes including governmental-funded old folk homes, except private commercial old folk homes, are not well maintained.

I brought fresh soya bean drink as well as fruits for them. They were so happy. One of them told me shyly that they hardly have fresh fruits.

The old folk home that I visited regularly is located at a cemetery place in an isolated area in KL. The old folk home is at the first floor of the mortician’s shop. That place is sponsored by the funeral director. Their area of movement is limited to that particular floor, no garden or entertainment for them. What they can only do is lie on their beds and wait for the day to come perhaps. They are those abandoned by their family members, specifically their children. They are transferred by the KL General Hospital to the old folk home as they refused to leave the hospital after having been admitted.

When I was there, I saw a very old man who hardly walked tried to wash and cook the rice with his hands trembling. Those old folks have to prepare the food themselves. There is no permanent appointed staff to take care of them. An old lady whom I was told has mental problem is the only cook.

When I was cooking the lunch, I heard the old lady cook shouting in the toilet: “You have made the whole body full of shit. Quickly clean your body and I will help you to clean the toilet.”

When I came out from the open-air kitchen, I saw a naked small-sized and slim old man whose one led was cut moving himself difficultly on a wood roller from toilet to his bed. In order to take care of his pride of a man, I pretended of not seeing him although in reality my heart was aching. Another man whose right hand was cut went to help him by using his leg to push the old man back to his bed.

I plan to go there again tomorrow morning and cook a better lunch for them. What they served are normally canned food that are brought and stored by kind-hearted people. Moreover, the cook has to divide the limited food equally in order to make sure all of them are served.

I had been asked a few questions concerning about the medication they were taking. Fortunately, I have a few medical doctor friends and one of them was my closed friend during high school days, whom I can refer to.

2005. 01.20; 10 p.m.

I went there and cooked for them again this morning. I used miso to replace the salt. I was very happy seeing them taking a bigger plate for their lunch.

I saw a man without his right hand putting his plate on the table and ate the food directly from the plate with his mouth without using his only left hand. I guessed he was a right-hander and he might found inconvenient with his only left hand.

The very old man whose hands were trembling and had difficulty in movement worked extremely hard by walking around to serve the food and fruits to those who can’t walk and can only lie on beds. What I found sarcastic was that the very old man tried his best to help out whereas some healthier and younger old men chose to do nothing. That is so-called personality. Some people are hard-working whereas some are not.

Originally I didn’t take my lunch there. However, seeing them eating cheerfully, I guessed the food might be delicious and I also took some food there. When I was taking the food, my heart felt genuinely warm. I assumed their hearts were as warm as mine when they were having the food. That was my consolation and real gladness seeing them happy.
2005. 01.21; 4 p.m.

Coincidently, a news article on an old folk home that I had visited one and half year ago was carried by a local Malaysian newspaper. That old folk home is located in Bentong, Pahang, which is about three hours drive from KL. I helped to cut and wash the hair of the first two ladies from the right of the largest photo. I still remember that the older lady refused to let me cleaning her although she did not take bath for a few days as she was afraid of cool.

Home Sick

2006-04-24T11:05:00.000+01:00

Home sick!!! Miss Malaysian food!

Sweden: YES! Norway in a Nutshell: Oslo - Bergen: YES!!!

2006-04-18T11:24:00.000+01:00

I have had a rejuvenated Easter by having got away for a short while from England and coming back from my spontaneous excursion to Norway and an explosure to Sweden. I am now more at ease with my present status and am determined to be morefocused on my future with calmness.

Travelling in Scandinavia countries is easy as its public transport is well structured. I am very much impressed by its efficiency and coziness. As youknow, Japan has been my favourite country. But unexpectedly, I have fallen in love into the nature of Norway. The whole country was covered in snow. Along my journey, I enjoyed the views of white and grey mountains with frozen waterfalls on tranquil lakes.

I managed to get a dip of Sweden by commuting four hours by bus. When i reached Goteborg, I learnt that frequent buses were available to Denmark. I could take a 4-hour bus to Copenhagen.

I took a mid-night bus back from Goteborg to Oslo inorder to catch the early train of "Norway in a Nutshell". As a result, i had a fruitful Easter and enjoyed those excellent sceneries of Fjord.

Oslo, Norway; Sweden: ?

2006-04-12T15:42:00.000+01:00

I have been looking on the map yesterday and today.

Yesterday was the World Atlas and map on Europe. Studying all possible routes i can make in the future. Have been interested in doing cross countriesbackpacking again in Europe and then go to Middle Eastor Russia or South Africa. :)-

Today, look more in details on the map of Norway and just realized that Oslo is so near to the border of Sweden. So, am pondering of taking train to cross the border to Swedan for a one-day exposure.

Scandinavia Europe

2006-04-12T15:39:00.000+01:00

Denmark, Faroe Island, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden

Going to Norway during Easter

2006-04-11T14:20:00.000+01:00

I glanced through some info on Norway and called the Norway Embassy to counter check the void of visa for Malaysian passports. I have got a good impression about the country i would be going to as my enquiries to the Norway Embassy in London were received with politeness and promptness. Somehow, it indirectly reflects the possible friendliness of the Norway people and the efficiency of the country.

Hmm...going alone to a new country.

Money, Money, Money

2006-04-06T09:09:00.000+01:00

There was this popular quote of Anita Mui in aCantonese movie: "Ya, money is not everything; but onecan't have many things without money!"

Desi YL Chong said money can't buy love.

Sorry, I think in some cases, Money can also buy love,but of course not "real" love.

Not only girls dream to marry a rich man; but alsomen, especially young guys who have just graduatedfrom colleges and started to feel the disadvanatges in real life desire, hoping to marry agirl from a rich family, ideally a pretty girl withbrains too, who is born with a golden spoon.

Similar issue post by sabrinawstan.blogsome.com
Wed 12th Apr, 2006, Life

Money and Happiness

Still think that money cannot buy happiness?

Think again, according to this article here.

Sad to say, in the 21st century, the scenario goes like this:

Have education= having security of job= having some money= having security in life, knowing that you have backup should there be ‘rainy days’

And of course, with a decent job, when one slowly climbs up the ladder, you gain respect from the community, and you can facilitate things better in life…yadda yadda…

Whether one makes money your main motivation in life is another story. But I strongly feel that we must at least have a sound education as our foundation to propel us to greater heights in the future.

I know there are some individuals who made it without a proper degree. But somehow, I feel if one has the opportunity to pursue tertiary education, one should go for it.

Hugging, Kissing and Rulling

2006-04-05T02:27:00.000+01:00

mGf YL CHONG appears as MY FIRST GUEST BLOGGER!

He says it's a serious case of KILLING TWO BIRDS WITH ONE pebble!

This morning's pick is ezy as X, Y , Z. Why not A, B, C?
That's because Desiderata likes going against the flow of traffic -- up the one-way street, and maybe create some harmony along the way when angry fellow Malaysians show me the international peAce sign minus one finger.

I return the compliments with my Guide's Pledge signature.

But sometimes going against the norm can invite trouble with a Kapital T. Ooops, we are speaking English here, so it's Capitol T. Hey, the White House is not in Koala Lumpuh. I know, I know -- we're gettin' there. We o'lay have the tallest Twin Towers in the 'hole widee worlde, yes! I added an "e" to wide because I had foreseen I was adding an "e" to world, so it's being consistent and in abeyance to the twinning concept.

If you LOST Desi up to this point, no worries. wedNURSEdae is a goode time to feel like Li'l Boy Blue as there are many missies around to tend to your hell...ooop, health.

Okay, Da Nu'es: Page 1, theSUN shining not too brightly at some parks...and Da Darkness may envelope quite many parts of the country, or bodies, if the final ruling portended by this initial ruling is as ominous as my Superstar Virgo sailing out of sin-harbour at 4pm on a Saturday, and Desi has replaced one fishy taeler being tied to the pole as the ..nth storey desert Desi&Co for lovelier company. Dang! Or is it Dung! Dunk?

HUGGING AND KISSING IN PUBLIC
"Freedom or indecent behaviour?"

'The students should be given freedom to live but
there was serious infringement by the Datuk Bandar
of the two students' fundamentallll liberty and constitutional rights.' - Lawyer S. Selvam

'So, they should be given fredom to live as they like?
The coonstitution allows all citizens to do that
(hugging and kissing) even by the roadside, in public park?'

'In England, those acts ....."

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- Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim

DESIDERATA:

:If you want aMORE, please rush to the nearest 7ELEVEN nigh you. Repeat offence, Dang/Dung/Dunk!!!

No kissing please, we are Malaysians!

PUTRAJAYA: The local government has the power to establish by-laws to prosecute citizens who behave disorderly in public, the Federal Court ruled yesterday.

Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim, together with Federal Court judges Datuk Alauddin Sheriff and Datuk Richard Malanjum, unanimously held that the Datuk Bandar of Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) was correct to charge two students for behaving indecently by hugging and kissing at Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park.

The court ruled that Section 8 (1) of the Park By-Laws, the section invoked by the Datuk Bandar to punish persons caught behaving indecently in public was constitutional.

Following the ruling, two students, Ooi Kean Thong, 24, and Siow Ai Wei, 22, will have to defend themselves against the charge levelled against them at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall Court.

Their case is fixed for mention on June 1. Both had pleaded not guilty to committing the offence at the park at 5.20pm on Aug 2 2003.

If convicted, they could be fined not exceeding RM2,000 or jailed up to a year, or both.

Ahmad Fairuz said the (Federal) court's answer to constitutional question referred to them, whether Section 8 (1) is ultra vires the Local Government Act 1976 and infringed Article 5 (1) of the Federal Constitution (relating to freedom of life) was in the negative.

The two students had challenged the validity of Section 8 (1) contending that the Local Government Act 1976 which is the parent act governing local authorities did not empower the Datuk Bandar to make local by-laws on matters of decency.

They alleged that they were given a summons because they refused to bribe the enforcement officers. In January last year, the two officers pleaded not guilty to corruption charges in the Sessions Court and their case is pending.

Counsel S. Selvam, for the students, submitted yesterday that the Datuk Bandar had failed to consider the fact that Malaysia is a multiracial country and that the act of hugging and kissing is an expression of love which should be encouraged.

"The students should be given freedom to live but there was serious infringement by the Datuk Bandar of the two students' fundamental liberty and constitutional rights," he said.

Ahmad Fairuz said: "So, they should be given freedom to live as they like? The constitution allows all citizens to do that (hugging and kissing) even by the roadside, in public park?

"In England, those acts are acceptable to the people in that country but is kissing and hugging acceptable to Malaysian citizens? Is the act according to the morality of the Asian people?"

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A parallel to yesterday' snippet titled:

is the following from theSUN web edition:

Heavier TV watching may mean earlier sex for teens

NEW YORK (Reuters Health): Certain teenagers who watch more television are more likely to become sexually active than those who spend less time in front of the tube, a new study shows.

Dr. Sarah Ashby of the University of Wisconsin School of Public Health in Madison and her colleagues found that, among a group of 4,808 boys and girls younger than 16, those who said their parents strongly disapproved of sex -- nearly three quarters of the group -- were more likely to start having sex in the following year if they watched two hours or more of TV daily.

The findings, appearing in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, support the hypothesis that "kids who are at overall lower risk of initiating sex may be more influenced by things that they see," Ashby told Reuters Health. For teens who don't sense parental disapproval, she added, "the cat is already out of the bag." Parental disapproval in itself did indeed cut the risk of kids becoming sexually active -- 12.5 percent of these teens started having sex, compared to 24.1 percent of those who didn't feel their parents disapproved of sex.

Among kids who sensed parental disapproval, the more TV they watched, the greater their likelihood of becoming sexually active -- up to a point.

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DESIDERATA kindly invites my ER to add fuel and water to the above goings-on.
His wee cuntriBUtion is a reprisal from his bookie of pomes of knotti ditties, please note today I'm takling lots of liverties with the Queen ...oops, add 's English!:)
If you find my Posting a TORMENT, wait until DARK when You're Caught In The PARK!

If Truth Be Told
(Not the first time/dime...)

In a land not far, far away
So near you hear its heartbeat every day

Once the minister of television declared
“We’ll manufacture a local series to outclass Dallas!”

After decades and much murky water
Had flowed under the Bridge of Scandals

Leaders continue to exhort of the populace:
Don’t watch blue movies or VCDs, it’s a social evil.

Meanwhile, they yumseng till the break of dawn
And under the cover of darkness chieftains plundered
Yet others plucked the flowers
Off under-aged virgin girls.

Politicians and court jesters are so creative
This land needs no fiction writers
‘Stead of soap operas, TV offers wayang and sandiwara
Their juiciness surpass the wildest Image-ine of the CollinsSis

There’s the saga of one with millions headed Down Under
Apparently he’d not heard of cheques or Amex
Poor chap – onetime a graduate teacher - he landed up in court
He hardly understood “that darn’d bastard immigration form” in Inggeris.

Then another made a girl full of body
Claimed the fruit was donated by a best friend
Well, in typical Asian cheer, the reluctant host must not decline
The guest’s bosomy generosity in any kind.

Live episodes entertain the people more than Hollywood’s Dynasty
Proving true blue that “Fact is stranger than fiction”

When naked Truth is revealed, sometimes ingenuously concealed,
Of under-cover trails and trysts in KL’s penthouses.
When lesser souls are caught in similar bind with their pants down
In cheap lodging houses, or even just holding hands in public parks
They charge the poor blighters with khalwat (close proximity)

While upper classes continue to frolic with impunity cum immunity.

The above (lust pub'ished half a decade ago?) was prompted by the many instances of “public scandals” involving leading Malaysians which hogged both local and international media headlines at the time of occurrence; any decent Malaysian must at one time or another have bowed his/her head in “shame” for the graphic details of the “homosexual or sodomy” acts being described in public. And a semen-stained mattress being hauled to court as an “exhibit” – what a way to progress sex education! If I were to write in prose about the politics of my home country, and the shenanigans of the players of those “interesting” times, it will be certainly going into territory “where angels fear to tread”. I’d rather be with angelic company than risk spending solitary confinement in a cold, dank cell (with most likely other political animals for cell-mates to boot!). Putting down in verse some of these episodes allows for some freedom of speech, and the release of pent-up outrage and indignation at the goings-on. Poetry provides writers with a medium to test greater “intellectual” latitude. May we be blessed with leaders who can appreciate poetic communication, especially of the satirical kind.

I:
S:
A: men.

Meeting people from different parts of the world

2006-04-04T15:26:00.000+01:00

My colleagues asked me:

"Hei, where wil you be going next?"

"How much have all your travels cost?"

Okay, okay, after my trip to Norway, I would like to get some rest to cool myself down.

How much have my travels cost? Well, fortunately i enjoy backpacking ~ budget travel. I don't like to stay in a five-star hotel. I prefer to stay in backpacker hostels and have conversation with those lodgers from different parts of the world.

Last February, I went to Germany to visit my Japanese girlfriend whom I met in Bangkok four years ago. Wasn't it amasing? My Japanese girlfriend and I had yet to meet since we last met in Thailand and four years later we finally met each other again in Germany. We were both in Bangkok the first day. I took a ten-hour journey by train from Hatyai in the border of Thailand and Malaysia. I had to get a double-bed room after having walked around with carrying a back-pack. All single rooms had all taken that particular day. Moreover, Bangkok is a popular tourism spot. When I was finally get a double-bed room after a long wait for the previous tenant to check out, I went out to walk around with curiosity of the new place. Then, I saw a Japanese girl who was carrying two huge back-packs and yet a bag hung in front of her chest. Since I personally overcame the difficulty of getting a room and yet she was carrying so many luggages, I offered her to stay in my room since I had an extra bed. So, that's how our connection had started. It's really amazing! Besides her, I have known two of her Japanese friends who flew from Nagano, Japan to Bangkok to meet her. One of her Japanese friends has become a close friend of mine.

During the Chinese New Year three years ago, I received a couple whom I met in Thailand. The guy was a South Korean and the girl was a Japanese. I brought them around in Malaysia. About one year later, when I visited Japan, the South Korean guy attempted to fly to Tokyo from Busan to meet me and his Japanese girlfriend. Regrettably, he couldn't make it last minute as he was requested to stay in the office. However, I received a surprise morning call from him before my departure from Malaysia to Nagoya, Japan. During my stay in Tokyo, his girlfriend received me with warmness and introduced me to her uncle and aunty. They thanked me for having received her in Malaysia.

I encountered four Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar respectively in Sukuthai, Thailand. They were doing their Masters course in Buddhism Philosophy. Until today, we still remain in regular contact. I have known one more monk from Nepal through their contact.

It's the universe

2006-04-04T14:43:00.000+01:00

Don't envy me for having had chances of travelling around. When I landed the Heathrow Airport, England in Europe (the Western region) from my country Malaysia in Asia (the Oriental World), I have found that anywhere in the world is about the same - human behaviour, social problem, capatalism....What makes the difference is one's inner peace.