For Religion or For Development??

On 11th April 2011, 2 days before Khmer New Year, I had the chance to go to Kompong Cham province to celebrate the official opening of a pagoda's dining hall (a hall where people will place the food for worshiping to their ancestor). This new pagoda's dining costs at least 70.000 USD. The money is from the combination of Katen and Bon Pka and donation from other people. Those people who play a huge role in the establishment of the dining hall was awarded with prestigious medals in front many people. One surprising thing struck into my mind when i looked at the damaged road in front of the pagoda (damaged for more than 10 years), the improper sanitation and the condition of the villagers' house. Should the money better be used for the development of the village rather than of the pagoda? It is admittedly a generous act from all of the generous people. However, the development of people's living standard is much more important and should be on top of the agenda rather than at the expense of the new building of pagoda and dignity for the rich.

The 70.000USD could be divert to the development of the village in many sectors that bring about tremendous benefits. The road has been very bumpy in the dry season and very difficult to travel in the rainy season. The money can be used to construct a smooth cement road that can last for a very long time. Investment on the electricity can also take place. Life is really difficult in the village because still there is no electricity in the village. In addition, the money can be invested in clean water system for the government, because nowadays water is very expensive. By doing so, it can save the villagers some more money to spend on other specific products. Furthermore, news schools and schools materials can also be brought by this money.

The main problem is people do not have the will to donate their money to this village development project. They prefer to donate to the ceremony of the pagoda because they believe that they would receive more good deed. As far as I am concerned, by developing the village, you can liberate people from poverty and ignorance. This is a greater deed than any other charity in the whole world.

What does friendship mean to me?

My name is LENG Bun Meng. Mr. Gurkan calls me "Class Monitor" because I used to be the class monitor for 11B and 12B haha. You know whenever i am feeling down, I will always go to a very spectacular place, a place full of memories, a place full of friendship, a place full of warmth, www.12bfriends.com to check out the old photos and articles. I couldn't believe my eyes that we had built many wonderful experience together. I really just can't stop smiling after vividly seeing these nostalgic memory.  It's been 8 years since I first began my journey with you guys. I remembered that not many of you really like me. I don't know why too.

The Wise Old Man

Hello everyone!! I have found this great motivational and inspirational story from my friend, and I would like to share it. The story is about:

A man of 92 years, short, very well-presented, who takes great care in his appearance, is moving into an old people’s home today.

His wife of 70 has recently died, and he is obliged to leave his home.

After waiting several hours in the retirement home lobby, he gently smiles as he is told that his room is ready.   

As he slowly walks to the elevator, using his cane, I describe his small room to him, including the sheet hung at the window which serves as a curtain.

"I like it very much", he says, with the enthusiasm of an 8 year old boy who has just been given a new puppy.

"Sir, you haven’t even seen the room yet, hang on a moment, we are almost there. "

" That has nothing to do with it ", he replies.

" Happiness is something I choose in advance.  Whether or not I like the room does not depend on the furniture, or the decor – rather it depends on how I decide to see it. "

" It is already decided in my mind that I like my room.  It is a decision I take every morning when I wake up. "   

" I can choose.  I can spend my day in bed enumerating all the difficulties that I have with the parts of my body that no longer work very well, or I can get up and give thanks to heaven for those parts that are still in working order. "

" Every day is a gift, and as long as I can open my eyes, I will focus on the new day, and all the happy memories that I have built up during my life. "

" Old age is like a bank account.  You withdraw in later life what you have deposited along the way. "

So, my advice to you is to deposit all the happiness you can in your bank account of memories.  

Thank you for your part in filling my account with happy memories, which I am still continuing to fill…

 So the lesson here is to

- Free your heart from hate
- Free your mind from worry
- Live simple
- Give more
- Expect less :) and you will be happy!

American Idol favorite Pia voted off sent shockwave - Is it because girls don't vote for pretty girls?

American Idol front runner who received positive comments from the 3 judges (Randy, Steven, J-lo), Pia was eliminated as a result of having the lowest votes. It was such a shock and everyone did not believe what they witnessed. Steven, the judge, even blamed America for making the wrong decision. J-Lo and Randy stated that they were mad and shocked.

It was a total upset, indeed. We never for real what really happen. Perhaps the best singer in the competition was eliminated so early. The possible explanation that people are saying are:

1. Girls hate and don't vote for pretty girl:

It is said that most of the voters of American Idol are young teenage girls and cougars. They do not like beautiful girl who has that amazing quality to impress a man. They somehow get jealous with them. So they only vote for men. It is plausible because most of the Idol winners are male, namely Kris Allen, Lee, David Cook. Again, this is just from what I read. Maybe Pia is too perfect and receive only envy and jealousy from the girl. Maybe!

2. Computer malfunction:

Can the computer counting system went wrong?? Who knows?? Because American Idol has just change its voting system to include voting online.

3. Everyone thought that Pia is in it to win it:

Just like What Randy said, Pia is in it to win it. Maybe everyone thought that she clearly is the dark horse of the competition and we become careless and did not vote for her.

Honestly, I can bet that this year winner will male again. By looking at the current 2 ladies, I think that they stand no chance against this year strong boys with pure talent.

The past Idols was not really a success. Take for example, Kris and Lee: Their debut album was not a hit at all. Pia looks bright to be the next diva because she has the look and the voice. She may be the next Mariah Carey or Pussy Cat doll Nicole. However, this is not the end of Pia's singing dream. Remember Daughtry?? He was also eliminated early in the competition but he turned out to be a mega rock star with his debut album "Daughtry" receiving many platinum.