Forget the unhappy past moments,
Enjoy the present time,
and Prepare for a marvellous future.
Happy New Year 2010!
Comment from Bookworm (T.L.)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
A Pair of Silk Stockings, story summary
‘A Pair of Silk Stockings’, written by Kate Chopin in 1896, is a five-page fiction about a mother, Mrs. Sommer, who has conflicts within her in how to spend the ‘unexpected 15 dollars’.
She is a thrifty housewife who will always spend time bargaining and consider for a long time before deciding to buy things below cost. For one or two days she has been thinking and doing calculations about what to buy for her children with this extra amount of money. It seems as if she is a caring, devoted mother who plans for the children rather than herself. This is what she has been doing since her husband is away (die?). However, she later indulges herself with beautiful things one after another. Everything starts with a pair of silk stockings, then she buys a pair of pointed-tipped boots to suit with the stockings, a pair of gloves, two high-priced magazines, and she has tea in a fashionable, expensive restaurant. Finally she watches a movie in the cinema. She spends all the 15 dollars in merely a day and it does not go into use for her children but herself.
Readers may feel that the character is an irresponsible and inconsiderate mother who doesn’t make use of the money to obtain necessary stuff for the family. However, if we examine her psychological condition when she is a widow and has been sacrificing for the family for a long time, she needs something to comfort herself. Unconsciously she allows extravagance to dominate her necessity.
She is a thrifty housewife who will always spend time bargaining and consider for a long time before deciding to buy things below cost. For one or two days she has been thinking and doing calculations about what to buy for her children with this extra amount of money. It seems as if she is a caring, devoted mother who plans for the children rather than herself. This is what she has been doing since her husband is away (die?). However, she later indulges herself with beautiful things one after another. Everything starts with a pair of silk stockings, then she buys a pair of pointed-tipped boots to suit with the stockings, a pair of gloves, two high-priced magazines, and she has tea in a fashionable, expensive restaurant. Finally she watches a movie in the cinema. She spends all the 15 dollars in merely a day and it does not go into use for her children but herself.
Readers may feel that the character is an irresponsible and inconsiderate mother who doesn’t make use of the money to obtain necessary stuff for the family. However, if we examine her psychological condition when she is a widow and has been sacrificing for the family for a long time, she needs something to comfort herself. Unconsciously she allows extravagance to dominate her necessity.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
A Male Magdalene, story summary
This is the fifth story I've learnt from the ENG229 in UC. What I manage to understand from the story is in the followings:
What does ‘Magdalene’ mean?According to Encarta Dictionary, ‘Magdalene’ or ‘Magdalen’ means a reformed prostitute, or in other words, a person who used to be a prostitute but now quit the job. Why does the author name this story ‘A Male Magdalene’? As far as I’m concerned, the author refers the ‘male magdalene’ to Nelt Chawgo who is such a fickle person who always treats women halfheartedly. This attitude is seemingly a characteristic of a prostitute. However, when he meets Angerose Wild and is abandoned later which changes him thoroughly. He soon understands the real meaning of love and finally deserves a happy ending. Thus, ‘A Male Magdalene’ simply means a man who admits his false concept and behavior toward love.
‘A Male Magdalene’ is a work of Marietta Holley written in 1906. The main characters are Nelson (Nelt) Chawgo, Angerose Wild, and Lophemia Kipp. The story starts with a wedding anniversary party of Nelt Chawgo and Angerose Wild. After that the narrator starts telling us the love relationship and experience of these three characters that happened three years ago.
Nelt Chawgo is a new comer to Jonesville and starts a business there. He is very welcomed and loved by the people, especially women, because of his good-looking appearance. Lophemia Kipp was attracted by his good look and forgets the relationship that she once has with Jim Carter who has been away on business. Nelt also ‘pays attention to her but in a half hearted way’. One day Nelt is found ‘ruined’ because he was abandoned by a woman from another village. The woman is called Angerose Wild who is a young, beautiful, and rich woman. The break-up of the relationship between Nelt and Angerose brings up debate of who should be responsible, that is, who is right and who is wrong. Disguised into the debating group, Angerous Wild heard of people discussing about her. During the discussion she suddenly comes up and admits her fault and finally promises to marry with Nelt Chawgo.
What we can learn from this story is that:
-We must be sincere to the person we love. Do not regard love as a game because human beings have feeling which can be easily suffered by deception and betrayal.
-We must admit our fault and be responsible for what we’ve done.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
My Christmas Day
These are the cards that I made on my own for my close friends, Jinna, Nareth, and Nith. As I have written in my last post, making sth by yourself for your friends are the most meaningful thing you can do in this Christmas occasion since it's a time for promoting the spirit of sharing and for giving love, warmth, and hope to your beloved family members, friends, and lover.
This Christmas is full of joy and happiness. This morning the mid-exam result of my accounting course was released and I got perfect grade. I was glad that I get what I had expected, and it’s the start of a merry Christmas day. There was a small gathering at RULE’s English library for the celebration of Christmas in the afternoon. We got to know some Christian culture which was quite interesting from a foreign teacher. We would have seen a Christmas movie if we hadn’t had a class at 2:30pm. After school, it was time for gift exchanging between me and Nareth.
Thanks to Nareth for her lovely, wonderful card which she made it by herself. I can feel how much time and effort she had spent in making that special card for me.
This is Nareth’s masterpiece!
This Christmas is full of joy and happiness. This morning the mid-exam result of my accounting course was released and I got perfect grade. I was glad that I get what I had expected, and it’s the start of a merry Christmas day. There was a small gathering at RULE’s English library for the celebration of Christmas in the afternoon. We got to know some Christian culture which was quite interesting from a foreign teacher. We would have seen a Christmas movie if we hadn’t had a class at 2:30pm. After school, it was time for gift exchanging between me and Nareth.
Thanks to Nareth for her lovely, wonderful card which she made it by herself. I can feel how much time and effort she had spent in making that special card for me.
This is Nareth’s masterpiece!
On December 26, there was a gathering for Christmas celebration at UC. It is the third Christmas party UC has ever held. What impressed me the most were the performances of UC students who acted in a very incredible professional way. One of the performances was in a form of Cambodian’s traditional drama. I was thinking that it would be boring when announced the start of the show. But it turned out to be unexpectedly inviting. What was interesting and funny is that the actors spoke in English! Can you imagine how weird it is? This weird performance surely brought lots of laughter to the audience. It was a creative performance, indeed!
Gift from Jinna on the 26th December!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Christmas Gift
Have you prepared any gifts for your family and friend for this coming Christmas?
What is supposed to be the most meaningful present?
As far as I'm concerned making a gift by yourself will be very meaningful because it's unique. So, in this Christmas, why don't you think of making gifts for your friends and family by yourself instead of buying them from market? Sometimes even a small card mean alot.
The Yellow Wall-Paper, story summary
The Yellow Wall-Paper is an autographical story, written by Charlotte Perkins Stetson Gilman in 1892.
It is a story of a woman who was restricted in doing what she liked—writing books. The heroine fell into great depression after giving birth to her kid because she was not allowed to write anything but rest in the bed in the house which her husband, John, a practical physician, believed that lying on bed and doing nothing is the best treatment to her mental disease. The woman was trying to hide her husband and Jenny, John’s sister, from knowing that she was writing a diary. From time to time, she was trying to explain to him that she didn’t like the room she was staying at and proposed to move, but John never listened. Gradually, she’s discouraged from writing and started to spend time imagining and figuring out the patterns on the yellow wallpaper opposite of her bed. Her imagine became clearer and clearer and she could see a woman and later many women behind bars. This made her mental condition become worse because she could imagine but could not express it. Finally she became totally insane.
This story suggests that women should have the right to a profession they are interested in instead of being restricted to housework at home. The author also wants to tell us that treating someone physically well doesn’t mean care. Caring for a person means taking care of them both body and mind.
It is a story of a woman who was restricted in doing what she liked—writing books. The heroine fell into great depression after giving birth to her kid because she was not allowed to write anything but rest in the bed in the house which her husband, John, a practical physician, believed that lying on bed and doing nothing is the best treatment to her mental disease. The woman was trying to hide her husband and Jenny, John’s sister, from knowing that she was writing a diary. From time to time, she was trying to explain to him that she didn’t like the room she was staying at and proposed to move, but John never listened. Gradually, she’s discouraged from writing and started to spend time imagining and figuring out the patterns on the yellow wallpaper opposite of her bed. Her imagine became clearer and clearer and she could see a woman and later many women behind bars. This made her mental condition become worse because she could imagine but could not express it. Finally she became totally insane.
This story suggests that women should have the right to a profession they are interested in instead of being restricted to housework at home. The author also wants to tell us that treating someone physically well doesn’t mean care. Caring for a person means taking care of them both body and mind.
The Revolt of Mother, story summary
The Revolt of Mother was written by Mary Wilkins Freeman in 1891.
It is about the role of making decision in a family. Sarah Penn, the main character, was Adoniram’s wife who dared to do against her husband’s intention in turning the new barn into the family’s new house. Adoniram, the father of the family, was a hard-working farmer, but he cared much about his cattle and horses rather his own wife and children as we can see that he built big new barns and sheds one after another instead of a new house which he had promised Sarah forty years ago. Considering their current situation (the house was old; her daughter was going to get married soon), Sarah suddenly decided to move into the new barn when Adoniram was away to buy a horse in another town. What she acted raises some opinions over her, which held her to be insane and lawless. But she didn’t care of them because she believed that what she was doing was right and no one could change her mind. When Adoniram returned home and witnessed the change, he could hardly believe it but still finally accepted it.
In a patriarchal society in this story, women didn’t have right in making decision in a family. The author wrote this story so as to tell us to turn down this preoccupation. Family decisions should be made by having discussions between husband and wife who have to share equal roles for the development and prosperity of the family.
It is about the role of making decision in a family. Sarah Penn, the main character, was Adoniram’s wife who dared to do against her husband’s intention in turning the new barn into the family’s new house. Adoniram, the father of the family, was a hard-working farmer, but he cared much about his cattle and horses rather his own wife and children as we can see that he built big new barns and sheds one after another instead of a new house which he had promised Sarah forty years ago. Considering their current situation (the house was old; her daughter was going to get married soon), Sarah suddenly decided to move into the new barn when Adoniram was away to buy a horse in another town. What she acted raises some opinions over her, which held her to be insane and lawless. But she didn’t care of them because she believed that what she was doing was right and no one could change her mind. When Adoniram returned home and witnessed the change, he could hardly believe it but still finally accepted it.
In a patriarchal society in this story, women didn’t have right in making decision in a family. The author wrote this story so as to tell us to turn down this preoccupation. Family decisions should be made by having discussions between husband and wife who have to share equal roles for the development and prosperity of the family.
Tony's Wife, story summary
Tony’s Wife was written by Alice Ruth Moore Dunbar-Nelson in 1899.
This is a story which studies the discrimination of both gender role and racism. The main characters are Tony and his so-called wife. Tony was a violent, uncaring, irresponsible Italian man. Whereas his wife, who was a German, she was a very patient and responsible wife who does all the housework without any complaint even when she was beaten by Tony. Tony never admitted to anyone that the woman staying with him was his wife. After years of maltreatment in this unlawful marriage, Tony suddenly was infected by disease which could not be cured. Still, his wife took care of him for a few years until his disease was really worse. Before he died, she asked him to admit their relationship in front of a priest so that there would be something left to her. However, he unsympathetically refused her because of his discriminating thinking. Eventually after Tony’s death, his wife had to lead a penniless and sorrowful life.
From my point of view, the author wanted us to abandon and, at the same time, fight against the idea of discrimination of race and domestic violence.
This is a story which studies the discrimination of both gender role and racism. The main characters are Tony and his so-called wife. Tony was a violent, uncaring, irresponsible Italian man. Whereas his wife, who was a German, she was a very patient and responsible wife who does all the housework without any complaint even when she was beaten by Tony. Tony never admitted to anyone that the woman staying with him was his wife. After years of maltreatment in this unlawful marriage, Tony suddenly was infected by disease which could not be cured. Still, his wife took care of him for a few years until his disease was really worse. Before he died, she asked him to admit their relationship in front of a priest so that there would be something left to her. However, he unsympathetically refused her because of his discriminating thinking. Eventually after Tony’s death, his wife had to lead a penniless and sorrowful life.
From my point of view, the author wanted us to abandon and, at the same time, fight against the idea of discrimination of race and domestic violence.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Santa Claus:An Engineer's Perspective
Last week as the weather was getting cold, it reminded me of Christmas. In fact, many people are preparing for this forthcoming holiday in Cambodia although it's not a part of Cambodian culture. Still, it's quite popular here to exchange gifts and cards. I read some jokes on one website: www.jokeswarehouse.com and found this joke quite interesting and related to Christmas. Hope you enjoy it!
I. There are approximately two billion children (persons under 18) in the world. However, since Santa does not visit children of Muslim, Hindu, Jewish or Buddhist religions, this reduces the workload for Christmas night to 15% of the total, or 378 million (according to the Population Reference Bureau). At an average (census) rate of 3.5 children per house hold, that comes to 108 million homes, presuming that there is at least one good child in each.
II. Santa has about 31 hours of Christmas to work with, thanks to the different time zones and the rotation of the earth, assuming he travels east to west (which seems logical). This works out to 967.7 visits per second. This is to say that for each Christian household with a good child, Santa has around 1/1000th of a second to park the sleigh, hop out, jump down the chimney, fill the stockings, distribute the remaining presents under the tree, eat whatever snacks have been left for him, get back up the chimney, jump into the sleigh and get on to the next house.
Assuming that each of these 108 million stops is evenly distributed around the earth (which, of course, we know to be false, but will accept for the purposes of our calculations), we are now talking about 0.78 miles per household; a total trip of 75.5 million miles, not counting bathroom stops or breaks. This means Santa's sleigh is moving at 650 miles per second --- 3,000 times the speed of sound. For purposes of comparison, the fastest man-made vehicle, the Ulysses space probe, moves at a poky 27.4 miles per second, and a conventional reindeer can run (at best) 15 miles per hour.
III. The payload of the sleigh adds another interesting element. Assuming that each child gets nothing more than a medium sized Lego set (two pounds), the sleigh is carrying over 500 thousand tons, not counting Santa himself. On land, a conventional reindeer can pull no more than 300 pounds. Even granting that the "flying" reindeer could pull ten times the normal amount, the job can't be done with eight or even nine of them--- Santa would need 360,000 of them. This increases the payload, not counting the weight of the sleigh, another 54,000 tons, or roughly seven times the weight of the Queen Elizabeth (the ship, not the monarch).
IV. 600,000 tons traveling at 650 miles per second creates enormous air resistance --- this would heat up the reindeer in the same fashion as a spacecraft re-entering the earth's atmosphere. The lead pair of reindeer would absorb 14.3 quintillion joules of energy per second each. In short, they would burst into flames almost instantaneously, exposing the reindeer behind them and creating deafening sonic booms in their wake.
The entire reindeer team would be vaporized within 4.26 thousandths of a second, or right about the time Santa reached the fifth house on his trip.
Not that it matters, however, since Santa, as a result of accelerating from a dead stop to 650 m.p.s. in .001 seconds, would be subjected to centrifugal forces of 17,500 g's. A 250 pound Santa (which seems ludicrously slim) would be pinned to the back of the sleigh by 4,315,015 pounds of force, instantly crushing his bones and organs and reducing him to a quivering blob of pink goo.
Therefore, if Santa did exist, he's dead now.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Jackie Chan in Phnom Penh Again!
‘You know? Jackie Chan is coming on November 10th! And there will be a concert!’ ‘Are you kidding me? I’m sure to be there to see him!’ This conversation was in two weeks ago when we were first informed of Jackie Chan’s visit. Everyone in UC was very exciting and looking forward to the great event, and you could hear students asking whether they were going, how they managed their time so as to go to the concert, about the avenue and time the concert was going to be held, and so on.
The concert was organized in the studio of SEATV—Southeast Asia Television, a new TV channel run by HE Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and sponsored by Dr. Haru Hisa Handa. It was a concert focused on ‘Culture of Peace’. It was started from 4 to 6pm.
UC students were given tickets for the concert. Unfortunately, not all the students got it, for the seats are limited. Luckily, I got one in time before it was out of stock. I was very excited because it’s the first time I’ve been to a concert and especially I’d see Jackie Chan in person which is the biggest purpose of going there.
At around 3 pm, Nareth and I arrived there and found out that the security was extremely strict—we had our motors checked; bags kept; no camera allowed; body searched; and so on. We personally felt a bit unhappy about these requirements. We believed that we’d get a good seat since we arrived one hour before time, but we were still directed to an almost-the-last row of seats. There were many empty seats at the other side; however, they were not for students. It was really annoying that finally those students who were coming later than us were allowed to sit at the better seats than ours! It’s the second thing that I didn’t like about it because we could hardly see the performances.
Jackie Chan arrived at the studio at 5:30. Some of the audiences (mostly UC students), including us, were arranged to welcome him at the doorway of the TV station. After his car got into the station, there was a small turmoil since people who were outside of the station and didn’t have a ticket forced into the building and the security were not able to hold them back. So at last, there were some outsiders successfully sneaked into the studio.
The performance was great in terms of light, music, and performers. We had Preab Sovat, Him Sivorn, Meng KeoPecheta, and other popular Khmer singers. Jackie Chan offered three songs in sequence. The songs were 国家, 明明白白我的心, and WE ARE THE WORLD. Even though we didn’t have a clear view from the back seats, we were still very enjoying.
Jackie Chan also went to UC for a lecture on the same topic— ‘Culture of Peace’ yesterday afternoon (November 11). Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to participate in it. My friend told me that it was quite impressive, and I really want to know how impressive it was! What a pity!
Although he has been in Cambodia for three times including this visit, he, in Cambodian people’s heart, is quite welcome and loved because of his marvelous acting talents in Hollywood films and humanity activities.
The concert was organized in the studio of SEATV—Southeast Asia Television, a new TV channel run by HE Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and sponsored by Dr. Haru Hisa Handa. It was a concert focused on ‘Culture of Peace’. It was started from 4 to 6pm.
UC students were given tickets for the concert. Unfortunately, not all the students got it, for the seats are limited. Luckily, I got one in time before it was out of stock. I was very excited because it’s the first time I’ve been to a concert and especially I’d see Jackie Chan in person which is the biggest purpose of going there.
At around 3 pm, Nareth and I arrived there and found out that the security was extremely strict—we had our motors checked; bags kept; no camera allowed; body searched; and so on. We personally felt a bit unhappy about these requirements. We believed that we’d get a good seat since we arrived one hour before time, but we were still directed to an almost-the-last row of seats. There were many empty seats at the other side; however, they were not for students. It was really annoying that finally those students who were coming later than us were allowed to sit at the better seats than ours! It’s the second thing that I didn’t like about it because we could hardly see the performances.
Jackie Chan arrived at the studio at 5:30. Some of the audiences (mostly UC students), including us, were arranged to welcome him at the doorway of the TV station. After his car got into the station, there was a small turmoil since people who were outside of the station and didn’t have a ticket forced into the building and the security were not able to hold them back. So at last, there were some outsiders successfully sneaked into the studio.
The performance was great in terms of light, music, and performers. We had Preab Sovat, Him Sivorn, Meng KeoPecheta, and other popular Khmer singers. Jackie Chan offered three songs in sequence. The songs were 国家, 明明白白我的心, and WE ARE THE WORLD. Even though we didn’t have a clear view from the back seats, we were still very enjoying.
Jackie Chan also went to UC for a lecture on the same topic— ‘Culture of Peace’ yesterday afternoon (November 11). Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to participate in it. My friend told me that it was quite impressive, and I really want to know how impressive it was! What a pity!
Although he has been in Cambodia for three times including this visit, he, in Cambodian people’s heart, is quite welcome and loved because of his marvelous acting talents in Hollywood films and humanity activities.
This is the last performance when Jackie and all Cambodian singers are on the stage singing the song 'We are the World' althogether. It's not very clear due to distance and phone limitation.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tom’s Husband, a short summary
This is a short story that is recently studied....
‘Tom’s Husband’, written by Sarah Orne Jewett in 1884, is a short story of a couple, Tom and Mary, who make changes to the marital roles supposed by the society.
Tom and Mary both come from a business family whose fathers managed manufacturing factory. Tom has got a stepmother and a sister, Alice. He is not interested and has no talent in business; instead, he is good at managing the house which he spends most of his time doing before his marriage with Mary. Adversely, Mary is inborn with business talent. Before getting married, she was ‘always her father’s right-hand man’, meaning she was a good assistant of her father’s business. Doing business is her favorite and is what she can only do. Household chores are difficult stuff for her. However, they cannot do what they like after their marriage since the society demands that man earn money to support the family and woman do housekeeping. Both of them feel really uncomfortable with the new order of things.
Since his father’s death, Tom has stopped running the factory due to his inability and illness and has been thinking of selling it if a reasonable price is offered. One night, a mail from his sister in Japan arrived, suggesting restarting the mill so that she can get more money to support her husband. This is also agreed by his stepmother who and he are the executors of his father’s will. However, Tom feels pessimistic and discouraged. After long negotiation, Mary proposed to run the mill and is finally allowed even though Tom feels that people might laugh at them since the role is reversed.
Mary seeks help from experienced people such as Jack Towne and some old clerks who used to work for Tom’s father. At first, people do laugh at her; however, they soon have to respect her talent and success because she can learn things very fast and manage to earn some profit just at the end of the second year. Meanwhile, Tom also enjoys his quiet life at home and does his favorite things.
In the early days of her business life, Mary consulted important business matters with Tom who was also trying to show interest in business which he actually didn’t. Gradually, they seem to spend less time together than before because Mary is busy with her business rather than staying around with him. He started to hate doing housework and finally asked Mary to leave the mill for a while and have a six-month trip to Europe with him. Mary agreed understandably.
The story implies that women can also do what men can and even better. Also, a person’ talent should not be blocked by society’s restriction, stereotype, or preconception. We can never know whether we are able to do it or not if we don’t have a try. What is more, we should do what we think is right and is good for us but not we are supposed to do, and we should not be afraid of how people will look at us because they will soon realize that we have been doing the right thing.
‘Tom’s Husband’, written by Sarah Orne Jewett in 1884, is a short story of a couple, Tom and Mary, who make changes to the marital roles supposed by the society.
Tom and Mary both come from a business family whose fathers managed manufacturing factory. Tom has got a stepmother and a sister, Alice. He is not interested and has no talent in business; instead, he is good at managing the house which he spends most of his time doing before his marriage with Mary. Adversely, Mary is inborn with business talent. Before getting married, she was ‘always her father’s right-hand man’, meaning she was a good assistant of her father’s business. Doing business is her favorite and is what she can only do. Household chores are difficult stuff for her. However, they cannot do what they like after their marriage since the society demands that man earn money to support the family and woman do housekeeping. Both of them feel really uncomfortable with the new order of things.
Since his father’s death, Tom has stopped running the factory due to his inability and illness and has been thinking of selling it if a reasonable price is offered. One night, a mail from his sister in Japan arrived, suggesting restarting the mill so that she can get more money to support her husband. This is also agreed by his stepmother who and he are the executors of his father’s will. However, Tom feels pessimistic and discouraged. After long negotiation, Mary proposed to run the mill and is finally allowed even though Tom feels that people might laugh at them since the role is reversed.
Mary seeks help from experienced people such as Jack Towne and some old clerks who used to work for Tom’s father. At first, people do laugh at her; however, they soon have to respect her talent and success because she can learn things very fast and manage to earn some profit just at the end of the second year. Meanwhile, Tom also enjoys his quiet life at home and does his favorite things.
In the early days of her business life, Mary consulted important business matters with Tom who was also trying to show interest in business which he actually didn’t. Gradually, they seem to spend less time together than before because Mary is busy with her business rather than staying around with him. He started to hate doing housework and finally asked Mary to leave the mill for a while and have a six-month trip to Europe with him. Mary agreed understandably.
The story implies that women can also do what men can and even better. Also, a person’ talent should not be blocked by society’s restriction, stereotype, or preconception. We can never know whether we are able to do it or not if we don’t have a try. What is more, we should do what we think is right and is good for us but not we are supposed to do, and we should not be afraid of how people will look at us because they will soon realize that we have been doing the right thing.
Monday, September 7, 2009
UC Scholarship
This is the third year that UC(University of Cambodia) has offered full scholarship for a bachelor degree to fresh grade 12 graduates. UC is granted funds by a Japanese, Mr. Haru Hisa Handa. The exam covers general knowledge in Khmer and English test. Interested applicants have to buy a form and apply it before 13th of September, and the exams will be held on the 16th. I am also one of the scholars in the first-year exam. I have again volunteered to be a proctor in this exam. I think I will have a good time with all my friends in helping the university, and I am also very happy that I can help ensure the transparency and justic in this scholarship; at the same time, I gain some experiences in managing the exam. I was a proctor last time, and this time I am 'promoted' to be a building controller. There are more responsibilities and it requires more commitments. I believe I can do it well.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Long Absence
It's been a long time that I haven't updated my blog since there aren't any things really special and important to jot down. I have been on a vacation from RULE after the second-year final exams. After that tough moments when I had to bury my head in the books, I still stick to UC's assignment and preparation for the upcoming exam in one week. Recently, I have been very lazy. Except for reviewing the lessons in UC, I should have time to prepare for the courses in my third academic year at RULE. However, I've read nothing. This is the thing I feel much unforgivable to myself. There will be many things to do in the upcoming academic year as I have heard from my senior. How should I prepare myself well for it when I always procastinate in doing things like this? I always have a plan but then just put it away after some time. The plans seem to be difficult to be implemented! I hope I could be more active and work harder.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Driving License
Having heard that those drivers who don’t have driving license will be seriously punished, we have finally decided to take the driving test to obtain the license. Of late, I’ve just learnt the driving lesson at N.C.X. as mentioned in a previous post. We’d been looking for the place where the test is held. From several people we’d asked. Finally, the day before yesterday (2009/08/11), we had found it and had successfully passed the test the next day, waiting for the license in two weeks.
The process of the test was tiring. There were so many candidates, approximately 150, making the whole building really stuffy. We started theory test at 2:00 and finished at 2:30. There was a very heavy rain, but everything still went on.
Here are some photos on the day:
The process of the test was tiring. There were so many candidates, approximately 150, making the whole building really stuffy. We started theory test at 2:00 and finished at 2:30. There was a very heavy rain, but everything still went on.
Here are some photos on the day:
Monday, August 10, 2009
隐形的翅膀, the Hidden Wings
‘The Hidden Wing’, sung by 张韶涵 , has been released since 2006, but I’ve never noticed it until lately. I’ve watched two episodes in CCTV1, describing two different girls who have a very strong state of mind in overcoming their life obstacle. That obstacle is their disease. One can never grow up because of a tumor in her brain, and the other lost her left leg because of cancer. The both have encountered very sad experience due to their disease. However, they turn out to be very strong and optimistic even they are struggling with pain and difficulty. Coincidentally, at the end of each episode, both of them sing the song ‘The Hidden Wing’ which they feel that it can bring them hope, strength, and comfort.I’ve never felt that the song is so meaningful that it can give those struggling people with great mental comfort and support. It is just a very simple song with simple lyrics, though its meaning is unbelievably wonderful and touching. The song is composed with very mild music which is indeed good for mentality. One can learn to sing it easily due to its simple lyrics and music.
It’s a song with several symbols. The most significant one is the ‘Hidden Wings’. Personally, I think the Hidden Wings may symbolize one’s courage which gives him/her hope and support. When one doesn’t have courage, even a slight problem can easily and completely defeat him/her. Whereas the sun that people have may refer to all good things or moments that people experience. Although it might seem everything is coming to an end (sunset), there might be a change if we still strive for it. Another symbol is the windmill appearing at the end of the song. It might refer to people who will give us more support if we learn to stand up by ourselves.
Here is the lyrics:
每一次都在徘徊孤单中坚强
Every time, I always learn to be strong when I’m lonely,
Every time, I always learn to be strong when I’m lonely,
每一次就算很受伤也不闪泪光
Every time, even when I’m very hurt, I don’t drop a tear,
Every time, even when I’m very hurt, I don’t drop a tear,
我知道我一直有双隐形的翅膀 带我飞飞过绝望
I know I always have a pair of hidden wings which fly me up and away from hopelessness.
I know I always have a pair of hidden wings which fly me up and away from hopelessness.
不去想他们拥有美丽的太阳
I will not care how beautiful the sun people have,
我看见每天的夕阳也会有变化
I can see that everyday sunset will bring me a change,
I can see that everyday sunset will bring me a change,
我知道我一直有双隐形的翅膀 带我飞给我希望
I know I always have a pair of hidden wings, fly me up and bring me hope.
I know I always have a pair of hidden wings, fly me up and bring me hope.
我终於看到所有梦想都开花
I finally see that all my dreams are realized,
追逐的年轻歌声多嘹亮
The youngsters are chasing and singing with a loud and clear voice.
The youngsters are chasing and singing with a loud and clear voice.
我终於翱翔用心凝望不害怕
I finally fly up high and attentively look down without fear,
I finally fly up high and attentively look down without fear,
哪里会有风就飞多远吧Wherever there is wind, I will fly even farther away.
隐形的翅膀让梦恒久比天长 留一个愿望让自己想像
The hidden wings allow my dream to last longer than one day, granting me a wish for further imagination.
隐形的翅膀让梦恒久比天长 留一个愿望让自己想像
The hidden wings allow my dream to last longer than one day, granting me a wish for further imagination.
Sunflower
These sunflowers are made of paper. It's one part of the gift for my friend's birthday. I think it's somewhat beautiful, so just take a picture of it and share with all of you. What do you think?
A Birthday Gift
Thanks to Jinna for this little lovely gift made by herself. It is a key locket made of various kinds of beads put together in the shape of a heart. The pink heart frame is made of plastic which used to be a part of a chocolate box. She recycled it and created this cute gift for me.When a friend of yours makes a gift by him/herself for you, the gift is more meaningful and more valuable rather than an expensive one even if it is just a very very simple thing.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Happy Birthday to me!
August 3, 2009
Surprise birthday again, but this time it’s for me! Even though I know in advance that they are preparing something for my birthday, I just don’t know what that ‘something’ was until it came.
Actually, my birthday is on the 5th. This is organized before the date. I have been looking forward to this party because it’s the first time that there has been a party for my birthday and especially with all my close friends. It’s very kind of them that they have spent time and effort in preparing these lovely gifts for me. I was too sweet in my heart to say a word.
Thanks to Kea, Reth, and Nith for everything. The moments we were together sharing joy and cheer will be stuck in my memory forever and ever and never be faded out!
Here are some of the photos taken on the day:
Surprise birthday again, but this time it’s for me! Even though I know in advance that they are preparing something for my birthday, I just don’t know what that ‘something’ was until it came.
Actually, my birthday is on the 5th. This is organized before the date. I have been looking forward to this party because it’s the first time that there has been a party for my birthday and especially with all my close friends. It’s very kind of them that they have spent time and effort in preparing these lovely gifts for me. I was too sweet in my heart to say a word.
Thanks to Kea, Reth, and Nith for everything. The moments we were together sharing joy and cheer will be stuck in my memory forever and ever and never be faded out!
Here are some of the photos taken on the day:
Friday, July 31, 2009
Is study happiness or stress?
I've just finished all the exams in both universities (in one final exam; the other is mid-term). Frankly speaking, I've been so stressful reviewing the lessons for the exams. Even when I am sleeping, my brain is still working. Sometimes I even dream of taking exams and the situation during the exams were so nervous that I could not answer the questions. It sounds really ridiculous, but it's true for me. Sometimes, I tell myself not to work so hard but there is always pressure. The pressure is not from my parents or someone else; it's from me myself. In taking exams, I'm not afraid of failing. I'm only afraid of being lost behind others. That's the pressure I put on myself, and no one forces me. My mother warns me all the time whenever she sees me read book all day long.
We usually feel that schoolwork is tough, and school life is difficult. Although I experience this tough situation myself, I believe that this stress will be doubled in the workplace after school. At least we have friends at school whom we can chat with without much protection. But in the workplace, the people around you are mostly competitors. When you are stressed, it seems that you don't have anyone to talk to. The office politics is pervasive.
We usually feel that schoolwork is tough, and school life is difficult. Although I experience this tough situation myself, I believe that this stress will be doubled in the workplace after school. At least we have friends at school whom we can chat with without much protection. But in the workplace, the people around you are mostly competitors. When you are stressed, it seems that you don't have anyone to talk to. The office politics is pervasive.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Knowledge in Traffic Law
Are you driving a vehicle? Have you ever been fined because of violating traffic law? And have you got a driving license? If your answers are ‘Yes’ for the first questions, it means that you don’t thoroughly understand the traffic law. It is a must to understand the law and abide it so that there will be fewer cases of traffic accidents which cause injury and fatality.
This Saturday (25th July) my friend and I went to the Safety Riding Center established and organized by the N.C.X Honda Co., Ltd, which provides Road Traffic Law and Safety Riding Course with free of charge. The course takes one whole day which includes real riding training and theory study. A certificate is provided after we have successfully finished it. This certificate is one of the requirements in test registration for driving license.
The N.C.X Safety Riding Center is located in the N.C.X Honda company compound along the Street Vengsreng, Sangkat Chom Chao, Khan Dangkor, Phnom Penh (nearby the Canacity Market). Every trainee is required to bring along a photocopy of I.D card or family book or birth certificate and two pieces of 4 x 6 size current photos. The application forms to apply for driving course is provided at the Center.
After the one-day course, I’ve learned several things especially the law. I’ve realized that I’ve violated the law in several aspects so far. Now, I feel like following the law more than before. I believe that if all drivers have attended the course, they will be more conscientious in abide by the road traffic law when they are driving in the way I experience. Traffic in Cambodia will be improved!
This is the field where we learn to drive. It is in mid-day, so the safety cones placed on the field are gathered back to the warehouse.
Here is where we sit to relax and listen to the instructions.
This is the free booklet on guidelines on land traffic.
This Saturday (25th July) my friend and I went to the Safety Riding Center established and organized by the N.C.X Honda Co., Ltd, which provides Road Traffic Law and Safety Riding Course with free of charge. The course takes one whole day which includes real riding training and theory study. A certificate is provided after we have successfully finished it. This certificate is one of the requirements in test registration for driving license.
The N.C.X Safety Riding Center is located in the N.C.X Honda company compound along the Street Vengsreng, Sangkat Chom Chao, Khan Dangkor, Phnom Penh (nearby the Canacity Market). Every trainee is required to bring along a photocopy of I.D card or family book or birth certificate and two pieces of 4 x 6 size current photos. The application forms to apply for driving course is provided at the Center.
After the one-day course, I’ve learned several things especially the law. I’ve realized that I’ve violated the law in several aspects so far. Now, I feel like following the law more than before. I believe that if all drivers have attended the course, they will be more conscientious in abide by the road traffic law when they are driving in the way I experience. Traffic in Cambodia will be improved!
This is the field where we learn to drive. It is in mid-day, so the safety cones placed on the field are gathered back to the warehouse. 
Here is where we sit to relax and listen to the instructions.
This is the free booklet on guidelines on land traffic.Thursday, July 23, 2009
'I MISS YOU' ?
Once my friend asked me if ‘I miss you’ can be used for someone who does not have intimate relationship with us, i.e. besides the relationship of girlfriend and boyfriend, husband and wife.
At that time, my immediate respond was ‘yes’. I believe that I can say ‘I miss you’ to my parents, my siblings, my friends, and anyone who we do miss. There should be no restriction in using it. However, when considering more deeply, can a friend say ‘I miss you’ to an opposite sex when he/she doesn’t mean to have a girlfriend-boyfriend relationship?
Most of the times, ‘I miss you’ is concurrently used with ‘I love you’ when speaking or writing to a lover. When a boy/girl who just has a simple relationship with the one to whom the phrase is used, does it imply his/her love for the person or can it mean just a simple ‘I miss you’?
I’ve searched on the internet and looked up in dictionaries. ‘Miss’ means feeling regret at the absence of loss of sb/sth or feeling of lacking of sb. From this definition, it seems that the person we miss is very important to us. If we don’t have any biological relationship, the person must be the one we really care about and are worried of all the time. So, it’s natural that one is confused when seeing or hearing someone writes or says these words to him/her.
I often use ‘I miss you’ to my friend regardless of boy or girl. I hope there hasn’t been any misunderstanding of what I really mean. From my own view, I want to use ‘I miss you’ for everyone that I do miss, no matter who the person is.
And you?
At that time, my immediate respond was ‘yes’. I believe that I can say ‘I miss you’ to my parents, my siblings, my friends, and anyone who we do miss. There should be no restriction in using it. However, when considering more deeply, can a friend say ‘I miss you’ to an opposite sex when he/she doesn’t mean to have a girlfriend-boyfriend relationship?
Most of the times, ‘I miss you’ is concurrently used with ‘I love you’ when speaking or writing to a lover. When a boy/girl who just has a simple relationship with the one to whom the phrase is used, does it imply his/her love for the person or can it mean just a simple ‘I miss you’?
I’ve searched on the internet and looked up in dictionaries. ‘Miss’ means feeling regret at the absence of loss of sb/sth or feeling of lacking of sb. From this definition, it seems that the person we miss is very important to us. If we don’t have any biological relationship, the person must be the one we really care about and are worried of all the time. So, it’s natural that one is confused when seeing or hearing someone writes or says these words to him/her.
I often use ‘I miss you’ to my friend regardless of boy or girl. I hope there hasn’t been any misunderstanding of what I really mean. From my own view, I want to use ‘I miss you’ for everyone that I do miss, no matter who the person is.
And you?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Feedback on Centralised Exam at RULE
Having taken the final exams at RULE in the so-called ‘centralised’ form, I may say that the condition appeared to be a little bit better because my class shared the room with another class in which the number of students is less. Therefore, we don’t have to sit very closer to each other. However, several problems are still present.First, the exam room is not well-prepared. At least 5 chairs have been broken for a long time, and so far they haven’t been fixed. Unreasonably, it’s now on the exam day, the broken chairs are still there. Mine is an example. My seat number fell on a broken one. It wasted time to tell the invigilator so that I could change another seat.
Second, the invigilators were not strict enough. There were no warnings on cheating before exams, and no punishments were imposed when students were caught peeking on the materials brought with them. As a result, students were not afraid of the teachers; they were not worried of being punished when they were caught. Therefore, the situation of the exam room to some extent turned out to be anarchic because some students could even discuss and compare the answers.
What is more frustrating was the distraction of the teachers. Some came into the room and constantly explained to his students for minutes, not quietly for each individual but loudly as a whole; some teachers working as controllers also made noises when trying to get the materials from the students. I could hardly bear with them while I was doing questions which required great concentration. Noises also came from the students which were really annoying.
Concerning with these problems, who to be blamed?
From my own perspective, this centralized exam is not far different from what we had before. Luckily, I was seated far from others which gave me more comfort in doing the exams. My friend, who was also trying to do everything on her own, was bothered by the neighbors who were really frustrating. I wish the exam ground rules were more effective in enforcement, and the teachers were more responsible and conscientious on behalf of invigilators. It’s no use or help to allow students to cheat during exams. I doubt what they will have learned when they just perfunctorily pass the exams. What is more, it’s not fair for those who work hard in their study and never cheat during exams when they get equal or similar score to those who cheat. Perhaps we don’t study for score, but it’s a critical factor to encourage students to learn. Finally, whatever it may be, I hope there will be improvement next term.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Centralised Exam
Several teachers have been complaining for a long time about the quality of the mid-term and final exam held independently in each classroom every year.
In RULE, since the invigilators are not in charge of the subject, most of them don’t pay much attention on the students and even allow them to cheat during exams. It used to happen similarly at UC, where the course teacher still gives chance to their students to ask each other or even compare answers. Of course, personally, I don’t like the way the exams are held either. The students are seated closely to one another as if they are studying in normal class or doing an informal quiz. I wished for a new exam system would be planned and implemented in which students are seated as far as they cannot cheat, and the teachers would pay more careful attention on behalf of an invigilator. It would be fair for all students, especially for those who work hard on their study.
UC started the centralized form of exam for both Mid-term and Final in which all students of the same shift in the university took the exams altogether in the same day regardless of what term or which major the students are studying. I believe that this form of examination is very effective and good for students, and it also ensures the quality of students’ academic records since the students have to twice work harder to meet this strict exam standard. Of course, all means of cheating are not allowed i.e. asking classmates, peeking at other’s paper or materials….The results have just revealed. Although they are not very satisfied, the quality is ensured. This form of examination is carried out every term from this time forward.
RULE also plans to have similar form of examination this semester. I don’t know much how well it’ll be organized. However, I have been informed that my class is divided into two to take the exams with another class which is also divided into two. In this way, students still sit next to each other because the room is too small. I feel that this is still a problem which in some way does not satisfy me. The exams start on this Thursday, and I hope it will be successfully and effectively carried out.
In RULE, since the invigilators are not in charge of the subject, most of them don’t pay much attention on the students and even allow them to cheat during exams. It used to happen similarly at UC, where the course teacher still gives chance to their students to ask each other or even compare answers. Of course, personally, I don’t like the way the exams are held either. The students are seated closely to one another as if they are studying in normal class or doing an informal quiz. I wished for a new exam system would be planned and implemented in which students are seated as far as they cannot cheat, and the teachers would pay more careful attention on behalf of an invigilator. It would be fair for all students, especially for those who work hard on their study.
UC started the centralized form of exam for both Mid-term and Final in which all students of the same shift in the university took the exams altogether in the same day regardless of what term or which major the students are studying. I believe that this form of examination is very effective and good for students, and it also ensures the quality of students’ academic records since the students have to twice work harder to meet this strict exam standard. Of course, all means of cheating are not allowed i.e. asking classmates, peeking at other’s paper or materials….The results have just revealed. Although they are not very satisfied, the quality is ensured. This form of examination is carried out every term from this time forward.
RULE also plans to have similar form of examination this semester. I don’t know much how well it’ll be organized. However, I have been informed that my class is divided into two to take the exams with another class which is also divided into two. In this way, students still sit next to each other because the room is too small. I feel that this is still a problem which in some way does not satisfy me. The exams start on this Thursday, and I hope it will be successfully and effectively carried out.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Launching of the 5th edition of EU Blue Book in University of Cambodia
July 7, 2009
12:05pm
H.E. Mr. Andre Mace, British Ambassador and EU Presidency Representative, and Mrs. Michelle Labeeu, Chargé d’Affairs a.i. of the EC Delegation to Cambodia, together with H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, President of the University of Cambodia, were the speakers in this significant event of launching EU Blue Book in its fifth edition this morning from 9:00 am to 10:50 am.
By 9:20am, the conference center where the event was held was fully seated by guests and students. Because of limited space, some students who were willing to attend this event to obtain precious knowledge regarding EU couldn’t find a seat to settle themselves.
H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, President of the UC, gave his welcome remarks on behalf of a host and started the ceremony. It’s followed by remarks of Mrs Micelle Laeeu and report by H.E. Mr. Andrew Mace.
After the speeches, it came to the floor for questions and comments by UC students and journalists from Cambodia Daily and other magazines.
The ‘EU Blue Book’ is the annual report detailing the EU development cooperation activities in Cambodia, which is published by the embassies and cooperation agencies of the EU member states and the Delegation of the European Commission to Cambodia in order to provide comprehensive information on EU support to help Cambodia achieve the Millennium Development Goals, according to Mrs. Labeeu.
Personally, I find my understanding still very limited. I’ve never known what EU has done to help Cambodia. Through this meeting, I get to learn more about EU and it also encourages me to do more research on it. Actually, according to the Blue Book freely provided to UC students, under EU-Cambodia Development Cooperation, several fields have been developed—agriculture and rural area, culture, education, environment, gender, good governance and human right, health, public financial management, tourism, and trade and private sector.
To know more about EU development activities in Cambodia, go to www.delkhm.ec.europa.eu.
12:05pm
H.E. Mr. Andre Mace, British Ambassador and EU Presidency Representative, and Mrs. Michelle Labeeu, Chargé d’Affairs a.i. of the EC Delegation to Cambodia, together with H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, President of the University of Cambodia, were the speakers in this significant event of launching EU Blue Book in its fifth edition this morning from 9:00 am to 10:50 am.
By 9:20am, the conference center where the event was held was fully seated by guests and students. Because of limited space, some students who were willing to attend this event to obtain precious knowledge regarding EU couldn’t find a seat to settle themselves.
H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, President of the UC, gave his welcome remarks on behalf of a host and started the ceremony. It’s followed by remarks of Mrs Micelle Laeeu and report by H.E. Mr. Andrew Mace.
After the speeches, it came to the floor for questions and comments by UC students and journalists from Cambodia Daily and other magazines.
The ‘EU Blue Book’ is the annual report detailing the EU development cooperation activities in Cambodia, which is published by the embassies and cooperation agencies of the EU member states and the Delegation of the European Commission to Cambodia in order to provide comprehensive information on EU support to help Cambodia achieve the Millennium Development Goals, according to Mrs. Labeeu.
Personally, I find my understanding still very limited. I’ve never known what EU has done to help Cambodia. Through this meeting, I get to learn more about EU and it also encourages me to do more research on it. Actually, according to the Blue Book freely provided to UC students, under EU-Cambodia Development Cooperation, several fields have been developed—agriculture and rural area, culture, education, environment, gender, good governance and human right, health, public financial management, tourism, and trade and private sector.
To know more about EU development activities in Cambodia, go to www.delkhm.ec.europa.eu.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Surprise Birthday
20:00pm
Everything should happen on July 11th, but due to inconvenience, it was held yesterday (July 5th ) in advance. We’d been planning and preparing to give a surprise birthday time to Nith for almost a month. Nareth, Kea, and I have been doing individual video slides for him as birthday gifts. Of course, we’d been spending much time and heart discussing how to make these things out. The only goal is to give this monkey friend a special unforgettable birthday party.
He is cutting the cake to share us!
Perhaps he was so happy that he could not speak other words except for 'very excited'!
The party ended at 6:30pm.
Wish a happy reunion next time!
Everything should happen on July 11th, but due to inconvenience, it was held yesterday (July 5th ) in advance. We’d been planning and preparing to give a surprise birthday time to Nith for almost a month. Nareth, Kea, and I have been doing individual video slides for him as birthday gifts. Of course, we’d been spending much time and heart discussing how to make these things out. The only goal is to give this monkey friend a special unforgettable birthday party.
This is the birthday cake designed for Nith's 19 birthday. Quite cute and yummy!
When he was looking at the slide show we have made for him, Nareth and I came out of the room and handed the cake to him to make a wish (wishes, perhaps!). He was very surprised and excited when seeing us preparing so many things for him! It's a pity that the picture is not very clear!:-(
He is cutting the cake to share us!
Perhaps he was so happy that he could not speak other words except for 'very excited'!The party ended at 6:30pm.
Wish a happy reunion next time!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Determination
22:40pm
Having been ‘on holiday’ for more than one month, I feel that it should be time for me to write something on my blog again. For those who have been waiting for my post must have been thinking that I’ve been too busy to write, or no one is waiting, I guess. ‘Busy’ should not be used as an excuse for being absent. There is someone who is still updating his blog even when he is extremely busy.
This morning when I read ‘The Southeat-Asia Weekly’—the newspaper produced by UC, I saw several new articles written by my friend, Vutha. I can see that he has improved so much and so fast in his writing skill. He has many things to do—studying at two universities, working as an assistant in UCSS to prepare programs for UC students, yet he still has time writing new reports for the school’s paper.
He’s such an active student who participates in almost all UC's activities. I don’t know how he can do that. He really impresses me. If we are compared, I am not and never want to be as active as he is.
When I read those long and well-organised articles, I really admire him and it’s him who indirectly intrigues me to go back in writing posts for my little personal blog. At least I should do that, or else I’ll be left behind.
I determine to post at least two articles in a week no matter how busy I am because spending 15 or 20 minutes to write an article does not waste much time.
Thanks to Vutha and his articles!
Having been ‘on holiday’ for more than one month, I feel that it should be time for me to write something on my blog again. For those who have been waiting for my post must have been thinking that I’ve been too busy to write, or no one is waiting, I guess. ‘Busy’ should not be used as an excuse for being absent. There is someone who is still updating his blog even when he is extremely busy.
This morning when I read ‘The Southeat-Asia Weekly’—the newspaper produced by UC, I saw several new articles written by my friend, Vutha. I can see that he has improved so much and so fast in his writing skill. He has many things to do—studying at two universities, working as an assistant in UCSS to prepare programs for UC students, yet he still has time writing new reports for the school’s paper.
He’s such an active student who participates in almost all UC's activities. I don’t know how he can do that. He really impresses me. If we are compared, I am not and never want to be as active as he is.
When I read those long and well-organised articles, I really admire him and it’s him who indirectly intrigues me to go back in writing posts for my little personal blog. At least I should do that, or else I’ll be left behind.
I determine to post at least two articles in a week no matter how busy I am because spending 15 or 20 minutes to write an article does not waste much time.
Thanks to Vutha and his articles!
Friday, May 29, 2009
My Duan Wu Jie
Zong Zi（粽子） - a glutinous rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves - is no exception. It is meant to honor Qu Yuan（屈原） (340-278 BC.), the pioneer poet of ancient China.
Qu Yuan（屈原） was a famous poet who was also concerned about the fate of his government. Unfortunately his stature aroused the jealousy of the king, who banished him to a remote area. The poet despaired of the government and its policies. When the state's capital was captured by enemies, he committed suicide by drowning himself in the Miluo River (on May 5th according to the Chinese lunar calendar五月初五). The Chinese people felt this loss deeply, as he was a much beloved poet. Local folk searched for him in the river, meanwhile dropping dumplings of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves into the river in order to keep the fishes from attacking Qu Yuan's body.
Since that time, it has been customary on this day to enjoy Zong Zi dumplings as a memorial to the patriotic poet.
Guess who she is. I think you have the answer in mind. Yes, she is my mum. Can you see those ingredients? She had spent lots of time to get them prepared!
猜猜她是谁？我想你们一定心中有数吧。她就是我妈妈。你看到桌上的材料吗？这都有是用来做粽子的。她花了许多时间和心思去准备，就是为了我们可以享受端午节吃粽子的气氛。妈妈，辛苦您了！
Mummy, look at the camera, please?妈妈！看看镜头，等我把你最甜美的微笑放进我的博客里，让全世界都有可以感受到我家的温馨。
It’s 5:30pm. The rice dumplings are being cooked. Mum had finished wrapping at 3:30pm and started cooking until now. It’s not ready yet! Eh? There is good smell coming out through the steam; they may be ready in another two hours.
这时候已经是五点半了。这些粽子在三点半时终于给包好了，然后放进锅中煮了两个小时，但根据以前的经验，它们还要再煮大约两个小时才可以大功告成咯。唉？已经可以闻到粽子香味了！
This is the ‘finished good’! Oh, the color is not natural; it looks too white. Actually, it looks a bit green. It tastes delicious and unique. You can never find this taste in somewhere else.
这就是我们的‘产成品’咯！看起来很好吃吧？它不但外貌美观，而且吃起来还会上瘾呢。这味道是全世界独一无二的，因为这是属于家传的‘秘方’和经过妈妈的改造喔！是否想尝尝啊？
Qu Yuan（屈原） was a famous poet who was also concerned about the fate of his government. Unfortunately his stature aroused the jealousy of the king, who banished him to a remote area. The poet despaired of the government and its policies. When the state's capital was captured by enemies, he committed suicide by drowning himself in the Miluo River (on May 5th according to the Chinese lunar calendar五月初五). The Chinese people felt this loss deeply, as he was a much beloved poet. Local folk searched for him in the river, meanwhile dropping dumplings of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves into the river in order to keep the fishes from attacking Qu Yuan's body.
Since that time, it has been customary on this day to enjoy Zong Zi dumplings as a memorial to the patriotic poet.
Look! These are my ‘masterpieces’. I made them just before I went to school. They are uncooked yet. I like making them a bit smaller so that they look cute. Eh! How do they look? Can I be a professional rice dumpling wrapper?
这都是我的杰作啦！昨天中午上学之前，我亲手把这些粽子包好的。图中的粽子还是生的啦！我包的粽子比我妈妈包的小一点，因为小的比较可爱。你看我手工如何？是否可以跟一个包粽子师傅比较啦？
这都是我的杰作啦！昨天中午上学之前，我亲手把这些粽子包好的。图中的粽子还是生的啦！我包的粽子比我妈妈包的小一点，因为小的比较可爱。你看我手工如何？是否可以跟一个包粽子师傅比较啦？
Guess who she is. I think you have the answer in mind. Yes, she is my mum. Can you see those ingredients? She had spent lots of time to get them prepared!猜猜她是谁？我想你们一定心中有数吧。她就是我妈妈。你看到桌上的材料吗？这都有是用来做粽子的。她花了许多时间和心思去准备，就是为了我们可以享受端午节吃粽子的气氛。妈妈，辛苦您了！
Mummy, look at the camera, please?妈妈！看看镜头，等我把你最甜美的微笑放进我的博客里，让全世界都有可以感受到我家的温馨。It’s 5:30pm. The rice dumplings are being cooked. Mum had finished wrapping at 3:30pm and started cooking until now. It’s not ready yet! Eh? There is good smell coming out through the steam; they may be ready in another two hours.这时候已经是五点半了。这些粽子在三点半时终于给包好了，然后放进锅中煮了两个小时，但根据以前的经验，它们还要再煮大约两个小时才可以大功告成咯。唉？已经可以闻到粽子香味了！
This is the ‘finished good’! Oh, the color is not natural; it looks too white. Actually, it looks a bit green. It tastes delicious and unique. You can never find this taste in somewhere else.这就是我们的‘产成品’咯！看起来很好吃吧？它不但外貌美观，而且吃起来还会上瘾呢。这味道是全世界独一无二的，因为这是属于家传的‘秘方’和经过妈妈的改造喔！是否想尝尝啊？
I should have posted this yesterday, but there were errors in my computer that delay the post. Hope you could enjoy the festival and had eaten delicious rice dumplings.
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