Wednesday, April 23, 2008

May everything go perfectly for you

"When we learn to accept and respect each other, and embrace both our differences and similarities, then we shall achieve the perfect society."

Venerable Master Hsing Yun


Meditation Timer

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Healthy citizen is a productive citizen

As health care reform is on one of the presidential election agenda, PBS's Frontline conducted an interesting study on other free rich democracy health care systems around the world, and found what works and what doesn't work. Check it out.

It's quite scary that in our country one can become homeless or bankrupt from health care costs if one becomes seriously ill. Will universal health care system diminish current health care system? Will the system cost more? Is basic health care a right to every citizen as the human rights or freedom of speech rights? or it's something that ones should provide for themselves regardless if they can afford it or not?

Good health care along with homeland security, education, jobs, training for unemployed, and retain good talents are important to keep our country strong and prosperous.

Amazing card tricks!

The best trick is at the end!

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Aware of Your Thoughts

Sigh, I feel like I'm always on a mission to be a better person, a better human being. Sometimes I do better than other days, and some occasions it takes work and patience. Through Oprah's A New Earth free on-line classes with author Eckhart Tolle, I'm starting to be more aware and be conscious of my ego and how it influences my thinking, speech, and actions. The classes are free and available on-line at anytime with a click. Some of the concepts are so deep, I like to not only listen to the class, but also read the transcript so I can try to understand and take in the message. Like Eckhart said, the concepts are good only when you're ready to listen. Some may think it's against their religion, but to me, it's more of a spiritual journey to be a better human being, and I'm willing to learn from good teachers.

Friday, April 04, 2008

If you have 6 months to live, what would you do?

Randy Pausch, a professor from my alum, Carnegie Mellon, with terminal cancer, gave his last lecture and interviewed by Diane Sawyer (clip available on-line). As a good professor, he was teaching important lessons on… life. He was also on Oprah, Parade, and USA Today. It’s just courageous to see how he dealt with the toughest challenge of his life. These are some of his messages:

- We cannot change the cards we're dealt with, just how we played the hands.
- Never lose the childhood wonder.
- Loyalty is a two way street.
- Be good at something it makes you valuable.
- It's important to have specific dreams.
- Dream big.
- Dream without fear.
- I have never found anger to make the situation better.
- Your critics are the ones who tell you they still love you and care.
- Brick walls are there for a reason. They let us prove how badly we want things.

- If you live your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself.

- When you're screwing up and nobody says anything to you anymore, that means they've given up on you. You may not want to hear it, but your critics are often the ones telling you they still love you and care about you, and want to make you better.

- "When it comes to men who are romantically interested in you, it's really simple. Just ignore everything they say and only pay attention to what they do."

He has a
blog and a book published. Through there, I watched another speech giving by another terminal cancer patient. When one has limited time on earth, it makes people realize what’s more important in life and bring clarity to life.

- How do you go from where you are to where you want to go?
- You get to have dreams and goals.
- Keep your dreams alive despite of problems.
- Don't ever give up. Mind, heart and soul.
- Work hard to achieve your goals.
- Know the importance of family and support.
- Enjoy precious moments of life. Laugh. Think. Cry. Live.

Randy will be missed.