SPECIAL: Online Volunteer and Charity Mission - Keith Gilabert

Whenever I saw some individual (or organisation) initiated any volunteer or charitable drive, it will put a smile on my face as I believed that such initiative will improve somebodies' live, some where, some how. That's what make the world a better place to live.

Recently, I've chanced upon a site by a gentleman called Keith Gilabert whom are the founder of Keith Gilabert Foundation. Focus of this foundation is on providing self-help, inspirational and motivational guidance through Education and Cancer Research.  Following are the extracts from the sites of what they do in the respective research:

EDUCATION for Children:

Keith Gilabert Foundation is committed to: 

- Strengthening the profession by recognising and rewarding outstanding educators, and by expanding their professional leadership and policy influence.
- Attracting, developing, motivating and retaining the best talent to the teaching profession by means of comprehensive, whole school reform.
- Stimulating creativity and productivity among young people and adults through programs that encourage learning as a lifelong process.
- Building vibrant communities by involving people of all ages in programs that contribute to the revitalisation of their community and to the well-being of its residents.

CANCER RESEARCH:
Keith Gilabert Foundation is committed to:
- Advancing and supporting basic and applied medical research–especially in the areas of cancer and rare diseases–and recognising and rewarding outstanding scientists in these areas.
- Supporting basic health care programs to assure the well-being of community members of all ages.

For more details, feel free to access the site through the links above. 

On the same note, like to share the following quotes of mine: 

Happiness is when we can make a difference on others' lives by creating a better world!

Cheers!

INFOGRAPHIC : Top 10 Regrets In Life By Those About To Die

"Regrets" is a taboo topic that most of us have but reluctant to admit it openly. The truth is, it doesn't matter whether you admit it or not, it is still a regret if you didn't live up to the dream of your life (whatever it is). Life is a journey that consist of series of decision (or non-decision) and action (or non-action). Ultimately, our decision and action (or lack of it) contributes to our regrets!

Recently, I've chanced upon a meaningful Infographic (from Addicted2Success) which detailing the top 10 regrets from elderly of nursing home and palliative care. Even though these regrets seems common sense enough but it is worth re-sharing here again to serve as reminder. I am pretty sure we would still have few regrets here and there when we get old but it is never too late to reignite your dreams to cut down the costs (regrets) in the future.

Hope you find this infographic as meaningful as what I viewed it. Of course, not all the indicated regrets are relevant to us and need to adjust for cultural/upbringing differences. However, I find that it is a great "mirror" for us to reflect internally and start the soul searching, once again.

Do share with me if you have any other "regrets" that not reflected here and how you find this infographic? 

As a summary, the top 10 regrets stated are:

1. Never pursued my dreams and aspirations.
2. Worked too much = less time for family
3. Should have made more time for friends
4. Should said "I Love You" a lot more
5. Should spoken my mind more instead of holding back and resenting things
6. Should have been the bigger person and resolved my conflicts
7. Should had children
8. Should have saved more money for my retirement
9. Should have the courage to live truthfully
10. Happiness is always a choice, wish to knew it a lot earlier

(To view the larger version of the Infographic, click on the image below and save the image into your local drive): 

Cheers!

Inspirational Sharing - Inspire It Forward (#19)

May is coming to an end, we are already almost in the last month of second Quarter 2012. As usual, I hope you are progressing well so far in 2012. In any case, just like to repeat here once again: no matter what is your progress now, you can't change what you have already done (or didn't do), you should  focus on the present and work towards your goal(s) NOW!

This is already the 19th sharing of my "Inspire It Forward" posts, hope you folks like it. Do share with me what other motivational and inspirational stuff you like to see in my blog and I will try my very best to accede to your request.

Keep Going and Keep Smiling!

1. Inspirational Video - Starfish An Inspirational Message For All Teachers (I've shared the story of starfish in words and thought it gives greater impact if it is in a video clip format. Also, even though the original intend of this clip is meant for teachers but I personally think that it is applicable for everyone):

2. Inspirational Quotes (Original):

“Our view can be little but not belittle; can be big but not biggety" 

Cheers!

SPECIAL: Medical Education For Medical Practitioners

Medical industry is one of the industries that would not be facing with the predicament of sun-setting moment. In short, the demand for medical services will only be getting stronger. With the global shrinking of birth-rate, greater risk factors for medical deterioration as well as the anticipated silver tsunami, medical industry will only get more and more important.

Thus, whether you are practising medical as a direct profession (e.g. Doctor or nurse etc…) or an indirect profession (e.g. Medical Insurance underwriter or claim officer etc…), it is important to obtain on-going medical education to keep abreast with the latest development in the medical arena. New sickness or bacteria are being uncovered every now-and-then and new treatments/surgery or medical breakthroughs are happening at the similar speed. Thus, it is critical to keep up-to-date.

Recently, I’ve chanced upon a UK site called Oxford Medical that provides medical education (courses) in an interactive and effective way which caters to all levels of medical practitioners/doctors. Bearing in mind of the long hour commitment of the medical practitioners, most of the courses are organised in a smaller segment with one or two key learning point(s). Some of the well known courses provided are:

1. Consultant Interview Course
2. Medical Teaching Course
3. Medical Management Course
4. Teach Te Teacher Course

Thus, either you are already a medical practitioner or are becoming one soon, do check out this beautiful site for better understanding of the above-mentioned courses which will give you a head-start in the medial field.

Cheers!

SPECIAL: Lifestyle Thailand Application – Thumb’s up!

People are impressed, excited and complimentary about the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s new app for Apple and Android cell phone and tablet systems called “Lifestyle Thailand.” It is a FREE download, has wonderful, colorful graphics and gives the user a wonderful experience. If you are taking a trip to Thailand, it is mandatory; for all others, it is just plain amazing.

The app is suitable for iPhones, iPads, iPod Touch and all Android systems 2.2 and up. It is unique, interesting and provides information like reading an animated travel brochure. Reviews are favorable with a 5 star rating.

The main screen features eight lifestyles that you can enjoy Thailand:
· Chic. For Glamorous, glitzy and fabulous experiences.
· Romantic. Perfection for Honeymoons.
· Breezy. Sun worshipers and beach bunnies and bums unite.
· Thainess. Learn and admire the heritage trail and people.
· Adventurous. Lots of action for those who want it.
· Wellness. Cleanse, refresh and relax the inner person.
· Easy N Slow. Explore the life and locale.
· Family. Enjoy togetherness in Thailand.
 

The next screen shows four categories of information:
· Accommodations, such a hotels, spas and resorts.
· Restaurants, that serve the wonderful crispy, chewy, spicy and sweet and sour Thai food. Restaurants such as the Sala Rim Naan in the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok. A magical memory is created after one has crossed the River Menam Chao Phraya in an old fashioned teak ferry boat, and brought into the pavilion, had their shoes removed and escorted to a table. It can be a memorable experience to enjoy the great spicy food with a cool singha beer, sweet music and dancers of the old Siam court.
· Things to do, from visiting temples to enjoying cinemas, to shopping and just enjoying scenery and relaxing.
· Attractions, such as the many in Bangkok. The sky train; Temple visiting; Jim Thompson House; Central World Plaza; and Era wan Museum.

The app also has social network sharing capability, hot deals and images of Thailand in 360 degree images.

 

I have personally downloaded this app in my iPhone, besides the massive loads of informative travel information, the user interface is sleek and easy to navigate. Thus, if you are planning to visit Thailand, this is a MUST HAVE app for you.

 

Cheers!

Book: A Conspiracy To Love

Recently, I've chanced upon a not-so-mainstream self-help book talking about love, joy, generosity and power. It's called A Conspiracy To Love. I was very attracted to the brief description of the book which read as follow:

"Do you want more love in your live? More respect? More Joy? Are you willing to challenge your negative attitudes, your pessimistic self talk? Are you ready for a journey into your heart that will bring you dynamic loving and transformative power?"

This book was written by Dr. River Smith, a social justice educator/activist and psychologist specializing in post-traumatic stress and relationship healing. He is a former host of The Love Project (AM-radio) and present producer and host of The Love and Justice Report (Cable-TV). A nationally published poet, eco-feminist commentator and columnist. He is also co-author with Victor L. Lewis and Huge Vasquez, of the 2007 book, Lessons from The Color Of Fear: A Teacher's manual.

As I thought the theme of this book is quite relevant to the theme of this blog, thus, like to recommend it to you folks as it might be your life transformative read!

Cheers!

What Is HAPPINESS And How I Define It?

Today, I am going to touch on a very fluid or subjective subject: Happiness. Happiness is the very thing that everyone wants in their life. But what is happiness and how do you define happiness anyway? 

For me, happiness is very individual and subjective i.e. one person’s happiness might deemed as another person’s bare minimum or non-event. Thus, the key is not to compare but measure your happiness basing on the invisible “ruler”/”scale” of yours.

To put it simply, I definite happiness as the moment when we immersed ourselves in our life’s purpose/objectives that we set out to do/to be. Thus, true happiness can only be materialised when we know what to do or who to become! 

Of course, this is not a simple question to answer. We tend to complicate our wants and trying to achieve too many different things at one go. There is no right or wrong to this but the question is do you feel happier after your achievement? If yes, good for you as you’ve found your purpose in life; If no, keep on searching.

I personally broken down the purpose of life into 2 broad phases:

1.     Phase 1: Serving self (this is the phase whereby we are improving the quality of our life)

2.   Phase 2: Serving Others (this is the phase whereby we are improving the quality of other people’s lives).

Of course, both phases can occurred concurrently. Thus, as and when we are involving in the activity/plan for the above Phase(s), satisfaction kicks in and that's when the happiness flows.

To support our involvement in the above phase(s), we need 4 pillars which I defined as:

1.     Money  - The keyword here is “sufficient”. No one will openly claimed that they have too much money or wealth (even though it might be true for some). Thus, as long as we have sufficient money to serve ourselves and others, we should be able to achieve happiness.

2.    Mindset – The keyword here is “positive”. We need to cultivate positive mindset or optimism in our dealings with life so as not to be easily defeated by difficulties/challenges.

3.     Health – The keyword here is “good”. Many will tell you that health is the most valuable asset you can have and this is true. Without good health, it is harder to achieve true happiness (I said harder and not impossible!)

4.    Relationship – The keyword here is “strong”. Relationship is the things that we deal with our heart. It could be the relationship with your family, friends, spouses, religion etc… Strong relationship will ensure that our heart is at work and that's important for true happiness!

To help you understand better what I really meant, I’ve developed a simple picture to illustrate the points above (I hope this picture speaks a thousand words):

What do you think about my definition of happiness? What’s your definition of happiness in your life?

Cheers!

Movie Review : Ghost On Air (靈聼)

Courtesy of Shaw Organisation, omy.sg and Merelion Pictures, I was invited to the Press Screening of the "Ghost On Air" 《靈聼》, A local Chinese ghost movie. I liked the pun intended Chinese movie title which could means "listening attentively" or "listening via the spirits", it's kind of spooky enough from the movie title. 

Synopsis of the movie:

“Ping Xiao, a two time “Most Popular DJ” award winner, is suddenly robbed of his successful morning show slot. Jealous at seeing a younger DJ taking his place, he forces himself to conquer painful recurring memories of his deceased girlfriend and tells the ghost stories that was written by her on air. With each painful memory he endures, he regains a small step to his super stardom. However, as he is about to claim his reward, he begins to realise that the stories were not works of fiction, and maybe it wasn’t him telling the stories all along…”

“两度“最受欢迎DJ”的品孝，失利被调到了午夜班。眼红年轻的新人取代自己的位子，他迫不得已回忆起与已故女友的点点滴滴，在空中述说她生前 所写的灵异故事。强忍着内心一阵阵的痛，他一步步地夺回自己所失去的。然而，正当他要坐回巨星的宝座時，他赫然发现他所述说的灵异故事并不是虚构的…

也或许一直在讲鬼故事的并不是自己…”

Other resources on the movie:

1. Facebook : Ghost On Air Facebook

2. Trailer:

The movie started very brightly with a suicide scene in a rather abnormal way (do not want to disclose too much details here to preserve the surprises) and goes on to unravel layer and layer of bizarre and unexplainable incidents surrounding the main character, Ping Xiao (Zhou Chong Qing, Dennis (周崇庆)). Overall, Dennis managed to portray a tormented soul with sad past sufficiently. 

Since this is a local production with mixed casts from Singapore and Malaysia and shooting solely in Singapore, I am sure the local audience can relate well with the scene, the locale and the DJ personnel. By the way, the main actor and actress are the real radio DJ!  

As shared by the director of the film (Cheng Ding An) in his surprise appearance with us at the screening, the main message of this movie is tell the audience to respect "the other side" and not to cross the boundaries. This being only his second movie (his first movie is "Kallang Roar"[2008]), there are still rooms for improvement but I must say that it is a sincere production and worth the movie tickets to support the movie.

The movie will be released on 17th May 2012, get ready to be spooked!

Cheers!

P/S: Being a movie buff, I like to share resources about movies (especially 3D movies) as well. Recently, I've spent a few days to compile a list of upcoming 3D movies to be released from May to July in a colourful and catchy presentation. Thus, if you are into 3D movies, feel free to download the following “2012 Upcoming 3D Movies guide”, which is hot from oven. (click on the image or hyperlink to download the FREE guide in PDF format):

2012 Upcoming 3D Movies (May to Jul)