Another New Year...

No matter what you have at hand,
The year is closing to an end,
Now is the time to take out a pen,
And start writing down your future plans.
Be it about peace or be it about war,
Grudges from the past should be no more.
New paths are out there to explore;
Once chosen no one cares about before.
But we should always learn from our wrongs,
Or else we will be stuck very long.
The best way is to study the strong,
And train to be patient through qi gong.
Only then shall our minds be clear,
And our bodies fit to persevere.
Also remember that karma is sphere,
So what is given will be received next year.
Science cannot explain the basics of luck,
Nor can religion guarantee the buck.
If one is innocent and careful of trucks,
All should go well or thumbs we suck.
The main concern is to live life happily,
And not jump onto tracks or do something silly.
Everything in this world can be solved in a jiffy,
But it requires the person to believe, really.
Thus I wish you well and I wish you free,
Free from the worries that drives you up the tree.
May you read this and smile with glee,
For smiling is a good way to stay healthy.

Charity = Lottery?

Dictionary’s Definition for Charity: An organization that collects money and other voluntary contributions of help for people in need.

Dictionary’s Definition for Lottery: A large-scale gambling game, usually organized to raise money for a public cause, in which numbered tickets are sold and a draw is held to select the winning numbers.

My Definition for a Charity Show: A large-scale fund-raising event, usually organized to raise money for a public cause, in which viewers call to donate and a draw is held to select the winning callers.

I am not sure if anyone is aware of the similarity, but obviously the public is pulling their hair out because of an organisation squandering charity funds. However, they are not even the least concerned where the money placed for bets end up.

Let me try to set your mind thinking.

We urge charity organisations to be transparent with their budget allocation and spending, so that the public knows what they are doing and can be assured that the money is put into good use. Why don’t we urge gambling organisations to do the same, since they are also supposed to “raise money for a public cause” as quoted from the dictionary?

You might think that since gambling is not recommended by the government, and it is a destructive yet a necessary activity in any society, revealing where the money goes will be detrimental to the public’s mental health as it leads them to expect a larger jackpot pool. Furthermore, they are not obliged to do so as they are in fact a non-charity organisation, even though they provide sponsorship for educational television shows and counseling services.

So, where does the money go? You might think that the money is all in the jackpot pool. I can safely say that this jackpot pool represents only a small fraction of the total amount of money collected as bets. As I mentioned, some money will go towards sponsoring educational shows and counseling services. As for the rest, I presume it will flow back to the source of the organisation. It is not a small amount of money. We gamble billions of dollars every year, and I am sure not every single cent is spent on jackpot pools and sponsorships. Just imagine what the needy will get if the gambling organisation gives their earnings to charity!

It is also remarkable to note that charity shows offer condos as their top prizes, thus giving the public a choice to choose if they want to donate because they want a shot at winning the condo or they really wish to help those in need. A safe strategy indeed, but look where the money went! Does it really matter how one raises the funds? Does a charity organisation have to be free from the seven sins?

I shall not elaborate further, and let you draw your own conclusions.

PC Trouble...

The screen flickered,
The PC hanged.
I thought it’s my graphics,
Or maybe it’s my RAM.
I tested my video card,
At a shop in town.
I looked like a retard,
When my card was sound.
I went to a different shop,
To have my RAM changed.
When I got home my jaw dropped,
For the problem still remained.
I fiddled with all the parts,
But nothing seemed to work.
I really felt like giving up,
Before I turn berserk.
I decided to give one more try,
In case I overlooked.
I used another power supply,
And immediately the ground shook.
A miracle was born;
I was overjoyed.
The battle was won;
My PC is no longer spoilt.

People...

Some people are smart,
Some people are dumb.
Accepting this fact,
Is the rule of the thumb.
Some have the brains,
Some have the luck.
Blame it on yourself,
If you can’t reach the mark.
Stand aside and drool,
As the smart becomes smarter.
Or you can start striving,
To study even harder.
It’s useless asking the smart,
To teach the weaker minds.
Not many are so modest;
Not many are so kind.
You could ignore them totally,
Unless they are humble.
For reality will supersede pride,
And all their faith shall crumble.
It could be elitism at its prime,
Or simply just a social norm.
People find pleasure and comfort,
In groups where they belong.
So ultimately it’s up to you,
To look for your own help.
If you wish for true success,
Hardships must first be felt.