(First half) Getting to know the real Xi Jinping By Victor Cha - Special to CNN The buzz in Washington this week felt like the equivalent of an official State Visit (the highest honor given by the White House to a visiting head of state) - people were asking who got invited to the State Department lunch hosted by Secretary Clinton and Vice-president Biden, and the CEO roundtable event hosted by the US-China Business Council in honor of Chinese vice-president and leader-in-waiting Xi Jinping. CNN footage at Andrews Air Force Base showed Xi deplaning and receiving a red carpet arrival. Obama sat with Xi in the Oval Office, and did a press spray (reserved usually only for visiting heads of state), referring to the fact that the Chinese vice-president may attend a Lakers game during his time in the U.S. Even if Xi is the putative next leader of China, Americans usually do not get all in a tizzy about such not-yet-crowned visitors. This sort of “star quality” treatment only happens to…. well, U.S. vice presidents or presidents, when they travel abroad. This unusual Yankee hospitality reflects how important the Obama administration sees cooperation from China’s next leader for America’s future. Whether it is China’s military (the U.S. wants greater transparency about the People's Liberation Army buildup), Syria (China vetoed a recent United Nations Security Council resolution), counterproliferation (better cooperation on Iran and North Korea), or the economy (Chinese compliance with World Trade Organization regulations and greater stakeholdership in the global economic recovery), the “to-do” list is long, so why not get a head start on this with Xi? Xi presumably had his own notepad of questions for his host Joe Biden and the president, not least of which was getting the lowdown on America’s recent professed “strategic pivot” Asia (“is this directed against China?”), and its massive deficit spending (a good part of which is financed by borrowing from the Chinese). No major agreement on any of these issues was reached. After all, Xi is not president yet; by the time he becomes one, Obama may not be his counterpart. But this “getting-to-know-you” visit was important in other respects.
(Second half) What the U.S. really sought with this visit (and with Biden’s trip to China this past summer) was to build a basis for communication with the next leader of China. As of late, the United States and China have been talking at each other, not to each other - each with its own complaints about the other’s policies. What is needed is a genuine dialogue based on personal relationships rather than stilted talking points. This is the only way to make progress with China. Second, the friendly optics of the visit were meant to dampen rising critical sentiments in both countries. In the U.S., China has become the whipping boy for many American economic problems, a dynamic that is sure to worsen during this year’s presidential campaign. In China, incessant American finger-pointing is seen by a young generation of Chinese bloggers as the complaints of a declining power, looking to block China’s rise rather than solve its own problems. This dynamic, sometimes window-dressed as nationalism, is unhealthy for both sides. Can Xi be what the U.S. dreams of - a dynamic new leader who is willing to break China (pardon the pun) inside the Communist Party of China and make his country more of a responsible stakeholder in world affairs and the global economy? It’s hard to say at this point. On the one hand, Xi represents a new generation of cosmopolitan Chinese leadership who has had more experience with the U.S. (Xi’s now-famous 1985 trip to Iowa being one example). He is willing to take on hard issues and bring more dynamism to the job than his straight-laced predecessor. On the other, Xi personally experienced the Cultural Revolution, which makes him cautious about the fragility of political life in China. More importantly, the job of president in China does not reward “out-of-the-box” thinking. It rewards convention and conservative actions, at least in its initial year. Thus, the next occupant of the Oval Office, be it Obama or his Republican opponent, may not know the real Xi Jinping, and China’s direction, for at least a few more years. The views expressed in this article are solely those of Victor Cha.
Recently, Chinese vice-president Xi Jinping made a visit to Muscatine, Iowa while on a visit to the US. In Muscatine, he met many old friends whom he had made when he had visited Muscatine 27 years earlier as a local official from Heibei province.
The following article "A tribute to their classmate, buddy, friend. R.I.P Bellamy." is about the death of a Secondary 4 student at Hougang Secondary School, Bellamy Tan, 15, who had been diagnosed with the cancer in 2009. Paragraphs relating to the theme of Friendship are below:
"Bellamy was supposed to return to school on Monday and his classmates, eager to welcome their friend, made arrangements to carry him and his wheelchair to and from their classroom on the second storey.
They also agreed to be his buddy during recess.
Plans were made to install a camera in the classroom this week, so his mother could see him and feel assured that he was safe.
They were also prepared to have a video link so Bellamy could keep up with lessons from home, said Madam Martini.
Said Mr Jeremiah: “Even the latecomers told me they wanted to come at 7.15am to help Bellamy.”
But Bellamy was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the National University Hospital last Thursday.
Madam Martini and Mr Jeremiah visited him on Friday and over the weekend, accompanied by some of their students.
‘No longer lucid’
Said Madam Martini: “He was lucid on those three days. But on Monday, he was no longer lucid. He was somewhere else.”
Holding back her tears, she added: “You have no idea how heartbreaking it was. On the way back, the tissue box in the car was being emptied.”
On Monday afternoon, his classmates started folding paper cranes for Bellamy as an expression of their wellwishes for him.
Class monitor Peh Hui Xin, 15, said: “We wanted to fold and hang the cranes in the ICU, but he died. “We continued folding for him anyway. We will continue until we go to his wake.”
The class, joined by other schoolmates, wanted to fold 1,000 cranes. They exceeded that figure yesterday. Bellamy’s schoolmates folding paper cranes (left) and laying out the paper cranes they had folded for him (right).
Said Hui Xin: “He is a quiet boy. A good friend, a good buddy. When I visited him on Friday, he said he wanted to come back and take his N levels.
“On Monday, it was like he lost control of himself. He got very agitated when I went into the room and we had to calm him down.”
Before he slipped away, Bellamy told his mother to give his classmates a message.
“He said, ‘Tell the class to finish their N levels for me,’” said Madam Martini. “He really wanted to finish his exams and do it well.”
Bellamy’s family was too distraught to speak yesterday. He is the eldest of three sons.
Recalling Bellamy’s trademark grin, Mr Jeremiah said: “When everyone else is up to no good, he will just smile. If anything, it is his smile that I will remember. I have never seen him angry or offended.
“He is such a blessing.”
To view the whole article: http://sghardtruth.wordpress.com/2012/02/18/a-tribute-to-their-classmate-buddy-friend-r-i-p-bellamy/
A Persian verse is the true reflection of the China-Pakistan friendship. The translation of the said verse is: "a friend in need is a friend indeed." Time has always proved that China is the only country in this world, which helped Pakistan in testing times. Although the United States also claims to be our friend but in fact it is a friend about which we can surely say, "the one who has friends like you, does not need heavens to be his enemy." Foundations of Ties There is no denial the fact that the credit of strengthening Pakistan's friendship with China goes to late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, whose efforts not only gave it a new direction but eternity. However, not many of us know that the foundations of the China-Pakistan friendship were laid by Pakistan's first Prime Minister Liaqat Ali Khan and Prof Ahmed Ali was the first person to hoist Pakistani flag in Beijing. Before performing this important duty he migrated from Hong Kong to China and established ties with the then communist leadership in China. Resultantly, not only Chu En-Lai, the right hand of Mao Zedong but the other senior members of the Communist party used to visit Pakistan's embassy but often used to sit and talk for hours in the night at Ali's home. Late Prof Ahmed Ali does not need an introduction as he was in the vanguard of progressive writers' movement and was considered a famous writer of Urdu and English. He no only translated Chinese poetry prior to the revolution but owing to his emotional attachment, he also paid tribute to China in his poems. Ali's personal relations of Chu En-Lai played an important role in furthering China-Pakistan relations. Ali and his family were popular among Chinese and he used to celebrate his Eid along with Chinese Muslims with zeal and zest. Ali had a great affiliation for Chinese pottery, in addition to Chinese arts and paintings. He visited China for the last time with Pakistan's Prime Minister Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy in 1956, which proved to be of historic importance for strengthening the roots of the friendship between both the countries. While appreciating Chinese, Ali writes: "Chinese are extraordinary self-respecting, practical and nationalist people. They are proud of their ancient history and culture. Affects of their culture could be felt world over. Chinese are proud of having an edge on the other nations of the world and their emperors used to call themselves "Tie'nTzu," i.e., sons of God. Chinese are patient, lively, energetic, and tasteful people. Their cuisine is popular all over the world."
The friendship we can see in LOTF is true friendship between Ralph and Piggy. One example we can use in the real world is where 2 friends help each other through thick and thin. True friendship is where one helps another whole-heartedly and treating each other with respect and worth. True friendship stories are found throughout the Bible. In Genesis 18:17-33, we read about God sharing His intentions with Abraham. Abraham responds by telling God his thoughts and feelings about the situation. God and Abraham are able to do this because they trust and respect each other.
First Samuel 20 focuses on the friendship of David and Jonathan. These two men truly cared for each other and had great trust and confidence in one another. David was running for his life from Jonathan's father, Saul. Jonathan recognized that David was innocent. Because of the true friendship they shared, David survived Saul's assassination attempts and went on to become one of Israel's greatest kings.
Real and true friendship involves freedom of choice, accountability, truth, and forgiveness. Peter and Jesus give us this example: Peter, afraid for his life after Jesus is led away from the Garden of Gethsemane, denies knowing Jesus (John 18). As He is led away by His accusers, Jesus casts a look toward Peter that says, "I knew you would deny Me, and I forgive you" (John 21).
At the fortieth anniversary for Nixon's visit to China,Chinese vice president Xi and the U.S. leaders vowed to grasp opportunities, overcome difficulties and further promote a China-U.S. cooperative partnership based on mutual respect and benefits. One topic becomes controversial that Obama visits Chinese restaurant.
TAIPEI: Taiwanese technology giant Hon Hai, the parent company of Foxconn, has said it has raised basic salaries for workers in China by up to 25 percent in a bid to improve working conditions.
Hon Hai announced late Friday that salaries for assembly line workers in Shenzhen, southern China have been raised by 16-25 percent to 1,800-2,500 yuan ($285-$400) monthly, depending on job performance, from February 1.
Foxconn is the world's largest computer component manufacturer and assembles products for Apple -- including the iPhone -- plus Sony and Nokia. It employs about one million workers in China, about half of them based in Shenzhen.
The statement came as the Fair Labor Association began inspections for Apple on Monday at Foxconn's plant in Shenzhen, following reports that employees were overworked and underpaid.
In 2010, at least 13 Foxconn employees in China died in apparent suicides, which activists blamed on tough working conditions, prompting calls for better treatment of staff.
Foxconn rolled out a series of measures, including wage hikes and safety nets outside buildings, after the deaths and has been expanding its workforce in central China as it seeks to scale back the size of its Shenzhen plant.
For anyone who lost a loved one on 9/11, the urge to be vengeful toward those connected to the attackers must be overwhelming. But that isn't true of everyone.
Phyllis Rodriguez lost her son Greg in the attack on the World Trade Center. In the years since that terrible loss, she has formed what many consider to be an unusual friendship with Aicha el-Wafi, the mother of Zacarias Moussaoui, who was convicted of playing a large role in the attacks. He is currently serving a life sentence for his crimes.
Back in December, the two spoke at a conference for women, where Rodriguez talked about their mutual admiration for each other. Rodriguez remarked, "When I saw Aicha in the media coming over when her son was indicted, I thought, 'what a brave woman, someday I want to meet her... when I'm stronger.'"
In 2002, el-Wafi asked to be put in touch with the parents of the victims.
She was introduced to five families. She met Phyllis, and she "saw in her eyes that she was a mother" (like el-Wafi). A respectful relationship quickly formed. (first part) When the two met, they were both nervous, not knowing what they wanted from each other. By the end of the afternoon, they felt like they'd known each other for a long time. Rodriguez says she feels the two have "a special connection which she values very much, that's all about being afraid of the other but making that step."
(part two) Rodriguez goes on to say that when people heard that her son had died on 9/11, she got immediate sympathy. But el-Wafi earned no such sympathy even though, in Rodriguez's words, "her suffering is equal."
So how did Rodriguez come to forgive? In an interview with the Forgiveness Project, she spoke a bit about her philosophy. "When Greg was killed, I thought, 'I will never forgive the people who murdered my son,' but I have come to see forgiveness as more than a word; it's a context, a process. I don't forgive the act, but trying to understand why someone has acted in the way they have is part of the process of forgiving. Forgiveness is being able to accept another person for being human and fallible."
Generosity, tolerance, and speaking out against violence are things the two women agree on -- strong beliefs that have helped them through unimaginable pain and suffering.
BBC news:Blast soldier Thomas Sephton 'died to save friends'
A soldier who died after a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan gave his life to save his friends, an inquest heard.
Pte Thomas Sephton, 20, of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, was injured in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province on 4 July 2010.
The 20-year-old, from Warrington, Cheshire, was taken to hospital in England but died the next day.
Coroner Nicholas Rheinberg, recording a verdict of unlawful killing, said the soldier had been "murdered".
Pte Sephton died of multiple organ failure at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital caused by blast injuries, Mr Rheinberg said.
An engineer and body armour expert had examined Pte Sephton's helmet and armour and found, although some of it was due to be replaced, it could not have saved his life.
The inquest, at Warrington Crown Court, heard that on the day he was wounded, the soldier had gone out to clear a route of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) around a patrol base on a highway known as "IED Road".
'Lost without him'
He was next to his best friend Pte Charlie Emina, who was providing cover while he used a metal detector to check for traps, when he noticed a wire as they crossed an irrigation ditch.
Pte Emina said that his colleague had shouted that he had found a wire and "the bush just exploded".
Continue reading the main story “ Start Quote He saved the lives of his section on two occasions and on that tragic day he saved my life and gave his own” End Quote Pte Charlie Emina
The inquest heard that Taliban fighters use the wires to trigger the IEDs.
In a statement, Pte Emina described Pte Sephton as being like a brother to him.
"He loved his friends and family more than anything," he said.
"He was always first out of the gate on patrol and had pride doing his job for his country.
"He saved the lives of his section on two occasions and on that tragic day he saved my life and gave his own.
"He is a true hero to his friends, family and his country and as a nation we owe him a debt of gratitude. I love him with all my heart and I will be lost without him."
'Full of fun'
In a statement read to the inquest, Lt Col Andrew Hadfield, Commanding Officer 1 Mercian, said Pte Sephton was "courageous and selfless to the last".
He had a "big heart, and was full of fun and energy" who "punched above his weight in every way, whether militarily in in sporting activities or by just being a great friend and comrade".
"If any man lived the motto, 'Stand Firm Strike Hard', it was Tom Sephton," he said.
Lt Col Steven Cartridge said the Taliban "adapted and changed their tactics" in a bid to "defeat" the soldiers.
The final statement read to the court by Mr Rheinberg was from Lt David Payne, who described Pte Sephton as one of the bravest soldiers he had met.
"Sleep well now, I will never forget you," he said.
HEILONGJIANG, China - Fifteen year old Guo Xiaoqi's quick thinking and selflessness saved her friend's life.
When Guo in the green jacket saw a speeding van heading towards them, she pulled her friend out of the road. In the process of doing so, Guo was struck by the van.
The impact sent her flying several feet and the van appeared to hesitate before driving off.
Her stunned friend and others tended to the injured teenager until she could be taken to the hospital.
Doctors say Guo suffered a fracture to her pelvic bone as well as injuries to her face, ears and teeth.
Recounting the incident, Guo says it was a split-second decision.
"I didn't think much. I only thought that I couldn't let Li Qiaoqiao get hurt because she is my good friend. So I pulled her away."
Today her friends and many others in Mishan City are calling Guo Xiaoqi a hero.
Saakashvili: New railway is symbol of friendly relations between Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia
Georgia, Tbilisi, Feb. 16 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /
President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili hailed working format of communication between the economy ministers of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia during his meeting with Azerbaijani Economic Development Minister Shahin Mustafayev and Turkish Economy Minister Zefer Caglayan, the Georgian President's administration told Trend on Thursday.
Georgian Economy Minister Vera Kobalia accompanied them.
The Georgian President noted importance of economic projects implemented by the three countries and which promise improvement of state of the three countries' nations. He especially noted factor of confidence between the ministers, which is a good prerequisite for qualitative cooperation.
Mr Saakashvili called new Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railways a 'symbol' of relations. It will be commissioned in 2013 and will 'open doors for Georgia and Azerbaijan to Europe'.
"In fact Turkey is becoming for our countries door to Europe," he said.
Azerbaijani Economic Development Minister Shahin Mustafayev noted new railway will provide new development potential for three countries. "This is example of our cooperation which reaches new heights," he said noting that policy of Azerbaijan and its leader Ilham Aliyev is priority development of relations with Georgia and Turkey.
The Turkish minister thanked the Georgian president for contribution in release of Turkish sailors from the Somali captivity.
He also expressed his confidence in the fact that business will develop in Georgia since many Turkish businessmen say that in Georgia issues related with business are easily solved.
Georgian-Azerbaijani-Turkish business forum has been held in Tbilisi today.
PLEASANTON, Calif. (KGO) -- Friends of a 25-year-old woman battling leukemia are organizing a bone marrow donor drive to try to save her life. She's in dire need, but finding a match has been especially difficult.
Students of Amador Valley High School are too young to sign up for the bone marrow registry -- they have to be at least 18 years old. But they are hoping to convince their parents and neighbors to get on the registry.
This Sunday and next Saturday, Amador will have two drives for former student, 25-year-old Janet Liang.
"So we want to go out and help her but at the same time I did some research on line and found that people all over the state who are trying to get together and register for this girl," student Kaylee Webster said.
Liang was later cancer free for more than a year after undergoing treatment in 2009, but relapsed in December. Now she is undergoing chemotherapy. Following that she'll need a bone marrow transplant.
"Remission means she doesn't have any cancer in her body or you can't find any," Carol Gillespie, a spokesperson for the Asian American Donor Program, said. "That is the best time to have the transplant so you are having healthy new marrow injected into the body and the healthy marrow will start to take over."
A week ago, Liang sent out a video on YouTube to show the progression of her cancer.
"I'm so afraid after this February I won't have the chance," she said on the video.
Zynara Ng went to high school with Liang.
"We're good friends, so it's hard to watch someone who is an amazing person have to struggle and go through this," Ng said. "So we are just trying the best we can to spread the word and keep fighting for her."
"Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, and was the first South African president to be elected in a fully representative democratic election.
Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC).
In 1962 he was arrested and convicted of sabotage and other charges, and sentenced to life in prison. Mandela served 27 years in prison, spending many of these years on Robben Island.
Following his release from prison on 11 February 1990, Mandela led his party in the negotiations that led to multi-racial democracy in 1994.
As president, he frequently gave priority to reconciliation, while introducing policies aimed at combating poverty and inequality in South Africa." -Wikipedia
He made friends with his enemies, the people who imprisoned and defamed him. However, he placed the past behind him and work towards cooperation and friendship. He forgave them.
He once told President Bill Clinton (at that time, Clinton was experiencing a difficult point in his presidency, when he encountered a extramarital scandal) that if he don't forgive them, and allow himself to be immersed into hate, it will destroy him.
(First half)
ReplyDeleteGetting to know the real Xi Jinping
By Victor Cha - Special to CNN
The buzz in Washington this week felt like the equivalent of an official State Visit (the highest honor given by the White House to a visiting head of state) - people were asking who got invited to the State Department lunch hosted by Secretary Clinton and Vice-president Biden, and the CEO roundtable event hosted by the US-China Business Council in honor of Chinese vice-president and leader-in-waiting Xi Jinping. CNN footage at Andrews Air Force Base showed Xi deplaning and receiving a red carpet arrival. Obama sat with Xi in the Oval Office, and did a press spray (reserved usually only for visiting heads of state), referring to the fact that the Chinese vice-president may attend a Lakers game during his time in the U.S.
Even if Xi is the putative next leader of China, Americans usually do not get all in a tizzy about such not-yet-crowned visitors. This sort of “star quality” treatment only happens to…. well, U.S. vice presidents or presidents, when they travel abroad.
This unusual Yankee hospitality reflects how important the Obama administration sees cooperation from China’s next leader for America’s future. Whether it is China’s military (the U.S. wants greater transparency about the People's Liberation Army buildup), Syria (China vetoed a recent United Nations Security Council resolution), counterproliferation (better cooperation on Iran and North Korea), or the economy (Chinese compliance with World Trade Organization regulations and greater stakeholdership in the global economic recovery), the “to-do” list is long, so why not get a head start on this with Xi?
Xi presumably had his own notepad of questions for his host Joe Biden and the president, not least of which was getting the lowdown on America’s recent professed “strategic pivot” Asia (“is this directed against China?”), and its massive deficit spending (a good part of which is financed by borrowing from the Chinese).
No major agreement on any of these issues was reached. After all, Xi is not president yet; by the time he becomes one, Obama may not be his counterpart. But this “getting-to-know-you” visit was important in other respects.
(Second half)
ReplyDeleteWhat the U.S. really sought with this visit (and with Biden’s trip to China this past summer) was to build a basis for communication with the next leader of China. As of late, the United States and China have been talking at each other, not to each other - each with its own complaints about the other’s policies. What is needed is a genuine dialogue based on personal relationships rather than stilted talking points. This is the only way to make progress with China.
Second, the friendly optics of the visit were meant to dampen rising critical sentiments in both countries. In the U.S., China has become the whipping boy for many American economic problems, a dynamic that is sure to worsen during this year’s presidential campaign. In China, incessant American finger-pointing is seen by a young generation of Chinese bloggers as the complaints of a declining power, looking to block China’s rise rather than solve its own problems. This dynamic, sometimes window-dressed as nationalism, is unhealthy for both sides.
Can Xi be what the U.S. dreams of - a dynamic new leader who is willing to break China (pardon the pun) inside the Communist Party of China and make his country more of a responsible stakeholder in world affairs and the global economy? It’s hard to say at this point. On the one hand, Xi represents a new generation of cosmopolitan Chinese leadership who has had more experience with the U.S. (Xi’s now-famous 1985 trip to Iowa being one example). He is willing to take on hard issues and bring more dynamism to the job than his straight-laced predecessor. On the other, Xi personally experienced the Cultural Revolution, which makes him cautious about the fragility of political life in China. More importantly, the job of president in China does not reward “out-of-the-box” thinking. It rewards convention and conservative actions, at least in its initial year.
Thus, the next occupant of the Oval Office, be it Obama or his Republican opponent, may not know the real Xi Jinping, and China’s direction, for at least a few more years.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of Victor Cha.
Recently, Chinese vice-president Xi Jinping made a visit to Muscatine, Iowa while on a visit to the US. In Muscatine, he met many old friends whom he had made when he had visited Muscatine 27 years earlier as a local official from Heibei province.
ReplyDeleteThe following article "A tribute to their classmate, buddy, friend. R.I.P Bellamy." is about the death of a Secondary 4 student at Hougang Secondary School, Bellamy Tan, 15, who had been diagnosed with the cancer in 2009. Paragraphs relating to the theme of Friendship are below:
ReplyDelete"Bellamy was supposed to return to school on Monday and his classmates, eager to welcome their friend, made arrangements to carry him and his wheelchair to and from their classroom on the second storey.
They also agreed to be his buddy during recess.
Plans were made to install a camera in the classroom this week, so his mother could see him and feel assured that he was safe.
They were also prepared to have a video link so Bellamy could keep up with lessons from home, said Madam Martini.
Said Mr Jeremiah: “Even the latecomers told me they wanted to come at 7.15am to help Bellamy.”
But Bellamy was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the National University Hospital last Thursday.
Madam Martini and Mr Jeremiah visited him on Friday and over the weekend, accompanied by some of their students.
‘No longer lucid’
Said Madam Martini: “He was lucid on those three days. But on Monday, he was no longer lucid. He was somewhere else.”
Holding back her tears, she added: “You have no idea how heartbreaking it was. On the way back, the tissue box in the car was being emptied.”
On Monday afternoon, his classmates started folding paper cranes for Bellamy as an expression of their wellwishes for him.
Class monitor Peh Hui Xin, 15, said: “We wanted to fold and hang the cranes in the ICU, but he died. “We continued folding for him anyway. We will continue until we go to his wake.”
The class, joined by other schoolmates, wanted to fold 1,000 cranes. They exceeded that figure yesterday.
Bellamy’s schoolmates folding paper cranes (left) and laying out the paper cranes they had folded for him (right).
Said Hui Xin: “He is a quiet boy. A good friend, a good buddy. When I visited him on Friday, he said he wanted to come back and take his N levels.
“On Monday, it was like he lost control of himself. He got very agitated when I went into the room and we had to calm him down.”
Before he slipped away, Bellamy told his mother to give his classmates a message.
“He said, ‘Tell the class to finish their N levels for me,’” said Madam Martini. “He really wanted to finish his exams and do it well.”
Bellamy’s family was too distraught to speak yesterday. He is the eldest of three sons.
Recalling Bellamy’s trademark grin, Mr Jeremiah said: “When everyone else is up to no good, he will just smile. If anything, it is his smile that I will remember. I have never seen him angry or offended.
“He is such a blessing.”
To view the whole article:
http://sghardtruth.wordpress.com/2012/02/18/a-tribute-to-their-classmate-buddy-friend-r-i-p-bellamy/
Story of China-Pakistan Friendship
ReplyDeleteA Persian verse is the true reflection of the China-Pakistan friendship. The translation of the said verse is: "a friend in need is a friend indeed."
Time has always proved that China is the only country in this world, which helped Pakistan in testing times. Although the United States also claims to be our friend but in fact it is a friend about which we can surely say, "the one who has friends like you, does not need heavens to be his enemy."
Foundations of Ties
There is no denial the fact that the credit of strengthening Pakistan's friendship with China goes to late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, whose efforts not only gave it a new direction but eternity. However, not many of us know that the foundations of the China-Pakistan friendship were laid by Pakistan's first Prime Minister Liaqat Ali Khan and Prof Ahmed Ali was the first person to hoist Pakistani flag in Beijing. Before performing this important duty he migrated from Hong Kong to China and established ties with the then communist leadership in China. Resultantly, not only Chu En-Lai, the right hand of Mao Zedong but the other senior members of the Communist party used to visit Pakistan's embassy but often used to sit and talk for hours in the night at Ali's home.
Late Prof Ahmed Ali does not need an introduction as he was in the vanguard of progressive writers' movement and was considered a famous writer of Urdu and English. He no only translated Chinese poetry prior to the revolution but owing to his emotional attachment, he also paid tribute to China in his poems. Ali's personal relations of Chu En-Lai played an important role in furthering China-Pakistan relations. Ali and his family were popular among Chinese and he used to celebrate his Eid along with Chinese Muslims with zeal and zest. Ali had a great affiliation for Chinese pottery, in addition to Chinese arts and paintings. He visited China for the last time with Pakistan's Prime Minister Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy in 1956, which proved to be of historic importance for strengthening the roots of the friendship between both the countries. While appreciating Chinese, Ali writes: "Chinese are extraordinary self-respecting, practical and nationalist people. They are proud of their ancient history and culture. Affects of their culture could be felt world over. Chinese are proud of having an edge on the other nations of the world and their emperors used to call themselves "Tie'nTzu," i.e., sons of God. Chinese are patient, lively, energetic, and tasteful people. Their cuisine is popular all over the world."
The friendship we can see in LOTF is true friendship between Ralph and Piggy.
ReplyDeleteOne example we can use in the real world is where 2 friends help each other through thick and thin. True friendship is where one helps another whole-heartedly and treating each other with respect and worth.
True friendship stories are found throughout the Bible. In Genesis 18:17-33, we read about God sharing His intentions with Abraham. Abraham responds by telling God his thoughts and feelings about the situation. God and Abraham are able to do this because they trust and respect each other.
First Samuel 20 focuses on the friendship of David and Jonathan. These two men truly cared for each other and had great trust and confidence in one another. David was running for his life from Jonathan's father, Saul. Jonathan recognized that David was innocent. Because of the true friendship they shared, David survived Saul's assassination attempts and went on to become one of Israel's greatest kings.
Real and true friendship involves freedom of choice, accountability, truth, and forgiveness. Peter and Jesus give us this example: Peter, afraid for his life after Jesus is led away from the Garden of Gethsemane, denies knowing Jesus (John 18). As He is led away by His accusers, Jesus casts a look toward Peter that says, "I knew you would deny Me, and I forgive you" (John 21).
At the fortieth anniversary for Nixon's visit to China,Chinese vice president Xi and the U.S. leaders vowed to grasp opportunities, overcome difficulties and further promote a China-U.S. cooperative partnership based on mutual respect and benefits. One topic becomes controversial that Obama visits Chinese restaurant.
ReplyDeleteTAIPEI: Taiwanese technology giant Hon Hai, the parent company of Foxconn, has said it has raised basic salaries for workers in China by up to 25 percent in a bid to improve working conditions.
ReplyDeleteHon Hai announced late Friday that salaries for assembly line workers in Shenzhen, southern China have been raised by 16-25 percent to 1,800-2,500 yuan ($285-$400) monthly, depending on job performance, from February 1.
Foxconn is the world's largest computer component manufacturer and assembles products for Apple -- including the iPhone -- plus Sony and Nokia. It employs about one million workers in China, about half of them based in Shenzhen.
The statement came as the Fair Labor Association began inspections for Apple on Monday at Foxconn's plant in Shenzhen, following reports that employees were overworked and underpaid.
In 2010, at least 13 Foxconn employees in China died in apparent suicides, which activists blamed on tough working conditions, prompting calls for better treatment of staff.
Foxconn rolled out a series of measures, including wage hikes and safety nets outside buildings, after the deaths and has been expanding its workforce in central China as it seeks to scale back the size of its Shenzhen plant.
- AFP/fa
For anyone who lost a loved one on 9/11, the urge to be vengeful toward those connected to the attackers must be overwhelming. But that isn't true of everyone.
ReplyDeletePhyllis Rodriguez lost her son Greg in the attack on the World Trade Center. In the years since that terrible loss, she has formed what many consider to be an unusual friendship with Aicha el-Wafi, the mother of Zacarias Moussaoui, who was convicted of playing a large role in the attacks. He is currently serving a life sentence for his crimes.
Back in December, the two spoke at a conference for women, where Rodriguez talked about their mutual admiration for each other. Rodriguez remarked, "When I saw Aicha in the media coming over when her son was indicted, I thought, 'what a brave woman, someday I want to meet her... when I'm stronger.'"
In 2002, el-Wafi asked to be put in touch with the parents of the victims.
She was introduced to five families. She met Phyllis, and she "saw in her eyes that she was a mother" (like el-Wafi). A respectful relationship quickly formed.
(first part)
When the two met, they were both nervous, not knowing what they wanted from each other. By the end of the afternoon, they felt like they'd known each other for a long time. Rodriguez says she feels the two have "a special connection which she values very much, that's all about being afraid of the other but making that step."
(part two) Rodriguez goes on to say that when people heard that her son had died on 9/11, she got immediate sympathy. But el-Wafi earned no such sympathy even though, in Rodriguez's words, "her suffering is equal."
ReplyDeleteSo how did Rodriguez come to forgive? In an interview with the Forgiveness Project, she spoke a bit about her philosophy. "When Greg was killed, I thought, 'I will never forgive the people who murdered my son,' but I have come to see forgiveness as more than a word; it's a context, a process. I don't forgive the act, but trying to understand why someone has acted in the way they have is part of the process of forgiving. Forgiveness is being able to accept another person for being human and fallible."
Generosity, tolerance, and speaking out against violence are things the two women agree on -- strong beliefs that have helped them through unimaginable pain and suffering.
BBC news:Blast soldier Thomas Sephton 'died to save friends'
ReplyDeleteA soldier who died after a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan gave his life to save his friends, an inquest heard.
Pte Thomas Sephton, 20, of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, was injured in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province on 4 July 2010.
The 20-year-old, from Warrington, Cheshire, was taken to hospital in England but died the next day.
Coroner Nicholas Rheinberg, recording a verdict of unlawful killing, said the soldier had been "murdered".
Pte Sephton died of multiple organ failure at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital caused by blast injuries, Mr Rheinberg said.
An engineer and body armour expert had examined Pte Sephton's helmet and armour and found, although some of it was due to be replaced, it could not have saved his life.
The inquest, at Warrington Crown Court, heard that on the day he was wounded, the soldier had gone out to clear a route of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) around a patrol base on a highway known as "IED Road".
'Lost without him'
He was next to his best friend Pte Charlie Emina, who was providing cover while he used a metal detector to check for traps, when he noticed a wire as they crossed an irrigation ditch.
Pte Emina said that his colleague had shouted that he had found a wire and "the bush just exploded".
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He saved the lives of his section on two occasions and on that tragic day he saved my life and gave his own”
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Pte Charlie Emina
The inquest heard that Taliban fighters use the wires to trigger the IEDs.
In a statement, Pte Emina described Pte Sephton as being like a brother to him.
"He loved his friends and family more than anything," he said.
"He was always first out of the gate on patrol and had pride doing his job for his country.
"He saved the lives of his section on two occasions and on that tragic day he saved my life and gave his own.
"He is a true hero to his friends, family and his country and as a nation we owe him a debt of gratitude. I love him with all my heart and I will be lost without him."
'Full of fun'
In a statement read to the inquest, Lt Col Andrew Hadfield, Commanding Officer 1 Mercian, said Pte Sephton was "courageous and selfless to the last".
He had a "big heart, and was full of fun and energy" who "punched above his weight in every way, whether militarily in in sporting activities or by just being a great friend and comrade".
"If any man lived the motto, 'Stand Firm Strike Hard', it was Tom Sephton," he said.
Lt Col Steven Cartridge said the Taliban "adapted and changed their tactics" in a bid to "defeat" the soldiers.
The final statement read to the court by Mr Rheinberg was from Lt David Payne, who described Pte Sephton as one of the bravest soldiers he had met.
"Sleep well now, I will never forget you," he said.
Chinese teen, 15, saves friend from speeding van
ReplyDeleteHEILONGJIANG, China - Fifteen year old Guo Xiaoqi's quick thinking and selflessness saved her friend's life.
When Guo in the green jacket saw a speeding van heading towards them, she pulled her friend out of the road. In the process of doing so, Guo was struck by the van.
The impact sent her flying several feet and the van appeared to hesitate before driving off.
Her stunned friend and others tended to the injured teenager until she could be taken to the hospital.
Doctors say Guo suffered a fracture to her pelvic bone as well as injuries to her face, ears and teeth.
Recounting the incident, Guo says it was a split-second decision.
"I didn't think much. I only thought that I couldn't let Li Qiaoqiao get hurt because she is my good friend. So I pulled her away."
Today her friends and many others in Mishan City are calling Guo Xiaoqi a hero.
Saakashvili: New railway is symbol of friendly relations between Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia
ReplyDeleteGeorgia, Tbilisi, Feb. 16 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /
President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili hailed working format of communication between the economy ministers of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia during his meeting with Azerbaijani Economic Development Minister Shahin Mustafayev and Turkish Economy Minister Zefer Caglayan, the Georgian President's administration told Trend on Thursday.
Georgian Economy Minister Vera Kobalia accompanied them.
The Georgian President noted importance of economic projects implemented by the three countries and which promise improvement of state of the three countries' nations. He especially noted factor of confidence between the ministers, which is a good prerequisite for qualitative cooperation.
Mr Saakashvili called new Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railways a 'symbol' of relations. It will be commissioned in 2013 and will 'open doors for Georgia and Azerbaijan to Europe'.
"In fact Turkey is becoming for our countries door to Europe," he said.
Azerbaijani Economic Development Minister Shahin Mustafayev noted new railway will provide new development potential for three countries. "This is example of our cooperation which reaches new heights," he said noting that policy of Azerbaijan and its leader Ilham Aliyev is priority development of relations with Georgia and Turkey.
The Turkish minister thanked the Georgian president for contribution in release of Turkish sailors from the Somali captivity.
He also expressed his confidence in the fact that business will develop in Georgia since many Turkish businessmen say that in Georgia issues related with business are easily solved.
Georgian-Azerbaijani-Turkish business forum has been held in Tbilisi today.
PLEASANTON, Calif. (KGO) -- Friends of a 25-year-old woman battling leukemia are organizing a bone marrow donor drive to try to save her life. She's in dire need, but finding a match has been especially difficult.
ReplyDeleteStudents of Amador Valley High School are too young to sign up for the bone marrow registry -- they have to be at least 18 years old. But they are hoping to convince their parents and neighbors to get on the registry.
This Sunday and next Saturday, Amador will have two drives for former student, 25-year-old Janet Liang.
"So we want to go out and help her but at the same time I did some research on line and found that people all over the state who are trying to get together and register for this girl," student Kaylee Webster said.
Liang was later cancer free for more than a year after undergoing treatment in 2009, but relapsed in December. Now she is undergoing chemotherapy. Following that she'll need a bone marrow transplant.
"Remission means she doesn't have any cancer in her body or you can't find any," Carol Gillespie, a spokesperson for the Asian American Donor Program, said. "That is the best time to have the transplant so you are having healthy new marrow injected into the body and the healthy marrow will start to take over."
A week ago, Liang sent out a video on YouTube to show the progression of her cancer.
"I'm so afraid after this February I won't have the chance," she said on the video.
Zynara Ng went to high school with Liang.
"We're good friends, so it's hard to watch someone who is an amazing person have to struggle and go through this," Ng said. "So we are just trying the best we can to spread the word and keep fighting for her."
"Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, and was the first South African president to be elected in a fully representative democratic election.
ReplyDeleteBefore his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, and the leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC).
In 1962 he was arrested and convicted of sabotage and other charges, and sentenced to life in prison. Mandela served 27 years in prison, spending many of these years on Robben Island.
Following his release from prison on 11 February 1990, Mandela led his party in the negotiations that led to multi-racial democracy in 1994.
As president, he frequently gave priority to reconciliation, while introducing policies aimed at combating poverty and inequality in South Africa." -Wikipedia
He made friends with his enemies, the people who imprisoned and defamed him. However, he placed the past behind him and work towards cooperation and friendship. He forgave them.
He once told President Bill Clinton (at that time, Clinton was experiencing a difficult point in his presidency, when he encountered a extramarital scandal) that if he don't forgive them, and allow himself to be immersed into hate, it will destroy him.