Jia-Ee's story...

A Sister’s Eulogy for Steve Jobs - NYTimes.com

2011-11-02T11:40:00.000+08:00

A Sister’s Eulogy for Steve Jobs - NYTimes.com:

Steve Jobs' final words. "Oh Wow. Oh Wow. Oh Wow"

'via Blog this'

Hong Kong's poorest living in 'coffin homes' - CNN.com

2011-11-01T11:24:00.001+08:00

Hong Kong's poorest living in 'coffin homes'

I can't imagine that 1.2 million people in HK are living in poverty.

The 'cages' really reminds me of chicken raised in cages...

Session 8: Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus

2011-10-27T18:00:00.000+08:00

Erwin McManus (Activist; Filmmaker; Innovator; Pastor, Mosaic) leads a complex, multi-campus church, yet he remains unencumbered by the human creations that can crowd out the essence of the Spirit's work. Committed to "Live Christ" in the world, he immerses himself in the culture of Los Angeles.

His website

Here is the verbatim note -- not as organized, but captures most of the story. You can visit VIAlogue for a cleaner version.

I had an uncomfortable relationship with Ecclesiastes 1 -- ponder for the last 30 yrs. I struggled to agree with the Scripture.

We hold the authority so high, when God sees it our way

I've done pretending. I'm absolutely convinced that Solomon is wrong.

"There is nothing new under the sun."

Think of new things that we can do.

Reflect on the reality ... embrace the worldview.

There is something new under the sun.

Isaiah 43:19 "Behold, I'm doing a new thing!"

We always like to quote: Let's make history, let's create the future (God's work)! -- but it's wrong.

Evil man don't wait for God to create the future that they have in mind.

Good people - I will wait for God.

God saved Noah. Noah saved the human race

Used to work as a futurist. -- post-modern revolution

It's whatever we choose.

Cultivators of human talent. Stewards of human potential

Creative capacity.

Acts 7 - Stephen's one and only sermon (about Moses)

Comments towards Erwin (when he was young) - he looked like a rat.

Straight D student, a few Fs. Move me from grade to grade, so they can keep me behind.

You will never make it. Haven't risen from the birth.

"Be not afraid of greatness; some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them." William Shakespeare

No ordinary human born, but most of us die ordinarily.

Church - nurture of the human spirit.

- Epicentre of human creativity.

- Incubator of human capacity

- Narrators of the human story.

Something came alive in me -- something is awaiting to come -- but we afraid to let it express.

Church is waiting for people to free them / liberate them.

Personal Example:

Doritos Ad -- Megachurch enters Super Bowl Ad Contest; In Top Six

Underlying meaning of the commercial -- eat Doritos!

The world will ask us -- what fuels our motivation, what inspires us.

Do you think that will work?

You at your best are not in the slightest way intimidating to God.

Study: sociological, anthropological, psychological

No book -- that is better than the Scriptures.

Bringing healing to people.

Do you have any moments that feel like the same guy as before?

Before you come to faith, you are not all that evil. After you come to faith, you still have evil in you.

Movie, Novel.

King David - confronted by Nathan.

Whoever tells the best stories, shapes the culture.

The truth is lost in a bad story. Falsehood is spread in a good story.

Distinct between good and evil -- he saw himself for the first time.

Story of how a CNN Correspondent came to know Christ (illustrates the power of Storytelling):

CNN correspondent: "What makes us human?"

Erwin: Intrinsic longing for intimacy. Human souls searching for God. God creates longing -- only He himself can meet this longing.

She spoke to me for 2 hours... at the dinner table with 10 other people.

CNN: "Did you find anything else?"

Erwin: "... exact teachings of Jesus."

CNN: "What do I do?"

CNN: "I feel like a person running around the house, round and round... No one would told me."

Erwin: "You are the house, God is running round and round, waiting..."

Erwin: "Do what I did.. Somebody led me a prayer.. and you can do it in front of everybody ... or I can meet you tomorrow..."

CNN: "So, what do I do?"

It's not hard to lead people to Jesus when you tell them a story.

Jesse's Story

Visited a Buddhist healer in colorado springs. Asked to go to a psychic in French -- who have a a copy of his book (Uprising). This man has what you are looking for...

5 million dollar - house. Comes to faith, baptised.

Jesse: "How to partner you in doing your work?"

50 mil in a little foundation. 1 mil to our church. - help artist to find Jesus.

There is a future. To be creative.

- Cultivators of Human Talent

- Narrators of Human Story

Telling the truth from our Holiness.

Light strikes through us.

Personal final note:

Erwin is a very special and creative person -- therefore, inviting lots of controversy -- on what a pastor is supposed to do (like can a church do an ad for Doritos?).

To me, it's possible and perhaps, I lean towards, need to be done. However, people to be clear of the context of why and how it's done. Either we enter the world with holiness, or let the world continue to deteriorate without our participation -- and risked the world influencing us more than we influence it.

Session 7: Three Paradigm Shifts For Efficacious Leadership by Rev. Edmund Chan

2011-10-27T17:00:00.000+08:00

Rev. Edmund Chan is the Senior Pastor of Covenant Evangelical Free Church. He is a reflective practitioner and one of the most sought-after expository preachers who is recognized by many as having the exceptional gift of making complex things simple. He has written 6 books, his latest being Cultivating Your Inner Life (2011).

Edmund Chan's session is the only LIVE session and it was exciting! Here is my own notes based on his talk. It's a verbatim notes, not highly organized, but you will get the gist of it.

Spiritual Leadership is a Redemptive Journey.

Walking as God directs us.

Greatest need of the church - encounter with God. Fresh glimpse of the almighty on high.

Exalt him on high.

The greatest need for church is leadership

In spiritual leadership -- that will draw the people to encounter him

Greatest lack in the church today is leadership.

There are more leaders per sq km in Singapore than any parts of the world.

Outstanding, competent pastors - visionary pastors.

Church is languishing in some countries.

Leadership is lacking, governance is confused.

No vision to be a people of God.

Global picture (37 countries, 100 cities). Not very much in how big the world is.

A composite of what the church looks like.

In spite of the vast diversity, 5 common cries of the church. Big or small, western or non-western.

1) Too many programs.

2) Too few volunteers

- AGM for church (sunday school teachers) -- pls sign up for just 3 mths

- In my generation, sunday school sign up for life -- 1 yr is too short. 0 only 3 mths.

- Don't leave the AGM, bcos if u leave -- you are it.

- Only 3 mths -- end up 30 yrs.

3) Spiritually fed

- We serve and serve, but we don't grow.

- We are tired and empty.

4) Leaders are not united

5) There is no clear direction.

We confuse destination with direction. Telling where, is not the same as how to get there.

Unlisted need and unheard cry -- we don't have enough efficacious leaders.

Efficient - doing things right; effective - doing the right things.

Leadership Efficacy is "doing the right thing at the right time in the right way with the right motive to product the right result!"

Especially true for spiritual leadership.

I believe in divine appointment.

"I have something to say."

Return from sabbatical in Jan 2011.

Three major paradigm shifts for wise efficacious leadership today:

A) Move from Promoting the Vision To Personifying the Values

Doug Sparks, Regional Director of Navigators (Edmund Chan's mentor)

Examples explain everything -- leaders must personifying the values of the orgn.

Daughter was very young - broke our hearts. She stole something and denied.

Ann (his wife) is very sharp -- this thing must be stolen.

I have the privilege, opportunity and responsibility to discipline my daughter.

"You know you have stolen this. Not only you have stolen, you have lied you didn't. You broke mummy's heart and you know it. You know you need to be punished , right?"

She was convicted... and she cried.

"Can i have a deal with you? I don't punish you today -- but I like you to decide what you should do. I give you 3 days, to decide what is the right thing. And then in the 3 days time, I want you to do it. Is that a deal?"

All I'm thinking -- you go and return it, and apologize to the friend and mummy.

3 days later --

"Daddy / mummy, would you please sit down? You said, 3 days." I sat down with Ann.

In 3 days, I have memorize 5 psalms and I want to read it. Psalms 1, 8, 23, 100, 121.

We sat there and mummy was smiling.

"Scripture memory" - which adolescent would do it?

Example explains everything.

Long traffic jam in JB - missionary. "Let's quote and review that verse that we memorize."

The church is hungry for example, for inspiration, and for heroes.

The glorious redemptive journey that the Lord has taken them thru.

B) From Managing the Success To Mentoring the Successor

Success will make us proud, arrogant and presumptuous.

What is successful today, may not mean successful for tomorrow.

There is no success without successors.

2 Tim 2:2

Able to teach is not a qualification (faithful men and women), it's a consequence.

Trust to faithful men and women -- who as a consequence -- they are able to teach.

You have invested in their lives.

There is more things caught than taught.

SIB KL - Chew Weng Chee

Skyline leaders - Dr Philip Lin

Talking about succession.

Push away this responsibility.

As of Jan 1, 2012 - I will step down.

You are stepping up.

You got 2 new sr pastors, you got to follow them.

Take them up to the mountain, before I go to sabbatical.

"You seek the lord. you encounter God. We will not have a talking retreat, but we will have a silent retreat."

4D/3N: brkfast - devotionals / spiritual direction; dinner - evaluate from the Lord what do you hear

Along listening to God, pray, allow God to speak to them.

It is crucial to engage with God personally.

Pr Tony - LA, 6 mths sabbatical

"Can I go up to the mountain with 2 of the deputies?"

"Example explains everything". Go listen to God.

I circumvent his expectations.

No, you cannot.

You will experience silence, but no solitude.

You need to be ALONE with God.

Till you hear -- then you can bring others.

C) From Expanding the Ministry To Enlarging the Soul

How do you gather mentors?

I'm currently focusing on those that are below 40 yrs old.

Ryan Shaw, student volunteer movement

Survey done in turkey - for the missionaries there.

2007-2010: 70% of missionaries are in depression. done by OMF Turkey

We are not emotionally healthy, not spiritually healthy -- within.

We got to learn to lead and serve with Joy.

If the Joy is robbed from us, it is very painful in leadership.

Joy is not external, it is within , it is internal

not dependent of the circumstances, it's ended up on God.

Restedness - not cessation from activity.

In the midst of busyness -- there is centredness and an anchor for the soul

To walk in joy and restedness -- it's when my ego and my agenda doesn't get into God's way.

Enlarging the soul -- so that the ministry flow from the inside-out.

Capital development.

- developing yourself in knowledge and skill

- developing your organization in resources.

Move to Capacity Development

Spiritual leadership - develop from the inside-out.

Beginning of this year, God asked me to write a book: "Cultivating Your Inner Life"

When the Lord asked -- 20 days to write -- date of publishing.

In the midst, preparations of 4 mega conferences in 3 capital cities.

I will - You help me.

In 20 days, the book was written.

The secret is not capital development, it's capacity development.

My ego cannot get in the way.

If I have 2 years, it's so much way I could say -- in many ways to edit the book.

Each of the book I have written is written in 3 weeks.

5 loaves and 2 fish -- i submit to you.

This is my humble offering.

The key -- when the thing is flow from the inside-out -- it's easier.

Brazil - closed door, by invitation only mtg.

Top sr pastors together

Peter, Philippines - 2 speakers.

The churches are more than 10 times of my church.

In a place that is happening.

Simple man, simple message.

Profound Subject: Quiet Time.

Getting back to basics. Radical Discipleship.

The leaders love it. Fundamental reminder, fundamental importance

Vision on on high

1 qn: What's your vision for God? That's the wrong question!

What's your vision FROM God?

Must get alone with God.

Anton Checkhov. The Bet

Old Banker and a young lawyer

Rather die than solitude confinement

Death

Old banker: "2 millions -- 5 yrs of solitude confinement - in my castle."

Young lawyer: "5 yrs? I can take 15 yrs."

The bet was on.

The young lawyer has everything he asked for.

The books he wanted to read.

He studied the great literature of the world, music and the arts, humanities, different languages.

The banker, over the years, lost his money, and became a 2nd rate banker.

If he lose $2 Mil - complete wipe him out.

The plan -- to kill the young lawyer.

The eve of the 15th yr contract, went to the lawyer -- he was about to kill him, but saw a letter.

Curiosity got the better of him. I have grown and learnt a lot -- I came for fame and fortune.

Tomorrow -- walk out and break the contract. Close and seal the letter.

Whose really in the dungeon?

Session 6: Students First by Michelle Rhee

2011-10-27T14:00:00.000+08:00

Michelle Rhee is the Founder and CEO, Studentsfirst.org and Former Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools (DCPS). For the past 18 years, she has stayed the course with a single objective: to give children the needed skills to compete in a changing world.

She is featured in Richard Whitmire's book: The Bee Eater and also in the movie -- Waiting For Superman. You can find out more at website: thebeeeater.com

Michelle Rhee's talk is one of the most genuine and (to me) most impressive one in this leadership conference. The story is so real and she staked her career (with the support of the then D.C. mayor, Adrian Fenty, who eventually lost the next election) to pursue the mission of helping U.S. kids to get a good education. Although many people don't like her super tough ways, I think we need more people liker her who is willing to confront the brutal facts and move people to the right direction -- delayed gratification for long-term gains.

Here are my notes during her exciting talk.

The New Teacher Project (TNTP)

Michelle was in TNTP prior to joining DCPS as the chancellor. Her experience over here contributed much to her selection and execution of the tough job in DCPS. It also built her network well.

Washington D.C. Schools

Your chance of graduating is about 9%.
The longer you start you stay in our district -- the further you fall behind.
We couldn't pay teachers. Textbooks sitting in the warehouse.
Infrastructure: Many of the classroom only have 2-pronged outlets -- but the computers use 3 prong outlets.

Focusing on Human Capital

Close 23 schools (15%)
Cut the central office to half. (1,000 to 500) - operating better!
Remove 2/3 of the principals (1,000 educators)
Creating a Culture
Create a different culture -- every single child / family -- I have 2 girls in DCPS. (own children's future at stake).
If the teacher is evaluated as ineffective -- stay for 2/3 yrs. -- this is unacceptable.
The person might be teaching my kids.
Guess what? We are going to put her through professional development.
No way! Taking the Policy personally -- not letting the system stop you.

Looking For Snap

I want a teaching with SNAP - within a few minutes, you will know it.
E.g. Teacher - while writing on the chalkboard -- "Bobby, can you stop pulling Susan's hair?" The students will be like "how does she know it...?"

Measuring the Value Added

Adults 95% -- doing a great job (based on performance evaluation) but producing kids of 8% success -- not possible!
Create a fair system for teachers -- want to make sure that they grew.

Dealing With Criticism

Parents were around during the DC school closing season.
Mum commented: "When you are young, you always appear to be anti-social. I think it is serving you well."
I don't take it personally. If it makes you feel bad, this is not the profession for you.
I would rather have people yelling at me, rather than closing down schools - and nobody was there.
Rather deal with anger than apathy.

Adding Incrementalism

Revolution or Incremental Change Strategy. -- "I'm not an incremental girl."
Their children are not in the DC public school. When it's your own children -- you will act differently.

Speaking for Those Who Cannot Speak for Themselves

Education agenda: manipulated by special interest group; run it in a way that is in their interest, but no organization advocating on behalf of the kids. Kids don't vote!
Proverbs 31:8 - Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Spiritual Journey

"I'm an aspiring Christian"
My husband: Kevin Johnson - strong man of faith (St Paul Baptist Church)
"This is between you and God, not about the people." - Kevin
I'm a linear, rationale person -- control freak. I have problems turning things over to people.
When we were going through the book: "Experiencing God", he commented, "You are like Sarah, have everything planned out."
Not letting go.

Here are the notes from VIAlogue.

Session 5: Tough Callings by Wess Stafford, Mama Maggie Gobran, & Bill Hybels

2011-10-27T11:30:00.000+08:00

Wess Stafford

Wess Stafford is the President of Compassion International. He is an internationally recognized advocate for children in poverty. He often says, "Everything I really need to know to lead a multinational organization I learned from the poor, growing up in an African village."

Mama Maggie Gobran

Mama Maggie Gobran is the Founder and CEO of Stephen's Children Ministry (see video below for an introduction of what they do). She led a comfortable life in Cairo. But following a conviction from God, she started a ministry to serve the poor in her city. A Nobel Peace Prize nominee in 2011, Mama Maggie has spent 20 years serving the poorest of the poor.

Here is a short highlight video of Session 5 (from Youtube).

I arrived late for the morning session on Thursday and didn't see the first two speakers. I browsed through VIAlogue for the notes but there was not much either. You can take a look at this short highlight video to get a feel of it.

However, I was able to listen to last part from Bill Hybels and he spoke about a few 'heroes and heroines' that respond to tough callings.

Jeremiah, preaching a message from God to an unrepentant people.
Rich Stearns, leaving his corporate position to serve as president of World Vision.
Amanda Lindhout, returning to Somalia after her kidnapping to bring aid.
Jim Mellado, forgoing a promising career to help found Willow Creek Association.

Other notes from the two other speakers:
"Silence your body to listen to your words. Silence your tongue to listen to your thoughts. Silence your thoughts to listen to your heart beating. Silence your heart to listen to your spirit. Silence your spirit to listen to His Spirit." - Mama Maggie

Lamentations 3:22-23

²² Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

Session 4: Audacious Faith by Steven Furtick

2011-10-26T18:30:00.000+08:00

Steven Furtick is the Lead Pastor of Elevation Church. The church was started in 2006 and today it has more than 8,000 in attendance. His new book, Sun Stand Still, inspires believers toward audacious faith, rooted in prayer and unbound by circumstances.

Steven told the story of Elisha from 2 Kings 3:9-20 and he focused on the key phrase "dig ditches!" (to prepare for rain) because only God can make it rain.

1. Audacious Faith
a. Believe God can do the impossible

"Faith is the substance of hope for but not seen."

2. Only God Can Make it Rain
a. Remember to get on our knees
b. Proverbs 3:5-6

3. Now bring Me a Harpist
a. Inspiration to implementation

The words spoken with music create a very different and dramatic effect.
"You can do it! You can make it! Don't give up! No matter what!"

4. Dig Some Ditches
a. Our faith must believe before it sees
b. Faith without works is dead

"If all you have are some good ideas, that does not make you a visionary; it makes you a daydreamer. The difference between a vision and a daydream is the audacity to act and the faith to get started."

Here is another post (very short as well) from Vialogue.

Session 3b: Power of Vulnerability by Patrick Lencioni

2011-10-26T16:30:00.000+08:00

Patrick Lencioni is the Founder and President of The Table Group. He is pasionate about helping organizations improve teamwork, clarity, and employee engagement. He is tthe author of several best-selling books including the classic, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.

Patrick shared his early experience in the corporate world:

To be anything but vulnerable.
Never admit that you're wrong.
Always be smarter than the client.
Pretend to be who you are not.

Getting Naked is about "The Power of Vulnerability"

Definition of vulnerable (Webster):

capable of being physically or emotionally wounded
open to attack or damage
liable to increased penalties but entitled to increased bonuses after winning a game in contract bridge

#3 is what I think it is, because there are massive bonuses. We are conditioned to avoid suffering at all costs.

3 Fears of a"Naked Service" / keep us from being vulnerable:

1. The Fear of Losing Business / Being Rejected
Jesus was rejected. Only three people went to his funeral.

Two strategis to overcome this fear:
a) Enter the danger
The world is full of people/consultants that will tell people what they want them to know. We need people that will enter into the difficult and uncomfortable reality.

b) Speak the kind truth

John Ortberg talks about "terminal niceness" in churches.
Kindness comes from empathizing. Don't be afraid to lose the company/business.
Tell the truth. It's dangerous, because you will not be rewarded for it.
Some people preferred to be "activist" (the aggressive ones), some as "brown-nosers" (the ones that seek favors, apple-polisher)
A lot of leaders don't like telling the kind truth, even though it's in their best interest. It's selfish not to tell the kind truth. The technical term is "wuss" (a wimp). It takes courage to enter into the danger zone.

2. The Fear of Being Embarrassed

When we're serving others, we have to do things that could embarrass us.
We have to make suggestions that others may think that it's not wise.
Our job as leaders is to ask the question.
"Exposure Therapy"

a) Ask dumb questions
E.g. Looking at the budget reports at a clients' meetings and ask them: "Is there an advertising budget?"
The CEO asked the VP of Marketing: "Is there an advertising budget?"
... and realized that there is none. It was eventually included.

My job is not to look smart, my job is to help them to do better. And, when you're doing that, they let you in. When you censor for your own image, they know and there is distance.

b) Celebrate your mistakes
When we acknowledge our humanity, it makes us attractive.

3. The Fear of Feeling Inferior

a) Do the dirty work

Second mile service (from the Bible, Matthew 5:41)
Jesus washed the feet of His disciples.

b) Honor your clients work

Jeff Lambert (Southwest Airlines) - genuinely interested in their families (including the kids and dogs).
A client (a man) that serves LittleMisMatched (an girls socks companies for 9-12 years old) wears the socks off these companies in one meeting (different socks with colorful patterns) to show support.

A Call to Vulnerability
We do it because we are called to be vulnerable by the most humble and vulnerable leader of all that loves us. We will get rewarded.

For a verbatim notes, go here (courtesy of VIAlogue).
For the full "Getting Naked" model, go here.

Session 3a: Humilitas by John Dickson

2011-10-26T15:00:00.000+08:00

John Dickson is a historian and social commentator from Sydney, Australia. The author of Humilitas: A Lost Key to Life, Love, and Leadership, he investigates the crucial role humility plays in a leader's life - and its theological, historical, and practical implications. He is also the Senior Research Fellow of Ancient History at Macquarie University.

Here is a video introduction of his book.

Website: johndickson.org
Humilitas: Book Introduction

Defining Humility:
Humility is not humiliation, though they come from the same Latin root. It is not low self-esteem.

Long version: The noble choice to forego your status and use your influence for the good of others before yourself.

Short version: To hold your power in service of others.

Great leaders in history are marked by this humility.
I'm not saying that humility makes you great, or that you can never be great unless you have this. But what I will try to convince you of is that humility makes your great, greater.

Humility is a reflection of the deep structure of reality (the reality of the Cross).

Five Things about Humility
1. Humility is Common Sense (because none of us is an expert at everything)
True experts know this! The experts must know that he doesn't know much about the other fields.

Qn: Are we guilty of "competence extrapolation" -- assuming that our brilliance in one area would translate to another?

2. Humility is Beautiful (and we are attracted to leaders who are humble)
We are more attracted to the great who are humble, that the great that know they're great.

In ancient Greece and Rome, humility actually mean defeat. It was regarded as ill-informed and morally suspect.

A humility revolution took place in the middle of the first century with a teacher from Nazareth. His action of crucifixion -- the ultimate act of humility. The greatest man alive sacrificed his life for others.

Philippians 2:3-8
³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. ⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in very nature^[a]God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; ⁷ rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature^[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Mark 10:43-45⁴³ Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴ and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. ⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

"The idea that we are attracted to humble people comes entirely from the Christian tradition." Professor Edwin Judge

Western culture is massively influenced by the crucifixion, we can live a "cruciform life".

Sir Edmund Hillary (1919-2008)
- First climber to reach the summit of Mt. Everest, together with Tenzing Norgay.
- Buried a small crucifix at the top of the world.
- He stood to be corrected while taking a photo with a snow pick by a passerby (who didn't recognize him).

3. Humility is Generative (generating new knowledge and abilities)

4. Humility is Persuasive
Textbook on persuasion by Aristotle - Rhetoric:

Logos (intellectual reasoning / logic)
Pathos (aesthetic / emotion)
Ethos (Character of the persuader)

"Character is almost, so to speak, the controlling factor in persuasion." - Aristotle

Story on Richard Bauckham (Previous Professor of New Testament in the University of St. Andrews; currently Senior Scholar at Ridley Hall in Cambridge, and a Visiting Professor at St Melitus College in London)
- who serve him and his documentary production team coffee / tea - before giving a good interview.
- after that, he finds Richard's theological work very persuasive -- agreeing in everything that he writes.

5. Humility is Inspiring
Four Tools of Leadership
a. Authority - power of rank and positions
b. Ability - knowledge of the situation, experience in similar situations
c. Character - reaching out to those on the other side of the issue, demonstrating love and compassion, modeling the change you would like to see.
d. Persuasion - ability to communicate your point of view, demonstrate humility, showing you have the other side's best interest at heart

*We can still influence and inspire others even without authority.

Some of the most inspiring leaders in history have no structural authority. They just had truckloads of ability, character, and persuasion.

You don't need a majority to impact your nation.
You don't need political authority to impact your country.
You don't need to "reclaim a Christian nation" to win back your country.

HUMILITY is a reflection of the deep structure of reality. At the root of everything is the cross, the self-giving life, therefore, a cruciform life, a life that is shaped by the cross is a life that is in touch with reality.

For another set of notes, go here (courtesy of VIAlogue)

You can read more on John Dickson's work on humility, go to this article: How Christian Humility Upended the World.

Session 2: The Evil, The Foolish, The Wise by Dr. Henry Cloud

2011-10-26T13:00:00.000+08:00

Dr. Henry Cloud is a clinical psychologist and author. One of his bestsellers, Boundaries: When To Say Yes, and How to Say No, co-authored with Dr. John Townsend, has sold more than 2 million copies globally.

1. That Guy

The person that we have problem with, that is stopping our vision.

2. The diagnostic question

What does a person do when the TRUTH / REALITY comes to them?
What do you do when that person is allergic to the truth / reality

3. Three categories of people

Wise, Foolish, Evil

4. Identifying a Wise person

When the truth comes to them, they change themselves to match reality.
They thank you for giving them feedback.

5. Dealing with a Wise Person

Talk to them.
Make sure they're a match for what you need.
Keep them challenged appropriately.

6. Identifying a Fool

When the truth comes to them, they try to change the truth instead of changing themselves.
They excuse, minimize or shoot the messenger.
They externalize the issue (i.e. it's never their fault).
They get angry.
They have the meeting after the meeting.

7. Dealing with a Fool

Stop talking about the problem and start talking about how talking doesn't work.
Tell them you're feeling hopeless.
Protect what you're leading by setting limits.
Ask them how to talk to them in a way that will make a difference.
Ask them what should happen if they still don't change.
Get specific about consequences.

8. Identifying an Evil person

When faced with the truth, they threatens destruction.
They want to inflict pain.

9. Dealing with an Evil person

Warn them twice, and then have nothing to do with them.
Involve attorneys and the police as appropriate.
Lawyers, Guns and Money

10. Your call

God has called us to lead. Do not let someone's character problem to stop our vision.

For a verbatim notes, go here (courtesy of VIAlogue).

Session 1: 5 Critical Questions by Bill Hybels

2011-10-26T11:00:00.000+08:00

Bill Hybels is the founder and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church (the 3rd largest church in the U.S., average of 25,000 in weekly attendance). He is started the Global Leadership Summit in 1995 as an annual training event for church, ministry and other leaders to sharpen their skills.

1. What is your Current Leadership-Challenge Level at Work?

a. Dangerously over-challenged (DOC)
b. Appropriately challenged (AC)
c. Under-challenged (UC)

*Best work is done when we are slightly more than appropriately challenged.
*People who are UC will usually leave the organization if not given meaningful challenges at work.

2. What is your Plan for Dealing with Challenging People in your Organization?
a. Who would you keep
b. Who would you let go

*The Line Exercise: On a straight line, rank the people from one end to another (who would you keep to who would you let go). Then, for those who are in the 'let go' zone, reflect on what is causing them to fall into this zone. Are people under challenged, on wrong tasks, need to be released, or is a hard talk needed?

3 types of challenging people:

Those with bad attitudes - 30 days to change
Under performers - 3 months to perform
Those whose capacity has been outstripped by organizational growth - 6 to 12 months in trying out other roles.

3. Are you naming, facing and resolving the problems that exist in your ministry or organization?

Choose three areas of your organization to assess using the Life Cycle Diagram (bell curve showing 4 stages: accelerating, booming, decelerating, tanking).

a. If an area is accelerating, awesome! What, if anything could be done to maintain growth?

b. If an area is rocking (booming), even better! How can you keep it rocking?

c. If an area is decelerating, who can you bring together to bring some fresh thinking for change?

d. If an area is tanking, perhaps its' time has come to an end, but if this is a critical component of your organization, don't give in. Take time to pray about what to do next.

4. When is the last time you evaluated your core mission and vision?

Exercise: Use five words to define what our church / organization is about.

Bill Hybels' 5 words on the "Good News" of Jesus Christ:
Love, Evil, Rescue, Choice, Restoration.

5. Have you had your leadership bell rung recently?

Has there been a circumstance or crisis that has challenged your leadership world recently?

a. If so, have you begun the hard work of creating new solutions or are you stuck? If you are stuck, consider what next steps you need to take to begin creating new solutions and identify who on your team can help you?

b. If nothing has challenged your leadership world recently, is there anything you can do such as reading a book to ensure your leadership bell gets rung. What might you consider doing now to make the next five years your best five years of leadership?

For a verbatim notes, go here (courtesy of VIAlogue).

The Global Leadership Summit 2011

2011-10-26T09:00:00.000+08:00

The Global Leadership Summit started since 1995 by Bill Hybels. This year, it was held in Aug 11-12, 2011 and I had the opportunity to attend the 2-day conference at Riverlife Church. Most of the sessions were through video, except for one (by Singapore's very own Rev. Edmund Chan). It was very professionally organized and the speakers delivered their talk enthusiastically, humorously, and provided great learning.

I've created a series of blogs to capture the sessions, together with my own notes and other links related to the speaker and topic. You can browse them here by following the links below:

Session 1: 5 Critical Questions by Bill Hybels
Session 2: The Evil, The Foolish, The Wise by Dr. Henry Cloud
Session 3a: Humilitas by John Dickson
Session 3b: Power of Vulnerability by Patrick Lencioni
Session 4: Audacious Faith by Steven Furtick
Session 5: Tough Callings by Wess Stafford, Mama Maggie Gobran, & Bill Hybels
Session 6: Students First by Michelle Rhee
Session 7: Three Paradigm Shifts For Efficacious Leadership by Rev. Edmund Chan
Session 8: Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus

Enjoy and happy learning!

Steve Jobs, 60 Minutes - CBS News

2011-10-24T15:58:00.001+08:00

Steve Jobs, part 1 - 60 Minutes - CBS News

Steve Jobs, part 2 - 60 Minutes - CBS News

Here are two interviews with Steve Jobs biographer, William Isaacson. Very revealing and the book will certainly be a bestseller. I'll be one of those who will get the book to read.

*Nov 3: I bought the book through The Book Depository. Better price compare to getting it from local bookstore, and easier compare to from Amazon.

Apple - iPod nano - Music with Multi-Touch, FM radio, and more.

2011-10-12T08:15:00.001+08:00

Apple - iPod nano - Music with Multi-Touch, FM radio, and more.:

"Clock faces. Time to match your mood. Or your outfit."

It’s all in the wrist.
Do you wear your iPod nano on a watchband? With 18 different clock face designs to choose from, you can have a new watch style whenever the mood strikes you. Sport an analog face for a formal event, go digital for a retro feel, or choose a whimsical, animated character like Mickey Mouse or Kermit the Frog. There are also color options so you can match the color of your iPod nano. iPod nano watchbands are available in a range of styles and colors from the Apple Online Store.

My Thoughts:

I find that innovation and design can happen in the smallest place... the iPod nano has evolved so much from its beginning and now its becoming an 'accessory' that is also many other things. It's also an example of "combination" and perhaps "put to other purpose" (based on the SCAMPER technique). So genius. =) Truly Apple~

Reflection on Death

2011-10-06T13:41:00.001+08:00

Recently, I have been thinking much about death. I can't remember what triggered it -- the word "Death" just keep coming back in my mind.

Last night, as I called my dad, he told me that a relative (my mum's sister's husband's dad) has just died 2 weeks ago, at the old age of 88. I visit this 'grandpa' figure almost every year during Chinese New Year. His death reminds me how fragile our life is.

I never get to see my paternal grandpa, he died a year before I was born. I witnessed the death of my maternal grandpa, at about 8-9 years old; however, I was too young to feel sad or make sense of it. In my mind, it seems like just a natural part of life -- and the answer given to me when I asked: "why did grandpa die?" My mum told me: "because he is old." My logic in me led me to ask my nanny: "Why are you not dead yet since you are old?" This question caused her to be really scared and soon -- asked to quit.

*this is one of the many silly (but logical) things that I asked when I was young...

Today, I heard about the death of Steve Jobs over the radio when I was traveling to school. I was shocked, and immediately checked to confirm his death. Indeed, he died after a long struggle with pancreatic cancer.

In his Stanford commencement speech (2005), he once said:

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve even encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."

He must be really clear of his death when he first learned about his cancer back in 2004 (perhaps even earlier) and he is fond of saying living everyday as his last. Indeed, I think he has done much for mankind through his leadership in Apple and Pixar. As of now, many obituaries are still pouring in -- from Obama, Bill Gates, Bob Iger, Mark Zuckerberg, etc. -- I believe the world will continue to remember him for a long time.

That brings me to the real questions: How should we view death? How do you view death?

I once heard this quote: "You learn how to die, you learn how to live." (Tuesdays with Morrie) To me, it means that how we see death, will greatly affect the way we live.

Do we see life coming to an end, once our heart stops beating? Or when our brain stops working? Do we believe in an afterlife? What kind of afterlife do you believe in?

Since last Friday, I immersed myself in a course called "Christianity & Zen". As a class, we explore Buddhism philosophies, their views of afterlife and their pursue of the 'ultimate goal / ultimate truth'. To me, what the Buddhists are pursuing is 'nothingness' or 'emptiness' (空). I see that with this end in mind (of nothingness / emptiness), it brings us to nowhere, and therefore, it may lead us to live a meaningless life.

My response to death and my thanksgiving is that there is a God that has created us and the end in mind is reunification with God. As Christians, we live in the image of God and for the Glory of God. There is hope for our future, and we need not worry about death. In fact, we 'look forward' to death as we return to Jesus. Like what Apostle Paul said: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21)

Having said that, we don't 'create death' or 'take our lives' (this is wrong as it's murder!) as there is still business for us to do as we live -- to carry out the Great Commission.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20

With this perspective of death, I think for every moment that we live, we ought to impact lives and to share the Gospel of Christ, whenever we can, wherever we can.

As an Apple fan (or evangelist), I will feel sad for the demise of Steve Jobs. However, as a disciple of Christ, I will continue to follow Christ, to live our Christ and to share Christ -- for as long as I live!

Steve Jobs, Apple CEO and Co-Founder, Is Dead - WSJ.com

2011-10-06T08:38:00.002+08:00

Steve Jobs, Apple CEO and Co-Founder, Is Dead - WSJ.com:

I heard the news this morning over radio, while traveling to Singapore Bible College (SBC). I feel sad that after his long struggle with pancreatic cancer, he died.

I considered the two recent happenings:

Aug 24: Steve Jobs stepped down as CEO, and became Chairman of Apple. Tim Cook took over as CEO.
Oct 4: Launched of iPhone 4S.

Both incidents are 5 weeks apart... it seems like Steve has 'planned' his death, to be with his family instead of work.

Anyway, it is worth remembering that death is the only certainty in life. Unless we know how to die, we don't know how to live. The saddest thing to me is when someone died, without knowing God (Jesus).

Here is to remind us again - how to live before you die (by Steve Jobs)

Yesterday, I presented in my Christianity & Zen class about how King Solomon speaks about life in Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes 1:2
“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.
“Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”

Ecclesiastes 3:14
"I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him."

To me, unless we know the God that creates and governs our life, life will indeed be meaningless...
May all of us find salvation in Jesus~

My China Trip 2011 (June 11 to July 2)

2011-07-17T16:27:00.002+08:00

Photo taken @ Huashan Mountain

Finally, after 2 weeks of photo selections and uploading, blogging, cleaning up, etc... My entire China trip journey is ready to be shared with the world...

I went to a total of 7 cities (+ 1 village) over a period of 21 days; climbed 2 mountains; took about 4,000 photos; stayed in 4 friend's home and 2 hotels; took 5 train trips (missed 1) and 2 domestic flight (delayed by 1); visited 4 churches in 3 cities, and had lots of good food (that includes 1 food poisoning...)

Overall, it was a very enriching trip as I met many of my friends and their families; made new friends; went to historical sites and stretched myself (by walking many many kms and by climbing mountains).

Here is a summary of my trip and you may click on the respective links to zoom into the trip:

June 11-15: Harbin (with my dearest wife)
June 16, 18: Changchun
June 16-18: Nong An Village (near to Changchun)
June 19-21: Shenyang
June 21-23: Liaoyang
June 23-24: Dalian
June 24-27: Qingdao
June 28-July 2: Xi'an

Happy reading and posting your comments. I'm happy to share with you some 'travel tips' to the respective city if you trust me... =) drop me a note at ricky.foo@gmail.com.

Xi'an (July 1): Day 4

2011-07-01T23:08:00.000+08:00

Day 4: I rate this day as the most exciting day in my entire China trip as I went to scale the Huashan Mountain 华山.

I learned about this mountain when I first read Louis Cha 金庸's novel The Legend of the Condor Heroes 射雕英雄传 as it the stories evolved around a martial arts tournament called 华山论剑 (literal translation: Sword tournament @ Huashan). So, when I knew that Huashan is near Xi'an city, I was very eager to try scaling the mountain. However, I was hesitant in the beginning as the travel book mentioned that it will take 2 days (8 hours) to scale the mountain. When I was in Qingdao, I mentioned about this plan to Weiming's mum and she encouraged me to give it a try, as both herself and Weiming have went to Huashan last year... So, upon arriving at Xi'an, I started to prepare myself for this very day.

Yesterday, I almost wanted to give up in going to Huashan as I had mild food poisoning. Thankfully, after taking some amoxycillin (prescribed by my friend 's dad, who is a doctor, I was feeling much better).

So, I got up very early in the morning (530am), took my bag that's filled with food and water, and make my way to the train station (where the bus is). The walk to the train station took me about 30 minutes. I arrived there by 630am and the bus departed at around 645am.

Note: Important items to prepare -- hand gloves (RMB 2 / pair), Huashan map (for planning purpose) (RMB 2), hat and climbing stick (I got both for RMB 45).

Huashan Mountain

My pair of dirty gloves

My straw hat

The map at the briefing area

The 'hotel' where the briefing was held

The journey from Xi'an city to the foot of the mountain takes about 1.5 hrs by bus (return tickets: RMB 60), arriving by 830am. There will be short briefing by the travel agency on how you can scale the mountain. After that, I took a 'cab' (One way: RMB 5) to the east gate of the mountain as I wanted to take the cable car.

Cable car

North Peak signboard

The beautiful Huashan

The cable car (Return: RMB 150) took me near to the North Peak 北峰 at 1614m above sea level, and save about 3-4 hours of climbing time. From there, I scaled to all 4 other peaks (Centre, East, West and South). As I was unsure of how long it takes and my energy level, I went to the highest peak, the South Peak 南蜂 (2154.9m). It took me about 2 hours (arrived by 1130am). The experience of reaching the peak was simply exhilarating

长空栈道

After that, I headed towards a place called Cliffside Plank Path 长空栈道, which is rated as the most dangerous place on Huashan. Scaling the path requires a safety harness (mandatory; fee: RMB 30). This path is recommended for the more adventurous ones. If there is a fear of heights, this path is not recommended.

East Peak

鹞子翻身

The descent (not me)

Climbing with safety harness

The destination: Chess Playing Pavilion 下棋亭

Next, I went to the East Peak 东峰 (2096m) and took another adventurous path called 鹞子翻身 (Literal translation: Sparrowhawk flipping its body). The path started with a descent of 10m (again, it is mandatory to rent the safety harness. Fee: RMB 30), and then a horizontal path of 20-30m before reaching land. After that, it's a short hike towards the Chess Playing Pavilion 下棋亭 (arrived by 120pm).

Centre Peak

West Peak

Since there is still much time (target to return to the cable car by 430pm), I went to the West Peak 西峰 (311pm), via the Centre Peak 中峰 (238pm). All in all, I managed to scale all 5 peaks within 5 hours (a great achievement for myself!).

My descent from the West Peak to the cable car was a very fast one as I wanted to go back to Xi'an city early. At some segments, I jogged and bypassed many people before arriving at the cable car by 445pm. There was quite a long but manageable queue and I reached the foot of the mountain by 510pm.

By that time, my legs felt like jelly (muscles were painful too!) but it was a worthwhile climb. On my way back, I befriended two British (mum and son) and we had dinner back in Xi'an city.

All in all, climbing Huashan is a good closure for my entire China trip... I can declare that I have conquered the most dangerous mountain (among the 5 Taoist mountains) 五岳之险.

For all photos:

Xi'an (June 30): Day 3

2011-06-30T23:45:00.001+08:00

Day 3 started in a bad way... I had food poisoning and had to go to the toilet many times. Despite of that, I press on with my trip and visited two main places: the City Wall and Tang Paradise.

City Wall 西安城墙
This is the wall that surrounds Xi'an city and it's the most oldest and most well preserved city wall in China. It used to be the wall that protects the city from invaders and now, it has been converted to become a tourist spot. The total length of the wall is about 13.74km and its rectangular in shape.

I rented a bicycle (RMB 20 for 100 mins + RM 100 for deposit; highly recommended!) and toured around the wall, stopping at different corners to take photos. As I was touring, I imagined how many soldiers and armory can be situated at different parts of the wall to protect the city from invaders. I also imagined the many battles that have been fought to protect the city.

The current city wall is built in the Ming Dynasty in 1370 and its 12m in height and 15-18m in thickness at the base. There are many formations that can be created on the wall to fight away its invaders.

In summer, it's recommended to visit it in the morning (opens at 830am) and you will be on time to watch the performance (drum, wushu and soldiers marching) at 1030am. Fee: RMB 40

Tang Paradise 大唐芙蓉园
As I didn't plan to go anywhere further out of the city, I decided to go to this emperor's garden to rest and to learn more about the Tang Dynasty's culture. It is a very big garden that has many places to see. Note that in order to see the performances, plan your time according to the programme schedule (remember to take it together with the map after you enter!).

Some of the performance are quite interesting and eye-opening, but some of them are just not as exciting and professional as I thought. In overall, it's worth visiting... if you have nowhere else to go, just pop by. Fee: RMB 90

All the photos can be viewed here:

I wanted to watch the water fountain performance at Dayan Pagoda 大雁塔 leisure area. Unfortunately, there was a power issue and I just have my dinner nearby, do some shopping before going home. I wanted to have more rest to prepare for my most exciting journey in my China trip -- climbing Huashan Mountain 华山.

Xi'an (June 29): Day 2

2011-06-29T23:43:00.002+08:00

Day 2: The highlights of the day are visits to the Stele Museum 碑林 and Shaanxi Historical Museum 陕西历史博物馆

Entrance to the Stele Museum

Nestorian Stele
(The Stele described how Christianity is first brought to China in 781 A.D.)

Printing the words on paper

A stone sarcophagus

For the Stele Museum, it showcased how words and calligraphy were developed in China over the many thousand years. It also showed the important steles - stone carvings that record important events, contribution and deeds of a person (usually someone of importance like an emperor or general), and some fun calligraphy items. There is also exhibition of stone carvings 石雕. Fee: RMB 75

The museum

Camel

Lion-like sculpture

Chang'an city (currently Xi'an)

The Shaanxi Historical Museum showcased the detailed history of China -- from stone age, to the various dynasties, and to the various archeological findings. Going to the museum is free, but you need to queue for a ticket (it issued a few thousand tickets a day). Fee: FREE

I've taken many of the artifacts on display in both the museums, you can view them here:

Official websites:
Stele Museum: http://www.beilin-museum.com
Shaanxi Historical Museum: http://www.sxhm.com

Xi'an (June 28): Day 1

2011-06-28T23:25:00.000+08:00

Xi'an was my final stop in my 3-week trip in China. I went there with much expectation and I've planned my trip according to a travel book that I bought in Shanghai, 西安攻略.

Also, I've consulted my Chinese friends in Qingdao on how to best travel within the 5 days in Xi'an and gotten some good tips too. The summary of my trip is as below:

Day 1: Arrival at Xi'an by plane, took the bus to reach the train station. My friend's mum (Aunty Dong) helped me to store my luggage and bought me lunch - Pita Bread Soaked in Lamb Soup (translation from Baidu Baike) 羊肉泡馍.

华清池

My main plan today is to visit the the Terracotta Army 兵马俑. However, as suggested by the guide, I stopped by at Huaqing Palace 华清池 (which is famous for being the bathing pond of Concubine Yang Guifei 杨贵妃); it was also the location that Xi'an Incident 西安事变 took place. However, in overall, I don't find it a place that's worth visiting as the ponds are just old marble ponds ... perhaps with the explanation of the tour guide and some imagination, one can marvel in the luxurious lifestyle and the romantic story of Concubine Yang and Emperor Tang Xuanzhong 唐玄宗. Fee: RMB 70

After a quick 1-2 hours walk around Huaqing Palace, I quickly took the bus to head towards the Terracotta Army. Going there is easy, but be prepared for long walks as the ticketing counter is very far away from the actual site (at least 10-15 minutes walk; it's quite challenging under the very hot sun in Xi'an).

Terracotta Warriors

Different types of facial expressions

Different types of hair styles

Chariot No. 1

Chariot No. 2

There are 3 main halls and a museum in the entire site. I went to the museum first that displays some of the best Terrocotta items such as two entire chariot sets and some of the best Terracotta models. The museum also provided explanation and details on the items. There is also a detailed display on the history of China (I find it very enriching as I learn how China has evolved for the last few thousand years...

However, due to the big crowd, it's quite challenging to have a good view and take good photos. The noise level is also quite scary, with many tour guides try to 'out-explain' another...

First Hall 第一展厅

In the main hall (第一展厅), that's where the majority of the Terracotta Army is... it's really quite a sight looking at the thousands of warriors. The second and third hall are much smaller and have sustained much destruction.

All in all, I find the entire site a worthwhile visit as it shows how glorious is the army in Emperor Qin's era. However, if you learn about the history, he's also a dictator that has caused many deaths during the construction of his Mausoleum. Fee: RMB 110

Day 2: Stele Museum 碑林 and Shaanxi Historical Museum 陕西历史博物馆

Xi'an (June 28-July 2)

2011-06-28T16:35:00.001+08:00

Xi'an Train Station

Xi'an is the city that I travelled most as there were many places to go. I took the most city in this city (and its suburb areas). Therefore, I decided to have a blog for everyday in Xi'an and each blog has a different highlight.

Day 1 (June 28): Huaqing Palace 华清池 and Terracotta Army 兵马俑
Day 2 (June 29): Stele Museum 碑林 and Shaanxi Historical Museum 陕西历史博物馆
Day 3 (June 30): City Wall 城墙 and Tang Paradise 大唐芙蓉园
Day 4 (July 1): Huashan Mountain 华山
Day 5 (July 2): Rest day, return to SG!

For the other photos (random ones in Xi'an city), go here:

Qingdao (June 24-27)

2011-06-28T00:04:00.039+08:00

栈桥

海滩

基督教堂

天主教堂

崂山

Qingdao is the 6th city in my trip and my favorite city in this trip. As I think back about why I like the city, my conclusion came down to this:

1) Good mix of old and new buildings / architecture - I'm attracted to European architecture.
2) Beautiful greenery - especially in the older part of the city / city centre.
3) A good combination of mountain and beaches - quite similar to Dalian, but I prefer Qingdao more.
4) Friends in Qingdao - I was hosted by two families (Chen Hong's family and Weiming's family) who treated me very well by bringing me around the city and serving me great FOOD!

All in all, Qingdao is a city that is worth visiting (the city is always frequented by tourist), especially in the summer. It remains cool and comfortable, and there always seem to be a breeze.

Apricots 杏子

Qingdao is also near to Laoshan 崂山 that is very famous for its natural spring water, vegetables and fruits. I had the opportunity to eat fresh apricots that I plucked from the tree (a wonderful experience!).

劈柴院

The food variety in Qingdao is also very rich and one of the highlights of my trip is to try many of the local food. Besides the nice restaurants that Weiming's family brought me to and the home-cooked meals by Chen Hong's family, I also went to a place called 劈柴院 (literal translation: Wood Chopping Place) that serves many local delicacies, including starfish, sea urchins, and scorpions (no, I didn't try this...). If you are adventurous, there are really many food that you can try...

All in all, I enjoyed myself very much in Qingdao and this is a city that I'll definitely go back again .. and may even consider moving here in the future!

You can view all the photos here:

Final stop: Xi'an 西安, the ancient capital of China.

Dalian (July 23-24)

2011-06-24T22:44:00.002+08:00

木栈道

大连滨海

星海广场

Dalian is my shortest stopover among the 7 cities that I travelled. Originally, I only intend to stay for one day before departing for Qingdao. However, after considering that I need more time to walk around the city, I decided to stay one more day.

In overall, the city looks very new and well developed. It has many squares 广场 of various size and nature, commemorating different things such as 中山 (Founding father of China)、人民 (People)、星海 (Star Ocean -- near the sea)、友好 (Friendship), etc.

Besides, it claimed to have the world longest wooden sidewalk 木栈道 (21km) and I had the opportunity to walk most of it...

Dalian has an advanced transport system (in my opinion) as it has more variety of transport such as a 'bus-train' transport 有轨电车 in Dalian that runs parallel with the bus, but it's actually a LRT (Light Rapid Transit)-like train; an electric cable bus that runs on road; double-decker buses, and also the metro 地铁 is under construction.

Dalian is also voted as one of the most livable cities in China, garnering many prizes such as best air / water, greenest city, best transportation, etc.

To view all the photos I took, check it out here:

However, compare to Qingdao, another most livable city in China, I prefer to live in Qingdao, due to its combination of old and new. I'll share more about Qingdao 青岛 in my next post.

Liaoyang (June 21-23)

2011-06-23T17:36:00.037+08:00

Liaoyang 辽阳 is a city between Shenyang and Dalian, in the Liaoning province. It's a small city of less than a million (urban population) and I chose to drop by this city to visit a friend (SM2 student). The family hosted me well with good food and we went for a hike up the Thousand Mountains (Qian Shan) 千山 on the first day.

The subsequent days were just spent walking around the city, more good food, and getting to know Gao Shuang's family better.

I learnt that her sister and brother-in-law chose to stay in Liaoyang to work despite a lower potential in career progression in order to build their family. I thought that it's a very wise move in today's modern and fast-pace society. I hope to make such 'deliberate choice' in the future for the sake of the family...

Oh, before I left Liaoyang for Dalian, I wrote a poem (following the footsteps of my dad) to express my thoughts about this city:

辽阳疗养好地方

爬过千山走大街

饺子烧烤都吃遍

一别以后会再见

English Translation:

Liaoyang is a good place to rest

I climbed the Thousand Mountain and walk along the big streets

I've eaten dumplings and BBQ food

As I leave this time, I'll be back again in the future...

Next stop: Dalian 大连, the city with many beautiful Squares (广场)...