INTERVIEW WITH AWARD WINNER - DELPHINE PONTVIEUX

Hi! Readers,


Firstly, I write to express my heartfelt thanks to Delphine Pontvieux, for her kindness to allow me to interview her despite her busy daily schedule. For those of you who want to know her background, please click at the title of this post to access to my preceding article. So, let us put our hands together to welcome this awesome author, Delphine, who is here to share with us her insight of her experience in publishing her award winner novel. Below please find my interview with her for your reading pleasure.



James: Perhaps you may share with us your feeling when you were declared winner for this award.


Delphine : It came as a surprise as I received the email while I was traveling in France to visit my family. I submitted my novel so many months prior, I had sort of forgotten about the contest, so it was even more exciting news because it was unexpected. It is a good thing because people value this kind of recognition, and it definitely helps with sales and getting added exposure for the novel.


James: Can you enlighten us a little more about your books?


Delphine : So far I have only one published novel, ETA-Estimated Time of Arrest. I am working on novel # 2 currently and I have also submitted several short stories for upcoming anthologies about various topics. I invite you all to like my Facebook page in order to find out when they are getting published. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Delphine-Pontvieux/138074462922789


Here is some information about my novel:


ETA takes place in the French Pyrenees and the Basque country. It is a fast-paced action thriller combining politics, romance, suspense and police drama. After participating in a pro-separatist march that turned violent in January of 1992, 21-year-old Lorenzo Lartaun Izcoa is wrongly charged with the fatal bombing of a police station in Irun and finds himself on the Spanish Secret Service’s “most wanted” list, branded an active member of the Basque terrorist group ETA. He has no choice but to flee his country until two years later, Lartaun’s childhood friend, Patxi, offers him the chance to return to Europe under a new identity in exchange for a “small favor.” Lartaun seizes the opportunity, yet soon realizes that the favor he owes his friend is not so “small” after all, as Patxi is secretly planning a brutal event that will shake Spanish politics.


James: Is there anything else you would like your readers to pay special attention in regards to your book, which you have not mentioned above?


Delphine : Here is a tidbit that readers may not be aware of: The novel’s title is a “double” play on words. Not only it is a variation of the common abbreviation “Estimated Time of Arrival” (I used ‘Arrest’ instead of ‘Arrival’), but also because ETA is the name of the Basque terrorist group that’s been active for over 50 years in the Basque country and Spain. ETA means “Euskadi Ta Askatasuna,” which means “Basque country and freedom” in Euskara, the language of the Basque people.


Also, while this novel is a work of fiction, the action is intimately set within the current political situation in the Basque country. I strived to keep the story in check within the actual historical context to give it more substance and credibility. For instance, the story alludes to events that really happened, such as the Hotel Mombar shooting, the arrest of ETA leaders in Bidart, France, etc. The 90s were an important turning point because that was when France started to collaborate with Spain to crack down on ETA members living on French soil, after decades of giving them the political refugee status. I tried to illustrate this reversal of situation in the book through the candid conversations between the gendarmes and French DST agents, for example. The construction of the tunnel at the Somport was also going on then. What makes the story seem real is perhaps because what happens to the characters is plausible and could indeed have happened in the real world, even though their adventures are entirely a product of my imagination.


James : Please share a little about your journey to publication. How long have you been writing? How hard was it to find a publisher? What did you learn in the process?

Delphine : I have always loved writing. When I was a teenager I wrote an anthology of short stories. Of course, they were never published! I have always loved writing and reading, but in all honesty I never thought I would ever write a full novel. And yet I started writing ETA in February of 2007 and from that moment on I never looked back. As far as the publishing part of the book: I have worked for 10+ years for two very successful, 100% independently-owned record labels in the past. As a result, the independent model of doing business has always been very much engrained in me, especially when working for an industry largely dominated by ‘major’ companies. I always took it upon myself to get the work done without relying on anyone but my sound judgement and experience. It can be risky at times, but it is also rewarding. Thus, when my novel was nearing completion, I never really thought about shopping my manuscript to agents and so forth. My editor, who used to work for a big publishing company in New York, advised me to try the ‘traditional route’ first, because she thought I had a good chance of finding an agent. So she took it upon herself to query my book to four of her prominent agent friends in LA, which is seldom heard of. I got a reply the very next day from one of them. She liked my writing, but thought the story was far too political for her liking. I did not hear back from the three others. I told myself, ‘OK, so we tried that. Now it’s time to really get to work.’


While I was putting the finishing touches to my novel, I laid the foundations for Miss Nyet Publishing, LLC. I always wanted to create my company one day, just as much as I wanted my book to see the light. I am lucky I could put the experience and expertise I acquired while working in the music industry to the book-publishing business, even though I would not recommend it to anyone without prior experience in the business. Now, will I shop my next novel to an agent or release it again right away on Miss Nyet? I can not answer that question just yet. I have come to realize it takes a tremendous amount of time and energy to wear both the hats of a publisher and writer at the same time.

James: When do you plan to publish your book 2.


Delphine : I am not sure as I am just about starting to seriously get back to it, so there is still much work to go before it is completed. In the meantime, I have a few short stories that should be published in the upcoming months (see answer above). I hope it will keep my readers interested while they wait for the next one to be out!


James : How many volume of books for the above series, if applicable ?


Delphine : My novel ETA-Estimated Time of Arrest was never part of a series, even though everyone is requesting a sequel! So, who knows, it may happen at some point, but so far I am currently working on a completely different story, even though it is still in the same vein, thriller/action-adventure genre.

James: Tell us your guided principle that governs your life? How you cultivate these values?


Delphine : My motto is “It’s never too late.” I try to do as many things as I can in life, go and visit as many countries as I can, meet people from all horizons and take chances so that I don’t have too many regrets when the end comes.

James: Any other advice which you like to share with our readers?


Dephine : When you enjoy a book, take a few moments to write a review on goodreads.com or Amazon, because it really helps the author getting much needed exposure and besides, we love to receive feedback on our work. Also, don’t be afraid to tell all your friends about the books you truly enjoyed, because they value your input.

James : what are the best and worst aspects of being an author?

Delphine : The best is to receive a compliment from a reader. To hear that someone stayed up the whole night because they simply could not put the book down is a tremendous reward and it makes all the hard work completely worthwhile.


On the other hand, it can be hard when you spend so much time promoting your work and somehow it feels that it is getting lost in the mass of books out there. Thanks and have a fruitful week end,


Thank you so much for the interview, Delphine and I truly love the way you express yourself.


Last but not least, I do hope you too enjoy reading it as I did. That's all and look forward to seeing you again.


For those who want to read the beginning of my novel for free at the end of the interview, you are encouraged to check it out right at the link below:-




http://www.missnyet.com/Prologue.pdf


James Oh

PS YOU MAY READ THE ARTICLE AT OTHER WEBSITE BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW:-

http://www.yousaytoo.com/interview-with-award-winner-delphine-pontvieux/914773

DELPHINE PONTVIEUX - AWARD WINNER AUTHOR

Dear reader,



I am very pleased to present you another brilliant author, Miss Delphine Pontvieux. Her first novel, ETA Estimated Time Of Arrest, received the National Indie Excellence Book Award in the "thriller" category. For the benefit of everyone, let me explain what is the NIEA about.






What is the NIEA?


The National Indie Excellence Book Awards® contest is judged by independent experts from all aspects of the indie book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. They select award winners and finalists based on overall excellence of presentation.

Ellen Reid, President of the National Indie Excellence Book Awards® has built a highly successful career producing excellence for clients and with her own award-winning book, Putting Your Best Book Forward: A Book Shepherd’s Secrets for Producing Award- Winning


Books that Sell. As a book shepherd and book consultant, she has mastered the fine art of directing teams of professionals so that synergy develops making the end product far greater than the sum of the individual parts.


It is on this solid foundation that Ellen manages the Indie Excellence awards. She draws upon the practical, in-the-trenches experience of noted and award winning professionals from all aspects of the publishing and book production field to select the books that demonstrate excellence in cover design, copywriting, and interior layout, as well as overall feel and execution.


Ellen’s deft eye guides the judging process and contest winners can be proud and confident that the award attests to the excellence of their efforts in producing an outstanding book. Indie Excellence Awards is a trademark of Smarketing. Copyright 2007-2011. All Rights Reserved.


Here is the press release from NIEA today:

For Immediate Release Beverly Hills, California


The National Indie Excellence Book Awards Salutes the BEST of the BEST in 2011

Independent and self-published titles roar to the forefront of excellence in numerous genres

Beverly Hills, CA – In the pinnacle year of the self-published book , The National Indie Excellence Book Awards is ahead of the curve with the announcement of the 5th Annual National Indie Excellence Award Winners, Finalists and the recipients of the Sponsor’s Choice Prizes.


Today Ellen Reid, founder of The National Indie Excellence Book Awards, released the Winners and Finalists of this year’s contest www,indieexcellence.com said…


“Excellence is not easy to achieve and the book industry needs it more than ever…the NIEA salutes authors and publishers who make excellence a priority” said Reid

Competition for the top spots is fierce with prizes exceeding $12,000 in value and the priceless opportunity to have one-on-one coaching with inside industry experts including top media and PR consultants, marketing experts and others.

With a number of self-published authors exceeding sales of 100,000 copies and six and seven figures in revenue, authors and small presses are flourishing and so is the quality of books across the board.

Next year’s 2012 Award application deadline is April 30, 2012. For information and to enter, please visit: http://www.indieexcellence.com/


“The judges for this competition are industry leaders that take their responsibility very seriously. We had the best pool of submissions ever and it was not easy because of the excellent books we received in every category this year. I am constantly thrilled at the outstanding work we’re seeing,” Reid said.


Wow, this is a real prestige award to be earned. This amazing author was born and raised in France. She also lived, studied and worked in Australia, the USA, Spain and the Netherlands after she graduated from the University of Burgundy in Dijon. Her wide international exposure with 10 years of international sales and promotion experience in the music and entertainment industry not only made her background very impressive, but also translated into prestigious award winner of nobility.


Her physical look well reflects that she is a sport athlete. She loves the mountains (rock climbing, mono-skiing) and the seas (boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, long distance swimming, triathlons). She is a scuba instructor, cave and technical diver, and ocean conservation advocate. As a writer, she regularly contributes to international diving publications.

So, get hold of her novel and you are rest assured that it will definitely be worth more than your money you spent because it is true find art, which has been well written. Please do not forget to revert you feedback via comment provided below.

For those who want to read the beginning of the above novel for free, you may check it out at the link below:-



http://www.missnyet.com/Prologue.pdf


Enjoy your reading and have a great weekend.


James Oh

TOGETHER

Dear all,



coming together is a Beginning
standing together is A SIGN of unity


keeping together is Strength
marching together is Progress


singing together is the force
working together is Success



watching together is enjoyment
sharing together is care


defending together is love
In short, together we make the Nation strong.



James Oh

REAL EXPERIENCE - CONFRONTATION TO EASE FEAR

Dear valued readers, 



Recently I read the article below with lots of excitement and enthusiasm and am so eager to share with you, which I hope you will like it. The main reason why I decided to blog it with intention that you receive maximum value for your time spent on reading the articles here. I also noted that my preceding article on YB Datuk Ambiga received very encouraging responses and great concerns of readers. Today, this article is no coincidence related to the Bersih rally, but of a good reason, which I believe in. What made me to say so? Any guess before you proceed to read it further?


Perhaps, I can safely say that we can learn from this rally, the real time experience especially for those who have tainted with the ugly picture of the May 13 incident of racial riots in Malaysia which ultimately caused our Father of Independence, YB Tunku Abdul Rahman, stepped down as our nation's first Prime Minister.


I must admit that this ungrateful act to certain extent have instilled "terrible fear" amongst Malaysian communities. As a result, it had been occasionally misused by some irresponsible quarters to stir up the fear in order to achieve their hidden agendas, so to speak.

But, what is more important for me to highlight what I have learned from the article below. I prescribe this as another excellent example to ease fear by facing and overcome it once and for all so that you are free from it. Thank God that I am still alive to see both of these incidents. First incident taught us how to instill that fear, at that time I was in the Primary School. Yet the image of how my father rushed to my school and rescued me out from it still in my memory till todate. Unknowingly what had happened at that time, I just followed his instruction till I reached home safely. The rests are history.


Last few days, I had seen how the fear was eventually subsided through confronting and overcoming it. I cried out with joy and thank God and Malaysians who kept the situation orderly and peacefully. This is another affirmation that you need to confront whatsoever fear you have in order to overcome it. Conversely, by avoiding or ignoring it, it will bring you nowhere. This is not what I say only but also from the top management Gurus worldwide. In fact, I have constantly prescribed this formula fruitfully and I see the author of the article also experience it the way as I did. By now, hope you can see vividly why I do encourage you to prescribe this formula in your life, which I strongly believe everyone of us will have some fear. It is a matter of as to what extent the fear affects us.

Alternatively, you may also shift your mind to focus on something which you are comfortable instead of something you are fearful. This tip I had shared with you in my article on my 2nd day in China, where I have my wonderful time in the Oriental Tower, which you may click at the title of the post to refresh yourself.


Please continue to read the article below, extracted from Malaysiakini, for your better understanding of what I had mentioned above.


Have a fruitful day and feel free to forward your comments as provided.


Thank you in advance for your participation.


Bersih 2.0 “bersih”ed me! — Lt Col (R) Aw Yong Tian Teck


JULY 12 — As I headed for the LRT station to enter the city on the morning of July 9, I was both fearful and determined — fearful that a “May 13” type violence would erupt, and afraid of being arrested. Yet, I was determined to break this shroud of fear that had gained intensity over the last two weeks from reading the newspapers, watching television and listening to coffeeshop talk.


I nervously joined a predominantly Malay group outside the KTM building. From those whom I glanced at a bit longer, I received courteous smiles. I soon started to join them in shouting “Hidup Rakyat” or “Hidup Bersih” and punching the air as we strolled along. When they shouted calling upon “Allah”, I suddenly became conscious of the present controversy concerning the use of the word by non-Muslims, reducing my voice to a murmur.


As we approached Dataran Merdeka, our path was blocked by the police. We were told to sit down on the road, women and children included. Someone started singing, “Negara ku…” then we all joined in.


Despite my 27 years’ service in the nation’s Armed Forces, I never felt so close to Malaysia, my country as at that moment… then the dreadful bell on the top of the FRU vehicle rang, followed by what sounded like gun shots. They were firing tear gas into the crowd!


Completely unprepared and shocked, I was overcome by the painful and nauseating gas. We scrambled and I managed to move to a corner. A Malay man handed me bits of salt and others shared their water with me. The group retreated towards Dayabumi, and as I joined them, visibly shaken, I was frequently asked, “Uncle OK?” by smiling young Malay lads.


Our march through the Chinatown area was another eye opener. As we passed a Chinese eating shop, the crowd which by then included a number of non-Malays, waved invitingly to the customers asking them to, “Mari sama-sama!” At an Indian stall by the roadside, they crowded to buy water; a far cry from the violent, rioting mob that we were told to expect!


The way to Merdeka Stadium was blocked. As the now enlarged crowd retreated through the Chinatown area, we were again attacked by the FRU with tear gas. We scrambled and finally ended up in front of Puduraya, joining a much larger crowd with more non-Malays present. Once again, the police fired tear gas and shot their water cannon at the crowd.


The crowd then regrouped and headed towards KLCC. It was nearly an hour before the police finally came and did their “thing” again. By then, the “order” to “bersurai” was passed around; the rakyat had done their job!


In all, I spent about five hours marching with a largely predominantly Malay crowd. I was soaked and tear-gassed, but in the end I felt liberated, happy and grateful to God! Never have I seen the Malays so passionate about their cause, yet so gentle and mild-mannered under such trying conditions.


They were nowhere like the racially-incited, hate-ridden, property destroying “kumpulan jahat” that we were told to expect — definitely not in the crowd that I had the privilege to walk with that day!


The non-Malays who were there must be commended equally for their belief and conviction, and for their faith in a mature Malaysian society. The policemen whom I spoke to were surprisingly good-natured in spite of the long hours they had been on duty, some expressing concern for my safety. The order to fire tear gas at fellow Malaysians came from the top.


definitely not in the crowd that I had the privilege to walk with that day!




James Oh


Skype me at james.oh18

A GREAT POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT AFTER BERSIH RALLY IN MALAYSIA

Dear all,


Greetings from Malaysia. This is one positive development after "Bersih" rally in Malaysia that has taken place, which we, at this blog, are so pleased to announce here.


First, one significant interesting point need to be praised is in regards to the manner the rally was held, so peaceful except some unnecessary physical force was used in some instances. This is an eye opener to lots of Malaysian that the myth of the racial riots, which happened in the past is unfounded. Thanks to God and the maturity of the Malaysian public who were involved in the rally and the politeness of the majority of the police force on duty. This indicate well that most Malaysia want to preserve peace for the nation.


The day after the rally, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, who led a counter rally to Bersih 2.0's, had called for both groups to hold joint talks over how the country's electoral system could be reformed. Hope this initiative echoes the ruling party's intention to sit down to resolve this long overdue urgent issue to begin a new chapter for Malaysia, which I believe this initiative will be well received by Bersih.


Yesterday, Bersih 2.0 organising chairperson Datuk S. Ambiga revealed that rallies cannot be held at the drop of a hat. If it is held, there must be a good reason behind it. On the other hand, the PM urged the people not to treat the streets demonstration as part of our Malaysian's culture.


In this connection, Ambiga also welcomed Umno Youth's invitation to engage in a televised debate to publicly talk about its demands for electoral reform. In her recent interview with the Star, she in fact welcome all parties to participate in this avenue including Election Commission. She also prescribed that a televised debate was a "very healthy" way to carry forward electoral reform in the country, as one avenue to address this issue. Great idea.


With this latest development, I strongly believe many people especially Malaysia will view it as a positive development to this electoral reform. Let us welcome it with open minds and hearts. Nothing cannot be resolved if all parties come with sincerity.

Before I pen off here, I like you to note another interesting point in regard to the permission given, by the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar, to the Bar Council's monitoring teams to observe the recent rally. In this regard, we should express our heartfelt thanks to him for acknowledging the council's impartiality in conducting the observation exercise and the professional behavior of the police team.


With this new development, we urge all parties to put the past behind us and move forward to embark a higher level of democracy for Malaysia, which we all love and are proud of.


Thanks and look forward for a better Malaysia,




James Oh

To read other related articles on "Bersih", please click at the title of the post.

YB DATUK AMBIGA SREENEVASAN - WHO IS SHE?

Hi! Everyone,


This is just a follow up of my preceding post in regard to the international award won by our Malaysian fellow. To refresh yourself, you may click at the title of the post.

In recent weeks her name was mentioned everywhere, local and international news. By now, this rally on July 9, 2011 made her name even more glorious than before. As such, I believe lots of people would like to know her better. In this connection, I append her profile from Wilkipedia for your reference and information.


From Wikipedia


Ynag Berbahagia Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan


24th President of Malaysian Bar Council


In office 2007–2009


Preceded by YEO YANG POH


Succedded by : RAGUNATH KESAVAN


Chairperson of Bersih 2.0

Incumbent


Assumed office 2011




Dato' Ambiga Sreenevasan (born 1956) is a Malaysian lawyer who served as the President of the Malaysian Bar Council from 2007 to 2009. She is a former student of Convent Bukit Nanas and served as the Head Prefect in 1975.


Awards


In March 2009, Ambiga became one of the eight recipients of the 2009 Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award.[1][2] In the ceremony, the United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton commented:


“ Ambiga Sreenevasan, has a remarkable record of accomplishment in Malaysia. She has pursued judicial reform and good governance, she has stood up for religious tolerance, and she has been a resolute advocate of women’s equality and their full political participation. She is someone who is not only working in her own country, but whose influence is felt beyond the borders of Malaysia. And it is a great honour to recognise her and invite her to the podium.[3]”


Religious equality


Ambiga Sreenevasan has stood up for religious tolerance and was the lawyer for Lina Joy in her apostasy case. Ambiga has argued that Article 121(1A) of the Constitution of Malaysia does not deprive Muslims from equality and freedom of religion. All Muslim groups accuse her of disputing Syariah law.[4]


Acting in her capacity as President of the Malaysian Bar Council, Ambiga accepted a memorandum on the formation of an inter-faith commission, which also made 14 demands. Ambiga further held a forum on Article 121(1A) concerning syariah law and the rights of Muslims for freedom of religion, despite objections from conservative Muslim groups.[5]


Bersih 2.0 rally


Bersih 2.0, as the organisation has branded itself for the 2011 rally, is chaired by Ambiga Sreenevasan. The group is pushing the Election Commission of Malaysia (EC) to ensure free and fair elections in Malaysia. They have demanded that the EC clean up the electoral roll, reform postal voting, use indelible ink, introduce a minimum 21-day campaign period, allow all parties free access to the media and put an end to dirty politics.


Ambiga has summed up the main issues raised by the organisation she leads as "unhappiness... in the Sarawak [election], unhappiness about corruption, [and] unhappiness about the independence of our institutions."[6] She said demands made during the first rally in 2007 have not been addressed, hence the follow-up rally.[7]


The communiqué issued by Bersih issued in 2007 called for reforms to Malaysia's first past the post electoral system, ensuring the independence of the Election Commission (EC), eliminating electoral practices deemed unfair to opposition candidates, eliminating corrupt campaign practices, equal access to the media for all political parties, and instituting a caretaker government during election periods, among others in the long term.[8] It also asked for immediate action to introduce indelible ink to prevent multiple voting, the abolition of postal votes, a complete revision of the electoral roll and equal access to state-owned media for all political parties.[8] A statement on 15 June also called for:[9]


• Automatic voter registration


• Reforms to postal voting


• Use of indelible ink


• Access to the mainstream media for opposition parties


• A minimum campaign period of 21 days


• Independence of institutions


• An end to electoral graft


Bersih's demands have been repeatedly dismissed by the Election Commission (EC), who have sought to tie the organisation to the opposition's agenda.[10] EC deputy chairman Wan Ahmad Wan Omar claimed Bersih was working with Pakatan Rakyat to "overthrow the government."[10] In turn, Ambiga has criticised the EC's conduct, asking them to remain independent from politics.[11]


On 23 June 2011, Ambiga received a death threat via text message.[12] She remained defiant, saying "nothing has changed" and the rally will go on.[13]


With this information and update, it makes my proceeding post completed and fulfilled.


Have a fruitful day,


James Oh


Skype me at james.oh18


To read other related articles, please click at the link below:-



http://liftyouup.blogspot.com/2011/07/yb-datuk-ambiga-icon-of-reform.html

WORLD'S BEST UNDERWATER PHOTO

Always fascinating as not many of us able to scuba let alone underwater photography . . . !   A lonely diver traversing a cavernous underwater crack scooped the 2010 Deep Indonesia photography competition. The picture was taken by 45-year-old professional photographer Magnus Lundgren from Sweden as he was guided though the fissure in Thingvellir Lake, Iceland. "Hitting Sailfish" by Alexander Safonov - a sailfish attacking schooling fish in Port St Johns, South Africa "Multitude" by Acevedo Eduardo - schooling catfish in Indonesia Sand Tiger shark in a school of fish in North Carolina, by Jeremy Kozman Lion fish with schooling glassfish in Red Sea, Egypt, by Amir Stern "Reflection" by Yigal Aharoni - lion fish in Red Sea, Egypt Harlequin shrimp (Hymenocera elegans) in Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia, by Francesco De Marchi "Women profile" by Adriano Morettin - soft coral and schooling bait fish under a pier in Raja Ampat, Indonesia "The boss and the gang" by Tamas Szabo - a lemon shark with pilot fish in Red Sea, Egypt "Schooling Jacks" by Maria Rivarola - a diver and schooling jackfish in Indonesia "Blue Eyes" by Michael McEvoy - a moray eel in Indonesia A cowshark in Cape Town, South Africa, by Dennis Vandermeersch "Untitled" by Jose Alejandro Alvarez - sweetlips in unspecified location

THE BOY CRIED "WOLF" PART II

Very happy day to everyone,

It was a great pleasure for me to share this classic story, The boy called "Wolf" which most of us had known since childhood, some may even 78uinkl./at early childhood. However, it is sad to know that many people do not know its adverse implications. Alternatively you may argue that we choose to ignore its lessons.

The tale concerns a shepherd boy who tricks nearby villagers into thinking a wolf is attacking his flock. He repeats this so many times that when the sheep were actually confronted by a wolf, the villagers do not believe his cries for help and the flock is destroyed. The morale at the end of the Greek version is that 'the story shows that this is how liars are rewarded: even if they tell the truth, no one believes them.'^[2] This seems to echo a statement attributed to Aristotle by Diogenes Laërtius in his The lives and opinions of eminent philosophers, where the sage was asked what those who tell lies gained  and he answered 'that when they speak the truth they are not believed'^[3] William Caxton similarly closes his version with the remark that men bileve not lyghtly hym whiche is knowen for a lyer.^[4]

The story dates from Classical times but, since it was recorded only in Greek and not translated into Latin until the 15th century, it only began to gain currency after it appeared in Heinrich Steinhowel's collection of the fables and so spread through the rest of Europe. For this reason, there was no agreed title for the story. Caxton titles it "Of the child whiche kepte the sheep" (1484), Hieronymus Osius "The boy who lied" (De mendace puero, 1574), Francis Barlow "Of the herd boy and the farmers" (De pastoris puero et agricolis, 1687), Roger L'Estrange "A boy and false alarms" (1692), George Fyler Townsend "The shepherd boy and the wolf" (1867). It was under the final title that Edward Hughes set it as the first of ten "Songs from Aesop's fables" for children’s voices and piano, in a poetic version by Peter Westmore (1965).

There are many lessons that can be learnt from it.

First, the phrase "I know it" is a very dangerous sentence to be used. Why I say so? Anyone wants to make a guess before you read further? This may be either due to the liars' ignorance or recklessness. 

Alternatively, you can see so many incidents that affirm this truth. One of them is in regard to the great scientist that discovered the Gravity theory. He truly did not understand why the apples dropped from the trees, whereas the rest at that time appeared to know why the apples dropped from the trees. That's because this boy did not prescribed to the above phrase that led him to seek for the answer. His profound theory of gravity is still applicable and relevant till todate.

 

Coming  back to the above tale, the boy cried wolf, it will be interesting to find the answer what if the boy cried "no wolf" instead of 'Wolf' when wolfs appeared. You may furnish your answer on whether you will go and rescue the boy, through the comment provided below. Thanks for your honest feedbacks and participation.

 

Thanks and seeing you again,

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18

Publish Post

WORLD'S LARGEST PUZZLE

Hi, Everyone,


Do you know where you can find the world's largest puzzle? To find the answer, please continue to read this article. This ancient Cambodian 'puzzle' three tier temple situated at northwestern Cambodia was reopened to public recently with a grand opening, after a decades long renovation project and described as the world's largest puzzle.

No wonder that the restoration of the 11th-century Baphuon monument was celebrated with a high profile ceremony attended by Cambodia King Norodom Sihamoni and French Prime Minister Francois Fillon. This opening ceremony is a memorable one and being one of the country's largest after Angkor Wat.


Both countries' leaders have words of praise for this restoration work at the inauguration event on July 3 in the northwestern tourist hub of Siem Reap, which drew thousands of Cambodians waving French, Cambodian and Europen Union flags as a mark of well co-operation from these parties that produce this exceptional creation as Fillion put it. These efforts have been well appreciated by the Cambodians exactly conveyed by the King Sihamoni as "profound gratitude to France" for completing the 10 million euros French-funded undertaking.


Fillion said French archaeologists would then turn their attention to the 2.7 million euro restoration of the western Mebon temple in Angkor Park and the rests are history. This Angkor region was the seat of the medieval Khmer empire, which will be its shadow behind this majestic temple.


By now, you may wonder as to why is it being described as the world's largest puzzle, to be more precise as the world's biggest three-dimensional puzzle. This is because the above finished project took the restorers half a century of painstaking efforts to piece the crumbling tower's 300,000 sandstone blocks back together.


Its restoration can be tracked back to 1960s when a French-led team of archaeologists dismantled the pyramidal building because it was falling apart, largely due to its heavy, sand-filled core that was putting pressure on the thin walls. The workers numbered some 300,000 of the sandstone blocks and laid them out in the surrounding jungle.


It had gone through some odds before it can stand up proudly revealing itself in full glory as you see now. The initial effort to rebuild the pyramidal structure was interrupted by the civil war that took place in 1970. It was reported that the records to reassemble Baphuon, including the numbering system, were then destroyed by the hardline communist Khmer Rouge which took power in 1975.

Fortunately that this ruling party had a short life span of 20 years and the area was again safe to begin with the work. Since then it is known as the world's biggest three-dimensional puzzle - was restarted under the leadership of architect Pascal Royere from the Ecole francaise d'Extreme-Orient (EFEO).


The team carefully measured and weighed each block and then relied on archive photos stored in Paris, drawings and the recollections of Cambodian workers to figure out where each part fits.


Royere revealed in his recent interview that his team was facing a three-dimensional puzzle, a 300,000-piece puzzle to which they had lost the picture. And that was the main difficulty of this project. Fortunately that there is no mortar that fills the cracks which mean that each stone has its own place. You will not find two blocks that have the same dimensions.


Finishing the "unique" undertaking was "a collective satisfaction because it was a complicated project," he said.


Built around 1060 by King Udayadityavarman II in honour of the Hindu god Shiva, Baphuon was the country's largest religious building at the time, 35 metres high (114 feet) and measuring 130 by 104 metres (426 x 340 feet).


In the 16th century, a 70-metre long reclining Buddha statue was built into a wall on the second level using stones from the top of the temple.


These two phases of construction, hundreds of years apart, further complicated the restoration, said Royere, and working during the rainy season proved another major challenge.


But those struggles are behind him now and as the Frenchman watched camera-toting tourists amble along the long elevated walkway that leads to the temple, he said he was confident the site would become a top attraction.


Located at the heart of the Angkor Park, it "certainly promises to be a great success," he said.

As such, it makes it a place worth to visit. A memorial of the journey on how it overcomes its odds to gain its former glory - a very good lesson to learn from. This is another good reminder and provides courage to those who are facing adversities in life.


Seeing you again.


James Oh






Skype me at james.oh18

BACK TO SCHOOL FOR A SINGLE MOTHER, MAUREEN STA MARIA

Very happy day to you,

I write to express my heartfelt thanks to you for continuously visiting my blog, which made me feel indebted to you as my blog readers. As such, I decide to share with you the recent article I have read from our local newspapers on the plight of a single mother, Maureen Sta Maria. She can now pursue her passion for knowledge, after years of struggle and sacrifice to raise her children.

It was reported that she, 49, raised her children to believe that education is the only ticket to freedom and success. In this connection, I write to attest that I had prescribed to the same formula to obtain some of my achievement and I never regret for doing so. I must say that that I was very fortunate to have an opportunity to learn from some of my great heroes, who came from families which are very much worse than mine, at my early age of my childhood. Thank God. That made me to say firmly that this is one of the paths you may consider to pursue to achieve your success in life. She revealed in her recent interview that she took up accounting, secretarial and interior design courses to equip herself with additional skills. Her attitude well deserved a praise. I can safely say that she is truly a good model to follow with.

This strong determined lady had overcome all the odds. She got divorced at the age of 27 and was subsequently ostracized by her family. These adversities did not dampen this single mother's spirit to pursue her dream. She took up a sales job to support herself and her two children. In order to see her children become successful, she made a painful decision to migrate to the US four years ago. She then put her whole family in a tiny one-bedroom apartment in California where she worked as interior designer whereas her eldest son worked throughout college to help to pay for his fees.

We are very glad to hear that her age and all the odds have not deter her from seeking knowledge and she has even instilled such a strong spirit in her two children. Well done and big congratulations to Miss Maureen. Your efforts had not been put into waste and we all are very proud of you.

She eventually moved back to Malaysia recently and plans to join a French culinary school to collect another certificate for herself. It was amazingly inspiring to hear that her eldest son was on the National Dean's List, comprising 2% of the country's brightest students in his college. He was also nominated for the 'Man of Distinction' award in 2008, apart from being awarded Fullerton's Student Affairs Outstanding Leadership Award. You really bring glory to Malaysia.

Her youngest daughter, 22, is also following his footstep and currently pursuing a degree in event management in the same university. She too has an ambition to work as an intern in the White House.

I truly read this article with fullness of inspiration and hope that it has similar effect on you.

James Oh

Skype me at james.oh18