Not far from your house
March 2009
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P. 13
My dear sister
LOVE TIPS
I DREW LONELINESS
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Dear Walkie Talkie readers! It has been a long time since the third issue of Walkie Talkie magazine. There have been a few changes in the editorial team so we had to postpone the release of this issue till March. From this issue onwards, our publishing date has been changed to the third Thursday of each month. Walkie Talkie is back with new sections that you will discover later on, hopefully with excitement! By the way, Walkie Talkie team would like to wish all the ladies happy belated International Women’s Day, March 8. We hope you are having a marvelous March. Having published three issues, we have been and are continuing to strive for better and better contents and aesthetics. Each solid issue is a result of teamwork and a reward to our writers and editors. We started this non-profit magazine in August 2008 with two missions: offering an opportunity for aspiring writers to contribute their ideas and practice their writing in English, and being an editorial platform for our volunteer editors to share their experiences by proofreading the articles. Those who are interested in design have also been welcomed to showcase their creativity in doing layouts for the magazine. Walkie Talkie is put together by teamwork and passion, so if you see yourself a part of us, we’ll be thrilled to have you onboard! Drop us an email today at WT.Contact@gmail.com. We highly appreciate your contribution. Yours faithfully, Walkie Talkie team
Many thanks to the contributors --------------------------Writers Ms. Cindy Ms. Kim Mo Ms. Poinsettia Mr. Ngoc Dzung Mr. Heart Mr. Khai Mr. Quoc Nam ---------------------------Editors Ms. Bambie Ms. Minh Chau Mr. Hannibal ----------------------------Designers Ms. Christine Ms. Jasmine
Sing ‘Quan Ho’ in Lim and pray to the Buddha in Yen Tu ....................................................................................... P. 4 My dear sister ....................................................................................... P. 6 IT Tips ....................................................................................... P. 7 United States Supreme Court rejected the petition of dioxin victims ....................................................................................... P.9
I drew loneliness ................................................................... P. 11 Love tips ................................................................... P. 13 Crossword ................................................................... P. 15 Music corner ................................................................... P. 16 Answer keys ................................................................... P. 18
Spring festivals are one of the most special
Lim festival is the biggest festival in the previously-called Kinh Bac, namely Bac Ninh and Bac Giang provinces now. Lim, is in Lung Giang Commune, Tien Du district, Bac Ninh province, 18km from Hanoi. The festival is held on Lim hill, where Lim pagoda is located and where Hieu Trung Hau, the creator of Quan Ho love duets, is worshipped
traditions in northern Vietnam. Long time ago, when people’s work here was mainly on farm, spring used to be the most carefree time after a year of hard work. Spring is considered the season of entertainment and recreation, which is why the most exciting festivals usually take place at this
Lim festival opens annually on January 13 of Lunar calendar. All villagers around the area gather in a “community union” and take part in various activities: worshipping the divine to welcome the festival, martial arts contest, wrestling contest, human-chess contest, swinging, textile making contest, cooking contest, etc. Highlights of this festival include songs with beautiful lyrics and tunes performed by local people called “lien anh, lien chi” around the pagodas, on the hills, and on dragon boats. The love duets are simply as sweet and gentle as a Quan Ho native’s heart and soul. Visitors who have once listened to them would always be fascinated and wish they did not have to leave.
time
Nowadays, Lim people still sing love duets on Lim hill and on their dragon boats. Love duets are no longer practiced in private, but are sung to all visitors under spring’s blue sky. ●
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Yen Tu Festival Yen Tu mountain was once called “Bach Van Son” (it means a mountain full of white clouds) In 1299, king Tran Nhan Tong came to this area and founded the “Truc Lam” style of practicing Buddhism, which has since then been regarded as “Phat Phai Truc Lam”. During its development, a community of 11 pagodas and hundreds of hermitages, towers, tombs, targets, and statues were built and maintained. The grandiose architectural designs were within in the picturesque landscape of Yen Tu and remain till this day national historical heritage and tourist attraction of Quang Ninh province. Yen Tu festival opens on January 10 (Lunar calendar) and lasts throughout three spring months. After the solemn ceremony held by the local government, some ten thousand people start s to go on a three-stage pilgrimage to Yen Tu’s height- Dong pagoda. The first stage is to Hoa Yen pagoda and the first cable car station; the end of the second stage is the second cable car station; and the last stage leads to the peak. The first two stages take people averagely two hours to climb on stone stairs through a forest of pine and bamboo. The rest of the path is rough and slippery that few people dare to look back.
However, those who stand still and look around will be able to experience one of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam. Looking east, it is Ha Long Bay with thousands of isles floating on water. Southwards stand Hai Phong City and Bach Dang River which looks like a gleaming band of silk. In the west, there are Bac Ninh and Hai Duong’s productive paddy fields. Up north, forests and mountains stand side by side to charm any hiker’s eyes. Reaching the sacred height, surrounded by white clouds and a soothing breeze, would you feel like a proud conqueror, or would you stand humble in front of the marvels of nature? In the festival, visitors from all over the country travel to Yen Tu to express their faith in Buddha, pray for happiness and prosperity. Some come to show admiration for their ancestors who had awakened this sacred land to open the eyes of many generations. Some others enjoy the discovery and conquering the height to feel the serene and peaceful atmosphere. Yen Tu also attracts many foreign visitors as a religious, historical, cultural and ecological tourist destination.
Pointsettia
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My dear sister “Close your eyes, sister”, I said “Why?” she asked “Just close your eyes and don’t ask me more, please!” “But I…”, She continued asking me but I have closed her mouth immediately, giving her no choice to ask. “Open your eyes,” I whispered in her ears tenderly “What a beautiful woolen scarf!” She exclaimed! “Hand-made, by myself!” “Really?” She was so surprised. “Certainly, it’s for you, my pretty sister!” I said, “It took me almost a month to make it, actually it’s too difficult for a boy to do stuff like
this but I have enough patience. All At that night, I couldn’t sleep without thinking of her and I started to is for you now” recall all the unforgettable memoDuring the trip, she could hardly ries we had had. say anything because of she was too happy. The first time She was my classmate in the univershe received a beauti- sity. To be honest, all my life, I had ful and meaningful never imagined that I could ever gift like that, espe- meet such a pretty girl like her. At cially on Valen- the first sight, I was so impressed tine day. I know by her complexion. She is just as she only consid- white as snow, as if Snow White ers me as her was before my eyes. younger brother but it does As they say “Don’t judge a book by not matter be- its cover”, it’s completely true. Concause to me, she trary to her cute and mild-looking, is like a sister, a she seems to be quite crazy and lovely one, too. fierce at times. She always calls me When talking about Val-“Crazy” and beats me. But I am not entine Day, most of the Viet- supposed to fight against her benamese think that it is a special day cause of a very simple reason she for lovers. You would feel happy once announced “I’m your sister when going out with your sweet- and you’re never allowed to fight hearts. Nevertheless we were the against me!”. happiest people when we were out together on that special day. (See next page)
There are women who make things better… simply by showing up. There are women who make things happen. There are women who make their way. There are women who make a difference. And women who make us smile. There are women of wit and wisdom who – through strength and courage – make it through. There are women who change the world everyday… women like you.
- Ashley Rice-
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She is the sister I used to hate most. She forced me to practice before my presentation while all I wanted to do was sleep. She forced me to review the lessons before the final examinations while dating my girlfriend was the only thing in my mind. She forced me to give her a ride on her bicycle, meaningless and crazy journeys while I was sick. She did not pedal with me but even joked “Oh what a weak boy!” I hated her so much that I did not exhale a word. I wondered how I could make friends with such a girl and even consider her as a sister. One day, however, she handed me my school report. It was too hard to believe in my eyes that I didn’t fail any subjects. Never before had I believed in miracles such as building castle in the air but now I did. Thanks to the fact that she forced me to study, now I received good marks. Plus, I also feel stronger to take her around on her bicycle whenever she asks me to. From being a lazy boy, I become more industrious. From being a weak boy, I become stronger. Since understanding what you did for me, I have shared my deep feelings openly .You listen to my emotions with all the attention. Whenever I feel sad, she would always be by my side to comfort me. Whenever I am confused, she is willing to help me out. I started to realize I am touched by an angel. It sounds crazy but I know it is true, it is real. And me, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Today, I am in class and trying to absorb the lecturer’s slides while keep myself wondering why she has not yet come. During the break, I was thinking about her “If you did not show up, there would be no sunlight in my life.” From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank her for everything she has done for me. Suddenly she walked by, I got up and was speechless because I was a fragile boy who was trying so hard to hide away his tears in front of her.
IT Tips HOW TO Rip an Audio cd What is the definition of ripping an audio CD? It is “Audio files in a CD are converted into different format”. Many programs are available for this purpose and one of the most popular software is “Windows Media Player” (WMP). It is installed along with Microsoft Windows operating systems so you don’t need to install any other software to covert audio files from CDs into mp3 format. Why don’t we convert into other formats? Actually, Mp3 not only is the best and the most popular format but also has the best quality. The conversion is easy and you just follow the steps below: 1. Putting your audio CD into the DVD/CD Drive and opening Windows Media Player. 2. Clicking right–mouse at the top of the program and choosing “Tool” > “Options” ( P.1) 3. After a table appears (P.2), choosing “Rip music” menu. Then, you see some items : e
Quoc Nam
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· Rip music to this location - Change…: store converted files in any locations where you want.
(P.1)
- File name: choose details you want to appear in the file names · Rip settings - Format: select “mp3”. - Audio quality: Choose the quality you want. Note: The higher quality of the files is, the larger their sizes are. For instance: about 57 MB per CD with files of 128kbps and about 86 MB with files of 192kbps. (P.2)
(P.2)
4. Often, clicking on the DVD/CD Drive symbol in WMP theme which you want to rip, and also choosing tracks you want to convert. Finally, clicking “Start Rip” and waiting for a few minutes while the conversion is taking place (P.4). You may go somewhere while waiting for the process to finish.
Generally, WMP is often used to play music. On the other hand, it can convert files in audio CDs. This function is quite unexpected but I am sure that you will like it. Ngoc Dzung
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United States Supreme Court rejected the petition of dioxin victims
On February 3 2009, U.S Supreme Court announced its decision to reject the petition of Vietnamese dioxin victims and the petition of Americans who had sued companies producing weeding toxic chemical spread in the Vietnam war. U.S Court did not refrain from comment on their answer on February.27 They turned down the petition of Vietnamese Agent Orange victims and that of U.S veterans who had asked for severe damages to the health of themselves as well as their families’. New York Court of Superior Jurisdiction had once rejected the petition of Vietnamese and American dioxin victims although according to analysts, scientific and practical research all proved that Agent Orange used in war in Vietnam relates to cancers, diabetes and birth defects
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Jonathan Moore, the lawyer and the consultant of Vietnamese Agent Orange Association (VAVA) in the lawsuit against 37 American companies producing Agent Orange used in wartime, apologized to hear of this unwise decision. He emphasized the attempt would continue until justice belonged to all dioxin victims and to those who are the victims of “chemical warfare� campaign carried out in Vietnam by
Merle Ratner, the co-ordinator of Lightening and Calling Responsibility for Vietnamese Dioxin Victim Campaign, mentioned that she was in high dudgeon with the fact that the Supreme Court denied justice to over 3 million Vietnamese dioxin victims and to US veterans affected by Agent Orange. She added that the lawsuit carried out by VAVA has been supported widely by US and international citizens. They asks for justice and damages to Vietnamese
Lawsuits relating to Agent Orange are on a long fight for justice. It began from U.S veterans after the end of the war in 1975. In 1984, U.S chemical companies including Dow Chemical, Monsanto and other companies accepted to give a compensation of USD180 million to US veterans affected by this poisonous chemical substance. Along with petition of VAVA, these two petitions are also concerned with US veterans who got ill in the later period and asked for damages compensation in this USD180 million.
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“I Drew loneliness”
tient admitted to this hospital 35 Hue's nurse shared that the few lines she wrote may reflect her misery in years ago. life. When she is in full possession The patient file noted: Ms Dinh Thi of her senses, she helps the nurses Hue, Occupation: Secretary; Home- take care of the other patients. She town: Khanh Hoa; Sickness re- often confides that she has never On learning that a painting by a curred 3 years ago; Symptoms: been happy with her life. In 1970, patient from Bien Hoa Mental Hos- extreme unhappiness, suicidal she graduated from high school and pital was bought by Dong Nai muse- thoughts. Hue's father left her moth- went to work as a secretary for one um, I went to the hospital to find out er for another woman. She used year. She became ill after that and more. drugs and made several attempts to recovered in 1975 when she recommit suicide. After being admit- turned to her hometown to study in The doctor told me that she had been ted, she kept writing words referring the Pedagogic College. Another drawing for a while until her sick- to her father such as "I'm waiting for year passed before her sickness interness recurred a few years back. Her my father to come back. I will get rupted her life again. For 30 years, paintings always express loneliness. well." Another record states that she the teaching student lived the life of In her file, archived under the for- was hospitalized in June, 1976, es- a mental patient. Sometimes she mer regime, the brown paper was corted by local officials after they would invite doctors and nurses to titled “Bien Hoa Metal Hospital - caught her vandalizing the market listen to her lectures and grade them No. 291/73”. She was the 291st paone by one
“ What did you draw on it?”, I asked. “I drew loneliness”, shyly she answered.
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“What do you teach?”, I asked. what to say to him, so I stood anymore, why should I miss it?”, “I teach about Earth, Heaven there and let my shoes sink in the she answered sadly. sand the way he did. We were Thirty years gone by, her destiny and Hell”, she said. standing on the white sand of was the same as hundreds of othI asked if she did any kinds of Bien Hoa, homeland of pomelo. er patients who were abandoned writing. She nodded, rushed to This is it. If we were meant to be, by their relatives. Doctors and her room and came back with a I could only pray that we would nurses are the only people these notebook. There was a beautiful reunite in forms of two white patients can count on in their portrait of a nurse that Hue had butterflies flying side by side in lives. Occasionally, visitors moved by Hue’s case give her drawn on the first page. The fol- the blue sky…” lowing pages contented her writ- Her writing usually praises the some money. She would use it to Buddha and love. She also wrote buy candies, iced tea to offer the ings in different styles. doctors and actually get about her teacher, upset if they say In “Late Love”, she wrote: “I cousin, siscame and saw him in the yellow ter in law, “Do you miss your home?” I no to her gifts. light of an evening when the and about asked. “It’s not my home, But whenever she is lucid, sunlight had retired be- spring in there’s no one there who Hue always hind the hill. He her loves me anymore, why the follows welcomed me homeshould I miss it?”, she caretakers to with a town. In answered sadly. help them in radi- “Homecomi cleaning the place or ng trip”, she ant attending to other patients. smile told about a trip to on his visit her mom, her sisters, broth- Hue may not have been happy face. He ers, nephews, and nieces with with her life, but this kind-hearta mixed feelings. “The seashore ed mental patient has touched was young-look- sparkles with the lights at night. many lives with her will to care ing man with The wind blows so strongly as it for other people and to express grey hairs. He listens to her soul lifting with herself through art. pressed his shoes joys.” hard on the sand Cindy while his eyes were I found out with a heavy heart filled with sorrow. I that all those memories were just came to him late be- her hallucinations developed as cause he was already her illness progressed. married. I loved him the “Do you miss your home?” I way a young blossoming woman asked. “It’s not my home, there loves her man even though I are no one there who love me passed middle age. I didn’t know
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Interest To win her interest in you, find some ways that can meet her expectations, and show her that you are different. To make it special, show your sincere care through what you say to her and the way you look at her. For instance: “I love what you’ve done with your hair today” or “It’s getting cold, remember to bring a jacket”, “You look thin, trust me, eat more and take care of your health”. As a guy, you may find those suggestions “corny”, but remember, girls like to be noticed and praised. I’m sure that she will be surprised and want to ask you why you care about her so much. Can the answer be any simpler? “Because I love you”, there you go, or whichever way you want to phrase it.
On her birthday, or special occasions like: Christmas day, Women Day, or Valentine Day; choose gifts which convey your feelings to her. The best way is to make it by yourself and don’t forget to add a few unique details so that she will be surprised and able to understand your message the moment she opens it. Heart-shaped gifts send a universal message to girls. These are a few ideas: heart-shaped chocolates, heart-shaped toys, and wrapping papers with heartshaped decorations would add the final touch to the whole package. Girls get these messages very quickly; but just to be sure, consider attaching a note or card stating how much you love her.
How about selecting songs which lyrics speak for your heart? Simply send it to her through Radio, Television or Telephone. However, to make her more impressed, record that song in a CD, don’t forget to add your message and send it to her. If you were a girl, wouldn’t your heart melt at the beautiful melody and the sweet lyrics sent to you by a guy who desperately wants to tell you he’s in love with you?
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What is spoken from the heart reaches the heart
Art This requires a little confidence and bravery, but it can be very effective. On a romantic evening (full-moon nights are highly recommended; also cool if it drizzles), you lie in ambush on the road she takes to get home. Prepare a rose and pop up out of thin air to give it to her. Be quick, smooth and sincere. She will be moved by your romantic gesture.
What if the love of your life is someone artistic? If you’re afraid you’re not creative enough to impress her, don’t be. Girls don’t give much credit to those who seem to be “trying too hard”. Instead, learn about her interests, do some research about the arts that she loves and try saying “I love you” in her “language”. She will appreciate you more when she understands that you appreciate her passion.
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1. Orange value 2. Red value 5. We receive these at the temple 6. Pureple value 8. "Strengthen home and _______" 11. "We will stand as _________ of God" 14. There are seven of these
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Riddles 1. Why is a river very rich? 2. A woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for over 5 minutes. Finally she hangs him out. But 5 minutes later they both go out together and enjoy a wonderful dinner together. How can this be?
3. We make and keep these sacred promises. 4. What we enjoy when we live our values. 7. Green value. 9. Last word. 10. Yellow value. 12. We are daughters of this father. 13. "______ and act" 15. Where we go to receive ordinances. 16. Blue value. 17. White value.
Answer keys page 18
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MUSIC CORNER
Philip David Charles "Phil" Collins is an English singer-songwriter, drummer, keyboardist and actor best known as the lead singer and drummer of English progressive rock group Genesis and as a Grammy and Academy Award-winning solo artist.
His singles, often dealing with lost love, ranged from the drum-heavy "In the Air Tonight", to the dance pop of "Sussudio", to the political statements of his most successful song, "Another Day in Paradise". His international popularity transformed Genesis from a progressive rock group to a regular on the pop charts and an early MTV mainstay. "One More Night" is the first single from Phil Collins' third album, No Jacket Required. "One More Night" was Phil Collins' second U.S. number-one single, following "Against All Odds", and was his fourth single to reach the top ten in the UK. The video features Collins playing the piano in a downtown bar in London. Collins was playing around with his drum machine when he started saying the chorus of the song. He later recalled that "The rest of the song was written very quickly."
Robert Hilburn of the Los Angeles Times originally disliked the song "One More Night", but later praised the song, saying that "Collins' soulful but polite vocal style is also capable of capturing the pain of going through yet one more night without her." Isaac Guzman of the New York Daily News said that the song brought about "snuggle-inspiring tenderness".
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One more night, one more night I've been trying ooh so long to let you know Let you know how I feel And if I stumble if I fall, just help me back So I can make you see Please give me one more night, give me one more night One more night cos I can't wait forever Give me just one more night, oh just one more night Oh one more night cos I can't wait forever I've been sitting here so long Wasting time, just staring at the phone And I was wondering should I call you Then I thought maybe you're not alone Please give me one more night, give me just one more night Oh one more night, cos I can't wait forever Please give me one more night, ooh just one more night Oh one more night, cos I can't wait forever Give me one more night, give me just one more night Ooh one more night, cos I can't wait forever Like a river to the sea I will always be with you And if you sail away I will follow you Give me one more night, give me just one more night Oh one more night, cos I can't wait forever I know there'll never be a time you'll ever feel the same And I know it's only words But if you change your mind you know that I'll be here And maybe we both can learn Give me just one more night, give me just one more night Ooh one more night, cos I can't wait forever Give me just one more night, give me just one more night Ooh one more night, cos I can't wait forever
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Riddles 1.Because it has two banks. 2.She took his picture and developed it.
'I'm in a terrible fix,' moaned Raymond. 'I'm in love with two girls and I don't know whether to propose to Wendy or Mary.' 'No problem,' said Sean to the Englishman. 'I know you're not a Catholic but I think the church could help you. Call in tomorrow morning, kneel down and try a sincere prayer to God - that should do the trick.' Next morning Sean arrived to find Raymond with a beaming smile. 'It worked. It's a miracle,' Raymond enthused. 'I walked in, knelt down and there it was written in red across the altar cloth: AVE MARIA!' 18