ICSC Family

ICSC YEAR-END PARTY

Here are some best pictures from our year-end party. There are still more nice pictures. But unfortunately, i could not post more here due to the size is too big. If you want to get more picturres, pls contact Hoa-ICSC.

Thanks and regards

Lateral Thinking

With logic, you start out with certain ingredients just as in playing chess you start out with given pieces. But what are those pieces? In most real life situations the pieces are not given, we just assume they are there. We assume certain perceptions, certain concepts and certain boundaries.
Lateral thinking is concerned not with playing with the existing pieces but with seeking to change those very pieces. Lateral thinking is concerned
with the perception part of thinking. This is where we organize the external world into the pieces we can then 'process'
There are some stories for your group to find out answer !
1. Betty signals to the headwaiter in a restaurant, and says, "There's a fly in my tea." The waiter says, "No problem, madam. I will bring you a fresh cup of tea." A few minutes later Betty shouts, "Get the manager! This is the same cup of tea!" How did she know?

2. Coming home from work, Simon had just put his key in the lock of his door when he heard his wife Betty scream, "Bill, don't kill me!" He dashes in to find Betty dead with a knife buried in her chest. Standing around the body are a postman, a doctor, and a lawyer. The husband immediately knows the postman killed his wife. How?

3. A horse is tied to a five meter rope in front of an old saloon. Six meters behind the horse is a bale of hay. Without breaking his rope, the horse is able to eat the hay whenever he chooses. How is this possible?
4. A man is lying dead in a field. Next to him there is an unopened package. There is no other creature in the field. How did he die?
5. A man rode into town on Friday. He stayed for three nights and then left on Friday. How come?
6. Deep in the forest was found the body of a man who was wearing only swimming trunks, snorkel and facemask. The nearest lake was 8 miles away and the sea was 100 miles away. How had he died?
7. What occurs once in June, once in July and twice in August?
8. A woman had two sons who were born on the same hour of the same day of the same year. But they were not twins. How could this be so?
9. There are six eggs in the basket. Six people each take one of the eggs. How can it be that one egg is left in the basket?

10. It was a dark stormy night and a couple were in a car racing madly through a foreign city. The car broke down and the husband had to go get help from someone who spoke his language. He was afraid to leave his wife alone in the car so he pulled up the windows and locked the car before leaving. When he came back, the car was in the same state as he had left it but his wife was dead, there was blood on the floor and there was a stranger in the car. What happened?

11. A police officer saw a truck driver clearly going the wrong way down a one-way street, but did not try to stop him. Why not?

Year 2007: The Remarkable Events in Vietnam

In the year 2007, Vietnam continues her strong and stable development in politics, economics and is recorded as one of the fastest growing economics in the world. Vietnam has gained many achievements from educations, culture, social development to external affair in politics. However, Vietnam also has to face with many obstacles in Climate change (increasing flooding level in Central, landslide), inflation and disease.
Here are the summary of some events (good and bad) which are believed to be significant in year 2007:

1) Economic growth, foreign investment, import and export turnover (doanh thu) are all highly increased.
Vietnam has gained her highest GDP (Gross Domestic Products) over recent year, GDP is estimated to reach number of 8.5 %, higher than 2006 which was 8.17%. Personal income is increased to 855 USD per person per year.
Export turnover is about 14 billion USD, increased 20.5% in comparison with last year. Total import turn-over is 59 billion USD.

2) Inflation increases tremendously, workers struggle with risen living cost.
This year, inflation is recorded as a tremendous increasing, estimated around 11%. Meanwhile salary is not much improved and poor people are facing with many difficulties in life as cost for living is risen day by day.

3) Vietnam to affirm (khẳng định) her position in United Nation and to be elected as a non-permanent member of UN Security Council
Vietnam as the country has just been elected by the 62nd General Assembly as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2008-2009 tenure (nhiệm kỳ) with a high level of trust of the international community.

4) Safety helmet: safety awareness and obedience of law
From December 15, 2007, all motorcyclists have to wear safety helmet when using motorcycle. The punishment for those who don’t conform to this law is very strict. Although there were many opinions before launching this law, it was amazing to see that 98% of people had worn safety helmet from 15 December. It is believed that wearing helmet will improve people awareness of road safety and then reduce number of accident.

5) Central of Vietnam: facing with continuing flooding and typhoons


This year is also an unlucky year for people who live in Central of Vietnam. A lot of people died, lost and injured by bad weather, even thousand of people were in hunger and homeless.


6) Cholera (dịch tả): a warning of Vietnam food safety and hygiene
The first cholera infected patient was found on 23rd October 2007 and after that, many cholera cases had been found over 13 provinces. “Mam tom” was strictly forbidden, and this banned issue is still one of the scandal of ministry of health. By the end of the year, there was announcement from Minister of Health declare that cholera had been in control and there was no more cholera patient.

7) Bridge collapse, : a warning of safety in Construction
Bridge collapsed in Can Tho province in September killed 54 people, injured 80 people and hundred of people lost their beloved husbands, fathers, and sons.
Recently, accident of Ban Ve hydroelectric power plant (công trình thủy điện), killed many engineers and technician.
These two accidents had drawn people pay attention to safety in major construction in Vietnam.

8) Sport: tears and smiles
2007 is also a remarkable landmark in history of Vietnam sport. In SEAGAMES, we were in the third rank over ten countries participated and we just lost the second position to Malaysia until the last minutes of SEAGAMES. In football, we have defeated many big teams to enter into quarter final of Asian Cup, as well as get into the second round for Olympic games. However, it was very disappointed to Vietnamese fan to see football team totally lost in Seagames.

Many other events happened in year 2007, and most of them contributed to the development of Vietnam economics and society. Vietnam is now looking forward to year 2008, and she will get a big improvement, a big success in the coming year.

Reference: http://www.laodong.com.vn/

Team work practice:

Every member of the club is divided into some small groups which includes 4 to 5 members. A paper and a pen will be sent to each group to summarize what they are discussing, and to use for their presentation. Each group will discuss to answer following questions:
1) Using main reading as reference, added from your knowledge and experience, which is the most remarkable events in 2007 in Vietnam?
2) Why does your group choose this event? Does this event have any impacts or improvement to Vietnam social and economic development?
3) Besides this chosen event decided by your group, please list down three other events your group think they are remarkable.
4) Which event/topic/issue has a big impact in your life? Please tell us the reason why.

Your Favourite Holiday Trip

In Vietnam, we have so many holidays a year : Tet holiday, New Year, National day, Labour Day, etc… One of the most popular way to enjoy the holiday for Vietnamese is travelling to scenetic places like Da Lat, Vung Tau.

If you don’t want to spend too much time for trip organization, you can buy a tour from agency. They have a wide range of services which can fit your time and budget. However, some youths who like adventure and freedom normally like to organize the tour themselves. Another kind of travel that is emerging now is open tour. This is the combination of above two types of travel. That means agency will book bus ticket and hotel for you. You will be independent to decide how long you stay there and when you will leave. There are many agencies like this scattering across Vietnam such as SINH Café,... And they have built a connection together and made a perfect tour chain for serving customers. This is one of most preferred tours for foreign tourist.

Nowadays, together with the increase of life standard, the tour services are getting more and more diversified. If we look back at our travelling 15 year ago, you can easily find out that travelling is simply going to some place , enjoy sight-seeing, food. Now, there are more services for you to enjoy when travelling: out door games (like climbing, sailing, driving canoes, …) or relaxing services (spa,..) or team-building activities which are customized for company.

Of course, each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. But in general, they all give you their own way to experience many interesting things during the trip with a lot of unforgettable memories. Please share with us your favourite holiday trip.

Questions:

1/ How many places have you travelled? Is there any abroad one?
2/ What kind of travel have you used ?
- a tour from agency?
- A tour organized by yourself?
- A open tour?
3/ What do you think of the advantages and disadvantages for each one that you have taken?
4/ Is there any trip that gave you the most unforgettable memory? If yes, tell us what it is?
- Where did you go?
- When?
- What made you like it most?
- Any sweet memory or accident? J
5/ Do you have any advices for people when travelling to make it an excellent trip?
- what we should prepare?
- What we should/should not do during the trip?
- Is there any advice for places that you should not miss during your trip?
- Is there any tour that you think they can offer good service?
6/ Tet is coming soon. Do you have any advice for us where to go?

FURTHER READING

Located on Hon Tre Island off the coast of Nha Trang City, in southeastern Vietnam, considered one of the top 29 most beautiful bays in the world, there is a tropical paradise waiting to be found, one of Asia’s best kept secrets … Vinpearl Land a dream destination, with 1 km long private white sand beach and turquoise sea, backed up by a range of hills and tropical greenery, where you’ll find everything you’ll ever wanted for the perfect vacation… The luxury of a 5 star Sofitel Vinpearl Resort & Spa completed by the advantage of an Amusement Park close enough to add fun to your holidays without compromising your siesta time.
Sofitel Vinpearl Resort & Spa is one of the top 5 star resorts in the Region and provides a range of options for those who don’t want to go out. The luxury resort property caters both for business and leisure guests and it is an all-year round resort destination providing 300 days of sunshine per year with a comfortable temperature of 26.5 degrees Celsius. Facing the establishment the guests are spoiled with an impressive 5000 square meters pool and its luxurious tropical gardens. The Resort has 500 stunningly designed guest rooms, 17 suite rooms and 2 Presidential Suites, able to satisfy the most demanding guests, providing comfort, privacy and convenience. There are a variety of international restaurants serving an exciting blend of Asian and Western culinary specialties, indoors and al fresco. For Meeting and Conferences, the resort features a Grand Ball room for up to 700 guests with full business support and telecommunications facilities, the adjacent luxurious gardens make it suitable for Banquets and Weddings where a natural green oasis adds charm to the elegance of the traditional marriage ceremony. The Spa managed by the famous Shiseido Salon & Spa offers a full menu of therapeutic and revitalizing treatments that benefit the body, the mind and soul, offering services for both men and women. In addition there is a modern gym where guests can work out at their on pace in a fun and stylish environment.
Vinpearl Amusement Park provides a variety of indoor and outdoor games, Food Village, with restaurants for all tastes, Shopping Street offering a wide range of shops and services, from carefully crafted antiques to designer clothes, Event Hall a self-contained environment designed to accommodate up to 1.500 guests in a state-of-the-art decorated room, where a balance of work and play is achieved in order to ensure successful meetings, an impressive Amphitheatre with 5.000 seats and a moving stage where a variety of shows, including the Miss Vietnam 2006 were performed and last but not least a Discotheque with the most advanced and lightning equipments added by an impressive design and the talent of top DJs.
Vinpearl Land launched a cable car system 3.320 meters long, the longest cable car across the sea in the world. The nine pillars on the sea and ground have the shape and structure like the Eiffel Tower, lightened by laser systems at night. The system has the capacity to transport 1000-1500 people per hour, making easier to reach the island…. The new attractions for Vinpearl Land don’t stop there; in 25 June 2007 a Water Park was opened, followed by a Water World, Spa Village, Golf Course and about 130 private Villas… Vinpearl Land is a rare jewel that was just found… a Pearl…. Vinpearl Land the Pearl of Vietnam is an all in one holiday, ready to please everyone. Mr Pham Nhat Vuong - the investor of Vinpearl Land, said the company is continuing to expand and in coordination with other investors will carry out other projects.

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Pocket Funny Story For Travel

A man with three wishes

A man is going in a desert, lonely. There is no other people. There is no tree. The weather is very hot. The water has been gone out. When he's nearly die, a genie appear suddenly and give him tree wishes. After thinking carefully, he say:
- First, I want to become a light man. Second, I want alot of water. And third, I want many women to be around me.
The genie say:
- Ok. I will make your wishes come true.
Immediately, the man is turned into a.... WC of woman

Who is smarter?

A woman and a man are involved in a car accident; it's a bad one. Both of their cars are totally demolished but amazingly neither of them are hurt. After they crawl out of their cars, the woman says:
"So you're a man, that's interesting. I'm a woman. Wow, just look at our cars! There's nothing left, but fortunately we are unhurt. This must be a sign from God that we should meet and be friends and live together in peace for the rest of our days."
Flattered, the man replied:
"Oh yes, I agree with you completely!" "This must be a sign from God!"
The woman continued:
"And look at this, here's another miracle. My car is completely demolished but this bottle of wine didn't break. Surely God wants us to drink this wine and celebrate our good fortune."
Then she hands the bottle to the man, The man nods his head in agreement, opens it and drinks half the bottle and then hands it back to the woman. The woman takes the bottle, immediately puts the cap back on, and hands it back to the man. The man asks:
"Aren't you having any?"
The woman replies:
"No. I think I'll just wait for the police...""

XMAS CELEBRATION

SWEET XMAS

The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world- From November onwards, more than 400milion people celebrate Xmas , that makes Xmas one of the the world’s biggest religious and commercial festivities. At that time everybody will take holiday to come back home for getting together, sharing for all of what happen during last year.

At that time, many town centers and shops will be decorate colored lights, shiny decoration and artificial snow painted on shop windows. Christmas tree with light and Christmas ornaments also appear every where. Shopping centers become busier ands often stay open till late and you can hear many traditional Christmas songs when you go to public areas. Most homes will be also decorated with Christmas trees, colored lights and paper or plastic decoration all of rooms. There are many Christmas greeting cards will be posted to friend, family in the three weeks before Christmas. Christmas greeting cards are often winter pictures, Father Christmas, best wishes or romantic scenes of life in past times.

Therefore Christmas is called a time for families, fund and enjoying! A time of family gathering and holiday meals. A time for Santa, stars and singing. A time for ornaments, gift and light. A time for who wants to return to a period in our childhood or some other good times in the past to against the troubles of adult life.
In our Vietnam, the Christmas celebration usually starts with Christmas Eve, the evening of December 24 and last during next day (25 December) so with almost Vietnamese Christmas is the most magical time of the year.
Talking about Christmas, thinking about happiness and hope. So Christmas is coming which will bring the peace message for our like today.


THE OLD MAN WITH SACK – WHO IS HE?

Father Christmas or Santa Claus has become the human face of Christmas, the old man with long white beard, red coat and bag of toys. Children are taught that he brings them presents the night before Christmas and all of children really believe this is true. He come into house down the chimney at midnight an places present for the children in socks or bags at their beds or in front of family Christmas tree. Children believe that if they write their wishes in letter and send to Father Christmas, their dreams will come true. Therefore, Christmas can be a time of excitement for children.

QUESTION FOR DISCUTION

1. Where will you go to enjoy the Christmas Eve?
2. What will you do to welcome Christmas?
3. What present do you want to receive in this season greeting from your sweet heart, your family and your friend?
4. If your lover/ your wife or your husband talks with you that he or she will make your wish come true but just only 1 wish on this Christmas. What would you wish? ( Great! Golden chance)
5. Have you ever welcome Christmas alone? Or with sadness?
- If yes, what happened? How was your feeling? What did you do?
- If no, pls imagine what you will do?
6. Which activity do you like best in preparing to celebrate Christmas? Shopping? Home decoration? Etc…?
7. Do you think that there is difference in Christmas welcome way between the single people and marriage people? If yes? What is it?
8. Have you ever had a sweet Xmas? What is it?
9. Do you think a real Christmas should have snow and cold weather? Is there any place on the world you wish to enjoy Christmas?
10. What do you think of Bien Hoa Christmas? Is it fun and beautiful?

SONG FOR CHRISTMAS
LAST CHRISTMAS( Chorus )

Last Christmas,I gave you my heartBut the very next day

You gave it away

This year , To save me from tears

I'll give it to someone special

( back to Chorus )

Once bitten and twice shy

I keep my distance

But you still catch my eye

Tell me baby

Do you recognize me?

Well It's been a year

It doesn't surprise me

(Happy Christmas)

I wrapped it up and sent it

With a note saying "I love you"

I meant it

Now I know what a fool I've been

But if you kissed me now

I know you'd fool me again

( back to Chorus )

A crowded room

Friends with tired eyes

I'm hiding from you

And your soul of ice

My god I thought you were

Someone to rely on me

I guess I was a shoulder to cry on

A face on a lover with a fire in his heart

A man under cover but you tore me apart

Now I've found a real love

You'll never fool me again

(back to Chorus )

(back to Chorus )

A face on a lover with a fire in his heart

A man under cover buy you tore him apart

Maybe next year I'll give it to someone

I'll give it to someone special.