(haven't gotten the time to organise this page yet. Don't know the codings and stuff)
In this book, the author examines the challenges faced by North Korea of maintaining a personality cult into the third generation and the 21st century. The author is familiar with his work and makes frequent references to relatively recent works such as The Cleanest Race and The Aquariums of Pyongyang. There are fresh insights into the character of KJI (different from the mainstream media's) as well as tales often repeated by the Western and Japanese media. The book attempts to examine the horrors in the prisons of N. Korea (not that different from the ones in other countries from my other readings) and public executions. It also looks at the country's slow opening up of its economy to the outside world. Some of the attempts to open up economically are rather amusing and a little surprising in the way that they are conducted. The book also explains why both South and North Korea wish to have a gradual opening up of the economy, rather than an abrupt one. A notable company, Hyundai has also been trying to win the leader's trust. The book also discusses where the leader get his funds from - ironically, he's a capitalist although he maintained a communist country.
From other sources: From what I know so far, the new generation of North Korean leaders have travelled places, and studied overseas. They have seen the changes and rapid growth everywhere around the world. They would want to replicate some of these successes in their own country. They are also opening up their economy slowly, at least to their northern neighbour China and a little bit to South Korea. From a chat with a South Korean, I came to know that there are some South Korean sentiments that the US is interested in keeping the North and the South apart. When I asked whether I can buy North Korean stamps or other stuffs as investment, I was told that South Koreans are barred (or advised?) by their own government from doing such things.
Burma, once the richest country in Asia. It turned into a basket-case when it was closed off to the outside world in 1948. Foreigners and businesses were driven out, and the state was declared the owner of all land.
From other sources: Already, international corporations are moving in to take advantage of the economic development. US, on the other hand, is still stuck in its old ways and thoughts. Lots of restrictions on US businesses by their politicians have not been lifted. So in the mean time, businesses don't have to compete against US corporations.
A wonderful read for long-term investors. Great for those who understand some basic Austrian economics. Good for those who are interested to know more about the world, have an open mind to unlearn mainstream stuffs and relearn real stuffs, and want a peek into his various undertakings throughout his life. 249-pages. A page turner. Finished in a couple of hours. Stayed up to read from 12am-5am. ~ 5/5
A great book which examines the psychology behind people who survived unimaginable adversities, and those who don't. This book examines in detail and explains how many deaths could have been prevented, had the victims know how to think and act. It dispels myths about certain disasters, and give useful tips on how to survive them. Those who read this book will be more prepared in handling unexpected happenings in their lives. As a bonus, the reader can log onto their website together with a code provided on the book, do a 15-minute questionnaire designed by a leading psychologist, and understand his/her type of strengths to draw on to in the event of a calamity. Overall an interesting 340-page read.
Great book that provides some historical perspective to the currency wars. Currency wars have happened twice in the past century, and the third one is underway now. This has never benefited the world. And it is amusing that most people today still think that devaluing one's currency can lead to more exports and more wealth.
Finally finished the hefty 710-pages biography of Warren Buffett. Didn't quite like him at first but I thought it would be good to read up about him. A great personality with great passion, drive and focus. One can only dream to be 10% as hard-working as he is. I gained more respect for him as a person after reading the book. However, it's unfortunate that his calls for the 2008 $700 billion bailout of failed financial firms and his distaste towards gold will be his biggest mistakes in the later part of his life. The worst thing is that many people who look up to him will be affected following these 2 advices. I've seen videos of congressmen quoting him so that they can push their bailout and spending agendas.
A great book on memory techniques by an 8-time world memory champion. I've taught some of the techniques to my students, and they find it very cool. I've known about these techniques for quite some time but finally laid my hands on this book when I saw it in Popular. So far, I can memorize a list of 100 random items just by reading through them once, and I can recite the exact sequence in forward and in reverse order. You can also pick any item in the list at random and I can tell you what comes before and after it. I think memorizing 1000 items is not a problem. Amazing, effortless techniques which everyone can learn and master! Great for combating brain-ageing and forgetfulness.
An amazing book on zoology and evolution. This book does not disprove religion, but it does disprove critics of evolution. It also corrects a lot of misconceptions about evolution. It amazes me how the ingenuous human species can make discoveries and progress in science.
Great book by a former CIA top agent showing that the US is kidding itself if it thinks that terrorists attack it for its freedom and wealth, rather than what it is doing in their homelands. The book shows that US will not win the fight against terror, because their basic assumptions about terrorism is so wrong. The book is right in saying that the US should be less involved in the middle east, and should withdraw troops from there, but I do not agree with the author's assertion that US has to use force to defeat terrorism. Nice author nevertheless.
nice book on the psychology behind human procrastination, and the various methods to combat it. Most notable is that the book advocates setting "approach goals" rather than "avoidance goals".
great book on issues of liberty. All politicians and citizens alike should read this. Otherwise, political debates are super shallow.
Book was written in 1946, and updated in the 1970s. This is an excellent book for everyone, talking about the basics of economics. Today our managed economics is 180 degrees away from the wisdom espoused in this book. Good book for those who cannot think in terms of real stuff (fish, wood, machinery, labour, etc) and who can only think in terms of dollars (paper money).
A book in the reading list that Ron Paul assigned to Rudy Giuliani because he, like many US politicians, knows nuts about foreign policy. This book gives compelling reasons on why suicide terrorism occurs. It was because of foreign occupation of the terrorists' homelands. Innocent civilians are often killed due to these occupations. Since the terrorists cannot achieve a balance of power against these foreign invaders, they seek to achieve a balance of fear instead. As a conclusion, the author then correctly recommends that the US get out of the Arabian Peninsula to prevent future suicide attacks.
Good book on farming. Scientific. I won't be working in a farm but it is good to know what to look our for when investing in a farm business.
In this book, the author examines the challenges faced by North Korea of maintaining a personality cult into the third generation and the 21st century. The author is familiar with his work and makes frequent references to relatively recent works such as The Cleanest Race and The Aquariums of Pyongyang. There are fresh insights into the character of KJI (different from the mainstream media's) as well as tales often repeated by the Western and Japanese media. The book attempts to examine the horrors in the prisons of N. Korea (not that different from the ones in other countries from my other readings) and public executions. It also looks at the country's slow opening up of its economy to the outside world. Some of the attempts to open up economically are rather amusing and a little surprising in the way that they are conducted. The book also explains why both South and North Korea wish to have a gradual opening up of the economy, rather than an abrupt one. A notable company, Hyundai has also been trying to win the leader's trust. The book also discusses where the leader get his funds from - ironically, he's a capitalist although he maintained a communist country.From other sources: From what I know so far, the new generation of North Korean leaders have travelled places, and studied overseas. They have seen the changes and rapid growth everywhere around the world. They would want to replicate some of these successes in their own country. They are also opening up their economy slowly, at least to their northern neighbour China and a little bit to South Korea. From a chat with a South Korean, I came to know that there are some South Korean sentiments that the US is interested in keeping the North and the South apart. When I asked whether I can buy North Korean stamps or other stuffs as investment, I was told that South Koreans are barred (or advised?) by their own government from doing such things.
Burma, once the richest country in Asia. It turned into a basket-case when it was closed off to the outside world in 1948. Foreigners and businesses were driven out, and the state was declared the owner of all land.
An eye-opening book as to the horrors and tragedies suffered by the people of Burma in the past 6 decades. Burma had attempted to reform several times but failed disastrously. Stories of killings, torture, and rape abound. I feel that the people will be better off owning guns. Then at least the government and military will not trample all over them. This is a good case for anti-gun advocates to examine.
These tragedies in Burma did not receive wide international media coverage till recent years. People were more concerned about North Korea nuking other countries, which in my opinion is the wrong thing to worry about. The August 2011 reform in Burma gives me cautious optimism that the country is opening up.
From other sources: Already, international corporations are moving in to take advantage of the economic development. US, on the other hand, is still stuck in its old ways and thoughts. Lots of restrictions on US businesses by their politicians have not been lifted. So in the mean time, businesses don't have to compete against US corporations.
A wonderful read for long-term investors. Great for those who understand some basic Austrian economics. Good for those who are interested to know more about the world, have an open mind to unlearn mainstream stuffs and relearn real stuffs, and want a peek into his various undertakings throughout his life. 249-pages. A page turner. Finished in a couple of hours. Stayed up to read from 12am-5am. ~ 5/5
A great book which examines the psychology behind people who survived unimaginable adversities, and those who don't. This book examines in detail and explains how many deaths could have been prevented, had the victims know how to think and act. It dispels myths about certain disasters, and give useful tips on how to survive them. Those who read this book will be more prepared in handling unexpected happenings in their lives. As a bonus, the reader can log onto their website together with a code provided on the book, do a 15-minute questionnaire designed by a leading psychologist, and understand his/her type of strengths to draw on to in the event of a calamity. Overall an interesting 340-page read.
Great book that provides some historical perspective to the currency wars. Currency wars have happened twice in the past century, and the third one is underway now. This has never benefited the world. And it is amusing that most people today still think that devaluing one's currency can lead to more exports and more wealth. 
Finally finished the hefty 710-pages biography of Warren Buffett. Didn't quite like him at first but I thought it would be good to read up about him. A great personality with great passion, drive and focus. One can only dream to be 10% as hard-working as he is. I gained more respect for him as a person after reading the book. However, it's unfortunate that his calls for the 2008 $700 billion bailout of failed financial firms and his distaste towards gold will be his biggest mistakes in the later part of his life. The worst thing is that many people who look up to him will be affected following these 2 advices. I've seen videos of congressmen quoting him so that they can push their bailout and spending agendas. 
A great book on memory techniques by an 8-time world memory champion. I've taught some of the techniques to my students, and they find it very cool. I've known about these techniques for quite some time but finally laid my hands on this book when I saw it in Popular. So far, I can memorize a list of 100 random items just by reading through them once, and I can recite the exact sequence in forward and in reverse order. You can also pick any item in the list at random and I can tell you what comes before and after it. I think memorizing 1000 items is not a problem. Amazing, effortless techniques which everyone can learn and master! Great for combating brain-ageing and forgetfulness.
An amazing book on zoology and evolution. This book does not disprove religion, but it does disprove critics of evolution. It also corrects a lot of misconceptions about evolution. It amazes me how the ingenuous human species can make discoveries and progress in science.
Great book by a former CIA top agent showing that the US is kidding itself if it thinks that terrorists attack it for its freedom and wealth, rather than what it is doing in their homelands. The book shows that US will not win the fight against terror, because their basic assumptions about terrorism is so wrong. The book is right in saying that the US should be less involved in the middle east, and should withdraw troops from there, but I do not agree with the author's assertion that US has to use force to defeat terrorism. Nice author nevertheless.
nice book on the psychology behind human procrastination, and the various methods to combat it. Most notable is that the book advocates setting "approach goals" rather than "avoidance goals".great book on issues of liberty. All politicians and citizens alike should read this. Otherwise, political debates are super shallow.Book was written in 1946, and updated in the 1970s. This is an excellent book for everyone, talking about the basics of economics. Today our managed economics is 180 degrees away from the wisdom espoused in this book. Good book for those who cannot think in terms of real stuff (fish, wood, machinery, labour, etc) and who can only think in terms of dollars (paper money).A book in the reading list that Ron Paul assigned to Rudy Giuliani because he, like many US politicians, knows nuts about foreign policy. This book gives compelling reasons on why suicide terrorism occurs. It was because of foreign occupation of the terrorists' homelands. Innocent civilians are often killed due to these occupations. Since the terrorists cannot achieve a balance of power against these foreign invaders, they seek to achieve a balance of fear instead. As a conclusion, the author then correctly recommends that the US get out of the Arabian Peninsula to prevent future suicide attacks.Good book on farming. Scientific. I won't be working in a farm but it is good to know what to look our for when investing in a farm business.
History about water, how settlements started with water-control. Water developments throughout history, how mastery over water gives empires and nations great advantages and how nations fight over it. The book also talks about the grave water challenges the world is facing today.
Good stuff- some history about physics, and the latest development in physics
A funny book about the history of physics, chemistry, biology, geography
A general book on why China is one of the most exciting places to invest in for the near future.
Psychology book.
A book written by a 'queen of property' in Malaysia. This book will be helpful for me in the future when property prices collapse.
Psychology book on how we miss most of the stuff that we are not looking out for, even though those stuff are right in front of us.
A nice history book around the world-war 1 and 2 period. Full of facts.
A book detailing the different journeys of 3 entrepreneurs to success.
A nice book about Socrates and his philosophies. It gives me some perspective on the lives of the Greeks and the way they view things.
A book on how google got started and became what it is today. |
Inspiring book which looks into Mark Zuckerberg's company. Makes me feel like taking up programming too. Mark's model works on the customer-first, revenue-later principle. Personally I think only a few companies can do this. For the average entrepreneur, cash flow still seems to me to be of utmost importance.
I read Richard's book to get a glimpse into his life and the way he thinks. His life seems to be really fun and exciting. Although I also look for fun and excitement, I think his version is too much for me! Nevertheless, it's a great read.
George Soros is a fund manager and a philosopher. He is an advocate of the open-society. While he does have good intentions, I think his ideas are a little self-delusional and potentially harmful to the world if implemented. I've watched his interviews and his opinions help the financiers, not the average Joe on the streets.A book on the various commodities that we can invest in, and why they are set for a gigantic bull-run in the years to come.
A book on Jim Roger's trip around the world in a car. Great read!
Here we can see some of Jim's attitude towards life and investing.
