Vegan Outreach - Help End Animal Cruelty

i was walking on campus today and a man handed me a pamphlet to read. handing out flyers or pamphlets is a common scene at school or colleges. most of the time, i just got flyers about religion and faith, which i always threw away afterwards. this might give you the impression that i am not a believer. no, i am a believer, but a Buddhist one. reading about Christian/Catholic teachings is not of my interest. anyway, back to the story. today, i got the pamphlet that earnestly asks people to help prevent animal cruelty. the pamphlet really touches my heart and i will definitely follow their advices and requests. i suggest you to take a few minutes of your precious time to read the following, & who knows, your perspective might change for the better ^__^

EVEN IF YOU LIKE MEAT
YOU CAN HELP END THIS CRUELTY

"If everyone just cut their meat consumption in half, billions of animals would be spared from suffering. As you read on, please bear in mind that opposing the cruelties of factory farming is not an all-or-nothing proposition: By simply eating less meat, you can help prevent farmed animals from suffering."

“In my opinion, if most urban meat eaters were to visit an industrial broiler house, to see how the birds are raised, and could see the birds being ‘harvested’ and then being ‘processed’ in a poultry processing plant, they would not be impressed and some, perhaps many of them would swear off eating chicken and perhaps all meat.
“For modern animal agriculture, the less the consumer knows about what’s happening before the meat hits the plate, the better. If true, is this an ethical situation? Should we be reluctant to let people know what really goes on, because we’re not really proud of it and concerned that it might turn them to vegetarianism?”
Peter Cheeke, PhD Oregon State University Professor of Animal Agriculture
Contemporary Issues in Animal Agriculture, 2004 textbook

"In the past half-century, most Canadian livestock production has moved from small family farms to factory farms—huge warehouses where animals are confined in crowded cages or pens or in restrictive stalls. The competition to lower costs has led agribusiness to treat animals as mere objects, rather than individuals who can suffer. Hidden from public view, the cruelty that occurs on factory farms is easy to ignore. But more and more people are taking a look at how farmed animals are treated and deciding that it’s too cruel to support."

“[It is] more economically efficient to put a greater number of birds into each cage, accepting lower productivity per bird but greater productivity per cage.… [I]ndividual animals may ‘produce,’ for example gain weight, in part because they are immobile, yet suffer because of the inability to move.… Chickens are cheap, cages are expensive.”
Bernard E. Rollin, PhDFarm Animal Welfare, Iowa State University Press, 2003

Please click HERE to read the full pamphlet. i promise it wont be a waste of your time. credits to Vegan Outreach

Kenix and Chilam reunited after 12 years

Kenix and Chilam first collaborated in a 1994 series called Remembrance. at the time, both were still newcomers in the showbiz. even though they only acted as lovers once, their chemistry left a lasting impression on fans. ever since, fans were anticipated for their second collaboration and it finally came in 2002: Take My Word For It. however, it pissed fans off, especially Kenix's fans, myself included, when they found out Kenix and Chilam would have no romance at all. Kenix was paired with Bobby and Chilam was paired with Annie Man. a big disappointment for those who love this couple. but fans were still hopeful...

in showbiz, there are always chances for artists to work together. fans were satisfied when Kenix and Chilam got back together in a mainland series titled Redtask, and this time, they played lovers. during the filming process, there were hundreds of pictures taken by both fans and reporters. many were anticipated for this reunion after so many years. the series took about 3 months to film and approximately 2 months to edit, and was finally aired in mainland in February, 2007. Redtask was aired several times in several places in China, Shanghai included. i'm not sure how well the ratings were because there seemed to be no report about it. however, when Sina conducted a poll to choose the best series for 2006 (or 2007), Redtask was able to make it to the top 5. as i remember, it was in the 3rd place. even though its votes were way far behind the top 2 series, it managed to beat Huang Xiaoming's Shang Hai Bund. as this was only Kenix's 2nd mainland series (her 1st one being A Matter of Life & Death Brothers in 2000), and she's still new to mainland audience, i'm happy with the viewership.

Chilam-Kenix Then and Now

Remembrance was Kenix's 2nd TVB series after a mini series with Michael Tao titled Glittering Moments. in this series, Kenix played a girl (Nanxing) who grew up in France and when she came back to Shanghai with her father, she began to lose everything she had. her father was accidentally shot by Chilam (Hong Fei) during an assassination (Chilam being an assassin) in a ball room, which led to his death and caused Kenix to become blind. feeling guilty, Chilam decided to take care of Kenix and gradually fell in love with her. when Kenix had surgery and could see again, she recognized that Chilam was the person who shot her father, she hated him so much but did not have the heart to kill him, she ran away. she wanted to forget everything and get revenge on life by joining a brothel and becoming a prostitute. she was lucky when her first customer was a good man who loved her truly. seeing Kenix ruining her life because of what he did, Chilam became depressed and unmotivated in life. all he wanted to do was to leave Shanghai to go back to his homeland. at the same time, Kenix started to realize that life at the prostitution was not what she wanted, she also left Shanghai and went back to her homeland. coincidentally, the lovers met again and Kenix told Chilam that she had forgiven him.

Kenix had a younger sister named Tong Yue Bai (played by Chow Jing) who was also in love with Chilam. she worried and followed Chilam to his hometown and Chilam made the mistake by sleeping with her. even though Kenix forgave him regarding her father's death, this still prevented him from getting back together with her. Chilam had to marrry Chow Jing and Kenix married the man who was her first customer and left for France. she came back 3 years later and the couple realized their hearts still had each other. the war between China and Japan came and went and after many obstacles, Kenix and Chilam were able to get back together. Chow Jing realized that her husband and the happiness she had were truly of her sister, so she left Chilam and found her true happiness by becoming a nun and helping war victims. Kenix's husband also realized that his wife's heart had someone else, so he let go of her and concentrated on his duty of fighting for China's freedom from Japan. Chilam and Kenix met again in Shanghai and the couple hugged in front of the house that Chilam bought for them years ago.

Redtask has not been released in Vietnamese yet, so i only watched it in Mandarin. of course, i had no clue what the characters were saying *__^. however, i could still guess that the series was about how Communism could bring happiness to people, a theme that i take no interest in whatsoever. the series took place during the Nationalism period, i believe. regarding Chilam's and Kenix's relationship, i could make good guesses. Kenix seemed to be raised in a brothel and eventually became a prostitute. Chilam came from a well educated family in which he was the only son. Kenix were able to go to school and it appeared that was where she met Chilam. he often rode his bike to school to pick her up. however, she did not tell him who she was and never allowed him to know where her house was. one day, he asked her why couldn't he walk her to her house, she reluctantly told him that she lived in a brothel. he was shocked and even dropped his bike while Kenix ran away full of shame. however, he was able to accept her and the two started to date. he often dressed up nicely and went to the brothel to see her, despites his mother's disapproval. on the same day that Chilam proposed to Kenix, the Communists came to take all the prostitutes away to camps where the girls would be reeducated. however, Kenix was able to escape the camp after a few months and she ran to Chilam's house. the Communist soldiers went to find her at his house because the chief knew they were lovers. Chilam's mother wanted to turn Kenix in, but Chilam held a knife on his neck and told her he would kill himself if she did that. Kenix was able to hide in Chilam's house for some time.

during her stay, Kenix found out that Chilam's mother were arranging for Chilam to marry another girl, who the family knew for quite some time, i think. while Chilam were trying to explain to Kenix, his mother said something about her not deserving him. she got mad and ran away. while running, she crossed the street without seeing that a car was approaching. Chilam ran out to get her and both were hit by the car. Kenix broke her ankle so Chilam took her home. the two were able to share some sweet moments for a few days before Chilam's mother thought of another trick to get rid of Kenix. she put some kind of medicine in Kenix's soup and so Kenix's face started to have blemishes. not wanting Chilam to see her like this, she left the house and came back when her face recovered. however, Chilam was not home and his mother called the soldiers to capture her back to the education camp. Chilam was depressed for not knowing why Kenix left and where she was right now. one day, he overheard his mother's conversation with the house maid, he knew his mother arranged for Kenix's recapture. he was angry he decided to move out.

after being at the education camp for a while, for some reason, Kenix was transferred to another place where she had to work so much harder by carrying rocks. i guess because she escaped, she was punished while her prostitute friends at this time were released for their good behaviors. Kenix's best friend (played by Luo Hai Qiong), who was also a prostitute, became the chielf's wife and was pregnant with his baby. however, after some arguments, she left him and met Chilam. they knew each other so Chilam took her home because she was fainting on the street. Luo, being very dependent and needy, started to see Chilam as a perfect man to take care of her and her baby. when Chilam was drunk, she had it set up so that he would think he had done something to her and so he'd take responsibility. Kenix knew that the two were living together but she trusted her friend and her boyfriend. after a few months, Luo and Chilam went to visit Kenix at the camp. seeing Luo's big belly, Kenix was shocked and looked at Chilam with questions. he didnt dare to look at her eyes and Luo explained that the baby was Chilam's. deeply hurt, Kenix left the room. the next day when Chilam visited her again, she refused to see him. feeling extremely guilty, Chilam decided to have his own plan. he waited until Luo delivered the baby safe and sound, helped Luo raise the baby boy for some time, then he left all his money and his house to her. he did something for the soldiers to capture him and sent him to the same camp Kenix was staying in. the couple's relationship was reconciled. after a few years, Chilam and Kenix were released and they were able to stay together until old age.

even though i do not fully understand the plot, i could still tell that all the politics and Communist teachings in here won't be liked by many viewers. nonetheless, Kenix's and Chilam's sweet moments are able to make up for the rest. this is a series that fans must not pass up. the couple was romantic in Remembrance, but they are even more intimate in Restask with all the kisses and hugs. Redtask is the first series after Kenix left TVB and is her last one at the moment. hopefully she'll film more for mainland and i'd love to watch another collaboration of her with Chilam. i just cannot get enough of them ^__^.

pictures credited to Sina and respective owners.

Idy Chan hosts an ATV's program

Idy Chan and Athena Chu attended the press conference of ATV traveling programme "HK top ten natural landscapes" yesterday and announced they would be the guest-hosts in the show. They chatted unstop in the function and it seemed they clicked very well. Athena said she wanted to collaborate with Idy from long time ago and they exchanged phone number.

Idy smirked she is a freelance right now so she can work for TVB, ATV or RTHK without hindrance. She also revealed that she had refused the invitation from TVB for shooting "On the Road" in Nepal. But she did hope to visit some special places like Xin Jiang, Kashmir or North Korea. However, TVB rejected them all since they thought it is difficult to arrange shooting in N. Korea and Kashmir is in war now.

When asked if she will irritate TVB for filming a similar programme for ATV? Idy said, "I haven't thought about it. I will take any job which suits me. I'm discussing some other projects in different genres with TVB, just that nothing has confirmed. I'm also waiting for a drama from RTHK which the director told me he'd tailor write a script for me. I phoned him earlier but he said he was busy for the HK return anniversary. Now the event has already gone so I think he might meant the next return anni."

Idy will go shoot at Ng Tung Chai. Originally she's asked to go to Lantau Peak for the sunrise and she's excited. But later some family member reminded her that she would look ugly and half-dead when she reaches the peak after a good climbing, plus she'd need to go there at midnight so she changed the idea. She afraid she won't look good on screen and will scare the audience away.

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Thanks to Kit from Idy Forum for the English translation.

Source: Mingpao

Ex-Lovers: Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder

WINONA Ryder was banned from marrying Johnny Depp by her father.
The actress - who met the heartthrob actor on the set of 1990 film Edward Scissorhands and was engaged to him for around three years - has revealed her dad Michael Horowitz forbid the pair from tying the knot because she was only 17 at the time.
In a joint interview with Vogue magazine, Horowitz recalled: "They were the hottest couple in the US at that time, like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are now. They were cool."
Ryder said: "But you stopped a wedding."
To which Horowitz replied: "We loved Johnny but you were 17."
Ryder, now 35, split from Depp in 1993.
During their relationship the Sweeney Todd actor had a tattoo etched onto his arm which read "Winona Forever".
However, after their separation he had the body art changed to read "Wino Forever".
Ryder - who was arrested for shoplifting in 2001 - has since dated Soul Asylum frontman Dave Pirner and actor Matt Damon.
Depp is now in a long-term relationship with French star Vanessa Paradis.
The couple have two children together, five-year-old son John Jack and eight-year-old daughter Lily-Rose.
Meanwhile, Ryder is the latest Hollywood fan of Aussie cosmetics king Napoleon Perdis.
"I love Napoleon Perdis make-up, the products are amazing!" she says in a note on her personal stationery.
Her favourite products are Lip Lacquer in Pink Patina, China Doll eyeliner, Ultra Pearl and Color Disc eyeshadows.

source: www.news.com.au
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it's a shame that Depp & Ryder were unable to tie the knot. i always love them together & wish that they could still be a couple. their chemistry in Edward Scissorhands were undeniable. Ryder is the most beautiful American actress in my opinion. if only they had collaborated more than once...

Idy was presented with Calligraphy from Andy Lau

July 28, 2007

Idy Chan was interviewed by TVB paid TV programme, BE MY GUEST , (Zhi Yun Dining Time ) , yesterday. Manager Chen Zhi Yun presented her with a basket of foods, countdown timer funnel, & a calligraphy by Andy , Shan Xin Lian Lian ( being kind-hearted continuously) . Idy was delighted on seeing Andy�s calligraphy.
Chen invited Idy to shoot an outdoor programme in Nepal, she is still thinking about it, as the standard of hygiene is not as good over there. She is worried about her health, actually she has quite many places she yearns to visit, such as Qing Dao, Tibet, Vietnam & others.
Idy autographed on 2 sets of DVDS on Return of The Condor Heroes, one to give to Andy & one for Chen
Said Idy, "Many thanks to Master Lau for being so heartwarming, the calligraphy is good, I have not contacted him for a long time, I am so surprised that he readily wrote for me. (Andy feels that you always o charity thus wrote the 4 words for you.) Let me enjoy the pleasant surprise first!" When asked if Andy was involved with the shooting of the TV programme with her, will the draw be better? She quipped she wont answer any questions based only on assumption.

The Interview

Idy Chan was recorded for the TV programme Be my Guest yesterday. The host Stephen Chan gave her some gifts: a timer funnel (encourage everyone to use some time to do good deeds), a basket of food (for Idy pleasure since she doesn�t lack any materials thing) and a very special one was just sent out from Taiwan. It is a calligraphy 「善心蓮蓮」 (it means a kindhearted Idy) written by Andy Lau. It surprised Idy very much and in return, Stephen asked Idy to sign on the ROCH DVD to give to Andy. He also invited Idy come back filming so that she could collaborate with Andy on screen again.
Idy (chuckles): Thank you so much for this thoughtful gift from Mr. Lau. The meaning of the words is wonderful. In fact, I didn't contact Andy for a long time. I'm totally surprised of his act and kindness.

Reporter: does it prove that your good deeds are approved by Andy that why he agreed to write those words for you?

Idy: I need to contemplate it when I go home. Just don�t want the praise go to my head and blind me.

Reporter: Where do you want to hang it?

Idy: Let me think about it when my excitement goes away.

Reporter: (always asks Idy the same question) did TVB contact you for filming?

Idy: I'm in discussion with Leung Ka Shu for a modern drama but nothing has come out yet.

Reporter: What make you in consideration?

Idy: It must be fun of course! Even I play a role of mental disorder person; I want it to be inspiring. I hope the audience will be comfortable, happy and have fun to my character.

Reporter: Will it be more attractive to you if Andy takes part in it.

Idy: I won't answer any assuming question.

Stephen Chan also gave Idy a polo T-shirt and 2 books, as he wanted to invite Idy filming On the Road season 3 but she didn't agree.

Idy: TVB wants me film in Nepal but I'm worry about the hygiene issue. I must think about it carefully.

Reporter: Then any place you'll love to go?

Idy: Tibet and Qinghai are okay. But it seems that someone had already gone there. Maybe I can go to Vietnam. I heard the gals there are pretty.

Reporter: But the country is not clean either.

Idy: Vietnam was once a French colony. It can't be that dirty.

Reporter: Speaking about the interview in Be my Guest, are there any questions you won't answer?

Idy: Stephen can ask any question but I can choose not to answer.

Reporter: will you not answer relationship thing?

Idy: It depends on how to respond. I'd rather zip my lips than to give out a vague answer and confuse the audience.

Idy chuckled at the thought of those many complicated questions Stephen made in some previous episodes. She is afraid that she will stutter to his questions.
Idy: I have watched the episode with the HK chief executive Donald Tsang. Just that part where Stephen asked Mr.Tsang of the whistle thing took almost 15 mins. But it is funny to see Mr.Tsang being this childish.

News sources: ON.cc / Ta Kung Pao / MingPao OL - Weekly / Wen Wei Po / Oriental Daily / The Sun / Apple Daily

Thanks to Andy Town for the first translation and Kit from Idy Forum for the interview translation!

What's new at FK's blogs? ^__^

July 2, 2007

Kenix visited Toronto for vacation with husband Frankie. even though the weather was very cold with the freezing rain, Kenix and Frankie still went outside to take pictures to share with fans.

Frankie's message

July 5, 2007

I've been in Shanghai for more than a week to film my new series. today, the filming wrapped up at 5pm and i went to eat dinner with my colleague Laura. after i got back to the hotel, i wanted to share my feelings with you all. the weather in Shanghai is very hot and humid right now, but i'm having fun because the crew treat me very nice. also, there are many fans who come to visit me. thank you very much! Okay, i have to go read my script to prepare for my scenes tomorrow. i will show you the filming pictures some other day.

Source:blog.sina.com.cn/guokeiyng

Source:blog.sina.com.cn/linwenlong

news taken from Frankie-Kenix VN forum

Vietnamese translation by MichaelMiufan4ever@tvbvnfc.net

Frankie Lam filming a new series in China

Frankie has started filming a mainland series in Shanghai on June 27. i don't know the leading actress because i don't watch mainland series much at all, but she looks pretty. the series will focus on the competitive and stressful life of work and romance of a group of people in a company. Frankie will play a manager who has been transferred from Hong Kong to work in mainland China. Frankie commented that his biggest obstacle is the language but the crew hired an instructor to assist him.

not much information is known about the series as of yet. i'm just glad that Frankie has started working after a long break. he's supposed to be back to TVB this September for Forensic Heroes sequel.

Credits : Bao Anh Dat Mui for the Vietnamese translation, Sina.com for image.

Idy Chan making a comeback to TVB??

June 26, 07

Idy Chan together with Sammo Hung & wife, & others were at a spa opening ceremony yesterday. Idy announced that she intends to make a comeback, said, "I have been away from this circle so long, of late I make some market survey, now that I am not too old, I can still do." Will she be back to TVB? She said she had contacted the senior officer of TVB Liang Jia Shu & they need further negotiation.

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Sources: ON.cc / Images@TungStar / HK-Image / MingPao OL - Weekly - US East NY - US West SF - CA East Toronto - CA West Vancouver / Wen Wei Po / Oriental Daily / More photos news: QQ / SINA / TOM / XHN /

Thanks to Andy Town for the translation.

News taken from Chan Yuk Lin Online

This is such a wonderful news. after so many years, she decides to make a come back. hopefully she'll shine again, and that TVB will appreciate her.

Idy Chan Appears in Public Again for Charity

Idy Chan never say anything about retirement...

2007.05.25

Idy Chan shown up in a charity walk today and she spoke about the tango dance she had partnered with Nat Chan for fund raising many years ago. Actually she didn't like that kind of "closeness" and would rather perform other things instead. When asked if she wanted to return to the entertainment field since she had made several appearance in public lately, Idy emphasized that she'd never said any word as retirement. She also disclosed that TVB had contacted her for filming but nothing was confirmed yet at this moment.

additional details translated by Sakura

Susanna Kwan, Hacken Lee, Bosco Wong, Carol Cheng, Nat Chan, Fala Chen, Vincy Chan and Vinci Wong took part in the press conference to annouce the details of the forthcoming Community Chest Fundraising Show this Saturday [May 26] by TVB. The show's producer Ho Siu Wai indicates that they have invited Idy Chan, who lives reclusively, is back for this event to help raise money and she will be partnering Nat Chan to maybe re-enact their Tango performance to raise money. When Nat found out that he will be working with Idy, he laughed: "I'm not Yeung Gor. Did she not work with Andy Lau and Chow Yun Fat only? But I can dance with pretty Lin Mui, it is just dancing I don't mind, I'm very happy. We worked together in EYT [Enjoy Yourself Tonight] a long time ago and I played her elder brother."

News sources are courtesy of: ON.cc / MingPao OL - Weekly - US East NY - US West SF - CA East Toronto - CA West Vancouver / The Sun / Oriental Daily

thanks to Kit for the English translation. news taken from Idy English Forum and Chan Yuk Lin Online

http://geocities.com/chanyuklinonline/?200724

Idy really looks fresh and pretty in those pictures. i hope that TVB will offer her a meaty role to welcome her back. all the best to you, dearest Idy!

A Random Article on Idy Chan

A regret

Going through the course of searching new faces for movies, Ann Hui do has a regret. She once met an actress who was good in acting and also charming in her own way. But before she could collaborate with her in a movie, the girl chose to live a carefree life and stay away from the spotlight of the stage.
"It was in the 70's when Tam Ka Ming still working in TVB as a scrip writer/director. One day a sound man told me there was a new actress Idy Chan, who acted very well in a TV series about young people; it seemed she could act from head to toes. I watched her in TV; a very pretty girl. She was about 5'2-3" but looked tall and in good proportion on screen. Before filming movie "The story of Woo Viet", Ann Hui already decided to take Chow Yun Fat and Idy Chan as the leading roles. "The two carried sort of blue feeling. When they were together, their faces and elements just gave people an impression of frustration."
When she told Chow she wanted Idy Chan, Chow looked reluctant and he told Hui speak to Idy directly.
"I met Idy Chan in a cafe when she'd just returned to HK for holiday from Canada. She said she was not suitable to the role since she had gotten some 10 pounds of fat. I stared at her. She did look a bit chubby in her worker trousers. But I told her I could wait until she silmed down. However, she insisted on her decision. I doubted she just didn't want to co-star with Fat Chai on screen and show their romance publicly."
When Yim Ho (movie director) planned filming "The Extras", Ann Hui recomended Idy to him as the female leading role but unfortunately it didn't hit the box office. Then when Ann Hui directed a RTHK TV series "The path", she took Idy, Dodo Cheng and Wong Suk Yee as the casts. After it, Idy Chan filmed severl movies but she didn't get famous.
"Perhaps she didn't know how to take initiative to get a role that fits her and it was not the trend for a newbie actor to get an agency manager back then," said Ann Hui.
Eventually, Cherie Chung played the leading role in "The story of Woo Viet" and got famous. "Of course she was stunning beautiful. She was pretty than Idy Chan. But Cherie's beauty was worldly and men would easily attract to her. But as a movie director, I'd rather prefer the one who was the best leading actress in my heart."
"To this date, I still think it was a regret that Idy Chan didn't play the female leading role in this film......nevertheless, I appreciate very much of her persistence. She was a good actor."

thanks to Sakura for finding the article and Kit for translating it into English.
Source: Mingpao Weekly

http://geocities.com/chanyuklinonline/forum.htm?200612?200717