25 things every man should do by 25

You are getting nearer and nearer to 25, meaning you have been living 1/2, or hopefully, 1/3 or 1/4 of your life. Have you ever regretted that you should have done something? Have you ever thought of what you should do in 5 years’ time? Here comes a tip about 25 things a man should do by 25. Feel free to add your own in the comments so that I can revise it, and hopefully, one day we can eventually have the list of 25-should-do things that is the standard of all men.

Click on the title to read in more detail. I have tried my best to KISS it (Keep It Short and ‘Stupid’).

1. Apply a skin care regimen

2. Buy enough underwear

3. Buy enough toilet paper

4. Buy a great razor

5. Buy at least 4 good pairs of shoes: dressy, business casual, casual, exercise

6. Buy a blazer and a tailored suit

7. Listen to war stories

8. Learn a tasty signature dish you can whip up for a date

9. Get 6-pack abs

10. Treat all women well

11. Be independent from your mama

12.Expand your relationships (acquaintances)

13. Get regular checkups

14. Find the right hobby

15. Find what you really love

16. Find your real master

17. Involve yourself in at least 2 serious relationships

18. Smile frequently and generously

19. Do something “stupid”

20. Go travelling to different countries

21. “Change your house”

22. Start building your nest egg

23. Start a business

24. Lose it all

25. List at least 25 more things you should do by 25

Other should-do nominees:

*Get the ideas and inspirations from the topic at Frisky

ps: The last 5 things every man should do by 30, will be revealed next week

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2007

2006

Protected: Anh Yêu Em Nhiều Lắm

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2007

2006

Empathy

To Students who is taking the UEE in the WORLD CUP periods

Between passion (World Cup matches, favorite teams) and study (a vital exam), what would you choose? Well, generally we would choose both, but it is not the case. There must be a smart trade-off!

FACTS

With the current studying structure in Vietnam, there are two big exams, that is High School Exam at grade 9 and the most important one – University Entrance Exam (UEE) at grade 12. In respect to the World Cup and UEFA Euro – the two biggest football competitions in the world, happenning once in every four years, it is expected that all student – football fans  will experience the dilemma once (and only once) in their student lives!!
To be honest, it is a bit unlucky to take the exams, particularly UEE, during World Cup period. For me, I am so “lucky” that I do not have to take the UEE during World Cup period, but I did experience the quandary at grade 9. I still remember that my mother was crying when I watched my dear Italy in the last World Cup at the night before the exam. What is more, my results lamentably were not as expected although it is never to blame.

SOLUTIONS?

Anyway, it must be conceded that World Cup somewhat affects students’ spirit, preparations and therfore results of the two biggest exams. The fact that the number of student – football fans, whether male or female, is definitely not small if not huge, give us a big question, is there any solution, any smart trade-off between the two? With the senior experience, I however have no advice to the students. It is very difficult to give a ‘right advice’ in the case. Instead, I would leave it up to the students – they are the only one who knows their actual strengths, weaknesses and how to deal with it. Do enjoy the World Cup, but please also remember to fulfill your exams and never let your parents worried. For the parents, why don’t you let your sons choose and decide by themselves because at this age, they are no longer the kids. Had you better apply the so-called “Freedom in Discipline”!? Also, please never put too much pleasure and expectations on your sons! They are too young to fail!

Most importantly, Exam is nothing but a “real challenge”. And its result is just a tangible part of a very intangible thing called Education. I wish you luck in your exams! Take it easy!

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2007

2006

Italy: Behind the early exit!

(5th & final edition) 
 Lippi ended his second reign as a Italy coach with an embarrassing defeat against Slovakia witnessing the current champions eliminated surprisingly in the first round. But would the failure be that surprising as it seemed to be? Is Lippi the only one to blame? And most of all, will Italy’s future be as dreadful as the failure?

FAILURE: It’s not that surprised

It is the norm that a coach will shoulder full blame for a team’s failure. Lippi will (and must) do it, and a brand new cycle will soon start as Cesare Prandelli supplants him. But hold on! Before looking forward to a better future, let’s take an overall look at what has happened with Italy under the Lippi’s second reign.
After the failure at Euro 2008, Marcello Lippi yet again took charge of Azzurri with the mission of helping Italy qualify and get results at the World Cup in South Africa. Yah, he did it half! The first mission accomplished as Italy easily won the UEFA qualifying group 8 with seven wins and no lose. What a smooth running! Perhaps the ex-Juventus boss wanted to “create history” by repeating the achievements of coach Vittorio Pozzo who won back-to-back World Cups in the 1930s when he had agreed to return to the Azzurri. And it was the time for him to fulfill it. He had nearly a year to prepare for the second biggest sport competition in the world.
However, contrary to popular speculations, he came to a very surprising squad selection – omitting Totti, Cassano, Miccoli and Balotelli, while keeping washed up veterans such as Gatusso or Canavaro. Many may (and actually did) accuse Lippi of stubborn and selfishness. Yep, there is no doubt that Italy would be stronger with the likes of Cassano or Miccoli, but yet again it must be conceded that these omissions were not as shocking as Zanetti’s, Cambiasso’s or Ronaldinho’s. Moreover, no one could guarantee that the presence of Cassano or Miccoli could help Italy avoid being eliminated that early. Obviously, with the experience of Iaquinta and Gilardino, who were the champions four years ago, and 29-goal Serie A top scorer Di Natale, Lippi had a good excuse for omitting Cassano and Miccoli or refusing to re-call Totti in the last minutes (which, if happened, would have been unfair with other players who participated and helped Italy qualify for the World Cup as Nesta admitted). Every coach has their own philosophy, Lippi does too. I totally agree with him that experience is the most important factor in the competition wherein players only have to play at most SEVEN matches! (Look at Robert Green versus David James!) Most importantly, it was, in my opinion, not Lippi’s fault but rather Canavaro’s or Gatusso’s as they should retire from international football after 2006 tremendous success like Totti and Nesta did. It is hard (for Lippi) to omit one’s (his) heroes (as he “had to” do it with Grosso), isn’t it?
Lippi had also tried to combine the experience and the youth – well, made the youth compensate for the elder, to be precise, but failed! Why? Here comes the answer:
Most of all, we must confess that there is actually no world-class player in the current Italian generation generally, and particularly in this team! Nesta refused to return; Pirlo was injured and already passed his prime; there was neither Totti nor the likes of him; the youngsters like Marchisio, Criscito caused disappointing; Maggio is same age but not the quality as Grosso four-year ago; Cassano and Miccoli are, albeit good, definitely not world-class yet; Canavaro is really a shame – he (is actually the one that “contributed” to and) stands for Italy’s embarrassing failure as he did for Italy’s tremendous success four-year ago!
No –thing new, no big player, yah, no wonder failure!

The embarrassing draw against New Zealand, who stands far away from Italy’s strength, quality and level, exemplifies the fact that it was not utterly Lippi’s but rather both Lippi’s and players’ fault, as Montolivo confessed, for the early exit! (Say, for example, if Brazil draws Thailand, whose fault is that?) 

Comment

It is not the first time (and not the last time) I try to ‘defend’ a failed coach in the World Cup. (Perhaps I will do it again after the round of 16 match of England, lol, hopefully not!) Coaching career life seems relatively volatile and risky! Let’s see the ironic situation of another Italian coach legend, Fabio Capello: no sooner had he agreed to extend his contract than he would be at risk of being sacked if England will be eliminated “early”! Lippi will forever remain a legend for masterminding the 2006 World Cup success but Lippi now is much different from Lippi before the World Cup, and of course from Lippi of four-year ago. In respect to the lesson of another World Cup champion Scolari1, should Lippi “step twice into the same river”?
1 Scolari’s reputation was greatly ruined after being sacked as a Chelsea manager in the early of 2009. Afterwards he ‘wandered’ at an Uzbekistan club and now returns to Brazil.

FUTURE: today we cry, tomorrow it’s better world!

We see can see the light, albeit not too bright, in the future of Italy.
There were moments in the second half of Italy’s last and disappointing match in the World Cup when the performance kept up, to a certain extent, with the standard of the “real Italy”…
It probably comes from the players.
On the one hand, we bid farewell to Canavaro, Zambrotta, Gattuso as well as Totti, Grosso, Nesta and thank them – another golden generation, for their tremendous contributions. Futhermore, there would be no room for the likes of Di Natale, Marchetti, Maggio and perhaps, Gilardino, Iaquinta or Pepe in the brand new team under Prandelli’s reign.
On the other hand, some of the players in this damn team can actually become indispensable charactersin the Prandelli’s strategy. Quagliarella is absolutely one of them after his amazing performance in the second half of the last match. The twenty seven-year old is already known for scoring spectacular goals form unconventional angles that often catch the goalkeeper by surprise. Yet again, he scored a stunning goal when executing a 25-yard chip to bring the score to 3-2 at 91’ in Slovenia match. In my sight, few players would do that particularly in the situation where Italy was losing 3-1. There would be a lot of things to talk about the character in the future. Buffon and Pirlo are still one of the best at their positions. Hopefully they can contribute more to the team owing to the fact that there is still nobody can supplant them. In the near future, it is hard if not possible for Italy to find new golden generation or even a few world-class players. Nonetheless, Italy can be a united team of qualified players instead of a team of several groups of world-class players.
Let’s imagine: Buffon, Chiellini, Pirlo, De Rossi, Cassano build the framework of the brand new Italy team; Miccoli, Giuseppe Rossi, Quagliarella, Montolivo, Aqualian, Cossu complement this framework while Giovinco, Ballotelli, Santon, ones of the world’s best prospects, are the choices. What a team! Theoretically, the future of Italy looks brighter than that of Portugal, France, England and even Germany (!?) in term of youngsters’ prospects and team’s quality. Now is Prandelli’s mission to transform the current mess into a champion team.

The article reflects author’s opinions

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2007

2006

nghèo

“” Nghèo có thể là khổ, là thiếu thốn, là đói rách, là không bằng được anh này, cô kia… Nhưng tôi biết, nghèo không phải là tội! Một đứa trẻ bị dị tật bẩm sinh đâu phải là lỗi của nó. Đáng thương! Cũng chẳng có ai sinh ra đã là triệu phú. Có người nói, nghèo về tâm hồn, nghèo về cuộc sống mới là tội.
Tôi không trách hoàn cảnh, tôi không trách số phận, càng không trách ba mẹ tôi, vì tôi biết họ đã phải cố hết sức để nuôi tôi khôn lớn. Tôi vẫn hay nghĩ hay là mình làm lại cuộc sống của mình!! Một cuộc sống mới, tốt đẹp hơn, sung túc hơn! Được như vậy tôi sẽ lo được cho ba mẹ những năm tháng về già, con tôi sinh ra cũng sẽ không giống tôi bây giờ! Ý nghĩ thoáng qua đánh thức những khao khác có của tôi – nó cũng tốt lắm, hay lắm nhưng tôi biết làm gì bây giờ!?
Đối với tôi, một cuộc sống có phần vất vả, khổ cực không làm tôi vùi mất ý chí, thậm chí còn làm gia đình tôi gần lại nhau hơn. Tôi vẫn luôn tự nhủ, tuy rằng về vật chất mình không được như ai khác, nhưng bù lại tôi có được một gia đinh hp, một chỗ dựa lớn về tinh thần – điều mà không phải ai cũng có được. Nhưng, nói để làm được một cái gì đó, với tôi, là quá khó! Giấc mơ của tôi cũng nhỏ bé lắm, rằng sẽ có được một ngôi nhà to hơn, khang trang hơn, để ba mẹ được yên giấc mỗi đêm, để không phải từ chối mỗi lần bạn đề nghị về nhà. Nói chung tôi ước những gì mà người ta có bây giờ. Nhà cửa, xe cộ…Với tôi thế là đủ! Còn những cái cao sang hơn, những cái người ta “đua đòi”, ước muốn thì tôi không bao giờ dám nghĩ tới, thậm chí chỉ là trong giấc mơ. Trở thành một triệu phú ư? Không, không thể nào! Tôi thậm chí không dám đối diện với cái “giấc mơ khủng khiếp” đó. Tôi biết mình không quá giỏi, nhưng chắc chắn không phải là kẻ ngu; bạn bè, thầy cô lắm lúc còn khen ngợi tôi, nhưng tôi luôn “cuối đầu“. Tôi “lo lắng” bước được vào cánh cửa đại học, nơi mà tôi trở thành niềm tự hào của cả dòng họ. Rồi đây, tôi cố gắng bước ra khỏi cánh cửa đó, dù biết rằng mức học phí là rất cao; kiếm một cái gì đó để làm, rồi sau đó gặp được một anh chàng nào đó hào hoa, lãng mạn… Ước muốn của tôi cũng giống bất kì người bạn cùng trang lứa nào. Nhưng, thật lòng mà nói, nhiều lúc tôi không thể vượt qua những ác cảm của mình. Tôi rụt rè, yếu đuối và sợ hãi. Cái cảm giác đó luôn ở trong tôi cho đến lúc mà tôi “có” hay chính thức “sở hữu” một cái gì đó. Giấc mơ về một anh chàng hào hoa ấy dường như chỉ là ước muốn về một chỗ dựa vững chắc cho sự íu đuối của tôi. Càng sợ, tôi càng khao khác; càng khao khác, tôi lại biết mình sẽ không làm được!? Một cô gái xấu xí, nghèo ‘quắc quơ” như tôi có ai mà để ý đến. À cũng có, mà rồi cũng nhanh chóng qua đi… Cơ thể tôi, còn người tôi dường như là mảnh ghép của 2 nữa khác biệt, một bên “tả” và một bên “hữu”. Bên tả yếu đuối còn bên hữu cứng rắng hơn. Khi bên tả – cái nội tại của bản thân tôi “attack”, bên hữu – của cái mong muốn khác khao, “defend” và ngược lại. Khát khao tôi như là chống chế cho “cái hoàn cảnh” tôi. Còn hoàn cảnh tôi là nguyên nhân cho mọi thất bại của tôi. Tôi vì thế khó chịu, lưỡng lự và chẳng bao giờ quyết tâm được cái gì. Đến bây giờ tôi mới nhận ra, hoành cảnh tôi nghèo, nhưng tâm hồn tôi “cũng chẳng cao sang”! Tôi ước, giá như tôi chỉ nghèo, nghèo theo cái nghĩa đen nhất của nó! Tôi cần anh…””

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2007

2006

World Cup 2010 [live]

this is my fourth* world cup as I expect to watch 21 World Cups in my life

* World Cup opener: South Africa – Mexico( remark on 12-06)

Perhaps, this is the most fascinating Worl Cup opener I have ever watched! (partly because I don’t even remember clearly the older ones lol). Despite the fact that there was neither world cup favourite nor the current champion (Italy), the yesterday opener was still well worth watching. In fact, SA had a decent performance while Mexico was, in my point of view, really impressive. However, SA still needs intensive work done in order to qualify the group stage, whereas Mexico actually lacked an inspiring player in the midfiled and a bit of luck.

In essense, SA strikers impressed me by their strengths and speeds whilst Vela and particularly Dos Santos were actually awesome. In my sight, they are the future of Mexcio as well as of the club they played. Sooner or later, believe me, they will be the top world class players! Blanco, huh, he looked like a sight actually. Yep, Mexico, however, desires a leader player with decent passing like him, of course not Blanco of present but Blanco of 12 or 8 years ago. Marquez can actually supplant the role, unfortunately he is a defender. Nonetheless, he was, once again, pretty good yesterday. He did score a crucial goal!

A first controversial decision as a perfectly good goal was disallowed seems to highlight the match. yah, Surprisingly, there are a few if not none at all posts memtioned the issue in famous online sport magazines today. Maybe it’s not the time! lol LOL, sorry! The player was actually in offside position according to the rule of FIFA!

~ Uuguay v France

no comment as I didn’t watch it!

~

>> (20/06/10) France is at the high risk of being eliminated at the group stage. After the loss against Mexico, they are well on track to replicating their horror show from eight years ago..In fact, it is little wonder as France is not highly rated before the World Cup. Nonetheless, it is somewhat dissappointing because France is always a “big name” in every World Cup and they are currently the World Cup runner-up. Many reasons have been given for the failure, wherein Domenech has had a high profile. The fans can blame him for the failure, but it is not fair to deny all his successes as a Frech coach. I found it surprising as a famous former Vnmese football player, in a prevalent newspaper’s article, slams the coach and claims that last World Cup silver is due to the contribution of the “golden generation”, particularly Zidane. I laughed at that because such ridiculous comments came from the so-called “expert”. The omission of Narsi and Bezenma is another blame for the failure. Yep, but honestly, Bezenma or Narsi’ incidents were not as shocking as Ronaldinho’s or Zanetti’s! So let’s be fair with Domenech, he deserves with what he has done! A coach, who led a team to the World Cup final and only lost in a penalty shoot-out, is definitely not a bad manager if not a fine tactician. The French failure can be seen, in different aspect, as an internal division (!?) beginning with the “unconvinced” captain armband giving to Evra, the “unconvinced” act of putting Henry on the bench or the recently insulted comments of Anelka, which axed him from the team. The team is no longer a French football team but a French theater with a traitor as captain Evra admitted.

It is not the first time the French have experienced such troubled times, especially with a squad that has several ethnic divisions and no small number of inflated egos. To conclude, together with the fact that this team is not as good as it used to be, if it is Domenech’ s fault, it is because he doesn’t know how to manage these troubles and is not able to make weak team become stronger.

~~

~Favourites Analysis (19/06/10)

Spain: seems invincible yet actually not
If we have to name the “strongest team” in this World Cup, many of our answers will be Spain. Yep, in term of “quality players”, Spain but not Brazil or any other team is the best. In fact, there are no more world-class players in other teams than Spain. Every position in the team is a star, and most of them are world-class: Goalkeeper, Calsilass; Denfender, Puyol, Ramos; Midfielder. Xavi, Iniesta, Cecs, Xabi; Attacker, Villa, Torress. Most importantly, the team has worked together for many years, and many of them are also teammates in their clubs. Their coordinations in teamwork, hence, are guaranteed. These 2 reasons make Spain seem invicible, thereby standing at the  top favourite for the World Cup title.

… Nonetheless, they did suprisingly lose their 1st round. Now there is still no doubt about their group stage qualifying as their rivals are so weak. The match, however, proves the fact that Spain still lacks something/someone to be perfect.

Argentina: Time will tell!

 Messi is simply the best! Everyone would agree with it if they watch his performances: stunning but not suprising as it is his standard. The only missing point is that he hasn’t scored any goal. However, Maradona don’t have to worry because he has the likes of Milito and Higuain. Two normal performances from the Madrid striker, yet he did score a hattrick. And that’s adequate! Maradona has an incredible attackers in his hands, including Messi of himself; Tevez (of Rooney) and Higuain or Milito (of Van Nistelrooy or Inzaghi), then Di Maria, etc. Perhaps he lacks the likes of Ronaldo to form the strongest attack ever. Notwithstanding, the goalkeeper, defenders and somewhat midfielders are below the standard of Argentina in general and the attackers in particular. Romero, Demichelis, Jonas or Veron could not be in same team with Messi, Tevez! Unfortunately, Argentina lacks what it actually has got. Zanetti and Cambiasso omission by (unknown) un-technical reasons still remains regrettable for the fans. Otherwise, in my opinion, Argentina can be “a Spain” or even stronger. Nevertheless, let’s still believe in Maradonna’s decision as everything has gone right and wait…

England: flatter to deceive…

~

~

(28/07) ~ In short,

Argentina – one of the best attack ever

Messi, Tevez, Higuain, and what’s more, Milito, Aguero, Palermo forms Argentina’s attack. Undoubtedly, Maradona has 5 of the best strikers in the world in his hands, the remaining is the one who saves his international coaching career. Even the likes of Aguero, particularly Milito have to be on the bench. What a waste, isn’t it? Everyone of them has scored or at least contributed positively to the team. In fact, Argentina has shown off their frightenning attack many times in the World Cup. However, as I said, the other parts are relatively below the standard of its attack. Anyway, Argentina if they are champions, proves the strategy, Attack is the best form of defense!

Brazil – be a truly Brazil, but not that invincible

Brazil is always Brazil. Even in their decline, Brazil is still strong. This World Cup Brazil epitomises that!? However, will Dunga regret omitting the likes of Ronaldinho, Adriano? It’s likely..

Holland – Robben, Sneijder, Persie, that’s enough!

England – flatter to deceive

England was not as good as it seemed to be. Totally dissappointing! Never grow up.

Italy – never step twice into the same river!

It was a big lesson for Lippi and FIGC. However, last 10′ of the their last match did tell something. Bright future ahead.

Germany – Totally contrary to England, always shine in their truly humble ways

Never flatter themselves. But in fact, many desire what they has done for the last 10 years.

France – Inevitable failures!

Remember: 12 years ago, they were the world champions. 10 years ago, they stood at the top of Europe. They are inevitable on the decline of their cycle. Media, please take a break…

Portugal – not a golden generation

They have a world class leader, C.Ronaldo. However, apart from him, Portugal does not have adequate supporting players. The sudden injury of Nani made things even worse.

Who are the favourites now? (29/06/10)

(to be continued)

The article reflects the author’s opinion as a frequent football reader, watcher and an amateur foottball player

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2007

2006

Huế

Khi ở Huế thấy Huế buồn chi lạ
Xa Huế rồi thấy Huế quá mêng mông
Trong nỗi nhớ một cũng là tất cả
Khi thương yêu tất cả sẽ vô cùng.
(Trần Kiêm Ðoàn)

Hai kì festival gần đây nhất, tôi đều xa Huế. Nếu như 2 năm trước, tôi như đứa trẻ “chạy trốn” khỏi sự yên bình đến “buồn bã” của mảnh đất kinh kì để đến với xứ người với một mơ ước, hoài bão, khao khát lớn; còn bây giờ, tôi đã là đứa con xa quê, luôn mong ngóng về đất mẹ. Thực tại, tôi băng khoăn, day dứt với câu hỏi, mình sẽ ai? làm gì? và ở đâu? trong 2 năm tới! Thật lòng, tôi “nguyện được xa” thêm vài chục năm nữa, để cuối cùng được trọn vẹn với quê hương…

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2007

2006