Christmas in Perth has been relatively quiet. After the rush of family dinners, and church service, I've kind of settled into a rhythm in the summer heat. Basically, I wake up, watch the Test match (cricket), read a little, and listen to some music. Sometimes i play the guitar. It's just too warm to go out (was 44 degrees on Christmas day)...
While the impression I've given is that Christmas was very routine, I was quite surprised when my parents got my brother and I tickets to the Santana concert in February - very nice =)
My volunteer work this weekend was cancelled due to the supervisor pulling out, so a lazy Saturday night is on the cards - probably a good thing as I'm on for worship this Sunday.
routines...
Friday, December 28, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
home
I feel torn between where I am, and where I'm from. Life is bringing me away from my roots, and yet every time I return home, every time I think about the friends/family that I rarely meet up with nowadays, it feels different. I realised on my recent trip back to KL that Perth is where I'm at, and where I'm meant to be for now, and yet I miss home.
I guess it's all a part of getting older - accepting that as you move towards where you're meant to be, some people from the past will play a lesser role in your life. It involves appreciating their sacrifices, and it also means that when we do catch up, we make the best of our time together. In a sense, the price of growing up is that you move away (whether voluntarily or involuntarily) from the familiar to the new. A challenge, and a blessing.
I guess it's all a part of getting older - accepting that as you move towards where you're meant to be, some people from the past will play a lesser role in your life. It involves appreciating their sacrifices, and it also means that when we do catch up, we make the best of our time together. In a sense, the price of growing up is that you move away (whether voluntarily or involuntarily) from the familiar to the new. A challenge, and a blessing.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Ma Ma
i've been on holiday in Malaysia for the last 2 weeks, attending 3 wedding dinners/lunches and one wedding ceremony. more on that in future posts...
today, i'd like to share one of the true highlights of my trip thus far (LONG, UNEDITED POST AHEAD) - catching up with my grandmother (Mrs Lam Ah Hong/ Ah Hong / Ma Ma). A bit of background. When I was young (in the last few years of my primary school), my family lived in an apartment in Section 17, while my grandma lived in the "family house" in SS2 with some uncles and aunts. As both my parents worked full time, my grandmother was the one who would look after me during the day. At nights, my parents would have dinner in SS2, and we'd return to the apartment, where i'd do my homework, play abit and then sleep. In effect, my grandma's place was where I lived.
In writing this post, I'd first like to say that this is not in any way meant to be a criticism of my parents who have unfailingly supported me all these years. However, this is why i'm especially close to my grandma. She would pick me from school in a Kancil (she'd "gotten" a driving licence in her 60s for that purpose), cook me lunch (and she's an awesome cook - used to do wedding dinners), talk with me, and we'd hang out during the day (I also used to play football daily with some neighbourhood friends). I know it may sound completely uncool to some people (hanging out with your grandma), but now as a 20 year uni student living in Perth, I miss her.
I used to teach her English (and in the process learn cantonese), and we'd talk about how she should give up smoking (she did), her childhood, my day at school, and other things. We'd even garden together. I remember growing long beans, bean sprouts, and on one occasion corn (which didn't work out too well) with her in the garden at the SS2 terrace house. And of course there were the many occasions when I had to help her thread a needle into the sewing machine she kept (younger eyes are sharper). There was even a day when my regular football friends couldnt play and thus she kicked a ball around with me, well until she fell on her back. She still remembers that to this day.
I remember a day at school (when I was in Standard 5) and I had been picked on by my friends all day... to the point where I was about to burst into tears. And I did as I walked out of school towards her. And I will never forget the hug she gave me.
There was also the day when I decided (with one of my "bright ideas") to walk home from school, and I gave her a fright. After searching the school, she eventually drove back and picked me up on the route back. She told me of how scared she was for me. The funny thing is that I can never remember her scolding me to the point where I was afraid, and yet, the lesson would be learnt. She had that knack of making every grandchild feel like the favourite one.
Ma Ma is very dear to me. She has spent all her life serving her family, and I have really been blessed in having her look after me. Today, we went for a walk around the field next door to the SS2 house (my football field many years ago). The years have gone by, and yet SS2 remains almost the same. And later we sat at the swing in the garden, and talked. She misses the days before my family left to Perth, when we all used to hang out together. In a sense the house became quiet after we left, and she felt that keenly (given her family was her life). In her words "ngor um guan jor la. mou lei dei seng yat hai li dou" (I'm not used to it, not having you guys always around). We talked about the times we spent, of how i refused to sleep as a baby, and she would have to get me to sleep - "ngor fan giok chor, but gor lei ger ngan jung hoi tai" (i was asleep already, and yet your eyes were still wide open). We caught up, and she started telling me about her childhood. In a sense, we rolled the years back.
My grandma recently celebrated her 75th birthday (chinese years). And having grown up under her eye, I can see that she's aged visibly. She's not as quick as before in thought and action. She's now on medication for diabetes and high blood pressure. And yet beneath the weight of the years on her features, i can see the heart of a lady who loves her family very much -
an aged rose remains a rose
even after a life flowers
its shed petals grace those nearby
beauty remains in frailty
She's not a Nobel prize winner, or a barrister, or a doctor, or a successful business tycoon, but she's given me so much, and I love her a lot. I cherish everytime we meet, because everytime i say goodbye, i really don't know whether I'll see her again.
God bless you, Grandma
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Updates
In the last few weeks (since i've blogged), I've:
- Received a rejection letter from Treasury (for vacation work) - looks like stacking shelves for me this summer.
- Gone to Albany and back (cell retreat) - driving, crying inside every time we pumped petrol into the 4WD, more driving, some sights, some rain, some tennis, some sport... It was all good fun (except for the petrol pumping part).
- Fallen sick - upon returning from Albany, what started off as a tightness in my throat went on to become a sore throat on Thursday, a fever that night, and a nice hacking cough on Friday... I probably deserved it though. The only green thing I ate while at Albany was possibly a Natural Confectionery Company Forest Fruits Jelly =P
- Finally completed the student exchange application tonight - its due soon. I'm becoming less of a J - inspired by my Boss (though she does things late out of necessity =P.
- Oh yeah, and more songwriting. Still not very good, but I hope I'm improving. I have to say I miss my electric (she's on a trip to the East for some warranty repairs - pickup problems). Never mind, the acoustic's still there to caress - i mean play - curse those Freudian slips.
Friday, November 09, 2007
I could sing of your love forever
I was at PCLC last weekend, and they had a different take on the song "I could sing of your love forever". I'm sure everyone's heard it before, but the chorus chords are different, and it adds a bit of oomph. Here's to one of my favourite songs
G D B-Em
I could sing of your love forever
C D-Em
I could sing of your love forever
Bm G/B-C
I could sing of your love forever
D
I could sing of your love forever
G D B-Em
I could sing of your love forever
C D-Em
I could sing of your love forever
Bm G/B-C
I could sing of your love forever
D
I could sing of your love forever
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
The procrastination + tennis + pedals post
I think this blog's getting neglected. I only post when i have time - the sign of an uncommitted relationship. Having said that, I probably wouldn't be completely responsible if I'd had blogged too often during my exams - there must be a middle ground somewhere.
Ok enough with that... on to more pressing matters. Somewhere along the course of this year, I've reached the end of my Commerce degree. After handing in my dissertation on the 15th of October, only two exams (on the 5th and 7th November) stood between me and world domination (well ok, a well-deserved summer holiday). With three weeks being the intervening period, I set about to my task with grim abandon... and the world would become my oyster.
Well no, in reality, i relaxed for the first week (lying to myself that I had to prepare for the aforementioned Treasury interview)... and then relaxed for half the following week (convincing myself that i was studying when all i was really doing was MSNing, Facebooking, Guitaring etc etc with lecture notes propped mockingly in front of me. Eventually, somehow I managed to get some study done, and i think both exams went decently (well actually Macroeconomics was a killer, but that's another story).
After the exams, I managed to catch up with Jia Wei, Chelsea and Selina for a good coffee... and caught up. All is well on their fronts =). Later, Richie turned out to be a rather formidable opponent on the tennis court. While it was a tad warm at 2pm today, that will not be an excuse for a rather inept show by yours truly. I got a good belting (6-2, 6-1)... managing to kill myself with unwelcome double faults and unexpected unforced errors. It was sad. All Richie had to do was put the ball in my end of the court (or let me serve), and wait for me to kill myself.
I think the heart-breaker for me was one game in the first set. After a drinks break, with the score poised at a tantalising 2-2, I completely lost my rhythm and lost the next two service games easily. Serving whilst trailing 4-2, i quickly went down 15-40, before managing to pull off one clutch shot after a long rally. More importantly, I had regained some measure of form, and was actually feeling confident of getting the ball in (I'm a confidence player - when i'm feeling hot, i hit well, but otherwise it all goes to pieces). What was one more break point to survive? Richie's return off my serve clipped the tape and dropped on my end. After that, it was all over...
But kudos to Richie - it was a good win, and he made infuriatingly few errors.
Asides from tennis, I've been shopping for guitar pedals lately. I've recently bought the Vox Bulldog Distortion pedal, which has a valve in-built (for non-guitarists, apparently valve amps impart better "sound" than modern solid-state amps). The in-built valve would not mean much to me, unless the sound was good, and thankfully it is (it also wins my younger brother's seal of approval). Across both channels, the distortion is amazing, and you can get a wide variety of sounds from it, from a low-gain distortion, to a more modern-sounding distortion. An excellent pedal with plenty of sweet spots. the only flaw I've identified is that the treble knob affects the unit's volume. Asides from that, its awesome.
At the moment, I'm looking at wah pedals. I'm tossing up between getting the Morley Tremonti Wah pedal, or saving up for the ultimate: the Fulltone Deluxe wah (nearly double the price). Having said that, based on what I've heard on youtube, the former looks like a pretty impressive wah for its price...
And now, back to songwriting (or possibly grabbing a quick bite).
Ok enough with that... on to more pressing matters. Somewhere along the course of this year, I've reached the end of my Commerce degree. After handing in my dissertation on the 15th of October, only two exams (on the 5th and 7th November) stood between me and world domination (well ok, a well-deserved summer holiday). With three weeks being the intervening period, I set about to my task with grim abandon... and the world would become my oyster.
Well no, in reality, i relaxed for the first week (lying to myself that I had to prepare for the aforementioned Treasury interview)... and then relaxed for half the following week (convincing myself that i was studying when all i was really doing was MSNing, Facebooking, Guitaring etc etc with lecture notes propped mockingly in front of me. Eventually, somehow I managed to get some study done, and i think both exams went decently (well actually Macroeconomics was a killer, but that's another story).
After the exams, I managed to catch up with Jia Wei, Chelsea and Selina for a good coffee... and caught up. All is well on their fronts =). Later, Richie turned out to be a rather formidable opponent on the tennis court. While it was a tad warm at 2pm today, that will not be an excuse for a rather inept show by yours truly. I got a good belting (6-2, 6-1)... managing to kill myself with unwelcome double faults and unexpected unforced errors. It was sad. All Richie had to do was put the ball in my end of the court (or let me serve), and wait for me to kill myself.
I think the heart-breaker for me was one game in the first set. After a drinks break, with the score poised at a tantalising 2-2, I completely lost my rhythm and lost the next two service games easily. Serving whilst trailing 4-2, i quickly went down 15-40, before managing to pull off one clutch shot after a long rally. More importantly, I had regained some measure of form, and was actually feeling confident of getting the ball in (I'm a confidence player - when i'm feeling hot, i hit well, but otherwise it all goes to pieces). What was one more break point to survive? Richie's return off my serve clipped the tape and dropped on my end. After that, it was all over...
But kudos to Richie - it was a good win, and he made infuriatingly few errors.
Asides from tennis, I've been shopping for guitar pedals lately. I've recently bought the Vox Bulldog Distortion pedal, which has a valve in-built (for non-guitarists, apparently valve amps impart better "sound" than modern solid-state amps). The in-built valve would not mean much to me, unless the sound was good, and thankfully it is (it also wins my younger brother's seal of approval). Across both channels, the distortion is amazing, and you can get a wide variety of sounds from it, from a low-gain distortion, to a more modern-sounding distortion. An excellent pedal with plenty of sweet spots. the only flaw I've identified is that the treble knob affects the unit's volume. Asides from that, its awesome.
At the moment, I'm looking at wah pedals. I'm tossing up between getting the Morley Tremonti Wah pedal, or saving up for the ultimate: the Fulltone Deluxe wah (nearly double the price). Having said that, based on what I've heard on youtube, the former looks like a pretty impressive wah for its price...
And now, back to songwriting (or possibly grabbing a quick bite).
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
actually i had no idea how to title this post.
It's been a while since i last wrote... I've been rushed a tad off my feet haha so the blogging tends to suffer a little. Basically in the last month or so:
Nic
It's been a while since i last wrote... I've been rushed a tad off my feet haha so the blogging tends to suffer a little. Basically in the last month or so:
- I finished the dissertation and handed it in - thank God its done. I never believed that it would take so long to format something, but yeah now i have my own book =P. Thanks to everyone who kept me going and smiling. Appreciate all the help and encouragement. Aside from one night where i ran through on 2 hours sleep, it was pretty good throughout the last week in terms of workload
- Managed to do surprisingly well in 2 midsems i thought i cocked up... so yeah pleasantly surprised.
- Got an interview for the Dept of Treasury's vacation work program - atm am scrambling to get 2 referees for tomorrow's interview. Wish me luck.
- Been a little busy writing songs for next year's camp - its been a really enjoyable process actually... nothing quite like penning lyrics out on the go. the only problem is i tend to write in spurts, so it has made the rest of my life slightly disjointed
- Cut the hair... lightheaded
- Rugby World Cup - enough said
Nic
Saturday, September 22, 2007
volatility
Time to study again...
I completed the Macroeconomics midsem yesterday - it started off well, with the first page stating that the best 8 of the 9 questions would be taken. Q1 went well, as did Q2. Q3 was left blank. So far so good. How hard could it be? Well, Q6, 7 and 9 weren't cakewalks... hopefully the results come out ok. I studied hard for it anyways (if that's any comfort).
On Tuesday, it's time for International Finance to take its bow. Camp is on the following weekend, with the THESIS due on the 15th of October, and another minor (1500 words is minor relative to a thesis) essay due on that week also.
It's starting... i probably wouldn't call it a roller coaster though. The grind sounds more apt for my situation right now.
Things to do:
I completed the Macroeconomics midsem yesterday - it started off well, with the first page stating that the best 8 of the 9 questions would be taken. Q1 went well, as did Q2. Q3 was left blank. So far so good. How hard could it be? Well, Q6, 7 and 9 weren't cakewalks... hopefully the results come out ok. I studied hard for it anyways (if that's any comfort).
On Tuesday, it's time for International Finance to take its bow. Camp is on the following weekend, with the THESIS due on the 15th of October, and another minor (1500 words is minor relative to a thesis) essay due on that week also.
It's starting... i probably wouldn't call it a roller coaster though. The grind sounds more apt for my situation right now.
Things to do:
- Go to another Perth Glory game - went last Sunday, and it was awesome. Pics will be uploaded if i remember. I mean, we lost 2-1, but the atmosphere is great, as are the chants (most of them anyways). The next game is on the 1st Sunday of October i think. Interested, anyone? Tix are $10. best entertainment in town (at a per dollar rate, anyways).
- Sleep
- Study... hard
- Play my guitar
- Prepare for cell
- Keep fit
- Run over a clown
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Bring the rain - Mercy Me
Bring the rain
I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that
I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings
You glory And I know there'll
be days When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to
praise You Jesus, bring the rain
I am yours regardless of the clouds that may
loom above because you are much greater than my pain
you who made a way for me suffering
your destiny so tell me whats a little rain
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
is the lord God almighty
is the lord God almighty
I'm forever singing
Everybody singing
Holy holy holy
you are holy
you are holy
Had a rough Monday - may have wrecked my plans for the summer. And I was bitter, I was disappointed, I was cut. For this was something i really wanted (for ages).
But at the end, as the song goes, "what's a little rain?" compared to what my Savior went through for me (Romans 8:18-39)? Dare I pray that God brings me rain, if that's what it takes to praise Him? Rain hurts... and yet I made the mistake of focusing on my failure, my situation. For a night I forgot that I am Yours regardless of what happens. I couldn't see beyond my disappointment. But nothing can separate me from You, except myself.
For I am certain that not death, or life, or angels, or rulers, or things present, or things to come, or powers, or things on high, or things under the earth, or anything which is made, will be able to come between us and the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord
Romans 8:38-9 BBE
Lord, bring me anything that brings You glory, rain or shine. I pray that I'll be able to give you glory whatever comes.
I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that
I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings
You glory And I know there'll
be days When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to
praise You Jesus, bring the rain
I am yours regardless of the clouds that may
loom above because you are much greater than my pain
you who made a way for me suffering
your destiny so tell me whats a little rain
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
is the lord God almighty
is the lord God almighty
I'm forever singing
Everybody singing
Holy holy holy
you are holy
you are holy
Had a rough Monday - may have wrecked my plans for the summer. And I was bitter, I was disappointed, I was cut. For this was something i really wanted (for ages).
But at the end, as the song goes, "what's a little rain?" compared to what my Savior went through for me (Romans 8:18-39)? Dare I pray that God brings me rain, if that's what it takes to praise Him? Rain hurts... and yet I made the mistake of focusing on my failure, my situation. For a night I forgot that I am Yours regardless of what happens. I couldn't see beyond my disappointment. But nothing can separate me from You, except myself.
For I am certain that not death, or life, or angels, or rulers, or things present, or things to come, or powers, or things on high, or things under the earth, or anything which is made, will be able to come between us and the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord
Romans 8:38-9 BBE
Lord, bring me anything that brings You glory, rain or shine. I pray that I'll be able to give you glory whatever comes.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Merdeka
Happy 50th Birthday Malaysia -
It isn't perfect, far from it. But every country has its struggles and idiosyncrasies.
Over 50 years, it's definitely gone places. If you don't believe me, talk to anyone over 40. I'm proud of my country's achievements. Passport aside, I still consider myself proudly Malaysian - a mere document cannot change what's written inside of me - Merdeka remains a powerful word 50 years on. It's funny but though i obviously wasn't there then, it still resounds within - Freedom
As we look back at 50 years of independence, and as all isn't well back home; its tempting to focus on the negatives, and blame others - but this won't help. True, others may be to blame for the less-than-perfect situation back home, and some injustices may seem entrenched, but every human has a choice in how he/she responds to each and every situation that confronts him/her. I'm choosing to pray for my country, and to act, live and hope for the best.
Why? Because I love my homeland.
To the next 50 years.
It isn't perfect, far from it. But every country has its struggles and idiosyncrasies.
Over 50 years, it's definitely gone places. If you don't believe me, talk to anyone over 40. I'm proud of my country's achievements. Passport aside, I still consider myself proudly Malaysian - a mere document cannot change what's written inside of me - Merdeka remains a powerful word 50 years on. It's funny but though i obviously wasn't there then, it still resounds within - Freedom
As we look back at 50 years of independence, and as all isn't well back home; its tempting to focus on the negatives, and blame others - but this won't help. True, others may be to blame for the less-than-perfect situation back home, and some injustices may seem entrenched, but every human has a choice in how he/she responds to each and every situation that confronts him/her. I'm choosing to pray for my country, and to act, live and hope for the best.
Why? Because I love my homeland.
To the next 50 years.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Hang on to You - Delirious
And I'll hang on to you
Cause you're stronger
And you keep me from falling
And you brighten the world
With your beauty
Keep me closer
I'm calling
Lookin' out like a little child
Holding tight when it all gets wild
And I'll hang on to you
Nothing in this world will see me through, only you
And I'll hang on to you
Everyday I live I give to you
And your love it is true
I feel stronger
And I'm happy to know you
Cause you shine like the sun
And you're brighter
Than the darkness
That's falling
Nothing in this world
Could ever take your place
Happiness is found
In your holy face
In your warm embrace
Cause you're stronger
And you keep me from falling
And you brighten the world
With your beauty
Keep me closer
I'm calling
Lookin' out like a little child
Holding tight when it all gets wild
And I'll hang on to you
Nothing in this world will see me through, only you
And I'll hang on to you
Everyday I live I give to you
And your love it is true
I feel stronger
And I'm happy to know you
Cause you shine like the sun
And you're brighter
Than the darkness
That's falling
Nothing in this world
Could ever take your place
Happiness is found
In your holy face
In your warm embrace
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
I'll take it as a compliment
I had a rather frantic day today, with my regular 10-1 lecture, followed by a good lunch with DW, and then, having to rush via TransPerth to my orthodontist for an appointment at 2:45. Anyways, after the bus stalled along Canning Highway, I ended up being about 10 minutes late.
Reason for the appointment?
My retainer, having been left out in the open for a day had shrunk. I have no idea how or why. But yeah, I discovered this on Sunday night, after (foolishly) trying to put it on, despite its abjectly obvious minuteness (this will invite a cry of "big mouth!" from any smart alec reading this blog).
So anyway, I strolled into the office, to be greeted by the receptionist, and then Dr Gan's (a middle-aged, thin Asian lady with short hair and glasses) first words are:
"Wow I like your hair! Where do you get it cut? I want mine cut like that too!"
Dr Gan proceeds to complain to me about how her hair is too heavy at the front or something along those lines...
And then...
"Not bad. A soft perm and dye! Where did you get it done? I want my hair like that" (All this in a thick Singlish accent)
She then takes my impression (for my mouth). I doubt she listens, because she tried asking me a question when my mouth was in a mould. It was rather funny for all concerned - well except for me given it "mmmghhh" isn't likely to be a satisfactory representation of how I was feeling re my teeth.
So maybe i need another haircut. She didn't believe me when I said I had never got my hair permed (in dreams or reality). It's just the way it is. I'm trying to work out whether the whole sequence (having a middle-aged lady admire and want to get your haircut) was meant as a compliment or not.
Oh yeah, and I did get the new retainer.
Reason for the appointment?
My retainer, having been left out in the open for a day had shrunk. I have no idea how or why. But yeah, I discovered this on Sunday night, after (foolishly) trying to put it on, despite its abjectly obvious minuteness (this will invite a cry of "big mouth!" from any smart alec reading this blog).
So anyway, I strolled into the office, to be greeted by the receptionist, and then Dr Gan's (a middle-aged, thin Asian lady with short hair and glasses) first words are:
"Wow I like your hair! Where do you get it cut? I want mine cut like that too!"
Dr Gan proceeds to complain to me about how her hair is too heavy at the front or something along those lines...
And then...
"Not bad. A soft perm and dye! Where did you get it done? I want my hair like that" (All this in a thick Singlish accent)
She then takes my impression (for my mouth). I doubt she listens, because she tried asking me a question when my mouth was in a mould. It was rather funny for all concerned - well except for me given it "mmmghhh" isn't likely to be a satisfactory representation of how I was feeling re my teeth.
So maybe i need another haircut. She didn't believe me when I said I had never got my hair permed (in dreams or reality). It's just the way it is. I'm trying to work out whether the whole sequence (having a middle-aged lady admire and want to get your haircut) was meant as a compliment or not.
Oh yeah, and I did get the new retainer.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
As i write this, my sister is singing "Accidentally in love" at the top of her voice, abetted by my father. Interestingly enough, he's not allowed to sing, and she's just scolded him for getting the order of the song wrong =P...
I'm also in the midst of sorting out data for the thesis... and the above is a slight distraction. But she'll only be 8 for so long. and one day, she'll probably not remember being so carefree or headstrong, and one day, she'll grow up and remembering this may embarrass her.
And now she's moved on to playing a recorder accompaniment to "Amazing Grace"... she's slightly off-tune... but getting there. Sometimes family's like that - off-beat, sentimental, warm, inadvertently hilarious, cringe-worthy also. And i wouldn't give it up for the world. Because when life brings me far away from home, then it's these moments that will remind me that life is a precious gift from God.
So cherish every moment. You can only live each day once, so live it well.
I'm also in the midst of sorting out data for the thesis... and the above is a slight distraction. But she'll only be 8 for so long. and one day, she'll probably not remember being so carefree or headstrong, and one day, she'll grow up and remembering this may embarrass her.
And now she's moved on to playing a recorder accompaniment to "Amazing Grace"... she's slightly off-tune... but getting there. Sometimes family's like that - off-beat, sentimental, warm, inadvertently hilarious, cringe-worthy also. And i wouldn't give it up for the world. Because when life brings me far away from home, then it's these moments that will remind me that life is a precious gift from God.
So cherish every moment. You can only live each day once, so live it well.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
wow... i realised i crossed the 100 post mark on this blog sometime ago... having said that, i still shudder at reading old posts ("how juvenile!!"). But yeah... thanks to all those who've graced these digital pages with your eyes. Having said that, even if i didn't get any readers, I'd still blog for myself - it's somewhat relaxing.
Anyways, onto more current matters. Lifetrack was awesome - and the changes in my life are ongoing - practicing regular solitude has been amazing... to be honest, i never knew that God was always speaking to me so clearly. I just rarely listened.
Uni started 2 weeks ago - well... it's been an interesting two weeks, what with having to do an oral presentation last week (which didn't go all too well). However, the thesis looks on track.
And on the church front? Depends on which ministry you're talking about i guess. I'm really looking forward to seeing God work in cell this semester, what with all the changes happening. Evan's an interesting leader to work with... he even makes us laugh occasionally =)
Re the worship ministry? I love it, and its one i feel very comfortable in (being my first church ministry). But yeah... some things tell me that its gone backwards since last year. Having said that, life is not about looking back at past glories, but working towards the future. Even if things may not be perfect, just do your best to submit i guess. Do what's put in front of you. Remember the big picture. And in all things seek God for His guidance
Today Amanda and i led worship at Life-Plus, a family church in the Bentley area. it was ... wow! Even though it was a small church (around 30+ ppl), and we had a minimalist setup (keys + acoustic), the whole experience was great. You could really feel God moving in the place, touching people's lives... I'd like to say it was because we played well etc etc, but no it wasn't (I sang ... well, not very well - aftereffects of a jam session the night before). HOWEVER:
I've realised recently that worship isn't really about Us, but about Him. It's less about the music, but more about lifting God high, for being God. Worshiping Him regardless of the circumstances. This congregation were worshipers. You could feel it, and that just lifted the whole atmosphere up - even after 2.5 sermons, all insightful in their way =P.
I leave you with these words from a youthful sage: "a church service should leave you, at the end of it, feeling full, and yet hungry" (2007).
Sometimes its easy to compare what others have with what you have, and feel a lack. But sometimes also, the challenge is to go beyond coping with what you have, to acting in whatever capacity we can, to let God achieve breakthroughs.
Anyways, onto more current matters. Lifetrack was awesome - and the changes in my life are ongoing - practicing regular solitude has been amazing... to be honest, i never knew that God was always speaking to me so clearly. I just rarely listened.
Uni started 2 weeks ago - well... it's been an interesting two weeks, what with having to do an oral presentation last week (which didn't go all too well). However, the thesis looks on track.
And on the church front? Depends on which ministry you're talking about i guess. I'm really looking forward to seeing God work in cell this semester, what with all the changes happening. Evan's an interesting leader to work with... he even makes us laugh occasionally =)
Re the worship ministry? I love it, and its one i feel very comfortable in (being my first church ministry). But yeah... some things tell me that its gone backwards since last year. Having said that, life is not about looking back at past glories, but working towards the future. Even if things may not be perfect, just do your best to submit i guess. Do what's put in front of you. Remember the big picture. And in all things seek God for His guidance
Today Amanda and i led worship at Life-Plus, a family church in the Bentley area. it was ... wow! Even though it was a small church (around 30+ ppl), and we had a minimalist setup (keys + acoustic), the whole experience was great. You could really feel God moving in the place, touching people's lives... I'd like to say it was because we played well etc etc, but no it wasn't (I sang ... well, not very well - aftereffects of a jam session the night before). HOWEVER:
I've realised recently that worship isn't really about Us, but about Him. It's less about the music, but more about lifting God high, for being God. Worshiping Him regardless of the circumstances. This congregation were worshipers. You could feel it, and that just lifted the whole atmosphere up - even after 2.5 sermons, all insightful in their way =P.
I leave you with these words from a youthful sage: "a church service should leave you, at the end of it, feeling full, and yet hungry" (2007).
Sometimes its easy to compare what others have with what you have, and feel a lack. But sometimes also, the challenge is to go beyond coping with what you have, to acting in whatever capacity we can, to let God achieve breakthroughs.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
sms of the day
Having agreed to go to the Law Ball next Friday... transport arrangements were an issue. I'm planning to imbibe a few drinks during the night, to smooth conversation etc etc... and i would never dream of driving under the influence (ok maybe dream of it, but never do).
A friend of mine, in convincing me to go offered to send me home that night (jokingly, i thought - it's a fair distance)
lo and behold... this sms sails into my phone:
"hey nic do u want a lift to law ball so u can drink"
reply:
"love the way you put that so delicately Tania..."
I accepted her offer - she's remaining sober for the night...
and I will remain ...
I will remain... (I don't want to lie)
I will endeavour to remain...
I hope to be...
a good boy =D
NB: I don't recommend drinking till you can't think ahead any more... Drunkenness is not something I would agree with. However, there's nothing wrong with a few casual drinks...
A friend of mine, in convincing me to go offered to send me home that night (jokingly, i thought - it's a fair distance)
lo and behold... this sms sails into my phone:
"hey nic do u want a lift to law ball so u can drink"
reply:
"love the way you put that so delicately Tania..."
I accepted her offer - she's remaining sober for the night...
and I will remain ...
I will remain... (I don't want to lie)
I will endeavour to remain...
I hope to be...
a good boy =D
NB: I don't recommend drinking till you can't think ahead any more... Drunkenness is not something I would agree with. However, there's nothing wrong with a few casual drinks...
Saturday, July 28, 2007
The vagaries of COMTRADE
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Please try to access the site at a later time. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
this comes after i realised that on the website, commodity imports from A to B don't equal exports from B to A, which screwed me over a tad...
I desperately need to use the COMTRADE Database today - the chapter i promised by supervisor is already behind...
oh well... might as well have breakfast while i wait =P
Sunday, July 22, 2007
The Step
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
A work of art begins with a single stroke
Every battle begins with men making that first advance
And yet sometimes we hold back... fearing an end too distant to be glimpsed
We wait... gripped by our inability to see the big picture being weaved
We live our lives forever afraid to charge till the gunfire ends
Wishing we could have done more. Wishing we dared to step out.
Despairing over doors once open now forever closed
Regretting the daily decisions we chose to make
Where a tenuous safety marked by fear
Was better to placing our fates in the Author's hands
Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
A work of art begins with a single stroke
Every battle begins with men making that first advance
And yet sometimes we hold back... fearing an end too distant to be glimpsed
We wait... gripped by our inability to see the big picture being weaved
We live our lives forever afraid to charge till the gunfire ends
Wishing we could have done more. Wishing we dared to step out.
Despairing over doors once open now forever closed
Regretting the daily decisions we chose to make
Where a tenuous safety marked by fear
Was better to placing our fates in the Author's hands
Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Malaysian football...
When Malaysia played China earlier this week, thousands of diehard Malaysian fans packed the Bukit Jalil football stadium to watch the match. One fan silently prayed to God for better seating conditions during the match since it was so cramped with fans. Suddenly he heard a heavenly voice replying to his prayers.
"I am going to grant you your prayers today since you prayed so sincerely. But since I'm God, I'm sure you have a tougher task for me to perform instead of asking me for such a trivial request like bettering the seating conditions in this stadium", said the heavenly voice.
The football fan thought for a moment. "How about letting Malaysia win this match against China?", he asks God.
There was a silence for a minute. Then the heavenly voice replied, "Now, how big did you say you want the stadium to be again? With cushion or leather seats? Do you want the entire stadium air-conditioned as well?"
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Unseen hands
I don't believe that anyone of us is ever truly alone and isolated. For every step into the dark, there are people willing us on. People that have invested their lives into you. Last year I had the privilege to return to my old school for the graduation of two of my cousins. My ex-principal spoke of remembering and appreciating those people who have contributed to your life, however small or large their part may be. There are people who've given to each one of us something only they can give - their time and love. These helping hands, often unseen have shaped our lives, and like it or not, sometimes it can be too late to mention those words of appreciation.
I'd like to dedicate this post to my grandmother in KL. The odds of her reading this are extremely slim, given she doesn't use a computer, but at least on this corner of the Net, I'd like to show her my appreciation, as her birthday approaches. She means a lot to me, and yeah... i miss her cos she's all the way there, and I'm all the way here.
Unseen Hands
She taught me, through her life the meaning of true beauty.
It went beyond a pretty face, or a shapely figure
It was beyond what lay outside, but an expression of the depths inside
Beauty was in the hands gently massaging a sick child
In the loving hug for a bullied child in tears
In those unseen hands - a refuge from the world
Beauty came in the meals she made daily for those she loved
In the way she threaded a needle - albeit with my aid
In those unseen hands - a life of giving without expecting
Beauty, in the grace and love she lives her life
Undiminished, though my eyes note the years lie heavily
She shines ever brighter in my heart
Those unseen hands now frail
I proudly bear their fingerprints on my life
A testament to the time and love they gave me
love,
your grandson
I'd like to dedicate this post to my grandmother in KL. The odds of her reading this are extremely slim, given she doesn't use a computer, but at least on this corner of the Net, I'd like to show her my appreciation, as her birthday approaches. She means a lot to me, and yeah... i miss her cos she's all the way there, and I'm all the way here.
Unseen Hands
She taught me, through her life the meaning of true beauty.
It went beyond a pretty face, or a shapely figure
It was beyond what lay outside, but an expression of the depths inside
Beauty was in the hands gently massaging a sick child
In the loving hug for a bullied child in tears
In those unseen hands - a refuge from the world
Beauty came in the meals she made daily for those she loved
In the way she threaded a needle - albeit with my aid
In those unseen hands - a life of giving without expecting
Beauty, in the grace and love she lives her life
Undiminished, though my eyes note the years lie heavily
She shines ever brighter in my heart
Those unseen hands now frail
I proudly bear their fingerprints on my life
A testament to the time and love they gave me
love,
your grandson
Monday, July 09, 2007
surprise
Had an eventful day today
having slept at about 2am last night after watching an amazing Wimbledon final... I was woken abruptly by my dad at around 9am...
There was some consternation on my part (I appreciate 8 hours sleep), until i realised that me and my brother had been "volunteered" into painting a neighbor's house.
So off we went, and well... painted
Meanwhile lurking at the back of my mind was the fact that there was a surprise meant for Amanda's birthday. It was... difficult planning for those in charge. The said lady's movements around Perth were so... erratic, they brought to mind a terrorist on the run... apparently she was up north till yesterday, then at the Swan river... with her arrival times varying almost as much as... [insert metaphor here]
so what was originally planned for 1.45 today eventually took place at 3pm... difficult on my part to get some time off painting, with the said brother. I did promise after all...
So anyways we nearly finished putting the undercoat on the ground floor at about 2:35. At which point i looked down, and realised i was coated liberally with paint (the price of being in a rush)... I actually have paint on my left eyelid and right eyebrow. the problem of using oil-based paint is that only turpentine will get it off. Even i would not be so foolish as to use turpentine so close to my eyes, or on my hair... so stay it will, and my hair will look like an orange Christmas tree with "snow", until it eventually washes out.
Back to the story... after dousing my hands with enough turpentine to get the paint (and some skin) off, my brother and I sped off to maccas, arriving just as the rest of the party was leaving. We got to her house, where the Tangs kept the said lady safely ensconced in Rowie's room, while the rest of us snuck in and hid in various places.
interesting note - the girl does not lock her front door. either she's really trusting, or she keeps a pickaxe on her person somewhere.
I got volunteered to hide in the closet, while Tim and Bryan got the bathroom. First point... i realized how claustrophobic i was in that closet - it was tight. Anyways, eventually i heard Rachael's dulcet tones leading Amanda into the room, and then... listened as she endeavoured to keep Amanda (i found this out later) right in front of the closet. When she could stall no longer, i slowly slid open the door. and continued sliding open the door... and then, , she still stood with her back to me... right until i took a step out and invaded her "space bubble" haha... its funny how she didn't hear the noise (which everyone else heard), but as soon as someone steps too close, she jumped a metre, and ... yeah my ears are still ringing... some music ("Kiss me...") started playing out of nowhere ...
and I'll leave u guys hanging there (she will kill me for this)...
Happy birthday Amanda =)
until next time.
having slept at about 2am last night after watching an amazing Wimbledon final... I was woken abruptly by my dad at around 9am...
There was some consternation on my part (I appreciate 8 hours sleep), until i realised that me and my brother had been "volunteered" into painting a neighbor's house.
So off we went, and well... painted
Meanwhile lurking at the back of my mind was the fact that there was a surprise meant for Amanda's birthday. It was... difficult planning for those in charge. The said lady's movements around Perth were so... erratic, they brought to mind a terrorist on the run... apparently she was up north till yesterday, then at the Swan river... with her arrival times varying almost as much as... [insert metaphor here]
so what was originally planned for 1.45 today eventually took place at 3pm... difficult on my part to get some time off painting, with the said brother. I did promise after all...
So anyways we nearly finished putting the undercoat on the ground floor at about 2:35. At which point i looked down, and realised i was coated liberally with paint (the price of being in a rush)... I actually have paint on my left eyelid and right eyebrow. the problem of using oil-based paint is that only turpentine will get it off. Even i would not be so foolish as to use turpentine so close to my eyes, or on my hair... so stay it will, and my hair will look like an orange Christmas tree with "snow", until it eventually washes out.
Back to the story... after dousing my hands with enough turpentine to get the paint (and some skin) off, my brother and I sped off to maccas, arriving just as the rest of the party was leaving. We got to her house, where the Tangs kept the said lady safely ensconced in Rowie's room, while the rest of us snuck in and hid in various places.
interesting note - the girl does not lock her front door. either she's really trusting, or she keeps a pickaxe on her person somewhere.
I got volunteered to hide in the closet, while Tim and Bryan got the bathroom. First point... i realized how claustrophobic i was in that closet - it was tight. Anyways, eventually i heard Rachael's dulcet tones leading Amanda into the room, and then... listened as she endeavoured to keep Amanda (i found this out later) right in front of the closet. When she could stall no longer, i slowly slid open the door. and continued sliding open the door... and then, , she still stood with her back to me... right until i took a step out and invaded her "space bubble" haha... its funny how she didn't hear the noise (which everyone else heard), but as soon as someone steps too close, she jumped a metre, and ... yeah my ears are still ringing... some music ("Kiss me...") started playing out of nowhere ...
and I'll leave u guys hanging there (she will kill me for this)...
Happy birthday Amanda =)
until next time.
ps... the author remains happily single, and decidedly a closet poser.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Unemployment
Over dinner tonight, a thought struck me:
I've realized that this is the first time in 2 years that I've not been employed in anything. It's a strange feeling. I guess a part of my identity may be caught up in being able to (at least in some respects) look after myself and my finances. After all, one conclusion from my many conversations with Andy last year was that a man should be able to look after himself.
Being temporarily unemployed is a rather jolting feeling. One has to rely on the parents more for finances etc... I've actually had to ask for an allowance for the first time in 2 years. On the other hand, i feel no urgency to find another job, owing to the workload of university this year in particular. It may actually be for the best if i concentrate more on my studies and finish off the thesis. After all, it's not like my earning power is that flash anyways.
Having said that, the situation places me in a bit of a conundrum. I get the sense that I should concentrate more on my studies, and yet, if I'm not at least partially earning my keep, I feel a tad emasculated because I'm used to being, at least in some areas financially independent. I know I'm supposed to trust in God, and look for Him in all situations I may be placed in. I also know that well, this is supposed to be the season where my focus is on STUDY, not WORK...
But somehow, I need to work - and the absence of that is disempowering.
To be resolved...
I've realized that this is the first time in 2 years that I've not been employed in anything. It's a strange feeling. I guess a part of my identity may be caught up in being able to (at least in some respects) look after myself and my finances. After all, one conclusion from my many conversations with Andy last year was that a man should be able to look after himself.
Being temporarily unemployed is a rather jolting feeling. One has to rely on the parents more for finances etc... I've actually had to ask for an allowance for the first time in 2 years. On the other hand, i feel no urgency to find another job, owing to the workload of university this year in particular. It may actually be for the best if i concentrate more on my studies and finish off the thesis. After all, it's not like my earning power is that flash anyways.
Having said that, the situation places me in a bit of a conundrum. I get the sense that I should concentrate more on my studies, and yet, if I'm not at least partially earning my keep, I feel a tad emasculated because I'm used to being, at least in some areas financially independent. I know I'm supposed to trust in God, and look for Him in all situations I may be placed in. I also know that well, this is supposed to be the season where my focus is on STUDY, not WORK...
But somehow, I need to work - and the absence of that is disempowering.
To be resolved...
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Straight from the horse's mouth
there are some days where the simplest of conversations bring up the brightest of moments =)
From a conversation with J today:
I had been complaining that life had been a bit "flat" lately.
J:"lol... at least it's flat... not a recession"
The next is a beauty:
I'll leave the person who said it anonymous, or she may never talk to me again.
I'd just stated i couldn't imagine the said person working. Somehow the discussion ended up into one about how everyone said she always looked "young". I said it really depended on what she wore.
She then asked me:
"what do u imagine me wearing then?"...
i'm still thinking up an answer... ideas anyone?
Post script:
the lady in question is a perfectly decent lady, and i cast no aspersions on her character whatsoever... what she really meant was
"i [she] thought u [me] said imagining me working depended on what i [she] wore".
I stand corrected.
From a conversation with J today:
I had been complaining that life had been a bit "flat" lately.
J:"lol... at least it's flat... not a recession"
The next is a beauty:
I'll leave the person who said it anonymous, or she may never talk to me again.
I'd just stated i couldn't imagine the said person working. Somehow the discussion ended up into one about how everyone said she always looked "young". I said it really depended on what she wore.
She then asked me:
"what do u imagine me wearing then?"...
i'm still thinking up an answer... ideas anyone?
Post script:
the lady in question is a perfectly decent lady, and i cast no aspersions on her character whatsoever... what she really meant was
"i [she] thought u [me] said imagining me working depended on what i [she] wore".
I stand corrected.
Monday, June 18, 2007
exams
I finally finished my last exam today... Thank God its all over =)
Spent the weekend urgently revising 12 weeks worth of International Economics, to the point where i had to skip church. Twas not a very good weekend... The exam wasn't as bad as i expected though, with S and I leaving early (partially due to the coldness of the Rec Centre)
Anyways... it's been a bit of a weird exam period for me. Having only 2 exams was a plus (though it did mean that i got pretty bored with studying for the two units - variety being the spice of life =P). The downside to it all though is the fact that i have an assignment and a thesis chapter to finish off soon (i shall rue enrolling in Honours). Having said that, I'm glad its all over... and now off to work.
Those to whom I've been complaining to lately are well aware that unfortunately i cant switch off even after exams due to said honours commitments. I shall endeavor to see the bright side of this, and to not complain so much.
Things to look forward to:
Short term (up to 1 month):
Tonight's rest from work, a weekend of relaxing... possibly playing my guitar a little more often. Catching up with ppl. Cooking more. Eating more. Working less.
Medium term (1 month to 1 year):
Finishing the bloody thesis. Getting on with life (ie finishing the undergrad degree =P)
Long term
In the long run, we're all dead (ok that was undeservedly crass)
Spent the weekend urgently revising 12 weeks worth of International Economics, to the point where i had to skip church. Twas not a very good weekend... The exam wasn't as bad as i expected though, with S and I leaving early (partially due to the coldness of the Rec Centre)
Anyways... it's been a bit of a weird exam period for me. Having only 2 exams was a plus (though it did mean that i got pretty bored with studying for the two units - variety being the spice of life =P). The downside to it all though is the fact that i have an assignment and a thesis chapter to finish off soon (i shall rue enrolling in Honours). Having said that, I'm glad its all over... and now off to work.
Those to whom I've been complaining to lately are well aware that unfortunately i cant switch off even after exams due to said honours commitments. I shall endeavor to see the bright side of this, and to not complain so much.
Things to look forward to:
Short term (up to 1 month):
Tonight's rest from work, a weekend of relaxing... possibly playing my guitar a little more often. Catching up with ppl. Cooking more. Eating more. Working less.
Medium term (1 month to 1 year):
Finishing the bloody thesis. Getting on with life (ie finishing the undergrad degree =P)
Long term
In the long run, we're all dead (ok that was undeservedly crass)
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Food for thought.
http://blogs.theaustralian.news.com.au/yoursay/index.php/theaustralian/comments/a_bills_passing_has_disabled_hope/
A bill’s passing has disabled hope
Tuesday, June 12, 2007Your Say
ONE of the most frustrating experiences of life is the feeling of being used, exploited for the benefit of others while suffering loss or harm. It is a feeling of being violated and, while leaving self-esteem shattered, it kindles a deep sense of outrage (writes Anthony Succar).
This is how I feel every time I hear one of our politicians claiming that people who suffer from crippling diseases support embryonic stem cell research and therapeutic cloning. When I was 14 I was involved in a motor vehicle accident that left me a C4-5 quadriplegic, paralysed from the neck down. With all the hardships I undergo everyday as a result of my disability it is even more unbearable being used as a marketing tool for the agenda of others.
The bill permitting therapeutic cloning that was approved in the NSW Legislative Assembly last week is a loss to the state, indeed our nation, not just morally but even more so medically. The bold claims made by politicians during the past few days have many people convinced this so-called advancement in medical science is our only means of curing all kinds of illness and disease.
This is without doubt one of the greatest orchestrated deceptions in recent medical history. Regrettably, this deception has been perpetrated by our elected representatives.
Despite the rhetoric surrounding embryonic stem cell research, adult stem cell research has great potential to help people, with a record of documented results that excites great hope. Research is achieving substantial results using stem cells acquired from adults and umbilical-cord blood. Sadly, this inspiring research, which has filled countless people with hope, is being attacked by those brandishing alternative agendas, with the rise of embryonic stem cell research usurping the necessary resources for adult stem cell research to continue.
It is all the more heartbreaking knowing the frailest and most vulnerable in our society are being used by politicians and pharmaceutical companies to sell their lies. In addition to holding back authentic medical research, choosing an avenue with no foreseeable benefits over documented evidence of success, politicians have also opened the door for anyone to legally assault and destroy human life.
No reasonable person will object to offering the best medical treatment necessary to cure people of whatever illness they suffer. The question arises, though: how can anyone in good conscience receive any medicine or cure at the expense of another human life?
Accordingly, it must be emphasised that embryos are human life, the very beginning of life. For if life does not begin at conception, at what point can we assume it does begin? Where do we draw the line?
Now that embryonic stem cell research has been given the green light in NSW and Victoria, my optimism for a cure for myself has all but vanished, as valuable resources move away from adult stem cell research, so rich with potential, to embryonic stem cell research. This research is not only plagued by a history of failure and a future clouded with uncertainty, but it further allows the destruction of human life while paving the path to reproductive cloning.
If politicians in the NSW lower house were not in such a rush to pass the bill, perhaps they would have considered consulting those afflicted by disease and disability, especially those who have been pursuing stem cell research in the hope it may lead to a cure.
Alas, the results of every vote produce winners and losers and in the case of the NSW therapeutic cloning bill, if approved by the Legislative Council, the politicians and the pharmaceutical companies will be the winners and those afflicted with illness and disabilities will be the losers.
Anthony Succar, a 25-year-old quadriplegic, is an IT support analyst and the stem cells spokesman for the Australian Catholic Young Adults Network. He will chair a national forum entitled Brave New World: Life & Death in 2028 at the 2028 Congress in Canberra in July.
I found the article above on The Australian. Sadly, the comments in response to the article (posted on the website - see the address above)... are highly informative of the current state of public debate in Australia. It's strange how free speech so often means "free speech for everyone who agrees with me, and judgment on those who beg to differ"
Many comments criticized the writer's opinion on the sole reason that he was Catholic, and thus was incapable of independent thought, making his opinions not worth considering. As the writer himself noted...they only read half the article. If values from "religion" are inherently biased, judgmental and divisive, and thus not worth considering; then we really need to consider the bases of our legal and ethics system (which often have been historically based on "religion" - eg human rights/criminal law). Deep down, everyone has some moral code that they abide to (though the motivations may differ). The question i would then pose would be where that moral code/sense of right/wrong comes from. Where does the atheist's stand on right and wrong come from?
The point is that criticizing someone espousing an opinion just because he is religious is counter-productive. Obviously everyone's opinions will be informed by the values they hold (be it atheism, Catholicism, etc etc). After all... the opinions spouted by atheists are informed by their sincere belief that this world is all there is. The opinions spouted by the writer will also be informed by his Catholic beliefs. Like it or not, whenever we make a judgment on something, we will be making it based on our values, wherever they come from).
If "religious" values hold no credence in public debate, on the basis that they are derived from religion, consider atheistic values based on human "wisdom" (if religious values are based on Divine reason, it follows that atheistic values are based on human wisdom). While human wisdom may be partially behind the development of civilization as we know it, and the many scientific discoveries that have improved human life; there is also the human wisdom which has led us to 2 world wars, various genocides, a deepening poverty crisis in Africa, global warming etc etc... it seems at the very least that human wisdom is a double-edged sword. So why should atheistic values, based on this "wisdom" be given more credence than religious values? At the very least, if you're going to criticize an opinion, do so on the basis of the opinion's statements, not on the basis of the personal beliefs of the maker of the opinion. As a footballer might say: "play the ball, not the man".
Some lambasted The Australian for printing another 'religiously biased' article. I should note then that a free press incorporates opinions from all sides of society, and the purported scientific bases supporting embryonic stem cell research have been well covered by all sides of the press - "do as i say, but not as i do" comes to mind.
There was also some debate regarding when life actually begins. I'm not even going to wade into this debate. I might be opening too big a can of worms here.
Personally, I'm too uninformed on the stem cell issue to make a judgment on it's scientific viability etc etc. There's one thing I'll say though to those who would question religious values and their place in modern debate. I am a Christian, but I don't write as a person who blindly accepts his faith just because another said this was so. Rather I write as a person who has personally found something truly significant, larger than life itself. I wouldn't live a blind faith. Personally, I'm on the side of truth, and that truth for me leads me to place my complete trust and salvation in Christ. The sentiments here aren't expressed because "they're the right thing to write as a Christian", but because i personally agree with them, having considered them in the light of my personal values.
Leading back to our discussion on whether embryonic research is morally right/wrong, ultimately if i wasn't sure about whether something was right, i definitely wouldn't do it. Also, as the writer of the article notes, there is a less controversial means of research - adult stem cells which has been giving some viable results. After all, one's walk with God is not really about how much one can get away with, but about a personal desire to live one's life closer to Him. For me, a human life is a human life...Sacred. I don't want to impose my opinions on others. But there's a distinction between seeking to impose one's opinion on others and just giving one's opinion. Sadly the latter is often mistaken for the former in public debate.
Many comments criticized the writer's opinion on the sole reason that he was Catholic, and thus was incapable of independent thought, making his opinions not worth considering. As the writer himself noted...they only read half the article. If values from "religion" are inherently biased, judgmental and divisive, and thus not worth considering; then we really need to consider the bases of our legal and ethics system (which often have been historically based on "religion" - eg human rights/criminal law). Deep down, everyone has some moral code that they abide to (though the motivations may differ). The question i would then pose would be where that moral code/sense of right/wrong comes from. Where does the atheist's stand on right and wrong come from?
The point is that criticizing someone espousing an opinion just because he is religious is counter-productive. Obviously everyone's opinions will be informed by the values they hold (be it atheism, Catholicism, etc etc). After all... the opinions spouted by atheists are informed by their sincere belief that this world is all there is. The opinions spouted by the writer will also be informed by his Catholic beliefs. Like it or not, whenever we make a judgment on something, we will be making it based on our values, wherever they come from).
If "religious" values hold no credence in public debate, on the basis that they are derived from religion, consider atheistic values based on human "wisdom" (if religious values are based on Divine reason, it follows that atheistic values are based on human wisdom). While human wisdom may be partially behind the development of civilization as we know it, and the many scientific discoveries that have improved human life; there is also the human wisdom which has led us to 2 world wars, various genocides, a deepening poverty crisis in Africa, global warming etc etc... it seems at the very least that human wisdom is a double-edged sword. So why should atheistic values, based on this "wisdom" be given more credence than religious values? At the very least, if you're going to criticize an opinion, do so on the basis of the opinion's statements, not on the basis of the personal beliefs of the maker of the opinion. As a footballer might say: "play the ball, not the man".
Some lambasted The Australian for printing another 'religiously biased' article. I should note then that a free press incorporates opinions from all sides of society, and the purported scientific bases supporting embryonic stem cell research have been well covered by all sides of the press - "do as i say, but not as i do" comes to mind.
There was also some debate regarding when life actually begins. I'm not even going to wade into this debate. I might be opening too big a can of worms here.
Personally, I'm too uninformed on the stem cell issue to make a judgment on it's scientific viability etc etc. There's one thing I'll say though to those who would question religious values and their place in modern debate. I am a Christian, but I don't write as a person who blindly accepts his faith just because another said this was so. Rather I write as a person who has personally found something truly significant, larger than life itself. I wouldn't live a blind faith. Personally, I'm on the side of truth, and that truth for me leads me to place my complete trust and salvation in Christ. The sentiments here aren't expressed because "they're the right thing to write as a Christian", but because i personally agree with them, having considered them in the light of my personal values.
Leading back to our discussion on whether embryonic research is morally right/wrong, ultimately if i wasn't sure about whether something was right, i definitely wouldn't do it. Also, as the writer of the article notes, there is a less controversial means of research - adult stem cells which has been giving some viable results. After all, one's walk with God is not really about how much one can get away with, but about a personal desire to live one's life closer to Him. For me, a human life is a human life...Sacred. I don't want to impose my opinions on others. But there's a distinction between seeking to impose one's opinion on others and just giving one's opinion. Sadly the latter is often mistaken for the former in public debate.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Found this on while surfing (yes i know i should be studying)
5 corporate lessons
Corporate Lesson 1
A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next door neighbour. Before she says a word, Bob says, “I’ll give you $800 to drop that towel.” After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob. After a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 dollars and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, “Who was that?” “It was Bob the next door neighbour,” she replies. “Great!” the husband says, “Did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?”
Moral of the story: - If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.
Corporate Lesson 2
A priest offered a lift to a Nun. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg.
The nun said, “Father, remember Psalm 129?” The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, “Father, remember Psalm 129?”
The priest apologized “Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.”
Arriving at the convent, the nun went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129.
It said, “Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.”
Moral of the story: - If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.
Corporate Lesson 3
A sales rep and an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, “I’ll give each of you just one wish.”
“Me first! Me first!” says the admin clerk. “I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.” Poof! She’s gone.
“Me next! Me next!” says the sales rep. “I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.” Poof! He’s gone!
“OK, you’re up,” the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, “I want those two back in the office after lunch.”
Moral of the story: - Always let your boss have the first say.
Corporate Lesson 4
A crow was sitting on a tree, doing nothing all day. A rabbit asked him, “Can I also sit like you and do nothing all day long?”
The crow answered: - “Sure, why not.”
So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow, and rested!
A fox jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
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Moral of the story: - To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very high up.
Corporate Lesson 5
A turkey was chatting with a bull. “I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree,” sighed the turkey, but I haven’t got the energy.”
“Well, why don’t you nibble on my droppings?” replied the bull. “They’re packed with nutrients.”
The turkey pecked at a lump of dung and found that it gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, there he was proudly perched at the top of the tree. Soon he was spotted by a farmer, who shot the turkey out of the tree.Moral of the story: - Bullshit might get you to the top, but it won’t keep you there.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Switchfoot - Awakening
Stumbled across the video clip for Switchfoot's song Awakening.
C'est superbe - check out the animation =P
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHTU2i8RhH8
It's one of the better video clips i've seen - nice air guitar skills.
C'est superbe - check out the animation =P
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHTU2i8RhH8
It's one of the better video clips i've seen - nice air guitar skills.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
found this in my email... still sifting through it.
One of the Twelve
TGIF Today God Is First, by Os Hillman
And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again. - 2 Corinthians 5:15
It is believed that there were about 5,000 believers during the time of Christ. Among those believers, it was thought there were three types. The largest number of believers were those who came to Jesus for salvation. They served Him little beyond coming to Him to receive salvation. A much smaller number, say 500, actually followed Him and served Him. Then, there were the disciples. These were those who identified with Jesus. They lived the life that Jesus lived. Each of these ultimately died in difficult circumstances. They experienced the hardships, the miracles, and the fellowship with God in human form.
If you had to say which group best represented your life, which one would you fall into-the 5,000 who simply believed, the 500 who followed and sought to implement what they were learning from the Savior, or the 12 who identified completely with the life and mission of the Savior? Jesus has called each of us to identify with Him completely. "This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did" (1 Jn. 2:5b-6).
Pray that God will allow you to walk as Jesus did. Experience His power and love in your life today so that others will see the hope that lies in you.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Lovesong
Several years ago, Dave and Nechelle (who coincidentally are getting married end of this year) visited my place in Perth and stayed for a few weeks. Dave was doing an elective at UWA, and Nechelle came for a week to visit. It was a really fun time, and me and Dave jammed alot. Nechelle also cooked the whole family dinner (see, i do remember things =P)
Anyways, this was THE song me and Dave played all the time. I remember those times well... that was when i finally learnt what a harmonic was (thanks Dave!). And we both absolutely loved (well i still do) this song.
So what's so special about this song? I'm not generally a fan of romantic ballads, but this song is special. You can read the words, and each time a different meaning comes up, but the same theme is ever-present. A deep desire to fall more and more in love with God.
This Saviour of mine, who made the "daisies and the roses", who's stature goes beyond "the stars in the heavens", who's "as close as a heartbeat"... who is God (and sometimes it's hard to recognize that when life seems harsh). This is the Saviour I fell in love with.
And this is my prayer to Him...
Lovesong for a Saviour (Jars of Clay)
In open fields of wild flowers
She breathes the air and flies away
She thanks her Jesus for the daises and the roses
In no simple language, someday she'll understand the meaning of it all
He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
As close a heartbeat or a song on her lips
Someday she'll trust Him and learn how to see Him
Someday He'll call her and she will come running
and fall in His arms and the tears will fall down and she'll pray
I want to fall in love with you
Sitting silent wearing their Sunday best
The sermon echoes through the walls
A great salvation through it calls to the people
Who stare into nowhere, and can't feel the chains on their souls
He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
As close a heartbeat or a song on our lips
Someday we'll trust him and learn how to see Him
Someday He'll call us and we will come running
and fall in His arms and the tears will fall down and we'll pray
I want to fall in love with you
It seems too easy to call you "Savior"
Not close enough to call you "God"
So as i sit and think of words i can mention
To show my devotion
I want to fall in love with you
Anyways, this was THE song me and Dave played all the time. I remember those times well... that was when i finally learnt what a harmonic was (thanks Dave!). And we both absolutely loved (well i still do) this song.
So what's so special about this song? I'm not generally a fan of romantic ballads, but this song is special. You can read the words, and each time a different meaning comes up, but the same theme is ever-present. A deep desire to fall more and more in love with God.
This Saviour of mine, who made the "daisies and the roses", who's stature goes beyond "the stars in the heavens", who's "as close as a heartbeat"... who is God (and sometimes it's hard to recognize that when life seems harsh). This is the Saviour I fell in love with.
And this is my prayer to Him...
Lovesong for a Saviour (Jars of Clay)
In open fields of wild flowers
She breathes the air and flies away
She thanks her Jesus for the daises and the roses
In no simple language, someday she'll understand the meaning of it all
He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
As close a heartbeat or a song on her lips
Someday she'll trust Him and learn how to see Him
Someday He'll call her and she will come running
and fall in His arms and the tears will fall down and she'll pray
I want to fall in love with you
Sitting silent wearing their Sunday best
The sermon echoes through the walls
A great salvation through it calls to the people
Who stare into nowhere, and can't feel the chains on their souls
He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
As close a heartbeat or a song on our lips
Someday we'll trust him and learn how to see Him
Someday He'll call us and we will come running
and fall in His arms and the tears will fall down and we'll pray
I want to fall in love with you
It seems too easy to call you "Savior"
Not close enough to call you "God"
So as i sit and think of words i can mention
To show my devotion
I want to fall in love with you
song of the week
This week's song is: Where the love lasts forever (Hillsong London)
it's been in my head for the whole week. so much that i'm doing it at band practice this week (God help my voice =p). But it's a great song. Lyrics are pretty meaningful.
Your mercy found me,
Upon the broken road,
And lifted me beyond my failing,
Into Your glory,
My sin and shame dissolved,
And now forever Yours I’ll stand.
In love never to end,
To call You more than Lord,
Glorious friend.
So I throw my life upon all You are,
‘Cause I know You gave it all for me,
And when all else fades,
My soul will dance with You,
Where the love lasts forever.
And forever I will sing,
Lord forever I will sing,
Of how You gave Your life away,
Just to save me, Lord You saved me.
it's been in my head for the whole week. so much that i'm doing it at band practice this week (God help my voice =p). But it's a great song. Lyrics are pretty meaningful.
Your mercy found me,
Upon the broken road,
And lifted me beyond my failing,
Into Your glory,
My sin and shame dissolved,
And now forever Yours I’ll stand.
In love never to end,
To call You more than Lord,
Glorious friend.
So I throw my life upon all You are,
‘Cause I know You gave it all for me,
And when all else fades,
My soul will dance with You,
Where the love lasts forever.
And forever I will sing,
Lord forever I will sing,
Of how You gave Your life away,
Just to save me, Lord You saved me.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
I've just finished watching the FA Cup final. it happened again. United dominate extra time, and lose to a late... late goal... am i crushed? Definitely. Defeats hurt. But in the big picture, we've won the league... so it doesn't matter that much.
It's amazing how much emotion goes through watching a game of soccer: anticipation (Rooney picks up the ball on the run), hope (when the ultimate super-sub Solskjaer comes on), cynicism (when Robben "falls"), injustice (i swear THAT ball crossed the line) Heartbreak (cue in Drogba's goal)... yeah. the best part is going through that whole gamut of thoughts, and trying to realize that its just a game. at the end of it, whether my team wins or loses, it really wont affect my life in a really significant manner.
The scary thing is that there are ppl who take very seriously sportsperson halfway across the world winning/losing a game. I can refer you to the example of Andres Escobar, whose own goal in the 1994 World Cup led to Colombia's elimination. He was shot dead back home. There's probably some other issues there which led to his murder (his death was probably associated with large-scale gambling), but generally, who among us (i refer to us guys - have to admit girls are more logical about this =P) has never sworn or thrown something at a TV after seeing someone do something remarkably stupid played out on a sports field?
Which gets me thinking: why do we sometimes invest so much effort/emotions into things which really, at the end, don't matter? To escape a mundane reality? To be a part of something larger than yourself?
I remember a portion from the book Wild at Heart which alludes to why people might follow sport. We all want to be a part of a bigger picture. We all seek significance in some way... and sometimes we try to find it in being part of a winning team. I support Manchester Utd. We're a good team. We play good, flowing attractive football. Notice the "We". I've never played at Old Trafford. I've never even met any of the team, and yet immediately there's that association. I support a winning team. Therefore I'm a winner. And when they lose, am I a loser?
I've been listening to a Delirious CD, and there's a point when the lead singer goes "If we'd all just admit, that we all want to be winners here"... and he goes on and speaks of God. He speaks of how "there's a song the angels have been singing since the dawn of time... " and it is this: "Holy is the lord". And as I recall that now, I've just realized that sometimes we seek our significance in things which will fade away. One day, Sir Alex will retire, and United will go back to being an average team, which I'll continue to support ardently. One day, i will no longer be able to get away with dyeing my hair (refer you to my dad). One day, i will run into someone smarter, faster, funnier, stronger ... etc etc. For some of us, we've reached that point... where we sense that we're not that special after all. We're not the best. We're just normal people. Insignificant
But here's the thing. There's a greater story going on out there. It transcends sport. It goes beyond our daily routines, beyond our relationships. There's more to life than life, so to speak. As the song goes... "And I've found myself in You [God]". I want to live life that way. I cant say I'm at that point now, but i want to live my life in that place. That place where i find myself, my worth in where I am with God. That place where I'm part of a deeper story written by the One who made us. Where I stop striving to earn my significance, but where I start living in the significance of what God has done.
"so take me to that place / where i can see your face
cause all i want to do / and all i want to do is worship you" ("Found")
It's amazing how much emotion goes through watching a game of soccer: anticipation (Rooney picks up the ball on the run), hope (when the ultimate super-sub Solskjaer comes on), cynicism (when Robben "falls"), injustice (i swear THAT ball crossed the line) Heartbreak (cue in Drogba's goal)... yeah. the best part is going through that whole gamut of thoughts, and trying to realize that its just a game. at the end of it, whether my team wins or loses, it really wont affect my life in a really significant manner.
The scary thing is that there are ppl who take very seriously sportsperson halfway across the world winning/losing a game. I can refer you to the example of Andres Escobar, whose own goal in the 1994 World Cup led to Colombia's elimination. He was shot dead back home. There's probably some other issues there which led to his murder (his death was probably associated with large-scale gambling), but generally, who among us (i refer to us guys - have to admit girls are more logical about this =P) has never sworn or thrown something at a TV after seeing someone do something remarkably stupid played out on a sports field?
Which gets me thinking: why do we sometimes invest so much effort/emotions into things which really, at the end, don't matter? To escape a mundane reality? To be a part of something larger than yourself?
I remember a portion from the book Wild at Heart which alludes to why people might follow sport. We all want to be a part of a bigger picture. We all seek significance in some way... and sometimes we try to find it in being part of a winning team. I support Manchester Utd. We're a good team. We play good, flowing attractive football. Notice the "We". I've never played at Old Trafford. I've never even met any of the team, and yet immediately there's that association. I support a winning team. Therefore I'm a winner. And when they lose, am I a loser?
I've been listening to a Delirious CD, and there's a point when the lead singer goes "If we'd all just admit, that we all want to be winners here"... and he goes on and speaks of God. He speaks of how "there's a song the angels have been singing since the dawn of time... " and it is this: "Holy is the lord". And as I recall that now, I've just realized that sometimes we seek our significance in things which will fade away. One day, Sir Alex will retire, and United will go back to being an average team, which I'll continue to support ardently. One day, i will no longer be able to get away with dyeing my hair (refer you to my dad). One day, i will run into someone smarter, faster, funnier, stronger ... etc etc. For some of us, we've reached that point... where we sense that we're not that special after all. We're not the best. We're just normal people. Insignificant
But here's the thing. There's a greater story going on out there. It transcends sport. It goes beyond our daily routines, beyond our relationships. There's more to life than life, so to speak. As the song goes... "And I've found myself in You [God]". I want to live life that way. I cant say I'm at that point now, but i want to live my life in that place. That place where i find myself, my worth in where I am with God. That place where I'm part of a deeper story written by the One who made us. Where I stop striving to earn my significance, but where I start living in the significance of what God has done.
"so take me to that place / where i can see your face
cause all i want to do / and all i want to do is worship you" ("Found")
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Congratulations, Nickolas!
Your IQ score is 136
Your IQ score is 136
Your Intellectual Type is Facts Curator. This means you are highly intelligent and have picked up an impressive and unique collection of facts and figures over the years. You've got a remarkable vocabulary and exceptional math skills — which puts you in the same class as brainiacs like Bill Gates...
*looks up at above results skeptically*
i love it when it mentions my "exceptional" math skills. I've spent the last 3 years of my degree avoiding all maths... to this date, mentions of the words "stochastic" or "regression" send shudders down my spine. I remember when my supervisor asked me to consider using regression analysis in my thesis. I think the look of horror on my face might be one he'd remember for a while (i really need to hide my emotions better).
wouldn't mind being Bill Gates for a day though, as long as i didn't have to look like him =p. I'd hope I'd make the world a better place. Or if not, at least I'd have a few extra effects pedals for my guitar... In which case the world would be a much noisier place...
Monday, May 14, 2007
10 random things
ok so Dave tagged me, and the way this works is that once u've been tagged, u have to come up with 10 random things about yourself (i know this is childish. i also know i'm turning 20, the age where childishness should end. but ... oh well =P)
number 1:
i cant touch my hands behind my back. you know the stretching exercise where you raise one arm in the air above your shoulders, bend your elbow back so your hand is in the small of your back, and put your other hand behind your back to grab the hand? i cant do it. i'm not even close. everyone else in cell can. i feel left out =P...
number 2:
while i have 10 gbs of music, i probably only listen to 2 gbs over and over again. and i also listen to the same Jeremy Camp CD quite often (Carried: the worship project - awesome). I also love singing... and i do practice singing in the middle of the night... when everyone is asleep - not very socially responsible, am i? (there's a reason why at one point, we had no neighbours to the left, right and behind of our house)
number 3:
i dyed my hair brown on a bet with a friend (who shall remain unnamed). i'm still a tad impressed by my impulsiveness =P. She might be as well. Mum wasn't. Dad recommended black with blonde highlights.
see before and after pics... this by itself probably merits a later post.
number 4:
i'm pretty hard of hearing in my left ear. i cant even use a phone on that ear. i blame this to years of ipod usage. why the left? maybe that's because i used to play right next to the drums at church...its all worth it. at least now i have an excuse not to listen to ppl (sorry mum =P)
number 5:
i break guitar strings as regularly as Harry Kewell gets an injury (i think i average about one a week - which is sad as i generally play maybe 3 times a week)... the most memorable was breaking the B and E strings of my electric during a church service, and being forced to improvise a solo for Follow the Son on the higher frets - not fun... if you dont know your scales well - thank God my brother covered haha...
as Andy would call it: "the passion" =D... having said that, at $5 a string, it's starting to become a pricy passion.
number 6:
i'm addicted to sport. totally addicted. i will take a combined 2 hour bus trip to play badminton for an hour. play cricket on Sundays. I try to play tennis on Mondays (badly, but i do try - despite Annabelle beating me regularly). i think my passion for football (soccer to you Aussies out there) is well documented... I've played with sprained ankles. I live and breathe it. Daydream about scoring the perfect girl... no wait ... goal =P. sport keeps me sane.
number 7:
despite the aforementioned hair colour, i am not an ah beng, or a ricey, or an Asian gang leader (my Dad's comment)... i still feel no urges to buy a polluting, way-too-fast jap sports car and rev up and down the streets of Northbridge, or to date an ah lian for that matter...
I can rev the 1.8l 1996 model Camry fast enough... (for an update on Friday's drag race: 1.8l Camry (1996) vs 3.2l Kluger (Circa 2004)... look out for it soon =P. the driver of the Kluger who shall not be named - she asked to remain anonymous - lets just say i lost badly, and to a maneuver which would not be out of place in the Sepang Grand Prix)
number 8:
I'm famous for being a tad... clumsy... example: managing to cut myself twice the other day. the first time was from reaching behind my laptop to unplug it. the second time was from getting the band-aid to fix up the first cut. enough said.
number 9:
i enjoy cooking (though i have a rather limited repertoire). for a detailed menu, ask me or Michelle.
number 10:
Annabelle and I shared the honours today at badminton... she won the first 2 sets 15-7, 15-8, and I won the last 2 sets 15-10, 15-12. She's getting good. very good. I worked twice as hard as she did to win the last 2 sets (and that was only because my male competitive spirit kicked in =P). Does this mean i have to get better at tennis? Fat chance. she beats me regularly. wait, she beats most of us guys who play regularly. too good, girl.
there we go. now who to tag? Boss, you're up next.
number 1:
i cant touch my hands behind my back. you know the stretching exercise where you raise one arm in the air above your shoulders, bend your elbow back so your hand is in the small of your back, and put your other hand behind your back to grab the hand? i cant do it. i'm not even close. everyone else in cell can. i feel left out =P...
number 2:
while i have 10 gbs of music, i probably only listen to 2 gbs over and over again. and i also listen to the same Jeremy Camp CD quite often (Carried: the worship project - awesome). I also love singing... and i do practice singing in the middle of the night... when everyone is asleep - not very socially responsible, am i? (there's a reason why at one point, we had no neighbours to the left, right and behind of our house)
number 3:
i dyed my hair brown on a bet with a friend (who shall remain unnamed). i'm still a tad impressed by my impulsiveness =P. She might be as well. Mum wasn't. Dad recommended black with blonde highlights.
see before and after pics... this by itself probably merits a later post.
number 4:
i'm pretty hard of hearing in my left ear. i cant even use a phone on that ear. i blame this to years of ipod usage. why the left? maybe that's because i used to play right next to the drums at church...its all worth it. at least now i have an excuse not to listen to ppl (sorry mum =P)
number 5:
i break guitar strings as regularly as Harry Kewell gets an injury (i think i average about one a week - which is sad as i generally play maybe 3 times a week)... the most memorable was breaking the B and E strings of my electric during a church service, and being forced to improvise a solo for Follow the Son on the higher frets - not fun... if you dont know your scales well - thank God my brother covered haha...
as Andy would call it: "the passion" =D... having said that, at $5 a string, it's starting to become a pricy passion.
number 6:
i'm addicted to sport. totally addicted. i will take a combined 2 hour bus trip to play badminton for an hour. play cricket on Sundays. I try to play tennis on Mondays (badly, but i do try - despite Annabelle beating me regularly). i think my passion for football (soccer to you Aussies out there) is well documented... I've played with sprained ankles. I live and breathe it. Daydream about scoring the perfect girl... no wait ... goal =P. sport keeps me sane.
number 7:
despite the aforementioned hair colour, i am not an ah beng, or a ricey, or an Asian gang leader (my Dad's comment)... i still feel no urges to buy a polluting, way-too-fast jap sports car and rev up and down the streets of Northbridge, or to date an ah lian for that matter...
I can rev the 1.8l 1996 model Camry fast enough... (for an update on Friday's drag race: 1.8l Camry (1996) vs 3.2l Kluger (Circa 2004)... look out for it soon =P. the driver of the Kluger who shall not be named - she asked to remain anonymous - lets just say i lost badly, and to a maneuver which would not be out of place in the Sepang Grand Prix)
number 8:
I'm famous for being a tad... clumsy... example: managing to cut myself twice the other day. the first time was from reaching behind my laptop to unplug it. the second time was from getting the band-aid to fix up the first cut. enough said.
number 9:
i enjoy cooking (though i have a rather limited repertoire). for a detailed menu, ask me or Michelle.
number 10:
Annabelle and I shared the honours today at badminton... she won the first 2 sets 15-7, 15-8, and I won the last 2 sets 15-10, 15-12. She's getting good. very good. I worked twice as hard as she did to win the last 2 sets (and that was only because my male competitive spirit kicked in =P). Does this mean i have to get better at tennis? Fat chance. she beats me regularly. wait, she beats most of us guys who play regularly. too good, girl.
there we go. now who to tag? Boss, you're up next.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
maybe i'm a little too competitive....
Just got home from uni... good day today. Skipped my 12pm Micro lecture to go do some shopping (secret business). Got to uni, worked on the thesis presentation a little bit (15 min presentation tomorrow morning - i really should be doing it now =P), and then went to my TIIE lecture.
There's nothing quite like a 3 hour lecture, with a pitifully short 10 minute break in between to make you realise how tiring writing can really be, and how unfortunately boring class can be. luckily the 2nd half was just presentations... so it wasn't all bad.
Also spent the day discussing with friends how my hair should be cut. For those not in the know, i'm getting my hair cut with Yong tmr... at Eternity Hair Salon (recommended by Kevin - i'll tell u how it goes). and no. it's not a gay thing. Guy bonding time =P...
I've realised in the last few days i actually have several fashion consultants i can go to haha. Yong for hair and clothes stuff, Kevin for recommendations as to places to get things done, and Michie... to prevent me from doing anything stupid. i guess i can add Amanda to this list because she tells me when I've been wearing the same shirt too many times (coming from a girl who couldn't pick what my favourite shirt was - but that's another story).
But that's not the point of the post. Lately, i've realised that when i'm playing games... i get a little competitive. I played soccer today with some engineering guys, and Richie... and all was going well (was doing my not-so-good impression of a fullback rampaging down the right wing - think a better-looking Dani Alves, with miles less skill =P), until i decided to get into several tackles. In soccer, there are these things called 50-50 balls, where the ball is loose in between players from opposite teams, and there's equal chance of getting the ball. Generally... he who is bravest gets the ball, and hopefully one of the two (or possibly 3-4) players running towards the ball will pull out (Think of the game "chicken" on the soccer field).
So normally, i go into a tackle, and the other guy will either:
a. pull out of it, so i steal the ball
b. if he's bigger than me, stand his ground - i get... flattened
c. if he's the same size as me, also go for the ball...
see, in (a) and (b), no-one gets hurt (well i get hurt in (b), but that's besides the point - i asked for it). in (c)... hehe
So anyways, Richie had mistakenly allowed the ball to bounce away from him. I dashed in, and as i stuck a leg out to kick the ball, he stuck his leg out, knocking the ball away from me. Due to the laws of physics (momentum), my already outstretched leg kicked the bottom of his foot. i then, carried by momentum flew towards him (i had ran full tilt to get to the ball). Realizing impact was imminent, i stuck an arm out to protect myself. My elbow cracked him solidly on the forehead. We both went down (he was a lot worse off). It was a solid hit.
That wouldn't have been so bad, if i hadn't also contrived to later on, chasing another 50-50 ball... run into him. this time i got the ball first (no foul =P). There was a nice clash of heads... and a nice fall onto the ground. i quote Richie: "i cant believe this is happening again". It's actually the 3rd time I've collided with him. Last week, we were both battling for the ball again, when he contrived to head-butt me in the chest (a la Materazzi). so yeah... Sorry Richie!
(as a note - maybe next time, we should stay on the same team =P)
there was meant to be a conclusion to this... and this is it.
There's nothing quite like a 3 hour lecture, with a pitifully short 10 minute break in between to make you realise how tiring writing can really be, and how unfortunately boring class can be. luckily the 2nd half was just presentations... so it wasn't all bad.
Also spent the day discussing with friends how my hair should be cut. For those not in the know, i'm getting my hair cut with Yong tmr... at Eternity Hair Salon (recommended by Kevin - i'll tell u how it goes). and no. it's not a gay thing. Guy bonding time =P...
I've realised in the last few days i actually have several fashion consultants i can go to haha. Yong for hair and clothes stuff, Kevin for recommendations as to places to get things done, and Michie... to prevent me from doing anything stupid. i guess i can add Amanda to this list because she tells me when I've been wearing the same shirt too many times (coming from a girl who couldn't pick what my favourite shirt was - but that's another story).
But that's not the point of the post. Lately, i've realised that when i'm playing games... i get a little competitive. I played soccer today with some engineering guys, and Richie... and all was going well (was doing my not-so-good impression of a fullback rampaging down the right wing - think a better-looking Dani Alves, with miles less skill =P), until i decided to get into several tackles. In soccer, there are these things called 50-50 balls, where the ball is loose in between players from opposite teams, and there's equal chance of getting the ball. Generally... he who is bravest gets the ball, and hopefully one of the two (or possibly 3-4) players running towards the ball will pull out (Think of the game "chicken" on the soccer field).
So normally, i go into a tackle, and the other guy will either:
a. pull out of it, so i steal the ball
b. if he's bigger than me, stand his ground - i get... flattened
c. if he's the same size as me, also go for the ball...
see, in (a) and (b), no-one gets hurt (well i get hurt in (b), but that's besides the point - i asked for it). in (c)... hehe
So anyways, Richie had mistakenly allowed the ball to bounce away from him. I dashed in, and as i stuck a leg out to kick the ball, he stuck his leg out, knocking the ball away from me. Due to the laws of physics (momentum), my already outstretched leg kicked the bottom of his foot. i then, carried by momentum flew towards him (i had ran full tilt to get to the ball). Realizing impact was imminent, i stuck an arm out to protect myself. My elbow cracked him solidly on the forehead. We both went down (he was a lot worse off). It was a solid hit.
That wouldn't have been so bad, if i hadn't also contrived to later on, chasing another 50-50 ball... run into him. this time i got the ball first (no foul =P). There was a nice clash of heads... and a nice fall onto the ground. i quote Richie: "i cant believe this is happening again". It's actually the 3rd time I've collided with him. Last week, we were both battling for the ball again, when he contrived to head-butt me in the chest (a la Materazzi). so yeah... Sorry Richie!
(as a note - maybe next time, we should stay on the same team =P)
there was meant to be a conclusion to this... and this is it.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Your honour,
On the morning of the 8th of May 2007, the defendant arose at 7am, being awakened by his accomplice. The defendant stirred groggily from his slumber, and proceeded to matters of personal grooming, before taking the accomplice to school. An uneventful drive beginning at 7:10am resulted in the accomplice being dropped off at his school at around 7:30am. The defendant then proceeded home.
Upon arrival at home, the defendant unlocked the door, and was greeted with a rather rich odour (in the bad sense of the word - chocolate has a rich odour, but this smell was rather less pleasant).
The defendant proceeded to look for the source of the odour. An inspection of the oven revealed a slowly fermenting bowl of steam vegetables, with its own pungent odour. The offending food was disposed off, and yet the odour remained.
Being rather hungry, the defendant proceeded to make his breakfast. Upon opening the freezer, he was struck by its lack of cold. Upon extricating the bottom rack to retrieve the roti prata, the defendant noticed, to his shock that there was a puddle of rather bloody water on the bottom of the freezer. Meanwhile, the odour noticed initially became rather stronger to the defendant.
However, as there was a lit fire on the stove, and a pan heating up, the defendant proceeded to cook breakfast (while at the same time making ineffectual effects to mop up the puddle of liquid). Being of the male gender, the defendant failed at both tasks (multi-tasking being not a skill those possessing the XY chromosome have). The cleanup (with a rag) failed miserably, as more liquid kept dripping from higher racks in the freezer. More significantly to the defendant, the roti was burnt.
Eventually, the defendant conceded defeat in trying to do both tasks at once, and proceeded to eat breakfast. Breakfast would have been otherwise enjoyable, except for the fact that the defendant possessed a personality which hated the feeling of unfinished tasks.
Upon completing other tasks, which involved doing the laundry, and the sweeping and mopping of the floor; the defendant proceeded to clear out the freezer. Not wanting to throw out food that could have been saved, the defendant decided to use the highly scientific smell test ("if it smells bad, chuck it"). However, a quick sniff of some odoriferous poultry, provoked the defendant to a fit of retching. The defendant then consulted an advisor, who proposed a disposal of all the meat. The defendant, unwilling to apply the smell test, agreed. Approximately 10kg of meat, all smelling rather poorly was disposed off, and the remainder (some frozen-now defrosted greens) was transferred to another smaller freezer. The freezer was left to defrost properly (as some of the aforesaid bloody liquid was frozen solid after the defendant had in vain tried to turn the freezer back on to avert disaster)
The defendant would like to say that he is not responsible for this. While the defendant was the person in authority over the house in general, the defendant did not at any point touch the power point (it should be noted that there are two power points in the plug where the freezer was attached to, and 3 appliances: the freezer, toaster and rice cooker - anyone wishing to eat toast would presumably unplug the rice cooker, not the freezer). The defendant did not eat toast at all that weekend, and thus could not have unplugged the freezer.
Thus, responsibility for the incident must be attributed to the other bread-consuming inhabitants (whether temporary or permanent) of the house over the weekend. Having said that, as the defendant has cleared up the mess... there is nothing left to do, except to perhaps get the accomplice to handle the laundry as punishment =P.
On the morning of the 8th of May 2007, the defendant arose at 7am, being awakened by his accomplice. The defendant stirred groggily from his slumber, and proceeded to matters of personal grooming, before taking the accomplice to school. An uneventful drive beginning at 7:10am resulted in the accomplice being dropped off at his school at around 7:30am. The defendant then proceeded home.
Upon arrival at home, the defendant unlocked the door, and was greeted with a rather rich odour (in the bad sense of the word - chocolate has a rich odour, but this smell was rather less pleasant).
The defendant proceeded to look for the source of the odour. An inspection of the oven revealed a slowly fermenting bowl of steam vegetables, with its own pungent odour. The offending food was disposed off, and yet the odour remained.
Being rather hungry, the defendant proceeded to make his breakfast. Upon opening the freezer, he was struck by its lack of cold. Upon extricating the bottom rack to retrieve the roti prata, the defendant noticed, to his shock that there was a puddle of rather bloody water on the bottom of the freezer. Meanwhile, the odour noticed initially became rather stronger to the defendant.
However, as there was a lit fire on the stove, and a pan heating up, the defendant proceeded to cook breakfast (while at the same time making ineffectual effects to mop up the puddle of liquid). Being of the male gender, the defendant failed at both tasks (multi-tasking being not a skill those possessing the XY chromosome have). The cleanup (with a rag) failed miserably, as more liquid kept dripping from higher racks in the freezer. More significantly to the defendant, the roti was burnt.
Eventually, the defendant conceded defeat in trying to do both tasks at once, and proceeded to eat breakfast. Breakfast would have been otherwise enjoyable, except for the fact that the defendant possessed a personality which hated the feeling of unfinished tasks.
Upon completing other tasks, which involved doing the laundry, and the sweeping and mopping of the floor; the defendant proceeded to clear out the freezer. Not wanting to throw out food that could have been saved, the defendant decided to use the highly scientific smell test ("if it smells bad, chuck it"). However, a quick sniff of some odoriferous poultry, provoked the defendant to a fit of retching. The defendant then consulted an advisor, who proposed a disposal of all the meat. The defendant, unwilling to apply the smell test, agreed. Approximately 10kg of meat, all smelling rather poorly was disposed off, and the remainder (some frozen-now defrosted greens) was transferred to another smaller freezer. The freezer was left to defrost properly (as some of the aforesaid bloody liquid was frozen solid after the defendant had in vain tried to turn the freezer back on to avert disaster)
The defendant would like to say that he is not responsible for this. While the defendant was the person in authority over the house in general, the defendant did not at any point touch the power point (it should be noted that there are two power points in the plug where the freezer was attached to, and 3 appliances: the freezer, toaster and rice cooker - anyone wishing to eat toast would presumably unplug the rice cooker, not the freezer). The defendant did not eat toast at all that weekend, and thus could not have unplugged the freezer.
Thus, responsibility for the incident must be attributed to the other bread-consuming inhabitants (whether temporary or permanent) of the house over the weekend. Having said that, as the defendant has cleared up the mess... there is nothing left to do, except to perhaps get the accomplice to handle the laundry as punishment =P.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
So if i were a bad guy... (a significant waste of time here)
Your results:
You are Venom
Click here to take the Supervillain Personality Quiz
You are Venom
| Strength, disguise and adrenaline are your greatest weapons. |
Click here to take the Supervillain Personality Quiz
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Abstract
I've spent most of the day studying... with an abstract due tomorrow and a microeconomics test on Thursday, time is sparse. hence, today's post will consist of my abstract... a 499 word summary of what will be my year's work... an 11000-15000 (probably closer to the 11000 word mark).
enjoy reading fellas... and spare a thought for who's going to have to look up all that export data. although to be honest, there are probably worse things to research than one's own country. I'm actually quite interested in economics, and in Malaysia in general, so this thesis is probably going to be the point where that interest ends... =P
oh btw, honourable mentions go to Olivia and Annabelle for helping me proofread this at a late hour. Your comments were appreciated (i'll append Olivia's revamp of my abstract one day =P)
thanks girls!
enjoy reading fellas... and spare a thought for who's going to have to look up all that export data. although to be honest, there are probably worse things to research than one's own country. I'm actually quite interested in economics, and in Malaysia in general, so this thesis is probably going to be the point where that interest ends... =P
oh btw, honourable mentions go to Olivia and Annabelle for helping me proofread this at a late hour. Your comments were appreciated (i'll append Olivia's revamp of my abstract one day =P)
thanks girls!
A Revealed Comparative Advantage Analysis of the Export Competitiveness of Malaysia and Singapore
The ASEAN economies have generally experienced large economic growth and industrialisation in the past two decades. Export-led strategies have been at the heart of the region’s economic growth. However, the region’s vulnerability to the 1997 financial crisis and intensifying competitive pressure brings the risk that the ASEAN economies will be marginalised in terms of exports, with an adverse effect on growth. Export competitiveness is thus a key issue for ASEAN’s future economic prospects.
The dissertation will focus on Malaysia and Singapore for several reasons. Firstly, both economies are highly interdependent in terms of trade and capital flows. Also, in comparison to the other ASEAN members, there is a greater and pronouncedly increasing competition in bilateral trade between both countries. Finally, both countries are also especially open to international trade and capital flows and possess the most competitive economies in ASEAN.
Malaysia’s export sector, dominated by electronics and petroleum-based products has contributed significantly to its past economic growth, and its export competitiveness will be crucial to its future growth. However, a changing global environment marked by growing trade liberalisation, increasing competition and the emergence of other low-cost producers in the region requires an analysis of Malaysia’s export competitiveness.
Singapore’s export sector, dominated by the electronics sector has experienced slowing growth, partially due to increasing competition. Thus, there needs to be an assessment of its export sector to determine whether this decline reflects an erosion in competitiveness, or a natural process of shifting comparative advantage and market diversification.
The principal aim of the dissertation will be to determine the structure of comparative advantage during the period 1995-2005 enjoyed by Malaysia and Singapore in the global market. Firstly, the export structures of both countries will be analysed at a general level. The Balassa index (1965) will then be used to analyse trends in the pattern of comparative advantage in exports in both countries during the 1995-2005 period at a broad and disaggregated level. The leading manufacturing industries in terms of comparative advantage will be identified.
The degree of trade competition between the two countries will then be analysed using the index of trade competition. General trends in trade competition over the 1995-2005 period will be analysed, with a focus on 2005 where analysis will be done at a disaggregated level.
Linnemann’s (1996) COS index will be used to assess the potential for expanding trade between the two nations across different sectors. The extent to which the pattern of specialisation as observed in Malaysia and Singapore is competitive or complementary in the world market will thus be analysed.
Finally, the dissertation will focus in detail on the electronics industry of both countries. A revealed comparative advantage analysis of the different products within the industry over the period 1995-2005 will be undertaken. An in-depth analysis of this sector is relevant as it is a key component of the exports of both countries, being the leading export for both countries in 2005.
Just for fun, i've attached the original (pre-proof-reading) manuscript. The red marks indicate Olivia's comments (Thanks again =D)
The ASEAN economies have generally experienced large economic growth and industrialisation in the past two decades (rephrase?). Export-led strategies have been at the heart of the region’s economic growth. However, the region’s vulnerability to the 1997 financial crisis and intensifying competitive pressure brings the risk that the ASEAN economies will be marginalised in terms of exports, with (leading to?) an adverse effect on growth. Export competitiveness is thus a key issue for ASEAN’s future economic prospects.
The dissertation will focus on Malaysia and Singapore for several reasons. Firstly, both economies are highly interdependent in terms of trade and capital flows. Also (delete?), in comparison to the other ASEAN members, there is a greater and pronouncedly increasing competition in bilateral trade between both countries. Finally (additionally), both countries are also (delete) especially open to international trade and capital flows and possess the most competitive economies in ASEAN.
Malaysia’s export sector is dominated by electronics and petroleum-based products, which have contributed significantly to its past economic growth. Should try and link sentences somehow? Its export competitiveness will be crucial to its future growth. However (delete), a changing global environment marked by growing trade liberalisation, increasing competition and the emergence of other low-cost producers in the region requires an analysis of Malaysia’s export competitiveness.
(On the other hand…. On the contary? In contrast? Hmm.. ) Singapore’s export sector, which is dominated by the (delete) electronics sector (delete? I don’t like repetition =P. the term ‘electronics’ makes sense by itself anyway.) has experienced slowing growth, partially due to increasing competition. Thus, there needs to be (delete…is need for) an assessment of its export sector to determine whether this decline reflects an erosion in competitiveness, or a natural process of shifting comparative advantage and market diversification.
The principal aim of the dissertation will be to determine the structure of comparative advantage during the period 1995-2005 enjoyed by Malaysia and Singapore in the global market. Firstly, the export structures of both countries will be analysed at a general level. The Balassa index (1965) will then be used to analyse trends in the pattern of comparative advantage in exports in both countries during the 1995-2005 period at a broad and disaggregated level. (this will allow for… to be identified?) The leading manufacturing industries in terms of comparative advantage will be identified.
The degree of trade competition between the two countries will then be analysed using the index of trade competition. General trends in trade competition over the 1995-2005 period will be analysed, with a focus on 2005 where analysis will be done at a disaggregated level.
Linnemann’s (1996) COS index will be used to assess the potential for expanding trade between the two nations across different sectors. The extent to which the pattern of specialisation as observed in Malaysia and Singapore is competitive or complementary in the world market will thus be analysed.
Finally, the dissertation will focus in detail on the electronics industry of both countries. A revealed comparative advantage analysis of the different products within the industry over the period 1995-2005 will be undertaken. An in-depth analysis of this sector is relevant as it is a key component of the exports of both countries, being the leading export for both countries in 2005. Maybe refine it a little here… it’s a bit clumsy.
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