Keat Place

Some interesting opinions...

2010-10-06T16:05:00.002+08:00

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Snipets from the mundane life of Ah Keat

2010-01-25T14:21:00.004+08:00

After a tiring day, Ah Keat came home from work and his children ran to him and called out ‘Ayah! Ayah!’.

His neighbor overheard this, got very upset and said to him, “Can you please tell your children not to call you ‘Ayah’?”

Bewildered, Ah Keat asked, “Why?”

The neighbor retorted, “Because my children call me ’Ayah’ too. They might get confused and mistake you to be their father.”

Ah Keat, "......"

2010

2010-01-20T00:48:00.004+08:00

I know, I know, it's already 20 days into 2010, the first major film/tv award has come and gone and Mr James Cameron seems set to become king of the world yet again... and my blog is in hibernating mode... again, seems like things are going usual...

2010 just reminds me of Vision 2020. Do we, Malaysians, still remember what the heck this V2020 is all about? There's this 1Malaysia I am hearing... but not seeing... Why is that? If we cannot even "see" then what sort of "vision" can we have? Much has happened just 20 days into 2010. I can only imagine what the rest of 345 days would bring....

Happy 2010?

唐崇荣牧师问题解答：基督教与回教

2009-09-21T00:37:00.002+08:00

身體健康也是一種Rock'n Roll的Style or Debut Albums that Rock My World Part 2

2009-08-29T08:56:00.011+08:00

Crowd Lu. That funny English name adopted by 盧廣仲 (Lu Guang Zhong) will be forever etched in my mind representing a unique musical style I have never really encounter before yet it's a style that so effortlessly fused Folk, Rock, Blues and Jazz music styles with lyrics that are youthfully fitting. Crowd Lu's 100 Ways of Life (盧廣仲 - 100種生活) employed a free-style vocal that I find singing along his songs brings tremendous fun! While this album does not feel like a top notch studio recording (comparing to works like David Tao's debut), it is full of raw energy that I suspect many of the tracks employed "live" recording style versus the studio recording style. Nevertheless, the production really fits the musical style that Crowd Lu is trying to bring forward.

早安，晨之美 - a different version of the first track from the album

Crowd Lu singing live ~ Rock'n Roll的Style (hilarious song)

another Crowd Lu antics: mimicking Russian singer Vitas

just for kicks, the real Vitas

and 15 again...

2009-08-28T13:55:00.004+08:00

For a film buff, what better way to celebrate Merdeka than be able watch 15 funky shorts that shed light on the ups and downs of Malaysian society? The first release of the 15 shorts ~ Potong Saga, a comedy featured Namewee aka the controversial Negarakuku composer/performer, is pretty funny and even more fun if u can understand Malaysian Mandarin. Not sure how any non-Malaysian would find these shorts (the title "Potong Saga" itself bore several meanings ot a Malaysian). As a Malaysian Chinese, each of these films tug at my heart stings in different ways. Anyway, I will let these shorts speak for themselves.

Real life-size GUNDAM exist!

2009-08-27T18:21:00.005+08:00

Holy Cranberries! They finally done it! A life-size GUNDAM was finally built standing 18m high in Tokyo! Tho' I'm not really a fan of the series but what a feat it is!

Wanna be photographed on GUNDAM's shoulder?

Hmm... can my favourite Wing GUNDAM Zero be next? Practically, it might topple backwards because of its gigantic wings...

15 + 15

2009-08-26T11:43:00.006+08:00

IMDB released a list of 15 top-rated films of the new millennium, here's my non-exhaustive list of 15 English and 15 foreign language films that has great impact on yours truly ~

15 English Language:
Dark Knight
Donnie Darko
Empire Strikes Back
High Fidelity
Leon
Matrix
Memento
Return of the King
Saving Private Ryan
Shawshank Redemption
Sixth Sense
Spiderman 2
The Incredibles
Titanic
Truman Show

15 Foreign Languages:
Amélie (French)
Avalon (Polish)
Cinema Paradiso (Italian)
City of God (Portuguese)
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (Mandarin)
Infernal Affairs (Cantonese)
Justice My Foot (Cantonese)
My Sassy Girl (Korean)
Princess Mononoke (Jap)
Rashômon (Jap)
Run Lola Run (German)
Running Out of Time (Cantonese)
Seven Samurai (Jap)
Three Colours: Red (French)
Whisper of the Heart (Jap)

What's your 15?

Alive in Joburg (Hoping for District 10 in 3 years...)

2009-08-22T00:44:00.006+08:00

Where to begin? The showing was delayed for more than 1/2hr, I almost wanna call for a refund; the air-con was on full blast until I have to have my own intermission thus missing few minutes of show, some parts of the analogue film have defects that was so disturbing on screen... but heck, District 9 is by far one of the best film I have watched this year!

Like all good Sci-Fi, a thriller on the surface but a social commentary at its core, the small film that could (30mill budget to Hollywood standard is nothing), shot with faux-documentary style, really blows me away (with its exploding Tesla guns). In the end, the film celebrates the strength of camaraderie and takes stabs at many social political issues such as refugees, racial prejudice, threat of giant corporate power.

Although the "Produced by Peter Jackson" on the credits are one of the first things that attracted my attention, as a director, Neill Blomkamp is now on my radar. Here's hoping more good things to come. Heck, I'm crossing my fingers for District 10 already... "I'll be back in three years. I promise" -- Christopher Johnson

Now, I gotta go find that original short film D9 is based upon...

P.S. Next time, remember to bring a jacket whenever step into GSCs...

FB hazzards

2009-08-12T22:52:00.004+08:00

Be careful what you post on Fcaebook! (or remember who you added!)

This lady learn the lesson the hard way.

So you've watched he movie...

2009-08-12T22:23:00.004+08:00

Ever wonder what G.I.Joes or Cobra do when they are trying to kill each other?

The Ballad of G.I. Joe from Olivia Wilde

Now I would to know what the Autobots and Decepticons do in their down time...

You wanna be "In The Loop"?

2009-08-12T19:24:00.005+08:00

This must be the cleverest "full-of-swearing" political satire I ever watched....!

This film has the bests of British and American humour. Tho' it's full of swearing, not particularly family friendly. Not meant to be anyway, seeing as it is a sharply observed satire on the previous UK Blair government on the issue of war. I particularly enjoy the British humour.

Best Cantonese K-song ever?

2009-08-10T01:29:00.002+08:00

林海峰 - 流行曲

For those who understands Cantonese, and has a sense of humor this song is absolutely tongue in cheek!

Yo Joe!

2009-08-09T00:32:00.005+08:00

Caught this on the first day it landed on Pg. OK, so it's "another mindless summer crap", and it's selling Americanism (again) but the Joes has been part of my child/teenage-hood so I am tempted to take a look. For what it's worth, I applaud the clever script that creates it's own Cobra origin story but still relevant to G.I.Joe lore.

My verdict: G.I.Joe 09 > Transformers 09
Down side: no Lady Jaye, uniforms a la X-Men and why was Iron Man doing here?
Tidbit: there's suppose to be a subtle connection between the two G.I.Joe and TF movies... see if u can figure it out... TF vs Joes anyone?

Debut albums that rock my world Part 1

2009-07-23T16:59:00.006+08:00

I first heard of "David Tao 陶喆" through an interview of our local 4-piece all male vocal group "Baby" (now defunct?) on a Chinese radio broadcast. One of the vocalist whose style I enjoyed named DT's music as a great influence. I have never heard of such person then and therefore have little idea what kind of music DT was doing.

By sheer chance, while I was browsing thru the CD section in a bookstore, something caught my attention. The music album cover is simple and striking, with heavy blue coloured tone and the singers face only partially revealed. It is done in a very abstract kinda way with the name 陶喆 (taozhe) was printed up front. I suddenly recall the recent broadcast I just heard and how they joked about DT's name is made up of 2 吉，which means "good" in Chinese. They would purposely mispronounce his name as 陶吉吉 (taojiji).

Impulsively, (the cheap price tag helps) I snag up this CD along with some other a;bums. I really dunno what to expect from the CD but as I pop it into my player and listen from track 1 to 15, anticipation turns to surprise, and in turn I was totally mesmerised by the music. I was completely floored by how wonderful this CD was crafted. The production was something I would never expect coming from a Taiwanese release. I vaguely remember what else I bought that day from the CD section, and find myself putting DT's debut studio solo release, as it turns out to be, on repeat. The more I listened, the more I am awed by how perfect was this work of art. I am quite sure the vocals, compositions, production, arrangements, mixing etc, would win even Grammys if it would to qualify. As with all his later albums, DT was the composer, arranger, frequent instrumentalist and producer.

This is one album that I have never been bored with, never skip tracks and, IMHO, never gets old.

David Tao Debut Album Tracklist:

1.Airport Take Off
2.飛機場的10:30 (Airport in 10:30)
3.Airport Arrival
4.愛很簡單 (I Love You)
5.沙灘 (Blue Moon)
6.十七歲 (Our Love)
7.望春風 (Spring Wind)
8.王八蛋 (Bastard)
9.是是非非 (Yes No Song)
10.流沙 (Everything's Gone)
11.Take 6 Minus 3
12.心亂飛 (Do I Do I)
13.再見以前先說再見 (Say Goodbye)
14.沙灘鋼琴版 (Suite Blue Moon)
15.Answering Machine

Movies watched recently...

2009-07-20T15:59:00.014+08:00

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009 - Fantasy) A- "hope this getting-better trend will mean the last 2-part film based on book 7 will be very very good!"

新宿事件 (2008 - Drama, Action) B+ "Jackie Chan can do meaningful drama!"

保持通话 (2008 - Action, Thriller) A- "Unexpectedly satisfying for a remake!"

Blood: The Last Vampire (2009 - Action, Horror) C+ "Is this going to be worst film starred by Jun Ji-Hyun?"

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009 - Action, Sci-fi) B- "CGI transforming robots bashing each other are fine but please, do have a better plot, if there's a next time..."

梅兰芳 (2009 - Biography, Drama) B+ "good drama, but not enthralled by Beijing Opera..."

12 minutes that are better than most 2 hrs

2009-07-06T18:30:00.004+08:00

Many summer movies might take away many of your 2 hrs but I think only a handful can be as artful, meaningful and entertaining than this less than 12 minutes short.

Best thing is the main characters were silent through out this sweet little gem, which brought home the impact.

Interesting concept + capable cast and crew + good use of soundtracks = great experience!

Funny clip by Jack Neo

2009-06-21T19:55:00.005+08:00

If there's one South East Asian filmmaker that's worth my attention, it'll be Jack Neo.

Here's a funny clip to promote his recent film, Love Matters. (Tho', after watching it, not one of his bests...)

lesson of the day: don't put your phone next to the iron!

What is your theological worldview?

2009-04-21T17:35:00.006+08:00

If you are interested in knowing as a Christian, what kind of theological worldview you hold, try this.

Who's this... Chuck?

2009-04-08T20:32:00.009+08:00

I have a confession to make... I love Chuck. I mean, I love "Chuck" the TV show.

There's a few shows on the tube that I think are cool this season: Lost (a given), Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles (please dun let this show dies), Pushing Daisies (R.I.P., but still one of the bests), Battlestar Galactica (finished) and Fringe (getting better..). However, I just plainly love the mix of spy action, comedy and romance plus a touch of sci-fi geekiness with CHUCK.

Computer geek by day. Government operative by night.

James Bond he ain't, but Chuck, the titular character, is your normal, a bit geeky, but charming guy with a big secret in his head, literally. A top secret US government database presumed to be destroyed is trapped in Chuck's brain and therefore for his own safety and the government's own interest, a CIA handler and an NSA agent are assigned to protect him as his undercover bodyguards, acting as his girlfriend and his colleague respectively.

This show has plenty to offer, and never have I seen a show that blends action, comedy, friendships and spoofs all together this nicely. It ain't got the popularity of Lost or Battlestar Galactica, but it is clearly a better show than Heroes since it started last season.

What's in the box?

2009-04-08T20:13:00.004+08:00

Cool fan-made live action short of Half-Life 2.

Now this is the way to fly!

2009-03-29T21:44:00.009+08:00

Now you will listen carefully to the flight announcement! ")

"This is flight 372 on SWA

The flight attendants' on board servin' you today

Teresa in the middle, David in the back

My name's David and I'm here to tell you that..."

Would you wanna have your AirAsia or MAS attendant rapping.... or singing flight announcement?

Rapping flight attendant David Holmes on WSJ blog

A respond to Mr Penn

2009-03-18T01:19:00.003+08:00

It's been ages since my last post. I think this is a good time to return.

If you like films as much as I do, you must have watched the OSCARs and thus would've heard Sean Penn criticising Christians upon receiving his award.

I just wanna share a recording from Dr. James R. White of Alpha & Omega Ministries who responds to Mr Penn's attack.

Multitouch surfaces! We are living in Sci-Fi age!

2008-05-17T15:11:00.007+08:00

How to build your own multitouch interface...

Cardboard box, check. Paper, check. I just need Plexiglas, web cam and some coding on touchlib.

Although we all can't have our own 2D/3D CAD devices like Mr Stark aka IRON MAN, but 2D multitouch surface is here! Check these links out.

Full-Screen Multitouch Mac OS X Is Here

Jeff Han Talks Multitouch, iPhones, and Lame Minority Report Jokes

Multi-grope: Interacting with Microsoft Surface at the AT&T Store

Film talk

2008-05-03T17:20:00.004+08:00

Watched 2 films, IRON MAN and 夕岚之街樱之国 (Yûnagi no machi sakura no kuni). They're both very different in genre: the former, a based-on-superhero-comic summer blockbuster, the latter, a touching story centres on two generations of a family that were victims of atom bombing of Hiroshima.

IRON MAN spoke volumes to my inner child and I rank it up there with Spider-Man 2 and Batman Begins.

memorable quotes:
Reporter: Mr. Stark, you've been called the Da Vinci of our time; what do you say to that?
Tony Stark: Absolutely ridiculous, I don't paint.
Reporter: What do you say to your other nickname, the 'Merchant of Death'?
Tony Stark: That's not bad.

However, it was the Japanese based-on-manga 夕岚之街樱之国 that really touches my heart. Although fictional, it would've been true stories of many victims that were left alive but physically and emotionally scarred by horror that brought WW2 to an end.

memorable quotes:
“原子弹不是自己掉下来的，是被人投下来的。”
“不能再把什么责任都推到原子弹上面去了！”

Both films get thumbs up.

Worth listen to...

2008-04-26T14:47:00.007+08:00

Almost another month w/o any posts... Anyway, just wanna share a really touching clip hear forwarded to me. It's really worth a listen to..

A remarkable phone call from a 12-yr old boy to Houston radio station KSBJ FM 89.3. So profound, the station has it posted on their website.

Long hiatus continues..

2008-03-29T16:25:00.004+08:00

I just realised it's a month since I posted anything here. I guess my long hiatus would have to continue for a little longer since with so much going on now this blog is not in my top 10 priority anymore :( But rest assured I will be back soon!

P.S.: Happy 5th Anniversary to Berlyn :)

When Lady East meets Señorita West...

2008-02-29T13:53:00.008+08:00

It did not went too well :)

Actually, my colleague and I tried to blend the his 二胡 with my guitar as an entertainment item to our fellow staff during our CNY do. I think either due to stage fright or some unknown reason, our "ladies" panicked and wasn't harmonising during the first half. After some calming down, we managed to steer the conversation between them to a harmonised agreement.

Who says these ladies do not mix well, they just need some gentle persuasion.

Even superstars have younger/humble days

2008-02-18T23:21:00.006+08:00

Yeah.. it's been ages since I post. with a slew of things coming one after another since before CNY and after I find myself preoccupied by many things during this festive period. One of them is to scan some of the old photos from my collection to use in a sharing during the fellowship meet. Here's a cute one... (have fun identifying yourselves, if you are in it.)

"we are doing a an early 80's show... that's why we dressed like that"
-- the humble beginnings of today's superstars

Presenting Dr Teo of Disted-Stamford College

2008-01-30T01:28:00.000+08:00

Managed to unearth this jewel from the depths of Youtube.

It would be cool to embed this video on Disted's website! ^_^

5 C.S. for God's guidance

2008-01-21T13:56:00.000+08:00

A summary of what brother Simon shared on the 1st of January 2008 under the mild morning sun and breeze of Batu Ferringhi beach. Yes, I know a lot of you were not paying full attention that's why it's reviewed here:

General question: I have prayed for God's guidance, how do I know what he wants me to do?

Answer: In looking for God's guidance here are the suggested 5 C.S.~

Commanding Scripture - God will not lead us to do anything contrary to Scripture where His general will is revealed. Of all the "5 C.S." this is to be prioritised before we look into the other 4 since the Scripture is the final authority. That's is why it is important for us to know our Bible.
Compelling Spirit - Jesus said His sheep hear His voice and know it…thoughts, strong impressions, desires to act or feelings that need to be tested…is it loving, is it strengthening, encouraging, and comforting, does it bring the peace of God? But under this category is also prophecy, dreams, visions, angels and yes, audible voice.
Common Sense - God’s promises of guidance were not given to save us the problem of thinking. Some things can be decided in using our God given sense.
Counsel of the Saints - Making decisions are our responsibility, but it is good to consult godly others in our lives, chosen on the basis of their spiritual authority.
Circumstantial Signs - sometimes God opens doors, other times He closes them, watch the circumstances but don’t put too much weight on them. Sometimes we are asked to persevere in spite of all the circumstances.

Finally, I got to wear a mortar board ;-)

2008-01-21T13:29:00.000+08:00

I've finally get to wear a graduating gown at a Disted College ceremony after graduated from Disted more than 10 years ago!! Not a big deal, but still I've finally got the chance to officially wear a mortar board. Not as a graduating student tho' :D.

Among the graduates

A-K-E-E-L-A-H and the B-E-E

2008-01-19T15:58:00.000+08:00

I love this film. There are some clichés but it is without a doubt one of the best uplifting family film I have watched. With nearly all non-Caucasian casts, this is also the first film to be co-distributed by Starbucks. The lead who's played by Keke Palmer is someone to watch out for. A must see for all!

P-U-L-C-H-R-I-T-U-D-E -- Pulchritude

Macbook Air (as thin as thin air?)

2008-01-17T17:52:00.001+08:00

Wow! That is thin! No need to buy a carrying case, just need a thick envelop :)

Me Gandalf

2008-01-16T19:46:00.001+08:00

Can't believe I came up as Gandalf, me wanna be Aragorn the true King! Well, Gandalf is good too, very wise and resisits the temptation of Sauron unlike Saruman. Known also as Mithrandir, I notice a difference between when he is the Grey and when he is the White.

Which LOTR character are you?
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Gandalf

You are Gandalf! This wise, old mage is loyal and brave. He is known for his counsel and advice to his friends and allies during tough times.

"All you have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to you."

Gandalf

81%

Eowyn

69%

Samwise

63%

Aragorn

50%

Frodo

38%

Arwen

31%

Pippin

25%

Gollum

19%

Faramir

Are you lagging behind?

2008-01-16T17:17:00.000+08:00

Today I virtually spend the whole day facing my PC monitor in the office since my classes are having a break and I have plenty things to do that needs my loyal PC's help. Of course, while I am working the emails, IM chats etc keep coming and going. And I find myself "googling" and "wikiing" once in a while to get some info.

Google, wikipedia, emails, MSN, sms, mobile phones (or cell phones, or hand phones, what ever you call them), iPods, digital photos, P2P, broadband, LAN, youtube... etc. Most of these words never existed 10 years ago. Now it is integrated into our everyday lives. It has slowly become a necessity in life just like electric light, telephone, TV, the fridge, washing machine.

The advancement of technology is at an exponential speed of growth that would overwhelm us if we are not careful. We are called to be the steward of God's creation on Earth. We have to learn to use these technology efficiently, ethically, to the benefit of mankind and God pleasing way.

What a Godly Man Should Look Like

2008-01-16T14:35:00.000+08:00

Whoasai, hard to measure up to! I don't personally feels that what is said here is universal but you can apply the principles.

What a Godly Man Should Look Like

by Kathy Gruben

“I would use these words to describe this wonderful man of virtue….

Noble, chivalrous, courageous, fun, true, wise, loyal, passionate, protector, gentle, humble, strong, self-sacrificial, adventurous, patient, loving, kind, serving, intelligent, polite, family centered, lover of truth, steeped in the Word of God, prayerful and hospitable.

These are not the kind of guys that you always notice first in a crowd. But they are the ones that you admire most once you do notice them. They are the ones who go to the person sitting on the side of the church looking left out, and shake hands with a smile. They are the ones that you will find at home instead of in youth group. You will see them sitting with their folks rather than passing notes in the back of church with their friends. You will find them helping in the kitchen or taking out the trash, walking the ladies to their cars and carrying diaper bags even if they don’t belong to them.

You’ll find them with other guys, in deep discussions about theology, worldview philosophies, politics, and books rather than just talking about the latest football games, computer games and girls. Yet, they can converse on these topics too when needed. :) These are the guys who walk on the outside of the sidewalk to protect the lady whom they might be with, and are always watching for ways to take care of her as a sister. When looking for a mate, they want the one who is at home (or wants to be) and “hangs out” with her mom and siblings more than her buddies.

They love a good time, but it usually entails sword fighting, ultimate Frisbee, board games, hiking, touch football, night tag, water balloon fights and G rated movies rather than sports teams, dancing at the bar or movies with violence and sex-who cares if they are in their 20’s! A big night on the town includes taking the siblings to the grocery store, the library or out for miniature golf. They are passionate about the things of God and they do not bend on their convictions, no matter what others may say or do. They don’t care that some might see them as “goody-goody” or strange for not dating or for spending so much time with their family–they are proud of it!

You might see them on the road at 6:30am rushing to get to a 7:00am catechism class, even though no one is making him go. You will find them in family worship, singing or playing the piano, teaching God’s word to his family or sitting at his fathers feet. They write marvelous heart felt letters of encouragement when needed and yet might not say too much by way of personal stuff to many. They keep confidences. You might easily see him with a crowd of little ones about him as he helps to teach them something or play with them. He will watch an old movie and play cards with his siblings or parents, even when he would rather be playing “Stronghold Crusader” on his laptop.

He would give up his very life for his savior, his ideals and his family. He makes ice cream floats of all kinds - even strange concoctions - and gives his mom tea in bed. He bakes birthday cakes for his friends with his sister’s recipes. He learns to follow a recipe and make things in the crock-pot because he wants to be able to at least take care of his wife when the baby comes. You are likely to find him under a car, on top of a roof, mowing a lawn, mending the fence, writing a book, working the night shift to help the family - anywhere that will require hard work, initiative and drive - but not for his own sake.

They are so admired and dearly loved by their families because they are an indispensable source of joy and encouragement, strength of character and servitude. They are never truly independent, because they have come to that wonderful place in the Christian life where they realize, that they must be dependent on God alone in His sovereignty, and the people that He has placed in his life.

Therefore, he is a true man’s man. A giant. One to look up to. A hero. A leader among his peers. Strong, steady, dependable and one that you could place your life and the lives of your children into his capable and loving hands - with no regrets or fears.”

~ by Kathy Gruben, 2006

Poor time management!!

2008-01-16T12:09:00.000+08:00

My job appraisal was mostly good: able to get the job done, have good rapport with students, get along well with colleagues, good teamwork etc... but with one big black spot. My Achilles heel is time management. Sigh... nothing new here. Made a promise that I will make good on this with black and white to prove!!

Dear Lord,
Teach me to manage my time for time is an asset more precious than money, time give rise to opportunities, time is life. Teach me not to waste my life on meaningless stuff but use my time to glorify your name. Amen.

Amazing Grace with Bass

2008-01-14T16:49:00.001+08:00

Corrine May Live!

2008-01-13T19:51:00.000+08:00

Corrinne May singing live! Found on Youtube.

In The Bleak Midwinter - at Peets Coffee & Tea, her favorite tea store

Same Side of the Moon - in Chicago

Wish I could attend one of her concerts some day...

A message to the youths

2008-01-11T14:05:00.000+08:00

Dear young ones,

Shalom,

Another school week nearly finish and I hope by now, you have shifted your "gear" from "holiday" to "studying" (For some of you, your gear might still having some problems shifting :) )

Some are freshers in high school just starting to get a grip on high school life, you still have so much ahead of you. Cherish every moment as you would not go through this phase of life a second time.

Some are starting their "SPM" phase, transiting from Form 3 to Form 4. Honeymoon year is a myth, don't let it fool you! PMR is kacang compare to SPM. Start building your foundation as soon as possible.

There'll be some that are either facing PMR, SPM or *shivers* STPM. You still have at least 9 months. (that's correct I hope?) A lot will depend on what do you do with these 9 months. Plan wisely and I wish you all the best.

For those who have entered college (yay, no more school uniform or restricting hair cut) . Don't get too carried away, remember you are koko and jiejie, and one step closer to become a contributing member of the society. Learn to be more independent in all areas, however in certain areas independence is not given but has to be earned.

Let us all strive to be shining example at school, at college and no matter where we are. There's no need to be timid and being fearful how the others see us as our Lord has blessed us with His word to show us true freedom in Him. Let's be the salt and light of the world, starting from our little own corner!

~EeKeat KoKo

Corrinne May

2008-01-11T12:40:00.000+08:00

Having heard her first two albums, Fly Away and Safe in a Crazy World, I am really excited to finally get to listened to her 4th creative effort Beautiful Seed.

I will follow-up on this album when I have more time to go through the songs. As a fan of her previous studio releases, which includes a Christmas album - The Gift, I do have high expectations on her soothing but solid voice sharing stories that touches our hearts and lifting them.

To mom

2008-01-09T14:09:00.000+08:00

Why Women Cry

Author unknown

A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?" "Because I'm a woman," she told him. "I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will." Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?" "All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry. Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?"

God said:

"When I made the woman she had to be special. I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort.

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly.

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed."

"You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."

Tragic tale of blood brothers

2008-01-09T11:54:00.000+08:00

Watched The Warlords yesterday. A tragic tale that touches on the topics such as sworn brotherhood, loyalty, ambition, desire and war politics. I like it for the fact that it is essentially a film that deals with matters of the heart despite having the look of a war movie. To me, Jet Li's performance was a pleasant surprise although all 4 principals did their job well. I highly recommend this film, not for kids tho', plus it's depiction of the fairer sex might raised some questions although in the context of the film it worked.

Ouch! That's my foot you're stabbing!

BRGH YP 2008

2008-01-06T23:07:00.000+08:00

A snapshot of Burmah Road Gospel Hall Chinese Assembly Youth Fellowship 2008, taken on the first fellowship meeting of the year.

We are family!

Start of with a BANG!

2008-01-06T22:47:00.000+08:00

Marking papers, finalising graduation booklet, tidy up labs, preparing classes, teaching songs, music arrangements etc... these are but some of the tasks i must do in the first month of 2008. Must sleep well, eat well and exercise well (spiritually and physically) to keep up!

The Power of Love

2008-01-05T11:45:00.000+08:00

A long time ago in China , a girl named Li-Li got married & went to live with her husband and mother-in-law. In a very short time, Li-Li found that she couldn't get along mother-in-law at all. Their personalities were very different, and Li-Li was angered by many of her mother-in-law's habits. In addition, she criticized Li-Li constantly.

Days passed, and weeks passed. Li-Li and her mother-in-law never stopped arguing and fighting. But what made the situation even worse was that, according to ancient Chinese tradition, Li-Li had to bow to her mother-in-law and obey her every wish. All the anger and unhappiness in the house was causing Li-Li's poor husband great distress.

Finally, Li-Li could not stand her mother-in-law's bad temper and dictatorship any longer, and she decided to do something about it! Li-Li went to see her father's good friend, Mr. Huang, who sold herbs. She told him the situation and asked if he would give her some poison so that she could solve the problem once and for all.

Mr. Huang thought for a while, and finally said, "Li-Li, I will help you solve your problem, but you must listen to me and obey what I tell you."

Li-Li said, "Yes, Mr. Huang, I will do whatever you tell me to do."Mr. Huang went into the back room, and returned in a few minutes with a package of herbs. He told Li-Li, "You can't use a quick-acting poison to get rid of your mother-in-law, because that would cause people to become suspicious. Therefore, I have given you a number of herbs that will slowly build up poison in her body. Every other day prepare some delicious meal and put a little of these herbs in her serving. Now, in order to make sure that nobody suspect you, when she dies, you must be very careful to actively friendly towards her. "Don't argue with her, obey her every wish, and treat her like a queen." Li-Li was so happy. She thanked Mr. Huang and hurried home to start her plot of murdering her mother-in-law.

Weeks went by, and months went by, and every other day, Li-Li served the specially treated food to her Mother-in-law. She remembered what Mr. Huang had said about avoiding suspicion, so she controlled her temper, obeyed her mother-in-law, and treated her like her own mother.

After six months had passed, the whole household had changed. Li-Li had practiced controlling her temper so much that she found that she almost never got mad or upset. She hadn't had an argument with her mother-in-law in six months because she now seemed much kinder and easier to get along with.

The mother-in-law's attitude toward Li-Li changed, and she began to love Li-Li like her own daughter. She kept telling friends and relatives that Li-Li was the best daughter-in-law one could ever find. Li-Li and her mother-in-law were now treating each other like a real mother and daughter. Li-Li's husband was very happy to see what was happening.

One day, Li-Li came to see Mr. Huang and asked for his help again She said, "Dear Mr. Huang, please help me to keep the poison from killing my mother-in-law. She's changed into such a nice woman, and I love her like my own mother. I do not want her to die because of the poison I gave her."

Mr. Huang smiled and nodded his head. "Li-Li, there's nothing to worry about. I never gave you any poison. The herbs I gave you were vitamins to improve her health. The only poison was in your mind and your attitude toward her, but that has been all washed away by the love which you gave to her."

There is a wise Chinese saying: "The person who loves others will also be loved in return." God might be trying to work in another person's life through you.

I am a Universal Genius?!?

2008-01-04T13:33:00.000+08:00

Spent some lunch hour time doing some online IQ test and ended up with this...

Does this mean I'm smarter than Mr Einstein?

Prince Caspian Trailer

2008-01-04T10:49:00.000+08:00

Watch the trailer

Man, the underground scenes do make me miss London...

The beginning of something new... / welcome home

2008-01-03T20:09:00.000+08:00

Today, mom and dad returned from their "vacation" in Miri. They shared how both girls have grown, Cheryl started to attend Kindergarten and Charlotte exhibits the ability to "identify" music pieces among other books.

Cheryl: Do I look as cool as Ah Kong and Ah Mah?

Charlotte does not want to be left out

she ain't heavy, she's my sister

I'm a cowgirl with good teeth!