Intricate universe

The Donkey

2010-05-21T20:57:00.001+08:00

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbours to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.
As the farmer's neighbours continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

MORAL :
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive..

2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happen.

3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less

Jokes to brighten up your day!

2010-02-05T21:07:00.001+08:00

Boudreaux went into the fish market to apply for a job. The boss
thought to himself - I'm not hiring that lazy Cajun, so he decided to
set a test for Boudreaux hoping he wouldn't be able to answer the
questions and he'd be able to refuse him the job without getting into
an argument.
The first question was, "Without using numbers,
represent the number 9."
Boudreaux says, "Dat's easy" and proceeds to
draw three trees.
The boss says, "What in the world is that?"
Boudreaux says, "Tree 'n tree 'n tree makes nine."
"Fair enough" says the boss. "Second questions,
same rules, but represent 99."
Boudreaux stares into space for a while, then
makes a smudge on each tree.
"Der ya go sir," he says.
The boss scratches his head and asks, "How on earth do you get that
to represent 99?"
Boudreaux answers, "Each tree is dirty now, so
it's dirty tree 'n dirty tree 'n dirty tree - dat 99."
The boss is getting worried he's going to have to
hire Boudreaux so he says, "All right, question number 3. Same rules
again, but this time represent the number 100."
Boudreaux stares into space again, then he
shouts, "I got it!" He makes a little mark at the base of each tree
and says, "Der ya go sir - 100."
The boss looks at Boudreaux's attempt and thinks, "Ha! got him this
time." He then tells Boudreaux, "Go on, Boudreaux, you must be crazy
if you think that represents a 100."
Boudreaux leans forward and points to the little
marks at the tree bases and says, "A little dog comes along and
craps by each tree, so now ya got dirty tree an' a turd, dirty tree an' a
turd, and dirty tree an' a turd, which makes 100. When do I start
my job?"

Panda
A panda walks into a restaurant, sits down, and orders a sandwich.
He eats the sandwich, pulls out a gun, and shoots the waiter dead.
As the panda stands up to go, the manager shouts, "Hey! Where are you going? You just shot my waiter and you didn’t pay for your sandwich!"
The panda yells back at the manager, "Hey, man, I’m a PANDA! Look it up!"
The manager opens his dictionary and sees the following definition for panda:
A tree-dwelling marsupial of Asian origin, characterized by distinct black and white coloring. Eats shoots and leaves.

Liver and Cheese
There were these three guys at a cafe, drinking their coffee - an American guy, an Indian guy, and a Chinese guy.
They see a really attractive waitress and comment on her good looks. Next thing you know they start making bets on who can get her to go out with them first.
The waitress overhears them, and she goes up to them and says, "Hey, I heard you talking about me. Well, I like an intelligent guy, so let’s see who can make the best sentence using the words ’liver’ and ’cheese’."
So the American guy goes, "That’s easy. I love liver and I hate cheese."
The waitress shakes her heard in disgust.
The black guy goes, "Well, I hate liver and I love cheese."
The waitress says, "That is so stupid. That’s essentially the same thing!"
Then the Chinese guy steps up and puts his arm around the waitress’ waist. "Liver alone, cheese mine!"

Air Plane
An airplane takes off from the airport.
The captain is Jewish and the first officer is Chinese.
It’s the first time they’ve flown together and it’s obvious by the silence that they don’t get along.
After thirty minutes, the Jewish Captain speaks, "I don’t like Chinese."
The First Officer replies, " Ooooh, no like Chinese? Why ees that?"
The Captain says, "You bombed Pearl Harbor. That’s why I don’t like Chinese."
The First Officer says, "Noooo, noooo.... Chinese not bomb Pearl Harbah. That Japanese, not Chinese."
And the Captain answers, "Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese... it doesn’t matter, they’re all alike."
Another thirty minutes of silence.
Finally the First Officer says, "No like Jew."
The Captain replies, "Why not? Why don’t you like Jews?"
The First Officer says, "Jews sink Titanic."
The Captain tries to correct him, "No, no. The Jews didn’t sink the Titanic. It was an iceberg."
The First Officer replies," Iceberg, Goldberg, Rosenberg, no mattah. All same."

Baby
A Chinese couple had a new baby.
The nurse brings them over a lovely, healthy, bouncy, black baby boy. "Congratulations," says the nurse to the new parents. "What will you name the baby?"
The puzzled father looks at his new child and says "I think we will name him "Sum Ting Wong."

Toothache
At ten o’clock in the morning, the phone rings in the office of Doctor Floss, the dentist. "Hello!" says Floss.
"Hello!" says Wu, the Chinaman. ’"What time you fixee teeth for me?"
"Two-thirty," replies Floss. "Alright?"
"Yes," says Wu. "Tooth hurtee, alright! But what time you fixee?"

The Tunnel Of Love
One day, an Asian man, an American man, and a French girl were on a train.
Along the ride, there was a short but dark tunnel. When they entered the tunnel, a kissing sound, then a slapping sound was heard. Once outside, everyone could see a large red mark on the American’s face.
The French girl thought, "That American probably tried to kiss me, but accidentally kissed the Asian, and he slapped him."
The American thought, "The Asian tried to kiss the French girl, and she tried to slap him, but accidentally slapped me."
Now, the Asian thought, "That was great! Me kiss pretty French girl, and slap crazy American! Can’t wait for next tunnel!"

Retarded Answers

2009-09-21T19:40:00.002+08:00

Letter

2009-09-21T19:29:00.003+08:00

Father passing by his teenage daughter's bedroom was astonished to see the bed was nicely made and everything was neat and tidy. Then he saw an envelope propped up prominently on the centre of the pillow. It was addressed "Dad". With the worst premonition, he opened the envelope and read the letter with trembling hands:

Dear Dad,

It is with great regret and sorrow that I m writing you, but I' m leaving home.I had to elope with my new boyfriend Randy because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mom and you. I ve been finding real passion with Randy and he is so nice to me. I know when you meet him you ll like him too, even with all his piercing, tattoos, and motorcycle clothes. But it's not only the passion Dad, I m pregnant and Randy said that he wants me to have the kid and that we can be very happy together. Even though Randy is much older than me (anyway,42 isn tso old these days is it?), and has no money, really these things shouldn t stand in the way of our relationship, don t you agree? Randy has a great CD collection; he already owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. It s true he has other girlfriends as well but I know he ll be faithful to me in his own way. He wants to have many more children with me and that's now one of my dreams too. Randy taught me that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone and he ll be growing it for us and we ll trade it with our friends for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want. In the meantime, we ll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Randy can get better; he sure deserves it!! Don t worry Dad, I m 16 years old now and I know how to take care of myself. Someday I m sure we ll be back to visit so you can get to know your grandchildren.

Your loving daughter

At the bottom of the page were the letters "PTO". Hands still trembling, her father turned the sheet, and read:

PS: Dad, none of the above is true. I'm over at the neighbour's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than my report card that's in my desk centre drawer. Please sign it and call when it is safe for me to come home. I love you!!!

2009-05-23T00:46:00.001+08:00

Life is small, Live it..
Love is short, Do it..
Troubles are momentary, Face it..
Memories are sweet, Cherish it..

I am exceptional, Accept it..

Funny Jokes

2009-05-21T18:24:00.003+08:00

The Crazy Tan Kok Beng

Why did Kok Beng go to a movie with his 18 friends?
Because below 18 not allowed!

***

Kok Beng wants to buy a TV set.. He goes to a shop.
Kok Beng : "Do you have color TV ?"
Salesgirl : "Yes !"
Kok Beng : "Give me a green one, please."

***

Kok Beng is filling up an application form for a job. He supplied the information for the columns on Name, Age, Address etc. Then he comes to column on "Salary Expected", but he is not sure of the question.

After much thought, he writes "Yes"

***

Kok Beng goes to a store and sees a shiny object.
Kok Beng : "What is that shiny object?"
Salesgirl : "That is a thermos flask."
Kok Beng : "What does it do ?"
Salesgirl : "It keeps hot things hot and cold things cold"
Kok Beng : "I'll buy it"

The next day, Kok Beng goes to work with his thermos flask
Boss : "What is that shiny object?"
Kok Beng : "It's a thermos flask."
Boss : "What does it do ?"
Kok Beng : "It keeps hot things hot and cold things cold"
Boss : "What do you have in it?"
Kok Beng : "Two cups of coffee and one cup of ice cream"

***

After taking photocopies of documents, Kok Beng always compares it with the original for spelling mistakes.

***

Kok Beng always smiles during lightning storms because he thinks his picture is being taken.

***

Why can't Kok Beng dial 911?
Because he can't find the number 11 (eleven) on the phone.

***

Kok Beng had just bought a new computer and was using it. When he encountered some problems. He decided to use the 'Help' command after some tries. Soon after, he became very irritated and called the computer retailer for support.

Kok Beng : "I press the 'F1' key for help lah, but it's been over half an hour and still nobody come and help me ?!"

***

Kok Beng with two red ears went to his doctor. The doctor asked him what had happened to his ears and he answered, "I was ironing a shirt and the phone ring - but instead of picking up the phone, I accidentally picked up the iron and stuck it to my ear"
"Oh dear !" the doctor exclaimed in disbelief.
"But ....... what happened to the other ear ?"
Kok Beng answered : "That stupid dumbo called back !!!!"

***

Kok Beng talk to a long-distance telephone operator.
Kok Beng: "COULD YOU PLEASE
TELL ME THE TIME DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
Taipei AND LAS VEGAS ?" Operator: "JUST A MINUTE..."
Kok Beng : "THANK YOU " AND PUTS DOWN THE PHONE."

***

After completing a jigsaw puzzle he'd been working on for quite sometime, Kok Beng proudly shows off the finished puzzle to a friend.
"It took me ONLY 5 MONTHS TO DO IT", Kok Beng brags.
"FIVE MONTHS? THAT'S TOO LONG", the friend exclaims.
"YOU ARE A FOOL." Kok Beng replies, "SEE THIS BOX, IT IS WRITTEN FOR 4-7 YRS."

***

At a bar in New York, the man to Kok Beng's left tells the bartender, "JOHNNIE WALKER, SINGLE" and his companion says, "JACK DANIELS, SINGLE".
The bartender approaches Kok Beng and asks, "AND YOU, SIR ?"
Kok Beng replies : "Tan Kok Beng, MARRIED"

Success

2009-05-18T19:12:00.002+08:00

A story shared by Johnathon Foong

After the retirement of a General Manager, a company was looking to promote one of their employees to fill up the position. The board of directors spent weeks looking through records and potential of the employees, until there were 2 left. These 2 were equally capable in their sales record and potential, and the board of directors decided to test them.

These 2 candidates were given a task "to go to Africa and do a market research on the prospect of selling sports shoes there".

Both candidates flew to Africa and spent 1 month there, living with the people and thinking of ways to sell sports shoes. After they came back, they both reported to the board of directors.

The first candidate said, "Sirs, I am sorry, but there is not way we can sell our sports shoes in Africa. The people there do not wear shoes."

The second candidate said, "Sirs, I am EXCITED! There is a BIG market out there in Africa. Nobody wears shoes, so there's no competition."

Which candidate do you think got promoted?

MORAL OF THE STORY ;
====================

Success and Failure is dependent on how we face problems. If you focus on the problem, you will see failure. If you look at ways around the problem, you will see success.

Life is full of opportunities, but people are too focus on problems and failures to notice them.
"When one door closes, another opens. If you are too focused on the closed door, you will never see the door that is opened for you."

If you find yourself always failing when you use the same method to approach a problem, why don't try a new method to tackle the same problem? Einstein once said, "It is insanity when people do the same things over and over again, but expect different results."

So my dear friends, from today onwards, be more aware of how you are handling your problems. I hope you all will handle it the right way, and get the success you deserve.

If you like this story, please share with your friends. Everybody deserves success for the effort they put in. They just need to put in effort in the right direction.

GOD is important

2009-04-19T17:35:00.001+08:00

Without GOD, our week would be:

Sinday
Mournday
Tearsday
Wasteday
Thirstday
Fightday
&
Shatterday

2009-02-07T15:48:00.003+08:00

This game is super fun.

Warning: It is addictive.

Here's the link

http://armorgames.com/play/841/grid16

High score 6027

7 dont's after a meal

2009-01-27T21:01:00.003+08:00

* Don't smoke- Experiment from experts proves that smoking a cigarette after meal is comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes (chances of cancer is higher).
* Don't eat fruits immediately - Immediately eating fruits after meals will cause stomach to be bloated with air. Therefore take fruit 1-2 hr after meal or 1hr before meal.
* Don't drink tea - Because tea leaves contain a high content of acid. This substance will cause the Protein content in the food we consume to be hardened thus difficult to digest.
* Don't loosen your belt - Loosening the belt after a meal will easily cause the intestine to be twisted & blocked.

* Don't bathe - Bathing will cause the increase of blood flow to the hands, legs & body thus the amount of blood around the stomach will therefore decrease. This will weaken the digestive system in our stomach.
* Don't walk about - People always say that after a meal walk a hundred steps and you will live till 99. In actual fact this is not true. Walking will cause the digestive system to be unable to absorb the nutrition from the food we intake.
* Don't sleep immediately - The food we intake will not be able to digest properly. Thus will lead to gastric & infection in our intestine.

2009-01-07T21:40:00.002+08:00

Extracted from "http://www.justriddlesandmore.com/gry.html"

To understand the "GRY" riddle, it is essential that you accept that riddles are simply brain teasers using word tricks. To be a riddle, there must be a trick in the wording or usage of words in the riddle. A riddle is not generally answered by a fact or information found in a reference book. Also, a riddle often uses a trick from magic - that is, misdirection - some of the words are there to mislead you to thinking about something else.

Now, the problem with the "GRY" riddle being circulated currently is this: the riddle has been mutilated and re-worded (presented here below - read it and see if it is the version you have been pondering) to something that absolutely cannot be answered. There is no answer to this version of the "GRY" Riddle - and rightly so, seeing as how it is not the correct version! This is the most commonly (though incorrect!) version of the "GRY" Riddle:

"There are three words in the English language that end in -GRY. Two are HUNGRY and ANGRY. The third one everyone uses every day and knows what it stands for. If you listened carefully, I already told you what the word is. What is the third word?"

So, what is the riddle here? What is the puzzle? If the above is NOT the correct version, what is?? The following is what we believe to be the correct version of the "GRY" riddle:

"Think of words ending in -GRY. Angry and hungry are two of them. There are only three words in the English language. What is the third word? The word is something that everyone uses every day. If you have listened carefully, I have already told you what it is."

OK, now let's take this riddle apart and solve it as a riddle. Remember, that a riddle has a trick with the words or usage of the words. The trick in this puzzle is misdirection. There are words here that are meant to mislead you and they do just that. The first two sentences in the puzzle have nothing to do with the question being asked: "Think of words ending in -GRY. Angry and hungry are two of them." Ignore these two sentences. They are there to mislead and distract you. Works doesn't it??? Now, what is left is the "meat" of the riddle: "There are only three words in the English language. What is the third word? The word is something that everyone uses every day. If you have listened carefully, I have already told you what it is." In the phrase, the English language, the third word is simply the word 'language'. There you have it!! Get it? 'Language' is definitely something everyone uses every day and in the phrase "the English language" is the third word! OK, now you're saying,"That can't be it; too easy!!" But remember what a riddle is and that the "GRY" riddle is a riddle - NOT a trivia question. "Ok", you're saying, "But that is really stupid!" Hey, we didn't write this riddle - but we do believe that we have the solution, stupid or not! We don't have actual statistics, but we can say that the "GRY" riddle has really gotten around over the last twenty years or so and we get MANY requests for the solution. As is the case with riddles, you need to listen or read them carefully before solving and before passing them along. Somehow, the "GRY" riddle got really distorted - hopefully this explanation will help and satisfy all of you who have been racking your brains for the answer!

By the way, there really are words in the English language that end in -GRY. However, they are definitely obscure and to most of us unknown and rarely used. When have you used bowgry, hogry, hangry or aggry in everyday circumstances? (Remember the riddle clearly states that the answer is something used every day by everyone.) So forget about using any of those obscure words! Instead, start repeating the riddle in its correct version and be happy that you now know the solution!

I check the dictionary and no such words exists, with the exception of aggry.

A RIDDLE THAT'LL KILL YOUR BRAIN!

2009-01-03T20:57:00.002+08:00

This is going to make you so MAD! There are three words in the English language that end in "gry". ONE is angry and the other is hungry. EveryONE knows what the third ONE means and what it stands for. EveryONE uses them everyday, and if you listened very carefully, I've given you the third word. What is it? _______gry?

Actually, I do not know the answer. What can it be?

Jesus is Better than Santa

2008-12-28T16:23:00.001+08:00

Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly
JESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says "You better not cry"
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.
Santa's little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas.
Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Pretty girl wants rich hunsband

2008-12-10T15:56:00.001+08:00

I got this at a forum. Interesting.

A young and pretty lady posted this on a popular forum:

Title: What should I do to marry a rich guy?I'm going to be honest of what I'm going to say here. I'm 25 this year.I'm very pretty, have style and good taste. I wish to marry a guy with $500k annual salary or above. You might say that I'm greedy, but an annual salary of $1M is considered only as middle class in New York . My requirement is not high. Is there anyone in this forum who has an income of $500k annual salary?Are you all married? I wanted to ask: what should I do to marry rich persons like you? Among those I've dated, the richest is $250k annual income, and it seems that this is my upper limit. If someone is going to move into high cost residential area on the west of New York City Garden , $250k annual income is not enough. I'm here humbly to ask a few questions:

1) Where do most rich bachelors hang out? (Please list down the names and addresses of bars, restaurant, gym)

2) Which age group should I target?

3) Why most wives of the riches is only average-looking? I've met a few girls who don?t have looks and are not interesting, but they are able to marry rich guys

4) How do you decide who can be your wife, and who can only be your girlfriend? (My target now is to get married)

Ms. Pretty

Here's a reply from a Wall Street Financial guy:

Dear Ms. Pretty,

I have read your post with great interest. Guess there are lots of girls out there who have similar questions like yours. Please allow me to analyze your situation as a professional investor. My annual income is more than $500k, which meets your requirement, so I hope everyone believes that I'm not wasting time here.From the standpoint of a business person, it is a bad decision to marry you.The answer is very simple, so let me explain. Put the details aside, what you're trying to do is an exchange of beauty and money: Person A provides beauty, and Person B pays for it, fair and square. However, there's a deadly problem here, your beauty will fade, but my money will not be gone without any good reason. The fact is, my income might increase from year to year, but you can't be prettier year after year. Hence from the viewpoint of economics, I am an appreciation asset, and you are a depreciation asset. It's not just normal depreciation, but exponential depreciation. If that is your only asset, your value will be much worried 10 years later. By the terms we use in Wall Street, every trading has a position, dating with you is also a trading position. If the trade value dropped we will sell it and it is not a good idea to keep it for long term same goes with the marriage that you wanted. It might be cruel to say this, but in order to make a wiser decision any assets with great depreciation value will be sold or leased. Anyone with over $500k annual income is not a fool; we would only date you, but will not marry you. I would advice that you forget looking for any clues to marry a rich guy. And by the way, you could make yourself to become a rich person with $500k annual income. This has better chance than finding a rich fool.

Sometimes, beauty is not everything. Character, or inner beauty is much more important.

Webbie
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showthread.php?t=2194218

Invisibility

2008-11-24T12:59:00.002+08:00

I almost collided with a glass wall while walking out through the “exit” of a shop. The glass is transparent, which can be considered as being invisible. Being invisible is one of the greatest fantasies for many young children, including me. The term is normally used in fictional books; some examples are Harry Potter series, Fantastic Four, The Incredibles, and The Lord of the Rings. Even in the show Pokemon, where creatures can turn invisible with their powerful attacks. Isn’t it cool to be invisible?

How does an object appear invisible? First, we have to know light works. Light from a source is being reflected by the object and travels into your eyes, and the image is formed in your brain. The objects only absorbed light of a certain wavelength, and the complementary color is seen. Hence, a red objects appears black if only blue light is shone onto it. These concepts are basic and should be simple enough to comprehend. How then do we prevent light from reflecting off that object? Scientist have been experimenting that for years and may have come out a solution.

Scientists have created metamaterials, which can allow light to flow pass the object instead of being reflected by it. However, it is limited only to a particular wavelength of light, and not the whole spectrum. Hence, a lot work still need to be done to create such a material. Click here to see the video of a car becoming invisible. By allowing light to pass through you, you do indeed become invisible. If there is indeed an invisible cloak that could worked over the entire spectrum, the lack of light would make the inside black, and you wouldn´t be able to see outside. No one knows exactly what would happen if you turned on a flashlight inside the cloak. Thus, it is not that easy to become invisible as of now.

One simple way to be invisible is to make everyone blind. Then you can see everyone, but no one can see you. Right? Or one could ask illusionist like David Copperfield how to make things disappear.

Reference
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invisibility
http://www.physorg.com/news107011336.html

Test your IQ

2008-11-22T23:46:00.005+08:00

Man
1. ------------
Board

stand
2. ------------
i

3. /r/e/a/d/i/n/g/

4. r
road
a
d

5. Cycle
Cycle
Cycle

0
6. ------------
M.D.
Ph.D.

knee
7. ------------
light

ground
8 ---------------------------------
feet feet feet feet feet feet

9. He ' s X himself

10. ecnalg

11. Death ..... Life

12. THINK

And the last one is real fun - - -
13. ababaaabbbbaaaabbbbababaabbaaabbbb . . .

Answers [ Do not peek if you have not answer all the questions!!! ]
1. Man Overboard
2. I Understand
3. Reading Between the Lines
4. Cross Road
5. Tricycle
6. Two Degrees below Zero
7. Neon Light (knee-on-light)
8. Six Feet Underground
9. He ' s by Himself
10. Backward Glance
11. Life after Death
12. Think Big
13. Long Time No ' c'

If you have done it, can you people please tag how many you got correct? Haha =D

The Personality Test

2008-11-19T11:03:00.003+08:00

Select the shape below that appeals to you the most and then
click on that shape to read about your personality.

These represent the nine basic personality types. See which
personality type you are based on your selection!

Look Below To Find Out What Each Shape Means.

1. Introspective ~ Sensitive ~ Reflective
You come to grips more frequently and thoroughly with yourself and
your environment than do most people. You detest superficiality;
you'd rather be alone than have to suffer through small talk. But your
relationships with your friends are highly intensive, which gives you
the inner tranquility and harmony that you need in order to feel good.
However it is no problem for you to be alone for extended periods of
time, without becoming bored.

2. Independent ~ Unconventional ~ Unfettered
You demand a free and unattached life for yourself that allows you to
determine your own course. You have an artistic bent in your work or
leisure activities. Your urge for freedom sometimes causes you to do
exactly the opposite of what expected of you. Your lifestyle is highly
individualistic. You would never blindly imitate what is "in"; on the
contrary, you seek to live according to your own ideas and
convictions, even if this means swimming against the tide.

3. Dynamic ~ Active ~ Extroverted
You are quite willing to accept certain risks and to make a strong
commitment in exchange for interesting and varied work. Routine, in
contrast, tends to have a paralyzing effect on you. What you like
most is to be able to play an active role in events. In doing so, your
initiative is highly pronounced.

4. Down to Earth ~ Well-Balanced ~ Harmonious
You value a natural style and love that which is uncomplicated. People
admire you because you have both feet planted firmly on the ground
and they can depend on you. You give those who are close to you
security and space. You are perceived as being warm and human. You
reject everything that is garish and trite. You tend to be skeptical
toward the whims of fashion trends. For you, clothing has to be
practical and unobtrusively elegant.

5. Professional ~ Pragmatic ~ Self-assured
You take charge of your life, and place less faith in your luck and
more in your own deeds. You solve problems in a practical,
uncomplicated manner. You take a realistic view of the things in your
daily life and tackle them without wavering. You are given a great
deal of responsibility at work, because people know that you can be
depended upon. Your pronounced strength of will projects your self-
assurance to others. You are never fully satisfied until you have
accomplished your ideas.

6. Peaceful ~ Discreet ~ Non-Aggressive
You are easy-going yet discreet. You make friends effortlessly, yet
enjoy your privacy and independence. You like to get away from it all
and be alone from time to time to contemplate the meaning of life and
enjoy yourself. You need space, so you escape to beautiful hideaways,
but you are not a loner. You are at peace with yourself and the world,
and you appreciate life and what this world has to offer.

7. Carefree ~ Playful ~ Cheerful
You love a free and spontaneous life. And you attempt to enjoy it to
the fullest, in accordance with the motto: "You only live once." You
are very curious and open about everything new; you thrive on change.
Nothing is worse than when you feel tied down. You experience your
environment as being versatile and always good for a surprise.

8. Romantic ~ Dreamy ~ Emotional
You are a very sensitive person. You refuse to view things only from a
sober, rational standpoint. What your feelings tell you is just as
important to you. In fact, you feel it is important to have dreams in
life, too. You reject people who scorn romanticism and are guided only
by rationality. You refuse to let anything confine the rich variety of
your moods and emotions.

9. Analytical ~ Trustworthy ~ Self-assured
Your momentary sensitivity represents that which is of high quality
and durable. Consequently, you like to surround yourself with little
"gems," which you discover wherever others overlook them. Thus,
culture plays a special role in your life. You have found your own
personal style, which is elegant and exclusive, free from the whims of
fashion. Your ideal, upon which you base your life, is cultured
pleasure. You value a certain level of culture on the part of the
people with whom you associate.

Reference
http://www.emusing.com/f_tpt1103.asp

Telling the truth

2008-11-16T22:14:00.000+08:00

A man tells his wife that he's going out to buy cigarettes. When he
gets to the store he finds out however, that it's closed. So the guy
ends up going down to the local bar to use the vending machine. While
there he had a few beer and began talking to this beautiful girl.

He had a few more beer and the next thing he knew he was in this
girl's apartment and having quite a pleasurable time. The next
thing he knew it was 3:00 AM.

"Oh my god, my wife is going to kill me!" he exclaimed.
"Quick give me some talcum powder!"

She got him some and he rubbed it all over his hands. When he got
home his wife was up waiting for him and she was furious.

"Where the hell have you been!"

He said, "Well to tell you the truth, I went into a bar, had a few
drinks, went home with this blonde and I slept with her."

"Let me see your hands!" she demanded. He showed his wife his
powdery hands. "Damn liar, you were out bowling again!"

The "F" test

2008-11-16T00:10:00.001+08:00

Read the following sentence:

FINISHED FILES ARE THE RESULT OF YEARS
OF SCIENTIFIC STUDY COMBINED WITH
THE EXPERIENCE OF YEARS.

Now read through the above sentence counting aloud the "F"s
as you find them (1...2...etc). Count them ONLY ONCE:
Do not go back and count them again!!!

There are six F's in the sentence.
If you spotted none, go back to kndergarden to learn your ABC
If you spotted one, you are noob.
If you spotted two, you're below average.
A person of average intelligence finds three of them.
If you spotted four, you're above average.
If you got five, you can turn your nose at most anybody.
If you caught six, you are a genius.
There is no catch. Many people forget the "OF"'s.
The human brain tends to see them as V's and not F's.

What can it be?

2008-11-16T00:04:00.000+08:00

Once upon a time there lived a king.
The king had a beautiful daughter, the princess!
But there was a problem

Everything the princess touched would melt. No matter what; metal,
wood, plastic- anything she touched would melt. Because of this, men
were afraid of her. Nobody would dare marry her. The king despaired.
What could he do to help his daughter. He consulted his wizards and
magicians. One wizard told the king, "If your daughter touches one
thing that does not melt in her hands, she will be cured."

The king was overjoyed. The next day, he held a
competition. Any man that could bring his daughter
an object that would not melt would marry her and
inherit the king's wealth. Three young princes took
up the challenge. The first prince brought a very
hard alloy of titanium. But alas, once the princess
touched it, it melted. The prince went away sadly.

The second prince brought a huge diamond, thinking that
diamond is the hardest substance in the world and surely,
it would not melt. But alas, once the princess touched it,
it melted. He too was sent away disappointed.

The third prince approached. He told the princess,
"Put your hand in my pant's frony pocket and feel what is in
there." The princess did as she was told, though she
turned red. She felt something hard and round. She held it tightly in
her hand, staring at that object. And it did not melt!!!

The king was overjoyed. Everybody in the kingdom was overjoyed.
And the third prince married the princess and they both lived
happily ever after.

But The Question Is :
What was the object in the prince's pants?

They were M&M's of course!
They melt in your mouth, not in your hand.

What were you thinking of?

Intricate Universe

2008-11-15T00:20:00.002+08:00

There have been a lot of news about fake goods out there and it would continue to be there till the government of China does something about it. Firstly, there was the chicken egg made from synthetic materials and char siew buns containing pieces of cupboard. Surprisingly, the people consuming the “edible” products do not realize it until too late. One thing I do not understand is that eggs are so cheap to manufacture, and they still want to increase profits by using synthetic and dangerous materials to produce them. China has been very professional in making counterfeit products, and will continue so for a very long time. The products range from Rolex watches to the DVDs that can be found in every corner of a city. Many people believed that by purchasing these goods, they are in saving money. While in actual fact, it is the organizations that are raking in the profits, and the customer is losing in one way or another. I have to admit that their counterfeit products are really similar to the genuine ones. The latest milk scandal should have taught us the consequences of our actions. By continuing to buy these products, we are supporting them in running their business. The people in the organization have no feelings for others. Milk is use to feed infants, and they are not guilty that their products have done permanent damage to these innocent lives. This world is really a selfish place to be in. World leaders fight with one another, greedy people cheat the innocent and the cunning get away with whatever they wished for. I cannot and may never will understand why these people did those actions. It is really an intricate world, where humans are the only creatures who have inflicted damage that may cause extinction to our own species. Can someone out there explain to me the reason for our existence? If we are born to kill off one another, where is the love or conscientious in each and every one of us?

How hot can hell be?

2008-11-13T23:18:00.001+08:00

A thermodynamics professor had written a take home exam
for his graduate students. It had one question:
"Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?
Support your answer with proof."

Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law
(gas cools off when it expands and heats up when it is compressed)
or some variant.

One student, however, wrote the following:

First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So,
we need to know the rate that souls are moving into Hell and the rate
they are leaving. I think that we can safely assume that once a soul
gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving.

As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different
religions that exist in the world today. Some of these religions state
that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell.
Since there are more than one of these religions and since people do
not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all people and
all souls go to Hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can
expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially.

Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because
Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure
in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand as souls
are added. This gives two possibilities:

1). If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls
enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase
until all Hell breaks loose.

2). Of course, if Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase
of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until
Hell freezes over.

So which is it?

If we accept the postulate given to me by Ms. Banyan
during my Freshman year,

"That it will be a cold night in Hell before I sleep with you,"

and take into account the fact that I still have not succeeded in
having sexual relations with her, then #2 cannot be true,
and so Hell is exothermic.

The student got the only A.

Weird reason why people go to the ER

2008-11-12T19:19:00.001+08:00

ER refers to the emergency room.

A 28-year old male was brought into the ER after an attempted suicide.
The man had swallowed several nitroglycerin pills and a fifth of vodka.
When asked about the bruises about his head and chest he said that
they were from him ramming himself into the wall in an attempt to
make the nitroglycerin explode.

A 50-year old woman came into the ER with a complaint of mild
abdominal pain. During a pelvic exam the doctor found that the lady had
inserted a whole chicken piece by piece into her private area. Unable to
have children she was hoping that the chicken would turn into a baby.

A man in his mid-fifties did a Loraina Bobbit on himself in a drunken
rage and ended up in the ER. The urologist thought that he could
reattach the man's genitalia if it could be recovered and if it was in
good condition. The police were dispatched to the man's house and the
search was on. During the search, one of the officers heard a choking
sound coming from the man's poodle that was sitting in the corner.
After a brief fight, the officer was able to retrieve the man's jewels
from the dog's mouth. After inspection of the parts by the urologist
it was decided that the man would need to be taught to pee while
sitting. The officer was given a commendation from his precinct
for medical assistance.

A woman with shortness of breath and who weighed approximately 500
lbs was dragged into the ER on a tarp by six firemen. While trying to
undress the lady an asthma inhaler fell out of one of the folds under her
arm. After an X-ray showed a round mass on the left side of her chest
her massive left breast was lifted to find a shiny new dime. And last but
not least during a pelvic exam a TV remote control was discovered in one
of the folds of her crotch. She became known as "The Human Couch".

A doctor who spoke limited Spanish was rushed to a car in the ER
parking lot to find a Spanish woman in the process of giving birth.
Wanting to tell the woman to push he started yelling "Puta! Puta! Puta!"
At this the grandmother started to cry and the baby's father had to be
restrained. What the doctor should have been saying was "Puja!" (Push!).
Instead, he was saying, "Whore! Whore! Whore!"

An unconscious 36-year old male was brought to the ER with cocaine induced seizures. As a nurse pulled back his foreskin to insert a catheter a neatly folded twenty dollar bill fell out of the foreskin fold. When the man woke up and demanded to leave, the nurse gave him back his belongings and told him where she had found the money. His response: "It was a fifty!"

The most non emergent ER visit: A male adolescent came
in at 2 a.m. with a complaint of belly button lint.

A young female came to the ER with lower abdominal pain. During the
exam and questioning, the female denied being sexually active. The
doctor gave her a pregnancy test anyway and it came back positive.
The doctor went back to the young female's room.
Doctor: "The results of your pregnancy test came back positive.
Are you sure you're not sexually active?"
Patient: "Sexually active? No, sir, I just lay there."
Doctor: "I see. Well, do you know who the father is?"
Patient: "No. Who?"

A 92-year old woman had a full cardiac arrest at home and was rushed
to the hospital. After about thirty minutes of unsuccessful resuscitation
attempts, the old lady was pronounced dead. The doctor went to tell the
lady's 78-year-old daughter that her mother didn't make it.
"Didn't make it? Where could they be?
She left in the ambulance forty-five minutes ago!"

A 15-year old boy was laying on a stretcher with his mother sitting next
to him. The boy was coming down from "crank" (methamphetamine) that
he had injected into his veins with needles he had been sharing with his
friends. Concerned about this the doctor asked the boy if there was
anything he might have been doing that put him at risk for AIDS.
The boy thought for a while then said questioningly,
"I've been screwing the dog?"

A 19-year old female was asked why she was in the ER. She said that she
and her boyfriend were having sex and the condom came off and she
wasn't able to retrieve it with her fingers. "Then I went to the
bathroom and 'gagged' myself to vomit, but couldn't vomit it up either."

Words women use... And what they actually mean

2008-11-11T19:37:00.003+08:00

FINE
This is the word we use at the end of any argument that we feel we are
right about but need to shut you up. NEVER use fine to describe how
a woman looks. This will cause you to have one of those arguments.

FIVE MINUTES
This is half an hour. It is equivalent to the five minutes that your
football game is going to last before you take out the trash,
so I feel that it's an even trade.

NOTHING
This means something and you should be on your toes. "Nothing" is
usually used to describe the feeling a woman has of wanting to turn you
inside out, upside down, and backwards. "Nothing" usually signifies an
argument that will last "Five Minutes" and end with the word "Fine".

GO AHEAD (with raised eyebrows)
This is a dare. One that will result in a
woman getting upset over "Nothing" and
will end with the word "Fine".

GO AHEAD (normal eyebrows)
This means "I give up" or "do what you want because
I don't care". You will get a raised eyebrow
"Go Ahead" in just a few minutes, followed by
"Nothing" and "Fine" and she will talk to you in
about "Five Minutes" when she cools off.

LOUD SIGH
This is not actually a word, but is still often a verbal statement
very misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are
an idiot at that moment and wonders why she is wasting her time
standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing".

SOFT SIGH
Again, not a word, but a verbal statement. "Soft Sighs" are one of
the few things that some men actually understand. She is content. Your
best bet is to not move or breathe and she will stay content.

THAT'S OKAY
This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can say to a
man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before
paying you retributions for what ever it is that you have done. "That's
Okay" is often used with the word "Fine" and used in conjunction with a
raised eyebrow "Go Ahead". At some point in the near future when she
has plotted and planned, you are going to be in some mighty big trouble.

PLEASE DO
This is not a statement, it is an offer. A woman is giving you the
chance to come up with whatever excuse or reason you have for doing
whatever it is that you have done. You have a fair chance to tell the
truth, so be careful and you shouldn't get a "That's Okay".

THANKS
A woman is thanking you. Do not faint, just say you're welcome.

THANKS A LOT
This is much different than "Thanks". A woman will say,
"Thanks A Lot" when she is really ticked off at you. It signifies
that you have hurt her in some callous way, and will be followed by
the "Loud Sigh". Be careful not to ask what is wrong after the
"Loud Sigh", as she will only tell you "Nothing".

Reference
http://www.emusing.com/f_wwu0204.asp

Mums are smart

2008-11-10T17:09:00.002+08:00

John invited his mother over for dinner. During the meal, his mother
couldn't help noticing how beautiful John's roommate Julie was. She
had long been suspicious of a relationship between John and his
roommate, and this only made her more curious.

Over the course of the evening, while watching the two interact, she
started to wonder if there was more between John and the roommate
than met the eye. Reading his mom's thoughts, John volunteered,
"I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you,
Julie and I are just roommates."

About a week later, Julie came to John and said, "Ever since your
mother came to dinner, I can't find the beautiful silver gravy ladle.
You don't suppose she took it, do you?" John said,
"Well, I doubt it, but I'll write her a letter just to be sure."

So he sat down and wrote: "Dear Mother, I'm not saying you 'did'
take a gravy ladle from my house, and I'm not saying you 'did not'
take a gravy ladle. But the fact remains that one has been missing
ever since you were here for dinner. Love, John"

Several days later, John received a letter from his mother which
read: "Dear Son, I'm not saying that you 'do' sleep with Julie,
and I'm not saying that you 'do not' sleep with Julie. But the fact
remains that if she were sleeping in her own bed, she would
have found the gravy ladle by now. Love, Mom"

Reference
http://www.emusing.com/f_mas0204.asp

Book Review: The 10 commandments of losing weight by Arlene Normand

2008-10-12T18:06:00.003+08:00

Book Review: The 10 commandments of losing weight by Arlene Normand

1. A lifestyle, not a diet
A healthy lifestyle, not a short term diet.

2. Get organized
Do not always buy fast food. Plan early and ensure you know what you going to eat in advance. Expect when you are going to have your next meal.

3. Eat small
Watch your portion size. Stop when you feel full, not bloated.

4. Learn to leave food on your plate
This is wasting food and against my morals. As you guys know, I normally pray before I eat my meal. By leaving food on my plate, I am wasting the food. However, it was stated that if you leave food on your plate, it demonstrates that you are in control.

5. Never feel deprived
Do not cut off your favorite food completely. Just have a little, but not a lot.

6. Make a meal of it
Always sit down when eating. Make every meal an occasion so that you are aware that you have eaten and will feel more satisfied.

7. Eat slowly
Take your time. No hurry. Never rush to finish your meal. Or try not to.

8. Enjoy your food
Should be tasty! =)

9. Move it (Exercise)
Duh. =-=

10. Balance your life
Must balance life and diet together.

Acknowledgements

The 10 commandments of losing weight by Arlene Normand

F1

2008-09-28T08:29:00.003+08:00

For those who have not realized, I am staying in- I am only available from Saturday (2pm) to Sunday (7pm).

F1 race is now the craze. Too bad the cars cannot drift, unlike the A186 in Initial D by Jay Chou. F1 cars must slow down when turning a bent, but the A186 can traveled at a high speed without slowing down. Thats what I call sensational.

I really want to write more, but the zzz monster is preventing me.

Who moved my cheese?

2008-08-23T23:27:00.003+08:00

With the little time I currently have, I am still able to manage to read “Who moved my cheese?” by Dr Johnson Spencer. It is a motivational book that helps many people realized what they had not been able to see. Sometimes, the answers are just right in front of your eyes, but why can’t you notice it? Open your eyes bigger, please.

Here are the main points where I want to share with my friends. After the points, I will be writing a short description on what it is all about. In this book, the word “cheese” can be referred to in many contexts, such as your goals. etc

“The more important your cheese is to you, the more you want to hold on to it.”
If something is very important to you, the more you will want to get it. The apple phone illustrates my point. A lot of people want the apple phone, and it is important for them to get one as soon as it is released. So what if one must signed a 2 year contract, or pays a hefty sum for the phone? Thousands of people still bought the apple phone. Hence, if you say you want to do something, but never achieve it, it only shows that the something you did is not important even though you think is important.

“If you do not change, you can become extinct.”
This just shows that one must be adaptable at all times. Dinosaurs became extinct may be because they cannot adapt. I know the previous statement is debatable, as dinosaurs became extinct due to different theories. However, simply put, the world is always changing. Nothing is constant. If you want to survive in the rat race, change is the only option for you.

“Movement in a new direction helps you find your cheese.”
When you think the path ahead of you is going nowhere, then it is time to change direction. Sometimes, one must try again and again to get the cheese. Thomas Edison attempted 1000 materials before he found out that tungsten produced light when a current is passed through it. Never give up!

“When you move beyond your fear, you fell free.”
Once in a while, it feels good to do something that you fear. What are you scared of? Do something that you fear and feel the adrenaline rushing through your body.

“Imagine myself enjoying new cheese even before I find it, leads me to it.”
This is extremely useful concept to motivate oneself. However, it can be disastrous when abused. This means that if you sit there and just day dream, do not ever think the cheese will drop in front of you. I used this technique during school so as to achieve well academically. Think about those “A”, work hard towards it, and finally achieve it.

“The quicker you let go of old cheese, the sooner you find new cheese.”
This may be applied to relationships. I understand that sometimes it can be difficult after a break up. However, the sooner you let go of the painful memories, the quicker you can find another companion. Look, there are 6 billion people out there. Are you telling me that you cannot find even 1 person who will want to share his/her life with you? When it is time to move on, just move on, no use crying over spilt milk. That person is not giving another chance, so is thinking about that person going to get him/her back? No! Do what you got to do.

“It is safer to search in the maze than remain in a cheeseless situation”
When in a troubled situation, it is better to do something than nothing. This can be applied in academics. Let’s say a physics question is extremely difficult, write related formula down. Sometimes, those random equations may help you get your solution. It is better than leaving a question blank.

“Old beliefs do not lead you to new cheese.”
You must change your techniques once you have new and harder goals. Using the same old beliefs can only achieve that amount of result.

“Noticing small changes early helps you adapt to bigger changes that are to come”
Another quote which may be slightly related is “a long journey starts with a single step” Start small to achieve great results!

“The biggest inhibitor to change lies within yourself, and that nothing gets better until you change”
Please change for the better, and not for the worse. In this instance, it does not mean that it will definitely get better if you change. You experiences, outcome of a situation, all depends on you. Majority of it can be controlled in your mind. Once you believe you can do it, the task will seem simpler.

Acknowledgments
Dr Johnson Spencer
http://www.whomovedmycheese.com/

O level English Oral

2008-08-19T06:40:00.001+08:00

O level English oral examination has started. Good luck to those taking it! It has been 3 years after I took this examination. =)

Religion: Comfort for the Masses?

2008-08-09T13:00:00.003+08:00

In the past, I have always thought that scientists are atheist, they argued that God never exists. However, this piece of work has proven me wrong, and shown me that some scientist can also be a believer of God. One have to take note that in this example, the scientist claimed that God does exist, but never specifically mentioned that he believes in Christianity, as I do.

The following piece of work is an extract from a scientist point of view.

As the dominant species on earth, we have come to think of ourselves as the overlords of all we survey. We are self sufficient, successful, and intelligent. We have overcome massive obstacles in the evolutionary ladder, made great leaps in technology, developed the concept of society as we know it today, have reached the furthest corners of the earth and now we are gradually strengthening our tenuous grip on outer space. In becoming what we are, we have been through many socio-economic upheavals, survived multiple natural and man made disasters of cataclysmic proportions, and have continuously bettered ourselves. Man today is far cry from his ape like cave dwelling ancestors.

Throughout the ages society has generally believed in the existence of powers greater than its own. For those primitive hunters, fire came from the heavens, thrown down by a force much greater than any they had. Many thousands of years later, people believed in many different sprits and Gods. The Greeks had many myths and legends, the Romans others. Today there is a veritable plethora of different beliefs, cults, religions and sects. Man has always sought something to believe in, a power greater than his own, to explain certain things about the world in which he lives.

Religion, for want of a better word to describe this collection of ideas and viewpoints, has been used for many purposes. It has explained what science has not been able to, by giving frameworks in which the universe could have been (ultimately) created. It has been used as an excuse for wars, such as the Crusades, and it has provided us with many beautiful examples of architecture throughout the centuries. The most widely accepted view of religion, however, is that it provides something for people to believe in. Whether Christian or Cult, Buddhist or Bahai, people are constantly searching for answers in their lives, wondering about their existence here on earth, what happens when they finally die, and the rest of life's pressing existential questions. Religion provides the answers to these musings, and explanations as to why we're here.

In this context, religion can be easily labelled as a luxury which society has been able to develop to make itself feel comfortable. It always feels better knowing that there is some sort of greater power running cosmic affairs while the average little person goes about their daily business. A development of this point of view leads to the conclusion that religion is a comfort-lie: conjured up by those in power to allow those under their control to do their will without actually realising it. It has the added bonus of keeping people happy, and can also provide a source of income (such as in the medieval ages when the Catholic church was a very lucrative concept).

I personally disagree with this viewpoint. As a scientist, I feel that I can take the luxury of stating that I am not completely ignorant of the advances humanity has made, the theories that have been postulated and found to be correct, nor of the application of logic and reason. Science compels its followers to observe a process or object, suggest a possible explanation for a phenomenon, and subsequently perform tests to prove or disprove the original hypothesis. Such a sequence of processes can be applied to any subject, including religion, to assess its validity and the likelihood of it, as a hypothesis, being true.

Many times I have been accused of being blind in my faith. Growing up in a Christian family I would have been "force-fed" religion, complying with parental wishes and consequently undergoing the delusion that so many others have before me. This is incorrect. As a mature person, I have the choice to believe or not believe in something. As a scientist, the obvious mechanism for making that decision is the analysis of the hypothesis to ascertain whether it fits the known facts.

At this point I feel it will of benefit to digress slightly and talk a little about Philosophy. I cannot claim to know a great deal about the subject, but the little I do will serve to illustrate the point that will be made below. Currently, some philosophers question why man is on this earth, the purpose we have for "being here", and what the "meaning" of life (if there is such a thing), actually is. Others, meanwhile, go to the extreme of questioning the fact that we exist at all: are we just figments of our own imagination, does anything actually happen in the universe as a consequence of any of our perceived actions? In this sense religion seems (at least to me), a more concrete concept than the musings about whether we really exist at all!

As a scientist, I cannot conclusively disprove or prove the hypothesis that all the Oxygen molecules in this room will not gradually diffuse out and eventually leave me suffocated. However, I know from statistical analysis, countless experiments performed on gaseous diffusion, and from the obvious personal experience that this doesn't take place. It is the same with nearly everything in life. Of course it can be argued that I am now venturing into the domain of philosophy, but any scientist has to admit the above: we cannot "prove" many things. Instead we rely on experience, inconclusive evidence, and of course experiments.

It therefore logically follows that science is not far different from religion in terms of credibility. Admittedly in the western world science tends to be the much more talked about and readily believed, but this is because most science is of benefit to people, or at least does not affect them adversely, hence they are much more ready to listen and believe it. Have you ever seen a single atom? No one has, not directly. Of course there are many pictures of crystals showing atoms, but these are from technologies such as X-Ray crystallography, for which we make the assumption that we know how the waves emitted behave and hence what the atomic picture looks like. There is of course a large amount of corroborative evidence to support the theories proposed (e.g. "the atom exists"!), but none of it can be treated as concrete proof.

To make a non-scientific analogy, if a criminal is seen by a crowd of people to enter a shop and demand all the money, there is basically conclusive and concrete proof to imprison the person in question. However, most crimes aren't like that, and hence multiple pieces of evidence, inconclusive on their own, are needed, as well as careful consideration by a jury as to whether the defendant is guilty. In the end the jury will (hopefully!) decide on the basis of the evidence, on the correct verdict: but they cannot prove their view beyond all doubt, only all reasonable doubt.

I haven't seen God. I haven't seen the wind either, but I feel and see the effects of the wind. Likewise, I have felt God's touch on my life and have seen it in the lives of others. There are many things that are beyond coincidence in my life, things which I prayed about and God answered. Not always in the manner I would have expected, but looking back I can see that he did answer my prayer in the way that was best for me. I cannot argue with the fact that religion is comforting: but it seems to me that as an argument it is pointless! Of course it's comforting, otherwise why bother believing it?

The view I take is that having been provided with enough evidence in my life alone, (not to mention the lives of others), I have a solid basis for believing that God exists. Like a jury, I cannot prove beyond all doubt that God does exist, but then, I can't prove to that extent that atoms exist either. So in this sense I have a case for believing in God. Of course I could make the decision that the evidence wasn't conclusive enough, and that in fact God doesn't exist. There is a fundamental problem with this: science attempts to explain everything, and there comes a point where probability and complex hypotheses cannot explain why some things take place. It is a well known fact among mathematicians that the most unlikely things actually occur at a frequency well above what they should: why? Given that the only plausible explanation put forward thus far is the existence of God, would it not make sense to believe it? After all, the scientific community believed in J.J. Thompson's "plum pudding" model of the atom until Rutherford showed otherwise!

Those people who ask for conclusive proof before they believe in God are missing the point: religion is about having faith. If we all knew that God existed as categorically as we know the sun will rise tomorrow on earth (we can't prove it beyond all doubt though!), then it would of course mean that we all believed in him and the Christian religion. We wouldn't have to trust in the fact that God was there, because we'd know he was there, helping us along, carrying out his plan for us, and so on. Christianity doesn't work like that. Belief in God means that we take the risk of it not being true, and therefore God rewards us.

I cannot prove beyond all doubt that God exists. But from my analysis of the situation, I am confident enough in the theory that he does to believe it. And by believing I obtain more and more evidence for that theory day by day. It's up to you to do you own analysis, and decide whether you're willing to take the risk of believing it.

Source
http://www.cottinghams.com/david/religion.html

Hypoxia

2008-07-29T23:10:00.000+08:00

Hypoxia is simple defined as the lack of oxygen in the brain. In complicated terms, it is a lack of oxygen at the tissue level in the body due to a decreased partial pressure of oxygen in the inspired air. This is extremely dangerous as it could lead to death. Not only does this apply to humans, it also affects aquatic animals, whereby their habitats may have a low concentration of oxygen.

Some of the causes of hypoxia are rapid changes in altitude, drowning, strangling, choking, suffocation, cardiac arrest, head trauma, carbon monoxide poisoning, complications of general anesthesia operations, and lastly due to a low amount of concentration of oxygen in a room.

If I die anytime soon, I guess you may know the reason why.

International Baccalaureate

2008-07-22T22:18:00.002+08:00

Many people are still unaware of what IB is. I hate explaining it over and over again. Hence, let me elaborate more about it here. Firstly, it stands for International Baccalaureate, and they have 3 programmes. The one that I took was the IBDP, which is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

The curriculum is modelled by a hexagon with six academic areas surrounding the three core requirements.

Group 1: Language A1
Group 2: Second language
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Group 4: Experimental Science
Group 5: Mathematics and computer science
Group 6: Arts

Over the course of the two-year programme, students:

study six subjects chosen from the six subject groups
complete a 4000 word extended essay
follow a theory of knowledge course (philosophy)
participate in 150 hours of creativity, action, service.

For more information, visit http://www.ibo.org/

Singapore school receives outstanding results

http://www.ibo.org/announcements/singaporeoutstandingresults.cfm

If you do not know which school it is, it is ACS(Independent) =-=
Some other schools just have to follow ACS footsteps

http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_259659.html

This is not the only one, Singapore Sports School, Singapore Art School, etc.

Racial Harmony Day

2008-07-21T19:41:00.000+08:00

Is only celebrated in Singapore, to remember that we should not take it for granted. Celebrating racial harmony day in NS is quite different from school. If my memories proved to be correct, there will be dances performed by the different ethic groups, students are allowed to wear the special cultured costumes, and most probably school is only a half day. The most important thing is the speech by the defense minister, which is normally announced by the principle. Erm, I think it should be principal.

Unfortunately, we have no half day. I still finished work at about 5.30pm. However, we spent half a day watching video, playing games and eating a variety of snacks. The video was as usual, dull and boring. There was also a quiz which tests our knowledge on the different racial festivals and food. In addition, I like the game which is similar to pictionary. People draw different pictures, which are all related to RHD. Moreover, there was this guessing game where we taste some of the special food and guess what it was.

Many people have been asking me what do I do in camp. Sorry friends, I cannot and will never mention such sensitive stuff online. Hence, please do not ask me this question, its irritating. Thank you.

Changes for Fiscal

2008-07-09T20:51:00.000+08:00

DRESS CODE :
It is advised that you come to work dressed according to your salary, if we see you wearing $650 Prada sneakers & carrying a $1600 Gucci bag we assume you are doing well financial and therefore you do not need a raise.

SICK DAYS:
We will no longer accept a doctor statement as proof of sickness. If you are able to go to the doctor then you are able to come to work.

SURGERY:
Operations are now banned. As long as you are an employee here, you need all your organs. You should not consider removing anything. We hired you intact. To have something removed constitutes a breach of employment.

PERSONAL DAYS:
Each employee will receive 104 personal days a year. They are called Saturday & Sunday.

VACATION DAYS:
All employees will take their vacation at the same time every year. The vacation days are as follows: January 1, July 1 & December 25

RESTROOM USE:
Entirely too much time is being spent in the restroom. In the future, we will follow the practice of going in alphabetical order. For instance, all employees whose names begin with "A" will go from 8:00 to 8:20, employees whose names begin with "B" will go from 8:20 to 8:40 and so on. If you're unable to go at your allotted time, it will be necessary to wait until the next day when your turn comes again. In extreme emergencies employees may swap their time with a co-worker. Both employees' supervisors must approve this exchange in writing. In addition, there is now a strict 3-minute time limit in the stalls. At the end of three minutes, an alarm will sound, the toilet paper roll will retract, and the stall door will open.

LUNCH BREAK:
Skinny people get an hour for lunch as they need to eat more so that they can look healthy, normal size people get 30 minutes for lunch to get a balanced meal to maintain their average figure. slightly over weight people get 5 minutes for lunch because that's all the time needed to drink a Slim Fast & take a diet pill.

Thank you for your loyalty to our company. We are here to provide a positive employment experience. Therefore, all questions comments, concerns, complaints, frustrations, irritations, aggravations, insinuations, allegations, accusations, contemplations, consternations or input should be directed elsewhere.

Have a nice week.
Management

Looking in different perspective

2008-07-06T23:42:00.001+08:00

A young man was at the end of his rope, seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer "Lord, I can't go on," he said.
"I have too heavy a cross to bear."

The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight,just place your cross inside this room. Then, open that other door and pick out any cross you wish."

The man was filled with relief and said, "Thank you Lord," and he did as he was told.

Upon entering the other room, he saw many crosses; some so large the tops were not visible. Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall.

"I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered.

The Lord replied, "My son, that is the cross you just brought in."

When life's problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around and see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself far more fortunate than you imagined.

Cross

2008-06-29T07:46:00.001+08:00

A young man was at the end of his rope, seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer "Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy a cross to bear."

The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then, open that other door and pick out any cross you wish."

The man was filled with relief and said, "Thank you Lord," and he did as he was told.

Upon entering the other room, he saw many crosses; some so large the tops were not visible. Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. "I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered.

The Lord replied, "My son, that is the cross you just brought in."

When life's problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around and see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself far more fortunate than you imagined.

People are never satisfied with what they have. Honestly, if you are living in Singapore, the cross on your back is never a big one. Most of us are very fortunate to have our parents, a roof over your head, 3 or more meals a day etc. Hence, we should not be complaining how hard our life can be.

Quotes?

2008-06-28T11:18:00.002+08:00

Don't kick a man when he's down unless you're certain he won't get up.

Indecision is the key to flexibility.

You can't tell which way the train went by looking at the track.

Be kind, everyone you meet is fighting a tough battle too.

There is no substitute for genuine lack of preparation.

This is as bad as it can get...but don't bet on it.

By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.

Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.

Sometimes too much drink is not enough.

The facts, although interesting, are generally irrelevant.

The world gets a little better every day, and worse in the evening.

Someone who thinks logically is a nice contrast to the real world.

Anything worth fighting for is worth fighting dirty for.

Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler.

Friends may come and go but enemies accumulate.

It's hard to be nostalgic when you can't remember anything good.

I have seen the truth and it makes no sense.

If you think that there is good in everybody, you haven't met everybody.

If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.

One seventh of your life is spent on Monday.

The more you run over a dead cat, the flatter it gets.

Happiness is good health and a bad memory.

Do unto others.

Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity.

Plagiarism saves time.

Teamwork...
means never having to take all the blame yourself.

Never underestimate the power of very stupid people in large groups.

We waste time, so you don't have to.

Go the extra mile. It makes your boss look like an incompetent slacker.

The Romans did not create a great empire by having meetings; they did it by killing all those people who opposed them.

If you can stay calm while all around you is chaos...
then you probably haven't completely understood the seriousness of the situation.

Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exist elsewhere
in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us.

As you journey through life take a minute every now and then to give
a thought for the other fellow. He could be plotting something.

If you find something you like, buy a lifetime supply,
because they will stop making it.

Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.

7 Wonders of the World

2008-06-22T19:18:00.001+08:00

A group of students were asked to list what they thought were the present Seven Wonders of the World. Though there was some disagreement, the following got the most votes:

1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter's Basilica
7. China's Great Wall

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one quiet student hadn't turned in her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many." The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."

The girl hesitated, and then read, I think the Seven Wonders of the World are:

1. To touch
2. To taste
3. To see
4. To hear
She hesitated a little, and then added
5. To feel
6. To laugh
7. And to love

The room was so full of silence you could have heard a pin drop. Those things we overlook as simple and "ordinary" are truly wondrous. A gentle reminder that the most precious things in life cannot be bought.

Plagiarizing

2008-06-21T22:59:00.005+08:00

I copy and paste this from Geri’s blog.

1. When do you feel your best?
a) in the morning
b) during the afternoon and early evening
c) late at night

2. You usually walk...
a) fairly fast, with long steps
b) fairly fast, with little steps
c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
d) less fast, head down
e) very slowly

3. When talking to people you..
a) stand with your arms folded
b) have your hands clasped
c) have one or both your hands on your hips
d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with..
a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b) your legs crossed
c) your legs stretched out or straight
d) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with...
a) big appreciated laugh
b) a laugh, but not a loud one
c) a quiet chuckle
d) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you...
a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted and you...
a) welcome the break
b) feel extremely irritated
c) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most?
a) red or orange
b) black
c) yellow or light blue
d) green
e) dark blue or purple
f) white
g) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep you are..
a) stretched out on your back
b) stretched out face down on your stomach
c) on your side, slightly curled
d) with your head on one arm
e) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are...
a) falling
b) fighting or struggling
c) searching for something or somebody
d) flying or floating
e) you usually have dreamless sleep
f) your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:

1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1
9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1
10. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1

Now add up the total number of points.

OVER 60 POINTS:

Others see you as someone they should 'handle with care.' You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS:

Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS:

Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS:

Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS:

Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder.It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment,expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then,usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

21 POINTS AND BELOW:

People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after,who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.

Here is the breakdown of my score of 39

1a2
2a6
3c5
4b6
5b4
6b4
7b2
8f2
9a7
10f1

Intriguing? I think so too.

Master your mind, design your destiny

2008-06-19T12:15:00.002+08:00

By Adam Khoo.

Most of you have heard of this person before, and there was once he came down to my secondary school to publicized his book “I am gifted, so are you”

What do you think of him?

Credits have to go for him as his books are “National Best Seller”. Or that is what he claimed it to be. However, I have to admit that some of his strategies are quite useful to our personal lives, but 95% of the books are redundant. There are many examples of his personal life and other testimonials to his strategies. Or are motivational books written in such a way? He continuously repeats his point as if the readers are mentally incapable to absorb his “wonderful” ideas if he once mentioned it once. Anyway, here are some of the pointers that I want to share with my friends. The one in italics are my comments.

Setting a goal
Duh, who does not know that? Many people do not set goals for various reasons, but I suggest that it is very important to set goals. I think this point is rather straightforward and simple to digest, hence requires no further elaboration.

Believing in yourself
I need to emphasize on this. Limiting beliefs are detrimental to one’s psychological state. Never ever look down on yourself, for everyone has its own individual strengths. Everyone only has 1 brain, ok? And that organ up there is not even utilized fully; we are currently using 3% of our brain powers. If only we could tap the other 97%, what would happen to the world?

Beliefs are opinions which are never absolutely true, but what we believe becomes true for us.
Never doubts the power of believing. Have I proven that believing is a very strong tool to success or attaining your goals? Which is why you should believe in God? [Biased opinion] if you believe in God, there might be God, making death another new journey to a new life. If you do not believe in God, God knows what will happen to you when you die.

Reframing: Changing an experience with a different meaning
“There are no failures, only feedbacks” This one is a very good example, however this was found in a different chapter. All experience can be seen in many perspectives, but it is up to each end every individual to process it. Another instance is whereby if the glass half empty or half full?

I hope this short story will further substantiate my point.
Two elderly gentlemen from a retirement center were sitting on a bench
under a tree when one turns to the other and says, "Slim, I'm 73 years
old now and I'm just full of aches and pains. I know you're about my
age. How do you feel?"
Slim says, "Hell, I feel just like a newborn baby."
"Really? Like a baby?"
"Yep. No hair, no teeth and I think I just shit my pants."

Raising our level of acceptance
Higher expectations lead to higher results, even though it may not be what we actually aim for. Aim high and aim big. There is no harm aiming high, other than the usual disappointment if we never reached it. This is where reframing comes in, to view the mistake as a learning journey.

For things to change, one must change first
Duh, then do you wait for nature to change? Everything change, but if you want it to proceed to your desirable situation, you have to make it happen. Everything affects one another in different manner. Each tiny action can make a huge difference.
Event + Response = Outcome

Controlling your mind and state, Tapping into resourceful states whenever we need it and controlling what we think by focusing.
This sounds as if psychic power is involved. However, no magic is associated. For example, you are sitting in a lecture room. As usual, we will slouch as we feel bored. Then the sleepiness comes in, taking your attention away. This is where the power of controlling your mind comes in. Sit straight and upright, then you will feel refreshed. Focus!

Reference:

Master your Mind, Design your destiny by Adam Khoo

Kung Fu Panda

2008-06-19T09:06:00.000+08:00

Warning: Spoiler

A very comical movie, which teaches one the power of believing. This point further emphasize that you need to belief in order to achieve great things. Should I continue to discuss about the movie? Hmmm, go watch the movie yourself, =p

“Yesterday was history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift. That is why it is called present.”

The difference between science and God

2008-06-18T15:17:00.003+08:00

'Let me explain the problem science has with Jesus Christ.' The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.

'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?'
'Yes sir,' the student says.
'So you believe in God?'
'Absolutely.'
'Is God good?'
'Sure! God's good.'
'Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?'
'Yes.'
'Are you good or evil?'
'The Bible says I'm evil.'
The professor grins knowingly. 'Aha! The Bible!' He considers for a moment.

'Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you
can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?'

'Yes sir, I would.'
'So you're good...!'
'I wouldn't say that.'
'But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if
you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't.'

The student does not answer, so the professor continues. 'He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?'

The student remains silent.

'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.

'Let's start again, young fella Is God good?'
'Er...yes,' the student says.
'Is Satan good?'
The student doesn't hesitate on this one. 'No.'
'Then where does Satan come from?'
The student : 'From...God...'
'That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?'
'Yes, sir.'
'Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?'
'Yes.'
'So who created evil?' The professor continued, 'If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.'

Without allowing the student to answer, the professor continues:

'Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?'

The student: 'Yes.'
'So who created them?'

The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. 'Who created them? There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized.

'Tell me,' he continues onto another student. 'Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?'

The student's voice is confident: 'Yes, professor, I do.'

The old man stops pacing. 'Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?'

'No sir. I've never seen Him'
'Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?'
'No, sir, I have not.'
'Have you ever actually felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?'
No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.'
'Yet you still believe in him?'
'Yes.'

'According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?'

'Nothing,' the student replies. 'I only have my faith.'

'Yes, faith,' the professor repeats. 'And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.'

The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of his own. 'Professor, is there such thing as heat?'

'Yes,' the professor replies. 'There's heat.'
'And is there such a thing as cold?'
'Yes, son, there's cold too.'
'No sir, there isn't.'

The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain.

'You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.'

Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.

'What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?'
'Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation. 'What is night if it isn't darkness?'

'You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the
absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright
light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have
Nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to
define the word. In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able
to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?'

The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him.
This will be a good semester. 'So what point are you making, young man?'

'Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is
flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.'

The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time.
'Flawed? Can you explain how?'

'You are working on the premise of duality,' the student
explains. 'You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good
God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something
finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a
thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much
less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life
is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive
thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.'

'Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they
evolved from a monkey?'

'If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young
man, yes, of course I do'

'Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?'
The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he
realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.
'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work
and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you
not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?'

The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the
Commotion has subsided.

'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other
student, let me give you an example of what I mean.'

The student looks around the room. 'Is there anyone in the class
who has ever seen the professor's brain?' The class breaks out into
laughter.

'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain,
felt the professor's brain, touched or smelled the professor's brain? No
one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of
empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no
brain, with all due respect, sir. So if science says you have no brain,
how can we trust your lectures, sir?'

Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.

Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. 'I guess you'll have to take them on faith.'

'Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,' the student continues. 'Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?'

Now uncertain, the professor responds, 'Of course, there is. We
see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man.
It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world.
These manifestations are nothing else but evil.'

To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God.

God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.'

The professor sat down.

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. - C. S. Lewis

Some insightful quotes

2008-06-17T20:30:00.000+08:00

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keep learning stays young.

Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.

Chance favours the prepared mind.

When one door closes, another opens. But we often look so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.

Success is a journey, not a destination.

There is no speed limit in the pursuit of excellence.

Man’s greatness lies in the power of thought. In the end, the only people who fail are those who do not try.

The golden rule for every business is this-put yourself in the customer place.

The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running.

Accept the things you cannot change, the courage to change the thing you can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Talent is God-given, be humble. Fame is man-given, be grateful. Conceit is self-given, be careful.

OFFENCES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND NUISANCE

2008-06-16T20:26:00.002+08:00

Harassment, alarm or distress

13B. (1) Any person who in a public place or in a private place —
(a) uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour; or
(b) displays any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting,
within the hearing or sight of any person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress thereby shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000.

(2) It is a defence for the accused to prove —
(a) that he had no reason to believe that there was any person within hearing or sight who was likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress;
(b) that he was inside a dwelling-house and had no reason to believe that the words or behaviour used, or the writing, sign or other visible representation displayed, would be heard or seen by a person outside that dwelling-house or any other dwelling-house; or
(c) that his conduct was reasonable.

Intentional harassment, alarm or distress

13A. (1) Any person who in a public place or in a private place, with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress to another person —
(a) uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour; or
(b) displays any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting,
thereby causing that person or any other person harassment, alarm or distress, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000.

(2) It is a defence for the accused to prove —
(a) that he was inside a dwelling-house and had no reason to believe that the words or behaviour used, or the writing, sign or other visible representation displayed, by him would be heard or seen by a person outside that dwelling-house or any other dwelling-house; or
(b) that his conduct was reasonable.

What is the difference between Act 13A and 13B? It is kind of obvious, isn’t it? There is a reason why I put 13B before 13A, but I shall not disclose the reason. Moving on, this ACT is quite surprising to many people. That does not mean you can go around charging people if they harassed you. A lot of money is involved in getting a lawsuit.

Here are some of the common but chargeable offences
Spitting [Chapter 184 Part 2 Act 11 Section (f)]
Creating excessive noise [Chapter 184 Part 2 Act 14]
Being drunk in public places [Chapter 184 Part 3 Act 18]

I am still continuing to search for the law which states that smoking at non-designated area is prohibited. It is really annoying when smokers light up their cigarettes where and when they feel like it. Law is quite an interesting subject, right?

Reference: http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_version/cgi-bin/cgi_retrieve.pl?actno=REVED-184&
doctitle=MISCELLANEOUS%20OFFENCES%20(PUBLIC%20ORDER%20AND%20
NUISANCE)%20ACT%0A&date=latest&method=part

Why women take so long in the bathroom :)

2008-06-15T21:36:00.001+08:00

This is such a typical trip to a public restroom. A woman will TRULY relate to this (and men will better understand...!) This is from a girl's point of view.

My mother was a fanatic about public bathrooms. When I was a little girl, she'd take me into the stall, teach me to wad up toilet paper and wipe the seat. Then, she'd carefully lay strips of toilet paper to cover the seat. Finally, she'd instruct, "Never, NEVER sit on a public toilet seat. Then she'd demonstrate "The Stance," which consisted of balancing over the toilet in a sitting position without actually letting any of your flesh make contact with the toilet seat. By this time, I'd have wet down my leg and we'd have to go home to change my clothes.
That was a long time ago. Even now, in my more "mature years," "The Stance" is excruciatingly difficult to maintain, especially when one's bladder is full.

When you have to "go" in a public bathroom, you usually find a line of women that makes you think there's a half-price sale on Nelly's underwear in there. So, you wait and smile politely at all the other ladies, who are also crossing their legs and smiling politely.

You get closer and check for feet under the stall doors. Every one is occupied. Finally, a door opens and you dash in, nearly knocking down the woman leaving the stall. You get in to find the door won't latch. It doesn't matter.

The dispenser for the new fangled "seat covers" (invented by someone's Mom, no doubt) is handy, but empty. You would hang your purse on the door hook, if there was one, but there isn't - so you carefully but quickly hang it around your neck (Mom would turn over in her grave if you put it on the FLOOR!), yank down your pants, and assume "The Stance."

Ahhhh, relief. More relief. But then your thighs begin to shake. You'd love to sit down, but you certainly hadn't taken time to wipe the seat or lay toilet paper on it, so you hold "The Stance" as your thighs experience a quake that would register an eight on the Richter scale.

To take your mind off your trembling thighs, you reach for what you discover to be the empty toilet paper dispenser. In your mind, you can hear your mother's voice saying, "Honey, if you had tried to clean the seat, you would have KNOWN there was no toilet paper!" Your thighs shake more.
You remember the tiny tissue that you blew your nose on yesterday - the one that's still in your purse. That would have to do. You crumple it in the puffiest way possible. It is still smaller than your thumbnail.

Someone pushes open your stall door because the latch doesn't work. The door hits your purse, which is hanging around your neck in front of your chest, and you and your purse topple backward against the tank of the toilet. "Occupied!" you scream, as you reach for the door, dropping your precious, tiny, crumpled tissue in a puddle, and sliding down directly onto the insidious toilet seat.

You bolt up, knowing all too well that it's too late. Your bare bottom has made contact with every imaginable germ and life form on the uncovered seat because YOU never laid down toilet paper - not that there was any, even if you had taken time to try.

You know that your mother would be utterly ashamed of you if she knew, because you're certain that her bare bottom never touched a public toilet seat because, frankly, dear, "You just don't KNOW what kind of diseases you could get."

By this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet is so confused that it flushes, sending up a stream of water akin to a fountain that suddenly sucks everything down with such force that you grab onto the toilet paper dispenser for fear of being dragged off to China. At that point, you give up.

You're soaked by the splashing water. You're exhausted. You try to wipe with a gum wrapper you found in your pocket, and then slink out inconspicuously to the sinks. You can't figure out how to operate the faucets with the automatic sensors, so you wipe your hands with spit and a dry paper towel and walk past a line of women, still waiting, cross-legged and, at this point, no longer able to smile politely.

One kind soul at the very end of the line points out that you are trailing a piece of toilet paper on your shoe as long as the Mississippi River! ( Where was it when you NEEDED it??) You yank the paper from your shoe, plunk it the woman's hand and tell her warmly, "Here, you just might need this."

As you exit, you spot your hubby, who has since entered, used and exited the men's restroom and read a copy of War and Peace while waiting for you. Annoyed, he asks, "What took you so long, and why is your purse hanging around your neck?"

This is dedicated to women everywhere who have ever had to deal with a public restroom (rest??? you've got to be kidding!!). It finally explains to the men what really does take us so long. It also answers their other commonly asked question about why women go to the restroom in pairs. It's so the other woman can hold the door, hold your purse and hand you Kleenex under the door.

Girls, is it true? LOL

Being superstitious

2008-06-14T17:00:00.003+08:00

Did anyone notice that yesterday date 13^th June falls on a Friday? Friday the 13^th is considered a day of bad luck in many countries. Both the number thirteen and Friday have been considered unlucky, even though I think that Friday is a lucky day as it marks the end of the week. If you noticed carefully, there are only 12 months, 12 recognized signs of the zodiac, and 12 apostles of Jesus. Hence, the number twelve is considered the number of completeness, whereas the number 13 is viewed as irregular, transgressing this completeness.

This example is just one of the many superstitious that people believed. Superstitious is a belief or practice which is regarded as irrational and not scientifically proven. Here are some other examples of superstitious.

Tetra phobia is widespread in China, Japan and Korea ; the use of number 4 is minimized or avoided wherever possible because the Chinese word for 4, sì, sounds nearly the same as the word for death, sǐ （死）.

Many believe that if all of the candles on a birthday cake are blown out with one breath, while making a silent wish, the wish will come true.

Spilling salt is said to cause a fight or argument during the day. There are several options to "undo" this which seem to relate to various ways of acknowledging the fact that salt was spilled with others present at the scene. One way to revert this is tossing some salt over one's left shoulder with ones right hand.

At times, a horseshoe may be found above doorways. When positioned like a regular 'U' it supposedly collects luck. However, when it is positioned like an upside-down 'U' the luck supposedly drains.

Breaking a mirror is said to bring bad luck for 7 years. To "undo" this, take the shards of glass and bury them underneath the moonlight. In ancient times, the mirror was said to be a window to the viewer's soul. If that mirror were to break, it would take time (or 7 years) for that 'cracked' soul to heal as 'time heals all wounds'.

If one walks underneath an open ladder it is considered bad luck. Sometimes it is said that this can be undone by immediately walking backwards back underneath the ladder.

It is considered bad luck to open an umbrella indoors. Some traditions hold that it is only bad luck if the umbrella is placed over the head of someone while indoors.

Placing a hat on the bed is, apparently, bad luck.

Placing keys on a table is considered unlucky.

It is bad luck to put new shoes on a bed (or a table) (comes from the tradition of dressing a corpse in new clothes and shoes and laying them out so everyone can give their respects)

Collect seven or nine different flowers on Midsummer Eve and place them under your pillow and it is said that you will dream of your future spouse.

The phrase "See a pin and pick it up then all day you'll have good luck" is a superstition created from the first line of a poem in the book "The Real Mother Goose". Modern variants sometimes substitute the word "penny" for pin.

When you speak of bad luck, it is said that one should always knock on wood. Also knocking when speaking of good luck apparently helps with having good luck. This explains the notion of people saying “touch wood”

Before traveling a person should, apparently, sit on their luggage.

Once a wedding ring has been placed on the finger, it is considered bad luck to remove it.

There are numerous sailors' superstitions, such as: it is considered bad luck for a ship to set sail on a Friday, to bring anything blue aboard, to stick a knife into the deck, to leave a hatch cover upside-down, to say "pig", or to eat walnuts aboard. Some beliefs state that it is bad luck to have a woman aboard ship, while others say that a storm will give way to calm if a woman bares her body to it.

One may choose to believe whether these are true or not. And for those who do indeed believe, there are no more Friday the 13^th that falls this year. It will occurred again next year February.

Entomophagy

2008-06-13T19:30:00.000+08:00

Warning: Please do not read this if you are going to have your meal anytime soon.

Entomophagy refers to the eating of insects as food. This may sound weird in an urbanized country in Singapore, but not unusual. What comes to mind when the topic of entomophagy is raised? Frogs, spiders and chimpanzees all eat insects, why not humans? Since other animals eat insects, it shows that insects are edible. Do not ever try to catch eat an insect just because I say it is edible!!! Unless you have the knowledge about what you are doing, never try anything stupid. Even though most insects are edible, there is a group out there which is poisonous.

Believe it or not, it is a fact that all of you have eaten insects before. One great example is the black specks you see in your bread or rice. Those are weevils and other beetles that infest granaries which are milled along with the grain. Do you think they will bother to remove a beetle which has dropped into the large cans? Nope! Am I frightening anyone? I hope not, allow me continue. Apples that are infested with worms are used to make cider. Many other fruits are also processed in a similar manner. Only the non-infested fruits are sold as fruits. Ingesting insects is not harmful in any way. Instead, it provides the extra protein in your meal.

Food is not always as clean as you think. After working in some Food & Beverages companies, I came to a conclusion that most companies can never ensure that the food placed in front of a customer is totally hygienic. For instance, let us assume that a waiter dropped a chicken by accident. Rightfully, the chicken should be thrown away. However, he ignored the proper procedures and gave that “dirty” chicken to the customer. In another example, waiters put their own saliva into soup/dishes to customers who are hard to please. One should not blame the company/restaurant for the unhygienic food. The blame should go to the people working in the company. The manager has only 1 pair of eyes and cannot supervise all of his subordinates. Moving on, chefs cook their dishes with extra ingredients unintentionally. Cockroaches, ants, lizard tails may be fried together with the food. If these insects are mashed and broken into small bits, you have extra protein in your dish!

Moving back to the topic, eating insects may not be as bad as you think. With the growing population, it is environment unfriendly to produce more cattle, chicken or beef. Mammals require a lot of space, time and energy to raise them into adults. In the process, they produce tons of carbon dioxide and waste. Insects, on the other hand, do not require a lot of space, take a shorter time to become adults, and reproduce at a faster rate. This means, insects have higher food conversion efficiency than traditional meat. Using the same resources, one can produce a larger amount of insects than the usual meat. Insects do not require using their energy to produce heat to maintain their body temperature. Hence, most of their consumption goes to their body. Mammals waste energy to maintain they body temperature, making them having a lower food conversion energy.

For those losing weight, here is a piece of good news. Insects are lower in fat and higher in protein. Have you have seen a fat fly or beetle? Insects are can even be more nutritious than certain types of meat. Take note that insects are extremely light - 1000 ants may only weigh 5 grams. Hence, it is necessary to consume a large amount of insects to get the amount of nutrients as a piece of chicken.

Another advantage is that there are millions of insects are there. We can have more variety of dishes right? Aren’t you bored with curry chicken, fried chicken, sweet and sour chicken, steamed chicken, minced chicken or black sauced chicken? With insects, you can choose from flies, beetles, ants, termites etc. The list is endless. In addition, some insects are edible at all stages of growth – eggs, larval, pupae and adult. You will never be bored with food ever again.

Why do local people continue to avoid eating insects? The most significant reason is the psychological barrier and lack of social acceptance. Most people have the assumption that insects are dirty, poisonous or inedible. If you look at it in a different perspective, do you think that the chickens in the farm are clean? Or the pigs that roll in the mud? How about fishes swimming in dirty, oily, polluted water? Please look at the bigger picture before making a conclusion. What do you think?

Dirty Humour

2008-06-08T19:42:00.005+08:00

A little girl was walking along a beach in California when she came across a man with no
clothes on and just a newspaper covering his genitals.
The little girl said, "What do you have under that newspaper, Mister?"
He said, "Nothing, it's just a bird, now go away!"
He thought nothing of her and quickly fell asleep.
Hours later, he woke up in a hospital bed in excruciating pain.
"Where the hell am I?"
A doctor replied, "Someone called 9-1-1 and said you needed emergency help,
so we rushed you right over."
"Well, what the hell happened to me?"
"We don't know, son. Do you remember anything unusual happening to you today?"
He said, "Well, there was a little girl bugging me just before I fell asleep."
The doctor sent someone to the beach to see if the little girl was still there, and she was.
The person said, "Do you know what happened to that nice man you saw here earlier?"
"Well," the little girl said, "I started to play with that nice little bird that he had and the
damn thing spit on me. So, I wrung its neck, broke its eggs, and set its nest on fire!"

Meaning of life?

2008-06-08T19:35:00.001+08:00

After spending so much time here on Earth, have you ever ponder why life existed in the first place? If your answer is no, give it a thought. I was wondering what is life all about. Type what is the “meaning of life” in Google, and the ultimate answer is “42”.

What is life? What happens after life? Absolute death has always tormented human beings. There will be some point in life where one will think about death, which can occur anytime from a child or an adult. Will we cease to exist after our physical death, or will there be life after death? Is our existence purely transience? Since young, I have watched people die in television and movies, which seem normal to me. At that time, I did not fully comprehend the consequences of death.

I still have more to add on. However, I am unable to complete my essay due to time constraint. In addition, I still have to look up for more information on this topic. To be continued...

Four Minute Mysteries

2008-06-06T19:09:00.000+08:00

Mystery 1...

A man was found murdered on Sunday morning. His wife immediately called
the police. The police questioned the wife and staff and got these
alibis:

The Wife said she was sleeping.
The Cook was cooking breakfast.
The Gardener was picking vegetables.
The Maid was getting the mail.
The Butler was cleaning the closet.

The police instantly arrested the murderer. Who did it and how did they
know?

Mystery 2...

A man walks into a his bathroom and shoots himself right between the
eyes using a real gun with real bullets. He walks out alive, with no
blood anywhere And no, he didn't miss and he wasn't Superman or any
other caped crusader. How did he do this?

Mystery 3...

Old Mr. Tidy was found dead in his study by Mr. Fiend. Mr. Fiend
recounted his dismal discovery to the police. "I was walking by Mr.
Tidy's house when I thought I would just pop in for a visit. I noticed
his study light was on and I decided to peek in from the outside to see
if he was in there. There was frost on the window, so I had to wipe it
away to see inside. That is when I saw his body. So I kicked in the
front door to confirm my suspicions of foul play. I called the police
immediately afterward."

The officer immediately arrested Mr. Fiend for the murder of Mr. Tidy.
How did he know Mr. Fiend was lying?

Mystery 4...

If you touch me, you will die, but you can only live without me. I am a
big part of your life, and will eventually be the only thing left. You
will learn to embrace me finally and rest.

What am I?

ANSWERS:

1. It was the Maid. She said she was getting the mail. There is no mail
on Sunday.

2. He shot his reflection in the bathroom mirror.

3. Frost forms on the inside of the window, not the outside. So, Mr.
Fiend could not have wiped it off to discover Mr. Tidy's body.

4. Death

Girls are better than guys.

2008-06-01T15:20:00.000+08:00

They have a longer life span.
They have so many choices when buying clothes. All guys wear the same typical tuxedo shirts and black pant, which looks retarded
Girls can wear boys clothing, and no one will say anything. If a guy wears female clothing, he will be labeled a sissy.
Girls can keep long hair, the only males I know with long hair was the traditional Chinese custom in the Qing Kingdom.
With long hair, they can perm, bond or do whatever they like with their hair.
Males need to shave their moustache and beard daily, which is quite troublesome.
Only applicable in Singapore and some countries – guys have to waste 2 years of their time to serve the country (NS)
One expects a guy to open doors for girls, not the other way round.
Men are expected to treat their female counterparts when going out.
Girls stop and shop, while man work and rot.
Today is your birthday, girls get tons of gifts (provided you are in a co-ed school), while boys get little or none at all.
Girls gossip, passing information quickly from one end to the other, thus making guys extremely ignorant.
Increase chances of a heart attack (cardiac arrest) include being male, smoking and obesity.

There are many more, but I really cannot think of any more. Any more suggestions?
Honestly, I still prefer being a male. =)

I knew a girl that was so stupid that...

2008-05-31T20:09:00.002+08:00

I knew a girl that was so stupid that... ...

She called me to get my phone number.

She spent 20 minutes looking at the orange juice box because it said "concentrate."

She put lipstick on her forehead because she wanted to make up her mind.

She tried to put M&M's in alphabetical order.

She sent me a fax with a stamp on it.

She tried to drown a fish.

She thought a quarterback was a refund.

She got locked in a grocery store and starved to death.

She tripped over a cordless phone.

She took a ruler to bed to see how long she slept.

She asked for a price check at the Dollar Store.

She studied for a blood test.

She thought Meow Mix was a CD for cats.

When she heard that 90% of all crimes occur around the home,she moved.

When she missed the 44 bus, she took the 22 bus twice instead.

When she took you to the airport and saw a sign that said "Airport Left" she turned around and went home

P.S. No, I do not know a girl that stupid. Haha. =P
Girls, please do not get offended!
I will be listing "Why girls are better then guys" soon.

I've learned...

2008-05-30T18:18:00.005+08:00

I've learned... That undersirable outcomes can also be successful (Leaning tower of Pisa)
I've learned... That exams are not everything, I can always retake it.
I've learned...That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned...That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for
I've learned...That money doesn't buy class, love, friendship or home.
I've learned...That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned...That under everyone's hard shell, is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned...That the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes I think I can?
I've learned...That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I've learned...That the less time I have to work, the more things I get done.
I’ve leaned… that friends and family are the most important things in life

To those who know this in their childhood but have forgotten, let me remind you that
Family = Father and mother, I LOVE you

My creation
Friends = Friends are indeed exotic, necessary, dependable, significant

For my friends out there, it is my honor to know you. May our friendship last forever - I will treasure every moment, every second, that we spent together.

"A good friend will come bail you out of jail...
But a true friend will be sitting next to you saying ...
WE screwed up! "
Proud to be your Friend! =)

Humor: Let Catholic children speak

2008-05-29T18:37:00.001+08:00

3-year-old Reese: "Our Father, Who does art in heaven, Harold is His name. Amen."

A little boy was overheard praying "Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it. I'm having a real good time like I am."

After the christening of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, "That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you guys."
I had been teaching my three-year old daughter, Caitlin, the Lord's Prayer for several evenings at bedtime. She would repeat after me the lines from the prayer. Finally, she decided to go solo. I listened with pride as she carefully enunciated each word, right up to the end of the prayer: "Lead us not into temptation," she prayed, "but deliver us from E-mail.

One particular four-year-old prayed, "And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."

A Sunday school teacher asked her children as they were on the way to church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?" One bright little girl replied,"Because people are sleeping."

Six-year-old Angie and her four-year-old brother, Joel, were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang, and talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had had enough. "You're not supposed to talk out loud in church." "Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel asked. Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two men standing by the door? They're hushers."

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons,Kevin 5, and Ryan 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson "If Jesus were sitting here, He would say 'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.' Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Ryan, you be Jesus!"

A father was at the beach with his children when the four-year-old son ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore where a seagull lay dead in the sand. "Daddy, what happened to him?" the son asked. "He died and went to Heaven," the Dad replied. The boy thought a moment and then said, "Did God throw him back down?"

A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said. "Would you like to say the blessing?" "I wouldn't know what to say," the girl replied. "Just say what you hear Mommy say," the wife answered. The daughter bowed her head and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?"

Playing with letters by rearranging them!

2008-05-28T21:43:00.000+08:00

DORMITORY=DIRTY ROOM

PRESBYTERIAN=BEST IN PRAYER

ASTRONOMER=MOON STARER

DESPERATION=A ROPE ENDS IT!

THE EYES=THEY SEE

GEORGE BUSH=HE BUGS GORE

THE MORSE CODE =HERE COME DOTS

SLOT MACHINES=CASH LOST IN ME

ANIMOSITY=IS NO AMITY

ELECTION RESULTS=LIES - LET'S RECOUNT

SNOOZE ALARMS=ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S

A DECIMAL POINT=I'M A DOT IN PLACE

THE EARTHQUAKES=THAT QUEER SHAKE

ELEVEN PLUS TWO=TWELVE PLUS ONE

MOTHER-IN-LAW=WOMAN HITLER

Religion - Christianity

2008-05-27T19:47:00.001+08:00

Religion, Christian or otherwise, is a matter of one's personal choice. No one can force you to believe something that you disagree with.

However, I want to refute that Greg's statement which claimed Christian are selfish and/or self center. Firstly, most Christians do not "care about a place in wonderful haven and world peace". This allegation comes from the third post of Greg's blog. I have totally no idea why he thinks of such an accusation. Greg is too materialistic. It is not about just donating money to "help yourself" to "book a place in heaven". It’s totally ludicrous. Heaven is not a place with "great riches", it is a place where God is glorified. What is the point of wanting so much money in heaven? It is related to greed and defeats the purpose of being pure and sinless. Heaven, is where Christians praise and worship God. Heaven is not a place where you do things that pleases you. It’s about love and God.

Is there a problem if we decide to build a church for God? Not everything thing in this world is about assisting people in poverty and hunger. The world does not revolve aroung the deprived. Furthermore, is there a issue if we want to build a place where we can worship God. Christians do play their part - some donate money, while others volunteer theri services. In addition, it is impossible to help everyone. There is no way that we can help each and every individual staying in this world. Then how much help is enough? Are you very certain that the money you donated will go to the underprivileged. The world is corrupted, where the money may land into the wrong hands. In this world, it is about the survival of the fittest. Moreover, what is the point of helping the millions of people out there? There will always be destitute people, and they might take advantage of you if you are too kind to them.

It was explicitly written in the bible that Jesus helped the underprivileged. Jesus healed the sick, and miracles occurred. Jesus sacrificed himself to die on the cross for our sins. Will people die for one another? There is a clear distinction between Jesus and us. Indeed, there might be some exceptions, but the majority cannot expect to do exactly as Him. He encouraged us to help the disadvantaged and the oppressed. However, as humans, we tend to be selfish and self centered at times. There is so much we can do to help the disadvantaged.

With regards to the contradictions in the bible
By saying that the bible is flawed only further emphasize that humans are at fault. The bible was written by humans, and as Greg has mentioned in his post, the bible went through "countless translations over the past millennium ever since it was compiled". Why blame God if the authors or translators are at fault. Is it fair to blame God? You want to know the real truth? Religion is about faith. If God is true, and one does not believe in God, what is the point then? Proving that the bible has many contradictions does not necessarily means that God never exists.

If you and your spouse are Christians, would you send your child to church? Definitely, right? It is illogical that you will send your child to a temple. I accept the argument that "children rarely have the choice in deciding to believe in God", but that does not mean that they cannot choose to break away from it in the future. It is true that there are propaganda and so on, but isn't this life all about? They do not have the capacity to ponder the purpose of life and religion. That is the gift and a blessing of being ignorant. Trouble and complications plays into one life as one gets older. Given a choice, i would rather remain in my childhood, totally believing in God and shares my trouble and problems with him. I do not doubt Him at all, as I totally trust in my Lord.

Religion (Christianity)

2008-05-26T18:28:00.003+08:00

Religion, Christian or otherwise, is a matter of one's personal choice. No one can force you to believe something that you disagree with. For the next few post, I will touch on the topic of Christianity.

A small introduction into my life. I was born an agnostic, babtised in Secondary 2 and confirmed in JC2. I was influenced by my mum during secondary school to be babtised. However, i gave much though about religion before I finally accepted God into my life.

Allow me to break the wrong conceptions that most people have in Singapore. I hate explaining this over and over again. Christians are divided into 2 main groups - Roman Catholics and Protestants. Not many people do research on their own religion before they accept it, but i am different. I did my research.

Here is an abstract from my Theory of Knowledge essay

On the other hand, religion is something that we face as an issue in our life. Even though we may not have a religion, we are influenced by it at some point of time, through the media and even the education system. For instance, my school is a Methodist school where the Holy Scriptures are read to the school daily. This shows that both the students and teachers are influenced. About 92% of the world population believes that there is a God. Testimonials from all over the world also show that these people can sense and feel the presence of God. Skeptics counter-argue that since we cannot prove that there is a God, there must not be a God. If there is no God, why would the majority of the world have a religion? Buddhists feel enlightened, Christians feel the Holy Spirit, and those who believe in a God have the feeling that God exists. Those who believe in God are completely certain that God exists, because if they do not completely believe in God, they would not have a religion.

Now, I will try to show that God exists using rationalism. The first premise is that for every design, there must be a designer. There is also a design in the universe. Hence, the conclusion is that there must be a universal designer, which is God. The universe is extremely complex that it just cannot appear by chance. There must be a designer that designs the universe. One may claim that the first premise is untrue, that there might be a design but not a designer. Let me elaborate – if a man walks in a jungle and then he suddenly sees a house, what would he think? Does the house happen to be there by chance? The answer is no. The man will think that there must be a designer since the house is so complex and unique, which is totally different compared to its surroundings. Something which is unique and special cannot exist just by chance. It is illogical to say that the universe happened by chance, there must be a designer who designed this complex and intriguing universe. Hence, the argument proves the existence of God.

Another argument for the existence of God is the argument of the First Cause. The First Cause argument takes the existence of the universe to entail the existence of a being (God) that created it. Everything we see in this world has a cause, and as you go back in the chain of causes further and further we must come to a First Cause, and to that First Cause, is God. However, Bertrand Russell claims that this argument is flawed. He wrote that “If everything must have a cause, then God must have a cause.” He does not understand the First Cause, which is why he is wrong. The reason the argument is called the First Cause because there is no other cause causing that cause, and that is why it is called the First Cause. This shows that there is no flaw in the First Cause Argument.

The fact that miracles do exist also implies that God exists and religion is certain. Firstly, let me define what a miracle is. A miracle is something that happened which is wonderful, and unexplainable by science. One need not have a religion to notice or identify a miracle. Let’s take a dying person who is supposed to die due to a terminal cancer, but survived and was cured without medical help. A real life example would be Mr. Andrew Stimpson. He was tested positive for AIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome) in 2002, but now, he tests negative. We all know that AIDS is an incurable disease that kills millions of people all over the world. This shows miracles do happen. It is true that now scientist have not found a cure to AIDS. Then how could so many people have survived all these illnesses? In addition, it is also presupposed that science cannot discover everything. In the future, even though science can explain what we do not understand now; there can never be a day where science can explain everything. There will always be events which are considered as miracles. However, both skeptics and atheists counter argue that miracles can happen due to good luck and/or pure coincidence. This shows that God and religion can never reach complete certainty.

In conclusion, certainty can be seen in both mathematics and in religion, but not complete certainty. For mathematics, complete certainty could be found at the foundation level. As mathematics is studied to a deeper level, it becomes so complicated that we cannot prove it. In my opinion, there will always be some complicated concepts that the human mind cannot comprehend; hence complete certainty cannot be achieved in mathematics. On the other hand, even though believers believe in their religion with complete certainty, atheists claim that it is all based on good luck and/or pure coincidence. This shows that complete certainty cannot be achieved in religion. In my opinion, both mathematics and religion can obtain certainty only to a certain extent, and complete certainty can never be achieved.

Motivators?

2008-05-25T19:44:00.000+08:00

Everyone has the desire to be rich, powerful and famous. These are powerful motivators that can spur people to achieve their maximum potential. On the other hand, conscience, the inner voice in out body telling us what is right and what is wrong, is another strong motivator. In this essay, I will make a comparison to see which the more powerful motivator is.

Firstly, we know that money, power and fame are something that most of us desire. It is a selfish though, but it satisfies our desire. One can purchase whatever he/she wants, the benefits are endless. Hence this is a strong motivator, and makes us work hard to pursue our goals. However, too much is not a good thing. For example, Adolf Hilter wanted to be the ruler of the world. This motivate him to such a great extend, which resulted in the Second World War. Even though money, power and fame are strong motivators, they can lead to destructive consequences.

On the other hand, conscience plays a very important part in our lives. To demonstrate this, we look at the recent Asia tragedy. Many people are victims of the earthquake in China and the cyclone which affected Myanmar. Buildings were destroyed and thousands were left homeless. Even thought we are not related to them, we sympathized their conditions, donating our money and giving aid to them. We humans are social beings, and we care for one another. We are not some beast who will ignore others who cry for help. Hence, conscience plays a very important role in motivating us to do the right thing.

Let me use another analogy to explain why conscience is such an important motivator. If you talking on the phone with a very important client that involved in a million dollar project, and you see one of your family members bleeding profusely, what would you do? Will you be motivated to continue talking with your client because it involves so much money, or will you stop and assist the bleeding person? This further emphasis that conscience plays a stronger motivator than the desire to be rich, powerful and famous.

In conclusion, conscience plays a stronger motivator. Money, fame and power are transient and insubstantial, even thought they are also powerful motivators and may lead to disaster.

Grooming

2008-05-24T22:34:00.000+08:00

Ways to impress people

Clean and iron clothes
Wear matching shoes
Bath to look fresh and feel more alert
Brush teeth, use breadth mints if necessary.
Shave
Style hair or keep it neat
Apply lightly scented deodorant

Even though these are simple and basic grooming, there will be some people who never bother at all. At times, it can really be a turn off for me when I meet friends who maybe both smelly and unsightly. The most important thing, never be late for appointments or meeting friends!

Exhaustively researched rebuttal

2008-05-23T22:05:00.003+08:00

When you see a blog that sux, you can write this.

... in conclusion, on examining the above post by ...
after carefully working my way through the haze of spelling errors, abuse of capitalization, and general crimes against grammar and syntax, I have demonstrated that, beneath it all, the work betrays the authors staggering ignorance of the truth and the workings of the English Language, while the authors wildly swerving train of thoughts did at one point flirt with coherence, this brief encounter was more likely a chance event than a result of even rudimentary lucidity.

I edited the original statement to suit my purpose.

Reference
http://xkcd.com/406/

Banana Benefits

2008-05-22T15:00:00.002+08:00

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. Hence, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout, no wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. However, energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet. Banana contains lots of other nutrients!
Depression: According to a recent survey, amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous sys tem. Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
In conclusion, banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods. It is time to change that well-known phrase to 'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!'

Joke

2008-05-21T20:43:00.001+08:00

It was getting a little crowded in Heaven, so God decided to change the admittance policy. The new law was that, in order to get into Heaven, you had to have a really bad day the day you died. The policy would go into effect at noon the following day. So the next day at 12:01 the first person came to the gates of Heaven. The angel at the gate, remembering about the new law, promptly told the man, "Before I can let you in, I need you to tell me about the day you died."
"No problem." said the man. "Well, for some time now, I've thought my wife was having an affair. I believed that each day on her lunch hour, she'd bring her lover home to our 25th floor apartment and have sex with him. So today I was going to come home too and catch them. Well, I got there and busted in and immediately began searching for this guy. My wife was half-naked and yelling at me as I searched the entire apartment. But, damn it, I couldn't find him! Just as I was going to give up, I happened to glance out onto the balcony and noticed that there was a man hanging off the edge by his fingertips! The nerve of that guy to think he could hide from me! Well, I ran out there and promptly stomped on his fingers until he fell to the ground. But wouldn't you know it, he landed in some bushes that broke his fall and he didn't die. This pissed me off even more, so in a rage I went back inside to get the first thing I could get my hands on to throw at him. And oddly enough, the first thing I could grab was the refrigerator. I unplugged it, pushed it out onto the balcony and heaved it over the side. It plummeted 25 stories and crushed him! The excitement of the moment was so great that right after that I had a heart attack and died almost instantly."
The angel sat back and though for a moment. Technically, the guy DID have a bad day, and it was a crime of passion, so he announced, "OK, Sir. Welcome to the Kingdom of Heaven," and let him in. A few seconds later the next guy came up. "OK, here's the rule. Before I can let you in, I need to hear about the day you died."
"Sure thing" the man replied. "But you're not gonna believe this. I was out on the balcony of my 26th floor apartment doing my daily exercises when I got a little carried away and accidentally fell over the side! Luckily however, I was able to catch myself by my fingertips on the balcony directly beneath mine. When all of a sudden this crazy man comes running out of his apartment and starts cussing and stomping on my fingers! Well, of course I fell. I hit some trees and bushes on the way down which broke my fall so I didn't die right away. As I'm laying there face up on the ground, unable to move and in excruciating pain, I see the man push his refrigerator, of all things, over the ledge and it falls directly on top of me and kills me!" The angel is quietly laughing to himself as the man finishes his story. "I could get used to this new policy," he thinks to himself.
"Very well," the angel announces. "Welcome to the Kingdom of Heaven," and he lets the man enter. A few seconds later the third man in line comes up to the gate. "Tell me about the day you died," said the angel.
"OK, picture this, " says the man. "I'm naked inside a refrigerator......."

Asia’s tragedies

2008-05-20T20:58:00.001+08:00

Why do the straits times have to flash so many images of China in ruins. Not only that, they have to make it extra large, as if the people cannot see the destruction caused by the earthquake if the pictures are printed smaller. The pictures take up like more than half a page of the normal newspaper. It is such a terrible sight, where dead bodies lie around and crumbled buildings are seen as rubble. The emphasis on this is to show how weather can pulverize a country to such a pathetic state, causing damages worth up to millions of dollar. The most important point that I want to raise up is that no matter how advanced technology can be, we are still tiny victims of the world. Humans are insignificant objects compared to the world. The universe is such a massive place, compared to Mother Earth. Anything can happen, such as an alien invasion. Understand the big picture yet? The problems that you might be facing are nothing compared to the universe. Moving on, there is another recent incident in Myanmar. It was ferociously assaulted by Cyclone Nargis, which occurred on 2 May 2008, leaving thousands dead and missing. Upon contemplating about the topic of natural disaster, there are many more - drought, earthquakes, flooding, hurricanes, landslides, solar flares, tsunamis, volcanoes, wildfires. Fortunately for Singaporeans, we are not affected up all this natural disasters, as out country is located in a safe geographical place.

However, there is something what is worse. Global warming, where everyone is not sparred. It is affecting everyone, including both you and me. Hence, please do your part by keeping the amount of greenhouse gases released to a minimum.

How lucky of you to be reading this right now. In order for you to read this, you must have a computer/laptop, internet connection. Maybe you are sitting in a air conditioning room, which is contributing to more carbon gases into the atmosphere. Everyday, food is provided, but when you cannon finish it, you just throw it away, leading to wastage, while millions out there are suffering from hunger and/or thirst. Be grateful with what you have.

Longest word?

2008-05-15T21:13:00.004+08:00

Have you ever wonder what the longest word in English is? Do you know such a long word as "Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia" exists? Try to guess what the meaning of the word is. Hmmm, let me give you a clue, it is not related to the hippopotamus at all. Serious. ^^ John attempted to pronounce it but failed! The answer is here, see if you can find it or not. That is not the longest word. If you want to know what it is, go check wikepedia. The longest word has 189, 819 letters, and I have no intention to type it here. Enough said, I need to think about what to write for the next few days. Any suggestions?

Since I learnt it in IB, I might as well acknowledge where I get my reference from. I do not want to be charged for plagiarism. LOL.

Answer : The fear of fear

Reference
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/-phob-

Friend - Elvin Koh

2008-05-13T23:55:00.002+08:00

Thank you Elvin for all the tremendously work that you have contributed. Even though we were never in the same class in secondary school, we still became great friends. It continued to be even in JC, where we did our SRP together. It is really a blessing to know you as a friend, and I appreciate your actions. Thank you for making my blog so beautiful. =D

Remember guys, this blog is not the typical one that you normally see. Do not look forward to know about my private life, or what I am doing in NS, because it is highly confidential. This is a blog where interesting articles will be posted, such as global issues, relationship, finance and funny stories.

Welcome!

2008-05-13T22:36:00.007+08:00

Hello fellow friends, Welcome to my blog! =D

This blog is still simple and new, and I need friends to help me change the outlook for this blog, can some of you kindly volunteer? Some of the stuff that I want to touch up is to add a counter, a tag board and some other basic things that a blog should have. I would appreciate it very much, and I admit that I am dumb in this sort of things.

To those who are surprised of this new creation and why a sudden interest for Victor to have a blog, the reason is very simple. Suddenly, I am addicted into writing, and would like to write new stuff here everyday (hopefully). I know some of you out there will start sniggering, wondering if Victor is really speaking the truth. Honestly, it is. This post in this blog can range from many topics such as philosophy, societal views, and international economic policies to my thoughts on certain ambiguous concepts. However, please do not copy my essays and attempt to submit to your GP teacher – someone will suffer from a horrible death. In addition, I will also post humorous jokes and comical pictures to brighten up your day! As you know, I am a jovial person who cannot stop entertaining others! =D

Lastly, if you have any interesting things that you might want to share, please tag or send me an e-mail. Please come and visit my blog regularly to make it a lively and interesting one. Thank you. =)