Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Francis Fukuyama
Friday, February 23, 2007
Angbaos and Blessings
I felt pretty ashamed of myself when I finally got down to opening and counting my angbaos last night. When people jokingly referred to the annual "harvest", I had simply shrugged and told them that I "bled" more than I received this year. While the intention of giving (to thank the parents and grandparents for bringing me up) was good, the heart wasn't exactly willing. So imagine my guilt as I counted to find that I profited overall. Grandpa even gave me back what I gave him, in addition to the mandatory amount he gives every year.
It set me thinking, why do we always think that God, or even other ppl for that matter, should be anybody's debtor? We serve Him and our neighbours and inwardly grumble, thinking we give more than we receive. And of course I am not saying that this isn't true all the time. Yes, we drudge about thankless tasks in this world, sometimes more often than we care to remember. But think about the manifold blessings that we so often forget!
I sometimes grumble, complaining that I spent a year doing an honours degree, but end up earning lesser than my peers, especially those over at the dark side. But in my saner moments I recall how much God has blessed me, especially as I do not have to worry about repaying my tuition loan, or even support my family. I never worry where my next meal is coming from and I always have more than enough for little frivolities.
So, in the true spirit of Chinese New Year mixed with the heart of Christ, lets give willingly, as the Lord has given. 心想事成，万事如意 for the remaining of the Chinese New Year celebration!
It set me thinking, why do we always think that God, or even other ppl for that matter, should be anybody's debtor? We serve Him and our neighbours and inwardly grumble, thinking we give more than we receive. And of course I am not saying that this isn't true all the time. Yes, we drudge about thankless tasks in this world, sometimes more often than we care to remember. But think about the manifold blessings that we so often forget!
I sometimes grumble, complaining that I spent a year doing an honours degree, but end up earning lesser than my peers, especially those over at the dark side. But in my saner moments I recall how much God has blessed me, especially as I do not have to worry about repaying my tuition loan, or even support my family. I never worry where my next meal is coming from and I always have more than enough for little frivolities.
So, in the true spirit of Chinese New Year mixed with the heart of Christ, lets give willingly, as the Lord has given. 心想事成，万事如意 for the remaining of the Chinese New Year celebration!
Labels: Saya Affairs
Friday, February 16, 2007
Belated Valentine's Day
This Valentine's Day really gave me some surprises, especially the one early in the morning and another in the late afternoon. Hmm...thanks to all the people involved, even though you will all never see this.
Spent the evening having tzi char at Tiong Bahru with the church people. Good food! And Francis and Joyce were very kind to drive me home afterwards, so as to give Pastor a break from doing so every week heehee.
Spent the evening having tzi char at Tiong Bahru with the church people. Good food! And Francis and Joyce were very kind to drive me home afterwards, so as to give Pastor a break from doing so every week heehee.
Labels: Saya Affairs
门徒/ Protege - Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
Watched 门徒 with my colleagues last night. I went with no expectation whatsoever but thoroughly enjoyed the show.
门徒 is a Hong Kong movie starring big names like Daniel Wu, Andy Lau and Anita Yuen, about a drug syndicate. The plot itself is not exactly fresh, but the movie is still refreshing enough to warrant a watch. It shed light on the destructive nature of drug addiction as well as the cold-hearted calculations of drug trafficking. We were joking that we all want to quit and become drug traffickers after seeing the profit margin of trading in heroin! Hhahahaha :) But on a serious note, some scenes of drug addicts getting high on drugs and the things they would do to get their next fix made me feel very sad indeed. Especially for the family members who are affected in one way or another by their addiction. I am reminded of Indonesia's "anti-narkoba" (anti-drug) campaign, which I have always thoroughly supported.
Anita Yuen put on weight and is convincing in her minor role as the pregnant wife of the drug lord, Andy Lau. I thought Lau lacked depth in his portrayal as the diabetic yet enigmatic drug lord, but he deserves some applause for his effort all the same. Daniel Wu does not exactly shine as the protagonist, an undercover cop, but the circumstances surrounding him in the show helped make up for that.
Please be warned that the movie is rated NC16, and so is riddled in some parts with rather disturbing scenes of the effects of drugs on the body and also some mutilations. The most gruesome is probably the one involving the drug-addicted Zhang Jingchu, which I shall not reveal here. Enjoy!
门徒 is a Hong Kong movie starring big names like Daniel Wu, Andy Lau and Anita Yuen, about a drug syndicate. The plot itself is not exactly fresh, but the movie is still refreshing enough to warrant a watch. It shed light on the destructive nature of drug addiction as well as the cold-hearted calculations of drug trafficking. We were joking that we all want to quit and become drug traffickers after seeing the profit margin of trading in heroin! Hhahahaha :) But on a serious note, some scenes of drug addicts getting high on drugs and the things they would do to get their next fix made me feel very sad indeed. Especially for the family members who are affected in one way or another by their addiction. I am reminded of Indonesia's "anti-narkoba" (anti-drug) campaign, which I have always thoroughly supported.
Anita Yuen put on weight and is convincing in her minor role as the pregnant wife of the drug lord, Andy Lau. I thought Lau lacked depth in his portrayal as the diabetic yet enigmatic drug lord, but he deserves some applause for his effort all the same. Daniel Wu does not exactly shine as the protagonist, an undercover cop, but the circumstances surrounding him in the show helped make up for that.
Please be warned that the movie is rated NC16, and so is riddled in some parts with rather disturbing scenes of the effects of drugs on the body and also some mutilations. The most gruesome is probably the one involving the drug-addicted Zhang Jingchu, which I shall not reveal here. Enjoy!
Labels: Review
Monday, February 12, 2007
Vases for Sale
The things my Grandpa does put younger men to shame, really. He climbed out of the so-called balcony (which has no linking door to the rest of the house, by the way) and started fixing a satellite disc till the daylight has left. Had to switch on some lights inside the house so that he can at least see what he was doing and so that he can climb safely back in.
And he bought at least 20 Chinese vases of different sizes to put at home. The house simply looks like an antique shop for Chinese New Year. *Groan*
And he bought at least 20 Chinese vases of different sizes to put at home. The house simply looks like an antique shop for Chinese New Year. *Groan*
Labels: Saya Affairs
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Hadassah's Covenant: The Queen's Legacy
Now this is what I call historian's integrity.
For those who have yet to read the prequel to the above book, I encourage you to! Called "Haddassah: One Night with the King", it has apparently been made into a movie though I have yet to be able to find it in Singapore. Based on the author, Tommy Tenney's extensive research into the life of Queen Esther, the book is a political thriller that combines suspense and romance as well as life's lessons.
The sequel is a combination of historical facts interweaved with fiction. No less thrilling than the prequel, the emotions I experienced upon reading it is very much like the time when I read the "Da Vinci Code". For a synopsis, you can refer to www.hadassahcovenant.com. And I love how the author takes pains to put up a webpage dedicated to explaining which aspects of the book are fictional and which are not. http://www.godchasers.net/index.cfm/pageID/782/index.html The plot does not attempt to make claims regarding history as well.
The books are available in Tecman at Bras Basah complex.
For those who have yet to read the prequel to the above book, I encourage you to! Called "Haddassah: One Night with the King", it has apparently been made into a movie though I have yet to be able to find it in Singapore. Based on the author, Tommy Tenney's extensive research into the life of Queen Esther, the book is a political thriller that combines suspense and romance as well as life's lessons.
The sequel is a combination of historical facts interweaved with fiction. No less thrilling than the prequel, the emotions I experienced upon reading it is very much like the time when I read the "Da Vinci Code". For a synopsis, you can refer to www.hadassahcovenant.com. And I love how the author takes pains to put up a webpage dedicated to explaining which aspects of the book are fictional and which are not. http://www.godchasers.net/index.cfm/pageID/782/index.html The plot does not attempt to make claims regarding history as well.
The books are available in Tecman at Bras Basah complex.
Labels: Review
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Amusing incident
I just found out that I have been listed as Dr. JWYH (short form intentional) on the company website! Hahahahaha :) Oh, but for the day I really become that!
Labels: Saya Affairs
Monday, February 05, 2007
Discover Singapore with the Historians
It's been some time since I last blog my laundry list blog :) Life's been a bit more busy and also, the technician at the Prolink support centre pronounced my modem beyond hope. Sooo...gotta shift to wireless or something soon. Procrastination rules, especially after a whole week of staring at the PC screen.
Anyway, life's been cool, though ordinary by any standard. Work is still ok; been making frens with the colleagues. We went for drinks, pool cum ktv session last week. They also went elsewhere, which I didn't go along. I am holding Master's at bay for the time being due to my health and because I am still uncertain of what to take.
I lost a lot of weight because of my medical condition. A disturbing phenomenon, but lets see it positively. Many women will die for this; being able to eat as much as you want and still be reed-thin. And I may never be this skinny post-child...muahahaha.
Anyway, some historian chums and I have been establishing this sorta explore-Singapore thingie on Sundays. Perhaps we may end up doing some video trails of it! Heehee :) Anyway, yesterday's session brought us to Pasir Ris Pet Farm, because of us mutual desires to buy/ adopt dogs. The Pet Farm actually consists of an entire group of pet farms, which range from dog farms to fish farms. While there are no real exotic breeds to be found there (not after having been to the Jakarta bird market with all its poachings for sale!), we had oohing and aahing at the animals, especially the dogs, and pointing out which ones look like which potential buyer hahaha. I shelved the idea of buying fishes for my pond after seeing the price for the koi fishes: $188 for 5! Not a fishy person too hahaha. Will probably adopt a dog from SPCA as I don't mind mixed-breeds and the price for a pure-bred is pretty hefty.
The Express then took us to Changi Village. We started by taking a leisurely walk on Changi beach overlooking Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong. The place has changed quite a bit since I last came in... JC? They have built a kinda jetty to board the boats in, complete with waiting lounge, a minimart. Had Persian food for dinner, which was just ok especially in comparison to our wonderful North Indian meal two weeks ago. Feasted on the satay while waiting for a suitable time to check out the tranvestites. Some historian got such a kick out of thinking whether he will be invited to our classmates' weddings and who he wish to invite to his! Tsk tsk :)
Anyway we left too early and did not manage to catch any transvestite on our way home. The drive around Changi was cool though, especially earlier on, on the expressway just beside Changi airport runway. Don't I just itch for my own Jenn Express now, for that 150 km/h drive heehee... Saw the S'pore version of the Bridge (or rather jetty) of Sighs, the SAF Ferry Terminal where the poor NS men catch the ferry that ship them to Tekong. We saw the former Changi Gen Hospital, the site of the massacre during the Japanese Occupation, reputedly haunted, on our drive home. It gave us the creeps even looking at it. Felt a bit nostalgic with the Changi Prison parts, where I went for an interview with Prisons some months ago.
Thus concludes the 1st blogged version of the trio's Discover Singapore with the Historians session. I am JW. Thank you for reading my blog!
Anyway, life's been cool, though ordinary by any standard. Work is still ok; been making frens with the colleagues. We went for drinks, pool cum ktv session last week. They also went elsewhere, which I didn't go along. I am holding Master's at bay for the time being due to my health and because I am still uncertain of what to take.
I lost a lot of weight because of my medical condition. A disturbing phenomenon, but lets see it positively. Many women will die for this; being able to eat as much as you want and still be reed-thin. And I may never be this skinny post-child...muahahaha.
Anyway, some historian chums and I have been establishing this sorta explore-Singapore thingie on Sundays. Perhaps we may end up doing some video trails of it! Heehee :) Anyway, yesterday's session brought us to Pasir Ris Pet Farm, because of us mutual desires to buy/ adopt dogs. The Pet Farm actually consists of an entire group of pet farms, which range from dog farms to fish farms. While there are no real exotic breeds to be found there (not after having been to the Jakarta bird market with all its poachings for sale!), we had oohing and aahing at the animals, especially the dogs, and pointing out which ones look like which potential buyer hahaha. I shelved the idea of buying fishes for my pond after seeing the price for the koi fishes: $188 for 5! Not a fishy person too hahaha. Will probably adopt a dog from SPCA as I don't mind mixed-breeds and the price for a pure-bred is pretty hefty.
The Express then took us to Changi Village. We started by taking a leisurely walk on Changi beach overlooking Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong. The place has changed quite a bit since I last came in... JC? They have built a kinda jetty to board the boats in, complete with waiting lounge, a minimart. Had Persian food for dinner, which was just ok especially in comparison to our wonderful North Indian meal two weeks ago. Feasted on the satay while waiting for a suitable time to check out the tranvestites. Some historian got such a kick out of thinking whether he will be invited to our classmates' weddings and who he wish to invite to his! Tsk tsk :)
Anyway we left too early and did not manage to catch any transvestite on our way home. The drive around Changi was cool though, especially earlier on, on the expressway just beside Changi airport runway. Don't I just itch for my own Jenn Express now, for that 150 km/h drive heehee... Saw the S'pore version of the Bridge (or rather jetty) of Sighs, the SAF Ferry Terminal where the poor NS men catch the ferry that ship them to Tekong. We saw the former Changi Gen Hospital, the site of the massacre during the Japanese Occupation, reputedly haunted, on our drive home. It gave us the creeps even looking at it. Felt a bit nostalgic with the Changi Prison parts, where I went for an interview with Prisons some months ago.
Thus concludes the 1st blogged version of the trio's Discover Singapore with the Historians session. I am JW. Thank you for reading my blog!
Labels: Saya Affairs, Se-lat-por Affairs
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