This kitty was found in my office a couple of weeks back. Doesn't it just remind you of another kitty? Here's a hint...
Enjoy your Thursday!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Kitty pics
This kitty was found in my office a couple of weeks back. Doesn't it just remind you of another kitty? Here's a hint...
Enjoy your Thursday!
What is truth?
Recently, I had an interesting discussion with a colleague of mine. It seems that there has been plenty of 'conspiracy theories' sprouting all over the web regarding the events of 9/11. Some of these have even been made into movies and if you knew not better, you would be convinced altogether. For example, some of the claims made include that it was not a passenger plane, but a missile that crashed into The Pentagon. Another one states that explosives were planted into the World Trade Center before the plane crashed in, and after the plane crashed in, the bombs were detonated. On and on these people alleged that the current President George Bush was behind all these attacks. The way they laid out all the 'facts', it'd be hard for you to argue.
However, I searched the web a little and stumble onto another site that refuted some of these claims. This site claimed that all these theories are improbable due to this and that reason. And since this site is quite a reputable one, you'd find it strange for them to put their reputation on the line if the things that they said were untrue. So, in the end, what would you believe?
I believe that in life, it's pretty much the same. From time to time, I will have friends, relatives and other acquaintances that would testify to me of some miracle product. They would also have their preferences of certain products, a methodology, or maybe even, an idealogy. I have learned over the years to be respectful, even if I had my own opinion. However, what is the truth? Would you believe in a certain kind of product if it was endorsed by some celebrity, or maybe someone who's influential / expert on that product?
So, what is truth? Without jumping into philosophy, or using this and that scientific theory, to me, truth is the Word of God. And we can find this truth, which is God's word in the holy bible. For thousand of years, many have come to refute its credibility, and have failed. Some have said to me, "maybe they're just good at defending it/ covering it up". Could be. I wasn't there during the events that were recorded in the bible, so I can't prove you otherwise. But how then did I make up my mind to believe that the Word of God is truth? Simple. By faith.
And mind you, this is not blind faith. Why? Because when I believed, I did not take out my brain and throw it away. For years I've been researching on various other idealogies and thinking, and yet, to me, the Word of God stands superior above all. Have I researched all other religions before making this decision? Not really, although I did research quite abit, especially of the major ones. But my belief is not based entirely on logic. This is because there are things that logic can't explain, like love. And even for scientists, whenever they make an assertion of a certain theory, they take to some extent a certain amount of faith. And when others can't prove it wrong, it becomes fact, well, until someone else comes along and prove it otherwise. Thus, my decision to believe that the Word of God is the truth is simply by faith. And this faith is enabled in me thru the Holy Spirit.
By the world's standards, what I say carry very little weight. I have no qualifications that would awe an audience, nor any theory or idea that's new under the sun. Yet, what I say is important to me, because it's by this that I priortize my life, and make decisions. It's also by the Word of God that I find comfort and hope in times of despair and confusion. If I did not have the Word of God to guide my life, I would find myself getting blown all over the place each time someone makes a fantastic claim of something. I told my dad once that "given enough time, one can justify anything". He now is a strong believer of that. In this ever changing world, where ideas and borders of truth and morality shifts ever so frequently, I find the Word of God a strong and solid foundation to place my faith, and life on.
However, I searched the web a little and stumble onto another site that refuted some of these claims. This site claimed that all these theories are improbable due to this and that reason. And since this site is quite a reputable one, you'd find it strange for them to put their reputation on the line if the things that they said were untrue. So, in the end, what would you believe?
I believe that in life, it's pretty much the same. From time to time, I will have friends, relatives and other acquaintances that would testify to me of some miracle product. They would also have their preferences of certain products, a methodology, or maybe even, an idealogy. I have learned over the years to be respectful, even if I had my own opinion. However, what is the truth? Would you believe in a certain kind of product if it was endorsed by some celebrity, or maybe someone who's influential / expert on that product?
So, what is truth? Without jumping into philosophy, or using this and that scientific theory, to me, truth is the Word of God. And we can find this truth, which is God's word in the holy bible. For thousand of years, many have come to refute its credibility, and have failed. Some have said to me, "maybe they're just good at defending it/ covering it up". Could be. I wasn't there during the events that were recorded in the bible, so I can't prove you otherwise. But how then did I make up my mind to believe that the Word of God is truth? Simple. By faith.
And mind you, this is not blind faith. Why? Because when I believed, I did not take out my brain and throw it away. For years I've been researching on various other idealogies and thinking, and yet, to me, the Word of God stands superior above all. Have I researched all other religions before making this decision? Not really, although I did research quite abit, especially of the major ones. But my belief is not based entirely on logic. This is because there are things that logic can't explain, like love. And even for scientists, whenever they make an assertion of a certain theory, they take to some extent a certain amount of faith. And when others can't prove it wrong, it becomes fact, well, until someone else comes along and prove it otherwise. Thus, my decision to believe that the Word of God is the truth is simply by faith. And this faith is enabled in me thru the Holy Spirit.
By the world's standards, what I say carry very little weight. I have no qualifications that would awe an audience, nor any theory or idea that's new under the sun. Yet, what I say is important to me, because it's by this that I priortize my life, and make decisions. It's also by the Word of God that I find comfort and hope in times of despair and confusion. If I did not have the Word of God to guide my life, I would find myself getting blown all over the place each time someone makes a fantastic claim of something. I told my dad once that "given enough time, one can justify anything". He now is a strong believer of that. In this ever changing world, where ideas and borders of truth and morality shifts ever so frequently, I find the Word of God a strong and solid foundation to place my faith, and life on.
- Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path - Psalm 119:105
- How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. - Psalm 119:9
- As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. - Psalm 18:30
Monday, May 22, 2006
More on the Da Vinci Code
Check out this link:
http://www.syfc.org.sg/events/dvc/cinema.html
Simply convincing... and with a song!
http://www.syfc.org.sg/events/dvc/cinema.html
Simply convincing... and with a song!
Picasa Photo Software by Google
I've been using Google's Picasa to organize my ever-growing digital photo collection, and have found this to be one of the most intuitive and feature-packed photo management software ever created. And best of all, it's free.
Here're some of its features:
One of the features that I like the most is the ability for you to edit your photos while being able to retain the original ones. This means that when you edit a photo (maybe changing the brightness/contrast, adding texts, etc etc), you do not need to save the changes as another file. Picasa will remember the changes you made, but not apply the changes on the photos you've edited. You can however apply the changes by exporting the photo from Picasa. This gives you peace of mind when you're correcting some of your photos.
Don't just take my word for it. Download it today and see for yourself! You can download by clicking the Picasa button on my sidebar ---> :P
Here're some of its features:
One of the features that I like the most is the ability for you to edit your photos while being able to retain the original ones. This means that when you edit a photo (maybe changing the brightness/contrast, adding texts, etc etc), you do not need to save the changes as another file. Picasa will remember the changes you made, but not apply the changes on the photos you've edited. You can however apply the changes by exporting the photo from Picasa. This gives you peace of mind when you're correcting some of your photos.
Don't just take my word for it. Download it today and see for yourself! You can download by clicking the Picasa button on my sidebar ---> :P
Sunday, May 21, 2006
My decision for not watching the Da Vinci code movie
The Da Vince Code movie has been sweeping ticket sales in movie theatres all over the world. Despite negative reviews from movie critics, it still managed to rake up a total of USD$224 million from its worldwide opening.
This movie is based on the book with the same title written by Dan Brown. The book itself made millions of dollars and have managed to remain as New York Times' Bestseller for 18 weeks. Following from the book's success, Dan Brown has released other books, although not as successful as The Da Vinci Code, but still received a favorable reception from readers worldwide. The sequel for The Da Vinci Code book was scheduled to come out sometime end of this year, but due to some reason not mentioned, its been delayed till next year.
Many people have asked me whether if I'm gonna watch The Da Vinci Code movie. My answer to them since the beginning was 'No'. Often, they will ask 'why' to my 'No'. You'll find the following entry as my justification, and I have to make a disclaimer first that this is simply my own opinion, and in no way am I representing anyone else, nor planning to impose this opinion on any person, Christian or non-Christian.
When I first heard that about the book, I was curious to find out what it was all about. Thru the internet, I've managed to land myself in scores of reviews as well sypnosis and other analysis of the book. The information I've read included those pro and anti-Da Vinci Code. I've also managed to watch some documentaries released on The Discovery Channel refuting and trying to prove Dan Brown's claims. But till today, in all honesty, I've not read the book. Nor do I plan to. And for the same reason also, I'm not planning to watch the movie. Why you may ask? Here's my reason:
Gathering from the sources I've mentioned above, the main consipracy theme within The Da Vince Code was that Jesus of Nazareth, whom Christians worldwide worships as the Son of God, is nothing more than just a mortal man who married the ex-prostitute Mary Magdalene and had managed to create a lineage of family who involved themselves in secret societies and whose missions include hiding truths but preserving it thru 'codes' found in paintings and other artifacts. This is of course against what the bible claims and teaches, that Jesus was the Son of God whose birth was a miracle as His conception was thru a virgin mother. Not only did He taught good things during His ministry here on earth, but He came to die of the cross for the sins of the world. Three days later after His crucifixation, He resurrected from the grave, spent 40 days with His disciples and ascended into heaven in view of hundreds of witnesses.
In spite of the known fact that the Da Vinci Code is just simply 'fiction' and the movie is just for mere 'entertainment', one issue just could not escape my thought and that is: "What so entertaining watching a movie about Jesus being a liar?"
Lets put it this way. Should they've made a movie about someone whom you respect and adore, maybe it could your father, spouse, etc. and portraying them as someone whom they're not, for eg, maybe as a murderer, liar, or adulterer, how would you react to it? Here's a good example: Try going to any of your friends and ask them to imagine that both their parents are crooks/cheaters/murderers/perverts and see their reaction. I'm quite confident that even though you emphasize that you're just stating a 'what-if' situation, they will be quick to say, "please don't use my parents as your example".
Most people's reaction to this would be that those people are "close-minded" and "over-sensitive". Do they have the right to be? Sure. Afterall, it was their parents who sacrificed and persevered to make them who they are today. What's so entertaining about trying to make the people they loved and respect so much as criminals, even though it just for make-believe?
Thus, in the same way, I do not find any entertainment in a movie that portrays my Redeemer, Savior and Friend as a liar because it is clearly states in the bible that Jesus is the Son of God. More than that, Jesus claimed that He is God. I believe in all my heart that Jesus came down to earth to die for my sins so that I can be reconciled to God. So, excuse my over-sensitivity when I say 'No' to anyone's invitation to a movie which portrays my adored and beloved Savior as a liar. The truth is, I don't mind being labelled as a close-minded person. But forgive me if I don't spare the time to those who ask me trying to argue my stand, because to me, there's no argument. And no Tom Hanks nor Ron Howard is good enough reason to watch either.
This movie is based on the book with the same title written by Dan Brown. The book itself made millions of dollars and have managed to remain as New York Times' Bestseller for 18 weeks. Following from the book's success, Dan Brown has released other books, although not as successful as The Da Vinci Code, but still received a favorable reception from readers worldwide. The sequel for The Da Vinci Code book was scheduled to come out sometime end of this year, but due to some reason not mentioned, its been delayed till next year.
Many people have asked me whether if I'm gonna watch The Da Vinci Code movie. My answer to them since the beginning was 'No'. Often, they will ask 'why' to my 'No'. You'll find the following entry as my justification, and I have to make a disclaimer first that this is simply my own opinion, and in no way am I representing anyone else, nor planning to impose this opinion on any person, Christian or non-Christian.
When I first heard that about the book, I was curious to find out what it was all about. Thru the internet, I've managed to land myself in scores of reviews as well sypnosis and other analysis of the book. The information I've read included those pro and anti-Da Vinci Code. I've also managed to watch some documentaries released on The Discovery Channel refuting and trying to prove Dan Brown's claims. But till today, in all honesty, I've not read the book. Nor do I plan to. And for the same reason also, I'm not planning to watch the movie. Why you may ask? Here's my reason:
Gathering from the sources I've mentioned above, the main consipracy theme within The Da Vince Code was that Jesus of Nazareth, whom Christians worldwide worships as the Son of God, is nothing more than just a mortal man who married the ex-prostitute Mary Magdalene and had managed to create a lineage of family who involved themselves in secret societies and whose missions include hiding truths but preserving it thru 'codes' found in paintings and other artifacts. This is of course against what the bible claims and teaches, that Jesus was the Son of God whose birth was a miracle as His conception was thru a virgin mother. Not only did He taught good things during His ministry here on earth, but He came to die of the cross for the sins of the world. Three days later after His crucifixation, He resurrected from the grave, spent 40 days with His disciples and ascended into heaven in view of hundreds of witnesses.
In spite of the known fact that the Da Vinci Code is just simply 'fiction' and the movie is just for mere 'entertainment', one issue just could not escape my thought and that is: "What so entertaining watching a movie about Jesus being a liar?"
Lets put it this way. Should they've made a movie about someone whom you respect and adore, maybe it could your father, spouse, etc. and portraying them as someone whom they're not, for eg, maybe as a murderer, liar, or adulterer, how would you react to it? Here's a good example: Try going to any of your friends and ask them to imagine that both their parents are crooks/cheaters/murderers/perverts and see their reaction. I'm quite confident that even though you emphasize that you're just stating a 'what-if' situation, they will be quick to say, "please don't use my parents as your example".
Most people's reaction to this would be that those people are "close-minded" and "over-sensitive". Do they have the right to be? Sure. Afterall, it was their parents who sacrificed and persevered to make them who they are today. What's so entertaining about trying to make the people they loved and respect so much as criminals, even though it just for make-believe?
Thus, in the same way, I do not find any entertainment in a movie that portrays my Redeemer, Savior and Friend as a liar because it is clearly states in the bible that Jesus is the Son of God. More than that, Jesus claimed that He is God. I believe in all my heart that Jesus came down to earth to die for my sins so that I can be reconciled to God. So, excuse my over-sensitivity when I say 'No' to anyone's invitation to a movie which portrays my adored and beloved Savior as a liar. The truth is, I don't mind being labelled as a close-minded person. But forgive me if I don't spare the time to those who ask me trying to argue my stand, because to me, there's no argument. And no Tom Hanks nor Ron Howard is good enough reason to watch either.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Solitude
Every now and then, a time of solitude gives me time to rejuvenate as well as to take time off from the busyness of life to reflect... well, on life. Today has been a time like that for me. I made no plans nor any appointments after church because I just needed some time to rest, and think.
I've thought about many things. Among them, how life has been for me until now. I just can't seem to understand the mercies and the goodness of God. Has life been all wonderful for me? Well, not entirely. Ups and downs of life are inevitable. However, they all seem to be working towards something. I sorta know what it is, but yet remain fearful to embrace it as my destiny. The unknown always brings about fear. At times like this, I can only hold on to God's words. That's all I have. And the good thing is, that's all I need.
My thoughts then drifted to wonder about where Angeline might be at this moment. Its been more than a month since we last spoke. I missed her terribly. I check her blog everyday even though I know she won't be updating it. Maybe a part of me is going crazy. And maybe, that's a good thing. And then, I begin to ponder on a life together with her. It brought about a certain sense of excitement, and joy.
I guess sometimes being alone is good. I've managed to catch up on lost sleep, and also being able to put my thoughts in order (well, to some extent). A long week ahead, and I'm looking forward to it...
I've thought about many things. Among them, how life has been for me until now. I just can't seem to understand the mercies and the goodness of God. Has life been all wonderful for me? Well, not entirely. Ups and downs of life are inevitable. However, they all seem to be working towards something. I sorta know what it is, but yet remain fearful to embrace it as my destiny. The unknown always brings about fear. At times like this, I can only hold on to God's words. That's all I have. And the good thing is, that's all I need.
My thoughts then drifted to wonder about where Angeline might be at this moment. Its been more than a month since we last spoke. I missed her terribly. I check her blog everyday even though I know she won't be updating it. Maybe a part of me is going crazy. And maybe, that's a good thing. And then, I begin to ponder on a life together with her. It brought about a certain sense of excitement, and joy.
I guess sometimes being alone is good. I've managed to catch up on lost sleep, and also being able to put my thoughts in order (well, to some extent). A long week ahead, and I'm looking forward to it...
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Online Typing Test
How fast can you type? My fastest stand at 65wpm (words per minute). How about you? Take this test:
free typing test (c) CalculatorCat.com |
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Mamee Snack??
The Mamee Noodle Snack has been around as long as I can remember. I recalled in my early years that it was one of the things that I would definitely purchase should I visit a grocery store AND have money to buy it.However, I'm not sure whether its me, or the snack seemed to have shrunk to a ridiculous size. If my memory serves me right, the snack at one point of time was the same size as a Maggi 2-minute Noodle. However, to my dismay, I recently opened one up and found this:
I guess the Mamee Monster is now also trying to cut cost due to inflation and rising prices of everything else... sigh...p/s. Just remembered that Prince blogged about this also.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Chatbox down..
My chatbox from "myshoutbox" has been down for a couple of days. Somehow, I don't see a sign of it recovering. Anyone knows a good chatbox that's more reliable?
I found this one at http://www.tag-board.com. Anyone knows anything about it?
Anyway, you all have a great day!
UPDATE: myshoutbox ok after 3 days...
I found this one at http://www.tag-board.com. Anyone knows anything about it?
Anyway, you all have a great day!
UPDATE: myshoutbox ok after 3 days...
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Pre-Church Camp Party Photos**
**Been running around all day today. Too tired to put in witty remarks. Please fill in your own...
Friday, May 05, 2006
More Photos from Church Camp...
An eagle's eye view of the pool...
Jau Meng day dreaming
Jau Meng on diet
Here's me in the jacuzzi...
New discovery for Auntie Theresa...
Auntie Peggy secretly enjoying a nice ice-cream...
Huey Ching's only chance to be taller than everyone else
The next FHM model...
Jau Meng: "Wahlau eh.. why you so heavy one??"
After an hour of trying....
Ahli Persatuan Penunggang-penungang Beca SeMalaysia.
Mei Ching: "Jie.. why you take chicken for yourself but never take for me wan??"
Victor taking a deep breath before being prayed over...
Mei Ching's back-up career, if she doesn't make it thru high school.
Trishaw ladies taking a break after a long day's work
Can't remember why they're so unhappy...
Here's a reason why we need to pay our Pastors more... so that they don't need to get a part time job...
Uncle Benny and gang...
Here's the ever gleeful Pastor Tan...
Why public transportation are not so popular with some people...
Praying for the Sunday School kids..
BBQ lovers...
Auntie Mani drooling over some lamb...
Huey Ching practising for her role in "Puteri Gunung Ledang 2". Mei Ching practising to show support for her sister.
Emily helping herself to some coleslaw, with her bare hands...
"Fui yoh, this cake contains 203.4 calories ah?? That's 0.4 too much for me lar!!"
Szu Anne enjoying the conversation...
Yee Lin in deep thought...
For some reason, Jau Meng likes taking pictures of people eating.. so here are some of them..
..another one..
Who took this %&#@%$ picture??!!
Auntie Janice emphasizing how great the cake tastes...
Ahh.. satisfied after a scrumptious dinner...
Szu Anne checking from time to time to make sure the hotel is still there...
Real men thinking...
Here's what they're thinking about...
Szu Anne: "Wahh.. why this camera so big one ah? Does it have internet or not?"
Szu Anne trying her career in photography
We figured on a boring night to dip some people into the pool, so we chose Mei Ching to dip.
Mei Ching begging for mercy..
Mei Ching trying to run away...
Preparing ourselves for the 'big splash'
Mei Ching trying the 'Shrek 2'-cat-eye-sympathy on us to avoid being thrown in to the water. Little does she knows that those eyes only works in cartoons...
...because in the real world, we're only interested to see her get wet...
Checking to make sure the water's perfect for the big splash..
Luke was also chosen for the dip and is trying to run away...
Prince's turn
Another unfortunate victim
Mei Ching going in!
Mei Ching all wet..
Preparing the sacrifice...
"1...2...3..!!!"
"1...2...3..!!!"
Luke learning the lesson that though girl could be weak, but when they gang up, they can be very strong...
This is no way to treat your youth leader...
The great fall... sigh...
Huey Ching was complaining to us why we threw her sister in without her...
Huey Ching rejoicing because she's going in!
Huey Ching's baptism wasn't thorough enough last year, so we figured we get it right this year...
Huey Ching's baptism wasn't thorough enough last year, so we figured we get it right this year...
Mei Ching: "KK, pain ah??" KK: "abuthen???"
The girls feeling guilty after my fall...
Luke dumped and abandoned into the pool...
Another one into the pool..
Emily's laughing because no one has managed to throw her into the water... yet..
Here's Emily going in...
Uncles all wondering why the youth don't want to play with them..
Huey Ching advertising for Gardenia bread...
Here's the lead female cast for Titanic 2...
Here's how you cross your legs...
Here's how you cross your legs the other way...
Enjoying a relaxing holiday..
Checking to make sure gravity still works...
ermm...
Synchronized baby-ing...
Rev Ooi showing off the latest fashion for Pastors...
Foo.. this is the next Takashi Kanishiro...
Father and daughter
Josephine and her no-nonsense look...
Yee Lin praying before her baptism
Ashley: "Eh Jau Meng, you're not taking my photo right??" Jau Meng: "No."
Emily ducking because she's afraid she might grow taller suddenly...
Simon, our next candidate for the James Bond 007 role...
Simon, you can go register liau! Hollywood waiting for you!!!
Err.. maybe you should before that go register Fatness First lar.. I mean.. Fitness First...
Waiting under the sun for the baptisms to take place...
Yee Lin's Baptism
Huey Ching admiring Szu Anne's slippers...
Huey Ching attempting to walk on water
Huey Ching realizes that she can't...
Ashley's turn into the water
Ashley's ready now to swim across the Klang river...
Yee Lin attempting to do the 'riverdance'
Jau Meng catching another unfortunate soul...
Huey Ching: "My dog taught how to swim this way..."
Pastor Tan all alone...
Esther teaching Prince how to make faces...
Shereen: "See, your head is like a baloon. Inside have nothing but air..."
Titanic survivors...
Prince trying to outsmile Esther...
Yea yea... check out our muscles!!!
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