Tuesday, August 31, 2010

HATON Prawn Chrackers ~ Hot & Spicy


I normally don't like Prawn Crackers, but I do like this Brand, and the Hot & Spicy one shown on the Extreme Left.

I think it is being sold in Cold Storage (Click Here) & BEN FOODS (S)S PTE LTD (Click Here). Have you been to BEN FOODS Supermarket? Looks interesting on the website.

According to another BLOG (Click Here), it was sold in NTUC but not anymore.

~~~
On The Packing:
Exclusively Packed for:
BEN FOODS (S)S PTE LTD
1, Fishery Port Road, Jurong,
Singapore 619729
Website:
Retail Price: S$0.95/PACK (info in 2010)
.
I wanted to comment and let him or her know that... 'It can be found at Cold Storage and at BEN FOODS'... but I did not have an 'On Sugar' BLOG account so I'm posting this on my BLOG.
.
~~~
Someone elses BLOG entry:
.
Goodbye Haton
http://snackz.onsugar.com/Goodbye-Haton-5971684
Mon, 11/02/2009 - 7:25AM by kjpuppy 1 Comment - 15 Views

Dearest Friends,
The best prawn crackers would be Haton's wasabi flavoured prawn crackers. The fact that its wasabi flavor is neither too strong nor too light, where instances of "burning sensations" occurs when the prawn crackers are flavored too much with wasabi, or too tasteless if its seasoned too lightly. Haton's prawn crackers are inexpensive, tasty and very addictive. It is crunchy, and explodes into a flavorful burst of wasabi which taste lingers on for a moment. It is a normal routine for me to finish in a packet in 30 minutes or less; especially when i am studying. But who cares if i finish it so quickly because a packet only costs 90 cents in its full size? However, after searching 15 mins for Haton prawn crackers in NTUC, i decided to approach the lady and only to know that it has been "deleted" from NTUC to my dismay. So goodbye Haton, and i hope to see you in NTUC soon. Someday soon. If any of you find it anywhere in Singapore, please leave a comment and i will be catching the first bus to get it. thank you.


~~~

May Your...

May your troubles be less,
Your blessings more,
And may nothing but happiness
Come through your door.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)

~~~
What is EDS?
http://www.ednf.org/

Individuals with EDS have a defect in their connective tissue, the tissue that provides support to many body parts such as the skin, muscles and ligaments. The fragile skin and unstable joints found in EDS are the result of faulty collagen. Collagen is a protein, which acts as a "glue" in the body, adding strength and elasticity to connective tissue.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a heterogeneous group of heritable connective tissue disorders, characterized by articular (joint) hypermobility, skin extensibility and tissue fragility. There are six major types of EDS. The different types of EDS are classified according to their manifestations of signs and symptoms. Each type of EDS is a distinct disorder that "runs true" in a family. This means that an individual with Vascular Type EDS will not have a child with Classical Type EDS.

~~~

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Forgiveness

Someone sent me this via email…

"I've learned that… I am quick to count others' offenses against me, but seldom think about what others suffer because of me…" ~ age 39…

In other words…

“Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sinned against us.” ~ Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:12)

~~~

Friday, August 27, 2010

Why Pray? ~ by PGA

We need to pray to God
in our human capacity
to acknowledge him

as our creator. ~ PGA

As I prayed --- I figured that he probably knows what's best... then I wondered... Why Pray? And then I remembered the simple answer that I've accepted long ago that 'We need to pray to God in our human capacity to acknowledge him as our creator'. I struggle a lot with my faith. I have NO doubts about God's existence... which is a fact to me... but I do have some doubts in the Catholic Faith. Don't worry... I don't think I'll be going anywhere coz I have as much doubts in other religions (if not more) as well. I consider myself an Agnostic Catholic, if there is such a term. I'm one of those Jesus' talks about when he said to Doubting Thomas "...blessed are those who do not see... and yet believe..." I AM blessed. I believe... because I chose to believe... and also because... not believing seems to have more un-answered answers [sic]... more un-filled holes... so I am contented with this for now.

~~~

Thursday, August 26, 2010

The Blue Dragon

& Crispy Chocolatey Rice Cereal
http://www.crispychocolates.com/



This was being sold by the vendors that came to my work-place canteen. It came with a huge egg, the size of my head (or anyone elses for that matter) and inside this huge egg is a cute Blue Dragon. It doubles as a savings bank. The brand of the chocolate was 'Crispy'. They even had a website (Click Here!) where kids can play online games, earn points and win prizes.

I had someone in mind, I just had to buy it.

And I did!

~~~

~~~

Desk Stretch Exercises ~ by PGA

Sitting at a desk or table can make one feel very stiff. I came up with these exercises to help loosen up. These exercises can help loosen you up as well. Give it a try.

Neck
• L & R Shrug
• Ears 2 Shoulders L & R
• Look Dn Chin 2 Chest
• Look Up Head 2 Back
• Look Back L & R
• Front 2 Back Glide

Shoulders
• Front Roll Swim (Front Crawl or Butterfly)
• Back Roll Swim (Back Stroke, Alternate or Simultaneous)
• Blades Meet (Standing Push Up)
• Hand On Hip (Thumbs Front or Back)

Hands
• Elbows Straight Hands Front Stretch
• One Wrist Up (with Other Hand Assist)
• One Wrist Dn (with Other Hand Assist)
• One Wrist Side Variations (with Other Hand Assist)
• Both Wrist Up & Dn (Together or Opposite)
• Both Wrist L & R (Together or Opposite)
• Wrist Rotate (Together or Opposite)

Legs
• Knee Straight Front Stretch (One or Both)
• Ankle & Toe Up (One or Both, Together or Opposite)
• Ankle & Toe Dn (One or Both, Together or Opposite)
• Ankle Rotate (One or Both, Together or Opposite)

Head & Face
• Eyes Shut Tight & Open Wide
• Mouth Pursed-Kiss to Crocodile-Yawn
• Eye Massage (Only Around Eye-Sockets & Eye-Brows)
• Face Massage (Forehead, Temple, Cheeks, Ears)
• Head Hair Fingered Back Comb

~~~

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Guitarist ~ Stanley Jordan - Eleanor Rigby

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-l-IukRxxs
Here's a fantastic clip of Stanley Jordan employing the Guitar Tapping Technique and playing Eleanor Rigby live on the Jools Holland show.
~~~

~~~

Quote on ~ What You Have & What You Are

"I've learned that…
It's ok to be content with what you have,
BUT never with what you are."
~ Unknown (age 51)

Quote ~ If you don't USE it; you LOOSE it

~ Unknown

The above quote is based on a passage from the Bible,
Matthew 25:14-30, The Parable of the Talents.

~~~

Body Building

.
Mr Olympia Ronnie Coleman appeared today, Wed, 2010 Aug 35 at 0915hrs on Channel News Asia, Primetime Morning Programme.

But I still liked Russian, Arnold Schwarzenegger's body before he started acting and now an American Senator in one of the American States.

Check out the last picture of Arnold Schwarzenegger's 'Then & Now' picture, he's doing less exercise & he's much older now. But Arnold Schwarzenegger still loose to Jack Lalanne.

Check Jack Lalanne's 'Then & Now' pictures. He managed to keep himself fit even tho' he is 95years old now (in 2010). He firmly believe that "If you don't USE it; you LOOSE it".

~~~
▼Ronnie Coleman




.
▼Ronnie Coleman & Arnold Schwarzenegger

.
▼Arnold Schwarzenegger
.

.

.
.
▼Arnold Schwarzenegger (Then & Now)
I think he's lost it.

.
▼Jack Lalanne (Then & Now)
95 years old (in 2010) and he's still got it.
.
▼Jack Lalanne
.

.

.
.
~~~

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Smiley ~ Eat Corn (Typewriter Style)

Eating Corn Typewriter Style
Nibble, nibble, nibble… *ting*…
Nibble, nibble, nibble… *ting*… etc

Adam Fulara (Tapping 2 Guitars)

Two-Handed Polyphonic Tapping Guitarist
Double Neck Tap Guitarist

Look what other fellow guitarists are doing. I have never seen a guy play a guitar like this, let alone 2 guitars at one go. He's employing the Guitar Tapping Technique.

FYI:
Searching for his name 'Adam Fulara'...
will give you more samples of him playing...
but I've included these 2 links for your entertainment!

~~~
Adam Fulara ~ YouTube Links
~~~
Goldberg Variation No. 1 - Adam Fulara
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbZe45eicDE
In Internet Fulara's fame grew via various YouTube videos featuring his unique playing style and guitar. The videos showcase his tapping abilities and iconic face which goes into a grimace while playing. His most popular videos are his guitar versions of J.S. Bach Goldberg Variations which were originally for harpsichord. Fulara also keeps the complex counterpoint intact due to his double-neck guitar and tapping abilities.

~~~
Adam Fulara - Autumn Leaves (solo)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRmKL3uxbs8
The wizard of 'Double Neck Tap' method of playing the guitar.

.
~~~
Adam Fulara ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Fulara
Adam Fulara (b. 1977 in Ostrzeszów, Poland) is a Polish guitarist who specializes in two-handed polyphonic tapping. Fulara plays both classical and jazz pieces, the latter often with his trio "Fool-X", which has toured much of Poland and Germany. His music has been featured in the periodicals (see also: interview in BBC). Played in many international concerts, inter alia in USA (Great American Music Hall, 2007). Appreciated by professionals(Sammy Hagar: „Adam Fulara is realy(sic) genius.”). In Internet Fulara's fame grew via various YouTube videos featuring his unique playing style and guitar. The videos showcase his tapping abilities and iconic face which goes into a grimace while playing. His most popular videos are his guitar versions of J.S. Bach Goldberg Variations which were originally for harpsichord. Fulara also keeps the complex counterpoint intact due to his double-neck guitar and tapping abilities.
~~~

Monday, August 23, 2010

Smiley Collection ~ 2010Aug23,0924hrs

GIF ~ Smiley.

===.
 = Smiley ~ LOL ~ Big Grin

===.
  = Smiley ~ Thinking

===.
  = Smiley ~ Question ~ Confused

===.

 = GIF ~ Smiley ~ Hi ~ Wave

===.
 = GIF ~ Smiley ~ I see you ~ Let me search for it ~ Let's see

===.
 = GIF ~ Smiley ~ Peace

===.
 = GIF ~ Smiley ~ Yes ~ Yay ~ I did it ~ I made it ~ Hurray

===.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Kristang Dictionary ~ by PGA (my Base Level)

.
~~~
Update:
2010 Aug 22, 1829hrs
After some thought, I've decided to close this entry and continue on a seperate BLOG on this topic coz I suspect that there's going to be a lot of growing and it'll be too BIG for this BLOG... so watch this spot for the any updates...

~~~
First Entry:
2010 Aug 22, 1554hrs

This entry is a dictionary entry reference of Kristang (Cristao or Cristão), a language my father spoke. He was a 2nd Generation Singapore-Eurasian of Portuguese descent.

I'll be using various sources to build this database, starting with words from my memory.

I'll also be using the resource of my Eurasian relatives & friends who still speak a little. I will also probably look for the actual Portuguese words from the internet that bears a close resemblance to Kristang.

I will accept comments and suggestions from any of my Eurasian (Kristang) readers, but I reserve the right to decide what stays and what goes... so send me your comments.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
English = Kristang (actual Portuguese word and spelling)
In {these brackets} will be the actual Portuguese word and spelling if it, sounds close to, and is applicable to Kristang.

Numbers:
one = un {um}
two = dois {dois}
three = tres {três}
four = quatro {quatro}
five = sentu {cinco}
(sorry, my dad said that he could only count to five in Kristang so that's all i know for now)

Yes & No:
yes = seng
no = nungka or ngka

Words:
already, done = ja {já}
and = kung or kong (see 'with')
bum, backside (ass) = ku {cu}
Christmas = Natal {Natal}
Christian = Kristang {Cristão} (see Eurasian)
cupboard = almeira {armário} ('almari' in Malay)
eat = kumi {comer}
enough = basta {basta}
Eurasian (of Portuguese Descent) = Kristang (see Christian)
father = pai {pai}
daughter = fila {filha}
dog = kachoru {cachorro}
done (see already)
don't have = nun teng {não têm}
door = porta {porta}
good = bong (see merry)
goodbye = bong kaminyu, adios
have, has, got = teng {ter, tem,)
he, she = ele {ele, ela}
heart = korasang (coração)
home = kasa {casa}
how, what if = klai {quelai}
how much = quantu {quanto}
how to = klailogu {como}
I = yo {eu}
Indian = Moru
knife = faka {faca}
love = amor {amor}
marry = kasar {casar}
merry = bong (see 'good')
Merry Christmas = Bong Natal
much = muito {muito}
mother = mai {mãe}
my, mine = minya {minha, mina}
no = nun {não}, nungka or ngka
parents = mai-pai (see mother & father)
pass = passar {passar}
plenty = tantu
problem = nada
grateful = grato {grato}
say = (see 'talk')
school = escola {escola}, ('sekolah' in Malay)
shit = kagak {cagar}
smelly = fedek
soldier = soldadu {soldado}
son = filo {filho}
speak = (see 'talk')
talk = falar {falar}
want = kere (quere, euquere = I want)
we = Nus or Nos
what if =  klai {quelai} (see 'how')
with = kung or kong (see 'and')

thanks, thank you = obri {obrigado, grato}, merceh
(note: my family uses 'obri', I suspect 'merceh' is a French connection)

you = bose {você, vós}
want = kere {querer}
white = branku {branco}
White Christmas = Natal Branku

(to build this from above slowly)
Kristang to English:
bong = good
bong bong = safe
seng = yes
nun {não} = no
nungka or ngka = no

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sources:
http://translate.google.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Translate (Google Online Software)

http://translate.google.com/

Very useful website to tranlate between various languages. You can do one word, a sentence, a paragraph... I've not tried an essay yet. They even provide MP3 to help with the pronunciation.

What I find interesting is the Portuguese Language. I helps to confirm the very few words I already know in Kristang (Portuguese spoken by Singaporeans-Eurasians of Portuguese descent). Here are some examples...

English = Portuguese (Kristang Pronunciation)
already = já
ass = cu (ku)
eat = comer (kumi)
dog = cachorro (kachoru)
don't have = não têm (nunteng)
door = porta
have, has, got = ter, tem, tem (teng)
heart = coração (korasang)
home = casa (kasa)
I = eu (yo)
love = amor
marry = casar (kasar)
my, mine = minha, mina (minya)
shit = cagar (kagak)
talk = falar
you = você, vós, (bose)
want = querer (kere)
etc... {wow! this is fun... I'm going to continue this in another entry...}

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Why Pray ~ A Search For An Answer

Why Pray? Why is there a need to pray? If God knows what we need before we ask, why would we ever need to prayer? These questions are hard to answer. Until now, I have not been able to find the answers to these questions. I probably never will. But as time goes by, I seem to understand it better. When I wake up today, I seem more able to grasp how important and why we need to pray, much better than yesterday. But since I'm lost for words, I did a search on the internet and I've picked 2 of the best answers for it. Here they are...

Why Pray? (1st Answer)

Why Pray? (2nd Answer)

Why Pray? ~ by PGA
~ this is my answer.

I hope it helps...

Why Pray? (2nd Answer)

Why Pray ~ A Search For An Answer
Why Pray? (1st Answer)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Why Pray?
http://www.gotquestions.org/why-pray.html

Question: "Why pray? What is the point of prayer when God knows the future and is already in control of everything? If we cannot change God's mind, why should we pray?"

Answer:

For the Christian, prayer is like breathing. It is easier to do it than to not do it. We pray for a variety of reasons. For one thing, prayer is a form of serving God (Luke 2:36-38) and obeying Him. We pray because God commands us to pray (Philippians 4:6-7). Prayer is exemplified for us by Christ and the early church (Mark 1:35; Acts 1:14; 2:42; 3:1; 4:23-31; 6:4; 13:1-3). If Jesus thought it was worthwhile to pray, we should also. If He needed to pray to remain in the Father’s will, how much more do we need to pray?Another reason to pray is that God intends prayer to be the means of obtaining His solutions in a number of situations. We pray in preparation for major decisions (Luke 6:12-13); to overcome demonic barriers (Matthew 17:14-21); to gather workers for the spiritual harvest (Luke 10:2); to gain strength to overcome temptation (Matthew 26:41); and to obtain the means of strengthening others spiritually (Ephesians 6:18-19). We come to God with our specific requests, and we have God's promise that our prayers are not in vain, even if we don't receive specifically what we asked for (Matthew 6:6; Romans 8:26-27). He has promised that when we ask for things that are in accordance with His will, He will give us what we ask for (1 John 5:14-15). Sometimes He delays His answers according to His wisdom and for our benefit. In these situations, we are to be diligent and persistent in prayer (Matthew 7:7; Luke 18:1-8). Prayer should not be seen as our means of getting God to do our will on earth, but rather as a means of getting God's will done on earth. God’s wisdom far exceeds our own.For situations in which we do not know specifically God's will, prayer is a means of discerning His will. If Peter had not asked for Jesus to call for him to come out of the boat and onto the water, he would have missed that opportunity (Matthew 14:28-29). If the Syrian woman with the demon-influenced daughter had not prayed to Christ, her daughter would not have been made whole (Mark 7:26-30). If the blind man outside of Jericho would not have called out to Christ, he would have still been blind (Luke 18:35-43). God has said that often we go without because we do not ask (James 4:2). In one sense, prayer is like sharing the Gospel with people. We do not know who will respond to the message of the Gospel until we share it. It is the same with prayer: we will never see the results of answered prayer until we pray.A lack of prayer demonstrates a lack of faith and a lack of trust in God’s Word. We pray to demonstrate our faith in God, that He will do as He has promised in His Word, and will bless our lives abundantly more than we could ask or hope for (Ephesians 3:20). Prayer is our primary means of seeing God work in others' lives. Because it is our means of "plugging into" God's power, it is our means of defeating Satan and his army that we are powerless to overcome by ourselves. Therefore, may God find us often before His throne, for we have a High Priest in heaven who can identify with all that we go through (Hebrews 4:15-16). We have His promise that the fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much (James 5:16-18). May God glorify His name in our lives as we believe in Him enough to come to Him often in prayer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Why Pray? (1st Answer)

Why Pray ~ A Search For An Answer
Why Pray? (2nd Answer)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Why Pray If The Prayers Aren't Always Answered?
http://www.askmoses.com/en/article/578,2028563/Why-pray-if-the-prayers-arent-always-answered.html

RELIGIOUS TEACHER: Welcome. What can I do for you?

STUDENT: This girl in my school, her brother was diagnosed with cancer and was told that he had a few weeks to live; but then today, they found out that he's healthy and the tumor isn’t cancer.

RELIGIOUS TEACHER: Thank God!

STUDENT: And my whole school is like “…BLA, BLA, BLA that’s what prayer does BLA, BLA, BLA…”, and I just get so jealous and so angry. I was so mad. How can someone say “this is the power of prayer” when there are plenty of other people who die? You see, I lost my mother and uncle four years ago and I feel like my prayers aren’t good enough and apparently this girl has amazing prayers because God helps her.

RELIGIOUS TEACHER: I agree with you -- they should have been more considerate and realized the implication of the way they said it. But your question within itself is a very valid question. In other words you're asking: How can we believe that God is in control and sometimes chooses to listen to our prayers if so many other times prayers seem to go unanswered? After all, we don't know for sure why God does what He does. But we do at the same time believe that prayer does play a role -- though not always the only role. Let's put it in context. When we pray to God, obviously we want Him to do what we're asking Him to do, right?

STUDENT: yes

RELIGIOUS TEACHER: Does that mean He has to do it?

STUDENT: No.

RELIGIOUS TEACHER: Does the result -- whether He gives me what I'm asking for or not -- always depend on the nature of the prayer only, or can there be -- other things involved?

STUDENT: Other things.

RELIGIOUS TEACHER: But just because God chose not to listen to our prayers about one thing, and chose to listen about another, doesn't mean that the first prayers were better or stronger than the others. Sometimes there're other considerations or reasons, why God feels a particular soul needs to leave the world at a particular time.

STUDENT: Ok! So exactly! What’s the point of even praying for people? If god wants them to die, then they will. If He doesn't then they won’t die. I don’t get it.

RELIGIOUS TEACHER: Because the prayers do have power and sometimes they change a decree that has already been made. But sometimes they don't -- the prayers still aren't a waste. They still make things better and stronger for both the soul of the person praying and the one being prayed for. Let me put it a different way. Do you ever ask your father to give you something? Does he always give it to you?

STUDENT: Of course not.

RELIGIOUS TEACHER: Is that a reason not to ask? -- After all, what you are asking helps. Sometimes he gives it to you because you really should have it. Sometimes he gives it to you because you asked nicely and properly. And sometimes he doesn't because he has his reasons why not. But the asking still helps, right?

STUDENT: And sometimes it hurts...

RELIGIOUS TEACHER: There's no question about that. Your feelings come from who you are and your life experiences. You have every right to feel hurt. But you should also learn to recognize that people aren't trying to hurt you.

STUDENT: I really need to work on that.

RELIGIOUS TEACHER: We all do.

STUDENT: That’s probably true. Ok, thank you very much.

RELIGIOUS TEACHER: You’re welcome.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Friday, August 20, 2010

Map App for the iPAD (iPHONE?)

This is an example of a thought process...

~~~
I just read about this Map Application 'City Maps 2Go'. If we like it, and want it, we've got to pay for it... but it only cost 'US$1.99'. Although it will not give us the benefits of knowing exactly where we are like the GPS (which is free)... the advantage of this Map App is that you can still use the map even if there are no internet connection. As I'm writing this, I realised that having a physical map is better in some ways with regards to batteries... but imagine, the map of the whole country in book form would be much, much heavier... oh well... we'll have to weigh the pros n cons when the time comes to decide. Anyway... this acticle was written for the iPAD but I think it could also be for the iPHONE. Yup... end of thought... back to work.

Here's an excerpt of the article...

~~~
City Maps 2Go
"The built-in Google Maps app is great when you have access to a 3G or WiFi connection, but that's not always the case when you're overseas. Apps like City Maps 2Go (US$1.99) provide offline street maps for a range of cities, so you can download them over WiFi before getting on the plane, then pull out these virtual maps whenever you need them - without worrying about connectivity or data charges."
~ http://www.channelnewsasia.com/eyeonbusiness/execliving/goplacesipad.htm
~~~
Further reading:
http://navigationapps.com/city-maps-2go-app-review/
http://thedailyapp.org/offline-maps-ipod-iphone-city-maps-2go/
http://www.maps2go.info/
~~~

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Optical iLLusion ~ Old or Young Lady

.
Some will see the Old Lady while some will see the Young Lady. See if your able to see both, the Old Lady & the Young Lady. Sometimes, it takes a bit longer to see both sides of a picture. So be patient with yourself and with anyone you meet.



iSee, iWant, iCry, uBuy.

While surfing the internet, I came upon this phrase. This is a phrase of a spoilt person.

iSee, iWant, iCry, uBuy.

Just-in-case, there are some of you who have no clue what it means...

I see,
..I want,
....I cry,
......You buy.

Quite poetic...

Mostly children. Some are still like that in their teens. You should get out of it by the time you're an adult. If not... may God help you, your parents & your future spouse. No lah! we can all change, this is not a permanent thing.

~~~

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Food ~ French Roast Pork Collar

Would a picture like this make you want to eat it?


On Your Mark, Get Ready, GO!

.
Ke Garisan! Sedia! BANG!



"Kalgarisan" was what I heard my Athletic Coach said to start a race. I didn't even know what language it was then.

He'll say...

Kalgarisan!
(actually 'Ke Garisan!' which means 'To The Line' or 'On Your Mark'

Sedia! (Ready!)

Then he'll blow his whistle for the runners to start.

I later found out that it was a Malay word. I asked a Malay friend of mine what it means. He told that firstly, I was saying it wrong. The proper word is 'Ke Garisan" which litereally means 'To The Line'. The English equivalent would be 'On Your Mark'. 'Sedia' means 'Ready'.

During an Official Sport Meet he'll use a Starting-Gun against a Black-Board instead of a whistle, so this explains the 'BANG' at the begining of this BLOG entry.

~~~
~~~

Casino News ~ Lost $26M in 3 Days

TODAY Newspaper, 2010 Aug 18, Page 1 & 2
Click on image to enlarge for easy reading...

Part 1 of 8
.
Part 2 of 8
.
Part 3 of 8
.
Part 4 of 8
.
Part 5 of 8
.
Part 6 of 8
.
Part 7 of 8
.
Part 8 of 8
.
~~~

News ~ Car & Pedestrian Accident

A good reminder for us to be careful. Even if the pedestrian is at fault, we will have to take the responsibility for the accident, not to mention the bad feeling we'll have for having killed someone.
~~~

~~~
TODAY Newspaper
Wednesday August 18, 2010
Page 10

Driver who killed girl in accident ruled negligent
Salesman had exceeded speed limit
NG JING YNG


SINGAPORE — She would have turned six next month. But on a clear night last December, she was killed by a car driven by a salesman who had been speeding in his illegally modified vehicle. Zhao Linqian, five, was on her way to piano lessons at Punggol Plaza at 8.20pm with her grandfather when they were about to cross the two-lane road towards Punggol Way. She was wearing a pink ballet dress and was 1.02m tall. Just then, car salesman Tijan Syafiq Selamat, 27, was travelling towards them at between 71km/h and 85km/h. The speed limit for that stretch of road was 50km/h. Linqian was holding on to her grandfather when she suddenly let go and walked across the road first. Mr Tijan couldn't react in time and slammed into the girl who was flung 44m across the road. She suffered serious head injuries and died minutes later. Yesterday, State Coroner Kessler Soh ruled the traffic accident was caused by the negligent driver. Mr Soh said that, due to the speed of Mr Tijan’s car, “it significantly reduced reaction time for him”. He noted the car had no mechanical defects although it had been illegally modified. Mr Soh added the driver was negligent to travel at such a high speed along a road near a bus stop. Linqian’s father, Mr Zhao Peiyong, was in tears after the hearing and told reporters he would consult the investigating officer on what to do next. The 32-year-old engineer said that he would usually fetch Linqian to classes but could not make it that night. “My wife still cries every night,” said Mr Zhao, whose other child is a three-year-old boy.

~~~

Pilgrim Song & Scribblings by David Warren Fisher

http://thepilgrimsong.blogspot.com/
http://pilgrimscribblings.blogspot.com/

This guy writes very well and is quite prolific & even has a sense of humour. In fact, I got this quote from his BLOG...

"Have a great day, friends. We don't make our journey alone. The God who knows us...leads us."
~ David Warren Fisher
http://pilgrimscribblings.blogspot.com/2010/08/its-all-in-heart.html

He's even a good poet. Read his poem title 'Grace'.
http://thepilgrimsong.blogspot.com/2009/02/grace.html

This will be one of my Blog-To-Follow. You can view his complete profile HERE with links to his other BLOGs.

~~~

Irena Sendler

A true story of a real life hero.



Last Sunday, 2010 Aug 15, our priest told us a story of a Polish woman who saved 2,500 Jewish children from death by smuggling them away from their parents during World War II when the Germans were executing the Jews. If she were found out, it could mean death for her. She was eventually found out and was severely tortured and left for dead... but she survived and lived to a ripe old age of 98. She kept hidden, records of the children in jars, with every intention of reuniting them with their parents after the war.

You can read more about her here at these links.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irena_Sendler

http://pilgrimscribblings.blogspot.com/2009/04/courageous-heart-of-irene-sendler.html

~~~

Driving In The Rain

Updated: 2010 Aug 17, 1837hrs


• Flood-prone areas ~ avoid them. Get info from you local news internet links. In Singapore, go to this link. http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/pdf/20100721/220710flood_prone22.pdf

• Leave earlier ~ coz it will take longer to reach there.

• Slow ~ drive very, very slow.

• Radio ~ switch to a radio station that's noted for it's traffic watch.

• High-Beam ~ Use High=Beam if you neaed too… this time even the car in front will thank you BUT check if it affects your view.

• Blinkers ~ you can also use the blinkers if it is necessary.

• Horn ~ Get ready to use the horn if you must… get some practice to do the soft type if you don’t want to sound rude.

• Brake ~ Test them befor driving & brake lightly & earlier than usual to inform other road users.

• Skid while braking ~ ease off or release to minimize the skid before applying brakes if you must.

• Turn slowly ~ turn slower than usual to prevent skidding & also just in case you missed that motorcycle or car in your blind-spot & hopefully he sees you.

• Middle lane ~ if you can… try to stay in the middle lane as there is more puddles on the sides.

• Huge puddle ~ if you see one, it may be a hole in the ground so avoid it.

• After a puddle ~ tap on your brake pedal lightly to clear the brake system.

• Pedestrians, cyclists & motorcyclists ~ they’re small and affected by the rain (fiddling with their umbrellas and what nots) so watch out for them.

• Use the car in front ~ if it’s safe for them, it’s probably (but not definitely) safe for you.

• Big Tires ~ Buses & vehicles with big tires create enough spray to block your vision completely. Avoid passing one, but if you must pass, do it as quickly as safety allows.

• Demister ~ defog or demystify your rear-window.

• Windscreen wiper ~ switch it on (I know it & you know it... but there may be some people out there who might not know this... who knows?).

~~~

Brave & Cautious

The brave may not live forever,
but the cautious may not have lived at all.
So be brave & cautious.

~ Unknown

Prayer Against Sin

Received this via email through 'Daily Nourishments' about learning to say "no" to sin with God's intervention. 'Daily Nourishments' or 'DN' in short was started by a friend of mine and is sent via email to all subscibers.

~~~
Prayer Against Sin ~ from Daily Nourishments (DN)
Dear Jesus, be our daily guide as we commit to saying no to sin and not submit to their attraction. Intervene when we are in situations so that we may learn to say no to greed and avarice. May we be freed from anger and lust. Amen.

~~~
English meanings of words above:

Avarice = Immoderate desire for wealth; extreme greed for riches; cupidity. Avaricious (adj), avariciously (adv), avariciousness (n)

Cupidity = Excessive desire, especially for wealth; covetousness or avarice. Strong desire, esp for possessions or money; greed.

~~~

Monday, August 16, 2010

True Love...

~~~.
True Love... 
isn't always about finding the perfect person, 
sometimes it's about finding an imperfect person 
and understanding them perfectly.
~ Unknown
~~~.
True love means planning a life for two
Being together the whole day through
True love means waiting and hoping that soon
Wishes we've made will come true...
~ excerpt from lyrics of 'Hey Paula' by Paul & Paula,
Paul was Ray Hildebrand, born December 21, 1940.
Paula was Jill Jackson, born May 20, 1942.
They were a pop singing duo, 
best known for their 1963 million selling #1 hit record, "Hey Paula."
~~~.
Yes you know why, 
Why you and I,
Will by and by, 
Know true love ways.
Sometimes we'll sigh, 
Sometimes we'll cry
And we'll know why, 
Just you and I, 
Know true love ways.
Throughout the days, 
Our true love ways
Will bring us joy to share, 
With those who really care.
~ Buddy Holly
The song became a 1960 hit in Britain
~~~.

I give to you and you give to me,
True love, true love.
So on and on it'll always be,
True love, true love.
For you and I
Have a guardian angel on high,
With nothing to do.
But to give to you and to give to me,
Love forever true.
~ 1956 Lyrics by Cole Porter and sung by...
Bing Crosby  & Grace Kelly ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CuP2YQTUlE
Bing Crosby & Rosemary Clooney ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc3vh5Uk-uI
~~~.

Monovision ~ by PGA

.
This entry is about my experience with and the benefits of Monovision. This will be a good read for those of you who are still young as Monovision needs getting use to, and needs time BUT the benefits will be good for you in the later part of you life when reading without glasses becomes the norm.

Myopia (for seeing far)
Result ~ L= 350 / R= 550 (current)
..........This was what I was using to cure my short-sightedness which showed up when I was about 14years old. For some reason, an optician surgested that I make both sides the same degree so we settled for L=350 & R=350. This served me well for many years and was to prepare me (I did not know it then) for Monvision many years later. When I hit 40, I decided to correct my eyes to L=350 & R=550 so that I could see far more clearly. This was short-lived coz my Presbyopia started so after.

Undercorrection (for reading)
L= -200 / R= -200
Result ~ L= 150 (=350-200) / R= 350 (=550-200)
..........This was a 2nd specs I made as my Reading-Glasses when my presbyopia problem started after I hit 40. I first tried Progressive-Lenses, but this gave me problems which I will explain soon.

Monovision
L= -0 (for seeing far) / R= -200 (for reading)
Therefore: L= 350 / R= 350
..........Although the above Reading-Glasses work fine for my office computer work... I had other problems coz I also needed to see what's on TV which was further away. I was recommended Progressive Lenses which I tried but this gave me a stiff neck coz I had to tilt my head back to do computer work. With some trial-and-error, I managed to ease into Monovision... and I'm loving it. I've been using monovision for almost a year now and am very happy with it. My first try was to use my right-eye (my master-eye) to see far and my left-eye to see near... BUT this didn't work coz my eyes was not used to this arrangement. A swich did the trick, so now, my R-Eye is used for seeing near and my L-Eye is used for seeing far. This will also prepare me for the future when &/or if I go for a Cataract-Procedure and choose Monovision for my eyes. As I will NOT be using my Master-Eye to see far I will NOT be able to take up the sports like shooting a rifle. However, I will be free from spectacles most of the time unless I want to see the very, very fine print.

~~~
Further Suggested Reading:
http://www.stlukeseye.com/eyeq/Monovision.asp
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-monovision.htm
Monovision ~ Google Search
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyopia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract_surgery
~~~

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Serenity Prayer (Excerpt)

.
"Dear God, grant me...
Serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
and
Wisdom to know the difference,
Amen."

~ Unknown

Sadness & Strong People

.
"Strong people know how to keep their life in order. Even with tears in their eyes, they still manage to say I am ok with a smile." ~ Unknown.

A friend of mine was feeling sad and was telling me about a problem he was facing when he received an SMS alert. He excused himself and read the message. This is what it said...

"Strong people know how to keep their life in order. Even with tears in their eyes, they still manage to say I am ok with a smile.

Send this to a strong person. I just did. God is good. Change is coming. God saw your sadness and said hard times are over.
"


As he put down his phone he said, "Wow! This message came a the right time. I feel stronger now."

The message had soothed his feeling of sadness.

I'm not comfortable sending this to people coz not everyone will appreciate this and some might consider it "spam"... but I guess that if the feeling is right, I just might send it out... one day... maybe... who knows?

~~~

Lent Kris Kringle's Prayer Request

I've got a Kris Kringle to pray for this lent.

I needed to understand this word 'Kris Kringle' which is pronounced as 'Kris Krinkle' or 'Cris Crinkle' at least that's the way I've been hearing it since it was introduced to me in my teens.

~~~
A search on the internet came up with...
Kris Kringle (sometimes given as Kriss Kringle) is a name used in the United States and may refer to:
  • Christkind or Christkindl, the Austrian and Bavarian Christmas gift-bringer
  • Santa Claus, by assimilation in the United States of the separate German tradition
  • Secret Santa, a gift exchange deriving from the Christkindl tradition
  • Kris Kringle, the lead character in Miracle on 34th Street
~~~
Secret Santa, a gift exchange deriving from the Christkindl tradition
...and Kris Kringle are corruptions of the original name of the German gift-bringer Christkindl, which means the 'Christ Child', (in Britain the traditional gift-bringer is Father Christmas). The termSecret Santa can refer to the practice itself, or any of the people participating. In Germany and Austria this tradition is called Wichteln. In Portuguese, it is called amigo secreto or amigo oculto (Secret Friend), while in Spanish it is called amigo invisible (Invisible Friend) in Spain and amigo secretoin most places of Latin America. Another term used specifically in southeastern Pennsylvania of the U.S. is PollyannaThere are various traditions and ways in which a "Secret Santa" is run. In some variations, as Christmas approaches, names of participants are placed in a hat, and participants draw the name of a person for whom to buy a gift. Along with name submission, each participant may also submit a short wish-list of items from which the gift-giver can choose. There is often a limit to how much can be spent on the present. Presents are then sometimes exchanged anonymously. Many schools and offices do this at Christmas time, often as a cost-saving effort. It usually takes place prior to Christmas because the office and school settings require it. Sometimes people leave hints in cards on desks, others create other special ways to make themselves known. Often, the gift-getting is practiced with all the presents being placed on a table, marked with the name of the receiver but not the giver. Sometimes the gift-giver will personally give the recipient the present, thereby revealing their identity. Some groups may choose to donate the money they saved on presents to charity.

~~~

Dear heavenly Father,
During this time of Lent 2011,
I pray for my Kris Kringle,
his/her self imposed, 
but saintly BE-attitudes... 
to BE happier,
to BE more positive,
to BE thankful for what he/she has, and 
to BE appreciative of those around him/her.
I make this prayer to Jesus Christ,
and his loving mother, Mary.
Amen

~~~