What I learnt in 2008...

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, 
      But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life." - Proverbs 13:12

We're all people in waiting. We wait for the promises to come. We wait for breakthrough. We believe and wait for change. We wait for the full revelation of God. We wait for Christ to come back. 

2008 has been the toughest year for me yet. I have been faced with every fear, insecurity, demon, weakness, strength that I have ever known in my life this year. This year has been interesting, it could be marked into two zones, before the NUS "The Happening" Camp and after. Many of the impactful things that happened, and things I'm gonna write about, happened after. Here are some things to be grateful for and some observations;

- Many foundational plans were set into motion this year, and in my mind I know how it would end, at times God shows me vision and dreams. The desire is strong but patience and time is needed to see fruition. Certain things only time can cure and unveil. The plans for NUS, people's lives, extent of CityCare, personal wants and desires. Its hard to wait, and I learnt that time is the greatest test of character and strength. Anyone can bash through a wall, no matter how thick. It takes a certain type of people to constantly watch for the right time to move. Both Joseph and Serene gave me this verse, thanks guys, it helped me alot. 

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." - James 1:2-4

- We shouldn't ask "God, why me?" The root of this statement is blame towards God, reflecting a lack of trust. We should be asking, "God, what do you want me to do?" We should count it all joy when we are made to wait with a vision and desire. Too many people messed up by rushing things. I have only heard of people getting into trouble by moving too fast, rarely moving too slow. Takes things easy. Ai Zai. 

- It's perfectly normal to want to be alone to collect oneself. Many time, especially guys, think that have to be strong (or perceived to be) and push down their emotions. When Jesus heard about the be-heading of John, He took a moment away from his disciples and the people to mourn and cry. When Jeremiah was confronted by Jezebel, he took time alone in the mountains. It is healthy to our soul, mental and emotional health to have times of isolation. Just don't stay there forever. Collect and move on. 

- We have to understand that we serve a wounded Savior. It is through the wounds that the full revelation and love of God is revealed, that God is reconciled to His people, because He understands our pain and got out of it. When we were young, we were faced with right or wrong decisions. But as we grow older and wiser, it is facades of grey; all seems to be great and right! It's what is the right, good and perfect will of God that we need to be careful in choosing. Faced with all the good, which is the best? Prayer and fasting equals to waiting. 

- All things are possible with God. God hardly works alone. Most of the time he works with people. Therefore; all things are possible with godly and loving people. I never really had friends, true friends. You know what I mean. After "The Happening" camp, i got touched by people who genuinely cared and crazy enough to ask me out for supper in the wee hours of the morning. Thanks to Changhan who is truly a brother, my long lost twin Quanhan, my essay buddy JingXuan, Geraldine and Berri, my sister in crime Liwei, Diwei, Yuantai, Joseph that injected spontaneity in my life, pats Serene, Jaydee, Joyce Seek, Amanda Faith, Myrna, Cecilia Koh See Su Um ah!!!, Yun Rui, and my fellow leaders, Shan Shan, Angeline and Lichuan, Marc, Sutiean, Annie, Veron; thanks to Johnson and your advice, Simon Peter and your encouragement, Joshua Ming Koon for the brotherly love, Dwayne for the Avengers, Chew yan for the Chewing, Sheryl for giving me the best shock in 2008 ...and many many many more.... At the end of the day, when everything dies down, friendship is what that matters. Friendship and relationship is what we bring up to heaven. Fight for it with your life. 

- It brings security and peace to know someone knows you in and out. Besides my parents, there's Veron who could look at me and say "I know what you're thinking and feeling..." Amazing. Obviously you have been praying a lot for me. Thank you so much and please continue praying for me. It makes me a better man.

- God restores beyond what we can think and imagine. Many people don't know that I struggled a lot with the NUS ministry. I was Meridian JC first school IC and failed miserably, didn't do anything significant. Told myself better not lead any thing beside CG. When the vision for NUS came, first words out of my mouth was, "Great idea God, now who is going to do it?" Special thanks to all the people in NUS-CHC, especially the faculty i/cs and Bro Darren for believing in me. 

- Passion and love is when you're faced with a circumstance, and you drop all pretense and social expectations. You become your true self, all gittery, nervous and in awe. After it, you will think back and wonder, why was I nervous. Remember the first time your teacher ask you to stand infront of the class; first time you won in a game, first time you received a present? The time your efforts paid off? Never lose that feeling, that passion. It is the core of life, the joy of living.

Something in me tells me 2009 is just going to be great. My emotions seems to be pegged to the economy, its currently in a recession after all the challenges of 2008. 2008 is monumental and it set the stage for many things in my life, which would take years ahead to resolve. I'm believing for great things, that all things will work out for the good for those who love God. 

Looking at the staging of the world, a new American president, China finally opening up, ASEAN strengthening, and the world economy at a new point of dynamics, I can only say, "God, lets go on an adventure. 2009, whatever happens, whatever is thrown at me, I'm standing by You no matter what. Come what may." 

And all of God's people say.... 

CityCare made me love kids...

This year has been both challenging and eventful. There are events and occurrences that are simply one-time memory, and some that would make a deep impact and change in your life

For the longest time, I was really irritable around children and did not feel comfortable dealing, playing with kids. I felt I was too boring and the kids would not enjoy my company...but CityCare made me love kids! 

It is one thing to tolerate, one thing to love. Was asked to help assist in the teaching of the New S.I.N.G.A.P.O.R.E.A.N curriculum early this year. Was told to lead games and boy, did i failed miserably the first few times. But gradually, with the encouragement and tips from Veron and Yuzhen, felt more comfortable and grasp the way to hold children's attention and interest. 

After a while, had the privileged to teach a few lessons. One wouldn't know how one is being received until the recipient feed backs. Towards to end of the curriculum, while walking into the school, the kids started to shout "Mr.Kuay!" It took sometime to sink in, but you realise that these kids actually like you, and misses you! Bizarre! Astounded and flabbergasted. You could see a bunch of naughty kids slowly sitting down and listening to you talk, able to reply your questions, giving you a sense of respect and expecting fun from you. It does something to your soul. It unlocks a certain unformed aspect in your inner core as a person. Now looking at kids playing along the streets, walking around, stirs that inner aspect in my life. Never thought I would find it, but I love to carry babies, walk children, play catch and bringing kids to the toilet. What happened? Love came into my life. 

I should really thank CityCare. People ask me why I fight hard for this non-profit organisation. Because I see the bigger picture, they are really changing lives, one at a time; and its worthwhile. I never expected to be recognized as the Caretayst of the Year and rewarded with an iPod Classic. We don't serve to be recognized, but thanks guys!  

Next post: What I learnt in 2008.

Sarah McLachlan sings John Lennon's Happy Christmas (War is Over)

A rather appropriate Christmas Song for the now...

So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
Ans so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong
And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
And what have we done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
Ans so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
War is over over
If you want it
War is over
Now... 

Dear reader(s)...

Dear Reader(s),

                            How are you doing? I would like to be a responsible blogger and make known to you that I have tons of blog entries I would like to enter. But December being a hectic month, I have frequently got home past 12 in the morning, turning on my computer thinking of blogging, but to my extend, lying down on my bed has proved detrimental to this affair. Do NOT ask whether I had bathe at times, such unsightly mannerism, which I am due guilty of. 

To keep things in line, I shall list out some mattters of which I would like to jot down in this splendid blog that you, or all of you, could, at your own pleasure, delight yourself in reading. 

- What I have learnt this year...

- Passion

- George

- Sun is back! 

Alternatively, you may find reprieve in my Facebook account, as I would upload pictures of my exploits on the road, as my phone allows. That would be swell for you to see. 

So tally forth, and here's a cup of tea and biscuits, wishing you a jolly good Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

Ta ta for now. 

In his Majesty's service,

                                         Howard  

A war is brewing...

First it was Secret Invasion...

Now Dark Reign has begun...

And soon...War of Kings. 

Civil War to Secret Invasion drew battle lines apart. Alliances are re-drawn. Status quo has changes. 2009 is gonna be interesting.  

Why I still need my laptop...

Trying to enter a post with my Blackberry phone. Realised that it's better for short texting. Your brain automatically string short sentences with it. Not for long texting it seems. Waiting for Alex, Kern, Ping Ying, victor and Annie to show up. Happy birthday Alex! It's going to be a good one!

The end of a war is always felt on the bed...

Just got back home not long ago. After Sunday service and prayer meeting, went off to set up and run our inaugural NUS "Gastrono-athlon!!!" 2008 Night cycling event! Overall I think it went ok, with lots to learn and improve on, but good effort on first try. Will blog in greater detail about this. 

Right after the event, and a Macdonalds meal later, returned the bicyles to shop and went straight off for 2 work meetings at FXT. I don't know what was holding me up, was struggling to keep awake; thankfully able to perform and not look too bad infront of the organisation. After which went over to Suntec to pick up some accesories for my phone then home to bed. Felt weird trying to sleep, mentally knowing that you're tired, yet restless cause its only 6 plus. 

Got a meeting tomorrow at 9! Gotta sleep, where's the sheep, need to count, not to hound! 

Thanks a lot to Kynneth, Donn, Jay Dee, Chang Han, Joseph, Yuan Tai, Quanhan, and Geraldine who really went beyond themselves to help and make the above event come to past. 

Photos are up! View them at <http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=52438&l=c0eb1&id=751532403> and <http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=52457&l=b8927&id=751532403>

"Gastrono-athlon!!!" Recee trip

Just got back this morning from a run-through of the Night Cycling "Gastro-athlon!!!" route. The route is gonna be fun, with tons of visual surprises and promises that you will experience Singapore in a different "light!" 

We're looking at a low intensity route of 65 km and it took me 8 hours and 15 mins to finish, at an average speed of 12km/h, a leisure pace that we will be traveling along.  

Here's some highlights of the route; 

Starting at East Coast Park, we will be going along the back hangar/landing grounds of Changi Airport; 

-> Rest point #1: Changi Village

->Rest point #2: ??? (Surprise!)

-> Rest Point #3: Simpang Bedok

-> Towards the City! 

->Rest Point #4: Lau Pa Sat

-> Back to East Coast park

Every rest point is "edible" in a sense.  

Its going to be a scenic route, hitting the roads at times, but very manageable terrain. Tons of fun elements, going through landmarks of Singapore that you will not forget! 

So come for it and invite your friends! 

If you drive and don't wanna cycle, do inform and I can tell you road-by-road in which we will be traveling on and you can drive along with us. 

See you this Sunday!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NUS-SMU (CHC) will be organizing our first night cycling outreach on the 14 of Dec 2008 (Sunday). 

Name: Gastrono-athlon!!!

Description: Join us for a gastronomical time of food hunting through the night, blazing through the Singapore night trail on bicycle as we clear each turn and bent advancing routes in search of good food that opens at night! Your legs will be sore, but your stomach will roar! 

Style: Night Cycling + Food Trail

Starting point + ending Point: East Coast Parkway

Cost: About S$15 (Bicycle rental)+ Own food expenses

   Meeting Point: 5 pm East Coast Park Macdonalds (behind) 

Flag off timing: Starting with a picnic at East Coast Park, will flag off at 5.30pm, 14 Dec 2008 (Tentative)

End time: 6.00 am, 15 Dec 2008 (Monday) (Tentative, Approximate)

 My ride for the night

Long and winding East Coast Park Connectors

Changi Coast Rd (Backend of Changi Airport Run-way)

Changi Village

Towards the City!

Lau Pa Sat

The Sky at 6am

The Sky at 7 am

Sun-Rise at 7.10 am. Beautiful. Worth-it! 

p.s In reference to my previous blog-post, thanks to Amanda Faith being the first caller to me at 1:19 am and Peter Choong second at 2:07 am. I also have an unknown person called Bee SMSed me using Singtel SMS chat, telling me he/she has read my blog and is just checking on me but I don't know who he/she is. Thanks peeps! You really made the night alone more fun!  

Going out soon...

Heading out soon to recee for Sunday's Night Cycling Event, "Gastro-athlon!!!" Will be taking a bike out alone to go through the route and plan for best and worse case scenarios. 

If you're reading this and today is the 10th Dec night or 11th Morning (12 am - 6 am), feel free to give me a call at <96257947> and ask where on earth in Singapore I am. Will give you a "live" update and maybe tell you a joke...

I have about 3 blog entries "swimming" in my mind...will blog them down when I'm free.

"Up, up and away!" - Superman  

Night out with "Nelly" the Bicycle

Was feeling a little under-the-weather and needed some time alone. Needed to do something different. Something I love yet have not done for a long time. Relive some old passion to insert some happiness into my life. 

Memories of an old friend I haven't talked to for a long time flooded my head. An old passion I put aside for years because I was "too busy," and "didn't have time for." Decided to go to mom's place to pick up Nelly the bicycle. Yes, I name everything that is dear to me, brings another level of closeness doesn't it? 

I have a deep passion for cycling. It's one of those rare sports that I can do for hours, long distance, and my heart will race everytime I see a bicycle traveling along the road. No road tax, no ERP, no insurance, just pure leg power, man and machine having a great time. 

Took Nelly out for a night trip while praying. Great combination.

 

Meet Nelly the bicycle. A Cannondale SuperV1000 FR. Sexy. 

Started off at 12.40 am from Geylang Lor 34

Going along Nicoll Highway

Reached City Hall at 12.50 am

Orchard Road at 1.05 am. Look! Christmasy lights!

Blasting Christmas Songs and Charols even at past 1 am through these speakers. Bizzare. 

1.15 am. Head of Tanglin Road. Turn-about point. 

Sitting at Tangs. Cornetto Chocolate McFlurry taste best at 1.30 in the morning. 

Nelly posing at the Singapore Art Museum

At one of my fav Mee Goreng place. (Although the standard has dropped dramatically.)

Nelly happy to be home. 

Isolation.

I like being alone. Being alone helps me to think, allows me to see events and happenings clearer and it gives me a sense of peace and calm. 

In this exam period, after Asia Conference, I have been meeting friends and going out less. Felt that I have reverted to the introverted person I was a few years ago. In between studying, been slotting in things I like to do; spending time alone in a big bookshop; taking long walks, thinking, talking to myself, praying; eating alone. 

I understand, its easiest to get lost in between the crowd. You feel no one is watching you, no one is thinking who you are, but once in a while, you stop in the midst of all the busyness and you look around, observing, what everyone is doing, where everyone is going to. 

Keeping absolutely quiet in one's soul, in the middle of all the sounds and noise; in that region, you pick up things, learn things, realise things. You're open, and not distracted, focused yet peaceful, your mind floats while your feet is grounded. 

You close your eyes, and images comes into your mind. Pure feelings and events flood your heart. Like a non-linear movie flashing through your mind. You pick up some and try to piece them together; some comes together, some don't. Some makes perfect sense and possibility, some just doesn't. Names, faces comes into your mind, one by one, accompanied by a picture, a scene. Sometimes I know what to do, sometimes I don't. Sometimes I act, sometimes its clear I have to wait. Somethings its so clear, sometimes its murky. 

This keeps me sane. Thank God. 

Liberation...soon...

One more paper on Thursday, then its ho-hum-wee-to-the-li-li-liberated! 

"International Politics of Southeast Asia", fascinating subject. Because the region is constantly changing and there's nothing that can sum up or fully describe the history and balance-of-power this region survives and strives on. Ever changing. Ever confrontational. Ever avoiding. The nexus and dynamics, when every country screams for economic liberation, while terrorist are lurking in our back-yards. ASEAN believes it can be more intrusive, yet maintaining non-interference in member states. Only in this region can you find such a dynamic, contradicting, conflicting, confusing yet geo-strategically promising region filled with farmers, economic giants, terrorist, fundamentalist, the willing, the crazy, the power-mongers and the fiercest mafia one can ever find. 

Fascinating. 

Went to see my professor for consultation, and it turned into a pep-talk on how I can do better, how my marks should be reflective and indicative of how I perform in class. He drew examples of his honours students and I thought, "I'm not sure if I can or would do honours year." He was hard on me, and walking out of his office, it made me think. All the time in his class he had only been nice to me, and here he is, challenging me, showing a different side of himself to me in private. The no-nonsense, man to man harsh encouragement. 

I cannot let him down. I gotta try my best to score well in this exams.

Been thinking a lot these few days, taking long walks, pondering...There's really so much we can do in life, and also so much we don't know. The differential can be either fear or faith. Profit or lost. An economic chart on profit or lost looks the same on first glance, the space in between the arcs are the same, whether declared profit or lost. The only different is, which point demarks profit and lost. 

God's grace is amazing. He allows us to declare whether that space in our lives are profit or lost to us. Faith or fear, we decide. That space could be the crippling factor, or the reason for trying new things. God allows us to move the axis, rename points and regardless how big the space in between our two arcs, God draws His unitary demand and supply within it and we're always progressive. 

Everything in life is a variable, only God and our lives are the only constant.

Scams Part 1 - More to come!

Central Bank of Nigeria  to me

show details 20 Nov (7 days ago)

Reply

Attention:

I am Prof Charles Soludo.Governor  Central Bank of Nigeria; my office
monitorsand controls the affairs of all other banks and financial
institutions in Nigeria. I am the final signatory to any transfer or
remittance of huge funds moving within banks both on the local and
international levels. I have before me list of funds, which could not be
transferred to some nominated accounts as these accounts have been identified
either as ghost accounts, unclaimed deposits and over-invoiced sum etc.

I will add your name among the people expecting their funds to be
transferredinto their account, on this note; I wish to have a deal with you as
regards to this funds. As it is my duty to recommend the transfer of these
surplus funds to the Federal Government Treasury and Reserve Accounts as
unclaimed deposits,I have the opportunity to write you based on the intructions
Ireceived two days ago from the Senate Committee on Contract Payments Foreign
Debts to submit the List of payment reports expenditures and audited reportsof
revenues. Among several others, I have decided to remit this contract sum
following my idea that we have a deal agreement and I am going to do this
legally.

MY CONDITIONS ARE:

1.The sum of USD$5.1 Million.only will paid into an account  I will
provide you after you have confirmed the $10.2 million total amount
transferred into your account by telegraphic Transfer (T/T), confirmable in 3
working days.

2.This deal must be kept secret forever, and all correspondence will be
strictly by email / telephone, for security purposes.

3.There should be no third parties as most problem associated with your
fundrelease are caused by your agents or representative.

If you agree with my conditions, l advise you on what to do immediately and the
transfer will commence without delay as I will proceed to fix your name onthe
Payment schedule instantly to meet the three days mandate.I hope you don't
reject this offer and have your funds transferred.I anticipate hearing from you.



Best Regards
Prof Charles Soludo
Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This e-mail is presented in its original form and has not been altered or edited in anyway.

Unbelievable. I looked at it and laughed. Here's the thing, if you, in your most logical mind, would like to con people of their money, wouldn't you formulate a plan and lure people to be attracted at the very least? I have seen really good scam-jobs in my life-time, as a civilian and as a Police-man; but the above is a joke. USD$5.1 Million for $10.2 Million. Hello? Anybody home? 

1) Is this email compelling with a story-plot and furnished with enough details?: No.

2) Is there a slight hint of credibilty?: Are you kidding? 

3) Who has USD$5.1 million liquid cash in this day and age? Even so, it's probably held in assets, property or in some cash fund now. 

4) Even if I do have such an amount of money, where do I transfer it to?: Write back to him and become pen-pals?

Dear Prof Charles Soludo, I am amazed that the Nigerian Government would be so willing to inject such a random economic stimulus package to nice random folks like me to boost the world economy. What a fair ideal, to seek to trinkle with your funds and trickle it into my fairer hands. Perhaps we could purchase a PAR product or pursue a free-hold and live happily ever after? 

Unbelievable.

Qns: Who are the fastest runners in the world?  Ans: Con-man

"There are 2 constants in the world; Change and stupidity." - Drawoh 

Nvidia Featuring Mythbusters - Art, Science and GPUs, Explain Parallel Processing

From Nvision Convention 2008

One more shot for Youtube Live!

Post Asia Conference Joy!

A day after Asia Conference..utterly Amazing! Life transforming, mind blowing and agenda setting! 

Still experiencing the post-joy and excitement, sitting here in the NUS business library studying for my exams. I have a paper on the 25th of Nov, 27th Nov, 1 Dec and last one on the 4th of Dec. 

Will write about Asia Conference soon. 

Let's all be like super-heroes, with costumes and all, trained in the "Danger-Room" to insulate, and suited up in the black-bird to penetrate!

"Time to make nice with the public, eh, Summers?" - Logan, Wolverine

"We have to do more than that Logan... We have to astonish them." - Scott Summers, Cyclops 

~ Astonishing X-men #1 (2005)

 

An ode to Grace: our lives are all that matters

Relinquish my power, I give to You,

That is, my all, it all belongs to You. 

How futile man's thoughts, when it all comes from You, 

a flicker of a wick, when fire was through. 

In a singular direction the ship steers, its bow moves with a rage,

"What is before us so, I can't say; 

but I trust that we will be whole when we reach home."

A kept secret in the captain's mind, 

while his ship shivers down the spine. 

Parts of us are broken everyday,

the stern and sail gets hit and torn all the same.

"What hold the vessel when the inner vessels worn?"

Nothing, absolutely nothing, it seems to show. 

When the storm cease and the rocking stops,

when the bough breaks, this cradle will drop;

all is lost, the ship is gone.

But our lives are all but on the shore. 

ASIA CONFERENCE 2008 IN 2 DAYS!!!

Excited is too little a word in the limited english vocabulary to express how I feel about Asia Conference 2008! 

If only we can appreciate the full magnitude of what God is about to do through our church, through Asia Conference, to touch Asia and transform the world! 

Let us pray and believe we can stretch the minds of the Christian World, remove all religious mindsets, release Christians to their fullest potential, enlarge the possibilities of what we can do as a body and give the Devil a heaven of a time on earth!

Affirmation

Be encouraging

Considerate

Dress Sharply

Exuberance

Fervency

Graciousness

Hospitality

Initiative

Jot it down

Kindness

Life transformation

Mutual Respect

Non-reservation of seats

Observing regulations

Politeness

Quest for Excellence

Reverence

Spiritual Hunger

Total Involvement

Unity

Vigilance

Wisdom

X-factor

"Yes & Amen"

Zeal

<http://www.asiaconference.org.sg/index.php>

~Lets go through the veil, to a time that is now~

Rounded the bandits up and banished them...for now!

This week has been a super hectic week...3 essays, 15 books for research, and tons of citations down; I'm drained but joyful...overjoyed in fact!!! I'm done with readings and essays for a while...until they come back.

  

Perhaps Newton's first Law of motion stands true in humans lives,  that "A body continues to maintain its state of rest or of uniform motion unless acted upon by an external

unbalanced force." This is the law of inertia. Starting on the essay, and formulating

a flow of argument was always the hardest part. I would pace up and down the house, flip through the books countless times, lie on the bed for 5 min's (which sometimes becomes 5

hours), have countless restless nights with mental burden and internal debates on what would be the best angle to tackle the question. But once I start writing the first sentence, everything would seem to fall into place. Its starting that's always the toughest...

I would like to thank Joseph for the last essay. Being a physics essay, he offered to bring me into his physics lab, to be with physicists, with all the physics apparatus, with my physics books to

finish the physics essay! 

My work station for the day. 

 Howard: SO this is the time I turn into The Hulk and start running through the lab walls? 

Joseph: Yeah...woo...the computer is blinking green...

Howard: Whoo...the heatsink is turning green...How much does it cost? *Looks suspiciously* 

Joseph: $170...the most expensive heatsink...and its a quad-core processor...

Howard: Aw....beautiful...green thing...

Joseph: *Smiles* Um........................................................................ah!!!

Joseph's school bag that's actually a Travelling bag!

And Joseph showed me...Firstly, a vacuum that could simulate space-like conditions!

 -79 Degrees! Now I wanna fridge like this for Christmas! "Take out the roast!"..."I can't my hand is stuck to the wall?!"

Super-duper microscope machine thingy! 

Howard: "Whoa!"

Notice the sign above...We study the superhumans...Heroes such as you. 

Coming soon to NUS...

Parting words? 

Um.....................................ah!

Exams are an examinable exemption to life: My Life in NUS and NUS in my life

Received an SMS from a friend yesterday in the midst of studying in the library: 

Congratulations! 

Good News for all NUS students, FINAL EXAM have been cancelled in this semester. 

To confirm, kindly log on to

Brings out the Rar! in you! 

Lol! 

When reviewing your notes before an exam, the most important will be illegible. 

***The more studying you did for the exam, the less sure you are as to which answer they want. 

***80% of the final exam will be based on the one lecture you missed and the one book you didn't read. 

***Every instructor assumes that you have nothing else to do except study for that instructor's course. 

***Thank goodness I was never sent to school; it would have rubbed off some of the originality. 

From http://www.basicjokes.com/dquotes.php?cid=24

Measure for Measure - Act 2 Scene 2

ISABELLA 

    'Save your honour! 

    Exeunt ISABELLA, LUCIO, and Provost 

ANGELO 

    From thee, even from thy virtue! 
    What's this, what's this? Is this her fault or mine? 
    The tempter or the tempted, who sins most? 
    Ha! 
    Not she: nor doth she tempt: but it is I 
    That, lying by the violet in the sun, 
    Do as the carrion does, not as the flower, 
    Corrupt with virtuous season. Can it be 
    That modesty may more betray our sense 
    Than woman's lightness? Having waste ground enough, 
    Shall we desire to raze the sanctuary 
    And pitch our evils there? O, fie, fie, fie! 
    What dost thou, or what art thou, Angelo? 
    Dost thou desire her foully for those things 
    That make her good? O, let her brother live! 
    Thieves for their robbery have authority 
    When judges steal themselves. What, do I love her, 
    That I desire to hear her speak again, 
    And feast upon her eyes? What is't I dream on? 
    O cunning enemy, that, to catch a saint, 
    With saints dost bait thy hook! Most dangerous 
    Is that temptation that doth goad us on 
    To sin in loving virtue: never could the strumpet, 
    With all her double vigour, art and nature, 
    Once stir my temper; but this virtuous maid 
    Subdues me quite. Even till now, 
    When men were fond, I smiled and wonder'd how. 

NUS Prayer Meeting 3rd Nov 2008

 ‘ Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ 
      Says the LORD of hosts. - Zec 4:6

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” - Acts 1:8 

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 

- Acts 2:1-2

But as it is written: 


      “ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
      Nor have entered into the heart of man
      The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” - 1 Cor 2:9

“ Listen to Me, O Jacob, 
      And Israel, My called: 
      I am He, I am the First, 
      I am also the Last. 
       Indeed My hand has laid the foundation of the earth, 
      And My right hand has stretched out the heavens; 
      When I call to them, 
      They stand up together. 
       “ All of you, assemble yourselves, and hear! 
      Who among them has declared these things?
      The LORD loves him; 
      He shall do His pleasure on Babylon, 
      And His arm shall be against the Chaldeans. 
       I, even I, have spoken; 
      Yes, I have called him, 
      I have brought him, and his way will prosper.  - Isa 48:12-15

A new season I bring you into...

Increase in creativity, capability and ability...

I will provide for this new season of your life...

Faith and strength to come into your heart...

Daughter of grace...

“Every thinking man, when he thinks, realizes that the teachings of the Bible are so interwoven and entwined with our whole civic and social life that it would be literally impossible for us to figure ourselves what that life would be if these standards were removed. We would lose almost all the standards by which we now judge both public and private morals; all the standards which we, with more or less resolution, strive to raise ourselves.” 

- Theodore Roosevelt (American 26th US President (1901-09), 1858-1919)

This is for you.

Isaiah 54 (The Message) 

Spread Out! Think Big!

 1-6 "Sing, barren woman, who has never had a baby. 
   Fill the air with song, you who've never experienced childbirth!
You're ending up with far more children 
   than all those childbearing women." God says so!
"Clear lots of ground for your tents! 
   Make your tents large. Spread out! Think big!
Use plenty of rope, 
   drive the tent pegs deep.
You're going to need lots of elbow room 
   for your growing family.
You're going to take over whole nations; 
   you're going to resettle abandoned cities.
Don't be afraid—you're not going to be embarrassed. 
   Don't hold back—you're not going to come up short.
You'll forget all about the humiliations of your youth, 
   and the indignities of being a widow will fade from memory.
For your Maker is your bridegroom, 
   his name, God-of-the-Angel-Armies!
Your Redeemer is The Holy of Israel, 
   known as God of the whole earth.
You were like an abandoned wife, devastated with grief, 
   and God welcomed you back,
Like a woman married young 
   and then left," says your God. 

 7-8Your Redeemer God says:

   "I left you, but only for a moment. 
   Now, with enormous compassion, I'm bringing you back.
In an outburst of anger I turned my back on you— 
   but only for a moment.
It's with lasting love 
   that I'm tenderly caring for you.

 9-10"This exile is just like the days of Noah for me: 
   I promised then that the waters of Noah 
   would never again flood the earth.
I'm promising now no more anger, 
   no more dressing you down.
For even if the mountains walk away 
   and the hills fall to pieces,
My love won't walk away from you, 
   my covenant commitment of peace won't fall apart." 
   The God who has compassion on you says so.

 11-17"Afflicted city, storm-battered, unpitied: 
   I'm about to rebuild you with stones of turquoise,
Lay your foundations with sapphires, 
   construct your towers with rubies,
Your gates with jewels, 
   and all your walls with precious stones.
All your children will have God for their teacher— 
   what a mentor for your children!
You'll be built solid, grounded in righteousness, 
   far from any trouble—nothing to fear! 
   far from terror—it won't even come close!
If anyone attacks you, 
   don't for a moment suppose that I sent them,
And if any should attack, 
   nothing will come of it.
I create the blacksmith 
   who fires up his forge 
   and makes a weapon designed to kill.
I also create the destroyer— 
   but no weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged.
Any accuser who takes you to court 
   will be dismissed as a liar.
This is what God's servants can expect. 
   I'll see to it that everything works out for the best." 
         God's Decree.

KIDNAPPED!

Howard has been kidnapped by 2 bandits called "Readings" and "Essays". 

They are tall and lengthy in height, with a square jaw. They appear to be of various size to different people. Some people claim that they are not 2 entities, but rather two separate gangs working independently, but at times as accomplices. 

We hope to release more information, but this case is currently undergoing investigation. 

If you have any info, eye-witness accounts, or have been approached by similar said figures before, or have heard dealings of such "Readings" and "Essays" gang, please do not hesitant to contact the Police Constable in-charge at <96257947>.

Your identity will be kept strictly confidential and any information will be dealt with the strictest confidentiality and much appreciated.