.yadrutas doog a evah s'teL

Lets start this post right-side back. 

I'm now sitting in the living room of my auntie's (mama's younger sister, grandma's youngest daughter) beautiful single storey home, waiting for second aunt (grandma's 2nd daughter, 4th child), with mama sitting next to me watching Taiwanese Variety show; first aunt (grandma's 1st daughter, 3rd child) standing, with mama's younger brother, my 3rd uncle (grandma's 3rd son, 6th child) on a foldable chair....phew...that took some thinking! 

Only got to know about this gathering from mama early in the morning, and initially I didn't wanna come, but I'm grateful i did. Haven't had such a gathering in 2 years, and I haven't seen 3rd uncle in almost 4 years. (Why? Long story, ask me personally if you really wanna know...) My family is kinda small and the past 2 years, I had spent my Chinese New Year overseas. Decided that from next year onwards, this shouldn't be a reason, no more travelling overseas over CNY. I reckon, one, two years not seeing extended family, they would probably forget me!

Hopefully today compensates  for my absence during the first and second day of the lunar new year. We're gonna have a scrupulous home-cook meal together later at 7. Haven't had a home cook meal with this many people in years... I feel void of family life at times, always on the run outside most of the time. Will build up a strong family culture next time for my own!

Haven't met Dad's side of the family yet. We do meet up here and there though for kid's birthday. Tried organising a get together last year for the younger generation, but it's tough coordinating and wonder how's the reception. Hopefully we will meet somehow in the next week or two. 

This morning I had my first Scout meeting with the new Sec 1 boys. All 24 of them. They all looked excited and that's the most important thing. Simply means they were eager to learn. Young boys being young boys, they were roundy and noisy, all over the place. Disciplined them, fixed them up to stand at attention and listen to verbal commands. I was impressed how quickly they learnt! In one hour, they could stand at a collective attention. Malleable and young. I love it. Ask them to run, they really run for dear life! Young mouldable lives, beautiful sight. After that we played Chariot-race and dodge-ball. It's a brand new beginning for the Scout troop, and these new sec 1s are the future.  

Wooo! 2nd uncle and auntie with 2nd aunt is here! 2nd uncle brought old pictures of them when they were young and some of me! Sniff sniff...dinner is ready! 

Family is the basic unit of society...

Interesting/humourous things I saw...

Dad came back mumbling to himself and sighing at a hamper on the floor. 

Howard: "What's wrong with the hamper?"

Dad: " My relief driver lah, kaypo!"

Howard: "He gave you this hamper? So nice?"

Dad: "Aiya! Kaypo lah he!" 

Howard: "He's nice what, why is he kaypo?"

Dad: "He's a little extreme. Why must give hamper? Now I have to give him ang pao right?"

Howard: "It's just one ang pao isn't it? This hamper should cost at least S$50."

Dad: "Don't know lah! What one ang pao? He has Seven children!"

Howard: "...."

_____________________________________________________

The days before and during the Chiang Mai trip, I gain a total of 4 kg! Bulk of activities was meeting people for meals and I ate a lot during the trip. Looks like one of my goal is coming to pass sooner than expected! 

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2009 is going to be a 80's revival in the cinemas. With a remake of Friday the 13th (Feb), Watchmen (March), Terminator Salvation (May), Transformers 2 (June), G.I Joe (August), and The Fantastic Mr. Fox (Nov), almost a major release every month! 

Marvel in Review 2008

Top Teams of 2008

Top Fights of 2008

Top Villians of 2008

Top Heroes of 2008

 My name is Max Eisenhardt. I've been a Sonderkommando at Auschwitz for almost two years. I watched thousands of men, women, and children walk to their deaths. I pulled their bodies from the gas chambers. I dug out their teeth so the Germans could take their gold. And I carried them to the ovens, where I learned how to combine a child's body with an old man's to make them burn better. I saw my fellow workers buried alive under an avalanche of rotting corpses. I saw thousands of murdered people burning in giant outdoor pits. I have seen at least a quarter million dead human beings with my own eyes...and I couldn't save a single one... 

--Max Eisenhardt (Earth-616)

Out of town.

Howard will be out of town from the 24th to 27th of Jan. 

He will still be contactable via e-mail and handphone, should you need to get him urgently. 

Flight details as follows;

24 Jan (Sat) Thai Airways TG 402, Singapore to Bangkok, Departure: 0810 Arrival: 0930 

Internal Transfer TG 104, Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Departure: 1030 Arrival: 1140

27 Jan (Tue) Thai Airways Internal Transfer TG111, Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Departure: 1455 Arrival: 1605 

Bangkok to Singapore TG401: Departure: 1925, Arrival: 2245

Happy Lunar New Year to everyone, and see you back in town on Tuesday! 

HUAT AH! 

NUS U.N.I.T.E.D on CityNews

NUS U.N.I.T.E.D

21 January 2009, 5:11 pm by contributor 

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Contributed by Howard Kuay

Life in the university, void of structured classes and time-tables, can get lonely and daunting at times. Shuttling back and forth between lectures and tutorials, one can easily be lost among the crowd and absorbed into the work-load, neglecting the importance of forming meaningful friendships and enjoying the process of getting an education.

With this need and concern in mind, a group of NUS students came together to form NUS U.N.I.T.E.D., a social outreach for friendship and moral support. As the 3 to 4-year study duration would pass by in a flash, NUS U.N.I.T.E.D. serves as a great platform for NUS students to get to know more friends within the campus.

On 17 Nov 2008, 17 NUS U.N.I.T.E.D members embarked on their first social event, Lunch-Out. With semester examinations just a week away, study groups could be seen all over the Central Forum of the campus. NUS U.N.I.T.E.D gave out invitations to the study groups to join in for a Lunch-Out at the Central Forum. On the day of the event, NUS U.N.I.T.E.D showed up with packets of Nasi Lemak and handed them out to the study groups that showed up. With benches all lined together, everyone took a break from their studying and sat down together for a hearty meal. It was a time of fun, throwing out of jokes, getting to know one another, and leaving exam woes at the back of the heads.

PHOTOS: Peter Choong and Liu Yuantai

It was evident in the faces of the 36 friends that came that they were truly touched by the gesture of the group buying them a meal and organizing such a get-together. Everyone had their barriers down and were mingling among each other like old friends. Peter Choong, a 1st year NUS Student and part of NUS U.N.I.T.E.D shares that, “[it is] a truly heartening sight to see our new friends happy and blessed by our efforts.”

Right after the examinations, NUS U.N.I.T.E.D followed up with another event known as Gastrono-athlon!!! —a night cycling event on 14 Dec 2008. The aim was to cycle along a 65km route using bicycles, with pit stops at famous eateries along the East and Central of Singapore.

16 members of NUS U.N.I.T.E.D and 17 new friends took on this arduous journey, beginning from East Coast Parkway at 9 pm, cycling along the park connectors, arriving at their first check-point,Changi Village. After having a scrumptious meal, they then proceeded towards Singapore Expo Foyer 3 and then to Simpang Bedok for local desserts. After which, they proceeded to the city to see the Christmas lights and decorations along Orchard road. Going past Lau Pa Sat, they had another round of Satay before cycling to the Singapore Indoor Stadium, then proceeding back to East Coast at 5.30 am.

Despite the light drizzle throughout the entire journey, it was a good experience for every participant, taking in the night scene of popular spots in Singapore and conquering the distance on bicycles. The important thing was that everyone had fun and got to build friendships across faculty and groups. Yang Changhan, one of the organizers of Gastrono-athlon!!!, puts it succinctly, “The event was really fun and enjoyable. It was a wonderful opportunity for [us] to get to know one another and do something like this for a change, especially with people outside our own faculty whom we seldom interact with during school hours.”

Year 2 Sem 2

GEK1012  Contemporary Social Issues in Singapore

PS2237  INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

PS2249/GEK2003/SSA2209  GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF SINGAPORE

PS3257  POLITICAL INQUIRY : AN INTRODUCTION

PS3260  POLITICS AND THE VISUAL

Was thinking of pursuing a 6th module, but considered the work-load, especially with reading intensive 3260 and 2237 which are Political Theory Based (Think arcane Machiavellian old English, Athenian Greek with a touch of insanity), the adage of "quality over quantity" came to mind. 

Political Inquiry is a tad scary, a method of study on the how-to utilise empirical date to translate to graphs and chart electoral behavior, voting statistics and what-have-you. (I'm just not a math person and the first lecture I saw a formula for mean, median and differentiation.) 

Politics and the visual is the most interesting module so far. (or it seems to be) Looking at Visual Culture and how it is utilized to the Political. Think pictures, posters, propaganda, censorship, interpretation, theory of the visual, perception, manipulation of the viewer...oh yeah! Plus the lecturer is British with a hard tongue for humor, "At sometime in my lecture I'm going to trip on this wire and you're not suppose to laugh", "You see this red dot? (its a laser pointer), If I see that you're not paying attention and it lands on you, someone is going to come in and pick up bodies I tell you." 

Lovely.

Perhaps less is more...     

1st breakthrough of 2009.

I never thought this day would come. 7 years ago, it was a complicated time and I left Manjusri Secondary unsure of the future, unsure of myself, dropped everything and spent a year recollecting myself. One dear thing I dropped was Scouting. Entirely. 

Fast forward to August 2008, was invited back to their bi-annual campfire. Felt a stirring to come back to it and lo and beyond, one of the boys who I helped train is now the Scout leader. Considering that he has to enroll into National Service this year, they were looking for someone who can take over the reins. The Scout troop was sustainable, with good people, yet something tells you they are not maximizing their full potential. Facing with a dwindling attendance issue and morale, I thought this would be a good challenge. 2 things in mind; have a good CCA recruitment drive this year. My time from 1997 to 2001, we averaged 12 -15 new Secondary 1 intake per year. From 2002 to 2007, it averaged 5 to 8 per year. Secondly, trained the boys in morals and character. 

Over Christmas, it was a shock to hear that the school had placed the CCA orientation/recruitment day on the 1st day of the new school term, giving the leaders and boys little time to plan, prepare and execute. We planned, I prayed, honestly with no expectations, except to try our best. 

   

Setting up the show area in the new school hall

Toh Wee, my boy 7 years ago with relics (Me included, lol!)

The whole gang!

Today I got a SMS from the teacher-in-charge, "Get ready for this. 2 dozen new scouts." We broke history, never been achieved before, 24 new Sec 1 recruits in a single recruitment drive. New recruits now number more than the whole troop! Thank God. Thanks to all the Ventures, Toh wee and the boys who put in all the hard work. They deserve every credit. 

Its funny how when we look back in time, we realise why things happen. Every setback has a reason, if we look at it in the right perspective. How time flies, oh man, has it been 7 years since I took on the Scout troop?

Now for other breakthroughs in every area. 

To Him who allows all these to happen, good or bad, only You truly understand...Now the work begins...

I want...

I have a brown belt in two different martial arts......but does it mean I join in every fight?

I have a mouth......but do I criticize everything I do not like?

I am a highly opinionated person......but does it mean I have to express it all the time?

I only say truth......but must the truth be said all the time without regarding tact?

I am who I am......but must I judge people for who they are?

I make mistakes......but do I allow people to make their mistakes?

I expect grace......but am I gracious to people?

I want to have fun......but am I making people's lives more fun to be?

I want to celebrate......but do I celebrate the people around me?

I want to be loved......but do I allow people to love me?

I want to love......but do I love enough?

I want to be who I am called to be......I am called to be the one that wants to be. 

I want...

"God, help me to have self control. I understand that what I need may not come in the package that I want. Give me the faith to see that which You have in store. And even if I don't see or understrand, I pray for the strength to trust You, with all of my heart, with all of my mind, and with all of my strength. Amen."

  

First purchases of 2009.

After waking up from recuperating from this morning's lack of sleep, went out with Dad to roam the city. Decided to visit River Island as I have heard people wanting clothes and vouchers from there as presents but never had the chance to browse through its clothes myself. Randomly took some shirts to try and to my surprise, they fit me gingerly! (fitting clothes are hard to come by, considering my small frame) Taken by the Brit fashion, decor and music playing in the store, (now don't go suggest it's the colonial itch in me, but I do prefer the British touch), I went on to buy 3 shirts. Never happened before, buying more than 2 articles of clothing in any one purchase, but hey, it's 2009, first time for everything...

Now for the exciting part. I have been searching for Jewel's new album since I heard her new single, "Stronger Women" last year, but to no avail. (The album, called "Perfectly Clear", has been released since June 2008) Apparently, she has been dropped by her label Arista and hence, was void of an international release of any future albums. She has since signed on with "The Valory Music Company" (never heard of them? My point exactly.), and received only domestic circulation. Hearing that a local music store brought in U.S imports, I couldn't resist and went to get it.    
It cost S$27.95, more expensive than normal CDs in town. But its the same Jewel Kilcher with her husky voice, beautiful looks (hey, it's a bonus to like the looks of your favourite singer), and classy poetic lyrical. Hearing it through for the first time, its a CD totally in the country western style. The lyrics are more straight forward and relaxed, as compared to her previous CD, "Goodbye Alice in Wonderland," and centers around love songs, romance and introspective thoughts. Jewel has not laxed in her tune-to-lyrics dynamics and maintains an edge, in my opinion, rare in today's secular pop/country singers. "Perfectly Clear" alludes back, in its style and personality, to Jewel's first album, "Pieces of you." I'm totally bias, and I would rate this album 4 and a half stars out of five. Not for everyone and the casual listeners I would agree, sounding unattractive largely. But to a fan, this is a breathe of fresh air and comfort knowing that Jewel has kept to her roots as a roaming, experiential, guitar toting country singer at heart.

It's quite apt for Jewel to be the first CD of 2009. ("Pieces of you" was my first CD ever, when I was Primary 6, 1997) I feel that this year, I wanna go back to basics; build myself up, do the things that makes Howard Howard and Howard enjoys. Going to read from Genesis again. Going to set aside at least one day a month to take long walks and think about life. Going to spend hours wandering book stores, enjoying the smell and thrill. Going to continue to cycle and never neglect this passion again. New thing with an old twist, going to take "George" out for more night drives, discovering places of Singapore less travelled. Going to mentor my Scouts from boys to men. Going to love God more each day, and love people more in every way. Going to give to others, what my leaders gave to me when I was growing up as a student in church. Going to give more hugs this year. 

We can be so busy with work that we neglect the person doing the work. We can be so focused on the problem, that we neglect the person going through the problem. This year, I am going to be singularly focused on the person. Personal development, mind, body and spirit; and seeing and dealing with the world, one person at a time. It may mean that I disciple less people, or work with lesser groups, but its a price to pay. Jesus changed the world with 12 men. Quality for 2009, quantity after. I want to be the best I can be. 2009 will be a training, moulding year, setting a firm foundation. I want to be the best person, Son, child to my parents, Leader, co-worker, fighter, friend, encourager, example, catalyst, help that I can be, providing myself for the benefit of others, and in future, be the best boyfriend, companion, provider, husband, father, Leader, Friend, council, confidant and example I can ever be. It is going to be a life-long journey, and it gets serious in 2009. No more fooling around, no more wasting time, no more low quality, no more running wild. God got me big time in 2008, showing me grace when I do not deserve any, giving me chances when I could have been disqualified off the mission. (I feel like Benny many times over...God has a weird sense of humor.)

Let's lay it right, and the right will lay itself. 

My core verse - 

"And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Cor 12:9

My life-mission verse -

"And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." - 2 Tim 2:2

This year's theme verse - 

"5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 
9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you areGod’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 
16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are." - 1 Cor 3:5-17

Erlinglingjiu.

Crossed over to 2009, counting down with YK leader's at NUSS guild house at Suntec. It was "Back to School" and it was simply hillarious! Everyone dressed in school, cheer-leader uniforms and even the adults were in full gear! Special mention to Ryan the school librarian and Vincent back-to-JC! (Gotta find a picture to post!) Every sub-zone put up a performance and our Principal, Mr. Goh, was uber-cool! 

After the event, Quanhan and myself decided to hunt for some food and the whole Marina area was buzzing with people. Landed in Macdonalds at Bugis Junction. Two guys sitting in the middle of Macs in school uniform, everyone was looking at us like we're aliens! Sat there eating with our sheepish smiles...

Talked about our lives, how we were in the past, how we have changed, reviewed the years, what are our hopes, expectations and aspirations in the new year. Good way to start the year; with good company, and bringing life into perspective once-again. We couldn't help but thank God, seeing in retrospect, how God had kept our lives strong, and how His plan unfolds. Many times when we go through challenges and events, we see it in isolation and question its reasons. Only after time and in retrospect, can we see events and challenges as a whole, as a string of events that brings relevance to each other, to derive a desired result. Desired result of a changed, moulded person. Such events and challenges tends to always deal with issues in our lives, such as self-identity issues, esteem, security issues and when we lean on God, we learn and get over these issues to be better people. Our lives are all that matters to God. Circumstances and events are in flux based on perspective, therefore when we as individuals have the right perspective, we then can deal with challenges and events right. 

Right......where did that whole chunk come from...

I'm not entirely excited about 2009. I mean, I am, but in a rather restrained way. Its the thought that its a whole new year, full of unknowns. I only know that it will definately be eventful, full of challenges, victories and certainly failures. Trusting in God for the unknown, believing that I will do my best in all ways, looking forward to more experiences and adventures. 

2 main things I learnt last year, focus and patience. 

New year, new goals, new vision. (Need to pray more this year.)

So here's to the new year, the best year yet for all of us! 

Howard

is going to rest for 2 weeks, then run for 50 weeks.