Movie Reviews | Health | Devotions

3 Testimonials as of Nov 2011

2011-11-14T17:37:00.000+08:00

I feel that the Lord keeps on reminding me to write this to give him due credit - I've been procrastinating o'er this for ages.

Basically, this includes one which I've already told / shared with some of my contacts:

My video camera which costs me around RM 2,500 was completely spoilt and then got to functioning again about some time after I prayed to Him on how troubled I am about having spent so much and not having used the device enough (less than 20 times and just 13 months at that point in time).
Repair by technician was quoted to be RM 1,000 minimum.
When brought to another technician, as I was about to show the guy my device's problem, it just miraculously turned itself on when I pressed the power button. I tried many times before, even with changing of new battery previously, but it just wouldn't work. Credits to Him.
I prayed for something very personal to my heart, and He gave me a FREE FLIGHT TICKET to London (return journey).
I made a transaction online costing around RM 1,350 and wasn't charged a cent. I take this as Him blessing me as I've previously lost monies before due to me paying for a good which I not receive (RM 550) and also for some other losses like visa interviews with the US embassy). God knows our every situation, I read this o'er and o'er again and this leads to me believing more into that.

Resurrection of a video camera - True Story

2011-08-16T21:28:00.002+08:00

The Lord had impressed upon my heart to testify this: My video camera (which cost me a bomb when purchased new) used less than 20 times and went faulty one month after expiry of warranty period. Wouldn't turn on, or recharge itself despite with replacement of a new battery in place - multiple attempts to no avail.

One month back, I went to a technician to show him the problem and as I tried turning it on, it worked flawlessly. Being in disbelief, I tried a few more times, and the same thing reiterated. I've never hear of such case happening to non-organic things, and yet the very first time I do, I had the privilege of it taking place in my life. He has indeed 'resurrected' my video camera.

And this came at a time of me being at pit bottom struggling with financial provisions.

I thank Thee.

US embassy - visa application interview - what to expect

2011-05-23T12:24:00.007+08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=006R_6XFWGQ

And when you write- in to get a better explanation of what happened if your visa application ever get rejected, then what you'd get is typically a lazy vibe kind of reply, attached as below.
(Note: there's no appeal available after rejection - though you paid 450 - 534 bucks depending on their policy which changes from time to time).

Subject: RE: Visa application
Date: Tue, 24 May 2011 07:53:15 +0800
From: KLConsular@state.gov
To: xxx@hotmail.com

Dear Mr. x,

The consular officer who adjudicated your nonimmigrant visa case gave you a detailed explanation about your refusal under section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Your nonimmigrant visa case is now considered closed. Consular officers cannot provide guidance or advice to a nonimmigrant visa applicant before or after his or her case.

Thank you for your correspondence.

Regards,

xxx

Vice Consul

U.S. Embassy Malaysia

God allows U-turns! :)

2010-05-28T01:42:00.004+08:00

Farewell, love, and all thy laws forever
Thy baited hooks shall tangle me no more
For hitherto though i have lost my time
Me list no longer rotten boughs to climb

One day I wrote her name upon the strand

2010-05-10T00:35:00.002+08:00

I thought the passage below is really beautiful in projecting one of my many feelings upon a time. An excerpt though.

One day I wrote her name upon the strand,
But came the waves and washed it away:
Again I wrote it with a second hand,
But came the tide, and made my pains his prey.

Edmund Spenser (1552-1599)

Laying down our lives for our own brothers and sisters

2010-04-28T02:32:00.006+08:00

Thought I make this post - cos after reading a part of a book, this has really impacted enough to leave some lingering effect there.

Taken from 1 John 3:16.

In my own words - "Just like how Jesus laid down His life for us, so we should as well lay down our lives for our fellow believers".

To care, to nurture, to encourage, to forgive, to encourage and all other good deeds alike - the way we're supposed to be towards our brothers and sisters in Christ - thus, stresses the importance of belonging to a local church where we would learn to get along with imperfect people having various likeable and unlikeable behaviours and attributes like ourselves. Now that I've read about this, I must say that I'm still learning to put this into practise - it's a continuous process which I hope I would master by one fine day, by His guidance and grace.

I've really have to settle in a home church soon. I further read that uncut arms and limbs from a body would be rendered useless, much alike members of a church who have backslidened or stop attending church would be without the support of others and the protective covering of the spiritual leaders of a church. These people rendered alone spiritually, would be utterly defenseless against any attacks by the evil one.

Text also states the importance of having spiritual partner(s) who would be having accounts of our daily actions as to keeping tab of our spiritual lives. I've read this now in 2 books by 2 different authors - so I figured this practise is of much importance. Having spiritual partner(s) - by mutually supporting each other, we keep each other in check. The phrase as Rick Warren puts it 'Mind Your Own Business' doesn't apply in Christian Life - to me, that's very true if we were to have a spiritual partner who we are not to hide anything from, thus forcing us to make sure that we're always aligned to the teachings of His Word, so that at the end of every day, we could come clean with excellent grades in our performance/progress report.

p.s. just for the fun of things, since these clock works as below are always in my head. With peeps all o'er these localities, it helps to avoid disrupting them at wrong hours like graveyard shift hours, etc.

Signing off exactly at time...
Wednesday, April 28th 2010
2.25 am (KL)
1.25 am (Hanoi)

Tuesday, April 27th 2010
6.25 pm (London)
2.25 pm (Ontario)
11.25 am (CA, WA)

I Kissed Dating GoodBYE

2010-02-03T15:42:00.002+08:00

Finally managed to cover the entire book after like 3 weeks - cos i was taking it progressively, sipping in a lil each day the moments i find meself free, and down to destressing myself, and also to bring meself up again - more so, from a recent incident that utterly brought me down to the ground. Yes, a failed relationship. And a long one too that has been. Okay, won't detail so much of that here, as to bore you to sleep with my rambles.

Alright, few of the pointers that hit me:

Stop at being at any point in time, flirtatious or tempering with feelings of anyone of the opposite sex - cause that's when I stop gettin to know the other party better in the spiritual and emotional sense.
Same goes to those in relationships - getting physical would result in the same detrimental effect as mentioned above.
To lead a more purposeful relationship the next time I'm in a courtship - with direction, and not linger in some things too long yet not being too hasty in some aspects.

To seek consent of the other party's parents / guardians in regards to commencing the courtship (ideally this should be done).
To involve each other in as much activities that the guy and gal normally dwell in - not to sacrifice these activities for the sake of gettin and meeting up in the relationship, but to involve these activities in the relationship - thus sharing parts of your life with your partner. A very good way, according to author, Josh Harris on letting your partner an insight into everything you are, in terms of character like how you deal with people, your passions, dreams and your strengths - basically gettin to witness you in action, and in the so-called daily mundane routines and repetitious cycles what-nots. Cause that's what marriage is all bout - the never ending mundane cycles of things you do over and over again. Not so fairy tale at all, eh? No, sir.
Ask the Lord for a certain obvious sign that you'd know when you could start a relationship - and only act if that sign comes. Josh highlighted the story of how Rebecca met Isaac, through Abraham's trusted servant who asked for a certain obvious sign from the Lord.
Continue building relationship with Him - in prayer, walk of faith with Him, and everything else in between.

If you're single, it's the best time to devout all time available to Him, cos as soon as one is attached to courtship or marriage, he/she finds that priviledge has come to pass all too often.
He builds us very vigorously and thoroughly when we're single, that's when He's preparing us to be ready / fit for our future partner - and yet at the same time, He's preparing our future mate (for those who're single) in the same way so that the person would be a fit match to be with us, joined in unity for courtship leading to marriage.
Giving in to emotional and sexual needs to some person, entails (always) risk of gettin really hurt by the other party, when the relationship ends. I personally still suffer the after-effects of this. And nope, it ain't pretty sight at all. In fact, it lingers and seem to never go or fade away. Not one bit, if not in part.

Testimony - Jan 19th 2010

2010-01-19T12:58:00.003+08:00

The Lord has blesseth me with some bit (I consider many) businesses within this month itself, particularly today I feel it heaps. Lord, I hope that I could live up to what You will for me, juggling Your stuffs whilst at the same time, meddling me own.

January 14th - Watchman Nee's The Joyful Heart

2009-12-09T14:47:00.002+08:00

January 14th's speaks of what happens if we sin, but yet still continue in our relationship with God.

We would:

feel the distance in our relationship with Him
feel that we can't worship or communicate with Him that spontaneously no more.
which is so true for me, as after I sin, I find it hard to get back into worshipping Him like how I could before I commit any wrongdoings.

What we should do:

Confess our sins to Him
Ask for His forgiveness
Repent

The Book of Genesis - Chapter 1 to 7

2009-12-09T01:38:00.003+08:00

I recently acquired a daily devotional version of the Bible (NIV version), which is just the book I've been looking for quite some months. Alas.
As follow, are selected points which what impacted me one way or another.

God is majestic
- Having created the universe with multitudes of stars, which according to scientists, is equal to all the grains of the sands on all beaches of the world. Yet to imagine, that all these stars function orderly and efficiently.
- The fact that our galaxy spins at 490,000 miles per hour - where it'd take our galaxy 200 million years to make one rotation across the entire universe. Over one billion other galaxies like ours exists in the universe.
God is infinite
Which simply means, that He exists before it all. We could never comprehend on this fact, based on our finite understanding.

Even God rests!
He rested on the seventh day after having six full days creating the universe, which includes the world we live in. We too, as God demonstrated, needs rest.
God allows us to make choices in life, to obey Him or disobey Him
He did not impose certain things upon us, simply because He does not want us to obey out of anything but our own choices.
Adam was told not to eat from the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. Yet, a tree which God had placed in the very garden where Adam dwelled, where He could have made it impossible for Adam to even reach to the tree himself.

Be honest with God about our everything, even when we make terrible mistakes.
Adam tried to hide the fact that he sinned when questioned by God.

To confess when we are in the wrong, and to repent - not blaming others to 'save ourselves' from sin.
God knows every truth there is, so each of us are held responsible for whatever our acts may be. Adam and Eve did not confess, instead they blamed others for their sins.
God cares about every detail of every individual there is.
Family lineage, from Adam's family down to his descendants were recorded with specific details, like name, children, age at death, etc.

Do not worry about things beyond our control, so that we can focus on the things that are within our control.
Noah did not worry about how he would round up all the animals to the ark that he was to build, but surrender the matter to God. Then, he stayed focused throughout, on building the ark.

Rest in Peace, Susan (1948 - 2009)

2009-12-03T12:43:00.001+08:00

Susan Atkins

Born May 7, 1948

San Gabriel, California, U.S.
Died September 24, 2009 (aged 61)

Chowchilla, California, U.S.

I've just checked on one of my Facebook groups, and on Wikipedia - and found out that Ms. Atkins has already passed away recently, in late September. Even closing in to her death, the parole board would not set her free - people still remained unforgiving to her, despite the fact that she was already reborn and dwelled consistently in Christ.

So, she didn't get to spend time with her family and friends, not til' her death bed (least that's what I read from Wiki). She have suffered a lot during recent years due to sickness - she would really enjoy much more better in Heaven after having faced personally our Lord God the Father.

When God seems distant - Chapter 14 off 'Purpose Driven Life'

2009-11-30T22:42:00.003+08:00

This happens as part of trial to test our friendship with Him. To get a picture on how this could end up be, take a look at what happened to Job's life. His was the most extreme case.

When this happens - what should we do? To keep on doing the thing we do with Him when we're up in our lives - like praising Him, talking to Him, etc. That's the challenge.

January 12th - Watchman Nee's The Joyful Heart

2009-11-30T16:45:00.001+08:00

Message: If we are truly walkin with the Lord, we would always be in clear on what His wishes, wants, desires, and what nots in regards to direction, etc for our life.

We need no intermediaries to tell us in a nutshell (unless of course that He desires for things to be so, cos He works in ever new ways, which men could never make sense of).

January 11th - Watchman Nee's The Joyful Heart

2009-11-30T16:32:00.001+08:00

January 11

God is a good listener - very good one.
Proof: Book of Job, where 35 out of 42 chapters which recorded nothing but conversations between several men, namely Job and his friends.

Message: Feel free to talk to our heart's content to the Lord.

January 9th & 10th - Message(s) I got off Watchman Nee's 'The Joyful Heart':

2009-11-30T14:06:00.003+08:00

January 9th
To live life not in the dark, but as transparent as possible even in the eyes of men.
For He knows everything of us, watching us like 24/7.

January 10th
Just as how the Lord has treated you, treat the others the same.
For we are forgiven, so should we forgive others.
For we have the priviledge of grace, so should we grant grace to others.

January 8th

2009-11-27T22:52:00.003+08:00

Message I got off Watchman Nee's 'The Joyful Heart':

To throw everything old of us, for Christ to work fully in us.

From the works of 'Watchman Nee' - The Joyful Heart

2009-11-27T01:20:00.004+08:00

Following are the messages I got, from my reading off the book 'The Joyful Heart - Daily Meditations' by Watchman Nee.
I personally wish to thank my friend, Ashlee for sending me the book after she had done reading it.

January 1st
God works in ever new ways. We do not dwell in how God had worked in the past, but to move forward to see his ever new ways of working things outs.

January 2ndMen may give up, but God never stops at something until they are fulfilled.

January 3rd Do not wait for assignments to come to you, but keep an eye look out for works that are already out there, waiting for people to take on.

January 4thChrist is: the light, the bread of life, the way. In short, Christ is everything.

January 5th Having been touched, we are able to give out so much more, more than what other people or even ourselves could ever imagine.

January 6th This particular one seemed to have impacted my friend Ashlee, as I could see highlighted keynotes of this particular devotion, in the bookcopy. Personally, I know of the 2nd part below, but I have no idea at all before this, on the 1st part. For me, it was just praying and praying til God fulfills the promise, yet not expecting Him to fulfill (though I've learned that we would have to persistently pray til God fulfills the promise; in a way, we should come to expect the fulfillment of the promise.

Prayer consists of 2 parts:
- Pray til God gives you a promise on what you are praying for.
- Pray til God fulfills the promise.

Jnnuary 7thDidn't really get any messages off here for meself, so yea.
If you would have anything spoken to your heart upon reading this particular day's devotion, feel free to contribute under comments section. :)

Saul takes his own life

2009-11-08T23:15:00.002+08:00

1 Chronicles 10: 1 - 14

Saul, king of the Israelites was on the brink of losing a war he was fighting against the Philistines. His enemies are now near victory, and they were that close to cornering him. He thought he'd rather die than being abused by his enemies upon capture, so requested that one of his men to kill him with a sword. That man wouldn't, so Saul did the deed himself.

His death came about as result of his disobedience to the Lord in various things. His throne then was passed to David, just as the Lord promised.

Lessons

Never mess with the Lord - we'd definitely pay.
His words always come to pass - be it good news or bad news.

When OCD has finally taken us over - the story of Howard Hughes

2009-10-17T13:31:00.006+08:00

At times, I wonder how it'd be like living with OCD at its worst, without help of the now-existing medication and counselling available from healthcare professionals. I found the answer today in Howard Hughes' life.

A total genius, who created various world records and set history to its new course in aviation, engineering and movie making - his OCD condition worsened throughout the years, eventually taking total control of him.

He eventually went into total isolation for 20 years to the end of his life - away from people, in fear of germs, physical contacts, and having even developed fear of flies from one point in time.

He would urinate and dispose of his waste in milk bottles all lined up in certain way; re-arrange his stuffs in his room repetitively; and organise sections into germ-free zones.

His servants were given elaborate details on how to handle his things that he would be touching or use, like cutleries and soap. He would stay inside his room and not coming out for months; with his hair, beard and nails all untaken care of.

At his death, he was so unrecognizable to the extent the FBI had to resort to fingerprints to identify his body.
His tall structure (193 cm) had then weighed 41 kg, nails grossly long, with hair and beard extremely unkempt. Doctors who examined his body, found that he was severely malnutritioned, with kidneys failed, and broken needles (he did drugs for very long to cure his pains from various plane crashes he had) still within his arms.

My personal take on this

Had he be destined by the Lord to live in a more future time, he would have priviledge to access medications and services available to help him counter his condition. Stuffs like Prozac, a would have been huge-reliever for him, had only surfaced in the market in the late 80s; a decade more after his death in 1976.

Can't begin to describe how fortunate those of us who live with this condition at this present time. Life would have been literally a living hell, had us lived in the past, and gotten this illness.

NECF Malaysia: 40 days prayer - Day #2

2009-09-26T05:19:00.004+08:00

This is actually meant for Malaysians to pray for their own country, though I find it relevant too for people of other country to pray for their own nation.
(just in case, as below are my own words, and not as directly extracted from the booklet)
Pray for:

Unity amongst the people in the country
God to deal with the area in your heart where you may feel discontented about your own country
People in the country to be seeking God - that He may be able to move across the nation

To glorify God - Chapter 7 of 'The Purpose Driven Life'

2009-09-24T01:17:00.007+08:00

(my summary after reading of Chapter 7 off 'The Purpose Driven Life' by Rick Warren).

To Glorify God

Why?Because that's the very purpose God has created us for - to give him glory. He deserves all glory, He who created everything around us like the skies, the mountains, the earth, the moon, the sun, the very air we breathe in, the animals, the trees, water...the list is virtually endless.

How?

By living in Him, enjoying Him, allowing ourselves to be used by Him whenever
By loving one another
By becoming more and more Christ-like
By serving others with gifts the Lord has given us
By telling others about His love and purposes

Discovery Channel's Nerfertiti Resurrected

2009-09-22T17:09:00.009+08:00

As researched by an egyptologist, Dr. Joann Fletcher.
As with any biography, we could very well learn how we ought to carry out our life.

Below details how I felt after viewing this DVD feature.

Pro:
Nefertiti was a woman of character - wise, independent and courageous amongst others. She ruled Egypt on her own after her husband's passing and was the most powerful woman alive on earth during her time, having achieved status as a Pharoah.
Con:
She would do anything to have her way.
Pro:
During the time when her husband was still alive, Nefertit co-ruled Egypt with her then Pharaoh husband. Together, they attempted to reshape Egypt in the areas of religion, social and economy.
Con:
- In bringing about change in religion of their nation, they destroyed temples that do not worship their sun god, causing massive chaos and unemployment. People were living in fear. No one dare defy.
- Nefertiti alongside her Pharaoh husband made a lot of enemies. After her husband's passing, the country came to a verge of collapse. She then resorted to assistance from her enemies, by restoring what was rightfully theirs. Unfortunately, her enemies were still keeping grudge over a past conflict. It is believed to this day, that she was murdered by those enemies sometime later.
- Virtually everything the royal couple ever built were destroyed shortly after their passing.

- Her mumified body alongside two others (believed to be her close family members) were intentionally displaced behind a secret wall - sealed and hidden away from other royal tombs. Name tags off their mummified bodies were taken off.

Nefertiti's corpse were mutilated - mouth were crushed terribly and arms torn apart.
According to ancient Egyptian belief, mummies are to speak of their own name before the gods to gain entry to eternity. In Nefertiti's case, she was rendered unable to utter her name, therefore be trapped between earth and the afterlife.

In this DVD feature, one gets to witness how cruel men could be - things men do to achieve goals whilst forsaking all others around them.

One gets enlightened to not overfocus on earthly matters. As a part of the Bible puts it, these things like our life, would fade quickly like whisper.
Lord, I pray that we would learn from the past - not to repeat the same mistakes, to better our own lives. Guide us. Amen.

The Mysterious Death of the Last Pharaoh of Egypt

2009-09-20T22:55:00.008+08:00

According to a DVD I just saw (bought from a complex at Siam Area @ Bangkok) - which proposes a very strong theory as suggested by a cold case criminal investigator, Pat Brown.

Here goes...

She was the last in the line amongst the Pharaohs who have ruled Egypt for over three (3) thousand years. Upon her death, her kingdom was entirely absorbed by Octavian, a young ruler of Rome who previously defeated her and her lover, Mark Antony.

Cleopatra. By far, the causes of her death as according to two historians has been suicide alongside her maids, either by snakebite or by drinking poison, which occured during their last days as captive under Octavian.

According to history, shortly before Cleopatra took the plunge to eternity, she had sent a suicide note to Octavian, and upon Octavian and his guards hasty rush to where Cleopatra was held captive, she was found dead with her maids already dying.

Through Brown's thorough research, which included submerging underwater into the once glorious city, Alexandria, where Cleopatra died - she was able to ruled out both suicide methods as written down in history for over 2000 years.

- Brown's diagnosis -Cleopatra was murdered by Octavian, the person who held her captive.

Motive: Cleopatra's son, Caesarion, was the direct descendant of Julius Caesar, which would mean having the right to claim the throne of Rome, thus posing a threat to Octavian's rule over Rome.

Caesarion, then went away few days before to another place, was however subsequently hunted down, and murdered under Octavian.

It was early into the reigns of Octavian literally over the entire Rome. He previously ruled one half of Rome, with the other half being ruled over by his rival, Mark Antony. Thus, having time on his side, he could thoroughly recreate a whole different scenario of how he would want the murder to go down in history. Recreation of the crime scene, and by his memoirs which then influenced certain two historians in writing their account of how Cleopatra might have died.

Writer's note:
Sam feels ... one word. Wow.

The Soloist - One Size Does not Fit All (Issue of Homelessness in LA)

2009-09-19T22:52:00.007+08:00

In a nutshell, this movie talks bout a schizophrenic person who has great talent in music from childhood, went on to excel in the music performing scene but somehow landed himself in the streets of the Greater Los Angeles.

I won't be posting the entire synopsis here as not to spoil the what nots for those who intend to view the film.

Basically, few points impacted me so much that I just got to get here and put my 'pen' to writing again.

We all need to expose ourselves more to mental illnesses, including but not limited to schizophrenia, the illness at the core focus of this film. Too many have gone undiagnosed and therefore not being treated - as a result many have deteriorated to the point of being unable to function normally from day to day.
Los Angeles has more homeless people than a few other states in the US combined.
As the story progresses, I pity very much on the main character, Mr. Ayers - as when he first experience symptoms of schizophrenia, there was no one to tell him that he was having it. He did not know on him being schizophrenic himself, and he went untreated for many many years. 20 plus years or even more perhaps.

I have a family member who suffers from schizophrenia, that just within 2 years of being undiagnosed, this particular person deteriorated so much back then, that those around her does not feel safe to be staying with her no more. I can't begin to imagine 20 plus years of undiagnosed schizo case.
If only Mr. Ayers somehow had treatment for himself earlier on, he would have succeed in the music line without succumbing all the way to his illness. This saddens my heart to a certain degree as I play music too, so I could relate in a way.
It costs cheaper (roughly 16K US dollars per annum for a homeless person) to give the homeless people in the LA a proper home and facilities, than trying to do anything else with them.
Kudos to those people in an NGO in LA, i.e. LAMP which has dedicated volunteers continuosly helping out the homeless people by providing them shelter and almost everything else, including facilitation to relocate those people to proper apartments and all.
I must personally salute Mr. Lopez, the guy who brought Mr. Ayers and thus the issue of the homelessness to the public media - raising much attention and invoking actions to be taken to counter this serious problem in LA.

Then again, when I look at my own country, Malaysia - don't think there's any plan in place whatsoever to address the needs and to help these kind of people. Now, that's something this film brings my mind to, come to think bout it. Hmm.

Ministering to women prostitutes and drug addicts

2009-08-18T14:35:00.005+08:00

I couldn't wait no more for the committee to notify me whether I'm fit to serve in the music ministry, so when my bestie offered me to go along her weekly ministry to some 'dangerous' area within the city centre, I thought bout it and said 'yes' within seconds.

Time was drawing near to the scheduled appointment, and I was doubting to whether do my own musical ventures at another place in the city centre, which would take place at the same time as well.

I insisted on meself goin to the street ministry, and felt fulfilled that I finally did. I did not contribute anything per se, but am glad that I was there for bits - cause soonafter my bestie mentioned that I did played much role in terms of support here and there.

It's a joy that I just wanna share with you guys here.

Thanks for reading.

p.s. Serve the Lord so that we'd be good in what we're to do in the afterlife :)
(I gotten this from the reknown Rick Warren - though it's not his exact words)

Susan Atkins

2009-08-15T02:16:00.004+08:00

Susan's been saved and not long after she came out with her own autobiography book. i got hold a copy from my church's library few years back, read it, impacted me heaps to be stronger with the Lord.

if she is who she says she is in the book - and through testimonials given by people who know her in prison (on her web site)...then it's perhaps time to brush unforgiveness, which no man should harbor anyway.

she is already dying, i just feel so sorry for her not being able to even spend sometime with her hubby, and see and feel what's it's like and all being outside in Cali.

Father, thanks for hearing my prayer. Be with Susan Atkins. To accordingly to your will and timing, let it be done. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Drop by DUMC PJ tomorrow for handmade fashion earrings at RM 10 for 2 pairs!

2009-08-14T11:53:00.007+08:00

[ go to end of email here for more info on SAFE! ]
quoting founder of SAFE, Carmen (who is a friend of mine as well):
Just dropping a note to say that SAFE will be at
DUMC (DreamCentre)
2 Jalan 13/1, Seksyen 13
46200 Petaling Jaya Selangor, Malaysia
map: www.dumc.com.my/cms/contact/location-map

Date: 15 AUGUST 2009 (Saturday)

Time: 9.00AM - 7.30PM

We will be selling handmade fashion earrings at Bargain Prices (RM10 for 2 pairs). Hope to see you there!!

Support SAFE Jewels. Wear a Gift-of-Life!

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

About 'SAFE', a Kuala Lumpur-based NGO helping to restore women's lives from drug addiction, enslavement, and abuse
http://www.charis.org.my/index.php?view=article&catid=24%3Aoutreach&id=75%3Asafe-project-&option=com_content&Itemid=85

SAFE's blogspot
http://safekualalumpur.blogspot.com/

CLICK HERE to support 'SAFE'
http://safejewelry.blogspot.com/

Fireproof

2009-06-29T16:52:00.005+08:00

4 days ago - A very close friend of mine, who had previously seen this movie, bought this DVD whilst we were out at a Christian book store - cos wanted to share with me on how impactful this movie has been.

Today - I just viewed it. And I'm just overwhelmed.

The movie touched me in a lot of ways. It showed unconditional love that one could have for another being, given the presence of Christ in them. The type of love where our Lord could continue showing, despite us rejecting Him over and over again.

The film shows too on how we could be misled into making wrong choices in our life.
Wrong choices that appear in the form of things that seem so smooth-flowing, whilst catering to our every need.
Wrong choices that look pretty on the surface, but really are just disguises of something not so pretty.
These sort of juncture we often face during our times in dire need of love, affection, and attention amongst others - i.e. when we're at our most vulnerable point.

Also, the film enlightened me to not judge anyone based on my own understanding - because things are not always what they appear to be. A loved one whom we treat so bad sometimes, could be the one who have done just about the most for us, without us knowing. I have such people in my life, my parents. I come to realise about this throughout the years and I'm glad that I could show some gratitude while they're still alive to this very day.

p.s. God healed many people in my church service yesterday morning - including an elderly mute lady, a person who can't stand up straight amongst others. The speaker wanted to prove the following points by performing miracles via Jesus Christ on that day:

i) God is the only one true God.
ii) Jesus Christ is the only route we can get to God.
iii) To produce fruit, in keeping with repentance - i.e. if we truly repent ourselves of our past doings, we would show by doing things in furtherance of His will and Kingdom.

color of freedom - the nelson mandela story

2009-06-20T02:42:00.007+08:00

Struggles within a nation - the whites against the blacks.
The whites had only interest to retain power indefinitely, whilst the blacks seeks to gain what is rightfully theirs - the right to vote, own property, education amongst others.

The whites were led to believe that the blacks intend to have South Africa for their own taking. The reason for Mandela's struggle for the blacks to live peacefully side by side with the whites, as imprinted on a document, the 'Freedom Charter' was banned from circulation, and hidden away in a highly restricted area.
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self-reflection: Observe happenings with a pro-active, questioning mind. Some things are concealed to maintain order, even if it means benefiting only a few and at the expense of misleading the masses.
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Mandela was assigned a personal prison warden, Mr. Gregory, who knew everything there is to Mandela's native mothertongue, and culture. Gregory's life was changed as soon as he got his hands on the 'Freedom Charter' - his acts and behaviour thereafter hugely displeased the white community around him, and he compromised his job heaps. Gregory had chose not to go against his humane instincts, and would rather tender his resignation then. All these, amidst the fact that Gregory was the sole breadwinner for his family and not doing well financially. Should he had leave his job; with having been a prison warden, it would have been terribly hard for him to hunt for a job in another industry. On top of that, he would have to bid farewell to his pensions.
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self-reflection: There are much similar junctures that we have. It's either the left or the right turn per se. More often that not, the rightful route involves compromising or sacrificing things we hold dearly to.
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the express - the Ernie Davis story

2009-05-04T13:14:00.007+08:00

Got this movie a week or two back - am now wonderin whether has this movie been shown on our shores here in Malaysia as yet. That aside, here goes...

The story opens up somewhere in the 1940s. Pennsylvania. Along some railroads of some quiet train station. The part where you get introduced to the huge discrimination the whites had against the blacks during that time, evident even amongst children. Seen on this film, as experienced by the central figure of this story.

Davis had such optimism - it dawned upon me, that what some of us face is virtually nothin compared to what he did. He was brave to speak at the expense of compromising whatever he had. As it turns out, his entire football team inclusive of his coach, would become those of the early fews who learned to see beneath the skin tones that separate 'em races.

He went down in history heaps as one who attained status as 'first of this, and first of that kinda thing' amongst many other notable achievements.

He was personally acknowledged by The Mr. President of that time, Mr. Kennedy.

And perhaps the Lord above love him all too much, that He had in mind a much better place for him to be in. He passed on to the afterlife, at the young tender age of 23 due to leukemia.

His legacy impacted many during his lifetime, and continues to live on to this very day.

The movie closes with a passage quoted:

"He was an outstanding young man of great character who served — and my hope is, will continue to serve — as an inspiration to the young people of this country."
- John F. Kennedy on Ernie Davis

Escape from Huang Shi

2009-05-04T00:14:00.005+08:00

(as extracted from an email I wrote to my bestie)

Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008 03:54:19 +0800

Nie,

I found few sources, but this one seems to be the most interesting read.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/the-long-march-across-china-and-a-very-british-hero-437898.html

I found out that George Hogg is partially a fictional character in 'Children of Huang Shi' (in Singapore and M'sia, it's known as 'Escape from Huang Shi') - just like how 'Bailey' is potrayed in 'Kingdom of Heaven' and other movies which I can't recall for now.

He's fictional in the sense that many of the events in the film was not accordingly to the events that was written in the book that formed the basis for the film.

He died of tetanus, actually contracting the disease from an injury to his toe whilst playin' basketball with his students.

His mate - Lee Pearson - she was nowhere to be mentioned in history.

Hogg's mentor - Alley - a major contributor to Chinese history, was not being told in the film, where in Shandan, memorial were set up in remembrance of Hogg and Alley.

Anyways, we're so lucky to have witness this story - cos' it took 22 years for the story to reach the screen - thanks to the author of the book, who was in shanghai in the 1980s or something...so happen he overheard some other people's conversation, in a public area - about a memorial in remembrance of an English hero. That sparked an interest in the author, who went on to investigate the full story, plus interviewing the survivors, i.e. the children of Huang Shi, who are now in their eighties.

- Sam -

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(Below as quoted from a site)

The Book: The Life & Legend of George Hogg
http://kenixloh.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/untitled1.jpg
The author, James MacManus, was working as a reporter in Shanghai in 1980s when he heard talk of a statue being up in the remote town of Shandon on the Mongolian border in memory of an Englishman called George Hogg. This book is the result of his investigations – and the basis for a major feature film called ‘The Children of Huang Shi’, directed by Roger Spottiswoode and starring Jonathan Rhys Myers

The curious case of Benjamin Button

2009-05-04T00:07:00.005+08:00

March 9th, 5.20 am

Few hours ago on March 8th, I had the opportunity to catch 'The curious case of Benjamin Button'. It a fictional story, nevertheless a beautifully written one.

The movie showed great passion and love a fellow being could have for another, through the good and bad times. It sure had impact many of those who were in the cinema house watching the show with me, especially the ladies - could hear slight 'cries' (now, i'm at loss at the word that correctly describes this) from where i sit.

Lovely acting by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. Haven't seen much of the former, but of the latter - love her works in both Elizabeth movies.

On a personal note, had an amazing time catching up with an ex colleague - a much needed break from my everyday routine of work, after such a long time.

Also, this movie invoked heaps my longing for travellin - now, I won't deny that any bit. It also served me as a good reminder on how we should just appreciate those around us, before they are forever taken from us, by the Almighty God. Applies too, in the event that we are taken by the One above, when our time is due - we just never know when after all. Hence, live everyday as if it's gonna be our last. Amen. :)

my copywritings (part 1)

2006-07-17T20:54:00.002+08:00

My subtitles - highlighted in bold

Table of contents

The Strange Right Brain
Unlock the powers of the right brain
(Article on the crucial development of the right brain for children)
It’s Not My Fault!
Be on toes for upsetting your pregnant wife ain’t goin’ to be good (Article on how pregnant mums influence the foetus and subsequently when the child is born)
A Day with a Clinical Psychologist
Discover what’s to know in this particular area of psychology(An interview conducted on clinical psychology)
Food Safety during Pregnancy (Part 1)
The major source of illnesses in mankind....unfortunately yes, u guessed right, it’s the food we consume…..(sigh)(An article on how pregnant mums’ food intake affects their foetus)
Mer-mum!
Swimming for pregnant mummies. Find out what’s the rave all about inside!(An article on how swimming could benefit pregnant mums and their foetus)

Your Baby’s Emotion
Get insight to some intellectual perspectives on your lil’ one’s emotions
(An article with theories surrounding babies’ emotion)
No Tears, No Gain!
There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to your lil’ one’s wails and roars
(An article which talks about what cries mean to children as opposed
to conventional beliefs)
Gender & Emotions
Boys and girls…..unlock what’s behind their sometimes-bizarre behaviours(An article on insight for emotions that are present in boys and girls; children in general)
Go Solid, Baby!
“Please stop, mummy, I’m sick of milk!”….well, that’s what that little brat of yours might wail if he could speak; learn when it’s time to spark variety to his everyday feast
(An article on when babies could start tolerating solid food and the ways to go about it)
AquaBabes
Olympic swimming dash for babies. Naw, I’m totally kiddin’. As opposed to contrary beliefs, swimming does so much good for the little cheeky fella.
(An article on how swimming benefits babies and children)
Hearing Loss!! … What’s next?
“Sweep the floor, drink your milk, help daddy massage his feet!!!” – yet no muscles moved on your child. So, before you attempt to teach your child a ‘good lesson’, you might want to peek into this
(An article on children with hearing loss, and ways to help them, etc.)
Yes, you can, dear hubby!
Sénors babysitting. Mothers would very much love to applaud to that I’m sure. Geez…
(An article on why fathers should participate in the bringing up of their children)
Mum, dad, it ain’t my fault that I fare badly!
Children having obstacles in almost everything they do, almost if not all the time.
(An article on children suffering from a health condition called Dyspraxia)
Headstart For A Better Future
Not to worry about financing your kids to their degrees, masters, or PHDs; introducing…..education plans to the rescue!!(An article on planning for education financing for your children)
Amusement realms
Get zapped to being entertained!
(An article featuring updates to the world of entertainment)
The Third Ideal Of Attachment Parenting: Breastfeeding (Part One)
Get down to earth with hard knocked facts on breastfeeding
(An article promoting the goodness of breastfeeding)
Mind Matters
Personalities within us in accordance to Sigmund Freud’s Structural Theory of Psychoanalysis
(An article on different personalities within us according to Sigmund Freud)
Dr. Loh Su Peng clarifies your doubts on nutritions
(for a Q & A section on nutrition)
Eating Out
Halal cuisine in a comfort zone
(For review of a comfy restaurant which serves Hong Kong cuisines in halal manner)
[for an article on personalities within human]
Mind MattersThe different personalities in us. At least that’s what according to Sigmund Freud. This month’s enlightenment as brought forward by Sam Yen.
[for an article on education plans for children]
HEADSTART FOR A BETTER FUTUREBearing in mind education plans for your precious little ones? Get spearheaded, on this month with our tour guide in the house ….Julia Samantha Emmanuel!
[for an article on a device for interpreting baby cries]
BABY CRYING ANALYZERSFinding yourself scratching your head til’ no more hair’s left on your scalp? Do yourself a favour, hit the road, get a baby crying analyzer (at least that’s what Julia Samantha Emmanuel is raving on for now!) and kiss goodbye to the kicks in frustration trying to figure out what your little one is wailing about!
[for an article on why breastfeeding should kept on going]
THE THIRD IDEAL OF ATTACHMENT PARENTING: BREASTFEEDING (Part One)Every reason why mothers should keep on breastfeeding their newborn(s) as proposed byDr Minni K. Ang
[for an article on helping children with hearing loss]
Hearing Loss!! … What’s next?Children with hearing loss. No, it’s not the end of the world for parents out there. Open the box and see what’s inside as installed this month by Mr. Saravanan Selanduray
(for an article on why fathers should help in babysitting their children as well)
Yes, you can dear hubby!
Senors and babysitting. Get used to the lingo as times have changed for the better now; well… at least for mothers
(Now, mothers; take a deep breath in relief….slow and easy there c’mon!)
(for an article for children with Dyspraxia and ways to help them)
Mum, dad, it ain’t my fault that I fare badly!
Your child having difficulty in trying to catch up with virtually everything? Before wailing out on the poor child (just kidding!), read on to discover the ‘truth out there’! Gather around folks and be enlightened with this month’s story by Wong Shyh Shyan.
(for a review on a restaurant serving halal Hong Kong cuisine)Halal cuisine in a comfort zone
Halal and Hong Kong food in one?!! No, I’m not kiddin’. Give it up for 18th Street Restaurant, as located at Plaza Bukit Bintang! Now, wait a minute, freeze and hold your dripping saliva right there!
(for an article on decorating your toddler/child’s room)QUEER EYE… FOR THE LITTLE ONE’S
You parents out there rambling for ideas on how to decorate your lil’ one’s room….well I’ve got news for you…sit tight, and fasten your seatbelts as we enclose ourselves around Julia Samantha Emmnanuel and listen to what the superguru’s got to say to us [WARNING: expect words of wisdom]
(for an article on food recipes for babies)
Little Ma’s Recipes…
Ran out of ideas? Don’t know what more to prepare for your lil’ one? Fret not as we bring you 4 new recipes every month! Feast on!
(The teaser for readers to send in their entries for Infanity’s Fun N’ Style/Family Album section)Is your little one the playful type who never fails to tickle everyone’s funny bone in the household? Well, don’t’ just keep it to yourself, come share a photo of your little one with the readers of Infanity! This is the perfect place to spread the sayings of your adorable cuties!
[for a monthly Q&A section]Everything you would want to ask on Attachment Parenting; monthly with Dr. Minni Ang.
(for a monthly Q&A section)Get your doubts on nutrition dispelled every month; right here with Dr. Loh Su Peng.
(for a section which features photos of fashionable pregnant mums)It’s not just teens who’re fashion-conscious now; even pregnant mums are catching up. You bet it is!
(Name for a new column on entertainment)Amusement realms

Unconditional love

2006-05-23T05:26:00.002+08:00

Care from my parents which know no bounds

Every now and then, my mind would drift to recall on how my parents have raised me and my siblings right from our childhood to adulthood. Often, when I stumble upon the hardships of life, I would be reminded on how hard life was for my parents and that what I was going through is nothing as compared to what they experienced back then.

When my parents just got married, they do not have a property to call as their own home let alone having enough money to survive. As far as I recall, they started things off with merely renting a small room before they moved on to rent a flat unit, attained under the staff benefits provided by my mum’s employer. As she was encouraging me to get through the obstacles I faced at one moment in time, she relates to how she was nearly deprived of having the opportunity to rent the flat unit after much struggles and efforts made. As if things weren’t bad enough; when we finally get to stay in the flat, there were a lot of complications on the administration site governing the rental of the flat units. That nearly left us homeless.

It was definitely a new parenting experience for them with me being the firstborn child in the family. My parents sought the help of my late aunt to take care of me (Lord, bless her soul for I still remember how much she cares for me in spite of her much troubled life she faces at that time). After my aunt passed away, my late maternal grandma chipped in to help as a daytime nanny. It must have been hard for grandma to travel from her home to the flat, having going through 14 kilometres of journey by public bus everyday. She made all the efforts just so to reach me around 6.45 a.m. Both my parents have to work since there was no way they could support the household with only my dad bringing in income.

What I didn’t know as a child, was the obstacles my parents faced at work. Back home everyday, they would put on happy faces upon seeing me and my siblings…I couldn’t tell, though they had in fact gone through a lot of rough days.

I could sensed much anxiety and worries coming from my mum as she used to call back home every 2 hours or so, just to see if we kids are doing fine in spite knowing that we were under the care of our paternal grandma (who took over as nanny when she moved in with us).

During our primary school years; while me and my siblings were often still deep in sleep, my mum would have gotten up at 5 a.m. ahead of everyone else in the family everyday, in order just to prepare breakfast for us (not forgetting the medications for our nutritional needs too!). Whilst in my childhood, I had seen my mum rushing to my school for the times upon hearing news of either me or my siblings gotten hurt from a fall; this very much goes the same for other incidents as well. She did so, just to make sure that we were fine. I couldn’t help but imagine how hard it was for her to request for ‘time-off’ or emergency leave from her superiors, time and time again.

Both my parents continued just that…parenting in that fashion and style, from then to now - though they had been able to shed much burdens off their shoulders over the years, progressively attaining the luxury of not having to worry as much for us children.

Mum, I regard you as the true and real ‘superwoman’, a sight which never fails in me and my siblings’ perspective. Not forgetting you too, dad, thank you for all those years which you’ve spent to cater for us children. I have been thinking for a long time and up to now, I have not the slightest idea on how I could ever repay both of you, mum and dad.

From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of Gary and Gideon, I thank you both so very much for all the tender loving care poured unto us. For those times where we have been insensitive to you folks, we ask for forgiveness and a chance for redemption. We love you both, always.

Sam Yoong

Setting up slumberland for the lil’ royalty

2006-05-23T05:15:00.004+08:00

After hard repetitious works of wailing, and getting fulfilments; before you knew it, the little one roars again “break, time to hit the sack!” Joining you folks out there as yours truly, Sam Yoong arms you with head knowledge in pursuit for answer and to get prepared for desperate measures!

The era of fast-evolving fashions and décors
Times have changed for many have been ‘kiasu’ when it comes to fashion and decors – men and women alike. This includes teens, pregnant mums and even babies! Well, before the babies innocently take the blame, probably one could re-steer the pointing fingers to their parents (while me cackling away with delight). Just kidding there; okay, down to serious business here…

What do babies really need?

Truthfully, all babies really need is merely a nice place to finally call it a day. Cot or cradle, with mattress coupled with soothing bed sheets, and blankets would do the trick.

What do babies really want?

There are parents who would go all out in fulfilling their child’s needs. Amongst the things secured by these adventurous ones are like chairs and ottomans – sized just for the little ones! Optionally, the list includes changing table (for changing diapers in case you’re wondering), bassinet, chest of drawers, cabinets, bedside chest, glider rocker, musical mobile, and many more. The musical mobile as mentioned, stimulates babies’ visual and hearing.

A rule of thumbUltimately safety and comfort come first in fulfilling your baby’s needs.

Safety for the babe in his nurseryAmongst the aspects on watch-list are:

Ensure that the posts of your child’s crib do not exceed certain distances apart – to avoid baby slipping through it
Keep an eye for items that could trap a child’s head or limbs
To make sure that paints on furniture aren’t lead-based as babies tend to chew anything that seems tempting to them
Securing the pads (that is the base to place the baby) on the changing table with straps to keep baby from falling off
To avoid curtains that reach to the floor, as they run risk for the baby when he has learned to crawl. The baby might pull the curtains on top of him and suffocate in the process.
To avoid blinds which have long pull cords, for the cords might get entangled around the child’s neck.
Employ curtains that end at windowsill (should you decide to have curtains anyhow).
To have the walls of the nursery painted ahead in time (for those who wish to have the nursery’s walls repainted), in allocating time for the fumes to fade away.
To get rid of things which have small items or parts attached. The baby could choke himself on such materials.

Comfort for the babe in his nursery

After complete installation, you could look into the lighting of your child’s room. In specific, to survey the room at different times of the day; in the morning, afternoon, evening, and at night.

Notice on whether the sunshine is reaching right into the nursery? You would not want that as it may disrupt your child’s sleep.

Same goes when the night comes; observe whether the nursery is brightly lit by neighbouring or street lights?

In taking extreme measure, you might even want to reconsider a different room altogether for your child’s nursery should there be too much noise from surrounding areas.

Attempt to perceive the nursery from a child’s point of view. That way, comfort is at least in hand for your brand new arrival when the time comes.

Comfort for you and your spouseYou might want to relax in the nursery in events where you and your spouse have to stay put with your baby for the entire night. Amongst items that you could eye on are like a soothing recliner, rocker glider, sofa and so forth.

Thematic roomsThere are various decors that are centred on themes. From wallpapers, to the carpets, and whatnots; everything’s there for you to match to your heart’s content.

The colours of the interior are to a certain extent, dictated by the gender of your child. To keep it on the safe side; you might want to have neutral colours instead.

It used to be that pink colours were for girls and blue colours for boys. Contemporary designs these days though, have broken the barriers and employ a mixture of colours across gender. Researches have come to show that colours aid and facilitate the development of children.

Ultimately anyhow anyway… As a parent, you have the final say when it comes to making the final decision on your child’s nursery, alongside your spouse.

You would want to look long term during planning. For some of you who might be cost-conscious, it would be good to get items that could remain usable, as your baby grows into a young child with differing interests and tastes by then. Scout around; there are many items out there which could fit in this case.

Not forgetting too; always prioritise the usefulness of the items as opposed to their external outlooks prior to purchasing. Accessories could be included after the necessities are ready in place.

Should you encounter used furniture, you might want to save the furniture for later use by your child and wait until’ he’s older as some furniture might not be safe for him for the time being.

Adios and bon voyage!We have reached the part for a wrap up. Hopefully you folks out there have gathered as much from this writing of mine. In the meantime, relax while stay focus on your planning for your child’s nursery!

References

Maths for lil’ ones!

2006-05-23T05:03:00.001+08:00

“One, two, three o'clock, four o'clock rock
Five, six, seven o'clock, eight o'clock rock!”
I’m sure parents would love for their little ones to belt out a tune like that in a snap. The reality is, the truth bites harder. Allow me, Sam Yoong as I help you unravel while getting you to the world of education on maths for these ultra-young ones.

The beginning of time for babies
Babies’ mental development begins even from the time that they’re inside their mother’s womb. Upon being born into this world, babies’ minds continue to stimulate, and develop. The first few years of a child’s life, serves as an important period for parents to educate their little ones. For it is during childhood that the little ones’ brains develop rapidly.

Babies are doing maths. Believe it.
One of the areas where education could play a part in children is mathematics. From a recent research, it was discovered that babies were able to do maths prior to them having the ability to speak verbally. The discovery was made by Kerry Jordan and Dr. Elizabeth Brannon, both psychologists from Duke University. It was also Brannon’s hope that methods of educating maths to children could be developed someday. The findings were documented in the February 2006 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Babies said “we’ve got proof for those who don’t believe!”
In the research to gauge the infants’ level of skills in maths; twenty of the little ones ranging from age six to eight months old were chosen for participation. In the test conducted, two video monitors were placed side by side, with the audio source hidden somewhere. Two audio tracks were played, one at a time; one with 2 women saying ‘look’ simultaneously and the other with 3 women doing the exact thing. Whilst on the video; one is showing an image of 2 women; and the other 3 women saying the word. It was being observed that infants in the test spent more time, looking at the video monitor that corresponded with the audio track they hear.

The brain functions involved when doing maths
2 of our brain functions come into play when it comes to maths; one gained through cultivation of what we learn through our teachers in school. The other one is a more intuitive, and abstract feel to figures (which is the sole attribute that babies possess).

Babies with their mentioned inbuilt ability are able to; for instance, discern that three is less than four. As they grow from infancy, they would learn to tie the more intuitive feel (when dealing with figures) to the skills we adults picked up on maths in school.

Shaping the little Einsteins in Maths
Parents play major role in getting their children exposed to maths in a fun manner. Instances where this can happen are as follows:

(The following bulleted points as extracted from http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/ofhc/news/Other/4880.asp)

Playing board games, where a roll of the dice in snakes-and-ladders or a key move at the checkerboard is all about geometry, logic, and numbers.
Cooking, in which quantities are important
Shopping; this features concrete numbers like size and abstract numbers such as cost.
Driving; this has all kinds of quantities like time, speed, and distance.
Organising, an activity in which we use similarity to sort things, and size estimates to figure out where we can fit them.

The other ways of subtle yet effective ways of introducing maths to your child progressively:

For instance, you say “one” whilst having a Lego brick in hand, and by placing another brick in hand, you say “plus another one” – which you then would promptly conclude with “equals two!” (The concept of addition)
By having him observing you during cooking / slicing of fruits. For instance, amidst slicing an orange into two, you casually say “see, an orange, sliced in two, becomes two!” (The concept of division)

The concept of minus, and multiplication then, is reverse mechanisms to above mentioned concepts of addition and division respectively. When things evident in our surroundings are converged with maths, children get to visualise better on concepts before progressing to the maths in written form.

Babies’ mathematics boot campIntroducing maths to babies ought to be done naturally and progressively through time. By progressive introduction to maths, things fall in line to enable children to grasp on maths, starting off with simple arithmetic.

Children used to be repetitively ‘drilled’ on a certain topic before they get to learn a new lesson. Nowadays, children who learn by concepts would enjoy themselves much more as opposed to children who had learned by rote who would feel hassles; when it comes to working with maths.

Parents’ manual
By bearing these in mind; young ones should be allowed liberty to learn at their own pace in order to effect a successful learning. Never let anything negative to get in the way though; elements that would discourage your child in the process of learning.

Lastly, should you child feel weary or discouraged, taking a break would be a wise option.

References:

http://www.bloggingbaby.com/

What's on July 2006 - coverage on different events

2006-05-23T04:53:00.001+08:00

1 - The late The Lady Diana’s birthday
4- First bus was built.
6- First picture postcard was made.
12- Bill Cosby was born in 1937.
15- Birthday of Forgetful Jones (the Sesame Street character).
15- First flight of Boeing 707 in 1954.
23- Ice cream cone was introduced.
26- Birthday of Bert (the Sesame Street character).
27- Bugs Bunny’s debut in cartoons back in 1940.
28- First fingerprint taken.

What's on July 2006

2006-05-23T04:28:00.001+08:00

1 - Canada’s Independence Day
1 - Tour de France begins today.
1- In 1881, the first international telephone call was made between Canada and the United States of America.
2- Steve Fossett became the first person to fly alone across the world in a balloon non-stop in 2002
4 - United States of America’s Independence Day
5- ‘Seinfeld’ premiered in 1989.
7- Ringo Starr, the drummer of legendary band The Beatles was born in 1940.
9 - Argentina’s Independence Day
12- Bill Cosby was born in 1937.
14- France’s national day, Bastille Day.
17- Disneyland opened in 1955.
20- Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon.
23- Jackson Beck (voice over for Bluto of Popeye cartoons and for the famous quote “It’s a bird, it’s a plane” played in Superman cartoons) was born; 1912 in New York.
29- Prince Charles and the late The Lady Diana were married in 1981.

Budgeting for the family (Part 2)

2006-05-23T04:08:00.001+08:00

We resume from where we left off previously. Discover what’s more to supplement when it comes to you creating and sustaining wealth. Going back and forth again with yours truly, Sam Yoong.

Other ingredients for successful budgeting

Working together with your spouse
Couples ought to sit down together, have a good talk and discuss to determine the direction that both parties want to attain in terms of financial goals, both on the short and long run.

By mutually agreeing to each other, both of you could work together effortlessly towards budgeting and investment. Indirectly, this strengthens your relationship with your spouse as much of the conflicts in marriages happen due to financial matters! The truth is out there…
Spending less
As you spend your money, be more conscious as to whether it’s intuitive buying and whether you really need the items.

By doing so, you could save some significant amount of money by the end of every month.

Results of hard work on budgeting

You have extra cash by the end of every month, having spent according to the limits you set for yourself and your household. The extra cash could be used for savings and for further investment. Not only existing debts could be reduced, but you and your household could also avoid from getting into any debts as well.
You could save yourself from worrying as much every month, on whether there would be enough financial provisions for life sustaining purposes.
You control money instead of the other way around. Work would seem more like a source of income for accumulating wealth instead of a solution to write off your debts every month.
Relationships with your spouse and children get better as financial securities are in place with planning on money handling done in advance.
No more wondering where all your money goes by the end of every month!
No more anxieties waiting for your salary to be banked in every month simply because you have no more money to survive on!
Being able to afford the things that you really desire as opposed to buying all the unnecessary items which you don’t really need in the first place!
You have extra cash lying around for usage in case of emergencies.

Tools for budgetingWhile you could do away with a pencil and papers, having a software would help make your job easier while budgeting. There are various products available out there that are able to generate reports, graphs and so forth.

Attitude is important before you start budgeting

Think of budgets as guidelines you use when spending instead of something that limits your spending and makes your life miserable.

If you’ve failed prior to this, don’t give up and try again! Most importantly, be positive!
Take control of your spending
Think positive about yourself as many people tend to associate the amount of money they’ve got with how much their self-image is worth.
There are people around who spend money just for the sake of generating good feelings. Re-evaluate on your beliefs when it comes to money, and you would find money-handling an easier task.
Some may find that they easily overspend with credit card as opposed to using cash everytime when they make their purchases. It is a known fact that credit cards hide away the guilty feelings simply because there is no forking out of tangible cash from your pocket everytime when making purchases. Therefore, use credit card if you so desire, but wisely.

Securing the financial provisions once and for all times!
Creating an emergency fund
Pull aside some of the extra cash you have to allocate for emergency fund, i.e. to set up a financial resource that you could use in any event of emergencies occurring. Ideally, the fund by itself should be able to support you and your household from 6 months up to 1 year.

Disability insurance
Having this protects your income generating ability, in the event should you become disabled and unable to work. This coverage would pay in replacement for your loss income for a period of time.

Life insurance
This aims to provide financial assistance to your children and to those who depend on you for financial means in the event of you having gone through premature death.

Fin…And this very much concludes our topic…see you again next time!

References:

Budgeting for the family (Part 1)

2006-05-22T22:50:00.001+08:00

Here, we dive into the art of handling money and maintaining financial provisions for all times. Putting elements into perspectives with you is Sam Yoong.

What is budgeting?
It is simply a way of handling money. “Why bother about budgeting?” you may ask. Well, let’s go into this deeper.

Budgeting acts as a plan to track and set limit to your spending. The plan aims to help you and your family to save money, cut down expenses, make investments, gain protection from insurances coverage and to achieve short-term plus long-term goals.

The pre-budgeting stage
Before getting started, it helps to do some research and find out more about investments, insurances, and other related areas. The various information sources on these areas are like magazines, newspapers, web sites on the Internet, even courses and workshops.

Preparing your household budgetAs highlighted below, are the step by step approach:

Identifying goals to be achieved
The goals here, could be long-term, short term and anything in between. They could be financial goals, education goals, etc. – be it planning for a holiday, to provide education plans for your children, or saving up to buy a new house and car.

You would want to break down the long-term goals to a series of short term goals. While this helps you in making re-adjustments to the original budgeting plan (should there’s changes that need to be made), it does facilitate when you review the progress from time to time as well.
Setting up your budget’s layout
In terms of income, it could be your permanent job’s monthly salary, freelance works’ pay, dividends, bonus and so forth.

Things that fall into the expenses category would be like money spent on meals, travelling, doing regular activities be it smoking, drinking, golfing, clubbing or hanging out leisurely somewhere.

Everyone have their own respective sources of income and types of expenses incurred; hence resulting in different budget layouts across families.

For effective budgeting, design a layout that accurately represents you and your family’s lifestyle.
To arrive at the amount of budgets to allocate for your spending
In order to make things easier, start off with any receipts, bills, and other similar items that you have in hand. Take a look at them and start jotting down the expenses incurred for the past few months. By doing this, you would roughly have an idea on how much and, on what items that you and your household spent on.

Based on the amount of money spent, you would be able to set realistic and achievable budgets for your expenses.

Knowing on what items you spent on helps you evaluate whether certain items are worth spending for, whether you have overspend on certain things, and to think of areas where you could cut down on your expenses.
Keeping track of future spending and to calculate your nett income
While following your budgeting plans, take record of your expenses on a monthly basis; doing the same over the few months to come. This will measure up to see if your expenses stay within the budgets as planned.

At the end of each month, sum up all the incomes that you have, and do the same for expenses incurred. To arrive at the nett income, subtract the total expenses from the total income.

Should you have a positive amount for your nett income, let me just say “good job, keep it up!” and to suggest saving and investing the money.

If you’re targeting to save money on a long-term basis, try to avoid saving in accounts where you could easily redraw money everytime when you so desire, like savings account as opposed to a fixed deposit account.

For those who arrived at a negative amount for nett income, look for areas where you could cut down on spending. Spot for the big spending but at the same time, not to neglect the small spending as most of the small spending are intuitive purchases and add up pretty quickly towards the end of every month.
Evaluate your progress consistently
By keeping record of your total nett income on a monthly basis; you should be able to tell through time, on whether you are doing well according to the budgeting plans. Make adjustments to areas where you feel that you could do better, in terms of spending, saving, doing investments, and so forth.

References:

** Time to part but do remember to look out for more insights on money management, up next!

Choosing the proper breast pump for mothers

2006-05-22T22:02:00.001+08:00

With the advancement in technology, breast pump has evolved from being manually operated to being powered by battery and electricity. We peek into this device, which serves so much good for both the mother and child with Sam Yoong leading you along the way.

What is breast pump?A breast pump is a device used to draw out milk from mothers who are breastfeeding. It used to be in mechanical form before the electrical ones came along. Breast pumps may be used is when mothers are often away from home but still wishes to give her child breast milk. The breast milk expressed could be stored, and fed later on to the child by others, like the father.

Benefits of using breast pump

Breast pump stimulates lactation and in the process, helps mothers to recover from their pregnancy. It could help counter engorgement, an unpleasant state where the breasts are overfull. In events where the baby could not latch onto the mother’s breasts, breast pump does help a lot by first expressing milk, and later feeding the contained milk to the child.
Types of breast pump availableThere are 2 types of breast pump, one which is the manually operated and one that runs on battery/electricity.

Manual pump
These are more affordable when compared to electric pumps. They allow the mother to control how fast the pumping go, and how much pressure involved with each pumping. Mothers might feel that it closely resembles their baby’s sucking. It remains as a more affordable choice, besides being lighter, simplistic and convenient to carry around.
On the other hand, mothers might feel tired after repetitive and slow pumping. Some could not get any milk extracted, while some could not get their breast completely emptied (in accordance to the fact that emptied breasts would stimulate lactation).

Electric or battery powered pump
The electric or battery powered ones provide faster pumping although they tend to be more bulky and noisy.

The more expensive ones are of very high quality, and pumps fast. Suction level could be adjusted, and double pumping is enabled.The average-priced ones are more affordable and lighter. They have the same features as the more expensive ones, except for cycling rates (the rate at which the device pumps) which is slightly lower.

On the low end are the affordable ones, which are able to pump only a breast at a time. Pumping works at a very slow rate. Suction provided may be too strong or weak.

The electric breast pump

How to choose? Suction strength
Mothers would very much prefer if they could adjust on the suction that comes with each pumping. As too much suction might be painful, and too little suction might be not be as effective in drawing out milk from the breasts

Breastshield sizes available
Some pumps come equipped with one standard size of breastshield. Women with larger or smaller breasts might find this standardised breastshield not comfortable and as effective for them when drawing out milk. Not to worry though, for there are bigger and smaller breastshields to cater. For those who desire to do double pumping, have double breastshields in hand.

Durability
There are pumps which are designed for long and frequent use while the others are not meant to last as long. Choose one that will serve your purpose for as long as you would want it to be.

Quietness
Certain pumps would be operating at louder while some at softer volumes. Settle for one which you would be able to tolerate.

Power options
For pumps which run on electricity, being able to run on battery and be operated manually would be a plus point in events where there is electricity breakdown.

Portability
Mothers who travel a lot with their pump would want their device easy to carry around along with a case.

Time that a mother has available to do pumping
For mothers who are rushing most of the time, investing in a double pump would be good. Simultaneously milking both breasts at the same time would work twice as fast than pumping a breast at a time.

Having said that, a pump which has too low of a cycling rate (i.e. the rate at which pumping is done) is not good as the mother’s breast and nipple is being suctioned for too long a time.

Single, alternate or double pumping action
Single pumping action is where only a breast is being stimulated at a time. Alternate stimulate both breasts, but only one after another in series of loops. The highest grade of performance falls on double pumping action where, both of the breasts are being milked at the same time, boosting milk production and maintaining milk supply over a longer period.

Ease of assembly
After pumping, one would need to take apart the components of the breast pump for cleaning; after the components made contact with the mother’s skin and milk. The breast pump ought to be easy to assemble and taken apart when needed.

Pumping for a premature baby or when much pumping is needed
High-end breast pumps serve as solution, for the moment.

Facts at a glance

Regular and frequent expressing of milk increases milk production and maintain supply over a longer period.
Electric breast pumps are more efficient at emptying both breasts completely than manual pumps.
When pumping a breast, the mother could nurse her child on her other breast.
Milk expressed could be stored, to be fed later to the baby. In more details, do feel free to surf to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_pump

If you have any doubts
Feel free to refer to any lactation consultant who would guide you from head to toe; from selection of breast pump which is suitable for you, and solving problems that you may encounter when pumping, etc.

Related articles

http://familydoctor.org/828.xml

References

Staying put in His name

2006-03-29T23:29:00.001+08:00

The end just round the corner. Humanity on the brink of being imprinted for eternity on the facets of history. Yet those who are in the world sense no forthcoming danger which now tingles just beneath the surface of their skins. The bread crumbs that lead to the final picture has been laid. Those who have been walking faithfully are virtually to unfold the end of the trail.

The message that speaks strongly, countlessly is unveiled yet again.

"Be prepared for no one knows when the master's to be back again"

As of the current ticking of time, a man being prosecuted by his homeland for having known the Lord. To death, he stays firm to the ground. His actions speaks of much forthcoming events.

In this nick of time, no one knows for sure when each of us who believes will be put to the ultimatum test. Simply, to conquer death.

The trial is near for we who follow the truth, the way and the life. Join hands and be on toes together now, fellow ones.

March 30th 2006, 12.18 a.m.

Reflecting on the blessings we have

2006-03-26T22:58:00.001+08:00

Today's speaker hailed from one of the two biggest churches in Singapore, being Faith Community Baptist church. The other church, as some of you would know - City Harvest Church.

Well, let's cut to the chase, shall we? (to the very reason that prompted me to post here)

"Things are and were granted to us amidst us being undeserving in the first place".
There. Got me down on my knees virtually and started thanking the Lord for the very thing that changed my life forever. Nie. My soulmate. My best friend. The only mortal friend who had stood beside me during the highs and lows.
Reiteration of verbal thanksgiving to herself in person have been executed utterly times again on how grateful I am for the granting of her to me by the One above.

For deep within, I had known my traits. The places I had stood tall and fell to the ground. I had and still buy that. Time and time again, I would not have got such deserving gift.

The simple point projected by the speaker might have impacted a whole different dimension to some. Lord knows very well, that the split seconds derivation from my perspective is as exactly detailed.

And to that, can I hear the congregation say "Amen"?

p.s. may the core statement of the speech speaks to the rest of you, as it did to me.

March 26th 2006 [Sunday], 11.18 p.m.