Good Bye Car

In Memory Of:

Good bye car, you have served me well. We have been through so much, the thicks and thins. You will be missed deeply. Love, Roy.

Matters of The Heart: Terrorism

Terrorism - The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons.

Never thought that the game "counter-strike" would become a real life issue? Welcome to the real world where terrorism would never fail to hit headlines of newspapers internationally. The authorities of every nation on planet Earth upgraded their countries' security in terms of equipment and fighting force and citizens are educated in various ways to prevent an explosion of chaotic terrorism.

The question here is :"is terrorism preventable or inevitable?" Isn't it strange to hear news of unending bombings and kidnappings no matter how much is done? Singapore was almost a victim to terrorism a few years back and that shows us that no matter how safe Singapore is, we are not spared. It is a matter of when, where and how.

Some people have a liking to plant Tomatoes and they take superb joy in seeing it grow. Some people like to knit sweaters and they enjoy so much during that slow process of seeing how threads bind together and eventually evolving into a sweater. Nonetheless, there are those who find perverted excitement through violence, bombings and kidnappings.

Bombing of the Bologna Train Station

As good citizens of Singapore, there is only a small part we can play but, let us not despise the little things we can do because many strings combined into one becomes a rope. Always report suspicious characters immediately especially in the Changi Airport area. Strange items such as a beautifully abandoned businessman briefcase, luggage etc... lying around crowded places should be reported to the authorities at once. Together, we can make a difference!

Paris Memorial After Terrorist Attacks

Fact Or Fiction?

In 2006, Arnold Schwarzenegger will be re-elected governor of California, Internet giant Google will suffer a setback and Brazil will hang on to the World Cup. Maybe it will all come true and maybe not, but a legion of soothsayers from business gurus to Bible decoders is full of predictions for the year to come.

Some use elaborate computer programs like "Torah4U" to ferret out remarkably precise predictions allegedly hidden within the Hebrew text of the Old Testament and the Torah.

One Website complete with diagrammed excerpts from Holy scripture, exodus2006.com, foresees the November re-election of Schwarzenegger along with the re-establishment of a military draft in the United States.

It also predicts that August 3, 2006 will be a blood-drenched day -- yet just a mere shadow of the calamity that will befall us in 2010.

Arnie Stanton, one of countless psychics plying her trade on the Internet, predicts that catastrophe will come this year in the form of a massive asteroid crashing into the planet.

Another mystic seer, Anita Nigam from India, has extended her powers of the paranormal into another realm -- sports betting. For a mere 50 pounds (88 dollars, 73 euros) a week, you can get her insights into the outcomes of English football's Premier League matches. World Cup rates are yet to be announced, but rumor has it she's keen on Brazil.

Bill Gray of Colorado University uses turbo-charged computer models that crunch data on global sea-surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions to forecast the number and intensity of hurricanes that will hit the US each year.

Gray, whose track record is startlingly good, says 2006 will be no picnic -- 17 named tropical storms, nine hurricanes and five major, high-wind hurricanes, nearly twice the historical average in all categories.

Meanwhile "Wired" magazine co-founder John Battelle, whose crystal ball is closely watched by the Internet technology faithful, says "Google will stumble" due to a bad partnership or a legal setback.

He also predicts legislators in the United States and elsewhere will take steps to protect citizens against "the perils of unprotected Internet data mining" into their personal lives, including credit and health histories.

Like many of his high-tech colleagues, he thinks 2006 will be the year when mobile technologies plug into the Web -- so get ready for the first truly usable electronic newspaper.

Another widespread forecast: by the end of the year, there will be a one-in-three chance that you are making your phone calls, especially long-distance ones, over the Internet. For free.

With the possible exception of the Apocalypse, no single event inspires more fevered speculation that the Oscars -- who will be nominated, and who will win.

Odds-makers have cooled considerably on "King Kong" after the release of "Brokeback Mountain," but "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Jarhead" have loyal supporters too.

But even the most confident and qualified of forecasters are advised to recall Yale economics professor Irving Fisher's infamous assessment of the US stock market.

"Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau," he said -- on the eve of the 1929 crash that sparked the Great Depression.

Believe it or not?

Happy Valentine's Day!

14th February, the day where roses become ridiculously expensive, the all time hated soft toys become valuable and fattening chocolates surmount countries by storm, all in the name of Saint Valentine.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men (his crop of potential soldiers).

Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Saint Valentine's death or burial.

I have no date this Valentine's day, I'll probaby call Mr.Cupid to help me shoot some arrows an arrow. On the other hand, I feel that it is a wonderful time to catch up with friends, chill out somewhere and fill in the missing pieces over the years where our busy lives have taken us over.

Do you know that Cupid, the child like,
winged deity often associated with our modern Valentine's day,
is the son of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
In Greek mythology, Cupid is known as Aphrodite's son Eros.

In conclusion, if anyone out there wants to date me *blushes*, I'm available. I would like to wish every couple and friends out there a long lasting, understanding, fight-poof, blessed, sweet like honey and unbreakable relationship. Happy Valentine's Day!

Facts For Life: Laughing

Laughter is an inevitable element in life. Who likes to be sad, hurt and depressed? Everyone loves to indulge in a great time of laugther every once in awhile just like how one would ocassionally indulge in yummy chocolates.

"The mother of a 17-year-old girl was concerned that her daughter was having sex. She was worried that the girl might become pregnant and adversely impact the family's status. Therefore, mom consulted the family doctor.

Doctor Chen told her that teenagers today are very willful and any attempt to stop the girl would probably result in rebellion. He then told her to arrange for her daughter to be put on birth control and until then, talk to her and give her a box of condoms.

Later that evening, as her daughter was preparing for a date, the woman told her about the situation and handed her a box of condoms. The girl burst out laughing and reached over to hug her mother saying: "Oh Mom! You don't have to worry about that! I'm dating Susan!"

10 Facts about laughing:

1. Laughing 100 times roughly equals 15 minutes on an exercise bike. Vigorous laughter increases the heart rate deepens the breathing rate, and uses muscles in the face, stomach, and diaphragm.

2. Aside from improving our moods, laughter can reduce stress, help fight infection, and reduce pain.

3. The levels of two stress hormones, cortisol and epinephrine which suppress the body's immune system, will actually drop after a dose of laughter.

4. Laughter causes positive changes in brain chemistry by releasing endorphins, and it brings more oxygen into the body with the deeper inhalations.

5. Laughter releases anger, fear, guilt, anxiety and tension.

6. Laughter encourages concentration on "right" attitudes rather than "wrong" attitudes.

7. Higher levels of an antibody (salivary immunoglobulin A) that fights infectious organisms entering the respiratory tract were found in the saliva of people who watched humorous videos or experienced good moods.

8. Researchers found after watching an hour-long video of slapstick comedy that the "natural killer cells," which seek out and destroy malignant cells, more actively attacked tumor cells in test tubes. And these effects lasted up to 12 hours.

9. The 1998 movie Patch Adams told the real-life story of a nonconformist doctor convinced that fun, play, and clowns are important in improving patients' quality of life in a grim hospital atmosphere.

10. Planning enjoyable activities for the future will reduce the stressor hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine.

Would like to wish everyone a happy time laughing, stay happy!

Matters of The Heart: Computer Gaming

I have been gaming since 10 years old. During those days I would sit in front of my huge television with my head tilted a little upwards and my fingers intensively pressing buttons from my "Super Nintendo" controller. Slowly I evolved to become a desktop PC strategy game expert conquering in games such as “Red Alert” and ‘Warcraft” then to first player action games such as “Doom, Half-life and Counter-Strike” then to Massive Multi-player Online Role Playing Games such as “Darkages and Diablo II”

Is gaming a threat to youngsters in the educational aspect or the parents are over reacting? Personally, balanced gaming can bring enhancement to the developing brains of teenagers but on the other hand, addictive gaming can bring destruction to their health, studies and relationships. All in all, it boils down to the word "balance".

Gaming has brought me many friends. Recently I started an online “Battle.Net” “DotA” clan, I had the opportunity to experience 'the virtual turn reality'. Members of the clan got to meet one other at an eat-all-you-can Seoul Garden feast. We chatted about life and we talked about the game. Most importantly, our bonds have strengthened. It is amazing to see how friendship develops through just a simple game.

There is no age limit imposed on anyone, you are never too old to join the gaming world. Parents out there, games do not kill, excessive controlling of your child will. Kids out there, gaming is a hobby, not your life. Learn how to prioritise and obtain the power of balance. Happy gaming.

Matters of The Heart: Animal Abuse

I am strongly against people who take joy in torturing animals. If I happen to see an event of animal abuse, I will make sure the culprit(s) receive fiery judgment! I had a white Chihuahua when I was much younger, and dogs like mine bark a lot as that is the only way she can communicate vocally. My dad was extremely annoyed and he threw a knife over hoping to shut her up by killing her. Luckily, he missed.

I am not against people eating animals as we are suppose to have dominion over them but to torture them, that is sick. Inflicting unnecessary slow pain to them allowing blood to drip drop by drop till they face death is absolutely outrageous.

“Noah’s Ark Lodge” is a non-profit animal shelter in Singapore. It’s founder said: “Animal abuse is a potential threat to the community because they enjoy the violence. Today they abuse animals, tomorrow they abuse you.”

So kind souls out there, if you encounter any injured, very sick or very young animals that require immediate attention, please call the SPCA 24 hour emergency hotline at 62875355 ext “9” at once!

Movie Bites: I Not Stupid Too (2)

Ladies and gentlemen, you are highly encouraged to catch Jack Neo's "I Not Stupid Too" with your family. Movies that can transform lives are worth watching. When was the last time you watched a show in a crowded cinema with people laughing and clapping in unison? For me, that experience occured while gazing into Jack Neo's creation. This show has moved it's audience emotionally, I could hear people sniffing(crying), and frankly it almost cause my tears to flow too.

The show speaks directly into the lives of many Singaporean families. We see how kids of our morden day society resort to stealing, lust, violence and rebelion due to the negligence of their busy working parents. Director Jack Neo clearly sends a message telling everyone that both parents and children have their own difficulities and both parties must find time to communicate so that there can be more understanding between one another in the family. Failing to do so would cause catastrophe to arise at home, work place, school and in the community. Apart from the negetive, "I Not Stupid Too" portrays the love that both parents and children have for one another.

So what are you waiting for? If you think your family requires restoration, arrange a time where all of you can catch Jack Neo's family healing production! Trust me, it'll help.

Lunar New Year: Conclusion

Year 2006, a prosperous and blessed year. Looking back, year 2005 was extremely rocky, it was probably the worse year in my life. However the present will over shadow the past.

A big thanks to those who prayed and showered their concern over my Asthma Attack. I am glad to announce that I have fully recovered!

On the other hand, as forecasted, my red packet collection has dipped about 32% compared to 2005's Lunar New Year collection. But it is totally okay because I received a very big red packet this morning:

1) I bought Pearl Energy at $1.71 before Lunar New Year and sold it at $1.92

"Pearl Energy +11.6% at $1.93 on active 3.9 million shares, off early $1.95 high, on news of Aabar Petroleum Investments'' purchase of 48.3% stake in company; Aabar also plans to make general offer at $1.95/share on completion of deal. But current levels likely to hold; order book shows 696 bids at $1.93 vs 749 offers at $1.94."

2) Biosensors court case result was finally revealed! They won!

"Biosensors (B20.SG) +10.5% at $1.16 on heavy 18.6 million shares after company wins lawsuit in Netherlands; this paves way for company to pursue its business model, eventual launch of its flagship BioMatrix product. Company also involved in another lawsuit; it''s suing U.S. medical device giant Guidant for alleged breach of agreement over sale of clinical trial data. Order book shows buy interest remains keen at $1.15 with 1295 bids, vs initial cap at intraday $1.17 high with 1792 offers."

Wishing all of you a bright, prosperous, blessed and an unforgetable year 2006! Our journey starts here, let's finish the walk victoriously!

Rom 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love Him,
to those who are the called according to His purpose.