Roy's Realm

SupernaturaLRoY = MOVED

2007-04-18T01:31:00.001+08:00

www.roytan.com

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2007-01-28T18:59:00.000+08:00

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Lana's Confession On TV!

2006-12-21T09:38:00.000+08:00

Founder of Lana’s Confession(LC) Roy Tan was featured on Channel 8, Channel U & Channel News Asia(Singapore Tonight) on the 18th of December 2006 for the works that the company has been doing in favor to the community through Social Enterprising in the Vivo City PaTH Market powered by theSocial Innovation Park.

It has truly been an honor to work side by side with Ms Elim Chew founder of 77th Streeth and Director of the Social Innovation Park. She is not only a prominent figure in society, she is our mentor and most of all our friend. The PaTH Market located at level 3 outside Food Republic will be opening this weekend till the night of Christmas eve.

Article from Channel News Asia.

SINGAPORE : In the spirit of the season, some young entrepreneurial Singaporeans are extending a helping hand to those in need - by hawking their wares at a market every weekend till Christmas.

23-year-old Fern Wong is no ordinary artist.
She has Down's Syndrome but that has not stopped her from winning several awards.
She is also setting up shop at the Pop and Talent Hub (PaTH) arts market at VivoCity every weekend to showcase her talent for a good cause.
She said, "Art brings joy and confidence to me and I can earn some money."

The market is set up by the non-profit organisation Social Innovation Park (SIP) and organisers hope it can inspire the young to give and care for others.
Just about anyone can set up a stall at the market, as long as they do it for a social cause.

Elim Chew, Director, Social Innovation Park, said, "It's actually a very big movement that we want to promote here so that everyone becomes enterprising, so not only (do) we educate people about loving arts and craft and performing arts as well, but we also educate people about each social cause. Over here, we have the visually handicapped, we have the hearing-impaired, we have special needs children..."

22-year-old Roy Tan recruits problem youth to work on the art and craft which he sells at his stall. He is hoping to help his peers learn a new life skill.

He said, "We take in youths from all walks of life, especially those who come from very challenging backgrounds such as...financial difficulties, problems with their families and all that, so for us we take them in and we teach them how to do business."

Besides paintings and Christmas cards, one can also find hand-crafted accessories.
The money raised will go to the various social groups involved. - CNA/ms

Congratulations Lana's Confession! :)

Life Created Or Life Evolved?

2006-12-05T15:48:00.000+08:00

Since when I was 12 years old, I started thinking about life and its origin. Over and over again I would constantly ask myself where I came from and how I was made. Many would say I originated from my mother’s womb and I was created by my parents during one romantic night. However, I could not accept that because those answers did not shed light on where my parents, grandparents and great grandparents came from. I knew that there must be the first man and woman.

Some scientists boldly proclaim that we originated from monkeys and these monkeys originated from some bacteria. If we are really a product of an animal, why are we not evolving anymore? Even if we came from some bacteria, where did these bacteria came from? I knew it for sure that there must be a beginning; someone must have switched on the lights.

Have you ever looked into the sky and wonder what is beyond the clouds? What is beyond our planet? What is beyond our galaxy and what is beyond our universe? Is it really empty out there or could there be a chance that someone is overseeing our lives? Where will we go when we die? There are rumors about heaven and hell, are they true? Why are there sightings of the paranormal? Is that an indication of another world existing and we chose to leave it alone? If there is another world out there, who is the king of that world? Can we know that king?

Generally, people would not bother to find out about their life’s origin because it was perceived as unnecessary. Here are some reasons on why it is absolutely important to know where we come from.

a) Knowing our origin could show us our destination on life after death.

b) Knowing that we do not come from animals determine that we have a purpose and destiny
to fulfill. We are not just an accidental product of nature trying to kill time on Earth.

c) Knowing our origin could mean that we have an intelligent being to learn from and further solving problematic issues that are currently causing the world’s destruction.

d) By knowing your origin you will know what kind of DNA you are carrying, there might be some undiscovered skills and talents you have yet to use.

e) By knowing your origin, you are then able to enlighten your love ones who are still being kept in the dark.

Embark on your first journey to find out more about life. Start thinking deep on where it all started. Trust me, you will be flabbergasted. Who knows, you might find out something really valuable.

Lana's Confession - It's FINALLY here!

2006-09-03T13:08:00.000+08:00

If you guys have been wondering where on Earth I went, well, I was trying to set up an online business and now it's finally done!
Special thanks to Eleta, Mildred & Michelle for laying down their lives for the setting up of this humble little store. It is a great joy and honour to also be partnering with Melvin on this project, without him there'll be no www.lanasconfession.com

Matters of The Heart: Life's Contradictions

2006-06-09T22:05:00.001+08:00

Life may not be beautiful, but it is interesting.
--------------------- Sir John Robert Seeley
Life is a foreign language: all men mispronounce it.
--------------------- Charles Morgan (1894-1958, British Writer)

What are life’s many contradictions?
Let me show it to you.

Trust is defined as having firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing. Does it make sense if we say we trust someone and yet we doubt him? Isn’t that a contradicting statement? Your boyfriend is hanging out with a close female secondary school friend and deep in your heart you are feeling uneasy, why? Didn’t you constantly say to him that you fully trust him? How can you trust and yet doubt?

Majority of us have once said: “I love you” to a dear person in our lives before, but in the midst of that love, we did also quarrel with that one whom we bravely proclaimed our generous feelings to. So isn’t this contradicting also? How can you say you love that person and yet you still shout and verbally abuse him/her?
Some would answer to this question and say: “hey, it is part and parcel of love to have fights in relationships”. Well, the definition of love is “A deep, tender, ineffable feeling of affection and solicitude toward a person, such as that arising from kinship, recognition of attractive qualities, or a sense of underlying oneness.” So you mean to say when you have a deep and tender feeling of affection towards someone you will tend to verbally or physically abuse her? Isn’t that another contradiction?

Many of us will work our butts off, we indulge in working over time almost everyday all in the name of building the family. But isn’t that contradicting? You want to build your family but you are literally not there. Analogy: How then can a construction worker build a house without being physically there even though his tools are overwhelming?

You put your heart to excel in your education, you manage to obtain a well known degree. But after so many years of memorizing, researches, projects and sleepless nights you come to realization that you are currently applying 0% of what you learnt in school at work. How’s that?

Lastly, you always thought this blog is wordy and very formal. But you are still reading it :)
I hope you are blessed by my posts from the start. My aim is not for me to make you believe in what I believe. My aim is to set you to start thinking, that's all.

Matters of The Heart: Idol Reality Shows In Singapore

2006-05-27T10:01:00.000+08:00

Ever since the first Singapore Idol started, more and more idol reality shows have appeared out of nowhere. Shows like Project Superstar, Campus Superstar, Super Host, Super Actor, Super Band and Singapore Idol 2 have taken the media industry by storm. Is this a healthy sign for Singapore indicating that many talents are emerging from their shell into public and gaining fame for this Little Red Dot on Earth?

In my opinion, anything that is done out of balance is bad. MediaCorp has created so many idols in the past 2 years so much so that if they are going on this rate, celebritism in Singapore will become a norm and where ever you go you will get to meet with someone who was either on TV or someone who had won some contest.

Being a celebrity is an exclusive thing, a celebrity is the voice of a nation, it is like a walking state of the art. More than just flaunting their appearances, they are ambassadors of important messages such as : "Please donate if not these people will die", "Keep a dengue free home", "Let's stand together to fight SARS" etc...
Apart from their serious roles, they are those with talents and looks way above and beyond the general crowd being able to catch your attention due to their stunning x-factors.

Therefore, if those idol reality shows keep on coming with acceleration, Singapore would be overflowing with stars causing the exclusivity of celebritism to be degraded. Some would argue that no matter what those idols will still have a certain amount of value as they are voted by part of Singapore's population. Here is one thing that we mislook always, probably less than 10,000 people voted for our new Super Host, that means only less than 0.0025% of Singaporeans have given this lady the green light to be our first super host and not forgetting usually a large amount of people would love to do multiple voting. You do the maths.

How much are our idols really worth? Is our media industry doing too much in making stars? You tell me.

Matters of The Heart: Love

2006-05-11T09:41:00.000+08:00

WARNING: This is a highly sensitive article. If you are allergic to issues that would pinch your heart painfully, please kindly stay away. Thank you.

What is love? Is love really blind? Today, I can confidently stand before you and say that 95% of Singapore’s population has no idea what love is all about. There are those who are born with the ability to love and there is the majority who need to learn what love is. Saying that love is a passionate feeling towards someone or something is a common and dangerous major misconception because we are humans and it is natural for us to get tired of things.

For example, you have a sudden crush towards this beautiful pink limited edition LV long wallet, you work really hard and manage to get the money to purchase your pink fancy. For the first few months you would feel like as if your wallet is glowing brightly with pride, every time you wish to buy a can of green tea from the coffee shop you would gracefully take out that precious wallet and silently shouting to the world saying “Hey! Look at my leeeemeeeted ediiiiition wallet!” You would also handle that non-living thing like a new born hamster protecting it from any form of pressure to prevent injuries. You tell yourself once in awhile “Oh I love my limited edition pink LV long wallet so much, I just love it”. In another 12 months you will definitely handle that wallet differently compared to the time when you first bought it. So have you greatly sinned for losing the love for that expensive wallet?

How about couples that would crazily gaze at one another over the dinner table till their food turns cold during their honeymoon period? Do you think this would continue at the later part of the relationship? I mean, frankly speaking, you really think this gazing effect would last?

I am here to present a revelation to you, love is not a feeling, love is a decision. If love is a feeling you will soon lose it and your marriage will be destroyed. If you sit in a cinema today with your spouse and on your left is sweet married couple and on your right is also a sweet married couple, you are in danger of becoming a statistic because 1 out of 3 married Singaporean couple ends up in a divorce.

Therefore, love is making a decision to be patient, kind, humble, courteous, unselfish, angelic and truthful with your life partner or family members. So don’t just live by your feelings, don’t let your emotions be the master over you. Make the decision to love.

You can be a professional lover.

General Election 06

2006-05-05T07:54:00.001+08:00

I don't understand what is the big hoo ha all about.
It is actually very simple:
- Vote for opposition party and you will be ignored till the next election.
- Singapore has been under PAP for a long time and we are doing fairly okay.

Conclusion, vote for PAP. There is really nothing to think about at all.

In Memory Of: Tua Kor

2006-04-23T21:23:00.000+08:00

Tua Kor (first auntie) passed away Peacefully on Sunday 23rd April 2006 4pm in her sleep after feeling a little unwell. She single handedly brought up her son and 2 daughters with an unfailing love, teaching and continously sacrificing for them with a big heart. Apart from raising her own flesh and blood she also bears the responsibility of raising 3 other grandchildren.

Tua Kor wasn't rich or well to do, due to that she has to watch her food and even her medical bills. She goes to low budget doctors and sometimes free clinics to get her physical illness cured all for the sake of allowing others to live a better life.

In my family line, everyone loves Tua Kor a lot. She is righteous, she doesn't gossip and she is someone who talks a lot of sense. Upon receiving news of her death, a wave of tears swept through my whole house and my relatives' houses. My grandma was badly affected.

Pray for me and I believe in all my heart that Tua Kor is in heaven with Jesus.

View From My Home

2006-04-15T08:20:00.000+08:00

Sure feels good when you are on top of everything. I live on the 25th floor the view there is breath-taking. Feel free to visit me someday for coffee. But right now, enjoy the view:

Sea View

Sunset

Land View

ECP Expressway

Facts For Life: The Durian

2006-04-01T21:58:00.000+08:00

Durian, the king of all fruits! Some consider it a stink bomb but some like me consider it a heavenly fruit. Spiky on the outside but the yellow tender meat on the inside is unbelievably delicious. Occasionally when I feel down, one D24 durian might just make the turn around.

10 facts about the king of fruits:

1. Sir Stamford Raffles who founded Singapore didn't like it a single bit.

2. The nation that has banned durians is Singapore. It is only banned on buses and the subway due to its overpowering odor.

3. Durians cannot be plucked from the tree. You have to wait for it to drop from the tree. The fruit usually drops at night for reasons no one knows.

4. Durians are fattening. To the South East Asian people, eating durians are almost equivalent to eating meat.

5. Thai durians are the largest in size. They have more flesh and are the most expensive.

6. Durian plantations are often robbed in Malaysia. During durian seasons, armed men often keep a vigil over their precious investments dropping at night.

7. Wild durians are more tasty than plantation grown durians. There are some pockets of rainforests in Singapore that grows durian trees. So it is open season for enthusiasts who venture to these places for the hunt.

8. The durian is crowned as the King of Fruits by the South East Asians.

9. After eating durians, your "durian breath" will linger for up to 6 hours. Durian breath is so bad, its ranked higher than garlic in terms of unpleasantness.

10. Durian is made into many forms besides durian ice-cream. There is durian candy which is called durian dodol, durian custard which is much sweeter and durian cake, much highly sought after by durian enthusiasts.

Nutritional Facts:

Durian per 100 grams (about 3 fruits with seed) are as follows: 150 calories, 3 grams of protein, 3.5 grams of fat, 28 grams of carbohydrate, less than 1 gram fibre. Durian is one of the few fruits that has a high fat content, so it should be eaten in moderation.

Matters of The Heart: The Past

2006-03-25T22:02:00.000+08:00

Sitting on my comfy leather chair, thoughts of my life began to flash in my mind's eye. When you accidently mess something up and start to blame yourself for the spilled milk, encouragers would often tell you to forget about the past and move on. After 21 years of being a human, I figure that it is impossible to forget about our past. The only way to forget the past is to bang your head against the wall repeatedly till you become unconscious or you can pray hard that God would miraculously delete certain days of your life that you wish for it to be vanished.

Handling the past would be a lot easier than forgetting the past. I once made countless wrong decisions and it messed me upside down. I cannot heal my previous mistakes now, all I can do is to accept that I have done something wrong and try my very best not to commit the same thing again.

Many people would fall into depression due to a heavy dosage of guilt in their soul. Guilt kills slowly, eating your heart bit by bit till it becomes numb, clouding your mind with darkness till everyday becomes a rainy day and guilt destroys the human spirit, converting it into a spirit of shame and death.

The cure for the "guilt monster of the past" is not to have brain washing sessions for you to forget your dark days because the common human brain cannot forget whenever we want. The only cure would be forgivessness towards yourself, having dreams and visions and being able to look forward to the next day knowing that life has more than it seems.

Easy to say but hard to do. This is life, nothing is easy. It can happen only if you're willing to step out and make a difference. Here's a piece of reality - Stand up and start walking, if not, sit down and wait for death.

The Past Constantly Makes An Unplesant Noise In Our Heads,
It Is Only A Self Made Visionized Future That Could Shut It Up.

- Roy

The Unknown Singapore: High Street Shopping Centre

2006-03-16T20:47:00.000+08:00

Always thought Singapore is a shopping land with nice exclusive shopping centres? Think again. I was looking for a supplier one day and I happen to accidently walk into the wrong building and it seem like as if I entered another realm. Have fun viewing...

Spooky Lifts

Alley

Shops

Run Down Lift Fan

The Unknown Singapore: Kranji Abandoned HDB Estate

2006-03-09T09:56:00.000+08:00

Before I entered the National Service, I love exploring the unknown parts of Singapore and take nice pictures of them. That day I wanted to visit the goat farm but something else poped up in the middle of nowhere, the Kranji Abandoned HDB Estate. Why was it left there? Why was it not demolished? You decide.

There used to be fun & laughter here

The stillness of the air

The coffee shop is history

There was once life

I took many of such strange photos from different places of Singapore. I will share with you guys if I have the chance to do so again. Cool huh?

Welcome New Car!

2006-03-03T22:38:00.000+08:00

Ladies & Gentlemen, presenting...
My new black...
Mazda 3!

Good Bye Car

2006-02-25T00:14:00.000+08:00

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

2006-02-20T10:59:00.000+08:00

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?

2006-02-16T14:26:00.000+08:00

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!

2006-02-13T13:37:00.000+08:00

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

2006-02-08T22:53:00.000+08:00

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

2006-02-06T01:00:00.000+08:00

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

2006-02-04T01:07:00.000+08:00

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)

2006-02-02T22:26:00.000+08:00

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

2006-02-01T11:35:00.000+08:00

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.

Lunar New Year: Day 2

2006-01-30T16:51:00.000+08:00

Unknowningly I was strucked with an Asthma Attack. The initial plans of day 2 of Chinese New Year was for visitation, but due to my unfortunate unforseen circumstance, my parents and I had no choice but to rest at home.

I was rushed to an overnight clinic yesterday to get an AeroChamber treatment. It didn't help much. Please pray for me.

HAPPY CHINESE DAY2 NEW YEAR!

Lunar New Year: Day 1

2006-01-29T19:16:00.000+08:00

Relatives started streaming in at 10am. We had to entertain about 30 guests of all ages. Haven't seen them for ages and many of the kids have grown so much and of course the elders have grown older too. One of the highlights of visiting my house is the great food that my mother cooks, it is definitely something that every family cannot miss!

My red packet harvest has shrunked compared to the previous years. The Tan families have a rule about red packet giving...
1) If you are married - You are elimited from the entitlement of receiving a single red packet.
2) If you are working - The amount given is significantly reduced.
3) If you are above 21 years old - The amount given is also significantly reduced.
Therefore, only the young ones will enjoy huge blessings! I'm off that league.

I must say that the fellowship today was rather different, I felt that the bonding between one relative with another relative has gone up another level. They chatted happily while feasting on the dining table. The food must have played a big role!

HAPPY CHINESE DAY1 NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Reunion Dinner

2006-01-28T19:12:00.000+08:00

A chinese tradition practiced every Lunar New Year's eve. It is a time of fellowship and reconciliation. Family members will gather for a king's feast. Some prefer to eat out, some prefer to have it the steamboat style and some prefer to have it the normal dinner way. Whatever the style might be, it is who that is sitting around the table that matters.

This year's reunion dinner is a little special for me because my uncles are all present! That is an amazing miracle as they are always caught up with their own lives. I can just see the smile on my grandmother's face.

There has been many break-ups, unhappiness and misunderstandings between my relatives. I pray that today shall be a new beginning for everyone. So may the 8 of us have a warm time together at the dinner table!

It's Lunar New Year!

2006-01-27T19:26:00.000+08:00

I would like to wish all my family members and friends a very healthy, prosperous and happy Chinese New Year! May your bank account increase exceedingly, business bloom exaggeratingly and for those of you who have yet to find a love partner, this year is your year!

Let's have faith that our lives will be so blessed this 2006! I'm tired of bad times.
I am yearning for a breakthough. I am hoping for some fruitful fellowship time with my relatives. For the past years after receiving red packets I'll hide in my room. This year I shall make a stand to appear and be a nice boy!

Stock Pick: Biosensors & DMX Technologies

2006-01-27T01:10:00.000+08:00

As posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006, I mentioned that I bought Biosensors at $1.045. After stagnating for 3 long days, I finally sold it at $1.06 and earned a miserable sum of S$103.00.

Well, I shall not despise the small amount because it is money after all. I am still at my learning phase, slowly but surely I will one day achieve the goal of becoming Singapore's youngest and most successful stock market extraordinaire!

Yesterday I invested on a bullish counter called DMX Technologies at $0.9624. DMX Technologies is a 'system architect,' which they define as the business of designing and providing network solutions to customers with specialized products and services. This evening the counter closed at $0.970. I am hoping to take profit around $0.995. The long term outlook seems promising. Check out what DBS Vickers got to say about this sweetheart.

"DBS Vickers keeps Buy on DMX, ups target price to $1.20 from $1.07 as "it''s positive for DMX to have credible shareholders like Venture". Says Venture views DMX as a business with good potential. Earnings likely to grow at CAGR of 35% over next 2 years. Keeps FY05 net profit forecast at US$14.9 million, FY06''s at US$20.8 million vs US$10.1 million in FY04. Shares +1.1% at 91.5 cents."

Matters of The Heart - Say “NO” to poverty!

2006-01-26T10:51:00.000+08:00

Say "NO" to poverty!

The time has come! let us be on our journey to become rich!
The Unemployment Rate in Singapore was 3.3% in September 2005. That works out to be approximately 143,550 unfortunate people that are currently not receiving income.

Research shows that many of these unemployed ones were given job opportunities but due to the nature of the job they refuse to accept it. I have an uncle who is now unemployed, it is his duty to feed his family of four. My mother wanted to help him so she got him an above average paying job of cleaning and clearing plates at a particular swimming complex. He resigned after 2 months of work because he did not like the job environment. Now poverty have seems to be a choice.

Have you heard of a saying “A fat woman is a lazy woman?” let me introduce you a new one, “A poor man is a lazy man”. Poverty is not for us! Inside of everyone is the potential to become someone great in life. Some people just want to cruise through life and therefore being unemployed is not an issue to them. Some people just want a simple life – 5 room flat, 1 wife, 2 kids, 1 car and 1 dog. And there are those who know clearly that there is only 1 short life and they need to live the very best they can in this 60 years.

Dream big, think big, be creative, have a goal on who you want to become and one day you will produce greatness. Eliminate laziness and you will obtain the way towards richness. What is your take? Should we just cruise through life or should we buy a ticket towards excellence and one day become an icon in the world?

Matters of The Heart - Friends

2006-01-25T15:08:00.000+08:00

Friends

The dictionary defines the word “friend” as:
1. A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.
2. A person whom one knows; an acquaintance.
3. A person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; a comrade.
4. One who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group, cause, or movement: friends of the clean air movement.

Friendship is sacred. A friend is someone who knows you well, who likes you, who trusts you and this friend will always be there for you during your time of need. Unfortunately, many of us are guilty of misusing this word. We call a hi-bye schoolmate a friend, we call an overly nice auntie who sells bread under our HDB block our friend and we call our girlfriends’ friend our friend.

It seems like everyone in the world has become friends with one another but the reality is, someone can only be called a friend only if there is an element of trust, like, know, alliance and love.

I myself have misused the word “friend” in many instances. But are we wrong to do so or is the dictionary over zealous in defining the word? Must a person fulfill all the requirements before he can really earn the title of “friend”?

Eight years ago, Roger made friends with this guy called Wilbur. Their friendship grew stronger and stronger each day as they were always spending time together doing what they enjoy. Slowly both of them began to understand one another more and both parties learnt that sacrificing for one another is necessary in this friendship. As the old saying goes: ”Hey what are friends for?”

Three years later, Wilbur met more new friends and started to neglect Roger a bit. Due to the negligence, Wilbur started not to know Roger as much as before. The trust between the both of them faded and Wilbur cannot be there as often during Roger’s times of need. The question here is, Wilbur is not fulfilling the standards of the definition of “friend” now, so are the both of them still friends or they should address one another as schoolmates? Think about it…

Matters of The Heart - Money. Your Life Purpose?

2006-01-24T17:58:00.000+08:00

Is Money Really Our Life Purpose?

An average Singaporean works about 50 hours a week all in the name of earning money. Most carry the responsibility of feeding their family, pleasing their partners, satisfying their personal desires and fulfilling medical bills. We work like crazy but at the end of the day the hard earned money still flows back into the economy.

Work like crazy -> Receive Salary -> Feed the economy -> Work like crazy -> Receive Salary -> Feed the economy -> Work like crazy -> Receive Salary -> Feed the economy -> Work like crazy -> Receive Salary -> Feed the economy and the cycle goes on.

Many make money their life purpose unconsciously. But is there more out there for us to look forward to when we wake up from our bed instead of just pay day? Some count life as a journey and working is part and parcel of that walk we need to take to become an experienced member of society so that the younger generation would have a mentor to hold their hand.

Money is never my life purpose. In my opinion, love, family and friendship are on the top of my list as they are priceless compared wealth. At least when I wake up I do not feel empty from the inside of me knowing that when I fail in certain battles such as earning big money, I have people who would still accept me for who I am.

How about you? Is money your number one priority in life or life isn’t really all about money?

Clan Brothers Rules & Regulations

2006-01-24T16:48:00.000+08:00

Official Clan Brother Rules & Regulations Guidelines

The clan must strictly abide to every rules and regulations stated in this guideline for the sake of effective administration and strong clan growth. Rules are not meant to tie any members down but to help them stay on track for further promotion.
This rules and regulations guideline is subjected to change.

1. The High Council System (Diplomacy)

1a) The High Council is highly responsible for the facilitating of the clan. Facilitating includes but not limited to promotion / demotion of ranks, arrangement of DotA matches, public relations, inter-clan diplomatic relations (alliances), arrangement of clan matches, trainings, arrangement of participating in competitions, etc.
1b) The High Council does not hold a dictatorship concept, usually most issues are voted in a High Council meeting.
1c) The chieftain is entitled to 1.5 vote counts, the shamans are entitled to 1 vote count each.
1d) A High Council member must inform The High Council if he/she would be inactive for 10 days or more due to reasonable commitments such as but not limited to studies, family crisis etc.
1e) A High Council member is considered as inactive if he/she has not been found in the Battle.Net premises (channel “Friends”) for a period of 10 days and will be demoted.
1f) A High Council member who is on official leave is not entitled to vote for any matter considering the clan but should be focusing fully on the reason of leave.
1g) Any High Council member should be easily contactable. Any e-mails sent should be replied within 48 hours.

2. Clan Etiquette

2a) A member of Clan Brothers should carry his/herself appropriately regardless its in-game or out-game.
2b) Taunting of other players is strictly not allowed.
2c) Personal quarrels should be done privately and never in the presence of the clan.
2d) The clan does not tolerate any form of cultish behavior or satanic worship.
2e) No one should be forced to join the clan.

3. Clan Channel Etiquette

3a) Quarrels should be taken to a private realm and never in the channel main.
3b) Channel moderators will be prosecuted if found abusing powers.
3d) Flooding is not allowed. Any continuous repeated sentence / symbols / punctuations / words / blank space(s) for more than 4 lines will be considered as flooding.
3e) No explicit / sexual / violent conduct should be displayed in any of the channels.

4. In Game Etiquette

4a) A member is encouraged to not be a leaver of the game.
4b) Arrogance will not be tolerated.
4c) Insulting others regarding their disability will not be tolerated.
4d) A member must abide to every rule of the game as set up by the DotA team.
4e) Do not blame others for your death, you are responsible for your own life.
4f) Using of third party programs for the purpose of having an upper hand in the game will result in an exile.

5. Promotion & Demotion

5a) Please do not pester The High Council for any promotion/ranks, promotion and respect are earned, not begged.
5b) The High Council will promote accordingly, if you are a regular and a good member you will be spotted.
5c) Holding a leadership position requires you to take care of other younger members, if you do not wish to be committed in this area, please reject the promotion at once.
5d) Impersonation of a High Council or any ranks than the rank that was designated to you will result in a demotion or an exile.
5e) A demotion will occur on any inactive members and members not abiding to the rules and regulations guidelines.
5f) A rank / position is not for anyone to boast around, we are brothers we help one another grow for the better.

6. Members

6a) Every member is responsible to take ownership of the clan, every member is a shareholder of Clan Brothers.
6b) Every member must take the initiative to read the Clan Channel’s Message of The Day.
6c) A member is considered inactive if he/she has not entered channel “Friends” / “Clan Bros” for a period of more than 20 days.
6d) A member must e-mail any High Council Members to inform of their inactivity due to reasonable reasons such as but not limited to family commitments, school activities.
6e) A member status is obtained only when the freshmen has reached the “Clan Member” rank.

Note: * Please feel free to ask if you do not understand any part of the rules. * Please feel free to recommend if you feel that there should be other laws implemented. * Please feel free to correct if there are any spelling mistakes. e-mail to holymyths@yahoo.com if the above 3 point concerns you.

Matters of The Heart - Foam Sprays & Party Perverts

2006-01-24T16:23:00.000+08:00

Foam Sprays & Party Perverts

Definitely, those perverts who take joy in touching innocent girls in enjoyable parties should be dealt with harshly. Singapore has a reputation of a -clean- and green society. The authorities are considering to ban foam sprays and some very cautious citizens have stepped out saying that crowded parties should also be banned. Is that too much?

In my opinion, banning crowded parties or foam sprays is too extreme as a measure to stop molestation. Is it so unfair to destroy fun just because of a few perverts, it is totally not worth it. On the other hand, isn't it interesting to see how girls love to wear bikinis and seductive outfits to such parties and expect no one to get turned on? I am not saying that a turned on person is entitled to satisfy his desire anywhere and anytime but it seems like it always takes two hands to clap.

A regular forum poster said: "we should step up police enforcement, and try to reduce this if possible. No way it'll be stopped completely". I totally agree. There can be measures taken to reduce these dirty happenings but it would be impossible to stop such things completely.
Innocent girls should be more aware of their dressing and their surroundings. Everyone can play apart, when you see someone getting touched unnecessarily, feel free to give a helping hand to the helpless girl. New Year / Christmas parties are meant to be enjoyed. Down with the perverts!

What is your take on this? Punish the perverts harshly or we should just ban fun parties? You might have a better idea to handle this, share it.

Matters of The Heart - Gambling

2006-01-24T15:50:00.000+08:00

Gambling

Gambling is defined as a vice internationally. It is known to destroy families, educated individuals and even multi-millionaires. Singaporeans are relatively being held away from the darkness of gambling due to the strict control of our government. However, in addition to the current 4D, House Racing, TOTO, Soccer and Jackpot room gamble, Singapore will go ahead with the plans to build two Integrated Resorts (casinos) on Marina Bay and Sentosa. This matter will definitely open more doors for gamblers to maneuver in.

Without knowing, you gamble in a way or another everyday. Check this out, you have a higher chance of dying from driving a car to work compared to you catching SARS or the Bird Flu, yet many still drive. Entrepreneurs start businesses with tens of thousands of dollars with no confirmation that at the end of the day they will receive a return of a hundred folds yet still they proceeded with undocumented faith. A guy proclaims his love to a girl, knowing that if he fails he might set into depression and rejection but yet he would still go on without knowing the final destination.

So is gambling morally right or wrong? Should people gamble responsibly or should they not gamble at all just in case they fall deeper into temptation to take up a higher level of gambling? What is your stand?