The meaning of loneliness from Wikipedia is :
“Loneliness is an emotional state in which a person experiences a powerful feeling of emptiness and isolation. Loneliness is more than just the feeling of wanting company or wanting to do something with another person. Loneliness is a feeling of being cut off, disconnected from, and alienated towards, other people. The lonely person may find it difficult or even impossible to have any form of meaningful human contact. Lonely people often experience a subjective sense of inner emptiness or hollowness, with feelings of separation or isolation from the world.”
The reason for this topic is I have been left ‘alone’ for a few days a couple of times this month as my wife was away attending meetings. I wasn’t completely ‘alone’ as my son is still with me.
For a married man, there is this emptiness during the night. In the daytime we can attend church activities and in the evening arrange games (tennis or golf) with friends and so on. When it is time to be home and one half is not there, there is this strange feeling of not being complete. Nobody to talk to, or make fun of or laugh with. Watching TV alone is also not fun anymore even though we get control over the remote! Happiness is when it is wrestled from someone! Heh heh.
I know quite a number of friends who live alone. I wonder how they manage to overcome this feeling that I went through for those few days. Things are back to normal now. I don’t have to think about what to eat for dinner! Even the shopkeeper seemed to know something was amiss when I started to buy so many buns. “Isteri pi mana?” she asked. When I told her my wife is outstation, she said no wonder eating bread only! Bread or buns is the easiest thing for dinner and breakfast. Believe me. I know.
God did not intend for man to be alone.
Gen 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
What Is Normal?
I was watching a movie on the telly today - 'Family Stone'. It was about an American family and their relationship with each other. It looked like a disfunctional family to me.
The son brought home his girl friend to meet the family and declared his intention to marry her. After the scene where he manages to convince his mother that she is the one, somehow he falls for her sister instead! The girl friend manages to get herself drunk with his brother and in the end they both end up together. They have a mute son who happens to be gay and has a black man as his boyfriend. At the end of the show, they are seen with a black baby! The producers of this movie have managed to make it look like this is a typical American family! What crap! This is the power of the American media. They can change anything and make it look good in a very subtle way. It permeates the very fabric of our society and people like Elton John will be telling us what is right and what is wrong!
When we got married and wanted to have children, my greatest fear was that our children might not be normal. Normal in the sense of missing limbs, hole-in-the-heart, blind or even mentally retarded. This was our greatest fear. We are thought to pray about it and leave the rest to God. Whatever the outcome, the child will still be ours and we will learn to love and accept the child in whatever condition. This was not an empty promise but a commitment.
We thank God that we have two normal and healthy boys. As they grew, I still had that nagging feeling about other things like 'homosexuality'. I don't have to worry about that now. I will never know how I would have tackled that problem if it had surfaced. We learn from the bible that the union is between a man and a woman and the two shall be one. Then only can they have a family and there is procreation. Call me puritanical but this is what I believe. Some people would say it may not be 'cool' and very archaic, but this is normal to me and good enough for me and my family.
The son brought home his girl friend to meet the family and declared his intention to marry her. After the scene where he manages to convince his mother that she is the one, somehow he falls for her sister instead! The girl friend manages to get herself drunk with his brother and in the end they both end up together. They have a mute son who happens to be gay and has a black man as his boyfriend. At the end of the show, they are seen with a black baby! The producers of this movie have managed to make it look like this is a typical American family! What crap! This is the power of the American media. They can change anything and make it look good in a very subtle way. It permeates the very fabric of our society and people like Elton John will be telling us what is right and what is wrong!
When we got married and wanted to have children, my greatest fear was that our children might not be normal. Normal in the sense of missing limbs, hole-in-the-heart, blind or even mentally retarded. This was our greatest fear. We are thought to pray about it and leave the rest to God. Whatever the outcome, the child will still be ours and we will learn to love and accept the child in whatever condition. This was not an empty promise but a commitment.
We thank God that we have two normal and healthy boys. As they grew, I still had that nagging feeling about other things like 'homosexuality'. I don't have to worry about that now. I will never know how I would have tackled that problem if it had surfaced. We learn from the bible that the union is between a man and a woman and the two shall be one. Then only can they have a family and there is procreation. Call me puritanical but this is what I believe. Some people would say it may not be 'cool' and very archaic, but this is normal to me and good enough for me and my family.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Mentally Challenged
On some mornings I go to this Chinese coffee shop behind my house for breakfast. They have nice steaming 'char siew pow' available very early in the morning. I usually have one 'char siew pow' with a cup of coffee. As usual, I was at that coffee shop having my breakfast and I noticed a Chinese girl sitting at a nearby table having her bowl of noodle soup. I have seen this girl many times before at this shop and also at one of our local churches that help to look after and train the mentally challenged.
She has money to pay for the breakfast and knows how much change she should get. I was wondering what would happen to people like her if there was no one to give money for the daily needs. She doesn't work and so doesn't have a steady income. Her parents are probably giving her pocket money. What will happen to her if they are not around? It will be a sad story.
The Trinity Baptist Church in this city has set up a center to help people like her to learn a trade through which they can earn some money. The church also collects old newspapers and other stuff which can be sold for re-cycling and the money from this helps to support this center. This is a very good community service that the church is providing besides the dialysis center that they also operate. I feel that any church today that talks about evengelism without having a program to help the needy is not going to make an impact. Visiting the old folks home once a year is not it.
She has money to pay for the breakfast and knows how much change she should get. I was wondering what would happen to people like her if there was no one to give money for the daily needs. She doesn't work and so doesn't have a steady income. Her parents are probably giving her pocket money. What will happen to her if they are not around? It will be a sad story.
The Trinity Baptist Church in this city has set up a center to help people like her to learn a trade through which they can earn some money. The church also collects old newspapers and other stuff which can be sold for re-cycling and the money from this helps to support this center. This is a very good community service that the church is providing besides the dialysis center that they also operate. I feel that any church today that talks about evengelism without having a program to help the needy is not going to make an impact. Visiting the old folks home once a year is not it.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Looking For Food
During Chinese New Year, it is quite common to see people(non-muslims) driving around looking for food. Most of the Chinese restaurants would close for at least 4 or 5 days. The food outlets that are open would be the ones that are 'franchised' like KFC, McDonald or Pizza Hut and so on. If one is looking for a place to call dishes, tough luck.
Most people would settle for 'mamak'(Indian muslim) food. The good thing about living in Malaysia is that there are a variety of food that is available to those who do not cook at home. During the CNY holidays, one can eat 'briyani' with curry chicken or mutton with a bowl of 'sup kambing'. 'Mee goreng' or 'mee rebus' is also in demand during this period. For those who like Malay food, it is also available. One other choice would be the Indian 'banana leaf' food. This of course is limited to 1 or 2 stalls as the Indian community is a minority here.
The truly desperate would settle for Maggi mee as they can't get 'kuando mee' or 'koay teow teng' or 'fried koay teow'! It's good to live in a multi-racial country. You won't starve to death during festive occasions if you are a bachelor or if you are not good at cooking.
Most people would settle for 'mamak'(Indian muslim) food. The good thing about living in Malaysia is that there are a variety of food that is available to those who do not cook at home. During the CNY holidays, one can eat 'briyani' with curry chicken or mutton with a bowl of 'sup kambing'. 'Mee goreng' or 'mee rebus' is also in demand during this period. For those who like Malay food, it is also available. One other choice would be the Indian 'banana leaf' food. This of course is limited to 1 or 2 stalls as the Indian community is a minority here.
The truly desperate would settle for Maggi mee as they can't get 'kuando mee' or 'koay teow teng' or 'fried koay teow'! It's good to live in a multi-racial country. You won't starve to death during festive occasions if you are a bachelor or if you are not good at cooking.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
A Walk In The Park
Went for a walk in the park this morning. It was about 7.15am and the air was cool with a gentle breeze blowing. The sun was still sleeping. The birds were chirping high up in the trees and I felt fresh and enegertic as I walked along the footpath, enjoying nature and what it gives us for free when all of a sudden there was this piercing sound coming from behind me. Systematically done at a certain beat.
I turned around and there was this person clapping and walking. The clapping produced a sharp piercing sound and was amplified due to the quietness of the surrounding. I wasn't sure if the clapping was following the heart beat or some music inside this person's head but it sure spoiled the tranquility of that place at that time. I decided to stop and let this person go ahead of me as I got irritated by the clapping. I have no idea how the clapping is helping this person in keeping healthy. But I guess this is part of our democratic system. The right to clap in the park! What a bummer!
I turned around and there was this person clapping and walking. The clapping produced a sharp piercing sound and was amplified due to the quietness of the surrounding. I wasn't sure if the clapping was following the heart beat or some music inside this person's head but it sure spoiled the tranquility of that place at that time. I decided to stop and let this person go ahead of me as I got irritated by the clapping. I have no idea how the clapping is helping this person in keeping healthy. But I guess this is part of our democratic system. The right to clap in the park! What a bummer!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
I'm Still Alive
I came across this humorous poem in one of our local newspapers entitled 'I'm Still Alive'. I just had to post it as you don't come across such humour that often.
I’m Still Alive
Just a line to say I’m living,
That I’m not among the dead;
Though I’m getting more forgetful,
And more “mixed up” in the head.
For sometimes I can’t remember,
When I stand at the foot of the stairs,
If I must go up for something,
Or I’ve just come down from there.
And before the fridge so often
My poor mind is filled with doubt,
Have I just put food away, or
Have I come to take some out.
And there are times when it is dark out,
With my nightcap on my head,
I don’t know if I’m retiring,
Or just getting out of bed.
So if it’s my turn to write,
There’s no need in getting sore.
I may think that I have written,
And don’t want to be a bore.
So remember I do love you,
And I wish that you were here.
But now it’s nearly mail time,
So I must say, “Goodbye, dear.”
There I stood beside the mailbox,
With a face so very red,
Instead of mailing you my letter,
I had opened it instead!
Originally posted at Seniors-Site.Com
[http://seniors-site.com/poetry/mixedup.html
Sent in by dicgall@worldnet.att.net -- My Aunt of 81 years gave it to me and said she had had it for some time. Thanks.]
I’m Still Alive
Just a line to say I’m living,
That I’m not among the dead;
Though I’m getting more forgetful,
And more “mixed up” in the head.
For sometimes I can’t remember,
When I stand at the foot of the stairs,
If I must go up for something,
Or I’ve just come down from there.
And before the fridge so often
My poor mind is filled with doubt,
Have I just put food away, or
Have I come to take some out.
And there are times when it is dark out,
With my nightcap on my head,
I don’t know if I’m retiring,
Or just getting out of bed.
So if it’s my turn to write,
There’s no need in getting sore.
I may think that I have written,
And don’t want to be a bore.
So remember I do love you,
And I wish that you were here.
But now it’s nearly mail time,
So I must say, “Goodbye, dear.”
There I stood beside the mailbox,
With a face so very red,
Instead of mailing you my letter,
I had opened it instead!
Originally posted at Seniors-Site.Com
[http://seniors-site.com/poetry/mixedup.html
Sent in by dicgall@worldnet.att.net -- My Aunt of 81 years gave it to me and said she had had it for some time. Thanks.]
Monday, January 15, 2007
Flood In Johor
The southern most state of Malaysia - Johor, has been badly hit by floods in most parts of the state. More than 104,000 people have been evecuated. When the first round of the flood waters started receding, everyone breathed a sigh of relief even though the houses were in a sorry mess and properties damaged by the flood waters. Suddenly came another round of torrential rain and the flood waters started to rise again, sending the victims scurrying to safer ground, salvaging whatever they could on the way.
We had some of that experience last year just before Christmas though not as bad as what the Johorians are going through. It is a terrible time to rough it out in a relief center, and knowing that your possessions will be floating down the river while you are helpless to do anything about it. The government and the private sector have mobilised relief volunteers to help distribute goods for the flood victims. Below are some pictures of the flood situation in Kota Tinggi, one of the affected towns in Johor.
We had some of that experience last year just before Christmas though not as bad as what the Johorians are going through. It is a terrible time to rough it out in a relief center, and knowing that your possessions will be floating down the river while you are helpless to do anything about it. The government and the private sector have mobilised relief volunteers to help distribute goods for the flood victims. Below are some pictures of the flood situation in Kota Tinggi, one of the affected towns in Johor.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Wet Weekend
The Meteorological Department warned us on Thursday that we are going to have a wet weekend due to strong northeast monsoon winds blowing from South China Sea. The winds are expected to reach a speed of 65kph and will pass through north Peninsular Malaysia which is where I live.
True to their 'prediction', it has been raining all day today. No strong winds or lightning or thunder. Just rain, rain, rain, rain.... Water everywhere and this has caused some traffic jams in our fair city. The rain is not totally to blame of course. The situation has been compounded by development works along major roads which the City Council has seen fit to implement simultaneously just when the school terms begin. A number of traffic lights were also knocked out by sub-contractors who were digging the road.
With no policemen around to man this mess, it took much longer to get back home after picking up my son from school. It's a jungle out there with the motto 'who dares wins' attitude of many a motorist! I hope the rain will stop tomorrow. Otherwise it will be another hectic drive to town and back. I never liked city life which is why I moved back to my quiet hometown but it looks like the city is catching up with me and I have to learn to put up with it.
With this kind of weather all outdoors activities are off. No more tennis or golf. Karaoke anyone?
True to their 'prediction', it has been raining all day today. No strong winds or lightning or thunder. Just rain, rain, rain, rain.... Water everywhere and this has caused some traffic jams in our fair city. The rain is not totally to blame of course. The situation has been compounded by development works along major roads which the City Council has seen fit to implement simultaneously just when the school terms begin. A number of traffic lights were also knocked out by sub-contractors who were digging the road.
With no policemen around to man this mess, it took much longer to get back home after picking up my son from school. It's a jungle out there with the motto 'who dares wins' attitude of many a motorist! I hope the rain will stop tomorrow. Otherwise it will be another hectic drive to town and back. I never liked city life which is why I moved back to my quiet hometown but it looks like the city is catching up with me and I have to learn to put up with it.
With this kind of weather all outdoors activities are off. No more tennis or golf. Karaoke anyone?
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Dumpsite Treasure Hunt
RM 80,000.00 find sparks a treasure hunt at the dumpsite along the Kuantan-Segamat Highway reports the Star today. What was a tragedy to many people seems to be a boon to some people. A lot of people have started scavenging through the rubbish hoping to find valuables that were washed away from the flooded homes.
Picture from the Star:
There is a fine for such an activity - RM 500.00, but these people are not bothered with that. For the person who found RM 80,000.00 in cash, it would mean less RM 500.00 only. No big deal! Many have found gold chains, gold coins and other jewelery which people usually keep in their homes. It never occured to any of them to return the valuables or at least make an attempt to return them. It looks like finders keepers policy at the moment. No time to sympathise with those who have lost so much because of the flood.
It reminds me of some scenes I have seen on Animal Planet where one animal is left behind because of sickness or injury. The poor animal can't keep up with the rest so it gets left behind. The predators who are lurking not too far away move in for the kill and get their lunch. Whatever is left behind is cleaned up by the vultures. Nothing goes to waste. Looks like some human characteristics are quite similar to those of the animals!
Picture from the Star:
There is a fine for such an activity - RM 500.00, but these people are not bothered with that. For the person who found RM 80,000.00 in cash, it would mean less RM 500.00 only. No big deal! Many have found gold chains, gold coins and other jewelery which people usually keep in their homes. It never occured to any of them to return the valuables or at least make an attempt to return them. It looks like finders keepers policy at the moment. No time to sympathise with those who have lost so much because of the flood.
It reminds me of some scenes I have seen on Animal Planet where one animal is left behind because of sickness or injury. The poor animal can't keep up with the rest so it gets left behind. The predators who are lurking not too far away move in for the kill and get their lunch. Whatever is left behind is cleaned up by the vultures. Nothing goes to waste. Looks like some human characteristics are quite similar to those of the animals!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Friday, December 08, 2006
What Handicap?
To many people, losing the use of both arms would definitley be tragic as that would make us handicapped. I can't even begin to imagine what life would be like if I don't have both of my arms.
There are a number of people without both arms who have overcome their handicap and are making the best out of the situation. They have learned to use their feet and their mouth to earn a living. I am refering to the Mouth And Foot Painting Artist who are stationed in Kuala Lumpur and display their works in a gallery in Ampang Park. Their association reproduces the original artworks into bookmarks, greeting cards, calendars, wrapping papers, etc. Self-help, not charity, is the MFPA’s motto.
I purchased some of their greeting cards which are shown below :
The Star had a write up about the MFPA and the information on how to join this group for those who qualify is as below :
Who can join MFPA?
Any body who has lost the use of his hands and paints with the mouth or foot can become a potential member of the association. They must submit six paintings, a medical certificate stating that they are unable to hold a paintbrush with their hands, two photographs and a short biography. All materials will be sent to the association’s headquarters in Lichtenstein for evaluation before one can be accepted as a member. MFPA can be contacted at (03) 2161 8860/8502.
There are a number of people without both arms who have overcome their handicap and are making the best out of the situation. They have learned to use their feet and their mouth to earn a living. I am refering to the Mouth And Foot Painting Artist who are stationed in Kuala Lumpur and display their works in a gallery in Ampang Park. Their association reproduces the original artworks into bookmarks, greeting cards, calendars, wrapping papers, etc. Self-help, not charity, is the MFPA’s motto.
I purchased some of their greeting cards which are shown below :
The Star had a write up about the MFPA and the information on how to join this group for those who qualify is as below :
Who can join MFPA?
Any body who has lost the use of his hands and paints with the mouth or foot can become a potential member of the association. They must submit six paintings, a medical certificate stating that they are unable to hold a paintbrush with their hands, two photographs and a short biography. All materials will be sent to the association’s headquarters in Lichtenstein for evaluation before one can be accepted as a member. MFPA can be contacted at (03) 2161 8860/8502.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Christmas Cheer
It is that time of the year when supermarkets and shopping complexes start decorating and blaring out the special offers for Christmas. It is so easy to get caught up with all this hype and go on a buying spree. The attraction is "This is cheap, a great deal there, buy one get one and so on". What is it about Christmas that started this sales pitch all over the world?
It was a time for giving. The Christmas story is about God's greatest gift to us in the form of Jesus Christ who was given to us for our salvation. From this event we started this fad about buying gifts for people around Christmas time. When you give something to someone it shows you care about that person. Actually it should be about caring and loving your neighbour as yourself not only at Christmas time but all year around.
But being mortals, we tend to forget the real meaning of Christmas as we are too engrossed with our work or our hobbies or our careers or our families and our friends. At Christmas time we suddenly become more sensitive to the people around us and we become extra nice or generous to fit in with the Christmas spirit. For some, this 'caring' moment might even stretch beyond Christmas into the new year eve party where there will be more giving of gifts.
It is not a bad thing actually and maybe with time the caring spirit might last longer with the years until it becomes a part of our daily routine. Until such time I guess we will have to carry on with the practice of buying and giving gifts during Christmas. At least we would have made some poor soul happy for that short time. Something is better than nothing!
It was a time for giving. The Christmas story is about God's greatest gift to us in the form of Jesus Christ who was given to us for our salvation. From this event we started this fad about buying gifts for people around Christmas time. When you give something to someone it shows you care about that person. Actually it should be about caring and loving your neighbour as yourself not only at Christmas time but all year around.
But being mortals, we tend to forget the real meaning of Christmas as we are too engrossed with our work or our hobbies or our careers or our families and our friends. At Christmas time we suddenly become more sensitive to the people around us and we become extra nice or generous to fit in with the Christmas spirit. For some, this 'caring' moment might even stretch beyond Christmas into the new year eve party where there will be more giving of gifts.
It is not a bad thing actually and maybe with time the caring spirit might last longer with the years until it becomes a part of our daily routine. Until such time I guess we will have to carry on with the practice of buying and giving gifts during Christmas. At least we would have made some poor soul happy for that short time. Something is better than nothing!
Saturday, December 02, 2006
World's Best Dermatologist?
Came across an advertisement in our local daily announcing the Festive Season Special Offer by one 'Dr Murad'. In the advertisement he claims to have been voted the 'World's Best Dermatologist'.
I immediately brought this piece of information to the attention of my dearest wife who is suffering from atopy eczema. She has seen so many skin specialist that sometimes when she happens to be attended by a doctor who is sitting in for the specialist at the government hospital, she ends up telling him what medication she wants. That's how experienced in skin matters she is. So, when I tell her about this 'World's Best Dermatologist', she asks to read further to find out who awarded him that title.
I read the fine print and it says 'VOGUE Magazine, Aug 2001 - LA USA'. When I gave her the information, she says that magazine is to cater for women's vanity. It's not a medical journal to give out such titles. Anyway, "LA USA is not the world." she says.
How true. It is typical of the Americans though. Whatever they do, they will declare it world standard or universal standard even though it is only their backyard. No wonder they lost in Vietnam and are now stuck in Iraq. They don't bother about the rest of the world but declare themselves champions of the world.
Coming back to this 'World Dermatologist', I was curious to see what a world class dermatologist had to offer us Malaysians.
1. Black heads and White heads
2. Pigmentation and uneven skin tone
3. Fine lines and wrinkles
4. Acne scars and blemishes
No wonder VOGUE was interested in this guy. His playing field was right down their front yard! I thought he might have some news for those suffering from soriasis or eczema or some other skin deseases that millions of people are suffering from.
This is capitalism in its truest form in a democratic society. Make money where you can and when you can and from whoever you can.
Well, that's life!
I immediately brought this piece of information to the attention of my dearest wife who is suffering from atopy eczema. She has seen so many skin specialist that sometimes when she happens to be attended by a doctor who is sitting in for the specialist at the government hospital, she ends up telling him what medication she wants. That's how experienced in skin matters she is. So, when I tell her about this 'World's Best Dermatologist', she asks to read further to find out who awarded him that title.
I read the fine print and it says 'VOGUE Magazine, Aug 2001 - LA USA'. When I gave her the information, she says that magazine is to cater for women's vanity. It's not a medical journal to give out such titles. Anyway, "LA USA is not the world." she says.
How true. It is typical of the Americans though. Whatever they do, they will declare it world standard or universal standard even though it is only their backyard. No wonder they lost in Vietnam and are now stuck in Iraq. They don't bother about the rest of the world but declare themselves champions of the world.
Coming back to this 'World Dermatologist', I was curious to see what a world class dermatologist had to offer us Malaysians.
1. Black heads and White heads
2. Pigmentation and uneven skin tone
3. Fine lines and wrinkles
4. Acne scars and blemishes
No wonder VOGUE was interested in this guy. His playing field was right down their front yard! I thought he might have some news for those suffering from soriasis or eczema or some other skin deseases that millions of people are suffering from.
This is capitalism in its truest form in a democratic society. Make money where you can and when you can and from whoever you can.
Well, that's life!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
The Sudden Departure
Attended a Muslim funeral today. This friend of mine (a lady) who had a mild stroke some years ago, looked like she was recovering and being herself again. She managed to get back her speech functions. She even phoned to invite me to her daughters wedding some time ago. We visited her and she was so happy to see 'the gang' again.
We (the gang) worked in the same office in the 80's. Now everyone of us had married and with children, hardly had time to meet. Her daughter's wedding was one of the occasions we could meet and laugh over old times.
Last night I received a message saying this lady had passed away. Life is so unpredictable. The circle of friends is getting smaller. I find that when you get older its not easy to make friends. You only make acquaintances. Mostly because when one grows older, you are not so forgiving, tend to be critical and very set in your own standards. You don't feel the need to change to accomodate new friends.
We need to go out and be more open and more adventurous. Life is not only short, it is also so unpredictable. No one is really prepared for death. We only talk about life after death. Not death itself. So, don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today as you don't know what tomorrow holds!
We (the gang) worked in the same office in the 80's. Now everyone of us had married and with children, hardly had time to meet. Her daughter's wedding was one of the occasions we could meet and laugh over old times.
Last night I received a message saying this lady had passed away. Life is so unpredictable. The circle of friends is getting smaller. I find that when you get older its not easy to make friends. You only make acquaintances. Mostly because when one grows older, you are not so forgiving, tend to be critical and very set in your own standards. You don't feel the need to change to accomodate new friends.
We need to go out and be more open and more adventurous. Life is not only short, it is also so unpredictable. No one is really prepared for death. We only talk about life after death. Not death itself. So, don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today as you don't know what tomorrow holds!
Monday, November 13, 2006
About Life
I received this short write up on life through the internet
which I think is well written and beautifully stated.
About Life
As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't
supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your
heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time.
You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was
broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love
for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too
fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many
pictures,laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt
because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of
happiness you'll never get back.
Don't be afraid that your life will end,
be afraid that it will never begin.
~anonymous~
which I think is well written and beautifully stated.
About Life
As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't
supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your
heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time.
You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was
broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love
for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too
fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many
pictures,laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt
because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of
happiness you'll never get back.
Don't be afraid that your life will end,
be afraid that it will never begin.
~anonymous~
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Silent Jet
Came across an interesting article in the papers about the unveiling of the 'silent jet' in London by a team of researchers from Massachusets Institute of Technology and Cambridge University. This 'jet' would be so silent that from outside the airport it would be about as noisy as a washing machine.
I was attracted to the shape of the plane as it reminded me of a creature that has existed for a very long time under our oceans. I wonder if the researchers copied the shape from the original?
The Copy
I was attracted to the shape of the plane as it reminded me of a creature that has existed for a very long time under our oceans. I wonder if the researchers copied the shape from the original?
The Copy
The Original
Thursday, November 02, 2006
The Technically Challenged
This ought to make you feel better about your computer skills!
Unbelievable, but supposedly all true!!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tech support: What kind of computer do you have?
Female customer: A white one...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Customer: Hi, this is Celine. I can't get my diskette out.
Tech support: Have you tried pushing the Button?
Customer: Yes, sure, it's really stuck.
Tech support: That doesn't sound good; I'll make a note.
Customer: No , wait a minute... I hadn't inserted it yet...
it's still on my desk... sorry....
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tech support: Click on the 'my computer' icon on to the left of the screen.
Customer: Your left or my left?
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Tech support: Good day. How may I help you?
Male customer: Hello... I can't print.
Tech support: Would you click on "start" for me and...
Customer: Listen pal; don't start getting technical on me!
I'm not Bill Gates.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Customer: Hi, good afternoon, this is Martha, I can't print.
Every time I try, it says 'Can't find printer'. I've even
lifted the printer and placed it in front of the monitor,
but the computer still says he can't find it...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Customer: I have problems printing in red...
Tech support: Do you have a color printer?
Customer: Aaaah....................thank you.
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Tech support: What's on your monitor now, ma'am?
Customer: A teddy bear my boyfriend bought for me at the 7-11.
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Customer: My keyboard is not working anymore.
Tech support: Are you sure it's plugged into the computer?
Customer: No. I can't get behind the computer.
Tech support: Pick up your keyboard and walk 10 paces back.
Customer:! OK
Tech support: Did the keyboard come with you?
Customer: Yes
Tech support: That means the keyboard is not plugged in.
Is there another keyboard?
Customer: Yes, there's another one here. Ah...that one does work...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tech support: Your password is the small letter "a" as in apple,
a capital letter V as n Victor, the number 7.
Customer: Is that 7 in capital letters?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Customer: can't get on the Internet.
Tech support: Are you sure you used the right password?
Customer: Yes, I'm sure. I saw my colleague do it.
Tech support: Can you tell me what the password was?
Customer: Five stars.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tech support: What anti-virus program do you use?
Customer: Netscape.
Tech support: That's not an anti-virus program.
Customer: Oh, sorry...Internet Explorer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Customer: I have a huge problem. A friend has placed a screen
saver on my computer, but every time I move the mouse, it disappears.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tech support: How may I help you?
Customer: I'm writing my first e-mail.
Tech support: OK, and what seems to be the problem?
Customer: Well, I have the letter 'a' in the address,
but how do I get the circle around it?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A woman customer called the Canon help desk with a problem
with her printer.
Tech support: Are you running it under windows?
Customer: "No, my desk is next to the door, but that is a good point.
The man sitting in the cubicle next to me is under a window,
and his printer is working fine."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And last but not least...
Tech support: "Okay Bob, let's press the control and escape keys
at the same time. That brings up a task list in the middle of the
screen. Now type the letter "P" to bring up the Program Manager."
Customer: I don't have a P.
Tech support: On your keyboard, Bob.
Customer: What do you mean?
Tech support: "P".....on your keyboard, Bob.
Customer: I'M NOT GOING TO DO THAT!
Unbelievable, but supposedly all true!!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tech support: What kind of computer do you have?
Female customer: A white one...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Customer: Hi, this is Celine. I can't get my diskette out.
Tech support: Have you tried pushing the Button?
Customer: Yes, sure, it's really stuck.
Tech support: That doesn't sound good; I'll make a note.
Customer: No , wait a minute... I hadn't inserted it yet...
it's still on my desk... sorry....
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tech support: Click on the 'my computer' icon on to the left of the screen.
Customer: Your left or my left?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tech support: Good day. How may I help you?
Male customer: Hello... I can't print.
Tech support: Would you click on "start" for me and...
Customer: Listen pal; don't start getting technical on me!
I'm not Bill Gates.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Customer: Hi, good afternoon, this is Martha, I can't print.
Every time I try, it says 'Can't find printer'. I've even
lifted the printer and placed it in front of the monitor,
but the computer still says he can't find it...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Customer: I have problems printing in red...
Tech support: Do you have a color printer?
Customer: Aaaah....................thank you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tech support: What's on your monitor now, ma'am?
Customer: A teddy bear my boyfriend bought for me at the 7-11.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Customer: My keyboard is not working anymore.
Tech support: Are you sure it's plugged into the computer?
Customer: No. I can't get behind the computer.
Tech support: Pick up your keyboard and walk 10 paces back.
Customer:! OK
Tech support: Did the keyboard come with you?
Customer: Yes
Tech support: That means the keyboard is not plugged in.
Is there another keyboard?
Customer: Yes, there's another one here. Ah...that one does work...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tech support: Your password is the small letter "a" as in apple,
a capital letter V as n Victor, the number 7.
Customer: Is that 7 in capital letters?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Customer: can't get on the Internet.
Tech support: Are you sure you used the right password?
Customer: Yes, I'm sure. I saw my colleague do it.
Tech support: Can you tell me what the password was?
Customer: Five stars.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tech support: What anti-virus program do you use?
Customer: Netscape.
Tech support: That's not an anti-virus program.
Customer: Oh, sorry...Internet Explorer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Customer: I have a huge problem. A friend has placed a screen
saver on my computer, but every time I move the mouse, it disappears.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tech support: How may I help you?
Customer: I'm writing my first e-mail.
Tech support: OK, and what seems to be the problem?
Customer: Well, I have the letter 'a' in the address,
but how do I get the circle around it?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A woman customer called the Canon help desk with a problem
with her printer.
Tech support: Are you running it under windows?
Customer: "No, my desk is next to the door, but that is a good point.
The man sitting in the cubicle next to me is under a window,
and his printer is working fine."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And last but not least...
Tech support: "Okay Bob, let's press the control and escape keys
at the same time. That brings up a task list in the middle of the
screen. Now type the letter "P" to bring up the Program Manager."
Customer: I don't have a P.
Tech support: On your keyboard, Bob.
Customer: What do you mean?
Tech support: "P".....on your keyboard, Bob.
Customer: I'M NOT GOING TO DO THAT!
Saturday, October 28, 2006
A Tribute To A Great Man
Muhammad Yunus
Who is this man? I have never heard of him before but it seems he has been busily cracking his head to help the poverty stricken in his homeland - Bangladesh. It was the famine in 1974 which devastated the country that triggered this mans' desire to help the poor and needy. He is an Economics professor who quickly learnt that the book economics he was teaching wasn't helping the poor people in Bangladesh.
He went to the root of the problem by visiting the people most affected by the famine. It was there he found out about the middle men and the money lenders who were squeezing the life out of these people. The loan was given on condition the price for their work would be fixed by the money lenders and the goods must be sold to them only. The were as good as slaves under these terms. They wanted to work and do business but had no capital and the existing financial systems were not helping. The banking system did not consider the poor as good investment and as such refused to give out loans to them. It was then that Yunus decided to give them the loan, as little as $27.00, to start a business that was income-generating to support themselves. Initially he targeted women as they were the most under-priviledged and discriminated against by the banks.
The success of this scheme started the formation of the Grameen Bank in 1976 which lent small sums of money to the poor without collateral thus helping millions of poor families start income-generating projects which made them self supporting. This scheme is called microfinancing and due to its great success in Bangldesh, it has been adopted by the Asian Development Bank to help the poor in other countries. Ashok Sharma, South Asia head of microfinance at the Asian Development Bank in Manila, said that Yunus and his bank threw out all the conventional rules of banking, and succeeded in making people view poverty from a different perspective.
Muhammad Yunus and the Grameen Bank were the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winners. They deserve it. The world needs more people like Yunus who use their knowledge, their talents and their time to help the helpless and the needy.
Who is this man? I have never heard of him before but it seems he has been busily cracking his head to help the poverty stricken in his homeland - Bangladesh. It was the famine in 1974 which devastated the country that triggered this mans' desire to help the poor and needy. He is an Economics professor who quickly learnt that the book economics he was teaching wasn't helping the poor people in Bangladesh.
He went to the root of the problem by visiting the people most affected by the famine. It was there he found out about the middle men and the money lenders who were squeezing the life out of these people. The loan was given on condition the price for their work would be fixed by the money lenders and the goods must be sold to them only. The were as good as slaves under these terms. They wanted to work and do business but had no capital and the existing financial systems were not helping. The banking system did not consider the poor as good investment and as such refused to give out loans to them. It was then that Yunus decided to give them the loan, as little as $27.00, to start a business that was income-generating to support themselves. Initially he targeted women as they were the most under-priviledged and discriminated against by the banks.
The success of this scheme started the formation of the Grameen Bank in 1976 which lent small sums of money to the poor without collateral thus helping millions of poor families start income-generating projects which made them self supporting. This scheme is called microfinancing and due to its great success in Bangldesh, it has been adopted by the Asian Development Bank to help the poor in other countries. Ashok Sharma, South Asia head of microfinance at the Asian Development Bank in Manila, said that Yunus and his bank threw out all the conventional rules of banking, and succeeded in making people view poverty from a different perspective.
Muhammad Yunus and the Grameen Bank were the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winners. They deserve it. The world needs more people like Yunus who use their knowledge, their talents and their time to help the helpless and the needy.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
What Does Love Mean?
What does Love mean? From the mouth of babes....
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?"
The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:
"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."
Rebecca- age 8
"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."
Billy - age 4
"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."
Karl - age 5
"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."
Chrissy - age 6
"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."
Terri - age 4
"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."
Danny - age 7
"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."
Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,"
Nikka - age 6
(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)
"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."
Noelle - age 7
"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."
Tommy - age 6
"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."
Cindy - age 8
"My mommy loves me more than anybody
You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night."
Clare - age 6
"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."
Elaine-age 5
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is
handsomer than Robert Redford."
Chris - age 7
"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."
Mary Ann - age 4
"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones."
Lauren - age 4
"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." (what an image)
Karen - age 7
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross."
Mark - age 6
"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."
Jessica - age 8
What more can I say!
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?"
The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:
"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."
Rebecca- age 8
"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."
Billy - age 4
"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."
Karl - age 5
"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."
Chrissy - age 6
"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."
Terri - age 4
"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."
Danny - age 7
"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."
Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,"
Nikka - age 6
(we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)
"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."
Noelle - age 7
"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."
Tommy - age 6
"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."
Cindy - age 8
"My mommy loves me more than anybody
You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night."
Clare - age 6
"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."
Elaine-age 5
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is
handsomer than Robert Redford."
Chris - age 7
"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."
Mary Ann - age 4
"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones."
Lauren - age 4
"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." (what an image)
Karen - age 7
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross."
Mark - age 6
"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."
Jessica - age 8
What more can I say!
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