http://www.talkingcock.com/html/article.php?sid=1933
"NUS to Launch Minor in Form Filling for Political Science Majors"
An absolutely hilarious article from Talking Cock. PS people, read and be tickled.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Must read for Politcal Science (PS) people
http://www.talkingcock.com/html/article.php?sid=1933
"NUS to Launch Minor in Form Filling for Political Science Majors"
An absolutely hilarious article from Talking Cock. PS people, read and be tickled.
Singapore Rally vid clips
http://sgrally.blogspot.com/
For the very busy Singaporean who has no time to go to all the rallies, because while they are still stuck queing up at the ATMs to check for their progressive package... :D
For the very busy Singaporean who has no time to go to all the rallies, because while they are still stuck queing up at the ATMs to check for their progressive package... :D
Thursday, April 27, 2006
on the coming Parlimentary elections in Singapore
Some thoughts on the Genaral Elections fever that's gripping the nation...
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Was following the CNA coverage on the Nomination Day process yesterday at home. Think the presenters were not very "zai"; for some of them, probably it's the first time. Spotted a boo boo. Think one of the announcers mistook Mr. Ng Eng Hen for Mr. Teo Chee Hean. Of course, could be a hearing problem on my part; nonetheless, don't think I would have mistaken hearing between an "Ng" sound and a "Teo" soound. 
Have posted Mr. Ng and Mr. Teo's picture in this thread. I guess from afar they do look similar...
So must give the presenters some leeway. Afterall, not many SIngaporeans can claim to know all their ministers of Parliament (MPs) by name. Me myself, I only know Dr. Tony Tan by face in my Sembawang GRC for the past 10 over years. A pity he'll be retiring from politics from this year onwards. Watched him since I was a kid in kidnergarten in this area. Some got some emotional value attached to my MP.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My dad was griping that the SDP is coming to Sembawang GRC to contest.
I guess for him, the SDP's credibility really plumetted after the recent fiasco over Dr Chee Soon Juan's newsletter lawsuit.* Ah well, more news will come out over this over these few days, i guess...
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Ahahah, the PAP van came and made their politcal broadcasts last night at around 10pm. 
Me and my brother had a good laugh over the message that was balsted through the megaphone. Sounded very anchaic and propagandish. Well, did wanna say that they did broadcast at a really weird time. I know most of the people would be at home at around 10-nish, but don't you think it's a bit late to be braodcasting your party's slogan so looud at night?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Went to two of my favorite sites on Singaporean political commentaries. But no new updates as yet.
http://rockson.blogspot.com/ (WARNING: Contains graphic language and images. Enter at your own risk.)
http://www.talkingcock.com/html/index.php (Talking Cock has posted up a thread saying they will not be making comments over this GE. Sad ah...)
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Well, that's all for now. Gotta go and look at some more news on CNA...
* see http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/205063/1/.html
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Global Day of Prayer
| Start: | Jun 4, '06 6:00a |
| End: | Jun 4, '06 11:00p |
| Location: | Singapore National Stadium |
- 2 Chronicles 7:14
Singapore Global Day of Prayer
http://www.prayforsingapore.org.sg/index.php
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
- 2 Chronicles 7:14
Thursday, April 20, 2006
AJC Family Day
| Start: | Apr 22, '06 8:30a |
| End: | Apr 22, '06 12:30p |
| Location: | Anderson Junior College |
In addition, Family Day aims to create bonding amongst our AJ members through a day of fun and games. The main highlights for the day include:
- Jamming Band
- Bungee Frenzy Theme Park Rides
- Futsal Street Soccer Competition
- Dodge-Paint Ball Booth
- Lan Gaming Booth
- PS2 and Xbox Booth
- Dunking Booth
- Haunted House
So come along and join us at AJC on 22 April 2006. We hope to see you here.
From the AJC organizing committee 01/05
(taken from AJC Alumni Association e-newletter)
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Ergo Proxy エルゴプラクシー
| Rating: | ★★★ |
| Category: | Other |
A 2006 production from Manglobe, the people who gave us "Samurai Champloo".
Japanese website:
http://www.ergoproxy.com/
English website with synopsis:
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=5115
砂ぼうず Desert Punk
| Rating: | ★★★★ |
| Category: | Other |
Japanese website:
http://www.sunabozu.com/
English website with synopsis:
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=4128
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
The Brick Testament
http://www.thebricktestament.com/
The BIble stories, built from Lego blocks. Enjoyable for both kids and adults.
on reading the latter parts of Judges (part. 2)
Continuation from earlier posting (cos' the earlier post, was like, getting too long, man... 
) These are from Chapter 17 - 21 of Judges, which the NIV Life Application Bible titled in bold, "THE MORAL FAILURE OF ISRAEL"
1) In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit. (Judge 17:6)
Basically, the "bo zeng hu" (“没政府") days, in Singlish-ese. People do what they like, without concern for God's commandments.
2) He told them what Micah had done for him, and said, "He has hired me and I am his priest." (Judges 18:4)
Ooo, ooo, priest for hire! But seriously folks, this was not meant to be. The footnotes gave a somber explanation:
"Priests and their assistants were all members of the tribe of Levi (Numbers 3:5-13). They were to serve the people, teach them how to worship God, and perform the rituals involved in the worship service both at the tabernacle at Shiloh and in the designated cities throughout the land. But this disobedient priest showed disrespect for God because (1) he performed his duties in a house. Priestly duties were to be performed only in the tabernacle or a designated city. This requirement was intended to prevent God's laws from being changed. (2) He carried idols with him (18:20). (3) He claimed to speak for God when God had not spoken through him (18:6)."
3) Then the priest was glad. (Judges 18:20)
Man, the evilness that resides in the heart of man. The priest was glad because now he gets to be taking spiritual care of more people, no matter that it required him to betray the person who has been giving him shelter. Nor did it cross his mind to consult God in this.
4) There the Danites set up for themselves the idols, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan until the time of captivity of the land. They continued to use the idols Micah had made, all the time the house of God was in Shiloh. (Judges 18:30-31)
Two things that strike me about this passage. First, Jonathan was 2 generations away from Moses, it meant that this period was relatively early after the Israeli nation had entered into the promised land of Canaan. Yet it couldn't have happened in Joshua's time, while he was still leader of the Israelites. Man, it's a pretty short period for them to fall away thus far into the evil practices.
Second thing, how stiff-necked we can be at times, insisting on idols which are man-made and can be seen. The Danites worshiped idols which had no power to defend themselves from being moved from place to place.
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wo, just did a rain check, this post is running on again. Shall stop here for now...
Monday, April 17, 2006
Babette's Feast (Babettes gæstebud) 1987
| Rating: | ★★★★ |
| Category: | Movies |
| Genre: | Foreign |
There is a good moral lesson to be learnt from this film. Go see it and find out what it is!
For more info, goto:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092603/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babette's_Feast
Sunday, April 16, 2006
on the Golden City
Heard this song over PLR, an online internet radio. Apparently quite an old song (1998), but still kinda catchy.
[ capo 2 ]
Em D Am2/C
Soon your trials will be over,
Em D Am2/C
Offered up by mercy's hand;
C D G/B
Let Him heal you where you're standing,
C Em D
A doorway to another land
The sweetest welcome from the Father,
Gathered up and carried home,
We have come to this time of waiting,
Come let us bow before Your throne
Em G D D
We will meet in the golden city, in the new Jerusalem
C D Em
All our pain and all our tears will be no more.
Em G D D
We will stand with the hosts of heaven and cry, "Holy is the Lamb",
C D Em
We will worship and adore You evermore
Never can the powers of darkness,
Neither death nor even life
Let nothing ever separate us,
From the holy love of God
(taken from http://songs.seanho.com/the_golden_city.html )
Well, while looking for this song, came across another song about a golden city:
Hail the Glorious Golden City
(by Felix Adler, 1878)
Hail the glorious golden city, pictured by the seers of old!
Everlasting light shines o'er it, wondrous tales of it are told:
Only righteous men and women dwell within its gleaming wall;
Wrong is banished from its borders, justice reigns supreme o'er all.
We are builders of that city, all our joys and all our groans
Help to rear its shining ramparts; all our lives are building stones:
Whether humble or exalted, all are called to ask divine;
All must aid alike to carry forward one sublime design.
And the work that we have builded, oft with bleeding hands and tears,
Oft in error, oft in anguish, will not perish with our years:
It will live and shine transfigured, in the final reign of right;
It will pass into the splendors of the city of the light.
(taken from http://www.mindspring.com/~brucec/secular.htm)
Was wondering what's with the fixation about a city of gold, then remembered it's talking about the New Jerusalem in the book of Revelations, Chapter 21. so there!
The Lord's Career Advice
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2006/002/10.36.html
Took this from the Purpose Driven Life group.
For the down-trodden and wearied at work
on reading the latter part of Judges (part. 1)
been reading the latter part of Judges lately, from the period of Samson as judge all the way to the end of the book. A couple of verses just jumped off the pages:
1) Then Manoah prayed to the LORD... God heard Manoah. (Judges 13:8-9)
No matter how matter how many times I read these kind of verses, it just blows my mind away. We pray, God hears.
2) [Samson] "I will really harm them." (Judges 15:3)
Amazing how a man chosen by God can think of really harming others. I guess I'm just disturbed at this, and wondering the previous time when Samson killed 30 men of Ashkelon (as mentioned in verse 19 of Chapter 14) , was it in jest and mere sport?
3) Then three thousand men from Judah... ( Judges 15:11)
I laughed my head off when I read this line. Imagine 3000 grown men going up against 1 man, Samson. I guess when it's 1 man, but with God on his side, you have to bring a lot of men just to "equal up", if that can ever be achieved la.
4) ... The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power. The ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands. (Judges 15:14)
This line leads me to imagine Samson to be Super-Saiyan Sun Goku!
5) Because he was very thirsty, he cried out to the LORD, "You have given your servant this great victory. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?" Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. ... (T)he spring was called En Hakkore (means caller's spring).
Interestingly, the footnote in the Application Bibles writes this comment:
"Emotionally, we are most vulnerable after a great effort or when faced with real physical needs. Severe depression often follows great achievements, so don't be surprised if you feel drained after a great personal victory.
During these times of vulnerability, avoid the temptation to think that God owes you for your efforts. It was his strength that gave you victory. Concentrate on keeping your attitudes, actions, and words focused on God instead of yourself."
5) With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death. (Judges 16:16)
Another laughter-inducing line. The power of the NAG!
6) ... But he did not know that the LORD had left him. (Judges 16:20)
A scary line. If we are not sensitive to the LORD, we won't even know we are no longer in God.
7) "O Sovereign LORD, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more..." (Judges 16:28)
A prayer I need to utter more often.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
on 3 songs about His Grace
Your Grace is Enough
Great is your faithfulness oh God
You wrestle with the sinner's heart
You lead us by still waters into mercy
And nothing can keep us apart
Pre Chorus:
So remember your people
Remember your children
Remember your promise, oh God
Chorus:
Your grace is enough.
Your grace is enough.
Your grace is enough for me.
Verse 2:
Great is your love and justice, God.
You use the weak to lead the strong.
You lead us in the song of your salvation
And all your people sing along.
Pre Chorus:
So remember your people.
Remember your children.
Remember your promise, oh God.
Chorus x3
Chorus 2:
Your Grace is enough
Heaven reaching down to us
Your Grace is enough for me
----------------
God, I see your grace is enough
I'm covered in your love
Your grace is enough for me
For me
(Taken from http://www.sing365.com/music/Lyric.nsf/Your-Grace-Is-Enough-lyrics-Chris-Tomlin/DF6708F6F366632248256FB900129907)
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YOUR GRACE IS SUFFICIENT
Your grace is sufficient for me
Your strength is made perfect when I am weak
All that I cling to
I lay at your feet
Your grace is sufficient for me
I'm no longer striving
To merit Your love
I rest in your promise to me
All of my sins have been
Washed in Your blood
Your mercy is all that I need
You see me as righteous
Because of the blood
That made the atonement for me
Your mercy has triumphed where I should be judged
So now by your grace I am free
(taken from http://darladay.net/Lyrics/Lyrics-YourGrace.html)
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Amazing Grace
- Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind, but now I see. - 'Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear,
And Grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed. - Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come.
'Tis Grace hath brought me safe thus far
And Grace will lead me home. - The Lord has promised good to me.
His Word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures. - When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we'd first begun.
(Taken from http://www.smmp.com/amazing.htm)
on grace and pain
yeaps, it's Maundy Thursday, the day on the Christian calender when we remember Jesus at the Last supper, teaching his disciples at the upper room, breaking bread and toasting wine, doing the first communion, washing His disciples' feet, predicting His betrayal, prays for Himself, the disciples and all future believers. Later Jesus and His disciples went to Gethsemane, where He prayed in the Garden before the start of His Passion.
In a nutshell, why the King of kings and Lord of Lords subject HImself to this particular episode in history? Isn't it peculiar that God did not choose to reveal His glory as He should have done, like the other princes of the world? Even at this point of time, Jesus did not deny His birthright as Son of God. He continued to perform miracles (He made the Roman legion who went to arrest HIm fall back just by announcing His identity, and healed the high servant's severed ear with His touch.) Then, why against all logical things to do, did Jesus allow Himself to be questioned and humiliated like a common criminal, and be hung to death on a cross?
I believed this verse holds the secret:
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." - Matthew 26:39 (NIV).
The Bible records that Jesus prayed this prayer three times to the Heavenly Father in the Garden of Gethsemane. Even as Jesus agonizes over the coming ordeals (He is fully Man, after all), He still sought to do the Father's will, because He loves His Father, and loves His neighbours as Himself. (He is fully God, praise be to God!)
So why is this titled "on grace and pain"? Well, because it is of the grace of God that we are saved, and it is done by His pains. I think many a times I forget the full import of the grace and the pains of His in this portion of the Gospel. If I can only remember the full cost that it took me to be saved, maybe I won't lived my life out as carelessly as before.
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Because we children of Adam want to become great,
He became small.
Because we will not stoop,
He humbled Himself.
Because we want to rule,
He came to serve.
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“ Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. ”- Luke 9:23-24
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
What's So Amazing About Grace? (1997)
| Rating: | ★★★★ |
| Category: | Books |
| Genre: | Religion & Spirituality |
| Author: | Philips Yancey |
Takeaway:
Nothing I can do to make God love me more; Nothing I can do to make God love me less.
Wednesday, April 5, 2006
Finding My Way Home
| Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Category: | Books |
| Genre: | Religion & Spirituality |
| Author: | Henri J.M. Nouwen |
Subtitled "Pathways to Life and the Spirit" - the four articles are titled "The Path of Power", "The Path of Peace", "The Path of Waiting" and "The Path of Living and Dying". I took less than 4 hours to finish reading the whole book, short as it was, but the lessons in it is really mind-boggling.
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
On takeaways from that Angel Book
Jotted down some poems and passages from the Angel book that I read in the library yesterday. Here they are:
From Page 17 (p.17)
A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our Helper He, amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to seek us woe;
His Craft and power are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim –
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers –
No thanks to them – abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
the body they may kill;
God’s truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever! (Martin Luther)
(p.35)
Meaning of the 4-faced cherubim
- Composite animal forms are ideal representatives of redeemed creaturely life, in which man is prominent (Ezekiel 1:5, Revelation 4:7)
- Lion : King of wild animals = undaunted courage & rigor in execution of God’s commands
- Ox: King of dumb creation = unwearied patience and firmness
- Eagle: King of feathered creation = activity, & the incomparable speed which the cherubs execute their divine missions
- Man: King of God’s creation = prudence and compassion, intelligence and strength of reason
(p. 63)
When I stand before the throne,
Dressed in beauty not my own
When I see Thee as Thou art,
Love thee with unsinning heart;
Then, Lord, shall I fully know –
Not till then – how much I owe (Dr. Robert M. M’Cheyne)
(p.82)
To
While angels lined the road,
And bore the prophet wrapped in flame,
To his rewarding God. (
(p.83)
Thus the prophet’s servant saw,
When the Syrian host assailed,
Every heavenly warrior,
And bright encampment all unveiled.
And from yonder distant sky,
All conflict we shall view.
Turn and see the dangers fly;
And praise God that led us through. (Edmeston)
The Angel of the Covenant = the Son, Jesus Christ
Theopany ( Greek “theos” = God, “pheino” = to appear)
For though he [Christ] was not yet clothed with flesh, he came down, so to speak, as an intermediary, in order to approach believers more intimately. Therefore this closer intercourse have him the name of angel. (John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, p.133)
(P. 97)
The Son of God in tears,
Angels with wonder see;
Be thou astonished, O my soul,
He shed these tears for thee
He wept that we might weep:
Each sin demands a tear.
In heaven alone no sin is found,
And those’s no weeping there!
ok, parting shot from Paul, on the superiority of Christ to angels
Hebrews 1
The Son Superior to Angels
1In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
5For to which of the angels did God ever say,
"You are my Son;
today I have become your Father[a]"[b]? Or again,
"I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son"[c]? 6And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,
"Let all God's angels worship him."[d] 7In speaking of the angels he says,
"He makes his angels winds,
his servants flames of fire."[e] 8But about the Son he says,
"Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever,
and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.
9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy."[f] 10He also says,
"In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
11They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
12You will roll them up like a robe;
like a garment they will be changed.
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end."[g] 13To which of the angels did God ever say,
"Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet"[h]? 14Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
(taken from http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=65&chapter=1&version=31&context=chapter)
All The Angels In The Bible
| Rating: | ★★★★ |
| Category: | Books |
| Genre: | Religion & Spirituality |
| Author: | Herbert Lockyer |
The classic "All Series" books have graced the shelves of pastors, students, and laypeople alike for decades. All the Angels in the Bible continues in the series' tradition of offering a faithful and comprehensive treatment of biblical subjects.
"This is a book of angel stories. It describes in detail angelic encounters with men and women through thousands of years—from our first parents, Adam and Eve, in the Garden of Eden, to the last words of angels spoken to the apostle John during his imprisonment on the remote island of Patmos. This is about all the angels in the Bible, their nature, and their ministry."
—from the preface
Lockyer shows us that the Bible speaks clearly about angels. He lists every biblical reference to angels and describes the angels of the Old Testament and the angels of the New Testament. Through angels, God has provided for centuries of believers. Lockyer's book encourages us that god will continue this provision.
About the Author
Herbert Lockyer (1886-1985) was an internationally known preacher and the author of approximately fifty books. A British Baptist minister, he graduated from Glasgow Bible College and received doctoral degrees from Northwestern Evangelical seminary and the International Academy in London.
Rev. Herbert Lockyer, Jr. is the Executive Minister, Emeritus at First Presbyterian Church. He received his M.A. from Loyala University, Chicago and worked with his father on the "All Series."
(taken from http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1565631986/104-9781351-0430339?v=glance&n=283155)
Sunday, April 2, 2006
Roman Catholicism: The Basics (The Basics Series)
| Rating: | ★★★★ |
| Category: | Books |
| Genre: | Religion & Spirituality |
| Author: | Michael Walsh |
Reviews
Synopsis
From the basic ideas and terms, to its structures and practices, this book offers a plain-speaking introduction to Roman Catholicism. It covers: / Roman Catholic beliefs and traditions / Practices and devotional life - rituals, prayer, mass / The Church structures and authorities - from Vatican to parish church / The Church hierarchies and people - from bishops to the laity / The role of the Church in society. With glossary, further reading sections and an appendix on the history of the Papacy, this is the perfect guide for anyone wanting to understand more about Roman Catholicism.
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A good basic starting point, for those interested on the Roman Catholic faith. I read it in a week at the Woodlands NLB branch, under the reference section.
Ice Age 2 - The Meltdown
| Rating: | ★★★★ |
| Category: | Movies |
| Genre: | Animation |
Official website:
http://www.iceagemovie.com/index.html
Teasers and Trailer:
http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox/ice_age_2/
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