To learn more, please visit http://www.cozycot.com/birthdaybash2011 !
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Debut Demo - Original Song
Where would I be without you?
I wouldn't have been this strong and independent.
I wouldn't have opened my eyes and heart to the less fortunate and been humbled.
I wouldn't have served the underprivileged children/youths and realized how fortunate I am.
I wouldn't have been blessed and to be able to be a blessing to others.
I wouldn't have been loved and in turn overflow with love.
I wouldn't have a teachable spirit and reflected and learnt with an open heart and mind.
I wouldn't have been taught many good values in life so I can be a better person.
I wouldn't have the courage and abilities to pursue my dream of becoming a performer.
I wouldn't have fulfilled my dream of recording a song and I know in due time, an album.
I wouldn't be who I am today without You.
You who picked me up when I was down.
You who gave me strength when I was weak.
You who comforted me when my tears couldn't stop.
You who provided so I never lacked.
You who taught me how to believe, how to hope, how to love.
You who loved me for who I am, with all my strengths, weaknesses, sillyness, quirks, character flaws.
You who always accepted and welcomed me back with open arms despite my disobedience.
You who brought me this far in my career, in my relationships, in my life.
You who gave all of yourself, your dignity, your blood, so I have everything and have eternal life.
You who are more than I can ever fathom and imagine.
You who are my all in all.
You who are my God, my Saviour, my Lord, my beloved and precious Jesus and Heavenly Father.
如果没有你
Written and Sung by Shannon Zann (苏仪珍)
Piano by Gaylin Tan
给你我的生命 是最棒的决定
从死去到复活 从软弱到坚强
你医治我破碎的灵
有了你的带领 认识你的旨意
从骄傲到谦虚 从自大到感激
你一直在陶冶我心
如果没有你就不会有我
如果没有你的爱我还是会寂寞
若不是你 从来不曾想过放开我的手
我会在哪里还是会委屈
如果没有你我就不会在这里
如果没有你的宝血我就看不到奇迹
若不是你天天眷顾着我牵着我的手
我才会在这里 拥有你给的一切美丽
(因你我在这里 能够分享我所有经历)
颂赞你的美好 是我一生梦想
从空虚到充实 从贫穷到富有
你给我未来和盼望
有你给我的爱 是我最大能耐
从悲伤到欢喜 从孤独到温馨
你是我最爱的天父
我叛逆的时候你依然在我身边
我忘了你的时候你永远记得你的誓言
View/listen demo on Youtube or click below.
《如果没有你》 will be part of a woman's ministry compilation album produced by Oops Asia Singapore, where all the songs will be originals written and sung by women, and is scheduled to be released around mid 2012.
This is the first time I wrote a complete song, and the first time I stepped into a recording studio to record a full song. I was really excited to be able to express myself in words and melody, to put it into permanence onto a mp3 track, to share God's goodness with others, and ultimately to fulfill and embark on my dream of singing for God.
I was also quite nervous while doing the recording cause there were so many things to take note - facing the mic while glimpsing at the lyrics from the corner of my eyes, taking deep enough breaths but not to breathe too heavily, trying to sing with emotions while remembering all of those things.
I would say I definitely want to change certain ways I sung certain parts of the song, in terms of variations, emotions, techniques, and perhaps even edit the lyrics. But as this is a demo recording, we didn't re-record every single thing that was not up to my satisfaction. Plus somehow I didn't hear the playback thoroughly, thus the vocals are not recorded to perfection, so please pardon the flat note and what nots.
From the writing of the song to it being accepted to recording the demo, and to proper recording and post production in future, all these would not have been possible without God's anointing and grace upon me. It was my childhood dream to be a singer, but it was unimaginable to be able to fulfill it. I don't pack a powerful voice and flawless techniques at this point, but what I have, I give back unto our Lord. In my weakness, God's strength is made perfect, so I pray that in spite of my imperfections, you will be touched and be ministered to by my debut demo.
I wouldn't have been this strong and independent.
I wouldn't have opened my eyes and heart to the less fortunate and been humbled.
I wouldn't have served the underprivileged children/youths and realized how fortunate I am.
I wouldn't have been blessed and to be able to be a blessing to others.
I wouldn't have been loved and in turn overflow with love.
I wouldn't have a teachable spirit and reflected and learnt with an open heart and mind.
I wouldn't have been taught many good values in life so I can be a better person.
I wouldn't have the courage and abilities to pursue my dream of becoming a performer.
I wouldn't have fulfilled my dream of recording a song and I know in due time, an album.
I wouldn't be who I am today without You.
You who picked me up when I was down.
You who gave me strength when I was weak.
You who comforted me when my tears couldn't stop.
You who provided so I never lacked.
You who taught me how to believe, how to hope, how to love.
You who loved me for who I am, with all my strengths, weaknesses, sillyness, quirks, character flaws.
You who always accepted and welcomed me back with open arms despite my disobedience.
You who brought me this far in my career, in my relationships, in my life.
You who gave all of yourself, your dignity, your blood, so I have everything and have eternal life.
You who are more than I can ever fathom and imagine.
You who are my all in all.
You who are my God, my Saviour, my Lord, my beloved and precious Jesus and Heavenly Father.
如果没有你
Written and Sung by Shannon Zann (苏仪珍)
Piano by Gaylin Tan
给你我的生命 是最棒的决定
从死去到复活 从软弱到坚强
你医治我破碎的灵
有了你的带领 认识你的旨意
从骄傲到谦虚 从自大到感激
你一直在陶冶我心
如果没有你就不会有我
如果没有你的爱我还是会寂寞
若不是你 从来不曾想过放开我的手
我会在哪里还是会委屈
如果没有你我就不会在这里
如果没有你的宝血我就看不到奇迹
若不是你天天眷顾着我牵着我的手
我才会在这里 拥有你给的一切美丽
(因你我在这里 能够分享我所有经历)
颂赞你的美好 是我一生梦想
从空虚到充实 从贫穷到富有
你给我未来和盼望
有你给我的爱 是我最大能耐
从悲伤到欢喜 从孤独到温馨
你是我最爱的天父
我叛逆的时候你依然在我身边
我忘了你的时候你永远记得你的誓言
View/listen demo on Youtube or click below.
《如果没有你》 will be part of a woman's ministry compilation album produced by Oops Asia Singapore, where all the songs will be originals written and sung by women, and is scheduled to be released around mid 2012.
This is the first time I wrote a complete song, and the first time I stepped into a recording studio to record a full song. I was really excited to be able to express myself in words and melody, to put it into permanence onto a mp3 track, to share God's goodness with others, and ultimately to fulfill and embark on my dream of singing for God.
I was also quite nervous while doing the recording cause there were so many things to take note - facing the mic while glimpsing at the lyrics from the corner of my eyes, taking deep enough breaths but not to breathe too heavily, trying to sing with emotions while remembering all of those things.
I would say I definitely want to change certain ways I sung certain parts of the song, in terms of variations, emotions, techniques, and perhaps even edit the lyrics. But as this is a demo recording, we didn't re-record every single thing that was not up to my satisfaction. Plus somehow I didn't hear the playback thoroughly, thus the vocals are not recorded to perfection, so please pardon the flat note and what nots.
From the writing of the song to it being accepted to recording the demo, and to proper recording and post production in future, all these would not have been possible without God's anointing and grace upon me. It was my childhood dream to be a singer, but it was unimaginable to be able to fulfill it. I don't pack a powerful voice and flawless techniques at this point, but what I have, I give back unto our Lord. In my weakness, God's strength is made perfect, so I pray that in spite of my imperfections, you will be touched and be ministered to by my debut demo.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Key Quotes from Steve Jobs
 |
| www.apple.com |
Sieved from straitstimes.com and www.macstories.net
“You know, I’ve got a plan that could rescue Apple. I can’t say any more than that it’s the perfect product and the perfect strategy for Apple. But nobody there will listen to me.”
'Innovation comes from people meeting up in the hallways or calling each other at 10.30 at night with a new idea, or because they realised something that shoots holes in how we've been thinking about a problem. It's ad hoc meetings of six people called by someone who thinks he has figured out the coolest new thing ever and who wants to know what other people think of his idea.'
'These technologies can make life easier, can let us touch people we might not otherwise. You may have a child with a birth defect and be able to get in touch with other parents and support groups, get medical information, the latest experimental drugs. These things can profoundly influence life.
I'm not downplaying that. But it's a disservice to constantly put things in this radical new light - that it's going to change everything. Things don't have to change the world to be important.'
“Innovation has nothing to do with how many R&D dollars you have. When Apple came up with the Mac, IBM was spending at least 100 times more on R&D. It’s not about money. It’s about the people you have, how you’re led, and how much you get it.”
“Insanely Great!”
“It’s rare that you see an artist in his 30s or 40s able to really contribute something amazing.”
“I feel like somebody just punched me in the stomach and knocked all my wind out. I’m only 30 years old and I want to have a chance to continue creating things. I know I’ve got at least one more great computer in me. And Apple is not going to give me a chance to do that.”
“I didn’t see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.”
“The cure for Apple is not cost-cutting. The cure for Apple is to innovate its way out of its current predicament.”
'One more thing ...'
'I don't think I've ever worked so hard on something, but working on Macintosh was the neatest experience of my life.
“Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.”
“We’ve gone through the operating system and looked at everything and asked how can we simplify this and make it more powerful at the same time.”
“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.”
“I want to put a ding in the universe.”
“The only problem with Microsoft is they just have no taste. They have absolutely no taste. And I don’t mean that in a small way, I mean that in a big way, in the sense that they don’t think of original ideas, and they don’t bring much culture into their products.”
“We made the buttons on the screen look so good you’ll want to lick them.”
“You can’t just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they’ll want something new.”
“A lot of companies have chosen to downsize, and maybe that was the right thing for them. We chose a different path. Our belief was that if we kept putting great products in front of customers, they would continue to open their wallets.”
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
“Recruiting is hard. It’s just finding the needles in the haystack. You can’t know enough in a one-hour interview. So, in the end, it’s ultimately based on your gut. How do I feel about this person? What are they like when they’re challenged? I ask everybody that: ‘Why are you here?’ The answers themselves are not what you’re looking for. It’s the meta-data.”
“We’ve had one of these before, when the dot-com bubble burst. What I told our company was that we were just going to invest our way through the downturn, that we weren’t going to lay off people, that we’d taken a tremendous amount of effort to get them into Apple in the first place – the last thing we were going to do is lay them off.”
“I mean, some people say, ‘Oh, God, if [Jobs] got run over by a bus, Apple would be in trouble.’ And, you know, I think it wouldn’t be a party, but there are really capable people at Apple. My job is to make the whole executive team good enough to be successors, so that’s what I try to do.”
“It’s not about pop culture, and it’s not about fooling people, and it’s not about convincing people that they want something they don’t. We figure out what we want. And I think we’re pretty good at having the right discipline to think through whether a lot of other people are going to want it, too. That’s what we get paid to do. We just want to make great products.”
“So when a good idea comes, you know, part of my job is to move it around, just see what different people think, get people talking about it, argue with people about it, get ideas moving among that group of 100 people, get different people together to explore different aspects of it quietly, and, you know – just explore things.”
“When I hire somebody really senior, competence is the ante. They have to be really smart. But the real issue for me is, Are they going to fall in love with Apple? Because if they fall in love with Apple, everything else will take care of itself. They’ll want to do what’s best for Apple, not what’s best for them, what’s best for Steve, or anybody else.”
“Our DNA is as a consumer company – for that individual customer who’s voting thumbs up or thumbs down. That’s who we think about. And we think that our job is to take responsibility for the complete user experience. And if it’s not up to par, it’s our fault, plain and simply.”
“That happens more than you think, because this is not just engineering and science. There is art, too. Sometimes when you’re in the middle of one of these crises, you’re not sure you’re going to make it to the other end. But we’ve always made it, and so we have a certain degree of confidence, although sometimes you wonder. I think the key thing is that we’re not all terrified at the same time. I mean, we do put our heart and soul into these things.”
“I’m the only person I know that’s lost a quarter of a billion dollars in one year…. It’s very character-building.”
“I’m as proud of what we don’t do as I am of what we do.”
“Quality is more important than quantity. One home run is much better than two doubles.”
 |
| A photo of Apple's founder Steve Jobs stands on a computer at Apple's flagship store on New York's 5th Avenue, October 5, 2011. -- PHOTO: AFP |
My Top 10 Faves:
#10
“People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully.”
"And it comes from saying no to 1,000 things to make sure we don't get on the wrong track or try to do too much. We're always thinking about new markets we could enter, but it's only by saying no that you can concentrate on the things that are really important."
#9
“Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me … Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful… that’s what matters to me.”
“I was worth over $1,000,000 when I was 23, and over $10,000,000 when I was 24, and over $100,000,000 when I was 25, and it wasn’t that important because I never did it for the money.”
#8
“I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”
#7
“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
#6
“My job is to not be easy on people. My job is to make them better.”
#5
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking, don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."
#4
'Death is the destination we all share, and that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new.'
#3
'Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice.'
#2
“We don’t get a chance to do that many things, and every one should be really excellent. Because this is our life. Life is brief, and then you die, you know? And we’ve all chosen to do this with our lives. So it better be damn good. It better be worth it.”
#1
'Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.'
Steve Job's Stanford Commencement Address, 2005
 | |
| I'm a big apple fan, or a worm, as a friend calls it. A happy worm. Thank you and your team, Steve, for the brilliant innovations, and I believe your successors will aim to continue the legacy you have left behind. Meanwhile, here's saying.. |
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| A apple with the word 'bye' carved into it sits outside an Apple store after it was left by a man commemorating the life of Apple Inc's founder and former chief executive Steve Jobs, October 5, 2011 in Pasadena, California. -- PHOTO: AFP |
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| Goodbye Mr Apple. Goodbye Mr Steve Job. RIP. |
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Getting Attached? Married? Pregnant?
Are you wanting to get attached? Get married? Parent a baby?
To learn more, please visit http://lovefest2011.cozycot.com! Or simply click on the picture below!
To learn more, please visit http://lovefest2011.cozycot.com! Or simply click on the picture below!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The Road Less Traveled - Global Hotel Alliance
Just read an article introducing this Global Hotel Alliance company. It aims to create an alternative traveling experience for tourists, and brings them to - almost literally - the road less traveled.
Thought I might want to try it out next time, so just wanna blog this for my personal reference. Do click on the photo to check it out if you are keen too! =)
Monday, June 6, 2011
Scolded For Trying To Be Good =(
I got "scolded" for trying to be a good person.
A few evenings ago, the train was packed as usual, and a lady around her 20s entered through the door. She had a baby strapped to her small body, a big sling bag on one shoulder and a big recyclable bag on the other hand.
I stood holding the metal pole at the corner-pls-give-up-to-those-in-need-seat, and she was about 2 steps away from me, facing the door.
After glancing at the passengers on the seats, they either had their eyes closed or looking down, definitely don't look like they would notice the woman and her baby. And so I decided to tap on the healthy looking guy nearest to me (who was also sitting at the corner-pls-give-up-to-those-in-need-seat), who I think was in his late 30s or so, to ask him to give up his seat.
*Tap tap tap*. My fingers gently touched his hand 3 times.
No response.
*Tap tap tap* again.
No response.
Errrrr, sleep until so soundly ah? But as I bent lower, I thought I saw his eyes flickered a bit leh.
Just then, the lady sitting beside our leading man knew what i was thinking of and offered her seat (actually, it wasn't as straightforward, but nevermind, she's just the supporting character here). So we got our lady with baby to maneuver amongst the human obstacles and my luggage on the floor, to her seat successfully.
Naturally, I thanked this kind soul who was willing to sacrifice, and then I half rolled my eyes to our gentleman who was still motionless in his seat, his eyes still looking down, or closed - I don't know which.
End of story? I thought so.
10 seconds later, the man suddenly dug his wallet from his back pocket, took a card out from his wallet, and shoved the card in my face. I had to lean my head slightly back to focus my eyes on what he was trying to show me.
"Handicapped Welfare Society". These were the only words I managed to see before he retracted the card.
I smiled slightly and nodded my head to him, acknowledging that I understood what he was trying to tell me. It wasn't that he didn't want to give up his seat, he himself was also handicapped. Ah, I felt a slight tinge of guilt in my heart.
How could I be so judgmental? It is not in my purview to judge another person, because I am not perfect myself. As what is written in the Bible, 'He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her' (John 8:7). I used to pretend to sleep just so that I wouldn't see anyone whom I need to give up my seat to, until I heeded the government's call to be more socially conscious and responsible.
While processing my own behaviour and thoughts, I then wondered how exactly he is handicapped as he looked perfectly fine to me. I thought maybe he was deaf or mute, since we had only been communicating through actions. But... If he was deaf or mute, he still wouldn't need the seat as much as someone else who had physical constrains, right?
Suddenly, he stood up. I got a shock, although I didn't show it of course. I swear he could read my mind. But I was more bewildered at what he said.
"Do you want me to give up my seat to you?" His eyes looked intently down at mine, his voice soft but harsh.
Huh? "Noo, I just wanted to..."
"Do you know I am handicapped?" He interrupted. "I am amputated from my knee down. I am the most rightful person to sit in this seat." His right index finger pointed forcefully to the now empty seat.
I decided it was my turn to cut him, "yes you showed me your card. I wouldn't know before that, thank you for showing me your card, but..."
"I can give up my seat to you, do you want? You can sit." He was getting a tad more agitated now, and he obviously wasn't listening to me at all.
Hey, although I am half a head shorter and definitely skinnier than you, doesn't mean I'll be scared of you. I had been very polite in trying to explain to you. Good thing I am generally a calm person and I value harmony over ego/face.
Unfortunately I never completed my explanation, cause he plonked himself back down, with his eyes cast on the white train floor once again.
The lady with the baby, sitting beside him, looked up at me, and I at her. I caught her 'oh dear' look, and I just smiled to her and half shook my head, half rolled my eyes, signaling to her that "it's ok, don't bother, he's weird".
And then there was peace. Or so I thought.
30 seconds later, while our train was travelling in the tunnel, the man stood up and left his seat. He was somewhere behind me, I couldn't see him and I thought he was getting ready to alight. I felt a bit uncomfortable, but I just told myself I'm being too sensitive.
The train reached the next station and stopped. The passenger who was leaning against the glass panel in front of me alighted. Our protagonist reappeared, took the place of the passenger, and leaned against the glass panel in front of me. What I was really appalled at, was that he actually 'diao' me! For the foreigners who might be reading this and have no idea what 'diao' means, it's 'giving the dirty look'.
Almost instinctively, I looked behind me to see if there was space, I so didn't want to stand in front of this man and be subjected to further abuse. And when I turned back, a woman perhaps in her 40s, looked at me and pointed to the space beside her, indicating to me to go over. I promptly lifted my luggage and migrated there. Before she alighted a few stops later, she patted me on my hand and said, "be careful ah, you take care of yourself".
I was thankful for her assurance, that she dismissed my self-doubt, wondering if I did anything wrong by trying to get a seat for the lady with her baby.
I must say I had indeed been too quick to judge the man when he didn't respond to give up his seat. If he had never revealed his physical condition, I would have kept on thinking he was another selfish person who valued his own comfort more than others' who were in greater need.
How many times have we been in similar situations? The grumpy cashier aunty at NTUC might have quarreled with her son or daughter in the morning over finances. The rude teenage boy who bumped into you and did not say sorry might have just flunked his exam and is preparing to face the music back home.
And how many times have we also been like that? We were so tired, deep in our own thoughts, thinking about what had happened to us earlier, that we did not notice any elderly or pregnant lady entering the train. We were so occupied with talking with our friend, that we walked like turtles and blocked the traffic.
But of course, these should not be excuses for being rude or socially irresponsible either. If all of us take it upon ourselves to care for others, our society will always grow to be more gracious. So as much as possible, let's be more aware of what's happening around us, and to put others before ourselves.
'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others' (Phil 2:3-4)
Having said that, I also realised the man is facing more than just physical issues. It seemed to me that he was self-absorbed, hurt and insecure, because of his condition. I don't blame him, but it's not healthy either and it could bring more harm to himself and to the people around him.
To this gentleman:
I'm sorry for dismissing you without knowing all the facts, and I appreciate that you informed me why you chose not to give up your seat. I think it's perfectly fine and legitimate and I respect your decision. Afterall, I also think that you deserve the seat more than the person next to you! However, I believe you have misunderstood my intention, I didn't want your seat, I wanted the lady who was carrying a baby and 2 bags to have a seat. And I definitely did not appreciate the harsh way you talked to me and did not listen to my explanation. Please don't take things personally, otherwise there will be more miscommunications and misunderstandings. I just pray that there will always be joy and peace in your heart.
A few evenings ago, the train was packed as usual, and a lady around her 20s entered through the door. She had a baby strapped to her small body, a big sling bag on one shoulder and a big recyclable bag on the other hand.
I stood holding the metal pole at the corner-pls-give-up-to-those-in-need-seat, and she was about 2 steps away from me, facing the door.
After glancing at the passengers on the seats, they either had their eyes closed or looking down, definitely don't look like they would notice the woman and her baby. And so I decided to tap on the healthy looking guy nearest to me (who was also sitting at the corner-pls-give-up-to-those-in-need-seat), who I think was in his late 30s or so, to ask him to give up his seat.
*Tap tap tap*. My fingers gently touched his hand 3 times.
No response.
*Tap tap tap* again.
No response.
Errrrr, sleep until so soundly ah? But as I bent lower, I thought I saw his eyes flickered a bit leh.
Just then, the lady sitting beside our leading man knew what i was thinking of and offered her seat (actually, it wasn't as straightforward, but nevermind, she's just the supporting character here). So we got our lady with baby to maneuver amongst the human obstacles and my luggage on the floor, to her seat successfully.
Naturally, I thanked this kind soul who was willing to sacrifice, and then I half rolled my eyes to our gentleman who was still motionless in his seat, his eyes still looking down, or closed - I don't know which.
End of story? I thought so.
10 seconds later, the man suddenly dug his wallet from his back pocket, took a card out from his wallet, and shoved the card in my face. I had to lean my head slightly back to focus my eyes on what he was trying to show me.
"Handicapped Welfare Society". These were the only words I managed to see before he retracted the card.
I smiled slightly and nodded my head to him, acknowledging that I understood what he was trying to tell me. It wasn't that he didn't want to give up his seat, he himself was also handicapped. Ah, I felt a slight tinge of guilt in my heart.
How could I be so judgmental? It is not in my purview to judge another person, because I am not perfect myself. As what is written in the Bible, 'He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her' (John 8:7). I used to pretend to sleep just so that I wouldn't see anyone whom I need to give up my seat to, until I heeded the government's call to be more socially conscious and responsible.
While processing my own behaviour and thoughts, I then wondered how exactly he is handicapped as he looked perfectly fine to me. I thought maybe he was deaf or mute, since we had only been communicating through actions. But... If he was deaf or mute, he still wouldn't need the seat as much as someone else who had physical constrains, right?
Suddenly, he stood up. I got a shock, although I didn't show it of course. I swear he could read my mind. But I was more bewildered at what he said.
"Do you want me to give up my seat to you?" His eyes looked intently down at mine, his voice soft but harsh.
Huh? "Noo, I just wanted to..."
"Do you know I am handicapped?" He interrupted. "I am amputated from my knee down. I am the most rightful person to sit in this seat." His right index finger pointed forcefully to the now empty seat.
I decided it was my turn to cut him, "yes you showed me your card. I wouldn't know before that, thank you for showing me your card, but..."
"I can give up my seat to you, do you want? You can sit." He was getting a tad more agitated now, and he obviously wasn't listening to me at all.
Hey, although I am half a head shorter and definitely skinnier than you, doesn't mean I'll be scared of you. I had been very polite in trying to explain to you. Good thing I am generally a calm person and I value harmony over ego/face.
Unfortunately I never completed my explanation, cause he plonked himself back down, with his eyes cast on the white train floor once again.
The lady with the baby, sitting beside him, looked up at me, and I at her. I caught her 'oh dear' look, and I just smiled to her and half shook my head, half rolled my eyes, signaling to her that "it's ok, don't bother, he's weird".
And then there was peace. Or so I thought.
30 seconds later, while our train was travelling in the tunnel, the man stood up and left his seat. He was somewhere behind me, I couldn't see him and I thought he was getting ready to alight. I felt a bit uncomfortable, but I just told myself I'm being too sensitive.
The train reached the next station and stopped. The passenger who was leaning against the glass panel in front of me alighted. Our protagonist reappeared, took the place of the passenger, and leaned against the glass panel in front of me. What I was really appalled at, was that he actually 'diao' me! For the foreigners who might be reading this and have no idea what 'diao' means, it's 'giving the dirty look'.
Almost instinctively, I looked behind me to see if there was space, I so didn't want to stand in front of this man and be subjected to further abuse. And when I turned back, a woman perhaps in her 40s, looked at me and pointed to the space beside her, indicating to me to go over. I promptly lifted my luggage and migrated there. Before she alighted a few stops later, she patted me on my hand and said, "be careful ah, you take care of yourself".
I was thankful for her assurance, that she dismissed my self-doubt, wondering if I did anything wrong by trying to get a seat for the lady with her baby.
I must say I had indeed been too quick to judge the man when he didn't respond to give up his seat. If he had never revealed his physical condition, I would have kept on thinking he was another selfish person who valued his own comfort more than others' who were in greater need.
How many times have we been in similar situations? The grumpy cashier aunty at NTUC might have quarreled with her son or daughter in the morning over finances. The rude teenage boy who bumped into you and did not say sorry might have just flunked his exam and is preparing to face the music back home.
And how many times have we also been like that? We were so tired, deep in our own thoughts, thinking about what had happened to us earlier, that we did not notice any elderly or pregnant lady entering the train. We were so occupied with talking with our friend, that we walked like turtles and blocked the traffic.
But of course, these should not be excuses for being rude or socially irresponsible either. If all of us take it upon ourselves to care for others, our society will always grow to be more gracious. So as much as possible, let's be more aware of what's happening around us, and to put others before ourselves.
'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others' (Phil 2:3-4)
Having said that, I also realised the man is facing more than just physical issues. It seemed to me that he was self-absorbed, hurt and insecure, because of his condition. I don't blame him, but it's not healthy either and it could bring more harm to himself and to the people around him.
To this gentleman:
I'm sorry for dismissing you without knowing all the facts, and I appreciate that you informed me why you chose not to give up your seat. I think it's perfectly fine and legitimate and I respect your decision. Afterall, I also think that you deserve the seat more than the person next to you! However, I believe you have misunderstood my intention, I didn't want your seat, I wanted the lady who was carrying a baby and 2 bags to have a seat. And I definitely did not appreciate the harsh way you talked to me and did not listen to my explanation. Please don't take things personally, otherwise there will be more miscommunications and misunderstandings. I just pray that there will always be joy and peace in your heart.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
HOAX: BBC Flashnews of Radiation leak in Singapore
People.. If you've received the sms/email/tweet/fb status that talks about the radiation leak confirmed by BBC Flashnews:
Do NOT believe it nor forward it! It's totally a hoax that will only spread unnecessary panic in the country.
For credible reports on latest updates as well as why the sms contents are false, visit Channelnewsasia's report and also the Department of Science and Technology in Philippines.
Meanwhile, I received a link to help Japan by sending Socks For Japan. It's coordinated by Jason Kelly, an American author of 8 books, including The Neatest Little Guide to Stock Market Investing, a BusinessWeek best seller now in its 2010 edition, and who has lived in Japan since 2002.
Some guidelines:
WHY SOCKS?
Several reasons. Many of the victims ended up barefoot after fleeing in a hurry. In the disaster zone, feet get wet and then extra cold at night. People often forget about socks in favor of more obvious items like blankets and jackets. Receiving a new, fresh pair of socks provides a moment of comfort. If those socks arrive with a caring note as well, it’s very heartening for victims. If you’ve ever been stuck in a pair of wet, cold socks or no socks at all, perhaps you remember how soothing it felt to pull on a warm, dry pair.
Another way for you to do your part!
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| Hoax SMS |
Do NOT believe it nor forward it! It's totally a hoax that will only spread unnecessary panic in the country.
For credible reports on latest updates as well as why the sms contents are false, visit Channelnewsasia's report and also the Department of Science and Technology in Philippines.
Meanwhile, I received a link to help Japan by sending Socks For Japan. It's coordinated by Jason Kelly, an American author of 8 books, including The Neatest Little Guide to Stock Market Investing, a BusinessWeek best seller now in its 2010 edition, and who has lived in Japan since 2002.
Some guidelines:
- Send only new socks.
- Group similar socks in one package. (Male / Female / Sizes)
- List package contents on the package.
- Enclose a short care letter. Victims of the 1995 Hanshin quake in Kobe said that care letters were among the most uplifting items they received. If you enclose a care letter, provide a copy of it for each pair of socks you send.
- Write your email address on the package. Jason will send you a note once they receive your package.
WHY SOCKS?
Several reasons. Many of the victims ended up barefoot after fleeing in a hurry. In the disaster zone, feet get wet and then extra cold at night. People often forget about socks in favor of more obvious items like blankets and jackets. Receiving a new, fresh pair of socks provides a moment of comfort. If those socks arrive with a caring note as well, it’s very heartening for victims. If you’ve ever been stuck in a pair of wet, cold socks or no socks at all, perhaps you remember how soothing it felt to pull on a warm, dry pair.
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| Socks For Japan |
Another way for you to do your part!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Before and After Pictures of Japan's Quake/Tsunami
I only had time today to read up on the news about Japan's earthquake which happened on friday, 11.03.11. So while googling, I found these clear before and after pictures of Japan's quake/tsunami, from Australia's ABC news. You can also check their comprehensive coverage if you would like to keep track of Japan's quake and tsunami. Of course, there are the youtube videos and other national papers reporting on the quake as well.
It's really devastating to see casualties, be it due to natural disaster or man-made calamities. Within 3 months of 2011 alone, there are already 2 major quakes - Christchurch and Japan.
What we can do now, as fellow human beings safe in our own comfort zones, are really not that limited.
If you have the skills and expertise, you can give direct assistance by joining in the relief effort teams at the front-lines.
Otherwise, you can support by donating to established organisations (you never know, there are people who 趁火打劫 and try to make a fortune by faking donation appeals). Here is one avenue which I donated to: Groupon - all proceeds will be given to Singapore Red Cross Society.
If your finances are really limited and you are unable to donate, you can volunteer your time to pack some relief bags (don't think there are any organisations coordinating such events as of now, but I believe there will be when the aftermath settles and the survivors start to rebuild their lives), physically join in some fund-raising event to show your support, or even just say a word of prayer.
Every little thing counts.
God be with Japan.
It's really devastating to see casualties, be it due to natural disaster or man-made calamities. Within 3 months of 2011 alone, there are already 2 major quakes - Christchurch and Japan.
What we can do now, as fellow human beings safe in our own comfort zones, are really not that limited.
If you have the skills and expertise, you can give direct assistance by joining in the relief effort teams at the front-lines.
Otherwise, you can support by donating to established organisations (you never know, there are people who 趁火打劫 and try to make a fortune by faking donation appeals). Here is one avenue which I donated to: Groupon - all proceeds will be given to Singapore Red Cross Society.
If your finances are really limited and you are unable to donate, you can volunteer your time to pack some relief bags (don't think there are any organisations coordinating such events as of now, but I believe there will be when the aftermath settles and the survivors start to rebuild their lives), physically join in some fund-raising event to show your support, or even just say a word of prayer.
Every little thing counts.
Most of all, I've always believed in this: treasure your loved ones around you and show them how much you care. For all you know, they or you might be gone in the next minute.
Do not live with regrets, for the things you wished you had not done, and for the things you wished you had done.
God be with Japan.
From a Chinese Sendai Tsunami Survivor
I saw this post from facebook, forwarded by friends.
I think the original post is from Dreamsinapie.tumble.com
***
Translated message from a Chinese Sendai tsunami survivor
(I’m translating a Chinese message from this link: http://ww1.sinaimg.cn/large/6c8010d1jw6df5rjhq5v1j.jpgPlease excuse my translation skills. I know I’m not 100% accurate so feel free to correct me if necessary. But the point gets across pretty clearly.)
This is a mail from my friend
She asked me to post for her
She is in Sendai, Japan
Rescued early morning today
After being trapped for 8 hours
I hope you can finish reading
Hope you are a good person
Respect others
Even if you want to insult
Please don’t leave traces here
——————————
Aren’t we all comrades?
Just because you are in China
Just because you don’t have family or friends in Japan
You can say words like let Japan sink?
The Chinese people in Japan aren’t people?
What is hate
Who can tell me what hate is
When you’re standing on a roof surrounded by sea water
When in that water, is your home
When in that water, are your friends and family
Do you still know what hate is?
He kills you, so you must kill him
Then I think patriots with this kind of ideals
Can go to Japan for school or work
Then choose a rush hour
Take a knife, and kill whoever you see
I promise you can kill 100 people
I promise you can kill all types of people
I promise you can become the headline news
I promise you can fulfill your heroic dream
But you have to know
That in those 100 people
Maybe 10 were innocent children
Maybe 10 were house wives on their way home with groceries
Maybe 10 were workers working hard to provide for their families
Maybe 10 were elders
Maybe 10 were youngsters hanging out
Maybe 10 were part-timers delivering take-out
Maybe 10 were people waiting for a bus
Maybe 10 were passerbys
Maybe 10 were those who don’t know why you killed them
Maybe 10 were Chinese
Even if there really is someone you want to kill
I advice you
Choose carefully before you act
I don’t know how the Nan Jin massacre looked like
I hate those Japanese soldiers
I hate that they killed our people
But today
I felt like I saw a massacre
Standing on the roof
If you want to see
Look carefully
Sendai is you patriots’ heaven
Corpses are right there
There are some torn limbs
There are whole bodies
If you have good eyes
You can see the small hands of young children
If you focus
You can even see some corpses hugging together
Do you have any sympathy
Do you know that before Mother Nature
We humans are one family
My boyfriend works at a company by the coast
Till now we haven’t been able to contact each other
I know, we can’t see each other ever again
Who told you that only the Japanese died in this tragedy
Who told you that this tragedy is karma
Yes
It’s karma
The man kind’s karma is here
Right now I want to live
I want to live well
Right here in Japan
I want to live well
I’m afraid that if I died
Many people will blame Japan
There were over 80 people stuck in the building
In those eight hours
It’s true that they treated me like a Chinese
I have anemia so I felt like I couldn’t go on
A house wife with a baby beside me
Gave me some milk powder
The 20 year old girl sitting beside me helped me find water
Just like this
I’m still here
Perhaps it wasn’t the milk powder that saved
But their spirits saved me
Among the 80 people there were only two cellphones that worked
Everyone let the Chinese call home first
I was the second who got to call
Everyone lined up to call home
Till the end, some Japanese friends didn’t get through to their families
They understood there was no need
They gave up
After around 4 hours
Some girls were hugging and sobbing
Some were crying to themselves
Some were lying on the ground looking up at the sky
Some were still trying to call for help
I sat by the wall
Looked at the Japanese house wife beside me
She kept talking to her baby
Soothing the child to sleep and breast feeding
I miss mom
I want to go home
There were too many things I can’t forgot in those 8 hours
I’ve never been through so much pain in my life
Thanks to God
I was saved
What else do I want to say
I know I have so much more to tell everyone
But I’m so tired
Tired from crying
After the corpses are found
I might have to go identify them
Mom
Can I not go?
I don’t want to go
I’m so scared
I’ll see so many dead bodies
I don’t want to go anywhere
I hope this mail will get sent
Please help me publish
Maybe a lot of people will scold us
But
I hope you will know a bit more
I’m tired
Too scared to sleep
There are still small quakes
I have nowhere to hide
Mom
Are you watching?
I’m alive
Please don’t worry
Sleep for a while
——————————
Before Mother Nature
Do we still have racial differences?
Monday, February 28, 2011
Temasek Poly Short Film - Reunion
In Nov 2010, James, a TP student invited me to act for their final year project (FYP) short film. I had acted for one of his classmate, Kang Ling's, short film in May, and he was one of the team member. I'm really glad they liked what I did and thus decided to cast me for their FYP. Thanks guys! =)
Unfortunately, there were a few other groups from the same course who emailed me too and wanted me to act for them, however their lecturer had made known that repeat of actors/actresses was highly discouraged. So I could only hone my acting skills in 1 film for the school.
The protagonist is a materialistic woman who despised her husband and had an open affair. Very different from me I would say, but still a manageable role, cause I always have this secret wish to be evil. Haha.. Maybe that's why sometimes people get the impression that I'm bitchy, hard to get along with and stuff like that, especially when I stare with my big eyes or give the aloof expression.
Anyway, I had agreed to act for James and gang before I received the script. When I got the script, to my horror, there was a bed scene. I had never acted in any intimate scene nor anything close to it, and now even in my personal life, when my ex and I go to each other's houses, we wouldn't be lying on the same bed together. So that was a really huge challenge for me to deal with.
Thankfully, James the director was nice and said he will try to make it more conservative. So my co-actor and myself didn't have to be super duper intimate, just need to portray our relationship as lovers, and having a conversation in bed.
That also led me into re-thinking what my limits are when it comes to my involvement in this industry? My clear cut NO-NO right from the start are no frontal nudity, no bikini and lingerie shoots. When I was in my late teens, early twenties, and particularly when I returned from USA in 2004, I was relatively liberal in my dressing. I really didn't think it was any big deal baring skin. I mean, Singapore's weather is so hot, and its quite common here, and even more revealing in the states that I'm considered mild. Plus I'm conservative in my values, what matters most is our heart on the inside right?
Well, Ezekiel 36:26-27 says
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| The Crew and Some Cast |
The protagonist is a materialistic woman who despised her husband and had an open affair. Very different from me I would say, but still a manageable role, cause I always have this secret wish to be evil. Haha.. Maybe that's why sometimes people get the impression that I'm bitchy, hard to get along with and stuff like that, especially when I stare with my big eyes or give the aloof expression.
Anyway, I had agreed to act for James and gang before I received the script. When I got the script, to my horror, there was a bed scene. I had never acted in any intimate scene nor anything close to it, and now even in my personal life, when my ex and I go to each other's houses, we wouldn't be lying on the same bed together. So that was a really huge challenge for me to deal with.
Thankfully, James the director was nice and said he will try to make it more conservative. So my co-actor and myself didn't have to be super duper intimate, just need to portray our relationship as lovers, and having a conversation in bed.
 |
| My "lover" whom I had the "bed scene" with. |
Well, Ezekiel 36:26-27 says
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws."
After I accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour, and after I made a decision to commit myself to Him (in late 2004), I started to learn of God's Word, His character, and to have a relationship with Him. I was slowly changed from the inside out, I also realised that it's not just about what I think/feel/do, but how my actions/words impacted others. In the case of dressing and skin, it has a very practical effect - men are wired to be visual creatures, and very often they get aroused by what they see, or sometimes.. what they do Not get to see.
1 Corinthians 10:31 - " Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God"
Therefore, over the years, I have to deliberately cover up more, higher necklines, no bare mid-riff. I don't want to stumble others, especially my brothers in Christ.
However, it's such a tall order! It's not just about dressing, it's really to do with our behaviour, words, thoughts, beliefs and values. I have to admit that I do fail from time to time, and sometimes without realising it.
A recent case would be my previous photoshoot which were a little controversial amongst my friends. Basically the views are either "oooh, nice" or "wahh, very ahem", and a friend said he had his hands over his eyes while looking at the photos and were peering in between his fingers (I'm sure that's not what actually happened, but the idea is there).
All of those brought up the limit issue again. A presenting question to myself will be "what image do I want to portray to others?". A question that goes deeper is "how rooted are my values in Christ?"
All of those brought up the limit issue again. A presenting question to myself will be "what image do I want to portray to others?". A question that goes deeper is "how rooted are my values in Christ?"
My Sister told me before that she found me to be a very principled person, but in this case, my flesh and Spirit are in so much conflict that I want to choose to not think about it. But I guess I have to eventually lah, because it will pop up again sooner or later.
Anyways, back to the short film, I had uploaded the photos I took onto my facebook, but here they are again for those who are not on my FB.
Anyways, back to the short film, I had uploaded the photos I took onto my facebook, but here they are again for those who are not on my FB.
 |
| My "husband" on the left and "lover" on the right |
 |
| The entire cast |
 |
| My "daughter" - so cute right?? Aiyoh, this angle emphasizes my eye bags/dark circles. Yes, I don't photoshop my photos, not yet anyway.. That's why you see my scars even in my profile photos, don't want clients to get a shock when they see me in person you know.. |
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| She's really super adorable, totally totally love her! |
 |
| My "family" |
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| Happy family with silly faces 1 =) |
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| Happy family with silly faces 2 =) |
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
A Peek into My Room
Gosh, I'm shifting house, or more accurately, I'm shifting room, in close to 3 weeks time!
It's quite a nightmare just thinking how to pack all my stuff in ONE room, that I marvel how people pack and move the entire house.
I shifted out of my parents' house in April 2010, and am staying with 2 other friends in a rented flat. Whenever someone asks me why I moved out, my reply would always be the same, "家家有本难念的经啊". I guess I've always been very independent too, staying in hall during university days, working in USA as a summer camp counselor for 3 months, traveling alone most times for another month after. Thus staying on my own now isn't a difficult thing.
Well, this time, I'm moving to stay with my grandparents and aunt. They very kindly offered to house me when my current lease is up, until I get married. Not sure how long that will be, but I relish at the thought of having home cooked food. All these years of eating oily and MSG-filled food, or having to content with my mediocre cooking skills, do make me fully appreciate hot meals cooked with love. And of course, nothing beats being together with family.
Perhaps because I have been so independent and took care of myself for so long, I yearn to be taken care of. But I absolutely refuse to simply find a man, get married and set up a family, just to achieve that. We must have similar values and vision in God, we must be able to communicate, he must have the fear of God and integrity, I must be able to submit to him, and probably a never-ending list of "criteria" =X
Anyway, I digress.. I'm looking forward to moving! Although it's a headache planning where to place which furniture..
Here's some pics of my current room, as promised long ago.. =)
It's quite a nightmare just thinking how to pack all my stuff in ONE room, that I marvel how people pack and move the entire house.
I shifted out of my parents' house in April 2010, and am staying with 2 other friends in a rented flat. Whenever someone asks me why I moved out, my reply would always be the same, "家家有本难念的经啊". I guess I've always been very independent too, staying in hall during university days, working in USA as a summer camp counselor for 3 months, traveling alone most times for another month after. Thus staying on my own now isn't a difficult thing.
Well, this time, I'm moving to stay with my grandparents and aunt. They very kindly offered to house me when my current lease is up, until I get married. Not sure how long that will be, but I relish at the thought of having home cooked food. All these years of eating oily and MSG-filled food, or having to content with my mediocre cooking skills, do make me fully appreciate hot meals cooked with love. And of course, nothing beats being together with family.
Perhaps because I have been so independent and took care of myself for so long, I yearn to be taken care of. But I absolutely refuse to simply find a man, get married and set up a family, just to achieve that. We must have similar values and vision in God, we must be able to communicate, he must have the fear of God and integrity, I must be able to submit to him, and probably a never-ending list of "criteria" =X
Anyway, I digress.. I'm looking forward to moving! Although it's a headache planning where to place which furniture..
Here's some pics of my current room, as promised long ago.. =)
Looks really neat right? Didn't last long lah.. Haha..
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