here are the stuff I have found...
slack ahh..... now it's warming up again... not in English !!! my goodness... it's a mouthful... duh =p
hope i rem. =) {American Ballet Theatre} Jia you gal... =)
Air, en l'
[ahn lehr]
In the air. Indicates: (1) that a movement is to be made in the air; for example, rond de jambe en l'air; (2) that the working leg, after being opened to the second or fourth position à terre, is to be raised to a horizontal position with the toe on the level of the hip.
Couru
[koo-REW]
Running. As, for example, in pas de bourrée couru.
Demi-pointes, sur les
[sewr lay duh-mee-PWENT]
On the half-points. Indicates that the dancer is to stand high on the balls of the feet and under part of the toes. Also used in the singular, "sur la demi-pointe."
Face, en
[ahn fahss]
Opposite (the audience); facing the audience.
Pointes, sur les
[sewr lay pwent]
On the points. The raising of the body on the tips of the toes. Also used in the singular, "sur la pointe." First introduced in the late 1820s or early 1830s at the time of Taglioni. There are three ways of reaching the points, by piqué, relevé or sauté.
Porté, portée
[pawr-TAY]
Carried. Refers either to a step which is traveled in the air from one spot to another (such as assemblé dessus porté) or to the carrying of a danseuse by a danseur.
Terre, à
[a tehr]
On the ground. This term indicates: (1) that the entire base of the supporting foot or feet touches the ground; (2) that the foot usually raised in a pose is to remain on the ground with the toes extended.
Tournant, en
[ahn toor-NAHN]
Turning. Indicates that the body is to turn while executing a given step. As, for example, in assemblé en tournant.
Sauté, sautée
[soh-TAY]
Jumped, jumping. When this term is added to the name of a step, the movement is performed while jumping. As, for example, échappé sauté. Note: In all jumping movements the tips of the toes should be the first to reach the ground after the jump, then the sole of the foot followed by the heel. In rising from the ground the foot moves in the reverse order.
Seconde, à la
[ah la suh-GAWND]
To the second. A term to imply that the foot is to be placed in the second position, or that a movement is to be made to the second position en l'air. As, for example, in grand battement à la seconde.
Balancé
[ba-lahn-SAY]
Rocking step. This step is very much like a pas de valse and is an alternation of balance, shifting the weight from one foot to the other. Balancé may be done crossing the foot either front or back. Fifth position R foot front. Demi-plié, dégagé the R foot to the second position and jump on it lightly in demi-plié, crossing the L foot behind the R ankle and inclining the head and body to the right. Step on the L demi-pointe behind the R foot, slightly lifting the R foot off the ground; then fall on the R foot again in demi-plié with the L foot raised sur le cou-de-pied derrière. The next balancé will be to the left side. Balancé may also be done en avant or en arrière facing croisé or effacé and en tournant.
Arabesque
[a-ra-BESK]
One of the basic poses in ballet, arabesque takes its name from a form of Moorish ornament. In ballet it is a position of the body, in profile, supported on one leg, which can be straight or demi-plié, with the other leg extended behind and at right angles to it, and the arms held in various harmonious positions creating the longest possible line from the fingertips to the toes. The shoulders must be held square to the line of direction. The forms of arabesque are varied to infinity. The Cecchetti method uses five principal arabesques; the Russian School (Vaganova), four; and the French School, two. Arabesques are generally used to conclude a phrase of steps, both in the slow movements of adagio and the brisk, gay movements of allégro.
Plié
[plee-AY]
Bent, bending. A bending of the knee or knees. This is an exercise to render the joints and muscles soft and pliable and the tendons flexible and elastic, and to develop a sense of balance. There are two principal pliés: grand plié or full bending of the knees (the knees should be bent until the thighs are horizontal) and demi-plié or half-bending of the knees. Pliés are done at the bar and in the centre in all five positions of the feet. The third position is usually omitted. When a grand plié is executed in either the first, third or fourth position croisé (feet in the fifth position but separated by the space of one foot) or the fifth position, the heels always rise off the ground and are lowered again as the knees straighten. The bending movement should be gradual and free from jerks, and the knees should be at least half-bent before the heels are allowed to rise. The body should rise at the same speed at which it descended, pressing the heels into the floor. In the grand plié in the second position or the fourth position ouverte (feet in the first position but separated by the space of one foot) the heels do not rise off the ground. All demi-pliés are done without lifting the heels from the ground. In all pliés the legs must be well turned out from the hips, the knees open and well over the toes, and the weight of the body evenly distributed on both feet, with the whole foot grasping the floor.
Tuesday, October 21
Thursday, September 18
19092008
going into M'sia tmr... and gg to Sabah... the start of the climb of Mt Kinabalu !
... so surreal... =)
... so surreal... =)
Wednesday, September 10
a place I am researching on... perhaps I wld go
Historically a working-class port town, Baltimore has sometimes been dubbed a "city of neighborhoods," with over 300 identified districts[46] traditionally occupied by distinct ethnic groups. Most notable today are three downtown areas along the port: the Inner Harbor, frequented by tourists due to its hotels, shops, and museums; Fells Point, once a favorite entertainment spot for sailors but now refurbished and gentrified (and featured in the movie Sleepless in Seattle); and Little Italy, located between the other two, where Baltimore's Italian-American community was based–and where current U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi grew up. Further inland, Mt. Vernon is the traditional center of cultural and artistic life of the city; it is home to a distinctive Washington Monument, set atop a hill in a 19th century urban square, that predates the more well-known monument in Washington, D.C. by several decades.
Bromo Seltzer Tower, erected in 1911The traditional local accent has long been noted and celebrated as "Baltimorese" or "Bawlmorese." One thing outsiders quickly notice is that the locals refer to their city as "Bawlmer" or "Ballmer," dropping with the "t" for the most part. The dialect is similar to that of many Marylanders, Virginians and Pennsylvanians; it may reflect the region's roots in Cornwall and the English West Country, as many of the original settlers of the Chesapeake Bay area came from this area in colonial times (Traditionally, many Marylanders call their state "Merlin"--and likewise, many Pennsylvanians call their state "Pennsavania," dropping the "l"). However, Baltimore's local accent also reflects the rich mix of ethnic groups from Ireland, Germany, and southern and eastern Europe who immigrated to the city during the industrial era. More recently, local pronunciations of "Baldamore" or "Ballmore" have become common.
As Baltimore's demographics have changed since World War Two, its cultural flavor and accents have evolved as well. Today, after decades of out-migration to suburbs beyond its corporate limits and significant in-migration of black Americans from Georgia and the Carolinas, Baltimore has become a majority black city with a significantly changed, but still regionally distinctive, dialect and culture. Recently, neighborhoods such as Federal Hill and Canton have undergone extensive gentrification and have proven to be popular places for young professionals and college students to reside. In addition, Latinos are making their mark, notably in neighborhoods near Fells Point.
Much of Baltimore's black American culture has roots that long predate the 20th century "Great Migration" from the Deep South. Like Atlanta, Georgia and Washington, D.C., Baltimore has been home to a successful black middle class and professional community for centuries. Before the Civil War, Baltimore had one of the largest concentrations of free black Americans among American cities. In the twentieth century, Baltimore-born Thurgood Marshall became the first black American justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Baltimore's culture has been famously celebrated in the films of Barry Levinson, who grew up in the city's Jewish neighborhoods. His movies Diner, Tin Men, Avalon, and Liberty Heights are inspired to varying degrees by his life in the city.
Baltimore native John Waters parodies the city extensively in his films, including the 1972 cult classic Pink Flamingos. His film Hairspray and its Broadway musical remake are also set in Baltimore.
See List of films shot in Baltimore, Maryland
[edit] Performing arts
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is an internationally-renowned orchestra, founded in 1916 as a publicly-funded municipal organization. The current Music Director is Marin Alsop, a protégé of Leonard Bernstein. Center Stage is the premier theater company in the city and a regionally well-respected group. The Baltimore Opera is an important regional opera company, and The Baltimore Consort has been a leading early music ensemble for over twenty-five years. The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, home of the restored Thomas W. Lamb-designed Hippodrome Theatre, has afforded Baltimore the opportunity to become a major regional player in the area of touring Broadway and other performing arts presentations.
Baltimore also boasts a wide array of professional (non-touring) and community theater groups. Aside from Center Stage, resident troupes in the city include Everyman Theatre and Baltimore Theatre Festival. Community theaters in the city include Fells Point Community Theatre and the Arena Players, which is the nation's oldest continuously operating African American community theater.
Historically a working-class port town, Baltimore has sometimes been dubbed a "city of neighborhoods," with over 300 identified districts[46] traditionally occupied by distinct ethnic groups. Most notable today are three downtown areas along the port: the Inner Harbor, frequented by tourists due to its hotels, shops, and museums; Fells Point, once a favorite entertainment spot for sailors but now refurbished and gentrified (and featured in the movie Sleepless in Seattle); and Little Italy, located between the other two, where Baltimore's Italian-American community was based–and where current U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi grew up. Further inland, Mt. Vernon is the traditional center of cultural and artistic life of the city; it is home to a distinctive Washington Monument, set atop a hill in a 19th century urban square, that predates the more well-known monument in Washington, D.C. by several decades.
Bromo Seltzer Tower, erected in 1911The traditional local accent has long been noted and celebrated as "Baltimorese" or "Bawlmorese." One thing outsiders quickly notice is that the locals refer to their city as "Bawlmer" or "Ballmer," dropping with the "t" for the most part. The dialect is similar to that of many Marylanders, Virginians and Pennsylvanians; it may reflect the region's roots in Cornwall and the English West Country, as many of the original settlers of the Chesapeake Bay area came from this area in colonial times (Traditionally, many Marylanders call their state "Merlin"--and likewise, many Pennsylvanians call their state "Pennsavania," dropping the "l"). However, Baltimore's local accent also reflects the rich mix of ethnic groups from Ireland, Germany, and southern and eastern Europe who immigrated to the city during the industrial era. More recently, local pronunciations of "Baldamore" or "Ballmore" have become common.
As Baltimore's demographics have changed since World War Two, its cultural flavor and accents have evolved as well. Today, after decades of out-migration to suburbs beyond its corporate limits and significant in-migration of black Americans from Georgia and the Carolinas, Baltimore has become a majority black city with a significantly changed, but still regionally distinctive, dialect and culture. Recently, neighborhoods such as Federal Hill and Canton have undergone extensive gentrification and have proven to be popular places for young professionals and college students to reside. In addition, Latinos are making their mark, notably in neighborhoods near Fells Point.
Much of Baltimore's black American culture has roots that long predate the 20th century "Great Migration" from the Deep South. Like Atlanta, Georgia and Washington, D.C., Baltimore has been home to a successful black middle class and professional community for centuries. Before the Civil War, Baltimore had one of the largest concentrations of free black Americans among American cities. In the twentieth century, Baltimore-born Thurgood Marshall became the first black American justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Baltimore's culture has been famously celebrated in the films of Barry Levinson, who grew up in the city's Jewish neighborhoods. His movies Diner, Tin Men, Avalon, and Liberty Heights are inspired to varying degrees by his life in the city.
Baltimore native John Waters parodies the city extensively in his films, including the 1972 cult classic Pink Flamingos. His film Hairspray and its Broadway musical remake are also set in Baltimore.
See List of films shot in Baltimore, Maryland
[edit] Performing arts
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is an internationally-renowned orchestra, founded in 1916 as a publicly-funded municipal organization. The current Music Director is Marin Alsop, a protégé of Leonard Bernstein. Center Stage is the premier theater company in the city and a regionally well-respected group. The Baltimore Opera is an important regional opera company, and The Baltimore Consort has been a leading early music ensemble for over twenty-five years. The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, home of the restored Thomas W. Lamb-designed Hippodrome Theatre, has afforded Baltimore the opportunity to become a major regional player in the area of touring Broadway and other performing arts presentations.
Baltimore also boasts a wide array of professional (non-touring) and community theater groups. Aside from Center Stage, resident troupes in the city include Everyman Theatre and Baltimore Theatre Festival. Community theaters in the city include Fells Point Community Theatre and the Arena Players, which is the nation's oldest continuously operating African American community theater.
Sunday, September 7
not all of it... but sthg 2 chew on
10 Things that Scream, "Don't Hire Me!"
By Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer
Advanced Search >> You just don't get it. You've applied to numerous jobs, been to countless interviews and made several new contacts in your network -- yet here you are -- still sitting on the unemployment list. What gives?
Well ... have you ever stopped to consider that what gives might in fact be ... you?
It's a hard concept that most job seekers have trouble wrapping their heads around, but applicants frequently -- inadvertently -- raise red flags to hiring managers that immediately scream, "Don't hire me!" But, it might not be entirely your fault.
"Most companies don't give direct feedback about areas people are weak in while they are employed. They are enabling poor performance and lack of accountability," says Tom Gimbel, president and CEO of The LaSalle Network, an executive recruiting firm in Chicago. "The same mentality exists when people interview. They feel they did 'great' on the interview and never look at themselves for if they feel that the interviewer was looking for something different."
Not sure if you're unknowingly blowing your chances at scoring your dream job? Here are 10 red flags to be wary of during your next job hunt:
Red flag No. 1: You don't have any contact information on your résumé
When you're crafting your résumé, you should focus on highlighting relevant skills and accomplishments that are in line with the position for which you are applying. But what good is an impressive résumé if hiring managers have no way to get in touch with its owner? If they can't find you, they can't hire you. Always provide a home address, phone number or e-mail address so employers can get in touch with you easily.
Red flag No. 2: You have long gaps between jobs on your résumé
Even if your long departure from the work force is valid, extended lapses of unemployment might say to an employer, "Why weren't you wanted by anyone?" Gimbel says. Anytime you have more than a three-month gap of idleness on your résumé, legitimate or otherwise, be prepared to explain yourself.
Red flag No. 3: You aren't prepared for the interview
There are many ways to be unprepared for an interview: You haven't researched the company, you don't have any questions prepared, you didn't bring a copy of your résumé, etc. Plain and simple, do your homework before an interview. Explore the company online, prepare answers to questions and have someone give you a mock interview. The more prepared you are, the more employers will take you seriously.
Red flag No. 4: You didn't provide any references
By omitting references in your application, employers could infer that you don't know anyone who has any positive things to say about you -- when in fact, you just forgot to provide them with people who can vouch for you. No references also shows employers that you aren't prepared for people to call them, Gimbel says. Always make sure the hiring manager has at least one person to contact who can speak on your behalf.
Red flag No. 5: You only have negative things to say about previous employment
We know how tempting it is to want to tell anyone who will listen how much of a (insert expletive word here) your old boss was -- but a hiring manager for a coveted job is not that person.
There are hundreds of ways to turn negative things about an old job into positives. Thought your last job was a dead end? Spin it by saying, "I felt I had gone as far as I could go in that position. I'm looking for something with more opportunity for advancement." Couldn't get along with your co-workers? "I really need to work in an environment where I feel like I'm part of a team and my last position didn't allow for that kind of atmosphere."
Red flag No. 6: You've held seven different jobs -- in the past six months
Job hopping is a new trend in the working world. Workers are no longer staying in a job for 10-20 years; they stay for a couple and move on to the next one. While such a tactic can further your career, switching jobs too often will raise a prospective employer's antenna. Too many jobs in too little time tells employers that either you can't hold a job or you have no loyalty, Gimbel says. Pick and choose the jobs you include on your résumé or prepare to explain yourself.
Red flag No. 7: You give inconsistent answers in your interview
One tactic hiring managers use during the hiring process is to ask you the same question in several different ways. This is mostly to ensure that you're genuine with your answers and not just telling an employer what he or she wants to hear. Keep your responses sincere throughout the entire process and you should be good to go.
Red flag No. 8: You lack flexibility
Most people know what they want in a job as far as benefits, compensation, time-off, etc. If you're unable to be flexible with some of your (unrealistic?) expectations, however, you're going to have a difficult time finding a job. Have a bottom line in terms of what you want before you start the hiring process and be willing to bend a bit if necessary.
Red flag No. 9: Your application was, in a word -- lazy
Only doing the bare minimum of what's asked of you won't get very far -- in life or in your job search. Applying to jobs with the same résumé and the same cover letter (or none at all) is pure laziness. And as Gimbel points out, if you won't spend extra time on yourself and your application materials, you sure as heck won't do it for a client.
Red flag No. 10: You lack objective or ambition
If you have no long-term goals, then you really have no short-term goals either, Gimbel says. "Long-term goals may change, however you need to have some concept of where you want to go." Know where you want to go and how you plan to get there. Otherwise you seem unfocused and unmotivated, which are two big no-no's for an applicant.
Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.
By Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer
Advanced Search >> You just don't get it. You've applied to numerous jobs, been to countless interviews and made several new contacts in your network -- yet here you are -- still sitting on the unemployment list. What gives?
Well ... have you ever stopped to consider that what gives might in fact be ... you?
It's a hard concept that most job seekers have trouble wrapping their heads around, but applicants frequently -- inadvertently -- raise red flags to hiring managers that immediately scream, "Don't hire me!" But, it might not be entirely your fault.
"Most companies don't give direct feedback about areas people are weak in while they are employed. They are enabling poor performance and lack of accountability," says Tom Gimbel, president and CEO of The LaSalle Network, an executive recruiting firm in Chicago. "The same mentality exists when people interview. They feel they did 'great' on the interview and never look at themselves for if they feel that the interviewer was looking for something different."
Not sure if you're unknowingly blowing your chances at scoring your dream job? Here are 10 red flags to be wary of during your next job hunt:
Red flag No. 1: You don't have any contact information on your résumé
When you're crafting your résumé, you should focus on highlighting relevant skills and accomplishments that are in line with the position for which you are applying. But what good is an impressive résumé if hiring managers have no way to get in touch with its owner? If they can't find you, they can't hire you. Always provide a home address, phone number or e-mail address so employers can get in touch with you easily.
Red flag No. 2: You have long gaps between jobs on your résumé
Even if your long departure from the work force is valid, extended lapses of unemployment might say to an employer, "Why weren't you wanted by anyone?" Gimbel says. Anytime you have more than a three-month gap of idleness on your résumé, legitimate or otherwise, be prepared to explain yourself.
Red flag No. 3: You aren't prepared for the interview
There are many ways to be unprepared for an interview: You haven't researched the company, you don't have any questions prepared, you didn't bring a copy of your résumé, etc. Plain and simple, do your homework before an interview. Explore the company online, prepare answers to questions and have someone give you a mock interview. The more prepared you are, the more employers will take you seriously.
Red flag No. 4: You didn't provide any references
By omitting references in your application, employers could infer that you don't know anyone who has any positive things to say about you -- when in fact, you just forgot to provide them with people who can vouch for you. No references also shows employers that you aren't prepared for people to call them, Gimbel says. Always make sure the hiring manager has at least one person to contact who can speak on your behalf.
Red flag No. 5: You only have negative things to say about previous employment
We know how tempting it is to want to tell anyone who will listen how much of a (insert expletive word here) your old boss was -- but a hiring manager for a coveted job is not that person.
There are hundreds of ways to turn negative things about an old job into positives. Thought your last job was a dead end? Spin it by saying, "I felt I had gone as far as I could go in that position. I'm looking for something with more opportunity for advancement." Couldn't get along with your co-workers? "I really need to work in an environment where I feel like I'm part of a team and my last position didn't allow for that kind of atmosphere."
Red flag No. 6: You've held seven different jobs -- in the past six months
Job hopping is a new trend in the working world. Workers are no longer staying in a job for 10-20 years; they stay for a couple and move on to the next one. While such a tactic can further your career, switching jobs too often will raise a prospective employer's antenna. Too many jobs in too little time tells employers that either you can't hold a job or you have no loyalty, Gimbel says. Pick and choose the jobs you include on your résumé or prepare to explain yourself.
Red flag No. 7: You give inconsistent answers in your interview
One tactic hiring managers use during the hiring process is to ask you the same question in several different ways. This is mostly to ensure that you're genuine with your answers and not just telling an employer what he or she wants to hear. Keep your responses sincere throughout the entire process and you should be good to go.
Red flag No. 8: You lack flexibility
Most people know what they want in a job as far as benefits, compensation, time-off, etc. If you're unable to be flexible with some of your (unrealistic?) expectations, however, you're going to have a difficult time finding a job. Have a bottom line in terms of what you want before you start the hiring process and be willing to bend a bit if necessary.
Red flag No. 9: Your application was, in a word -- lazy
Only doing the bare minimum of what's asked of you won't get very far -- in life or in your job search. Applying to jobs with the same résumé and the same cover letter (or none at all) is pure laziness. And as Gimbel points out, if you won't spend extra time on yourself and your application materials, you sure as heck won't do it for a client.
Red flag No. 10: You lack objective or ambition
If you have no long-term goals, then you really have no short-term goals either, Gimbel says. "Long-term goals may change, however you need to have some concept of where you want to go." Know where you want to go and how you plan to get there. Otherwise you seem unfocused and unmotivated, which are two big no-no's for an applicant.
Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.
Friday, September 5
for EeL.
Hi Eel.
Thks for caring. I read ur blog (o yes, i absolutely love the entry on the shart) haha. ... Ur blog entry is extracted here... as an "identification" twrds wat u feel, and also, letting u knw that I wld not be sharing much further w.r.t. any of "my cross".
" There have been a flurry of activity around me recently, but despite everything, I've been feeling lonely. Alone. The sort of coldness in the heart that cannot be filled by yet more parties to go to, or more money earned, or more good deeds done. The bible says that God gives a full and joyful life. Am I missing the point somewhere along the way? Am I not God-centred enough? Have there been too many things that have clouded my view of the cross? "
--Jeremiah 33:3-- something which I always rem. when I have no answers; sometimes silence from God - or even after i spoke wif you or Selina.
Thks for caring. I read ur blog (o yes, i absolutely love the entry on the shart) haha. ... Ur blog entry is extracted here... as an "identification" twrds wat u feel, and also, letting u knw that I wld not be sharing much further w.r.t. any of "my cross".
" There have been a flurry of activity around me recently, but despite everything, I've been feeling lonely. Alone. The sort of coldness in the heart that cannot be filled by yet more parties to go to, or more money earned, or more good deeds done. The bible says that God gives a full and joyful life. Am I missing the point somewhere along the way? Am I not God-centred enough? Have there been too many things that have clouded my view of the cross? "
--Jeremiah 33:3-- something which I always rem. when I have no answers; sometimes silence from God - or even after i spoke wif you or Selina.
Referendum for Thai Premier ??
>> e below is Extract from news.
Samak hopes his proposed referendum will allow him to keep his job while placating the People's Alliance for Democracy, which has vowed to continue its anti-government campaign.
The referendum will ask the public to choose between the alliance and the government, but many analysts say a simple yes-no vote is insufficient in the face of a complicated political crisis.
The alliance ridiculed the plan, saying Samak will manipulate the vote, just as they allege he did during general elections his party won in December 2007.
"The referendum is an attempt by Mr. Samak to buy himself some more time in the office," Sondhi Limthongkul, a media tycoon and one of the protest leaders, told The Associated Press.
Before announcing the referendum, which caught the nation by surprise, Samak delivered a combative speech on national radio, again refusing to step down.
"I will not abandon the ship, and I will take responsibility for the crew on board," Samak said, peppering his speech with folksy language. "I am not resigning. I have to protect the democracy of this country."
But some have said the referendum could aggravate rather than alleviate the political deadlock.
"A referendum is normally used to test public approval on whether to go to war or pass an important law. It would not be effective as a tool to solve a complicated political crisis with many conditions and layers," said Panithan Wattanayagorn, a political science professor at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University.
The alliance is a loosely knit group of royalists, wealthy and middle-class urban residents, and union activists. It wants Parliament to be revamped so most lawmakers are appointed rather than elected, arguing that Thailand's impoverished rural majority is too susceptible to vote buying.
The group has already had a hand in bringing down one government, when it staged demonstrations in 2006 that paved the way for the bloodless coup that removed then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from office.
The protesters say Samak is Thaksin's stooge and is running the government for him by proxy while the ousted prime minister is in exile in Britain.
The government's failure to resolve the deadlock has also raised fears of an economic downturn, especially in Thailand's crucial tourist industry, which is particularly susceptible to concerns about political instability.
Samak hopes his proposed referendum will allow him to keep his job while placating the People's Alliance for Democracy, which has vowed to continue its anti-government campaign.
The referendum will ask the public to choose between the alliance and the government, but many analysts say a simple yes-no vote is insufficient in the face of a complicated political crisis.
The alliance ridiculed the plan, saying Samak will manipulate the vote, just as they allege he did during general elections his party won in December 2007.
"The referendum is an attempt by Mr. Samak to buy himself some more time in the office," Sondhi Limthongkul, a media tycoon and one of the protest leaders, told The Associated Press.
Before announcing the referendum, which caught the nation by surprise, Samak delivered a combative speech on national radio, again refusing to step down.
"I will not abandon the ship, and I will take responsibility for the crew on board," Samak said, peppering his speech with folksy language. "I am not resigning. I have to protect the democracy of this country."
But some have said the referendum could aggravate rather than alleviate the political deadlock.
"A referendum is normally used to test public approval on whether to go to war or pass an important law. It would not be effective as a tool to solve a complicated political crisis with many conditions and layers," said Panithan Wattanayagorn, a political science professor at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University.
The alliance is a loosely knit group of royalists, wealthy and middle-class urban residents, and union activists. It wants Parliament to be revamped so most lawmakers are appointed rather than elected, arguing that Thailand's impoverished rural majority is too susceptible to vote buying.
The group has already had a hand in bringing down one government, when it staged demonstrations in 2006 that paved the way for the bloodless coup that removed then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from office.
The protesters say Samak is Thaksin's stooge and is running the government for him by proxy while the ousted prime minister is in exile in Britain.
The government's failure to resolve the deadlock has also raised fears of an economic downturn, especially in Thailand's crucial tourist industry, which is particularly susceptible to concerns about political instability.
Thursday, September 4
words of counsel fr. a pal ! =)
I agree. =)
EeL says:
Do rememebr that this is a temporary victory until you learn to centre God in your life. It's not gonna be something you do by the strength of your will alone, but by God's grace and the gradual moulding process.
EeL says:
So be patient and don't give up when you don't see progress.
AMEN. =)
EeL says:
Do rememebr that this is a temporary victory until you learn to centre God in your life. It's not gonna be something you do by the strength of your will alone, but by God's grace and the gradual moulding process.
EeL says:
So be patient and don't give up when you don't see progress.
AMEN. =)
Tuesday, September 2
sthg gross i found !!!
EeL.... see wat u showed me... yucks
A douche is a device used to introduce a stream of water into the body for medical or hygienic reasons, or the stream of water itself. The word comes from the French language, in which its principal meaning is a shower (it is thus a notorious false friend encountered by non-native speakers of English; the phrase for vaginal douching is douche vaginale, meaning vaginal shower).
The word can refer to the rinsing of any body cavity but usually applies to vaginal irrigation, rinsing of the vagina. A douche bag is a piece of equipment for douching: a bag for holding the water or fluid used in douching (the term douche bag can also be used as an insult). To avoid transferring intestinal bacteria into the vagina, the same bag must not be used for a vaginal douche and an enema.
and here's wat my fren EeL says ...
" Douche bag, or simply douche, is considered to be a pejorative term in Australia, the Philippines, Ireland, the United States, Canada and New Zealand. The slang usage of the term dates back to the 1960s.[6] The metaphor of identifying a person as a douche is intended to associate a variety of negative qualities, specifically arrogance and malice. "
A douche is a device used to introduce a stream of water into the body for medical or hygienic reasons, or the stream of water itself. The word comes from the French language, in which its principal meaning is a shower (it is thus a notorious false friend encountered by non-native speakers of English; the phrase for vaginal douching is douche vaginale, meaning vaginal shower).
The word can refer to the rinsing of any body cavity but usually applies to vaginal irrigation, rinsing of the vagina. A douche bag is a piece of equipment for douching: a bag for holding the water or fluid used in douching (the term douche bag can also be used as an insult). To avoid transferring intestinal bacteria into the vagina, the same bag must not be used for a vaginal douche and an enema.
and here's wat my fren EeL says ...
" Douche bag, or simply douche, is considered to be a pejorative term in Australia, the Philippines, Ireland, the United States, Canada and New Zealand. The slang usage of the term dates back to the 1960s.[6] The metaphor of identifying a person as a douche is intended to associate a variety of negative qualities, specifically arrogance and malice. "
Sunday, August 31
Tuesday, August 26
Top 10 Moments in Beijing Olympics 2008
( *8aaaaaahhh, i missed the REDEEM TEAM Play Finals with the Spanish... )
1) Usain Bolt breaks the 100 meters world record. Bolt already owned the record and in front of a packed Bird's Nest stadium he ran 9.69 seconds. He thumped his chest in triumph over the last few meters before his 'marksman' celebration which became one of the lasting images of the Games.
2) Michael Phelps roars in triumph and relief after American team mate Jason Lezak overtook France's Alain Bernard on the final leg of the 4x100 freestyle relay to keep alive Phelps's dream of beating Mark Spitz's record from 1972 of seven golds in a Games - a dream he was to realize.
3) Liu Xiang dejectedly walks away from the track as he realizes he has to withdraw from the defence of his 110 meters hurdles title because of a leg injury. Liu was the most popular sportsman in China and his grimacing departure clouded the Games for millions of home fans.
4) Russia's Yelena Isinbayeva turns the Bird's Nest into her private theatre with a gold medal and world record-breaking pole vault performance that captivated the 91,000 crowd. After she spent most of the competition lying under a towel, she broke her own world mark with a leap of 5.05 meters.
5) The Opening Ceremony. It emerged that some of the performance seen on television had been enhanced by computers, a child singer was replaced by a supposedly prettier face to mime to her voice and representatives of China's ethnic minorities were no such thing. But it was a jaw-dropping beginning to the Games, culminating in former gymnast Li Ning being swung up the roof of the stadium and 'running' around the top level before lighting the cauldron.
6) German weightlifter Matthias Steiner kisses a picture of his late wife Susann on the gold medal podium, choking back tears over the promise he made to her that he would keep their Olympic dream. The super-heavyweight made the pledge to Susann at her bedside in hospital as she lay dying after a car crash in 2007.
7) American Matt Emmons blows a 3.3-point lead on the very last shot of a 120-shot competition to throw away the gold medal in the "marathon" event of shooting. Four years ago in Athens he had fired at the wrong target and squandered a 3-point lead.
8) Usain Bolt breaks Michael Johnson's 200 meters record. Charging towards the finish line, Bolt has his eye on the clock all the way and once again celebrates his triumph in style -- this time, after he completed his run.
9) Rohullah Nikpai wins Afghanistan's first Olympic medal with a bronze in the men's 58-kg taekwondo. Proof that no matter how tough the conditions you have to train in, Olympic success is achievable if you have the talent.
10) Estonian Gerd Kanter celebrates his discus gold medal by sprinting down the 100 meter track at the Bird's Nest and mimicking Bolt's marksman routine. High school jinks in a week when fun was put back into track and field.
1) Usain Bolt breaks the 100 meters world record. Bolt already owned the record and in front of a packed Bird's Nest stadium he ran 9.69 seconds. He thumped his chest in triumph over the last few meters before his 'marksman' celebration which became one of the lasting images of the Games.
2) Michael Phelps roars in triumph and relief after American team mate Jason Lezak overtook France's Alain Bernard on the final leg of the 4x100 freestyle relay to keep alive Phelps's dream of beating Mark Spitz's record from 1972 of seven golds in a Games - a dream he was to realize.
3) Liu Xiang dejectedly walks away from the track as he realizes he has to withdraw from the defence of his 110 meters hurdles title because of a leg injury. Liu was the most popular sportsman in China and his grimacing departure clouded the Games for millions of home fans.
4) Russia's Yelena Isinbayeva turns the Bird's Nest into her private theatre with a gold medal and world record-breaking pole vault performance that captivated the 91,000 crowd. After she spent most of the competition lying under a towel, she broke her own world mark with a leap of 5.05 meters.
5) The Opening Ceremony. It emerged that some of the performance seen on television had been enhanced by computers, a child singer was replaced by a supposedly prettier face to mime to her voice and representatives of China's ethnic minorities were no such thing. But it was a jaw-dropping beginning to the Games, culminating in former gymnast Li Ning being swung up the roof of the stadium and 'running' around the top level before lighting the cauldron.
6) German weightlifter Matthias Steiner kisses a picture of his late wife Susann on the gold medal podium, choking back tears over the promise he made to her that he would keep their Olympic dream. The super-heavyweight made the pledge to Susann at her bedside in hospital as she lay dying after a car crash in 2007.
7) American Matt Emmons blows a 3.3-point lead on the very last shot of a 120-shot competition to throw away the gold medal in the "marathon" event of shooting. Four years ago in Athens he had fired at the wrong target and squandered a 3-point lead.
8) Usain Bolt breaks Michael Johnson's 200 meters record. Charging towards the finish line, Bolt has his eye on the clock all the way and once again celebrates his triumph in style -- this time, after he completed his run.
9) Rohullah Nikpai wins Afghanistan's first Olympic medal with a bronze in the men's 58-kg taekwondo. Proof that no matter how tough the conditions you have to train in, Olympic success is achievable if you have the talent.
10) Estonian Gerd Kanter celebrates his discus gold medal by sprinting down the 100 meter track at the Bird's Nest and mimicking Bolt's marksman routine. High school jinks in a week when fun was put back into track and field.
Friday, August 22
something tat shook me...
and this i wrote...
Dear family & frens,
Life is short & unpredictable.
A person can lose a close /loved one, somebody may hv witness an accident/ suicide... somebody can lose his or her job... etc.
Yet on the sunshine rainbow side of life, a child is born, an old grandma found her long-lost son, a employee just got double promotion...
Life is too short to be crippled by fear and unforgiveness. As we live life, in each of our different, *special* ways, may we not take anything nor anybdy for granted, for there is no guarantee of tomolo. God bless !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eeibNLqMhg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls7ila3srzI
Dear family & frens,
Life is short & unpredictable.
A person can lose a close /loved one, somebody may hv witness an accident/ suicide... somebody can lose his or her job... etc.
Yet on the sunshine rainbow side of life, a child is born, an old grandma found her long-lost son, a employee just got double promotion...
Life is too short to be crippled by fear and unforgiveness. As we live life, in each of our different, *special* ways, may we not take anything nor anybdy for granted, for there is no guarantee of tomolo. God bless !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eeibNLqMhg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls7ila3srzI
Thursday, August 14
i like tis quote !
Some people are pragmatists, taking things as they come and making the best of the choices available. Some people are idealists, standing for principle and refusing to compromise. And some people just act on any whim that enters their heads. I pragmatically turn my whims into principles!
cool dancing by Odyssey Dance Theatre - 'Here.Now'
Hi pals...
intrigued by this which i came across... the Odyssey Dance Theatre has been ard in S'pore for many yrs... and this upcoming event seems to be v.gd. With a strong belief in providing opportunities for the new generation of dancers and choreographers, a new dance series – ‘Odyssey Studio Series 1’ is being developed. In this new platform, ODT will support new creations by 3 emerging Singaporean choreographers – Lo Pui Sze, Linnea Ong and Yeo Lay Teng.
Hv a look !
http://www.odysseydancetheatre.com/images/herenow-back.jpg
Monday, August 4
Ice-Cream Chefs !
Ice Cream Delivery and Our Menu
Super Premium Ice Cream, Delivered* @ only $2.90/Shot or $9.50/pint
Ice Cream Chefs' Creations (Flavors):
- Beanie Vanilla
Creamy and rich. Made only with real Vanilla beans.
- Berries Kiwi Fuz™
A fuzion of Berries and real Kiwi bits. An ICC Signature Fuz sherbert. Low Fat.
- BlueBerries
Made with juicy, fresh and succulent blueberries.
- Chocolates & Hersheys
Premium dark cocoa drenched in Hersheys chocolate.
- Cuppucinno
Freshly brewed gourmet coffee... just frozen.
- Durian Decadence
Hate this fruit? Our ice cream will convert you, Really!
- Green Tea
Matcha? Whatever! Its pure Green Tea made perfect!
- Horlicks
A variation of Horlicks our mums never thought possible.
- Kaya Lotee
- Frozen premium pandan Kaya ice cream layered with bread crumbs.
- Lychees
Refreshing and low fat sherbet, excellent for our hot and sunny climate!
- Mango Peach Fuz™
A fuzion of Mango and Peach. An extremely refreshing sherbet. Low Fat.
- Milo Peng
'Tak Que... Kao... Peng" Uncle Tan's favorite!
- Mocha Madness
It's back by popular request. Mocha ice cream, almonds nuts and chocolate swirls. Yummy!
- Mrs. Smith
Chunky apple bits in granny smiths apple ice cream with a complimentary hint of cinnamon.
- Nutella Delight
Taste frozen Nutella with every lick! Oreo mix-ins with this flavor is a favorite amongst some of our fans.
- Nutty Peanut Butter
So good you'll wanna spread this on your bread!
- Oreos & Cream
Oreos with ice cream or ice cream with Oreos? U decide!
- Passion Kiwi Fuz™
Tangy passion fruit sherbet with real kiwi bits. Another ICC signature Fuz series. Low Fat.
- Red Ruby
Coconutty ice cream filled with reddish crunchy water-chestnuts. A classic thai dessert, now available in ice cream!
- Rum The Raisins
Satisfy your alcohol cravings without the "Mabok" factor.
- Strawberries
Taste real strawberries bits with every bite!
- HoneyDew
Light, refreshing honeydew ice cream with juicy honeydew bits. Low Fat.>
About Ice Cream Chef's Super Premium Ice Cream
Made using our special preparation method, the texture of Ice Cream Chef's Super Premium Ice Cream is irresistibly smooth and very dense. The texture is different from any other ice cream you have tasted and we personally inspect every batch to ensure the highest quality.
Have Your Very Own Creation!
Your ice cream creation is hand-made only when you ask for it! This guarantees the freshest ice cream creation! Why not take advantage of it and make it extra special by creating something unique just for yourself? Mix-ins are strategically crushed into your ice cream when it is made, Fresh!
Choose from a selection of mix-ins for your personalised creation.
Cuppucinno + Oreo cookies mix-in
Chocolate & Hersheys + Koko Crunch + Kinder Beuno mix-in
Nutty Peanut Butter + Hersheys Chocolate sauce mix-in
Nutella Delight + M&Ms + Peanut Butter mix-in
Holicks + Maltesers + Famous Amos Cookies mix-in
and millions (yes Millions) more... just be imaginative!
As your ice cream is prepared fresh, please place your delivery orders 3 days in advance.
Free Delivery* for orders $70 and above. Delivery surcharge applies otherwise. (*Selected areas only, ERP fee applies for areas within CBD.)
Special party packages available for parties and office events. Ask us about our Live Ice Cream Experience that has WOW-ed many organization and home parties!
Flavors: home delivery, ice cream chefs singapore, ice cream singapore
Where else can Ice Cream Chefs be found?
Here is a non-exhaustive list of where our ice cream are served.
Cafe Domus
Cafe Domus is tucked away in serenity along Owen Road. With both indoor and outdoor seatings, the excellent ambiance makes it a great venue for your little gatherings, a romantic evening or even your private event or party (you send the invites and we'll do your planning). A short climb up the spiral stairs leads to a private rooftop veranda, perfect for friends to chat over some snacks and beers.
New: Maniac Monday: I-SCREAM BUFFET @ $10nett per pax
**All-U-Can-Eat Ice Cream throughout the night. Check in-house or call 63925652 for available flavors.
Contact us on how we can make your (ice cream) party a different and memorable one!
Cafe Domus
T: 63925652
124 Owen Road
Singapore 218928
Open 7pm to 1am (Mon - Thurs), 7pm to 3am (Fri - Sat) Closed on Sundays and PH
http://cafedomus.blogspot.com/
Sunday, August 3
Kelong...
If u are looking for a KeLong Contact... here's two:
a) The cost for 2N/3D for an adult is $180 + $10 (exit tax and fuel surcharge). Children 12 and under pay 75% of adult charges which include all transportation from/to HarborFront (Singapore) and all meals.
For more information on our kelong, please click on www.bluemountain-kelong.com
second one:
http://www.kelongfishing.com/
Thursday, July 31
feel lousy abt work ? stressed ? longing for a change ?
Dear Christine,
A few years ago I landed my dream job that required me to move out of state. After 2 1/2 years it was all work and no play. Even though I had many pay increases and added responsibilities, I did not have a social life outside of the job, therefore decided to move back in with my parents to reassess my career goals. I have decided to change careers and because all of my work experience and education are in the animal field, I have not been able to get hired for any other job. I am 28 and have been unemployed for a year (not by choice). I have become very depressed and once again do not have a social life. How do I change career paths and start living like a 28 year old?
~Frustrated with Career Change, St. Paul, 28
Dear Frustrated with Career Change,
Let's take the last part of your question first. What exactly do you think the life of a 28 year old should look like? The worst thing you can do for your mental health right now is to play the comparison game. Don't become depressed by comparing your life to other friends and colleagues, or by holding yourself up to an image of what you "should" be doing. The most important thing right now is to be clear on your direction and take steps to move forward.
You say you want to switch career fields, but only have experience in the animal field. Do you have a clear vision of what you want to do? Have you taken the time to break down what you'll need to do to get there? Changing career fields can feel totally overwhelming, so it's important to focus on the small steps you can take to improve your chances. Does this new field require you to be certified? Start taking classes. Have a certain number of service hours logged? Start volunteering. Have you researched how other people have gotten to the top of your new field? Start researching people and scheduling informational interviews. Informational interviews are one of the most important things you can do to gain insight when looking into different career fields. The hiring managers in your new field are going to want to know you are taking this change seriously and taking steps to prepare yourself. It will be an advantage to be able to tell them how you came to the decision to change careers and how you know this is the right field for you.
Also, take a look at your resume. Make sure you have a professional summary that doesn't pigeonhole you. You may be presenting yourself in a way that limits you to the animal field, but there is most likely a large list of transferable skills that can be added to your resume that pertain to your new field. Market yourself as a person with great skills, qualities, and experiences who just happened to be in the animal field, rather than as someone who worked in one field and now wants to change directions.
The depression you are feeling is coming from regret. You are spending too much time thinking about what has happened and not enough time being proactive. Force yourself to be social and get out of your own head. The best way to get out of your own head is to help someone else, so find a place to be of service stat! And get a hobby. There are tons of activities that don't require a lot of money, and you'll be interacting with people who enjoy the same things you do. Who knows? One of your new acquaintances may have a job contact for you.
It's also key for you to establish a life that you enjoy outside of work, and to do it now. It sounds like you got burned out by making work your whole life. Create your life first, and then find the career that works into your idea of life. Otherwise, you will repeat your pattern of getting lost in your work. A lot of time can be wasted by focusing all your energy on finding some dream career that fulfills you rather than just getting a job that affords you a quality of life and then creating a life outside of work that is fulfilling. Don't wait for a paycheck to give you a sense of purpose.
As for an immediate step to take, it is time to move out from mom and dad's - it's an enabling crutch. Each year you spend under your parents' roof, you regress in age. Where is that confident woman who went after her dream job even though that meant moving out of state? Start by getting a job, any job, to get you feeling independent and resourceful. Stop the pity party on your parents' couch.
You can't expect your ideal job to land in your lap. All you can do is take the steps to once again become a strong, independent woman. Get your confidence back; and do this as much for yourself as for your job hunting. If you aren't confident, hiring managers will pick up on that too. Just start trying to move forward, step by step, and you'll be on your path towards your goals before you know it.
-Christine
Please send me your questions by emailing christine@huffingtonpost.com
A few years ago I landed my dream job that required me to move out of state. After 2 1/2 years it was all work and no play. Even though I had many pay increases and added responsibilities, I did not have a social life outside of the job, therefore decided to move back in with my parents to reassess my career goals. I have decided to change careers and because all of my work experience and education are in the animal field, I have not been able to get hired for any other job. I am 28 and have been unemployed for a year (not by choice). I have become very depressed and once again do not have a social life. How do I change career paths and start living like a 28 year old?
~Frustrated with Career Change, St. Paul, 28
Dear Frustrated with Career Change,
Let's take the last part of your question first. What exactly do you think the life of a 28 year old should look like? The worst thing you can do for your mental health right now is to play the comparison game. Don't become depressed by comparing your life to other friends and colleagues, or by holding yourself up to an image of what you "should" be doing. The most important thing right now is to be clear on your direction and take steps to move forward.
You say you want to switch career fields, but only have experience in the animal field. Do you have a clear vision of what you want to do? Have you taken the time to break down what you'll need to do to get there? Changing career fields can feel totally overwhelming, so it's important to focus on the small steps you can take to improve your chances. Does this new field require you to be certified? Start taking classes. Have a certain number of service hours logged? Start volunteering. Have you researched how other people have gotten to the top of your new field? Start researching people and scheduling informational interviews. Informational interviews are one of the most important things you can do to gain insight when looking into different career fields. The hiring managers in your new field are going to want to know you are taking this change seriously and taking steps to prepare yourself. It will be an advantage to be able to tell them how you came to the decision to change careers and how you know this is the right field for you.
Also, take a look at your resume. Make sure you have a professional summary that doesn't pigeonhole you. You may be presenting yourself in a way that limits you to the animal field, but there is most likely a large list of transferable skills that can be added to your resume that pertain to your new field. Market yourself as a person with great skills, qualities, and experiences who just happened to be in the animal field, rather than as someone who worked in one field and now wants to change directions.
The depression you are feeling is coming from regret. You are spending too much time thinking about what has happened and not enough time being proactive. Force yourself to be social and get out of your own head. The best way to get out of your own head is to help someone else, so find a place to be of service stat! And get a hobby. There are tons of activities that don't require a lot of money, and you'll be interacting with people who enjoy the same things you do. Who knows? One of your new acquaintances may have a job contact for you.
It's also key for you to establish a life that you enjoy outside of work, and to do it now. It sounds like you got burned out by making work your whole life. Create your life first, and then find the career that works into your idea of life. Otherwise, you will repeat your pattern of getting lost in your work. A lot of time can be wasted by focusing all your energy on finding some dream career that fulfills you rather than just getting a job that affords you a quality of life and then creating a life outside of work that is fulfilling. Don't wait for a paycheck to give you a sense of purpose.
As for an immediate step to take, it is time to move out from mom and dad's - it's an enabling crutch. Each year you spend under your parents' roof, you regress in age. Where is that confident woman who went after her dream job even though that meant moving out of state? Start by getting a job, any job, to get you feeling independent and resourceful. Stop the pity party on your parents' couch.
You can't expect your ideal job to land in your lap. All you can do is take the steps to once again become a strong, independent woman. Get your confidence back; and do this as much for yourself as for your job hunting. If you aren't confident, hiring managers will pick up on that too. Just start trying to move forward, step by step, and you'll be on your path towards your goals before you know it.
-Christine
Please send me your questions by emailing christine@huffingtonpost.com
Saturday, July 26
a day in Christian Bale's life ? =)
here is something i read... just to share:
Biography - Born 01/30/1974
Despite having all the necessary tools to become a star – looks, talent, presence – actor Christian Bale lacked one necessary ingredient at the start of his career: tolerance for being in the spotlight. After achieving instant celebrity after being tapped by Steven Spielberg to star in his epic period film, "Empire of the Sun" (1987), Bale suddenly discovered that he hated dealing with publicity. Instead of faking his way through interviews and junkets, he mentally bailed out, sometimes sitting through an entire session without answering, and occasionally flat out refusing to participate. But as he got older, he realized that the publicity aspect of acting was vital to his success, so he grew more and more comfortable with every new career landmark – "Little Women" (1994), "American Psycho" (2000) and "Batman Begins" (2005), chief among them. Lucky enough, Bale came to accept publicity as a necessary evil before he was lost to obscurity, though his talent far surpassed any of his contemporaries, making him a lock on becoming a star no matter how hard he tried to avoid it.
Born on Jan. 30, 1974 in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, Bale grew up in Portugal and various towns around England before finally settling in Bournemouth, Dorset, England. He was introduced to life in entertainment almost from the start – one grandfather was a vaudeville-style stand-up comic; the other grandfather was a stand-in for John Wayne on several films. His mother, Jane, was also in the business, working as a dancer and a circus performer. On the other hand, his father David was an entrepreneur, conservationist and animal rights activist who brought Young Bale to Save the Whale rallies. But it was Bale’s older sister, Louise, who piqued his interest in acting – she started the craft when he was young; naturally, he followed her into it. Bale began his career a child actor, making his debut when he was nine years old in British television commercials, including one for Pac-Man cereal. He made the transition to stage and film, performing alongside Rowan Atkinson in a West End production of "The Nerd" (1984) and on the BBC miniseries "Heart of the Country" (1987). He also made his American debut with a supporting role in the two-part miniseries, "Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna" (NBC, 1986).
By the time he was 13, Bale was attending the Bournemouth School for Boys, though maintaining studies while also acting proved difficult. His entire life changed, however, when he was chosen by Steven Spielberg out of 4,000 hopefuls to play Jim Graham, a pampered upper-class British adolescent living in China, in "Empire of the Sun." Shouldering the bulk of the movie – no small task for one so young – Bale delivered a mature performance and was immediately hailed as the next Big Thing. Being thrust into the limelight – some even said he was the most talked about child actor since Mickey Rooney – had a starkly profound effect on Bale, who suddenly found himself retreating from press interviews and publicity events. The pressure of being a sudden celebrity proved to be too much, especially in light of "Empire of the Sun" doing mediocre business at the box office. Back at home, Bale was taken to task by a local newspaper for refusing an interview, while the boys at Bournemouth picked fights and mocked him. All he wanted to do was get away.
Soon after he was finished with "Empire of the Sun," his parents divorced, jading Bale on the concept of marriage. Meanwhile, he lost his desire to act, thanks to his time spent in the bright lights of celebrity. But the lure was ignited anew when Kenneth Branagh persuaded Bale to play a minor role opposite Falstaff (Robbie Coltrane) in the actor-director’s excellent interpretation of Shakespeare’s "Henry V" (1989). He next starred opposite Charlton Heston as Jim Hawkins in the competently made television adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s "Treasure Island" (TNT, 1990). A couple of years later, Bale made the ill-fated decision to star in his first musical, "Newsies" (1992), a dreadful Disney concoction that told the true story of an 1899 strike by newspaper boys against publishing tycoon Joseph Pulitzer. Bale hated musicals and claimed to have had no idea how he became involved in one. Regardless, it became one of the few embarrassments of Bale’s career.
Despite previous misgivings about being an actor, Bale had rededicated himself to the craft, though he did steadfastly – perhaps stubbornly – avoid publicity for his projects. He tried his hand again at musicals with "Swing Kids" (1993), playing a young lad in pre-war Nazi Germany who, along with his cohorts, is obsessed with American jazz while struggling to contend with rising fascism and impending war. Bale then played the lead role of Amled in "Royal Deceit" (1994), which was based on the 12th century chronicle by Saxo Grammaticus later adapted into Hamlet by William Shakespeare. But it was his turn as the wealthy and spirited Laurie, neighbor to the March sisters, in Gillian Armstrong's version of "Little Women" that allowed audiences to fully embrace him. Offering a charismatic and energetic male presence to the estrogen-filled proceedings, he found himself suddenly wearing the "heartthrob" label. Thanks to swooning females in the audience, Bale’s career was revitalized after his relative ebb following "Empire of the Sun."
As the 1990s wound down, Bale continued to offer fascinating performances and began to move away from the adolescent characters from his earlier career. Attempting not to repeat himself, he played a mentally disabled youth in the uneven adaptation of Joseph Conrad's "The Secret Agent" (1996), which he followed with an appearance as a young swain in Jane Campion's "Portrait of a Lady" (1996). Undertaking his first bona fide adult role, he starred as a married man questioning his life choices in "Metroland" (1997), a bittersweet dramedy that required him to play the man at three stages in his life. He managed a similar feat in "Velvet Goldmine" (1998), doing double duty as a reporter investigating the mysterious disappearance of a former glam-rock star (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) while playing his younger incarnation who emulated the singer as a lad. Following a go as the stalwart Demetrius in "William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream" (1999), he delivered a strong performance as a slightly disabled youth in the fairy tale-like "All the Little Animals" (1999).
He next undertook what turned out to be his most challenging role, playing Wall Street stockbroker-cum-serial killer Patrick Bateman in "American Psycho." The adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel sparked controversy before a single frame of film was exposed. Director Mary Harron had settled on Bale for the lead, but Lion's Gate wanted well-known names attached instead. At one point, Leonardo DiCaprio and director Oliver Stone were interested, but a budget that had ballooned to $40 million changed the studio’s course. Eventually, Harron returned to the project and rehired Bale. Before filming began in Toronto, victims rights groups attempted to stop the city from issuing permits (the book allegedly served as an inspiration for a Canadian serial killer). Meanwhile, Bale faced a press that declared the role would be a line of demarcation in his career: either he would be seen as a brilliant actor or his career might never recover. But it was a risk Bale was willing to take – "[W]hat? I'm going to end up playing Laurie in 'Little Women' for the rest of my life?"
Perhaps as insurance, he portrayed Jesus in the biblical drama, "Mary, Mother of Jesus" (NBC, 1999), co-starring Pernilla August as Mary. Bale moved on to supporting roles in a pair of more conventional, low-performing films – John Singelton's remake of "Shaft" (2000) with Samuel L. Jackson and "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" (2001) starring Nicolas Cage. He scored a modest box office hit playing the dragon fighter Quinn in the fantasy adventure "Reign of Fire" (2002). Later that year, he appeared in the uninspired sci-fi parable "Equilibrium" (2002) which reunited him with "Metroland" costar Emily Watson. The film was released with little fanfare and to poor critical response. He fared better, however, in the intriguing – albeit not artistically successful – indie drama "Laurel Canyon" (2003), convincingly playing a Los Angeles-bred physician and the son of an iconoclastic rock producer (Frances McDormand) who returns to the affluent canyon community he has grown to look down upon with his fiancée (Kate Beckinsale). Bale's next film was the nightmarish thriller "The Machinist" (2004) by director Brad Anderson – the actor played a drill press operator who grows emaciated after not sleeping for a year. Bale insanely dropped a whopping 63 lbs – a third of his bodyweight – by downing whiskey and diet pills, a true testament to his dedication for authenticity.
Bale built his body back into super-heroic shape and rocketed to international superstardom when he was tapped by director Christopher Nolan to star in "Batman Begins," a serious-minded reboot of the faded franchise that explored the origins of the Dark Knight in his earliest days. Bale was the most comic book-accurate Batman yet, convincingly playing both his fearsome crime-fighting alter ego, the foppish public persona of Bruce Wayne and the third conflicted personality behind both masks. He was scheduled to revive the role opposite Heath Ledger as The Joker in Nolan's sequel, "The Dark Knight" in 2008. Bale next had a supporting role in Terrance Malick’s "The New World" (2005), a lyrical, but ultimately meandering look at the settlement at Jamestown, Virginia in 1607 and the ensuing love affair between Captain John Smith (Colin Farrell) and a young Native American girl, Pocahontas (Q’Orianka Kilcher). Bale played John Rolfe, a tobacconist who marries Pocahontas after the supposed death of Smith and brings her back to England where she’s treated as a celebrity.
Bale next starred in "The Prestige" (2006), playing an obscure, but brilliant magician engaged in a game of one-upmanship with his flashier, more sophisticated rival (Hugh Jackman). Their rivalry starts off friendly enough, but a trick that goes horribly awry forces them to become bitter enemies, leading both down a path of a fierce competition that may ultimately end in death. Then in "Harsh Times" (2006), Bale was a Gulf War veteran struggling to cope with postwar life while hoping to become a policeman. His dream starts to slip away, however, when he joins his best friend (Freddy Rodriguez) on a violent rampage through South Central Los Angeles that eventually causes dire consequences. Meanwhile, Bale played Dieter Dengler in "Rescue Dawn" (2006), a true-life telling of the German-born pilot whose obsession with flying leads him to join the Air Force during Vietnam, only to be shot down during his first mission and captured by the Vietcong. Directed by famed lunatic Werner Herzog, "Rescue Dawn" put Bale through the wringer in the jungles of Thailand, where the actor endured harsh conditions, grueling takes and crew revolts – just another day at the office of a Herzog production.
In "3:10 to Yuma" (2007), an earnest attempt by Hollywood to revive the once-dead Western genre, Bale played a rancher fallen on hard times who agrees to escort a notorious criminal (Russell Crowe) to prison in order to earn money to support his family. But the criminal has other plans, tempting the rancher into releasing him in exchange for a share of hidden loot worth much more than he is being paid. Both Bale and co-star Crowe gave fine, nuanced performances that helped underscore a strong revisionist take on an old favorite by director James Mangold. For a change of pace, Bale joined several other top performers – including Richard Gere, Heath Ledger and Cate Blanchett – to appear as Bob Dylan at different stages of his career in "I’m Not There" (2007). Bale played the earnest folk artist who eventually was reborn as a Christian preacher.
Biography - Born 01/30/1974
Despite having all the necessary tools to become a star – looks, talent, presence – actor Christian Bale lacked one necessary ingredient at the start of his career: tolerance for being in the spotlight. After achieving instant celebrity after being tapped by Steven Spielberg to star in his epic period film, "Empire of the Sun" (1987), Bale suddenly discovered that he hated dealing with publicity. Instead of faking his way through interviews and junkets, he mentally bailed out, sometimes sitting through an entire session without answering, and occasionally flat out refusing to participate. But as he got older, he realized that the publicity aspect of acting was vital to his success, so he grew more and more comfortable with every new career landmark – "Little Women" (1994), "American Psycho" (2000) and "Batman Begins" (2005), chief among them. Lucky enough, Bale came to accept publicity as a necessary evil before he was lost to obscurity, though his talent far surpassed any of his contemporaries, making him a lock on becoming a star no matter how hard he tried to avoid it.
Born on Jan. 30, 1974 in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, Bale grew up in Portugal and various towns around England before finally settling in Bournemouth, Dorset, England. He was introduced to life in entertainment almost from the start – one grandfather was a vaudeville-style stand-up comic; the other grandfather was a stand-in for John Wayne on several films. His mother, Jane, was also in the business, working as a dancer and a circus performer. On the other hand, his father David was an entrepreneur, conservationist and animal rights activist who brought Young Bale to Save the Whale rallies. But it was Bale’s older sister, Louise, who piqued his interest in acting – she started the craft when he was young; naturally, he followed her into it. Bale began his career a child actor, making his debut when he was nine years old in British television commercials, including one for Pac-Man cereal. He made the transition to stage and film, performing alongside Rowan Atkinson in a West End production of "The Nerd" (1984) and on the BBC miniseries "Heart of the Country" (1987). He also made his American debut with a supporting role in the two-part miniseries, "Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna" (NBC, 1986).
By the time he was 13, Bale was attending the Bournemouth School for Boys, though maintaining studies while also acting proved difficult. His entire life changed, however, when he was chosen by Steven Spielberg out of 4,000 hopefuls to play Jim Graham, a pampered upper-class British adolescent living in China, in "Empire of the Sun." Shouldering the bulk of the movie – no small task for one so young – Bale delivered a mature performance and was immediately hailed as the next Big Thing. Being thrust into the limelight – some even said he was the most talked about child actor since Mickey Rooney – had a starkly profound effect on Bale, who suddenly found himself retreating from press interviews and publicity events. The pressure of being a sudden celebrity proved to be too much, especially in light of "Empire of the Sun" doing mediocre business at the box office. Back at home, Bale was taken to task by a local newspaper for refusing an interview, while the boys at Bournemouth picked fights and mocked him. All he wanted to do was get away.
Soon after he was finished with "Empire of the Sun," his parents divorced, jading Bale on the concept of marriage. Meanwhile, he lost his desire to act, thanks to his time spent in the bright lights of celebrity. But the lure was ignited anew when Kenneth Branagh persuaded Bale to play a minor role opposite Falstaff (Robbie Coltrane) in the actor-director’s excellent interpretation of Shakespeare’s "Henry V" (1989). He next starred opposite Charlton Heston as Jim Hawkins in the competently made television adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s "Treasure Island" (TNT, 1990). A couple of years later, Bale made the ill-fated decision to star in his first musical, "Newsies" (1992), a dreadful Disney concoction that told the true story of an 1899 strike by newspaper boys against publishing tycoon Joseph Pulitzer. Bale hated musicals and claimed to have had no idea how he became involved in one. Regardless, it became one of the few embarrassments of Bale’s career.
Despite previous misgivings about being an actor, Bale had rededicated himself to the craft, though he did steadfastly – perhaps stubbornly – avoid publicity for his projects. He tried his hand again at musicals with "Swing Kids" (1993), playing a young lad in pre-war Nazi Germany who, along with his cohorts, is obsessed with American jazz while struggling to contend with rising fascism and impending war. Bale then played the lead role of Amled in "Royal Deceit" (1994), which was based on the 12th century chronicle by Saxo Grammaticus later adapted into Hamlet by William Shakespeare. But it was his turn as the wealthy and spirited Laurie, neighbor to the March sisters, in Gillian Armstrong's version of "Little Women" that allowed audiences to fully embrace him. Offering a charismatic and energetic male presence to the estrogen-filled proceedings, he found himself suddenly wearing the "heartthrob" label. Thanks to swooning females in the audience, Bale’s career was revitalized after his relative ebb following "Empire of the Sun."
As the 1990s wound down, Bale continued to offer fascinating performances and began to move away from the adolescent characters from his earlier career. Attempting not to repeat himself, he played a mentally disabled youth in the uneven adaptation of Joseph Conrad's "The Secret Agent" (1996), which he followed with an appearance as a young swain in Jane Campion's "Portrait of a Lady" (1996). Undertaking his first bona fide adult role, he starred as a married man questioning his life choices in "Metroland" (1997), a bittersweet dramedy that required him to play the man at three stages in his life. He managed a similar feat in "Velvet Goldmine" (1998), doing double duty as a reporter investigating the mysterious disappearance of a former glam-rock star (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) while playing his younger incarnation who emulated the singer as a lad. Following a go as the stalwart Demetrius in "William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream" (1999), he delivered a strong performance as a slightly disabled youth in the fairy tale-like "All the Little Animals" (1999).
He next undertook what turned out to be his most challenging role, playing Wall Street stockbroker-cum-serial killer Patrick Bateman in "American Psycho." The adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel sparked controversy before a single frame of film was exposed. Director Mary Harron had settled on Bale for the lead, but Lion's Gate wanted well-known names attached instead. At one point, Leonardo DiCaprio and director Oliver Stone were interested, but a budget that had ballooned to $40 million changed the studio’s course. Eventually, Harron returned to the project and rehired Bale. Before filming began in Toronto, victims rights groups attempted to stop the city from issuing permits (the book allegedly served as an inspiration for a Canadian serial killer). Meanwhile, Bale faced a press that declared the role would be a line of demarcation in his career: either he would be seen as a brilliant actor or his career might never recover. But it was a risk Bale was willing to take – "[W]hat? I'm going to end up playing Laurie in 'Little Women' for the rest of my life?"
Perhaps as insurance, he portrayed Jesus in the biblical drama, "Mary, Mother of Jesus" (NBC, 1999), co-starring Pernilla August as Mary. Bale moved on to supporting roles in a pair of more conventional, low-performing films – John Singelton's remake of "Shaft" (2000) with Samuel L. Jackson and "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" (2001) starring Nicolas Cage. He scored a modest box office hit playing the dragon fighter Quinn in the fantasy adventure "Reign of Fire" (2002). Later that year, he appeared in the uninspired sci-fi parable "Equilibrium" (2002) which reunited him with "Metroland" costar Emily Watson. The film was released with little fanfare and to poor critical response. He fared better, however, in the intriguing – albeit not artistically successful – indie drama "Laurel Canyon" (2003), convincingly playing a Los Angeles-bred physician and the son of an iconoclastic rock producer (Frances McDormand) who returns to the affluent canyon community he has grown to look down upon with his fiancée (Kate Beckinsale). Bale's next film was the nightmarish thriller "The Machinist" (2004) by director Brad Anderson – the actor played a drill press operator who grows emaciated after not sleeping for a year. Bale insanely dropped a whopping 63 lbs – a third of his bodyweight – by downing whiskey and diet pills, a true testament to his dedication for authenticity.
Bale built his body back into super-heroic shape and rocketed to international superstardom when he was tapped by director Christopher Nolan to star in "Batman Begins," a serious-minded reboot of the faded franchise that explored the origins of the Dark Knight in his earliest days. Bale was the most comic book-accurate Batman yet, convincingly playing both his fearsome crime-fighting alter ego, the foppish public persona of Bruce Wayne and the third conflicted personality behind both masks. He was scheduled to revive the role opposite Heath Ledger as The Joker in Nolan's sequel, "The Dark Knight" in 2008. Bale next had a supporting role in Terrance Malick’s "The New World" (2005), a lyrical, but ultimately meandering look at the settlement at Jamestown, Virginia in 1607 and the ensuing love affair between Captain John Smith (Colin Farrell) and a young Native American girl, Pocahontas (Q’Orianka Kilcher). Bale played John Rolfe, a tobacconist who marries Pocahontas after the supposed death of Smith and brings her back to England where she’s treated as a celebrity.
Bale next starred in "The Prestige" (2006), playing an obscure, but brilliant magician engaged in a game of one-upmanship with his flashier, more sophisticated rival (Hugh Jackman). Their rivalry starts off friendly enough, but a trick that goes horribly awry forces them to become bitter enemies, leading both down a path of a fierce competition that may ultimately end in death. Then in "Harsh Times" (2006), Bale was a Gulf War veteran struggling to cope with postwar life while hoping to become a policeman. His dream starts to slip away, however, when he joins his best friend (Freddy Rodriguez) on a violent rampage through South Central Los Angeles that eventually causes dire consequences. Meanwhile, Bale played Dieter Dengler in "Rescue Dawn" (2006), a true-life telling of the German-born pilot whose obsession with flying leads him to join the Air Force during Vietnam, only to be shot down during his first mission and captured by the Vietcong. Directed by famed lunatic Werner Herzog, "Rescue Dawn" put Bale through the wringer in the jungles of Thailand, where the actor endured harsh conditions, grueling takes and crew revolts – just another day at the office of a Herzog production.
In "3:10 to Yuma" (2007), an earnest attempt by Hollywood to revive the once-dead Western genre, Bale played a rancher fallen on hard times who agrees to escort a notorious criminal (Russell Crowe) to prison in order to earn money to support his family. But the criminal has other plans, tempting the rancher into releasing him in exchange for a share of hidden loot worth much more than he is being paid. Both Bale and co-star Crowe gave fine, nuanced performances that helped underscore a strong revisionist take on an old favorite by director James Mangold. For a change of pace, Bale joined several other top performers – including Richard Gere, Heath Ledger and Cate Blanchett – to appear as Bob Dylan at different stages of his career in "I’m Not There" (2007). Bale played the earnest folk artist who eventually was reborn as a Christian preacher.
Wednesday, July 23
Monday, July 21
THE STUDIO - by Takao Kawaguchi
*exhilarated*
=) enjoyed the workshop i had tonite... it's really OUt Of thE Box, thks Yiling for introducing such a new, alternative Movement Workshop =) Move in a New Dimension... creating "art" and finding fun in exploring + communicating wif our bodies !
The Teacher-Instructor is Takao Kawaguchi... and he is sharing a type of movement which uses all parts of the body.
The Body can do so much ! During the workshop, we learnt more abt Body Awareness, moving wif "limitations" (constraints), some bits of dance and whilst learning how to move-dance-explore our bodies... he taught us to 'outlined' our bodies and move around wif a STRING ! =)
Tanoshii desuyo
SYNOPSIS
Takao Kawaguchi was trained in pantomime-based movement theatre, and took part in a wide range of projects from text-based theatre to performance art and dance. From 1991 to 1995, he formed his own dance group ATA Dance to produce experimental dance works. He joined the multi-media performance company Dumb Type in 1996 and since then has appeared in OR, memorandum and Voyage. He has also been active in his independent solo projects in which he collaborate with sound and visual artists who uniquely combine and synchronize the elements of light and sound with dance and movement. These include Night Colour (2001), Di Que No Ves (Say You Don’t See) (2003), D.D.D. (2004), tablemind (2006) and Good Luck (2008).
In this workshop, Takao will share some of his work methods and exercises with participants.
For participants 16 years and above only. Participants must have some dance or physical theatre experience. Wear loose comfortable clothings
At WoRk........
Hi Diary, am now at work... there's much to do... lotsa deadlines and matters of concern. My boss is not ard ! Hope she comes back soon... anyway I am looking forward to tonite's Japanese dance session - something innovative which my fren has recommended me to go participate...
And I am so glad the meeting is ending soon.......kekeeee - some work to rush and then can go off ! Quick... **SF** speak faster !
And yes, I had overcome the issue of concern... now, so dreaming of my NUTTY BUDDY and VERY BERRy at ICE-Creamery which I bought yest. !
Cheers...yummy pals
And I am so glad the meeting is ending soon.......kekeeee - some work to rush and then can go off ! Quick... **SF** speak faster !
And yes, I had overcome the issue of concern... now, so dreaming of my NUTTY BUDDY and VERY BERRy at ICE-Creamery which I bought yest. !
Cheers...yummy pals
Sunday, July 20
it's too much for me to bear... But tis' wat I wld do...
it is really too much for me to bear... I recount... crying even as I type tis... esp. over the past few mths...
it's not just abt emotions... which I stopped blogging as it's way-overboard just 2 dwell on it... it's abt character development. I am struggling in the area of character development. And it shows. I had been smiling less / laughing less spontaneously recently.
I realise, tat I hv been experiencing "internal turmoil"... a "double-edged sword" in my life created by my upbringing (wish tat i din hv this within; nor only hv this realisation at tis time of my life... when I am tis age le) ... Finally put a finger on it ! I am not blaming anybody. Lotsa turmoil in my home resulted in less communication and support < =p i already v.blessed. i believe everybody has a story > - e.g. handling situations correctly is not really learnt... tink I was lost throughout -also playing a lot to avoid thinking-becoz i duno wat to do when i "stop" . God's going deeper wif me in the YR of SABBATH... re-making me...
Painful as it may be - e.g. Learning to handle life crisis/ issues tat require thinking & stability... My bro shared ...parents gave us too much "an environment of fear" e.g. "what ifs". They prefer comfort zones.. yet require us to be super-good... Do more, never enuf..., yet not too much adventure pls... aND YES, I am probably scolded & taught not to be vulnerable even tho' I am a girl. ... so much over-emphasised & when they had time now to "take care" of me. Tat's why I have been trying to change all these yrs. Actually it's just about balancing... and for the software-within me. Boundaries for healthy relating; doing sthg Not to please others Nor to prove anythg.
Anyways, I duno wat to do now. Things are not going well in my life as I am learning too many realities of life which I need to grapple wif and grow up. Just heard also fr. my parents tat my other grandpa is not feeling well as well.
God - save my family ! And save me... I duno how to deal wif sudden increases in stress... thot there's suff. in work and dealing wif my emotional growth le... If I really duno wat 2 do / how 2 pray... I wana stop the past.
STOP SELF PITY. ENUFF.
MOVE ON WITHOUT REGRETS
WIN OVER MYSELF w POSITIVE LIVING
TRUST GOD FOR BEAUTIFUL FUTURE -GIVE THANKS
PAIN DOES NOT MATTER, CREATING + DISCOVERING + ENJOYING
it's not just abt emotions... which I stopped blogging as it's way-overboard just 2 dwell on it... it's abt character development. I am struggling in the area of character development. And it shows. I had been smiling less / laughing less spontaneously recently.
I realise, tat I hv been experiencing "internal turmoil"... a "double-edged sword" in my life created by my upbringing (wish tat i din hv this within; nor only hv this realisation at tis time of my life... when I am tis age le) ... Finally put a finger on it ! I am not blaming anybody. Lotsa turmoil in my home resulted in less communication and support < =p i already v.blessed. i believe everybody has a story > - e.g. handling situations correctly is not really learnt... tink I was lost throughout -also playing a lot to avoid thinking-becoz i duno wat to do when i "stop" . God's going deeper wif me in the YR of SABBATH... re-making me...
Painful as it may be - e.g. Learning to handle life crisis/ issues tat require thinking & stability... My bro shared ...parents gave us too much "an environment of fear" e.g. "what ifs". They prefer comfort zones.. yet require us to be super-good... Do more, never enuf..., yet not too much adventure pls... aND YES, I am probably scolded & taught not to be vulnerable even tho' I am a girl. ... so much over-emphasised & when they had time now to "take care" of me. Tat's why I have been trying to change all these yrs. Actually it's just about balancing... and for the software-within me. Boundaries for healthy relating; doing sthg Not to please others Nor to prove anythg.
Anyways, I duno wat to do now. Things are not going well in my life as I am learning too many realities of life which I need to grapple wif and grow up. Just heard also fr. my parents tat my other grandpa is not feeling well as well.
God - save my family ! And save me... I duno how to deal wif sudden increases in stress... thot there's suff. in work and dealing wif my emotional growth le... If I really duno wat 2 do / how 2 pray... I wana stop the past.
STOP SELF PITY. ENUFF.
MOVE ON WITHOUT REGRETS
WIN OVER MYSELF w POSITIVE LIVING
TRUST GOD FOR BEAUTIFUL FUTURE -GIVE THANKS
PAIN DOES NOT MATTER, CREATING + DISCOVERING + ENJOYING
Wednesday, July 16
learnt a new word !
Tardy.
Meaning:
1. late; behind time; not on time: How tardy were you today?
2. moving or acting slowly; slow; sluggish.
3. delaying through reluctance.
Meaning:
1. late; behind time; not on time: How tardy were you today?
2. moving or acting slowly; slow; sluggish.
3. delaying through reluctance.
Friday, July 4
my life - my work ? ... a dread...
It's been a long period since I realise wOrk is Not something I am good at... my Life is not "happening"... my thots abt WorK r negative... I am lost abt the future... etc. I found myself distancing from God & very affected by people... and stressed at work.
There are nights where I spent, sitting in front of the computer, maybe hoping the computer would speak to me... hahaa, OR, the hole somewhere wld "suck me in", OR, the time wld stop - and I can just laze ard... sleep more... listen to more of the silly jokes and songs on YouTube.
The 'vicious cycle' of wanting to discover myself continued. It is amazing how God works. He never force me, I believe He never force anybody. He said in His Word - He does not change like shifting lights; ...I am the Way, the Truth and the Light; ... whoever believes in me shall not perish, but have eternal life. I am a christian, but I hv never felt so sad and deep in faith-lessness for these weeks.
I wondered & wandered, where am I drifting. And, am I ever going to be joyful again ? God, can You understand ?
Cannot explain to u (if u are reading tis) how I got the answer. Simply, I began to understand myself more - the real me and the me I wannabe... and ALSO, learning to say NO, no to self-rejecting-silly thots. And facing disappointments courageously - i.e. accepting that life is not perfection & learning not to be scared-worried abt how the "World Is gEtting Bad to Worse", etc.
Wat I really feel is, the Perspective is Clearer when I am nearer to God.
I can trust God, Lean on Him, let Him show me each day by each day.
Also, trusting Him for my job, no matter how I dislike it, dread myself for staying in the job, dread the days of the week... plus dun wana wake up Becoz I duno why I am going to work.
=)
The Most Beautiful Discovery is, I dun have to continue with the "DREAD" feeling... not becoz THIS IS LIFE... etc. BUt, becoz I know for sure, GOD Protects my dignity as a person, grants me Joy in making livelihood, and Guides me to Greener pastuRes ! Amen.
I dun wana jump from 1 dustbin (work) to another dustbin... and He knows.
I dun wana quit knowing that it was ME not doing my job well, He knows and moulds me.
SOONnnnnnnnnn I will Leave... yes, and I hv NO idea... where to go actually. I just beLieve.
There are nights where I spent, sitting in front of the computer, maybe hoping the computer would speak to me... hahaa, OR, the hole somewhere wld "suck me in", OR, the time wld stop - and I can just laze ard... sleep more... listen to more of the silly jokes and songs on YouTube.
The 'vicious cycle' of wanting to discover myself continued. It is amazing how God works. He never force me, I believe He never force anybody. He said in His Word - He does not change like shifting lights; ...I am the Way, the Truth and the Light; ... whoever believes in me shall not perish, but have eternal life. I am a christian, but I hv never felt so sad and deep in faith-lessness for these weeks.
I wondered & wandered, where am I drifting. And, am I ever going to be joyful again ? God, can You understand ?
Cannot explain to u (if u are reading tis) how I got the answer. Simply, I began to understand myself more - the real me and the me I wannabe... and ALSO, learning to say NO, no to self-rejecting-silly thots. And facing disappointments courageously - i.e. accepting that life is not perfection & learning not to be scared-worried abt how the "World Is gEtting Bad to Worse", etc.
Wat I really feel is, the Perspective is Clearer when I am nearer to God.
I can trust God, Lean on Him, let Him show me each day by each day.
Also, trusting Him for my job, no matter how I dislike it, dread myself for staying in the job, dread the days of the week... plus dun wana wake up Becoz I duno why I am going to work.
=)
The Most Beautiful Discovery is, I dun have to continue with the "DREAD" feeling... not becoz THIS IS LIFE... etc. BUt, becoz I know for sure, GOD Protects my dignity as a person, grants me Joy in making livelihood, and Guides me to Greener pastuRes ! Amen.
I dun wana jump from 1 dustbin (work) to another dustbin... and He knows.
I dun wana quit knowing that it was ME not doing my job well, He knows and moulds me.
SOONnnnnnnnnn I will Leave... yes, and I hv NO idea... where to go actually. I just beLieve.
dancing and finding myself
=) i duno wat to write... I guess that the feeling of being happy cannot be described... Just veri happie...
I went to Dance Ministry tonite, hv not really been dancing regularly tis year and with less Service (Worship) Platform nowadays, I am really getting very "nua".
The feeling of being happy was not manufactured by the activity/ the dancing... it seems that I was touched by the Holy Spirit tonite. After being down in my spirit for so long...
Being tired is also becoz I was down in my spirit, feeling that my "self" was not there. Lost.
I was searching for myself. And it is amazing how I am finding myself once again, slowly, via dancing.
Tonite, I went frm work, v.tired after almst 4days of hard work and feeling "nua", wanted to just go home & sleep.
As I went, nothing big nor touching happened. It was normal, rushing to the Auditorium + getting warmed up, rehearse, start with some polishing... etc.
I find myself very encouraged, encouraged by the people in the Dance Ministry - brothers and sisters. Going into 4th year and slowly 5th, I have seen myself grown in terms of dance, and I also grown closer to my frens in dance.
Never knew I could be so closed-up, i.e. difficult to open up to share my thots.
I felt v.different this year, even more from last year and before. The pressure to dance is not there anymore. It's not even about performing, it's learning abt people who dance, learning again why I dance... and learning abt God - how He can speak thru' dance. It was also a place I first stepped out of my "fear" and "doubt" and started a pursuit of my dream.
It is timely, that we are now called "Ministry of Dance". Very timely as well, as Pastoral Team decided to give the Ministry a new Direction... higher level of quality in dance, and not to go for "less-than-excellence" platform. Instead of weekly platforms (where we rotate and dance), there is a higher level of dance required -i.e. a Principal Team with Principal members was formed. The Team wld dance for special Services and also participate in massive events, e.g. Mother's Day, Father's Day, Day of His Power... outside church events, etc.
The breakthrough came for many of us, I believe, especially in our hearts, becoz many of us, incl. myself - struggled. Say we are not in the Principal Team, do we have a place in the Ministry ? We are no longer serving for Platforms, how can we improve our dancing, or in a human perspective - dancing is no longer fun - no longer on Sun- on stage ?
Where do we go from here ?
It is funny/ mysterious/ painful how God sometimes bring us through the process, sharp turns or like Walking Thru' the Tunnel, only to do His Will, lead His Sheep... "prune the branches" -bringing us back to the basics.
Of loving dance
of Loving worship
of knowing ourselves
& trusting Him more.
Today, the rehearsal was only 1 song - Forevermore.
The song choreographed by Royston was not v.easy. The rhythm was quick, steps were requiring higher technique.
Though many of us, incl. me, do not know how best to dance - due to variation of forms and beat, we tried.
We danced to our best. Think we all persevered... practised and tried to achieve excellence in watever we have. Not to compare, but truly to do it.
JUST DO IT ! =)
God multiplied, and I wld say, most of the dancers - Principal Team or Not Principal Team, hung in there and accomplished in their own way.
Royston is a gd teacher and faithful one. He was have felt some pride in seeing some dancers doing their best. Kelvin is our leader who also encouraged and persevered along with us, those who are not in Principal Team this year (keke)... and there is much he did to motivate us.
I find myself enjoying the dance and practice, and proud of the Principal Team members who really did well. =) Really aspire to be like them, not becoz of gaining approval nor comparison, BUT to achieve excellence. And I cld sense the Community Spirit, the Bonding, the JOY of Being in IT TOGETHER =) (cannot describe, it's like WE, not abt me/ u) - we held on till now, since the New Direction for the Ministry of Dance was given.
It is really cool, to be able to dance better and BE MORE THAN WHAT i was (all of us were) when we first began.
Thk You GOD, i also felt nearer to You tonite. Which is something which I never felt for a long time... the passion You bring forth to birth, the Joy of perseverance, process of learning FOCUS & determination to be more excellent.
It was never possible to dance if not coz of pple who encouraged, pple who taught-showed the way, and God who births forth new beginnings and breakthroughs.
_CHEERS_________ ^^------------------------------------ =D
I went to Dance Ministry tonite, hv not really been dancing regularly tis year and with less Service (Worship) Platform nowadays, I am really getting very "nua".
The feeling of being happy was not manufactured by the activity/ the dancing... it seems that I was touched by the Holy Spirit tonite. After being down in my spirit for so long...
Being tired is also becoz I was down in my spirit, feeling that my "self" was not there. Lost.
I was searching for myself. And it is amazing how I am finding myself once again, slowly, via dancing.
Tonite, I went frm work, v.tired after almst 4days of hard work and feeling "nua", wanted to just go home & sleep.
As I went, nothing big nor touching happened. It was normal, rushing to the Auditorium + getting warmed up, rehearse, start with some polishing... etc.
I find myself very encouraged, encouraged by the people in the Dance Ministry - brothers and sisters. Going into 4th year and slowly 5th, I have seen myself grown in terms of dance, and I also grown closer to my frens in dance.
Never knew I could be so closed-up, i.e. difficult to open up to share my thots.
I felt v.different this year, even more from last year and before. The pressure to dance is not there anymore. It's not even about performing, it's learning abt people who dance, learning again why I dance... and learning abt God - how He can speak thru' dance. It was also a place I first stepped out of my "fear" and "doubt" and started a pursuit of my dream.
It is timely, that we are now called "Ministry of Dance". Very timely as well, as Pastoral Team decided to give the Ministry a new Direction... higher level of quality in dance, and not to go for "less-than-excellence" platform. Instead of weekly platforms (where we rotate and dance), there is a higher level of dance required -i.e. a Principal Team with Principal members was formed. The Team wld dance for special Services and also participate in massive events, e.g. Mother's Day, Father's Day, Day of His Power... outside church events, etc.
The breakthrough came for many of us, I believe, especially in our hearts, becoz many of us, incl. myself - struggled. Say we are not in the Principal Team, do we have a place in the Ministry ? We are no longer serving for Platforms, how can we improve our dancing, or in a human perspective - dancing is no longer fun - no longer on Sun- on stage ?
Where do we go from here ?
It is funny/ mysterious/ painful how God sometimes bring us through the process, sharp turns or like Walking Thru' the Tunnel, only to do His Will, lead His Sheep... "prune the branches" -bringing us back to the basics.
Of loving dance
of Loving worship
of knowing ourselves
& trusting Him more.
Today, the rehearsal was only 1 song - Forevermore.
The song choreographed by Royston was not v.easy. The rhythm was quick, steps were requiring higher technique.
Though many of us, incl. me, do not know how best to dance - due to variation of forms and beat, we tried.
We danced to our best. Think we all persevered... practised and tried to achieve excellence in watever we have. Not to compare, but truly to do it.
JUST DO IT ! =)
God multiplied, and I wld say, most of the dancers - Principal Team or Not Principal Team, hung in there and accomplished in their own way.
Royston is a gd teacher and faithful one. He was have felt some pride in seeing some dancers doing their best. Kelvin is our leader who also encouraged and persevered along with us, those who are not in Principal Team this year (keke)... and there is much he did to motivate us.
I find myself enjoying the dance and practice, and proud of the Principal Team members who really did well. =) Really aspire to be like them, not becoz of gaining approval nor comparison, BUT to achieve excellence. And I cld sense the Community Spirit, the Bonding, the JOY of Being in IT TOGETHER =) (cannot describe, it's like WE, not abt me/ u) - we held on till now, since the New Direction for the Ministry of Dance was given.
It is really cool, to be able to dance better and BE MORE THAN WHAT i was (all of us were) when we first began.
Thk You GOD, i also felt nearer to You tonite. Which is something which I never felt for a long time... the passion You bring forth to birth, the Joy of perseverance, process of learning FOCUS & determination to be more excellent.
It was never possible to dance if not coz of pple who encouraged, pple who taught-showed the way, and God who births forth new beginnings and breakthroughs.
_CHEERS_________ ^^------------------------------------ =D
Thursday, June 19
tis cool ! Learnt some new words today =)
Do have a look !
I learnt sthg fr. my fren. =)
d says:
Check the dictionary...
d says:
Ed http://www.goenglish.com/BetweenARockAndAHardPlace.asp
d says:
the phrase "Catch-22" is common idiomatic usage meaning "a no-win situation" or "a double bind" of any type.
http://www.goenglish.com/AChipOnYourShoulder.asp
I learnt sthg fr. my fren. =)
d says:
Check the dictionary...
d says:
Ed http://www.goenglish.com/BetweenARockAndAHardPlace.asp
d says:
the phrase "Catch-22" is common idiomatic usage meaning "a no-win situation" or "a double bind" of any type.
http://www.goenglish.com/AChipOnYourShoulder.asp
Tuesday, June 10
my Dream Getaway !!!
here are the pics... of my dream holiday - sand.sun.sea !!! Coming soon... Akan Datang =>
Sunday, June 8
BeAutifUL & meAningFuL.... =)
I hv added pics (tink they appear above; sigh they dun appear as gd & beautifuL as wh. u r there actual...) of a beautiful sCenery in Spore... lotsa Sky but with Construction...
Enjoy ! ... we are All Work-In-Progress... And if u return to the Location of tat Scenery one year later... you WIll DEFINITELY see sthg most beautiful :-)
These articles are meAningFuL ! =)
fr. a beautiful Sista...
Until I learned to trust,
I never learned to pray;
And I did not learn to fully trust
Till sorrows came my way.
Until I felt my weakness,
His strength I never knew;
Nor dreamed 'til I was stricken
That he could see me through.
Who deepest drinks of sorrow,
Drinks deepest, too, of grace;
He sends the storm so he himself
Can be our hiding place.
His heart, that seeks our highest good
Knows well when things annoy;
We would not long for heaven
If earth held only joy.
William G. Coltman
When things go wrong as they sometimes will;
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill;
When the funds are low, and the debts are high;
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh;
When care is pressing you down a bit -
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you can never tell how close you are;
It may be near when it seems afar.
So, stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -
It's when things go wrong that you mustn't quit.
Author unknown
The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.
Everything happens for a purpose. We may not see the
wisdom of it all now, but trust and believe in the
Lord that everything is for the best.
~Author unknown~
--------------------------------------------------------
People dream they can fly, I dream I could make Jesus smile. - ed.
--------------------------------------------------------
Friday, June 6
sOme nIce soNGs to Rock today ! =)
Nice Songs to Share... tis artist ROCKS !!!!!!!!! wow
Pls enJoy !
i) www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEtqYapaIqM&feature=related
ii) www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRG9BSYng0A&feature=related
iii) www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WpFid43xW8&feature=related
iv) www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0fqbcXE9D4&feature=related
(just feel like singing this !)
v) www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXLi0LDVIOQ&feature=related
vi) www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FmDWDuch2w&feature=related
vii) www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqcf7c6Uvlc&feature=related
and i love tis :> www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ehtpdBFGR0&feature=related
Pls enJoy !
i) www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEtqYapaIqM&feature=related
ii) www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRG9BSYng0A&feature=related
iii) www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WpFid43xW8&feature=related
iv) www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0fqbcXE9D4&feature=related
(just feel like singing this !)
v) www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXLi0LDVIOQ&feature=related
vi) www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FmDWDuch2w&feature=related
vii) www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqcf7c6Uvlc&feature=related
and i love tis :> www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ehtpdBFGR0&feature=related
Thursday, May 29
fr. Dayspring's Artist Julie Sawyer Phillips
interesting story shared !
=)
DaySpring Artist Julie Sawyer Phillips knows what it’s like to wait and pray for a very special blessing. And now she knows what it’s like to receive one. Earlier this year, Julie and her husband adopted their son, Jackson. Julie says, “For years, I hoped and prayed I would one day be a wife and mom. My story is a reminder that God does grant us the desires of our hearts—sometimes in ways we never would have expected.”
Julie is best known as the artist for DaySpring’s Really Woolly line. Her favorite part about illustrating it is “giving the sheep their little personalities.” She says, “I like to make them seem real. I want people to be able to relate to them.”
A little over a year ago, DaySpring began creating Really Woolly baby items. This addition came at an interesting time in Julie’s life because she and her husband, John, planned to adopt.
A team of four people met at Julie’s home to pray and brainstorm the new baby line. During the meeting, we asked God to bless the child He would one day bring to Julie and John. The team felt joy and peace about God’s plan as ideas flowed and the baby products began to be created.
"My story is a reminder that
God does grant us the desires of our hearts—sometimes in ways we never would have expected."
John and Julie had a special dinner with friends later that year. The son and daughter-in-law of the missionaries who ran the orphanage where they planned to adopt joined them as well. Julie said, “It was an odd day for dinner and we had to drive a couple of hours so we could meet. But it was the only time that worked.”
During the dinner, everyone prayed for John, Julie, and the child who would one day be theirs. On the drive home, Julie and John talked about their excitement and wondered how God would answer their prayers.
The answer came sooner than they could have imagined. Later that week Julie and John received a phone call. The orphanage had a baby boy for them! Their son had been born four days earlier. Julie quickly realized that was the date of the dinner. She said, “Our friends were praying for us and our baby the same day he was born! What seemed to be an odd time for dinner turned out to be God’s perfect plan!”
A few months later John and Julie boarded a plane to meet their son, Jackson Benard. The missionaries from the orphanage met them at the airport with Jackson, and Julie got to hold him for the first time. She said, “They handed him to me and said, ‘It’s time for his bottle. You’re the mom!’ And that’s how it all began.”
A team from DaySpring recently went to Julie’s home again. This time we brought the completed Really Woolly baby items along for little Jackson. While we were there, Julie pointed out a small nest on her back porch. She said, “As I had my quiet time with God in the morning over the last few months, I’ve watched a pair of birds diligently building their nest. It’s a sweet little reminder of God’s care and what’s happening in our lives too.”
Julie wants to share her story with you because she says, “We all know what it’s like to wait and pray for something. It took many years for God to grant my desire to be a wife and mom. I’m learning that His will isn’t always easy or simple, and the journey may not be what we expect, but we can trust His heart. I prayed for Jackson to be blessed before he was even born, but I’m the one who got the true blessing in the end.”
by Holley Gerth
from
=)
DaySpring Artist Julie Sawyer Phillips knows what it’s like to wait and pray for a very special blessing. And now she knows what it’s like to receive one. Earlier this year, Julie and her husband adopted their son, Jackson. Julie says, “For years, I hoped and prayed I would one day be a wife and mom. My story is a reminder that God does grant us the desires of our hearts—sometimes in ways we never would have expected.”
Julie is best known as the artist for DaySpring’s Really Woolly line. Her favorite part about illustrating it is “giving the sheep their little personalities.” She says, “I like to make them seem real. I want people to be able to relate to them.”
A little over a year ago, DaySpring began creating Really Woolly baby items. This addition came at an interesting time in Julie’s life because she and her husband, John, planned to adopt.
A team of four people met at Julie’s home to pray and brainstorm the new baby line. During the meeting, we asked God to bless the child He would one day bring to Julie and John. The team felt joy and peace about God’s plan as ideas flowed and the baby products began to be created.
"My story is a reminder that
God does grant us the desires of our hearts—sometimes in ways we never would have expected."
John and Julie had a special dinner with friends later that year. The son and daughter-in-law of the missionaries who ran the orphanage where they planned to adopt joined them as well. Julie said, “It was an odd day for dinner and we had to drive a couple of hours so we could meet. But it was the only time that worked.”
During the dinner, everyone prayed for John, Julie, and the child who would one day be theirs. On the drive home, Julie and John talked about their excitement and wondered how God would answer their prayers.
The answer came sooner than they could have imagined. Later that week Julie and John received a phone call. The orphanage had a baby boy for them! Their son had been born four days earlier. Julie quickly realized that was the date of the dinner. She said, “Our friends were praying for us and our baby the same day he was born! What seemed to be an odd time for dinner turned out to be God’s perfect plan!”
A few months later John and Julie boarded a plane to meet their son, Jackson Benard. The missionaries from the orphanage met them at the airport with Jackson, and Julie got to hold him for the first time. She said, “They handed him to me and said, ‘It’s time for his bottle. You’re the mom!’ And that’s how it all began.”
A team from DaySpring recently went to Julie’s home again. This time we brought the completed Really Woolly baby items along for little Jackson. While we were there, Julie pointed out a small nest on her back porch. She said, “As I had my quiet time with God in the morning over the last few months, I’ve watched a pair of birds diligently building their nest. It’s a sweet little reminder of God’s care and what’s happening in our lives too.”
Julie wants to share her story with you because she says, “We all know what it’s like to wait and pray for something. It took many years for God to grant my desire to be a wife and mom. I’m learning that His will isn’t always easy or simple, and the journey may not be what we expect, but we can trust His heart. I prayed for Jackson to be blessed before he was even born, but I’m the one who got the true blessing in the end.”
by Holley Gerth
from
Monday, May 26
recent pics =) my three "passport" pics
Actually... gg by the front profile, I dun need to put on braces ... Ha. It's painful to see my two v.nice, precious 28-yrs teeth being extracted.
Tho' I really thk God the bleeding stopped quickly (thk u for praying) and the dentist was so gd, fast, steady, now, there's no pain and I needn't take painkillers. Next week anoth.2...... ah. Dentist, can you dun extract. They are still good !
watched BEFORE SUNSET today...
Dear Pal,
I watched BEFORE SUNSET movie (sequel to BEFORE SUNRISE).
V.V.V. ROMANTIC; thought-provoking and multi-layered (other than CLOSER the movie starring Natalie Portman and Julia Roberts) and also scary... scary 'coz humans can fall in love; YET marry anoth. person.
In real life, it happened to my fren... And, in the show : was it a purely romanctic fling (so romantic that it's every gal's inner romantic person being 'invoked') OR ... ... wld Jesse divorce his wife and marry Celine ?
Wat wld have happened if BOTH had turned up in Vienna ?
-> but there is no ending; (wat's the words...) fling. romantic. the *fun*. It's d courage to love without cares -reckless love ... ... did Jesse love Celine ? love her becoz he cldn't forget the 1-nite fling ? ....... the Chinese saying is like " the stuff u can never get is the sweetest (yi shi de mei hao) " ? > i asked myself : is tat what i want ? No...
I am traditional. If i made a decision, there's no divorce.
Family matters. Children matter. Stick wif the man thru'out.
I dun ever, ever, ever wish to end up wif a married man. SO if I ever meet a guy and the guy likes me, I wld tell him, way before he gets hitched/ married. Of coz, tat's when I noe he still likes me. IF NOT, it's moving on... on and on and on..... ... only for the benefit of both parties.
When either of us (guy and gal) walks down the aisle, the ONLY person we shd tink of is our wife/ husband... becoz he/she deserves the BEST. Bestest.
I prefer faithfulness and commitment compared to 1-nite stand. Even tho' the culture nowadays is changing and people's hearts are so unstable (incl. mine). I want Jesus to stabilise me more and more till I receive His gift.
I watched BEFORE SUNSET movie (sequel to BEFORE SUNRISE).
V.V.V. ROMANTIC; thought-provoking and multi-layered (other than CLOSER the movie starring Natalie Portman and Julia Roberts) and also scary... scary 'coz humans can fall in love; YET marry anoth. person.
In real life, it happened to my fren... And, in the show : was it a purely romanctic fling (so romantic that it's every gal's inner romantic person being 'invoked') OR ... ... wld Jesse divorce his wife and marry Celine ?
Wat wld have happened if BOTH had turned up in Vienna ?
-> but there is no ending; (wat's the words...) fling. romantic. the *fun*. It's d courage to love without cares -reckless love ... ... did Jesse love Celine ? love her becoz he cldn't forget the 1-nite fling ? ....... the Chinese saying is like " the stuff u can never get is the sweetest (yi shi de mei hao) " ? > i asked myself : is tat what i want ? No...
I am traditional. If i made a decision, there's no divorce.
Family matters. Children matter. Stick wif the man thru'out.
I dun ever, ever, ever wish to end up wif a married man. SO if I ever meet a guy and the guy likes me, I wld tell him, way before he gets hitched/ married. Of coz, tat's when I noe he still likes me. IF NOT, it's moving on... on and on and on..... ... only for the benefit of both parties.
When either of us (guy and gal) walks down the aisle, the ONLY person we shd tink of is our wife/ husband... becoz he/she deserves the BEST. Bestest.
I prefer faithfulness and commitment compared to 1-nite stand. Even tho' the culture nowadays is changing and people's hearts are so unstable (incl. mine). I want Jesus to stabilise me more and more till I receive His gift.
Thursday, May 22
hungry + cold + tired
I haven't felt this in a long whiLe... hungry + cold + tired...
Perhaps, it's time to take a break, to fly away... to take a long walk... hide somewhere for a while.
Perhaps, it is a wake up call... for myself, for I hv been v.comfortable chasing for own pleasures in my life.
I hv stopped reading Your Word faithfully... I hv stopped nurturing/ fanning my faith in daily walk with You.
God, i really dun understand tis moment ... what are You saying ? What shd I do ?
Perhaps, it's time to take a break, to fly away... to take a long walk... hide somewhere for a while.
Perhaps, it is a wake up call... for myself, for I hv been v.comfortable chasing for own pleasures in my life.
I hv stopped reading Your Word faithfully... I hv stopped nurturing/ fanning my faith in daily walk with You.
God, i really dun understand tis moment ... what are You saying ? What shd I do ?
Friday, May 16
*Secret Website* ^.^
Hi pals,
Pls do not circulate my Blog weblink (unless u asked me) nor disclose anythg I hv written here.
I am writing as a personal expression and sharing some thots/ my life. =0)
Enjoy the long weekend !!!
Pls do not circulate my Blog weblink (unless u asked me) nor disclose anythg I hv written here.
I am writing as a personal expression and sharing some thots/ my life. =0)
Enjoy the long weekend !!!
Wednesday, May 14
the Trainer - he is gd... he mentors pple in the course
Dear pals,
I am so impacted by a trainer, Mr Tony Lee over the last few days that I must blog this.
Let me try to write such that it is reader-friendly. Enjoys ! =)
Trainer - tall, slim and v.talkative haha... lotsa to share
Course - CUSTOMER FOCUS
I was really happy to attend a course becoz there's time to rest fr. work; it's a break fr. the stressful work schedule, and can relax and listen to the Trainer. Was not expecting anything much... thus it was really a shock to me when the Trainer made such a big impact... Hmm... kay, here I go { wld just share the unique & most impactful parts }. VERY GOOD TIPS hor...
1.
SELF-INTRODUCTION
:) Mr Lee started off the 1st session by asking us to self-intro. ourselves. He introduced himself as well. He is near 50, he is happily married with two gals, he has a resort in Tioman ( wow !!! must go ) and he windsurfs, jogs, plays golf, eats healthily, just did lasik, studied a lot. In fact, he did not even graduate from Secondary School. He went back home when he did badly for his PSLE and overheard his parents' conversation... his parents was disappointed, esp. his dad. Thereafter, he 'bounced back', v.inspired to study hard. He got his O Levels, then Diploma and later Degree and Masters. All these while working - he did private studies. Teaching is his passion... he was not v.happy wif some of his teachers, he told himself to do better than that, to be a gd teacher.
He asked us to draw something about ourselves, which represents an info. which others do not know as yet.
Everybody seems to be in a sleepy mode and 'huh', ? ? ? - why did he ask us to draw ?
I like this creative way of introducing ourselves. My drawing isn't very gd, but I like to express myself & I seemed to know wat I wanted to draw. I drew a simple picture, with clouds, rainbow, sea and a little 2-D sailing boat (almst 'stick-like' diagram). I shared with my coursemates tat I like the sea, I like sailing and windsurfing and I like the clouds and rainbow. =0)
Others shared their interests, their childhood size (plump), their favourite thingy, their home + family, what they value & etc etc. It was gd to get to noe my colleagues betta (some of whom I hv never seen b4 !) =0).
2.
ROLE PERCEPTION - WHO AM I ?
;) Who am I ? Why am I here ?
What am I aiming for in this coy ? What is stopping me fr. reaching my goals ?
Mr Lee has 11 years of experience in the airline industry and worked in other places as well, including hotels.
He mentioned tat it is important to understand our feelings about who we r and what we bring to our personal & professional lives is impt.
It is a MISTAKE to think that our personal lives and work are not supposed to mix.
E.g. if a staff's loved one just passed away, how wld he/ she be able to do his/ her well... show the empathy and allow the staff to attend to the matter first.
Of which, he pointed out that we hv to understand our inner strengths
a. Self-confidence
b. Self-esteem
c. Emotional maturity
He pointed out something insightful - we all hv self-confidence; only when we do not take personal ownership of our lives, we do not think we hv.
Self-confidence level can be increased by being nurtured.
3.
UNDERSTANDING OURSELVES
It is interesting that he brought in this concept - we have 3 "persons"
a. BODY
b. MIND/ SOUL
c. SPIRIT
he mentioned that we have 3 "persons" and these 3 "persons" need to be well before we can Run/ Fly.
Run with what we are doing; Fly with what we believe in.
E.g. BODY - when we meet somebody, we go to the person - physically there
MIND/ SOUL - we connect/ communicate intellectually when we negotiate /discuss a case
SPIRIT - we all have a spirit ... it never dies... we can feel the hurt after somebody has said a nasty word
4.
AREAS FOR DEVELOPING OURSELVES
Physical
Intellectual
Social
Emotional
Spiritual
Mr Lee kept emphasizing on having healthy activities and eating healthily... giving examples and sharing stories of his frens. =)
Also, he mentioned, our body cANNOT take the negative. Think negative, be negative, the body easily reacts as well.
Think positive, be positive.
He gave examples with regards to anger and stress as well, how they affect our bodies.
Having covered the points 1. to 4., he shared that the items are impt. to understd how we can be certain of who we are in the Coy, what is the role we play, how we can develop ourselves, be secure and happy in what we do and improve constantly.
5.
SERVICE MISSION AND VALUE
He covered the Mission Statement and Vision of the Coy. And shared why we should always remember the Mission Statement and how it can work for us. E.g. we need to remember the Coy is going to be all abt the Mission Statement (how it evolves and continues to grow/ prosper). Looking at this, we can use it carefully to assert certain opinions in the case of meetings with clients, as well as during the Internal Discussions, say how Budget is set, does it 'fulfil' the Coy's Mission Statement --> cld be a 'weapon' if wisely used. It is meaningful to understand how we can stand by our Coy's Mission Statement to deliver to the customers.
In addition, he brought out some key words which I remember.
a. Passionate - be passionate abt the work we do
b. Progressive - think abt how to progress
c. Proactive - need not just wait for things to happen
d. Positive
e. Powerful - certain stuff we do, we nd to rem. tat we represent the Coy, we hv
the "power"
6.
ACTIVITY
- building a structure using sticks, thread, glue, pen-knife, using creativity and teamwork.
- goal : structure shd hold the max. no. of bricks (really the big, red ones)
This was interesting as we get hands-on 'feel' about working in a team (some totally new strangers coming together).
We saw how contribution of ideas is impt. The team also had to think and strategise how to max. the resources plus work within the time given.
My team managed to build a simple yet beautiful structure "using the kelong-on-stilts" concept combined with the design of the scaffolding-structure.
Our structure got 2nd ! Just 1 brick behind the 1st team.
The Structure - represents us - how well we 'build' ourselves-prepare in the process
would determine the outcome
The Bricks - represent the customers - how many we can handle at 1 go
- the faster we handle customers and can satisfy them,
& 'get them off the back', the better/ efficient it is
7.
AMMUNITION
There is only 1 'gun' in the organisation, that is the Coy. We all are the ammunition and we need to be good at what we do.
The following should be in place:
a. Product knowledge
b. Process knowledge
c. Service knowledge
d. Accountability knowledge
He added - as human beings, we need to prioritise what we need to do and as working pple- employees, we need to 'tighten' what we know - constantly 'upgrade' ourselves at work.
8.
SERVICE - WHAT IS SERVICE
This part is short, but after he shared the characteristics of Service, he sort of blew my mind away with the history of Service (how it came about, developed) and the root word of Service - SERVE.
To provide gd service is to serve, and serve means like a "servant".
E.g. The Civil Service pple were previously known as "Government Servants".
S. incerity
E. xceed expectations
R. esponsible
V. alue
I. ntiative
C. are
E. mpathy
Wow, the more he shares, I felt tis - this guy knows his stuff ! Is passionate abt his stuff he teaches, and walks the talk. He himself said - it's the "S" Blood in him.
9.
UNDERSTAND THE CUSTOMER
:) Besides sharing abt the usual theortical stuff ( i feel ), he mentioned stuff like do we listen ? > do we "imagine" or thought of the expectations which the customer wants instead of really knowing what the customer wants..
He said - CLOSE THE PERCEPTION GAP
sometimes we don't fully understand the customer... and sometimes we dun even bother to understand. Get to know the customer, understand, get to noe more - the background, the previous experiences, needs & etc etc.
10.
CREATING A POSITIVE SERVICE IMPRESSION
:) Mr Lee could not emphasize any more- much more on the importance of creating a gd 1st impression, coz there may never be a 2nd chance.
The first "person" is the BODY, thus it is undeniable that we have to present ourselves groomed, at least with a smile. Dress professionally, get a good haircut (find the best one that complements us). Know your product well so as to be able to converse - transmit info. well. Look into the mirror before u step out of the hse... look into the mirror before u meet ur customer. SMiLE wif a sincere heart.
He also added incessantly that healthy bodies come from eating well. It's NOT abt dieting but eating right-well. He mentioned we are what we eat. We are-becoming the foods we eat.
Haha, he mentioned dun eat too much pork... coz pigs are 'bad bodies' - their bodies are designed in such a way that they are scavengers for foods, they can eat anything, thus even if pigs eat stuff full of bacteria, their bodies can take it. HOWEVER, humans eat pork, our bodies become "filled with bacteria".
Everything is abt BALANCE... he said.
In additional, he asked us not to smoke, if want, try a smoke, and noe that it is not gd.
Haha, he said, look at our nose, it's not "created"-situated on top of our head (like a chimney for a house - imagine !), so that when we smoke, the smoke can outlet via the top... but our nose is created to face down (the nostrils) - to SMELL GOOD FOOD =).
This funny fella has a whole load of gd stuff of share, incl. stories. And he really has the passion to impart his life experiences and values to us. His stories are convicting, may coz he lives real and thus his sharing amplifies the points. His concern is non-intimidating & genuine.
: it's like he is a teacher sent to impact lives
He also shared, how we shd "Water" ourselves with the Right "Nutrients" to grow.
We are all like RAW Diamonds, that can be POLISHED and he urged us to be the VERY BEST in the Area(s) we have been given/ are in.
11.
HOW DO WE HANDLE DIFFICULT/ ANGRY CUSTOMERS
sometimes we are challenged by difficult & angry customers... sometimes we start to react...
we fail to recognise the angry person is just like an inflating balloon, his/ her anger just builds up and up....
If we allow the angry person to slowly let loose and vent his/ her anger and thereafter "deflat" - back to normal, it wld be easier to talk thereafter.
There are many ways of communication/ communication channels...
and sometimes we can make use of all of them. Use them carefully to get the best "total picture", listen, see, write down, be involved (participatory), etc.
THE KEY to good-effective communication is TO MINIMISE the Barriers of Communication.
He taught us tips how to engage a difficult. angry. complaining. negative. defensive customer.
=0)
Sometimes silence is a good way to let the customer "cool down" first.
We hv to rem. this - DO NOT REACT ! REm.: dun add on to the problem; and DO NOT go into the BLAME/ JUSTIFY mode when dealing with angry customers.
Sometimes saying sorry helps, it's not abt being "weak".
12.
SATISFYING AND DELIGHTING THE CUSTOMER
a. understd customer's needs
b. meet the customer's needs (exceed as much as possible)
c. there is an "Imaginery Line" where the customer goes fr. Angry to Delighted...
d. create an informed customer - be responsive & provide correct info. to customer
e. create an improvement / opportunities for the next "encounter" w the customer
He added: dun make enemies !
Every customer who left can return.
He shared many other stuff like what is impt. for a FRONTLINE STAFF, SERVICE TEAM - Basic Principle of Teamwork, etc.
OF ALL THE STUFF HE SHARE, i felt it is the SPIRIT which he is imparting, a SPIRIT OF SERVICE, LOVE for his teaching & his 'students' (like us), a SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE and to TEACH and IMPART VALUES.
And his words are always precise and the activities he used were carefully crafted-thought thru' to provide a way for us to "experience" and learn.
Thank you Mr Lee !
He has a heart, a relevant experience, REally !
He is a christian, who is shining in the marketplace and very gd at what he is doing.
Mr Lee, you are a good teacher... and really you inspire me to pick these notes up again and read not just as information but tips to apply, remember and remember again.
God bless U. Continue to teach and impact lives !!!
He is a shareholder of a TIOMAN resort as well ! --> CHECK THIS OUT:
www.payabeach.com
;0)
I am so impacted by a trainer, Mr Tony Lee over the last few days that I must blog this.
Let me try to write such that it is reader-friendly. Enjoys ! =)
Trainer - tall, slim and v.talkative haha... lotsa to share
Course - CUSTOMER FOCUS
I was really happy to attend a course becoz there's time to rest fr. work; it's a break fr. the stressful work schedule, and can relax and listen to the Trainer. Was not expecting anything much... thus it was really a shock to me when the Trainer made such a big impact... Hmm... kay, here I go { wld just share the unique & most impactful parts }. VERY GOOD TIPS hor...
1.
SELF-INTRODUCTION
:) Mr Lee started off the 1st session by asking us to self-intro. ourselves. He introduced himself as well. He is near 50, he is happily married with two gals, he has a resort in Tioman ( wow !!! must go ) and he windsurfs, jogs, plays golf, eats healthily, just did lasik, studied a lot. In fact, he did not even graduate from Secondary School. He went back home when he did badly for his PSLE and overheard his parents' conversation... his parents was disappointed, esp. his dad. Thereafter, he 'bounced back', v.inspired to study hard. He got his O Levels, then Diploma and later Degree and Masters. All these while working - he did private studies. Teaching is his passion... he was not v.happy wif some of his teachers, he told himself to do better than that, to be a gd teacher.
He asked us to draw something about ourselves, which represents an info. which others do not know as yet.
Everybody seems to be in a sleepy mode and 'huh', ? ? ? - why did he ask us to draw ?
I like this creative way of introducing ourselves. My drawing isn't very gd, but I like to express myself & I seemed to know wat I wanted to draw. I drew a simple picture, with clouds, rainbow, sea and a little 2-D sailing boat (almst 'stick-like' diagram). I shared with my coursemates tat I like the sea, I like sailing and windsurfing and I like the clouds and rainbow. =0)
Others shared their interests, their childhood size (plump), their favourite thingy, their home + family, what they value & etc etc. It was gd to get to noe my colleagues betta (some of whom I hv never seen b4 !) =0).
2.
ROLE PERCEPTION - WHO AM I ?
;) Who am I ? Why am I here ?
What am I aiming for in this coy ? What is stopping me fr. reaching my goals ?
Mr Lee has 11 years of experience in the airline industry and worked in other places as well, including hotels.
He mentioned tat it is important to understand our feelings about who we r and what we bring to our personal & professional lives is impt.
It is a MISTAKE to think that our personal lives and work are not supposed to mix.
E.g. if a staff's loved one just passed away, how wld he/ she be able to do his/ her well... show the empathy and allow the staff to attend to the matter first.
Of which, he pointed out that we hv to understand our inner strengths
a. Self-confidence
b. Self-esteem
c. Emotional maturity
He pointed out something insightful - we all hv self-confidence; only when we do not take personal ownership of our lives, we do not think we hv.
Self-confidence level can be increased by being nurtured.
3.
UNDERSTANDING OURSELVES
It is interesting that he brought in this concept - we have 3 "persons"
a. BODY
b. MIND/ SOUL
c. SPIRIT
he mentioned that we have 3 "persons" and these 3 "persons" need to be well before we can Run/ Fly.
Run with what we are doing; Fly with what we believe in.
E.g. BODY - when we meet somebody, we go to the person - physically there
MIND/ SOUL - we connect/ communicate intellectually when we negotiate /discuss a case
SPIRIT - we all have a spirit ... it never dies... we can feel the hurt after somebody has said a nasty word
4.
AREAS FOR DEVELOPING OURSELVES
Physical
Intellectual
Social
Emotional
Spiritual
Mr Lee kept emphasizing on having healthy activities and eating healthily... giving examples and sharing stories of his frens. =)
Also, he mentioned, our body cANNOT take the negative. Think negative, be negative, the body easily reacts as well.
Think positive, be positive.
He gave examples with regards to anger and stress as well, how they affect our bodies.
Having covered the points 1. to 4., he shared that the items are impt. to understd how we can be certain of who we are in the Coy, what is the role we play, how we can develop ourselves, be secure and happy in what we do and improve constantly.
5.
SERVICE MISSION AND VALUE
He covered the Mission Statement and Vision of the Coy. And shared why we should always remember the Mission Statement and how it can work for us. E.g. we need to remember the Coy is going to be all abt the Mission Statement (how it evolves and continues to grow/ prosper). Looking at this, we can use it carefully to assert certain opinions in the case of meetings with clients, as well as during the Internal Discussions, say how Budget is set, does it 'fulfil' the Coy's Mission Statement --> cld be a 'weapon' if wisely used. It is meaningful to understand how we can stand by our Coy's Mission Statement to deliver to the customers.
In addition, he brought out some key words which I remember.
a. Passionate - be passionate abt the work we do
b. Progressive - think abt how to progress
c. Proactive - need not just wait for things to happen
d. Positive
e. Powerful - certain stuff we do, we nd to rem. tat we represent the Coy, we hv
the "power"
6.
ACTIVITY
- building a structure using sticks, thread, glue, pen-knife, using creativity and teamwork.
- goal : structure shd hold the max. no. of bricks (really the big, red ones)
This was interesting as we get hands-on 'feel' about working in a team (some totally new strangers coming together).
We saw how contribution of ideas is impt. The team also had to think and strategise how to max. the resources plus work within the time given.
My team managed to build a simple yet beautiful structure "using the kelong-on-stilts" concept combined with the design of the scaffolding-structure.
Our structure got 2nd ! Just 1 brick behind the 1st team.
The Structure - represents us - how well we 'build' ourselves-prepare in the process
would determine the outcome
The Bricks - represent the customers - how many we can handle at 1 go
- the faster we handle customers and can satisfy them,
& 'get them off the back', the better/ efficient it is
7.
AMMUNITION
There is only 1 'gun' in the organisation, that is the Coy. We all are the ammunition and we need to be good at what we do.
The following should be in place:
a. Product knowledge
b. Process knowledge
c. Service knowledge
d. Accountability knowledge
He added - as human beings, we need to prioritise what we need to do and as working pple- employees, we need to 'tighten' what we know - constantly 'upgrade' ourselves at work.
8.
SERVICE - WHAT IS SERVICE
This part is short, but after he shared the characteristics of Service, he sort of blew my mind away with the history of Service (how it came about, developed) and the root word of Service - SERVE.
To provide gd service is to serve, and serve means like a "servant".
E.g. The Civil Service pple were previously known as "Government Servants".
S. incerity
E. xceed expectations
R. esponsible
V. alue
I. ntiative
C. are
E. mpathy
Wow, the more he shares, I felt tis - this guy knows his stuff ! Is passionate abt his stuff he teaches, and walks the talk. He himself said - it's the "S" Blood in him.
9.
UNDERSTAND THE CUSTOMER
:) Besides sharing abt the usual theortical stuff ( i feel ), he mentioned stuff like do we listen ? > do we "imagine" or thought of the expectations which the customer wants instead of really knowing what the customer wants..
He said - CLOSE THE PERCEPTION GAP
sometimes we don't fully understand the customer... and sometimes we dun even bother to understand. Get to know the customer, understand, get to noe more - the background, the previous experiences, needs & etc etc.
10.
CREATING A POSITIVE SERVICE IMPRESSION
:) Mr Lee could not emphasize any more- much more on the importance of creating a gd 1st impression, coz there may never be a 2nd chance.
The first "person" is the BODY, thus it is undeniable that we have to present ourselves groomed, at least with a smile. Dress professionally, get a good haircut (find the best one that complements us). Know your product well so as to be able to converse - transmit info. well. Look into the mirror before u step out of the hse... look into the mirror before u meet ur customer. SMiLE wif a sincere heart.
He also added incessantly that healthy bodies come from eating well. It's NOT abt dieting but eating right-well. He mentioned we are what we eat. We are-becoming the foods we eat.
Haha, he mentioned dun eat too much pork... coz pigs are 'bad bodies' - their bodies are designed in such a way that they are scavengers for foods, they can eat anything, thus even if pigs eat stuff full of bacteria, their bodies can take it. HOWEVER, humans eat pork, our bodies become "filled with bacteria".
Everything is abt BALANCE... he said.
In additional, he asked us not to smoke, if want, try a smoke, and noe that it is not gd.
Haha, he said, look at our nose, it's not "created"-situated on top of our head (like a chimney for a house - imagine !), so that when we smoke, the smoke can outlet via the top... but our nose is created to face down (the nostrils) - to SMELL GOOD FOOD =).
This funny fella has a whole load of gd stuff of share, incl. stories. And he really has the passion to impart his life experiences and values to us. His stories are convicting, may coz he lives real and thus his sharing amplifies the points. His concern is non-intimidating & genuine.
: it's like he is a teacher sent to impact lives
He also shared, how we shd "Water" ourselves with the Right "Nutrients" to grow.
We are all like RAW Diamonds, that can be POLISHED and he urged us to be the VERY BEST in the Area(s) we have been given/ are in.
11.
HOW DO WE HANDLE DIFFICULT/ ANGRY CUSTOMERS
sometimes we are challenged by difficult & angry customers... sometimes we start to react...
we fail to recognise the angry person is just like an inflating balloon, his/ her anger just builds up and up....
If we allow the angry person to slowly let loose and vent his/ her anger and thereafter "deflat" - back to normal, it wld be easier to talk thereafter.
There are many ways of communication/ communication channels...
and sometimes we can make use of all of them. Use them carefully to get the best "total picture", listen, see, write down, be involved (participatory), etc.
THE KEY to good-effective communication is TO MINIMISE the Barriers of Communication.
He taught us tips how to engage a difficult. angry. complaining. negative. defensive customer.
=0)
Sometimes silence is a good way to let the customer "cool down" first.
We hv to rem. this - DO NOT REACT ! REm.: dun add on to the problem; and DO NOT go into the BLAME/ JUSTIFY mode when dealing with angry customers.
Sometimes saying sorry helps, it's not abt being "weak".
12.
SATISFYING AND DELIGHTING THE CUSTOMER
a. understd customer's needs
b. meet the customer's needs (exceed as much as possible)
c. there is an "Imaginery Line" where the customer goes fr. Angry to Delighted...
d. create an informed customer - be responsive & provide correct info. to customer
e. create an improvement / opportunities for the next "encounter" w the customer
He added: dun make enemies !
Every customer who left can return.
He shared many other stuff like what is impt. for a FRONTLINE STAFF, SERVICE TEAM - Basic Principle of Teamwork, etc.
OF ALL THE STUFF HE SHARE, i felt it is the SPIRIT which he is imparting, a SPIRIT OF SERVICE, LOVE for his teaching & his 'students' (like us), a SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE and to TEACH and IMPART VALUES.
And his words are always precise and the activities he used were carefully crafted-thought thru' to provide a way for us to "experience" and learn.
Thank you Mr Lee !
He has a heart, a relevant experience, REally !
He is a christian, who is shining in the marketplace and very gd at what he is doing.
Mr Lee, you are a good teacher... and really you inspire me to pick these notes up again and read not just as information but tips to apply, remember and remember again.
God bless U. Continue to teach and impact lives !!!
He is a shareholder of a TIOMAN resort as well ! --> CHECK THIS OUT:
www.payabeach.com
;0)
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