I remember my friend complaining about his daughter and how much she is costing him.
He elaborated by saying how much he has spent everytime he pays for school transfer fees (she has been switching schools). He continued on how much he has to pay for new school uniforms, her new mobile phone, her clothers, her allowance and domestic airline tickets cancelled due to her ever changing mind.
In my view children are never a cost to a parent. To some extent it is a duty of the parents to spend for their children until they are ready to be independent. You just don't make babies and complain about how expensive they cost when they are growing up.
On the other hand, some children are so obnoxious they really do not care of their parents. Call it downright selfishness.
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
A Dream
Last Sunday I really had a weird and bad dream.
I think I was in Israel or something browsing in some of the sports clothing stores in the city centre. Suddenly, there was an explosion. It was another suicide bombing as I was told in my dream. The people in the stiore including me were panicking. We could not leave the store from the main door because the military or police may arrest us. I and a few other people were directed to leave the store through the back door.
I did not know how long we walked but it seemed that after I left the store I was in a house of some sort. I'm not sure who owns it but I was there. Inside the house was this old man (who looked like Peter O'toole) who was in the corner of the lounge who seemed to be not bothered by the recent event. There was this other long blonde haired lady who was in a sort of recliner covered in a blanket.
A few moments passed and there was another commotion from people outside the house. They say there will be another suicide bombing. There were two other people in the house who were looking outside from the main door. I said to them that I am not watching it and then BOOM and an abrupt dimming of the light from the outside. This time I began to cry. I think I said, "I can't stand this any longer, I am leaving." I went to the old guy and he did not care to look at me. The other lady in the recliner was sort of in a state of shock and her eyes were sparkling from the tears.
I think I left the house.
Then, someone called the old guy in the house. It was a Chinese military commander. The old guy informed them that the demonstrators and those against the Chinese have a meeting at a sort of a base in a cave. He said the not only the peasants are joining but the intellectuals and the businessmen are joining. The commander said that the demonstrators will not have a chance because the cave installation is actually a fortress and only one exit. When the people are inside the cave the military will close the exits and will apprehend and even punish (the most brutal meaning of the word) them and no one will escape. The old guy was in fact an informant--a spy.
Good thing I remembered this dream. Good thing I had a tape recorder with me.
I think I was in Israel or something browsing in some of the sports clothing stores in the city centre. Suddenly, there was an explosion. It was another suicide bombing as I was told in my dream. The people in the stiore including me were panicking. We could not leave the store from the main door because the military or police may arrest us. I and a few other people were directed to leave the store through the back door.
I did not know how long we walked but it seemed that after I left the store I was in a house of some sort. I'm not sure who owns it but I was there. Inside the house was this old man (who looked like Peter O'toole) who was in the corner of the lounge who seemed to be not bothered by the recent event. There was this other long blonde haired lady who was in a sort of recliner covered in a blanket.
A few moments passed and there was another commotion from people outside the house. They say there will be another suicide bombing. There were two other people in the house who were looking outside from the main door. I said to them that I am not watching it and then BOOM and an abrupt dimming of the light from the outside. This time I began to cry. I think I said, "I can't stand this any longer, I am leaving." I went to the old guy and he did not care to look at me. The other lady in the recliner was sort of in a state of shock and her eyes were sparkling from the tears.
I think I left the house.
Then, someone called the old guy in the house. It was a Chinese military commander. The old guy informed them that the demonstrators and those against the Chinese have a meeting at a sort of a base in a cave. He said the not only the peasants are joining but the intellectuals and the businessmen are joining. The commander said that the demonstrators will not have a chance because the cave installation is actually a fortress and only one exit. When the people are inside the cave the military will close the exits and will apprehend and even punish (the most brutal meaning of the word) them and no one will escape. The old guy was in fact an informant--a spy.
Good thing I remembered this dream. Good thing I had a tape recorder with me.
Sunday, March 28, 2004
On the Australian Facing Death Penalty in Singapore
I received a comment on my post regarding this Australian national facing the death penalty in Singapore due to trafficking 400 grams of heroin. He or she said that my comments were heartless and that it was just based on 500 words of news.
News Items Relating to the Issue:
Australian man facing execution in Singapore
Singapore court metes out death penalty on Australian
Australian Man Facing Death in Singapore
Death Sentence "a Challenge"
My response:
My comment was based on many news reports including those on broadcast media (ie talk back radio, radio news and television news). If the news reports were biased or in favour or against the convicted man that is not my problem.
I do have a fair share of financial problems but it did not push me to do criminal offences. Would it be right if all the criminals who were "forced" by financial problems be pardoned?
I know that my comment is heartless but unfortunately that is the law of Singapore. I understand that Singapore is a developed democracy that gives a fair trial to all the accused under their laws. This person has been given the resources and time to defend his case. In fact his case has been decided by the city state's High Court. Like what they say, "the law may be harsh but that is the law." This is at least my view and I am entitled to my own opinion.
On the other hand this man is the one paying for the crimes of the drugs supplier.
Coming from a country with a terrible drug problem I know how bad the problem is. Using a "gentle hands," "toucht feely" approach to solve the drug problem would never solve it. I still say the toughest punishment be given to all drug lords and traffickers!
I find it ironic and double standard while Australia accepted the death sentences for the Bali Bombers they are saving their nationals from facing almost the same fate in Singapore. A related article: PM weakens case for life: Democrats
Other info:
Info Facts - Heroin
DEA Briefs & Background, Drugs and Drug Abuse, Drug Descriptions, Heroin Factsheet
As a Metter of Fact... Heroin and Other Opiates
Neuroscience for Kids - Heroin
News Items Relating to the Issue:
Australian man facing execution in Singapore
Singapore court metes out death penalty on Australian
Australian Man Facing Death in Singapore
Death Sentence "a Challenge"
My response:
My comment was based on many news reports including those on broadcast media (ie talk back radio, radio news and television news). If the news reports were biased or in favour or against the convicted man that is not my problem.
I do have a fair share of financial problems but it did not push me to do criminal offences. Would it be right if all the criminals who were "forced" by financial problems be pardoned?
I know that my comment is heartless but unfortunately that is the law of Singapore. I understand that Singapore is a developed democracy that gives a fair trial to all the accused under their laws. This person has been given the resources and time to defend his case. In fact his case has been decided by the city state's High Court. Like what they say, "the law may be harsh but that is the law." This is at least my view and I am entitled to my own opinion.
On the other hand this man is the one paying for the crimes of the drugs supplier.
Coming from a country with a terrible drug problem I know how bad the problem is. Using a "gentle hands," "toucht feely" approach to solve the drug problem would never solve it. I still say the toughest punishment be given to all drug lords and traffickers!
I find it ironic and double standard while Australia accepted the death sentences for the Bali Bombers they are saving their nationals from facing almost the same fate in Singapore. A related article: PM weakens case for life: Democrats
Other info:
Info Facts - Heroin
DEA Briefs & Background, Drugs and Drug Abuse, Drug Descriptions, Heroin Factsheet
As a Metter of Fact... Heroin and Other Opiates
Neuroscience for Kids - Heroin
Saturday, March 27, 2004
On Brown Rice
Rice, before it becomes white is brown rice (after removing the husk).
A lot of experts have been saying that brown rice is healthier than white rice.
People have always eaten brown rice until the turn of the century when someone invented a way to remove the bran. When white rice was first introduced people got sick because of of the Vitamin B1 deficiency caused by white rice. Now white rice is fortified to solve this problem.
What makes brown rice healthier? It is the the bran, the brown "coat" makes this kind of rice healthier. They say that the bran has a lot of nutrients including Vitamin B2 (helps in the processing of food), Vitamin E (Anti-oxidant) and soluble fibre (aids in the prevention of some gastro intestinal disorders and cancers). Scientists also say that brown rice has a low Glycemic Index (GI) which means that it does not immediately turn into glucose which forces the body release insulin to compensate for it. This means that it is beneficial for diabetics or are dieting. (more info on the GI website)
Not all of us can start to eat brown rice for our next meal. Brown rice is a bit rough for our palates. The best thing to engage yourself in eating brown rice is to mix some brown rice with white rice until you can eat pure brown rice.
Sources:
Brown rice (from Whole Health MD)
Why Brown Rice is Better (from Hinduism Today Magazine)
Riboflavin, Vitamin B2 (from Ask the Dietician)
Vitamin E (from Ask the Dietician)
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Irritated!
I have classmates that irritate me when answering during lectures.
Recently a lady classmate was asked why is internet usage high in Scandinavia . She answered, "because people there have nothing to do?!" What kind of answer is that?! Right then and there I wanted to throw water at her. She was in third year at the university. I was expecting a decent answer like people in Scandinavia have more PCs.
More of my irritations in future posts.
Recently a lady classmate was asked why is internet usage high in Scandinavia . She answered, "because people there have nothing to do?!" What kind of answer is that?! Right then and there I wanted to throw water at her. She was in third year at the university. I was expecting a decent answer like people in Scandinavia have more PCs.
More of my irritations in future posts.
Another Insight on European and Asian Development
Someone also told me that why Europeans were more successful than Asians is that they have developed a system of planning. In Europe the weather or climate has always been cold so the Europeans were able to plan ahead for agriculture. In Asia the monsoon and weather patterns have always been unpredictable that is why this person claims that Asians did not developed planning systems immediately.
Like other views this just another.
Someone also told me that why Europeans were more successful than Asians is that they have developed a system of planning. In Europe the weather or climate has always been cold so the Europeans were able to plan ahead for agriculture. In Asia the monsoon and weather patterns have always been unpredictable that is why this person claims that Asians did not developed planning systems immediately.
Like other views this just another.
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Interesting Insight on Population Control
In a recent debate for presidentiables in the Philippines, Raul Roco, a candidate was asked on his stand on the Chruch's stand on population and contraception. He said that there are many kids being born in the Philippines because the parents are poor and that making babies is their hobby because they have no jobs and no other means of entertainment (ie TVs).
Raul Roco said:
"So there must be a true pro-poor policy [on population management]," "There must be a conscious effort to be pro-poor. The poor pin their hopes on the young, and that is why we say, knowledge through education. That is the real solution."
In a recent debate for presidentiables in the Philippines, Raul Roco, a candidate was asked on his stand on the Chruch's stand on population and contraception. He said that there are many kids being born in the Philippines because the parents are poor and that making babies is their hobby because they have no jobs and no other means of entertainment (ie TVs).
Raul Roco said:
"So there must be a true pro-poor policy [on population management]," "There must be a conscious effort to be pro-poor. The poor pin their hopes on the young, and that is why we say, knowledge through education. That is the real solution."
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Sancta Sanctis
In her latest post, I the so called "Ori" has been featured including our completely different views and opinions. I believe I have an answer to this. I think I am a bit pragmatic and she is idealistic. I would not elaborate until I get her blessing to tell it.
In her latest post, I the so called "Ori" has been featured including our completely different views and opinions. I believe I have an answer to this. I think I am a bit pragmatic and she is idealistic. I would not elaborate until I get her blessing to tell it.
Grateful
I am greatful that "Enbrethiliel" has made some plugging of this site to her loyal readers. I must admit that I did not expect this from her. I am also thankful for those who responded to her plea.
Why People are Against Organised Religion
I have seen many blogs and heard many opinions about organised religion. Some people claim that religion is used to influence people in the wrong way. People believe that Christian or Islamic belief systems are old fashioned and cause maldevelopment. And they believe that they are the thinking people, better than those who believe in organised faith.
Why are they like this? I guess these people did not think enough. These people are blindly blaming the "big people" whenever something goes wrong and they cannot explain it correctly. It is like blaming everything to the big guy or God.
One's religion is not a reason for his or her fortune or misfortune. There are other underlying factors that would be a reason for development. It can be one's culture or personality.
I have heard one comparison saying that Protestant work ethic is better than Catholic work ethic. The same person said that this is probably the reason why Catholic nations are poorer than Protestant ones. He may be right but how can he explain the economic success of Catholic France and Italy? Paradox?
Take the issue of population control and contracepcion, "Progressives" blame the Catholic Church for high birth rates in Catholic nations (say the Philippines or Brasil) because the Church did not allow condoms, pills and abortion. How can this explain the high population growth in non-Christian Asia? My friend's lecturer had a different point of view. He said in tropical Asia a farming family needs to have many kids to help in the farm and that children were a couple's greatest riches. You simply cannot erase centuries of culture in the name of Western progress.
This are just my points of view.
I have seen many blogs and heard many opinions about organised religion. Some people claim that religion is used to influence people in the wrong way. People believe that Christian or Islamic belief systems are old fashioned and cause maldevelopment. And they believe that they are the thinking people, better than those who believe in organised faith.
Why are they like this? I guess these people did not think enough. These people are blindly blaming the "big people" whenever something goes wrong and they cannot explain it correctly. It is like blaming everything to the big guy or God.
One's religion is not a reason for his or her fortune or misfortune. There are other underlying factors that would be a reason for development. It can be one's culture or personality.
I have heard one comparison saying that Protestant work ethic is better than Catholic work ethic. The same person said that this is probably the reason why Catholic nations are poorer than Protestant ones. He may be right but how can he explain the economic success of Catholic France and Italy? Paradox?
Take the issue of population control and contracepcion, "Progressives" blame the Catholic Church for high birth rates in Catholic nations (say the Philippines or Brasil) because the Church did not allow condoms, pills and abortion. How can this explain the high population growth in non-Christian Asia? My friend's lecturer had a different point of view. He said in tropical Asia a farming family needs to have many kids to help in the farm and that children were a couple's greatest riches. You simply cannot erase centuries of culture in the name of Western progress.
This are just my points of view.
Sunday, March 21, 2004
Beef Broccoli
What you need:
1 standard sized head of broccoli
400 grams of stir-fry beef
1 whole onion chopped
3 tbsp of dark soy sauce
5 tbsp of oyster sauce
2 tbsp of fish sauce
ample amount of cooking oil (olive, vegetable, margarine, its up to you)
pepper to taste
How to do it:
1. Before cooking the broccoli, chop it (I only eat the dark green part on the top) and steam it so that you do not have to wait for it cook with the meat.
2. Heat the oil in the pan and add the beef. While frying you can add the soy sauce, fish sauce and oyster sauce. Wait until the beef is fully cooked.
3. Add the broccoli and stir well and wait for 5 to 10 minutes.
Serve with fresh cooked rice and enjoy.
Sorry I do not have pictures yet of the actual finished product. I'll put up one soon!!!
What you need:
1 standard sized head of broccoli
400 grams of stir-fry beef
1 whole onion chopped
3 tbsp of dark soy sauce
5 tbsp of oyster sauce
2 tbsp of fish sauce
ample amount of cooking oil (olive, vegetable, margarine, its up to you)
pepper to taste
How to do it:
1. Before cooking the broccoli, chop it (I only eat the dark green part on the top) and steam it so that you do not have to wait for it cook with the meat.
2. Heat the oil in the pan and add the beef. While frying you can add the soy sauce, fish sauce and oyster sauce. Wait until the beef is fully cooked.
3. Add the broccoli and stir well and wait for 5 to 10 minutes.
Serve with fresh cooked rice and enjoy.
Sorry I do not have pictures yet of the actual finished product. I'll put up one soon!!!
On Ageing
A few decades ago when the population is young (the opposite of an ageing population) we value to wisdom and help from our seniors.
Now as the population ages and as life expectancy also increases we don't care of our elders. We put them to retirement homes and wait until they die alone.
If my children would do this to me my soul will haunt them every night!
A few decades ago when the population is young (the opposite of an ageing population) we value to wisdom and help from our seniors.
Now as the population ages and as life expectancy also increases we don't care of our elders. We put them to retirement homes and wait until they die alone.
If my children would do this to me my soul will haunt them every night!
The End of Times as a Unique Selling Point Used by Evangelicals?
Disclaimer: I am not turning this blog into a Christianity or religious blog.
I have observed that a common tract of Christian Evangelical organisations is the coming End of Times or the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. They give you elaborate and graphic descriptions of what would happen when such an event would happen.
Some also use this biblical prophesy to advance their political agenda. Such an agenda may me an agenda in government or a campaign against other denominations like Catholicism or other faiths like Islam or whatever. I guess its a fact that debunking other denominations is becoming an industry. In the web alone their are a lot of websites that "prove" that Catholicism is the "whore of babylon."
While not leaning in favour of any faith or denomination, I have observed that the Evangelicals are constantly using the Apocalypse tract as a way to convince people to convert. For me this seems problematic because one does not "turn a way from sin and follow the gospel" because he or she is scared of God's punishment. Change must come from within. It is a personal understanding of doing what is right is correct whether or not it merits a reward or not.
Moreover, Jesus said, "I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another." (John 13:34)
What would happen if people only change for a reward?
Disclaimer: I am not turning this blog into a Christianity or religious blog.
I have observed that a common tract of Christian Evangelical organisations is the coming End of Times or the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. They give you elaborate and graphic descriptions of what would happen when such an event would happen.
Some also use this biblical prophesy to advance their political agenda. Such an agenda may me an agenda in government or a campaign against other denominations like Catholicism or other faiths like Islam or whatever. I guess its a fact that debunking other denominations is becoming an industry. In the web alone their are a lot of websites that "prove" that Catholicism is the "whore of babylon."
While not leaning in favour of any faith or denomination, I have observed that the Evangelicals are constantly using the Apocalypse tract as a way to convince people to convert. For me this seems problematic because one does not "turn a way from sin and follow the gospel" because he or she is scared of God's punishment. Change must come from within. It is a personal understanding of doing what is right is correct whether or not it merits a reward or not.
Moreover, Jesus said, "I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another." (John 13:34)
What would happen if people only change for a reward?
The Chef for the Night
Yesterday, I was given another chance to use my culinary skills. My friend's daughter asked me to cook for her. I said I was cool about the task. She had minced beef (in the brink of spoilage) and chicken nibbles (about three weeks old in the freezer).
I placed the frozen chicken in the microwave for 15 minutes to defrost.
I sautéed the minced beef with onions and added some tomato paste and tomato sauce (catsup in American lingo). The meat was almost spoiled so it was tasting sour so I added fish sauce to mask the unpleasant taste. Fortunately the taste masking went good so I proceeded in adding peas and carrots. I was feeling adventurous so I added some spices like pepper, paprika and crushed chillies. Mmmm... yummy...
Back to the chicken... It was now half cooked after its long stay in the microwave. This I think cut my cooking time. I marinated it in barbecue sauce, soy sauce and other spices in the cupboard. I heated the pan and used olive oil spread to fry the chicken. The end result was a caramel coloured chicken with a sweet taste and a spicy bite. Mouth watering isn't it?
Fortunately the daughter liked my cooking. Its delightful to hear her approval to repay my efforts.
Yesterday, I was given another chance to use my culinary skills. My friend's daughter asked me to cook for her. I said I was cool about the task. She had minced beef (in the brink of spoilage) and chicken nibbles (about three weeks old in the freezer).
I placed the frozen chicken in the microwave for 15 minutes to defrost.
I sautéed the minced beef with onions and added some tomato paste and tomato sauce (catsup in American lingo). The meat was almost spoiled so it was tasting sour so I added fish sauce to mask the unpleasant taste. Fortunately the taste masking went good so I proceeded in adding peas and carrots. I was feeling adventurous so I added some spices like pepper, paprika and crushed chillies. Mmmm... yummy...
Back to the chicken... It was now half cooked after its long stay in the microwave. This I think cut my cooking time. I marinated it in barbecue sauce, soy sauce and other spices in the cupboard. I heated the pan and used olive oil spread to fry the chicken. The end result was a caramel coloured chicken with a sweet taste and a spicy bite. Mouth watering isn't it?
Fortunately the daughter liked my cooking. Its delightful to hear her approval to repay my efforts.
Clemency bid for Australian facing death penalty. 20/03/2004. ABC News Online
The issue:
There is this Australian national of Thai decent. He is facing the death penalty after his conviction for trafficking 400 grams of heroine. The Australian government has filed an appeal to lower or seek clemency for their citizen.
My comment:
This person is obviously guilty for this crime. Everyone who visits Singapore (or other Asian nations) knows that drugtrafficking is punishable by death so why must he be given clemency for such a crime. This guy broke the law of Singapore and must pay for it. His punishment will serve a lesson that no one is above or beyond the law. He is nothing but an embarrassment to Australia.
Does he realise the gravity of his crime? He is trafficking drugs that would destroy the lives of those who use it. How about the families of the drug users who are being torn apart by this evil addiction? Shame on him and his kind!
The issue:
There is this Australian national of Thai decent. He is facing the death penalty after his conviction for trafficking 400 grams of heroine. The Australian government has filed an appeal to lower or seek clemency for their citizen.
My comment:
This person is obviously guilty for this crime. Everyone who visits Singapore (or other Asian nations) knows that drugtrafficking is punishable by death so why must he be given clemency for such a crime. This guy broke the law of Singapore and must pay for it. His punishment will serve a lesson that no one is above or beyond the law. He is nothing but an embarrassment to Australia.
Does he realise the gravity of his crime? He is trafficking drugs that would destroy the lives of those who use it. How about the families of the drug users who are being torn apart by this evil addiction? Shame on him and his kind!
Saturday, March 20, 2004
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Today I cooked a delicious beef black pepper vegetable stir-fry. I used strips of beed (300 grams), frozen stir-fry vegetables and the black pepper stir in sauce. This dish was a bit hot for me. I thought what I added was black bean it turns out it was black pepper. I tasted the grains of pepper when in was in my tongue.
The lesson of this story is that you need to read the labels twice or three times so that you won't be surprised when you taste your finished product.
The lesson of this story is that you need to read the labels twice or three times so that you won't be surprised when you taste your finished product.
Google Directory - Shopping > Entertainment > Recordings > Music > Vinyl
This afternoon I went to a local record shop on the edge of the city. I was looking for Karl Jenkins CDs there and was directed by another record store to proceed there.
The store occupies the ground floor of the building. My guess it is about 800 to 1000 meters square. It does have a lot of CDs and other things like magazines, DVDs and some books.
Unfortunately I did not find the CDs that I was looking for. I realized that this store also carries a lot of vinyl records. I have thought that vinyl records ceased to exist from the early 1990s. It has a lot of old Blues, Country, Alternative and Jazz Music. They also have a lot of new records that are recent like Hip Hop albums. The newest record I saw was Nora Jones' "Feels Like Home."
The cheapest classical LPs are from $1.95 I'll see if I can buy one and find a player to play it.
This afternoon I went to a local record shop on the edge of the city. I was looking for Karl Jenkins CDs there and was directed by another record store to proceed there.
The store occupies the ground floor of the building. My guess it is about 800 to 1000 meters square. It does have a lot of CDs and other things like magazines, DVDs and some books.
Unfortunately I did not find the CDs that I was looking for. I realized that this store also carries a lot of vinyl records. I have thought that vinyl records ceased to exist from the early 1990s. It has a lot of old Blues, Country, Alternative and Jazz Music. They also have a lot of new records that are recent like Hip Hop albums. The newest record I saw was Nora Jones' "Feels Like Home."
The cheapest classical LPs are from $1.95 I'll see if I can buy one and find a player to play it.
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
THE FIVE FINGERS OF PRAYER
from Marist Messenger November 2002 Issue
1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."
2. The index finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, priests and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep then in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for civic leaders, for those in business, industry and administration. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They nedd your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And, lastly, comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. Whis is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs would be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
Should...
Should you find it hard to get to sleep at night, just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.
Should you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard-of privilage.
Should you have a bad day at work, think of the man who has been out of work for the last three months or more.
Should you despair over a relationship gone bad, think of the person who has never known what is like to love and be loved in return.
Should you grieve th passing of another weekend, think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for $10.00 to feed her family.
Should your car break down, leaving you miles from assistance, think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you notice a new grey hair in the mirror, think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering, " what is life all about, what is my life purpose?" be thankful, there are those who didn't live long enough to get that opportunity.
Should you find yourself the victim of one's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities, remember things could be worse. You could be them!!!
Should you decide to show this to a friend, you might brighten someone's day!
from Marist Messenger November 2002 Issue
1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."
2. The index finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, priests and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep then in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for civic leaders, for those in business, industry and administration. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They nedd your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And, lastly, comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. Whis is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs would be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
Should...
Should you find it hard to get to sleep at night, just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.
Should you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard-of privilage.
Should you have a bad day at work, think of the man who has been out of work for the last three months or more.
Should you despair over a relationship gone bad, think of the person who has never known what is like to love and be loved in return.
Should you grieve th passing of another weekend, think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for $10.00 to feed her family.
Should your car break down, leaving you miles from assistance, think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you notice a new grey hair in the mirror, think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering, " what is life all about, what is my life purpose?" be thankful, there are those who didn't live long enough to get that opportunity.
Should you find yourself the victim of one's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities, remember things could be worse. You could be them!!!
Should you decide to show this to a friend, you might brighten someone's day!
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
The Scotsman - International - Ex-nurse on trial for trying to kill sick mother
Some points:
-Is not this another sickening story of how dumb and stupid some people can be? This is a twisted view of personal freedom.
-How do we accept these kinds of killings? In the poor regions of this planet people would do anything just to reach 60!
-Does this mean that ageing and the disabled (who seem to be burdens to society and the welfare system) could be terminated just because they are useless?
-It is just horrible that the system of families is now obsolete in some rich societies.
-It is just contradictory for some developed nations to abolish the death penalty but allow abortion and euthanasia.
-What if a person is suffering clinical depression? Would the state just give this person a rope to tie himself or offer support to manage an illness?
Some points:
-Is not this another sickening story of how dumb and stupid some people can be? This is a twisted view of personal freedom.
-How do we accept these kinds of killings? In the poor regions of this planet people would do anything just to reach 60!
-Does this mean that ageing and the disabled (who seem to be burdens to society and the welfare system) could be terminated just because they are useless?
-It is just horrible that the system of families is now obsolete in some rich societies.
-It is just contradictory for some developed nations to abolish the death penalty but allow abortion and euthanasia.
-What if a person is suffering clinical depression? Would the state just give this person a rope to tie himself or offer support to manage an illness?
Monday, March 15, 2004
Any how, last night I cooked "angel hair" pasta as the noodles for my spaghetti. The noodles were unbelievable sticky even after olive oil was poured into it. The sauce was not fabulous it was just tuna in can and pasta sauce from a tin. I added some pesto to it and it improved the taste. This dish would be my food for the next meals.
I might be doing some shopping today in order for me to buy some chicken, pork or beek. I'm making stir-fry!
I might be doing some shopping today in order for me to buy some chicken, pork or beek. I'm making stir-fry!
Saturday, March 13, 2004
There are a number of people who hate the United States. I think the reason for this hatred is that they are envy of the success of the USA economically. The United States by far is still the richest nation in history. One vents its economic frustration to the richest one alive.
What is wrong if one follows mostly American things or values? During the cold war an Arab leader was asked whom they want to side with, the USA or the USSR. The guy did not answer.
Although most think the American way is to be greedy and what not America also stands for belief in God and family. I just wish the later will stay if not improve.
As one Australian put it, "We don't hate you [the Americans], We hate your leader [Bush]."
What is wrong if one follows mostly American things or values? During the cold war an Arab leader was asked whom they want to side with, the USA or the USSR. The guy did not answer.
Although most think the American way is to be greedy and what not America also stands for belief in God and family. I just wish the later will stay if not improve.
As one Australian put it, "We don't hate you [the Americans], We hate your leader [Bush]."