don't jump

Makes you wonder what kind of society we live in and about the stress levels the populace experiences when signs like this are seen along MRT rail tracks!

Don't jump people!

Joakim

Joakim Gomez is go-go-gone from Singapore Idol. Justice has been served. The irony was that he actually improved last night and was better than Paul TwoHill. Oh well, Paulie-boy's time will come next week then its off to a triple threat final between Jon, Hady or Jasmine. I could live with any one of them being the champ really. So there.

Siva (again) at RJC

He strikes again on Teachers' Day! Poorer quality this time because I couldnt be bothered to walk nearer. Enjoy!

Mr Jarrod Lee sings Superman

He acts, sings and teaches GP and KI! Jarrod brings down the house at RJ's Teachers' Day Celebrations 2006

Neil!

A picture with neil humphreys, best selling author (no. 1!) at neil's talk at our campus .

root canal

You know its never a good sign when your dentist gives you this pamphlet.
Shucks, just over a year of not visiting the dentist and this happens.
And it costs like 800 dollars for a crown! Gah!
Contribute to my healthy teeth fund please

City sojourn

Decided to go to town to enjoy a Mix drink today. Yummy! Maya papaya or something like that. Also picked up albums by Youth Alive WA, Nathan Hartono, james dean brad field and paolo nutini. Ah feeling tired today. Thank god its week 9 next week. Work is piling up, kids are getting confused and we are all exhausted. Time for a break!

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Test mail post

Did you know that you can blog by email too?

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More modelling pictures

This is the uneditted picture. Its clearer.

Models' inc.

6B had a photo shoot with a professional photographer today. They were supposed to look like they were picking a fight, hence the acting cool faces all around. Hilarious stuff.

Joakim wins, we riot

Well we all know that a certain Mr. J Gomez has been causing quite a stir recently with his bad singing and cute cute looks. For all the wrong reasons, this boy is still in competition for the crown of Singapore Idol 2. As Dick Lee says, “The singing sucks”. In a nutshell, that is what is wrong with our dear Mr. Joakim Gomez. An inability to carry a tune is a severe impediment to one’s singing career (Geri Halliwell and Paris Hilton might object to that last comment though). Joakim should not have such a career. Go model, act, host, whatever. Just don’t go anywhere near a recording studio and assault out ears once again. This man has the ability to single-handedly destroy what’s left of Singapore’s English pop scent. Imagine him singing at NDP 2007, people! He would bring us international shame. Other countries vote in people like Kelly Clarkson, Guy Sebastian and Will Young, all talents in their own right while we could get a talentless and clueless 18 year old who butchers every song he attempts! Stop and think about your actions, Joakim fans. International pride is at stake! We cannot afford a travesty like that to happen!

Anyway, album of the week goes to Christian Aguilera’s Back to Basics. A decent double album with hints of old school jazz thrown in. Nifty.

Special mention also to 3 new male troubadours : Paolo Nutini (These Streets) , Ray LaMontagne (Trouble) and James Morrison (Undiscovered). The former two are Ryan Adams-ish while the last one is the new James Blunt or the male Joss Stone (as UK Launch put it). Good stuff to chill to.

Interesting weekend

What a weekend! Started off well with a nice bout of library duty in school on Friday. Nice and peaceful and I managed to get some marking done. Some teachers are hardcore and I found myself in good company in the staff room despite it being close to 9PM!!

Anyway, the librarians, Yu Yue included, were wrapping the monitors, screens, photocopiers , etc with newspaper in view of fogging the next day. I shall invite them to wrap my Christmas presents this year. Seeing that they did such a good job with all that wrapping!

Amazing sermon in church on Sat. Thank God for his enabling for a good sermon, backed up by Janine’s God-sent (literally) testimonies. That sister has a wonderful ability that I which I had! Heb411.multiply.com for more of that, those who are interested to find out what that is. I must learn to give the glory to God. Sometimes, the putrid ego comes through. Well, no one said that Christ-likeness came in an instant

Got some work done on Sunday before going out with DARE. It was quite funny that we used to squeeze into my Mitsu and now the guys all drive their own cars (almost all). We had 3 cars for 6 people today! May we learn to car pool more often and save the earth!

grace

Met Janine today and she told me so much about God's grace. Its so scary yet there's a feeling its the right thing. Its more about being than doing in the end and that is the Christian life isn't it. Let go and let Christ in and dominate. Obedience comes through grace after all.

Buffet again

Ah. Lovely food from hanabi again. Yummy!

Mid-Age Crisis

Happy 41st Birthday Singapore!

National Day

Took an unplanned trip through the Botanic Gardens today, en route to the new Taman Serasi Hawker Center. Wow, haven't been heare in years! Its really a nice place really, only a bit too hot at times perhaps. One of the last places of refuge in our crazy urban jungle.

Waited 20 minutes for murtabak at TS Hawker Center before the hawker accidentally dropped a piece of squid into the slipper of the customer behind me!!! Hahaha!

Promethean Ceremony 2006

Promethean Ceremony 2006
Raffles Rock's 1st proper handover!!

Typical 6B craziness

Siva at RJC

He sings, teaches PE and plays a mean guitar. And he sings in mandarin too!

Festival of praise 2006

A dream

Makes my baby look bad

My baby

Somehow i have never gotten around to taking a picture of my faithful chariot till now.

Alex and Alex

David and me

Test picture

check in

Life has been back to normal for a while since term 3 started almost a month ago. The students have been their usual selves (ie. charming, irritiating, infurating, a pleasure) this term and its just rolling along now. Been really into learning about preaching better with Rick Warren's sermon CDs (watched him in person on 7th July). For a person who has spoken to the UN, NBA All-stars and Congress, he sure is humble and passionate. An inspiration indeed

ct

What a day! Being a civics tutor means way more emotional investment than ever!

update

Another update after a lonnnng while.
Life has been okay and floating along. The career's proceeding find but spiritually, I am dry lah. Seems to me that I am expected to do more than be. Sighz.

6B is their fun and crazy selves as usual. At the end of the day, will they be better people because of me? I dunno man. Its hard to say. But they are great kids all the same.

judas

Apparently there is a town in the Phillipines where they have a yearly ceremony where an effigy of Judas Iscariot is blown up by fireworks! Indeed, the guy cannot buy a break even after nearly 2000 years. Thats what I call a bad reputation.

faith

We all lack it at some point or another. We doubt, we disagree, we refuse to believe. Perhaps,we have seen cases where things did not turn out the way we wanted.

She didnt get healed
They didnt get the provision they needed
Troubling times remain

The psalmists went through these and more and they still clung onto God for sustinence. The difference? They were desperate enough the believe. Here, we banter, debate, ask and doubt. I wouldnt know why that didnt happen or God didnt seem to come through there. Its a fallen world. Does this negate my God? Only if you allow it to. Its not iron-clad scientific law. Things happen and we do not know the circumstances under which they did. When you are safe and fed, you have time to doubt. When your life is at stake, you cling on harder.

I still believe God's promises of provision, wellness, identity and purpose are there for me and I choose to claim them for my own. If you do not want to or doubt these for YOURSELF (you only know your own heart), then so be it.

update again

What an interesting day! Started with water polo finals in the morning where I witnessed one of the best shows of Rafflesian Spirit in a long while. The guys fought all the way and never said die although they were trailing. Although they lost to HCI 5-4, they reminded me of why I have been so proud to be a Rafflesian ever since I was 13. That imdomitable, can-do spirit that fights till the end was personified by Kory, Chen Kai, Pengfei et al. and they should be real proud of themselves. Cheers guys and may you bring back the gold next year!

Just watched MM Lee adress a group of journos and undergrads on the tele today. You may not agree with his politics totally but today, I was absolutely sold on his vision for Singapore. The man is nearing 83 and his intellect and memory are as sharp as ever. Not everyone will say he is a saint but here is a person who is absolutely sure of what he wants for Singapore, keeps abreast of what happens among the younger generation and is unafraid to pursue what he feels is the best vision for Singapore, even if it flies in the face of conventional liberal Western democratic ideal. I may be cyncial and skeptical at times of politics in Singapore but I was thoroughly impressed by LKY tonight. Whew, a true Rafflesian indeed...

april

Offical Opening went swell! Thanks to Dayna and the gang for putting up a great one! Its a quiet weekend as I took a break from YC and went for main svc instead. It was refreshing to have no duties for once. Went to Chinatown (?) for a look- see in the afternoon. Met the charming Austrian sausage seller. (Yummy Currywurst!) Visited the cavernous Acts Lifestyle Shop again. Got a book on Joshua. Es is back on track! Great! Praise God

return

Haha, my blogging high is gone and now I just come in occasion. Hello to all the s06bees who have found my blog. You are smart bees. Don't sting each other in your everyday interactions.

Life's has been busy, such is working life in Singapore. Enjoy your student life, kids. Things don't get much better when you grow up. Although you may get richer

rain

its been raining non-stop for the past 2 days and looks to be raining for the next 2. What a bummer

school

School commences today. Back to the grind and industriouness of it all. Its the people that make a difference I guess and this year will be a year of meeting loads of them. Cheers

happy new year

2006

A year of challenges both personal and professional. Need to stay close to God more than ever this year. Its almost a make or break year.

1

A Collision - David Crowder Band

The DC*B has been nothing but a tour de force of creative energy ever since a young David Crowder took it upon himself to write songs for university students at the Uni of Waco in Texas. Brimming with exuberance, unique imagery and a quirky take on a life of faith, A Collision starts with a take on the old Loretta Lynn song "Everyone wants to Go To Heaven", which segues into the beautiful "Come and Listen", the most plaintive song since "All That I Can Say". Highlights of this album includes Forever and Ever Etc, Wholly Yours. Do Not Move, A Beautiful Collision, etc. Open your minds to what is possible in the realm of Christian music and the DC*B won't disappoint.

two

Passion 2005: How Great Is Our God


This CD/DVD combo delivers the usual live rendition of favourites from the SixStep Records family. This year, Matt Redman, Charlie Hall, David Crowder, Chris Tomlin and Watermark's Christy Nockels are joined by acoustic duo Shane and Shane on this live recording from Memphis, TN in January 2005.

Previous studio efforts that seem a bit staid become alive in the live worship setting. These include tracks like Crowder's No One Like You and Tomlin's How Great Is Our God and Indescribable. Charlie Hall's Marvellous Light combines unusal imagery with a worshipful lyric while the whole project closes with the pensive, wonderous version of popular hymn It Is Well, which seems to lift the worship experience to whole other level with its raw hunger from a generation desperate for His renown

3

Jeff Feyo's "Surrender"

An album I thoroughly enjoyed from the heart and soul of SonicFLOOD, Jeff Deyo. Culling songs from his 2 solo efforts, Saturate and Light, plus throwing in some re-done recent faves ( a la the original SF used to do so well), this set, recorded in New Zealand at the Parachute Festival in January 2005, is a good showcase of how Deyo's songs and worship-leading are able to blend together to produce an atmosphere of worship. This is despite these songs not being the most congregation-friendly.

Highlights include the storming opener "Lose Yourself" and the most beautiful live rendition of "Bless The Lord"

four

The best Hillsong United album yet. In fact, the youth wing of the Hillsong church has been producing the best album from that Antipodian worship factory for the past 2 years. They best the more main stream August release by having a more relevant, punchier and edgier presentation and style, while Darlene and co. seem contented to stay with the tried and true (which is what their older audience demands). Both albums are just as worshipful but the United releases really are the better for the above mentioned reasons.

Look To You opens with the triple punch of Salvation Is Here, Tell The World (love the bassline on these tracks) and the title track. It then segues into the beautiful All I Need Is You, that is worshipful and passionate. Other tracks like There Is Nothing Like and the chant-like Shout Unto God capture the worshipful spirit of this youth movement very well. Closing with Rich Mullins' Awesome God was a master touch , making the best closure for any Hillsong live project in a while.

5

Here are my 5 favourite Christian albums of 2005.

Shane and Shane have always been a favourite of mine. They first caught my attention with their extremely emotive and worshipful It Is Well on the Passion 05 soundtrack. With 4 smash studio albums under their belt, the soulful duo came out with this CD/DVD project containing the best of their output so far. From the pensive Yearn and I Miss You to the upbeat Arise, their whimsical acoustic guitar sound and tight harmonies underscore the simplicity and beauty of their work. Definitely an album worth buying for more sophisticated and mature listeners

christmas

It has been a right quiet and beauitiful Christmas. Kicked off with a series of great outreaches for the kids. All clusters did better this year. We (and myself) have a long way to go before effectively sharing the gospel but I think many effective seeds were sown. Hope to see some of those come to fruition.

Service as usual on 24th. Sensed that it needed a spiritual element so I did a 20 min mini-sermon segment that didnt go off too badly on "Light Of The World". Hopefully a good start of things to come. Indeed, Jesus is the light of this season. Let's never forget that.

Adjourned to the Kueks for christmas party. It was nice and quiet an affair that was rather casual and relaxed. Lots of fun crapping and sharing and playing of games and feasting on gorgeous food. Thanks to Gene for putting this one together. I am grateful for these friends that He has provided. Appreciate you all. This year was way better than last year.

Went for service at Lighthouse on Christmas Day. Nice sweet service with powerful sharing and vocals by Booby Michaels. Moved off for lunch at Yoshi (not associated with Mario) Restaurant for a Japanese buffet. Yummy stuff but slow due to staff not reporting to work (must be hung over). I do love my family although they annoy me no end at times these days. Haha. Thank God for all of them.

update

To everyone's surprise, an update.

Holidays have moved swimmingly slow at this point. Not too much accomplished so maybe that can be better, but other than that, its been quite calm and peaceful and most importantly restful.

Since somethings are better left unblogged, lets just say that some efficiencies need to be re-looked at.

Has my concern with other families' business stepped over the line? But then, how can we take it to the next level?

Kok Guan was great in his sermom. We eagerly look forward to his return. When God's word is preached well and it hits the mark, its awesome.

So far this week, its been 2 weddings and a funeral. Life goes on

4 gorgeous people and 1 beautiful lake in Queenstown

 

hungry kids

 

The Franz Josef Glacier

 

Pancake Rocks and Blowholes

 

En Route to the West Coast on the Trans Scenic Train

 

Chuch of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo

 

Mount Cook

 

milford sound

 

nz

Went to New Zealand's South Island for about a week. It is truly a lovely place with snow-capped mountains, expansive glaciers, green meadows, roaring rivers, lakes and brooks, as well as majestic fjords.

The Maori call it "God's Own" in their own language and it truly deserves that title. Spent most of the 7 days sight-seeing, visiting towns such as Christchurch, Queenstown, Fox Glacier, Hokitika and numerous places along the scenic West Coast. Did you know that you can fly to the South Pole from CHC (Christchurch, not that other place)? We saw seals and penguins at this eden like place called Milford Sound. It was well worth the 5 hr ride there and 5 hr ride back.

We also did white water rafting and jet boating at Queenstown while the chaps went bungee jumping. With no inclination to jump off a bridge nor spend 140 SGD doing it, I sat that one out. Looked fun though. LOL.

eddie

Wrestler Eddie Guerrero died aged 38 on Sunday in his hotel room in Minneapolis, Mn. He was always a stellar performer in the ring and a great personality that truly reached out to all viewers and followers of pro-wrestling, in particular the Hispanic community in America. Although I only knew the man from what others said about him (he didnt have an enemy, was kind and loving) and what I saw in the ring and read about online (he overcame drug and alcohol abuse 4 years ago and came back from a potentially life-ending car accident), it is almost as if a familiar friend has gone. This was the same feeling I had when Owen Hart died in May 1999. No one wants a friend to go, nor does he want a child to lose his father or wife to lose her husband, but that is the tragedy that has happened. See you in heaven someday Eddie. You touched this old wrestling fan with what you laid down in the squared circle, which was everything you had.

19

New update from me. School's out but OP is in session and I am an assessor. Kids reading this: Take it seriously man! Engage and articulate. Gesture and Smile! NZ in 2 weeks, hope it goes smoothly.

Oh yeah, BBTC's 19th anniversary yesterday. Ate Laksa, took photos, nice.

The new soul survivor is nice. very worshipful, hopeful and a good album
Liking it more and more as I listen

end

Term's ending. In all, its been a good half year with RJ and some of the craziest people I know. It could be better, it could be worse. For which I am all grateful.

finito

Marking is done! *dances happy jig*
Receives marks back *Happy jig ends*
Life goes on and the fight continues

compre

Wahaha, boy that was a tough compre. But, boys and girls, I did not set it OK? Lets just say you had to possess quite a fair bit of inferential skills to tackle it. Its going to be a heady 2 weeks of marking. But go and do your other subjects, k? Leave the worrying to me

worship

we had a spectecular time of worship today. I'm into my 10th year of worship this year and by the grace of God, this year's worship has been the most exciting and awesome times of worship yet! People declared God's praises loudly, jumped like crazy and were in awe of this magnificent deity we worship. Wonderful God. People are hungry. Please move.

quarter

I am a quarter of a century old today. Hmm 25 already. Not that I have achieved everything I set out to achieve but I cannot say that I am an absolute failure either. I think God has given me a perfect position to impact lives and also has provided me with enough to last, plus a loving family and friends. People will needle me about that special someone; hey, i am looking, maybe not terribly hard, but I will know when its the time. Oh well 25 hmmm, that means I am officially in my mid-twenties now. Is there supposed to be a crisis around the corner? Lol. I don't think so. Haha

apple

Me in front what I think is the East River ( Or is it the Hudson) From my 2002 trip to NYC

racist

No racist remarks here. Please move on. Its a right dillemma we have here, don't we? Not that such sentiment is acceptable. There will always be racists around. I guess people will think twice before they shoot off what is on their mind. But should the government intervene with what is placed on foreign servers but from the hearts and minds of true blue Singaporeans? Also another debatable point here. Look and think before you leap, my young padawans for blogging won't be the same in SG anymore I fear.

summer

Leeds Uni Singapore Society Prez and V-Prez 2000/2001, Summer and Me at D and D 2001

lee

For the frequent student visitor. Me with Mr. Lee at the PM Book Prize Presentation, circa Aug 1997

nerd

Find the nerd

5ive

5 years of youth ministry this weekend. Its been an awesome and fulfilling ride. With the things that He has done and all that He is going to do. Although at times it has not been easy but i am excited to see what He has in store for us in the future.

mAn, this is a bit dull... Lol

katrina

What is it in man that possesses him to loot, rob and rape and take advantage of the poor and needy during a catastrophe not unlike that of the great flood of yore? It struck me that this is akin to a preview of the apocalypse when there really will NOT be any help coming! Whether it be judgement upon the US for brokering the removal of Jewish settlers from the West Bank or if it was just another symptom of the end times, Katrina has really unveiled the dark side of human nature. Under that veneer of civility lies man's beast-like instinct to survive at all costs. Ultimately, God is the answer, but how many buy that as an answer in these uneasy times? Makes me wonder that after all the teaching that I can do in a classroom for 24 months, if the kids will still pillage, steal and plunder in a situation like this. Has education failed then?