Benkenobi

When Love is Not enough!

2007-12-12T16:07:00.000+08:00

“Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread, remade all the time, made new…, all the time, made new…”

We think that the hardest thing in a relationship is finding the right person. After that, we fall in love and live happily ever after, right? Those in a relationship know all too well that fairy tales are only true in the movies. The truth of the matter is that having and maintaining a relationship is not easy. The rate of divorce tells us that love is not enough; other factors are needed to keep a relationship going.

Communication problems are a major source for relationship problems. People in most cases just do not know how to talk to each other. Usually, the couple has spent years arguing, fighting or even avoiding problems, but the inevitable occurs, someone reaches the end of their rope. Loss of trust, confusion over whether we still love each other, fights all the time and the inability to agree on anything are some of the cues to recognize that a relationship is having serious communication problems. Many times a child’s misbehavior and conduct problems at home or school are directly related to a couple’s inability to communicate.

Many times the couples had a deficit in one or more of the essential ingredients needed to cook up a great relationship. I don’t want to mislead anyone, love is important to a relationship. It is the catalyst that gets the whole thing going, but the following are ingredients that keep the love alive and the relationship healthy.

TWO MATURE INDIVIDUALS

A mature individual is defined as a person who has a sense of self. He/she is able to recognize that both members in the relationship are different. They are able to see that each has a different heritage, a different way of thinking, feeling and possibly different beliefs. The mature person is able to recognize the I, Me and the Us in the relationship. With all the differences in personalities, thoughts and feelings, it’s a wonder that we got together in the first place.

Without the element of maturity, a couple can get all messed up just because they lose themselves in a relationship. They can become jealous, dependent, resentful and distant. All of which can erode the reason the couple became a couple in the first place.

GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS

The ability to tell each other thoughts, feelings and wants is so important to a relationship. Good, open, and honest communication is like oil to a car. Without oil in the car, internal parts will burn up and the car will be ready for the scrap pile. Communication is important!

There are no mind readers. For a relationship to grow and prosper, likes, dislikes, desires, hopes, dreams and problems need to be said. If a couple’s communication is restricted, the relationship is destined for major problems down the road. We take cars for oil changes to keep them going strong, why not seek a professional’s assistance to change our communication patterns in order to keep the relationship in tip top shape just like our automobiles?

THE ABILITY TO CHANGE

Relationships are not static. They are ever changing. If they become static for too long, they can become extinct like the dinosaurs. Relationships go through a life cycle: the honeymoon, with children, mid-life crisis, the empty nest and the reacquainting period and then death of a spouse and the end of the relationship. All of these stages require change, learning and exploration of new territory. If one or both members in the relationship becomes rigid and resistant to needed changes the relationship could end in divorce. In my opinion, one of the major reasons that couples end in divorce is because they were unable to change to meet the new needs and demands of the relationship. One or both were unable or unwilling to make the needed changes to keep the relationship growing; as a result, the relationship died. Change we must, it is part of the human condition. If it was not, we would all still be infants in diapers.

ABILITY TO COMPROMISE

The ability to compromise refers to an individual’s willingness and proficiency at finding the middle ground. Being able to compromise is a sign of maturity. It is also needed in any relationship. If one person always gets his/her way, the other person is bound to feel dominated, and resentful. These negative feelings can rip the heart right out of any relationship. Finding the happy middle can provide the best of both worlds… giving and receiving. Sharing the last dish of ice cream with a friend is always better than eating it all alone, isn’t it?

A WILLINGNESS TO WORK TOGETHER

A relationship is like a business partnership; it has common goals, assets and liabilities. Like in a business, if members don’t work together, the business will become ineffective and possibly not exist for too long. The ability to work together means recognizing each person’s strengths and helping them come out at the same time recognizing each member’s weaknesses and learning to turn weaknesses into assets. Two heads are better than one and if couples follow this rule, they will see that the deep depressing valleys that lie ahead may be nothing more than pot holes once they approach them.

KNOWING WHEN TO BACK OFF

Every one needs room to breath, room to sort out their own thoughts, feelings and problems. If someone is always hanging on you, there is a tendency to want to push them off to reduce the burden of carrying them all the time. Providing individual spaces gives any individual the ability to see things more clearly.

SUPPORT AND TRUST

One of the benefits of a relationship is that we will have someone in our corner to support us and to affirm our existence. This support adds to the trust that is needed in any relationship. Without mutual support, a trusting relationship will not develop. Each member must have its emotional needs met in order to continue to invest in the relationship. The continued support and the being there for the other person emotionally is the way in which trust is developed. If a trusting relationship is cultivated and maintained, the ability to try new adventures and take new risks are enhanced. A supportive trusting relationship outside of the bedroom always increases the activity in the bedroom.

LOVE, HUGS, KISSES AND LOVEMAKING

The open expression of feeling in any relationship is vital to the continued growth of the relationship. Lovemaking should not be overlooked in a relationship, but it need not be the only ingredient that exists in a relationship either. Lovemaking is the icing on the cake and it gets there by mixing all of the above mentioned ingredients.

Good lovemaking starts outside of the bedroom. If you want to increase the frequency and intensity of your lovemaking, try to increase the frequency and intensity of your communication, willingness to work as a team, sharing of self, being kind and supportive, give space and freedom to explore individual interests. All of these ingredients will add to the makings of a fine, wonderfully iced cake.

A WORD ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS

If you are in a relationship and are experiencing some problems and don’t know what to do, a trained professional can provide you with:

• Support
• A listening ear
• Directions
• Guidance
• Communication Training

You owe it to yourself and your mate to find answers to your struggles. Remember, no one is trained on how to have a great relationship, so we are bound to run into problems.

My Visual DNA...

2007-06-12T09:37:00.000+08:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Secret Codes... Shhhh..

2006-10-20T16:24:00.000+08:00

A friend told me about handphone codes quite a while back, and out of the blue, i got curious again and googled "secret code" and came up with tons of searches. So i narrowed it down to my phone model. "Nokia 3330 secret codes" and here are some interesting stuff i found.

Nokia 3310 Secrets (Same as my phone actually, just that the 3330 has enhaced software)

*#06# : Checking the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)

*#0000# : To view Software Version.

*#746025625# [*#sim0clock#]
Checks if the sim clock can be stopped. SIM clock stop is a kind of stand-by mode which will save battery time. This code doesn't work with software version 4.59.

*#92702689# [*#war0anty#] takes you to a secret menu with 6 choices :

1. Displays Serial Number.
2. Displays the Month and Year of Manufacture (0997)
3. Displays (if there) the date where the phone was purchased (MMYY)
4. Displays the date of the last repair - if found (0000)
5. Makes you capable of transferring user data if you have the gear for it.
6. Shows how many hours the phone has been on Latest software version.

*3370# : Enhanced Full Rate Codec (EFR) activation. It will automatically restart.
#3370# : Enhanced Full Rate Codec (EFR) deactivation. It will automatically restart.
*4370# : Half Rate Codec activation. It will automatically restart
#4370# : Half Rate Codec deactivation. It will automatically restart

xx# : xx position in Phone Book. Ex.11# will show the number stored in the 11th position of the Phone Book.

There are lots more actually, just took a couple of minutes to get these during my break in-between work assingments :P

Yeah, well anyway apprently some of the codes are international standards, it can therefore be used on other models and makes as well...

What a 3330??? U mean people are still using that model... Yeah, i've got a damn old phone, which is actually not mine... (It's on a loooooonnnnng term loan from a "friend". He eventually said, "hey u can trade the phone in if you want to, I dont need it anymore"). Hmmm which makes me wonder if i should be changing my phone anytime soon... Even the previous owner dont want it back anymore (poor phone).

Here's how the 3330 look if you guys need a refresher...:P

Mine's the silver wan...

Well some other conversation i've had on this 3330.

Was looking for a plastic cover for the beautiful phone of mine and decided to ask a stall at the SS2 pasar malam, they din have it. And a friend mentioned the model so old, how to find accesories and no wander got no girlfriend. Well she was joking "I think" but anyway is it really true does a state of the art phone really draw in the "chicks". Hmmm... makes me wonder....

Recent Photos!!!

2006-10-18T10:20:00.000+08:00

Well here goes, have been using a photo taken when i was 19 as my blog profile. It's time to realize my denial and admit that i'm no more 19. :P

Here are 2 recent photos of me from a trip to Genting.

A photo of me from the right hand side...

If you're not convinced enough, here's another photo of me from the left hand side...

How do I look? Still 19??? :P

One day I decided to quit...

2006-10-17T18:19:00.000+08:00

I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality...

I wanted to quit my life.

I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me...

"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds,

I took very good care of them.

I gave them light. I gave them water.

The fern quickly grew from the earth.

Its brilliant green covered the floor.

Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed.

But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.

And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed.

But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.

"In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.

But I would not quit.

In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed.

"I would not quit." He said.

"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.

Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...

But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.

It had spent the five years growing roots.

Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.

I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been
struggling, you have actually been growing roots"

"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you."

"Don't compare yourself to others." He said.

"The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern.

Yet, they both make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high!"

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned.

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest and bring back this story.

I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.

He will never give up on you.

Never regret a day in your life.
Good days give you happiness;
Bad days give you experiences;
Both are essential to life.
Keep going....

ONE OF THE BEST STORIES I'VE EVER HEARD!

2006-10-13T12:18:00.000+08:00

As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of
school, she told the children an untruth. Like most teachers, she looked
at her students and said that she loved them all the same. However, that
was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was
a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.

Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he did
not play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and
that he constantly needed a bath. In addition, Teddy could be
unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take
delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and
then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers.

At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review
each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last. However,
when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.

Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready
laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners... He is a joy to be
around.."

His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well
liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a
terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."

His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death has been hard on him.
He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't show much interest, and
his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken."

Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show
much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and he sometimes
sleeps in class."

By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of
herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas
presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for
Teddy's. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that
he got from a grocery bag. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the
middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when
she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a
bottle that was one-quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the
children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was,
putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on he r wrist. Teddy
Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, "Mrs.
Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to."

After the children left, she cried for at least an hour. On that very
day, she quit teaching reading, writing and arithmetic. Instead, she
began to teach children. Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to
Teddy As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more
she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year,
Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite
her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one
of her "teacher's pets.."

A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her
that she was the best teacher he ever had in his whole life.

Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote
that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still
the best teacher he ever had in life.

Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things
had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and
would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured
Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he had
ever had in his whole life.

Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he
explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a
little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and
favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer....
The letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD.

The story does not end there. You see, there was yet another letter that
spring. Teddy said he had met this girl and was going to be married. He
explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was
wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit at the wedding in the
place that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom. Of course,
Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with
several rhinestones missing. Moreover, she made sure she was wearing the
perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas
together.

They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's
ear, "Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank you so much for
making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference"

Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back She said, "Teddy,
you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make
a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you."

(For you that don't know, Teddy Stoddard is the Dr. at Iowa Methodist in
Des Moines that has the Stoddard Cancer Wing.)

Warm someone's heart today. . . pass this along. I love this story so
very much, I cry every time I read it. Just try to make a difference in
someone's life today? tomorrow? just "do it".

Random acts of kindness, I think they call it!
"Believe in the Lord's compassion and loving kindness, then return the
favor"

Nice

2005-11-22T10:06:00.000+08:00

This is pretty unique.

Place your mouse on the X below and drag to the O.

X
Even though you can't see Him, GOD is there!
O

just watch

Importance of Sleep

2005-08-23T09:37:00.000+08:00

A man can go two weeks without eating. But if he doesn't rest at all, he can only survive for one week. Sleeping provides us the time to rest our internal organs, eyes and brains. Poor sleep quality can cause internal damage to our internal organs and brains.

Therefore, sleeping is very important to us. If you wish to have a long life and stay healthy, please take note of the advice below.

5 DON'TS when you are sleeping

DON'T SLEEP WITH WATCH

Watches can emit a certain level of radioactivity.

Though small, but if you

wear your watch to bed for a long time, it might

have adverse effects on

your health.

DON'T SLEEP WITH BRA

Scientists in America have discovered those that

wear bras for more than 12

hours have a higher risk of getting breast cancer.

So go to bed without it.

DON'T SLEEP WITH PHONE

Putting the phone beside your bed or anywhere near

you is not encouraged.

Though some of us will use phones as alarm clocks,

but please put the phone

as far as possible. Scientists have proved that

electrical items including

mobile phone and television sets emit magnetic waves

when used. These waves

can cause disruptions to our nervous system.

Therefore if you need to put

your mobile phone near you, switch it off first.

DON'T SLEEP WITH MAKE UP

People who sleep with make up might have skin

problems in the long run.

Sleeping with make up will cause the skin to have

difficulty in breathing

and problem in perspiring. You will also need a much

longer time to go into

deep sleep.

DON'T SLEEP WITH OTHERS' WIFE

You may never wake up again.

Baby Landak (Porcupine)

2005-08-18T15:19:00.000+08:00

Cute eh.. Anyone knows what a baby porcupine is called?

A Love Letter And A Reply

2005-08-15T12:44:00.000+08:00

A different Love letter and a beautiful reply to it.
******************************************************

A teenage college guy sent a love letter (in Q/A format) to his
classmate.

My Dearest Reshma,

Please answer the following questionnaire.
For Options (a)10 marks, (b) 5marks and (c) 3 marks.

1) Whenever you enter the class room, your sight always falls on me
because:
(a) of love
(b) you couldn't control seeing me
(c) really ... am I doing it?

2) Whenever professor cracks joke, you laugh and turn and look at me
because:
(a) you always like to see me smiling
(b) you are testing whether I like jokes
(c) you are attracted by my smile

3) When you were singing in the class, I entered and immediately you
stopped singing because:
(a) you are so coy to sing before me
(b) my presence influenced you
(c) you feared that whether I'll like your song

4) When you were showing your child photo, when I asked for it, you
hide it because:
(a) you felt ashamed
(b) you felt uneasy
(c) you don't know

5) During trekking, myself and my friend gave you hand for lifting you
and you took only my friend's because:
(a) you enjoyed my disappointment
(b) you won't feel leaving my hand after grabbing
(c) you don't know

6) You were waiting yesterday for bus and didn't get into your bus...

(a) you were waiting for me
(b) you were dreaming about me and didn't notice the bus
(c) that bus was crowded

7) You introduced me to your parents when they came to college
because:
(a) I am going to be your groom
(b) you just want to know what your parents think about me
(c) just you felt like introducing me to them

8) I told that I like girls wearing roses. Next day, you came with a
rose on your head because:
(a) to fulfill my wish
(b) you like roses
(c) by chance you got a rose

9) On that day, it was my birthday. you too came to temple early at
6:00 AM because:
(a) you want to pray along with me
(b) you want to meet me before any one could meet on my birthday
(c) you want to wish me at temple because you are spiritual

If you have scored more than 40, then you are loving me. Don't delay
in expressing it. If you have scored between 30 and 40, love is budding
in your heart and it's getting ready to bloom. If you have scored less
than 30, you are in confusion whether to love me or not.

Eagerly awaiting your reply..
love,
Aakash

===============================================

Reshma's reply letter was also in Q/A format........
***************************************************
Aakash,
Please answer the following Yes/No questionnaire.

1) If somebody sits in the first row, normally people entering the
class, sees them.
(a) Yes
(b) No

2) If a girl laughs and looks anyone, is it love?
(a) Yes
(b) No

3) While singing, if somebody forgets lines of the songs, will he/she
stop singing or not ?
(a) Yes
(b) No

4) I was showing to my friends (who are all girls) my childhood photo.
You poked your nose inside..... right
(a) Yes
(b) No

5) I avoided to hold your hand during trekking. Couldn't you
understand yet?
(a) Yes
(b) No

6) Should I not wait for my best friend (Anjali) at the bus stand?
(a) Yes
(b) No

7) Shouldn't I introduce you to my parents as a friend?
(a) Yes
(b) No

8) You have said you also like Lotus, cauliflower, banana's flower. Is
it true ?
(a) Yes
(b) No

9) Oh was that your birthday. That's why I could see you in temple. I
come daily to Temple. Do you know ?
(a) Yes
(b) No

If you have answered "Yes" to any of the question, then I am not
loving you. If you have answered "No", then you don't know the meaning
of Love.

Hope everything is clear to you.
Reshma

Ben's comments:

OUCH, I feel the pinch on Aakash, but i feel sometimes it is true, people tend to misinterpret the actions of others according to what they choose to believe...

Some guys need a sledgehammer to get the message sometimes, myself not excluded.. :))

but AUCH to Aakash anyway...;P

Things of Value

2005-07-26T10:15:00.000+08:00

You've heard the question asked, "If your home were on fire, what you try to save?" Most people answer that they would rescue people and pets and as many photographs and memories as possible.

The question we faced was similar. We were forced to consider, "If we have to evacuate our home, what should we take with us?" Or, put another way, which of our possessions could we live without?

Our area was just a few miles from largest wildfire in Colorado's history. We were on "evacuation alert." If we got the call to evacuate, we would have to grab whatever we could save and leave immediately.

We packed suitcases with a few clothes and toiletries and set them by the door. Though these things were not valuable, time was. We moved the computers ... I made a living with my computer. We cleared out books we sold from our home office. Those books represented our livelihood. We packed financial records - who wants to hassle with the government for years over missing documents?

Now, what else? We snatched family pictures from the walls and packed scrapbooks in boxes. These were truly valuable and could not be replaced. I grabbed a few sentimental objects from my childhood and stuffed them in a box.

Then we took a hard look at all that remained. There was a lamp that belonged to my great grandmother. A piano my wife Bev learned to play when she was a little girl. A hutch that belonged to her grandmother. A large rug we spent months saving for and bought for our mountain home. Bedroom furniture we wanted to pass down to our children someday. There were handmade quilts and gifts from dear friends and family. It was impractical to move everything from our home and store them for an indefinite time. Some important items would have to stay behind.

I never thought that my "things" meant much to me. I prided myself in believing that I would never let myself get attached to possessions, for things of the spirit were all that truly mattered. But these particular "things" pulled within. Those "worthless" coins and memorabilia from my childhood - what was that about? The furniture we inherited or grew up with - why did it call out to me so? Or that rug we bought together? Or the many items that decorated our house given to us by friends and family over the years?

The answer, of course, is that these things represented our love as a couple and a family. They also signified all of those people over the years we have loved and who loved us. And each had stories to tell. They told of all we'd been through together and where we were headed. They spoke in the voices of generations past - parents and grandparents.

We could not take the piano, but we could visualize how Bev, as a baby, learned to walk clutching the edge of that piano bench. We smelled the "old" and pleasant scents of grandparents' homes as we heard the wind-up clock chime or ran our fingers over a mahogany hutch we refinished years ago. We were flooded with memories as we gazed upon items given to us by cherished friends over a lifetime.

Some of these possessions of a life told stories about the people who first owned them. Stories of how they faced hardship together, how they raised their children and how they lived their lives. These "things" were not just things - they were memories, no less valuable than the photographs. They told stories about where we'd been, where we presently were and where we were going. They told stories of friends, of family and of love.

Most of our memories would be left in the house if it burned - we'd never have enough time to save the furnishings. And looking around at all we might lose, I found it difficult to say good-bye. But strangely, I also felt fortunate that I had been surrounded with objects that tell such warm and wonderful stories. Valuable objects; perhaps not in the world's eyes, but valuable nevertheless. The worth of all these things would never be measured on a ledger sheet. Though they were possessions, they were still things of the heart.

Someone wisely said, "There are people so poor that the only thing they have is money." And now I know. I am indeed rich. I am rich in friends and family. Rich in memories. Rich in everything that has ever really mattered to me. I am wealthier than I ever believed possible.

It took a fire to teach me.

Wookie!

2005-07-22T15:35:00.000+08:00

Out of jest I was commenting on Ju's blog if "Wookie" was edible... :P Banished! never a chance to ever get to see "Wookie".. Yeah Katy's pet dog..

A little research on the Internet and this was what I got.

"Many Korean pet owners have also been abandoning their dogs, which often end up in the markets - sometimes because they outgrew Korea's rather small sized average apartment. This time, their investigation has found that purebred puppies have been sold to dog meat restaurants. The conversation between a dog meat restaurant owner and his customer clearly showed that all dogs are regarded as food in dog eaters' eyes."

Oh ok "markets" here refer to the "dog meat" market.. It seems that Koreans have been consuming dogs and cats for a long time, like we consume chicken...

So I guess if ever a pet dog gets too big for your apartment, there is always the possibility of exporting your pet to Korea and fill some hungry Korean's appetite... :P

If ever you get to visit Korea, do check out the "dog meat restaurants" it might prove to be rather facinating...

Tell me, tell me does "Wookie" look delicious??? Nyam Nyam.. :P

Cun Babe, Cute Guy and a sad story...

2005-07-21T15:18:00.000+08:00

The story always works.. A beautiful girl falls for a cute guy, one meets in an accident, the other sacrifice for the partner...

Me on the other hand would be questioning the practicality of such actions..

I mean wouldnt the guy be more useful if he had taken care of her instead of sacrificing his eyes

And I was osso wondering why she didnt stop him from leaving at the end of the snippet... hmmm..

Questions, questions and more questions to ponder..Thank God life is not as dramatic as that.. or am I just having a boring life.. :P

Get the video here!

Five tips for a woman...

2005-07-20T10:42:00.000+08:00

1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.

2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.

3. It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to you.

4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.

5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.

This sure woke me up this morning!

2005-07-08T10:26:00.000+08:00

Microwaving Water!Microwaving Water!

A 26-year old man decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup of water and put it in the microwave to heat it up (something that he had done numerous times before). I am not sure how long he set the timer for, but he wanted to bring the water to a boil. When the timer shut the oven off, he removed the cup from the oven. As he looked into the cup, he noted that the water was not boiling, but suddenly the water in the cup "blew up" into his face.

The cup remained intact until he threw it out of his hand, but all the water had flown out into his face due to the build up of energy. His whole face is blistered and he has 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face which may leave scarring.

He also may have lost partial sight in his left eye. While at the hospital, the doctor who was attending to him stated that this is a fairly common occurrence and water (alone) should never be heated in a microwave oven. If water is heated in this manner, something should be placed in the cup to diffuse the energy such as a wooden stir stick, tea bag, etc., (nothing metal).

It is however a much safer choice to boil the water in a tea kettle.

General Electric's Response:

Thanks for contacting us, I will be happy to assist you. The e-mail that you received is correct. Microwaved water and other liquids do not always bubble when they reach the boiling point. They can actually get superheated and not bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble up out of the cup when it is moved or when something like a spoon or tea bag is put into it.

To prevent this from happening and causing injury, do not heat any liquid for more than two minutes per cup. After heating, let the cup stand in the microwave for thirty seconds! before moving it or adding anything into it.

Here is what our local science teacher had to say on the matter:

"Thanks for the microwave warning. I have seen this happen before. It is caused by a phenomenon known as super heating. It can occur anytime water is heated and will particularly occur if the vessel that the water is heated in is new, or when heating a small amount of water (less than half a cup).

What happens is that the water heats faster than the vapor bubbles can form. If the cup is very new then it is unlikely to have small surface scratches inside it that provide a place for the bubbles to form. As the bubbles cannot form and release some of the heat has built up, the liquid does not boil, and the liquid continues to heat up well past its boiling point.

What then usually happens is that the liquid is bumped or jarred, which is just enough of a shock to cause the bubbles to rapidly form and expel the hot liquid. The rapid formation of bubbles is also why a carbonated beverage spews when opened after having been shaken."

If you pass this on you could very well save someone from a lot of pain and suffering.

Is it true?

2005-07-05T17:16:00.000+08:00

I have often get this sort of stuff.. But how true is it? Do ladies really perceive men as such or is it just their cruel way of making fun of guys..

What do you guys/girls think??

:))

Beep beep!

2005-06-28T09:27:00.000+08:00

Yeah that was the sound I heard first thing in the morning of June 27th 2005 at 12.05am.. Yep, I'm 29 still alive and kicking after all the death defying stunts I have done.. :D

Streams of smses started and continued throughout the day, but what really impressed me was that shannon and gang bought me cheese cake after watching Batman in BTS on the 26th...and they waited until 12 to sing me a song.. I tot there was sumthing suspicious when jessica asked me you like choclate or lemon? they did not get one, but 2 slices of cheese cake 4 me.. :)

so as jenn huei was sendin me home, more smses came in all the way until I got home and jenn huei prayed for me before i got out..thanks man... Beep beep, continued and finally stopped at 1...

7am it started again until about 10 when I guess most ppl would be busy at work... and it continued again at lunch and just before calling it a day, in the lrt and driving home... beep beep was the tune for the whole day...

Just when i tot most of my frens whom I think would remember my birthday have been exhausted, beeb beep when i was taking a short nap, dinner and all the way until Coffee Bean, where I cut a cake which was supposed to be for pumba, I wonder who dat is, but never mind, it had 29 candles on it.. wasn't an easy task lighting all 29 of em.. :)

I lost count how many beep's I got the entire day, but thanks guys for remembering, great to know that so many ppl care.. thanks for the cakes and gifts and blog posts dedicated to me.. you guys really made my day!

Beep Beep

BENJAMIN

2005-06-10T15:57:00.000+08:00

I'm naughty naughty.. :P

B	is for	Boisterous
E	is for	Energetic
N	is for	Naughty
J	is for	Joyful
A	is for	Altruistic
M	is for	Musical
I	is for	Intense
N	is for	Naughty

What Does Your Name Mean?

Sum What? Normal...

2005-06-10T15:53:00.000+08:00

You Are 55% Normal

(Somewhat Normal)

While some of your behavior is quite normal...

Other things you do are downright strange

You've got a little of your freak going on

But you mostly keep your weirdness to yourself

How Normal Are You?

A Weighty Issue...

2005-06-09T15:31:00.000+08:00

NO! It isnt about some major crisis I'm goin thru neither is it an emotioninal abyss in my life. What I'm trying to get at is the "f" word... Yeah "FAT"! That was the word I was looking for... what were you thinking?...

We, as asians always tend to beat around the bush and say hey are you putting on some weight? Instead of saying it downright, I think you need to watch what you are eating and get some exercice...

Often times when we are sick, we would give advice as to see the doctor or to take some medication. Is being FAT a sickness? Have you ever asked that question? Have you ever wondered about the underlying implications of being FAT?

No puns intended, but let me give you some background as to how I got to this. I had always been FAT as a kid, and being one of the fattest isnt a good thing, being teased and stuff is one thing, but... there is another fact. When I was 13, I tot of giving hockey a try. Well like any teenager crossing over to secondary school you want to do better and excel in every area, even sports. Plus the fact that my school was in Sentul, with the indian community being the majority, hockey was the" in thing" for sports.

So it was the beginning of the year, a Saturday as I could remember it, equipped with my dad's hockey stick and shin guard, off I went to school. As usual, mom would drop me off in school. Some were early so we started to chat for a while. Then the teacher came.. Wow! Great, now some action.. We did some warm-up and streches and after about 10- 15 min we were all ready. The coach gave some instructions and started forming 2 teams.. One by one as the names were called out, the 2 teams started to materialize till the full number of 2 teams were selected.. There were a few remainder, but we were told that we can switch when some got tired. I waited and I waited and I waited but never got to play.. There were switches but I never got the chance to even be on the field...Goin back home, down trodden, maybe I can give it a try again next week. Guess what a part of me got some action, my hockey stick.. The coach asked if another guy could use the stick I had.. You just didn't know what that did to me, I was so heart broken.. Crushed...

Well that was then, later on got into cycling, managed to get into shape lost lots of weight. Also did some running. Guess what managed to even win some medals in the 1500m running in school. Joined the KL junior cycling team. Entered races... My point is to be fit is not just about beauty but the many other stuff you get to enjoy in life. You feel more confident and you dont fall sick often. You climb a flight of stairs and don't feel like you're gonna have a heart attack when you're physically fit.. Sometimes slim people can be physically unfit, don't get me wrong, so it works both ways.. People need to have a healthy lifestyle like last sunday's sermon.. God is our healer, but if we don't do anything about it we will never have health.. Eating the right things, getting some exercice are what I beleive wisdom from God..

So stay healthy, eat right and have a great workout, why not try swimming, cycling or running! :))

A lil' abt mua!

2005-06-08T18:02:00.000+08:00

*TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF - The Survey*
Name:	Benjamin Cheah Bian Leong
Birthday:	27 June 1976
Birthplace:	Kay El
Current Location:	Kay El
Eye Color:	Dark Brown
Hair Color:	Black
Height:	168cm
Right Handed or Left Handed:	Righty
Your Heritage:	Ugh, CHinese I guess
The Shoes You Wore Today:	Black Boots
Your Weakness:	Pretty gals.. :P
Your Fears:	God
Your Perfect Pizza:	The bigger the better
Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year:	Establish NSA, multiply the lifegroup.
Your Most Overused Phrase On an instant messenger:	Woi!
Thoughts First Waking Up:	Why so cold wan?
Your Best Physical Feature:	My belly, so prosperous... :P
Your Bedtime:	11pm to 1am
Your Most Missed Memory:	Childhood friends
Pepsi or Coke:	Vanilla Coke
MacDonalds or Burger King:	BK
Single or Group Dates:	Both
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea:	Nestea
Chocolate or Vanilla:	Choclate
Cappuccino or Coffee:	Coffee
Do you Smoke:	Nope
Do you Swear:	Nope
Do you Sing:	I guess
Do you Shower Daily:	Yeah
Have you Been in Love:	Yup
Do you want to go to College:	Been there, done that
Do you want to get Married:	I guess
Do you belive in yourself:	Yeah, a little overconfident sometimes...
Do you get Motion Sickness:	Nope
Do you think you are Attractive:	I guess
Are you a Health Freak:	Moderately
Do you get along with your Parents:	Ok, never changed since i was young.
Do you like Thunderstorms:	Yeah, playing in the rain.. :))
Do you play an Instrument:	Nope
In the past month have you Drank Alcohol:	Nope
In the past month have you Smoked:	Nope
In the past month have you been on Drugs:	Nope
In the past month have you gone on a Date:	I guess
In the past month have you gone to a Mall:	Yup
In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos:	Yeah, not a box though.. Burp..
In the past month have you eaten Sushi:	Nope
In the past month have you been on Stage:	Yeah
In the past month have you been Dumped:	Nope
In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping:	Err, I don't think u wanna know..
In the past month have you Stolen Anything:	Nope
Ever been Drunk:	Nope, need a lot to get me drunk..
Ever been called a Tease:	Yeah
Ever been Beaten up:	Nope
Ever Shoplifted:	Nope
How do you want to Die:	All in God's hands..
What do you want to be when you Grow Up:	Am I not grown already, how much more can I grow? Already 80 kilos... :P
What country would you most like to Visit:	NZ, Mount Cook 2008
CREATE YOUR OWN! - or - GET PAID TO TAKE SURVEYS!

He will carry me...

2005-05-31T12:57:00.000+08:00

I call, You hear me
I’ve lost it all
And it’s more than I can bear
I feel so empty

You’re strong
I’m weary
I’m holdin’ on
But I feel like givin’ in
But still You’re with me

chorus:
And even though I’m walkin’ through
The valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him
Whose love will comfort me
And when all hope is gone
And I’ve been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will ever need
He will carry me

I know I’m broken
But You alone
Can mend this heart of mine
You’re always with me

[chorus]

And even though I feel so lonely
Like I’ve never been before
You never said it would be easy
But You said you’d see me through the storm

[chorus]

Mark Schultz

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:1-4 NASB).

Survey!!

2005-05-31T11:29:00.000+08:00

[Click here to join]

Durex will donate RM1 to the Malaysian AIDS Foundation for every survey completed. The foundation is the fundraising arm of the Malaysian AIDS Council.

Those who respond to the survey could win a three-day, two-night weekend at Pangkor Laut Resort. ;P

Durex will also donate one million condoms.. (What the heck for???)

:P

I am Yoda!

2005-05-30T17:06:00.000+08:00

Muahhahahha...

Puffer!

2005-05-25T15:24:00.000+08:00

[Source]

C0NFU5ED!

2005-05-25T12:25:00.000+08:00

NASA AND THE BIBLE.....GOD IS GREAT

For all the scientists out there, and for all the students who have a
hard time convincing these people regarding the truth of the Bible, here's
something that shows God's awesome creation, and that He is still in
control.

Did you know that the space program is busy proving that what has been
called "myth" in the Bible is true? Mr. Harold Hill, President of the
Curtis Engine Company in Baltimore, Maryland, and a consultant in the
space program, relates the following development.

"I think one of the most amazing things that God has done for us today
happened recently to our astronauts and space scientists at GreenBelt,
Maryland. They were checking out where the positions of the sun,
moon, and planets would be 100 years and 1,000 years from now. We have
to know this so we won't send up a satellite and have it bump into
something later on in its orbits. We have to lay out the orbits in terms of the
life of the satellite and where the planets will be so the whole thing will
not bog down.

They ran the computer measurement back and forth over the centuries, and
it came to a halt.The computer stopped and put up a red signal, which meant
that there was something wrong with either the information fed into it
or with the results as compared to the standards. They called in the
service department to check it out, and they said, 'What's wrong?' Well, they
found there is a day missing in space in elapsed time. They scratched their
heads and tore their hair. There was no answer. "Finally a Christian man on
the team said, 'You know, one time I was in Sunday School, and they talked
about the sun standing still.' While they didn't believe him, they
didn't have an answer either, so they said, 'Show us.' "He got a Bible and went
to the book of Joshua where they found a pretty ridiculous statement for
any one with 'common sense.' There they found the Lord saying to Joshua,
'Fear them not, I have delivered them into thy hand; there shall not a man of
them stand before thee.' "Joshua was concerned because he was surrounded by
the enemy, and if darkness fell, they would overpower them. So Joshua asked
the Lord to make the sun stand still! That's right...'The sun stood still
and the moon stayed and lasted not to go down about a whole day!' (Joshua
10:12-13) "The astronauts and scientists said, 'There is the missing
day!'

They checked the computers going back into the time it was written and
found it was close but not close enough. The elapsed time that was
missing back in Joshua's day was 23 hours and 20 minutes...not a whole day.
"They read the Bible, and there it was 'about (approximately) a day.'These
little words in the Bible are important, but they were still in trouble because
if you cannot account for 40 minutes, you'll still be in trouble 1,000
years from now. Forty minutes had to be found because it can be multiplied
many times over in orbits. "As the Christian employee thought about it, he
remembered somewhere in the Bible where it said the sun went BACKWARDS.
The scientists told him he was out of his mind, but they got out the Book
and read these words in 2 Kings that told of the following story: Hezekiah,
on his death bed, was visited by the prophet Isaiah who told him that he
was not going to die. Hezekiah asked for a sign as proof. Isaiah said 'Do
you want the sun to go ahead 10 degrees?' Hezekiah said, 'It is nothing for
the sun to go ahead 10 degrees, but let the shadow return backward 10
degrees.'

Isaiah spoke to the Lord, and the Lord brought the shadow ten degrees
BACKWARD! "Ten degrees is exactly 40 minutes! Twenty-three hours and 20
minutes in Joshua, plus 40 minutes in Second Kings make the missing day
in the universe!" Isn't it amazing?

References: Joshua 10:8 and 12,13 and 2 Kings 20:9-11.

Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built
the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.

Jim Beasley

Star Wars

2005-05-20T14:52:00.000+08:00

Hmmm, everyone seems to want a slice of the Star Wars Cake in their blogs..

Well yesterday 19th May 2005, Was the Opening Day for Star Wars Episode III, Return of the Sith. Was proud to be one of the few to get a glimpse of the movie.

To be honest with you guys, it wasn't as much as I expected and anticipated, can't really beat the original Star Wars, Return of the Jedi and The Empire Strikes Back Trilogy.

Episode one was good, to bring us back to the beginning of the intergallactic battle, Attack of the clones, was likened to be a Hindi love story between Anakin and Amidala.. Never realised their name started with A. ;)

Return of the Sith, had a lot of corny lines, I guess they over did the usage of the May the force be with you thingy, :P The romance con't for a while in this Episode until Amidala breaks the news to Anakin.. "I'm pregnant".. He didn't take it wery well, sort of like uh.. ahh.. huh? Typically how most guys would react if your gf is the Princess of the Naboo and you are an uprising Jedi warrior..

It had a very sad twist at the end, but nothing unexpected, maybe coz I already know what was goin to happen.. dang.. The bright side is we can have a star wars movie marathon from Episode I to VI.. :D

Well the movie was about 2 hours 15, so for those of you goin on Tuesday at 11.30pm, good luck, but then again most of you guys don't work. :D

P/s: One of them fell asleep during the movie, coz It's her first Star Wars Movie, so if you all don't understand what's goin on, might as well just sleep.. :P

May The Force Be With You!

General Kenobi

Obi Wan (Ben) Kenobi

2005-05-19T15:59:00.000+08:00

Obi Wan (Ben)Kenobi [Profile Link]

I can't wait for 2nite!!

May the force be with you..

:))
ben

Using the lightsaber around the home...

2005-05-19T10:04:00.000+08:00

Although a lightsaber is typically used as a defensive weapon by Jedi knights, the availability of lightsabers on consumer sites such as eBay is growing. It is a sad fact of life, but if a Jedi knight falls on hard times, his lightsaber is one source of quick cash. He can always build another one.

If you are lucky enough to acquire a lightsaber, you are probably purchasing it for personal defense purposes. A lightsaber completely blows away a can of pepper spray as a deterrent in muggings or robberies. However, many new owners are pleasantly surprised by the many domestic uses of a lightsaber around the home or office. Let's examine a few of the more common applications here, and then you can use your imagination to come up with others.

The big advantage of using a lightsaber, of course, is that you can both cut and toast the bagel in one stroke.

Hedge Trimming

More Uses

Lighting a Cigarette

Sawing Through PVC Pipe

Reheating coffee

Serving Cake

Felling a Tree

Girls Take Note!

A lightsaber can help convince an assailant that no means no.

A lightsaber user with a strong affinity for the Force has a distinct advantage in the latter situation. By using the Force, the wielder can anticipate the path of the blaster bolt and align the blade with that path prior to the bolt's arrival. Using normal visual tracking to accomplish the same effect can be far more difficult.

For more details!

Visit: http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/lightsaber.htm/printable

Star Wars Quiz

2005-05-19T09:46:00.000+08:00

You are a Jedi Master.

You are the best the Jedi have to offer. You have great wisdom and your combat abilities are hard to match. The Force is your ally, and it is useful to solve difficult problems, to help you push yourself to your limits and to accomplish seemingly impossible feats. Patience and inner strength have made you the person you are now.

You are the pinnacle of the Jedi Order.

REF: http://www.tvguide.com/special/starwars/quiz.asp

got the link from Verat: http://yuthavong.blogspot.com/

My Mischief 2day!

2005-05-18T11:33:00.000+08:00

Hello People,

Ahhh, this one you have to let Master Obi Wan Kenobi explain.

There are three things you need to play this game

Firstly you need to be born to play it. It is noted that a person with high"mediclorin" in his blood is strong in the force.
"The Force: A mystical power that connects everything together."

Secondly do not let anger take contol of you, b'coz it leads to thedarkside.
"Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger; anger leads tohate; hate leads to suffering." As quoted by Master Yoda in "Episode 1 -The Phantom Menace."

Thirdly you need to get a lightsaber, coz it's a jedi's only weapon.
"Lightsaber: An energy sword that can cut through almost anything except another lightsaber."

Still don't get it?

Well 3 simple steps.

1. Call Lydia
2. Lydia buys movie tickets to watch Star Wars Episode 3 ( Return of theSith)
"Sith: A set of rogue Jedi who use the dark side of the Force for personal gain."
3. You go watch the movie.

Still game for it?

May the force be with you.

Retired Master Jedi,
benkenobi

----- Original Message -----
From: "Lydia Koh Sook Mei"
To: Peter Ng
Cc: Ang Teck Wee, Anthony Rodrigues, Chooi Ying Tan, Corcin Tan, Daniel Ng, David Chong, Douglas Mac, Edrian John, Edwin Tan, Ee Lynn Lee, Elaine Gan, Gilbert Thong, IvanThirumal, Jasmine Seh, Jenn Huei Liew, Jennifer Tan, Joanna Loy, Julie Chuah, Karen Lynn, Lina Wee, Poh Lynn Ng, Rachel Wong , RyanLeong, Samantha Hepburn, SarahLoh, Shannon Thirumal, WanTze Wong, Yin Sern Lim

Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2005 9:01 AM
Subject: RE:

It's the movie StarWars... Wanna watch?
Booked tickets for Thursday 8.45pm at Berjaya Times Square..

-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Ng
Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2005 11:37 PM
To: Lydia Koh Sook Mei
Cc: Ang Teck Wee; AnthonyRodrigues; Chooi Ying Tan; Corcin Tan; Daniel Ng; David Chong; Douglas Mac; Edrian John; Edwin Tan;Ee Lynn Lee; Elaine Gan; Gilbert Thong; Ivan Thirumal; Jasmine Seh; JennHuei Liew; Jennifer Tan; Joanna Loy; Julie Chuah;Karen Lynn; Lina Wee; Poh Lynn Ng; Rachel Wong (E-mail); Ryan Leong;Samantha Hepburn; Sarah Loh; Shannon Thirumal; Wan Tze Wong; Yin SernLim

Subject: Re:

Lydia,

what game is that? Would you mind if you give us a little more illustration???

With regards,
Peter Ng K.C.

----- Original Message -----
From: Lydia Koh Sook Mei
Date: Tuesday, May 17, 2005 11:17 am

Game for Star Wars on Thursday
Tell me before 12.30 k

Jokes to cool tension!

2005-05-17T09:31:00.000+08:00

The Equation:
7 Glance = 1Smile
7 Smile = 1 Meeting
7 Meeting = 1 Kiss
7 Kisses = 1 Proposal
7 Proposal = 1 Marriage
And that 1 Bloody marriage has
7777777777777 Problems.
So beware of glance!

Plan For Future:
Teacher asks children, what do u wish 2 do in future?
Ram: I want 2 b a pilot.
Vinod: I want 2 b a doctor.
Deepa: I want 2 b a good mother.
Ravi: I want 2 help Deepa.

Exams:
Exams are like GIRL FRIENDS;
1,Too Many Questions.
2,Difficult to Understand.
3,More Explanation is Needed.
4,Resultis always FAIL!

Liar:
A man is dying of Cancer.
His son asked him, Dad, why do you keep telling
people you're dying of AIDS?
Answer : So when I'm dead no one will dare touch your mom !

Delivered:
Sardar sent a SMS to his pregnant wife.
Two seconds later a report came to his phone and he started dancing.
The report said,DELIVERED

Three Feelings:
What's the difference between stress, tension and panic?
Stress is when wife is pregnant.
Tension is when girlfriend is pregnant, and
Panic is when both are pregnant.

Chinese Adam & Eve:
If Adam and Eve were Chinese, we would still be in paradise because
they would have ignored the apple and eaten the snake

Heaven's Door

2005-05-16T15:33:00.000+08:00

I was shocked, confused, bewildered as I entered Heaven's door, Not by the beauty of it all, by the lights or its decor. But it was the folks in Heaven who made me sputter and gasp--The thieves, the liars, the sinners, the alcoholics, the trash. There stood the kid from seventh grade who swiped my lunch money twice. Next to him was my old neighbor who never said anything nice. Herb , who I always thought was rotting away in hell, was sitting pretty on cloud nine, looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, "What's the deal? I would love to hear Your take. How'd all these sinners get up here? God must've made a mistake. And why 's everyone so quiet, so somber? Give me a clue." "Hush, child," said He. "They're all in shock. No one thought they'd see you."

Judge NOT...

Ben

2005-05-16T14:46:00.000+08:00

My first post