Merry Christmas!..... but happy new year? Hmm...

Wishing all my readers a blessed and happy Christmas!!! But I'm not too sure about a happy new year though.

Really, is every year happy? Disasters happens, politicians disappoints, economic gets worse, new disease evolves... happy?

Couples break up, marriages divorced, people getting raped and killed, wars break out, unborn babies left for dead, poverty spreading... happy?

Death toll rises, accident rates increases, law breakers growing bolder.... happy?

You may ask, "Why so serious son? Why look at the down side of life? Let's look at the other side of it. Let's put a smile on that face."

Looking back at every beginning of a new year, everyone habours their own hopes and dreams of what they want to achieve and accomplish in this coming year. Everyone wants to start the year great, and end the year great too. However, sometimes, things may not go according to plan. I'm sure this is a commonly known factor. Then again, although it may not happen according to plan, some other events takes place, that MAKES IT BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL PLAN.

And now, looking back at 2009, although it may not have been a happy year, but still, it's a year of learning, experiencing and enjoying everything God has layout-ed for us.

Hence, I shall change this term. No longer shall I say, "Happy New Year", but I shall say.....

BLESSED NEW YEAR

~eNd~

T-Shirt =)

Got this class t-shirt from goodness know who, but what was written on the t-shirt was AWESOME! (Now it's my turn to get addicted to that word) Heh. Check this out.

I had a great life
I made great friends
Studied in a great school
Went through lots of s**t,
Drill, detentions, falling in love,
Smoke, songkla, girlfriends,
Boyfriends, komunis, rebels,
Senior masters, troubles,
Been there, done that,
Went through hard times 'n good times in
School
And finally, I graduated....
AND ALL I GOT
WAS THIS
LOUSY T-SHIRT.

The Day After Tomorrow vs 2012

vs

Two of these great movies, made by Roland Emmerich, all about what will happen in the future. Big hits, graphics beyond words, and destructive power of mother nature. Here's my own compare-contrast of these two movies:

A - Plot
Similarities: Both these stories talks about what will happen in the future, and Roland gave us a glance, or plotted a scenario, of perhaps what may happen or how it can actually happen. Both stories also shown that warnings were already given earlier. However, it's due to human selfishness that they choose not to take action immediately, thinking that everything is going to be alright, until it ACTUALLY happens.

Speaking of selfishness, there are also characters in the story whom were selfish. In "The Day After Tomorrow", the Vice President of the United States chose not to listen to Professor Jack Hall about the warnings that Jack wanted to give to the VP. It was not until super bad weather came to America did that make him a believer.

Same goes for 2012, although slightly different. Mr. Anheuser, the President's Chief of Staff, knew what was going on, knew the dangers, but decided to go with protocols, which was only to escort important people only. It was not until the persuasion of Professor Adrian Helmsley to the leaders of other countries did he reluctantly let the people on board the "Ark", which he initially didn't.

One last point, and it's kind of typical: From what I've noticed so far, there will bound to be people who survive these catastrophic events. It's just how they survived it. And mind you, some of the things in the movies ONLY.HAPPENS.THERE.

Differences: The contrast here, is due to the title itself, though it just dawned upon my that maybe Roland Emmerich likes the number three. In "The Day After Tomorrow", everything happens in 3 days. Today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, hence the title. Makes sense. Likewise for 2012. The development of the story in the movie took 3 years, before everything happened in 2012, which also, hence the title. Contrast is, one happens in days, the other in years. Hmm....

B - Characters
Similarities: In both these movies, the main characters, which are Dennis Quaid and John Cusack respectively, had their family to take care of. Both these characters had to go to the extreme to make sure of their family's safety.

Differences: Simple. One had to go all the way from South to North to get his son, while the other had to keep his son and daughter out of trouble. Meh.

C - Death of American Presidents
Similarities: In both these movies, both American Presidents died. Unlike Independence Day, where the President was one of the heroes to stay alive, both President Blake (The Day After Tomorrow), and President Wilson (2012) did not make out of the disasters alive. From what I can see, Roland does respect the President a lot, and even though they died, they did not died in vain.

In "The Day After Tomorrow", President Blake made sure that everyone had the opportunity to take shelter in Mexico, as the storm was hitting Washington hard. Upon knowing that there was still a last escort vehicle, he finally decided to escape, but couldn't make it as the storm overwhelmed the vehicle.

In 2012, President Wilson decided to stay behind to let the people know about what is actually going on. He also felt guilty for not having informed them earlier, and decided to stay to be with his fellow Americans, as he was quoted in the movie saying, "I'll be the last President of this country (America)

Differences: How they died. Naturally, both were killed by mother nature. It's just that President Wilson died a more pitiful death. President Blake's death was not shown, although it was made known that the vehicle he was travelling in did not make it to Mexico.

After President Wilson's decision to stay, he allowed people to come into the White House to take shelter. He stumbled along this kid who could not find her father. Deciding to help, he went out to seek for it, coming across a rescuer who was apparently busy with his own stuff, until he realised that it was the President addressing him. However, before Wilson could even ask for the favour, a massive earthquake hit Washington, and the Washington monument fell. Viewers would have thought he died there, but not apparently so. His death was only "completed" when a megatusnami brought along a USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier, and crushed the White House, along with everybody there. I thought he might still live, till I saw that. Blek.

D - Disasters and graphics
Similarities: If there's one thing I like about Americans, it's how they are capable of making such movies. To actually think of how to world gets frozen up or destroyed is not easy. Not only that, the organization of ideas about how a certain event follow after another, and how to make it look real, and bottom line, how to put everything into place.... Man, you've just got to give it to them.

Although all facts in the movie may not be true, screw it. I mean, I don't pay to watch a movie where I'd want to argue about whether whatever is happening in the movie is all true or real. I just want to watch it. ^^v

In both these movies, graphics are more or less the same, though it's more dramatic in 2012. Both these movies showed the destructive power of mother nature, and some of the things that happened really amazes me, things that I never thought of that is. Like, how the temperature can drop so much till it forms an eye that looks like a massive hurricance-like superstorm (The Day After Tomorrow), or how lands can actually go up, and sink like Titanic (2012). The best part was, in the former movie, how everything can instantly freeze up, while in the latter, how Hawaii can..... Errupt. ^^v

Differences: How mother nature striked. In "The Day After Tomorrow", mother nature striked in terms of how global warming normally would. Multiple hurricances at once, and ohh, hurricances forming to make a bigger one! Fancy that. Lots of rain and snow. All due to the selfishness of men of not taking care of the enviroment. All of it coming from above, even the falling of... Ice. =p

In 2012, everything comes from below. As the core of the earth heated up super fast, it dries up everything, which also causes land to crack, waters to boil, and places and volcanoes to errupt.

E - Love Triangle? Hmm...
Similarities: In both these movies, there's a love triangle. Sam and J.D gunning for Laura Chapman (The Day After Tomorrow), and Jackson Curtis having to struggle seeing his ex-wife Kate being with plastic surgeon Gordon (2012). It's from here, that we go to the differences.

Differences: Of course, the main difference is, one love triangle is between youths, and the other among adults. Also, in "The Day After Tomorrow", J.D indirectly "admitted" defeat, and admits himself that Laura likes Sam. J.D, who was initially Sam's rival, became good friends with Sam in the end. However, in 2012, Gordon didn't want to give up on Kate, although he was able to see that Kate still loves Jackson.

Ohh yeah, J.D survived, and Gordon died.

"Haha, ha, haha, hahaha, ha, ah ho heh heh, ahha, ah ho hee ha, haha. And I thought MY jokes were bad."

~eNd~

Really, is it necessary?

Liverpool fell to a 2-0 defeat to bottom club Porstmouth last Saturday (18th December). Although there's always a saying of not to underestimate your opponents, surely Liverpool should be a ble to beat them. But they fell.

Nothing seems to have gone right for them this season. Injuries to key players early on, a couple of red cards, out of the Campions League, 8th in the table, and the departure of one of their key player, Xabi Alonso. Pretty much sums up where they are now till date.

Criticisms has come in heavy, lots of fans, inevitably hurt, as they're paying money to watch Liverpool. All these are understandable.

But really, I wished all of you just SHUT UP.

Yeah, maybe something's happening inside Liverpool, maybe there's a crisis going on within, but whatever is it, one should just let Liverpool handle it on their own. I mean, what's the point of telling what Rafael Benitez should do with his team? What's the point of telling who should start, and who should be on the bench?

You know, it's like being hypocrites: when Liverpool wins, all of you say, "Yay!!". When Liverpool loses, you say, "Boo". To those who says Lucas and Dirk Kuyt should sit on the bench, tell me, would you say the same damn thing if Liverpool were winning and they didn't perform? If you say yes, you're just a liar.

You think Rafa is going to take all of your advices, and ACTUALLY go according to your wish? You might as well be the manager then. Or so the saying goes, "Easier said than done."

My goodness, the comments I see everywhere, it hurts. I may not know how it actually feels, but put yourself in the managers shoe, and see what these comments will do to you. If all of your criticisms actually had a role in Liverpool's poor form, I'm not surprised.

For me, I rather not say anything. It's not going to change anything either. Change can only happen within, and it's up to Liverpool Football Club to decide what they want to do. All we can hope for is that they will be wise in their decision making. Otherwise, we might as well change the entire board all together.

Liverpool fans always say, "YNWA, or You Never Walk Alone." Are you fans really living up to this theme? Yes I know, fans can have a say, but at least watch your words. Otherwise, you ARE leaving Rafael Benitez alone.

Or some may say, "It's YOU whose leaving Benitez alone, not voicing out anything." Well, sometimes, it's just best to SHUT THE HELL UP, and let things be handled the hard way.

All the best, Rafael Benitez. If you go, I wouldn't be surprised. However, if you stay, I wouldn't be surprised either.

Look at Mark Hughes.

~eNd~

Of Christmas presentations and Youth Camp 2009...

Man, for that weekend, I loved the word "proximity", where everything is close to me. In terms of distance that is.

When I first heard that our Youth Camp was to be held in Grand Kampar Hotel, I was like, "Wao." Then I thought, "Hey, maybe it ain't going to be so bad after all." So yeah, I waited for Youth Camp day to come.

While waiting, I was also busy with something else: CGBC Campus Connect's Christmas play. It was a short one, but nevertheless meaningful. The planning process wasn't easy, and adding the fact that we had to practise during examination period makes it all the more difficult, though I praise God most of us had only two or three subjects, as it was a short semester.

Then something struck me. Both these events above clashed on the same day: December 17th. Dilemma. Knowing camp rules, one is to attend all sessions, yet being committed to this Christmas event requires me to skip the 1st session. Boo. I wanted to say no to Youth Camp, but I was requested to lead worship on the last day of the camp. In the end, I signed up for it anyway. Blek=p

Anyways, the day came where everything was to start. Having requested permission to miss the 1st session, I went to church to be with my cast. I was the narrator by the way. ^^v

The story was simple, and it's entitled: The Greatest Gift. It talks about a ToyMaker, who had this Toyland which opens every December. Children came to receive free gifts. However, the ToyMaker wanted and heir to his Toyland. He then decided to place a special inheritance note in his favourite doll, which was special to him during his childhood days, as it brought joy to him, and was also his source of inspiration.

Four children came into the Toyland, and each of them found their respective toys, toys that either suits their status or beauty only. They however, despised this girl who picked up and ugly doll. This doll however, was THE favourite doll of the ToyMaker, and to cut the story short, she inherited the Toyland.

It's a metaphor to the story of how God sent His only Son to Earth. Many people would choose the things of this world, but not Him. Get the idea? Heh.

It turned out successful after all. Praise God to all the cast, and those who has been working hard behind the sence.

Camp! Finally. I went to the hotel close to midnight. By that time, the 1st session has already ended, but to me, the camp was just about to begin.

It's very rare to have a youth camp in a hotel. With hotel however, it means beautiful bedrooms, washrooms, and views. Grand Kampar Hotel was no different, but only in terms of the first two. As for the last one, I've been seeing it for the past two and a half years. That's the only drawback.

Heck, I enjoyed the camp. The speaker spoke about an extreme makeover, as it was this year's camp theme. Not only that, there was once again, a high praise to enjoy. What was different this time is, there was a talent time, and also, an extreme makeover competition.

In this extreme makeover competition, each group is to send a representative to have them makeover-ed. Each representative is also interviewed before the competition that night. I was bombed with the duty of an interviewer on that morning. Heck, I did it anyway, and I enjoyed it too^^v

2nd night was really entertaining. There were performances, group dancing, and singing too. The performances that caught my eye was Ming Sheng's group, Edwin's solo dance, and the Lopez brothers' singing. However, MY pick for the night was the special guest performance, a dance by Edwin, Vincent, Joel, and Sunny.

Joel is so natural. Joel is a born dancer. I love you Joel!!!!!! (and everybody goes - sweat =.=''')

Anyways, before the whole thing started, A. Mariane asked us to sing Christmas carolls as the contestants and judges ready themselves. Man, I enjoyed it too, 'cause we managed to create our own "Angels we have heard on high" version!!! Not much difference though, but still, it's different. BLEK =p

Next morning a.k.a last day of the camp came, and lots of people, as expected were either getting sick, or sick already. I was one of them, almost having a sore throat, and wondering how was I going to lead that morning. Praise God though, for He took away the soreness, and yeah, I managed to lead after all. Glory to Him!!

Packing up time, and everyone had their last meal in the hotel. The food in the hotel wasn't all that bad, though I still kind of prefer to eat out. Heh. Perhaps too used to the food outside. Anyways, I had to leave early, 'cause I had to bring my motorbike back, and the weather wasn't too convincing at that time. However, it ended up not raining after all. Boo.

Reached home safely, but only managed a 45 minutes nap. Went to church for practise for next morning's service, then off to another musical play. ;)

This time it was FGA's Christmas Musical in Elim Gospel Hall, and damn, was it not worth it.

THE MUSIC WAS AWESOME! In case you didn't know, all the music they played that night was of their own! They created their own music! Fancy that. It may be simple and all, but try asking me to do it, and I'll fail. ^^v

yOu did well. Proud^^

Ps: Photos will come soon I hope. If there's one thing I hate, it's not having my own damn camera. Meh.

~eNd~

Came to my Rescue - Hillsong United

Falling on my knees in worship
Giving all I am to seek your face
Lord all I am is yours

My whole life
I place in your hands
God of Mercy
Humbled I bow down
In your presence at your throne

I called you answered
And you came to my rescue and I
I wanna be where you are

In my life be lifted high
In our world be lifted high
In our love be lifted high

Sing (Your Love) - Hillsong United

Verse 1:
It used to be darkness
Without you I
I lived my life in blindness
But now I am found

Chorus"
And I'll sing, sing I love You so
And I'll sing
Because the world can't take away
Your love

Verse 2:
Found me in weakness
Broken
You came to me in kindness
And now I live

Bridge:
I'll give my life for you Lord
For all you've done

AWESOME!!!!!

Just came back from camp and FGA's Christmas musical play, and both were awesome! Will update in due time.

I missed going online. Blek XD

~eNd~

He's in control....

Many times we forget that God's in control. We let circumstances take control of our emotions, and decision makings, while forgetting about the One whose letting all these happen.

There is no denying the fact that it's all naturally human; one would rarely think of God will things happen. Sometimes it's all too quick; everything just happens in a flash. However, even then, we must always come back to God, and to know that He is letting everything happen for a purpose.

Purpose? What sort of purpose?

Most of the time (or at least as far as I know), it's for character molding. Imagine a life without problems. Everything is happy, care-free, easy. Everyone is happy with each other, no hatred or love lost, no prejudices, no anger. Might as well make it Cybertron (but heck, even the Transformers got feelings. Blek =p)

Point is, all that is mentioned above WILL.NEVER.HAPPEN. Please. It's kind of evident everywhere. Almost. War-torn countries, politicians going against each other, broken families, unlasting relationships. You name it, this world has it.

Perhaps the scoop above is too big for some. Let's minimize it. Problems with work and studies. Ahh.... That's better. Lots happens everyday, definitely. There's rarely a day we can escape without problems, and I think everyone knows this by now. However, once again, we have a God to look to for help, to help us not only in overcoming the problem, but also seeing us through.

So let us be reminded everyday that God's in control. Nothing happens without His permission. Whichever road you choose, or decision you make, God's in control.

I guess it's all about trusting^^v

~eNd~

Cute Blog

Man, YOU'VE JUST GOTTA SEE THIS!!!!!



http://mymilktoof.blogspot.com

This close to death...

It was pouring quite bad. He was walking, fully suited: jacket on the inside, raincoat on the outside. Helmet on his head, green file on his right-hand, and his brown metal-like bottle on his left. He was suppose to fetch his coursemate home, but someone else offered her a better alternative back.

And it's a good thing she didn't follow him.

Rain was pelting against the 20 year old English major, but that was the least of his concern. He was used to it, as weather in Kampar has recently not been that well, so it's not his first time. However, THIS was his first time.

Riding at about 70km/h, his motorbike suddenly began to slow down. He said to himself, "Great. Of all times." With rain seeming to get a little heavier, he desperately tried to restart his motor, but it just wouldn't start. Cars wizzed by him at quite a speed, but he didn't think that a car would come straight at him.

Suddenly, something made him look at his review mirror. A car was coming behind him at about 60-70km/h, and it's coming up fast. He thought, "Surely the driver would avoid me." However, at the same time, he also thought, "What if the driver does not know that I'm stationary?"

Stunned, he was waiting for it to happened.

It didn't. The driver managed to notice in time, stepped on his break at full force, and somehow managed to avoid crashing into him. He thought to himself, "That was a close call." The driver, with his friend meanwhile, were at the car, breathing sighs of relief, the driver in particular. Gesturing to to the driver, he signal that everything's ok, and also sorry. The driver didn't know what to say, but gestured back as well, and drove off.

He then decided to push the motor to the closest workshop, but only for the shop owner to tell him that the problem was so minute. Thinking to himself, "What the heck...", he slowly turned his motor back on the road.

The coursemate that offered his friend the alternative to go back home happened to drop by, and ask for his condition. Giving a thumb up, he said, "I'm cool."

He then continued his ride home.

Blue is the Colour

The sky is not as clear
As it was previously
Thin layer of clouds
Covers the blue ray of the universe

I've seen
Clear blue skies before
With clouds forming a circle
Indirect
Like a storm cloud
Forming around
To freeze everything instantly
It was beautiful

Then I begin to wonder
Why is the sky blue
Then I also started to wonder
Why is everything in its respective colour
But I was focusing more on the sky

Then I remembered a song
My dad was singing
"Painter of the Sky"
Then I realise
There's no need to think
Of why the sky is blue
It's because
It's the colour
God has chosen

~eNd~