T H E C H R O N I C L E S O F T H E K U N G F U H A M S T E R

Untitled

2009-01-22T20:08:00.001+08:00

Its really peaceful and quiet in the school tonight.

Posted via email from Adam's posterous

Lets get suicidal

2009-01-18T09:37:00.001+08:00

Had a 4 patty mega Big Mac. Between that and the upsized coke, I'll probably die in the next 20 minutes or so. O.o

Posted via email from Adam's posterous

Get Some Rest

2008-12-09T18:20:00.001+08:00

Don't overwork yourself.

Rest when you are tired.

Even God rested on the seventh day after creating the world.

Posted via email from Adam's posterous

Travelling abroad

2008-12-01T15:42:00.001+08:00

I usually enjoy travelling overseas on holiday. Its enriching to be immersed in another culture and refreshing to be in a completely different environment. But travelling for work - well that's a completely different thing.
I had a 28 day holiday last year to australia - the longest I have ever been overseas. Unfortunately it was for reservist training and I spent most of that time in the desert communing with spiders. So that pretty much sucked.
Then there's travelling with students. Its enjoyable to travel with them learning more about them and their personalities. If you think travelling with kids is stressful, try travelling with forty. I'm responsible for them and ultimately I feel like a tour guide. Could never fully relax on a school tour. So that pretty much sucks too.
Then there's traveling for business. Travelling as a buyer has its perks. Since I source for suppliers, vendors usually meet me in big luxury cars and wine and dine me at expensive restaurants. Best treatment I have ever gotten was from this agency in Brussels where they put me in a presidential suite. Dinner ranged from caviar to lobster and wagyu beef. But its stressful when you have to make a decision who to give the $1.5 million to and whose services are best value for money. So that pretty much is a great experience until the last 2 days. So that half sucks.
Will have to travel tomorrow to Stockhölm for business. Well, i'll enjoy myself while i can. After I return, its back to work again.

Posted by email from Adam's posterous

The old piano

2008-11-28T10:47:00.001+08:00

This is my old piano. It has been with me for as long as I can remember. It accompanied me from grade one. I practiced scales on it.
Through it I have explored music by Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and others. This was the piano that I broke a finger when I was attempting to play Rachmaninov at twice the recommended speed limit. This was the piano that I composed my wedding march on. This is the piano that has taken my frustrations and anger. It has endured Proviofiev played on it at twice the recommended volume. It has taken a beating and several broken strings when I crashed Beethoven through it.
This piano has been banged on and repeatedly abused by me.
Still it remains, faithful to the last, still producing music for me. Cheers my old friend. Heres to many more
musical years to come.

Posted by email from Adam's posterous

Travelling

2008-11-28T09:35:00.001+08:00

Business trip coming

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A Matter of Perception

2008-11-26T18:59:00.001+08:00

In the US, bank owners beg the government for help to get through one of the worst financial crisis ever. Yet they can afford to fly their private jets to the capitol to beg for money. Am I missing something here?

In Singapore, consumers complain about rising prices and the lack of government handouts as they brace themselves to ride out a looming recession. Yet, people are out in droves doing their Christmas shopping. Number of cars sold have tripled this month. Am I missing something here?

At work, we grapple with manpower shortage every year as we struggle to deploy teachers to cover all classes and subjects. Yet, through the year, we volunteer and participate in one ministry initiative after another with wild abandon. Am I missing something here?

Posted by email from Adam's posterous

Christmas and Commercialism

2008-11-22T14:13:00.001+08:00

It is quite disturbing to see how commercialism and retail interests have completely removed the meaning of Christmas. Everywhere I look, christmas has now been changed into a shopping season, not unlike the Great Singapore Sale. It has become an eating season. Everywhere we see images of talking reindeer, fat old men dressed in fur, moving snowmen and other freakish talking animals.
To me, Christmas has always been the rememberance of the birth of Jesus, the day hope was given to the world. As fortold in Genesis, "Man was given mortal pain, but the blessed God came down, teaching that his death will bring to man, comfort." Christmas is joy tinged with sadness, knowing that it took the death of an innocent man to save us from our sin, that the omnipotent God would choose to die for an ungrateful race, that we are given a gift so precious that none of us deserve it. That is theChristmas present that was given on Cristmas day. That is the gift we have to give to others on this day.
Yet, we are told by retail outlets that Christmas presents are material possessions. That happiness is a big lcd television set. That happiness is the newest electronic gizmo. That happiness is having a lavish meal of overpriced beef. That is the biggest deception of the world, that possessions bring happiness.
So at Christmas, I don't usually buy gifts. People may say that I am stingy. But why perpetuate a lie?
Rather I try to present the gift that is much more important, especially to those who have yet to receive this gift. The gift of life, and a life living with a closeness to a loving God. What else could possibly bring greater happiness?

Posted by email from Adam's posterous

Back to work

2008-11-21T09:30:00.001+08:00

Its back to work soon for me. 2 weeks of napping, training, eating, napping, jumping into rivers, napping, playing in the rain, napping, dodging lightning and napping has come to a close. Now its back to real work. Time to check on my new posting and meet up with my new boss. Then its back to planning for the new year. Well, i'll look forward to the next round of reservist training. It has been refreshing.

Posted by email from Adam's posterous

Rain rain rain

2008-11-19T21:31:00.001+08:00

The rain is incessant. If i was at home dry and in bed now, i would be pretty happy with the cool weather. But i'm cold and wet without any proper shelter now, so the rain is just shitty now. Well, at least there's no lightning now.

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Almost Dieded

2008-11-19T18:43:00.001+08:00

The line between life and death is very narrow. One minute you are taking a piss in the forest and the next thing you know, a lightning bolt just misses you, but leaves enough of a charred smell and frizzes your hair enough for you to truly appreciate life all over again. Thank God i'm still alive. I've had 3 close brushes with death before. But dying by being struck by lightning while pissing in the jungle is seriously the most unglam way to die. Glad i didn't.

Posted by email from Adam's posterous

What a night

2008-11-18T09:06:00.001+08:00

Honestly, you never know what reservists are truely capable of in a pinch. We are a rowdy, lethargic and arguably ill disciplined lot. We complain repeatedly and vociferously. But when its time for serious training and when we have important tasks to accomplish, we really pull together in a most astonishing way that seems like we have been working together for ages. Never judge a book by its cover. Never judge a team's productivity by outward behaviour. Perhaps its just me or my leadership style. But my teams invariably are the loudest complainers, the most ill disciplined and that usually worries my superiors. But in a pinch, we pull together and accomplish what we set out to do. Thus i have no regrets about how i lead. After all, results are important. But how we get there is even more important. If i can make that journey more bearable, then shouldn't i as the leader do so? We do what needs to be done. We try to do what could be done and we don't give a shit about what doesn't contribute to our mission. Keep morale high and look after the team's welfare. And i can't case less what others may think. I am always proud of the teams i have led. Everything else is inconsequential.

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Round 2

2008-11-17T10:07:00.001+08:00

Driving the leopard tank is really fun. It's pretty nimble for such a heavy tank. But there are too few tanks here for too many trainees. That means the engine can't really keep up with our repeated abuse and breakdowns are far too common. The machines just can't take it without sufficient rest. Its the same at my soon to be former workplace i suppose. Too many activities and too few manpower. Even humans breakdown when used repeatedly with insufficient rest. Can be seen through the high mc rate. Its sad that the top leader doesn't see it that way. But such policies are out of my control. I just said what i needed to say to that person. If it wasn't taken in the right spirit then there's nothing more i can do. It was an interesting week nonetheless. Lets see how much fun this week's water borne training will be. :)

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Day 2

2008-11-11T07:56:00.001+08:00

Second day of napping. Its quite refreshing to be attending a course where no one can fail. No pressure at all. And thus the extraordinary amount of napping time. Today is a test day. One test on safety where we just do it on the computer until we pass. One technical specs test which is an oral test. Trainer can't fail anyone today, else we'll effectively be excused from the rest of the training. Must remember to sit near a wall to facilitate my primary mission. Napping. O_o

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Day one

2008-11-10T14:03:00.001+08:00

I am officially serving my country today. Unfortunately it has been raining all day and outdoor training has been cancelled. Just passing time now. I've been napping far too much today. Free food and excessive sleeping. Looks like the spare tire will be inflated over the next 2 weeks. Whoever said that reservist training was a free weight loss / fitness programme? Crap.

Posted by email from Adam's posterous

Savouring the Moments

2008-11-08T14:12:00.002+08:00

Its saturday baking time. The souffle turned out quite well. Tasted great. But took almost 4 hours to prepare and then to bake it for just the right amount to time. Eating it took us a total of 7 minutes. Then comes the washing up. I suppose life is like that. Long hours of work and toil, then a short enjoyment period before starting on the next catch of work and toil. The trick is to savour the moments when they do come. Don't bitch about the work that has already been done and not to worry about the work that is yet to come. Savour the moments!

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2008-11-07T23:11:00.002+08:00

What’s outside this blanket I’ve been under? Is it a scary place? Or is it a lovely place? Won’t know till I look. But I’m afraid to look. I’m so comfortable under here. But maybe there’s a better world outside? Better take a peep first. Have to start somewhere.

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Its The Weekend!

2008-11-07T18:33:00.001+08:00

The weekend is finally here. End of pointless and circuitous meetings. This is also my unofficial last working day. Next comes two weeks of reservist training. Strangely, it is usually this reservist training period that i get my best rest. o_O

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My daughter and her best friend

2008-11-07T16:47:00.002+08:00

Testing image post via Posterous

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Happy Birthday!

2008-08-28T18:28:00.001+08:00

Chicken Chicken Chicken

2008-08-14T12:49:00.001+08:00

Chicken Chicken Chicken

Chicken Chicken Chicken
Chicken Chicken Chicken?

Chicken Chicken Chicken
Chicken Chicken Chicken
Chicken Chicken Chicken.

More Marking

2008-08-03T17:09:00.001+08:00

May: Marking Mid Year Exams
Jul: Marking Class Tests and AA
Aug: Marking Mock Exams / CA2 Tests
Sep: Marking Prelims / N Levels
Oct: Marking End of Year Exams

+ One Teacher managing all graduating classes

= Shortage of red ink
= Loss of Family Life
= Lack of Hobbies
= Extremely Pissed

Principles of Economics

2008-07-31T10:34:00.001+08:00

I studied Manqiw in NUS and thought this was hilarious.

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T05:14:00.001+08:00

I can do all things, through Him who strengthens me.
Phillipians 4:13

Marking Marking Marking

2008-05-14T11:44:00.001+08:00

450 scripts, poor handwriting, mini handwriting, poor grammar, 9 burnt nights and 28 cups of coffee.

Pepsi Anyone?...

2008-02-21T08:23:00.002+08:00

My Bird Story

2008-01-30T18:35:00.000+08:00

My Bird Story

Once upon a time, there was a hardworking dedicated Sparrow called X, teaching several chicks how to fly. The head of the Sparrow Flight School was an Eagle called M.

M: What are you doing?

X: I'm teaching the chicks how to fly.

M: But all I see is them flapping their wings while on the ground.

X: Yes?

M: They have been doing this for the past few days.Why haven't I seen any more exciting and engaging flying lessons from you?

X: Well, they need to strengthen their wings before they can fly. So we need to Drill this skill into them, and have them Practice as much as possible.

M: But is that all they are doing? They look bored and some don't want to do it. You should stretch them further.

X: Yes, we do stretching exercises before and after...

M: No, I mean why aren't they engaged in independant learning? They are only doing what you tell them to do.

X: Yes, because I have flown beofore, they haven't.

M: But are they truly engaged?

X: How much more engagement can there be when they do what they should be doing?

M: It is important for the chicks to think about flying. They could be doing a journal where they can reflect on their learning for they day. Get them to reflect on their flapping process. Get them to think about the philosophy of flying. The flapping teaches them perserverence, not to give up, and resilience. They need to think about these things. See, these are very exciting ideas you could incorporate into your lessons.

X: But they haven't flown yet.

M: That doesn't matter! They can still think about flying! They can also be reflecting on more advanced skills. Give them the exposure to try aerobatics, they will need these skills in Advanced Flight school. And it is up to you as the flight instructor to do this.

X: Look, there are other flight school around, the Mynah Flight School, and they believe in Drilling the skill and practicing them repeatedly so that they are ready when the flight exam comes. And they have a very high passing rate.

M: Must we just follow what others are doing? We Do It Differently here. We believe in what we are doing don't we?

X: Only you seem to. But don't you think that if they do something that shows results, we should learn from them? Especially if their chicks began with smaller wings than ours?

M: Don't you agree that wholistic education is important?

X: Yes, but...

M: Good!Thats a start!

X: But there are some problems we need to discuss...

M: Lets park these problems. We know we want to do this, so lets just hear your ideas on how this can be done.

X: You know, you need to stop inturrupting me and let me finish my sentances.

M: Well, I'm direct, thats the type of person I am.

X: Okay... well, yes, thinking is good, but in our society, we have a high stakes exams that all chicks must go through. Spending time doing other things is good, but the main reason they are in a Flight School is to learn how to fly. Less time spent practicing their drills, means their wings are weaker. If they fail the flight exam, their choices will be limited.

M: If your chicks fail, it means that you and your flight instructors have not been good enough to really engage them in learning how to fly. We need to look at the instructors pedagogies and really level them up.

X: Yes, well and good, but if they do not keep on practicing through their drilling and practicing, they will fail! They have to jump off a tree and actually fly! Not jump of the tree and think about flying. They will crash into the ground thinking they could fly!

M: Why are you so negative? In the Eagle Flight School where I came from, our chicks were taught thinking skills, and still they succeeded in the Flight test! And many other flight schools like the Osprey and Hawk Flight schools are doing this!

X: But their wings are bigger when they enter the Flight school!

M: You seem to be in the box. You keep on having these Self Justifying images about the inadequacies of our chicks. Remember that you must expect greatness!

X: If their wings are not big enough, they still need to strengthen them before flying. They need to progress slowly through the necessary stages. Once they clear the flight exam, they have more time in advanced flight school to learn the more advanced skills...

M: Is the exams really the most important thing? Do we want to just produce chicks who can clear the flight exam?

X: Thats why we are called a FLIGHT SCHOOL. What good is teaching them these advanced skills when they are going to jump off that tree and splatter on the ground? They will become crippled and that would severely restrict their choices later in life...

M: Well, this discussion has been a fruitful one. There were many ideas discussed, but I think that you are not ready to face reality yet. Lets park these and come back to them again when our Management Council next meets. In the meantime, go and prepare for your performance review session. remember, that our Core business is teaching chicks how to fly. If we fail in it, then we really shouldn't be here at all.

X: LPPL...

Math Problem

2008-01-25T18:59:00.000+08:00

Any Math wizzes out there care to tell me whats wrong with this solution?

a=b
aa=ab
a2=ab
a2-b2=ab-b2
(a+b)(a-b)=b(a-b)
a+b=b
b+b=b
2b=b
2=1

Too much mouse clicking...

2008-01-20T13:33:00.000+08:00

Ouch...

Subaru and Hedgehogs

2008-01-19T12:29:00.000+08:00

Found this joke on a motoring website.

What's the difference between a Subaru WRX and a hedgehog?

A hedgehog has its pricks on the outside.

Officially Retired

2008-01-06T20:56:00.000+08:00

I've decided to officially retire from online gaming.

I just don't have the time or energy to play any longer. Too many responsibilities in RL.
I started playing this Maple Story game when it was just a small cutsie game two years ago.
Now it is a huge deal and I think overpopulated where the server gets overcrowded during the weekends.

I have met good online pals through this game. I have also met childish morons in this game.
But overall, after 180+ levels, frankly, the game just gets a little boring.

My epitah:
1992 - 1995 : Online gaming through a 14.4k modem playing the original DOOM and mini BBS games. Those were the days.

1995 - 1999: My university days were spent playing MUDs: HOTL3 (on the NUS server no less!). Also started Counterstrike then. My favourite past time was to play a sniper who hid in an obscure corner of the map and listening to all the vulgarities as I head-shot anyone I could (including allies...)

1999 - 2003: Mostly Blizzard games, especially Warcraft and Starcraft on the Blizzard servers. Also Age of Empires with various international opponents.

2004 - 2005: Took a break: Didn't have time to play games.

2005 - 2007: Maplestory, Lineage, HALO and other games like Warcraft 3 and AOE2 and 3. Mostly to relax on weekends.

2008: RIP. Too tired to carry on.

To my friends:

Mr....... : You are an idiot to the end. But fun to talk to.
Ye....... : The helm is really ugly. Do you want it?
C0....... : LOL, you always die too quickly. Get a faster computer for the zakum runs.
Ma...... : Thank you for introducing me to this crap game and for wating my life!
Di....... : Leveled 100+ times with you. Your spelling / typing skills still suck.
Ra..... : I'll log on a couple of times to lend you money. Don't worry.
Re.... : I still refuse to spend any real money on this game!

Back From the Desert

2007-12-24T15:07:00.000+08:00

This was the longest reservist training I have ever been on. But it was a welcome break. Mostly physical exertions and very little mental exertion. Perhaps the SOPs have already been so well ingrained that we could do our jobs in our sleep.

Things I learnt from the desert:

1. Never... ever... go to Rockhampton for holidays - you could finish the tour in 10 minutes.

2. Always... always check your boots / shoes / clothes for insectoid visitors that may have taken up residence. I found 2 scorpions, 3 spiders and a mystery insect I could not identify.

3. Never play around with mystery insects. The one I found sleeping in my boots could spray something nasty from its butt.

4. Kangaroos can be suicidal. One in particular insisted on calmly hanging around the bombardment area. It was splatter soon after. Kangaroo splatter really stinks.

5. In a tank, and when an animal suddenly crosses your path, the rule is to go straight through them and clean the tank afterwards. This has been ingrained into my head after 30 days of maneuvers. So be careful when I am driving and you decide to jaywalk into my path.

6. 30 days without mental stimulation can drive a person nuts. My driver decided to start catching and classifying poisonous spiders on day 15. My gunner decided the tank turret was highly entertaining and started trying using it to swipe passing wildlife. By day 30, we had a broken down turret, and 28 spiders in different ziplock bags.

7. Spiders are pretty flammable.

8. 28 spiders in one ziplock bag will kill each other in a royal rumble. The black widow is a small spider, but it could survive the longest in a royal rumble.

9. Wallabies like to shit together with you when you are in the bush.

10. Scorpions are not particularly flammable.

11. Beware to NSmen who have excess diesel and matches. Everything becomes a science lesson on combustability.

Faith

2007-10-04T17:55:00.000+08:00

Faith

by Czeslaw Milosz

Faith is in you whenever you look
At a dewdrop or a floating leaf
And know that they are because they have to be.
Even if you close your eyes and dream up things
The world will remain as it has always been
And the leaf will be carried by the waters of the river.

You have faith also when you hurt your foot
Against a sharp rock and you know
That rocks are here to hurt our feet.
See the long shadow that is cast by the tree?
We and the flowers throw shadows on the earth.
What has no shadow has no strength to live.

Psalm 73

2007-10-03T04:13:00.000+08:00

Today I attended a funeral.

Unlike funerals in the past where it has been those of elderly grand aunts or grandparents, this was the funeral of a classmate. He was one of my close friends from my youth.

He had everything going for him. He was an extraordinary businessman and financial consultant. Just 4 months ago, he told me he had $12 million in assets. He showed me his bankbook which was filled with 6 figure entries. He drove me to an expensive restaurant at Clarke quay in an expensive Lamborghini which had an ICE system that rivaled GV cinemas. We ate a 5 course meal which cost close to $5000 (almost my entire month’s salary) that included a bottle of 40 year old scotch whiskey. Yes, he was drunk by the end of the dinner so I had to drive him home. First time in my life I drove a Lamborghini. I was terrified of scratching the car.

He offered me a job in his company as Managing Director and dangled a 5 figure salary in front of me.

He seemed to have everything and I have to confess, there was a time when I was almost envious of him and his successes. Outwardly, he was the picture of wealth, success and happiness.

But inwardly, he was a mess. He confessed to me that he could not trust anyone in his company and was suspicious all the time of people whom he thought were out to cheat him of his wealth. He had a foul temper as a result and the turnover rate of his company was extremely high. He was deeply frightened of illness and even more frightened of death. He was an alcoholic and he confessed to me that he had taken drugs to escape his fears and stress.

Here was a man who had nothing to live for except money.

So in June, I agreed to work for him in a London based job but only as a temporary arrangement. I travelled with him to London and managed his conference for him. But in the evenings, I listened to his problems and counseled him the best I could. And introduced him to Jesus. I told him that Jesus taught that the best way to avoid being controlled by money, was to give it up. That living just to accumulate wealth was a futile adventure. I reminded him of his passion for helping the elderly when he was in school and that he spent his happiest moments in school doing community service (I suppose its called CIP now).

He agreed with me, but could not let go of his wealth. Living for money was his only way to live and he could not let go of his lifestyle. He was trapped.

Three days ago, he overdosed on heroin and died in a hospital in Amsterdam. His funeral was attended by 6 people, his parents, grandmother, and two sisters. And me. I had to deliver his eulogy as I was the only one there who knew him. He was estranged from his parents for 12 years.

Today, I am no longer envious of him, but hugely saddened. Many people in the world seem to have it all. But it is so often the case, that it is only a façade. Inside, they are vulnerable, fearful and insecure. Money is the only thing they know. And they are perpetually fearful of losing it.

In a life without Jesus, without meaning, without direction, even the most successful and wealthiest will slip into a final destiny that leads to ruin.

PSALM 73:

{1} Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. {2} But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. {3} For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. {4} They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. {5} They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. {6} Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. {7} From their callous hearts comes iniquity ; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. {8} They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. {9} Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. {10} Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. {11} They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?" {12} This is what the wicked are like-- always carefree, they increase in wealth. {13} Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. {14} All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning. {15} If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children.

{16} When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me {17} till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. {18} Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. {19} How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! {20} As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies. {21} When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, {22} I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. {23} Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. {24} You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. {25} Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. {26} My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. {27} Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. {28} But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Performance Reviews

2007-09-25T11:44:00.000+08:00

Its performance review time again.
As a free Kungfuhamster service, these are excepts from actual performance reviews done in the USA. Feel free to use them in your own work reviews.

"Since my last report, this employee has reached rock bottom and has started to dig."
"His men would follow him anywhere but only out of morbid curiosity."
"This associate is really not so much a has-been, but more of a definitely won't be."
"Works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in a trap."
"When she opens her mouth, it seems that this is only to change feet."
"He would be out of his depth in a parking lot puddle."
"This young lady has delusions of adequacy."
"He sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them."
"This employee should go far -- and the sooner he starts, the better we'll be."
"This employee is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot."
"This employee should not be allowed to breed."
"This man has the whole six pack but is missing the plastic thingy that holds them all together."
"He certainly takes a long time to make his pointless."
"He doesn't have ulcers, but he is a carrier."
"He's been working with glue too much."
"He would argue with a signpost."
"He has a knack for making strangers immediately."
"When his IQ reaches 50, he should sell."
"Is apparently very careful with equipment, as his tools show very little signs of wear."

Entertainment

2007-09-20T09:08:00.001+08:00

This has got to be the most entertaining social studies answer I have ever marked.

This was from a question asking about the significance if Bloody Sunday incident in Northern Ireland. This is word for word from the answer script I read - unedited.

Bloody Sunday was an important event in Northern Ireland. This is because it happened on Sunday and there was a lot of blood. Thats why its called bloody. The catholic strike was led by a man called Father Gayporn. The Catholic men which included youths with Gayporn went to the turkey palace to protest. The army shot them all. Many died and there was a lot of blood on the street. Thats why its called bloody. The protestants didn't like the catholic Gayporn. This is because they were intolerant. They went to different schools and learnt bad things about each other in school. Thus they had divided loyalties. So they were all shot. The protestants thought that the catholic men with Gayporn would influence the government. They were afraid that the catholics would influence their way of life and be intolerant of their beliefs.

Etymological Entertainment

2007-08-15T14:11:00.000+08:00

I've always been interested in etymology. Came across these stories.
Some are falase, but they sure are entertaining... (",)

1. In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames
by ropes when you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened,
making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase "goodnight
& sleep tight."

2. It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that
for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply
his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a
honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based; this
period was called the honey month or what was known today as
the honeymoon.

3. In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts. So in
old England, when customers got unruly, the bartender would
yell at them mind their own pints and quarts and settle down.
It's where we get the phrase "mind your P's and Q's."

4. Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle
baked into the rim or handle of their ceramic cups. When they
needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service.
"Wet your whistle" is the phrase inspired by this practice.

5. In ancient England a person could not have sex unless you
had consent of the King (unless you were in the Royal Family).
When anyone wanted to have a baby, they got consent of the
King; the King gave them a placard that they hung on their
door while they were having sex. The placard had F.U.C.K.
(Fornication Under Consent of the King) on it. Now you know
where that came from.

6. In Scotland, a new game was invented. It was entitled
Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden.... and thus the word GOLF
entered into the English language.

Humour is Banned!

2007-08-14T08:13:00.000+08:00

Forbidden.

You were denied access because:

Access denied by BlueCoat WebFilter content category. The requested URL belongs to the following category: Humor

While I was surfing for funny stories, I found out that humour is also banned in my workplace.

Kungfuhamster's Dictionary: Weekend

2007-08-12T16:05:00.000+08:00

Todays word: Weekend

–noun

1.	the period of time between Friday evening and Monday morning where there is a temporal distortion and time passes much more quickly: I spent the weekend working and before I knew it, it was Monday.

2.	this period as extended by one or more holidays, days off, or the like, that immediately precede or follow but seem to make no difference in terms of extra time off: I spent my national day long weekend working.

3.	a highly flammable substance: My weekend was burnt as I had to complete my work.

The Dark Night of the Soul

2007-07-27T14:28:00.000+08:00

When we undertake a difficult task, there always comes a point when we are at our lowest. A point where no matter what we do, we seem stuck in our problems and nothing we do seems to move us forward. In this state, the most obvious decision would be to cut our losses and do something else, to give up, to make a strategic exit.

In the catholic faith, this period is known as the Dark Night of the Soul. When we feel stationary, when the novelty of the Christian faith wears off and our prayers seem unanswered and our soul seems unable to advance. Prayer seems unrewarding, and God seems so far away. We wallow in our own Gethsemane and the temptation to run away and to give up is at its strongest.

This is usually the time that preceeds the moment when we move closer with God, a moment in our spiritual journey that brings us closer to our creator and renews our faith. In life, the lowest points in our lives are usually just moments before we succeed. The sad thing is, many give up before the next step can be taken.

I have been struggling with difficult cases and difficult situations for the past year. When friends turn against you, when people expect miracles, when workload overwhelms. Each time, the temptation to cut losses and move on is great. When the burden is overwhelming, why not just discard the burden? It became so strong that I was on the verge of giving up and considered moving to greener pastures elsewhere.

However, God does not give us easy tasks. What's the point in that? In weight training, there is no point in training with weights you can comfortably carry. You carry weights that provide a challenge if you wish for muscular growth. You don't give up when you carry heavier weights, you grit your teeth and move through the session, knowing that its beneficial. I realised that the difficulties and pressures I face can only build me up, but only if I stick to it and not give up. Once I realised that, the way became clearer to me. God was not being unfair or cruel. He was building me up.

So I learnt not to give up, to move steadily forward through whatever may come, knowing that it is just another stage in my spiritual development.

Because in the Long Night of the Soul, when the night is at its darkest, is when we can see the stars most clearly.

Art / Culture / Heritage is BANNED

2007-07-27T12:20:00.000+08:00

I went to a website recently to download the "I Live In Singapula" video.
Received this message:

Forbidden.

You were denied access because:

Access denied by BlueCoat WebFilter content category. The requested URL belongs to the following category: Art/Culture/Heritage

Wow... i didn't know arts and culture was deemed undesirable in the workplace??
Stop teaching art and culture. its FORBIDDEN!

Wierd...

Harry Potter 7

2007-07-23T08:43:00.000+08:00

Spent 4 hours on this book.

After following the series for several years, I was keen to find out how it ends.
Nothing surprising, and nothing too controversial. Mostly minor characters killed off and loose ends in the series tied up pretty nicely.

Some well described and well paced action sequences, especially the Battle at Hogwarts. Found the whole book strangely empty at some parts. I could easily have skipped the middle camping out section and not missed much. Didn't understand how when the three are being chased around by the Deatheaters and they can still be bothered to change into pyjamas before sleeping.

The end was a little bit of a let down given the pace and momentum of the preceding books. But I suppose Rowling would be happy with a job well done given the millions she has earned from a book whose idea came to her on the train. The only idea that ever comes to me on the train is how to smack the guy beside me who has just sneezed into my arm.

In life that is so often the case as well. The start is slow, the middle excites you and the end fizzles out. Ending with a bang seems only likely if you get hit by a bus on the expressway. If not, our endeavours usually fade to nothingness over time. Which seems like a sad truth, but is strangely hopeful and inspiring for me.

From dust you came, and to dust you will return.

What is Love?

2007-02-09T05:40:00.000+08:00

In a meeting (strangely), we were asked what love is.

What other truth about love is there?

"Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not arrogant.
It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1Cor13:4-7)

Why I Can't Work

2007-01-12T11:02:00.000+08:00

This is becoming very frequent.
10 -20 minutes? More like 1 - 2 hours.

But now I can miss deadlines with impunity! (",)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2007-01-01T00:01:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-25T23:55:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas!

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace. [Isaiah 9:6]

A Pre Christmas Story

2006-12-22T22:13:00.000+08:00

I was driving home today through a busy ECP. A highly modded Subaru WRX was trying to cut into my lane. Unfortunately, this car came too close to mine as it passed and side-swiped my mirror. I was unable to swerve out of the way given that there was an SBS bus on the next lane. So we pulled over to the side.

There wasn't much damage to either car, just several deep scratches on both mirrors which miraculously remained intact. A big Ah Beng (yellow spiked hair, 4 earrings and two nose studs) came out of the car (why was I not surprised?) and began shouting vulgarities as he explained to me that I should have jammed on my brakes to let his car pass. I explained to him that he should retake his basic theory. After another round of vulgarities, I asked if he wanted to make any insurance claims or whether he wanted to settle this here.

Not surprisingly he decided to settle after another round of vulgarities. I was actually impressed with his extensive vocabulary of expletives in both hokkien and english. I suppose that makes him effectively bilingual.

He offered $100 as compensation, but I told him that I only wanted an apology. He screamed off a few more expletives and made it quite clear that he would not apologise, threw $100 onto the road and got back into his car screaming more expletives. As he drove off, he wound down his window and flashed his middle finger at me out of the window. I was impressed by the length of his arm.

About 400m down the road, with his arm still hanging out of the window, he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the road divider. He came out of his car yelling and gesticulating but I really couldn't hear him from where I was. He reminded me of a gesticulating chimpanzee.

I promise I tried my best not to laugh.

So I picked up his money but felt dirty holding on to it. So I later donated it to the community chest. I honestly thought I would lose my temper and engage in vulgarity sparring, but I surprised myself by keeping my cool throughout the whole incident.

Lessons learnt?

(1) It's difficult to drive and flash your middle finger out of the window.

(2) Ah Bengs go with WRXs - that's one car I will never buy.

(3) I did not feel sore after the whole incident, but if I had become angry, I think would be fuming even now.

(4) A person shouting vulgarities and flashing obscene gestures from a distance bears a strong resemblance to a chimpanzee.

(5) "If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals on their heads, and the Lord will reward you." [Proverbs 21:25-26] - How true.

The Return of The Hamster

2006-12-04T22:21:00.000+08:00

COMING SOON...

THE RETURN OF THE HAMSTER