Evolution and Deuterostomes

Some links that may prove helpful to you.
Follow the order of links.

http://www.biochem.northwestern.edu/holmgren/Glossary/Definitions/Def-D/deuterostomes.html
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/phyla/deuterostomia.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deuterostomes
http://www.evolutionpages.com/intro_evolution.htm
http://science.kennesaw.edu/biophys/biodiversity/animalia/stomes.htm

Yuck factor

Mice created with human brain cells
Posted on Tue, Dec. 13, 2005 http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/13391863.htm

SAN FRANCISCO - Add another creation to the strange scientific menagerie where animal species are being mixed together in ever more exotic combinations. Scientists announced Monday that they had created mice with small amounts of human brain cells in an effort to make realistic models of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

Led by Fred Gage of the Salk Institute in San Diego, the researchers created the mice by injecting about 100,000 human embryonic stem cells per mouse into the brains of 14-day-old rodent embryos.

Those mice were each born with about 0.1 percent of human cells in each of their heads, a trace amount that doesn't remotely come close to "humanizing" the rodents.

"This illustrate that injecting human stem cells into mouse brains doesn't restructure the brain," Gage said.

Still, the work adds to the growing ethical concerns of mixing human and animal cells when it comes to stem cell and cloning research. After all, mice are 97.5 percent genetically identical to humans.

"The worry is if you humanize them too much you cross certain boundaries," said David Magnus, director of the Stanford Medical Center for Biomedical Ethics. "But I don't think this research comes even close to that."

Researchers are nevertheless beginning to bump up against what bioethicists call the "yuck factor."

Liberatae Mae

I'm liberated.
Partially.

Macritche cleared the air
Scouting relived the moments
Back to nature i go.

I'm blessed.
Everythings perfect.
Almost.

Need to run run run!
Photos to be out soon!
=)

Ipod Video Help

To convert your videos into IPod format

Video --> mp4
Use these programs:
1. Isquint


DVD --> mp4
1. handbrake

Some Mac Help

Orientation to Tiger OSX in videos: http://www.atomiclearning.com/osx_tiger_orientation

Guide to using your MAC in school:
http://www.syamsul.net/index.php/2005/03/14/guide-to-using-the-mac-in-school/


To Maximise battery usage
To make your battery last longer.. disable all wireless which include airport and bluetooth.Put the brightness to the lowest end (one bar). Select "Longest Battery Life" at your Energy Saving Preferences.Do not launch a heavy duty application such as GarageBand or playing your fav tune on iTunes. At this rate, probably you will be getting a better battery life.But do not forget to callibrate your batery too...

Forums
http://www.macusersg.org/forums/index.php

Let It Go

Corrinne May - Let It Go

(written by: Corrinne May)
From the album "Safe In A Crazy World" (Buy this album! )

I think we've been here before I recognize this place
I've seen the marks of confusion wipe out a single sign of grace
And I don't want to play anymore
Not when the stakes are so high
So before we circle round once more
I'm gonna lay down, Lay down my pride

Let it go, let it be
Don't waste all your emotion on this tit-for-tat machine
Let it go, let it be
Let it go

I turn on the TV and it screams out at me
Nothing seems to have changed since the start of Adam and Eve
So we're waiting for the sky to fall and we're buying brand new toys
But before we circle round once more
Can we lay down
Just lay down this pride

Let it go, let it be
Don't waste all your emotion on this tit-for-tat machine
Let it go, let it be
Let it go
Don't go wasting your emotions
No one wins if we keep score
Let it go, let it be
Let it go

Fear Vs Horror Vs Terror

Cineleisure: Emily Rose (Fear/horror/terror)
Wisma Atria: Here Without You. (again!) (Fear/horror/terror)


What's the difference between Fear, Horror and terror?

FEAR is an unpleasant feeling of perceived risk or danger, real or not. Fear also can be described as a feeling of extreme dislike to some conditions/objects, such as: fear of darkness, fear of ghosts, etc. It is one of the basic emotions.
Fearing objects or contexts can be learned; in animals this is being studied as fear conditioning, which depends on the emotional circuitry of the brain.
Fear inside a person has different degrees and varies from one person to another (see also phobia). If not properly handled, fear can lead to social problems. People who experience intense fear have been known to commit irrational and/or dangerous acts.
Some philosophers have considered fear to be a useless emotion with uniformly bad consequences; other thinkers note the usefulness of fear as a warning of bad situations.


HORROR is the feeling of dread and anticipation that usually occurs before something frightening is seen, heard, or otherwise experienced. It is also the feeling one gets after coming to an awful realization or experiencing a hideous revelation. (Terror is usually described as the feeling that follows after the experience has occurred.) Horror has also been defined as a combination of terror and repulsion.
Compare: the experience of waiting for a scary monster to jump out of the closet (horror) with the experience of actually seeing the scary monster after it has jumped out (terror).
Of course, horror can still be felt after the monster(s) etc. is revealed. A good example is found in the film Rosemary's Baby. The audience isn't just horrified with expectation of what's going to be revealed at the end of the movie; they are equally (if not more) horrified at the moment of revelation itself and all that it implies for the future.
Horror is also a genre of film and fiction that relies on scaring the audience as its main attraction.


TERROR refers to a pronounced state of fear, where someone becomes overwhelmed with a sense of immediate danger. Great agitation and anxiety caused by the expectation or the realization of danger: affright, alarm, apprehension, dread, fear, fearfulness, fright, funk, horror, panic, trepidation. Slang cold feet. Idioms: fear and trembling. See fear/courage


1. Fear is an emotion - See emotion: http://atll.blogspot.com/2004_11_01_atll_archive.html
2. Degrees of Fear: Distrust --> Paranoia --> Terror
3. Horror preceeds Fear, which can then lead to distrust, paranoia and even terror.
4. Fear occurs because we anticipate outcomes and dread undesirable outcomes.
5. We all desire certain outcomes, goal attainment, whether admittedly/denial or conscious/unconscious.
6. We act to
....A). chase the desired outcomes, or
....B). to prevent/ avoid the risks and dangers of unwanted outcomes (fear)

A). Requires Courage
B). Succombing to fear leads to distrust, paronoia and even terror.

--> What do you fear most? How do you choose to deal with the horror of facing your fears?

4

3

2

So cool!

AppleInsider | $100 laptop project draws Apple's interest

A novel plan to develop a $100 laptop computer for distribution to millions of schoolchildren in developing countries has caught the interest of governments and the attention of computer-industry heavyweights such as Apple, reports the Wall Street Journal.
Caught my attention too.
Crank operated laptop, to be owned not by welfare organisations, but by the child itself in developing countries.
Outstanding!
Hope no one capitalises on this. NO ONE!


AppleInsider | $100 laptop project draws Apple's interest

The Professor and the Jar

A Professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.


So the Professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.


The Professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes."


The Professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the space between the grains of sand.


"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.


The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else -the small stuff.


"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18.


There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. "Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."


One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The Professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

Moonie...

Lyrics: Boulevard of Broken Dreams

Green Day - Boulevard Of Broken Dreams Lyrics

I walk a lonely road
The only one I that have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But its home and I walk alone

I walk this empty street
On the Blvd. of broken dreams
Were the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk alone

My shadows the only one that walks beside me
My shallow hearts the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find
Till then I'll walk alone

Ah-Ah Ah-Ah Ah-Ah Ahhh
Ah-Ah Ah-Ah Ah-Ah Ahhh

I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the border line of the edge
And were I walk alone

Read between the lines of what's
F**ked up and every things all right
Check my vital signs to know I'm still alive
And I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk a...

My shadows the only one that walks beside me
My shallow hearts the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find
Till then I'll walk alone

Ah-Ah Ah-Ah Ah-Ah Ahhh
Ah-Ah Ah-Ah Ah-Ah Ahhh

I walk this empty street
On the Blvd. of broken dreams
Were the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk a..

My shadows the only one that walks beside me
My shallow hearts the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find
Till then I'll walk away!

The difference btw a Scientist and Artist

"I'm not a scientist, I do not need to know why there is language, how it exists and what is its orgin. I just use it, appreciate it and express its forms."
- An artist.


1. Genes and natural attraction
2. We are not just human
3. Global dimming Vs Global warming
4. Viral Pandemic in sight
5. Some Astronomical links.
a. Quiz on Astronomy: http://www.quia.com/shared/astro/
b. What is Astronomy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomy
c. Free Space Simulator - Celestia: http://www.shatters.net/celestia/
d. Free skies observations - Stellarium: http://www.stellarium.org/index.html

Here Wthout You..

Here Without You - 3 Doors Down

A hundred days have made me older, since the last time that I saw your pretty face

A thousand lives have made me colder and I don't think I can look at this the same
But all the miles that separate
They disappear now when I'm dreaming of your face

I'm here without you baby, but you're still on my lonely mind
I think about you baby, and I dream about you all the time
I'm here without you baby, but you're still with me in my dreams
And tonight, there's only you and me

The miles just keep rolling, as the people leave their way to say hello
I've heard this life is overrated, but I hope that it gets better as we go

Everything I know and anywhere I go
It gets hard but it won't take away my love
And when the last one falls, when it's all said and done
It gets hard but it won't take away my love

I'm here without you baby, but you're still on my lonely mind
I think about you baby and I dream about you all the time
I'm here without you baby, but you're still with me in my dreams
And tonight girl, there's only you and me

The Vanities of Life

'Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.'
- Solomon.


The Vanities of Life.

What are life's joys and gains?
What pleasures crowd its ways,
That man should take such pains
To seek them all his days?
Sift this untoward strife
On which thy mind is bent,
See if this chaff of life
Is worth the trouble spent.

Is pride thy heart's desire?
Is power thy climbing aim?
Is love thy folly's fire?
Is wealth thy restless game?
Pride, power, love, wealth and all,
Time's touchstone shall destroy,
And, like base coin, prove all
Vain substitutes for joy.

Dost think that pride exalts
Thyself in other's eyes,
And hides thy folly's faults,
Which reason will despise?
Dost strut, and turn, and stride,
Like walking weathercocks?
The shadow by thy side
Becomes thy ape, and mocks.

Dost think that power's disguise
Can make thee mighty seem?
It may in folly's eyes,
But not in worth's esteem:
When all that thou canst ask,
And all that she can give,
Is but a paltry mask
Which tyants wear and live.

Go, let thy fancies range
And ramble where they may;
View power in every change,
And what is the display?
- The country magistrate,
The lowest shade in power,
To rulers of the state,
The meteors of an hour: -

View all, and mark the end
Of every proud extreme,
Where flattery turns a friend,
And counterfeits esteem;
Where worth is aped in show,
That doth her name purloin,
Like toys of golden glow
That's sold for copper coin.

Ambition's haughty nod,
With fancies may deceive,
Nay, tell thee thou'rt a god, -
And wilt thou such believe?
Go, bid the seas be dry,
Go, hold earth like a ball,
Or throw her fancies by,
For God can do it all.

Dost thou possess the dower
Of laws to spare or kill?
Call it not heav'nly power
When but a tyrant's will;
Know what a God will do,
And know thyself a fool,
Nor tyrant-like pursue
Where He alone should rule.

Dost think, when wealth is won,
Thy heart has its desire?
Hold ice up to the sun,
And wax before the fire;
Nor triumph o'er the reign
Which they so soon resign;
In this world weigh the gain,
Insurance safe is thine.

Dost think life's peace secure
In houses and in land?
Go, read the fairy lure
To twist a cord of sand;
Lodge stones upon the sky,
Hold water in a sieve,
Nor give such tales the lie,
And still thine own believe.

Whoso with riches deals,
And thinks peace bought and sold,
Will find them slippery eels,
That slide the firmest hold:
Though sweet as sleep with health,
Thy lulling luck may be,
Pride may o'erstride thy wealth,
And check prosperity.

Dost think that beauty's power,
Life's sweetest pleasure gives?
Go, pluck the summer flower,
And see how long it lives:
Behold, the rays glide on,
Along the summer plain,
Ere thou canst say, they're gone, -
And measure beauty's reign.

Look on the brightest eye,
Nor teach it to be proud,
But view the clearest sky
And thou shalt find a cloud;
Nor call each face ye meet
An angel's, 'cause it's fair,
But look beneath your feet,
And think of what ye are.

Who thinks that love doth live
In beauty's tempting show,
Shall find his hopes ungive,
And melt in reason's thaw;
Who thinks that pleasure lies
In every fairy bower,
Shall oft, to his surprise,
Find poison in the flower.

Dost lawless pleasures grasp?
Judge not thou deal'st in joy;
Its flowers but hide the asp,
Thy revels to destroy:
Who trusts a harlot's smile,
And by her wiles is led,
Plays with a sword the while,
Hung dropping o'er his head.

Dost doubt my warning song?
Then doubt the sun gives light,
Doubt truth to teach thee wrong,
And wrong alone as right;
And live as lives the knave,
Intrigue's deceiving guest,
Be tyrant, or be slave,
As suits thy ends the best.

Or pause amid thy toils,
For visions won and lost,
And count the fancied spoils,
If e'er they quit the cost;
And if they still possess
Thy mind, as worthy things,
Pick straws with Bedlam Bess,
And call them diamond rings.

Thy folly's past advice,
Thy heart's already won,
Thy fall's above all price,
So go, and be undone;
For all who thus prefer
The seeming great for small,
Shall make wine vinegar,
And sweetest honey gall.

Wouldst heed the truths I sing,
To profit wherewithal,
Clip folly's wanton wing,
And keep her within call:
I've little else to give,
What thou canst easy try,
The lesson how to live,
Is but to learn to die.

"The pain of life overrides the joy to the point that joy does not exist."

In May 23rd 1994, Kevin Carter, the South African photographer whose image of a starving Sudanese toddler stalked by a vulture won him a Pulitzer Prize. Two months after he was found dead of carbon-monoxide poisoning in Johannesburg, a suicide at 33. His red pickup truck was parked near a small river where he used to play as a child; a green garden hose attached to the vehicle's exhaust funneled the fumes inside. "I'm really, really sorry," he explained in a note left on the passenger seat beneath a knapsack:

"I am haunted siclathe vivid memories of killings & corpses & anger & pain... of starving or wounded children, of trigger-happy madmen... The pain of life overrides the joy to the point that joy does not exist.


"Kevin Carter" By Maniac Street Preachers

Hi time magazine hi pulitzer prize
Tribal scars in technicolor
Bang bang club ak 47 hour

Kevin carter

Hi time magazine hi pulitzer prize
Vulture stalked white piped lie forever
Wasted your life in black and white

Kevin carter x3

The elephant is so ugly he sleeps his head
Machetes his bed kevin carter kaffir lover forever
Click click click click click
Click himself under

Kevin carter x3


Letters:
Suicide of a Pulitzer Winner

It is tragic that the world has lost a photographer with the talent and skill of Kevin Carter. But it should come as no surprise that he found it difficult to reconcile the peaks and valleys of his career with the suffering and violence upon which it was built. It disturbed him, as it should have. By embarking on a career in photojournalism, Carter set himself apart from the lives of the people he photographed. He chose to be an observer rather than a participant. Carter opted for a moral detachment that most of us cannot achieve and that I would not want to have. Though I can admire his work and courage in the face of danger, I cannot imagine witnessing such violence and human suffering without trying to intervene. Perhaps, in the end, Kevin Carter could not either.

Andrew W Hall
Galveston, Texas AOL: Tigone



As Kevin Carter's sister, I am sad that Time has stooped to such sensationalist reporting concerning my brother's death. Scott MacLeod did not interview me or my sister or two of Kevin's very close friends. His "detailed digging" resulted in the presentation of a series of negative issues through which he attempted to explain a suicide. Suicide is obviously the result of the negative outweighing the positive, in the victim's mind, but this does not mean that there were not hundreds of positive aspects to the particular individual. Kevin was a person of passion and presence; he left his mark wherever he went. He was an incredible father to Megan and a man who grappled deeply with issues most people just accept. In many ways he was ahead of his time. The pain of his mission to open the eyes of the world to so many of the issues and injustices that tore at his own soul eventually got to him. The year 1993 was a good one for him, but at the end of it he told me he really needed a break from Africa, that it was getting to him. He knew then that he was losing perspective. Unfortunately, the pressure only got worse, with the increased violence leading up to the elections and, worst of all, the loss of his friend Ken Oosterbroek. The Pulitzer Prize certainly didn't send Kevin "deeper into anguish." If anything, it was a confirmation that his work had all been worthwhile. Your version of Kevin's death seems so futile. What is anyone going to learn or gain from reading it?

Patricia Gird Randburg
South Africa

You Left Me...

Just When I needed You Most (Bread)

You packed in the morning, I stared out the window
An' I struggled for something to say
You left in the rain without closing the door
I didn't stand in your way.

Now I miss you more than I missed you before
And now where I'll find comfort - God knows
'Cause you - Left Me - Just When I Needed You Most
You Left Me - Just When I Needed You Most.

Now most every morning I stare out the window
I think about where you might be
I've written you letters that I'd like to send
If you would just send one to me.

CHORUS
Now I love you more than I loved you before
And now where I'll find comfort - God knows
'Cause you - Left Me Just When I Needed You Most
You Left Me - Just When I Needed You Most.
Yes, You Left Me Just When I Needed You Most.

You packed in the morning, I stared out the window
An' I struggled for something to say
You left in the rain without closing the door
I didn't stand in your way...

Snap Snap!

Coastal Cleanup Sept 11

On the bus...

What a silly thing love is...

"What I a silly thing Love is," said the Student as he walked away. "It is not half as useful as Logic, for it does not prove anything, and it is always telling one of things that are not going to happen, and making one believe things that are not true. In fact, it is quite unpractical, and, as in this age to be practical is everything, I shall go back to Philosophy and study Metaphysics."

"I believe in a thing called Love.." - The Darkness


The Nightingale and the Rose by Oscar Wilde

HE said that she would dance with me if I brought her red roses," cried the young Student; "but in all my garden there is no red rose."

From her nest in the holm-oak tree the Nightingale heard him, and she looked out through the leaves, and wondered.

"No red rose in all my garden!" he cried, and his beautiful eyes filled with tears. "Ah, on what little things does happiness depend! I have read all that the wise men have written, and all the secrets of philosophy are mine, yet for want of a red rose is my life made wretched."

"Here at last is a true lover," said the Nightingale. "Night after night have I sung of him, though I knew him not: night after night have I told his story to the stars, and now I see him. His hair is dark as the hyacinth-blossom, and his lips are red as the rose of his desire; but passion has made his face like pale ivory, and sorrow has set her seal upon his brow."

"The Prince gives a ball tomorrow night," murmured the young Student, "and my love will be of the company. If I bring her a red rose she will dance with me till dawn. If I bring her a red rose, I shall hold her in my arms, and she will lean her head upon my shoulder, and her hand will be clasped in mine. But there is no red rose in my garden, so I shall sit lonely, and she will pass me by. She will have no heed of me, and my heart will break."

"Here indeed is the true lover," said the Nightingale. "What I sing of, he suffers ­­ what is joy to me, to him is pain. Surely Love is a wonderful thing. It is more precious than emeralds, and dearer than fine opals. Pearls and pomegranates cannot buy it, nor is it set forth in the marketplace. It may not be purchased of the merchants, nor can it be weighed out in the balance for gold."

"The musicians will sit in their gallery," said the young Student, "and play upon their stringed instruments, and my love will dance to the sound of the harp and the violin. She will dance so lightly that her feet will not touch the floor, and the courtiers in their gay dresses will throng round her. But with me she will not dance, for I have no red rose to give her"; and he flung himself down on the grass, and buried his face in his hands, and wept.

"Why is he weeping?" asked a little Green Lizard, as he ran past him with his tail in the air.

"Why, indeed?" said a Butterfly, who was fluttering about after a sunbeam.

"Why, indeed?" whispered a Daisy to his neighbour, in a soft, low voice.

"He is weeping for a red rose," said the Nightingale.

"For a red rose?" they cried; "how very ridiculous!" and the little Lizard, who was something of a cynic, laughed outright.

But the Nightingale understood the secret of the Student's sorrow, and she sat silent in the oak-tree, and thought about the mystery of Love.

Suddenly she spread her brown wings for flight, and soared into the air. She passed through the grove like a shadow, and like a shadow she sailed across the garden.

In the centre of the grass-plot was standing a beautiful Rose-tree, and when she saw it she flew over to it, and lit upon a spray.

"Give me a red rose," she cried, "and I will sing you my sweetest song."

But the Tree shook its head.

"My roses are white," it answered; "as white as the foam of the sea, and whiter than the snow upon the mountain. But go to my brother who grows round the old sun-dial, and perhaps he will give you what you want."

So the Nightingale flew over to the Rose-tree that was growing round the old sun-dial.

"Give me a red rose," she cried, "and I will sing you my sweetest song."

But the Tree shook its head.

"My roses are yellow," it answered; "as yellow as the hair of the mermaiden who sits upon an amber throne, and yellower than the daffodil that blooms in the meadow before the mower comes with his scythe. But go to my brother who grows beneath the Student's window, and perhaps he will give you what you want."

So the Nightingale flew over to the Rose-tree that was growing beneath the Student's window.

"Give me a red rose," she cried, "and I will sing you my sweetest song."

But the Tree shook its head.

"My roses are red," it answered, "as red as the feet of the dove, and redder than the great fans of coral that wave and wave in the ocean-cavern. But the winter has chilled my veins, and the frost has nipped my buds, and the storm has broken my branches, and I shall have no roses at all this year."

"One red rose is all I want," cried the Nightingale, "only one red rose! Is there no way by which I can get it?"

"There is away," answered the Tree; "but it is so terrible that I dare not tell it to you."

"Tell it to me," said the Nightingale, "I am not afraid."

"If you want a red rose," said the Tree, "you must build it out of music by moonlight, and stain it with your own heart's-blood. You must sing to me with your breast against a thorn. All night long you must sing to me, and the thorn must pierce your heart, and your life-blood must flow into my veins, and become mine."

"Death is a great price to pay for a red rose," cried the Nightingale, "and Life is very dear to all. It is pleasant to sit in the green wood, and to watch the Sun in his chariot of gold, and the Moon in her chariot of pearl. Sweet is the scent of the hawthorn, and sweet are the bluebells that hide in the valley, and the heather that blows on the hill. Yet Love is better than Life, and what is the heart of a bird compared to the heart of a man?"

So she spread her brown wings for flight, and soared into the air. She swept over the garden like a shadow, and like a shadow she sailed through the grove.

The young Student was still lying on the grass, where she had left him, and the tears were not yet dry in his beautiful eyes.

"Be happy," cried the Nightingale, "be happy; you shall have your red rose. I will build it out of music by moonlight, and stain it with my own heart's-blood. All that I ask of you in return is that you will be a true lover, for Love is wiser than Philosophy, though she is wise, and mightier than Power, though he is mighty. Flame-coloured are his wings, and coloured like flame is his body. His lips are sweet as honey, and his breath is like frankincense."

The Student looked up from the grass, and listened, but he could not understand what the Nightingale was saying to him, for he only knew the things that are written down in books.

But the Oak-tree understood, and felt sad, for he was very fond of the little Nightingale who had built her nest in his branches.

"Sing me one last song," he whispered; "I shall feel very lonely when you are gone."

So the Nightingale sang to the Oak-tree, and her voice was like water bubbling from a silver jar.

When she had finished her song the Student got up, and pulled a note-book and a lead-pencil out of his pocket.

"She has form," he said to himself, as he walked away through the grove ­­ "that cannot be denied to her; but has she got feeling? I am afraid not. In fact, she is like most artists; she is all style, without any sincerity. She would not sacrifice herself for others. She thinks merely of music, and everybody knows that the arts are selfish. Still, it must be admitted that she has some beautiful notes in her voice. What a pity it is that they do not mean anything, or do any practical good." And he went into his room, and lay down on his little pallet-bed, and began to think of his love; and, after a time, he fell asleep.

And when the Moon shone in the heavens the Nightingale flew to the Rose-tree, and set her breast against the thorn. All night long she sang with her breast against the thorn, and the cold crystal Moon leaned down and listened. All night long she sang, and the thorn went deeper and deeper into her breast, and her life-blood ebbed away from her.

She sang first of the birth of love in the heart of a boy and a girl. And on the top-most spray of the Rose-tree there blossomed a marvellous rose, petal following petal, as song followed song. Pale was it, at first, as the mist that hangs over the river ­­ pale as the feet of the morning, and silver as the wings of the dawn. As the shadow of a rose in a mirror of silver, as the shadow of a rose in a water-pool, so was the rose that blossomed on the topmost spray of the Tree.

But the Tree cried to the Nightingale to press closer against the thorn. "Press closer, little Nightingale," cried the Tree, "or the Day will come before the rose is finished."

So the Nightingale pressed closer against the thorn, and louder and louder grew her song, for she sang of the birth of passion in the soul of a man and a maid.

And a delicate flush of pink came into the leaves of the rose, like the flush in the face of the bridegroom when he kisses the lips of the bride. But the thorn had not yet reached her heart, so the rose's heart remained white, for only a Nightingale's heart's-blood can crimson the heart of a rose.

And the Tree cried to the Nightingale to press closer against the thorn. "Press closer, little Nightingale," cried the Tree, "or the Day will come before the rose is finished."

So the Nightingale pressed closer against the thorn, and the thorn touched her heart, and a fierce pang of pain shot through her. Bitter, bitter was the pain, and wilder and wilder grew her song, for she sang of the Love that is perfected by Death, of the Love that dies not in the tomb.

And the marvellous rose became crimson, like the rose of the eastern sky. Crimson was the girdle of petals, and crimson as a ruby was the heart.

But the Nightingale's voice grew fainter, and her little wings began to beat, and a film came over her eyes. Fainter and fainter grew her song, and she felt something choking her in her throat.

Then she gave one last burst of music. The white Moon heard it, and she forgot the dawn, and lingered on in the sky. The red rose heard it, and it trembled all over with ecstasy, and opened its petals to the cold morning air. Echo bore it to her purple cavern in the hills, and woke the sleeping shepherds from their dreams. It floated through the reeds of the river, and they carried its message to the sea.

"Look, look!" cried the Tree, "the rose is finished now"; but the Nightingale made no answer, for she was lying dead in the long grass, with the thorn in her heart.

And at noon the Student opened his window and looked out.

"Why, what a wonderful piece of luck!" he cried; "here is a red rose! I have never seen any rose like it in all my life. It is so beautiful that I am sure it has a long Latin name"; and he leaned down and plucked it.

Then he put on his hat, and ran up to the Professor's house with the rose in his hand.

The daughter of the Professor was sitting in the doorway winding blue silk on a reel, and her little dog was lying at her feet.

"You said that you would dance with me if I brought you a red rose," cried the Student. "Here is the reddest rose in all the world. You will wear it tonight next your heart, and as we dance together it will tell you how I love you."

But the girl frowned.

"I am afraid it will not go with my dress," she answered; "and, besides, the Chamberlain's nephew has sent me some real jewels, and everybody knows that jewels cost far more than flowers."

"Well, upon my word, you are very ungrateful," said the Student angrily; and he threw the rose into the street, where it fell into the gutter, and a cart-wheel went over it.

"Ungrateful!" said the girl. "I tell you what, you are very rude; and, after all, who are you? Only a Student. Why, I don't believe you have even got silver buckles to your shoes as the Chamberlain's nephew has"; and she got up from her chair and went into the house.

"What I a silly thing Love is," said the Student as he walked away. "It is not half as useful as Logic, for it does not prove anything, and it is always telling one of things that are not going to happen, and making one believe things that are not true. In fact, it is quite unpractical, and, as in this age to be practical is everything, I shall go back to Philosophy and study Metaphysics."

So he returned to his room and pulled out a great dusty book, and began to read.

To an Inconstant One

A poetic moment once again.
Why do the moments fly by and swing round again.
Funny thing moods....


Sir Robert Ayton. 1570–1638

To an Inconstant One

I LOVED thee once; I'll love no more—
Thine be the grief as is the blame;
Thou art not what thou wast before,
What reason I should be the same?
He that can love unloved again,
Hath better store of love than brain:
God send me love my debts to pay,
While unthrifts fool their love away!

Nothing could have my love o'erthrown
If thou hadst still continued mine;
Yea, if thou hadst remain'd thy own,
I might perchance have yet been thine.
But thou thy freedom didst recall
That it thou might elsewhere enthral:
And then how could I but disdain
A captive's captive to remain?

When new desires had conquer'd thee
And changed the object of thy will,
It had been lethargy in me,
Not constancy, to love thee still.
Yea, it had been a sin to go
And prostitute affection so:
Since we are taught no prayers to say
To such as must to others pray.

Yet do thou glory in thy choice—
Thy choice of his good fortune boast;
I'll neither grieve nor yet rejoice
To see him gain what I have lost:
The height of my disdain shall be
To laugh at him, to blush for thee;
To love thee still, but go no more
A-begging at a beggar's door.

The Character of a Happy Life

Sir Henry Wotton. 1568–1639


HOW happy is he born and taught
That serveth not another's will;
Whose armour is his honest thought,
And simple truth his utmost skill!

Whose passions not his masters are;
Whose soul is still prepared for death,
Untied unto the world by care
Of public fame or private breath;

Who envies none that chance doth raise,
Nor vice; who never understood
How deepest wounds are given by praise;
Nor rules of state, but rules of good;

Who hath his life from rumours freed;
Whose conscience is his strong retreat;
Whose state can neither flatterers feed,
Nor ruin make oppressors great;

Who God doth late and early pray
More of His grace than gifts to lend;
And entertains the harmless day
With a religious book or friend;

—This man is freed from servile bands
Of hope to rise or fear to fall:
Lord of himself, though not of lands,
And having nothing, yet hath all.

Cycling

Who is Jesus?
http://www.cj2k.com/site/apps/s/inline.asp?c=dsJLK3PMJqH&b=368549

How do I answer this question?
How would I?

Kept thinking about the cycling trip on sunday. Such a waste that it was raining heavily. $$$ went down the drain.
WOuld have loved to continue despite the heavy rain. A pity we were poorly equipped. Next time perhaps shall invest in proper cycling gear.
Will have to do this again.

What the %^&%#& are we building such huge sea barriers for? TO prevent marine destruction on malaysian waters? Wonder if prof hugh had any part in it? What about the future implications? political and environmental? Had to detour half hour just to get around it. Poor bumpboat uncles...

This is my pledge. To start training.
Vietnam laos and cambodia here I come!

Temperance

Darn it, still haven had the mood nor time to upload all the photos taken. Oh wells....

Just to remind myself. Against chauvinism, bias. Avert experiencing pride and prejudices. Do not confuse subjectivist with retrospection. Beware narrowmindness and opiniated views.

In the study of history, there are 2 ways to analyze data.
1. To judge an occurrence based on current and prevalent understanding and values.
2. To appreciate the occurrence based on contextual and circumstancial views at that time

In a political arena where an event is contrasted and perceived by 2 parties,
A power struggle will occur if there are conflicting interests and goals.
There is a need to establish stability based on their own ideals and principles.

Temperance.

Song: Everything in its Time

Fantastic concert last night.
Shan't elaborate further... As usual.
$40 for a seat 5 rows from the front.
Just love the embience.
Her music her words.

Everything in Its Time
Sometimes I wonder what lies ahead
How long till my hunger is fed
They say it's hard to make it in this part of town
So many people on this merry-go-round

Some folks try astrology
Some turn to crystal balls
To find an answer
To get through it all
I just fall on my knees and I try to pray
In the silence I can hear Him say

The river runs and the river hides
Out to the ocean and under the sky
I promise you, the answer will come
Hold on to patience and watch for the sign
Everything in its time

I often feel like I'm two steps behind
Somebody must have moved that finish line
There are a thousand reasons
Why I should give up
But I'm stubborn in the things I believe

The river runs and the river hides
Out to the ocean and under the sky
I promise you, the answer will come
Hold on to patience and watch for the sign

'cause maybe there's another plan
One I still can’t see
A little surprise, like your love in my life
Funny how time changes how we see

The river runs and the river hides
Out to the ocean and under the sky
I promise you, the answer will come
Hold on to patience and watch for the sign
Everything in its time
Everything in its time

Experiment 2

Symphony of Light

An Analogy

The Zahir

"A young woman with shining eyes starts telling me the story. To begin with there was the city wall. The wall remained, but one part of it was used to build a chapel. Many years passed, and the chapel became a church. Another century passed, and the chapel became a church. Another century passed, and the church became a Gothic cathedral. The cathedral had its moments of glory, there had been structural problems, for a time it had been abandoned, then restoration work had distorted the whole shape of the building, but each generation thought it had solved the problem and would rework the original plans. Thus, in the centuries that folled, they raised a wall here, took down a beam there, added a buttress over there, created or bricked up stained-glass windows.

And the cathedral withstood it all.

I walk though the skeleton of the cathedral, studying the restoration work currently being carried out: this time the architects guarantee that they have found the perfect solution. Everywhere there are metal supports, scaffolding, grand theories about what to do next and some criticism about what was done in the past.

And suddenly, in the middle of the central nave, i realise something very important: the cathedral is me, it is all of us. We are all growing and changing shape, we notice certain weaknesses that need to be corrected, we don't always choose the best solution, but we carry on regardless, trying to remain upright and decent, in order to do honour not to the walls or the doors or the windows, but to the empty space inside, the space where we worship and venerate what is dearest and most important to us.

Yes, we are all cathedrals, there is no doubt about it; but what lies in the empty space of my cathedral?"

A blogamonth

This truly has become a blogamonth. Ever since coming back from overseas.. I've been procastinating.
What to do when so much fills the mind?
And an overworked soul that lacks sleep.
Not to mention a craving body for activity.
Everyone seems to disappointed to have lost me...
I wonder if its a loss..
Or just a kink in their scheme of things.

Millions of photos lay littered and strewn all over my computer.
MP3s too. So do plans and thoughtful writings.
To write at will. The biggest bane of last century.
Now...
Even worse.
And not to mention that some of my students have managed to find my blog.
Ohh wells...
Dun worry guys and gals...
Nothing you read here will interest you.
And nothing I write here will make sense to you.
So dun even try...
;)

I'm an Ass...

I just came back from a trip to Indonesia, crashed back to normality in my job for 2 weeks, then traveled across Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Its good to be home.
Much I have experienced, little I've yet to know, is it enough to understand?

Is there hope for the/a future?

I was grouchy this afternoon. Downright bitchy, condescending and patronising in every way.
Been like that for a while. The whole world owes me a living.

All my life, though pathetic and uninportant in the scheme of things, I've given in to the desires and hopes of those around me. What did I leave for myself except the personal satisfaction of having tried my best to fulfill the expectation of others?
No longer?
I gave in to temptation once again.
I feel happy once again.
But am I contented?
Self-gratification.

Who will fill the void I have dug out myself. Someone come and fulfill me.

No mattter. A speck of dirt on the face of the earth.
My world not yours.
Pessimistic? Skeptic?
Not quite.
Ego-centric, Self-absorbed.
Hmmm.
Solipsistic.
Most probably.

1st word is freedom, 2nd word is wind.
3rd word is Hmmmm.

SERENITAS SALUS LIBERTAS GAUDIUM FELICITAS
Serenity,Salvation, Freedom, Happiness/joy, Blissfulness/happiness.

Liberatae mae.

Song: Angel in Disguise

How her songs always speak to my heart.
Heart Vs Mind. Problem of dualism all over again...
N'ways...
Be an angel. And make angels out of others.
We can all fly together.
The world unfortunately is filled with people of deceit and lies, appearences angelic.
Character Skeptic.

By Corrinne May

I woke up this morning feeling kind of blue
and I stumbled out of bed and
dragged my feet across the room
Right outside my front door was a rose
and a note that said ‘Somebody Loves You'

But out on the street it starts to pour
and before I get soaking wet,
A total stranger runs to give me the jacket off his back
I turn around to thank him
But he waves me with a smile
I can hardy believe my eyes
He puts on a halo and starts to fly

Take a look at the ordinary
Don't need to took at Paradise
You could be next to
an angel in disguise

I met a good friend for lunch
and we had a delicious meal
But I forgot to bring my wallet
I felt like an imbecile
But she was sweet, she gave me a treat and
Bought me a chicken sandwich
To take home for tea

But out on the street with nothing to eat
A man and his shopping cart go
Travelling to places
Collecting social graces
I give him my sandwich
and we chatter for a while
I see a rainbow wash over his eyes
He gives me hit halo and
I start to fly

Take a look at the ordinary
Don't need to look for Paradise
You could be next to an angel in disguise
Don't try to hide away from me I know you're by my side

Take a look at the ordinary
Don't need to look for Paradise
You could be next to
an angel In disguise
Everyday can be legendary
Every minute, an endless surprise
You could be the next angel in disguise

I woke up this morning
Feeling kind of new.

NIE Trainees doing Practicum @ Beatty

The young teachers from Beatty + one BF @ Settlers' Cafe in Holland V.

Song: I'll Never Find Another You

By the New Seekers

There's a new world somewhere
They call The Promised Land
And I'll be there some day
If you will hold my hand
I still need you there beside me
No matter what I do
For I know I'll never find another you

There is always someone
For each of us they say
And you'll be my someone
For ever and a day
I could search the whole world over
Until my life is through
But I know I'll never find another you

It's a long, long journey
So stay by my side
When I walk through the storm
You'll be my guide, be my guide

If they gave me a fortune
My treasure would be small
I could lose it all tomorrow
And never mind at all
But if I should lose your love, dear
I don't know what I'll do
For I know I'll never find another you

(instrumental interlude>

But if I should lose your love, dear
I don't know what I'll do
For I know I'll never find another you

Another you, another you

Welcome the night

Silent Tree

Layered Skies

Soccer Field

Slow with excellent skies

NUS Skies

NUS Sci Bridge

Movie: Interview with the Vampire

"Life has no meaning any more does it? The wine has no taste, the food sickens you, there seems no
reason for any of it, does there? But what if I could give it back to you. Pluck out the pain, and give you
another life, one you could never imagine, and it would be for all time. And sickness and death could
never touch you again.

"Don't be afraid, I'm going to give you the choice, I, never, had."

"You are in love with your mortal nature! You chase after phantoms of your former self."

"I ached even for his gentlemanly malice, and his physical presence, the deceptively soft sound of his voice."

"He is so good at grieving! He wears woe as others wear velvet; sorrow flatters him like the light of candles; tears become him like jewels."

"Merciful death, how you love your precious guilt. "

"You reflect your age differently. You reflect it's broken heart."


How I feel with Louie the Vampire.

Lyrics: In My Place

In my place, in my place
Were lines that I couldn’t change
I was lost, oh yeah
I was lost, I was lost
Crossed lines I shouldn’t have crossed
I was lost, oh yeah

And yeah
How long must you wait for it?
Yeah
How long must you pay for it?
Yeah
How long must you wait for it?
For it

I was scared, I was scared
Tired and underprepared
But I wait for it
And if you go, if you go
And leave me down here on my own
Then I’ll wait for you
Yeah

Singing please, please, please
Come back and sing to me
To me, me

Come on and sing it out, now, now
Come on and sing it out, to me, me
Come back and sing

In my place, in my place
Were lines that I couldn’t change
And I was lost, oh yeah, oh yeah

Sincerity and Appearances

To be able to read body language, together with a conversational yardstick will enable the person to see through appearances.
Had another opportunity to mingle with the "upper tier" of society.
Something that i resolved to avoid as much as possible.

"Ambition and power can never be hidden from sight.
Whether masked in cheerfulness or glorious delight.
Pollutes the mind and corrupts the soul
A body filled with pretense, vanity to uphold.
The vestiges of a good life left untold.

But for simplicity and innocence, In their fragile state to remain
A delicate balance, amongst the changing ways sustain
To be the unwavering, just, righteous and bold
An unsung spirit against the rapture of time
Forever shall he be, exhalted sublime."

After an absence of 17 years, I'm MAC again!

Lyrics: In the Shadows

THE RASMUS LYRICS "In The Shadows"

No sleep
No sleep until I am done with finding the answer
Won't stop
Won't stop before I find a cure for this cancer
Sometimes I feel I going down and so disconnected
Somehow I know that I am haunted to be wanted

I've been watching
I've been waiting
In the shadows all my time
I've been searching
I've been living
For tomorrows all my life

In the shadows
In the shadows

They say
That i must learn to kill before i can feel safe
But I I'd rather kill myself than turn into their slave
Sometimes I feel that I should go and play with the thunder
Somehow I just don't wanna stay and wait for a wonder

Lately I been walking walking in circles,
watching waiting for something
Feel me touch me heal me,
come take me higher

In the shadows I've been waiting

Lyrics: Everybody's Changing

"Everybody's Changing" by Keane

You say you wander your own land
But when I think about it
I don't see how you can

You're aching, you're breaking
And I can see the pain in your eyes
Says everybody's changing
And I don't know why

So little time
Try to understand that I'm
Trying to make a move just to stay in the game
I try to stay awake and remember my name
But everybody's changing
And I don't feel the same

You're gone from here
And soon you will disappear
Fading into beautiful light
Cause everybody's changing
And I don't feel right

Who am I kidding?

Amongst the desolate and remote,
Away from joyous glee and pompous gloat.
In abnegation, I seek absolution.
Yet in the shadows I remain,
from change still I refrain.

Song: Yellow

By Coldplay

Look at the stars,Look how they shine for you,
And everything you do,Yeah, they were all yellow.
I came along,I wrote a song for you,
And all the things you do,And it was called 'Yellow'.
So then I took my turn,Oh what a thing to have done,
And it was all 'Yellow.'

Your skin,Oh yeah your skin and bones,
Turn into something beautiful,
You know, you know I love you so,
You know I love you so.

I swam across,I jumped across for you,
Oh what a thing to do.Cos you were all 'Yellow',
I drew a line,I drew a line for you,
Oh what a thing to do,And it was all 'Yellow.'

Your skin,Oh yeah your skin and bones,
Turn into something beautiful,
And you know,For you I'd bleed myself dry,
For you I'd bleed myself dry.

It's true,Look how they shine for you,
Look how they shine for you,
Look how they shine for,
Look how they shine for you,
Look how they shine for you,
Look how they shine.

Look at the stars,
Look how they shine for you,
And all the things that you do.

Its Been a Long Time

Wow.. I haven updated my Blog in such a long time!
And I have countless things to write about.
Guess I've great at keeping things to myself, hence the lack of resolution to actually pen down my thoughts.

Someday will come
When all shall be revealed
In all its mystery and splendeur
Wonderous Marvelous allure
Shall draw us together
For all eternity astounder


Watched a couple of great shows lately,
"How to Lose a Guy in 10 days" - Hillarious and sooo sweet.. Just love Romantic Comedies...
"Robots" - Coooool..
and I can't remember this other movie that almost made me burst at my seams... A rarity!
A big change is happening in me. To me. Hopefully I'll mature like wine. Till then.

Three Words of Strength

By Friedrich von Schiller

There are three lessons I would write,
Three words, as with a burning pen,
In tracings of eternal light,
Upon the hearts of men.

Have Hope. Though clouds environ round,
And gladness hides her face in scorn,
Put off the shadow from thy brow:
No night but hath its morn.

Have Faith. Where'er thy bark is driven,
The calm's disport, the tempest's mirth,
Know this: God rules the hosts of heaven,
The inhabitants of earth.

Have Love. Not love alone for one,
But man, as man, thy brother call;
And scatter, like a circling sun,
Thy charities on all.

Went to RSYC to look at the boats...

I'll take that chance

Oceans apart day after day
And I slowly go insane
I hear your voice on the line
But it doesn't stop the pain
If I see you next to never
How can we say forever

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

I took for granted, all the times
That I though would last somehow
I hear the laughter, I taste the tears
But I can't get near you now
Oh, can't you see it baby
You've got me goin' CrAzY

I wonder how we can survive
This romance
But in the end if I'm with you
I'll take the chance

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

Happy Founder's Day!!!!

In days of yore from western shores
Oldham dauntless hero came
and planted a Beacon of Truth and Light
in this island of the Main.

Here may it stand from year to year
emblem of grand endeavour
The regions round echo the sound
of A.C.S. forever.

(Chorus)
Sing A.C.S. forever more,
our A.C.S. forever.
God save our land and heaven bless
our A.C.S. forever.

Our students hail from China's plains
and the Land of Rising Sun.
We have many sons from India's strand
and the islands of the Main.

Our hearts our hopes our aims are one.
No discord e'er will sever.
We'll stand together for the cause
of A.C.S. forever.

Sing A.C.S. forever more,
our A.C.S. forever.
God save our land and heaven bless
our A.C.S. forever.

The Best Is Yet To BE!

Warrior of Light

Every warrior of light has felt afraid of going into battle.
Every warrior of light has, at some time in the past, lied or betrayed someone.
Every warrior of light has trodden a path that was not his.
Every warrior of light has suffered for the most trivial of rea­sons.
Every warrior of light has, at least once, believed that he was not a warrior of light.
Every warrior of light has failed in his spiritual duties.
Every warrior of light has said yes when he wanted to say no.
Every warrior of light has hurt someone he loved.

That is why he is a warrior of light, because he has been through all this and yet has never lost hope of being better than he is.

I know I am.

Song: Rhythm of the Falling Rain

Its raining cats and dogs... How appropriate..

Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain
Telling me just what a fool I've been
I wish that it would go and let me cry in vain
And let me be alone again

Now the only girl I've ever loved has gone away
Looking for a brand new start
Little does she know that when she left that day
Along with her she took my heart
Rain please tell me now does that seem fair
For her to steal my heart away when she don't care
I can't love another when my heart's somewhere far away

Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain
Telling me just what a fool I've been
I wish that it would go and let me cry in vain
And let me be alone again

Oh the only girl I've ever loved has gone away
Looking for a brand new start
Little does she know that when she left that day
Along with her she took my heart

Rain won't you tell her that I love her so
Please ask the sun to set her heart aglow
And rain in her heart and let the love we knew start to grow

Listen to the rhythm of the falling rain
Telling me just what a fool I've been
Oh I wish that it would go and let me cry in vain
And let me be alone again

Its gonna be a wonderful Saturday

Overwhelm
- to overpower the thoughts, emotions, or senses ofto overcome with irresistible force
- to overcome, as with a profusion or concentration of something
- to cover over or bury completely
- to weigh or rest upon overpoweringly
- Archaic: to overturn

Woke up at nine on this cool sat morning.
Rained for a while.
A respite. From the heat from school life. From everything. EVERYTHING.

Managed to catch a prog on discovery channel on the tokyo bay pyramid. Hope to find the vcd/dvd for science class. On problem solving and collaboration of scientists, historians and artists.
Spirit high.
Muscles sore.
Body is tensed. So is my language for the day.
Notions of time, the present, the past...
I'm so dreamy.
Just have to blog.
I'm glad my language abilty is poor.
No one can decipher.
A blessing or a curse.
Cliche.
But true.

Overwhelmed.
Confusion. Hesitation.
Resolution sought. Stillness prefered.
Unlikely.

Song playing: Never saw blue like that.
Perfect for this moment.

Song: Breakaway

Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson

Grew up in a small town
And when the rain would fall down
I just stared out my window
Dreaming of what could be
And if I'd end up happy
I would pray (I would pray)

Trying hard to reach out
But when I'd try to speak out
Felt like no one could hear me
Wanted to belong here
But something felt so wrong here
So I pray (I would pray)
I could breakaway

[Chorus:]
I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes till I touch the sky
I'll make a wish
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway

Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget all the ones that I loved
I'll take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway

Wanna feel the warm breeze
Sleep under a palm tree
Feel the rush of the ocean
Get onboard a fast train
Travel on a jet plane, far away (I will)
And breakaway

[Chorus]

Buildings with a hundred floors
Swinging around revolving doors
Maybe I don't know where they'll take me but
Gotta keep moving on, moving on
Fly away, breakaway

I'll spread my wings
And I'll learn how to fly
Though it's not easy to tell you goodbye
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget the place I come from
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway, breakaway, breakaway

Song: Wishes

Just realised the lead singer for le couple is emi fujita! wow! no wonder why!

Author/Artist: le couple
Title: wishes

You can't stop believing-wishes do come true
You gotta believe me (wish on a star)
wishes do come true...

I looked in the sky and there I saw a star shining so bright above
I closed my eyes and wished upon the star that I would find true love
Someone who needed me
Someone to share my life
For a love that would be true
I would wait forever
So...no...matter how long it may be
I will be waiting

One star-brighter than the others
Two Hearts-beating for each other
I believe wishes really come true

Love at first sight
I knew it from the moment when you said hello
I hoped you felt it too, but we both so shy-how was I to know
when you reached for my hand
I knew you were the one
We laughed and talked for hours like I'd known you forever

Like...a...dream or something from a book
True love had found me
One star-brighter than the others
Two Hearts-beating for each other
Now I see wishes really come true

You just have to dream
Nothing's as bad as it seemsto be...believe me
Someone's waiting for you to try
There in the sky

One star-brighter than the others
Two Hearts-beating for each other
You will see wishes really come true
You can't stop believing-wishes do come true
You gotta believe me (wish on a star)
wishes do come true...

Finished my sem in NIE. Finally going to practicum...

extracted my wisdom tooth. Look at the bloodied mess! It was so darn painful coz it grew into my cheek.

Some pics taken at the Kentridge canopy walk

somemore fireworks taken on 10 feb chinese new year eve. had great video clips of it too! My chinese birthday! somemore pics in my photo links.

My new found china friend.

scene at the esplanade bay

Marina on fire after the fireworks display

070205 My first CNY fireworks pics. Must practice more!

My Birthday! 3 Feb 05.. Photos in my photo links!

Managed to catch this spider weaving its web during one of my classes. Recorded an avi clip of it in the act.

Garang Guni again on 29 Jan. Think we raised just over a k.

Its been such a long time...

Woke up early this morning. Couldn't sleep any more.
Watched Sense and Sensibility on HBO.
haha.. was so agitated when i was interrupted several times during the movie by my parents..
I think i'm so cute to be so engrossed in it...
Just love all the ettiquette and social graces of the time.
Pleasently surprised to see Alan Rickman as colonel brandon.. Just watched him perform as snapes in harry potter yesterday.

had so much to blog about these few weeks but haven't been in the right mood to do so..
lets see.. What have I been doing these few weeks??

Song: Faith of the Heart

I'm not insane. Really.


Performed by Russel Watson.

It's been a long road

Getting from there to here

It's been a long time

But my time is finally near

And I can feel the change in the wind right now

Nothing's in my way

And they're not gonna hold me down no more

No they're not gonna hold me down

'Cause I've got faith of the heart

I'm going where my heart will take me

I've got faith to believe

I can do anything

I've got strength of the soul

And no one's gonna bend or break me

I can reach any star

I've got faith, I've got faith,

faith of the heart

It's been a long night

Trying to find my way

Been through the darkness

Now I've finally had my day

And I will see my dream come alive at last

I will touch the sky

And they're not gonna hold me down no more

No they're not gonna change my mind

I know that we're so cold

We've seen the darkest days

But now the winds I feel

Are only winds of change

I've been through the fire

I've been through the rain

But I'll be flying, oh yeah

'Cause I've got faith of the heart

I'm going where my heart will take me

I've got faith to believe

I can do anything

I've got strength of the soul

And no one's gonna bend or break me

I can reach any star

I've got faith, I've got faith,

Faith of the heart

It's been a long road

Another week has passed

Been sleeping 2-4 hours each night.
But never felt better.
Had so many strange and interesting incidents happening this week.

You Ming
Ch****
Resonance
SMS friend
Shall We Dance?
Julian & Glenn
Bastard
Newspaper collection
Fetus in Fetu
Pharisans

Simply amazing.
Who will be there as a testament and witness for my life?

Coincidence or fate?

My heart raced, my body trembled.
I wanted to run and hide.
But there is no need to run and no need to hide.

My life's a fairy tale.
I still cannot believe it.
The coincidences and amazing things that happen to me.
Is God playing a trick on me?

And its so queer!!!!!
So many many many msgs from friends the moment I reached home!
I dun understand the things that happen.

Someday it shall be revealed.

The Triple Fool

Heard great music today, 1st from a shan dong chinese orchestra, followed by "kick-ass" B' Quartet. You gotta hear them to understand.
I'm a Fool. I chose to be a fool. I shall be the best fool.

The Triple Fool By John Donne.

I am two fools, I know,

For Loving, and for saying so

In whining poetry;

But where's that wise man, that would not be I,

If she would not deny?

Then as th'earth's inward narrow crooked lanes

Do purge sea-water's fretful salt away,

I thought, if i could draw my pains

Through rhyme's vexation, I should them allay.

Grief brought to numbers cannot be so fierce,

For he tames it, that fetters it in verse.

But when I have done so,

Some man, his art and voice to show,

Doth set and sing my pain,

And, by delighting many, frees again

Grief, which verse did restrain.

To love and grief tribute of verse belongs,

But not of such as pleases when 'tis read;

Both are increased by such songs:

For both their triumphs so are published,

And I, which was two fools, do so grow three;

Who are a little wise, the best fools be.

The Life Heroic

I like the man who faces what he must
With step triumphant and a heart of cheer;
Who fights the daily battle without fear;
Sees his hopes fail, yet keeps unfaltering trust
That God is God; that somehow, true and just,
His plans work out for mortals. Not a tear
Is shed when fortune, which the world holds dear.
Falls from his grasp. Better with love a crust
Than living in dishonor; envies not,
Nor loses faith in man, but does his best,
Nor ever murmurs at his humbler lot,
But with a smile and words of hope gives zest
To every' toiler. He alone is great

Who by a life heroic conquers fate.

I Love Roman Philosophers

"LOOK at a man in the midst of doubt and danger, and you will learn in his hour of adversity what he really is; It is then that true utterances are wrung from the recesses of his breast. The mask is torn off; the reality remains."

- Lucretius

From a dying man

Been sick for so long. Too long.
Its getting worse.
Tired of taking medicines.
But no matter.
I'm just taking a break.
What breaks you makes you stronger.

"Hearts were made to be broken, they get stronger by the day"

Song: Stay on The Road

Why Can't anyone understand?
Why doesn't anyone bother....
Its all so... Simple...


By Corrinne May
Don't turn your laughing eyes away
You know I love you
There's no need to be afraid
Hearts are made to be broken
They get stronger by the day
I'll take a chance and drop all my defenses
Just to hear you say

How long is the road
How long is the ride
How long is the darkness till we get to the light
Go easy on me
Cause you already know
No matter the distance
I'll stay on the road to your heart

You say I've been a fool too long
You wonder why I have the strength to carry on
I see through your weakness
Your tough guy iron mask
It's not really that hard or complicated
There's no need to ask

How long is the road
How long is the ride
How long is the darkness till we get to the light
Go easy on me
Cause you already know
No matter the distance
I'll stay on the road to your heart
I'll stay on the road to your heart

I'll stay on the road to your heart