Yes, if you are looking for a job and a challenging project.... I have a place for you if you are in Singapore!
Before you do... (and I am more eager to hire), you need to understand and get your basics covered.
Check out my expectations here.
If you have what it takes. Drop me a mail at sun_paulho@hotmail.com.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
A father's chronicle (Theophilus' birthday)
Here were some shots taken for this birthday... as usual, we celebrated for 4 days...
This year, his favourite toy - Zoids.
It is his last chance to celebrate his birthday in school.... I heard they don't allow such celebrations in Primary school....
He has grown so much!!!! It was a wonderful day for me.
Happy Birthday, boy!
This year, his favourite toy - Zoids.
It is his last chance to celebrate his birthday in school.... I heard they don't allow such celebrations in Primary school....
He has grown so much!!!! It was a wonderful day for me.
Happy Birthday, boy!
Monday, April 02, 2007
A father's chronicle (Growing slower than my kids)
Every now and then, I get to take pulse of how I am growing against how the kids are growing.
It was just yesterday that we started to leave Gracia in the Babies corner while Yan and myself went to the chapel for service. It was a struggle for me. In fact, I must admit that say "Bye-Bye" to Theophilus everyday is still not that easy.
It was just yesterday that we started to leave Gracia in the Babies corner while Yan and myself went to the chapel for service. It was a struggle for me. In fact, I must admit that say "Bye-Bye" to Theophilus everyday is still not that easy.
A father's chronicle (Grade 1)
Yes, finally after spoken to his piano teacher, Theophilus is on his way to prepare for his Grade 1 piano exams next Feb. His sight reading have improved these few weeks due to his self-motivated learning - he gets onto the piano and practice everyday on his own. No doubt, there are frustration to getting the timing right, and the dynamics... but it is easier than doing Maths.
I am so happy and look forward to his exams next year. His first music exams. Cool.
Forget about other kids being younger than him and taking Grade 1 too. I think he is doing fine and enjoying himself.
Now, when will he complete his Grade 4? I think that is the minimal to at least play a reasonable piece of music... never mind... I am just being impatient again.
Oh, his birthday is coming soon. We are cracking our heads on how to celebrate. Yesterday, we finally decided it might be best to scrap the birthday party (our guest do not tend to buy gifts which are either suitable for him or his liking). Instead, we will just have a mini-birthday celebration in his school with his classmates, and then go for a buffet together. The amount of money to spend in a private party might be better spent on getting him gifts which he likes. We will get him a bicycle (his present one broke down finally), and two "mystery" gift of his choice [subjected to our approval, of course].
Anyway, this will be his last year to celebrate his birthday in school with his classmates. When he goes to Primary 1 next year, the school will not allow such celebration.
Ah, taking about Primary 1... getting into the school of our choice is really a hard time in Singapore. Parents work hard - literally - to get their kids to the choice which they want. It is unbelievable. We sell our houses to move to another location. We do voluntary work - and with obnoxious principle giving non-committal statements like - "We, however, cannot guarantee your child a place in our school even though you have volunteered 80 hours of work to us..." It is almost reducing to begging to get your child in a school that you like.
To be honest, I don't really want Theophilus to be in some elite school. It is ridiculous as to how school "groom" them these days. Their products are visible, and at times - audible. Pride (not a quiet self-confidence) grows like weeds in their lives. They brag (was it not written he who puts on his armour should not boast as one who is taking it off?)
What I want him to have is a good education. An environment of good friends - honest, hardworking, and helpful friends. Being the cream of the crop is not one of item on my list. The sad fact is that there are many parents who hold this view too, and are also choosing the school which have fairly good environment (minus the academically good results too).
This coming July, we will have to hold our seats. We have prayed that he enters into the school of our choice... and if he does.... well... only God knows what plans he has for him. He is afterall - Theophilus :)
I am so happy and look forward to his exams next year. His first music exams. Cool.
Forget about other kids being younger than him and taking Grade 1 too. I think he is doing fine and enjoying himself.
Now, when will he complete his Grade 4? I think that is the minimal to at least play a reasonable piece of music... never mind... I am just being impatient again.
Oh, his birthday is coming soon. We are cracking our heads on how to celebrate. Yesterday, we finally decided it might be best to scrap the birthday party (our guest do not tend to buy gifts which are either suitable for him or his liking). Instead, we will just have a mini-birthday celebration in his school with his classmates, and then go for a buffet together. The amount of money to spend in a private party might be better spent on getting him gifts which he likes. We will get him a bicycle (his present one broke down finally), and two "mystery" gift of his choice [subjected to our approval, of course].
Anyway, this will be his last year to celebrate his birthday in school with his classmates. When he goes to Primary 1 next year, the school will not allow such celebration.
Ah, taking about Primary 1... getting into the school of our choice is really a hard time in Singapore. Parents work hard - literally - to get their kids to the choice which they want. It is unbelievable. We sell our houses to move to another location. We do voluntary work - and with obnoxious principle giving non-committal statements like - "We, however, cannot guarantee your child a place in our school even though you have volunteered 80 hours of work to us..." It is almost reducing to begging to get your child in a school that you like.
To be honest, I don't really want Theophilus to be in some elite school. It is ridiculous as to how school "groom" them these days. Their products are visible, and at times - audible. Pride (not a quiet self-confidence) grows like weeds in their lives. They brag (was it not written he who puts on his armour should not boast as one who is taking it off?)
What I want him to have is a good education. An environment of good friends - honest, hardworking, and helpful friends. Being the cream of the crop is not one of item on my list. The sad fact is that there are many parents who hold this view too, and are also choosing the school which have fairly good environment (minus the academically good results too).
This coming July, we will have to hold our seats. We have prayed that he enters into the school of our choice... and if he does.... well... only God knows what plans he has for him. He is afterall - Theophilus :)
Monday, January 29, 2007
If I am a Java class
I will probably look like this:
I need to highlight the importance that I am only Runnable on a single CPU. So, I am not really doing real multi-tasking. I am just time-slicing.
And most importantly: I was not created to implement Cloneable interface. So, I cannot be at two places at any single instance of time. I am ... Serializable though.
public class Paul extends Sinner implement Male, Husband, Son,
Father, Citizen, Christian, Serializable, Runnable {
Logger logger = Logger.getInstance();
Vector officeTasks = new Vector();
static Paul me = null;
public static synchronized Paul getPaul() {
if (me == null) {
me = new Paul();
}
return me;
}
public void run() {
payBills();
beAHusband();
beAFather();
doCitizenDuties();
}
private void doWork() {
OfficeTask task = (OfficeTask) officeTasks.firstElement();
if (task != null && task.challenging()) {
if (task.getAssigner().equals(BOSS)) {
task.do(me);
}
} else if (task != null && task.impossible()) {
beSuperman();
}
}
protected void addOfficeTask(OfficeTask task) {
officeTasks.add(task);
}
private void beAFather() {
playWithKids();
readToKids();
watchTVwithKids();
}
private void beASon() {
honorParents();
}
private void beAHusband() {
loveWife();
talkToWife();
}
private void doCitizenDuties() {
do_In_Camp_Training();
if (office_calls) {
logger.log(logger.WARN, "Citizen module in progress, official work cannot be done concurrently.");
} else if (office_demands_work) {
if (work.canDelegate()) {
new thread() {
public void run() {
deleteToTeam(work);
}
}.start();
} else {
logger.log(logger.FATAL, "Work suffering from productivity.
Handphones not responding well and \
emails to be ignored to clear buffer.");
}
}
}
private void beSuperman() {
throw new MethodNotSupported();
}
}
I need to highlight the importance that I am only Runnable on a single CPU. So, I am not really doing real multi-tasking. I am just time-slicing.
And most importantly: I was not created to implement Cloneable interface. So, I cannot be at two places at any single instance of time. I am ... Serializable though.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
A christian father's chronicle (Standing beside Joseph)
Michael Card (Joseph's Song)
Chorus 1
How could it be this baby in my arms
Sleeping now, so peacefully
The Son of God, the angel said
How could it be
Lord I know He's not my own
Not of my flesh, not of my bone
Still Father let this baby be
The son of my love
Chorus 2
Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours
How can a man be father to the Son of God
Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a king, How can I raise a king
He looks so small, His face and hands so fair
And when He cries the sun just seems to disappear
But when He laughs it shines again
How could it be
Chorus 2
Chorus 1
One of the thing that I miss while I am away from home is to watch my kids sleep. They sleep with a certain peace that brings calmness to me. At times, I do wonder where did they obtain this bravery from? The world is a scary place to live in. ... I am reminded of Jesus' words...
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
(John 14:27)
Not a gift as from the world. An alien peace. A foreign peace. Not known among the common. Hearts not troubled. Fear evaporated. Calmness in the midst of a raging storm.
That's what I see when I sit besides my children while they sleep deep in the night. Just like how my Master slept his way through in the perfect storm.
Back to Joseph's song again... as I stand beside him, I ask the same question too: How can I raise a priest? For my kids are a royal priesthood ...
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
(1 Peter 2:9)
Any christian parent who does not understand the amount of trust and responsibility on who we are really raising... will really need more time to consider the task on hand! I am raising a child belonging to God. Raised for royalty. Bred in a simple home.
There is a line of wisdom in the quote in the movie Gladiator by General Maximus:
Brothers, what we do in life echoes into eternity.
Lord, how can I raise them as you intended them to be? Show me daily, and perhaps one day, my eyes may see this beautiful plan of yours....
Thursday, January 25, 2007
It snowed
It snowed last night.... as promised, I took pictures for Theophilus.
Here goes, boy!
Here's Daddy before leaving the hotel...
And at the office's car park...
Daddy with team mate (Uncle Yeong Sheng)...
Wished you were around....
Here goes, boy!
Here's Daddy before leaving the hotel...
And at the office's car park...
Daddy with team mate (Uncle Yeong Sheng)...
Wished you were around....
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Reflecting on my achievements
Traveling allows me time to think. Moments of silence. Period of evaluation... at least on the flight. I am out of town, in UK.
Though the inflight entertainment on-demand movies are not that exciting. I was able to catch a nice movie (Gridiron Gang) Amidst all those conversation, I was also particularly taken by the conversation between Sean Porter and his mother. Upon her death-bed, she made a confession which I felt so akin to. In comparison to Porter, his mother's achievement is simply put as:
"... my achievement in life is you.... you are my greatest achievement...."
This also strikes a strange chord in a book:
On a final personal note, I want to repeat a question I constantly pose in my teaching: How many on their deathbeds wished they'd spent more time at the office - or watching TV? The answer is, No one. They think about their loved ones, their families, and those they have served.
(The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey. pp. 11)
Those statements speak alot to me, and I align with them. My greatest achievement is my family. My children. My wife. Building them up. Loving them. (I am fiercely proud of them).
At the end of the day, one of contribution to the community is to build a family that is secure and healthy and capable to love. That to me is achievement (not a bigger car, or a bigger house... even though they might come my way).
Though the inflight entertainment on-demand movies are not that exciting. I was able to catch a nice movie (Gridiron Gang) Amidst all those conversation, I was also particularly taken by the conversation between Sean Porter and his mother. Upon her death-bed, she made a confession which I felt so akin to. In comparison to Porter, his mother's achievement is simply put as:
"... my achievement in life is you.... you are my greatest achievement...."
This also strikes a strange chord in a book:
On a final personal note, I want to repeat a question I constantly pose in my teaching: How many on their deathbeds wished they'd spent more time at the office - or watching TV? The answer is, No one. They think about their loved ones, their families, and those they have served.
(The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey. pp. 11)
Those statements speak alot to me, and I align with them. My greatest achievement is my family. My children. My wife. Building them up. Loving them. (I am fiercely proud of them).
At the end of the day, one of contribution to the community is to build a family that is secure and healthy and capable to love. That to me is achievement (not a bigger car, or a bigger house... even though they might come my way).
Monday, January 15, 2007
A father's chronicle (Genre)
(Apologies for the long lapse in writing. Have been caught up with work and travelling these days...)
It is good to have Gracia. I get to observe how and why I did some things for Theophilus.
We went to the Community Library yestarday, and as usual, I went around the shelves looking for books for the both of them. I did not notice, until yestarday, how I actually went about choosing books for my kids - there seems to be a pattern of sorts.
Anyhow, I selected a book written about a beach experience for Gracia. It is only after I have done so, that I re-examine myself why I did that... I soon found out that it was mainly because we only have had a similiar experience just on the day before yestarday. So, it seems that my selection of books is influenced by their daily experiences in life.
I mentioned this to Yan and she agrees (on hindsight). There were many books that were selected for Theophilus when he was younger using animals as the main theme. And for yestarday's trip? I selected 2 books specially for this purpose. One book on Mozart (his favourite pianist-hero), and the other one is on C.S. Lewis (his favourite author for the series of Chronicles of Narnia).
I also wanted to change style of writing (genre) of what he is reading. Thus far, he have not covered biographies yet. Perhaps, it is a good time to start off with these type of writings? I still feel he is a bit young to cover drama, and other artistic works. It is good to leave them for now, so that he can enjoy things further down the road of discovery too.
It is good to have Gracia. I get to observe how and why I did some things for Theophilus.
We went to the Community Library yestarday, and as usual, I went around the shelves looking for books for the both of them. I did not notice, until yestarday, how I actually went about choosing books for my kids - there seems to be a pattern of sorts.
Anyhow, I selected a book written about a beach experience for Gracia. It is only after I have done so, that I re-examine myself why I did that... I soon found out that it was mainly because we only have had a similiar experience just on the day before yestarday. So, it seems that my selection of books is influenced by their daily experiences in life.
I mentioned this to Yan and she agrees (on hindsight). There were many books that were selected for Theophilus when he was younger using animals as the main theme. And for yestarday's trip? I selected 2 books specially for this purpose. One book on Mozart (his favourite pianist-hero), and the other one is on C.S. Lewis (his favourite author for the series of Chronicles of Narnia).
I also wanted to change style of writing (genre) of what he is reading. Thus far, he have not covered biographies yet. Perhaps, it is a good time to start off with these type of writings? I still feel he is a bit young to cover drama, and other artistic works. It is good to leave them for now, so that he can enjoy things further down the road of discovery too.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
A father's chronicle (Shall we taste it again?)
Well, if the first taste of success was sweet. Perhaps, we should replay the whole thing again!
It is a good thing that Theophilus' Kumons center have a personalized ceremony for their pupils (at least those who get awards. i.e. bronze and above). So, we went for his prize giving ceremony - now to honour those in the particular center who are award winners. The previous ASHR ceremony was for Gold award winners alone... Ah, never mind... let's do it again.
There was the usual playing around....
Gracia is having fun... running around and putting her head into this picture-taking-board...
With a little help from brother, of course...
No help needed for brother.
Taking a shot with the chief instructor, Mr. Yang ... needless to say, there were many "ooo..." and "ahhh..." when he went up for his prize... there were only 2 Gold awards for Maths, and he is the youngest.
And the post-activity is similar to previous prize ceremony - he is caught polishing his medal (I am very proud of him. I must admit it, even though I am just his Dad and not the one going up to receive the prize.... It was like - Heh, that's my son!) Well, his first medal anyway...
And on his desk, there is an additional present. This is only given to Gold award students.... and how is the feeling like? Well, here's the expression....
And the additional present is.... a remote control car!
Someone in the crowd whispered:"Why we don't have the big present?". Mr Yang's reply is: "Is it really not easy to get Gold award...."
I know, I know. I have been watching him struggle to get it. Without hardwork, there is no reward. He have tried very hard. And it is not an easy thing to come by.
Theophilus told me this is one of the best day of his life.
He is looking forward to get the Gold award again, next year.... well.... I think that's a good idea.
It is a good thing that Theophilus' Kumons center have a personalized ceremony for their pupils (at least those who get awards. i.e. bronze and above). So, we went for his prize giving ceremony - now to honour those in the particular center who are award winners. The previous ASHR ceremony was for Gold award winners alone... Ah, never mind... let's do it again.
There was the usual playing around....
Gracia is having fun... running around and putting her head into this picture-taking-board...
With a little help from brother, of course...
No help needed for brother.
Taking a shot with the chief instructor, Mr. Yang ... needless to say, there were many "ooo..." and "ahhh..." when he went up for his prize... there were only 2 Gold awards for Maths, and he is the youngest.
And the post-activity is similar to previous prize ceremony - he is caught polishing his medal (I am very proud of him. I must admit it, even though I am just his Dad and not the one going up to receive the prize.... It was like - Heh, that's my son!) Well, his first medal anyway...
And on his desk, there is an additional present. This is only given to Gold award students.... and how is the feeling like? Well, here's the expression....
And the additional present is.... a remote control car!
Someone in the crowd whispered:"Why we don't have the big present?". Mr Yang's reply is: "Is it really not easy to get Gold award...."
I know, I know. I have been watching him struggle to get it. Without hardwork, there is no reward. He have tried very hard. And it is not an easy thing to come by.
Theophilus told me this is one of the best day of his life.
He is looking forward to get the Gold award again, next year.... well.... I think that's a good idea.
Monday, December 04, 2006
My worst flight experience so far
Well, this is not a "complaint post". But I have completed a 36 hours of travelling. It was very unfortunate that I could not get to book my travel on my favourite airline - Singapore Airlines. It was so fully booked that I could not even get on the waitlist even if I am an Elite Gold KrisFlyer. Anyhow, that's where it all started...
I was booked on Qantas to fly to London, and transit to Philadelphia by British Airways. It all started wrongly! Qantas was late for departure for 1 hour.... and I thought that was fine, anyway, I have 3 hours of transit time... the weather came in. Heathrow was closed, the plane was diverted (and we only got to know very late in the travel... and not through the captain first! But via the Travel Map on my console directly infront of me).
Then, again, who can "blame" that pilot? It is the weather... we touched down at Amsterdam. They collected our head-sets. Switched off the entertainment system.... and were not allowed to disembark the plane. We were stucked in the plane for 2 hours - as if my 18 hours of flight is insufficient!
We were not served any coffee / tea (as hinted by the captain). We were not served any food (they did not cater for this). We were left hungry... and meanwhile, my plane over in London is approaching boarding time.
The cruel joke was that some passengers were actually going to Amsterdam. They were not allowed to disembark (well, who can blame them "again"?) But they were forced to fly to London (which we don't know when the airport will be reopen again). Anyhow...
We did fly off to London (and guess what? is my baggage going to Philadelphia directly or is it not?)...
We arrived at Heathrow. Honestly, that's not my favourite airport. It is supposed to be "International".... but they really need to upgrade it. The line that leads to Terminal 4 was very long. Due to the long backlogs... meanwhile my time is ticking away.
The strange thing about travelling in Heathrow airport is that they ONLY allow 1 baggage. Fine for me... not so fine for many ladies who are carrying their laptop + handbag. Anyhow, none of my business... let's move on with the queue.
After the customs check, I went to the Connection Flights counter or the staff just at the end of the queue. To my dismay, I could not catch my connecting flight on time.... I will need to reboard and get another boarding pass.
And guess how long we waited at the Connection Flights queue?
Yes.
3 hours!
At one point, we were so hungry (remember? we were not served any food on our Qantas flight?), some passengers actually flared up. One obnoxious manager came out and said this to a complaining customer:
"Sir, what do you expect me to do? If you are not satisified with our service, I am very willing to switch you to another airline."
Absolutely, horrendous serivce by a British Airways ground staff. There are 8 counters and only 4 are opened (2 of them goes to Business class, 2 attends to Economy)... and the queue at the Economy is 20 times longer than the business class. Well... again... who can blame them, right? They are just doing the "right" thing.
Sometimes, I really think good service goes beyond the "right" thing.
And to add on to the injury - my baggage is still left behind at Heathrow!
So, I came to Philadelphia with just my laptop. Tired and hungry with no change of clothes.
One thing for sure - given a chance I will NEVER travel by Qantas and British Airways. And certainly not going through Heathrow airport. It is a terrible experience. The travel experience given by both air liners were way below what I believe is "International" standards. I believe there are worst ones... but that's not the point. If they want to provide service for international customers, they need to lift up to the image. Not to mention that it protrays a bad image as a national airliner to both countries.
I was booked on Qantas to fly to London, and transit to Philadelphia by British Airways. It all started wrongly! Qantas was late for departure for 1 hour.... and I thought that was fine, anyway, I have 3 hours of transit time... the weather came in. Heathrow was closed, the plane was diverted (and we only got to know very late in the travel... and not through the captain first! But via the Travel Map on my console directly infront of me).
Then, again, who can "blame" that pilot? It is the weather... we touched down at Amsterdam. They collected our head-sets. Switched off the entertainment system.... and were not allowed to disembark the plane. We were stucked in the plane for 2 hours - as if my 18 hours of flight is insufficient!
We were not served any coffee / tea (as hinted by the captain). We were not served any food (they did not cater for this). We were left hungry... and meanwhile, my plane over in London is approaching boarding time.
The cruel joke was that some passengers were actually going to Amsterdam. They were not allowed to disembark (well, who can blame them "again"?) But they were forced to fly to London (which we don't know when the airport will be reopen again). Anyhow...
We did fly off to London (and guess what? is my baggage going to Philadelphia directly or is it not?)...
We arrived at Heathrow. Honestly, that's not my favourite airport. It is supposed to be "International".... but they really need to upgrade it. The line that leads to Terminal 4 was very long. Due to the long backlogs... meanwhile my time is ticking away.
The strange thing about travelling in Heathrow airport is that they ONLY allow 1 baggage. Fine for me... not so fine for many ladies who are carrying their laptop + handbag. Anyhow, none of my business... let's move on with the queue.
After the customs check, I went to the Connection Flights counter or the staff just at the end of the queue. To my dismay, I could not catch my connecting flight on time.... I will need to reboard and get another boarding pass.
And guess how long we waited at the Connection Flights queue?
Yes.
3 hours!
At one point, we were so hungry (remember? we were not served any food on our Qantas flight?), some passengers actually flared up. One obnoxious manager came out and said this to a complaining customer:
"Sir, what do you expect me to do? If you are not satisified with our service, I am very willing to switch you to another airline."
Absolutely, horrendous serivce by a British Airways ground staff. There are 8 counters and only 4 are opened (2 of them goes to Business class, 2 attends to Economy)... and the queue at the Economy is 20 times longer than the business class. Well... again... who can blame them, right? They are just doing the "right" thing.
Sometimes, I really think good service goes beyond the "right" thing.
And to add on to the injury - my baggage is still left behind at Heathrow!
So, I came to Philadelphia with just my laptop. Tired and hungry with no change of clothes.
One thing for sure - given a chance I will NEVER travel by Qantas and British Airways. And certainly not going through Heathrow airport. It is a terrible experience. The travel experience given by both air liners were way below what I believe is "International" standards. I believe there are worst ones... but that's not the point. If they want to provide service for international customers, they need to lift up to the image. Not to mention that it protrays a bad image as a national airliner to both countries.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
It arrived in Singapore
I came across this over the weekend at S$469....
Well... maybe I will get it after my current project when I have some time on hand. Or is someone going to send me a Christmas gift?
Well... maybe I will get it after my current project when I have some time on hand. Or is someone going to send me a Christmas gift?
Saturday, November 25, 2006
A father's chronicle (First taste of success)
Yes, he made it, and now is the time to get some acknowledgement.
We made our way to NUS Cultural Center for the ASHR ceremony.
He was warmly welcomed with applause... good way to start off.
Well, what should we do? The ceremony have not started yet... so we play around...
Here is a picture to show you how he felt...
Sitting down is never an easy task... especially waiting for prize presentations!
Now, that he has received it... taking a shot with me...
Individually...
Caught him polishing his trophy (the first of his collection)... perhaps, the sweetness of success will attract him further...
The trophy is sitting on his piano top... as a reminder to him...
Well, done, my boy. Well done. You deserved the applause.
We made our way to NUS Cultural Center for the ASHR ceremony.
He was warmly welcomed with applause... good way to start off.
Well, what should we do? The ceremony have not started yet... so we play around...
Here is a picture to show you how he felt...
Sitting down is never an easy task... especially waiting for prize presentations!
Now, that he has received it... taking a shot with me...
Individually...
Caught him polishing his trophy (the first of his collection)... perhaps, the sweetness of success will attract him further...
The trophy is sitting on his piano top... as a reminder to him...
Well, done, my boy. Well done. You deserved the applause.
Friday, November 10, 2006
"Latest US TV Series that I enjoyed"
James, wrote his list of favourites on 27 October. I thought ... heh, why not? I will share mine too! Futhermore, I am spoilt for choice - I am in US right now... and my... there are so many channels... I almost got finger cramps due to switch from channel to channel!
Anyhow, my latest craze is my son's cartoon series - Avatar - The Last Airbender. Some of the quotes are here. No doubt... this is NOT the best cartoon for the typical Christian family, I must admit... so, this is NOT a recommendation. It is just a cartoon I enjoyed. I enjoyed the speech, the fights, the clowny faces... it is ... well.... cartoon. You might want to be aware of the cultural and religious influences (read here).
It is unfortunate that my Singapore's cable subscription through StarHub is ALWAYS repeating the backdated series. They are not even showing the latest series (which I cannot purchase on DVD) which is shown here in Nickelodeon here in US. So, why is my Singapore subscription of StarHub and viewing of Nickelodeon different from my US view of Nickelodeon? Sigh, I am on the verge of unsubscribing my cable TV at home. I am watching old stuff and paying good money.
BTW, this is the only "US TV Series" that I am following (only 30 minutes in front of the TV).
Anyhow, my latest craze is my son's cartoon series - Avatar - The Last Airbender. Some of the quotes are here. No doubt... this is NOT the best cartoon for the typical Christian family, I must admit... so, this is NOT a recommendation. It is just a cartoon I enjoyed. I enjoyed the speech, the fights, the clowny faces... it is ... well.... cartoon. You might want to be aware of the cultural and religious influences (read here).
It is unfortunate that my Singapore's cable subscription through StarHub is ALWAYS repeating the backdated series. They are not even showing the latest series (which I cannot purchase on DVD) which is shown here in Nickelodeon here in US. So, why is my Singapore subscription of StarHub and viewing of Nickelodeon different from my US view of Nickelodeon? Sigh, I am on the verge of unsubscribing my cable TV at home. I am watching old stuff and paying good money.
BTW, this is the only "US TV Series" that I am following (only 30 minutes in front of the TV).
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Sesame Place
Yes, it is weekend again. We went to Sesame Place. For the rest of the photos, you can find it here.
Theophilus' favourite : Vapour Trail
Gracia's favourite : Elmo's World
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Playing starts
Playing starts at the playground. Here are some of my favourites.
This one shows the joy of walking. It has been quite a while since I have learnt walking, so watching Gracia takes her walks without any support and the joy shown on her face reminds me of the little achievements we make in life (and we have taken that for granted).
Isn't she so cute?
Well, boys are different. Theophilus is building a castle...
Hmmm.... maybe we should take a civil engineering course prior to building anything....
We took a walk in the park (Fairmount Park) again... it is like our hideout... it has a big area for us to run and pick up leafs...
Mommy and girl... it is quite cold for us... can't imagine winter...
Family shot.... good thing my Nokia N70 has a second camera...
Someone is getting married...
This one shows the joy of walking. It has been quite a while since I have learnt walking, so watching Gracia takes her walks without any support and the joy shown on her face reminds me of the little achievements we make in life (and we have taken that for granted).
Isn't she so cute?
Well, boys are different. Theophilus is building a castle...
Hmmm.... maybe we should take a civil engineering course prior to building anything....
We took a walk in the park (Fairmount Park) again... it is like our hideout... it has a big area for us to run and pick up leafs...
Mommy and girl... it is quite cold for us... can't imagine winter...
Family shot.... good thing my Nokia N70 has a second camera...
Someone is getting married...
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Philadelphia Zoo
A father's chronicle (Gifted is a gift or not?)
I guess every parent have their struggles in bringing up their children. I notice every parent is also fiercely proud of their children. They are "mini-trophies". They are "the sunshine", the "smile" that breaks all the dark clouds. As it turns out, sometimes, we still bring along our old baggages - we tend to be proud of their achievements. The word "proud" is a strange thing. The phrase "proud of" is even more strange (as I seem to observe). Why so? Well, to be "proud of" someone, is a "borrowed" pleasure, so to speak. For being "proud" is the "feeling pleasure or satisfaction over something regarded as highly honorable or creditable to oneself". However, to be "proud of someone" is a borrowed "honor". The tricky part of it (of being proud of something, i.e.) is that it often ties or associate to an activity or an achievement made by that "someone".
So, to be "proud of children" is perhaps (often but not always) closely akin to the achievements of our children. Well, not that it is a good or a bad thing. We are proud of many things that our children do. For example, Theophilus actually walked up to a waitress 2 days back and asked whether he could take a piece of paper out of the restuarant. In a sense, he need not, yet when he asked he is "free" of thieft. And acted responsibily. I am proud of that behaviour. It shows his maturity and responsibility. There are other aspects, like for example, Gracia is starting to walk (unsupported) and I am proud of her attempt to make those brave few steps. In this case, it is an external expression. An achievement that is visual.
I seem to notice many gifted children lately. And as a parent, I (perhaps, or is it due to vainity?) ask myself whether my kid or kids are gifted. As it turns out, I think there is always challenges on both sides of the coin.
I read an article (written by a fellow Singaporean parent) on the struggle of parenting a gifted child. And I seem to see a small shadow of myself lurking in the article as well. And there was a line that caught my attention:
It would be good to be in the gifted program but even otherwise, I think his needs can be met – though a lot of effort and patience may be needed as there is perhaps already some level of damage done.
It would be good... but even otherwise. Wow.... good to be otherwise. Good even not in a gifted program? This might seem strange to many Singaporean parents. At least a good number of them (I know, some readers who are Singaporean parent might protest to my observation, but general statements are usually generally wrong anyway). To a good number of us, we push these kids pretty hard (I am not throwing any stones here. This is not a judgemental statement. I stand guilty and condemned). There seems to really a need to change our way of helping them along the way the journey of learning and becoming a wholesome human being.
And I think sometimes, I agree with the suggestion - not to be enrolled in a gifted program could also be a good thing. Our educational system seems to honor (sometimes, even going to the extend of honor ONLY) those who are elite in our society. To be normal is to be abnormal. What's wrong being normal?
If it (ever) comes to my turn to make the decision as to whether to enroll my children into a gifted program, I hope I will remember to also talk to them about how they feel about getting into one. If all his friends are going to the "normal" program, his learning will be a lonely process. Elite, as he/she might be... but alone. And that is not very healthy. We have many gifted elites who cannot integrate into the society.
Anyhow, children are like kites. Always pulling the string tault is not a good idea. Sometimes in order to make the kite fly higher, we need to let it go.... let it be a "real" kite.
So, to be "proud of children" is perhaps (often but not always) closely akin to the achievements of our children. Well, not that it is a good or a bad thing. We are proud of many things that our children do. For example, Theophilus actually walked up to a waitress 2 days back and asked whether he could take a piece of paper out of the restuarant. In a sense, he need not, yet when he asked he is "free" of thieft. And acted responsibily. I am proud of that behaviour. It shows his maturity and responsibility. There are other aspects, like for example, Gracia is starting to walk (unsupported) and I am proud of her attempt to make those brave few steps. In this case, it is an external expression. An achievement that is visual.
I seem to notice many gifted children lately. And as a parent, I (perhaps, or is it due to vainity?) ask myself whether my kid or kids are gifted. As it turns out, I think there is always challenges on both sides of the coin.
I read an article (written by a fellow Singaporean parent) on the struggle of parenting a gifted child. And I seem to see a small shadow of myself lurking in the article as well. And there was a line that caught my attention:
It would be good to be in the gifted program but even otherwise, I think his needs can be met – though a lot of effort and patience may be needed as there is perhaps already some level of damage done.
It would be good... but even otherwise. Wow.... good to be otherwise. Good even not in a gifted program? This might seem strange to many Singaporean parents. At least a good number of them (I know, some readers who are Singaporean parent might protest to my observation, but general statements are usually generally wrong anyway). To a good number of us, we push these kids pretty hard (I am not throwing any stones here. This is not a judgemental statement. I stand guilty and condemned). There seems to really a need to change our way of helping them along the way the journey of learning and becoming a wholesome human being.
And I think sometimes, I agree with the suggestion - not to be enrolled in a gifted program could also be a good thing. Our educational system seems to honor (sometimes, even going to the extend of honor ONLY) those who are elite in our society. To be normal is to be abnormal. What's wrong being normal?
If it (ever) comes to my turn to make the decision as to whether to enroll my children into a gifted program, I hope I will remember to also talk to them about how they feel about getting into one. If all his friends are going to the "normal" program, his learning will be a lonely process. Elite, as he/she might be... but alone. And that is not very healthy. We have many gifted elites who cannot integrate into the society.
Anyhow, children are like kites. Always pulling the string tault is not a good idea. Sometimes in order to make the kite fly higher, we need to let it go.... let it be a "real" kite.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
A father's chronicle (Writing to home)
I still prefer the old ways even though I am a techki. I like pen and paper. There is a certain magical touch to it. Handwriting is a beautiful thing. I betrays the mood of the writer. It shows the insight to words. I like a handwritten letter, even though I am reading emails everyday - it can be so impersonal (even with the ending words - Best Regards).
I have taken the chance to write to Theophilus and Yan in this trip overseas. To 'betray' my feelings. To feel vunerable to those I love. To show them my inner thoughts, my feelings. Not just in the crafting of words. But how the characters are formed. The strength of writing... the angle and presentation form of my feelings. In conversation, we have tones... in writing, it takes a keen eye to read between the lines and even behind the pages (the strength used in the writing). It amazes me sometimes that people don't take note of such things. Certainly, we write with force and convictions... we shows more than just the arrangement of words.
I am going to the Post Office soon (after written the mails and cards for 2 days... I was not able to find the time to post it off... will do it during lunch break today).
Oh, on Saturday, I was visiting downtown Philadelphia... and was at one of the place where I read one of Benjamin Franklin's mail to his wife (Deborah Franklin). I like the letter... I wish I could see it in its original form...
It reads like this:
".... I sent you two saucepans, plated inside with silver instead of tinning. I bought them at Sheffield, because I thought they would please you..."
I thought of Yan when I read that. I miss her. Benajamin is so sweet. He was away. He bought them not just from a functional point of view. It was also because he thought "they would please" Deborah.
I hope my letters will arrive in the same way... that they might please them.
I have taken the chance to write to Theophilus and Yan in this trip overseas. To 'betray' my feelings. To feel vunerable to those I love. To show them my inner thoughts, my feelings. Not just in the crafting of words. But how the characters are formed. The strength of writing... the angle and presentation form of my feelings. In conversation, we have tones... in writing, it takes a keen eye to read between the lines and even behind the pages (the strength used in the writing). It amazes me sometimes that people don't take note of such things. Certainly, we write with force and convictions... we shows more than just the arrangement of words.
I am going to the Post Office soon (after written the mails and cards for 2 days... I was not able to find the time to post it off... will do it during lunch break today).
Oh, on Saturday, I was visiting downtown Philadelphia... and was at one of the place where I read one of Benjamin Franklin's mail to his wife (Deborah Franklin). I like the letter... I wish I could see it in its original form...
It reads like this:
".... I sent you two saucepans, plated inside with silver instead of tinning. I bought them at Sheffield, because I thought they would please you..."
I thought of Yan when I read that. I miss her. Benajamin is so sweet. He was away. He bought them not just from a functional point of view. It was also because he thought "they would please" Deborah.
I hope my letters will arrive in the same way... that they might please them.
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