Da Cliq

Venue Research - done in Sept 2007

2011-12-17T17:52:00.001+11:00

Looks like going back into the old files can be very interesting. Found this about the venue research committee that I was in back in 2007 as we already sensed that the current location is not ideal for our church.

Apparently, we're still there and no idea when we'll be moving? Our lay leader hopes by June 2012.

Anyway, have put some of my comments down in the article in red
__________________________________________________________________________________

Venue Research

Objectives, options & plans, pros & cons

The objectives for us to have this task group to be done is aim to have a large enough venue for our congregation in the future time, either by long term lease or purchase. After a month research and discuss, few options have be selected.

First at all, we will look at current church financial capability. According to 2006-2007 financial statement, $18000 was allocated for property rent. Due to inflation fluctuation, + - 10% of current amount will be considered for this research. This will give more flexibility to conducting this research. <--luckily enough, our rent has been reduced however, we have also been moved into smaller spaces

After research and discussion, 3 options are listed as below,

Option 1

Remain the downstairs, but let go the upstairs. Estimate rental for downstairs might need $9000p.a. This will cut down part of outgoing expenses.

As we still need to have office setup for doing admin paperwork and outreach new friend, two alternative options will be giving

1) Residential property

Find a residential property in nearby suburb, perhaps 3 spacious rooms townhouse, convert it to office block and other room could be use for Sunday school, counseling, tuition or other purpose.

2) Commercial property

The advantage to have commercial property is good exposure to outsider and non-believer. This enhances the effectiveness of missionary, maximum foot traffic. As it designs for commercial purpose, some possible usage will be consider such as tuition, photocopying, Fax (send/receive), office, internet cafe, pool, snooker. This also provides great opportunity to student to gain working experience by being admin, receptionist etc. But cost of renting commercial property have to take in consider, too expensive and it beyond budget.

Option 2

Keep existing rental agreement for 2 years and fully utilized the upstairs such as provide library facilities and tuition service. On the other hand, financial plan need to be prepare for 2 years later to accommodate the future expenditure as in property outgoing cost. Perhaps have AUD$12000 by July 08 and AUD $25000 by July 09 on church development funds. <-- As of today, I think we have over $55,000+ already for the church development funds, so good work to those who have give into this fund~!

- Current location is not fully utilised to its' financial spending

- It's a risk to be too comfortable at an existing place, lose heart to evangelise or grow more <-- I believe we have experienced this for the past few years. Not easy to wake up the sleeping giant!

Option 3

- Rent warehouse type of property

- Too costly

- Renovations will costs a lot too

- May not get permit due council zoning

Tasks delegated & report

- Raymond: City of Melbourne council doesn't have the list of properties available. Suggested we look at town halls. None available. Meat Market (North Melbourne) a possible alternative but unable to contact or look through the spaces. Has 3 rooms to lease now. Drove through North Melbourne, plenty of shops available to lease and sale. Recommends to follow up on Meat Market

- Lok Kiong & Daniel: 123 Little Bourke Street still under renovations, asked us to approach them at the end of the year (Oct, Nov) to see how things progressed. Welsh Church has been unreachable.

- Shawn: VicTrack has no property available near CBD or Docklands.

- Fund raisings are hoped to be done to raise funds for property use. Car wash, house cleaning, garage sales, dinner.

- Hope a longer term task group would be form to always keep in touch and look out for properties for church. Members have to have commitments and responsibilities. Do not need to meet every month. <-- often neglected, hopefully can improve~!

- In the short term, car parking is not an issue. Should it become a greater issue, we could negotiate with the commercial car parks beside to see if we can come up with an arrangement. <-- at least we had the privilege of using the car parks until recently. So that's nearly 4 years of free convenient parking! Amazing sometimes we can foresee problems earlier. Sad thing is this committee has not been ongoing to tackle the challenges we faced yearly. So we're stuck without a car park now! Ouch!

Reminder:

- Our comfort zone MUST NOT be build financially, rather on God <-- Still a big reminder today especially with DGR

- Our purpose must not be financially driven or profit driven.

- We must always aim to outreach to the lost souls (primary goal), the venue itself is a centre for outreach, not business.

- A lot of things are good to be done, but we must remember to do the things that are RIGHT. <-- Still agree to what i said in 2007 :P

Conclusions:

- As the way current market is going and based on our financial capacity, it's recommend that we take option 2 with a clear saving plans in mind so 2 years later, our circumstances will be different than what it is today. <-- Thank goodness we chose this option 4 years ago! Our savings plan have given us about $55000+ to work on now. However, the journey is still long. Hopefully the venue research committee for 2012 can work out a better plan accommodating our church's needs!

Old Document From 2008

2011-12-16T12:54:00.000+11:00

Was browsing through my old files and saw this. One of my proposals back in 2008 to cater for church's growth. Unfortunately, it was never approved or implemented.

Still interesting to see if my ideology or principle has changed or not throughout the years.

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Proposed LCEC Structure 2009

Purpose/objective: Current church administrative system is failing and hard coping on the effectiveness of our ministries. The present system is designed for 1 service church, we have 2 and it’s hardly working as we would want. When we had the opportunity to experience 3 services, “disaster” happened. We see a lot of disappointments, setbacks, confusions, and tiredness. In other words, we couldn’t cope and keep the church growing. So, we try to refine what we have to cope with the workloads that are involved. It’s nothing new, just re-arranging the positions & ministries structure to improve effectiveness & efficiency. In other words, separating administration and ministry related issues.

LCEC

Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Lay Leader
Stewardship & Finance
Treasurer
Secretary
Pastor Parish Relations (consist of Lay Leader, Chairperson, Pastor Representative, Service 1 Rep, Service N Rep)
Property Management
Service 1 (Task Group 1)
Service 2 (Task Group 2)
Service N (Task Group n)

Brief explanations

- The LCEC will be responsible mainly for the church as a “whole” rather than individual services

- Task groups may be set up to manage issues involving only individual services or special groups

- Under LCEC, there can be a maximum of 35 committees in total. Special exemptions apply. As above example, only 10 committees are used but we can look after at least 2-3 services efficiently.

Typical Task group for Services

Task group leader (aka chairperson)
Secretary
Italics = subgroups

Treasurer
Mission & Evangelism
Social Concerns
Christian Education
Small group
Activity
Worship & Music

- This is the typical task group to manage a service

- This group will be responsible for their own service only

- Any issue related to the whole church will be brought to the LCEC via the Task Group Leader

- Any purchase of properties/inventories will need to go via LCEC Property Management Committee and all assets belong to the church, not service or task group.

- Each Task Group can have more or less subgroups depending on needs

- The subgroups do not need to held separate meetings; their meetings are done in the Task group meetings. They however, can have subgroup meetings if they wish to.

General

- Meetings to be held once in 2 months, the task group meetings should be done at least 2 weeks prior to an LCEC meeting

- Pastor, Chairperson, and Lay leader are to attend task group meetings.

- Task groups should consist of members of one service only.

- This structure allows more focus on issues and more appropriate discussion during the LCEC meetings.

- The task groups can have more detailed discussion regarding their specific issues and needs.

FAQ

Are you having 2 or 3 LCEC in the church?
- No, just one.
Does it mean we now have 2 or 3 LCEC Chairperson?
- No, only 1 LCEC chairperson. The other is task group leader acting as a representative for a particular service.
We only have 2 or 3 services max? Why the introduction of this structure? Is it really necessary if we have more than one pastor?
- Short answer yes. In the coming 3-5 years, we can only see probably 3 services max, further down the track it could be 4-5 services in total. As we see from the current situation (5 months trial), we are crying to go back to 2 because it’s almost impossible to keep up. IF we had more than one pastor, yes we still need a structure change. Having an extra one or two pastors does not mean that the current structure will work even smoother. It just means the pastor do not have to look over so many services. The workload of a pastor is reduced, that doesn’t mean the workload of the LCEC is reduced. We’ll still face with the same problem of human resource and ineffectiveness in dealing with 3 or more services. The new system will simplify a lot of issues.
Won’t committee members have twice as many meetings?
- Not really. LCEC meetings occur as usual to discuss church issues. Task group / subgroup meetings take the place of the previous subcommittee meetings.

Will we have problem of disunity among task groups if there are people from different services?
- There’re many ways to show unity. Not necessary physical unity. We can be united in terms of visions, goals, policies, etc. We can show unity by providing assistance when required, able to compromise on matters that affects the church, etc.
Will it create more trouble for matters to be brought forward?
- There’ll be an extra layer or so to go through before it reaches the LCEC. However, Chairperson & Lay leader is always in the meeting to handle any issues.
Are we in compliance with the Laws & Constitution of the Methodist church?
- Definitely yes. It’s just a matter how it’s organized.
Can a member of the LCEC be a member of a Task Group or Vice Versa?
- Yes, except for the position of Lay leader and Chairperson. They would have to be from that “service” to be in that particular Task Group.
Can any members of the church attend the meetings?
- LCEC meetings, no as general rule of thumb. Task Group meetings; yes but are not eligible to vote.
Previous year’s structure has always benefited the Chinese side more due to the majority of the LCEC members are from Chinese side. How will this one be different?
- English side will have their own task group, which will be run totally by people from English side. This gives them the flexibility to plan at their own pace & style. If there’re matters regarding the whole church, they can always bring it up during the LCEC meetings.
How about combined activities or services? Evangelistic events? Training seminars?
- We try our very best to avoid combined services as it’s not good and doesn’t serve much point except for our own enjoyment or fellowships. There’ll probably be just one or two for the whole year. This will be set in the LCEC and delegate to a special task group or existing task group to organize. As for evangelistic events or seminars (should it be approved by LCEC), normally the party that proposed it will be given the priority to organize it. If they are unable to, then a special task group is to be formed or other existing task group to organize.
I’ve always wanted to see a big church rather than “churches” within a church. It just doesn’t seem right! Why don’t we look for a place big enough for all of us and stay on the current structure & system?
- In an ideal world, anything’s possible. In reality, it’s near to impossible to find a church or worship space big enough for it. We can look and look, and each time your results will be another disappointment. It can be very stimulating to say let’s go to the Town Hall, MCG or Telstra Dome, but we all know in reality, it’s not going to happen, at least we don’t have any glimpse of the possibility now! So, instead of dreaming & hoping to that way, we need to workout what’s best and a solution to welcome growth & manage it in our church. The world has changed; churches mentality needs to change too.

Going Digital

2011-05-06T16:55:00.000+10:00

Consumer Affairs VIC

Friday, 29 April 2011

Consumer Affairs Victoria has received calls from tenants and landlords asking who is responsible for the costs associated with switching from analog to digital television. The switch is due for completion by 2013.

In cases where an external antenna is part of the property and cannot receive digital signals, the landlord must upgrade or replace it if the:

original antenna could receive analog signals when the tenant moved in, and
lease is covered by the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (RTA).

If a television set does not have capacity for digital input and the TV is part of the lease, the landlord must arrange the upgrade (e.g. by providing a set top box) or replacement. If the tenant owns the TV, then any upgrade or replacement is the tenant’s responsibility.

If a lease is not covered under the RTA, a tenant may still argue that having a working TV signal is an implied condition of their agreement – and therefore the landlord’s responsibility – but tenants in this situation should seek legal advice.

If a tenant is not sure if their lease is covered by the RTA, they should contact Consumer Affairs Victoria.

For more information about digital television, visit the Digital Ready website.

Credit Card Scam

2011-03-08T18:10:00.002+11:00

DEBORAH TURNER
TID - TEAM LEADER - TEAM 2
HIGH TECH CRIME OPERATIONS

Tel +61(0) 2 62233555 +61(0) 2 62233555 Ext 163555 Mob +61(0) 438286895 +61(0) 438286895

www.afp.gov.au

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Credit Card Scam

This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want.

Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it... This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & Master Card Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.

One of our employees was called on Wednesday from 'VISA', and I was called on Thursday from 'Master Card'.. The scam works like this: Caller: 'This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. You r card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in ?'

When you say 'No', the caller continues with, 'Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?'

You say 'yes'. The caller continues - 'I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800 -VISA) and ask for Security.'

You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. 'Do you need me to read it again?'

Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works.

The caller then says, 'I need to verify you are in possession of your card'. He'll ask you to 'turn your card over and look for some numbers'. There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security Numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, 'That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?' After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, 'Don't hesitate to call back if you do, and hangs up.

You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number.. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question.. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497..99 was charged to our card.

Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number.What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card, don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master card directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a 'Jason Richardson of Master Card' with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this Scam is happening.

Please pass this on to all your family, friends and neighbours.

Badminton in Western Suburb, Victoria

2011-01-20T16:44:00.002+11:00

On hold until further notice - 8/2/11

This is due to technical issues in getting the courts.

I've booked in regular session for badminton on Thursday nights starting ~~3rd~~ 10th Feb 2011.
The session will be 8-10pm.

The skills level I don't really know yet, but expecting D grade and maybe some low C. It's mainly for social, so come have a hit & some laughter along the way! Don't mind competitive players as we're always looking to improve!

Please post a reply if you can come so I know how many people to expect. Ideally we have 16 24 people so we can keep it at $7pp. We'll try to keep it under 18 28 people for everyone to have a fair chance to play. There're 4 courts there!

We'll keep it at $7per person for now and adjust in the future if necessary!

Thursdays @ 8-10pm

$7pp

Address: Federation Boulevard, Truganina (Truganina South Primary School)

MiCasa8 - Facebook page

2010-11-19T19:23:00.003+11:00

Finally, we have created an online community page for all the residents & prospective residents of the building.

The facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/MiCasa8 or click on "Like" on the left menu!

MiCasa Pricing asof 24/9/10

2010-09-24T15:40:00.000+10:00

Things are still going on the fast lane! So be quick! There'll be more apartments released to the market soon...so be on the watch out for it!

Available units:

317 available on 21/2/11 @ $290pw – West Facing

804 available on 23/12/10 @ $320pw – North Facing

908 available on 22/11/10 @ $315pw – South Facing - Corner Unit – Rent will be $325pw from 7/2/11

915 available on 8/11/10 @ $325pw – South Facing - Corner Unit

918 available on 14/2/11 @ $325pw – North Facing - Corner Unit

1206 available on 31/1/11 @ $335pw – North Facing – Corner Unit

1209 available on 23/12/10 @ $335pw – South Facing

1211 available on 3/12/10 @ $335pw – South Facing

1214 available on 3/12/10 @ $335pw – South Facing

MiCasa Pricing as of 9/9/10

2010-09-09T10:14:00.002+10:00

Available units:

206 available on 21/11/10 @ $265pw – North Facing – Rent will be $280pw from 21/2/11

503 available on 12/1/11 @ $300pw – North Facing

702 available on 17/1/11 @ $310pw – North Facing

703 available on 17/1/11 @ $310pw – North Facing

711 available on 13/11/10 @ $305pw – South Facing

908 available 22/11/10 @ $315pw – South Facing - Corner Unit – Rent will be $325pw from 7/2/11

915 available on 14/2/11 @ $325pw – South Facing - Corner Unit

1118 available on 7/2/11 @ $335pw – North Facing - Corner Unit

1202 available NOW @ $330pw – North Facing – Lease ends on 24/1/11 with options to renew

1208 available on 31/1/11 @ $335pw – South Facing – Corner Unit

1209 available on 23/12/10 @ $335pw – South Facing

1211 available on 3/12/10 @ $335pw – South Facing

1218 available on 30/9/10 @ $340pw – North Facing – Corner Unit – Rent will be $345pw from 24/1/11

As you can see, very limited!!

MiCasa 2011 & International Students

2010-09-08T10:50:00.001+10:00

Now that election's uncertainty is over, we're clear of one thing: the international students market will be downsized whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Over the past few months, we have read news such as

AUSTRALIA has the highest proportion of international students enrolled in its tertiary institutions in the world, according to an international study.

It was also more reliant on students to pick up the bill for tertiary education than most other developed countries.

most other countries had been investing heavily in tertiary education while in Australia investment dropped from 1.6 per cent of gross domestic product in 1995 to 1.5 per cent in 2007.

He said Victoria - where international education is the biggest export industry, worth about $4.5 billion a year - had the most to lose.

For the first time, we're noticing significant downturns

The sector warned that the migration debate was further hurting Australia's attractiveness to students. "The received message in other countries -- among students, parents and others -- is that Australia doesn't value international students," the Go8 said.

Let's not forget the impact of Global Financial Crisis (GFC) last year or so. Normally we'll feel the impact 2-3 years later like how we did during 1997. The impact was obvious during 1999 and 2000 where the international students intake was low.

So, what's it gotta do with MiCasa8 (131 Pelham Street, Carlton VIC)? Lots of things! The whole building is probably 97% international students!!

This year (2010) we managed to achieve better than expected as we started earlier and before GFC is even famous! However, along the way, sadly, I have few tenants who had to leave the place as GFC has taken a toll of their financial situations.

For 2011, we have started accepting and processing applications. The responses are still coming in very quick and most apartments under $320pw are snatched up right after they have become available!

The quota for June 2011 leases has been filled all by renewals of existing tenants. So things are still "OK" for the moment.

An advice for all international students who are coming to Melbourne and wanting to stay in MiCasa8 is to start applying early!

Now, some of you might be wondering why the bad news earlier then asking us to apply earlier? Doesn't make sense!

Well, my message is, the cheaper apartment ($320pw) and below will be gone very quickly! So if budget is your concern, start earlier otherwise, don't be too worry!! :)

Hung Parliament

2010-08-23T11:09:00.000+10:00

The good Oz witnessed or going to witness a hung parliament for the first time in 70 years! How good is that! The people have spoken...The leaders have learnt from their mistakes.

On 29/8/10, will we speak? I'm sure there'll not be a hung parliament.

I'm just hoping we are not hung by the end of the day. :)

After Tsunami!

2010-08-16T19:00:00.002+10:00

Selepas Tsunami (After the Tsunami) from Pusat KOMAS on Vimeo.

信者得愛~鄭秀文 Sammi Cheng

2010-07-21T21:33:00.000+10:00

Free Property Seminar

2010-04-27T14:21:00.002+10:00

Attention first home buyers & international students!

Prime Estate International P/L together with Loan Market P/L is holding a free information session for you.

Date: Wednesday, 28/4/10

Time: 6.30pm start

Venue: 7/300 King Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 (enter via Eagle Al from La Trobe Street or Little Lonsdale Street)

This will be a very fruitful information session for you especially if you're new to the property & loan market here in Melbourne.

If interested to join, please RSVP to sales@primeestate.com or give them a ring on 03 9606 0388

Best of all, hot finger food will be prepared by BQQ Chicken Wings to make sure this night is a night to remember! :)

BQQ's New Deal

2010-04-12T11:08:00.000+10:00

We're proud to announce our latest package deal for all BQQ^TM lovers. After gathering feedback & ideas from all parties, we have designed the deal that will satisfy your cravings!

For only $21.95, you can get ½kg BQQ^TM Jerky (Bak Kwa) + 10pcs BQQ^TM Wings! Amazing deal!

Now you don't have worry about unable to finish the whole 1kg of jerky by yourself (though we always recommend that you share it with your families & friends :D), you can also get 10 pieces of our tasty & succulent BQQ wings!

This package also suits parties and functions, where you can have more varieties with a lower budget!

So why wait? Order now for your next jerky & wings!

We reserved the right to withdraw the package deal without prior notice.

More info at: BQQ Website

The Chics Are Smokin~

2010-03-23T13:35:00.000+11:00

Yeah, you got that right! BQQ Chics are smokin' like crazy!!

Thanks everyone for your support! Please do keep it up as we can't be smokin' without ya!

Also, good news that we'll soon be producing Bak Kwa (jerky) for all the BQQ lovers!

BQQ Chicken Wings

2010-03-18T13:14:00.000+11:00

Can I have your attention, please?!

Are you sick & tired of burnt bbq wings? Sick of marinating the meats for days & took away the space in your fridge? Sick of paying top dollar for KFC?

Are you wanting something as good as KFC but at and affordable rate? Higher quality wings for the health conscious you? Going to a party but don't know what dishes to bring?

Good news for you! BQQ Chicken Wings is the answer for you!

We specialise in catering for private and corporate functions, whether it is a bbq in your backyard for 3, or refreshments for 500 at your corporate event.

We take pride in our tasty & succulent BQQ^TM wings, which will leave you craving for more!

The best thing about us is our flexibility, allowing us to meet your needs. You can order as many as you like, or you can provide the food and we'll come around to do the hard work (bbq) for you!

For more information, goto BQQ Chicken Wings

Best Yum Cha in Melbourne

2010-01-19T10:59:00.000+11:00

The Age

Date: 19/1/10

Found on this article on The Age today.

So the best according to their taste is...

The Yum Cha Directory

Best all-rounder Golden Dragon Palace
Best prawn dumpling David's
Best pork siu mai David's
Best pork bun East Imperial
Best vegetarian Mahjong & Oriental Tea House
Best condiment Red Door

Golden Dragon Palace
363 Manningham Road, Lower Templestowe 98524086
Food ****and a half
Atmosphere ****
Noise factor ***
Trolleys Yes
Yum cha Daily lunch (dishes $4.40-$9.80)

GDP's food is a cut above. Dumplings are flavour-packed parcels, the balance of flavour and texture just right, like soft pork siu mai and Shanghai dumplings with a hot burst of salty broth. Roast pork comes with crisp skin and the dessert trolley is loaded with favourites such as mango pancakes. The room is spacious with ornate wooden tables and chairs, and the service upbeat and friendly.

David's
4 Cecil Place, Prahran 95295199
Food *****
Atmosphere ****
Noise factor ***
Trolleys No (tray service Sun)
Yum cha Daily lunch (dishes $4.90-$13.90)

WHITE linen, oversized lamps, comfy chairs. David's is a premium yum cha experience, with a premium price tag, and it's worth every cent. Delectable, fleshy pork ribs are sticky and sweet with a rich plum sauce. Yielding pork siu mai has a succulent and gingery interior, juicy har gau come in perfectly pleated, green (spinach) wrappers, and green beans are fried with shrimp and Sichuan pepper. Excellent service caps it off.

What I will say, is that the best quality yum cha is in the suburbs, not in Little Bourke's Chinatown. Eating yum cha in Chinatown is like eating pasta in Lygon Street.

Reconciliation

2010-01-14T12:45:00.001+11:00

As promised, I'd share my devotion insights at least once a month. So here goes:

¹⁹that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2Cor 5:19-20

I was reading through 2Cor 5:19-20, it struck me quite hard. This is because just yesterday when I was leading the prayer meeting (I forgot I was supposed to lead), I was touched by the Holy Spirit to lead all of us to come back before God. We have gone astray for the past few months, probably even years.

So I asked everyone to come back to God before even planning or talking about any other things. Even though I don't sense the urgency among us then, I believe God has His time and His ways.

Through the short verses mentioned above, it reminds me again about God who is initiating the reconciliation process with us through His love by sacrificing His only begotten Son in order to clear us of our sins.

Paul also stated clearly on verse 20, "Be reconciled to God". What a strong message to remind me!

Now, brothers, as we all know that we are faced with a lot of difficulties ahead, we cannot ignore the simple basic fact of reconciliation with God as the foundation for our ministries.

We cannot be planning for the ministries ahead unless we have reconciled with God

We cannot be making decisions for the church unless we have reconciled with God

We cannot be church leaders unless we have reconciled with God

God's invitation for reconciliation has begun and is still active today. We need to repent and go back to God. Some people might said it's easier said than done. It sure is easier however, it ain't too hard too!

Some practical steps we can try:

1) Repent & deny yourself

2) Seek for forgiveness from God or others (if any)

3) Recommit yourself to God

4) Pray for Holy Spirit to give you strength

5) Join in fellowships with others of the ideas with you in the process of reconciliation

6) Be accountable to God and others

I pray that the Almighty God will bless you and keep you in His mighty arms! Let's reconcile and revive our works for Him!

Are you with me? :)

Simple Majority Rule Does Not Rule

2010-01-12T11:12:00.000+11:00

Thanks to Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby, we have all confirmed that a Simple Majority Rule simply does not rule. It only creates tension & division among us.So this practise should be avoided at all costs!

An obvious example which is still hovering in our minds was last year where our leaders decided to change the Sunday service time to 1.30pm from 7pm. It was determined that we would change it based on a simple majority rule.

One would have thought, a simple majority from the LCEC? No. Simple majority from the LC? No. However, it was decided a simple majority from the WHOLE congregation or whoever was present on that Sunday! Woooaahhhhh~!

Anyway, the result was a close one. I think those prefered 1.30pm only outnumbered the ones that prefer 7pm by 5 votes out of about 90 in total. Something like 42-47? Forgot the exact tally.

The results today, our Chinese congregations dropped to about 50-60? Clearly something is not right.

Just a classic example of why simple majority rule does not rule in churches.

Some then would argue that the Methodist Constitution that encourages voting is flawed, where most voting would just require a simple majority but major decisions requires 2/3 or sometimes in rare cases 3/4 majority.

I would beg to differ.......

The Constitution stands as a guideline for Methodists to practice. It all depends on the interpretations and applications by those who are using it.

Just like the bible is a good book, it can be misused by cults to deceive others.

As Christians, we must always go back to seek God's will and plans for us. Let us not depend on ourselves in making decisions for God.

Be a discerning Christian with wisdom.

What to do when our leaders are making the "wrong" decision? Pray for them, voice your concerns but if things don't go your way, just accept it.

Time will tell, just like in the case stated above. :)

Sorry, Such A Hard Word To Say

2010-01-11T21:16:00.000+11:00

A lot of people think, "I love you" is such a hard sentence to cough out but it's nothing compare to a simple word called "Sorry".

I'm not talking about "Sorry lah", "Sorry loh", or "Sorry eh". I'm referring to the sincere "Sorry".

As our human self defence mechanism, normally the first thing we do is to shift the responsibilities away from ourselves and point the fingers at others, directly or indirectly, conciously or subconciously.

It takes courage and huge humility to express that you're sorry. Some rather die than say sorry.

For a leader to say sorry, it means a great deal for him/her and it's indeed a great achievement.

Though the journey is still a long way from the end point, a small step forward is definetely an encouragement to everyone.

To Invest or To Tighten

2009-12-11T21:24:00.000+11:00

Life's so much fun with all the decision making ability given to us by God. For Christians, it's known as the "free will" though some would argue otherwise.

From people to organisations, countries to churches, we all have learn to make the best & right decisions. This of course includes financial decisions, which is quite an exciting challenge!

As a Malaysian Chinese, we're often taught to be thrifty, to save as much as you can and only start to spend it when you have a comfort "buffer". In another words, it's to tigthen up to survive.

After spending a decade in Melbourne, I come to regconize the pattern of Caucasians governance in some sense. It's very obvious during the GFC, most of the governments adopted the strategy of investing for growth.

Stimulus packages, grants, tax reliefs, etc. All are aimed towards futures prosperity and not just the short term.

So, it's a little culture shock when we started to see the governments spending like crazy in times of crisis! Billions are poured in multiple industries just to keep it going while from our background, we would have been cutting expenses as much as we can.

Having said that, they also did some costs cutting measures to keep the ball rolling. Even with billions spent, without proper restructuring, it wouldn't last as well. Billions would end up like cents!

So, as a church, what can we learn from this GFC?

We need to continue to invest into the future by laying out plans and goals for the short, medium and long terms. Then we can work out budget around it to achieve those plans. By injecting the proper resources (human, funds, etc) into the right ministry will help the church to continue to grow.

At the same time, we need to evaluate on our current ministries. Which ministries that we can afford to temporary lay off or shut down. There's a saying, "All things are good, but not all things are right".

By properly channelling our resources, we can ensure greater works being done in the church ministries. These are the core ministries that our church can never neglect. These are:

1) Mission & Evangelism

2) Christian Education

3) Small Groups

4) Prayer

If we're not investing more resources in those core ministries, I'd like to know what else could be more important? Day-to-day church admins? Spending on technologies & equipments?

I know some might say, "let's get our books balance first then we can plan" or the ever famous "we will wait for God Himself to lead".

Let us remind ourselves that, God has initiated His works. Are we spiritually sensitive enough to feel it or how are we going to respond? keep on waiting?

I have a funny feeling that our belts are too tight now. Perhaps we should increase our belt size and start to invest on what's right? Let's not choke ourselves to death!

Comparisons With Improvements :)

2009-11-22T19:16:00.000+11:00

Thanks to Nearmap, now I can have a look at my land from the comfort of my living room! Saving me about 80Km return trips each time just to have a look soils..and some rocks!

On 12/10/09

Latest on 13/11/09

The rocks have gotten less now...phew..good news! Hopefully everything will be cleared out soon! Waiting to see when the roads will be built!

Outsourcing

2009-11-19T20:52:00.000+11:00

The world is moving in such a pace that if we decided to take a break, we'll be left behind. Gone are the days where we can play rabbit and take a nap while waiting for the slow tortoise to catch up.

However, being the leader of the pack, we need to examine our strengths and positions to ensure that we do not strecth ourselves too much. In IT terminology, we shouldn't be paying too much for tomorrow's technologies.

Today, outsourcing is a very good way of not strecthing ourselves to the limit and yet being able to be on top of our game!

Outsourcing - The procuring of services or products from an outside supplier or manufacturer in order to cut costs.

A good example of this is from SHA, where we outsourced our internet service to an outside provider.

The Internet service for the SHA buildings are good, but only if it was about 5 years ago! It isn't competitive enough to survive in the Internet market. Hence, our value added service to the students have declined by the years in this aspect. In fact, I felt ashamed to answer if prospective tenants and tenants asked me about the Internet packages that we offered.

However, recently we just found out that we have given the tender to a different company to provide the Internet service to all our buildings.. From a rough briefing today, it's certainly a huge leap forward in providing better services to the tenants.

By outsourcing this service, SHA managed to save costs up to roughly $700,000 of hardware investments upgrading each of our buildings. Not to mention the running costs, overheads, etc.

The new services provided will certainly enable SHA to again claim the statement of providing "discount high speed broadband Internet".

Without outsourcing, all these wouldn't have been possible as I just couldn't imagine our company investing more than half a million upgrading the IT equipments in all of our buildings! We would probably still be stuck with dial up internet if it wasn't for outsourcing.

It's definitely a good news for the occupants of MiCasa8 as we'll enjoy maximum benefits of the new Internet services soon! The plans are yet to be released but I guess it will be a whole lot better than what it is now.

They do not have to go through Telstra for the ridiculuously expensive phone line connection ($>300.00) anymore~! Yay~!

King Asa = Us?

2009-11-15T09:50:00.000+11:00

Yesterday, while we were studying "Experiencing God", we were asked about King Asa's situations whether he was God centered or Self centered in 2 scenarios. Well, the answers are pretty obvious and you don't have to be a genius to figure it out.

Then suddenly a funny thought went through my mind. Before I get into that, let's have a quick history flashback on King Asa.

Basically, the first 35 years of his reign was all nice and good because he was reliant on the Lord.

2 Chron 14:11 Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, "LORD, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. O LORD, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you."

2 Chron 15:19 There was no more war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa's reign.

After that, he started on rely on himself and his allies rather than the Lord.

2 Chron 16:2-3 Asa then took the silver and gold out of the treasuries of the LORD's temple and of his own palace and sent it to Ben-Hadad king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus. "Let there be a treaty between me and you," he said, "as there was between my father and your father. See, I am sending you silver and gold. Now break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel so he will withdraw from me."

2 Chron 16:7-9 At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him: "Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen ? Yet when you relied on the LORD, he delivered them into your hand. For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war."

So my comparison is this:

We have always relied on the Lord from the day our church started back in 2000/01. Prayers have always been the driving force for us from doubling our members each year and to accomplish a near to impossible tasks (in everyone's else's mind) by forming a local church in 2007.

God was heavily sought after during those times but in the last few years, we seems to have forgotten our root and started relying more on ourselves. Prayer meeting numbers dropped significantly, ill-advised decisions were made, etc.

Even up to today (though I may not know the full picture yet), we have not been awaken yet. We all (especially LCEC members) knew that we're being told that we're going to be in charge of the 2013 Annual Conference. It's quite a big thing, it's almost like when King Asa was threatened by Baasha, King of Isreal.

While King Asa decided to seek help and support from Ben-Hadad, King of Aram; We seek help from Camberwell Church.

Instead of praying to God for directions and help, we are seeking financial help from our allies, Camberwell Church because everyone in CLMC (or 99%) believed that we can't do it by ourselves. As far as my limited knowledge knows, we're not doing anything else except waiting for an answer from Camberwell on whether to help us or not and the decision should by known by this year's AC around end of November.

Now, the question is, is this act God-centered or self-centered?

If this is a God-centered act, how so?

If this is a self-centered act, shouldn't we repent now and started praying hard and seek God's will? This could be the turning point for CLMC to come back to God in unity?

Or are we going to end up like King Asa?

2 Chron 16:12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the LORD, but only from the physicians.

Anyway, those are just my observations and feel free to correct me if anything I said is wrong....:)

Mr Keris-Man - Employee of the year?

2009-11-14T11:58:00.000+11:00

KPI, KPI, KPI...it has become such a normal term in Malaysia these days after the introduction of KPIs to Goverment departments.

Who is the hardest working man in Govt now? Well, most people might say Najib as he's not the sleeping PM but just saw this in the paper today.

PUTRAJAYA: The Home Ministry has completed the mammoth task of clearing the backlog of over 140,000 applications for citizenship, entry permits and birth certificates — two months ahead of schedule.

It has processed 143,099 files — 32,927 citizenship, 16,812 entry permit (permanent residence) and 93,360 birth certificate applications — filed between 1997 and December 2006. More on The Star

It seems the employee of the year award might just go to Mr Keris! He He!!

Nonetheless, hats off for this guy for clearing the backlog created over the years.

We also hope to see more improvements in his Ministry as well as speeding up or relax the requirement a bit for the process of foreign spouse PR applications, etc.

We're not expecting a jump in performance, but at least move faster than what BN has been moving for 50+ years!

Rocks?!?!

2009-11-13T09:40:00.000+11:00

Was just curious about my block of land so I drove there to have a look personally last weekend. I was kinda annoyed to see so much rocks around the area.

Based on my estimation on site, the rocks are just right above my block of land! Not a happy chap!

So I tried street directory, google map statelite views but their photos are outdated. Then someone from Home One forum posted a link to view updated satelittle images. Guess what I found?

Yes.....a pile of rocks dumped on my land!! And this was about 3 weeks ago and more have been dumped since then.

I hope they'll clear all the rocks away before the land titles! Grr.....

The Comeback

2009-11-10T22:58:00.000+11:00

Felt so good tonight to be able to hit some birdies! Haven't been playing for nearly 2 weeks now. It's sad that I might not be able to play for another 2 weeks again!

Sometimes the feelings just felt different after you stopped for a while and you pick it up again. It's almost like first love but not quite.

Perhaps that's why in our spiritual walk, there're ups and downs too. So when we were down, and after we got up, it felt so great!

So, don't feel bad if you're down, just remember to stand up from where you fall!

Looking forward to 2 weeks from now....another night of action packed badminton!!

Filter First

2009-10-27T23:19:00.001+11:00

AGAIN, another blooper from BN's man. This time, Datuk Wira Ahmad Hamzah (Jasin-BN) who said the following:

Before the Auditor-General’s (AG) annual report is made public, the Government should filter it so that the country is not embarrassed by it.

“I support the AG’s report but what has happened now is that it gives a very bad impression and it is meloyakan (nauseating).

“If possible, the Government should filter the report before making it a public document,” he said on Tuesday during the Budget 2010 debate in Parliament

I guess he really doesn't understand what it means to be auditted or the audit process.

Instead of looking on how to improve and be honest about themselves, he wants the report to be "filtered". Alamak~!

Who would want to see a filtered audited report, especially being filtered by the person being audited? Doesn't make sense!

Be bold enough to accept your shortcomings and improve on it! Don't be a sissy! If you know what your Govt is doing is bringing shame to the country, GOOD!

ACT ON IT!

MACC, you can spend the next few years studying the report and investigate! Don't just try to cover up on Teoh's case and bully PR members.

MiCasa8 - Better Than Expected

2009-10-26T18:39:00.000+11:00

As we near the end of the academic year, this normally means things are just going to get busier for us SHA! This year we sort of started earlier than previous years in doing what we normally would do, which is good news for those who are wanting to apply for SHA buildings.

Just a short update for all those people who are still interested and actively looking for MiCasa8's availability.

At the moment, I only have 7 apartments for rent for 2010. Yes, only 7!

The good news is, about another 100 or so students haven't confirmed their intention of vacating or renewing.

Phewww...? Not quite!!

I've just roughly checked through the figures, the numbers of renewing tenants outnumbered the number of vacating tenants by about 6:4.

So that means, roughly only another 40-50 apartments will become available for 2010.

Another bad news, I've tons of applications on my desk at the moment. Probably 80 or so?

You must be asking, "do I stand a chance? Is there a way to 'jump' the queue?".

Well, yes if your budget is over $300pw and No otherwise.

So good luck people! Be quick to secure it before it's all gone! Normally 2nd year building is the best! Not when it's brand new! :)

My advice to you all: when you apply, clearly state your budget!

MCA, Now MIC & Maybe CLMC?

2009-10-19T10:57:00.001+11:00

Over the span for the past few weeks, we have witnessed a string of (by) elections & voting processes going on around us. It seems that everyone just loves the democratic process these days.

Recently it was the MCA Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) orchestrated by the sacked deputy president to try to bring down the president and climb back unto the ladder. Though he only barely "succeeded", at least he tore MCA into 2 parties now. Insiders are reporting a possible 3rd party in the leadership crisis too.

Now, the MIC also wants to bring down their president. Well, they versed it to sound more noble, to save MIC. Whatever the outcome is, one thing is for sure; There'll be even bigger divisions within MIC.

On the coming Sunday, CLMC will also have their annual Local Conference election for the stewards positions for next year. Instead of having the usual "fat heads" structures at the top, this year they have successfully reduced the number from about 16 to 9.

Anyway will the election process have the same effects as MCA & MIC? Definitely not.

Why? Because we are not capable of pulling such feat yet! We're still young & naive. So will the voting process runs smoothly? Yes & No.

Yes, because everyone will vote very quickly and all seems efficiently handled.

No, because of our "naivety", most of us are irrational voters. So to know what irrational voters do, please read my previous March posting in my blog.

However, sometimes we need to compare our passion for the church to those members of MCA & MIC. At least they really want to do something for their respective parties, though some are for their selfish ambitions, especially those over zealous ones.

The honest question we need to ask ourselves is, do you love your church?

If yes, it's not too late to show it by voting rationally this coming Sunday, 25/10/09.

If not, I'd recommend you not to show up or even forfeit your membership. It's better to wash your hands off any blood that you may draw so you may still be innocent. Having said that, I hope you'd make a wiser decision instead of choosing this path.

Najib's Powerful Words

2009-10-17T10:13:00.001+11:00

“I want to tell you that a lot of things don’t require monetary allocations. For example, changing from being lazy to become more hardworking,” said Najib.

Very brave in admitting their party are full of lazy bums, especially those benefited from the Govt's financial aids and special priviledges.

Not only the top level leadership needs to be more hardworking but the grassroot members!Can UMNO do it after their reform? It's still too early to tell but at least it's a sign forward.

Let's see how much followup works wil be done regarding this, not followup words.

Win - Win & Lose - Lose

2009-10-16T17:06:00.001+11:00

Most successful businessmen would always want to achieve a win-win situation.

Most ordinary businessmen would always want to achieve a win-lose situation.

Most immature businessmen would always want try to achieve a win-lose situation but in actual fact, it's a lose-lose situation.

The same principle apply to politics and if we apply it to the news report below:

KUALA LUMPUR: Federal aid to the governments of opposition-ruled states should be reduced and be channelled directly to the people there, Selangor delegate Abdul Shukur Idrus said.

He said this was because opposition parties were getting mileage out of the socio-economic programmes in these states.

Abdul Shukur said the Pakatan Rakyat-ruled Selangor government gave RM1,000 to finance funeral arrangements to the people in the state while Umno provided RM300.

“The state government also provided RM1,500 to the elderly. The people in the state are talking about the opposition government giving aid to the people.

“Little do the people know that what the opposition government is giving comes from the Barisan Nasional Federal government,” he claimed when debating the president’s policy speech at the Umno General Assembly here on Friday.

Abdul Shukur said the Federal Government should reduce payments to the opposition state governments so that the people there could see which party provided greater assistance.More on The Star

Let's see what can we get:

Federal Govt gives to State Govt who then gives to the Rakyat (people). All good so it's definitely a win-win situation where everyone is happy. At least it shows the Federal Govt is fair, the State Govt is doing its' job in helping the needy and the Rakyat is taken care of.

Federal Govt stop giving to State Govt who then has to reduce aids for the Rakyat. The biggest loser is the Rakyat, State Govt cries foul & unfairness by Federal Govt. So the winner is actually State Govt while Federal Govt thinks they won but they've actually lost!

Federal Govt bypassing State Govt and go to the Rakyat directly. With all the incompetency & corruption practices by the previous BN State Govt, it's a lost cause anyway. So, it'll be a definite lose-lose situation to all parties.

That guy in UMNO is short sighted and a poor strategist. All he cares about is the credit and praises for the "good" works he has or trying to do. Exposing his immaturity to the public. Shame on him.

Instead of encouraging other BN states to do the same or better than the PR states, he wants to see those luckier Rakyat to suffer drawbacks in their lives. All for the sake of "credits".

I'm sure there're more funds allocated to the BN States, so the question is, what happened to the funds allocated to help the Rakyat? How are they using the funds?

Dear voters, please open your eyes and to see who you're voting for. Don't vote blindly!!

It's your future at stake!!

Las Vegas - Victorian version

2009-10-16T12:36:00.001+11:00

In another act out of desperations, the Victorian Govt has again breached the trusts of fellow Victorians.

Premier John Brumby has opened the door for a second casino in Victoria - just five months after the Government ruled out such a move.

In May Gaming Minister Tony Robinson told ABC Radio that the Government had no intention of allowing a second casino. ''It is not the Government's policy to have a second casino in Victoria,'' he said. ''We have a set policy on that.''

But yesterday Mr Brumby signalled a big shift in Government policy on a second casino following a proposal for a new casino complex in Mildura. More on The Age

Definitely, a new casino would create heaps of jobs and investments, which in turn will also boost tourism to Mildura and stimulate the local business.

Similarly, Las Vegas was just a piece of deserted land where birds won't even lay eggs before the building boom. We cannot deny the facts that Casino can bring in "prosperity" and developments but the question is, at what price?

Sin City is one of the famous nicknames for Las Vegas due to the acceptance of "adult entertainment". Whom but those sinners themselves would want their city to be labeled as Sin City? A place where people defiled themselves, breaking the moral standard to the lowest ever, and have no respect for the Greater Authority.

Will Victoria has its' own Sin City in the future soon? Are we going to sacrifice an innocent City for the sake of money? It's game of Money vs Moral and it's very obvious that Mr Moral doesn't stand a chance in hell against Ms Money.

Do they REALLY care about our next generation well being? They might have jobs but they'll be morally corrupted. What good will it be then? We're just encouraging a future full of individualistic and selfish greed minded people to emerge on a path of no return.

Ethically, the casino should not be built or any casino for that fact. The moral price is just too high to be beared by future Victorians.

A city that neglect God will be doomed. We need to do our part in preventing this from happening!!

There're a lot more better ways to earn money! Stop defiling ourselves!

God have mercy upon us!

為下一代....Really?

2009-10-14T15:41:00.000+11:00

When I was in my teens, I was flooded with the ideology of paving a better road for our next generation (為下一代). As I have grown out of my teenage years, I'm no longer very convinced with this ideology.

After a decade of observing my surroundings, my peers, my friends, my neighbours, and my community, I can only conclude that the ideology has bring more harm than good.

The ideology sort of started in the days where the Chinese are ruled by corrupted governments who would just suck every bit of money the peasants have at that time. So naturally, most Chinese are very poor and struggle to make ends meet.

Hence came the ideas of "I've suffered enough! I don't wish to see my next generation suffers the same fate!". After that turning point, the Chinese are probably the most hardworking people in the world. Though they may not earn a lot but they work a whole lot more than others to save up savings for their kids to go to college, etc.

Gone are the days of reckoning, it should be a bright sunny day ahead! However, is it really so? Or the skies just turn gloomier & darker?

Just look around us. How lucky are those kids today? How pampered are the those kids today? How protected are those kids today? How terrible are those kids today?!

Parents have become slaves to their kids' demand. Filial piety is no longer a virtue but an added value for the parents if they "invested" right. Parents have become the genie, children is the Aladdin.

Many younger generations these days do not know how to be "a person". Their individualistic mindset together with the improper teachings from their parents have created a generations of useless spoilt brats.

Sadly, most Christians younger kids are not any better off too. Most of the Chinese parents mindset for the next generation is still very active in their mind. They don't care about the consequences or maybe I should say don't dare to accept the fact of reality of what they have transformed their children into.

I'm calling all young parents today to instill proper teachings to your kids in the early ages in order to restore order in the community. As it's written in the Book Of Proverbs:

Chapter 30:
⁸ Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
       give me neither poverty nor riches,
       but give me only my daily bread.
⁹ Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
       and say, 'Who is the LORD ?'
       Or I may become poor and steal,
       and so dishonor the name of my God.

Let this be the guideline for everyone of us when deciding on how to help our next generations. We can start from ourselves before the situation becomes even worse than it already is.

Who Cares About Debts When We Have International Students?

2009-10-07T15:11:00.001+11:00

Source: Herald Sun
Dated: 7/10/09

INTERNATIONAL students are the key to paying off Australia's debt and caring for its ageing population, a leading demographer says.

Bernard Salt says the country should be embracing international students and encouraging them to stay on after they finish their degrees.

Only 20,000 of the 400,000 international students who are educated in Australia every year migrate here, he said. But that number needs to increase in order to counteract the growing number of baby boomers leaving the workforce and paying less tax.

"We are not likely to raise the tax rate substantially," Mr Salt said.

"So this means we need more people who can pay taxes, and they can only come from overseas."

A student migration program would not only help Australia pay off its massive debt incurred as a result of the global economic downturn but would also ensure a steady stream of skilled migrants.

"International students represent an outstanding source of skilled migrants - they're young, educated and keen to become Australians," Mr Salt said.

The reputation of Australia's $15.5 billion international education industry was damaged earlier this year following a series of attacks on Indian students in Melbourne.

An independent review of the sector is being carried out by former federal Liberal MP Bruce Baird.

Mr Salt, who will deliver his message to the Australian International Education Conference in Sydney next week, said the nation needed to lift its game if it was to compete in the highly competitive international student market.

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

At least they're smart in getting the money in elsewhere rather than keep getting out of their own people!

We should learn!

Rental Pricing for MiCasa8 for 2010

2009-09-24T15:13:00.002+10:00

MiCasa8 - The Best of the Best - Student Only Accommodation

Application for 2010 is now open!! The moment everyone has been waiting for...be QUICK or you'll regret it!!

Luxury studio and one bedroom apartments. The Ultimate in Student Accommdation.

Ideally located on the corner of Swanston and Pelham Street, Carlton; within walking distance to Melbourne University, RMIT and City Centre.

Parks, City Bath, Victoria Market; and Lygon Street Restaurants only minutes away, either walking or via tram at door.

This security entry complex of fully furnished units features a mix of studio and one bedroom apartments, most with balconies and city views.

Dual lift access to all floors.

Apartments comprise kitchen with gas cooking and microwave, each with modern private bathroom, study area, built in robe, air conditioning and heating.

Inventory includes all cutlery and crockery, bed, study desk and chair.

Flat screen TV in apartment and free Asian satellite channels.

Gas usage included in the rent.

Double bed in most apartments. However, only one student per apartment.

Communal laundry onsite, plus common lounge areas and bicycle storage.

Student discount High speed broadband internet connection available.

12 levels of 219 stylish and modern student apartments.

Price Ranges:
Level 1 - 2 = $250 per week to $325 per week for a twelve month lease.

Level 3 - 4 = $270 per week to $295 per week for a twelve month lease.

Level 5 - 6 = $290 per week to $305 per week for a twelve month lease.

Level 7 - 8 = $295 per week to $315 per week for a twelve month lease.

Level 9 - 10 = $315 per week to $325 per week for a twelve month lease.
Level 11 - 12 = $325 per week to $340 per week for a twelve month lease.

Love Your Enemies.....R U Sure?!

2009-09-22T18:51:00.000+10:00

Everytime you talked about Jesus, you cannot miss the part where He says "Love your enemies...". This is probably the hardest thing to be done here on earth yet this is a very clear instruction.

How applicable is it for us Christians today?

It's still very applicable if you asked me. However, it's so hard that nobody really cares about it anymore. Most people turn away instead of turning the other cheek!

Christians today should learn to love...

Their loved ones

Their families

Their friends

Their co-workers

Their church

before even thinking of trying to love their enemies. It's beyond our ability!~~

I myself is still learning this lesson but I need to learn how not to love myself too much that I neglected others...It's very hard!

Learning is a lifetime process but life is short so appreciate it while you can!

God gives me strength!

Give me the heart of compassion!

Let me be Your tool to bring love to this world!

Myki Rip Off - Beware

2009-09-21T14:10:00.004+10:00

Stephen Drill
From: InfoChoice
September 20, 2009 12:00AM

UP to 60 per cent of the new myki transport ticket machines have been subjected
to vandalism or graffiti months before the system begins operation.

A Sunday Herald Sun survey of the new ticket machines found smashed, broken and
fire-bombed units across the network.

That comes as a flaw in the troubled myki ticketing system means passengers will be charged more than $2 extra per trip if the machines malfunction.

The myki system, $350 million over budget and three years late, will charge passengers the maximum price for a ticket if they do not scan off at the end of their trip.

But passengers cannot scan off if card readers are damaged.

The State Government admitted the problem and will set up a call centre to take complaints from overcharged passengers.

Passengers' accounts will then be changed to show the correct fares.

An inspection of the Pakenham, Werribee and Upfield train lines on Friday showed six in every 10 card readers has been vandalised, though the system is yet to start working.

The system is expected to begin on December 1, but the Government is yet to release a date.

Opposition transport spokesman Terry Mulder has slammed the fault, saying it is another example of the bungling that has dogged the myki system.

"If you are going to have an electronic ticketing system it needs to be foolproof and damage proof - this is neither. Thousands of commuters are going to be ripped off," he said.

Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said it
was unreasonable to expect passengers to have to make a call in order to be
charged the correct fare.

Stephen Moynihan, a spokesman for Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky confirmed myki would charge a higher fare if a passenger did not scan off, even if they couldn't due to damaged machines.

"So if that happens to someone they can call the call centre and get the extra charge taken off and credited to their account," he said.

A spokesman for myki, Jake Hatton, said vandalism was a problem across the public transport network.

"Unlike the old Metcard system, myki software will be able to tell when myki machines are down and this will allow the operator to get them fixed quickly," he said.

Myki is probably the worst ever project introduced by the Government. Failure to start on time, over budget, etc.

Now, it'll even charge a passanger more even if the passenger is not at fault! To get a bloody refund, you need to ring their call centre and will be lucky to be on hold for 30 minutes, if not more.

This is NOT acceptable and really shows how much the Govt cares about its' people.

They should NOT be charging passengers should any of the readers are faulty and they CAN tell which reader is faulty right away according to the Myki spokesperson.

Oh wait, they don't care about the passengers, they just want your money! GRRRrrrrr~~!~!~!~

KK Tragedy

2009-09-15T15:54:00.002+10:00

KOTA KINABALU: A climber slipped and fell to his death when
trekking up Mount Kinabalu. Tan Tzu Hau, 31, from Inanam here, was found dead
5.5km from the Mesilau trail at about 2pm on Monday by a Sabah Parks porter.

Ranau district police chief Deputy Supt Suhaimy Hashim said that Tan was part of
a mixed group locals and peninsular Malaysians trekking up the mountain through
the Mesilau trail when the incident occurred. ''Tan was trailing behind the
group when he apparently slipped and fell.

No one knows exactly how he fell but a porter who was behind spotted his sprawled body beside the trail," Suhaimy said. He said the incident occurred near the Panar Laban rest house at the height of 3,270m of the 4,101m mountain.
''His body has been brought down to Ranau and we are waiting for the post mortem to be conducted, he said, adding that police did not suspect foul play as they believe it was a case of misadventure.

Masilau trail is second but tougher route to the mountain as
compared to the more popularly used Summit Trail or South Ride Trail.

Accidental deaths among climbers on Mount Kinabalu is relatively rare though they have been a few incidents with the last reported incident occurring in Aug 2001 when a British teenager Ellie James lost her way and was found dead on the mountain
nearly a week after she went missing.

We were just on this mountain a few weeks ago! Thank goodness we were OK.
God be with the victim's families and comfort them!

Sports Cancelled On 20/9

2009-09-14T13:59:00.003+10:00

Just rang up Collingwood College to find out what went wrong yesterday and of course I get the expected answer.

The person in charge is on leave. The replacement thought that everyone has been informed. So they apologize for it.

Apology accepted. No problem but please don't do it again. :)

Anyway, just found out that this Sunday, our booking was cancelled too! And yes, nobody was planning to inform us as they thought we were told. Anyway, not going to make a fuss about it.

So guys, please note.

Sports on Sunday (20/9) is cancelled!

Back to normal on 27/9.

MiCasa8 - 2010

2009-09-13T20:17:00.004+10:00

Google, google and still googling.

Due to popular demands from google search results looking for MiCasa8 for 2010, I'll let you guys into a few small inside news!

For those that have been looking for accomodation this year, you'd definetely learned a big lesson to start looking for places to stay before you go back for summer holiday. Hundreds of students were left without an apartment in MiCasa8 in 2009 hence took a less desirable accommodation.

Anyway, for those first year students coming to Melbourne, do heed my advice. Start your house hunting around Oct/Nov 09.

Rental price for MiCasa8 hasn't been confirmed yet as it's still too early. Having said that, we're expecting the pricing to be finalised in the next few weeks!

Vacancy rate is hard to predict at the moment but I'm guessing there'll probably be just about half the building vacating at the end of their tenancy. So the number is around 100 apartments. Most second year building only has renewal rate about 20% or so but MiCasa8 could be a different story.

There're currently about 40 renewal requests already and we still have a long way to go before the students finally decide on their plan for 2010.

Total apartments in MiCasa8 for rent is about 205.

NBA True Role Model

2009-09-13T18:33:00.001+10:00

Just listen to his sharing....

A player after God's heart :)

Hope he'll continue to make big impacts in people's lives!

Racism After 9/11

2009-09-13T10:46:00.003+10:00

Just when we thought the Western world would have learnt its lesson from 9/11 regarding respecting and treating other races/nations with respect, it seems most have forgotten about 9/11! Probably what people said is right, most westerners have poor memories when compared to Chinese! 8 years seems too long for them to remember the valuable lesson!

Today, we are unfortunately treated without respect and pushed to the junks! Just because we are a group of Asians (Malaysian Chinese to be exact), they didn't have to treat us like how they did today. It's totally uncalled for and it provokes racism hatred!

Here's what transpired in this eventful Sunday:

We have regular bookings for the large gym in Collingwood College every Sunday from 9.15am to 11.15am EVERY Sundays except public holiday. Today, when we got there, we found out that there were table tennis tables in the middle of the court but no one was around.

So we rang the caretaker to find out what's the issue there. Rang twice but no answer. Then we checked whether there're any notices saying there're events today, nothing to be found. So we assume it was from the day before and the people just didn't pack up properly.

We started our games. Then around 10am, a group of Westerners stormed in demanding that we leave the premises immediately and put their tables back on.

The first sentence the old lady said was:

"We're not being racist here but...."

Yeah right! Who would expect you to be racist in the first place except deep inside your racist heart & mind, you knew yourself as a racist pig?!

She then talked loudly as if we are all deafs or as old as her and couldn't hear properly. Asked us to leave immediately, said she's calling the principal, blah blah blah~~! All of us were just dumbfolded by her over reactions!

After that, 3 other gentlement took over the conversation and admitted it wasn't our fault nor theirs but rather the college's irresponsible handling of this matter. The college NEVER informed us of this. They should at least given us a week's notice.

We're deeply disappointed with the college but even more so to the racist treatment that we all received today! We today are victims of incompetency and racism!

Being nice Christians, of course we didn't make things hard for everyone. We packed up and put their stuff back on. Now here am I back home, posting this blog for your information so you'd becareful next time! :P

p/s: not all westerners are racist. Only some probably least educated ones!

Heavy Legs Rules?

2009-09-09T16:35:00.000+10:00

Gone are the days where we used to think places like Camberwell, Box Hill, etc is a far away suburbs. Few years ago, most people would be complaining about how far it is to go to those suburbs and everyone is reluctant to go.

Today, the people that attended prayer meeting regularly are from Box Hill, Altona Meadows, and a couple from CBD and North Melbourne. Basically, 2 BH, 2 AM, 1/2 CBD, 1 NM.

The funny thing is, when we thought distance is a serious factor affecting numbers, today the longer the distance, the more constant the attendance????

The nearer the distance, the lack of commitments??

Where's the logic today??

Gone are the days where prayer meeting is having 30+ people.

Maybe organisers should evaluate sooner than later?

WTH Happened To "Go"

2009-09-07T13:20:00.002+10:00

Definition: To pass from one place to another; to be in motion; to be in a state not motionless or at rest; to proceed; to advance; to make progress; used, in various applications, of the movement of both animate and inanimate beings, by whatever means, and also of the movements of the mind; also figuratively applied.

I guess this is a simple word for everyone of us to understand the meaning of.

However, it's probably the least understood word for Christians. I guess the word "Go" doesn't exist in their minds or at least it can only be applied to circumstances which suit their comfort zone!

Sad but true.

One World, One Nation, One Race

2009-09-03T12:44:00.001+10:00

Suddenly this thought popped into my mind this morning.

'If God were the One seperated human into different races, speaks different languages & dialects and eventually different countries evovled, are we human going against what God has designed by trying to create the One World, One Nation, One Race mentality?'

The European nation has started on a common currency called Euro, English as common language platform, etc.

There was a slogan previously saying 'our children are colour blind, let's keep it that way'. Young people don't know what it meant by racism.

Inter racial marriages are very common these days. Soon, we'll have a 'world' race. No more Chinese, Malay, Iban, AustRalian, etc etc.

So the thing is, if God made it this way, why are we making it that way?

Everything was good in the beginning but we screwed it. Young pure minds are being polluted by selfish politicians who played the racial cards.

The concept will fail. What's happening today is just a reminder that the end time is near. Human are trying to change the future but in vain.

We need to appreciate every minutes we have and start giving back to God.

Spring To Life

2009-09-02T13:27:00.003+10:00

Can't believe it's already the 2nd day of Spring here in Melbourne! Time really flies!

Past 2 days have been quite sunny, which is good! Not too cold or not too hot! Excellent weather for relaxing!

Some flowers blossom in Spring, which made it beautiful to watch.

Can CLMC finally blossom too? After years of Autumn and dry spells?

We need more rain.

We need more sunlight.

We need God.

Denied, Detained & Deported

2009-08-17T18:07:00.000+10:00

As most people would have already known, we flew back to M'sia on 12th night via Air Asia. The journey certainly didn't start off very well.

On our way to airport, we thought we were going to be late as we only left my place in Box Hill around 10.30pm. As we had to park in the long term parking, we didn't give allowance to wait for the bus to pick us up.

Luckily, driving right at the speed limit, we made it to the airport check in counter around 11.10pm. And thankfully for web check ins, we actually managed to jump the queues!

Anyway, after proceeding through immigration, my dear wife was thinking about buying gifts, magz, etc that she left our DSLR camera at security check! Luckily i asked her for it as i wanted to take some photos, otherwise we would need to buy a new one again!

Now comes the real nightmare of 'em all. The entry denied, the detention and the deportation.

As I cleared my immigration checkpoint in LCCT easily, my wife on the 'foreign passport' counter is still waiting for a stamp on her passport.

After a few minutes, the officer went away to speak to her manager. This is usually normal as her crap passport couldn't get her smoothly anywhere except East M'sia and Singapore!

This time, she was asked into the immgration office. This reminded me of the incident in Incheon, South Korea.

She was refused entry because she needs a visa to enter West M'sia and we never knew that previously. So we tried to negotiate our way through but the respond we got is 'hantar balik Melbourne'.

This sucks, we just spent 8 crappy hours on Air Asia X and we're not going to like another 8 hours of torture. We asked them whether we could call any embassy for help or internet to get information but all requests were denied.

They asked me to find ways myself to sort this out. Anyway, cut story short, i contacted my parents, my cousin, and friend in M'sia for help & most importantly prayer. We, well at least myself, just kept cool and remind YL to pray for way out.

After a while, the immi officers found out that YL is my wife and i'm a pure m'sian, they started to soften their hearts and try to look for ways to help us through this tiring ordeal.

In the end, they came up with the idea of deportation to Brunei as YL is a Bru PR. We were glad not to return to Melb again so stuff it, we're buying the ticket to Bru. They also provided both of us with lunch (other detainees don't get them), we were able to sit freely in their compound (others were confined into tiny room) and I can walk through security points without a pass! Haha!

However, costs us about RM860 for the ticket....OUCH! Not to mentioned about RM 450 worth of tickets not used (kl-miri, miri-lbg). It's no longer cheap, might as well fly with SIA or MAS. Better service and comfort!

We were at LCCT from 7am, we only left around 6.30pm. From it all started, we were on this experience for over 26 hours!

Nonetheless, we arrived safely to Brunei yesterday. Will be looking to see if the M'sian embassy is open today to get visa for our return ticket. Then heading back to Lbg in the afternoon.

HBK signing off from Brunei :p

My Last Session

2009-08-11T19:42:00.001+10:00

This is it! My last badminton session in Melbourne...for the month of August :P

Need to play super hard tonight! Hopefully will be a fun night!

Hopefully get the chance to play in Limbang or Miri as well! Perhaps can try Uncle Kuek's indoor court! He He!!

Then I'll be off to M'sia for 2.5 weeks starting Wednesday night!

Watch this space for update & photos!

Roads To Recovery

2009-08-07T09:34:00.004+10:00

With all the doom and gloom behind us, perhaps it's time to start paving the roads to recovery. Or is it really behind us yet? Hearing still quite lots of negative sentiments floating in the air. Confidence, satisfaction and efficiency level still at its' lowest ever since the beginning.

We have heard of talks of the first month, first 100 days or now nearing first 6 months and how things are progressing or should I say downgrading? It's fine and totally acceptable for the first 6 months on how things are doing. It's totally within expectations. No problem with that.

However, post 6 months period, no excuses are going to be accepted if we're still standing at where we were 6 months ago or worse off. Everyone must be accountable to God, be accountable to each others and be accountable to the community.

The privilege God has given us to be in the City of Melbourne is not to be taken for granted for. We were in the heart of the City during our golden days, now we're at a small corner of the City struggling to make our presence felt.

It's the time of the year to group our people ranging from the rich to the poor, from the smart to the not so smart, from the older groups to the younger groups. However, we don't need dogs and cats. We people who are willing to surrender themselves to God, who are willing to make sacrifices and who are teachable and obedient to God's Words.

It'll costs a lot of your personal private times, your hard earned money, your stomach and your mental state.

Roads of recovery needs to start with the people.

People need to adjust their current lifestyle.

It doesn't matter whether we only have 3 people who are willing to step up and offer themselves as living sacrifice because 10 people, we can change the world. 3 people we can change the church!

Other things we need to look into at this stage are Small group ministry, Mission & evangelism, and social concerns. Those should be the core ministries after rebuilding.

$11,000 deficit? I don't see it last very long if we're able to get on the road quick enough!

Filter Filth

2009-08-07T09:17:00.002+10:00

Again, another controversy from the Malaysian Govt by proposing an Internet filter system to filter "undesirable websites.

Apparently, either they're ignorant or too optimistic, the filter system will NEVER work. Try look at Australia? Google the news.

First, the Internet is just too big. It's not like a piece of ball where you can easily cover it by a piece of cloth! Unless they're going to be blocking websites by countries in general? Having said that, it'll be blocking ANY websites, good or bad, which is of course stupid in its own.

Second, it's not viable. IF they are really the world smartest programmers and manage to block their undesired websites, imagine the costs of building the filter? Building a filter for the water is cheap and easy because you can see the source and filter from it. However, Internet has multiple sources like the number of sands on the beach! Try filtering that! The whole world will go broke before we can even filter 10%!

Third, it'll slow down the Internet. Filters means layers. The more layers the connection has to go through means an extra millisecond or tenths of a second gone per layer. It's not going to make a hell of a difference to Malaysia as its' broadband is like a tortoise anyway! Perhaps that's what the Govt wants to do? Get people away from the Internet so people can't get any news of the opposition parties?

Fourth, Communism in a democratic country. Censorship, Govt approved websites only, cover ups, etc are acts of a communist country or a dictator! It'll drive people to be a lot angrier with the Govt, drive investors away and create more harm than good.

However, BN's concern is to dumb the people, not just numb the people. They only want a nation of slaves submitting to themselves, feeding us with candies whenever opposition arises!

Enough is enough! It's time for a change!

Mouse in Pepsi!

2009-07-30T18:30:00.003+10:00

Source: here
Date: 31/7/09

ORMOND BEACH - Federal officials are investigating what an Ormond Beach couple found in a can of Diet Pepsi last week: the remains of a possible rodent.

The Food and Drug Administration is testing the can, which Fred Denegri popped open on July 23 and drank, only later to discover what was inside.

"It was unreal," said his wife Amy Denegri, who became suspicious of the can when she couldn't shake out the thing inside.

"It's big enough that it wouldn't come out."

The Diet Pepsi can was one of the last to be consumed from three dozen cans that the Denegris bought at the Sam's Club in Daytona Beach.

Pepsi officials said Wednesday that they traced the can back to the manufacturing plant in Orlando and didn't find anything amiss with the company's quality controls and soda sampling.

"It is virtually impossible for this type of thing to happen in a production environment," said Pepsi spokesman Jeff Dahncke, "We run about 1,250 cans per minute on these production lines. Their speed, along with the rigorous quality control systems we have in place throughout our manufacturing process, give us great confidence in the quality and safety of our products."

Fred Denegri has long been a Pepsi fan and is something of a "addict" to Diet Pepsi, said his wife Amy.

The 55-year-old man had pulled out the can of soda to enjoy with his dinner at the couple's outdoor tiki bar.

He took the first sip and had an awful reaction to it, she said.

"I can't describe his face but if you think about what he just drank, you can imagine," she said. "He said, 'This doesn't taste right. I don't know. It's disgusting.' "

They poured out the soda and a "pink slimy thing" was the first piece to come out of the can. They peered inside and saw what they believe was a mouse, or what was left of it.

They called poison control, but Fred Denegri didn't become sick. An FDA official retrieved the can for further testing.

"We take all complaints seriously and are moving quickly to investigate it," said FDA spokeswoman Susan M. Cruzan.

In the meantime, the Denegris are surprised by their sudden notoriety. "We felt it needed to be out there, that the public should know," she said.

And Fred Denegri is still drinking Diet Pepsi. "We buy the bottles now, though. And he pours it into a glass," she said.

Down But Not Out Yet!

2009-07-24T00:21:00.002+10:00

As expected, another crushing defeat tonight. I lost all my games again, so another 0-4.

The good thing is 3/4 of the matches are close games by just 3-5 points roughly. So it's a moral victory for myself!

Another way, got off for next Thursday. After that, I'll be away for 3 weeks namely 13th, 20th and 27th. Hopefully my game doesn't go downhill again!

Can't afford to!

I should be considering joining tougher social games but during "cost cutting" periods, it's hard to juggle between excellence and money!

Costs Cutting

2009-07-22T15:59:00.000+10:00

It seems inevitable. To continue staying where I am now seems to be more likely than ever.

The rent i'm paying now is nearly $1600pcm. If I downgrade, i need a minimum 2 bedder. In any good location, i would need to pay about 1100-1500pcm.

The savings are not as much or worth the effort of moving, not to mention all other costs involved. All the connection fees, redirections costs, removalists, etc.

Some areas we looked at were in the West so public transport is poor and security is bad. I wouldn't dare to let my wife use trains especially in the evenings and nights. That'll be a big problem too as she doesn't have a drivers license yet.

So, it seems we have to squeze ourselves a bit to save the difference. Meaning less dining outside, electricity & water usage to be cut down by at least 30% and less badminton for me!

Let's see if we can save an extra $400pcm.

Bad news is we're going back soon so money will be spent. Hopefully the AUD will keep the momentum going upwards. Then I can save some from the exchange rates!

Maybe I need to hope for money coming out from the skies!

Aih...why am I so poor??????

How Early Is Early?

2009-07-21T13:35:00.003+10:00

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today said that the Government is planning to include pre-school as part of the national education system. Also, English will be an important part of it. He claimed to be impressed with some students who can grasp basic English after one year in preschool. <--Duhh~~ Those with Philipino maids at home also can speak basic English lah!

Now, preschool is normally for 5 years old or younger. If this has become compulsory in the future, all kids will add another extra few years of studying! It depends on which defintion of preschool they're referring to? Child care education or kindergarden.

Most of my friends only ever started to learn English around Primary 3 or so in my days. I was lucky to start around Primary 1 because I went to a national school, not those Chinese or private school. However, I was unlucky to never learn Mandarin! Even so, we already find the schooling years are too long! I nearly gave up around Form 4. Luckily, I managed to finish a year of Foundation studies and 4 years of Uni. No thanks to Master or PhD, I'll give it a pass!

Personally, I'd prefer the preschool system not to be compulsory but rather a voluntary system. Going to preschool also means more expenses for the parents, though some would argue it as an investment of the future. However, with young parents struggling to make ends meet, making something compulsory without further study of the implication can be a disaster.

Financial problem will affect relationships problem, which will affect socio problems, etc etc.

After all, they're still young! Let them enjoy life! Give them a break! Don't turn them into "stupid" kids! <-- Or maybe that's their plan after all? Turn all kids into future BN slaves? *Grin*

Maybe another flip flop in the future? Wouldn't be surprised!

Conquering The Summit

2009-07-20T19:14:00.003+10:00

In about a month's time, I'll be climbing the 4th highest mountain in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu. It has been more than 10-15 years since I last step my foot on Sabah, I can't even remember anything except Pulau Manukan by name!

Anyway, I aim to take down one of M'sia toughest challenge this time. Failure is not an option! Just hope the weather will permit me to get to the top! To be the King of the world (dreaming~)!

Last Saturday was a good opportunity to play around with my SLR camera as I haven't been diligent enough to practise my skills lately. Though the nature of the shots are a lot different (actions/candid vs landscape/macro), hopefully I can take a few good shots! Quite disappointed with my shots on Saturday though. Nothing nice! LOL! Need to learn to have an eye for good shots!

My poor wife claims to be the Innocent victim to my lust for adventurous challenge! However, she has only "practised" once up to now. Running/walking 20 minutes on the treadmill! I'll keep you guys posted on how she's doing when we get up there! HAHA!

Diana encouraged her last night by telling her that she cried all the way up and down the mountain! LOL! Oh yeah, and could hardly walk a few days after that!

As for myself, didn't train for this as well. Just busy training for badminton games as I don't want to pummelled again in the weekly competitions! Won 2 matches last week, yay~! This week I'm facing probably the strongest opponents, looking at a 0-4 results. :(

Metcards Discount

2009-07-20T15:19:00.002+10:00

Source: Metlink Melbourne
Date Published: Monday 20 July 2009

Want to get even more bang for your travelling buck?

From Sunday 26 July until midnight Saturday 8 August 2009, you'll receive a 5 per cent discount when you buy Value Metcards online.

Value Metcards are tickets which contain multiple rides at a bulk-purchase price. They include 10 x City Saver, 10 x 2 hour, 5 x Daily, 5 x Seniors Daily, Weekly, 5 x Weekend Daily and Monthly Metcards.

You can buy your Value Metcards at Metlink's online store.

Lone Ranger's Walk

2009-07-20T13:51:00.004+10:00

Today marks the 6th rounds I've done walking and praying for RMIT students in the city. It all started after Bishop's sermon about more than a month ago.

I must say, it's not easy to continue doing what I'm currently doing especially if you don't have others to do it together with you. You always feel discouraged or being tempted to just give up.

However, as I do my rounds today, I saw our brothers from the RMIT Christian Unions sitting behind their setup desks promoting their club. There were 4 of them there but nobody approaches them or anything. Most people treated them as invincible, or should I say transparent as a better description?

It reminds me of the days when RMIT CCCF was still active! However, at least the Chinese students are always happy to see us and wondering what are we doing there! Perhaps they long to see something of their background!

Anyway, my heart just drowned when I see such a picture. The world today rejects the truth or doesn't want anything to do with the truth. It saddens me to see such things happening. As I look around the faces fo the students in the campus, I see smiles and laughter but are they truly joyful inside? What happens when the people besides them are gone? What happens after the curtain closes? What happens when the lights are turned off?

I felt the Holy Spirit is raising my conscience and sensitivity. It triggers me to do more and more for the students and people in the City of Melbourne. I hereby call all of you to step up your game! Let's not be the spectator or "kay lei fay", be the role players that God want you to be!

Let's do it together. It's a lot easier than doing it by yourselves. Come talk to me to see what can we do for the City of Melbourne!

^{Matthew9: 37}Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

Let us at least be the "few"! Let the Holy Spirit sets our hearts on fire!

Renew Our Church Our Ministry

2009-07-19T22:53:00.004+10:00

Tonight we heard of the sermon to call us to renew ourselves, renew the church and be called to serve.

However, I think theoritically people know but the problem is, nobody knows how to do it. So next time, try to be more practical?

Unless we dare to carry out large reform, we'll not go anywhere towards the right direction.

Well, maybe they can but it will be a very very long process.

A good news from today would be 2013 is still on track. It'll be a pity to lose that priviledge.

The writing was already on the wall so long ago

2009-07-17T22:48:00.001+10:00

Source: Malaysia Today
The writing was already on the wall so long ago

Posted by admin

Thursday, 16 July 2009 23:49

This has been going on for far too long. The MACC acts like God. They kidnap families and torture those they arrest. They threaten those they interrogate with death if they refuse to talk.

THE CORRIDORS OF POWER

Raja Petra Kamarudin

The writing was already on the wall very much earlier. Alarm bells were wailing like banshees. But this was largely ignored. It was ignored because it was Malaysia Today that had triggered the alarm bells. Malaysia Today is not the most reliable source. It does not offer the best of information. What Malaysia Today dabbles in are rumours and innuendoes.

When the Anti-Corruption Agency, now called the MACC, kidnapped the family of a police inspector, Malaysia Today raised the alarm. They had kidnapped the wife and child of a police inspector who had investigated a Chinese underworld boss on the instructions of a higher-up with the rank of ASP.

The inspector was just doing what his boss had ordered him to do, and that was to open a file and launch an investigation into the activities of the Chinese prostitution, loan shark, drugs and gambling syndicate. And this resulted in the detention of three syndicate bosses.

What the MACC wanted the police inspector to do was quite simple. They wanted him to change his report so that the three underworld bosses can be freed from detention. And he would have to do that if he wants to secure the release of his family.

The police inspector refused to do that. Instead, he made a police report. And so did his wife. But nothing was done about the matter. The MACC officers were not arrested and dragged to court on kidnapping charges.

The MACC then leaked information to the media that they are investigating a very senior police officer, the Director of the CCD, for the crime of not declaring RM27 million worth of assets. The fact that MACC investigations come under the Official Secrets Act was not a hindrance. After all, the OSA is only used against opposition supporters and not against those who serve those who walk in the corridors of power.

Nevertheless, the Director of the CCD was finally not charged for not declaring RM27 million in assets. He was charged for using police property for his personal reasons, something that all government officers, ministers and politicians do blatantly every day of the week. But his real crime is that he detained several Chinese underworld bosses who control the prostitution, loan shark, drugs and gambling business all over Malaysia.

Then they arrested the lawyer who acted for the CCD Director. The MACC officers came to his office on the eve of Hari Raya and handcuffed him after roughing him up like one would do to an armed bank robber. To ensure that the lawyer suffered the greatest embarrassment this Hollywood-style arrest was done in full view of the entire office.

Malaysia Today wrote about all this. Malaysia Today not only wrote about all this but Malaysia Today repeated the stories again and again to make sure no one would say they somehow missed the story. But still nothing was done. No one denied the story. More importantly, no one did anything about what Malaysia Today revealed.

The MACC has been a tool of those who walk in the corridors of power for a long, long time. Officially, Barisan Nasional has 14 component members with Umno as the lead partner. Unofficially, Barisan Nasional has seventeen component members. The Election Commission is the fifteenth component member of Barisan Nasional, the Malaysian police the sixteenth, and the MACC the seventeenth. They all serve the interests of Umno and the Prime Minister.

The writing was already on the wall very much earlier. Alarm bells were wailing like banshees. But this was largely ignored. It was ignored because it was Malaysia Today that had triggered the alarm bells. Malaysia Today is not the most reliable source. It does not offer the best of information. What Malaysia Today dabbles in are rumours and innuendoes.

“Where is the smoking gun?” they ask. “Show me the body!” they demand. No gun, no body, then no crime has been committed.

Well, today, there is a body. It is the body of a most unfortunate Chinese opposition member who was arrested and tortured by the MACC officers. Yes, he was tortured. And he was tortured because the MACC wanted him to talk.

But he could not talk. He could not talk because there was nothing to talk about. The MACC wanted him to finger his comrades in the opposition. They wanted him to implicate his friends in the opposition for various crimes that the MACC alleges had been committed by those in the opposition.

He tried to explain that he is not being stubborn. He tried to explain that no crime had been committed. He tried to explain that he could not possibly implicate his comrades in the opposition for various crimes if these crimes are merely a figment of the MACC’s imagination.

So they continued to torture him. And he could no longer stand the torture. After all, he is not the macho type of man. He is but a gentle man who only wanted to get married this weekend. That was all that he wanted.

They threatened to kill him if he refuses to talk. With tears running down his cheeks he begged for mercy and pleaded with them not to harm him. They threatened to throw him off the top floor if he refuses to talk. Sobbing like a baby he went down on his knees and begged for his life.

They dragged him across the room and opened the window. Then something went terribly wrong. It was supposed to be just a threat. They just wanted to put fear in him. They did not really want to throw him off the top floor. They just wanted him to see what the ground floor looks like from the top floor.

The unfortunate young man panicked. He went ballistic when he saw the distance he would have to travel before hitting the ground floor. He struggled. They could not hold onto him. Gravity took over and the life of this young man was prematurely snuffed out.

The MACC then announced that they had released him the night before. They failed to announce that they had not released him from custody but released him from this world. Then they suddenly found his body the day after. He jumped. He committed suicide. He took his own life. He was never tortured. He was not dragged to the window with the threat that they would teach him how to fly.

This has been going on for far too long. The MACC acts like God. They kidnap families and torture those they arrest. They threaten those they interrogate with death if they refuse to talk.

And now one young man has really died. But no one will be punished. No one will be punished because they will say the young man took his own life. Why he took his own life no one knows. He was never tortured. He was never threatened with death. He was not made to look how far down the ground floor is. He was not accidentally dropped when he panicked and struggled and they could not get a good grip on him.

That is what they will be telling you and me later today.

MACC - My Foot!

2009-07-17T19:36:00.004+10:00

Headlines in Malaysia now is no longer the recession of the world economy but rather a death of a secretary of a politician in the hands of the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC). Teoh Beng Hock whom was supposed to get married today was found dead around 1pm after interrogation by the MACC.

Of course the stupid BN Govt, police and MACC is trying to shut down the media and public from know what has actually happened. They're trying to say no foul play lah, he might have fall off himself lah, suicide lah, etc.

Are you sure MACC is not hiding any information? A organisation that's supposed to clean out corruption couldn't even come clean themselves!

Sources said MACC officials remained tight-lipped, saying they were under instructions not to say anything.

If really clean, then why are they under instructions not to say anything?

Let's also look at how the MACC interrogate people:

A Kajang municipal councillor who was also interrogated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) alleged commission investigators hurled racist remarks at him during questioning at the state MACC headquarters here.
"They called me a stupid Chinese... Are you from China? You can't speak Malay?” said Tan Boon Wah.
“I was shouted at: 'This is my place, you better believe that I can hit you',” said Tan.

“I was then asked to stand and look straight. I was not allowed to rest my head. I was made to stand for four hours,” he added.

Tan said the MACC officials also threatened to arrest his wife and detain his children .

He denied that detainees were provided with beds to sleep on after interrogation.

He said that while under detention, he met Teoh Beng Hock early yesterday morning at the MACC office pantry and he looked tired.

Tan added that he was also told by an MACC investigator not to talk about the interrogation, before he was released yesterday afternoon.

“The MACC officer said don't bring the matter outside, but one life has ended, so now I have to,” said Tan. Source

Does that sounds like guantanamo bay of Malaysia??

Do we really think our ever "efficient" police (PDRM) can do their work? My ass! They only know how to be a bully and a thug!

Here they're shouting "polis ganas" meaning "brutal cops"!

In the end, I think no one will be charged or the "true" culprit will not be caught due to cover ups and getting a scapegoat to bear the sin. Another reason is, the person who died is a member of Opposition party and a Chinese!

Also, another article regarding this:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: The Malaysian Insider

How did he die? — Tan Tian Yan

JULY 17 — Teoh Beng Hock mysteriously “jumped” to his death, leaving behind a million question marks on the MACC.

Interrogating Ean Yong Hian Wah (and detaining his assistant Teoh Beng Hock), searching Lau Weng San, investigating Teresa Kok, Elizabeth Wong, Hannah Yeoh, Cheah Wing Yin and Edward Lee Poh Lin.

Of course, the MACC has this power. But the question is: Is the power exercised appropriately?

Given the "coincidence" that all the targets of investigation are Pakatan state assemblymen — and Chinese — I'm sorry but have to say something: These are the elected representatives least likely to be corrupt in the eyes of the voters!

People who have even the slightest knowledge of these people should know that they are the thriftiest and hardworking people around.

For example, Elizabeth Wong does not have huge assets to her name, only mortgage and credit card debts.

Or perhaps the MACC would say the investigations are carried out based on the information it has obtained, nothing to do with a person's political affiliation or background.

But, the MACC must explain why so much more information, including what has already come to public knowledge and triggered tonnes of controversies, has not sent the MACC into action.

For instance, has the MACC done anything on "Istana Khir Toyo"? Has it carried out any investigation, search or interrogation?

Or perhaps big cases should be handled slowly, until they have vanished from the people's memories?

The investigation of cases should be carried out in accordance with their severity or priority. I don't see any priority in dealing with these few Pakatan reps.

Of course, no one can prove that the MACC's moves are politically motivated. That said, what they have done has brought up many guesses among the public, as well as uneasiness among opposition politicians.

This reminds me of McCarthyism in the United States during the 1950s. The reckless actions of a power engine generated a political scare and widespread social panic.

There was this extreme rightist Republican politician named Joseph McCarthy back in those days. He banked on the anti-communist sentiment during the Cold War to openly declare that the United States government had been infiltrated by several hundred communist spies, and that America was sinking into a state of great danger.

His declaration shocked Washington and American society.

With the support of rightist House representatives, he headed the "Un-American House Committee" and probed, accused, framed and persecuted leftists, from politicians, diplomats, scholars to artistes, all in the name of national security.

His black list included people like George Marshall, physicist Robert Oppenheimer and actor Charlie Chaplin. Some were thrown into the jails while others took their own lives.

During McCarthy's time, the United States was plunged into a dark age of unrighteousness, until American society could tolerate such acts of terror no more and rose up against him.

The US government and Congress joined hands in impeaching McCarthy, and restored the freedom and esteem of the country.

This historical event warns us that government organs should not abuse the power entrusted to them to kill political freedom and violate human rights in the name of national security.

Controversies have popped up ever since the inauguration of the MACC. Its reputation is in tatters.

And now, it needs to explain to the nation how Teoh Beng Hock died! — mysinchew

MiCasa8 - 2009 Victorian Awards

2009-07-17T15:38:00.002+10:00

Guess what!

What?!

The building I managed has just won 2 awards in the prestigous Victorian Architecture Awards 2009!

The Canada Hotel Redevelopment by Hayball is a double winner, honoured with the Best Overend Award for residential architecture (multiple housing) and the esteemed Melbourne Prize.

This student accommodation project on Swanston Street impressed the jury by “skilfully integrating the existing fabric as the new 13-storey tower hovers over the original hotel building”. Those who regurgitate criticism of high density housing are advised by the jury to visit this solution which “greatly enriches its urban precinct”.

http://www.architecture.com.au/i-cms?page=13023
http://www.theage.com.au/national/all-the-awards-20090710-dg5g.html

It's all good news for the developer, architect, owners and students living in there.

For your information, the vacancy rate for this building is nil. There'll be no vacancy until 2010! However, you can apply to be in the waiting lists in case we do have some lease breaks.

Thanks.

Malaysia Going Backwards

2009-07-10T10:38:00.001+10:00

Again, the flip flop government of Malaysia is mucking around. This time the education sector is the victim.

A few years ago, the govt decided that science n other importance subject were to be taught in English. Of course with the lack of quality English teachers (as my mum always said), it's not beyond any doubts that the students, especially from rural areas will be hugely disadvantaged by it.

Of course during that time, the Govt is too happy that they have move a large step forward in country developments that they have no time to worry about its implementations. This resulted in a deadlock.

No good English teachers, can't produce good students who can master English, meaning even less good English teacher in the future.

A lot of parents I assumed of Chinese and Indians background are crying foul by the decision of the education minister. I believe those who can afford will be sending their children to nearby countries or more English tuition.

As for me, I'd prefer most of the subjects to be taught in English. Having said that, lots of investment would need to be put into this.

Getting good quality English teachers, exchange programs, have those English speaking tourist to come for a few months to stay and teach english, etc. A lot of developing countries are doing the same thing. They know the risks of being incompetent in English.

What I think happened now in M'sia is politicians playing politics. The Malays are divided into 2 big groups now: pro UMNO and pro PR.

So the decision made so quickly without adequate consultation is most likely aimed in winning support from the Malays for the next by-election in a few days time.

The Govt is trying to promote the Malay language, well at least that's what they claimed. However, how many countries other than M'sia, Brunei and Singapore knows Malay? It's a language heading into extinction. Most people would rather learn Indonesian as the population that can speak Indonesian easily outnumbered Malay speaking people. Even Malays overseas don't even speak Malay!

All in all, Malaysia is going backwards again for the sake of short sighted goals. Flip flopping around like a bunch of clowns.

Even Dr M is unhappy at those clowns!

Crash, Boom, Bang

2009-07-09T23:28:00.003+10:00

Nice words to describe the start of the second season for the badminton competition. Totally crushed tonight. The score was 9-3. I lost all my 4 matches though came close in winning one of them.

Last season, we also started off with only 3 points. With 7 teams this time, we need to work a lot harder to get into the Semis!

Our captain must be quite upset too! He He!

Oh well, gotta work harder to train and prepare for another 10 weeks ahead!!

Swine Effects

2009-07-05T22:02:00.003+10:00

Previously I mentioned about H1N1 and the bible, it seems that our church is also in the swine effects mood! About 2 weeks ago, the Chinese congregations was about 55 people or so. Last week, it only has 44! Only English service has been consistently float around this figure ever since they started but have now reduced to 30-35 lately.

I must say, this is a number we have not seen since mid-2002 except for summer time. Unemployment in the US is about 27 years high, ours is about 5 years high for unchurched members while our church history is just less than 9 years old.

Could this be related to swine flu?

Not quite! Most of our members are in Sydney visting Jay Chou, Malaysia spending time with families, and some on holidays interstate. However, if we really count the heads, do we really have half (50%) of the people away?

Maybe 25% but 50% is a bit hard to believe.

Could the panic button be hit or will we just have more excuses to ourselves? Personally, I'd have reviewed when we're floating around 80 mark and seriously reviewing when we hit 70. Nearing 50 would be damage control.

Oh well, I might be thinking too much. It could just be a false alarm. After all, I think we managed to hit over 50 today? :D

Road to recovery is too hard to be accomplish by one person, we need a team. At the moment, we're not a team yet.

We're still in the midst of swine effects, not swine flu effects.

H1N1 Vs Bible

2009-06-29T19:25:00.003+10:00

A thought came to my mind today after seeing so many sick people around me. So I thought I would pour it out and see what you guys think?

Bible, in the book of Hebrews says

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

H1N1 says

If you're sick and come close in contact with one another, you are risking their health.

As we all know Governments around the world are asking employers to be kind enough to let their sick employees to take sick leaves, some even asked for unrecorded sick leaves to prevent the virus from spreading to other employees. Schools are closed down to prevent further outbreak, some major events are cancelled, etc.

But what about the church? Should we ask our members to rest at home and avoid church gatherings? Or should we say, we shouldn't stop gathering as that's what it was told in the book of Hebrews.

Is this a trial or temptation? Should I or shouldn't I? <-- materials from a couple of weeks ago. :P

If you go, you risk spreading the disease to others, which is often noted as selfish and inconsiderate.

If you don't go, are you contradicting the Word of God and use your own principle as a ruler? In those days, people risked their head to go to meet each other. Today, it's just a flu and we are finding excuses to skip meeting one another?

If you are saying on either way, where do you find the authority to decide or discern which is the right thing to do? Are we assuming so and so because "we think, I think, etc"?

Let's hear it from you...

Good Read For Int. Students In Aust

2009-06-27T11:23:00.001+10:00

Source: The Age

Miki Perkins

June 27, 2009

WHEN international student Danny Ong returned home to Singapore he was stunned into silence during a job interview when asked to outline his experiences in Australia.

"I realised I didn't know anything. I was so fixated with getting good marks that I had learned nothing about Australia or Australian culture."

It spurred him to write a new guide for international students that exposes the pitfalls in activities such as house-hunting and catching public transport, but also offers insight into institutions such as the justice system and the concept of human rights.

While students often feel under enormous pressure to perform academically, the guide encourages them to get involved in life in Australia, from finding a job to doing volunteer work.

"Often I ask what do they know about Australian culture? They say they know about AFL rules or barbies, but that doesn't really count," Mr Ong said. "How do Australians conduct business? How do they interact with each other?"

The 29-year-old was well prepared for the challenge of writing the guide: during his undergraduate studies he did his honours thesis on the experiences of international students and was also the president of Monash University's overseas students' society.

In the wake of a spate of fierce attacks on international students, he said newcomers should be alerted to the potential dangers of late-night work and travel, but that most crimes were opportunistic rather than racially motivated.

Mr Ong, who now works as a researcher at Monash University, said an African student told him he had been wrongly accused of shoplifting but admitted to the crime because he thought he would get beaten up by the police.

"He didn't know about evidence, or the rule of law. And how do you explain voting rights and human rights to someone living in China?" he said.

Vibhav Roy came to Monash University from India to study commerce and knew people who were so daunted by the transition that they returned home.

The biggest challenge for most Indian students was adjusting to life away from family and overcoming loneliness, he said.

He said the guide would be invaluable to students trying to negotiate housing, financial and cultural issues.

The International Student Handbook: Living and Studying in Australia will be published in August.

MTM All The Way?

2009-06-27T09:34:00.003+10:00

Just as we thought everything's going to be fine and good, suddenly a shocking news hit us! The new Chief Executive of MTM, is actually a not-so-good leader!!

THE chief executive of Melbourne's new train operator also headed a British rail company that went into administration at a huge cost to taxpayers.
Andrew Lezala, whose Metro Trains Melbourne will soon operate the city's trains, was chief executive of the British rail maintenance company Metronet from May 2005 until it went into administration in July 2007.
It collapsed with £1.7 billion ($A3.5 billion) in debt, forcing the British Government to bail it out.
A damning report on Metronet's failure, released just three weeks ago by Britain's National Audit Office, found the company's management had wasted millions of pounds of public money.
"The main cause of Metronet's failure was its poor corporate governance and leadership," the report said. "We estimate that the overall direct loss to the taxpayer arising from Metronet's administration is between £170 million and £410 million, in 2007 prices."
The report was highly critical of the "inefficient" spending practices of the company.

Sounds very unpromising to start for MTM. However, an explanation was given as below:

However, Metro Trains Melbourne spokeswoman Leah Hayward later issued a statement saying that Mr Lezala had been the third chief executive at Metronet in two years and had worked hard to restore the business.
"Within two months … Andrew uncovered structural and internal business issues," Ms Hayward said.
She said Metronet had "been placed into voluntary administration, instigated by Andrew as it was in the best interests of the business and the people".

Now, whom do you trust? Some people would say leave it to the professionals or "the consultants" we normally called it. Guess what?

Victorian taxpayers paid $25 million to consultants to assess the tenders of the five companies that bid to run Melbourne's trains and trams.

$25million and all we got is a CE with a lousy background? You can pay me $2500 and I'll choose MTR and a better director any day!!

I smell something fishy going on here. Corruptions? Favoritism? Why can't a Hongkie run MTM?

The Government needs to be more accountable to the people! It's our tax money you're spending there, chap!

No More Connex In Melbourne

2009-06-25T14:45:00.003+10:00

Melbourne commuters will be able to enjoy new trains and trams provider in December 2009. Connex & Yarra Trams have lost their bids in order to win another tender to run Melbourne's public transport.

The new train provider will be HongKong based company named Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM), which is actually Mass Transit Railway (MTR). Their track record is unbelievingly good at 99% reliability!

We don't have to worry about late trains or cancellations anymore?!

Not quite so! The state Government needs to put more fundings into the infranstructure of the rails in order for the operators to do their bid!

However, looking forward to see improvements on customer service, commuters friendly service and easiness to travel in the transport networks.

Road Block

2009-06-22T18:25:00.005+10:00

What could have been a beautiful finish on the road to redemption was wrecked in a major road block. My aim was to get two runner up positions for both Mixed and Mens events but I fall one position short!

After knewing my team mates for the Mens event, honestly, I knew I couldn't stand a chance getting champion or runners up. However, we couldn't even get 3rd position so we had to settle for the last position! All teams are much stronger than us in both tactically and skills wise. Nonetheless, I still wanted to challenge them!

We only managed to win a game from the 3 series that we played. Shame on us~! We nearly won a series when my teammates were leading 26-22 in the decider but they lost 30-27 in the end. Too bad!!

Team events really talks about team efforts and not individual performance. So naturally, I couldn't carry the team like how Jordan carried the Bulls, Kobe carried the Lakers, etc. Skills wise, I'm still way below par!

My aim now would be to improve more and hopefully reach A grade within 1-2 years?!! HAHAHHA!!

I know I'm dreaming but it's all good~! I started playing and training around 2006, managed to reach D grade finals...OK lah...not too bad!! If only I didn't stop between 2007-2008, I might have been a B grader by now....oh well!!

Also, maybe it's time to look for more consistent partners for competitions....hmm...!

Slow Starter

2009-06-20T14:57:00.003+10:00

This is one of my bad habits: a slow starter. Needed quite a while to get myself warmed up and get into top form.

Today, this has caused us the championship in the mixed events. Quite unfortunate that the first team we played was the strongest team. We lost the first match by 2 points, I think. Mostly due to unforced errors. Then we won the second match to bring it level 1-1. However, in the decider, I crumbled and lost! I guess that's what you get from a scratch pair! So, we lost the series 2-1. We can only complained "If only....".

After that game, we knew each others' games well now. So, we went undefeated throughout the tournament. Just quite unfortunate that the other team didn't lose any series after that. If they had lost one series, we could have been the champ! Luckily, we didn't end up empty handed as we won the runner up trophies. :)

However, no excuses and congratulations to the champ.

Time to get rested and prepare for my the Mens' team event tomorrow. Need to get down to business early and not making the same mistakes again. My team mates are again scratch pairs, never team up with them before. Guess it'll be another tough road ahead.

Road To Redemption

2009-06-19T20:59:00.002+10:00

After 3 years of absence in badminton tournaments, this weekend will mark my comeback. What's interesting is, I'll be playing two tournaments over the weekend: JT ULTRA/ MUBC Team Tournament Mens & Mixed events. A bit test to my stamina and physical recovery!

I haven't been to any proper training since 2007? Yesterday I just went for a half training session and my muscles are sore!! Hopefully it'll be fine after tonight's sleep to be ready to get on the road to redemption!

Back in 2006, I was lucky enough to be the 1st runner up in 2006 JTULTRA team's tournament D grade. Can I repeat or do better this time? Hmm....I guess I need to know who is my partners for the Mens' events first! I think I'll only know on Sunday itself!
Hopefully I can at least get a trophy this weekend!! My trophy collections are still quite empty!

Jet Li

2009-06-18T00:42:00.003+10:00

Jet Li is now a Singaporean!! Wow~!! Imagine he speaks "Singlish"! Or even in a drama with PCK?!
That'd be cool!!

Dun play play ar~~! Jet Li best in Beijing, Hollywood and some say now in Singapore?!

Going, Going, Gone!

2009-06-15T13:21:00.006+10:00

If you read the news today, the main headline would be about the spectacular auction clearance rate at 85%. The media is playing its' role again in stirring up people's emotions and confidence level.

They claimed this is the bottom of the cycle and all signs are pointing up North. Also, the record breaking of new first home buyers in the month of May breaking the record set 8 years ago.

All seems well & good. Certainly it has achieved the effect that the Government wants: keep the money rolling.

However, I wouldn't be too optimistic yet about what has happened recently. It's still too early to tell whether the property market has rebounded from its' loss. It could just be a minor push with the bottom still not too far away.

The first home owner grants will reduce significantly after Sept 09. If the only thing pushing the market heads above water now is the first home buyers, then I would be REALLY worried come October.

The good news is, as my previous posts, the FIRB has removed the $300,000 limit on overseas purchase. This has open the doors for mums and dads, new migrants awaiting PR and companies to purchase accommodations for their employees. So the market is driven by these 2 main factors technically, First home buyers and overseas purchasers.

If we're on the verge of rebounding strongly, then we should look at statistics for the houses/units above $500,000 too as those are the properties that wouldn't be affected by the First Home Owner Grants. If those units are performing well, then we can safely say the market is rebounding well. Last I heard, Toorak isn't doing very well!

Also, comparing the actual numbers of units on the market, this time around, the numbers are a lot less than previous years.

So if anyone of you are relying on this as an indicator of the property market, I would recommend that you be very cautious and do more than enough research to know the market. Don't get carried away! You could be in for a big surprise!

Nonetheless, if you found a good bargain, go ahead but stick with your budget or calculations. Don't overpay!

All eyes are now on post-September period to early 2010 where the grants are gradually phased out. Keep your eyes open.

Good Times Bad Times

2009-06-13T11:30:00.003+10:00

Most people would have preferred the good times when the economy is booming, everyone has money to spend, etc but I don't really like it. At least for now!

What it means is that during the good times, everyone is spending like crazy, which drive prices up like houses, etc. Because of that as well, the demands are also increasing but supply aren't coping fast enough, which normally after that, causes inflation.

Normally, your salary doesn't go up as fast as inflation rates though, keep that in mind. So, why is everyone so happy about the good times?

You're getting left behind in actual sense! The value of your money becomes smaller and smaller by the day. Think about it, how many candies can you buy in Malaysia about 15 years ago with RM 0.10? You can get 2 minimum, if lucky 4!! How many candies can you buy with RM 0.10 now? 1? Or not even 1.

With rapid inflation comes with recessions. In general terms, things just gone way too fast and recession is to do little "resetting". A lot of the world Governments today are trying to cushion the impacts of recession by having stimulus packages, bail outs, tax cuts, etc but is it doing real good?

In the short term, yeah it's good but in the long run, personally, I think it's damaging more than it's benefiting! Most of the prices, economy data and indicators are artificial numbers now. They do not represent actual state.

In recession, people like to call it the "bubble burst". With cushioning of recessions, the bubble are not really bursting. It just deflates smaller but not small enough. How many trillions can the Governments used to bail outs those banks and companies? How much trillions do the Govt has to stimulate its' people?

Where do the money come from? It's not like Governments around the world has a huge safe holding trillions and trillions of cash in case of emergencies! There're all debts, or in other words, they created money out of nothing. This is a big problem for future generations.

So me personally, I rather see bad times hit us harder. We need corrections in our lives to have it balance.

Anyway, that's my logic! :P

1Malaysia Boleh!

2009-06-10T12:01:00.002+10:00

Malaysia really amazes me everyday, no kidding! Everyday it can come up with very funny and strange news!

Look what I read today:

Dressed in black, the colour of protest, 200 activists sat at cafe tables quietly drinking coffee — black, of course. Bewildered, police stood outside and watched the coffee drinkers without interfering.

This time, police will be waiting for them. “We are monitoring the targeted outlets and if necessary will arrest any person wearing black as they approach the outlets,” a police spokesman said. More

So if you're in Penang or KL and thinking of going to Old Town Cafe for a drink, remember not to wear black! You might be arrested!
In case you're wondering why so. Well, the police in Malaysia has nothing else better to do or are not compentent enough to do other stuffs. So they're targetting those "sitting ducks" then make lots of headlines, trying to show the world they're "maintaining" peace in the country!

1Malaysia Boleh!! <-- My foot!

港式英語

2009-06-08T09:19:00.001+10:00

Source: TVB News World
Date:8/6/09

The Contestant's e-mail contained a lot of Hong Kong English (港式英語),

我是 Lucy, I went to Miss Hong Kong first interview. Wah d judges very not polite and not nice law. Today I see a megazine saying this year's Girls so ugly. I saw many good and pretty girls there but they didn't choose ja ma. Don't choose mei suen law but the judge in first interview -- most very not polite to many young girls and to to me law. I only 18 the judges ask me to "why join Miss HK go and why not study la u only F7 ja wor how can fright with other wor." Also say my English bad … hurt die me.
Ho La, other girl tell me la, she study in University ok ga dou but little fat or short then the judge (woman) said " why you look fat or so short!" wah ho hurt ga ma.
One girl is a 博士 student ar very high level and very nice ga dou cant get in second interview la. We think she will be in ga but she said no law. You can search her pic and my pic to see la. She gum high level duo ng dak, gum me ng duk duo rite gei but i think the whole choosing is not fair law, choose model mei? young yao inch', high study level yao inch, short yao inch … They onky choose rich girl law so bad.
We don't go and let them inch ga law if they need tall or high level people then why not put in the application form lei.
Waste time !
dou ng fair gei!
u can email me if u want.
Lucy

Public Holidays

2009-06-07T21:26:00.001+10:00

It has got to a point that I'm quite afraid of public holidays, especially if it's just one day only. It's too short to plan anything nice and too long to just stay at home waiting for it to pass.

My wish is now to be able to start work around 9.30am or 10am in the morning and finish off later in the night. However, as long as I'm working where I am now, it's impossible.

Hopefully I'll be able to work something out within the next 12 months to fulfill my dream ahead. It won't be easy as I don't have super rich background financials to support my family. So God, please guide your servant!

Digital Memory: Limbang Croc Hunter

2009-06-06T22:51:00.000+10:00

Digital Memory: Limbang Croc Hunter

FIRB Changes - Good News?

2009-06-06T09:42:00.003+10:00

Only recently I was told of the changes in legislation from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). I hardly checked their website regularly as their legislations do not change as much as The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA).

The main changes for the legislation will benefit most, if not all of our church people. You're now eligible to buy established properties without any limits!! Previously, there was a $300,000 limit on established properties.

The definition of ‘temporary resident’ includes all foreign persons living in Australia who:

hold a valid temporary visa which permits them to stay in Australia for a continuous period of more than 12 months (irrespective of how much time is remaining until that visa expires); or
have submitted an application for permanent residency (PR), and hold a bridging visa which permits them to stay in Australia until their PR application has been finalised

Short-term visitors such as tourists, business people and those here for a medical procedure are not temporary residents.

Foreign students resident in Australia are no longer subject to a $300,000 limit on the value of an established dwelling purchased as their principal place of residence.

As long as your visa is more than 12 months, you can purchase properties without prior approval from FIRB. The only condition is, you have to stay in it and not for investment purposes. More information can be obtained from the FIRB website

It seems the Government is desperate in getting overseas funds in support the property market so it doesn't fall. Coicidentally, The Age reported that the Chinese are pretty much very supportive of this move!

A GROWING number of Chinese people are taking advantage of a relaxation in Australia's foreign investment laws to buy property in Melbourne.
Real estate agents in the eastern suburbs report that up to half the buyers this year have been part-time residents from China, Hong Kong or Taiwan, or Asian companies buying accommodation for their staff.
Auctioneer Robert Ding, of Jellis Craig in Balwyn, started holding auctions in both Mandarin and English in March. A fortnight ago a multilingual auction resulted in the sale of a $1.838 million house in Balwyn. More

Good news for property owners, bad news for property buyers. It means they have to compete not only with locals first home buyers with Govt. grants but also with rich overseas families!

No Pain No Gain

2009-06-05T17:52:00.002+10:00

When I was little, I often heard the phrase "No pain no gain" from all those Hollywood movies from HBO and Star Movies. Not that I really understood the meaning back then but it sure sounded cool.

It didn't take me very long to understand the true meaning of that phrase. So all my life, I've been enduring lots of "pain" to get a little bit of "gain". Nothing ever comes easy.

I'm not a legalistic person but more of a discipline person. A lot of people still couldn't tell the difference between a legalism freak and a discipline practitioner. I'll make it simple for you to understand.

Legalism: Being bounded by set of rules word for word
Discipline: Mastering a set of rules through its spirit

Whenever we try to introduce discipline living, they said we are going back to the Moses days of commandments. Thou shall not this, thou shall not that...

So instead of practicing spiritual disciplines, they're "forcing" God to give them grace and they'll be so thankful that God has heard their prayers. For example, I don't really study much for exam, I just watch TVB series all night long. When exam comes, I pray hard for God to give me good results to "glorify Your name". It's a bit like, God, if You don't act, it's not me who is shamed but You are!

It may sound right in some sense but my question is, wouldn't it be better if we had live a discipline lifestyle and God bless us with His grace? Isn't that a more beautiful picture? For example, I study very hard for exam, I don't skip prayer meetings or Sunday Service just because I wanted extra study hours, I pray for God to bless me abundantly with good results for His name sake. Isn't this a lot better?

So why are we still living like parasites?

The bad news is discpline lifestyle doesn't come easy. It involves a lot of sacrifices, commitments, determinations and endurance.

Of course, young people these days know NOTHING about "no pain no gain" or in Chinese words 先苦后甜.

Sure they wanted growth (in fact, lots of them!) and lots of gain but they're unwilling to sacrifice themselves in any ways or put much effort into it. How many times have we heard them say, "Oh I wanna grow more in Christ" but their actions always show the opposite?!

Nothing comes easily in this World. Try scoring HD in all your university subjects without studying for a single second! If you can do it, I'll buy you a BMW. Try to be like an apostle without learning and applying the Word of God in your lives, then I'll call you Master!!

Stop acting like a pampered baby that wants mummy to change your diapers everyday. GROW UP & take responsibilities to your own life! It's YOUR decision.

NO PAIN NO GAIN, Christians are no exception!

柴九 & Laughing 哥

2009-06-01T23:09:00.003+10:00

TVB certainly has done great in the last few series with 2 very admired character being developed. First it was Laughing 哥 then it was 柴九. Gotta admit, both of them are also characters I quite liked.

What're the reasons that everyone like them so much? What made them so special?

Some of the common personalities between the two are: loyal, champion for truth, self sacrifice, selfless, etc.

When can we as Christians learn to be like that? The series reminded me again & again, we need to make a difference and stop giving ourselves excuses to be pathetic Christians!

We have Jesus Christ, whom is far greater than both these 2 characters combined! Yet we're acting like the total opposite!!

God, forgive us! Give us the courage to live the life you want us to live and guide us into the path of righteousness, for Your name sake!

Failure To Initiate Change

2009-05-29T12:02:00.003+10:00

I've been quite preoccupied these days hence the lack of postings. Sorry about that.

Anyway, it's now 3 days away from June! Also, it has passed the 100 days of our new Reverend in office. As usual in politics, normally they'd review your first 100 days like Obama's 100 days or Najib's 100 days. So, it's not surprising to have our own mini Rev's 100 days.

Certainly, from the rakyat (in our case, members) point of view, things seen to gone downhill after a minor boom in the beginning. The rate of decline is far greater than the mini boom that we had.

Could the Rev be blamed for such results? Sure the Rev has made some unpopular or politically correct decisions but hey, nobody is perfect. For example, getting the whole congregations to vote for Mandarin service time with only 50% votes required, bowing to the pressure from the congregations, etc

Let's examine why being a new Rev in CLMC is not the easiest thing to do.

- Postmodernism and years of cliques or gangs ideology has infested the CLMC people. People are often in groups of their likings and doesn't have love for others except superficial loves. So when decision making is required, you'll hear many different types of opinions. Worst of all, the opinions are mostly "I" centered. How many are there thinking about the church as a whole?

- Lack of counsel for Rev. According to the book of Proverbs, a good leader needs smart counsels too. So who is giving the right counsel to the Rev now? Are they long sighted, know what it takes to make the right but hard decisions, etc? Or are we witnessing more what power the positions can give to the individuals? Just look at politics around the world, how many leaders are there truly for the people but not their own gain and fame?

Having said that, the success of the church does not solely depends on the Rev. It also depends on the LCEC and other church leaders. (Yes, most important is God, I know but I'm talking in more "practical" sense now)

What are the LCEC doing? Heard of rumours of resignations and some even planned to leave the church once their term is over. At the beginning of the year, we have wonderful plans of doing this and that but as usual, till now, nothing has been done. All talk no actions. What kind of mentality is this? My advice for you is, buckle up or pack up!

What are the small group leaders doing? We heard about them saying studies are much more important and we can't commit more than what we already have. Fair enough, but the question is, why did you choose to commit when you knew you couldn't do it? Are you thinking leading a small group is just like leading a "big group" fellowship? Some said the small group has no directions but I can tell you there's only 1 direction: The Great Commission. All other things are just methods towards that direction.

So what's happening here? No leaders or LCEC attending prayer meetings now? What happens to the covenant you made when you pledged before being appointed as leaders?

Transition period is nearly over. It's time to step up or else we're going round in circles. Back to where we started.

Oh by the way, I was just browsing through my files to delete and I saw something I wrote back in Sept 08. Not sure if I sent out the letter though, forgot.

====================================================================
Inability to lead & manage the church properly

LCEC 2009 to be postponed or void
Reasons:
1. XXX has no burden for CLMC anymore
2. XXX has poor knowledge of church management
3. XXX has no vision or directions to lead the church
4. Nomination committee has only met once to select the nomination lists
5. No prayers were offered to seek God’s guidance in terms of selecting nomination lists
6. Criteria for nomination is not adhered fully
7. Motives & goals by the NC may not be right when nomination happens
8. Number of LCEC positions in 2009 has not been disclosed even to NC
9. 2008 LCEC has been a good example of poor selection by previous nomination committee. No direction, no improved results, inability to make right decisions at the right time, and church continue to go down in terms of quantity & quality.

Risks if not postponed:
1. 2009 LCEC will be directionless, ineffective and inefficient.
2. 2009 LCEC members will be selected “by men rather than God”
3. 2009 LCEC members will unable to be examples for the members
4. An added burden to whoever the Minister is for 2009
5. Created a false sense of identity for some of them
6. Further no-confidence towards the church leaderships
7. Another year will be wasted
8. More dissatisfaction towards the church
9. More members leaving the church
10. CLMC will just be another “typical” church that no one has burden in

Proposed solution:
1. Nominated name list be void or at least postpone until a new Minister arrive
2. Nomination committee should be chaired by the new Minister
3. LCEC be restructured for 2009

====================================================================
Anyway, all the 10 predictions have happened. Guess I'm the Postmodern Prophet #2?! LOL

Sassy Mother In Law

2009-05-27T09:53:00.002+10:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Every married person knows it, but a local study has confirmed it – mothers-in-law are the chief cause of divorces, especially in the Indian community.
It is also among the top three factors for divorce among the Malays and Chinese. The other two factors are incompatibility (42.3%) and infidelity (12%).

“Interference by in-laws is the main reason for Indians to divorce. It is the top-ranked reason at 30%,” said LPPKN director-general Datuk Aminah Abdul Rahman when presenting a paper on Malaysia’s family profile and its effects at Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia yesterday.
“Another overall reason which ranked high among the three races at 11.5% is ‘not being responsible’,” she said.

Although it is common perception that the family institution is quite fragile and divorces are rampant, data shows otherwise - only 0.7% of the population was divorced in 2000.

The data shows that divorce is more likely to happen to those under 25 and above 40. More

I guess people need to know their role and know when to speak or interfere.

Sunday Sports - Update

2009-05-24T18:42:00.004+10:00

OK folks, people have voted. Though not many has voted, this is the concensus.

We'll continue with the Sunday sports session, continue our vision to allow our church members to be both spiritually and physically healthy! We'll only increase the fee to cover for the court usage though.

In terms of financial situation, we currently only have $65.75 spare cash in reserve. Every week, we have about 12-16 people coming to the sports now. The bad news is exam period is coming soon, we might get less people coming.

So, in the meantime, I think we'll just increase the fee to $4.00 per person. We'll adjust again after the exam period. We should be able to last until July. In times of recession, let's not burden our people too much too yeah...:D

If anyone has any other ideas, please feel free to comment here.

Day 36

2009-05-20T22:14:00.001+10:00

No, this is not strategy 36 which says to win is to run and fight another day. This is PDL day 36, a reminder for us that we have a mission to accomplish. In fact, it's nearly Mission Impossible, to go into the whole world and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Ghost.

So remember, you're Tom Cruise now! We're in Mission Impossible: The Great Commission!

Anyway, thought I shared a sentence I read today:

One problem long-term Christians have is that they forget how hopeless if felt to be without Christ.

How true is that! We always rely on ourselves, our families, our friends, etc but we're hopeless without Christ. We need to wake up and be sensitive towards Christ's presence in our lives.

Do you feel it?

Do you have what it takes?

If not, be afraid, be very afraid................you'll fail!

Good news is, it's not too late and please don't apply strategy #36 from Sun Zi Bing Fa.
==================================================================

This is a posting from our cell group blog.

一万 Hits!

2009-05-20T21:56:00.002+10:00

Since I started to blog last year around 15/9/08, I have now reach my first 10,000 hits to my blog! Amazing ain't it?

I'm no superstars nor good blogger. So it's still a great feat for me to reach 10,000 hits in about 8 months~! So that's about 1200-1300 hits on average per month!

I'm just someone who uses blogs to complain and make heard what I think!

Very thankful for all you dear readers aｓ　Ｉ can see most of the visitors are returning visitors.

Hopefully, I'll be able to share more of my views & knowledge to you all and you guys can benefit from it!

Should We Continue Or Not?

2009-05-18T11:38:00.002+10:00

The hundred dollar question for now is: Should we continue our sports activity on Sunday Morning weekly?

The situation is since we changed the Mandarin service time to 1.30pm, we're forced to push forward our sports to 9.15-11.15am now. Due to this change, the number of people going for sports have dropped considerably to only about 10-15 people weekly.

We're now collecting only $3.50pp weekly and this couldn't even cover the costs of the courts, not to mention any shuttlecocks. So most people have to BYO shuttlecocks now.

The court hire is $75 weekly for the large gym. So we're losing about $20-45weekly.

So I'm going to let you decide whether we should go on with the sports session.

Please vote on the left hand side.

He Who Stands For The Rights Of The People

2009-05-15T23:20:00.004+10:00

For those who wants to listen in Mandarin. This is an interview to Wong Chin Huat. He was made famous by M'sian Government for arresting him for asking people to wear black T Shirt! LOL!!

Also an example of Postmodernism. :)

Legal Thugs in Malaysia

2009-05-15T22:59:00.004+10:00

Can you tell the difference who is the good guys and who is the bad guys?!

The police looks more like the thugs here! LOL!

Even denying the rights of those arrested to see their lawyers, and worst of all the lawyers are also arrested!!

Malaysia boleh!!

1Malaysia lagi boleh!!

April 08 - April 09 Vacancy Rate

2009-05-15T15:00:00.003+10:00

		Apr 2009	Mar 2009	Feb 2009	Apr 2008
MELBOURNE	Inner (0-4km)	1.3	1.2	0.9	0.3
	Inner (4-10km)	1.3	1.8	1.7	1.6
	Inner Total	1.3	1.5	1.3	0.9
	Middle	1.3	1.4	1.7	1.0
	Outer	1.8	1.1	0.8	1.1
MELBOURNE TOTAL		1.3	1.4	1.4	1.0

It seems Melbourne vacancy rate has stabilised to around the slighly 1%+ for the last 12 months. However, this is still bad news for renters as it means only 1 in every 100 properties.

However, interesting to see the vacancy rate for the inner (0-4km) has increased every month. This is not so much the supply has increased but rather the high rents have been pushing people out of the inner city areas.

As we can see the "middle" has experienced lower vacancy rates every month. This is about 11-19Km. Somewhere like Doncaster, Box Hill, Altona Maedows, etc. I suspect these are the areas where people have moved to in order to save on rents. It's just a matter of time before the rental median prices here gets "pushed" by some greedy landlords. Sigh....

"Outer" suburbs is increasing with more new homes completed around the Western and Northern suburbs. However, it's about 20-40KM from the CBD. A bit far to travel though.

Melbourne needs to build more properties in the demand areas or improve other satelitte cities in VIC to cope with the growth and reduces the rental market pressure.

On a side note, the First Home Owner Grant has just been boosted for 3 months more from July 09 onwards.

	Grant	Bonus	Boost	Total
1 July - 30 September 2009	$ 7,000	$ 2,000	$ 7,000	$ 16,000
1 October - 31 December 2009	$ 7,000	$ 2,000	$ 3,500	$ 12,500
1 January - 30 June 2010	$ 7,000	$2,000	-	$ 9,000

Nizar The Legal MB

2009-05-11T18:24:00.003+10:00

Perak created history in Malaysian politics lately by having 2 MBs, and 2 speakers. Today, the high court of M'sia ruled that Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin is the rightful Perak Mentri Besar, and not Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

At least it shows our judicial system is not that badly tainted after all. There're still a few good men out there who can uphold the truth & the law.

Would be interesting to see what consipres next.

Nizar immediately left the courtroom immediately after a press conference to travel to Ipoh where he will seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, to get his consent to dissolve the Assembly and call for fresh state elections.

It seems we could have a statewide election soon. Can the Sultan of Perak make the right decision this time for the Rakyat (People)?

Most people wouldn't have second chance to make things right. This is definetely a valuable opportunity for the Sultan to get it right.

If the elections are called, people of Perak, make us proud!!!

Don't Do The Dash

2009-05-11T12:19:00.002+10:00

If you're in the CBD this week, think twice before crossing the roads illegally. Police will be out there giving out fines.

Police will launch a four-day road safety blitz in Melbourne's CBD in a bid to reduce the alarming number of collisions involving cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists.

Officers will issue on-the-spot fines to anyone caught breaking the road rules.

Pedestrians who cross the road against a red light will be fined while cyclists who fail to stop at red light will be penalised $227.

Senior Sergeant Shane Pettingill, from Melbourne's traffic management unit, said the CBD had the highest number of pedestrian and cyclist collisions in the state - 358 over the past year - with injuries rising at an alarming rate.

Two pedestrians have died and 66 were seriously injured in the past 12 months.

"This operation has been designed to target our most vulnerable road users," Senior Sergeant Pettingill said.

"Too many people think 'It won't happen to me' when they run across the road or ride their bike through a red light. More

Not only for this week for that matter. We, as Christians, should ALWAYS abide with the law.

Some common rules in VIC where most people don't even knew about:

Pedestrians must attempt to cross a road by the shortest and most direct route
Pedestrians must not move suddenly into the path of a vehicle which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard
Pedestrians must not stand on a footway or carriageway in such a way as to inconvenience, obstruct, hinder or prevent the free passage of any other pedestrian or vehicle
Pedestrians must not cross a road within twenty metres of marked crossings.²⁴¹

Spiritual Disciplines Reading

2009-05-08T21:33:00.000+10:00

If you had the opportunity to read day 28, the last section talks about spiritual disciplines. Coincidentally, it's also something that we wanted to start on week 5.

However, most people don't know what're spiritual disciplines or at least quite blur to it.

Here's a recommended reading site for this information. It's in English but it's very easy to understand.

The Water's Edge

Below are some previews:

"Superficiality is the curse of our age…. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people."
-Richard Foster, "Celebration of Discipline"

"The spiritual life is first of all a life.It is not merely something to be known and studied, it is to be lived."
-Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude"

"Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself."
--Leo Tolstoy

Once upon a time, a group of men from Chicago left their jobs in the high-rise office buildings, moved to the prairie, and bought some farmland.
"We're farmers!" They all declared to each other. And all summer long they would go to the field to watch their crop grow up. However, when September rolled in, their fields were filled with goldenrod and all kinds of wildflowers and weeds.

"Where's the corn?" they asked each other. And they wondered what they could have possibly done wrong.

Growing up in the church, I have often noted the fact that so few "long-time church members" experience the significant life-change expected from many years as students of Jesus. Like those city boys, they purchase the land, but do nothing to cultivate a field in which growth could take place.

Why do so many of us feel like we just have not grown very much in the likeness of our Master? Are we just spiritually "thick-headed?" Are we just not "built" to be spiritual giants? Or have we simply not been taught what it means to be a student of Jesus?

A Rape Case: Part II

2009-05-08T17:24:00.004+10:00

Evidence shown on video!

In the end, you'll see the "illegal" BN speaker raises hand as if he won the WWE heavyweight champion! My foot!!!

Police also breaking the rules. Confirmed the status of legal gangsters in Malaysia. Should be PRDM (Polis Raja Di Malaysia), not PDRM (Polis di Raja Malaysia).

Sick!

Philosophy Politics Economics: Shakespearean Play in Progress III

2009-05-08T14:00:00.000+10:00

Philosophy Politics Economics: Shakespearean Play in Progress III

A Rape Case

2009-05-08T13:43:00.003+10:00

Glanced through the papers daily and you'll read cases where helpless women are raped daily. If you read the papers today, you'll read about the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) State Government was raped yesterday by their Barisan Nasional (BN) counterparts.

It's a very shameful historic day in Malaysian history! The Assembly looks more like circus or WWE wrestling match!

BN is just being a bully with all other neutral parties basically siding them like the Police, courts, civil servants, etc. PR on the other hand is being bullied right into the corner! Nobody dared to be on their side fearing that BN would oppress them next time.

What a sick day for Malaysia! So much for 1Malaysia....Najib, your actions contradicts what you preached!

What's the punishment for rape? To be honest, don't know? Rotan?

But in a democratic country, the punishment will be handed down by the PEOPLE, not your corrupt courts! Next general election, vote BN out!!

PDRM In Full Force

2009-05-07T10:41:00.006+10:00

Another Malaysia Boleh day today on 7/5/09. The Polis Di Raja Malaysia (PDRM) are out in full force to prevent the PR supporters to create "trouble" in the country.

It all started with crossovers of a few politicians in Perak that causes the PR state government to crumble though not officially dissolved or voted with no confidence yet. However, the new BN Government seems to be playing foul and of course with the help of the Sultanate of Perak claimed their territory on Perak. So, basically Perak has 2 Menteri Besar (MB) now.

The court case is still in progress to determine who is the legitimate MB of Perak.

However, the "new" BN government called for an assembly today to try to remove the speaker and elect a new speaker of their own, which of course caused the protests of the PR and the people.

The PDRM, which should be neutral of course didn't act so neutral as that's their true colour. Early in the mornings, they have started their job. So EFFICIENT! I don't think any terrorists could be in Perak today! :P

6:45am Police seize more than 200 t-shirts with the words “One Black Malaysia” printed on them from a stall next to the Kampung Manjoi Baru surau.

If you haven't been to the Forbidden City, Perak is just like the Forbidden City now. You can't go near 500m of the assembly hall or risks being arrested.

Police yesterday set up roadblocks at the Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab-Jalan St John junction and near the Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman flyover.

They had obtained a court order to prevent illegal gatherings around the state secretariat and traffic police were on hand to divert traffic around the government sector in Ipoh.

The roads will be re-opened in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, police have started arrests, and at least five unidentified protesters have been detained.

But then, poor Wong was not released as planned

However, the police filed a second application yesterday evening to extend the remand, saying they needed more time for the investigation. Their request was granted by Magistrate Nazran Mohd Sham.

By the way, would the PDRM's watchdog been looking over the blogging world to look for "troublemakers"?

For instant update, go to The Star

Stupidity At Its' Best

2009-05-06T10:58:00.003+10:00

Source: The Age
Date: 6/5/09

LOCAL government officials in China have been ordered to smoke nearly a quarter of a million packets of cigarettes to boost the local economy during the global financial crisis.

The edict, issued by officials in Hubei Province, in central China, threatens to fine officials who "fail to meet their targets" or are caught smoking rival brands manufactured in neighbouring provinces.

Even local schools have been given a smoking quota for teachers, while one village was ordered to buy 400 cartons of cigarettes a year for its officials.

The edict, which flies in the face of national anti-smoking policies from Beijing, is aimed at increasing tax revenue.

In total, officials have been ordered to puff their way through 230,000 packs of Hubei-branded cigarettes worth about $812,000.

However the order was reported to have been rescinded yesterday. A notice on the Gongan government web site said the rule was introduced in March in an effort to crack down on fake cigarettes and illegal cigarette smuggling in the area, which is causing the government to lose revenue, but said it decided to scrap the edict since the article appeared. It did not elaborate.

Tobacco sales, the biggest source of government revenue, brought in $A82.4 billion in the first 11 months of 2008, up 18 per cent from 2007, according to the Communist Party's People's Daily newspaper. About 2000 people a day die from smoking-related illnesses.

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

I've heard about Govt asking people to stop smoking but to force people to smoke and has a quota to fulfill, I think this is bloody ridiculous!

Sure the economy is bad, but surely there're better ways to get income for the Government?!

Maybe the over populated country wanted more to die so they have less people to take care of.

Smart! That's when people's life are not considered as worth it or meaningful! I guess that's what you get from a country that generally do not believe in God.

So much for education to build a nation.....

Black Day

2009-05-06T10:00:00.004+10:00

If you're in Malaysia on 7/5/09, make sure you don't wear all black. If you do, you risk getting arrested!!

Wong Chin Huat was arrested under the Sediction Act for launching the 1BlackMalaysia campaign.

What's this 1BlackMalaysia Campaign, you might ask?

We the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (BERSIH) call upon all Malaysians to wear black to work, to school, in play or at home the coming May 7th (Thursday) to present “1BLACKMalaysia” to Prime Minister Najib Razak as our strongest protest to the on-going Perak coup he has orchestrated. More

Clearly, an abuse of power.

Is wearing black a threat to national security? A threat to unity? Or it's more likely a threat to Najib's credibility? Black colour is one of the most common colour apart from white in terms of clothing. Now, since black is "banned" on 7/5/09, maybe all of us should wear pink?!

So Malaysians, beware on 7/5/09. If you're afraid, don't wear black! Maybe black underpants will do. :P

Otherwise, be brave and show your protest!