Yet again I didn't get to watch Stardust. On Diwali's eve, I asked William, George and Michael to 1Utama for movie. Being a Wednesday and the eve of a public holiday, cinemas were almost fully booked. GSC had only a couple of front row seats for the 10 something show. So instead, the three kings and an archangel - King Henry, King WIlliam, King George and St Michael - settled with watching a 'B' movie....oops I meant The Bee Movie.
What load of fun it was!
The bees were so human-like in the animation, we can't help but laugh our heads off. There were famous bees such as BeJesus, Bee Gandhi and even a Bee Larry King (wearing the same type of glasses and suspender belts as the human Larry King)!!! That's not all, you'll find cameo appearances by an actor, a singer and a favourite cartoon character too! No kidding...
My verdict: 7.5/10
Still, I hope I can catch Stardust, perhaps on Saturday morning. No fantasy movie gives me such anticipation since El Laberinto del Fauno (Pan's Labyrinth).
Tried a new song (Little Drummer Boy) at carolling practice earlier. Also had fun singing The Twelve Days of Christmas with Janice - too bad we only reached Day 8, haha. Some of us then went to William's Tmn Mayang for supper. I found new kaki's for playing scrabbles (Martin, Val, Andrew and Marie), chess (Andrew & Joseph) and basketball (Joseph & Shen).
Back to work tomorrow morning. It'll be a long, tough Friday. Looking forward to Ching Wei's wedding this weekend.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
Measuring Up
After many distractions & diversions, I finally finished reading Sidney Poitier's "A Measure of A Man". While the intro and content were a good read, the conclusion was personally a letdown for me.
On a happier note, carolling practice tonight did measure up. We are now quite well versed with the arangements of all our SATB songs - Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, The First Nowell, O Holy Night and Ding Dong Merrily on High. There will be lots of fine-tuning from now on. As usual, my fellow tenors came to practice in full force.
Our first performance will be during the Xmas party for the Puchong kids on Dec 1. This would be a good warmup for the serious ones beginning Dec 7. Oh BTW we'll be singing in major malls (e.g. 1Utama and the Curve) & hotels in PJ and possibly KL Hilton & Le Meridien too. You're most welcome to come watch & support us.! =)
On a happier note, carolling practice tonight did measure up. We are now quite well versed with the arangements of all our SATB songs - Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, The First Nowell, O Holy Night and Ding Dong Merrily on High. There will be lots of fine-tuning from now on. As usual, my fellow tenors came to practice in full force.
Our first performance will be during the Xmas party for the Puchong kids on Dec 1. This would be a good warmup for the serious ones beginning Dec 7. Oh BTW we'll be singing in major malls (e.g. 1Utama and the Curve) & hotels in PJ and possibly KL Hilton & Le Meridien too. You're most welcome to come watch & support us.! =)
Friday, October 19, 2007
Spare Tyre
Finally went for a drink with my friend from Prudential. We had been talking and talking about going for a booze since almost 3 months ago. It all started when she sent me a photo of my professor Steven Haberman and I together with 2 actuaries from Prudential (Mr Ng Keng Hui and Mr Ong Kheng Heng) and the Actuarial Society president, my boss Mr Raymond Lai. I've actually uploaded the photo into Friendster.
I wanted the photo very desperately becuz I have tremendous respect for Prof Haberman. And it's also due to the fact that he immediately recognised me on the day he gave a talk on life annuities in Prudential. I can't describe how great an honour it was.
Anyway my friend Mei Lih brought some of her co-workers and superiors along and we had quite a happy hour in Beach Club. I can see that they're all down-to-earth and caring people. How nice. After the session I went up their building and chatted with fellow Ipohmali Lisa for a while. I drove Mei Lih back to her house afterwards.
Along the KL-Seremban highway I thought my car ran over some object and felt a small metal clank around my left rear tyre. That part of my car started becoming really noisy. I half suspected that my tyre had gone flat. I decided not to stop along the dark & dangerous emergency lane so I continued until we reached the BHP station near the Sri Petaling Carrefour. My suspicions were confirmed. I replaced the flat one with the spare tyre before sending Mei Lih home.
Since I started driving in KL I had to replace flat tyres 4 times in 4 years (that's once a year on average). Thank goodness all of them happened to rear tyres. Hmmm....now I need to buy a new Goodyear tyre before I drive back to Ipoh for All Souls' Day.
I wanted the photo very desperately becuz I have tremendous respect for Prof Haberman. And it's also due to the fact that he immediately recognised me on the day he gave a talk on life annuities in Prudential. I can't describe how great an honour it was.
Anyway my friend Mei Lih brought some of her co-workers and superiors along and we had quite a happy hour in Beach Club. I can see that they're all down-to-earth and caring people. How nice. After the session I went up their building and chatted with fellow Ipohmali Lisa for a while. I drove Mei Lih back to her house afterwards.
Along the KL-Seremban highway I thought my car ran over some object and felt a small metal clank around my left rear tyre. That part of my car started becoming really noisy. I half suspected that my tyre had gone flat. I decided not to stop along the dark & dangerous emergency lane so I continued until we reached the BHP station near the Sri Petaling Carrefour. My suspicions were confirmed. I replaced the flat one with the spare tyre before sending Mei Lih home.
Since I started driving in KL I had to replace flat tyres 4 times in 4 years (that's once a year on average). Thank goodness all of them happened to rear tyres. Hmmm....now I need to buy a new Goodyear tyre before I drive back to Ipoh for All Souls' Day.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
A Fruitful Weekend
Joined Lifeliners Adrian, Christina, Irene & Ivy Teh, Sister John and the Puchong kids for Pak Lah's open house in PWTC on Saturday noon. The queue was crazily LOOOOOONG.
Then we brought them to KLCC where they tried the bubble elevator for the first time. The dark sky was threatening to pour. The kids can't wait to play with water that they actually jumped into the fountain pool (which is forbidden). However we brought them to the wading pool instead, where they played to their hearts' content. Just as we got all of them out of the pool, it finally started to rain. The Lord wanted the kids to have fun too! Christina and I followed the kids and Sister John back to Puchong in the bas kilang, all tired and spent but very pleased to see the joy written on all the young faces.
Managed to get a quick shower at home before driving to the 5.00pm carolling practice at SFX. It rained so heavily that several parts of the Federal Highway were filled with inches of water. Thankfuly I arrived at church safely. The sopranos, altos, tenors and basses were being sorted out. Janice, Marie and Annie were the Sopranos; Irene and Jude (did I get her name correct?) the altos. With the help of Patrick and Mag, I found that I'm a tenor together with Julius and Samuel. The basses Alex and Lawrence completed this makeshift choir. For a start we practised "Silent Night". There were some glitches but we managed to piece it together just before Mass, though there was much refining needed. Can't wait for next practice.
After Mass I brought George Michael (George & Michael lah), Jovina, Melissa and Eric for dinner and fellowship @ Chuan Lee. Home sweet home for everyone afterwards.
Sunday morning Michael, Jovina and I went to GSC 1Utama for Chuck and Larry (U're right, Celia. It was darn funny. And Jessica Biel was OOZING HOT. I wish I was Adam Sandler!!!)
In the evening I went jogging around my apartment area, having missed Thursday's badminton. My fitness level is much better than a year ago before started training for Kinabalu. I used to stop to catch my breath every quarter of the perimeter then. Now I could run at least 5 rounds continuously with ease.
Continued reading Sidney Poitier's "The Measure of A Man" since dinner.
Then we brought them to KLCC where they tried the bubble elevator for the first time. The dark sky was threatening to pour. The kids can't wait to play with water that they actually jumped into the fountain pool (which is forbidden). However we brought them to the wading pool instead, where they played to their hearts' content. Just as we got all of them out of the pool, it finally started to rain. The Lord wanted the kids to have fun too! Christina and I followed the kids and Sister John back to Puchong in the bas kilang, all tired and spent but very pleased to see the joy written on all the young faces.
Managed to get a quick shower at home before driving to the 5.00pm carolling practice at SFX. It rained so heavily that several parts of the Federal Highway were filled with inches of water. Thankfuly I arrived at church safely. The sopranos, altos, tenors and basses were being sorted out. Janice, Marie and Annie were the Sopranos; Irene and Jude (did I get her name correct?) the altos. With the help of Patrick and Mag, I found that I'm a tenor together with Julius and Samuel. The basses Alex and Lawrence completed this makeshift choir. For a start we practised "Silent Night". There were some glitches but we managed to piece it together just before Mass, though there was much refining needed. Can't wait for next practice.
After Mass I brought George Michael (George & Michael lah), Jovina, Melissa and Eric for dinner and fellowship @ Chuan Lee. Home sweet home for everyone afterwards.
Sunday morning Michael, Jovina and I went to GSC 1Utama for Chuck and Larry (U're right, Celia. It was darn funny. And Jessica Biel was OOZING HOT. I wish I was Adam Sandler!!!)
In the evening I went jogging around my apartment area, having missed Thursday's badminton. My fitness level is much better than a year ago before started training for Kinabalu. I used to stop to catch my breath every quarter of the perimeter then. Now I could run at least 5 rounds continuously with ease.
Continued reading Sidney Poitier's "The Measure of A Man" since dinner.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Re: Carebears and Steven Spielberg's Munich
You're right, Celia...we simply cannot please everyone. Also, who am I to say who matters more than others? After all I had vowed to let JC drive my life. Looking back I realise He had chosen the right thing for me. At least now I know more about the persons I talked to (and hopefully vice versa).
Magdalene from Melaka is rather 'dreamy' and always cannot remember my name; Janice from Sandakan has a smooth, powerful soprano voice. Both contributed so much to the success of the mid-autumn event.
Well I suppose I can ganti balik last week by eating dinner with the IPBA ppl this Saturday lah.
The most recent movie I watched was Steven Spielberg's "Munich". A fantastic film that combines many complex issues within the main storyline - a group of civilian Jews recruited by the Mossad to assassinate men listed to be responsible for the 1972 Munich massacre. As the story progressed, most of them (and the audience) would begin to wonder if it's justifiable to treat violence with violence, to follow orders without questions/proof and to assassinate someone in cold blood. They would also begin to see the irony that those who replaced their assassinated targets went on to create more violence and kill more people. The secrecy and possibility of being betrayed by secret intelligence were evident throughout. Towards the end after three of his team were killed, the protagonist (played by Eric Bana) became paranoid that he or his family might be next targets of assassination (he didn't know whether it was the Palestinians or the Mossad themselves).
The film draws the parallel between the Jews and the Palestinians in the sense that both sides would do anything, at all costs and for as long as it takes to have a land they call home (because it was the only thing that mattered).
In the climactic final scene (with the New York skyline in the background), a distinction was made between Jews who wanted peace by doing good to others (Eric Bana inviting Geoffrey Rush to his house to break bread with his family) and Jews with hardened hearts who reject goodness and would continue killing for 'peace' (Geoffrey Rush snubbing the invitation). In the background stood the former World Trade Centre, a symbol that represented the consequences of treating violence with violence and for us to learn from the 911 tragedy.
My verdict: 9/10
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Carebears
Is it bad to be too caring to everybody? One thing for sure is that with our limited attention span, we will bound to disappoint somebody at any given day.
I was in my church's mid-autumn festival celebration earlier. When it came to the final event of the night (walking around with lanterns) I had decided to follow my friends from IPBA (Catherine, Nicky, Anita, Nigel & David) to Kanna Curry House for a drink. On my way out I stopped by to talk to several people. As a result, I never got to have my drink cuz by the time I was out of church, Nicky txt me saying they were going home already.
I'm concerned cuz a similar case happens in my family. Whenever I go back Ipoh during weekend, I find myself engaging in long conversations with my parents - about my job, health, car and all the 'serious' topics. At other times, I'll either be out yumchar with my old school mates or too tired to do anything. All these actually crowd out my time for my brother, whom I care a lot. Right now I still haven't got a solution for this. The best I did was to let him know I care about him a lot despite not spending enough brotherly time with him.
Hence the question - how much should I care for everybody so that I can still care sufficiently for people who matter most?
I was in my church's mid-autumn festival celebration earlier. When it came to the final event of the night (walking around with lanterns) I had decided to follow my friends from IPBA (Catherine, Nicky, Anita, Nigel & David) to Kanna Curry House for a drink. On my way out I stopped by to talk to several people. As a result, I never got to have my drink cuz by the time I was out of church, Nicky txt me saying they were going home already.
I'm concerned cuz a similar case happens in my family. Whenever I go back Ipoh during weekend, I find myself engaging in long conversations with my parents - about my job, health, car and all the 'serious' topics. At other times, I'll either be out yumchar with my old school mates or too tired to do anything. All these actually crowd out my time for my brother, whom I care a lot. Right now I still haven't got a solution for this. The best I did was to let him know I care about him a lot despite not spending enough brotherly time with him.
Hence the question - how much should I care for everybody so that I can still care sufficiently for people who matter most?
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Conversion of A Presbyterian Into Catholicism
I just can't keep myself from telling all my non-Catholic Christian (I consider you as family, not 'protestants') brothers and sisters out there. Read this...the story of the conversion of Dr Scott Hann into Catholicism.
http://www.chnetwork.org/scotthconv.htm
Also check this out: 1 Timothy 3:15 "..if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulkward of the truth."
Please hear this...Martin Luther hadn't been completely right when he preached about sola scriptura (Scriptures alone) and sola fide (faith alone). If you believe that the Scriptures alone are the pillar of truth, then believe in 1 Timothy 3:15 and believe in the unity of all Christians under one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
[the word 'catholic' is derived from Greek καθολικός (katolikos), which means universal]
To clear up some misconceptions you might have regarding the Catholic Church:
I read an article in the Catholic weekly the Herald that explained how the Church's teachings had remained steadfast despite all the selling of indulgences and a string of bad popes before Martin Luther and John Calvin's Reformation. This just shows that the Church built by Jesus Christ on this rock (St Peter) was never defeated by Satan. And the pope's infallibility applies only to the setting of universal Church doctrines. It was only used once by Pope Pius XII on the Assumption of our Blessed Mother.
And like what Dr Hahn said to his friends...we Catholic Christians DO NOT worship Mother Mary. We simply honour her as our Mother. And, we truly have full faith that we are receiving the body of Christ during Mass (which is the continuation of the Last Supper). Only men can become priests because as representative of Christ on earth, a priest (who should be male) is 'married' to the Church (His bride). Get it?
We are also against divorce (marriage is a sacrament - what God has joined let no man separate), artificial contraceptions (except to curb the spread of AIDS between 2 married spouses, all others should instead abstain from adultery, fornication and multiple sex partners), abortion and same-sex marriages (there's no wrong in loving someone of the same sex, but abstinence from sexual intercourse will be the right thing to practice).
C'mon my non-Catholic brothers and sisters...let's not be divided anymore. It's time to come home, love our Father as a united family and love one another as Christ loves us...
Shalom,
Henry Michael Lim
http://www.chnetwork.org/scotthconv.htm
Also check this out: 1 Timothy 3:15 "..if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulkward of the truth."
Please hear this...Martin Luther hadn't been completely right when he preached about sola scriptura (Scriptures alone) and sola fide (faith alone). If you believe that the Scriptures alone are the pillar of truth, then believe in 1 Timothy 3:15 and believe in the unity of all Christians under one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
[the word 'catholic' is derived from Greek καθολικός (katolikos), which means universal]
To clear up some misconceptions you might have regarding the Catholic Church:
I read an article in the Catholic weekly the Herald that explained how the Church's teachings had remained steadfast despite all the selling of indulgences and a string of bad popes before Martin Luther and John Calvin's Reformation. This just shows that the Church built by Jesus Christ on this rock (St Peter) was never defeated by Satan. And the pope's infallibility applies only to the setting of universal Church doctrines. It was only used once by Pope Pius XII on the Assumption of our Blessed Mother.
And like what Dr Hahn said to his friends...we Catholic Christians DO NOT worship Mother Mary. We simply honour her as our Mother. And, we truly have full faith that we are receiving the body of Christ during Mass (which is the continuation of the Last Supper). Only men can become priests because as representative of Christ on earth, a priest (who should be male) is 'married' to the Church (His bride). Get it?
We are also against divorce (marriage is a sacrament - what God has joined let no man separate), artificial contraceptions (except to curb the spread of AIDS between 2 married spouses, all others should instead abstain from adultery, fornication and multiple sex partners), abortion and same-sex marriages (there's no wrong in loving someone of the same sex, but abstinence from sexual intercourse will be the right thing to practice).
C'mon my non-Catholic brothers and sisters...let's not be divided anymore. It's time to come home, love our Father as a united family and love one another as Christ loves us...
Shalom,
Henry Michael Lim
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
The Secret
Thanks Ivy for recommending Jay Chou's directorial debut "Secret". Watched it in 1Utama earlier today. Absolutely loved this romantic movie, despite the few plot loopholes and Jay's (improved but still) "kayu" acting. Both the female main characters (Xiao Yu and Qin Yi) were lovely and sweet! In fact, the actress who played Qin Yi bears uncanny resemblance to my uni mate Lisa Leong.
The ending is very much up to the audience's interpretations.
My verdict: 7.5/10. (Planning to get the original DVD when available!!!)
Monday, September 24, 2007
Everything
Earlier today I heard a nice song on radio. Really made my day. Pardon me, for yours truly haven't been keeping up-to-date with new songs lately. I'm sure this feel-good song's not any new to most of you out there. But for me, it's my first time listening to Michael Buble's Everything.
Yeah...got it downloaded. It's playing in Winamp as I type. Luv it!
Yeah...got it downloaded. It's playing in Winamp as I type. Luv it!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
ASM Annual Dinner
It's time for another annual dinner again. The whole actuarial department of Uni.Asia Life Assurance attended both the talks and the dinner @ Crown Plaza Hotel...in support of our boss (who's the current ASM president). =P
The first talk was something I could relate to. Mr Teh Loo Hai spoke on product pricing under the Risk Based Capital (RBC) framework. The second speaker is the actuary from CIMB-Aviva. He was speaking about RBC's twin in the UK, the Internal Capital Adequacy Standard (ICAS) and later on the pensions industry in the UK before I left the ballroom until the end (I wasn't being disrespectful, just uninterested).
Anyway, dinner followed right after the talks. Chong and I sat with some Prudential roses (Pei Wei, Yuet Ting, Xiang Yi, Diana and my fellow Ipoh-mali, Lisa Leong). Then each table had to play games where we were given 3 puzzles (a 6x6 sudoku, a numerical & a crossword puzzle) and a word-finding task. Lisa and I managed to find all the words. Anyway my table wasn't in the top 3....we couldn't figure out the numerical puzzles.
The final item of the evening was the quiz. My team was neck-to-neck with the eventual winners MERCERnaries in the first 3 rounds but eventually we even conceded 2nd place to the Prudential team. Tough luck....try again next year lah...
I've always enjoyed ASM annual dinners. This year is no different. Kudos to Johan & his organising team!
The first talk was something I could relate to. Mr Teh Loo Hai spoke on product pricing under the Risk Based Capital (RBC) framework. The second speaker is the actuary from CIMB-Aviva. He was speaking about RBC's twin in the UK, the Internal Capital Adequacy Standard (ICAS) and later on the pensions industry in the UK before I left the ballroom until the end (I wasn't being disrespectful, just uninterested).
Anyway, dinner followed right after the talks. Chong and I sat with some Prudential roses (Pei Wei, Yuet Ting, Xiang Yi, Diana and my fellow Ipoh-mali, Lisa Leong). Then each table had to play games where we were given 3 puzzles (a 6x6 sudoku, a numerical & a crossword puzzle) and a word-finding task. Lisa and I managed to find all the words. Anyway my table wasn't in the top 3....we couldn't figure out the numerical puzzles.
The final item of the evening was the quiz. My team was neck-to-neck with the eventual winners MERCERnaries in the first 3 rounds but eventually we even conceded 2nd place to the Prudential team. Tough luck....try again next year lah...
I've always enjoyed ASM annual dinners. This year is no different. Kudos to Johan & his organising team!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Staying L8
Worked till quite late tonight. Haven't been @ office until 10.30pm since end of June. Anyway I'll try to finish work early and make it for the tuition tomoro night. I love the kids there. Besides, Chia Ling is quite shorthanded on Tuesdays. But I dread the traffic from IOI Mall until Puchong Perdana. Last Tuesday, it took me almost 2 hours to reach the tuition centre from KL. It was almost 8.30pm when I had to trouble Chia Ling to leave the kids unattended upstairs and show me where's the centre. Such lack of chivalry is totaly unacceptable!
I pray that all my other appointments this week would happen with minimal glitches (hear me Lord!). Supposed to meet Kenny to pay him for a ticket, also Li Yien who'll be flying off soon (need to ask her to where) & going back Ipoh for da weekend. Whew...fortunately there's neither badminton nor trekking this month!
I pray that all my other appointments this week would happen with minimal glitches (hear me Lord!). Supposed to meet Kenny to pay him for a ticket, also Li Yien who'll be flying off soon (need to ask her to where) & going back Ipoh for da weekend. Whew...fortunately there's neither badminton nor trekking this month!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
First Memory
From Friendster blog, I'm finally venturing into Blogspot (inspired by Nicky, my guardian angel at the most recent Lifeline camp). I guess I'll do what Ivy does lah...double-posting every blog entry.
Anyway I haven't seen any new entries from my old friend the Sampahman for quite some time aredi. Hope to see you back in action, Kenny!
Dunno wat else to write lah....ok since Nicky posted Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" (one of my two most favourite poems) I shall post the other poem lah....
Love's Secret - William Blake
Never seek to tell thy love,
Love that never told can be;
For the gentle wind does move
Silently, invisibly.
I told my love, I told my love,
I told her all my heart;
Trembling, cold, in ghastly fears,
Ah! she did depart!
Soon as she was gone from me,
A traveler came by,
Silently, invisibly
He took her with a sigh
Anyway I haven't seen any new entries from my old friend the Sampahman for quite some time aredi. Hope to see you back in action, Kenny!
Dunno wat else to write lah....ok since Nicky posted Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" (one of my two most favourite poems) I shall post the other poem lah....
Love's Secret - William Blake
Never seek to tell thy love,
Love that never told can be;
For the gentle wind does move
Silently, invisibly.
I told my love, I told my love,
I told her all my heart;
Trembling, cold, in ghastly fears,
Ah! she did depart!
Soon as she was gone from me,
A traveler came by,
Silently, invisibly
He took her with a sigh
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