Best wishes for the New Year and Always

I love the following that came my way today.
Allow me to extend you the same good wishes.


Peace be in your heart. Warmth be in your soul.
Contentment be in your life & Joy come into your home.
May you always be blessed with these priceless gifts.

If life is a game, I wish you will always win.
If life is a journey, I wish you will walk on roses.
If life is a rainbow, I wish you will always have the brightest days.
If life is a joy, I wish you always smile.

May every day bring you happiness & peace in your heart.


Gong Xi Fa Cai
May all your wishes come true.

Women's Favorite Email of the Year!

This one is from a girlfriend from across the Causeway
(Singapore). She insisted that I blog it for the benefit
of husbands as well as to warn them to never envy the
housewives! Well she has a darling of a husband so I guess
this one probably won't apply to them. Anyway, enjoy it but
be careful what you wish for becozzzzzz you might just get it.

A man was sick and tired of going to work every day while
his wife stayed home. He wanted her to see what he went
through so he prayed:

"Dear Lord: I go to work every day and put in 8 hours while
my wife merely stays at home. I want her to know what I go
through, so please allow her body to switch with mine for
a day. Amen.

God, in his infinite wisdom, granted the man's wish. The next
morning, sure enough, the man awoke as a woman.

He arose, cooked breakfast for his mate, awakened the kids,

Set out their school clothes, fed them breakfast, packed their
lunches,

Drove them to school, came home and picked up the dry cleaning,
took it to the cleaners.

And stopped at the bank to make a deposit, went grocery shopping,
then drove home to put away the groceries,

Paid the bills and balanced the checkbook.

He cleaned the cat's litter box and bathed the dog.

Then it was already 1 pm and he hurried to make the beds, do the
laundry, vacuum, dust, and sweep and mop the kitchen floor.

Ran to the school to pick up the kids and got into an argument
with them on the way home.

Set out milk and cookies and got the kids organized to do their
homework.

Then set up the ironing board and watched TV while he did the
ironing.

At 4:30pm, he began peeling potatoes and washing vegetables for
salad, breaded the pork chops and snapped fresh beans for supper.

After supper, he cleaned the kitchen, ran the dishwasher,
folded laundry, bathed the kids, and put them to bed. At 9pm,
he was exhausted and, though his daily chores weren't finished,
he went to bed where he was expected to make love, which he
managed to get through without complaint.

The next morning, he awoke and immediately knelt by the bed and
said, "Lord, I don't know what I was thinking. I was so wrong to
envy my wife's being able to stay home all day. Please, oh please,
let us trade back."

The Lord, in his infinite wisdom, replied, "My son, I feel you
have learned your lesson and I will be happy to change things
back to the way they were. You'll just have to wait nine months,
though. You got pregnant last night."

This has been voted Women's Favorite Email of the Year!

Proof of Global-warming

Bow-wowed by Dog

This Jan 29 sees the advent of the Year of the Dog. Clove tries to bark up the right tree by paying tribute to the people born in the Chinese zodiac year and to the beloved and helpful animal it is named after.

Young Dog or old Dog? Years of the Dog: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 (The Chinese New Year does not fall on a specific date, so it is essential to check the calendar to find the exact date on which each Dog Year actually begins.)

Why you love them

People born in the Year of the Dog have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people’s confidence by keeping secrets. They care little for wealth and status, yet somehow always seem to have money. Dog people make good leaders. The Dog makes a wonderful and discreet friend and is an excellent listener. This Sign tends to root for the underdog and its keen sense of right and wrong makes it duty-bound to the core. The Dog’s credo seems to be: Live right, look out for the little people and fight injustice whenever possible. Dogs make good partners and most people find them easy to live and get along with. He is concerned with the welfare of his family and friends and will do whatever it takes to help them out of a rough spot. Dogs are faithful and always stick to their firm codes of ethics.

Continue.....The Star

Vincent van Gogh

Vincent Willem van Gogh

Self-portrait (1886).

Born: March 30, 1853
Zundert, Netherlands
Died: July 29, 1890
Auvers-sur-Oise, France
Occupation: Painter

There is pain in beauty and beauty in pain. Vincent van Gogh personified this. He left behind a egacy of beautiful paintings though his life was wrought with conflicts and sadness.

His notable works include among others

Sunflowers (1888)












Bedroom in Arles (1888)













Cafe Terrace at Night (1888)

















Starry Night (1889)






The Starry Night is one of the best known paintings by
Dutch post-impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh, and is
in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in
New York City. This oil-on-canvas painting measures 73 x 92 cm.

Created by Van Gogh while he was in the asylum at Saint Rémy
de Provence in June 1889, the painting portrays a swirling
skyscape filled with yellow glowing stars above a small town
and rolling hills. The large dark formation in the foreground
left of center has been described as the tip of a tree,
although art historians have presented various other
interpretations. Its purpose seems to be to direct the eye
towards the sky. In addition, it adds depth to the painting.
A church steeple in the town also points towards the sky.

The painting was the inspiration for Don McLean's song,
Vincent, which is also known as Starry, Starry Night.


The Red Vineyard (1888) was the only painting the Dutch
painter sold during his lifetime. It was sold for only 400 Francs
(USD 68 today). It is now in the Pushkin Museum in Moscow.















Van Gogh began suffering mental problems later part of
his life and was admitted to a psychiatric centre.

Late Sunday evening December 23, 1888, Vincent Van Gogh,
then 35 years old, cut off the lower half of his left ear
and took it to a brothel, where he asked for a prostitute
named Rachel and handed the ear to her, asking her to
"keep this object carefully."

Why Did Van Gogh Cut Off His Ear? More than a dozen different
explanations of his actions have been proposed.

His depression deepened, and on July 27, at the age of 37,
Van Gogh shot himself in the chest. Without realising that
he was fatally wounded, he returned to the Ravoux Inn,
where he died two days later, with Theo (his brother)
at his side, who reported his last words as
"La tristesse durera toujours" (French for "the sadness
will last forever").

Van Gogh's fame grew shortly after his death. Large
exhibitions were organized in Paris (1901), Amsterdam (1905),
Cologne (1912), New York City (1913) and Berlin (1914).

Van Gogh's life forms the basis for Irving Stone's biographical
novel Lust for Life (later turned into a film).

In 1972, singer Don McLean wrote the ballad "Vincent", also
known as "Starry Starry Night" in honour of Van Gogh, later
sang by Josh Groban in 2002. The punk band NOFX has also
covered this song on a rarities and b-sides double album.
In 1986-87, the composer Einojuhani Rautavaara wrote an opera,
Vincent, based on several events in Van Gogh's life, and also
later used some of the same themes in his 6th symphony,
"Vincentiana."

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_van_Gogh#Life_and_work

Here I present the lyrics to "Vincent", one of the most
beautiful songs of all time.

Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)
- Josh Groban version

Starry, starry night
Paint your palette blue and grey
Look out on a summer's day
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul
Shadows on the hills
Sketch the trees and daffodils
Catch the breeze and the winter chills
In colours on the snowy linen land

Now I understand
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen
They did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now

Starry, starry night
Flaming flowers that brightly blaze
Swirling clouds and violet haze
Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue
Colours changing hue
Morning fields of amber grain
Weathered faces lined in pain
Are soothed beneath the artists' loving hand

Now I understand
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen
They did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now

For they could not love you
But still your love was true
And when no hope was left inside
On that starry, starry night
You took your life as lovers often do
But I could have told you Vincent
This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you

Like the strangers that you've met
The ragged men in ragged clothes
The silver thorn of bloody rose
Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow

Now I think I know
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen
They're not listening still
Perhaps they never will...


Notes: Original Lyrics and Music by Don McLean.
Produced and Arranged by: David Foster

Sun! Sun! Sun! Here It Comes!

Yippee!! The sun is out today and we have blue skies again!
Ermmmmmmm....... sweet, sweet fresh air.

It's been grey and gloomy the past few days so having
the sun merrily streaming in through my window was such
a welcome sight. Plus, I caught a really, really nice
cheerful song on the way to work.

Wanted to know more of it so a search resulted in the
lyrics below. Found out it's not a new song but no matter,
I like it.

Hope you'll have a day that makes you feel like dancing too.


YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE DANCING
(Leo Sayer/Vini Poncia)

You’ve got a cute way of talkin’
You got the better of me
Just snap your fingers and I’m walkin’
Like a dog hanging on your lead
I’m in a spin you know
Shakin’ on string you know
You make me feel like dancing
I’m gonna dance the night away
You make me feel like dancing
I’m gonna dance the night away
You make me feel like dancing
I feel like dancing dancing dance the night away
I feel like dancing dancing - aah
Quarter to four in the morning
I ain’t feeling tired no no no no no
Just hold me tight and leave on the light
Cause I don’t want to go home
You put a spell on me
I’m right where you want me to be
You make me feel like dancing
I want to dance the night away
You make me feel like dancing
I’m gonna dance the night away
You make me feel like dancing
I feel like dancing dancing dance the night away
I feel like dancing, dancing – aah
Doo doo doo doo – woo woop
Doo doo doo doo – oh yeah
Doo doo doo doo – woo woop
Doo doo doo doo – ah ha
You take me higher
I’m gonna catch on fire ‘cos
You make me feel like dancing
I wanna dance the night away
You make me feel like dancing
I’m gonna dance my life away
I feel like dancing dancing dance the night away
I feel like dancing dancing dance the night away
I feel like dancing dancing dance the night away
I feel like dancing dancing - aah
You really slipped me a potion
I can’t get offa the floor
All this perpetual motion
You gotta give me some more
You gotta give me some more
And if you’ll let me stay we’ll dance our lives away
You make me feel like dancing I wanna dance my life away
You make me feel like dancing I wanna dance my life away
You make me feel like dancing I wanna dance my life away
I feel
You make me feel like dancing













Source: http://www.leosayer.com/lyrics06.html

Birds in Flight

I came across a most spectacular sight the other evening.
It was a flock of birds, very large ones - they could be
cranes, I'm not sure. They must be on their way to their
night resting place.

What surprised me was that they were flying in a V-formation
reminiscent of geese in flight. A quick count came up with
forty-four of them. Such an awesome sight!

By the way, do you know why geese fly in a V-formation?
There is a lesson we could all learn here. How's this
for some introspection.

In the fall when you see geese heading south for the winter
flying along in the "V" formation, you might be interested
in knowing what science has discovered about why they fly
that way. It has been learned that as each bird flaps its
wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following.
By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least
71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
People who are part of a team and share a common
direction get where they are going quicker and easier,
because they are travelling on the trust of one another
and lift each other up along the way.

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels
the drag and resistance of trying to go through it alone
and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of
the power of the flock.
If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay
in formation and share information with those
who are headed the same way that we are going.

When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the
wing and another goose takes over.
It pays to share leadership and take turns doing
hard jobs.

The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to
keep their speed.
Words of support and inspiration help energize
those on the front line, helping them to keep pace
in spite of the day-to-day pressures and fatigue.
It is important that our honking be encouraging.
Otherwise it’s just – well honking!

Finally, when a goose gets sick or is wounded by a
gunshot and falls out, two geese fall out of the
formation and follow the injured one down to help and
protect him. They stay with him until he is either
able to fly or until he is dead, and then they launch
out with another formation to catch up with their group.
When one of us is down, it’s up to the others
to stand by us in our time of trouble. If we have
the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other
when things get rough. We will stay in formation
with those headed where we want to go.

The next time you see a formation of geese, remember...
IT IS A REWARD, A CHALLENGE AND A PRIVILEGE
to be a contributing member of a TEAM.

10 Things A Woman Should Know About

The source of this is unknown but I am grateful for the advice.
"Thank you", whoever compiled this.

1. Car park habits
Unlocking your car with the remote while still walking
towards it, is like picking fishes on the ground when the
shoreline recedes 500m. It's a disaster waiting to happen.
Unlock the car only when beside the car. To be safe, park
near traffic areas such as the escalator, lift lobby or
cashier counter. Don't talk on the phone as you walk
to your car or look for your keys while in the car park so
that you are more alert of your surroundings.

2. Handbag
If you MUST carry a handbag, make sure it's slung facing
the pavement. It is also recommended to walk against the
direction of traffic so you can see incoming motorists and
lessen the risk of handbag snatch theft.

3. As Always, Seek Attention
Better to be called a drama queen than queen of the damned.
Holler Help! to attract attention and never underestimate
the power of a female voice. Throw a rock at a car window
and set off the alarm if you have to, in order to attract
attention to ward off a threat.

4. Lock
Always lock your car as soon as you enter. Thieves and
robbers prey on stationary cars that have open windows or
are unlocked. Be more careful at quiet petrol pumps,
highway rest stops, traffic lights and parking lots.

5. Wedgie It
Violent crimes against women happen in the best and worst
hotels around the world. Predators may come as a hotel
employee or push their way through an open door. As with
home safety, never open a door unless you're certain the
person on the other side is legitimate. Always carry a
door wedge/doorstop with you when you travel. Place it
at the door when you're in the room to prevent forceful
entry. You'll be surprise how much difference a piece
of rubber makes.

6. Escape from Men
Escape is always the best option when threatened. If a
predator wants you to follow him into the car, try not to
because he obviously wants to leave the scene for a reason.
If it's a robbery, throw your handbag one way while you run
the other. Remember, material things can be gained back
but you only live one life.

7. Tourist Trap
Try not to look like a tourist when traveling alone. Leave
jewelry at home including necklaces, flashy earrings or
valuables. A diamond-studded Rolex is good for a gala dinner
but when traveling, you only need to tell time with a simple
watch. Never tell people you are alone in the hotel room or
even when in the office.

8. Choose Not So Blind Dates?
If you're going on a new date, tell your friends or siblings
where you are going. Never say yes to quiet parks and his
home (no matter how innocent your/his excuse may be). And
yes, even the cutest guys are capable of rape. Say NO! loud
and clear when you're feeling uncomfortable. Whenever possible,
use your own transportation to and from a date.

9. Don't be nice
As women, we are always trying to be nice and helpful. It may
be the right thing to do when the world was a safer place to be
in, but in these times, STOP IT! It may get you raped, or killed.
Remember, Ted Bundy the serial killer, was a good-looking, well-
educated man, who always played on the sympathies of unsuspecting
women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked for help
when he abducted his next victim.

10. Sixth Sense
Listen to it! It may be wrong, but would you risk being right?
If you have a nagging thought of someone is following you, look
around and walk faster. Jogging at dusk with headphones on can
dull your senses, so try to use them only on the treadmill. If
you see signs on unauthorized entry at home or office, get out
and get help. You don't want to walk into a robbery.

Thank you, Lord

This is one of those emails that never run out of style.
I got it today again. Hope you'll like it.


I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing
me around. We walked Side-by-side inside a large workroom
filled with angels.

My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and
said, "This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions
to God said in prayer are received."

I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy
with so many angels sorting out petitions written on
voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over
the world. Then we moved on down a long corridor until
we reached the second section.

The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and
Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the
people asked for are processed and delivered to the
living persons who asked for them."

I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many
angels working hard at that station, since so many
blessings had been requested and were being packaged
for delivery to Earth.

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we
stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great
surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing
nothing.

"This is the Acknowledgment Section," my angel friend
quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed.
"How is it that? There's no work going on here?" I asked.

"So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the
blessings that they asked for, very few send back
acknowledgments.

"How does one acknowledge God's blessings?" I asked.

"Simple," the angel answered. "Just say, "Thank you, Lord"

"What blessings should they acknowledge?" I asked.

"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back,
a roof overhead and a place to sleep .. you are richer than
75% of this world."

"If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare
change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's
wealthy."

"And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of
the 1% in the world who has that opportunity."

Also
"If you woke up this morning with more health than illness
......you are more blessed than the many who will not even
survive this day."

"If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the
loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the
pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 700 million people
in the world"

"If you can attend a church meeting without the fear of
harassment, arrest, torture or death .. you are envied by,
and more blessed than, three billion people in the world."

"If your parents are still alive and still married .. you
are very rare."

"If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the
norm, you are unique to all those in doubt and despair."

"Ok, what now? How can I start? "

If you can read this message, you just received a double
blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very
special and you are more blessed than over two billion
people in the world who cannot read at all.

Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you want,
pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we
all are.

ATTN: Acknowledgement Department - Thank You Lord!
"Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this
message and for giving me so many wonderful people to share
it with."

In the name of Art

These models are really courageous.
Wish I knew the source so I could give it due credit.

Funny pictures

Source unknown

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Adhar

Not sure if I've got the title correct, all the same,
to all Muslims out there, Selamat Hari Raya Haji and
may you have a joyous Hari Raya.

Drive carefully.

Short takes

Fans of Mike Shinoda or Fort Minor might be interested to note
that the group will be rocking Kuala Lumpur on Feb 28 at the
Indoor Arena, Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort.
And if you miss them here, you'll be able to catch them in
Singapore the following day.
---------

There's good news for fans of American Idol as you can catch the
new season starting Jan 18. The Performance Show is on Weds at 6pm,
8pm, 11:30pm and Thurs at 2:30pm. Results Show is on Thurs at 6pm,
8pm and 11:30pm. The accidental celebrity, William Hung, comes to
mind.
----------

And here's a movie I'd like to catch, "The Stepford Wives".
It's coming on this Sat at 9pm on Astro's HBO. It stars
Nicole Kidman (I love Nicole Kidman) and Glenn Close (the lady
as Cruella in '101 Dalmations' and the other lady in 'Fatal
Attraction' with Michael Douglas).

------------
'Oasis' will be in Singapore performing at the Singapore Indoor
Stadium on Thurs, Feb 23, 8pm. Tickets are available at all
Sistic outlets or call 6348 5555;
Online bookings: www.sistic.com.sg

------------
And in football, Thiery Henry of Arsenal is staying back in
Arsenal. Ever since he became the Captain after Patrick Viera
left, the team has not been doing well. I think his old style
of play is being stifled as he has to look out for his teammates,
as Captain, rather than being free to show off his individual
prowess. I don't care. I support Man United.

Men are like.........

Gosh! This is not good. I'm sitting at my PC and nothing
comes to mind. Do mental blocks happen when you've got
something on your mind and the mind just shuts down?

Here's a lame post - received it from a girlfriend this morning.
I remember I have to get back at a colleague (are you reading
this?) who sent me that sexist joke so this email is like
tit-for-tat. See if you agree ...or not - but, guys, don't take
offence, yeah?

1. Men are like..... Coffee.
The best ones are rich, warm, full-bodied, and can keep you up all night long.

2. Men are like..... Commercials.
You can't believe a word they say.

3. Men are like..... Computers.
Hard to figure out and never have enough memory.

4 . Men are like... .Coolers.
Load them with beer and you can take them anywhere.

5. Men are like.... Copiers.
You need them for reproduction, but that's about it.

6. Men are like......Bananas.
the older they get, the less firm they are.

7. Men are like.... .Bank Accounts.
Without a lot of money, they don't generate interest.

8. Men are like.... Bike helmets.
Handy in an emergency, but otherwise they just LOOK SILLY.

9. Men are like.....Snowstorms.
You never know when he's coming, how many inches you'll get or how long he will last.

10. Men are like.....Used Cars.
Both are easy-to-get, cheap, and unreliable.

11. Men are like.....Vacations.
They never seem to be long enough.

12. Men are like..... Government bonds.
They take so long to mature.

13. Men are like....High heels.
They're easy to walk on once you get the hang of it.

14. Men are like.....Horoscopes.
They always tell you what to do and are usually wrong.

15. Men are like.....Weather.
Nothing can be done to change either one of them.

16. Men are like..... Blenders.
You need one, but you're not quite sure why.

17. Men are like..... Cement.
After getting laid, they take a long time to get hard.

18. Men are like..... Chocolate Bars
Sweet, smooth, and they usually head right for your hips.

19. Men are like..... Curling irons.
They're always hot, and they're always in your hair.

20. Men are like.....Lawn Mowers.
If you're not pushing one around, then you're riding on it.

21. Men are like.....Lava lamps.
Fun to look at, but not all that bright.

22. Men are like.....Mascara.
They usually run at the first sign of emotion.

23. Men are like.....Mini skirts.
If you're not careful, they'll creep up your legs.

24. Men are like..... Instant Noodles.
They're always in hot water, they lack taste, and they need extra seasoning.

25. Men are like.....Parking spots.
The good ones are already taken and the ones that are left are handicapped or extremely small.

26. Men are like.....Plungers.
They spend most of their lives in a hardware store or bathroom.

27. Men are like.....Place mats.
They only show up when there's food on the table.

28. Men are like ..................Public toilets.
There a only a few good toilets, the rest are usually full of shit.


Awwww, come-on, guys. These are just for laughs and I needed that.

A Brand New Year

I know, I know, It's January 4 and I still haven't got my
first post up. Either I'm still hung over from the effects
of New Year's eve (muscles don't work right, brain in worse
condition) or in denial that this is a brand new year and life
simply, simply must go on - blogging especially.

Anyway, I must say these past few days have been rather fun
and relaxing to say the least. I just blog-hopped and enjoyed
reading all the interesting new year stories and ooh-aahhing
at the lovely, lovely pictures that go along.

Am still receiving and returning New Year greetings (you too
I'm sure).

Well, this is the start of a new year, so I thought it'd be good
to remind ourselves the do's and don'ts to gear up for yet another
great year.

Okay, listen up people, here goes.......

2005 has sped by (Thank goodness...no?)













Now, we need to face 2006 (with a metal table if need be)















There may be risks involved (Crocos perhaps)

We may need to face roadblocks


So stay alert (with Orange Kipling bag or red CK)


Share time with friends (Shee-sheeing)


Jump over obstacles


With care (Wei Wei, don't go off-topic!)


And caution (Use Winn detergent to wash your hair)


Face challenges


Remember to laugh (Go fishing at the rink)


Cooperate (Vote)


Discover


Make new friends (blogging)


Above all...be ready for adventure (kayaking)


Stick together (Vote again)


And you will be able to go far (South China Sea)


Very far.....(Pacific Ocean)


Well, not quite that far....(Sarawak River will do lah)


Always take time to smell the flowers (even blue lilies)

Don't forget to relax and enjoy (even during court hearings)

And never forget to love those dearest to you


May God Bless You All & Happy New Year Again