Wireless since 5000 years ago
Something for a laugh...
After having dug to depth of 1000 meters last year, Swedish scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 1000 years and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network more than 1000 years ago.
Not to be outdone by the Swedes, in the weeks that followed, English scientists dug to a depth of 2000 meters and shortly after, headlines in the UK newspapers read: English Archaeologists have found traces of 2000 year old fibre optic cable and have concluded that their ancestors already had an advanced high-tech digital communication network a thousand years earlier than the Swedes.
One week later, Malaysian newspapers reported the following: after digging as deep as 5000 meters in padi fields in Kedah, Malaysian scientists have found absolutely nothing. They therefore concluded that 5000 years ago Malaysia's inhabitants were already using wireless technology.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The Importance Of Relationships (1)
Share each other's troubles and problems.
Galatians 6:2 TLB
Johnny Cash recorded more than 1500 songs, had well over 100 hit singles, was awarded 11 Grammies and sold 50 million records. Much of the credit goes to his wife June, a committed Christian.
At her funeral Johnny's daughter said: "In her eyes there were only two kinds of people: those she knew and loved, and those she didn't know and loved. She looked for the best in everyone; it was a way of life for her. If you pointed out that a particular person was perhaps not deserving of her love, she would say, 'Well, honey, we just have to lift him up.' She was forever lifting people up. It took me a long time to understand what she did when she lifted you up. She would mirror the very best parts of you back to yourself. She was like a Spiritual detective; she saw into all your dark corners and deep recesses, saw your potential, and the gifts you didn't even know you possessed, and she lifted them up for you to see. She did it for all of us, daily, continuously. But her great mission and passion was lifting up my dad. If being a wife were a corporation June would have been the CEO. It was her most treasured role. She'd begin every day by saying, 'What can I do for you, John?' Her love filled up every room he was in and lightened every path he walked. Her devotion created a sacred, exhilarating place for them to live out their married life. My daddy has lost his dearest companion, his musical counterpart, his soul-mate and best friend."
That is the power of a great relationship!
------------------------
The above is from The Vine. Please subscribe your own daily inspriational reading.
Share each other's troubles and problems.
Galatians 6:2 TLB
Johnny Cash recorded more than 1500 songs, had well over 100 hit singles, was awarded 11 Grammies and sold 50 million records. Much of the credit goes to his wife June, a committed Christian.
At her funeral Johnny's daughter said: "In her eyes there were only two kinds of people: those she knew and loved, and those she didn't know and loved. She looked for the best in everyone; it was a way of life for her. If you pointed out that a particular person was perhaps not deserving of her love, she would say, 'Well, honey, we just have to lift him up.' She was forever lifting people up. It took me a long time to understand what she did when she lifted you up. She would mirror the very best parts of you back to yourself. She was like a Spiritual detective; she saw into all your dark corners and deep recesses, saw your potential, and the gifts you didn't even know you possessed, and she lifted them up for you to see. She did it for all of us, daily, continuously. But her great mission and passion was lifting up my dad. If being a wife were a corporation June would have been the CEO. It was her most treasured role. She'd begin every day by saying, 'What can I do for you, John?' Her love filled up every room he was in and lightened every path he walked. Her devotion created a sacred, exhilarating place for them to live out their married life. My daddy has lost his dearest companion, his musical counterpart, his soul-mate and best friend."
That is the power of a great relationship!
------------------------
The above is from The Vine. Please subscribe your own daily inspriational reading.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Hardcore poor - (Update: 21 May 2008)
Latest news, the man, Linteng, called to be with the Lord yesterday evening at 8:00PM local time. He was 60+, was baptised recently. Amen!
Do you know how is it like to be hardcore poor?
A group of us visited a church member in Tudan this morning. The husband has been suffering from cancer and it has spread to the eye.
I think most of the dwellers in Tudan were previous squatters from Canada Hill, etc. They are equipped with basic amenities, like road, water and electricity. However, there is no street light. The settlement in Tudan is simply a group of mostly hardcore poor native. I don't think there are many whom I can call them rich, perhaps rich in a different sense.
We visited them with some provisions...
This is the ultra simple house, with zinc roof. They have windows but no louver. The portion on the right is the kitchen and the roof was blown off during the recent storm. You can see a small fenced up area in front with no roof. Well, the roof was also blown off and yet to be fixed. It is the washing area. Not urgent!
We asked the women in the house who did the repair work? Believe it or not, it was fixed by the women themselves.
On the path to the house, I noticed that it is lined with this kind of grass. It is very soft and provided them with a kind of insulation or protection. This reminded me of my childhood days when this type of grass was in abundant.
Inside the house, there is nothing between the floor and the roof. The room is very warm and there is no fan. There is hardly any furniture in the house. The wall is made of unpolished timber planks.
We brought along some provision for them.
We talked to the wife and find out how she is coping.
Amazingly, she is very calm. She take care of him to the best she can. She fanned for him to keep him cool. He can no longer eat any solid. Neither can he talk. She is by his side all the time. I called this love. They have so little and they have love! Many of us have plenty but no love.
Latest news, the man, Linteng, called to be with the Lord yesterday evening at 8:00PM local time. He was 60+, was baptised recently. Amen!
Do you know how is it like to be hardcore poor?
A group of us visited a church member in Tudan this morning. The husband has been suffering from cancer and it has spread to the eye.
I think most of the dwellers in Tudan were previous squatters from Canada Hill, etc. They are equipped with basic amenities, like road, water and electricity. However, there is no street light. The settlement in Tudan is simply a group of mostly hardcore poor native. I don't think there are many whom I can call them rich, perhaps rich in a different sense.
We visited them with some provisions...
This is the ultra simple house, with zinc roof. They have windows but no louver. The portion on the right is the kitchen and the roof was blown off during the recent storm. You can see a small fenced up area in front with no roof. Well, the roof was also blown off and yet to be fixed. It is the washing area. Not urgent!We asked the women in the house who did the repair work? Believe it or not, it was fixed by the women themselves.
On the path to the house, I noticed that it is lined with this kind of grass. It is very soft and provided them with a kind of insulation or protection. This reminded me of my childhood days when this type of grass was in abundant.
Inside the house, there is nothing between the floor and the roof. The room is very warm and there is no fan. There is hardly any furniture in the house. The wall is made of unpolished timber planks.
We brought along some provision for them.
We talked to the wife and find out how she is coping.
Amazingly, she is very calm. She take care of him to the best she can. She fanned for him to keep him cool. He can no longer eat any solid. Neither can he talk. She is by his side all the time. I called this love. They have so little and they have love! Many of us have plenty but no love.
Frying Egg - my style
Yes, I am showing you how to fry egg! By the way, I am using a wok. Non-stick cooking pan is too delicate and a pain in the neck! They don't last and to me, a waste of money! However, if you have a non-stick or ordinary pan, it should be the same.
First, wash the wok or pan. Set it over "high" fire and dry the wok or pan.
When dry, pour in a little cooking oil. But the surface area must be all greased. (the photo here has been "enhanced to show the oil)
To grease the wok or pan, you can do it my way - run water over 2 fingers under the tap, shake of excess water (non dripping wet) and then in a flicking action over the oil, a tiny amount of water is "shaken" into the hot oil. The wok should now be well grease due to the jumping oil. Otherwise, use whatever method you normally use to grease the surface.
Crack in the egg...
And lower the fire ...
Cover the wok or pan.
While it is frying slowly, go to prepare the next dish. It takes 5 minutes to cook until like this...! But this is also depending on the size of the fire. Too hot, the egg burn. Too small, it takes longer to cook.
If you don't like the creamy yoke, flip it over and in 5 seconds, it becomes this...
ok, if you don't care whether the egg yoke is intact or not and you just want to fry some eggs fast, then do this: After you crack in the eggs, wait for a few seconds as you see the bottom part is "harden"; flick the eggs over and reduce the fire by half. Cover it up and it should be done in about 1-2 minutes.
By the way, I fry all the eggs in one go... up to six so far. If I were to do them one by one, everyone will miss school in the morning!
Yes, I am showing you how to fry egg! By the way, I am using a wok. Non-stick cooking pan is too delicate and a pain in the neck! They don't last and to me, a waste of money! However, if you have a non-stick or ordinary pan, it should be the same.
First, wash the wok or pan. Set it over "high" fire and dry the wok or pan.
When dry, pour in a little cooking oil. But the surface area must be all greased. (the photo here has been "enhanced to show the oil)
To grease the wok or pan, you can do it my way - run water over 2 fingers under the tap, shake of excess water (non dripping wet) and then in a flicking action over the oil, a tiny amount of water is "shaken" into the hot oil. The wok should now be well grease due to the jumping oil. Otherwise, use whatever method you normally use to grease the surface.
Crack in the egg...
And lower the fire ...
Cover the wok or pan.
While it is frying slowly, go to prepare the next dish. It takes 5 minutes to cook until like this...! But this is also depending on the size of the fire. Too hot, the egg burn. Too small, it takes longer to cook.
If you don't like the creamy yoke, flip it over and in 5 seconds, it becomes this...
ok, if you don't care whether the egg yoke is intact or not and you just want to fry some eggs fast, then do this: After you crack in the eggs, wait for a few seconds as you see the bottom part is "harden"; flick the eggs over and reduce the fire by half. Cover it up and it should be done in about 1-2 minutes.By the way, I fry all the eggs in one go... up to six so far. If I were to do them one by one, everyone will miss school in the morning!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Preparing cabbage
Do you peel cabbage leaf by leaf? Or you do it differently. Let me show you how I do mine.
First buy cabbage of the "right size". Chop it into half.
ok, this is how my knife looks like ... notice the saw like edge. By the way, it is very sharp.
Cut out the stem in two strokes. Cut it at about 45 degree.
Remove the stem.
Chop it up in this manner.
Transfer the whole lot into the bowl for washing. I know some of the people don't wash cabbage. It is ok with me.
Use your fingers and "crash" the leaves. They should drop into pieces...
You know what to do next.... cook it the way you like it. It should take you less than 1 minute to prepare the cabbage for cooking. You have better and faster way to do it? Please let me know.
When I was in UK, the English student throw the whole cabbage into a pot of boiling water for cooking! Amazing method but I respect their way of cooking.
Do you peel cabbage leaf by leaf? Or you do it differently. Let me show you how I do mine.
First buy cabbage of the "right size". Chop it into half.
ok, this is how my knife looks like ... notice the saw like edge. By the way, it is very sharp.
Cut out the stem in two strokes. Cut it at about 45 degree.
Remove the stem.
Chop it up in this manner.
Transfer the whole lot into the bowl for washing. I know some of the people don't wash cabbage. It is ok with me.
Use your fingers and "crash" the leaves. They should drop into pieces...
You know what to do next.... cook it the way you like it. It should take you less than 1 minute to prepare the cabbage for cooking. You have better and faster way to do it? Please let me know.When I was in UK, the English student throw the whole cabbage into a pot of boiling water for cooking! Amazing method but I respect their way of cooking.
Mangoes - How I peel them
A couple of blogs ago, I wrote about preparing breakfast for my family in 15 minutes. Many will wonder how I can cook a meal so quickly. Many commented that they can't even get the food stuff/preparation ready in 15 minutes. Well, over the years, I have always been doing things differently from the "tradition". I continue to evaluate with my own family members whether they can tell any differences in the way I cook. I will share them later... and you can decide for yourself. So, today, I am going to show you how I peel mangoes...
First, you must have a sharp knife. Next, if you do it the way I do, you may get your fingers sliced off. So read carefully and safety first!
Wa... yummy yummy mangoes. It is mango season now.
First, slice off the tip
Locate the orientation of the seed, hold the mango, fingers away from the path of the knife and ... (Note: Your fingers are of high risk here. You must always place against a chopping board for safety reason.)
slice along the curvature of the seed, and fingers away from the knife.
One side taken off now. See the slice along the seed.
Flip over and do the same for the other side. As before, always place it against the chopping board just in case your knife slip or whatever!
The other side taken off...
ok, take the sides off ...
Peel off the flesh on the sides.
Notice that my fingers have not touch the flesh of the mango so far!
Use a thin spoon, press it in and against the tough skin of the mango...
Move the spoon all around the mango until the flesh detach from the skin.
Easy? Note: the knife I use is not the normal knife. It is like a saw! However, a sharp and small normal knife is just as good. The spoon I use is thin. Otherwise you have a hard time trying to scoop the flesh off.
The major advantages of my method of preparation is that it is fast and if there are "worm", you see them immediately and can access the damage.
A couple of blogs ago, I wrote about preparing breakfast for my family in 15 minutes. Many will wonder how I can cook a meal so quickly. Many commented that they can't even get the food stuff/preparation ready in 15 minutes. Well, over the years, I have always been doing things differently from the "tradition". I continue to evaluate with my own family members whether they can tell any differences in the way I cook. I will share them later... and you can decide for yourself. So, today, I am going to show you how I peel mangoes...
First, you must have a sharp knife. Next, if you do it the way I do, you may get your fingers sliced off. So read carefully and safety first!
Wa... yummy yummy mangoes. It is mango season now.
First, slice off the tip
Locate the orientation of the seed, hold the mango, fingers away from the path of the knife and ... (Note: Your fingers are of high risk here. You must always place against a chopping board for safety reason.)
slice along the curvature of the seed, and fingers away from the knife.
One side taken off now. See the slice along the seed.
Flip over and do the same for the other side. As before, always place it against the chopping board just in case your knife slip or whatever!
The other side taken off...
ok, take the sides off ...
Peel off the flesh on the sides.
Notice that my fingers have not touch the flesh of the mango so far!
Use a thin spoon, press it in and against the tough skin of the mango...
Move the spoon all around the mango until the flesh detach from the skin.
Easy? Note: the knife I use is not the normal knife. It is like a saw! However, a sharp and small normal knife is just as good. The spoon I use is thin. Otherwise you have a hard time trying to scoop the flesh off.The major advantages of my method of preparation is that it is fast and if there are "worm", you see them immediately and can access the damage.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Earthquake in China - extraordinary concerted prayer this Sunday 18th May @5a.m.
12,000 lives lost, 10,000 lives are unaccounted for.
As you look at the pictures, pray for the people....Wenchuan county where the disaster happened...60,000 lives are still unknown! Our hearts are truly saddened and broken to see so many lives have gone without eternal hope!
As you look at the pictures, pray for the people....
地震救援圖片--家長指引
http://media.theaustralian.com.au/multimedia/2008/05/13-quake/index.html
Surely empty handed we come to this world, empty handed we will go....but our eternal hope and life is in His Hands.
Treasure each day with His joy and hope, as the Bible said, heaven and earth will pass away but God's word will remain true and is our firm foundation for our faith and hope in time of trouble!
神已震动我们:呼吁全国信徒恳切祷告和积极参与赈灾，这周日早上五点钟相约羔羊宝座前，异地同声同心赞美,感恩，悔改自己与国家的罪，祈求神医治破碎的家园，历代志下7:14 "这称为我名下的子民，若是自卑，祷告，寻求我的面，转离他们的恶行，我必从天上垂听，赦免他们的罪，医治他们的地。" 当日全天禁食。
(This is a called for prayer from HCs in CN….calling brothers and sisters in Christ to go to the throne of grace seeking His grace, together in praising and thanksgiving and repentance for self and the country. Pray that God will heal the brokenness of this country…… …Pray 2 Chronicles 7:14 ~ if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land ~ It is a full day fasting and praying)
As you know disaster after disaster have been happening to this country, coal mines explosions, snow storms, T & U people group riots, train accidents, diseases etc and now earthquake with millions are still lost in eternity without hope, pray for the government and those in authorities will soften their hearts towards His word and truth, and many will have the freedom and opportunity to hear the truth!
12,000 lives lost, 10,000 lives are unaccounted for.
As you look at the pictures, pray for the people....Wenchuan county where the disaster happened...60,000 lives are still unknown! Our hearts are truly saddened and broken to see so many lives have gone without eternal hope!
As you look at the pictures, pray for the people....
地震救援圖片--家長指引
http://media.theaustralian.com.au/multimedia/2008/05/13-quake/index.html
Surely empty handed we come to this world, empty handed we will go....but our eternal hope and life is in His Hands.
Treasure each day with His joy and hope, as the Bible said, heaven and earth will pass away but God's word will remain true and is our firm foundation for our faith and hope in time of trouble!
神已震动我们:呼吁全国信徒恳切祷告和积极参与赈灾，这周日早上五点钟相约羔羊宝座前，异地同声同心赞美,感恩，悔改自己与国家的罪，祈求神医治破碎的家园，历代志下7:14 "这称为我名下的子民，若是自卑，祷告，寻求我的面，转离他们的恶行，我必从天上垂听，赦免他们的罪，医治他们的地。" 当日全天禁食。
(This is a called for prayer from HCs in CN….calling brothers and sisters in Christ to go to the throne of grace seeking His grace, together in praising and thanksgiving and repentance for self and the country. Pray that God will heal the brokenness of this country…… …Pray 2 Chronicles 7:14 ~ if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land ~ It is a full day fasting and praying)
As you know disaster after disaster have been happening to this country, coal mines explosions, snow storms, T & U people group riots, train accidents, diseases etc and now earthquake with millions are still lost in eternity without hope, pray for the government and those in authorities will soften their hearts towards His word and truth, and many will have the freedom and opportunity to hear the truth!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Just two years ago
Time really flies. Two years ago, these two were still at home. Now they were both at Leeds University, UK. May God bless and protect them.
Taken on 23rd August 2006 at Imperial Hotel Restaurant. At that time, the food was not very good. Now, I think they serve rather good food. Haven't been there for quite sometime.
Stephanie 9th Dec 2004. She is also at Leeds University, UK.
9th Dec 2004
hahaha... In UK, they have been spending time to feed themselves really well! Before they went over, I even show them the market, etc...
Time really flies. Two years ago, these two were still at home. Now they were both at Leeds University, UK. May God bless and protect them.
Taken on 23rd August 2006 at Imperial Hotel Restaurant. At that time, the food was not very good. Now, I think they serve rather good food. Haven't been there for quite sometime.
Stephanie 9th Dec 2004. She is also at Leeds University, UK.
9th Dec 2004
hahaha... In UK, they have been spending time to feed themselves really well! Before they went over, I even show them the market, etc...
Storm and natural disaster
In the last one week, we saw a sever earthquake in China, cyclone in Myanmar, etc. All these natural disasters kill thousands. In Miri, I witnessed the strongest wind ever last night. Strong and big trees snapped like matchstick! All roads were literally blocked. I place a heavy ceramic cup by the window and it was blown some 50cm away! This morning, as we went out sending children to school, I realised the extent of the damage. Unfortunately I couldn’t take those more dramatic photos of fallen trees for safety reason.
Are all these happening the beginning of the end is coming? See what is written in the bible when Jesus was asked about the signs of the end of the age.
Fallen tree at Pujut 3C.
Tree snapped off like matchstick! This is just a small tree in our office car park.
This evening I came back via Piasau Camp. There were so many fallen pine tree! Look at this one...
As expected, the local mango (kuinin) would not be able to stand the force of the wind. So, this afternoon, I saw the ground was littered with the fruit...
In the last one week, we saw a sever earthquake in China, cyclone in Myanmar, etc. All these natural disasters kill thousands. In Miri, I witnessed the strongest wind ever last night. Strong and big trees snapped like matchstick! All roads were literally blocked. I place a heavy ceramic cup by the window and it was blown some 50cm away! This morning, as we went out sending children to school, I realised the extent of the damage. Unfortunately I couldn’t take those more dramatic photos of fallen trees for safety reason.
Are all these happening the beginning of the end is coming? See what is written in the bible when Jesus was asked about the signs of the end of the age.
Fallen tree at Pujut 3C.
Tree snapped off like matchstick! This is just a small tree in our office car park.
This evening I came back via Piasau Camp. There were so many fallen pine tree! Look at this one...
As expected, the local mango (kuinin) would not be able to stand the force of the wind. So, this afternoon, I saw the ground was littered with the fruit...
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
In everything God works for the good of those who love Him... because that was His plan.
Romans 8:28 NCV
When you're in a situation where you've got more questions than answers, it takes faith to accept that "in everything God works for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28 NCV). What you consider wasted experiences can become confidence-builders and priceless sources of insight - when you decide to learn from them! If you don't, they'll keep happening till you do. The Israelites went in circles for 40 years before they finally wised up. Don't let that happen to you.
When you get too comfortable God stirs things up. The mother eagle teaches her little ones to fly by making their nest so uncomfortable that they're forced out of it. Next they are pushed off a cliff edge. Can you imagine their thoughts: 'It's my mother doing this?' Who and where you are at this moment in time has been divinely appointed. God in His wisdom knows that you need the challenge of certain situations to mature and stretch you. The job you dread going to every day is developing your skills, endurance and sense of responsibility. Those people who rub you the wrong way are actually making you more like Jesus!
Paul says God "understands… and knows what is best for us at all times" (Ephesians 1:8 TLB). So instead of asking Him to change things, thank Him for the experience and the lessons you're learning. And if you can't figure out what those lessons are, ask Him. James says, "If… you need wisdom… ask God" (James 1:5 CEV). When you do, you'll discover - it's all part of His plan!
The above is taken from The Vine daily devotion.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Pasar Malam (Night market) in Miri. (more pic added 14 May 2008)
Yesterday evening, I went to our pasar malam. So I decided to bring my camera alone. Some people I met asked me "What is there to take in pasar malam?". Well, through the lens, there are much to be captured. Ok, here are the pictures. Hope you enjoy them.
Street peddler. That thing in his hand look alive! But it is mechanical.
All type of kuih kuih (cake)
Noodle...
Guess what is this... BBQ bishop nose!
Apam Balek ... batter, sugar, grounded peanut ... cooked over a thick brass pan
And this is the result... folded it and apply margarine. Taste good but cannot eat too much. They put in about one heaped tablespoon of sugar!
Ready meal... I believe all it is needed is hot soup/gravy
BBQ chicken wing. Chicken wing is now very expensive. About RM12/KG fresh and RM10/KG for frozen chicken wing. I have stopped buying them.
Pangang Fish. Fish cooked over banana leave on a hot plate. A thick layer of sambal (prawn paste) is then applied. Can be hot but very nice.
Local favorite... satay chicken.
More chicken wing. This one is more yellow. Perhaps less colouring.
Children love this lot...
Raw fish, prawn. Local favorite.
Sugarcane juicing machine.
Salted fish. Another local favorite. I have not bought salted fish for at least 35 years!
Smoked fish. Looks delicious but have never tried.
This is glutinous rice wrapped in banana leave and then BBQ. Some of them have sambal filling, or something else. Very nice... I like them. Local call this panggang.
Finally, lots of colourful drink. I have never taken them before. So don't know whether they are nice.
Yesterday evening, I went to our pasar malam. So I decided to bring my camera alone. Some people I met asked me "What is there to take in pasar malam?". Well, through the lens, there are much to be captured. Ok, here are the pictures. Hope you enjoy them.
Street peddler. That thing in his hand look alive! But it is mechanical.
All type of kuih kuih (cake)
Noodle...
Guess what is this... BBQ bishop nose!
Apam Balek ... batter, sugar, grounded peanut ... cooked over a thick brass pan
And this is the result... folded it and apply margarine. Taste good but cannot eat too much. They put in about one heaped tablespoon of sugar!
Ready meal... I believe all it is needed is hot soup/gravy
BBQ chicken wing. Chicken wing is now very expensive. About RM12/KG fresh and RM10/KG for frozen chicken wing. I have stopped buying them.
Pangang Fish. Fish cooked over banana leave on a hot plate. A thick layer of sambal (prawn paste) is then applied. Can be hot but very nice.
Local favorite... satay chicken.
More chicken wing. This one is more yellow. Perhaps less colouring.
Children love this lot...
Raw fish, prawn. Local favorite.
Sugarcane juicing machine.
Salted fish. Another local favorite. I have not bought salted fish for at least 35 years!
Smoked fish. Looks delicious but have never tried.
This is glutinous rice wrapped in banana leave and then BBQ. Some of them have sambal filling, or something else. Very nice... I like them. Local call this panggang.
Finally, lots of colourful drink. I have never taken them before. So don't know whether they are nice.
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