Stomachache is no fun at all. Especially so when you dont really know what's eating you.
I mean if you get a diorrhoea or something then at least you can put a finger to it and attributed it to food poisoning perhaps. But what i got was something really ominous. I got this intermittent sharp pain in my tummy that hits me now and then. It has been going on for the past 5 days and I am getting really worked-up to the point I am losing sleep over it.
I wish it will go away. Sometimes the pain does not come back for some time and it gives me the false hope that it's gone. Then it attacks. I hope that the doctor will tell me something useful tomorrow.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Dating at Burger King
I went out on a date last night. My date was a really nice lady. She was friendly and chatty, works in an institution of public character and has a real passion for her work. She was also a very patient person given that I arrived late to pick her up. My latecoming was partly due to the fact that my afternoon nap took longer than expected, and that I took a longer route to avoid the unneccesary evening jams.
As it turned out, we decided to try Swedish food at IKEA which predictably was jam-packed with like-minded people. We ended up at Burger King, which I can testify is a lousy place to have a first date in. Ordering a double whopper was another big mistake. It wasn't pretty to have bits of lettuce, tomato and mayo dripping on your lap and all over the table. That wasnt quite the first impression I wanted to project.
Anyway we had a nice evening. We rounded up the evening shopping at IKEA. All I wanted was a jug but just the same we ended up looking at sofa set, cushions, curtains, all manner of cutlery. These of course were rather redundant once I decided on my jug but oh well, it was fun anyway shopping for things I may not need anytime soon.
As it turned out, we decided to try Swedish food at IKEA which predictably was jam-packed with like-minded people. We ended up at Burger King, which I can testify is a lousy place to have a first date in. Ordering a double whopper was another big mistake. It wasn't pretty to have bits of lettuce, tomato and mayo dripping on your lap and all over the table. That wasnt quite the first impression I wanted to project.
Anyway we had a nice evening. We rounded up the evening shopping at IKEA. All I wanted was a jug but just the same we ended up looking at sofa set, cushions, curtains, all manner of cutlery. These of course were rather redundant once I decided on my jug but oh well, it was fun anyway shopping for things I may not need anytime soon.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
A november post
It is a shame to waste such a great blogskin. I would have you know that this blogskin was designed by Tim Lim for my birthday. I believe that this is a good opportunity to say thank you for the labour of love.
Eric just left us for the US last sunday. I was a little upset that I had little time to say goodbye. I caught a glimpse of him at the airport and managed a little hug before running off to attend a course. I hope he will keep in touch. He must have landed by now. Hope he will do well in his studies and keep himself from trouble. They carry guns there in the US.
I look forward to having Ding back. It's been some time and I would love to know how he is doing. Maybe he can share his exploits in the US. Should be very interesting indeed.
Eric just left us for the US last sunday. I was a little upset that I had little time to say goodbye. I caught a glimpse of him at the airport and managed a little hug before running off to attend a course. I hope he will keep in touch. He must have landed by now. Hope he will do well in his studies and keep himself from trouble. They carry guns there in the US.
I look forward to having Ding back. It's been some time and I would love to know how he is doing. Maybe he can share his exploits in the US. Should be very interesting indeed.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Bayes' Theorem
I cant draw the tree diagrams here, but it will help if you do so to visualise the problems here. Actually the questions are more on conditional probability than they are on Bayes' theorem.
Question:
In an urn, there are a total of 38 beads of which:
10 large red beads (LR)
8 large white beads(LW)
8 large green beads (LG)
5 small white beads (SW)
7 small red beads (SR)
One bead is drawn from the urn. The bead is placed back in the urn and a second bead is drawn. Calculate the probability
(a) the second bead drawn is small given that the first bead drawn is white
(b) the second bead drawn is white given that the first bead drawn is small
(c) the second bead drawn is white given that the first bead drawn is red
(d) the second bead drawn is large given that the first bead drawn is green
Solution:
(a)
p(S/W)=p(SnW)/p(W)
p(S) = (7+5)/38 = 12/38 = 6/19
So p(S/W) = p(S)p(W)/p(W)=p(S)= 6/19
(b)
p(W/S) = p(W n S)/p(S)
p(W n S) = p(W)p(S) since both events are independent
p(W)=(8+5)/38 = 13/38
So p(W/S)= p(W)p(S)/p(S) = p(W) = 13/38
(c)
p(W/R)=P(W n R)/p(R)
p(W n R) = p(W)p(R)
since getting white in the second take is independent of whether you get red in the first take since the bead was replaced.
So p(W/R) =p(W)p(R)/p(R)=p(W)= 13/38
(d)
p(L/G) = p(L n G)/p(G)
p(L n G) = p(L)p(G)
p(G) = 8/38
so p(L/G) = p(L)p(G)/p(G)= p(L) = 26/38 = 13/19
Question:
Seven tickets are numbered consecutively from 1 to 7. Two of them are selected in order without replacement.
A - The sum of the numbers on the two tickets is 9
B - Both tickets show prime numbers
C - The numbers on the two tickets differ by 1
Find (a) p(A/B) (b) p(B/C) (c) p(A/B)
Solution:
Sample space for event A
{ (2, 7), (3, 6), (4, 5), (5, 4), (6,3), (7, 2) }
p(A) = 6/42 = 1/7
Sample space for event B (Note that 1 is not a prime number)
{ (2,3), (2,5), (2,7), (3,2), (3,5),(3,7), (5,2), (5,3), (5,7), (7,2), (7,3), (7,5) }
p(B) = 12/42 = 2/7
Sample space for event C
{ (2,1), (2,3), (3,2), (3,4), (4,3), (4,5), (5,4), (5,6), (6,5), (6,7), (7,6) }
p(C) = 11/42
(a)
A n B = { (2,7), (7,2) }
p(A/B) = p(A n B) / p(B)
p(A n B) = 2/42 = 1/21
p(A/B) = (1/21) / (2/7) = 1/6
(b)
B n C = { (2,3), (3,2) }
p(B/C)= p(B n C) / p(C)
p(B n C)= 2/42 = 1/21
So p(B/C) = (1/21) / (11/42) = 2/11
(c)
p(B/A) = p(A/B)p(B)/p(A) (Bayes' Theorem)
= (1/6) x (2/7) / (1/7)
= 1/3
Question:
A taxicab was involved in a hit and run accident at night. Two cab companies, the Green and the Blue, operate in the city. You are given the following data:
85% of the cabs in the city are Green and 15% are Blue.
A witness identified the cab as Blue.
The court tested the reliability of the witness under the same conditions that existed the night of the accident. The court concluded that the witness correctly identifies each one of the two colours 80% of the time and fails 20% of the time.
What is the probability that the cab involved in the accident was Blue rather than Green, i.e. the witness correctly identified the cab colour?
Solution:
C- Event that the taxi colour is correctly identified
B - Blue taxi was identified
p(B) = p(green but accidentally identified as blue) + p(blue and identified correctly as blue)
=0.85 x 0.2 + 0.15 x 0.8 =0.29
p(C n B) = 0.15 x 0.8 = 0.12
p(C/B) = p(witness identifies correct colour given that it is blue)
=p(C n B)/p(B) = 0.12/0.29 = 0.41
Question:
Suppose as part of admission to graduate school a test is given. From past occurences, it is known that if a candidate is qualified to enter graduate school, he will succeed on the test 95% of the time, while an ineligible candidate will pass the test only 25% of the time.The school clarifies that in the past 80% of the people that applied were indeed qualified. The school has given the test to applicant Lewis, and he passed. What is the probability that he was qualified to attend graduate school?
Solution:
Q - Event that the candidate is qualified
S = Event that the candidate is successful (passed the test)
p(Q/S) = p(Q n S)/p(S)
p(S) = 0.8 x 0.95 + 0.2 x 0.25 = 0.81
p(Q n S) = 0.8 x 0.95 = 0.76
So P(Q/S) = 0.76/0.81 = 0.938
Question:
Management of a company find that 30% of secretaries hired are unsatisfactory. A test is devised to improve the situation. One hundred employees are chosen at random and are given newly constructed test. Out of these, 90% of the successful secretaries pass the test and 20% of the unsuccessful secretaries pass.
(a) Based on these results, if a person applies for a secretarial job, takes a test, and passes it, what is the probability that he or she is a good secretary?
(b) If the applicant fails the test, what is the probability that he or she is a good secretary?
Solution:
(a)
P- Event that the secretary passes the test
S- Event that the secretary is a good secretary
p(P) = 0.7 x 0.9 + 0.3 x 0.2 = 0.69
P(S n P) = 0.7 x 0.9 = 0.63
p(good secretary given that she passed)=p(S/P)=p(SnP)/p(P)=0.63/0.69 = 0.913
(b)
p(fails) = p(P') = 1 - p(P) =0.31
p(fails and good) = 0.7 x 0.1 = 0.07
p(good secretary given that she failed) = 0.07/0.31 = 0.226
Question:
A test attempts to recognise the presence of a certain disease. Records show that 22% of adults have some form of the disease, and the remaining adult population is free of the disease. The test is not completely reliable. A person with some form of the disease has a 5% chance of testing negative, thereby falsely indicating that he or she does not have the disease. A person who does not have the disease has an 11% chance of testing positive, thereby falsely indicating that the disease is present. Use the correct mathematical notation for your probabilities.
Let D be the event that an adult has some form of the disease.
Let P be the event that an adult tested positive for the disease.
(a) What is the probability that an adult has some form of the disease?
(b) What is the probability that a person who does not have the disease tests negative for the disease?
(c) If a person tests negative for the disease, what is the probability that he or she actually does not have a form of the disease?
Solution:
(a)
p(D) =0.22
(b)
p(P'/D')= p( P' n D ')/p(D')
p(P' n D') = 0.78 x 0.89 = 0.6942
p(D') = 0.78
So p(P'/D')= 0.6942/0.78 = 0.89
(c)
p(P') = 0.22 x 0.05 + 0.78 x 0.89 = 0.7052
p(D'/P')= p(P'/D')p(D') / p(P') (Bayes' Theorem)
= 0.89 x 0.78 / 0.7052
= 0.984
Bonus Question:
The Monty Hall Problem
Game show setting. There are 3 doors, behind one of which is a prize. Monty Hall, the host, asks you to pick a door, any door. You pick door A (say). Monty opens door B (say) and shows voila there is nothing behind door B. Gives you the choice of either sticking with your original choice of door A, or switching to door C.
Should you switch?
The Solution
Yes.
The a priori probability that the prize is behind door X, P(X) = 1/3
The probability that Monty Hall opens door B if the prize were behind A,
P(Monty opens B|A) = 1/2
The probability that Monty Hall opens door B if the prize were behind B,
P(Monty opens B|B) = 0
The probability that Monty Hall opens door B if the prize were behind C,
P(Monty opens B|C) = 1
The probability that Month Hall opens door B is then
p(Monty opens B) = p(A)*p(M.o. B|A) + p(B)*p(M.o. B|B) + p(C)*p(M.o. B|C)
= 1/6 + 0 + 1/3 = 1/2
Then, by Bayes' Theorem,
P(A|Monty opens B) = p(A)*p(Monty opens B|A)/p(Monty opens B)
= (1/6)/(1/2)
= 1/3
and
P(C|Monty opens B) = p(C)*p(Monty opens B|C)/p(Monty opens B)
= (1/3)/(1/2)
= 2/3
In other words, the probability that the prize is behind door C is higher when Monty opens door B, and you SHOULD switch!
Question and Solution taken from http://astro.uchicago.edu/rranch/vkashyap/Misc/mh.html
Question:
In an urn, there are a total of 38 beads of which:
10 large red beads (LR)
8 large white beads(LW)
8 large green beads (LG)
5 small white beads (SW)
7 small red beads (SR)
One bead is drawn from the urn. The bead is placed back in the urn and a second bead is drawn. Calculate the probability
(a) the second bead drawn is small given that the first bead drawn is white
(b) the second bead drawn is white given that the first bead drawn is small
(c) the second bead drawn is white given that the first bead drawn is red
(d) the second bead drawn is large given that the first bead drawn is green
Solution:
(a)
p(S/W)=p(SnW)/p(W)
p(S) = (7+5)/38 = 12/38 = 6/19
So p(S/W) = p(S)p(W)/p(W)=p(S)= 6/19
(b)
p(W/S) = p(W n S)/p(S)
p(W n S) = p(W)p(S) since both events are independent
p(W)=(8+5)/38 = 13/38
So p(W/S)= p(W)p(S)/p(S) = p(W) = 13/38
(c)
p(W/R)=P(W n R)/p(R)
p(W n R) = p(W)p(R)
since getting white in the second take is independent of whether you get red in the first take since the bead was replaced.
So p(W/R) =p(W)p(R)/p(R)=p(W)= 13/38
(d)
p(L/G) = p(L n G)/p(G)
p(L n G) = p(L)p(G)
p(G) = 8/38
so p(L/G) = p(L)p(G)/p(G)= p(L) = 26/38 = 13/19
Question:
Seven tickets are numbered consecutively from 1 to 7. Two of them are selected in order without replacement.
A - The sum of the numbers on the two tickets is 9
B - Both tickets show prime numbers
C - The numbers on the two tickets differ by 1
Find (a) p(A/B) (b) p(B/C) (c) p(A/B)
Solution:
Sample space for event A
{ (2, 7), (3, 6), (4, 5), (5, 4), (6,3), (7, 2) }
p(A) = 6/42 = 1/7
Sample space for event B (Note that 1 is not a prime number)
{ (2,3), (2,5), (2,7), (3,2), (3,5),(3,7), (5,2), (5,3), (5,7), (7,2), (7,3), (7,5) }
p(B) = 12/42 = 2/7
Sample space for event C
{ (2,1), (2,3), (3,2), (3,4), (4,3), (4,5), (5,4), (5,6), (6,5), (6,7), (7,6) }
p(C) = 11/42
(a)
A n B = { (2,7), (7,2) }
p(A/B) = p(A n B) / p(B)
p(A n B) = 2/42 = 1/21
p(A/B) = (1/21) / (2/7) = 1/6
(b)
B n C = { (2,3), (3,2) }
p(B/C)= p(B n C) / p(C)
p(B n C)= 2/42 = 1/21
So p(B/C) = (1/21) / (11/42) = 2/11
(c)
p(B/A) = p(A/B)p(B)/p(A) (Bayes' Theorem)
= (1/6) x (2/7) / (1/7)
= 1/3
Question:
A taxicab was involved in a hit and run accident at night. Two cab companies, the Green and the Blue, operate in the city. You are given the following data:
85% of the cabs in the city are Green and 15% are Blue.
A witness identified the cab as Blue.
The court tested the reliability of the witness under the same conditions that existed the night of the accident. The court concluded that the witness correctly identifies each one of the two colours 80% of the time and fails 20% of the time.
What is the probability that the cab involved in the accident was Blue rather than Green, i.e. the witness correctly identified the cab colour?
Solution:
C- Event that the taxi colour is correctly identified
B - Blue taxi was identified
p(B) = p(green but accidentally identified as blue) + p(blue and identified correctly as blue)
=0.85 x 0.2 + 0.15 x 0.8 =0.29
p(C n B) = 0.15 x 0.8 = 0.12
p(C/B) = p(witness identifies correct colour given that it is blue)
=p(C n B)/p(B) = 0.12/0.29 = 0.41
Question:
Suppose as part of admission to graduate school a test is given. From past occurences, it is known that if a candidate is qualified to enter graduate school, he will succeed on the test 95% of the time, while an ineligible candidate will pass the test only 25% of the time.The school clarifies that in the past 80% of the people that applied were indeed qualified. The school has given the test to applicant Lewis, and he passed. What is the probability that he was qualified to attend graduate school?
Solution:
Q - Event that the candidate is qualified
S = Event that the candidate is successful (passed the test)
p(Q/S) = p(Q n S)/p(S)
p(S) = 0.8 x 0.95 + 0.2 x 0.25 = 0.81
p(Q n S) = 0.8 x 0.95 = 0.76
So P(Q/S) = 0.76/0.81 = 0.938
Question:
Management of a company find that 30% of secretaries hired are unsatisfactory. A test is devised to improve the situation. One hundred employees are chosen at random and are given newly constructed test. Out of these, 90% of the successful secretaries pass the test and 20% of the unsuccessful secretaries pass.
(a) Based on these results, if a person applies for a secretarial job, takes a test, and passes it, what is the probability that he or she is a good secretary?
(b) If the applicant fails the test, what is the probability that he or she is a good secretary?
Solution:
(a)
P- Event that the secretary passes the test
S- Event that the secretary is a good secretary
p(P) = 0.7 x 0.9 + 0.3 x 0.2 = 0.69
P(S n P) = 0.7 x 0.9 = 0.63
p(good secretary given that she passed)=p(S/P)=p(SnP)/p(P)=0.63/0.69 = 0.913
(b)
p(fails) = p(P') = 1 - p(P) =0.31
p(fails and good) = 0.7 x 0.1 = 0.07
p(good secretary given that she failed) = 0.07/0.31 = 0.226
Question:
A test attempts to recognise the presence of a certain disease. Records show that 22% of adults have some form of the disease, and the remaining adult population is free of the disease. The test is not completely reliable. A person with some form of the disease has a 5% chance of testing negative, thereby falsely indicating that he or she does not have the disease. A person who does not have the disease has an 11% chance of testing positive, thereby falsely indicating that the disease is present. Use the correct mathematical notation for your probabilities.
Let D be the event that an adult has some form of the disease.
Let P be the event that an adult tested positive for the disease.
(a) What is the probability that an adult has some form of the disease?
(b) What is the probability that a person who does not have the disease tests negative for the disease?
(c) If a person tests negative for the disease, what is the probability that he or she actually does not have a form of the disease?
Solution:
(a)
p(D) =0.22
(b)
p(P'/D')= p( P' n D ')/p(D')
p(P' n D') = 0.78 x 0.89 = 0.6942
p(D') = 0.78
So p(P'/D')= 0.6942/0.78 = 0.89
(c)
p(P') = 0.22 x 0.05 + 0.78 x 0.89 = 0.7052
p(D'/P')= p(P'/D')p(D') / p(P') (Bayes' Theorem)
= 0.89 x 0.78 / 0.7052
= 0.984
Bonus Question:
The Monty Hall Problem
Game show setting. There are 3 doors, behind one of which is a prize. Monty Hall, the host, asks you to pick a door, any door. You pick door A (say). Monty opens door B (say) and shows voila there is nothing behind door B. Gives you the choice of either sticking with your original choice of door A, or switching to door C.
Should you switch?
The Solution
Yes.
The a priori probability that the prize is behind door X, P(X) = 1/3
The probability that Monty Hall opens door B if the prize were behind A,
P(Monty opens B|A) = 1/2
The probability that Monty Hall opens door B if the prize were behind B,
P(Monty opens B|B) = 0
The probability that Monty Hall opens door B if the prize were behind C,
P(Monty opens B|C) = 1
The probability that Month Hall opens door B is then
p(Monty opens B) = p(A)*p(M.o. B|A) + p(B)*p(M.o. B|B) + p(C)*p(M.o. B|C)
= 1/6 + 0 + 1/3 = 1/2
Then, by Bayes' Theorem,
P(A|Monty opens B) = p(A)*p(Monty opens B|A)/p(Monty opens B)
= (1/6)/(1/2)
= 1/3
and
P(C|Monty opens B) = p(C)*p(Monty opens B|C)/p(Monty opens B)
= (1/3)/(1/2)
= 2/3
In other words, the probability that the prize is behind door C is higher when Monty opens door B, and you SHOULD switch!
Question and Solution taken from http://astro.uchicago.edu/rranch/vkashyap/Misc/mh.html
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Birthday Well-wishers..
My Godsons' family was so nice to treat me to lunch today at Jack's place. The lunch ended with a nice mango cake and everyone sang a rousing birthday song, which was pretty embarassing. But it was really nice to be among family and friends. It feels good to have people do such a nice thing for you.
There are so many other well-wishers too and I am thankful to God for the dunkin donuts, for the chocolates and cards. I suppose it felt really pleasant to be remembered on occasion.
Well it's back to school from tomorrow onwards, with plenty to do before the term ends. I do ask the Lord to improve my motivation, with procrastination creeping in and numerous deadlines to meet. I don't feel at all able to meet all the demands that are coming up, so I really need God's strength and prayers!
There are so many other well-wishers too and I am thankful to God for the dunkin donuts, for the chocolates and cards. I suppose it felt really pleasant to be remembered on occasion.
Well it's back to school from tomorrow onwards, with plenty to do before the term ends. I do ask the Lord to improve my motivation, with procrastination creeping in and numerous deadlines to meet. I don't feel at all able to meet all the demands that are coming up, so I really need God's strength and prayers!
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Thank you for the new blog Tim.
Thanks to Tim's most thoughtful gift, my blog has taken on a new look. It's bluish tint is just the way I like it, and the mountains in the backdrop brings fond memories of the good old days when I was energetic enough to scale some beautiful mountains in Wales and Greece.
Those days are long gone. So were the friends that I used to hang around with when I was in university. There is a time for everything under the sun, and I have moved on from the happy-go-lucky life that was a constant feature of my former self.
It is not all bad. Not many people know what they really want to do in life. So I am happy to be counted among the few who are fortunate enough to discover their true calling. Mine is to teach. Teaching is something that I am really passionate about and is what I was meant to do.
I had been a scholar, engineer, research student, and now, teacher. One of my life's regret is that I was not brave enough to follow my heart earlier in life. I never considered teaching because I could do many things that I thought was greater.
While I still think that life in general is without meaning, I guess a real consolation for me is that at the very least I know that the work I put in may count for something to those I serve.
Those days are long gone. So were the friends that I used to hang around with when I was in university. There is a time for everything under the sun, and I have moved on from the happy-go-lucky life that was a constant feature of my former self.
It is not all bad. Not many people know what they really want to do in life. So I am happy to be counted among the few who are fortunate enough to discover their true calling. Mine is to teach. Teaching is something that I am really passionate about and is what I was meant to do.
I had been a scholar, engineer, research student, and now, teacher. One of my life's regret is that I was not brave enough to follow my heart earlier in life. I never considered teaching because I could do many things that I thought was greater.
While I still think that life in general is without meaning, I guess a real consolation for me is that at the very least I know that the work I put in may count for something to those I serve.
I turn 35 today
I turn 35 today.
Reflecting on the life that has passed me by, it worries me a little that I may yet have another 35 years more to go. I have, on many occasions, prayed that I may live a short life, and secondly, that the life I lived had been purposeful and meant something. I am not at all certain that either prayer will be granted.
When I think about it, there is really nothing much left to do here on Earth. The ageing body stands incongruant with the unchanging spirit within, and days pass into years, that separation becomes more pronounced. How I wish it would soon be severed.
I possess very little, low in stature, no wealth to speak of, and no family of my own. In my deepest anguish, I feel that existence has been forced upon me and I am doomed to live my life accomplishing hidden purposes that I know not.
I sum up that life is similar to the parable of the Energizer Rabbit. We wont stop going until our battery runs out. Where we go is not the point.
Reflecting on the life that has passed me by, it worries me a little that I may yet have another 35 years more to go. I have, on many occasions, prayed that I may live a short life, and secondly, that the life I lived had been purposeful and meant something. I am not at all certain that either prayer will be granted.
When I think about it, there is really nothing much left to do here on Earth. The ageing body stands incongruant with the unchanging spirit within, and days pass into years, that separation becomes more pronounced. How I wish it would soon be severed.
I possess very little, low in stature, no wealth to speak of, and no family of my own. In my deepest anguish, I feel that existence has been forced upon me and I am doomed to live my life accomplishing hidden purposes that I know not.
I sum up that life is similar to the parable of the Energizer Rabbit. We wont stop going until our battery runs out. Where we go is not the point.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Sam: A mother's journey of faith
I just read Sam: A mother's journey of faith and it encouraged me so much in my own personal walk with God. It made me want to cry several times, so I only managed a chapter at a time. What I felt was immensely powerful about the book is that I could see how God has been there all along and that He is fully in control.
Mrs Chan's trust in the Lord strengthens my own faith, which I must confess fluctuates with the ravages of life. There were times in my own life when I dont really know if He's there or that He even cares. I could count those times as one of the loneliest days of my life.
It is timely to be reminded of God's faithfulness in life's journey. Like an untrusting child, I have the tendency to bail out when the going get's rough, to take matters into my own hands. It is my prayer that the Lord will strengthen me with resolve and obedience to Him alone. I want to hear less of my own voice and listen more to Him that has my interest at heart.
I just want to express my heartfelt thanks to Mrs Chan, Sam and Russel who through their faith and obedience to God, have encouraged so many in their faith journey; and to God who, through His sovereign plan, has enabled this book to be written so that countless others can share the blessing.
Mrs Chan's trust in the Lord strengthens my own faith, which I must confess fluctuates with the ravages of life. There were times in my own life when I dont really know if He's there or that He even cares. I could count those times as one of the loneliest days of my life.
It is timely to be reminded of God's faithfulness in life's journey. Like an untrusting child, I have the tendency to bail out when the going get's rough, to take matters into my own hands. It is my prayer that the Lord will strengthen me with resolve and obedience to Him alone. I want to hear less of my own voice and listen more to Him that has my interest at heart.
I just want to express my heartfelt thanks to Mrs Chan, Sam and Russel who through their faith and obedience to God, have encouraged so many in their faith journey; and to God who, through His sovereign plan, has enabled this book to be written so that countless others can share the blessing.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Downside of teaching
Once in a while things happen that make us re-examine the reasons why we do what we do. Yesterday was just one of those days.
It is really hard to teach those who feel that it was more important to be elsewhere. Of course what they had to do was important, but that was done at the expense of curriculum time that was rightfully mine. It was not like I had nothing new to teach, in fact I had prepared some materials for a new lesson that would have helped build the foundation for subsequent lessons. But now I have to re-teach it, thanks to the thoughtless actions of students who only think of themselves.
It is very trying when we have to deal with inconsiderate students. Sigh.
It is really hard to teach those who feel that it was more important to be elsewhere. Of course what they had to do was important, but that was done at the expense of curriculum time that was rightfully mine. It was not like I had nothing new to teach, in fact I had prepared some materials for a new lesson that would have helped build the foundation for subsequent lessons. But now I have to re-teach it, thanks to the thoughtless actions of students who only think of themselves.
It is very trying when we have to deal with inconsiderate students. Sigh.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Scout Hymn chords
I have been searching for the chords for the Scout Hymn but cannot find it online. Anyone knows where I can get it?
On a separate note, I just came back from Tampines JC Band and guitar concert. It was pretty good. Too bad the audience was happily chatting away or making catcalls. Better concert etiquette would have made the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
On a separate note, I just came back from Tampines JC Band and guitar concert. It was pretty good. Too bad the audience was happily chatting away or making catcalls. Better concert etiquette would have made the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
The Scout Hymn
Here's the Scout Hymn, which embodies the essence of the Scout Promise and Law. The Year 1 scouts had great fun learning the first verse last Friday. I will get them to learn the entire hymn....
Scout Hymn
Now as I start upon my chosen way,
In all I do, my thoughts, my work, my play,
Grant as I promise, courage new for me
To be the best, the best that I can be.
***
Help me to keep my honour shining bright,
May I be loyal, in the hardest fight,
Let me be able, for my task and then
To earn a place, among my fellow men.
***
Open my eyes to see things as I should,
That I may do my daily turn of good,
Let me be ready, waiting for each need
To keep me clean in thought and word and deed.
***
So as I journey on my chosen way,
In all I do, my thoughts, my work, my play,
Grant as I promise, courage new for me,
To be the best, the best that I can be.
Scout Hymn
Now as I start upon my chosen way,
In all I do, my thoughts, my work, my play,
Grant as I promise, courage new for me
To be the best, the best that I can be.
***
Help me to keep my honour shining bright,
May I be loyal, in the hardest fight,
Let me be able, for my task and then
To earn a place, among my fellow men.
***
Open my eyes to see things as I should,
That I may do my daily turn of good,
Let me be ready, waiting for each need
To keep me clean in thought and word and deed.
***
So as I journey on my chosen way,
In all I do, my thoughts, my work, my play,
Grant as I promise, courage new for me,
To be the best, the best that I can be.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Give thanks
There's really a good reason to celebrate right now. We just had our first midweek praise and worship session in hall 7 music room. I had been praying that we could start this for a long time, and at last God has made it happen.
I am thankful for the 8 boarders that turned up today. Despite the lack of any songsheets, we managed to praise God just the same with our hearts and voices. It was great when we went around giving thanks to God for His mercy and goodness. I felt that as we left the music room at the end of the session, we were all rejuvenated and glad that we came.
So I want to take this opportunity to thank our Lord for being in our midst, for it was His presence that we felt. It makes me realise that the only one we need is Christ and things like good music or activities were not important compared to being with Him.
Unless the Lord builds the house,
The Labourers labour in vain.
I want to dedicate this little midweek group to God, and may He use it for His Glory!
Amen!
I am thankful for the 8 boarders that turned up today. Despite the lack of any songsheets, we managed to praise God just the same with our hearts and voices. It was great when we went around giving thanks to God for His mercy and goodness. I felt that as we left the music room at the end of the session, we were all rejuvenated and glad that we came.
So I want to take this opportunity to thank our Lord for being in our midst, for it was His presence that we felt. It makes me realise that the only one we need is Christ and things like good music or activities were not important compared to being with Him.
Unless the Lord builds the house,
The Labourers labour in vain.
I want to dedicate this little midweek group to God, and may He use it for His Glory!
Amen!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Ode to Ding
As we said our final farewell to Siyan as he walked through to the immigration area, I could sense that many of his well-wishers found it difficult to let him go. Frantic hand-waving and bright cheery smiles across the glass barrier did little to hide the sorrow of imminent parting. I guess it is true that you never really know how much a person means to you until you lose him. The tears swelling in many eyes tonight said it all.
I wish parting is really sweet sorrow. Nevertheless, we can take comfort that SiYan will be back with us a few months down the road. We will have to do without him. Perhaps things will be a little awkward for a while. That empty desk in the classroom would serve as a silent reminder of his absence.
Soccer or BB may be less inviting. For many, his leaving would mean one less person who could emphatize, or patient and quiet enough to listen. With few words, SiYan has worked his charms in each of our lives. Life without our beloved Ding would't be quite the same.
May t
I wish parting is really sweet sorrow. Nevertheless, we can take comfort that SiYan will be back with us a few months down the road. We will have to do without him. Perhaps things will be a little awkward for a while. That empty desk in the classroom would serve as a silent reminder of his absence.
Soccer or BB may be less inviting. For many, his leaving would mean one less person who could emphatize, or patient and quiet enough to listen. With few words, SiYan has worked his charms in each of our lives. Life without our beloved Ding would't be quite the same.
May t
Monday, May 22, 2006
In Loving Memory
I write this post to pay tribute to my Godmother Mona Ventura who passed away on the 20th of May 2006. She may have succumbed to disease but her spirit lives on in heaven and her memory will always be cherished by those who love her.
I could not wish for a better Godmother. She loved me like her own son, and treated me like she would her family. Her family and her rekindled the love that I thought was lost through the years I have lived alone.
A few weeks before she passed away, I visited her at the hospital. She whispered to me that she loved me and gave me a kiss on my cheek. I never really know why she loved me so, but the fact is she did and that meant a lot.
Knowing you are loved makes all the difference.
I love her too and wish that I have more time with her. But she is gone and the world is a terribly lonely place.
I will remember her as that feisty, quick-witted woman who gives of herself to others. Her remains at the funeral were a pale shadow of her true legacy. My Godmother is now safe with God and I am confident that I will see her once more when it is time for me to make the same journey home.
I could not wish for a better Godmother. She loved me like her own son, and treated me like she would her family. Her family and her rekindled the love that I thought was lost through the years I have lived alone.
A few weeks before she passed away, I visited her at the hospital. She whispered to me that she loved me and gave me a kiss on my cheek. I never really know why she loved me so, but the fact is she did and that meant a lot.
Knowing you are loved makes all the difference.
I love her too and wish that I have more time with her. But she is gone and the world is a terribly lonely place.
I will remember her as that feisty, quick-witted woman who gives of herself to others. Her remains at the funeral were a pale shadow of her true legacy. My Godmother is now safe with God and I am confident that I will see her once more when it is time for me to make the same journey home.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Being Single
You know you have to worry about being single at 35 when one of your year 3 students seemed to be more alarmed than you that you are single at age 35. It does not help matters when a host of good-intentioned colleagues, one in particular who shall remain nameless, keep pestering you about the same issue, conjuring up permutations of possible matches with presumably available female teachers.
It gets kind of embarassing considering that little is known about the factual availability of those potential suitors, or for that matter, why in the world they would consider me a desirable candidate for their husband. I myself find it hard to recall any compelling trait that would justify anyone marrying me. Should that happen anytime before I die, it would be by the Grace of God indeed.
So I am fairly resigned to be single for the rest of my hopefully short life. Don't get me wrong, I am not actively seeking death. I would like to live my life purposely and meaningfully and depart as soon as the work set out for me here is done. Hopefully that wont entail me hanging around too long. Eternal rest sounds like a good thing.
Now I am becoming morbid. I guess that comes with ageing and waking up realising that there is very little one can do about it. No amount of lyposuction or botok injection can reverse what is inevitable. I guess what's important now is to live the remaining portion of my life with a little dignity and being satisfied with it.
Everything else is vanity.
It gets kind of embarassing considering that little is known about the factual availability of those potential suitors, or for that matter, why in the world they would consider me a desirable candidate for their husband. I myself find it hard to recall any compelling trait that would justify anyone marrying me. Should that happen anytime before I die, it would be by the Grace of God indeed.
So I am fairly resigned to be single for the rest of my hopefully short life. Don't get me wrong, I am not actively seeking death. I would like to live my life purposely and meaningfully and depart as soon as the work set out for me here is done. Hopefully that wont entail me hanging around too long. Eternal rest sounds like a good thing.
Now I am becoming morbid. I guess that comes with ageing and waking up realising that there is very little one can do about it. No amount of lyposuction or botok injection can reverse what is inevitable. I guess what's important now is to live the remaining portion of my life with a little dignity and being satisfied with it.
Everything else is vanity.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Ill conceived date
I received a free ticket to the ACJC Band concert at the Esplanade concert hall. It was on a wednesday evening on a school week and I was reluctant to go. But I was assured that my benefactor has given the ticket to an adjacent seat to someone who he allegedly think I have a romantic interest in. He assured me that everything was going to go smoothly so I was game enough to give this "arranged date" a try. No harm right?
Dressed in my Sunday best, I drove with much anticipation to the concert hall, wondering whether that someone would turn up at all. Well, to cut a long story short, she did not. The seats were not adjacent either, but one in front of the other. So I spent the next two and a half hours staring at an empty seat in front of me, listening to band music that, after some time, sounded much the same.
It was however a treat to watch some of my students masterfully displaying their art, when the ACSI band came out to play. It was really nice to see them in a different setting.
You know what the moral of the story is? Next time you want to ask a girl out, well, do it yourself and make sure you know the seating plan before you get the tickets.
There is really much to learn.
Dressed in my Sunday best, I drove with much anticipation to the concert hall, wondering whether that someone would turn up at all. Well, to cut a long story short, she did not. The seats were not adjacent either, but one in front of the other. So I spent the next two and a half hours staring at an empty seat in front of me, listening to band music that, after some time, sounded much the same.
It was however a treat to watch some of my students masterfully displaying their art, when the ACSI band came out to play. It was really nice to see them in a different setting.
You know what the moral of the story is? Next time you want to ask a girl out, well, do it yourself and make sure you know the seating plan before you get the tickets.
There is really much to learn.
Blogging woes
It's not that I don't wish to blog,
Nor is there a dry season in my creative mind.
But sometimes when there is something worthwhile blogging comes about
There isn't a convenient terminal in sight.
At other times when I am staring at a computer screen,
Nothing comes to mind.
We all have been there before, haven't we?
Nor is there a dry season in my creative mind.
But sometimes when there is something worthwhile blogging comes about
There isn't a convenient terminal in sight.
At other times when I am staring at a computer screen,
Nothing comes to mind.
We all have been there before, haven't we?
Monday, February 27, 2006
Time to find a life partner
Mr Alvin Tan asked me last week what I would look for in a life partner and I replied that looks matter. Of course he asked that after asking about my taste in cars, as though there should be some correlation between the choice of a car and a possible soulmate. It was unfortunate that I did choose the car based on its handsome design, which I was certain made be look a little shallow.
But let me present my case here to demonstrate that I am not fascile at all, that my choices are not dictated by superficiality but really governed by well-reasoned premises.
First of all, I spent S$58 000 on my car and it would be reasonable to expect a person to spend that precious dollars on something he likes to look at for the duration he owns that particular model. Now a wife, on the other hand, is for keep(read the fine print "Till death do us part"). That would mean of course that once you sign on the dotted line, you are basically consigned to the same person for the rest of your natural life. No expiry of COE in this case.
So given the gravity of this union, would it then be unreasonable to hope that your better half would indeed be at the very least pleasant to look at. Of course one can argue that there are other compensating factors, but it is arguable whether those factors mitigate the lack of any physical appeal.
I am sure however that there are strong reasons why people enter into this risky contract called marriage. Perhaps it is biological, or simply a desire to fill that empty space on the queen-sized bed.
Perhaps it is love. Who knows.
But let me present my case here to demonstrate that I am not fascile at all, that my choices are not dictated by superficiality but really governed by well-reasoned premises.
First of all, I spent S$58 000 on my car and it would be reasonable to expect a person to spend that precious dollars on something he likes to look at for the duration he owns that particular model. Now a wife, on the other hand, is for keep(read the fine print "Till death do us part"). That would mean of course that once you sign on the dotted line, you are basically consigned to the same person for the rest of your natural life. No expiry of COE in this case.
So given the gravity of this union, would it then be unreasonable to hope that your better half would indeed be at the very least pleasant to look at. Of course one can argue that there are other compensating factors, but it is arguable whether those factors mitigate the lack of any physical appeal.
I am sure however that there are strong reasons why people enter into this risky contract called marriage. Perhaps it is biological, or simply a desire to fill that empty space on the queen-sized bed.
Perhaps it is love. Who knows.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
My new car
On the 10th of February, I became the proud owner of a Mazda 2 SP hatchback, my first new car. I traded in my old Atos. I confess I was a little sad to see my little Atos go, but that sadness was shortlived once I got behind the wheels of my new Mazda 2. It's like we were made for each other.
If you happen to see a silver Mada 2 with plate number SGD441G, that will be my car. On weekdays, it would be parked near hall 7 where I live. Please treat it with care. I was a little miffed when those inconsiderate birds decided to defecate on my new polished car. No wonder they are struck down by bird flu. How terrible.
I have promised some of you a ride in my new automobile. It would also give me a good excuse to drive off. Driving to school these days is kind of unnecessary given my current accomodation.
It would have been nice though to have a date on valentine's day in my new car. Spending the evening giving math remedial wasnt quite what I had in mind for the 14th of Feb. Oh well, life goes on.
If you happen to see a silver Mada 2 with plate number SGD441G, that will be my car. On weekdays, it would be parked near hall 7 where I live. Please treat it with care. I was a little miffed when those inconsiderate birds decided to defecate on my new polished car. No wonder they are struck down by bird flu. How terrible.
I have promised some of you a ride in my new automobile. It would also give me a good excuse to drive off. Driving to school these days is kind of unnecessary given my current accomodation.
It would have been nice though to have a date on valentine's day in my new car. Spending the evening giving math remedial wasnt quite what I had in mind for the 14th of Feb. Oh well, life goes on.
Thanks
I see that my tagboard has been rather active even when I am not. Thank you for being such an ardent supporter of this blog. Keep coming back.
So how are you guys doing? It's almost the end of the term now and I am all excited about the holiday. I am really looking forward to a good 1 week break. If Mr Ng should want to go to Kon Kien again, I will follow him. I kind of love being there. Those BB boys out there, do give him the hint to let me go with him the next time round.
For the year 4 FPS boys, it's time to work again. Submission for the first practise is coming soon. We'll find time to meet for training.
So how are you guys doing? It's almost the end of the term now and I am all excited about the holiday. I am really looking forward to a good 1 week break. If Mr Ng should want to go to Kon Kien again, I will follow him. I kind of love being there. Those BB boys out there, do give him the hint to let me go with him the next time round.
For the year 4 FPS boys, it's time to work again. Submission for the first practise is coming soon. We'll find time to meet for training.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Lamenting the dawn of a fast-moving age
Trees do not grow overnight. I remembered when I was much younger and less wise, I once lovingly placed a seed in the earth and waited patiently to watch the seed sprout leaves and grow into a plant. After much waiting, I gave up as the seed refused to do anything at all.
Even after much watering and excessive amount of fertilisers, that stubborn seed refused to let out even a miserable leaf. I was obviously crestfallen. It took a few weeks for the seed to grow into a young sapling. Funny enough that happened when I was not even looking.
The moral of the story is this. We must be patient for good things to happen. Learning to appreciate mathematics would probably take longer time than the seed to grow, so I would think that students should not feel frustrated when their efforts seem to bear little fruit (forgive me the punt). With perseverence, dedication and much prayer your effort to unravel the mystery of mathematics will meet with much success.
Even after much watering and excessive amount of fertilisers, that stubborn seed refused to let out even a miserable leaf. I was obviously crestfallen. It took a few weeks for the seed to grow into a young sapling. Funny enough that happened when I was not even looking.
The moral of the story is this. We must be patient for good things to happen. Learning to appreciate mathematics would probably take longer time than the seed to grow, so I would think that students should not feel frustrated when their efforts seem to bear little fruit (forgive me the punt). With perseverence, dedication and much prayer your effort to unravel the mystery of mathematics will meet with much success.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Teaching POD
I would have to say that teaching POD is refreshingly different. Firstly, it forces me to read up on things that are remotely mathematics and that is really fun. There were those things on thinking skills that I have learnt before but forgotten and it was really nice to have a valid excuse to go through those things again.
It is also fascinating to see how everyone, including myself, can be transformed through a healthy exchange of ideas. I spent much of the first lesson discussing the ground rules and getting the students to think what constitute thinking. I hope that they will find this series of lessons beneficial as a foundation for quality thinking across their different disciplines.
It is also fascinating to see how everyone, including myself, can be transformed through a healthy exchange of ideas. I spent much of the first lesson discussing the ground rules and getting the students to think what constitute thinking. I hope that they will find this series of lessons beneficial as a foundation for quality thinking across their different disciplines.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
I have been silent
Yeah yeah, you think I will not come in again. True, I have been rather absent from this blog, for a very good reason. Let me take this time to tell you why. Well term 1 has started admirably, although it took some time to get used to teaching Year 3 and Year 5.
I had some initial jitters about teaching Year 5s but well I am alright now. I hope the ladies and gentlemen can understand what I am trying to teach. Or else the effort I have put in would be in vain.
My only regret is that I get to see less and less of my ex students from 3-9, 3-10 and 3-13. I guess that would be part of the life of a teacher. I do hope that they had a memorable time with me teaching them in 2005. I surely did. Only time will tell if all the self-directed learning and reflection I have inbuilt in the lessons would bear fruit when the time comes.
My coughing spell has not subsided. I really wish i will get well so that I can start my regular jogs. Bursting at the seam is not my idea of fun.
I had some initial jitters about teaching Year 5s but well I am alright now. I hope the ladies and gentlemen can understand what I am trying to teach. Or else the effort I have put in would be in vain.
My only regret is that I get to see less and less of my ex students from 3-9, 3-10 and 3-13. I guess that would be part of the life of a teacher. I do hope that they had a memorable time with me teaching them in 2005. I surely did. Only time will tell if all the self-directed learning and reflection I have inbuilt in the lessons would bear fruit when the time comes.
My coughing spell has not subsided. I really wish i will get well so that I can start my regular jogs. Bursting at the seam is not my idea of fun.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
My first post for the year
Finally get to blog after a long period of silence. Internet connection is hard to come by here in boarding, only available at the dining hall, so I make a special effort today to come down to blog.
Term has started although I have only met up with my own form class 310. A delightful bunch of students I may add. I think we will have a wonderful year together. It is also a new experience being a CT. The amount of paperwork was daunting at first but I have got used to it.
I will spend much time during the OEP getting to know my class and PCT Mr Andrew Wong who is really a nice person. He helps me with the admin work so I am very grateful to him for that. Having an experienced teacher like Ms Chia as a PCT also helps boost my confidence that I can do this right.
It would be nice to see the new year 5 classes I am teaching. I wont know who they are until I get back from OEP. Meanwhile I am just preparing for lessons. Hope they will like me and more importantly learn something useful.
It is my hope that I will be able to serve my students in school and boarding well this year. So for those who read this post, do spend a brief moment keeping me in prayer so that I may handle my students with wisdom and care.
Term has started although I have only met up with my own form class 310. A delightful bunch of students I may add. I think we will have a wonderful year together. It is also a new experience being a CT. The amount of paperwork was daunting at first but I have got used to it.
I will spend much time during the OEP getting to know my class and PCT Mr Andrew Wong who is really a nice person. He helps me with the admin work so I am very grateful to him for that. Having an experienced teacher like Ms Chia as a PCT also helps boost my confidence that I can do this right.
It would be nice to see the new year 5 classes I am teaching. I wont know who they are until I get back from OEP. Meanwhile I am just preparing for lessons. Hope they will like me and more importantly learn something useful.
It is my hope that I will be able to serve my students in school and boarding well this year. So for those who read this post, do spend a brief moment keeping me in prayer so that I may handle my students with wisdom and care.
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