Okay, first day of school wasn't so bad. Quite dull, because like half the class wasn't there? Also, I've rented a place in Woodlands now, and lucky me, there's a bus stop with a straight bus to school near my block. Plus, I've learned one thing, if you want to sleep, don't eat chocolate bars! I was a little hungry that day and decided to eat a Snickers bar, while waiting for the bus. Just as I finished it, 963 came and I boarded it. Normally I sleep for around 45 minutes before the bus reaches my school area. I couldn't sleep at all! Craps, my eyes were like so open throughout the whole journey even as my mind was so dead. Zzz.
On better news, a few zone members celebrated Gary's birthday yesterday. Among them were Dexter, Keng Sern, Dan, Kenneth, Jian Yong, and the only girl, Zi Yun. Before that, I had a helpers meeting at Suntec City, and later I went to Plaza Singapura to meet up with the rest. Ate at The Manhattan Fish Market, and I ordered a salmon meal. My fish was like puny compared to everyone elses, but still, I like salmon. Pity to Gary's fish though. Continually insulted. LOL.
We tricked him (ownage!), brought out the cake and then sang him "Happy Birthday" with the staff, before giving him his present, expensive cologne! Everyone chipped in, so yeah, its to all our credit. Hung around before going off. Since I've got company to Woodlands now, Gary and I talked about certain people in the zone, and updated each other on what's going on in our lives.
Reached Marsiling around midnight and had a nice walk home in the dark and rain. It's freaking relaxing.
Anyhoo, since I've known Gary since E145 times, I thought I'd post a picture of his first birthday with the cellgroup!
Best wishes.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Elea, here it is
First of all, there's truth in both science and religion.
I am more inclined to support the religious side, as being a Christian, I do not accept Darwinian evolution. Now, evolution is true to some extent, of that there is no doubt. This explains the different variations of plants and animals. This also explains why bacteria gain immunity to antibiotics. Known as micro-evolution, it is proven true. However, Darwinian evolution presupposes that all life began from simple life forms and evolved into complex life forms over billions of years. Known as macro-evolution, the Darwinian model of evolution is the most strongly supported and documented. However, there are problems with macro-evolution. First of all, the lack of fossil evidence of these transition fossils are a reasonable case against macro-evolution. Hundreds of thousands of fossils have been found, yet none are proven without a doubt to be transition fossils. Occassionally a fossil will appear that is touted as proof of transition fossils, but these fossils are contested by religious groups just as strongly as other evolutionists. If other evolutionists find possible flaws of certain fossils which may disqualify them from being transition fossils, then we cannot accept without assumptions, that they are true transition fossils. That would just be ignorance.
Charles Darwin also mentions in his book "Origin of Species" that if any complex organism could not have been formed by slight, successive modifications, he conceded that his theory would break down. Michael Behe, a biochemist, found that with recent biochemical discoveries, many examples have this "irreducible complexity". It does not disprove evolution outright, but it is definitely a strong case against it.
There is no doubt that chimps have extremely similar DNA to humans. With a recent study confirming a 94% DNA similarity, it is remarkable. Common sense however, would show that 6% of the difference in our DNA is really small to explain the major differences within the species. Just because there is similarity does not prove with outright assurance that one is descendant from the other. Hippos and whales are distantly related, yet I do not know of anyone who has tried to link one as a descendant from another. Perhaps they shared a related ancient ancestor? I won't deny the possibility, but with no proof or evidence, I will not jump to conclusions. Many species are interrelated, and humans are often said to be descendants of an ancient primate, the ancestor of all current primates. However new discoveries are constantly pushing back the timeline of when homo sapiens appeared, causing some once solid timelines to shift their perspectives.
Why do I feel inclined to support religion though? Certainly by Christian beliefs play a part, but there are cases to help show that religion is not at odds with science, and may even complement it in some areas. For example, my beliefs stated that God created humans, as well as every living creature and organism. Birds are a good example of creationism. Though we cannot prove that outright, their flight is a decent case against evolution. Evolution states that if mutations within a certain species prove beneficial, it will pass on to the next generation. But it also states it does so successively, slightly, over a broad period of time. No one has shown how flight developed, and certainly a few feathers protruding from a flightless bird would not prove beneficial in the animal kingdom. Are we to believe that over billions of years these minor mutations which did nothing at first, eventually became wings for flight? It is at odds with Darwinian evolution, on what is considered beneficial.
Also, the event known as the Cambrian explosion is a proven (with science, no doubt) fossil record of nearly all known animal phyla, and they appear fully formed, with no traces whatsoever of evolution. A phenomenon this major would only side the creationism view, as there is documented proof that there is no trace of predecessors that evolutionists require. This is a strong case, as the Bible states that God created the plants as well.
Also, while evolution may theoretically explain, with the Darwinian model, many areas of biology, it cannot explain how life arose from non-living chemicals. While mutations from living beings certainly do occur, there is no such thing in chemicals, where variations are a very different thing from mutation. How then did life arise? Evolutionists say that with billions of years and many chemical reactions, with random chance, life would eventually arise. This has never been proven, and so it is still reasonable not to accept their theory.
And on the topic of biology, DNA has a 4 letter chemical alphabet, where, when used in various sequences, they make up the information needed for a cell to function. Now when we see writing, it is reasonable to assume that someone wrote it. By analogy, the same could be said for the chemical alphabet in our DNA. Reasoning by analogy, would this not be reasonable to say that someone wrote this chemical alphabet (through which all life functions)? If evolution says that random mutations which are benificial are passed to the next generation, I thnk it'd be likely to see benefits of mutated DNA, yet there isn't. All life uses this chemical alphabet, which is a strong case of backing up the Genesis account, where it states that God created every creature. With His signature, so to speak.
Evolution is proven true, to a certain extent, with micro-evolution. However, macro-evolution, and especially the Darwinian model, are far more controversial, with objections not only from religious groups, but from other scientists as well. They are not outright proven. There are cases which support Darwinian evolution, but there are cases which support religious views as well. Therefore, while software and biology may support the fact that humans descended from chimps, it is still not proven and uncontested. The fact that other biologists object to the current model of evolution shows that reasonable flaws are shown, which cannot therefore, be certain and true. With some cases in nature to back up religious views, and my own Christian beliefs, it is therefore reasonable to be inclined towards the religious view.
Chronicled
12:15 PM
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Saturday, January 5, 2008
Okay, since now I've got my happening's off my chest, I'm thinking of doing a Gary (HA) whilst mixing in some Howe. Only people who read our blogs will get this joke... Lmao.
Anyhoo, Pastor Kong's sermon for the new year involved goals, and settings. This reminded me of last year, where N337 had to do the goal setting card in the Haunted Toilet Punggol Chalet (I made the name up, but it is true). I know that I failed to accomplish all my written resolutions. Plain laziness.
2007's been a crazy year. I've realized my life gets more and more interesting every year. Not always in the best of ways. So many firsts happened this year. First time getting attacked by a dog. First (and second) time chased by robbers. First time working. First time getting a tattoo. First (and God please let it be the last and only) time experiencing my parents divorcing.
What am I thinking about in the brand new year of 2008? Honestly, only three things come to mind immediately. First, to continue not taking my family for granted. Second, to help improve the cellgroup, and get rid of ignorance from several members. Third, a relationship.
When I was going through the emotions of the divorce, I was an emotional wreck. I cried like I've never cried before, and even the mention of that word would have me quietly pouring tears. I didn't eat normally, I was like so dead in school, and I learned how to put up such a fake exterior in school that I felt like such a hypocrite, because I do pride myself on being the same person to everyone who knows me. Yet I put up an exterior to my schoolmates, lied to some cellgroup members, who were wondering what was going on, but broke down in front of my parents. I may be emotionally stable now, but something this major will never fail to leave your memories.
My current cellgroup is just so bittersweet. I've got really some of the greatest friends in this cellgroup, with many good members I'm glad to be with and good growth. Yet some of their attitudes sicken me, and the ignorance of several people really make me wonder whether I'm in the correct cellgroup sometimes. Sure, lately my posts involving my cellgroup are all negative, and sure, so far, I don't see any progress in their change of ignorance. However, who was there for me when I was an emotional wreck? Several friends outside and in church of course, and above all, my cellgroup. It's like it takes a crisis for them to really notice what's going on. I may be unhappy with some members, but take note that no one is perfect. Certainly they aren't, and I'm fine with that. There's nothing wrong with being disappointed and angry... I'm human after all. But know that I will always love my cellgroup with the best of my ability. I will always forgive. Never forget that. Experiencing things like this with my last two cellgroups has been a really different experience from E145, where after dealing with all the issues, there was only good in the cellgroup, up to the point of disbandment. I know my cellgroup can deal with it, but I just don't know when.
A relationship ended as I got to know who God really was in my life 5 years ago. From that time till now, I've never fully pursued any girl. I may given gifts, sent messages and letters, but I always stopped at a limit, which varied for certain people. I've never been fully active in wooing girls since coming to church, 'cause I always say that I want to focus on God first. So thankfully, in this tug-of-war, my beliefs have always prevailed what my I myself may want but shouldn't have at the time. Now, I just have a feeling I'm going to breakthrough to a really whole new level. How and when? No idea. But as my relationship ended when I knew God, I've got this feeling that a relationship will start as I know God even more this year. My feelings for the last girl have died for quite a while already, even as I didn't consciously choose to like her in the first place. Now? I can actually think about prospects, with spirituality and all those important factors in, whilst adding in feelings of my own (and of nature's). I'm pleased with this more stable and mature emotional "HQ" of mine. So ladies beware! LOL. Kidding. Honestly, I'll just keep an open mind. With all this talk about relationships, Harvest Times cover article (gee whiz), and a weird certainty I've never felt in this area of my life since I've been in church, I think its a pretty good case. Of course I'm not gonna dive in, but I'll be aware. Plus, I still got that damn promise to fulfill... get married in 5 (now 4) years!
As for other "resolutions", I'll be taking my time to think about them. Had a tertiary gathering earlier, where Michelle was telling us each about things we should improve on about ourselves. Me? Just you wait.
Also, since I'm on the topic of relationships, just to let you know I've linked my friend who was the closest to being my girlfriend in church. Both of us in church and in good cellgroups. Then she backslid and left...
She looks more beautiful than ever though =)
Chronicled
5:10 PM
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Heh... finally got peace and quiet to post.
Anyhoo, a quick rundown of noticeable events.
E458 and N337 had an appreciation cellgroup a bit before the last day of 2007. Where? Sentosa! Had games and fellowship before having the appreciation itself on Palawan beach itself. Yeah, no kidding. It was also the first time I (and probably everyone there) praised on sand, running around while praising, and doing a lot of retarded but nice stuff while praising. Also the first time any of us danced with cellgroup members. Heh!
December 31 the cellgroup had a countdown at Isabel's place, with plenty of food. The dress-code was nerdy. Freak right? Well, I wore a buttoned shirt and tucked it in gayly into really pulled-up-high pants. And I also used gel and changed my hair to side parting for the night. AHHH! I can't believe that! 4 years of spiked hair and suddenly you go back to secondary 2 hair. Okay, it was fun anyway. got to beat everyone in tennis, got killed super fast in RE4 (half-asleep) and the highlight of the night, singing a song to Michelle! Joshua, Jonathan, Ashley and I wrote and scored a song from scratch for Michelle, thanking her and all. Joshua and I sang while Ashley beatboxed, and Jonathan played the guitar. Nice one bros.
With the start of the new year, that also meant I was officially kicked out of Cindy Leong's place. Remember, not her fault. Anyhoo, Jian Yong originally told me that I would be able to stay in his place for a week or so while I searched for another rental place. Obviously I was very thankful, but at the last minute, because a room had been rented out in his place, his parents thought it inconvenient for me. So fine, it's 8pm, I needa move out by the end of the night, and I have no place to go. And you know what I did? Sleep. HA! Ashley eventually called me up and helped me to find places, but to no avail. Nevermind, as he was the only one who made an effort to help me find a place anyway. So inconsiderately and suddenly, I asked Koh Wee if I could stayover a while, and he said it was okay. Whew! Mostly its going out, late night poker, and online poker, whilst learning some lessons from the pros and watching great videos. Nice pair! LOL. Anyway, much appreciated to Ash and Koh Wee for all the help. I've rented a place in Woodlands =).
Also, on side news, it's not been a very good week for me. Not seriously though. Here's the list on what's been on the downside-yet not upsetting-to me.
1) I got food poisoning (or something) and vomited for the first time in 10 years. Damn you Pastamania! I was freaking scared to eat the next day so I starved myself. I don't count that as fasting =).
2) Had a headache while throwing up, and continued to the next day. Continued to the ENTIRETY of the next day. *Sigh* Could barely turn my head without seeing stars every few seconds.
3) Ate chicken nuggets that we didn't know were covered in ants.
4) I lost 2 poker tournaments online in a row. I was in 11th and 17th place for those tournaments, which was really poor compared to my 3rd place for my first tournament. Had no prize points for those two losses. Zzz.
5) Lost to Koh Wee in a Texas Hold 'Em match. I was so gonna win, till a damn 6 came out on the river. AHHH. I lost after that. Pfft. Later we learned Omaha, and I lost again, with a freaking flush trash against my pairs. -.-
6) I also somehow managed to bust 4 hands at Black Jack at one shot. LOL.
7) My bag strap ripped. Now what? School starts tomorrow.
Okay, today had service. A mild but very stimulating (and I mean that in a holy, mind-changing kinda way) message, which is a nice start for the first service of the new year. I think I'll be typing a bit more on my thoughts and stuff on the next post, since everything here seems to be about the happenings. Anyhoo, we also had a Bible quiz, and the quiz wasn't what I expected. I thought it to be based on the texts and understanding of the passage, but a significant part of them were questions like "Which chapter did Peter walk on water?" I was like WHAT THE?! Who pays attention to THAT?! Many other questions were based on the chapters and verses, which, honestly, I didn't bother to remember. There were 5 open ended questions though, with the 40 MCQ. I wrote longer answers with more detail than anyone else, and I got penalized for it, because time ran out and I couldn't write my answers for the questions with the most marks. AHH! Some MCQ questions really stumbled me though, like Joseph's Egyptian name, the way Rachel died and everything. But I lost most of my marks to the questions involving the verses and chapters, and the open ended questions 'cause of time. In the end, my marks were the 2nd highest, behind Isabel. Eugh.
Something interesting happened when I came back to Malaysia just now anyway. I had a cab driver ask me if I needed a ride and I quoted my usual RM17, which he tried to raise to RM20, which is a total rip off, because if you use the metre, the price barely goes past RM15. I was gonna walk off, but he asked me to stay and agreed to my price, provided he get another passenger to take the cab with me. He quickly found an Indian female and he drove us off. The uncle spoke to me first, and I talked to him throughout half the journey, mostly about me coming over here from Canada. Later on, the Indian girl asked me where the driver was heading, as she thought she'd be dropped off first. After that, this sparked a great conversation between us, and I found out she's in Shatec, previously from Riverside Secondary. And when she found out I was from Marsiling, she immediately asked about Pavalam, saying she knew her well. HAHAHA. What a small world we all live in...
Chronicled
1:52 PM
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Wednesday, January 2, 2008
I spent my new year's day dressed as a nerd, getting kicked outta my rental house, and eating ant-covered chicken nuggets. OH MAN!
Chronicled
8:58 AM
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