God Administers to Our Needs

I use The Upper Room for my daily devotion. About one week before our trip to Macau/Zhuhai for the period 16 to 20 April 10 my in-laws informed my wife that our departure time for the flight has been postponed to 11.15 am instead of the original 6 am. I was thinking "wooh! this is a buget airline; is it reliable?; did the travel agent screwed-up? etc. The worrying thoughts linger! Then on 14 April 10, there & behold in my hand my Bible Verse for the day:
1)Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer & petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God ..........Philippians 4:6
On 16 April 10 when we checked-in at our hotel the receptionists (2-unfriendly and glum-looking gentlement)informed our guide that booking had been made for only 1 room instead of 2 rooms. This time I was not surprised nor unduly worried for my devotion on 16 April 10 reads as follows:
2)Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge .............Psalm 62:8
Yes, indeed we need to just trust Him. On our way out for dinner, the receptionists informed us the Travel Agent has just confirmed booking for another room!!

Longer-Span & Disease-Free Life

I just complted reading the Book "Still Healthy at 100" by John Robbins. In his study of Abkhasia(Longevity Capital of the World),the Okinawans of Japan and some other long-life civilisations of the world (people averaging 80 to 90 years old) he found the secret in 3 areas:

1) Diet - the people consume a natural plant, seed & root-based diet. Meat is consumed to the minimum;

2) Activity - active lifestye - these people exercise regularly to keep their muscles & bodies in shape. For us a morning 30 to 45 mins brisk walk will suffice.

3) Emotion - Relations & Relationships - these people are jovial, friendly, calm, loving disposition, have no anger, hatred, jealousy, etc.

Well, read the book! It is available at our National Library.;

World Cup 2010 - "My Rice Bowl" or "My Country"

For the coming World Cup most of the top professional footbal players will face the dilemma "My Rice Bowl" or "My Country". What do I mean? These top professional players are paid millions by their Clubs. If they are to play their hearts out for their Countries, they may risk injuring or harming themselves and their careers! I saw that played out in the African Nations Cup Jan 2010. Didier Drogba (who currently plays for Chelsea FC & who wore the captain's armband for Ivory Coast) was a "mere passenger" in one of the crucial game I saw him played. Whereas Michael Essien returned to his Club Chelsea FC (yes he also play for the same Club)injured having done his national serivice for his Country Ghana. Drogba looked after "his rice bowl" but Essien served "his country" Just now heard the news that Emmanuel Adbayor who played for "Togo" announced his retirement from international duties!!!

"Idea System" or "Wits"

I refer to the "Insight" article by Cassandra Chew in the ST dated 9 April 10 on an interview she did with American innovation expert Alan Robinson. I cannot help thinking the "Idea System" refers to the "Wits"(Work Improvement Teams) that were in vogue during the 1990s. If I am not wrong the Japanese pioneered them. In those days our Civil Service, statutory boards, some govt. educational bodies, etc. were very active in such we called "brainstorming" activities. In fact there were contests organised and cash awards were given out for such activities. Well, after so many years the "Wits" is now known as "Idea System" in the the present so-called "Innovation" era?!

"Happiness" factor on Vacation

Will be taking a short vacation with my the other half & in-laws from the 16th to 19th April 10. We will going on a trip to Macau & Zhuhai. I recently read in a local news report that a research done overseas looked into the "Happiness" factor in going on vacations. They found that 1)people experienced "the feel good "happiness" "factor while preparing for the trip (normally about 2 weeks before making the trip. 2) they feel "stressed" while on vacation - because of new environment, etc. 3)the "happiness" factor waned 2 weeks after the trip. Well, what are your experiences?

Cost of Living In S'pore

I just spoke to a French man (probably in his 30s) today. He said he worked for a bank & his working hrs are from 2 pm to 2 am next day. He said he manned the European market counter. I asked him why he did not stayed back home & worked in Paris. He said the cost of living in his hometown is "expensive". He also said that Switzerland is also "expensive " indicating that he ever spent some time working there. He labelled S'pore "the Switzerland of the East". He rented with his friend a condo unit in the East Coast Area at $2500 p.m. From the conversation I can tell that expatriates find the cost of living in S'pore "relatively low". Thus, S'pore is a natural magnet for foreigners who want to work here - we have good governance, infrastructure, good schools, health & social amenities. Thus, S'pore need not use the carrot of "high pay" to attract foreign workers!!!!

You are welcome to Koh's Space. Here you may post any interesting ideas/thoughts etc. you may want to share. Uplighting & positive comments are most welcome!!!! Waiting to hear from all of you!!!!