A Great Man Passes Away

PROFESSOR ALEXANDER BEVERLY THORNTON-TRUMP, B.A.Sc (M.E.), M.A.Sc, Ph.D (P.Eng.)

On Monday, November 14, 2005 surrounded by his family at home, Sandy passed away peacefully after an intense battle with his old nemesis, cancer.

He is survived by his loving companion and wife of 40 years, Benna; son Ian and daughter Ellowyn; their beloved spouses, Marcella Poirier and Jason Nadeau and his most precious legacy, grandson Evan Vincent Thornton Nadeau. Mourning their loss also are Sandy's mother Bernice (Bunny) Thornton-Trump, brother William; sisters, Lynn Murray and Anne Thornton-Trump; his uncle, numerous aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was predeceased by his birth parents and Dad, Ted Thornton-Trump.

Born in Vancouver on December 4, 1940, Sandy was the second son of Belva and Alexander Lyttle. The family re-located to the Okanagan Valley in the aftermath of the Second World War, where they hoped to establish their home. Unfortunately tragedy struck. The death of his mother and loss of his father left an indelible scar on the young Sandy. He and his brother were formally adopted by their maternal Uncle Ted and wife Bunny who provided two sisters and a caring and warm home in Oliver, BC. He then began to establish deep roots in the community and enjoyed his school years at Southern Okanagan High School.

At this time he began to dream of being a university professor. Returning to Vancouver to further his education, he relinquished his first love of English Literature and Drama for the security of Engineering, graduating from University of British Columbia in 1964 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Mechanical Engineering). A position in Research and Development at Dupont of Canada in Kingston, ON lead to encounters with the two people who were to alter the course of his life, Dr. Angus Brunneau who encouraged his interest in Graduate Studies, and Benna Szczerski, his future wife. With Benna's support Sandy enrolled in Graduate Studies in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Waterloo, ON.

Married in 1966, the couple established a home in New Hamburg. Sandy received his Master of Applied Science in 1967; the couple welcomed their first born, Ian, in 1969. With their new baby and a partially completed PhD, the couple was enticed to Winnipeg for a position of Assistant Professor at the University of Manitoba in Mechanical Engineering. They established a home in Fort Richmond and their daughter Ellowyn was born in 1971. Sandy was awarded his PhD in 1973. He became a member of the eager, enthusiastic, recently Doctored staff who began to teach and lead research in various fields. He became active in APEM (now APEGM), participating on the Board of Examiners, University Liaison Committee, and CCPE Affairs.

In 1978 he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that would lead to his eventual blindness. Regretfully, he curtailed some of his activities, giving up a hope of administrative roles and focused his energies on teaching and research. Sandy taught a wide range of fundamental mechanical engineering subjects to over 3000 engineers who attended the U. of M. His students will remember his jokes, puns going off topic and zucca melons in courses such as Dynamics Vibrations, Mechanics of Machines I II, Automotive Design and Industrial Engineering Design.

His respect for his students' abilities, encouragement and support of their efforts developed a rare rapport that led to many seeking his advice and mentorship for their undergraduate theses. His teaching ability was recognized by his students and he was awarded the Ralph R. Teeter Educational Award in 1988. He was twice chosen Most Influential Teacher and awarded a Full Professorship in 1988. Sandy passionately believed that engineers needed to develop hands-on skills in order to successful. This prompted him to become advisor to the SAE Student Chapter whose major activity was to design and build competition worthy vehicles. During his tenure he helped several groups enter the International Air Cargo, Formula and Mini-Baja competitions and was delighted when they proved that U. of M. engineers were strong competitors that always performed extremely well despite limited funding.

Sandy's main area of research was Biomechanics and Human Factors. From designing a safer tread for work boots to analyzing gait and limb movements he and over 20 graduate students established novel approaches and developed an international reputation. They produced over 60 academic publications. In 2004 he was recognized for having received NSERC funding for over 25 years. Due to his illness, plans to present his last research paper were cancelled and it was presented by a former graduate student in September 2005 in Bologna, Italy. Sandy was proud that many of his students went on to have outstanding careers in their own right.

Within family and friends, Sandy was known for his philosophical discussions and humourous stories. His enthusiasm to plan, build, renovate and raise the roof generated many moments of family fun. Beyond planting trees and raising bees, the family farm was a source of constant discussion. He was delighted when the family conspired to complete his dream cottage in the wilds of Manitoba this summer. Together the Thornton-Trump family did everything from Dude-Ranchin' in Montana to exploring the ruins of Greece. In recent years, he and Benna enjoyed many a gourmet dinner, dancing, travelling, attending theatre and music concerts. His greatest joy was in sharing in his children's achievements and anticipating those of his grandson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Chapel, St. Paul's College, Fort Garry Campus, U. of M., on Saturday, November the 19th at 10:00 a.m. Reception will follow at the University Club. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the support and care they received from the Palliative Program, especially nurses, Heather Bogacki and Janice Brickey and all of the Home Care personnel, Joe, Bremen, Mas, Sandra and Oxana. Special thanks to Dr. R. Hayward for a lifetime of care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Student Chapter, Dean's Office, Faculty of Engineering, U. of M., R3T 5V6 or a charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted to: VOYAGE FUNERAL HOME CREMATORIUM 1531 Pembina Hwy. 284-7500

Difference between a Man and a Women (in Malay)

bezanya wanita dan lelaki..bagaikan langit dan bumi tp saling memerlukan.. 

Catatan Harian Isteri dan Suami.Rumitnya seorang isteri, dan simplenya seorang suami...

 

BUKU HARIAN ISTERI 

Malam Minggu - Dia berkelakuan aneh. Sebelumnya kami berjanji bertemu di Cafe. Aku shopping seharian dg kawan-kawan, sehingga mungkin dia kesal karena aku agak lewat sampai di Cafe, tapi dia tak bercakap. Dia tak bercakap langsung, jadi aku ajak dia pergi ketempat yang agak sunyi supaya kami dapat berbincang, dia setuju tapi tetap diam membisu. Aku tanyakan apa yang salah - dia jawab, "Tak ada". Aku tanyakan apakah kesalahan ku yang membuatnya kesal. Dia kata hal ini tak ada kaitannya dengan ku dan minta aku tak usah sibuk.Dalam perjalanan pulang, ku katakan aku mencintainya, dia cuma  tersenyum tipis dan tetap membisu. Aku tak dapat menjelaskan perangainya petang itu. Aku tak habis-habis berfikir kenapa dia tak menjawab, "aku cinta kamu juga". > > Sesampainya dirumah, aku merasa kehilangan dia, dan seolah-olah dia tak menghendaki ku lagi. Dia hanya duduk dan nonton depan TV; dia terlihat jauh dan menghilang..... Akhirnya aku putuskan untuk tidur. Lebih kurang 10 minit kemudian, dia masuk ke kamar. Aku tak tahan lagi, kuputuskan untuk menghadapinya dan menanyakan soal sebenarnya, tapi dia langsung tertidur. Aku mulai menangis sampai tertidur. Aku tak tahu apa yang harus ku lakukan. Hidupku terasa bergoncang.....

 

BUKU HARIAN SUAMI 

Hari ini REAL MADRID kalah. SIALLLLL!!!

Tangier Medina

Tangier Medina, originally uploaded by Hey Jack Kerouac.

Getty

Getty, originally uploaded by Houser.

A few days back one of my flickr-photog friends, Rebekka, posted some night shots she had recently taken. Someone mentioned trying to take long exposure shots during the day... which got me thinking, what would some waterblur shots look like taken during mid-day. So armed with my camera, an ND64 filter, an ND4 filter, and a CPL filter, I set out across the bridge into South Portland to find out.

I realize these colors look wacky - probably no more or less wacky than nighttime long exposure shots - but this is what I got.

Final Approach

Final Approach, originally uploaded by carib being.

An Airfance A340 coming in on final approach off Sunset Beach, St. Maarten.

pre-dawn crossing

pre-dawn crossing, originally uploaded by Steve took it.

feierabend

feierabend, originally uploaded by FFgoatee.

the people arriving at a small train station after a day of work.....

Tante JU

Tante JU, originally uploaded by FFgoatee.

Me in the XVIII Century

Me in the XVIII Century, originally uploaded by haryade.

Stranded

Stranded, originally uploaded by Maxeem.

, originally uploaded by Z79.

Jupiter impact

Jupiter impact, originally uploaded by dotlyc.

The comet broke into several pieces before hitting the upper atmosphere of Jupiter.

, originally uploaded by Damiao Santana.

, originally uploaded by Z79.

Me in the XVIII Century

Me in the XVIII Century, originally uploaded by haryade.

Roadside Barn

Roadside Barn, originally uploaded by Tanya Gin.

The road hugs this barn around the curve, making it a bit of a dangerous corner due to the blind spot it creates.

Lightning in the shape of clouds

Lightning in the shape of clouds, originally uploaded by Kwisatch.

.

., originally uploaded by akiruna.

at the foot of the cross

at the foot of the cross, originally uploaded by Pluft.

At the foot of the Holy Cross
You knelt
In the name of Jesus
you swore a great love

You swore, but didn't keep your vow
You pretended and deceived me
To me you lied
To God you sinned

The heart has reasons
that reason itself ignores
It makes promises and vows
then forgets

Following this principal
You likewise promised

You came thus to vow
a great love
but then forgot

Marino Pinto & Zé da Zilda

translated by Jason Brazile

kasperit

kasperit, originally uploaded by eitay.

a bit shy..

a bit shy.., originally uploaded by Evren Sahin.

she was a shy dalit woman..
i loved her pose and smile though..

dampfendes wasser

dampfendes wasser, originally uploaded by FFgoatee.

~ intervallo ~

~ intervallo ~, originally uploaded by daffodil.

Strolling about Wimbledon, UK (1987)

, originally uploaded by gac.

Malaysia Must End Protection for Proton: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

With regards to Proton, the first thing the government should do is to lift the restriction of having to source 70% of automotive components from local suppliers.

Proton, in my opinion, have the skill and experience to design a very good automobile. However, the lack of skill and experience, and not to mention, the greed of local manufacturers to cut cost whenever they can, results in Proton cars being inferior to that of others.

Without this restriction, I believe Proton can make decent cars. They can import components of quality from neighbouring countries.

The result of this action will cause the collapse of many local industries. But it will enable Proton to survive. Why help the local, greedy manufacturers to survive and let the pride of the nation suffer and die?

The government is well aware of this course of action, but it is something they will never take. Why? You should know why.....

Puzzles

The Puzzles

The man in the Elevator

A man lives on the tenth floor of a building. Every day he takes the elevator to go down to the ground floor to go to work or to go shopping. When he returns he takes the elevator to the seventh floor and walks up the stairs to reach his apartment on the tenth floor. He hates walking so why does he do it?

This is probably the best known and most celebrated of all lateral thinking puzzles. It is a true classic. Although there are many possible solutions which fit the initial conditions, only the canonical answer is truly satisfying. Solution

The Man in the Bar

A man walks into a bar and asks the barman for a glass of water. The barman pulls out a gun and points it at the man. The man says 'Thank you' and walks out.

This puzzle has claims to be the best of the genre. It is simple in its statement, absolutely baffling and yet with a completely satisfying solution. Most people struggle very hard to solve this one yet they like the answer when they hear it or have the satisfaction of figuring it out. Solution

The Man who Hanged Himself

Not far from Madrid, there is a large wooden barn. The barn is completely empty except for a dead man hanging from the middle of the central rafter. The rope around his neck is ten feet long and his feet are three feet off the ground. The nearest wall is 20 feet away from the man. It is not possible to climb up the walls or along the rafters. The man hanged himself. How did he do it? Solution

Death in a Field

A man is lying dead in a field. Next to him there is an unopened package. There is no other creature in the field. How did he die? Solution

Anthony and Cleopatra

Anthony and Cleopatra are lying dead on the floor of a villa in Egypt. Nearby is a broken bowl. There is no mark on either of their bodies and they were not poisoned. How did they die? Solution

The Coal, Carrot and Scarf

Five pieces of coal, a carrot and a scarf are lying on the lawn. Nobody put them on the lawn but there is a perfectly logical reason why they should be there. What is it? Solution

Trouble with Sons

A woman had two sons who were born on the same hour of the same day of the same year. But they were not twins, and they were not adopted. How could this be so? Solution

Push that Car

A man pushed his car. He stopped when he reached a hotel at which point he knew he was bankrupt. Why? Solution

The Arm of the Postal Service

One day a man received a parcel in the post. Carefully packed inside was a human arm. He examined it, repacked it and then sent it on to another man. The second man also carefully examined the arm before taking it to the woods and burying it. Why did they do this?

This one probably has more variations than any other. A great one to puzzle out. It requires plenty of good questions. Solution

Heaven

A man died and went to Heaven. There were thousands of other people there. They were all naked and all looked as they did at the age of 21. He looked around to see if there was anyone he recognised. He saw a couple and he knew immediately that they were Adam and Eve. How did he know? Solution

Friday

A man rode into town on Friday. He stayed for three nights and then left on Friday. How come?

A silly one - but it is surprisingly popular. Solution

Manhole Covers

Why is it better to have round manhole covers than square ones?

This is logical rather than lateral, but it is a good puzzle which can be solved by lateral thinking techniques. It is supposedly used by a very well-known software company as an interview question for prospective employees. Solution

The Deadly Party

A man went to a party and drank some of the punch. He then left early. Everyone else at the party who drank the punch subsequently died of poisoning. Why did the man not die? Solution

The Deadly Dish

Two men went into a restaurant. They both ordered the same dish from the menu. After they tasted it, one of the men went outside the restaurant and shot himself. Why? Solution

The Realization

A man was walking downstairs in a building when he suddenly realized that his wife had just died. How? Solution

The Blind Beggar

A blind beggar had a brother who died. What relation was the blind beggar to the brother who died? (Brother is not the answer). Solution

The Broken Match

A man is found dead in a field. He is clutching a broken match. What happened? Solution

The Music Stopped

The music stopped. She died. Explain. Solution

Swimmer in the Forest

Deep in the forest was found the body of a man who was wearing only swimming trunks, snorkel and facemask. The nearest lake was 8 miles away and the sea was 100 miles away. How had he died?

This is supposedly based on a true incident. Does this make it an urban legend? Many urban legends can be restated as lateral thinking puzzles. This is a very good one of this type. Solution

The Elder Twin

One day Kerry celebrated her birthday. Two days later her older twin brother, Terry, celebrated his birthday. How come? Solution

--

The Most Powerful Diesel Engine in the World

The world's most powerful diesel engine can be found here : http://www.bath.ac.uk/~ccsshb/12cyl/

Politics Explained

FEUDALISM: You have two cows. Your lord takes some of the milk.

PURE SOCIALISM: You have two cows. The government takes them and puts them in a barn with everyone else's cows. You have to take care of all of the cows. The government gives you as much milk as you need.

BUREAUCRATIC SOCIALISM: You have two cows. The government takes them and put them in a barn with everyone else's cows. They are cared for by ex-chicken farmers. You have to take care of the chickens the government took from the chicken farmers. The government gives you as much milk and eggs as the regulations say you need.

FASCISM: You have two cows. The government takes both, hires you to take care of them and sells you the milk.

PURE COMMUNISM: You have two cows. Your neighbors help you take care of them, and you all share the milk.

RUSSIAN COMMUNISM: You have two cows. You have to take care of them, but the government takes all the milk.

CAMBODIAN COMMUNISM: You have two cows. The government takes both of them and shoots you.

DICTATORSHIP: You have two cows. The government takes both and drafts you.

PURE DEMOCRACY: You have two cows. Your neighbors decide who gets the milk.

REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY: You have two cows. Your neighbors pick someone to tell you who gets the milk.

BUREAUCRACY: You have two cows. At first the government regulates what you can feed them and when you can milk them. Then it pays you not to milk them. Then it takes both, shoots one, milks the other and pours the milk down the drain. Then it requires you to fill out forms accounting for the missing cows.

PURE ANARCHY: You have two cows. Either you sell the milk at a fair price or your neighbors try to take the cows and kill you.

LIBERTARIAN/ANARCHO-CAPITALISM: You have two cows. You sell one and buy a bull.

SURREALISM: You have two giraffes. The government requires you to take harmonica lessons.

(Original source unknown . . . this version expanded and Illuminated by SJ.)

Boys will always be boys

 A new lady teacher came to teach 8th standard students. As it was the
 first day, she gave her intro, and asked all the students to Introduce
 themselves with name and hobby. She said, "Let's start with the boys
 first". Boys start giving their intro...

 First boy: "My name is John, and my hobby is to see bubble in the
 Bathtub".

 Teacher was confused to listen but said, "Interesting. Well, Ok. In
fact,
 we must be honest in telling the hobby. And after all there is
essentially
 a child in each of us. So it's ok John. Yes next".

 Second boy: "Myself Peter and my hobby is to see bubble in the
bathtub."

 Teacher now got surprised and said, "Good. I like the spirit of
supporting
 a friend. Ok next".

 Third boy: "I'm Smith and my hobby is to see bubble in the bathtub".

 Teacher: "Guys are you joking or what? Please be sincere. Ok next".

 This continues...

 And the last boy stands up "I'm Harry and my hobby is to see Bubble in
the
 bathtub".

 Exhausted, the teacher said, "I don't think I will be able to teach
 un-grown boys for long. Anyway, now the girls please."

 First girl: "I'm Julie and my hobby is to see birds".

 Teacher: "Good. At last I got something different. Ok next".

 Second girl: "I'm Ruby and I like to collect perfumes".

 Teacher "Now it's like educated grown up girls. Ok next.
 You sweet Girl; Yes you..."

 Most beautiful girl of the class gets up:

 "Mam, my name is Bubble, and my hobby is to take bath three times a
day".

Moses on His Walkie Talkie

Moses on His Walkie Talkie

Nine year old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned at Sunday school.

"Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

"When he got to the Red Sea, he had his engineers build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely.

"Then he used his walkie-talkie to radio headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved."

"Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?" his mother asked.

"Well, no. But if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!"

A Few Dont's

A Few DON'Ts

Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special.

Don't set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you.

Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as you would your life, for without them, life is meaningless.

Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live ALL the days of your life.

Don't give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.

Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. It is this fragile thread that binds us together.

Don't be afraid to encounter risks It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.

Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find. The quickest way to receive love is to give; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly; and the best way to keep love is to give it wings.

Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only where you've been, but also where you are going.

Don't forget that a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.

Don't be afraid to learn. Knowledge is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily.

Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved.

Getting Ready For a Trip

Getting Ready For a Trip

A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him in front of the service station.

Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump."Reverend," said the young man, "Sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip."

The minister chuckled, "I know what you mean. It's the same in my business."

A Purpose

A Purpose

We all have some kind of purpose on this earth,
It's not to hurt people or tell them their worth.
Everyone was put here with an equal chance,
Take a look around you, take a good long glance.

Some were meant to heal, and some to teach,
Some are used to build, and some to reach.
You may not know your purpose just yet,
God will tell you, when he knows you are set.

Don't rush your fate, it has already been planned.
And God will always be there to lend a helping hand.
You will go through times that are really rough,
But you will always have someone, when the going gets tough.

Don't judge others, for when you do,
There is always someone else, judging you.
Think about things before they are said,
Say your prayers before going off to bed.

Take time just to sit, and observe all things,
A flower and it's petals, or a bird and it's wings.
For when you just look at what is around,
A new aspect on life could be what you have found.

Live for today, live one day at a time.
Live for yourself, and for God, that's no crime.
For when you do all these things to make your life great,
You will find your way to the pearly white gate.

Keep Believing in Yourself...

Keep Believing in Yourself...

There may be days when you get up in the morning and things aren't the way you had hoped they would be.

That's when you have to tell yourself that things will get better. There are times when people disappoint you and let you down.

But those are the times when you must remind yourself to trust your own judgments and opinions, to keep your life focused on believing in yourself.

There will be challenges to face and changes to make in your life, and it is up to you to accept them.

Constantly keep yourself headed in the right direction for you. It may not be easy at times, but in those times of struggle you will find a stronger sense of who you are.

So when the days come that are filled with frustration and unexpected responsibilities, remember to believe in yourself and all you want your life to be.

Because the challenges and changes will only help you to find the goals that you know are meant to come true for you.

Keep Believing in Yourself...

Persistence

Persistence

One of the keys to being successful in anything you do is persistence. Once you have determined exactly what it is you want to accomplish, you must take massive action on a consistent, persistent basis in order to succeed. Think of it like building a muscle. If you have never weight trained before, the first time you walk into a gym, chances are you will not be able to bench press 250 lbs. However, if you are persistent, and you consistently go back to the gym, you will find yourself getting stronger and closer to your goal with each and every visit.

One of the things you'll notice on your journey towards your goal, are roadblocks. That is, you will encounter obstacles that seem to jump out of nowhere in an attempt to halt your progress. Count on these obstacles. They are a part of life. Everyone would have every success they ever wanted if there were no obstacles. Your job is to be persistent and work through those obstacles. If you find little or no obstacles along the way, chances are you are not really challenging yourself. And when you do reach your goal, you won't experience the feeling of 'sweet success'. Make your goal a challenging one!

If you take the time to study any successful person, you will learn that the vast majority of them have had more 'failures' than they have had 'successes'. This is because successful people are persistent; the more they stumble and fall, the more they get right back up and get going again. On the other hand, people that don't get back up and try again, never reach success. For example, Walt Disney was turned down 302 times before he got financing for his dream of creating the "Happiest Place on Earth". Today, due to his persistence, millions of people have shared 'the joy of Disney'. Colonel Sanders spent two years driving across the United States looking for restaurants to buy his chicken recipe. He was turned down 1,009 times! How successful is Kentucky Fried Chicken today?

Having said this, keep in mind that you must constantly reevaluate your circumstances and the approach you are using to reach your goal. There is no sense in being persistent at something that you are doing incorrectly! Sometimes you have to modify your approach along the way. Every time you do something you learn from it, and therefore find a better way to do it the next time.

Today is the day to begin your journey, using consistency and persistency, towards tomorrow's successes!

A Penny

A Penny

Several years ago, a friend and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. The woman was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house.

The first day and evening went well, and my friend was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants.

Knowing she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, she was enjoying herself immensely.

As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of his guests. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.

There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.

He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. "How absurd!" she thought. What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?

Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She causally mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.

A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?

"Look at it," He said. "Read what it says."

She read the words "United States of America."

"No, not that; read further."

"One cent?"

"No, keep reading."

"In God we Trust?"

"Yes!"

"And?"

"And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!"

When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, "In God We Trust," and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.

I was not speeding.....

An older lady gets pulled over for speeding...
Older Woman: Is there a problem, Officer?

Officer: Ma'am, you were speeding.

Older Woman: Oh, I see.

Officer: Can I see your license please?

Older Woman: I'd give it to you but I don't have one.

Officer: Don't have one?

Older Woman: Lost it, 4 years ago for drunk driving.

Officer: I see...Can I see your vehicle registration papers please.

Older Woman: I can't do that.

Officer: Why not?

Older Woman: I stole this car.

Officer: Stole it?

Older Woman: Yes, and I killed and hacked up the owner.

Officer: You what?

Older Woman: His body parts are in plastic bags in the trunk if you want to see

The Officer looks at the woman and slowly backs away to his car and calls for back up. Within minutes 5 police cars circle the car. A senior officer slowly approaches the car, clasping his half drawn gun.

Officer 2: Ma'am, could you step out of your vehicle please! The woman steps out of her vehicle.

Older woman: Is there a problem sir?

Officer 2: One of my officers told me that you have

 

stolen this car and murdered the owner.

Older Woman: Murdered the owner?

Officer 2: Yes, could you please open the trunk

of your car, please.

The woman opens the trunk, revealing nothing but

an empty trunk.

Officer 2: Is this your car, ma'am?

Older Woman: Yes, here are the registration papers.

The officer is quite stunned.

Officer 2: One of my officers claims that you do not have a driving license

The woman digs into her handbag and pulls out a clutch purse and hands it to the officer.

The officer examines the license. He looks quite puzzled.

Officer 2: Thank you ma'am, one of my officers told me you didn't have a license, that you stole this car, and that you murdered and hacked up the owner.

Older Woman: Bet the liar told you I was speeding, too.

Strengthened By The Hands Of God

Strengthened By The Hands Of God   

Mental health institutions throughout the world have reported a noticeable increase in the number of patients suffering from chronic depression and all forms of mental disorders. When a man carries burdens in his soul beyond what he can bear, the mind will have to give way under the crushing weight of those burdens. It is never the desire of God to see mankind breaking under the crushing weight of anxiety and cares. The wonderful loving words of Jesus echoes throughout the ages.

Genesis 49:23-24 The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)

The life of Joseph, a son of Jacob, was one of the most inspiring accounts in the Bible. Although Joseph became the Prime Minister of Egypt and lived at ease and luxury, Jacob reminded Joseph of the troubles and the evil circumstances that he had overcome with help from God.

Jacob was reminding Joseph never to forget the great goodness and faithfulness that God had demonstrated. He likened Joseph's former evil circumstances as archers who shot fiery arrows of evil accusations and mischief against him. Those skillful mischief- makers who were motivated by the devil to destroy Joseph did not prevail against him. Master schemers and great evil doers came against Joseph. Poisonous darts were shot at Joseph.

They did cause grief and pain to Joseph. But Joseph did not give up on God. Instead of bowing down to the circumstances, Joseph presses on.

Beloved, don't bow down to the circumstances. We only bow down to Jesus Christ. When we submit ourselves to the Lordship and authority of Jesus Christ, we will never need to bow down to any circumstance for God 'hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.-( Ephesians 2:6)'

What does a Christian gain if he gives up on God? What will a Christian lose if he presses on in the things of God?

God strengthened Joseph above the grief of the circumstances. His faithfulness towards us is new every morning (Lam 3:23). Let us not forget that the first thing that greets us every morning is the wonderful blessed faithfulness of God. If God is faithful to you, what is there to fear? What is there to worry about? Everything can be resolved for the Faithful One will surely help you.

Genesis 49:24 But his bow remained strong and steady and rested in the Strength that does not fail him, for the arms of his hands were made strong and active by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel. (Amplified)

The faith of Joseph did not weaken under those cruel circumstances. He came off as a conqueror. His hands were made strong by the hands of God. God's hands were upon the hands of Joseph. Joseph was able to go through those seasons of extreme difficulties in his life victoriously because God is the God who strengthens His people. God's strength will not fail us.

Hell and circumstances may shoot its fiery darts at the saints of God but He protects, strengthens us and He will crown us with victories. Truly,

Psalms 121:4-8 Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore. (NKJ)

All our strength to overcome and conquer comes from God. His grace is sufficient and His strength is perfected in our weakness.

May you choose to walk after His Strength and not after your weakness. May you choose to be strengthened by Him always and not to be weakened by circumstances. May you increase from strength to strength and faith to faith. I call you blessed of the Most High God!

Pastor John Shepherd Lim
Living Faith Church, Singapore

The Cake

The Cake

Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is a way to keep things in perspective!

A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely Mom, I love your cake."

"Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers. "Yuck" says her daughter.

"How about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!"

"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Mom, those are all yucky!"

To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.

Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.

Happy moments, Praise God.
Difficult moments, Seek God.
Quiet moments, Worship God.
Painful moments, Trust God.
Every moment, Thank God.

Actual Product Warnings

Various lists of supposedly “real” product warnings have been going around for a long time, and we’ve all seen enough with our own eyes on step ladders and knife sharpeners to find these believable.

 
On a Sears hairdryer:

...Do not use while sleeping.

(darn, and that's the only time I have to work on my hair.)

 

On a bag of Fritos:

...You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside.

(the shoplifter special?)

 

On a bar of Dial soap:

"Directions: Use like regular soap."

(and that would be???....)

 

On some Swanson frozen dinners:

"Serving suggestion: Defrost."

(but, it's just a suggestion.)

 

On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom):

"Do not turn upside down."

(well...duh, a bit late, huh!)

 

On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding:

"Product will be hot after heating."

(...and you thought????...)

 

On Nytol Sleep Aid:

"Warning: May cause drowsiness."

(and...I'm taking this because???....)

 

On most brands of Christmas lights:

"For indoor or outdoor use only."

(as opposed to...what?)

 

On a Japanese food processor:

"Not to be used for the other use."

(now, somebody help me on this. I'm a bit curious.)

 

On Sainsbury's peanuts:

"Warning: contains nuts."

(talk about a news flash)

 

On an American Airlines packet of nuts:

"Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts."

(Step 3: maybe, uh...fly Delta?)

 

On a child's superman costume:

"Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly."

(I don't blame the company. I blame the parents for this one.)

 

On a Swedish chainsaw:

"Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals."

(Was there really a lot of this happening somewhere?)

Quote

Hoping and dreaming of a better world are not enough if we are unwilling to work; but when we work towards our dreams, wonderful things can happen. Lloyd Newell

Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together. Vincent Van Gogh

You don't have to be a fantastic hero to do certain things“ to compete. You can be just an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated to reach challenging goals. Sir Edmund Hillary

Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstances. Bruce Barton

Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved. William Jennings Bryan

If we are striving, if we are working, if we are trying, to the best of our ability, to improve day by day, then we are in the line of our duty. Heber J. Grant

Listen Up People!

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Check out his site at http://axelandsusan.blogspot.com/

Seven Blunders of the World

"Seven Blunders of the World"

1. Wealth without work

2. Pleasure without conscience

3. Knowledge without character

4. Commerce without morality

5. Science without humanity

6. Worship without sacrifice

7. Politics without principle

—Mahatma Gandhi

How The Mind Reads

The 86 Rules of Boozing

1. If you owe someone money, always pay them back in a bar. Preferably during happy hour.

2. Always toast before doing a shot.

3. Whoever buys the shot gets the first chance to offer a toast.

4. Change your toast at least once a month.

5. Buying someone a drink is five times better than a handshake.

6. Buying a strange woman a drink is still cool. Buying all her drinks is dumb.

7. Never borrow more than one cigarette from the same person in one night.

8. When the bartender is slammed, resist the powerful urge to order a slightly-dirty, very-dry, in-and-out, super-chilled half-and-half martini with a lemon twist. Limit orders to beer, straight shots and two-part cocktails.

9. Get the bartender's attention with eye contact and a smile.

10. Do not make eye contact with the bartender if you do not want a drink.

11. Unacceptable things to say after doing a shot: Great, now I'm going to get drunk. I hate shots. It's coming back up.

12. Never, ever tell a bartender he made your drink too strong.

13. If he makes it too weak, order a double next time. He'll get the message.

14. If you offer to buy a woman a drink and she refuses, she does not like you.

15. If you offer to buy a woman a drink and she accepts, she still might not like you.

16. If she buys you a drink, she likes you.

17. If someone offers to buy you a drink, do not upgrade your liquor preference.

18. Always have a corkscrew in your house.

19. If you don't have a corkscrew, push the cork down into the bottle with a pen.

20. Drink one girly drink in public and you will forever be known as the guy who drinks girly drinks.

21. Our parents were better drinkers than we are.

22. Never talk to someone in the restroom unless you're doing the same thing—urinating, waiting in line or washing your hands.

23. Girls hang out, apply make-up, and have long talks in the bathroom. Men do not.

24. After your sixth drink, do not look at yourself in the mirror. It will shake your confidence.

25. It is only permissible to shout 'woo-hoo!' if you are doing a shot with four or more people.

26. If there is a d.j., you can request a song only once per night. If he doesn't play it within half an hour, do not approach him again. If he does play it, do not approach him again.

27. Learn how to make a rose out of a bar napkin. You'll be surprised how well it works.

28. If you can't afford to tip, you can't afford to drink in a bar. Go to the liquor store.

29. If you owe someone twenty dollars or less, you may pay them back in beer.

30. Never complain about the quality or brand of a free drink.

31. If you have been roommates with someone more than six months, you may drink all their beer, even if it's hidden, as long as you leave them one.

32. You can have a shot of their hard liquor only if the cap has been cracked and the bottle goes for less than $25.

33. The only thing that tastes better than free liquor is stolen liquor.

34. If you bring Old Milwaukee to a party, you must drink at least two cans before you start drinking the imported beer in the fridge.

35. Learn to appreciate hangovers. If it was all good times every jackass would be doing it.

36. If you ever feel depressed, get out a bartender's guide and browse through all the drinks you've never tried.

37. Try one new drink each week.

38. If you are the bar's sole customer, you are obliged to make small talk with the bartender until he stops acknowledging you. Then you're off the hook. The same goes for him.

39. Never tip with coins that have touched you. If your change is $1.50, you can tell the barmaid to keep the change, but once she has handed it to you, you cannot give it back. To a bartender or cocktail waitress, small change has no value.

40. If you have ever told a bartender, "Hey, it all spends the same," then you are a cheap ass.

41. Anyone on stage or behind a bar is fifty percent better looking.

42. You can tell how hard a drinker someone is by how close they keep their drink to their mouth.

43. A bar is a college, not a nursery. If you spill a beer, clean it up. If you break a glass, wait for a staff member to clean it up, then blame it on someone else.

44. Being drunk is feeling sophisticated without being able to say it.

45. It's okay to drink alone.

46. After three drinks, you will forget a woman's name two seconds after she tells you. The rest of the night you will call her "baby" or "darling".

47. Nothing screams 'nancy boy' louder than swirling an oversized brandy snifter.

48. Men don't drink from straws. Unless you're doing a Mind or Face Eraser.

49. If you do a shot, finish it. If you don't plan to finish it, don't accept it.

50. Never brood in a dance bar. Never dance in a dive bar.

51. Never play more than three songs by the same artist in a row.

52. Your songs will come on as you're leaving the bar.

53. Never yell out jukebox selections to someone you don't know.

54. Never lie in a bar. You may, however, grossly exaggerate and lean.

55. If you think you might be slurring a little, then you are slurring a lot. If you think you are slurring a lot, then you are not speaking English.

56. Screaming, "Someone buy me a drink!" has never worked.

57. For every drink, there is a five percent better chance you will get in a fight. There is also a three percent better chance you will lose the fight.

58. Fighting an extremely drunk person when you are sober is hilarious.

59. If you are broke and a friend is "sporting you", you must laugh at all his jokes and play wingman when he makes his move.

60. If you are broke and a friend is "making sport of you", you may steal any drink he leaves unattended.

61. Never rest your head on a table or bar top. It is the equivalent of voluntarily putting your head on a chopping block.

62. If you are trading rounds with a friend and he asks if you're ready for another, always say yes. Once you fall out of sync you will end up buying more drinks than him.

63. If you're going to hit on a member of the bar staff, make sure you tip well before and after, regardless of her response.

64. The people with the most money are rarely the best tippers.

65. Before you die, single-handedly make one decent martini.

66. Asking a bartender what beers are on tap when the handles are right in front of you is the equivalent of saying, "I'm an idiot."

67. Never ask a bartender "what's good tonight?" They do not fly in the scotch fresh from the coast every morning.

68. If there is a line for drinks, get your goddamn drink and step the hell away from the bar.

69. If there is ever any confusion, the fuller beer is yours.

70. The patrons at your local bar are your extended family, your fathers and mothers, your brothers and sisters. Except you get to sleep with these sisters. And if you're really drunk, the mothers.

71. It's acceptable, traditional in fact, to disappear during a night of hard drinking. You will appear mysterious and your friends will understand. If they even notice.

72. Never argue your tab at the end of the night. Remember, you're hammered and they're sober. It's akin to a precocious five-year-old arguing the super-string theory with a physicist. 99.9% of the time you're wrong and either way you're going to come off as a jackass.

73. If you bring booze to a party, you must drink it or leave it.

74. If you hesitate more than three seconds after the bartender looks at you, you do not deserve a drink.

75. Beer makes you mellow, champagne makes you silly, wine makes you dramatic, tequila makes you felonious.

76. The greatest thing a drunkard can do is buy a round of drinks for a packed bar.

77. Never preface a conversation with a bartender with "I know this is going to be a hassle, but . . ."

78. When you're in a bar and drunk, your boss is just another guy begging for a fat lip. Unless he's buying.

79. If you are 86'd, do not return for at least three months. To come back sooner makes it appear no other bar wants you.

80. Anyone with three or more drinks in his hands has the right of way.

81. If you're going to drink on the job, drink vodka. It's the no-tell liquor.

82. There's nothing wrong with drinking before noon. Especially if you're supposed to be at work.

83. The bar clock moves twice as fast from midnight to last call.

84. A flask engraved with a personal message is one of the best gifts you can ever give. And make sure there's something in it.

85. On the intimacy scale, sharing a quiet drink is between a handshake and a kiss.

86. You will forget every one of these rules by your fifth drink.

--Frank Rich

The original website can be found here : http://www.moderndrunkardmagazine.com/issues/01-02/01_02_booze_rules.htm