Sunday thoughts...

Hi

How's everyone doing? Started revision I hope? 

Haven't been updating as you know how busy both teachers and students are at the end of the term as we prepare for exams. 

My family members are watching the F1 Grand Prix on tv now and I still cannot comprehend the 'enjoyment' of watching life-sized Tamiya cars going 61 laps round the Marina Bay circuit. Well, to each his own. I'd rather read a book, which I've been doing for the most part of the day. 

This morning while having breakfast at the Eunos hawker centre, an elderly came forward and asked if I could 'help' him. He said he was hungry and had no money to eat. I dished out $2 and gave it to him no questions asked, and he thanked me and walked away.

My brother asked me if I ever thought he would be a swindler. I don't rule out the possibility, but what if he wasn't and was really hungry? $2 is not a big sum, but if it could fill someone's stomach for a while, why not? And it must be very humiliating for someone to beg for food  - if the person really had the money would he swallow his pride and do such a thing?

A Lama once spoke about 'giving' in a Dharma class which I've attended. He said that in order to receive, one must give when someone is in need He meant that as a true Buddhist one must try his best to give.

He recounted one of his trips to China and there were many beggars on the street. They were all in need - but how to give so many people? He told us his method - 'Give smart'. He had already prepared many RMB$1 notes in his bag and dished out to any beggar who came up to him. RMB$1 is about SGD$0.25. A tiny sum, but it benefit many people at one go. That is also to say - it doesn't matter the sum of money that one gives. It is the act and intention of giving that is important.

So, my point is,  as you look at how lucky your life has been, you must remember to spare a thought for the poor. If someone begs you for money, are you going to doubt him and suspect him as a swindler? Or you'd rather give him the benefit of the doubt and act on kindness? The answer is in your heart. 

PWS

The Public Warning System (PWS) blasted at 12 noon in the middle of Geog lesson at 2D and suddenly one or two boys started waving their arms in the air, not in any sense of panic but in a very relaxed manner, exactly like what what one would witness Singaporeans do during the sing-along sessions on National Day.

Soon enough, the whole class waved as the siren went on for the next min or so. 

If it was a synchronised class spirit event, 2D would have won hands down with their languid swaying of arms in the air with precision.  *rolls eyes*

In any case, what puzzled me at that instant was why did the siren go off today? Shouldn't PWS sounding take place every 1st day of the month only? For a while I thought MAYBE it was something serious. But 2D remained so calm and composed and well, I choose to believe that it was just another exercise, since it was sounded at noon anyway. 

I did a search and was reminded that today - 15 Sept 2008 - is Civil Defence Day! Hence the PWS sounding. In any case, although it is just an exercise, do you know what to do should it be a real wartime emergency? 

PWS sounding will be activated should there be an imminent air-raid or shelling. Upon hearing the wailing signals, you should find your way to the nearest air-raid shelter and listen to the radio for information. 

Speaking of which, there isn't any air-raid shelter for me since I live in a private house. Think I will just hide in my room and pray for the best if I'm at home.

Question: Should there be an air-raid one day and you are within VS premises, where would you run to hide?