Outliers: The Story of Success (Malcolm Gladwell)

So we hear that the people are successful because "they're just born for it" or "they worked hard at it". Ever wondered if there were other factors at play that contributed to their successes?

Outliers, a book authored by Malcolm Gladwell, offers some convincing evidences that there ARE various factors that contribute to success stories other than just mere inborn talent. Factors range from those that are within the individual's control (like the mileage one has to clock in one's choice of trade), to those that are beyond the individual's power (like sports league schedules...hehe). Success stories like Bill Gates and The Beatles are examined in the process. The book basically sets out to correct what Gladwell described: "the biggest misconception about success is that we do it solely on our smarts, ambition, hustle and hard work".

Reading the book made me snicker constantly at the ironies that pop up along the way. An interesting read and definitely recommended.

Can you hear the sound of the static noise...

Thank you Green Day, for a truly entertaining rock show in Singapore!

The show ended appropriately with..."it's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right, i hope u had the time of your life..."

2009 Moments

Memorable moments of 2009, in no particular order.

I thee wed
They say a man isn't complete until he's married. When he is, he's finished. Last year, I was finished...errr, I mean, completed :) God brought two imperfect people together who fit each other perfectly. Been a great journey so far, going to be a great journey, and I'm enjoying every second of it.

Then she fell ill...
My poor wife contracted tuberculosis (TB). Thank God for His grace in seeing her through the healing period. I speak for both of us when I say that much good has come out of this episode.

So I went & planted corals...
I learnt much in the process of participating in Mabul Marine Week (July 2009), particularly in coral transplanting. I wonder how my lil' acropora's doing...

Gone diving...
Kaleebso (Pulau Sembilan), Weh, Tenggol (so glad that there's an east coast island still rich in marine life) and Sipadan....the underwater world never ceases to amaze me. How great Thou art!

Whoever said turtles were slow?
Volunteering with WWF in their turtle conservation programme was a highlight. I've seen turtles swimming smooth & quick underwater, but man, I saw with my own eyes on this trip how quick they can be on land as well when in the thick of danger. To find out more about WWF's turtle conservation programme in Malaysia, click HERE.

Two From Galilee
Being involved in this musical drama with The Canticle Singers was indeed an enriching experience.

Getting to know you...
Getting to know the three girls better...Aeslinn, Ariadne & Anishea...and watching them grow is a great blessing.

Berkat Tuhan
Seeing how the Indonesian domestic helpers hunger for God's word, witnessing them deciding to follow Jesus, watching them grow, talking through their struggles...so thankful to God for being able to share in this ministry.

If Bethlehem were today...
Such was the title of our church's Christmas play, which I had the privilege of being involved in. Great to see the audience understanding the message & enjoying the play...and also a blessing to see the youth getting themselves involved & committed to something like this, which will hopefully be an enriching experience for them.

Here's to a blessed new year ahead!