tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87449122012-02-24T13:49:27.680+08:00defensedefumer's apologetic site. Happiness, there's grace! Not just for us but the whole human race!defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.comBlogger2041100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-21684188257193849982012-02-15T15:37:00.006+08:002012-02-16T10:20:50.727+08:00

During this year's Chinese New Year, my family and I decided to watch Wicked, the musical. It tells the familiar story of The Wizard of Oz, but in an unconventional way. Synopsis Without ruining anything, I shall summarise the story. The story is told from the perspective of Glinda the Good and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. The story takes place before, during and after the events of

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Tower of Pisa, Italy 2009 Galileo, the man, the myth Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) is often portrayed as a man ahead of his time. After all, he was a brilliant astronomer and mathematician. Appointed to the chair of the University of Pisa in 1589, he was spent the next twenty years making groundbreaking scientific discoveries. The story of the man himself is often used as an example of how

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It is often touted that Christians are actually atheists. The author of The God Delusion, Richard Dawkins has said that Christians are actually atheists with respect to Greek gods (such as Zeus) and the Norse gods (such as Thor and Odin). But it makes no sense! However, what defines an atheist is the lack of belief in ALL gods, not just simply one god. To make the statement that "Christianity

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-11934505959626415442012-01-07T12:32:00.000+08:002012-01-07T12:32:17.543+08:00

A collection of beetles (Coleoptera)  My new careerI have some great news! I just started my term at NIE (National Institute of Education)! For those not in the know, I am now a student at an institute that trains teachers. This grants me my long, sought-after relief from academia. I will now be spending one year learning how to teach.  My timetable appears rather hectic, so as a result,

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  City Airport Train, Vienna, Austria 2011 Triple train trouble! In December 2011, Singapore (my country) suffered three major train (a.k.a. MRT [Mass Rapid Transit]) disruptions. As these incidents were consider the worst malfunctions in the 24-year history of the MRT, many have called the CEO to step down. Having studied in London for the past 4 years, I was initially quite surprised by such

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[Author's note: The following post is dedicated to Dishon, who is interested in what happened to England during the Reformation] Leeds Castle, UK, September 2011 Pre-Reformation Britain Robert Grosseteste England and Scotland, although not the most powerful countries at those times has a unique relationship with the Reformation. For instance, long before Luther came up with his

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-2636064099933968302011-11-10T01:18:00.001+08:002011-11-10T01:19:18.495+08:00

[Editor's note: In December 2008, the British newspaper The Times posted an interesting article on aid in Africa by atheist journalist, Matthew Parris. I have reposted it in this blog.] Lake Victoria, Uganda, 2009 Before Christmas I returned, after 45 years, to the country that as a boy I knew as Nyasaland. Today it's Malawi, and The Times Christmas Appeal includes a small British charity

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-60788842720912813082011-10-04T20:02:00.002+08:002012-02-06T16:25:24.923+08:00

Recently, the webcomic Gutters portrayed the New Testament as a reboot of the Old Testament, parodying the 2011 DC comics reboot. Wait... what is a reboot? In the comic industry, a reboot is to discard all or much of previous continuity of the series to accomodate new ideas. An example of this in the film industry is the 2005 movie Batman Begins, which discards canon in the previous canon. So

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-40057289655803967992011-08-10T16:58:00.004+08:002011-10-04T20:04:06.889+08:00

Holocaust memorial in Berlin, 2008 One of the greatest atrocities commited in the history of mankind was the attempted mass extermination of the Jews by Nazi Germany. This event, known as the Holocaust, killed about 6 million Jews in Europe (about two-thirds of European Jews), and millions of others whom the Nazis deemed "weak" such as the Slaves, the Gypsies and the infirmed. In order to sway

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Vatican City 2009 [Note: This post is dedicated to my Christian friends whom I known (from Singapore and the UK) over the past 4 years. This is for all those who wanted to know more about the Reformation, but was overloaded by Wikipedia.] Say the word Reformation, and immediately many people have different ideas. Images of burning pyres and running nuns as the Protestants led by Martin Luther

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-28986977036547677902011-06-09T04:55:00.000+08:002011-06-09T04:55:46.475+08:00

God as first cause One of the common arguments for the existence of God is the assertion of God as first cause. In other words, the presence of a finely-tuned created universe implies the presence of a creator (Rees, 2003). However, the common rebuttal to this is that if God had created the universe/world/nature, what/who created God (Dawkins, 2006)? This is a retort makes two suggestions: 1)

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-65971343712379384682011-05-06T09:45:00.001+08:002012-02-17T16:40:17.379+08:00

 Recently as you may know, a royal wedding took place in the United Kingdom. Yes, I'm talking about the wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince Harry. I watched the wedding from my friends' laptops-- my friends and I was stuck in the laboratory sorting spiders, insects and other invertebrates, while we streamed the wedding online. Personally, I was amazed by how grand the wedding was. The multitude

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Poor apologetics One of the most common mistakes that most of my Christian friends (and I) make is to jump into a direct rebuttal to our non-Christian friends. However, that demostrates poor listening skills. Often people expressed an opinion (in this case on the fairness of God), we give them 101 reasons or examples why God is fair. But we need to get to the heart of the issue-- what do they

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-6890903202074502712011-03-18T13:25:00.000+08:002011-03-07T13:25:33.053+08:00

An admission of guilt? Apologetics (in this context) is simply the defence of the Christian gospel and faith. Often mistaken for an admission of guilt, failure or fault, an apologetic (or apology) involves give an answer (or a reasoned response) to explain certain beliefs or actions. Technically sepaking, a defence lawyer would be giving apologies all the time, but they are not admissions of

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-5001654169570697562011-03-03T08:09:00.006+08:002012-02-17T16:40:58.780+08:00

Recently, an article in the Guardian (a British newspaper) criticised on how much Protestants value the Bible over God. While it is well-written, I find some points raised questionable, and will attempt to handle them here. I encourage you guys to go take a look. Bear in mind that I am probably not as well-read in Christian history or theology as the author (Stephen Tomkins) in Guardian (I am

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-6766710683903303502011-02-20T12:30:00.004+08:002012-02-17T16:43:06.961+08:00

My friend, who is doing a Masters in art asked if I wanted to watch a Japanese film with her. The last Japan films I watched were of the Death Note series, and it was L: Change the World. So wondering what the film was like, I decided to watch Confessions with her. After all, it was an Academy Award nominee, so it had to be at least a decent film. Confessions tells the story of a teacher who

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-24712666689873003872011-01-30T10:15:00.002+08:002012-02-17T16:42:03.703+08:00

Premise Based on a play with the same name, this 2005 film starts of with Catherine (Gwyneth Paltrow) attempting to get over her father's (Anthony Hopkins) death. Her father, Robert was a great mathematician who had declined into insanity in his older days. Robert's student, Harold (Jake Gyllenhaal) frequently goes through Robert's notebooks, hoping to find a mathematical breakthrough.

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-70142486657722564002011-01-03T10:31:00.002+08:002011-11-16T23:46:00.344+08:00

Is the Bible complete or is it not? I wonder what people usually mean that when they claim the Bible is missing some books. I guess it maybe comes from the view point whether the Christian Bible is divinely or humanly inspired. I always found it logically inconsistent on both accounts. Divinely-inspired Few critics who say this would also claim that the Bible is God-breathed. Let's for

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-3077391769341130012010-12-28T07:26:00.000+08:002010-12-28T07:26:11.116+08:00

What is the Trinity? Do Christians worship three gods? This is one of the most misunderstood ideas about Christianity. In fact, some critics of Christianity accuse Christians as worshipping three gods (i.e. polytheism) instead of one. Although complicated to understand, Christians do not believe in three gods, or that God himself dons three masks in the course of human history. Rather, it is one

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-25704838054015394522010-12-26T18:15:00.004+08:002011-03-08T11:05:07.256+08:00

It is one of the most powerful questions I ever encountered, and it was one of the questions that drove me away from Christianity in my younger days. Yet years later, the same question drove me back to Christianity. So let's try to handle the question-- how can a omnipotent and benevolent God allow evil in the world? Assumptions Let's put into things into perspective. The question states three

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-12601409327197695862010-12-25T10:21:00.001+08:002010-12-25T10:21:01.955+08:00

Hello readers! Currently I am busy with school so this blog has not been updated for a while. Nevertheless, I will post something soon. In the meantime, MERRY CHRISTMAS! God bless, defensedefumer

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-65395662953894985732010-09-09T01:28:00.002+08:002012-01-30T23:44:43.049+08:00

A Singaporean Comic Book/Graphic Novel I must confess-- I like reading comics. However, I have not read any Singaporean comic since the Mr. Kiasu series many, many years ago. When I saw this graphic novel on the shelf in the library, I could not resist the chance to pick it up. After all, if I do not support our local authors and artists, who will? Opening Shot The cover art (particularly its

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-58736613981523868052010-09-08T00:30:00.000+08:002010-09-08T00:30:16.645+08:00

A big issue This is one of the central issues of Christianity. Christians (like myself) view Jesus as God, many people view Jesus as a great moral teacher and yet there are few who said in Jesus was just a myth. For this post, I will be focusing almost exclusively on four Gospels of the New Testament, on why Christians believe that Jesus is God. The God who was there In the 2005 DVD The God

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-81817794508959990122010-08-27T21:28:00.001+08:002010-09-07T14:16:40.747+08:00

Pitting one's authority over the other You know how sometimes you feel that during a discussion you must object to something. For instance, my friend said that the Bible was "full of contradictions" (I will handle this argument in a future post). The most natural comment that most people (in my position as a Christian) would make is , "no, it isn't." But such a comment is not helpful to a

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-23205390154075882272010-08-21T00:43:00.001+08:002012-01-30T23:41:30.451+08:00

A short synopsis Merlin had three students, Balthazar (Nicholas Cage), Veronica (Monica Bellucci) and Maxim (Alfred Molina). Jealous of Veronica's relationship with Balthazar, Maxim betrays Merlin by siding with Merlin's nemesis, Morgana le Fay (Alice Krige). Morgana slays Merlin and possesses Veronica, forcing Balthazar to imprison Mazim and Veronica in a Grimhold (a magical prison resembling a

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-8724273553936082010-08-16T23:21:00.000+08:002010-08-16T23:21:53.255+08:00

In my days as an undergraduate, I wonder if it was normal for religious students like myself to participate in interfaith discussions. Maybe it is just me. Maybe it is the university, or maybe it is the country (in my case, UK). But anyway, here's a post about some tips in entering such discussions (most of them are no-brainers). 1) Be honest That is the number one, unwritten rule at such

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-88799088237022473262010-08-13T03:25:00.001+08:002010-08-13T03:28:49.378+08:00

The Prosperity Gospel Before I talk about the theology of the prosperity gospel, I must define it to be clear. Prosperity theology is the belief that God provides material prosperity for those whom He favours. To be put it simply, adherents believe that they have a divine right to wealth and health and they can obtain such blessings via positive confessions of faith and regular tithes and

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-6064206613659908112010-08-09T23:52:00.001+08:002010-08-13T00:59:02.047+08:00

Science contradicts the Bible, doesn't it? Well, it depends what we mean. If you mean stuff like the theory of evolution and radioactivity disproves an ultra- literal reading of Genesis, because it shows that the world is 4.5 billion years, or that death occured before the emergence of humans, then maybe yes.  But let's be serious here. Ignoring arguments from well-meaning creationist or

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-3116561202156463802010-08-04T14:20:00.002+08:002012-01-30T23:19:06.353+08:00

Here's another viewpoint, more eloquently expressed about the movie Inception. http://chud.com/articles/articles/24477/1/NEVER-WAKE-UP-THE-MEANING-AND-SECRET-OF-INCEPTION/Page1.html

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-50884883408200323292010-07-30T23:08:00.001+08:002010-08-13T00:51:47.883+08:00

In simple terms... I am just a follower of Jesus and His teachings. I guess that would make me mainstream Protestant. That said, I do consider the members of the Roman Catholic Church my fellow siblings-in-Christ. The church I attend is Methodist, but I see only minor theological differences between that denomination and other mainstream Protestantism Chruches. However.. While I treat the

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-36724207849975095222010-07-27T13:21:00.002+08:002010-08-13T00:58:47.947+08:00

The evolution of a society Ever heard of the argument? It goes along the lines of the following: 1) Primitive societies survive better organised than disorganised 2) Religions come about to better organise societies. 3) Hence religions, being evolutionary successful, rather than true persists through time. 4) Individuals bearing differing views are weeded out. They have to accept the

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-54848441829617451032010-07-26T14:08:00.005+08:002012-01-30T23:18:28.283+08:00

I watched the movie Inception recently, and it was really good. Beautifully written, the film explores the concept of 'extraction' in which ideas can be extracted from people's dreams and  'inception' in which ideas can be planted in the dreams too. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as one such extraction artist named Dominic Cobb. Hired by Saito (Ken Watanbe) to plant an idea into the mind of his

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-56995019749945382162010-07-22T23:01:00.002+08:002010-08-13T00:51:09.373+08:00

A personal account I recall in months of May and June 2010, I was posted to Silwood park, a rural campus of Imperial College to do my final year project. In that campus, I made good friends with some of the students there, and I am proud to say we became fast friends. We were having dinner together when one of my new friends, seeing that I brought a book to the table asked me why I was reading

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-3872089969299670952010-07-20T00:11:00.001+08:002010-08-13T00:50:39.964+08:00

Hi readers, this post is an introduction to different world views on religion. Bear in mind I am over-simplifying. And that this list is non-exhaustive. Theism-- belief that god/gods exists and are involved in humanity and the world. Monotheism would be the belief in one god (such as Christianity, Islam and Judaism), and polytheism accpets that many gods exists (such as traditional Hinduism)

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-89652168174409593372010-07-19T23:32:00.001+08:002010-08-13T00:50:20.420+08:00

This video [based on Pastor Joshua Harris's book Dug Down Deep (2010)] says it more eloquently as I can. How we view God, whether we believe or disbelieve in Him, shapes our lifestyle, and our point of view. That is why theology, the study of God/god/gods, religion and faith is important.

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-20190080700006451722010-07-19T17:46:00.001+08:002010-08-13T01:03:44.757+08:00

I started this blog because I was both angry and frustrated. On one hand, I am angry because some of my less accomodating atheist friends, and well-known atheists keep misrepresenting Christianity, and portraying it in such a way that no reasonable person could believe it. On the other hand, I am frustrated that a lot of my brothers-and-sisters-in-Christ do not give our non-believing counterparts

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-75700478549651628472010-07-17T00:35:00.005+08:002010-07-17T01:44:33.895+08:00

Winter (2007-2008)One month before my university started I converted to Christianity. Why? I guess you could say my scientific and skeptical mind could no longer take it. Maybe I would try this Christianity out again, for real. If it isn't real, then I would have lost nothing. After all, one of the best ways to find out something isn't true is to test it out for myself.And I remember that warm

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-19776078805285715552010-06-21T10:18:00.008+08:002010-07-17T01:44:08.480+08:00

Fall (2005-2007)You know, people say Autumn follows Summer, but for this post, I found Fall seems more appropriate.I can't remember how it happened, but the service in the military destroyed me emotionally, socially and intellectually. As much I would like to blame the army for changing me, rather, I thank the military for exposing who I was at that time.And I was insecure, selfish and snobbish.

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-40895967683247989652010-06-15T22:31:00.005+08:002010-06-21T10:18:40.953+08:00

Summer (2001-2004)So there I was in the summer of my academic growth. To my own surprise, I was excelling in almost every academic subject. I could not remember what it was like to struggle barely a year ago. I remeber feeling as if I was a different person. I graduated from secondary school, finishing the top 10% of the cohort, and went on top one of the best pre-universities in Singapore (

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-35321415420604391742010-06-04T06:50:00.006+08:002010-06-15T22:26:15.839+08:00

Hello readers!As promised, my next series of posts will be my personal story, of how I became Christian.I will write it in probably a four to five part series. So without further ado, I let me begin.Spring (1986--2000)I am truly blessed and loved. My parents never fail to remind me about that fact through their words and deeds. I have a caring family who brought me up in a stable home. Although I

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-22290964272593808462010-06-01T05:13:00.002+08:002010-06-01T07:31:24.149+08:00

Hi readers,Over the years, I have been reading a lot of books about Christianity. Although I am Christian, in a way I am interested in finding out what others view about religion/philosophy and Christianity in general.So here's a list of the books I read so far, and a short review of them.A) About Christianity1) Mere ChristianityBy C.S. LewisEven as Lewis speaks from the grave, his ideas were not

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-44718954840390884312010-05-31T02:59:00.004+08:002010-05-31T08:29:44.542+08:00

Hi readers,Hopefully, you have read the previous post, where someone replied to my arguments. I guess I am humbled by some of his points which I will clarify for sure. Most of it is due to my brief explanations, so it does cause some confusion, and I apologise for that. Thanks to the blogger (how should I address you? Local Atheist?) who pointed the confusing parts, despite our differing

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-35084610037240518922010-05-30T08:42:00.003+08:002010-05-30T08:55:43.448+08:00

Hi readers, I'm currently busy with an olive tree project in Silwood Park , Ascot, UK.Unexpectedly, I received a reply to my post on "Reply to a Christian Observer". I do not personally know the person, but I am hopeful we can have a good, honest discussion.The replies are in two posts:http://localatheist.wordpress.com/2010/05/26/letter-to-a-christian-girlfriend-the-counter-and-the-counter-back/

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-30745119342264009642010-05-03T18:23:00.010+08:002010-05-04T03:21:54.808+08:00

Dear non-christian peer,I do not know you nor your girlfriend personally, and thus it would be inappropriate for me to comment on your relationship. As the Eminem song "Like Toy Soldiers" goes, I do not want to write about "anything I know nothing about". I may not fully understand your frustration, but I see that you are hurt, and I just want to pray for you.Reading your widely publicised letter

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-72276650789753067282010-05-03T10:04:00.002+08:002010-05-03T10:13:24.104+08:00

I decided to start of my new blog with a controverserial post from a NUS student. After breaking up with his Christian girlfriend, he posted this on his facebook notes, calling it "Letters to a Christian Girlfriend". I must put a disclaimer though, I do not know him personally, nor did I have his permission to use his note on my blog. I just thought it was thought-provoking, for me as a Christian

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-25822004520735373582010-05-02T09:57:00.003+08:002010-05-02T10:06:38.849+08:00

Well, if you are expecting a deep analysis of religions and different world views from this site, I am afraid I might disappoint. You see, I am a undergraduate student in biology, and my knowledge of theology and philosophy is third-hand at best.So what I will have to say on this blog is quite amateurist, and I will not be able to sustain arguments to as high a quality as my scientific blog,

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-13703496348267883442010-04-09T09:13:00.002+08:002010-04-09T09:29:19.657+08:00

Hey readersAs you see I have no longer updated this blog. Currently, I have two blogs which I run now. A personal one, called www.xanga.com/defensedefumer and a scientific one www.defensedefumer.wordpress.comI'll probably convert this into something else, I think probably a Christian apologetic one, one where I search for answers about doubts about Christianity.I think when it comes to most

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-77609186676011370672009-10-15T06:52:00.002+08:002009-10-15T08:29:54.566+08:00

Barack Obama. Wait... What?No offense to the President of the United States, but I honestly feel that if he has not done enough to get the award. I mean, he did improve international relations and attempt to denuclearised USA.But he has yet do something hardcore yet. Feed the hungry, bring peace to the Middle East or stop war, then he deserves it.Ben TanThe Alternative: Wait, what?

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-31366733812636778342009-08-31T20:48:00.002+08:002009-08-31T22:57:07.551+08:00

I have not watched football, or soccer as I prefer to call it, in ages. When I did, I was impressed by the level of performance, the intensity of the match and the agression by the two sides.On the 29th of August, Manchester United faced off with their rivals Arsenal at Old Trafford. Despite attacking furiously at the start, it was Arsenal who drew first blood. Arshavin's thunderbolt strike hit

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-57092166442966296182009-08-26T16:55:00.003+08:002009-08-26T19:41:16.624+08:00

Recently, the article on 12 September 2007 titled "The Flaws of Carbon Dating" has attracted a lot of pro and anti-evolutionary arguments. To help us clarify the controversey is, we invited our editor (defensedefumer), who is currently studying biology at university level to explain. Our interviewer is ex-actor Torch;D, whose knowledge of science is second-hand and sketchy.Note: The transcript

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-29863593143296079152009-08-14T14:13:00.003+08:002009-08-14T14:36:41.340+08:00

On the 5th of August 2009, North Korea released two American journalists, Euna Lee and Laura Ling back to the United States, after former president Bill Clinton paid a visit to the country.I wonder what Bill Clinton said or offered to Kim Jong-Il. Afterall, he did what his wife failed to do. Perhaps it is just simply the act of making an ex-president come over.Natasha RomanovThe Alternative:

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-83149266389462113422009-08-08T17:28:00.002+08:002009-08-08T17:40:09.848+08:00

To treat it seriously is to miss the point. I think I said it before, and I'll write it again-- G.I. Joe is a great film. Thin on plot, fantastic on action and excellant on effects, it does not disappoint. Just do not try to wonder why any government would give the Joes high-technology equipment and not their own soldiers. Or why normal soldiers' grenades cannot hurt the forces of Cobra, but the

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-26312231533031652092009-07-30T13:56:00.002+08:002009-07-30T14:05:08.248+08:00

Let me get straight to the point-- this film is the worst Harry Potter film ever. Don't get me wrong. It isn't bad, nor terrible. It was just decent. Decent acting, decent special effects (wayyyyy too little magic) and a confusing storyline (especially for those who did not read the book).Nevertheless, there were some good points, such as the Quidditch match and Daniel Radcliffe's acting.Overall:

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-7852721274113908532009-07-30T13:43:00.002+08:002009-07-30T13:56:38.940+08:00

Guess what ladies and gentlemen? Temasek Holdings's new CEO, who is esentially the same as the old one, Ho Ching has reclaimed her role at the company. Charles 'Chip' Goodyear, her inital appointed replacement has resigned, after citing "differences in strategy" as a reason.Maybe they should redefined the word "stepped down" as "took unpaid leave" as I was informed that Ho Ching had "stepped down

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-69518195025912436362009-06-04T09:42:00.002+08:002009-06-04T09:58:35.829+08:00

A Christian man (Ong Kian Cheong), and his wife (Dorothy Chan Hien Leng) were found guilty of distributing seditious materials to Muslims, on 29 May, and will be setenced on 4 June.The material contains material from Jack Chick, a fundamentalist Christian, and is well-known for anti-Catholic, anti-evolution, anti-Islam and anti-Mormon publications. Hence the couple was charged as they were

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-2682663619391784522009-06-01T04:30:00.004+08:002009-06-01T05:03:09.366+08:00

Did the highly anticipated Wolverine movie meet expectations?Well, in my opinion, no. It felt that the movie was a whole rush of scenes, without being able to spend significant time on anyone to develope a sense of meaning or purpose. Other than Wolverine, few characters are developed. Even I, a shallow person, felt cheated about the background to Wolverine. I also felt he had something more

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-74628761580763752452009-05-27T06:00:00.002+08:002009-05-27T06:11:05.289+08:00

If you were skeptical about North Korea's nuclear abilities, be skeptical no more: they detonated one underground on 25th May 2009. Tremours were felt in the neighbouring countries China, Japan and South korea.Although not as powerful as the atomic bombs of 1945, they are one step closer to destabilisng the region.Oh man, I can tell you what's going to happen. Like the nuclear test of 2006, the

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-4052067556733158702009-05-19T07:38:00.004+08:002009-05-19T08:34:32.121+08:00

Here is a transcript (not the full) between a discussion on homosexuality between our resident atheist, Ben Tan and our editor, defensedefumer who is Christian on the views of homosexuality, some time ago in March. (Sorry being a non-professional blog, we tend to be rather late with documents). I, the 198, was the mediator.the 198: Hello boss! Glad you could join us!defensedefumer: It's a

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-26434425134362067012009-05-19T02:28:00.002+08:002009-05-19T02:50:07.929+08:00

The representaion of California, Ms Carrie Prejean was on her way to win the Miss USA crown, when she was asked this question, by well-known gay, Perez Hilton :"Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same-sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not?"She replied:"Well I think it’s great that Americans are able to choose one way or the other. We live in a

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-23577051597446908942008-09-17T22:49:00.002+08:002008-09-17T23:14:18.933+08:00

Beijing Olympics rocks. Do not listen to what human rights or "Free-Tibet" activists say. It was the best Olympics ever. China won a total of 51 golds. The 100m dash and 200m run records were broken by Bolt. Phelps won 8 gold medals in swimming. And Singapore finally won a silver medal! Regardless what the detracters say, Singaporeans won the medal. Did you see the opening and closing ceremony?

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-32755138809858312482008-08-15T15:27:00.002+08:002008-08-15T15:51:31.569+08:00

Imagine you have Country A, which also consists of Regions B and C. Regions B and C want independence, and Country A refused to give it to them. They revolt, so Country A sends troops into B and C to stablise the areas. Bear in mind that B and C also have their own forces and 'stablise' here means a form of mlitary action.Then neighbouring Country D intervenes, saying that B and C consists of its

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-24906795484459143282008-07-18T15:39:00.003+08:002008-07-18T16:04:26.743+08:00

A question on movie-goers' minds is how does the new Batman film hold up? In two words-- IT ROCKS. It takes you in an emotional rollercoaster, one of those few movies where the commoners are the heroes. The plot twist caught most by surprise, and was that good. Gary Oldman and Heath Ledger were great, and the latter's performance as the Joker was top-notch. Some would complain about the lack of

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-65030196764757516592008-07-12T14:31:00.003+08:002008-07-12T15:36:09.905+08:00

Despite being up-to-date in medical news, I rarely see reports of medical miracles in the reports. Maybe it's something we just don't talk about. Some people argue that it that if God really heals, why don't amputees get their limbs back?I had a similar line of thought, until I spoke with my editor, defensedefumer. He told me that God often heals though doctors and that His healing often gets to

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-22950182835720110252008-07-12T14:16:00.002+08:002008-07-12T14:30:30.096+08:00

Questioning authority seems to be a rather 'in' thing these days. It seems wise and funky to doubt, second-guess people or even challenge their knowledge.Rarely, do we ever point the gun to our own head. If what we are doing selfish? Does it glorify ourselves at the expenese of others?Furthermore, there is a time and place to question authority. For instance, it is just plain wrong to do it in

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-2135731068669548112008-05-03T00:26:00.003+08:002008-05-03T00:39:21.706+08:00

In case you don't know it yet, Iron Man is Marvel's first attempt to make a film all by themselves. How did they do? Well, the story is well-paced and my only complain is an abrupt ending. It details the orgin of Tony Stark, his life changing tragedy and his attempts to right his past wrongs. The casting is great, with Robert Downey Jr. excelling in his role as Iron Man/Tony Stark. During the

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-32699535879722258672008-04-28T02:27:00.002+08:002008-04-28T02:33:59.633+08:00

After 127 years of dicussion, Norway finally opened the Olso Opera House on 12 April 2008.The delay was due to disagreement of budgets between the contractors, the government and the residents.NurlisaThe Alternative: Wow! That's a long wait!

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-15724138676427748482008-04-13T03:00:00.002+08:002008-04-13T03:12:13.210+08:00

The 2008 Olympic Torch relay, has been met with widespread protests all over the globe. The protestor's main concern-- the sporting event, which celebrate the Human Spirit is going to be held in a country known for its violation of human rights (China).The protests were particularly chaotic in London and Paris, and the torch was extinguished several times in Paris. So faced with the same problem

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-38203131117463778722008-04-10T23:54:00.002+08:002008-04-11T00:05:14.774+08:00

It's official, Yi So-yeon is the first Korean in space. The 30 year-old astronaunt was sent to space with two other Russians as part of her Russian space training programme. They were launched into space on 8th April.Not only is she assigned to monitor the behaviour of flies on board the flight, she will also observe her facial features and the activity of her heart in space.Personally I have

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-76789645403317051192008-04-06T05:31:00.003+08:002008-04-06T05:39:16.048+08:00

On 8 Feburary 2008, Ah Meng passed away in the Singapore zoo, nearing the age of 48. Recovered by a veterinian in 1971, she had been the mascot for the Singapore Zoo. A huge memorial was held for her on 10 Feburary 2008 at the zoo. A statue of her will also be built. Say what you will about this, but I am respectful of Ah Meng. It's like losing a legend or an icon of Singapore. Bye Ah Meng, you

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-31557810641597444262008-03-11T04:58:00.002+08:002008-03-11T05:04:20.556+08:00

In a recent turn of events, UMNO the current ruling Malaysian party lost 5 states to the opposition, making its biggest election loss since Malaysia was given self-governance. Before the election, UMNO was making headlines for its incompetance, corruption and tactlessness.I hope this shows a lesson that no one can get away with it.Natasha RomanovThe Alternative: Embracing honesty

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-85368758596783694862008-03-03T05:05:00.001+08:002008-03-03T05:10:49.901+08:00

As you all have read but now, Singapore has succeeded in its bid to host the above event.I'm personally quite pleasantly surprised by the news. Our soccer team doesn't suck now, and Singapore is slowly becoming a sports hub.CDIThe Alternative: Being glad that no one cares!

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-87769250223025334432007-12-27T17:38:00.000+08:002007-12-27T17:46:18.109+08:00

TransformersWell, it may not have the best storyline or acting, but it was by far the coolest!Torch;D

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-14123895541241600662007-12-27T17:36:00.000+08:002007-12-27T17:38:43.208+08:00

Changing governments in South-east Asia.We seen the failure of the monks in Burma. We seen Thaksin's party take back power in Thailand. And we seen yet another failed coup in the Phillipines.Natasha Romanov

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-1463634861397454212007-12-27T17:29:00.000+08:002007-12-27T17:34:47.399+08:00

Is there a God? Does religion do more harm than good? Well, that were big questions brought up by atheists in late 2006 that lasted throughout 2007. Although not sufficiently structured, the atheist managed to irk religionous groups enough to produce several rebuttals. the 198

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-76957724254782722132007-12-27T17:23:00.000+08:002007-12-27T17:27:50.914+08:00

iPhones It responds to tilting, has a touch interface, and responds like an iPod. What more do you want? Yes, it acts as a phone too. November Foxtrot

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-26706897731044294772007-12-27T17:16:00.000+08:002007-12-27T17:21:20.884+08:00

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Is there any other book that can gather as much attention as this? The swan song of Harry Potter will stay that way. But 2007 was a competitive year. So contenders include, Captain America #25 (Death of Captain America) and The God Delusion. Nurlisa

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-4035693859862375182007-12-27T17:09:00.000+08:002007-12-27T17:15:40.547+08:00

Mass gunning in AmericaWe've seen in in Virginia Tech, and a recent mall killing. When's it going to stop?Natasha Romanov

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-6970529816789318182007-12-27T16:58:00.000+08:002007-12-27T17:07:18.816+08:00

Shift in PowerJapan, Australia, Britain and France has seen a shift in leadership, and three of them, a change in government. It's good, because all four of this countires have been pretty stangant economically over these years, So it's time for a change.Natasha Romanov

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-45340737462609291242007-12-27T16:54:00.000+08:002007-12-27T16:56:09.501+08:00

Numerous drowning casesI know Singapore is an island. But that's no excuse to having high drowning cases, especially for this year. We need to be more aware of this.Ben Tan

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-80427218778848062992007-12-27T16:46:00.000+08:002007-12-27T16:56:57.221+08:00

Ok, everyone, it's time for the best and worst of 2007! Here it goes!Singapore soccer team is one step away from World Cup 2010!No, it's not a fake. It's true. Ever since beating Thailand for this year's Tiger Cup, Singapore soccer team officially now does not suck. And their goal of reaching the world cup is that much closer! They even drew with China 0-0!If they get past this round, they'll be

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-83046174986441824552007-12-07T07:13:00.000+08:002007-12-07T07:21:51.915+08:00

In Australia, a major shopping mall has banned its Santas from saying the traditional greeting "Ho, ho,ho" as it makes "unnecessary references to prositution". In other words, my dear friends, it will pollute young and impressionable minds.What a whole lot of crap! Everything in the world has a dirty reference as long as one searches for it. What about removing the word "hooker" from rugby? Or "

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-34165081403233306902007-11-13T05:02:00.000+08:002007-11-13T05:23:53.617+08:00

In Belgium, it has been a 150 days of negotiations (starting 10 June) since French and Dutch speakers disagreed on an electoral district. Driven by the need for government reform, even the King has decided to involve himself in the politics.Well, where I come from, no one really cares much for politics. Yet, I can't believe that people would agrue for 150 days just to draw a line between two

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-48103139337654601602007-10-28T18:39:00.000+08:002007-10-29T04:41:16.664+08:00

Lining up to sign up for a language course, I heard the following conversation:"Hey, what are you signing up for?""Italian.""Isn't that a useless language?""Huh?""It's only used in one part of the world-- Italy."Well, it seems that this person only seems to appreciate the practical value of things. For his information, Italian is only widely used in Switzerland, Solvenia, Croatia and San Marino.

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-1892719123032538862007-09-20T12:28:00.000+08:002007-09-20T12:35:56.355+08:00

Despite 4 straight 1-0 victories in a row (including the victory at Sporting Lisbon), one question remains about the world's most popular soccer club(argubly)-- When will they score more than a goal in a match?For this season so far, the highest-scoring club in English history just cannot seem to score. Luckily for them, they have yet to face a tough opponent yet. One can only wonder when the

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-68264077751113591432007-09-15T11:51:00.000+08:002007-09-15T11:59:54.786+08:00

What are the flaws of evolution? What is the case of a mitochondria Eve? Did dinosaurs live along side men?We all think that we know the obvious answers, but www.answersingenesis.com begs to differ. In fact, they list convincing arguments for alternative views on conventional science, and much of it is convincing. So we at The Alternative endores this website. Read it, and you'll be stunned.Dr

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-43046232409965510122007-09-14T10:22:00.000+08:002007-09-14T10:47:29.833+08:00

"Heroes", the ever popular TV series will return in its 2nd season on 24th September 2007. The show, which revolves around a group of people with special abilities such as accelerated healing factors, self-propelled flight or telepathy, is one of the highest rated of all time. Despite being stabbed at the twilight of the first season, the arch-nenemis, Slyar is set to return. Well, why is this

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-47759921284638715292007-09-13T21:49:00.000+08:002007-09-13T22:07:51.898+08:00

It seems that everything seems to be China's fault nowadays. What do I mean? Well, the spread of avian flu, rise in mercury poisoning, rise in food poisoning, the rejection of Mattel's toys and even the hacking of the Pentagon's military files.Well, is it fair to really blame China? Or is it just coincidence? Maybe it's a global consipircy to undermine China's growing influence in the world stage

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-73764246361607470012007-09-12T16:56:00.001+08:002010-09-26T16:29:26.245+08:00

[Editor's note (26/09/2010): I wrote this post when my understanding of theology was juvenile and of science, even worse. At the time I made this post, I should have heeded the advice of not writing about something I knew nothing about. I have since rejected that creationsim as scientific, but I choose to keep this post in its original form to remind myself of how ignorant I once was.] How do

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-13059626532514622082007-09-04T15:01:00.000+08:002007-09-04T15:09:05.112+08:00

Corporal Dave Teo Ming was arrested at Orchard Road at 8 pm yesterday after a 20 hour manhunt. The full-time National Serviceman had gone missing during his own guard duty and possessed a SAR 21 rifle and some ammunition with him.I cannot believe that someone who would finished his service in the army in a month's time would commit such a moronic act. I simply cannot comprehend it.Ben Tan

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-45287445011041493512007-09-04T14:49:00.000+08:002007-09-04T15:01:17.976+08:00

On the 30th of August 2007, the last of the Korean hostages was released by the Taliban. Captured on the 19th of July 2007 while travelling in a bus during a missionary trip, the fate of the Koreans was left to chance until the Korean government enterred talks with the terrorists. Despite losing two of their number, the remaining twenty-one have returned safely to Korea.Now the problem is a new

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-5078998614939383782007-06-20T17:26:00.000+08:002007-06-20T17:35:18.319+08:00

Chinese company HiTech Wealth telecommunications released the first ever solar-powered handphone. It costs US$510 and provides 40 minutes of talktime for every hour in the sun.Well, it's a cool phone, but wayyyyy too expensive. I don't really trust its effectiveness too. I mean like the phone will be in your pocket most of the time, right? Only time will tell if it will replace conventional

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-11181867067516717472007-06-13T12:33:00.000+08:002007-06-13T12:42:27.669+08:00

As of 28 May, local libraries removed all Punisher comics from their shelves. This is due to a concerned mother who complained that her 12 year old son was reading about sex and nudity in a "Punisher" comic book.Well, ladies and gentlemen, all it takes it's one complaint to have a book removed. Maybe the dear staff and mother did not know the book was rated "MAX", meaning for matured readers only

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-17257999982103617382007-06-08T00:51:00.000+08:002007-06-08T01:03:39.654+08:00

Well, it is a saddening case in Singapore. It's true; other than car accidents, drowning is the leading cause of children's deaths.What must be done. Some say employ more lifeguards or make swimming lessons compulsory, while others say we should start fencing swimming pools.However, these measures do not solve the root of the problem. We need to get kids to start listening from young, and start

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-3228977555013581432007-05-20T21:54:00.000+08:002007-05-20T22:37:04.619+08:00

Recently, one of my friends made a career-killing blunder. He now wonders if the company and his colleagues can ever forgive him. This brings us to a question-- are we lacking in forgiveness?Talk all you want about the yellow ribbon project. It's a fact that once you get a criminal record, you will find it hard to get a job. You see it in sports-- players in top flight clubs will find it hard to

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-83638302023972023372007-05-15T21:52:00.000+08:002007-05-15T22:03:46.440+08:00

Local celebrity Christopher Lee was sentenced to 4 weeks in jail after being a "cowardly" driver in a hit-and-run accident.Maybe the Yellow Ribbon Project will have some star power next year! They could rope in Paris Hilton, you know.Ben Tan

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-3239536967989310082007-05-05T15:36:00.000+08:002007-05-05T16:03:11.340+08:00

Well, the long anticipated wait for Spiderman 3 is over. Was it worth it? Let's find out. The movie kicks off with a short slideshow of the previous two Spiderman movies. It then reveals how popular Spiderman is to New Yorkers. In fact, everything seems to be going well for Peter Parker, the face behind Spiderman. His career is stable, he's doing well in school, his girlfriend Mary Jane is a

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-45972494222446872232007-04-26T21:43:00.000+08:002007-04-26T22:04:26.260+08:00

Scientists have discovered a planet that has the potential to host life. Five times the mass of earth, it orbits the red star Gliese 581. Dr Dimitar Sasselov of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics claims we can "go there" although it is "20 lightyears away".So what are we going to call it? Earth -2? Counter-Earth? New Universe? Stop finding about stuff that's never really going to

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-55957292344131368142007-04-17T23:20:00.000+08:002007-04-17T23:29:43.401+08:00

On April 12, 31 people in Virgina Polytechnic Institute and State University were ruthlessly gunned down by a South Korean student. The gunman himself later commited suicide. This makes the killings the deadliest school massacre in American history.Perhaps this is a good time for Americans to re-look its gun policy. This massacre was an accident waiting to happen. All it takes is a pyscho with a

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-23503748684340090952007-03-25T22:44:00.000+08:002007-03-25T23:02:20.861+08:00

Finally, after so long, something is published!Anyway, I went to watch "300", a movie based on a graphic novel by Frank Miller. It documents the Battle of Thermoplyae between the 300 Spartans and the millions of Persian soldiers.Although I felt the view point of the movie was one-sided (the other Greeks were wimps and the Persians were monsters), I really liked the artisitic style, the battle

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744912.post-86062962215395668422007-02-20T21:38:00.000+08:002007-02-20T22:11:19.402+08:00

I hate it everytime Defensedefumer forces me to review comics. Afterall, ALL my book reviews are comics! So it was natural that I was particularly reluctant to read this one. The story takes place halfway through Marvel's biggest event of the year so far: Civil War. If you are in the dark so far, basically the American government had required all metahumans to register with the state. Feeling

defensedefumerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15165591113545384558noreply@blogger.com0