Look Around You

Each day we spend our time working and running around trying to achieve the most productive day but how often do we stop and think of others. If someone had done just that our world might still claim 93 year old WWII veteran, Marvin Shur.

On January 17, Marvin Shur's body was found frozen on the floor of his bedroom. He lived alone since his wife past away several years ago. Due to some unpaid bills, possibly due to a faulty memory, Mr. Shur's electric and heating was turned off. The electric company never made contact with Mr. Shur concerning a power limiter that had been placed on his supply of electricity. Apparently Mr. Shur never left his home, thus he never received the note about how to work the electricity limiter, which was apparently turned off. The Michigan police are investigating the death of this lone veteran.

Mr Shur was a man who fought for our country and spend his last days unobserved and overlooked by his fellow citizens. I pray that his memory will never be forgotten but will become a reminder to the world to take care of its poor, sick, and needy. Like Lady Liberty, we are to be a beacon of hope to those in need. This hero lived for his country and died alone. Let's challenge each other to reach out and help those in need around us for we may never know whose life we may touch. 

May God bless America in 2009!

Is it Haunted or not?

Okay, so some people believe in ghosts while others (including myself) do not. But normally people do not discuss their views on this topic due to its random and controversial nature. Anyway, there was one Malaysian man who claimed to have had a run-in with a supernatural being or ghost of sorts. 

So how did he meet this ghost? He tried to rob a home. For some reason this man knew that the owners were gone, but as he later claimed, the house was still not empty. He entered the home, but when he tried to leave was intercepted by a supernatural being. This being prevented him from leaving the house until the owners returned three days later. When the man was discovered, he was found to have fatigue and dehydration. At the hospital, the man rehearsed his story to the police. 

The story seems far-fetched for me, considering that I do not believe in ghosts. But whatever stopped this man from leaving the house has him convinced. Of course, I'm curious to hear what the police and doctors have to say about this man and his story. 

I am disappointed that the story leaves you hanging about the results, but it was entertaining to read. And we may never know the answer to this interesting mystery.

Hectic Life

As always, life seems to continue going with or without out us. At times, I cannot even seem to grasp the reality and the changes that take place. One minute I feel that I have control of my life but another I feel like I am being swept out into the sea of life. Thus I remind myself to take and savor each moment.... 

Yesterday my family and I stood at the front of a church watching a son and brother pledge his love to his adoring bride. It seems strange to think another brother is married and gone. Not gone for good but gone to start another journey in his life. Marriage is probably the second most important decision we make in our life next to college/career. Some would say it is the most important... either way the choice is important. It is something many have looked forward to and dreamed about. Our childhood dreams and youthful desires make themselves known as each person joins their hands and hearts in marriage. I myself have yet to make this step but I know that the day I do, my decision will not have been made lightly. 

For now, I will continue to life my life on day at a time, dreaming of my future. I will savor every moment and cherish every loved one while I have the chance. Marriage may or may not be the next chapter in my life, but I look forward to seeing what God has in store for me.

The Modern Toilet

As I was skimming through my daily internet news I stumbled across an article discussing something called the "Modern Toilet." Being a westerner, I figured I knew exactly what it was talking about. Actually I wasn't far off. 

You see, the Modern Toilet is actually a restaurant in Taiwan. The customers are served meals in mini toilet bowls and drink from suvenior cups resembling urinals. Repulsed and intrigued, I read the article through. The restaurant provides toilets for its customers to sit on while having folding chairs on hand for the disturbed. Surprisingly this restaurant is a hit amongst the Taiwanese and foreigners.

Having traveled to an Asian country myself, I am accepting of our differences in tastes and styles, but this is over the edge for me. Furthermore, I'm horrified by the change in cuisine (so to speak). Normally Asian countries sit on the floor to eat and never wear their "bathroom" shoes outside the designated area. But now they have created a "Bathroom" appeal outside the norm to serve their intrigued guests. Personally the idea of eating from a mini toilet much less sitting on one while eating disgusts me. 

But if you enjoy trying new things whether odd or outlandish - this is the place for you. The restaurant is in tip-top shape and squeaky clean. E-coli is no where to be found in this Johnny-on-the-Spot. So have fun and Bon Appetite!

Music of the Soul

Music is a type of therapy for the soul. But music and a vocalist is sheer soul food. On Thursday, December 11, my university had the privilege of having Christopher Parkening and Jubilant Sykes as guest artists.

Christopher Parkening is a classical guitarist often recognized as the heir to the legacy of the great Spanish guitarist Andres Segovia. Meanwhile Jubilant Sykes is a well-known classical baritone.

Together Christopher Parkening and Jubilant Sykes awed the students, faculty, friends and visitors with a Christmas program. This program included "I Wonder As I Wander," "Boi Bumba," "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," and "America." My particular favorite was "Witness." Mr. Sykes sang it a cappella. It was fun, lively and touching. I enjoyed listening to Mr. Parkening's performance of the traditional "America" song. It was extremely soothing to the soul.

I must admit that my university tends to spoil its students with the finer tastes in the Fine Arts. But this was the icing on the cake. If only everyone could experience and learn to appreciate the finer arts.