Make Your Day with A Song Request

"All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;" -- William Shakespeare

More than ever before, all the world could be a stage for you and you do not have to leave your home to perform your stuffs such as busking, juggling, standup comedy, cooking and physical exercises. 

If you do well and resonate with your audience, you could well be the next online star and launch your e-career.

For your refreshing, hope you would find that the following sample by Marcus Veltri, Rob Landes and Frank Tedesco on YouTube would make your day, too.

Click here for Pianist and Violinist AMAZES Strangers on Omegle

Click here for Pianist Plays Stranger’s FAVORITE Songs by Ear

Thank you for reading and sharing Daily Refreshing.

41st UOB Painting of the Year

 

A Painting about Nothing and Everything
By Lester Lee

Click here to visit UOB Art Gallery to view winning entries for the 41st UOB Painting of the Year.

Is That Insanity Or Normalcy?!

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”

The above quote often makes me feel uneasy because it seems to suggest that if you do the same thing repeatedly, it would be preposterous for you to expect a different result. And, it would be like an exercise in futility.

When Michelangelo kept chipping away on his slab of marble, his masterpiece "David" unfolded. If you attend a foreign language class regularly, you can expect to become more proficient in that language. Thus, doing something repeatedly can produce improvement and progress.

The following excerpt from Frank Wilczek's article on "Einstein's Parable of Quantum Insanity" (Quanta Magazine on September 23, 2015) provides some insight on the probable background story of this quote which is famously attributed to Albert Einstein:-

"First of all, note that what Einstein describes as insanity is, according to quantum theory, the way the world actually works. In quantum mechanics you can do the same thing many times and get different results. Indeed, that is the premise underlying great high-energy particle colliders. In those colliders, physicists bash together the same particles in precisely the same way, trillions upon trillions of times. Are they all insane to do so? It would seem they are not, since they have garnered a stupendous variety of results."

Photo by Anderson Schmig on Unsplash

In everyday life where we do not measure things so precisely as scientists do, we do things over and over again, and expect the same result. When the candles on the birthday cake are blown at, they are snuffed out. Likewise, when we aim the bowling ball at the proven pockets between the pins, we expect to obtain a strike.

However, at the microscopic level, the candles are not blown in the exact manner by different birthday persons and yet the results look the same (but not exactly the same as to how the flame went out or the pattern of the fumes). Likewise, different bowlers use dissimilar balls and techniques, hit the sweet pockets (not precisely the same) for a strike, and sent the pins flying differently but falling, nonetheless.

When the physicists do their experiments using the aforementioned particle colliders to smash particles with exact precision every time, they find a different set of results each time. 

Now, that's insane (extreme; outrageous)!! 

Think again about the birthday candles, bowling pins, and what the physicists have discovered. Maybe it's normal, actually, to be doing the same thing and expecting different results each time, after all, seriously-speaking.

Going Green With Doraemon

It is hard to imagine Doraemon in any other colour than its distinctive sky blue.

For a  green cause, Uniqlo has given Doraemon a refreshing makeover as its Global Sustainability Ambassador.

           

Seeing Double at Carparks

How interesting can carparks be? 

Well, on a good day you might be able to catch some fancy cars such as a red Ferrari or a midnight blue Tesla. 

Or, you may catch some double acts such as the following sample.

Audi A3 and A6 looking beautiful in white

Their numerals 2680 and 2860 are strikingly similar

These Mazda and Mercedes Benz are almost identical

Life Is Wonderful With Love

Day or night, life is simply wonderful. 

As a new day dawns, we experience yet another gift of sunrise and sunshine. Even by just listening to the soothing singing of "Wonderful Life" by Katie Melua in the video link below, you will find yourself slowing down and taking the time to behold the wonder of life itself.

When things are more calm in the evening after all the buzz of the day, it is comforting to be with our loved ones and spend time with them. Even when our dearest ones are no longer with us, we can still take comfort in the sweet memories of our past interactions with them. Listen to Katie's rousing rendition of "I will be there" and let it uplift your soul.

While there is much that is not ideal in this life, the answer is found in the condition of our heart. When we have love flowing from our heart, we can make this world a better place. Listen to Jason Mraz and let him convince you that "Love Is Still The Answer". And, listen to Katie on what 9 million bicycles in Beijing has to do with love.

Click here for Katie Melua - Wonderful Life (Official Video)

Click here for Katie Melua - I Will Be There - Full Concert Version (Official Video)

Click here for Jason Mraz - Love Is Still The Answer (Official Video)

Click here for Katie Melua - Nine Million Bicycles (Official Video)

When you feel the love, love, or love again, you will indeed find that life is wonderful. And, your love can compound the butterfly effect of spreading the joy of love and life.

Thank you for reading and sharing Daily Refreshing.

 

Sing With Reggie For Free

What Reggie has done with "Sing With Me For Free" might not make the headlines, but it has certainly made his volunteer singers really happy and impacted listeners all over the world even though it is unlike high profile talent shows like AGT or BGT.

Image  credits: guitaro5000 

Through his YouTube channel "guitaro5000" you will be amazed by the variety of songs that appeal to different ones and what they mean to them. Best of all, you will find people breaking out of their comfort zone and sing for the first time in public. 

Btw, "Sing With Me" has worked well as Reggie has the ability to learn the chords of songs which are unfamiliar to him on the fly.

Yes, in small ways, and potentially big ways for some others, this platform that Reggie has created show us that we can find, inter alia, happiness and freedom when we sing our song. It could even be transformative for you or your listeners; change will come even though it has been a long time coming. 

So, don't give up, and stay the course cos your breakthrough is coming.

Click here for His Voice Instantly Calms This Noisy Crowd (AGT champion).

Click here for "I'll Sing, But I'm Nervous!" (she nails it).

Click here for This Chinese singer steals my show (then he inspires me).

Would love to have Reggie visit Singapore some day soon and add to the vibes of happiness and creativity here.

Singapore Skyline by Lego

You can now own a piece of Singapore Skyline by Lego at SGD 99.90.

The Merlion could have been included but perhaps it didn't fit the theme for this production. 

Your Seeds Can Help You Succeed In Life

Seeds may be small but they are potent with the ability to transform and grow into something more immense and produce even more seeds.

The following is a spread of seeds shared by Pastor Jentezen Franklin to expand your understanding of seeds and bring forth greater transformation in your life:

Access is the Seed for Opportunity.

Battle is the Seed for Territory.

Thankfulness is the Seed for Joy.

Confrontation is the Seed for Change.

Listening is the Seed for Knowledge.

Honour is the Seed for Access.

Presentation is the Seed for Acceptance.

Words are the Seed for Feelings.

Order is the Seed for Productivity.

Problem is the Seed for Recognition.

Confession is the Seed for Mercy.

Prayer is the Seed for a Miracle.

Seeking is the Seed for Finding.

Today is the Seed for Tomorrow.

Now is the Seed for Next.

Click here for Seed Power | The Secrets of Success | Pastor Jentezen Franklin.

  

How To Make Your Success A Reality

Success is a subject for which the conversation never ends. It has been researched and studied in the past and in the present, and this will continue into the future.

And, for sure, people will continue with their quest and pursuit of success which in and of itself is a good thing.

The best definition of success is debatable and possibly still at large. 

On the one hand, a simple definition of success could be: Being able to have or do what you want when you want it such as enjoying a plate of Penang laksa or owning a fleet of hypercars.

Penang laksa

Click here for INSIDE MANNY KHOSHBIN'S INSANE HYPERCAR COLLECTION!

On the other hand, a more profound definition of success could be: "Anyone who knows where he is going in life is a success. At the moment he makes the decision of what it is he intends to accomplish, of what it is he considers a worthy ideal, he is successful. Once this goal has been accomplished, he is again by our definition a failure until he establishes a new goal toward which to work. To my mind, this is what we as human beings were intended to do, to go through life from one achievement to another, and to finally come to the end of our road here on Earth still reaching, still working toward a new and better plateau on which to stand, for this is to live and live completely, to know as much as we can know, to serve as much as we can serve, to accomplish as much as we can accomplish." -- Earl Nightingale

Click here for Stop Doing What Poor People Do | Earl Nightingale

Regardless of the definition of success, you are already successful when you have a goal to work towards. Make that a progression of worthy ideals to accomplish and your life would no longer be mundane or like a ship without a next port of call.

Thank you for reading and sharing Daily Refreshing!

For the Love of M&M Chocolates

If you have a soft spot for the colours of M&M chocolates, you can take this up one notch with these inspired shoes by Adidas:-

Stop Poisoning Your Heart

"Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life"(Proverbs 4:23;Amp).

Your heart is like a container. What you keep in your heart may affect the course of your life and steer you away from the happy life that you desire.

The golden rule which Jesus Christ has outlined is: "Do to others as you would like them to do to you" (Luke 6:31, NLT). For example, if you want respect, then respect others because you choose to be a respectful person.

The best resource to store in your heart is love. Get to know God our Creator because He is the source of love; God is love.

With God, all things are possible.

Stop poisoning your heart unknowingly and make a conscious decision to remove negative emotions from the center of your life.

Click here for Joel Osteen - Empty Out The Negative.

Watermelon is Worth Its Weight

A coconut would likely contain more water than a melon of similar size, but the accolade goes to watermelon rather than waternut.

If you wanna stay hydrated with a weakness for sweetness, ditch your soda drinks and reach for a slice or two of watermelon instead.

Besides, you would be amazed by the multiple health benefits of eating watermelon.

Click here for "The Top 9 Health Benefits of Watermelon".

Click here for "What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Watermelon Every Day".

Eating watermelon is one sure way to refresh yourself daily.

Indoor Air Zone

Creating an "Air Zone" by making use of the ample air space in a shopping mall is an ingenious way of monetising passive space. 

Note: Personal discretion and caution are advised as there are risks involved, as with other indoor and outdoor activities, notwithstanding that safeguards are expectedly in place.

Backdoor Spiral Staircases

There aren't that many archaic backdoor staircases left in Singapore as there are no longer in vogue and would probably be demolished in a matter of time unless the buildings to which they are affixed are gazetted for conservation.

The following sample is for your refreshing that conservation provide us a window to peek into the past realities of people who use these staircases and add to the collective memories of past life in Singapore.

Thank you for reading and sharing Daily Refreshing.

Which is the most affordable coffee in Singapore?

Different types of coffee works differently for different people. 

The price is not necessary the final determiner of which type of coffee to consume. Even when relatively more expensive, people would still  be willing to trade if off for value propositions such as positive inspiration, satisfaction or enjoyment.

That said, where 100% Arabica coffee is concerned, the following is just a glimpse of their prices at the current rates with 7-Eleven's being the most affordable at S$1.70 (and half-price at S$0.85 on Mondays; to chase off Monday blues, presumably):-

Burger King : Americano @S$3.90

McDonald's : McCafe Premium Roast Coffee @S$2.85

Subway : Costa coffee @S$2.90

Starbucks: Americano @S$3.90

For local blended coffee with less than 100% Arabica beans, the going price is around S$1.10 at kopitiams, hawker centres and foodcourts, and could be even less at some locations such as education institutions and industrial estates.

Lego Botanical

Refreshingly, Lego has gone botanical. 

This is good news for those who love greenery but bereft of green fingers to sustain plant life.

 

Is this the new Mona Lisa?

Each day we wake up to the scenery of a sunrise never to be repeated and you might even have a photograph or image of your favourite sunrise stored somewhere.

Mentioned the leaning Tower of Pisa or the famous Mona Lisa painting and I am sure you would have your customised version etched in your mind.

Well, today you might well be storing a new image of Mona Lisa or Mr Bean based on the following composite makeover:-

You Can Make Kairos Happen

The default concept of time is chronology where we track the passage of time with calendars, clocks, wristwatches, mobiles and what-have-you (e.g. sundial).

A chronograph such as the following Citizen Eco-drive dive watch gets the job done even up to 200 metre under water.

Click here to view some Citizen Promaster dive watches.

A more personal and enriching aspect of time would be kairos which refers to the fullness of time, a supreme moment, or an opportune time, when an event unfolds akin to having all the stars aligned.

It could the day that you were born; that's a one and only kairos moment, but thereafter you get to celebrate your birthday multiple times, chronologically.

From the recent Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid, you could regard Thibaut Courtois’ numerous saves as fitting kairos moments for Real Madrid fans (even though spectators tend to remember only the goals scored). 

Click here for Breaking down Thibaut Courtois’ match-winning saves for Real against Liverpool.

Even on an ordinary day, you may encounter a kairos moment such as when: you received an unexpected bouquet of compliment for your service rendered; your proposal for a project is accepted; or you won a lucky draw.

Best of all, you can be the Good Samaritan by showing kindness to somebody whom you know or whom you encounter in your walk, and let that be kairos for both of you. 

Yeah, make someone's day today.

Click here for Pastor Steven Furtick's message on When Never Meets Now.

Is Supreme Happiness attainable?

Is supreme happiness or a state of utmost bliss attainable? Yes, and it wouldn't cost you an arm and a leg, so to speak.

"Where can I find supreme happiness?". It might surprise you that it is actually found in the Holy Bible (Matthew 5:3-12) as taught by Jesus Christ in His Sermon on the Mount and commonly known as the Beatitudes.

In Latin, beatitudo means "blessedness." Here is how you can be in a state of unperturbed peace:

1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Recognise your need for God; that man shall not live by bread alone but every Word that proceeds from the mouth God. It is God who has given to each of us the breath of life and His Word to us are life and spirit. His written Word contains a set of principles that we can live by as we work out His purpose in us and through us.

2. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

Be humble and know that all of us have sinned and fallen short of God's standard of righteousness. Have Godly sorrow for your sins and turn away from them with a repentant heart.

3. "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."

Being meek is not a sign of weakness, but a gracious demonstration of self-control when provoked or irritated. Stay polite. Stay in kindness. You ain't going to let nobody unnerve you.

4. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

Pursue God and the things of God with a desire to be well-pleasing unto Him by obeying His Word even when other people are not looking.

5. "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."

It is more blessed to give than to receive. When you are in a position of power and authority or at an advantage, do remember to extend compassion and forgiveness to others.

6. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Let your motive be pure; unafraid of being misunderstood or judged because you desire to please God, above all.

 7. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

Make peace happen. Take up the ministry of reconciliation. Be a promoter of commitment and loyalty.

8. "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

9. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

When you align yourself with the mission of God for your life, be prepared and undeterred by the opposition that comes your way.

As you put into practice with discipline and consistency what Jesus has outlined above, you will find yourself in a state of supreme happiness just as He was while on this earth before His return and ascension to heaven where He sits at the righthand of God the Father, and will come again in the fullness of time.

Click here for Pastor Kong Hee's preaching on The Beatitudes, from which this article is adapted.

Take Care of the Little Things

In our current age, the old adage of 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away' may no longer in fashion, but there is no denying that we need the nutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables for a healthy life. Remember the sailors in our history books who died from scurvy due to Vitamin C deficiency in their diet?

Surely, you have also heard of drinking seven cups of water a day. It is water and does not allude to copious consumption of other liquids laden with sugar which would spur detrimental side-effects such as obesity and diabetes. 

While mineral salts are essential, you would hear ever so often to cut back your sodium intake. But, could you imagine french fries or potato chips minus the salt? On the other hand, if you don't steer clear of excessive salt intake, you know that you would dread the build up of blood pressure and related consequences.

Then there is the lack of discipline to get enough sleep which ranges from 7.5 hour to 9 hours for adults depending on your age. To check that you are getting enough sleep based on your sleeping time or waking time, you may wish to check out this sleep calculator at https://startsleeping.org/sleep-calculator/ 

Also, you might wanna get a copy of the following paperback tome on "Why We Sleep" by Matthew Walker. 

Mr Walker presses home the importance of sleep. Consider this excerpt: "Based on a rich, new scientific understanding of sleep, we no longer have to ask what sleep is good for. Instead, we are now forced to wonder whether there are any biological functions that do not benefit by a good night's sleep. Emerging from this research renaissance is an unequivocal message: sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body health each day ..."

Other little things that you need to take care of are books borrowed from the library. More importantly, be mindful to show gestures of love and forgiveness to the imperfect people who are in your life on a daily basis.

It is the little foxes that spoil the vines. As you take care of these little 'hygiene' factors, you will be avert big issues which may arise through their neglect. Don't overlook the little things. Take care of them and they will take care of you, in return.

Memories of Happiness

A beautiful sunset, or a cup of coffee at Starbucks, might well take your breath away and inspire you. 

But, there is nothing quite like the touch of happy human relationships. And, all the more so as our environment become more de-humanised with the intrusion of technology such as robots and artificial intelligence. 

Would you rather share your thoughts and feelings with a cyborg or a real person?

Yes, as wonderful as human relationships could be, they could also hurt you when the interaction is soured through misunderstanding, neglect, immaturity, etc.

In such a situation, the least you could do is to hold yourself together and maintain your own dignity and worth. Yes, in the eyes of your Creator, God Himself, you are delightful and loved for who you are, regardless.

And, remain patiently hopeful on the wing of prayers for a new day to dawn and that you would enjoy your days in the sun once again.

Click here for Memories for the Cats musical with the following lyrics:-

Midnight, not a sound from the pavement
Has the moon lost her memory?
She is smiling alone
In the lamplight, the withered leaves collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan

Memory, all alone in the moonlight
I can dream of the old days
Life was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again

Every street lamp seems to beat
A fatalistic warning
Someone mutters and the street lamp sputters
And soon it will be morning

Daylight, I must wait for the sunrise
I must think of a new life
And I mustn't give in
When the dawn comes, tonight will be a memory too
And a new day will begin

Burnt out ends of smoky days
The stale, cold smell of morning
A street lamp dies, another night is over
Another day is dawning

Touch me, it's so easy to leave me
All alone with the memory
Of my days in the sun
If you touch me, you'll understand what happiness is
Look, a new day has begun

May you find a refreshing human touch to warm your heart and put the sparkles back in your eyes again in the fullness of time soon. Amen.

Dream The Impossible Dream

Never give up on your dream. Keep your dream alive and do not lose sight of it. As you keep on dreaming, you will get to live out your dream. 

And, even if you don't, life would be sweeter because you have a dream.

One of the biggest dreamer I know of is Pastor Jerry Savelle. I have read a good number of his books and articles, but I never knew the impact of the popular song "The Impossible Dream" has on his life until I read the following book (67 pages) "Never Stop Dreaming Big Dreams".

Click here for one of the best rendition of The Impossible Dream and be refreshed. 

When you work on your dream, it is like an unuttered prayer to attract the collusion of circumstances to unfold for you to drive your dream forward. Never give up on your dream. Yes, make it as big as you can dream of.

Spotlight: CNA Lifestyle

For some refreshing read, you might wanna check out CNA Lifetsyle.

The range of topics include: Entertainment, Women, Wellness, Living, Style & Beauty, Dining and Travel.

Here is a sample of articles that might pique you:

Former actor Ix Shen and his Ukrainian wife are staying put in Kyiv despite Russian invasion

Swee Lee CEO Kuok Meng Ru: 'Music is now more essential than ever'

Would you buy a home in the metaverse? Here are some things to consider

Thank you for visiting Daily Refreshing.

Enjoy Your Freedom

At this time of writing, Russia has started a war against Ukraine while many are still under home quarantine because of the covid-19 pandemic. This would be part of our history when we look back in future.

Freedom is priceless and we are reminded not to take it for granted. Thankfully, the worst of times do come to past. 

For example, Saigon (renamed as Ho Chi Minh City) is now a bustling city and you could sense that it is coming alive and recovering from the devastation of the Vietnam War. And, if you are visiting Singapore, you might find it hard to figure that Singapore was invaded by Japan during World War II.

Enjoy your freedom as you get to go about your daily activities, even if it is restricted, in your pocket of space in our whole wide world.

Home of Artists by Arick Lee
(Inspired by the calmness of Gamcheon Village in Busan, South Korea)

Then there is the freedom which your imagination can create. You could be doing the dishes at the kitchen sink and you could just peer out of the window and see the wing of the jet plane taking you to your holiday destination or to meet a loved one overseas. And, at the same time, watch your favourite drama on a tablet placed in a Ziploc bag. Picture this in the following painting.

Sometimes, We Need To Make Good Things Happen
By Shen Jiaqi

That said, we can always look up and reach for God Himself who, for those who are initiated in Christendom, recognise as Jehovah Jireh (God our Provider).

Click here for Jireh | Elevation Worship & Maverick City

Thank you for reading and sharing Daily Refreshing.