Passing Train, passing Time

Recently, Singapore reached a landmark agreement with the Malaysian Government on the Railway relocation. Singapore, Malaysia to relocate train station, ending dispute

Monday, 24 May 2010 © 2010 - The Edge Singapore.
A couple of days ago, my car was stopped right in front of the crossing of a train along Chua Chu Kang Road. That was a special moment. It brought me back in time ... to about 30 years ago when I first encountered it while serving my military service in that area. Strangely, though the wait was under one minutes, the historical experience simply "popped back alive" and I felt transported back in time. Instinctively, I looked at my dressing and I thought I was wearing my military uniform! haha! What are some memories that you treasure? Enjoy this short clip. Nostalgic.Memorable.Soon it will be no more...

Balance and Adrift

This view captures the general landscape of the island Singapore that attempts to maintain a delicate balance between keeping pace with modernization and the preservation of her historical heritage. Historically, it was a fishing port. On the left hand side of the picture was the landing site of Sir Stamford Raffles who founded Singapore in 1819. The skyscrapers in the background depict the spirit of constantly raising its citizens to greater heights of achievements. Situated close to the river bank is the Asian Civilisation Museum where we treasure our nostalgic past. Change is a constant feature of this relatively tiny island in South East Asia. Behind the historic landing site are two outstanding buildings. One is the modern Supreme Court that has a "space ship" architectural design. The other is the newly built Parliament House where national polices are debated and laws passed. More significantly, today thousands of people from all walks of life stream into the House to pay their respects to Dr. Goh Keng Swee. The former Deputy Prime Minister passed away on 14 May 2010 at the age of 91 years old. We pay tribute to him for his outstanding contributions in terms of the shaping of the modern Singapore, specifically in education, finance, defence and the arts. While Dr. Goh and the leadership have contributed significantly to the development of this nation to a First World status within a generation, including the transforming of this once very dirty foul smelling river to its presentable condition, we need to be mindful that there are others who may not be able to keep up with the pace of change and are, as illustrated by the floating sandal found at the right bottom corner of this photograph, drifting albeit aimlessly. The sandal neither has an outstanding color nor is large enough to attract people's attention. Notwithstanding that, compassion must be demonstrated to them and opportunity be given to share in the economic fruits. Realistically, there will always be a segment of the population who would lag behind (due to a complex variety of reasons) and there are others such as the foreigners (approximately 20% of its population) who have come from far away places, had incurred huge debts and are in search for a better world in this shore. Maintaining a delicate balance and reaching out to those who are adrift is more than just an art for a civilized nation.

Adorable Pandas

The Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding near Chengdu, Sichuan China is where pandas and other animals that are classified as endangered species are kept, protected and cared for. According to the tour guide, it is estimated that there are about 2,000 of them in the world and can usually live up to 25 to 30 years old in captivity. They feed mainly on bamboos (90% of their diet). Zoos pay about one million dollars (US) to the Chinese government in terms of loan fees . If you are interested to see the pandas, the address is 26, Panda Road, Chengdu or at your national zoo.

Easter 2010

Easter is a faith celebration based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In a couple of weeks' time, millions will flock to churches and sanctuaries to worship "the ONE who is no longer in the tomb, but have risen from the dead!" Christ has conquered death. And the butterfly is often used to depict the new life.

Some 2,000 years ago, the shepherds witnessed the glory of God while they were at the fields tending to their sheep. And several months before that, the angel Gabriel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "She (i.e. Mary) will give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21). Christians believe that it is the act of God's love that He sent His only Son to become man, live among us and die on the cross so as to redeem us from our sins. The Chinese character for the word love is 爱. Have you received the love of God in your heart? Easter 2010 can be that special day for you.

Mystery solved ???

I have been puzzled at the unusual rapid worn out rate of the string of my outdoor bamboo chicks. Was it due to the normal wear and tear/weather? One morning, I was attracted to the chirpings coming from my backyard. I went there, returned with my camera and captured several shots. The photograph explains it all! I suspect the bird (s) must have discovered that the string would serve as a useful material for its nest. If that is the case, I shall be glad to leave it that way. That's my guess. BTW, is this a Yellow Warbler (Dendroica Petechia)?

Have you had a mystery that kept you wondering??? Anyway, it's a good feeling that my (small) loss can become a (huge) gain to others. I welcome the bird family!

Underwater Life

It's an amazing sight under the water. Enjoy this home made movie using a waterproof digital camera.

Last week, my wife and I visited the Sungei Buroh Wetland Reserve. We enjoyed the peace and serenity of the natural oasis plus the fresh air that it offered. It was very different from the hustle and bustle of the Christmas festivities that had just passed. There were few people around except for several teachers leading a group of young children on an excursion.
We spotted some interesting species of birds in the swamps from a "window" that provided an excellent view without disturbing them.
As we enter the New Year, there will be "windows of opportunity" around us. Are we taking time to reflect more deeply the things around us or have we been drawn into the busyness of our routine already? I believe that what we see or perceive will invariably affect the way we act or respond to the situations/issues before us. Today, what do we see? I am reminded of the airplane window seat that provides an ariel view. Alternatively, we can venture to visit the recently completed tallest HDB Building in Singapore, the 50 Storey Pinnacle@Duxton or the 828 m tall Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The view up there must be extraordinary. However, wherever we are i.e. on land, in the air or under the sea, let's take cognizance of the views that will our shape our future. Have a Blessed and meaningful New Year!