Saturday, April 12, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
My Long Lost Memories
By chance or accident, I flipped through my bookshelves, and found two aged-old postcards. One of which is a photograph of Katong Beach, the other is the Bedok Simpan Beach.
I believed these photographs were taken in the late sixties. At that time, I was a secondary school student then. I still can remember on every Saturday afternoon, after my school curriculum time (We had lessons on Saturday's morning!), I used to go out with a group of school mates and roam these areas.
To what I could recall, the company were Paul Ho, Young Y. L., Chu Y.K. and Lau H.C. We used to go to Katong Beach, strolled along the sandy beach, ate Ice Kachang in the shades of the coconut trees, then went for a Chinese Movie at Roxy Theatre 乐斯戏院 or New Palace Theatre 丽宫戏院 (May be the name is not correct!).
Otherwise, we would take a short trip by bus to Simpan Bedok Beach (Where SAF 3rd Guards Camp is now), and waited for the tide to subside, then walked around the stretch of long, flat beach and picked up shells along the way. We used to capture blue sky, white cloud and warm breeze in the late afternoon. With the coconut farms around, it was almost the same scenery as in Hawaii beach, but of course, without the high rise hotels.
As time goes by, the nation developed into a metropolitan; all these lovely scenes were replaced by man-made concrete jungles. Our younger generations lost all these luxuries of enjoyment. There goes my Bedok and Katong sweet memories, as well as songs from Connie Francis, Elvis Presley and Cliff Richards. Most of all, my youth!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
微观世界
很多时候，我们总是粗心大意的去看我们的周圍世物，很多时候我们都忽略一切美好的身邊事物。其实，如果我们只要稍为用心观察，不难觉察到，我们四周都充满着令人驚讶的美事。
今早见阳光普照，随手提起摄影器材，往飞禽公園直去。花了一个早晨的汗水，遂捕捉到这些令人心醉的细小景物。若您能靜下匆忙的心态，用心仔细的看看这些景物，或許您的心境遂变得更加安祥，世界看来会更加美好。
The Macro World
Many times we tend to look at the world at a glance, therefore, we missed lots of beautiful things that are around us. We use to look but no see, hear but not listen. In fact, if we would spend some time and use our mind or heart to look at the world around us, we will be surprise by those little beautiful things around us.
This morning, the weather was extremely good, it inspired me to take my photographic tools and rushed straight to the Bird Park. I spent the whole morning and captured these beautiful scenes. Some of the photos surprised me, as a took a closer look at them. If we could really stop down at some point of our life, and take a good look at our surroundings, we may see lots of beautiful things happening around us silently, we might get inspired and may see the world in another positive perspectives; life could be less miserable and dreadful.
很多时候，我们总是粗心大意的去看我们的周圍世物，很多时候我们都忽略一切美好的身邊事物。其实，如果我们只要稍为用心观察，不难觉察到，我们四周都充满着令人驚讶的美事。
今早见阳光普照，随手提起摄影器材，往飞禽公園直去。花了一个早晨的汗水，遂捕捉到这些令人心醉的细小景物。若您能靜下匆忙的心态，用心仔细的看看这些景物，或許您的心境遂变得更加安祥，世界看来会更加美好。
The Macro World
Many times we tend to look at the world at a glance, therefore, we missed lots of beautiful things that are around us. We use to look but no see, hear but not listen. In fact, if we would spend some time and use our mind or heart to look at the world around us, we will be surprise by those little beautiful things around us.
This morning, the weather was extremely good, it inspired me to take my photographic tools and rushed straight to the Bird Park. I spent the whole morning and captured these beautiful scenes. Some of the photos surprised me, as a took a closer look at them. If we could really stop down at some point of our life, and take a good look at our surroundings, we may see lots of beautiful things happening around us silently, we might get inspired and may see the world in another positive perspectives; life could be less miserable and dreadful.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
The Bucket List
After watching the film 'The Bucket List', beside admire Jack Nicholas and Morgan Freeman acting skills; the contents of this film really touched me.
If everybody really lives as if you only have half a year of life; then you would see Life in another perspectives. As Nicholas said in the show: Do you want to live a life as everyone does? With the end coming near, just waiting for it to come, waiting the offspring to tear, going through the hospital scenario and get laid or cremate. Why not go and do something meaningful to yourself and die happily?
At the age of 61, I could not agree better! This is why I have chosen to retire early than what I should be, and enjoy what I am doing at the moment. I am the boss of my life. I have broken free from all the hustles and restrictions. I could not stand those old folks sitting at the void deck everyday, posing that miserable postures and let time pass by. My former boss Mrs Kee said: Must make yourself feel valuable to the organization / family. I further developed this concept: Must make yourself valuable to yourself; life would be much more beautiful and meaningful.
Yes, today I am one year nearer to the other end, but I feel much more delightful than the past. It is my perception contribute to this mood. My psychology tutor said: Our daily thoughts 80% are negative. I asked him why, he said it may be the world is not perfect. But could it be ourself caused it? If you do not value your life, who will?
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Suicide Attempt
This evening, a youth suddenly appeared on the rooftop of my neighbouring block. He was sitting on the edge of the rooftop, looked very depressed and confused. The block of building is 14 storey high. Soon after, the police, fire department officers and vehicles, ambulance arrived at the scene. In less than 10 minutes, the rescue air cushions were set up on the ground of that building. Police and Fire fighting officers rushed to the roof top try to talk to him. It took these officers almost one and a half hour to snatch him from the edge of the roof, while he was distracted by the audience on the ground.
The drama finally ended with no life costs.
But to me there is a basic question: Why must someone tries to terminate his own life? Especially he is young! He should try to explore life, enjoy life. I believe this young man must be troubled by emotional problems; may be boy-girl relation that sort. If it is true, then would be most silly to attempt committing suicide. Love needs to parties to work with, if one party lost interest, then should start another journey, especially you are young.
No matter what happen, life is precious. If you yourself do not treasure it, who will?
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Free Tibet?
Recently riots broke out in several parts of western China. Tibetans seen as rioters on TV news as well as newspaper publications. Western countries openly urging China to restrain their acts on the rioters. The Chinese Authority make public statement to stress that they could not tolerate unlawful behavior in the country. Tibet rioting became the headline on news media last week. Personally, I believe every act must have a cause. So as the Tibetan actions. But are these actions genuine or with hidden agenda? This is something we should look into. Dalai Lama has stated that he would not encourage violence. He appealed to the Tibetans to use peaceful ways of protest.
At the same time, we saw protesters outside of China carrying banner stating 'Free Tibet'! This is another issue to be addressed. I believe the Chinese are most unhappy with this sort of agenda. Not only Chinese, anyone who has the proper concept of 'Nation' will not buy such concept. Where on earth you like to see your own country split into two?! In the history of Asia, where is the evidence that Tibet had been a nation by itself? People who wish to see Tibet break away from China, personally I believed there must be an ultimate motive behind it. This is the same with Taiwan issue! 
If we Asians are going to prove to the world, we have 5000 years of culture and wisdom, we better use our brains and do our parts. Blindly following foreign philosophy and ways of life would only lead us to doom!
Recently riots broke out in several parts of western China. Tibetans seen as rioters on TV news as well as newspaper publications. Western countries openly urging China to restrain their acts on the rioters. The Chinese Authority make public statement to stress that they could not tolerate unlawful behavior in the country. Tibet rioting became the headline on news media last week. Personally, I believe every act must have a cause. So as the Tibetan actions. But are these actions genuine or with hidden agenda? This is something we should look into. Dalai Lama has stated that he would not encourage violence. He appealed to the Tibetans to use peaceful ways of protest.
At the same time, we saw protesters outside of China carrying banner stating 'Free Tibet'! This is another issue to be addressed. I believe the Chinese are most unhappy with this sort of agenda. Not only Chinese, anyone who has the proper concept of 'Nation' will not buy such concept. Where on earth you like to see your own country split into two?! In the history of Asia, where is the evidence that Tibet had been a nation by itself? People who wish to see Tibet break away from China, personally I believed there must be an ultimate motive behind it. This is the same with Taiwan issue! 
If we Asians are going to prove to the world, we have 5000 years of culture and wisdom, we better use our brains and do our parts. Blindly following foreign philosophy and ways of life would only lead us to doom!
Friday, March 07, 2008
逃狱
一日,动物园内的一隻黑豹,从栏栅的缝隙逃逸.数小时后,采访记者问动物园园长:黑豹是一种极其凶猛和危险的动物,为何您要沉默数小时才公诸于世?园长施里慢条的说:我们觉得这头黑豹己没有什么危险,对大家是无害的.采访人员便现场把实况播了出去.
那厢不远的森林中的各种动物,一接到黑豹脱困的消息,立刻引起巨大的反应.野兔说:这是什么人话!呆会儿我要是一不留神,岂不成了它的囊中之物!连庞然大物的象大哥也插嘴说:可不是,它那尖锐的爪牙,就像锋利的刀刃一般,只要给它咬上一口,我可要痛入心脾了!品种最接近人类的红毛猿说:呵呀!诸位,您们又何必如此操心,园长的话并无差错呵!现在我们这儿有谁受了伤害啦?众兽听毕,一时为之语塞.
钝牛还是按不住他的脾气:难道要发生了灾难,才算是危险吗?受害者的仓痛又有何人来承受!森林内嘩声四起。
另一厢,多营军警出动,真枪实弹在四处围捕那头’不会造成大害‘的黑豹。一隻恰巧路过的飞鹰目睹发生的一切,不禁大摇其头:真是一场丢人现眼的閙剧!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Feast of Floral
We do not have four seasons, as we are a tropical nation. But Sentosa has provided us the spring atmosphere when she has her annual flower show. This year without failed, she has another grand show at the little island, thousands of floral and fauna were displayed during the Lunar New Year festive season, we have a big feast of colors and scent.
These are the photographs taken at Sentosa, hope you could enjoy the feast of colors too!
We do not have four seasons, as we are a tropical nation. But Sentosa has provided us the spring atmosphere when she has her annual flower show. This year without failed, she has another grand show at the little island, thousands of floral and fauna were displayed during the Lunar New Year festive season, we have a big feast of colors and scent.
These are the photographs taken at Sentosa, hope you could enjoy the feast of colors too!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Lunar New Year Festive Season
Very year when time comes close to the Lunar New Year Season, I will have not choice and be forced to listen to those famous oldies, such as 'He Xin Nian', 'Gong Xi Gong Xi'. Year in year out, the same song will be repeated at the same time frame. No doubt, sometimes the singers are different, the music arrangement has changed. But the tune is the same.
When I was younger, I really get sick of them, once I heard them. This is why I do not like this season.
But as years passed by, age catching up, things change greatly. These days, as I walked pass China Town, heard of these songs, certain strange feeling arises. Suddenly, the old memories float up from nowhere. Suddenly realized that my parents were passed away for more than 15 years. Suddenly, noticed own self is no more younger as before. Suddenly, the world seems to be parting away from me. All of my elderly relatives were not around, those young siblings turn into full grown adults. Friends disappearing one by one, even my own students' faces starting to appear on obituary page!
Other things also happened in silence: The actors that I admired, the singers that I most adored; one by one, all slipped into the other side of the world. But their movies, their songs still mingle around the moment I play their records or videos.
Suddenly, shockingly realize that time also had slipped away so much and so fast from me. Yet, there are so many things not done yet. Life, is really rush away as the tidal wave. If we do not catch it on time and present ourself in full colour, it will never be another chance for you....
Very year when time comes close to the Lunar New Year Season, I will have not choice and be forced to listen to those famous oldies, such as 'He Xin Nian', 'Gong Xi Gong Xi'. Year in year out, the same song will be repeated at the same time frame. No doubt, sometimes the singers are different, the music arrangement has changed. But the tune is the same.
When I was younger, I really get sick of them, once I heard them. This is why I do not like this season.
But as years passed by, age catching up, things change greatly. These days, as I walked pass China Town, heard of these songs, certain strange feeling arises. Suddenly, the old memories float up from nowhere. Suddenly realized that my parents were passed away for more than 15 years. Suddenly, noticed own self is no more younger as before. Suddenly, the world seems to be parting away from me. All of my elderly relatives were not around, those young siblings turn into full grown adults. Friends disappearing one by one, even my own students' faces starting to appear on obituary page!
Other things also happened in silence: The actors that I admired, the singers that I most adored; one by one, all slipped into the other side of the world. But their movies, their songs still mingle around the moment I play their records or videos.
Suddenly, shockingly realize that time also had slipped away so much and so fast from me. Yet, there are so many things not done yet. Life, is really rush away as the tidal wave. If we do not catch it on time and present ourself in full colour, it will never be another chance for you....
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