Follow the link below for more information
http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/05/31/lego.artist/index.html
Showing posts with label Ramblings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ramblings. Show all posts
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Lego Artistry
Enough of simple Lego planes and trucks or even Lego recreations of the Eiffel Tower and other famous landmarks. These creations are simply amazing, considering the humble building blocks from which they are created.
Follow the link below for more information
http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/05/31/lego.artist/index.html
Follow the link below for more information
http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/05/31/lego.artist/index.html
Lego Turn 75
Lego, the Danish toy firm turns 75. Since master carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen started the company on August 10, 1932 in his studio in the town of Billund in Jutland, Lego has gone on to become one of the world's most popular as well as popular toys. The headquarters of the global toy giant are still located in Billund. Christiansen created the word "Lego" in 1934 from the Danish words "leg godt" (play well).
How many of us have memories of hours of endless fun piecing together the many pieces into objects limited only by our imagination... or the number of bricks we had.
One thing I discovered today, something so fun and unique
Lego Ice Cubes
Hmm... maybe I should try making some...
How many of us have memories of hours of endless fun piecing together the many pieces into objects limited only by our imagination... or the number of bricks we had.
One thing I discovered today, something so fun and unique
Lego Ice Cubes
Hmm... maybe I should try making some...
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Por Kee Eating House
I had the chance to try out the food at this small, simple place in old fashioned Tiong Bahru during dinner today. The surroundings was simple but pleasant but the food was very good.
There was a total of 8 persons at the table and we ordered 6 dishes in total. The service was attentive and the food was prompt. We had:
1) Home-made Tofu
2) Garlic fried Dou Miao
3) Cereal prawns
4) Steamed Soon Hock
5) Champagne Pork ribs
6) Yam Basket
7) Yam Paste with Lotus Nuts (Orh Ni) for dessert
Notably, the steamed fish was quite outstanding. The meat was soft and tender, being extremely fresh. The gravy was spicy, a little like tom yam. What was unique was the way it was served. A bowl of soup was ladled over the fish, kept hot over a solid fuel fire, but the soup was allowed to drain back into the bowl after being heated and having absorbed the 'flavour' from the fish. The soon hock costs SGD6 per 100gm which was rather reasonable for the quality of the meat and cooking.
The champagne ribs was also good, with the meat being tender and the champagne imparting a wonderful flavour.
But I must comment on the dessert. After having tried Orh Ni on about 3 occasions over a span of 3-4 weeks, I have made it a personal effort to ensure I know what a good Orh Ni tastes like instead of just lapping up any kind of slop dished out, especially at wedding dinners. Tonight, I have found it. Fragrant with the yam taking a smooth yet mildly lumpy texture. The consistency was just right, not too watery nor too pasty.
For a superb meal in comfortable surroundings, this is a place of choice.
Por Kee Eating House
69, Seng Poh Lane
#01-02
S160069
62210582
There was a total of 8 persons at the table and we ordered 6 dishes in total. The service was attentive and the food was prompt. We had:
1) Home-made Tofu
2) Garlic fried Dou Miao
3) Cereal prawns
4) Steamed Soon Hock
5) Champagne Pork ribs
6) Yam Basket
7) Yam Paste with Lotus Nuts (Orh Ni) for dessert
Notably, the steamed fish was quite outstanding. The meat was soft and tender, being extremely fresh. The gravy was spicy, a little like tom yam. What was unique was the way it was served. A bowl of soup was ladled over the fish, kept hot over a solid fuel fire, but the soup was allowed to drain back into the bowl after being heated and having absorbed the 'flavour' from the fish. The soon hock costs SGD6 per 100gm which was rather reasonable for the quality of the meat and cooking.
The champagne ribs was also good, with the meat being tender and the champagne imparting a wonderful flavour.
But I must comment on the dessert. After having tried Orh Ni on about 3 occasions over a span of 3-4 weeks, I have made it a personal effort to ensure I know what a good Orh Ni tastes like instead of just lapping up any kind of slop dished out, especially at wedding dinners. Tonight, I have found it. Fragrant with the yam taking a smooth yet mildly lumpy texture. The consistency was just right, not too watery nor too pasty.
For a superb meal in comfortable surroundings, this is a place of choice.
Por Kee Eating House
69, Seng Poh Lane
#01-02
S160069
62210582
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Poljot and Sturmanskie
"On 12 April 1961, Yuri Gagarin made history by becoming the first cosmonaut who circled the Earth in a space shuttle called “Vostok” (East). This earmarked the success of the Soviet’s advanced development in space exploration, well ahead of its American counterpart.It was a historical moment for 1st MWF as well with its “Sturmanskie” watch strapped around Gagarin’s arm throughout the space journey." This Russian watch factory has gone from being the first state watch factory in 1930 to the First Moscow Watch Factory in 1945 and then developing the trademark 'Poljot' (which means Flight) in 1964. While the watches were marketed under different brands or lines, the movements were produced by Poljot, notably the 3133 and 31681. In 1961, Yuri Gagarin, wore a Sturmanskie (Navigator) line watch, produced then only for military aviation and not available to the public. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of space flight, Sturmanskie produced 999 pieces of a limited edition timepiece to commemorate this event. I have heard of Russian watches and the brand, but did not know much prior to this trip and the research of the watch. I was fortunate to have chanced upon a shop selling this line and the one that stood out was this beautiful piece. Not only did it have a good look, it was full of significance and a limited edition as well. After much consideration and haggling, the price was settled at 12500 roubles, about SGD 750.
| CASE: | SOLID STAINLESS STEEL 39 mm |
| CRYSTAL: | MINERAL GLASS |
| CROWNS: | STEEL, ENLARGED FOR EASY WINDING |
| MOVEMENT: | POLJOT CHRONOGRAPH CAL. 31681 OF RUSSIAN ORIGIN/MANUAL WOUND |
| FUNCTIONS: | SECONDS, DATE CALENDAR, 24 HOURS DIAL, STOP WATCH WITH SUMMING UP ACTION |
| JEWELS: | 25 BEARING RUBY JEWELS |
| STRAP: | GENUINE LEATHER |
| BUCKLE: | STAINLESS STEEL |
| BACKCASE: | STAINLESS STEEL-SECURED BY A SCREW-IN RING |
| DIAL: | BLACK, ARABIC NUMERALS |
| HANDS: | SWEEP-TYPE SECONDS HAND, LUMINOUS |
| ACCURACY: | -20 TO +40 SEC/DAY |
| WATER-RESISTANCE: | Up to 30 meters/100 ft or 3ATM |
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Transformers
Just caught the moview Transformers on Monday. As a treat from the wife, she surprised me with a pair of Gold Class tickets at Vivocity. Just when I thought we would be watching the movie on one of those small cinema screens.
It was an experience. Almost like a performance. We left it till late before we went to the cinema. That proved to be a mistake because the interior was great! Big comfortable couches and sofas with a bar counter serving drinks and food. There was staff on hand to greet us and bring us to our seats.
I feel so 'sua ku' as I gushed over how large the cinema seats were. There was a control to lower the back and raise the foot rests. If you were feeling a little chilly, there was even a blanket. On the table in front of the seats was a green glowing button that would signal the staff to attend to you in the event that we wanted some drinks during the show. I snuggled under the blanket, kicked off my shoes and waited for the show to start.
The show, under these circumstances, was a scream. Childhood memories flashed through my mind as I saw the digitally rendered robots transform and battle each other on screen. There was a certain artistic liberty taken as some of the Autobots and Decepticons were depicted differently from the cartoon series. Nonetheless, that did not detract from the fact that the show was a fun, action packed movie.
Best were the familiar lines from the cartoon series:
Autobots, transform and roll out
More than meets the eye
What a movie!
It was an experience. Almost like a performance. We left it till late before we went to the cinema. That proved to be a mistake because the interior was great! Big comfortable couches and sofas with a bar counter serving drinks and food. There was staff on hand to greet us and bring us to our seats.
I feel so 'sua ku' as I gushed over how large the cinema seats were. There was a control to lower the back and raise the foot rests. If you were feeling a little chilly, there was even a blanket. On the table in front of the seats was a green glowing button that would signal the staff to attend to you in the event that we wanted some drinks during the show. I snuggled under the blanket, kicked off my shoes and waited for the show to start.
The show, under these circumstances, was a scream. Childhood memories flashed through my mind as I saw the digitally rendered robots transform and battle each other on screen. There was a certain artistic liberty taken as some of the Autobots and Decepticons were depicted differently from the cartoon series. Nonetheless, that did not detract from the fact that the show was a fun, action packed movie.
Best were the familiar lines from the cartoon series:
Autobots, transform and roll out
More than meets the eye
What a movie!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Hair today, Bald Tomorrow
Age: 7 Weeks 5 Days
Tomorrow is the day I lose my hair. Am i worried or apprehensive. So far, even after thinking about it, I have not experienced the jitters yet...not yet at least. I think I will only feel the full impact of it only when I am there.
It is all for a good cause. The bald head will raise questions and it will get the the awareness level up for these children. Is it worth it? Definitely!
So 1 July, 1705 hrs at Velocity.
Tomorrow is the day I lose my hair. Am i worried or apprehensive. So far, even after thinking about it, I have not experienced the jitters yet...not yet at least. I think I will only feel the full impact of it only when I am there.
It is all for a good cause. The bald head will raise questions and it will get the the awareness level up for these children. Is it worth it? Definitely!
So 1 July, 1705 hrs at Velocity.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Suicide is Painless
The theme song of one of the greatest movie and series in television history, M*A*S*H. Most people who have watched the series will know the tune but may not know that there is title and lyrics to the song. So here it is...
Suicide is Painless
Music - Johnny Mandel
Lyrics - Mike Altman
Released 1970
Through early morning fog I see
visions of the things to be
the pains that are withheld for me
I realize and I can see...
Refrain:
that suicide is painless
It brings on many changes
and I can take or leave it if I please.
I try to find a way to make
all our little joys relate
without that ever-present hatebut now I know that it's too late, and...
The game of life is hard to play
I'm gonna lose it anyway
The losing card I'll someday lay
so this is all I have to say.
The only way to win is cheat
And lay it down before I'm beat
and to another give my seat
for that's the only painless feat.
The sword of time will pierce our skins
It doesn't hurt when it begins
But as it works its way on in
The pain grows stronger...watch it grin, but...
A brave man once requested me
to answer questions that are key
is it to be or not to be
and I replied 'oh why ask me?'
'Cause suicide is painless
it brings on many changes
and I can take or leave it if I please.
...and you can do the same thing if you please.
Music - Johnny Mandel
Lyrics - Mike Altman
Released 1970
Through early morning fog I see
visions of the things to be
the pains that are withheld for me
I realize and I can see...
Refrain:
that suicide is painless
It brings on many changes
and I can take or leave it if I please.
I try to find a way to make
all our little joys relate
without that ever-present hatebut now I know that it's too late, and...
The game of life is hard to play
I'm gonna lose it anyway
The losing card I'll someday lay
so this is all I have to say.
The only way to win is cheat
And lay it down before I'm beat
and to another give my seat
for that's the only painless feat.
The sword of time will pierce our skins
It doesn't hurt when it begins
But as it works its way on in
The pain grows stronger...watch it grin, but...
A brave man once requested me
to answer questions that are key
is it to be or not to be
and I replied 'oh why ask me?'
'Cause suicide is painless
it brings on many changes
and I can take or leave it if I please.
...and you can do the same thing if you please.
Hallelujah
You may have first heard this song in the cartoon Shrek, or more recently in the final episode of Season 1 of the OC and probably in a few more other television series or movies which I do not know about.
If you trawl the internet, there are also many covers of the original version written by Leonard Cohen. Jeff Bucklel, Rufus Wainwright, John Cale, KD Lang are among the more common versions you will come across. While you do not have to come to a conclusion on who has the best voice or brings across the emotion of the song best, it is good for you to take a look at the lyrics and make an attempt to see what it means to you.
For me, it never fails to bring up the same emotions listening to the haunting tune and lyrics. Hear it:
Hallelujah - John Cale
The version of the lyrics also differ with the original lyrics in 1984 reflected immediately below. The words convey a rich meaning with many biblical references. The song was released again in 1988 with significantly different lyrics, in my opinion, not having the same level and depth of religious significance. Most covers take a combination of both the versions. I have yet to find the original song.
Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen 1984 Various Positions
Now I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew her
She tied you
To a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
You say I took the name in vain
I don't even know the name
But if I did, well really, what's it to you?
There's a blaze of light
In every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though
It all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah
and here is a different version...
Hallelujah - 1988 Cohen Live
Baby, I've been here before.
I know this room, I've walked this floor.
I used to live alone before I knew you.
Yeah I've seen your flag on the marble arch,
But listen, love is not some kind of victory march,
No it's a cold and it's a very broken Hallelujah.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, (Hallelujah...)
There was a time you let me know
What's really going on below,
Ah but now you never show it to me, do you?
Yeah but I remember, yeah when I moved in you,
And the holy dove, she was moving too,
Yes every single breath that we drew was Hallelujah.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
Maybe there's a God above,
As for me, all I've ever seemed to learn from love
Is how to shoot at someone who outdrew you.
Yeah but it's not a complaint that you hear tonight,
It's not the laughter of someone who claims to have seen the light
No it's a cold and it's a very lonely Hallelujah.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
I did my best, it wasn't much.
I couldn't feel, so I learned to touch.
I've told the truth, I didn't come all this way to fool you.
Yeah even tough it all went wrong
I'll stand right here before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my lips but Hallelujah.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
If you trawl the internet, there are also many covers of the original version written by Leonard Cohen. Jeff Bucklel, Rufus Wainwright, John Cale, KD Lang are among the more common versions you will come across. While you do not have to come to a conclusion on who has the best voice or brings across the emotion of the song best, it is good for you to take a look at the lyrics and make an attempt to see what it means to you.
For me, it never fails to bring up the same emotions listening to the haunting tune and lyrics. Hear it:
Hallelujah - John Cale
The version of the lyrics also differ with the original lyrics in 1984 reflected immediately below. The words convey a rich meaning with many biblical references. The song was released again in 1988 with significantly different lyrics, in my opinion, not having the same level and depth of religious significance. Most covers take a combination of both the versions. I have yet to find the original song.
Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen 1984 Various Positions
Now I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew her
She tied you
To a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
You say I took the name in vain
I don't even know the name
But if I did, well really, what's it to you?
There's a blaze of light
In every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though
It all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah
and here is a different version...
Hallelujah - 1988 Cohen Live
Baby, I've been here before.
I know this room, I've walked this floor.
I used to live alone before I knew you.
Yeah I've seen your flag on the marble arch,
But listen, love is not some kind of victory march,
No it's a cold and it's a very broken Hallelujah.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, (Hallelujah...)
There was a time you let me know
What's really going on below,
Ah but now you never show it to me, do you?
Yeah but I remember, yeah when I moved in you,
And the holy dove, she was moving too,
Yes every single breath that we drew was Hallelujah.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
Maybe there's a God above,
As for me, all I've ever seemed to learn from love
Is how to shoot at someone who outdrew you.
Yeah but it's not a complaint that you hear tonight,
It's not the laughter of someone who claims to have seen the light
No it's a cold and it's a very lonely Hallelujah.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
I did my best, it wasn't much.
I couldn't feel, so I learned to touch.
I've told the truth, I didn't come all this way to fool you.
Yeah even tough it all went wrong
I'll stand right here before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my lips but Hallelujah.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Hair for Hope 2007
I cam across this event in 2006 after it was over and I felt it was a wasted opportunity to be part of something this meaningful. So resolving not to miss it this year, I have stayed true my word and taken the step to register myself for the event.
The event consists of 2 parts, one is the chance to get a free haircut in the form of a shaven head and the fund raising portion. The shaven head, to me, is symbolic. It serves as as publicity to the entire fund raising event as well as brings the attention of the public to the plight of children cancer patients.
However, a more important effect, is to tell the kids that there are people out there who are trying to help and understand. The show of support and solidarity with them is immeasurable by this little act that is done.
So,, I ask for your to visit their website and see the work that is being done for the children. In addition, I sincerely ask that any of your who read this, to kindly support my fund raising effort for this event and pledge a little something through the online portal at this site here.
The event is on 1 July 2007 at Vivocity. To all my family and friends who will be keen to see me with a clean shaven egg head on that day, you are kindly welcomed to witness the event on the day.
The event consists of 2 parts, one is the chance to get a free haircut in the form of a shaven head and the fund raising portion. The shaven head, to me, is symbolic. It serves as as publicity to the entire fund raising event as well as brings the attention of the public to the plight of children cancer patients.
However, a more important effect, is to tell the kids that there are people out there who are trying to help and understand. The show of support and solidarity with them is immeasurable by this little act that is done.
So,, I ask for your to visit their website and see the work that is being done for the children. In addition, I sincerely ask that any of your who read this, to kindly support my fund raising effort for this event and pledge a little something through the online portal at this site here.
The event is on 1 July 2007 at Vivocity. To all my family and friends who will be keen to see me with a clean shaven egg head on that day, you are kindly welcomed to witness the event on the day.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The Summons
The Summons
1. Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don't know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known,
will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?
2. Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?
3. Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen,
and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?
4. Will you love the "you" you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you've found to reshape the world around,
through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?
5. Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In Your company I'll go where Your love and footsteps show.
Thus I'll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
Above All
Above all powers above all kings
Above all nature and all created things
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began
Above all kingdoms above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure what You're worth
Chorus:
Crucified, laid behind the stone
You lived to die rejected and alone
Like a Rose trampled on the ground
You took the fall and thought of me
Above all
Above all powers above all kings
Above all nature and all created things
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began
Above all kingdoms above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure what You're worth
Crucified, laid behind the stone
You lived to die rejected and alone
Like a Rose trampled on the ground
You took the fall and thought of me
Above all
Like a rose trampled on the groud
You took the fall and thought of me
Above all
You have to hear this song to believe that the words can bring tears to your eyes. Read the lyrics and experience the richness of the meaning that they convey.
Enjoy...
Above all nature and all created things
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began
Above all kingdoms above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure what You're worth
Chorus:
Crucified, laid behind the stone
You lived to die rejected and alone
Like a Rose trampled on the ground
You took the fall and thought of me
Above all
Above all powers above all kings
Above all nature and all created things
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began
Above all kingdoms above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure what You're worth
Crucified, laid behind the stone
You lived to die rejected and alone
Like a Rose trampled on the ground
You took the fall and thought of me
Above all
Like a rose trampled on the groud
You took the fall and thought of me
Above all
You have to hear this song to believe that the words can bring tears to your eyes. Read the lyrics and experience the richness of the meaning that they convey.
Enjoy...
Friday, April 20, 2007
Ancient Words
There are songs which have a pleasant tune and may even be catchy enough for you to hum along to. And then there are those that entice you to look at the words that accompany the tune. These words mean so much and each time you meditate on the words, you gain so much...
I first heard this this during my Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) class during the presentation of the Bible to the inquirers. Take some time to mull over what it says.
Enjoy
I first heard this this during my Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) class during the presentation of the Bible to the inquirers. Take some time to mull over what it says.
Enjoy
Ancient Words
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world,
They resound with god's own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart.
Words of life, words of hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us home.
Chorus:
Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Holy words of our faith
Handed down to this age.
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of christ.
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with god's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Chorus x4
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world,
They resound with god's own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart.
Words of life, words of hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us home.
Chorus:
Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Holy words of our faith
Handed down to this age.
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of christ.
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with god's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Chorus x4
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Alegria
Why am I blogging about music today...I don't know. I was just listening so some of these old Cirque du Soleil tracks when it stuck me that I really liked a few of the songs found in their shows. 2 in particular will I remember. The first is from the show Alegria, entitled Alegria.
This five minute and forty-three second masterpiece is from the show, Alegria, meaning in Spanish, "Jubilation". The song itself has three parts, beginning in Italian,interludingg in English and concluding in Spanish. The song begins with light almost bell sounding percussions and by the time the chorus kicks in explodes in any orgy of splendor and strings the likes of which Vivaldi could only dream of.
The singer's voice can only be described as enchanting. It is powerful and clear with a raspy sore-throat like quality to it which makes it sound raw and real. Francesca Gagnon is the singer's name.
Try it and see....
This five minute and forty-three second masterpiece is from the show, Alegria, meaning in Spanish, "Jubilation". The song itself has three parts, beginning in Italian,interludingg in English and concluding in Spanish. The song begins with light almost bell sounding percussions and by the time the chorus kicks in explodes in any orgy of splendor and strings the likes of which Vivaldi could only dream of.
The singer's voice can only be described as enchanting. It is powerful and clear with a raspy sore-throat like quality to it which makes it sound raw and real. Francesca Gagnon is the singer's name.
Try it and see....
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Three Years
In a blink of an eye, Fran and I have been married for 3 years.
4 and 5 Oct 2003. 4 Oct was the wedding ceremony and the 5th being the dinner. It just seems like yesterday that it all happened.
Yesterday we went celebrating with a dinner at a quaint little japanese place called Sushi Kikuzawa. A small hole in the wall type of shop with a counter for about 10-12. Some have described it as a close resemblance to a small sushi bar you will find in Japan. For a flat fee, the chef (a real japanese) will prepare the sushi for you. Of course you can either order food that you actually like, but that would not be fun now would it; or you can leave it to the chef to prepare what he likes.
After some initial hesitation, we decided to go for the latter option, trusting that the good chef will prepare the freshest catch of the day. Boy were we surprised with some pretty good stuff. We had a range of nigiri sushi that we would normally not try. The unagi was particularly well done with a few bursts of fire from a blow torch. Wow!
We even had a taste of the fugu. This is the famed puffer fish. The flesh is edible but the innards are poisonous. The taste was rather bland but I think the thrill comes from knowing its potential for harm
All in all, we had a very good experience. It will be a tough decision to go back to the usual sushi joints with the conveyor belts. For you foodies out there, the address of the place is:
Sushi Kikuzawa
360, Orchard Road
International building
#02-13
4 and 5 Oct 2003. 4 Oct was the wedding ceremony and the 5th being the dinner. It just seems like yesterday that it all happened.
Yesterday we went celebrating with a dinner at a quaint little japanese place called Sushi Kikuzawa. A small hole in the wall type of shop with a counter for about 10-12. Some have described it as a close resemblance to a small sushi bar you will find in Japan. For a flat fee, the chef (a real japanese) will prepare the sushi for you. Of course you can either order food that you actually like, but that would not be fun now would it; or you can leave it to the chef to prepare what he likes.
After some initial hesitation, we decided to go for the latter option, trusting that the good chef will prepare the freshest catch of the day. Boy were we surprised with some pretty good stuff. We had a range of nigiri sushi that we would normally not try. The unagi was particularly well done with a few bursts of fire from a blow torch. Wow!
We even had a taste of the fugu. This is the famed puffer fish. The flesh is edible but the innards are poisonous. The taste was rather bland but I think the thrill comes from knowing its potential for harm
All in all, we had a very good experience. It will be a tough decision to go back to the usual sushi joints with the conveyor belts. For you foodies out there, the address of the place is:
Sushi Kikuzawa
360, Orchard Road
International building
#02-13
Monday, October 02, 2006
Running the Singapore Marathon 2006
The time has come to train for the Marathon again. Having taken part in my first marathon last year, I never thought the day would come when I would sign up once again for such an inhuman race. However, I have parted with 30+ bucks to torture myself again and so it is high time I start training to minimise the pain during the race.
But seriously, the desire or need to complete this gruelling race in a shorter time compared to last year is the main motivation for doing it again. I completed it last year in a time of 5 and a half hours. Quite an achievement and unexpected for my state of fitness and preparation last year.
This year I have decided to follow a training guide posted on the internet. It is designed to allow one to complete it below 5 hours. Although it is a 21 week program, I am starting at the 8 week mark. It will be tough but I think it can be done.
So officially, I have started my marathon training. 3 Dec, here I come!
But seriously, the desire or need to complete this gruelling race in a shorter time compared to last year is the main motivation for doing it again. I completed it last year in a time of 5 and a half hours. Quite an achievement and unexpected for my state of fitness and preparation last year.
This year I have decided to follow a training guide posted on the internet. It is designed to allow one to complete it below 5 hours. Although it is a 21 week program, I am starting at the 8 week mark. It will be tough but I think it can be done.
So officially, I have started my marathon training. 3 Dec, here I come!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Senja Doggy Resort
Today, we welcome the arrival of Sundae, my parent's pet papillon. Since they are traveling over the next few weeks, we have been entrusted with the task of caring for him in their absence.
It will be interesting to see how he interacts with Nelle and Socks. I think they will be good company for one another. Sigh, will have to deal with dog poo and pee around the house during this period of time. Maybe he can be house broken soon so that the havoc wreaked will be little.
It will be interesting to see how he interacts with Nelle and Socks. I think they will be good company for one another. Sigh, will have to deal with dog poo and pee around the house during this period of time. Maybe he can be house broken soon so that the havoc wreaked will be little.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Fish...
Why can’t fish shops in Singapore be more responsible? I just saw the most disturbing thing during lunch. A mother with her child and a stroller had obviously just paid a visit to a fish shop. Three plastic packets hung from the stroller, the kind that coffee shops use to contain your coffee. Each contained three fishes and a sprig of plant. The bags were not tied up nor was it pumped with air.
Most fish buyers are ignorant about the conditions required to successfully look after these delicate and beautiful animals. Most buys are fuelled by the whims and fancies of children who pester harried parents to buy them. Fish shops, on the other hand, should know better. They should take the opportunity to educate and advise the buyers on the intricacies needed to enjoy this new hobby.
The deplorable condition under which the fish were subjected to was heart breaking. The sprig of plant, serving as a small effort to beautify its surroundings, was distinctly out of place. In its small plastic world, the volume of water is small making it vulnerable to temperature fluctuations. There is probably little oxygen in the water. The frequent swinging must seem like an endless series of earthquakes to the little fish. The flurry of activity in the food court did nothing to make the situation any less chaotic.
It is no wonder that, on reaching home, those little buggers have little or no chance to survive. It is just not right to treat a living creature this way. I know fish are not as cute as dogs and other furry animals, but it is still a life!
I can only wish that local fish shops can slowly raise their standards and professionalism and provide the level of expertise needed for such a specialized hobby. As of now, the usual heartland fish shops have a long way to go.
Most fish buyers are ignorant about the conditions required to successfully look after these delicate and beautiful animals. Most buys are fuelled by the whims and fancies of children who pester harried parents to buy them. Fish shops, on the other hand, should know better. They should take the opportunity to educate and advise the buyers on the intricacies needed to enjoy this new hobby.
The deplorable condition under which the fish were subjected to was heart breaking. The sprig of plant, serving as a small effort to beautify its surroundings, was distinctly out of place. In its small plastic world, the volume of water is small making it vulnerable to temperature fluctuations. There is probably little oxygen in the water. The frequent swinging must seem like an endless series of earthquakes to the little fish. The flurry of activity in the food court did nothing to make the situation any less chaotic.
It is no wonder that, on reaching home, those little buggers have little or no chance to survive. It is just not right to treat a living creature this way. I know fish are not as cute as dogs and other furry animals, but it is still a life!
I can only wish that local fish shops can slowly raise their standards and professionalism and provide the level of expertise needed for such a specialized hobby. As of now, the usual heartland fish shops have a long way to go.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
