6th Landy Improvement

What else could I possibly add to Missy Daisy, you would ask.

LIGHTS!

This has been on my list of things to add. And after a couple of night off-roading sessions, I was convinced that lights will be a definite help in my quest for a better experience. So once again, trooped down to Nam Seng to take a look.

So I made the following purchases:

1. Hella Ralleye 1000 x 4 pieces (mounted on the front of the Roof Rack)
2. Hella Comet 550 x 2 pieces (mounted on the rear of the rack)

Decided to go back to Specialists Audio at Bukit Merah for the installation as they were most familiar with Land Rover electrics, therefore least likely to mess up. Took about 4 hours for them to rig up the lights, connecting it to my 2nd battery, controlled by switches on the dash.

Now Ms Daisy looks like a fully equipped Land Rover.

I shall add photos soon

Only in God

11 weeks 6 Days

The title of the post is the title of the song as well. This, done by John Michael Talbot is in describable. Listen to it, meditate on the lyrics taken off Psalm 62 and let yourself be filled with the wonderful meaning in the message it is bringing across.

Equally inspirational is the biography of John Michael himself. You can read more about it at this website

Treat yourself to the music in the video below and let me know what you think.

Close Encounters of the 2nd Time

Age: 11 Weeks 0 Days

Today was our second check up and I had to admit we had our concerns. After all, the first trimester is fraught with danger for the unborn child and sometimes it is a wonder that anyone turns our normal at all.

It is therefore a huge relief to see his/her little heart pumping furiously away when the ultrasound came to pass over her (not that I am hoping only for a daughter, but for convenience sake let us just use the feminine convention). In turn, the head, then the little arm and then the little legs came into view. She was quiet and still... asleep?

Then she STRETCHED! She was moving here legs and kicking them around, and stretching her little arms. I could stare at the screen forever.

She has grown, bigger than expected and the age has been corrected from 10 W 4 D to 11 W 0 D. She will join us much sooner.She now stands at a height of 4.38 cm. I am such a proud dad so far.

So you all know how she looks now:

From Russia With Love

I am back from an amazing expedition to Russia. I left Singapore on 3 July and was back on the 17th. The trip consisted of 2 parts, the main aim was to go to the Caucasus to climb Mount Elbrus and the second part was the R&R in Moscow before coming back.

Mount Elbrus, standing at 5642m tall is one of the seven summits, highest on the continent of Europe. Having done Kilimanjaro last year, it was time to do another mountain and a snow peak. It was a good opportunity to see how I would fare on a snow peak this time, instead of a trekking peak. Coming here would also give me the chance to see Russia.

All in all, the peak was tough. My climbing partner and I summited on 10 July 2007 at 1330 hrs. We were part of a group of 10, of which only 5 summited. Conditions were much tougher than in Kilimanjaro with temperatures dipping to -10/-15 degrees celsius as well as being blasted by up to 40km/h winds. The wind was strong enough to send ice flying into your face and body. It was rather painful and inconvenient when it got into the wrong places. The wind was also strong enough to knock you over, if you were not expected the sudden gusts.

The second part of the trip was a 3 day trip to Moscow. It was a very exciting experience being in this great Russia cit, full of history and culture. It was all my previous childhood knowledge from books and pictures come alive! There was so much to see, hear and devour and the 3 days were all too short.

I shall be putting up the photos over the next few weeks as I edit them and put some detail into it. I shall also put up snippets of my own documentation of the many things done and the many thoughts that passed through my mind during those 2 weeks here as I go along....

Look out for it

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.

The Latest Addition to the Family

The latest addition to the family. Just 7 weeks 4 days old and 1.27cm tall. oh my, what a change in my life!

The Best 4x4xFar

Watching this video, I have got to agree with the title. I have owned Miss Daisy for 2 years now and I have enjoyed every drive with her.

The History of Land Rover Part 3

The History of the Land Rover Part 2

The History of Land Rover Part 1

A wonderful series on the history of the Land Rover and how it grew to become one of the most highly regarded off-road vehicles in the world. It has a certain nostalgia to it...and as you can see, I am crazy about Landies. Enjoy!

TM with SUVEC Group 24 June 2007

Pilgrimage France 27 May - 10 June

What a trip!

It was definitely not what we expected... it turned out to be so much more! It was am intense two weeks dash around the perimeter of France. A short summary of the itinerary:

D1: Singapore Airport
D2: Nevers - Paray la Monial
D3: Ars - Le Puy - St. Etienne
D4-5: La Salette
D6: Cotingac - Aix en Provence
D7-D9: Lourdes
D10: Le Mans
D11: Mont St Michel - Le Mans
D12: Chartres - Paris
D13-14: Paris

I have never attended Mass for more than 4 days in a row but there was Mass every day. Indeed, spiritually it was significant for both Frances and myself as we both explored our faith together and journeyed together. We travel together a lot and we've been through many things together but this was different. I cannot put a finger to it, but it was something good.

There were many highlights: the snow on La Salette, the lunch at Cotingac, the beautiful cathedrals and basilicas, the deeply moving sharing sessions, the Masses, the prayers. But the one that tops it for me has to be sitting at Lourdes, at the Massabielle in the night. We had 3 days there but it seemed all too short. I remember sitting together in the cold at 11+pm, watching the Mass and adoration, looking at the statue of our Lady looking down on the crowd, imagining what it was like some 150 years ago when She first appeared to St Bernadette. Alternating between observing the proceedings, meditation and saying a silent prayer ... time just passed so quickly.

Nothing can fully describe the richness of what I have seen and experienced, least of all a set of photos. I can only hope to give you an idea of what it was like to have been there ... if you want to hear more, drop me a comment or a line and we can talk about all of it...

See photos of the pilgrimage at:

France Pilgrimage

France Pilgrimage Part Deux

Off to France

I suppose this will be the post in about 2 weeks because Fran and I are off to France for a 15 day pilgrimage to the cathedrals and sacred places of this land.

It promises to be a time of many experiences: travel, devotion, fellowship.

Among the places visited will be Nevers, Le Puy, La Salette, Lourdes, Mont St Michel and of course Paris. It will probably feel a whole lot shorter than the 14 days.

I will share photos of the trip and definitely a description of it also when I get back.

Vive La France

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.

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.

Tashi

After much deliberation, I have settled on the name for my boat.

Tashi

Firstly, it is Tibetan in origin and the name translates roughly as " a blessing or good luck" As part of a longer phrase, Tashi Delak, it is used as a greeting to fellow persons around.

It is a unique name. Suitably female for the naming of a sea going vessel, conforming to the traditions of old. And applicable to any seafaring activity in a kayak, "a blessing" would mean a good and safe journey to anyone who takes this boat to sea and from another angle, it is a blessing to be able to use the craft to take us to where we so desire.

And so we have it.... my feathercraft..... Tashi

It Floats! The Kayak Test Run

Today is test kayak day! After its arrival last week, today we officially get the Wisper wet.

So Fran and I brought the boat to MacRitchie Reservoir after Mass. I figured that a controlled water environment and fresh water would be a better choice for the first run. We had some time from 1400 hours to dusk to do the boat tests. So here is how it went.

Setting up the boat in the afternoon heat is not a simple task. I was drenched in sweat by the time I got the boat ready for the water. It was a highly anticipated moment when I lowered the boat slowly and gently into the water. The silence was only broken by Fran's exclamation, " IT FLOATS!"

Me: ...

So after about 2 hours of paddling, I have one thing to say....SUPERB! The comments on the Feathercraft that I have read prior to the purchase were true. The boat felt comfortable even when sitting into it for the first time. The sponsoons offered great stability to the boat yet the boat was nimble enough for you to execute a mean edge. The boat sits quite high on the water but probably due to the fact it is unloaded at point in time. It was a fast boat, maintaining a reasonable speed with a minimal of effort. Tracking was good. This was a concern as the skins of the Feathercraft are hand-made and some variations occur between every piece of boat they ship out. I am fortunate that the boat tracks pretty well under mild conditions today.

The sea sock works well in preventing flooding of the boat during a capsize. Which I did, in the interest of testing every aspect of the boat's handling. The boat did take in some water, though minimal, but this was likely through a not so thorough securing of the bow hatch. A combination of the sea sock and the spray skirt did make paddling a little warm in our kind of weather.

The skin proved to be really watertight and water repellent. Water dripping off the paddle just beaded up on the deck and rolled off.

The other piece of equipment that was a real good buy was the paddle. The 4 piece carbon paddle from Aquabound was, in my opinion, a real performer. The Eagle Ray is designed for touring and for a low paddling angle. The feathering angle can be adjusted as desired. Entry of the blade into the water is effortless and silent. Turbulence is minimal and as you exert pressure on the blade in the water, the blade moves smoothly all the way until it exits the water. It does not have the little wobble that I so often feel in other paddles when you pull hard on the blade.

I brought the boat back strapped onto the roof rack. This was easily done with a couple of ratchet straps and another from the stern to the spare wheel. It would be a challenge to bring the boat around on my own, because I had the help of Fran today, and it took putting the boat onto the bonnet before I pulled it up onto the rack.

See the pictures at this Flickr set Kayak Test Paddle

Now.....I need a name for her.....

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 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...