There is a boat
Which is seeking to find its place in this world
There seems none
So it departs to a blank space to sail its own path
Monday, October 31, 2005
The boat
There is a boat
Which is seeking to find its place in this world
There seems none
So it departs to a blank space to sail its own path
Music fills the night
The next concerto that is playing is so lovely that it would melt my heart and fill my ears with soulful music. Maybe you would have to listen to it to know how beautiful it could be.
What's Playing Now:
Bruch - Violin Concerto No. 1
Yehudi Menuhin on the violin, with the Philharmonia Orchestra,
conducted by Efrem Kurtz.
Some background regarding this concerto.
http://www.chambersymphony.com/ProgramNotes/BruchViolinConcerto.htm
I read that Bruch had put in a lot of efforts into writing this concerto. But it is all worthwhile. The concerto will be here to stay for generations to delight our ears.
What's Playing Now:
Bruch - Violin Concerto No. 1
Yehudi Menuhin on the violin, with the Philharmonia Orchestra,
conducted by Efrem Kurtz.
Some background regarding this concerto.
http://www.chambersymphony.com/ProgramNotes/BruchViolinConcerto.htm
I read that Bruch had put in a lot of efforts into writing this concerto. But it is all worthwhile. The concerto will be here to stay for generations to delight our ears.
What's listening: Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64
On the CD Player:
Felix Mendelssohn - Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64
Yehudi Menuhin on the violin, with the Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Efrem Kurtz.
I do not know why, neither can I describe why, that I would find this violin concerto easier to relate to compared to Beethoven's Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61 which I had just listened less than an hour ago.
The first movement opens so beautifully. The second movement is lovely that it moved my heart. I comparatively did not like the third movement as much. It sounds too buoyant at the moment for a melancholic heart. But surprisingly, my ears still delight to that lively exchanges that take place between the orchestra and the violin. Perhaps I could say, concertos are never a one-man show. The orchestra has an important role to play too.
Some extra readings if you would like to know about this concerto.
http://www.lasr.cs.ucla.edu/geoff/prognotes/mendelssohn/violinCon.html
http://www.chambersymphony.com/ProgramNotes/MendelssohnViolinConcerto.htm
Felix Mendelssohn - Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64
Yehudi Menuhin on the violin, with the Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Efrem Kurtz.
I do not know why, neither can I describe why, that I would find this violin concerto easier to relate to compared to Beethoven's Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61 which I had just listened less than an hour ago.
The first movement opens so beautifully. The second movement is lovely that it moved my heart. I comparatively did not like the third movement as much. It sounds too buoyant at the moment for a melancholic heart. But surprisingly, my ears still delight to that lively exchanges that take place between the orchestra and the violin. Perhaps I could say, concertos are never a one-man show. The orchestra has an important role to play too.
Some extra readings if you would like to know about this concerto.
http://www.lasr.cs.ucla.edu/geoff/prognotes/mendelssohn/violinCon.html
http://www.chambersymphony.com/ProgramNotes/MendelssohnViolinConcerto.htm
A Celebration of Abilities
In Singapore.
The Disability Awareness Public Education Campaign 2005 is on from 27 Oct 2005 - 4 Dec 2005. I like the theme: A Celebration of Abilities: Disabled does not mean unable. Well-said.
Find out more about this by visiting: http://www.ncss.org.sg/dape/.
The upcoming event will be held on 5 Nov 2005. Looks like there will be performances by talented persons with disabilities at the HDB Hub Mall Area from 2.15 – 3.15 pm. For details, read:
http://www.ncss.org.sg/dape/activities.html
The Disability Awareness Public Education Campaign 2005 is on from 27 Oct 2005 - 4 Dec 2005. I like the theme: A Celebration of Abilities: Disabled does not mean unable. Well-said.
Find out more about this by visiting: http://www.ncss.org.sg/dape/.
The upcoming event will be held on 5 Nov 2005. Looks like there will be performances by talented persons with disabilities at the HDB Hub Mall Area from 2.15 – 3.15 pm. For details, read:
http://www.ncss.org.sg/dape/activities.html
Coolies and back in time
These sculptures may take one back to the passages of time. Have a glimpse of how life might have been for the coolies and other people back in the colonial period, when Singapore was still a colony of the British empire.
The best I know, the word "coolie" might have been derived from the Chinese word ku li which literally means "bitterly hard (use of) strength". These people ought to be given due respect. They worked hard to earn their keep. They endured hardships so as to earn their living. They toiled, but they have also contributed.
The merchants too have contributed in their own way. Perhaps those who have a kind and generous heart had lobbied lots of support from the commoners? Anyway, Singapore started as a trading port. Merchants had their special roles to play then.
This site gives some background information about coolie:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coolie
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Low tides and boats
Boats could be likened to sculptures made from wood and other materials. They float and find their place on waters. When the tides are low, I don't know if boats would still float. But I suppose they would, so long as the water has not dried up. The water is their friend which they float on.
Where's the guiding star?
A life that feels blank and bored
When it shouldn't be
The dread is to just live day-by-day
In pure routine
Where order and structure
Used to have placed thing under control
Now fail to give room to flexibility
Spontaneity is left killed
Am sulking
But hate to be poor example
Have the choice to do otherwise
But fear it were pure pretence
Have went out to seek
For that guiding star
That could tell
A purpose and meaning one could be alive for
Some clues
But otherwise futile
So looked within
But no wisdom to see anything
At times frustration
At times lost
Out-of-place in this world
For one doesn't seem to fit
Maybe it is just insistence
To be in constant quest
To find some answers to questions
That many left unanswered
When it shouldn't be
The dread is to just live day-by-day
In pure routine
Where order and structure
Used to have placed thing under control
Now fail to give room to flexibility
Spontaneity is left killed
Am sulking
But hate to be poor example
Have the choice to do otherwise
But fear it were pure pretence
Have went out to seek
For that guiding star
That could tell
A purpose and meaning one could be alive for
Some clues
But otherwise futile
So looked within
But no wisdom to see anything
At times frustration
At times lost
Out-of-place in this world
For one doesn't seem to fit
Maybe it is just insistence
To be in constant quest
To find some answers to questions
That many left unanswered
Ju Ming's sculptures
I chanced upon these sculptures when I was strolling about near the Fullerton Hotel yesterday. These are sculptures by Ju Ming. For more information about Ju Ming, you may wish to visit: http://www.juming.org.tw/juming-en/index2_en.html
These sculptures are from Ju Ming's Tai Chi's series.
In this post, I shall attempt not to describe too much using words. Let the photographs tell the story. Enjoy these works of art.
These sculptures are from Ju Ming's Tai Chi's series.
In this post, I shall attempt not to describe too much using words. Let the photographs tell the story. Enjoy these works of art.
Statues and sculptures series
Statues and sculptures may also have significance in telling us stories about the heritage and history of a place. In other instances, they may be works of art to be admired.
Let me attempt for the next couple of days to post about my walks around various parts of Singapore. The theme that I shall focus on would be statues and sculptures that I have sighted on my walks. However, if I do divert to other themes, I hope it would not lead to too much a protest.
Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles. For more details, read: Walk along Singapore River: Statues of Sir Stamford Raffles.
I may post a few of the posts on my other blog, so do check it out from time-to-time if you happen to be interested in this subject.
Let me attempt for the next couple of days to post about my walks around various parts of Singapore. The theme that I shall focus on would be statues and sculptures that I have sighted on my walks. However, if I do divert to other themes, I hope it would not lead to too much a protest.
Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles. For more details, read: Walk along Singapore River: Statues of Sir Stamford Raffles.
I may post a few of the posts on my other blog, so do check it out from time-to-time if you happen to be interested in this subject.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
What's Happening in Singapore: Museum Open House
Next week in Singapore, there will be two public holidays occurring in the same week. These two public holidays may fall on different dates in different years because the dates for these two public holidays are calculated based on calendar systems different from the one that is commonly used.
On 1 Nov 05 is Deepavali Day (Visit this site to understand the signiicance of Deepavali). On 3 Nov 05 is Hari Raya Puasa (Visit this site for more information).
On the 1 Nov and 3 Nov, there will be free entry to several of the National Heritage Board museums. These are: Singapore History Museum, Singapore Philatelic Museum, Singapore Art Museum, Asian Civilisations Museum, Empress Place and Reflections at Bukit Chandu.
Aside from free entry, there will be several programmes and activities lined up at each of these museums on those two days to enrich one's experience at the museum. Please see below:
I read that there is an exhibition on Ramadan and Hari Raya Puasa at the Malay Heritage Centre until 22 Nov 05.
Hope this post have given you folks some idea what you could do for the upcoming week if you were to be in Singapore.
Words from yours truly: It can be fun and enriching to get in touch with the cultures and heritage that exist in one's country.
On 1 Nov 05 is Deepavali Day (Visit this site to understand the signiicance of Deepavali). On 3 Nov 05 is Hari Raya Puasa (Visit this site for more information).
On the 1 Nov and 3 Nov, there will be free entry to several of the National Heritage Board museums. These are: Singapore History Museum, Singapore Philatelic Museum, Singapore Art Museum, Asian Civilisations Museum, Empress Place and Reflections at Bukit Chandu.
Aside from free entry, there will be several programmes and activities lined up at each of these museums on those two days to enrich one's experience at the museum. Please see below:
- Programmes at Singapore History Museum
- Programmes at the Singapore Philatelic Museum
- Programmes at the Singapore Art Museum
- Programmes at the Asian Civilisation Museum
I read that there is an exhibition on Ramadan and Hari Raya Puasa at the Malay Heritage Centre until 22 Nov 05.
An exhibition on Ramadan and Hari Raya
Presented jointly by the Central Singapore CDC and the Malay Heritage Centre, this exhibition focuses on the key aspects of these 2 special months in the Muslim calendar and explains the meaning behind the rituals, customs and practices. Among the key exhibits will be a costume section which showcases the colourful and intricate Hari Raya clothes.
Hope this post have given you folks some idea what you could do for the upcoming week if you were to be in Singapore.
Words from yours truly: It can be fun and enriching to get in touch with the cultures and heritage that exist in one's country.
Tropical sun can make one melt
The best time to be out to take photographs is ironically the time most people won't want to be out. In yours truly's humble opinion, the best time to capture the warmth and vivid colours of the tropical region is when the sun is very bright until the sun turns a nice hue of blue. But that is the kind of weather that many people may not wish to be outdoors if they were given some choice.
One would need to be well-prepared to be able to withstand the heat from the scorching bright sun. That heat can make one feel as if one is melting. If you had read my post titled Tips to survive the Singapore's climate, you may have some clue that it would be helpful to wear light-coloured clothings, wear a pair of sunglasses, bring water and put on sun-block lotion. In addition, I think it might be helpful to wear a cap to give one some shades from the sun.
However, the rewards to be outdoors during such weather can be numerous. Firstly, I think the bright sun can provide very good natural lighting when one takes photography outdoors. Usually, the photographs that turn out will have a nice tropical feel to it. Secondly, since few people would bother to be outdoors under such weather, one could have most of the space outdoors by myself. I may sound like a hermit, though I am not. I just need some space to retreat to my inner world. Thirdly, a bright sun makes the skies look a brighter hue of blue and that could bring some delight to one's eyes compared to a dull grey skies. Here, I qualify that I like dull grey skies too, provided that the skies are extremely grey yet with a sad character.
Singapore River, near the Esplanade Bridge.
So these rewards help to get yours truly willing to bear the hot tropical weather. It can be hot until one needs to have drinking water readily available to drink to prevent dehydration. The trick to prevent one from feeling as if one would melt anytime soon is to take some shelter under the shades at least every half-an-hour.
By the way, if I had portrayed Singapore as a very hot country, it isn't quite so. On days when there is breeze and the skies is cloudy, the weather can be very bearable. In fact, lovely. I might have been one of those masochists who insist on going out right under the scorching sun, just to take photographs or to sketch. Bear with me please.
One would need to be well-prepared to be able to withstand the heat from the scorching bright sun. That heat can make one feel as if one is melting. If you had read my post titled Tips to survive the Singapore's climate, you may have some clue that it would be helpful to wear light-coloured clothings, wear a pair of sunglasses, bring water and put on sun-block lotion. In addition, I think it might be helpful to wear a cap to give one some shades from the sun.
However, the rewards to be outdoors during such weather can be numerous. Firstly, I think the bright sun can provide very good natural lighting when one takes photography outdoors. Usually, the photographs that turn out will have a nice tropical feel to it. Secondly, since few people would bother to be outdoors under such weather, one could have most of the space outdoors by myself. I may sound like a hermit, though I am not. I just need some space to retreat to my inner world. Thirdly, a bright sun makes the skies look a brighter hue of blue and that could bring some delight to one's eyes compared to a dull grey skies. Here, I qualify that I like dull grey skies too, provided that the skies are extremely grey yet with a sad character.
Singapore River, near the Esplanade Bridge.
So these rewards help to get yours truly willing to bear the hot tropical weather. It can be hot until one needs to have drinking water readily available to drink to prevent dehydration. The trick to prevent one from feeling as if one would melt anytime soon is to take some shelter under the shades at least every half-an-hour.
By the way, if I had portrayed Singapore as a very hot country, it isn't quite so. On days when there is breeze and the skies is cloudy, the weather can be very bearable. In fact, lovely. I might have been one of those masochists who insist on going out right under the scorching sun, just to take photographs or to sketch. Bear with me please.
Belated Happy Birthday to Brother
Yesterday was the birthday of one of my brothers.
Though I rarely have the chance to have meaningful conversation with this brother of mine. He is quite a nice gentleman, I could say. He lends a help when it is very needed, and he is basically a fillial person. Somehow, we hardly spend much time together as siblings. It must have been our schedules don't quite fit. Furthermore, I must have been fiercely guarding my own private space to have lend him much chance to. But well, he's a nice fellow and a good friend in his own rights. Happy Birthday Brother.
Here's what I got on his birthdate.
Though I rarely have the chance to have meaningful conversation with this brother of mine. He is quite a nice gentleman, I could say. He lends a help when it is very needed, and he is basically a fillial person. Somehow, we hardly spend much time together as siblings. It must have been our schedules don't quite fit. Furthermore, I must have been fiercely guarding my own private space to have lend him much chance to. But well, he's a nice fellow and a good friend in his own rights. Happy Birthday Brother.
Here's what I got on his birthdate.
| Brother's Birthdate: October 28 |
 Your birth on the 28th day of the month (1 energy) adds a tone of independence and extra energy to your Life Path. The number 1 energy suggest more executive ability and leadership qualities than your path may have indicated. A birthday on the 28th of any month gives greater will-power and self-confidence, and very often a rather original approach. Unlike much of the other 1 energy, this birthday is one that endow with the ability to start a job and continue on until it is finished. You may prefer to use the broad brush, but you can handle details as well. You are sensitive, but your feeling stay somewhat repressed. You have a compelling manner that can be dominating in many situations. |
Friday, October 28, 2005
What's Happening in Singapore: Featuring Harmonica Masters
Yew Hong-Chow & Yellow Pine Trio's concert
Held on 13 Nov 2005 (Sunday), 7.30 p.m., Victoria Theatre
Tickets at: $20, $50 and $100 each.
An informal dialogue session with the masters will be held at 9.30 p.m. on the same day.
***
Some time ago, I wrote about the Yew Hong-Chow & Yellow Pine Trio's concert. Earlier, I was visiting its website and saw some updates.
I think all who have a love for harmonica playing should consider this concert. Music-lovers who wish to gain a greater appreciation of good harmonica playing should consider this too.
For more information, please refer to:
http://www.yewhongchow.com
http://www.yewhongchow.com/yhc/yellow3/Leaflet.html
Held on 13 Nov 2005 (Sunday), 7.30 p.m., Victoria Theatre
Tickets at: $20, $50 and $100 each.
An informal dialogue session with the masters will be held at 9.30 p.m. on the same day.
***
Some time ago, I wrote about the Yew Hong-Chow & Yellow Pine Trio's concert. Earlier, I was visiting its website and saw some updates.
I think all who have a love for harmonica playing should consider this concert. Music-lovers who wish to gain a greater appreciation of good harmonica playing should consider this too.
For more information, please refer to:
http://www.yewhongchow.com
http://www.yewhongchow.com/yhc/yellow3/Leaflet.html
A blog's worth
I saw this from Msfeline's and Lion's blog.
The strange thing is that when I tried doing this test yesterday, my blog was worth $0. But when I did it today, my blog's worth went up. I wonder if the increase in my blog's value has anything to do with the two posts that I have put up last night. That was the only difference I could think of.
Does anyone have any clue how this is calculated?
The strange thing is that when I tried doing this test yesterday, my blog was worth $0. But when I did it today, my blog's worth went up. I wonder if the increase in my blog's value has anything to do with the two posts that I have put up last night. That was the only difference I could think of.
My blog is worth $13,548.96.
How much is your blog worth?
Does anyone have any clue how this is calculated?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)