May I have a quiet day please?

It isn't loud
But I don't like the music
Kilometres away
From the stage many streets away
Apparently those folks are celebrating
The coming of the New Year
With music and dance
Yet don't they know
The volume that is made is deafening
I think it is
I can hear from such a distance away
Even with my windows closed

Review: Seastars 2007

A teacher and a librarian, Adrian and Ivan, came together with their Macs and their guitars. What could we get from this kind of combination? Together, they have launched the album Seastars 2007. My words of congratulations to both of them for successfully launching an album of their own.

I have been invited by Ivan to do a review of the album. I expect myself to be quite a biased reviewer. For one thing, I have a biased preference for chamber and orchestral music from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic period. If for any reason you would still like to read about my review of the album, do bear in mind of my preferences in music.

On the positive note, this album offers soothing tracks for anyone who would like a break away from the noisy and clamouring sounds of city life. From this post by the musicians titled Why is the album called "Seastars"?, it appears that the inspirations behind this album probably came from a concept of mindfulness moment? When I was listening to the tracks in this album, the music made me feel as if I was strolling along a beach when it was night time, so quiet and calm.

If one has been exposed to noises and yet more noises from the day, Seastars 2007 will bring a refreshing and fairly welcoming break for the ears. I suddenly have a suggestion that the Beach Parties that will be counting down to the year 2008 should neither play pop nor rock music. Instead, it may wish to consider playing Seastars 2007 at a moderate volume. I think it would not only have a calming effect on the participants of the parties, it might also bring a certain feeling of nostalgia and reflection, which I think would be a special way to mark the end the year 2007.

If you would like to hear how this album would sound like, I would like to point you to listen to a Music Video, Dolphins Galaxia, of one of the tracks from this album. This video is put up by the musicians themselves.




However, if I were to be a critical critic, I would find this album lacking very much in an overall sense of contrast. While I could hear that each track sound different in some ways from the other, my ears perceived the general mood from each of the tracks to be similar.

For someone like myself who is used to listening to contrasts between the different movements of a symphony, and to the contrasts found within many Western art music works, Seastars 2007 is not an album that I would personally recommend to folks like myself who delights in listening to music that has a fair degree of contrast.

I won't mind listening to Seastars 2007 when I needed some soothing music for the sheer sake of getting away from loud music. However, it is certainly not an album that I would recommend if I would like to listen to music from the sheerly musical plane. The melodies of the tracks were perceived by my ears to be fairly similar to one another even though they were from different tracks. I was consciously listening out for interesting use of harmony, but my ears could not pick up any particular one. Admittedly, I had only listened to each tracks of this album at least twice.

While occassionally, there are some interesting moments in the music, e.g. the 'bubbling' sounds in Into the Deep, and the more oriental flavour and erhu-like sound in Seabreeze, my ears tell me that there is still a need for more musically interesting moments and contrasts within the music. Overall, the album felt soothing but too plain for my liking. Maybe I am really biased, I would prefer more contrasts to be present between the different tracks, so that each track has its own distinct "character" that is easily recognisable.

Nevertheless, I suppose perhaps the musicians had wanted a more reflective and calming mood to the entire album, a fair amount of musical contrast had to be inevitably sacrificed? I am not sure if I would be right to conclude this. Afterall, my preferences in music have led me to listen to more of certain genres of music than the genre of music that Seastars 2007 belongs to. Furthermore, I don't consider myself very versed in music yet.

I suppose whether or not one decides to listen to this album is dependent on one's intention at the point in time. If it was to listen to soothing and fairly calming music, this album could be one of the choices. If it was to listen more consciously to music at a sheer musical plane, then one would be quite disappointed with the overall plain quality of the entire album. Then again, the musicians themselves do deserve credits for all the efforts that they have put in to realise this album. If one is keen to support budding musicians or local production, it certainly won't kill to listen to this album for at least one time. Afterall, I can sense that this album is a production made with lots of sincerity.

If you have about 32 minutes to spare, and you would like to listen to ths album, I suggest that you visit this site. The creators behind Seastars 2007 is giving away free MP3 CDs of the album for the first 50 people who review this album, by 4 Jan 2008.

Having a sore throat

My throat is feeling sore
I would rather not speak too much
Sometimes when I need to share my world
I wish I could just use my brain-waves to communicate

Week 52 of year 2007 on the double bass

It is the final week of the year!

23 Dec 2007, Sun: I practised selected passages from Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major. I also played excerpts from Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. Although I had attempted the first double bass parts from Doc Solomon's Sentimental Bossa, I gave it a miss after several bars of playing. A dark spell seems lurking?

24 Dec 2007, Mon: I managed to find a copy of the double bass parts for Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, and I attempted to play through most of the symphony. I spent time practising the more challenging parts.

25 Dec 2007, Tue: I practised the first movement from Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major, Eccles' Sonata in g minor and selected passages from Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

26 Dec 2007, Wed: A rather unfocused day of practice. I went about practising selected passages from Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

28 Dec 2007, Fri: Orchestra rehearsal in the evening. We rehearsed Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and Stravinsky's Firebird.

**
Looking back, for the past 52 weeks of the year 2007, except for Week 45 when I took a break, I have been practising at least 4 days per week. For each of the days that I have practised on the double bass, I have practised for at least 15 minutes.

Reader's Digest: Loud Asia!

In the December 2007 issue of Reader's Digest, there is an article titled Loud Asia: How the Noise Epidemic Affects You

According to this article, when the noise levels of various public spaces in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Bangkok were measured using a certified sound level meter, almost every locations that were tested had registered noise levels that were well above what the World Health Organization considers the safe limit of 70 decibels.

I suppose my statement that "I live in a noisy world" does have some basis.

While I have a portable pair of ear-plugs with me almost all the time, I have not been conscientiously using it when I find the environment around me noisy. I probably need to learn to get used to using them more conscientiously now, especially after reading the above-mentioned article from Readers Digest.

I realised that my right ear has been experiencing high-pitched humming sound and is not as sharp in hearing as my left ear. The humming sound has not become irritable, but it is certainly a concern. I fear it could be a symptom revealing an early sign of tinnitus. If I seem to be thinking of the worst, perhaps I should be glad that both my ears can still hear.

I wonder if I should be wearing ear plugs most of the time? Generally, most malls are actually quite noisy. Of course, to some extent, I can't help but realised that I have been exposed to noises so often that I have started to become somewhat desensitised to noise. Yet, noise can damage the sense of hearing, and I have lots of interest in protecting my sense of hearing.

Probably I have to learn to be more conscientious in putting on my ear plugs when needed. Furthermore, there are really nice ear filters for the musicians like the HiFi HEAROS ear filters that are designed to reduce the volume level without changing the frequency balance of the music.

It's time to be more proactive in protecting my sense of hearing. According to the article, Noise is the number one preventable cause of hearing loss. Maybe the next time when I find the noise around me too loud for my comfort level, there are high chances that I am probably very right.

The Arts Canteen

Several weeks ago, I was at the university, my alma mater. One place that most of the students of my faculty would visit would be the Arts Canteen. It was known for the good food that was sold at its various stalls.

The Arts Canteen had several levels. I remember that my peers will term the various levels as Heaven, Earth and Hell. Such terms appear to have a function in helping people locate their friends if they were to meet up at the Arts Canteen. They would simply mention whether they are sitting at "Heaven", "Earth" or "Hell".

I have no idea how people nowadays term the different levels of the newly refurbished Arts Canteen. Anyway, I saw that there is an air-conditioned level whereby there is a Burger Kings outlet, a Thai food outlet and some cafe establishment at the new Arts Canteen when I was there a few weeks ago.

At another level, one could find stalls selling food such as Chinese food, Western food, Japanese food, Yong Tau Foo and so forth. This level, with yet another level are non air-conditioned. But well, there is a price to pay to eat at the air-conditioned level. The food from the stalls at the air-conditioned level are much more expensive.

Anyway, I quite like the layout of the new Arts Canteen. Without the nostalgic brick dividers and walls, more light could be allowed to enter the canteen, and allowing one to get a glimpse of the nearby sceneries.

I found myself liking the seemingly spacious layout of the new Arts Canteen. Food wise, somehow, I can't help but to say the layout of the food stalls have made the food look not as appetizing as they used to be. However, I did not have the time nor appetite to try the food from most of the stalls, so I can't really tell how the food taste like.

Groping my way in the dark

What is ahead
Seems dark.
Not a single spot of light
To guide.
I grope in the dark.
Finding it a painful journey.
Maybe all the tribulations
Are simply means for one to grow wiser?

Dreadful holidays

while I welcome a day of break from work, this Christmas eve and Christmas feel dreadful as I observed how crowded the streets can get. I did not like to be at home the whole day either.

I don't wish to describe what my inner world is going through now. Dreadfulness isn't meant to be shared. May there be comfort and relief somehow.

Greek Masterpieces from the Lourve

Fascinated with Greek mythology and the lives of ancient Greek?

I visited the National Museum of Singapore to catch the Greek Masterpieces from the Lourve exhibition just a week ago. This is quite a rare exhibition in Singapore. According to the publicity material, I read that 'many of the exhibits that are presented in the above-mentioned exhibition are in fact ''leaving the Lourve for the first time ever since they were accessioned into the collection''.

I have no picture of the exhibition to show since I have no permission to take photos at the exhibition. Anyway, after my visit to the exhibition last week, I got home and read up about the history of the ancient Greek and some of the Greek mythology. Here are a few online sites that I visited:
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/greeks/
http://www.ahistoryofgreece.com/

Greek Masterpieces from the Lourve will be showcased at the National Museum of Singapore from 9 Dec 07 - 16 Mar 08. I recommend that people who are new to the way of life of the ancient Greek could attend one of the guided tours. Please check the museum's website for more information.

Last but not the least, you may be interested to know that there is free admission to Greek Masterpieces from the Lourve, the Singapore History Gallery and Singapore Living Galleries of the National Museum of Singapore on Christmas Day, 25 Dec 2007. It is worth a checking out.

Week 51 of year 2007 on the double bass

16 Dec 2007, Sun: I practised the first movement of Eccles'Sonata in g minor. I need to be more focused for the practice, I think.

Afterwhich, I attempted to play excerpts from Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 where the double bass parts are pretty challenging. Needing more practice.

18 Dec 2007,Tue: I practised Pachelbel's Canon in D Major scored for the double bass ensemble. I felt I was ventilating through the double bass, though I fear that the intonation needs to be more focused.

20 Dec 2007, Thu: For the day, I practised excerpts from Beethoven's Symphony No. 5. Afterwhich, I practised the first and second movement of Eccles'Sonata in g minor, and selected passages from Dittersdorf's Concerto in E Major.

21 Dec 2007, Fri: In the night, I practised much of the first movement from Keyper's Romance and Rondo focusing on securing a steady tempo and a focused intonation. More practice needed when making shifts from one position to another.

Quieter and more space

Festive season is here. Though I would prefer it be be quieter. I prefer to have more space to walk about, rather than to face noisy and crowded malls.

I yearn for some company, to be out to sketch or to walk. Yet I fear it may just expose me to more crowd than I could comfortably bear.

Whatever it is, wishing you a meaningful and blissful festive season.

Because she is my rose

I am in the mood for the poetic verses. Engaging in the world of the poetic may be a good diversion from a melancholic inner world.

A lovely paragraph that explains what makes one seemingly ordinary rose so unique:

(The Little Prince said to the roses in a garden)

"You are beautiful, but you are empty," he went on. "One could not die for you. To be sure, an ordinary passerby would think that my rose looked just like you--the rose that belongs to me. But in herself alone she is more important than all the hundreds of you other roses: because it is she that I have watered; because it is she that I have put under the glass globe; because it is she that I have sheltered behind the screen; because it is for her that I have killed the caterpillars (except the two or three that we saved to become butterflies); because it is she that I have listened to, when she grumbled, or boasted, or ever sometimes when she said nothing. Because she is my rose.

- from Antoine de Saint Exupéry's The Little Prince, Chapter 21

I cannot help but feel touched by the words of the Little Prince.

Heritage in Pictures

Take part in the National Heritage Board’s first photoblogging competition and stand a chance to win attractive prizes!

The first prize is a Nikon D40 Kit.

Check out this website for more information: http://www.museums.com.sg/explore/photo/

The function of tears

Quietly the tears,
Aren't just an expression of sadness
But an opening to relieve
The pain that lies deep down

What is essential is invisible to the eye

Chapter 21 is one chapter from Antoine de Saint Exupéry's The Little Prince that I find particularly moving. Perhaps it is because it reminded me why certain people have special places in my heart.

(http://www.angelfire.com/hi/littleprince/frames.html)

More walking about Chinatown area

Manna Korean Restaurant
at 101 Telok Ayer Street
Tel: 62277 425

After the Red Clogs Down the Five-Foot-Way ™ tour, I have the pleasure to meet my friend, Mystic, for lunch. She has been telling me about a Korean restaurant in Chinatown area, and it was only on 27 Nov 2007 that I have the opportunity to check it out. Mystic brought me to 101 Telok Ayer Street, which was pretty nearby the Thian Hock Kheng Temple that I visited earlier that day.

It is fairly value-for-money to have lunch at this Manna Korean Restaurant. For about $10 (inclusive of GST and service charge), one could have a barbeque-chicken set that comes with side-dishes, soup and rice. The side-dishes were quite interesting, there was choice of tofu, kimchi, pickles, beansprouts and more. Of course, food is secondary. Being able to have the lunch-time free to have lunch with a friend is a greater pleasure.

After the lunch, Mystic headed for work. I continued walking about Chinatown. Admittedly, by the late afternoon, my feet were urging me to stop. However, my mind was set to explore Chinatown. Little wonder that my feet protested by aching quite a bit that day.

Anyway, I recommend that anyone who is interested to tour Chinatown could visit the Singapore City Gallery which is just within Chinatown area, nearby the Maxwell Food Centre.

At the Singapore City Gallery, I could find a large architectural model that gives visitor a bird eye view of Singapore's city centre. There are touchscreen interactives at the gallery for visitors to learn more about various parts of the city centre. I took time to learn more about Kampong Glam and Chinatown. It was enriching.

I took a photo of part of the Central Area Model that was exhibited in the Singapore City Gallery. The models showed part of the places that I had been to earlier that day during the Red Clogs Down the Five-Foot-Way ™ tour.



Visitor's information to the Singapore City Gallery can be found here: http://www.museums.com.sg/MRM_sgcity.asp

**

After visiting the Singapore City Gallery, I went on to walk about various other parts of Chinatown. Do you happen to know what the building below is known as?




Yes, if you have spotted the clue, the building above is known as the Former Jinricksha Station. At the time when it was completed, its exposed brickwork facade was considered an unusual feature at that time. Originally invented in Japan, jinricksha (also known as rickshaw) was introduced to Singapore from Shanghai around 1880s.

**
Here are more of what I saw on my journey about Chinatown.

Smith Street.

The backlanes.

Sri Mariamman Temple.
Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, founded by Naraina Pillai.

South Bridge Road.

Jamae Mosque.
This building is an eclectic mix of Chinese, Anglo-Indian and Malay architecture.

36 Smith Street. Former Lai Chun Yuen.

70 Amoy Street.
This shophouse previously housed the Anglo-Chinese School, which was established in 1886.

Nagore Durgha Shrine. 140 Telok Ayer Street.

**

Smith Street at night.

It seemed like meeting up with good friends was one of the greatest blessings of that day. In the afternoon, I had met up with Mystic for a lovely lunch. That evening, I met up with XS for dinner, a few days before she left for overseas. Many thanks to XS for her treat to satays.

Last but not the least, if you have enjoyed the photos of Chinatown that I have posted on this post, you may wish to consider making some time to tour Chinatown too.

**
References:

- Urban Redevelopment Authority, Singapore. (2001). URA Gallery City Walk: Chinatown Historic District.
- G. Byrne Bracken. (2004).A Walking Tour: Singapore. Singapore: Times Editions.
- National Heritage Board. (Oct 2006). Discover Singapore: Heritage Trails.

The place that I have my kindergarten graduation ceremony

The young girl I was at 6 years old had my first graduation ceremony at a place in Ang Mo Kio. Where was it?

Find out more by reading my latest post on Yesterday.sg: Growing up in Ang Mo Kio: Jubilee - a place for kindergarten graduation ceremonies.

Catmasutra IV painting exhibition

Veron of Sparklette.net highlighted an interesting painting exhibition. I am sure cat-lovers will love it.

Veron went an extra mile and conducted an interview with one of the artists. Read about the interview here: Catmasutra 4: An Interview with Paul Koh, the Artist Behind the Art

If you find the works to be of interest to you, I suggest that you could find some time to check out the exhibition. I was there yesterday as I was in the mood to walk from National Museum of Singapore to South Bridge Road. It is a cosy exhibition with lovely artworks, and nice music played in the background. If you like any of the works, they are also available for sale.

Details of the exhibition are found below:

Venue:
Utterly Art
229A South Bridge Road (opposite Sri Mariamman Temple)
Level 2 Singapore 058778
Tel: (65) 6226 2605

Date: December 13 — 23, 2007
Opening hours: 11am — 8pm (Mondays to Sundays)

(Note: Actually, the publicity material that I have received from Utterly Art indicates that on Sundays, the exhibition will be opened from 12 - 5.30 p.m.)

Week 50 of year 2007 on the double bass

9 Dec 2007, Sun: I practised the 2nd and 4th movements of Marcello's Sonata in G major to get a more focused intonation and articulation.

11 Dec 2007, Tue: I was practising on the double bass to sight-read several double bass ensemble works. More work needs to be done on sight-reading.

12 Dec 2007, Wed: I took leave from work to attend double bass trio rehearsals. We rehearsed Tony Osborne's Blues-Style. Afterwhich, we tried our hands on Pachelbel's Canon in D major written for the double bass ensemble, with the harp player helping us to play the ground bass. In the afternoon, the trio attended the quartet master-class by Mr Foo. He gave us tips on how to improve our rendition of Tony Osborne's Blues-Style.

In the evening, it was orchestra rehearsal. It has been several weeks since the previous rehearsals. We rehearsed "Infernal dance of King Kashchei" from Stravinsky's Firebird and the 4th movement of Mahler's First Symphony. I felt demoralised that I had yet to get the feel of the off-beat rhythm to play it accurately.

Anyway, at the end of the rehearsal, our conductor suggested that the orchestra plays Beethoven's Fifth Symphony instead of Mahler's First Symphony for the upcoming concert. That looked like more challenging parts for the double bass section. Hopefully our section has enough time to learn and play Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

13 Dec 2007, Thu: It's double bass lesson day. MJ is back from his overseas trip. For the lesson, MJ got me to practise doing the shift from the first position to the fourth position, and then back. It was good practice because I realised my shifting improved thereafter.

In addition, I worked on Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major. He shared that this work is rather technical in nature, and I should aim to control every single note.

15 Dec 2007, Fri: I practise shifting from the first position to the fourth and then back.

Afterwhich, the remaining of the time was spent practising Pachelbel's Canon in D major written for the double bass ensemble. The focus was to learn to do the shifts from one position to another with accuracy.

Yet another walk

I have promised to share with the readers of this blog my experiences of the recent few walks that I have been on. Here's to share about the Red Clogs Down the Five-Foot-Way ™ walk that I went on: The Original Singapore Walk: A Chinatown Walk.

I hope you would like it, and would join the walk one day.

Untitled poems

*****


Disintegrating
Darkness can swallow one's soul
When the appearance looks alright
Yet its inner world is that of a lost soul

In search for a safe haven
Yet nowhere is it near
Maybe disintegration is just a way
To get away from this world?


*****

*****


Too passive
And it is lost
Too much efforts
And it distance itself
What is the right balance
For it to thrive and endure?


*****

"Yesterday Once More" at Imbiah Lookout

Several weeks ago, I visited yet again the island of Sentosa and found my way to two kampongs. As usual, I took quite a number of photos that day. I figured that since I was keen to blog about heritage, I could get some feedback on my photo blogging skills by entering the photoblogging competition, Heritage in Pictures.

If you would like to read about my recent visit to Imbiah Lookout of Sentosa, my entry is now available on http://www.museums.com.sg/explore/photo/list/
You may also read the post by visiting my other blog, Places.

Searching for light

Storms are beginning
Finding strength to brave them
In this darkening world
I seek to see some light

My latest post on Yesterday.sg: Here comes the MRT!

Does the MRT commemorative ticket issued in year 1987 look familiar to you?

If you care to find out more, here is introducing my latest post on Yesterday.sg, which is part of the Growing Up in Ang Mo Kio series that I have embarked myself on: Growing up in Ang Mo Kio: Here comes the MRT!

Satir's Five Freedom

I was having an online conversation with a friend, and she shared with me about Virginia Satir's Five Freedoms. I found Satir's Five Freedoms liberating, and here's sharing.

Source: http://www.satirworkshops.com/five-freedoms

The freedom to see and hear what is here, instead of
what should be, was, or will be.

The freedom to say what you feel and think, instead of
what you should.

The freedom to feel what you feel, instead of
what you ought.

The freedom to ask for what you want, instead of
always waiting for permission.

The freedom to take risks in your own behalf, instead of
choosing to be only "secure" and not rocking the boat.

Wishing you freedom.

Getting acquainted with Chinese philosophies

A few weeks ago, while having dinner with XS, we spoke briefly about Chinese philosophies, particularly the teachings of Lao Zi. It struck me that while I have had read briefly on some parts of Chinese history, my knowledge of Chinese philosophies and its culture is still limited.

In the hope to start somewhere to learn more about Chinese philosophies, I borrowed a few related books from the library and read them over the week. As I have limited prior knowledge of the teachings of Lao Zi and other Chinese philosophies, I decided to start by acquainting myself to these philosophies. The books that I had borrowed were in English. I realised that it was rather akward to read about Chinese philosophies through books written in the English language. Somehow, I realised that the essence of the thoughts would better be conveyed using Chinese.

Whatever it is, one still have to start somewhere. I am on the journey to learn more.

***
Books I have read for the week:

Sayings of Lao Zi (Asiapac Comic Series) Book 1 and 2 (Paperback). Edited & Illustrated by Tsai Chih Chuang. An Asiapac Publication.

Week 49 of year 2007 on the double bass

2 Dec 2007, Sun: I practised one of the studies from Bottesini's Method for Double Bass Part One. The objective was to first work on the rhythm, then the intonation.

3 Dec 2007, Mon: For a short half-an-hour, I practised a few bars from the fourth movement of Mahler's Symphony No. 1. The focus was to appreciate the intervals between each of the various notes, and to improve the intonation.

6 Dec 2007, Thu: I spent about 20 minutes working just six bars from the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major. The key focus was to work on achieving a focused intonation and articulation.

8 Dec 2007, Sat: In the evening, I practised the first double bass parts from Tony Osborne's Blues Style and Ragtime. I also attempted another work, and playing at the thumb positions proved to be something that I would need to improve upon.

My visit to Fort Siloso

If one of the buildings in the above post looks familiar, it could be because you have remembered it as one of the monorail stations when monorail trains used to be one of the mode of transport about the island of Sentosa. I was there to visit Fort Siloso of Sentosa some time ago.

Here's a post on my visit: Fort Siloso and Pulau Blakang Mati

Reading at the bookstore

This evening, I visited a bookstore since it was slightly more than an hour before my music theory class. I picked up a fairly small book titled The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick) by Seth Godin.

I had considered purchasing the book so that I could read the book thereafter, but there was a pretty long queue at the cashiers of the bookstore. As such, I started reading the book. By the time the queue was cleared, I have had finished reading the book.

It was quite an insightful read, and it did not take too much time to complete my reading of it. I learnt about concepts such as the Dip, Cul de sac (a dead-end) and the Cliff. The question that I have is how to distinguish which of the three is one going through. I don't have the answers and I am looking out for them.

On Yesterday.sg: Discovering More with Mark Lee

Photo credit: Yesterday.sg

On 1 Dec 2007, Carcar and myself saw Mark Lee leading a tour of the National Museum of Singapore when we were visiting the museum. We did not join the tour though.

However, according to one of the most recent posts on Yesterday.sg titled Discovering More with Mark Lee, on that single day, the dedicated Mark Lee led two tours for a total of 180 people. Do check out this post to figure out what could have drawn the crowd to tour the museum.

Stay tuned for tours and walks around Singapore

I have been walking about Singapore quite a bit of late. In addition, I have also went onboard a short tour of Singapore's Chinatown recently.



It may take a while for me to write about a few of these walks. If you should find yourself interested on my experiences onboard these walks, please stay tuned.

A day out on 1 Dec 2007

A few days ago, I have had the pleasure and honour to spend a day out with Carcar. Here is sharing snippets of the day. A number of the photos were taken by Carcar.

Last but not the least, here is wishing Carcar a Happy Birthday.

How do I distinguish?

There are some sensations that hit upon me
Are they answers that are meant to guide me?
How do I distinguish
If they would lead me to what's true to my heart
Or if they are mere distractions from my discontented soul?

The answers they may come
Yet how do I interpret and make sense of them?

Week 48 of year 2007 on the double bass

25 Nov 2007, Sun: I practised the 2nd movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor to work on the intonation.

28 Nov 2007, Wed: I spent some time playing pieces from Hartley's Double Bass Solo 1. The intention was to have some fun on the double bass and gets my fingers working.

29 Nov 2007, Thu: The practices for the week seem to be largely short ones. Perhaps the short practice sessions are my ways to stay focused despite the general physical fatigue. There was no double bass lesson for this Thursday. In the night, I took some time to practise selected sections from the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major.

1 Dec 2007, Sat: I worked on sight-reading a study from Bottesini's Method for Double Bass Part One. I shall do more of such sight-reading studies. Afterwhich, time was spent practising Eccles' Sonata in g minor. I would still need to work on the expression and the intonation.

**
More practising to go.

Today on Yesterday.sg

Source:
National Archives of Singapore
Access to Archives Online
PhotoCD Number : 19980007518
Image Number : 0084

A short post by yours truly has been published on Yesterday.sg.

Find out more about my personal perspective of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Ang Mo Kio New Town in the year 1989.

The exhaustion

The feet are aching
From having to travel miles after miles
Yet which each inch travelled
One grows and develops

The mind is needing rest
For it has been working for much of the day
And now in its inactivity
It strives to savour the better moments

My wishes

Life brings untold challenges
And a journey I could not quite comprehend
I wish for wisdom
To steer through the jungle ahead
And good luck to lead me
To where my heart longs to be

Week 47 of year 2007 on the double bass

18 Nov 2007, Sun: I started with playing arpeggio. I realised that my mind isn't that focused on practising today, so I kept the practice session within 45 minutes. I worked particularly on a particular four-bars section from the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major. I really have to work it even more slowly the next time I practise this section to get the intonation focused.

21 Nov 2007, Wed: I played G major scales, then attempted a simple sight-reading piece. Afterwhich, I practised the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor, and worked on the articulation of first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major.

22 Nov 2007, Thu: It is double bass lesson day. MJ coached me on playing the double bass solo from the third movement from Mahler's First Symphony. I like how he has maintained a nice phrasing and a consistent tempo. I need to work on my sense of tempo and rhythm.

Afterwhich, he demonstrated how to play the second movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor. This shall be something for me to work on for the upcoming weeks.

The remaining of the lesson was spent working on the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor. I have to be careful to ensure constant bow-speed even when I am changing bow direction.

23 Nov 2007, Fri: I sight-read a study from Bottesini's Method for Double Bass Part One, working on both rhythm and intonation.

Thereafter, I practised the second movement of Sonata in g minor.

24 Nov 2007, Sat: I did a sight-reading and study of a study from Bottesini's Method for Double Bass Part One. Other than working on both the rhythm and the intonation, I attempted to play the study at increasing tempo. As I was feeling tired from the day, I stopped after I worked on the study for slightly more than half-an-hour. It may be better to practise when I have a reasonably good level of concentration, than to practise long hours but without focus.

A tag

I was tagged by my friend, JY. Here's my attempt to answer the questions.

1. 2007年最难忘的事是什么?

There is quite a number of unforgettable incidents, and a couple of them are related to playing the double bass. For examples: the d'Bassists concert at Esplanade Concourse and its preparations; and the preparations for the DipABRSM exams particularly with my dear piano accompanist, J.

2. 2008年的愿望是什么？

More avenues and chances to express and contribute my unique life force. (see quote by Martha Graham)

3. 你会为朋友赴汤蹈火吗？

Yes, if it is within my means and does not hurt anyone.

4. 你向往的国家？

Scotland is lovely. Singapore can be a lovely place too if I can live at my own pace.

5.你最快乐的时光

When I am feeling in-sync.

**
No one will be tagged for this, unless anyone decides to pick the tag on his/her own.

Inner anguish

Inner anguish
That can make the inner world collapse
And the temporary relief
Is a moment of solitude
And the resonating vibrations
From the deep double bass

Explore Singapore!

Discover many fun ways to experience our island’s colourful past, rich heritage and vibrant cultures.

Check this link for more details: http://www.museums.com.sg/explore/

Awfully tired

Tiredness can overwhelm
And drain a person out
If tiredness can make a person feel more alive
That is fulfilment
If it does not
It leads one to further doubts

Tour of the Changi Airport Terminal 3

From 12 Nov to 9 Dec 2007, the Changi Airport Terminal 3 is opened for public to view before Terminal 3 starts operation. Terminal 3 is scheduled to open on 9 Jan 2008.

Meantime, it is free to view the public-area of Changi Airport Terminal 3. However, entry to the Transit Mall would require each visitor to obtain a ticket. For adults, each guided-tour ticket would cost $3. For those who prefer self-guided tour, the ticket is $1. If budget allows, I would recommend that visitors choose the guided-tour because the guided tour gives a good overview of the Terminal. In addition, after the guided tour, the visitors could enter the Transit Mall again on the same day to do their own self-guided tours.

For those of you who would like to have a look of Changi Airport Terminal 3, do check out the photos posted on this post.

The guide told us that the design of the Terminal 3 strives to bring comfort and convenience to its users. I love it for being spacious. I was also intrigued by the skylights. These skylights found on the ceiling of the Departure Hall are fitted with an intelligent computer-controlled system. They help to allow natural light to shine into the building, while making sure that not too much heat enters the building. Do find out more about these skylights if you are on the tour.

As you can see from the photos, glass is one of the main materials used for Terminal 3. Glass seems to help remove the physical barrier between the public-area and the transit-area, for with glass as the material, people from both sides can see each other through the glass.

There are plenty of plants in Terminal 3. Notice the Green Wall? I read that the green wall of Terminal 3 is a five-storey high and 300 metres wide vertical garden made up of climbing plants. I think it is lovely to have plants around to bring visitors closer to Nature.

By the way, Terminal 3 can now be accessible by both public bus services and the MRT service. In addition, one can take the airport's Skytrain to travel to Terminal 3.

The opening hours for the Terminal 3 Open House are as follow:
10.00 am – 5.00 pm (Weekdays)
9.00 am – 6.00 pm (Saturday and Sunday)

For more information on Terminal 3, please visit http://www.changiairport.com/t3

This post is dedicated to my readers. Enjoy!

Week 46 of year 2007 on the double bass

11 Nov 2007, Sun: It feels good to be back practising on the double bass. I started out with practising scales, followed by one study. I decided to practise just sight-reading rhythms and work on playing the given rhythms as accurately as possible.

Practice feels more complete when I worked on the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E and the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor.

13 Nov 2007, Tue: I decided where possible, I shall start with practising scales or studies. I started with practising a study from Michael Moore's Melodic Playing in the Thumb Position. Afterwhich, I practised the first and second movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor and the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E. I need to fine tune the intonation and my sense of rhythm.

14 Nov 2007, Wed: The night's practice started with practising arpeggios of the G major scale. Afterwhich, I played selected passages from various works largely from memory.

15 Nov 2007, Thu: It is getting more exciting to study the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E. I spent most of the double bass lesson working on this. A lot of work is required on both the right and the left hands. It was certainly much easier to play on my tutor's double bass that he had put in the music school because of its set-up, and I could not help but wish for a better double bass.

In addition, I would need to continue to develop a way to play the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor with legato bowings, while keeping the long lines.

My tutor thinks that I should re-sit for the DipABRSM as soon as possible (the earliest being next May), and I have my reservations even though I do hope to move to LRSM.

17 Nov 2007, Sat: The vibrations from the double bass seem to have positive effects on me physically. I felt my nerves being calmed for the moments that I was playing. I practised the first and second movements of Marcello's Sonata in G major, and then played the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor from memory.

**
I am keeping to the target of practising on at least four of the days of each week, and hoping that one day I would get closer to better playing and a better double bass.

An Andy Warhol Exhibition

If you speak about Pop Art, it is impossible not to mention the pop artist, Andy Warhol. To mark the 20th anniversary of Andy Warhol, there is an upcoming exhibition featuring 116 iconic prints by the late Andy Warhol.

Details of the exhibition are as such:
A Is For Andy
17 - 18 November 2007
10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Venue: 72 - 13 Mohamed Sultan Road
Free Public Admission
Presented by Cannonball Art Fund
http://www.aisforandy.com

The exhibition is opened to members of the public for very llimited time, so if you are keen to view works by the late Andy Warhol, please make this weekend free.

**
Update on 18 Nov 2007: Veron has a post on this exhibition. Check it out: A is for Andy: An Andy Warhol Exhibition

A life in crisis?

Maybe it is a phase of life?
There is so much going through within
Yet I have no faith to share
Blogging about my inner world seems to lose relevance
And I wonder if it is therapeutic at all
I search for hope
And have to look hard to see the traces

Rainbow to marvel at and to share

Last Friday, in the evening, after work, I spotted a rainbow. Strangely, the colours of the spectrum somehow lightened my mood, and brought a little sense of hope.

I could not help that evening but to slow my pace down so that I could view the beautiful rainbow in the skies as I walked towards the nearby MRT station.

It was a delight, and I suppose I could follow Mr Endoh's example to share the rainbow with all readers. Afterall, it is usually on a rare occasion that we would get to see a rainbow. What is more, to take the time to appreciate it.

Week 45 of year 2007 on the double bass

Week 45 is declared a week when I take a break from playing the double bass. I had only practised on one of the days of the week.

4 Nov 2007, Sun: Practised C major scales to work on intonation. Afterwhich, I practised playing in the key of C major notes in the intervals of third, fourth, and fifth.

Happy Birthday Tony Osborne!

Today is Tony Osborne's 60th birthday!

Tony Osborne's 60th birthday! Tony Osborne is an important double bass educationalist and composer who has made significant contributions to the double bass literature. Cheers to more years of great compositions and music by Tony Osborne.

d'Bassists wishes Tony Osborne a Happy Birthday, and thanks to XM for his help, we have a video recording specially for Tony Osborne. Check it out here: Happy Birthday Tony Osborne!

Constructive diversion

This week is a break away from practising from the double bass because of the Mystic's Challenge that I have taken up. Initially, I had not felt much of an urge to resume practice, but that urge to practise crept in this evening. I am now looking forward to practising on the double bass when the time is up.

In addition, I needed some positive and constructive diversion to get me to stay away from depressive moods. For the past few days, I had attempted to walk. I had walked fairly long distances until my soles are aching even this evening. I would have continued walking despite the pain from the soles, but my feet brought me to a nearby library. I spent time browsing a book while sipping the chocolately drink that I had ordered from the cafe in the library.

Yesterday, aside from attempting to walk about several places, I had went about sketching. I realised that it has been a long while since I have sketched on my sketchbooks. Prior to yesterday's sketches, my last entry to my sketchbook was in January 2005! If anyone would like to see my sketches, you could ask me out and request to see the sketches, or pray that I would get a sponsorship for a scanner.

Actually, I would still like to walk! Then again, I have to be mindful that my soles are hurting. What a dilemma.

Walking and walking

Walking
The soles are aching
In search for clues
How would they come to me?
Walk ahead
How would this journey unfold?
Aching soles are at least
Not the most painful of all

The Mystic's challenge

Yesterday, Mystic put me to a challenge to take a break from playing the double bass for a week. She said that taking a short break will help me have a renewed outlook and interest to playing the double bass. I do not know if I would be able to meet her challenge. At the most, I shall attempt to take the break for six days.

Now my question is what else could I do if I have the urge to play the double bass?

Who would be free to accompany for sketching trips this Thursday?

Week 44 of year 2007 on the double bass

28 Oct 2007, Sun: I wasn't feeling quite well so I did not go out for extended walks as initially planned. Nevertheless, a day feels more fulfilled when I practise on the double bass. I continued to work on the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major. My rendition of it is taking shape.

29 Oct 2007, Mon: It has been a while since I have played studies. As such, I started my practice for the evening with a study from Bottesini's Method for Double Bass, part One. Bottesini's studies may seem easy at first glance, but they are pretty challenging to play with good intonation and good rhythm. More work would be needed.

Afterwhich, I played a bit of the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor from memory. Subsequently, I worked on the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major. More work on the concerto to get a clearer articulation.

31 Oct 2007, Wed: I started out the practice session playing a couple of bars from Bottesini's Passione Amorosa. I realised much of the parts were in treble clef, and I do need to practise and gain greater mastery of the higher registers.

A short practice session that ended with me playing the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor from memory, and selected bars from the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major.

1 Nov 2007, Thu: It was double bass lesson day. I worked on the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major. My tutor, MJ, told me that he would give me a nicer version of cadenza for this movement.

2 Nov 2007, Fri: In my attempt to release the pent-up feelings of frustrations and vulnerability in me, I spent quite a bit of time in the evening playing the first few bars of Rachmaninov's Vocalise, the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor and the first few bars of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major. That helps me feel a little better.

**
I have been able to practise at least four of the days per week, for at least 15 minutes each time. Yet it did not seem enough.

What are ways to practice so that I could improve my sense of rhythm?

New post on growing up in Ang Mo Kio

I have yet another post published on Yesterday.sg about my memories growing up in Ang Mo Kio. Here's the link to the post: Growing up in Ang Mo Kio: A place to take a ride

Trigger-finger's back

I am not sure if the trigger-finger condition that my left little finger is experiencing would be permanent. I am starting to feel discouraged. For a while, the finger had felt better for the past couple of weeks. However, just a few days ago, it is becoming more uneasy and stiff to move the last joint of the finger. I had thought it would just improve with time, but I have yet to experience so.

Maybe the consoling thing would be the stiffness wasn't as bad as what I have experienced a few months ago, and at least I could play the double bass nevertheless.

Would complete recovery happen?

Reflect, encourage and move on

I had sat for DipABRSM on 18 Sep 2007, and today, I was informed by phone that the results are available for collection.

I took a taxi after work to the Music Examinations Office at Victoria Concert Hall so as to collect my results. I had failed the exam as a whole. Though I have passed the Viva Voce, I did not earn a pass for both the recital section and the quick study section. From the remarks made by the exams, I need to work a lot more on rhythmic aspects. In addition, the intonation could be more focused.

For now, I shall reflect on how I could improve on my weaker aspects, and enhance my strengths. Hopefully the feelings of being discouraged gets managed, and I have to learn to encourage myself for the good things that had been achieved during the exams.

I am thinking when would be an appropriate time to retake the DipABRSM Music Performance exams. I would wish that when I retake the exams, I would be able to confidently score a good pass. Afterall, another failure either means that I have not improved on areas that I need to, or that the circumstances are all too not favourable to facilitate a pass. Whatever it is, I do not wish to rush retaking the exams but not having the time to work on key aspects that needs to be improved.

Last but not the least, special thanks to my tutor, to my piano accompanist (J) and my music theory tutor. My words of thanks to many others who have given me your support and encouragement along the way. Thank you.

Here's also to thank Mystic for calling to express her kind concern after she knew of my results.

I wish for better music performance.

The Princess, the Witch, and the PowerPoint

While I was browsing Rambling Librarian's blog, this post, The Princess, the Witch, and the PowerPoint, caught my eye.

The presentation is entertaining and very insightful. I think it delivers the key messages across to its audience in a simple and interesting way. Do start playing the video.

This is the link to the post by the presentator, Coleman: The Princess, the Witch, and the PowerPoint

And it goes:
"Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess..."

Credits: Video taken by Kevin Lim.

The Magical Spaces Project

Last month, I put up a post titled The Magical Spaces Project and mentioned that I have submitted a few entries to this project.

The Magical Spaces Exhibition will be held at:

The Asylum,
22 Ann Siang Road.
31st October 2007 to 14th November 2007.
Entrance is free.

Website: http://magicalspaces.fivefootway.com/

Music scores arrived finally

Earlier, at the beginning of this month, I had ordered music scores from Yorke Edition through SpartanPress.co.uk.

I did not choose for the scores to be shipped by express mail, and that was why it took a while for the music scores to arrive via Royal Mail.

Out of my sheer liking for Bottesini's Passione Amorosa, I bought the scores for two double bass and piano. Maybe I could attempt to play the second part, and ask my tutor to play the first part? Otherwise, is anyone else keen to play this with me after I have learnt how to play it?

I have also got the piano reduction for Dittersdorf's Concerto No. 1 which is notated in the key of D major. Interestingly, this very concerto is to be played using solo tuning, and it should sound like it is in the key of E major. However, I did not want to string my double bass with solo tuning strings at this point in time, so I figured that it would be more practical for me to play this concerto in the notated key of D major.

More reasons to practice! For this, I am thankful.

I should be avoiding spicy items

I should avoid spicy items. This evening, I ate a bowl of Korean bibimbap, served with bean paste and kimchi. I should have known better, my body cannot take too much spicy food.

Usually, I would avoid eating more than half of the serving of the bean paste, but today, the bean paste was kind of mixed into the rice, and I ate all the bean paste that was served with the bibimbap. Now my tummy is feeling unwell and I have been visiting the toilet several times.

I have to learn my lesson well, and remember that I should discipline myself and should only take spicy food at moderate or light quantities.

Where my subconscious mind led me

My subconscious mind must have been eager to save up for a better double bass that when I saw one particular post on Ping.sg, I could not help but check out the post.

The post is: Ways to save SGD200 monthly by The Young Businessman.

Then hey, I am already practising all that was taught! Except that I do have to take a taxi at least once a week when I have orchestra rehearsal so as to be in time for sectionals and rehearsals.

It looks like I have to look for ways to save more than S$200 per month, because if I were to save at that rate, it would take me 17.5 years to save up enough for a $42K double bass.

I figured that I may be better off practising and mastering the double bass like Gary Karr did, and play better than him, in hope that one wise and generous patron would present me a good quality double bass as a gift!

My subconscious mind with its most fanciful imagination was thinking of ways to earn myself a fulfilling and high-paying job that would captivate my interests and allow me to make good use of my skills and strengths, and would pay me good enough so that I can save at least $2000 per month. At that rate, I would only need 1 year and 9 months to save enough for a $42K double bass.

Meantime, I shall be happy with my current double bass that cost about the same amount as my one-month gross salary.

My post on Yesterday.sg

After a long period of not writing contributing any post to Yesterday.sg, I have finally found some time and inspiration to write yet another post.

Published today on Yesterday, Growing up in Ang Mo Kio is the first of a series of post which I hope to write about on my personal experiences growing up in this place that is called Ang Mo Kio.

If this subject interests you, do stay tuned to Yesterday.sg.

Needing a mood brightened

Nothing is really wrong. It is just that my mood feels a need to be brightened. Does asking too many questions whose answers cannot be resolved immediately makes one melacholic?

Meantime, there are many people and events to be thankful for. In addition, I am thankful I could seek solace playing the double bass. Admittedly, I am yearning more and more for a better double bass, so that it will be easier to play.

While I was reading a post on Jason Heath's Double Bass blog, I found out how the 'Amati' double bass was presented to Gary Karr as a gift. It made me entertained the idea that if I were to play superbly well like Gary Karr did, could I be presented with a quality double bass as a gift? Meantime, to reach that level of excellence of playing, I shall continue to practise, effectively.

Week 43 of year 2007 on the double bass

21 Oct 2007, Sun: In the morning, before I left home, I practised the first movement of Eccles Sonata in g minor. It is a lovely piece of music.

In addition, I practised the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major. I think I would have to practise this concerto at a much slower tempo, so as to refine the intonation.

23 Oct 2007, Tue: In the night, I practised the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major, focusing on left-hand technique and improving my intonation. It feels good to practise on the double bass.

24 Oct 2007, Wed: There was no orchestra rehearsal today. In the night, I continued to practise the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major at a slower tempo to improve intonation and articulation. It was fun.

25 Oct 2007, Thu: There was no double bass lesson today as MJ, my tutor, was overseas. I took time-off from work to be back home to practise. It was mind-stimulating to practise the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major. I worked on getting a clearer articulation. I love such lovely stimulation for the mind.

27 Oct 2007, Sat: I think I am fascinated with Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major. For much of this week, I have been practising the first movement of the concerto. I have only managed to play about half of the first movement, and I have yet to even start working on the cadenza. MJ said that he has an original version of the cadenza. Meantime, I shall wait.

Do listen to a rendition of the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thJKBinfZHc

Time flies. It is now the 43th week of this year!

This month on d'Bassists official webhome

***
In addition, you can read about the following:

Practice Tracks on Jason Heath's Double Bass Blog
Emily the composer
Aaron Copland's What to Listen for in Music

In search for clues to the answers

Questions unanswered
The mind is searching
For whatever clues
That can be seen
That may eventually lead me
Soon to the answers

Jeremy and Jane in Singapore

Jeremy and Jane visited Singapore earlier this month. Jeremy has a well-written post on his trip to China and Singapore. Please check it out here: Visiting Kunming and Singapore. There are some great photographs.

I particularly like the way that he concluded his post with a photo of a painting titled Kindred Spirits Series No. 5.

The Tembusu tree

Have you heard of the tembusu tree? Read more about it here: The Tembusu Tree.

The double bass concerto now on my mind

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thJKBinfZHc

I have been practising the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major. It is inspiring for myself to be able to listen to a recording of this concerto, with the double bass and orchestra.

My friend, Mystic, had asked me to sing the tune of this concerto for her, and I suppose it would save me some singing if she could listen to this.

Enjoy! I think the double bassist's rendition is pretty commendable.

Week 42 of year 2007 on the double bass

14 Oct 2007, Sun: The motivation to practise the second movement and the fourth movements of Eccles' Sonata in g minor is low. I started with practising a study from Bottesini's Method for Double Bass Book I. The studies in this book are rather challenging. Afterwhich time was spent practising the first movement from Eccles' Sonata in g minor. The question asked: Do I have the talents to be a musician? How do I tell?

16 Oct 2007, Tue: About 20 minutes was spent simply practising spiccato strokes. I had tried to play spiccato strokes based on what I had recalled from watching the following videos:

Virtual Lesson with Andrew Anderson - Part 7 (spiccato)

Virtual Lesson with Andrew Anderson - Part 8 (spiccato)

17 Oct 2007, Wed: During the orchestra rehearsal, we sight-read all other movements of Stravinsky's Firebird except the usual "Infernal dance of King Kashchei". After the break (which I had obviously missed the treat to ice-cream), the orchestra rehearsed the 3rd and 4th movements of Mahler's First Symphony.

In between the breaks that I have had, I tried to practise the first and second movements of Eccles' Sonata in g minor and the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major.

20 Oct 2007, Thu: I continued to practise the spiccato strokes from I have gathered from Virtual Lesson with Andrew Anderson.

Afterwhich, time was spent practising practise the first and second movements of Eccles' Sonata in g minor and the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major. I could now manage these with slightly more agility. More practice to master these works.

Meet-up after a decade

It has been a decade since I have graduated from the junior college. Yesterday evening, there was a meet-up with my ex-classmates from the junior college. We have dinner at Sushi-Teh, Raffles City.

How fast time can fly. It has already been a decade.

Thanks to my ex-classmates who were present for bearing with my general quietness. I wasn't feeling in the best of health to wish to converse.

Ease the pain please

I have been having persistent headaches for the past few days. I wonder what may help ease the pain and address it?

Strangely, I have been experiencing pain at my finger joints, particularly my left third and ring finger. I wonder why? At times, there is a thought of fear that my fingers may lose their function.

I don't know what else to say. Please wish me good health and good luck.

How to weave a Ketupat

On Yesterday.sg, the RamblingLibrarian posted a link to a post by Jussaemon that describes how to weave a ketupat.

"Ketupat is a rice cake made out of coconut leave weaved into a diamond shape."

I remember that when I was a Junior College student, I took part in a one-time activity where participants learn how to weave a ketupat. It was quite a fun experience. I vaguely recall that a few days after the event, I would still weave and unweave the ketupat that I had weaved during the event. Well, practising is one good way to learn.

So do check out: How to weave a Ketupat.

You may also wish to read about the process of making ketupat, posted by Jussaemon.