Saturday, July 23, 2011

A temporary park connector?


Today, Thursday, July 21, 2011, Page 21, Voices
From http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20110721/2107VOC022.pdf
Source Website: http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC110721-0000045/A-temporary-park-connector
Letter from Liew Kai Khiun, voices@mediacorp.com.sg, 04:45 AM Jul 21, 2011



PHOTO: The public basking in the greenery around the former KTM railway line.
Photo by Wee Teck Hian, Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
Today, Thursday, July 21, 2011, Page 21, Voices
http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC110721-0000045/A-temporary-park-connector


Minimise makeshift construction along former KTM railway line
For the last fortnight, Singaporeans from all walks of life have been enthusiastically walking along the now defunct section of the Malayan Railway (KTM) route.

Among them have been ministers such as Brigadier-General (NS) Tan Chuan-Jin and Mr Khaw Boon Wan, who impressed with the possibility of conserving the route as a promising "Green Spine" and have urged the public to come forward with feedback.

However, even as many would like to contribute their ideas towards this concept - which may take years to evolve, according to BG (NS) Tan - several concerns have been raised about public access to this route as well as to the existing historical and natural features along it after the end of this month.



PHOTO: Bukit Timah Railway Station (BTRS)
The Bukit Timah station along the former KTM railway line.
Photo by ERNEST CHUA, Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
Weekend Today, April 9 - 10, 2011, Singapore
Today, Tuesday 17, May 2011, Page 14, Voices


At the moment, the Tanjong Pagar station and its surrounding lands have been closed to the public by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), disappointing many walkers who thought they could start their journey from the southern tip of the route.

The SLA has also kept silent about whether any construction and redevelopment work would be
undertaken that may potentially threaten the existing natural environment and compromise the heritage around the premises.

While we from the Heritage Society and the Nature Society understand the issue of public safety and that of protection against scrap metal thieves and souvenir hunters, we believe the authorities can still make arrangements to keep the entire route open for the public to enjoy the place while discussions are in progress.



PHOTO: Bukit Timah Railway Station (BTRS)
Photo by ERNEST CHUA, Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
Weekend Today, April 9 - 10, 2011, Singapore
Today, Tuesday 17, May 2011, Page 14, Voices


In addition, we hope that any temporary and makeshift construction and demolition work will be minimised, especially on thick natural vegetation along stretches from Holland Road to Bukit Timah Station as well as at the religious shrines and gardens that people around the vicinity have built and planted over the years.

It would be a waste if the entire stretch of the route gets boarded up from next month and Singaporeans return possibly to an altered and damaged landscape when these barriers are lifted.

With perhaps minimal improvement work to facilitate public access and some accommodation for safety considerations, we believe the former railway line can be an instant and temporary park connector for Singaporeans for the next few years while plans for its use are being finalised.
Letter from Liew Kai Khiun, voices@mediacorp.com.sg, 04:45 AM Jul 21, 2011



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Sunday, July 17, 2011

A tale in a taxi makes me happy

Today on sunday, Sunday, July 17, 2011, Page 11, Column, Speakeasy
From http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20110717/1707FFW011.pdf
Source Website: http://www.todayonline.com/Columns/Speakeasy/EDC110717-0000003/A-tale-in-a-taxi-makes-me-happy
By Alywin Chew, Assistant sports editor, todayonsunday@mediacorp.com.sg, 04:45 AM Jul 17, 2011



PHOTO: A tale in a taxi makes me happy
Today on sunday, Sunday, July 17, 2011, Page 11, Column


I love taking taxis.

That may sound like an odd thing to say here in Singapore, considering the amount of rage and exasperation expressed over the matter of cabs. People often complain about how dangerously cabbies drive, how they conveniently disappear before midnight and how utterly uncouth (dreadful) they can be.

Add the fact that it's mostly faster and more economical to use the MRT than travel in a taxi via the heart of our glorious transport system - the CTE, or what I prefer to call the Congested Traffic Expressway.

You probably think I'm mad, which I slightly agree with, but I take taxis because I love a good story.



PHOTO: Seasonal Upper Lake - an archaeological expedition
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6llJFJDEXfVMGufT63LjCFYLM6UDYkcaX-S3D1c0lLzoW54keXhXEreNNwY32GwYebCn0pu-jGcnxPORUxDg032CVOFZidaOBPhK9Erx_LM47QlqTr-zPIwV5aGKfUOfrgFyD02mE-qya/s1600/Seasonal+Upper+Lake.jpg
http://travelerguidance.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html


I'm sure everyone has had their fair share of taxi driver stories, and while one may not think much of it, every cab ride to me is like an archaeological expedition. It's an adventure during which I might fortuitously unearth a rare gem of a story.

All these tales that the drivers share take me to a spatial dimension unfathomable to my caffeine-laced brain. I play out every story in my head like the B-roll of an indie film and I live these parallel lives vicariously, even if it's only for 20 minutes.

All right, perhaps I am mad. But it is kind of emancipating when these encounters make me go: "Wow, geez, there are some weirdos out there!"

I once had a pianist drive me home. Yes, a freaking pianist. He was, allegedly, looking for a new hotel to ply his trade at.



PHOTO: Taxi driver stories
http://www.coloringpages.in/img/cars-coloring-pages-8.jpg
http://www.flutterbysandfrogs.com/2011/03/march-lesson-plans-my-neighborhood.html


He told me that he started playing the piano when he was little, had performed at important events before and was basically on the verge of certain stardom within the music circle. But cruel fate played him the puppet - he found himself pulling gigs in hotel lounges.

So there he was, playing his heart out to strangers who were more interested in alcoholic foreplay than his tunes. His unrecognised passion was making him sick to the guts but he hung on, and kudos to him.

As I paid the fare, I wished him luck.

Maybe the man was bananas. But his story inevitably led me to think about priorities. Passion or pragmatism? I guess we all need to strike a balance.



PHOTO: A Tale of Two Cities
It was the best of times... Taxi Shelters
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMG-OjZK4tDkXslxaW_174KFdwSXeGxbnywoNF5cBFY3iCITLvlSyM4JqK-748shxklVN98H9s8fkn3wZlKxbI8PsRl-rLN3E_xRhc6wmnKWxBl_EkI3zcNPhW_o44Ox2on5bsdUgZqAk/s1600/London_taxi_shelter.jpg
http://debikirksey.blogspot.com/2010/04/taxi-shelters.html


Another notable driver, a middle-aged man full of angst, waited for my wife to alight before launching into a tirade about how all women are evil parasites out to suck men dry of their soul and money.

He hadn't spoken to his own wife in years and he reiterated too many times that the wife must never know my bank account details. "Never open a joint account together! If not you're finished!" were his parting words to me. Thankfully, his prophecy hasn't manifested.

Then there was the driver who believed he was the God of Gamblers. He graciously shared with me the sure-fire equation to use when betting 4D. I don't quite remember what the tips were because I, not being good at math, never did understand what he was rambling about.

But I do remember vividly that he spoke with an arrogance which both amused and annoyed me.

"Young man, let me ask you a question," he said. "What do you find in a library?"



PHOTO: The Unicab EV Could be New York’s Taxi of Tomorrow
by Ariel Schwartz, 06/01/10
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2010/06/nyc-taxi-1.jpg
ttp://inhabitat.com/the-unicab-could-be-nycs-taxi-of-tomorrow/


I paused. I knew the answer couldn't be as simple as "smoking hot librarians", so I decided to go with a more intangible answer. I reckoned I'd not be modest with a douche like him.

"Knowledge," I replied.

The man went silent and his smugness disappeared. "Wow. You're the first person to get the answer correct," he eventually let on.

He didn't say another word for the rest of the journey. I guess I ruined his show.

The one character I probably will never forget has to be the driver who figured he'd teach me how to impregnate my wife.



PHOTO: The Unicab EV Could be New York’s Taxi of Tomorrow
by Ariel Schwartz, 06/01/10
http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2010/06/nyc-taxi-2.jpg
http://inhabitat.com/the-unicab-could-be-nycs-taxi-of-tomorrow/


At the time, I'd chuckled nervously and pretended to be busy with my mobile phone. I understand there's apparently a phone function that allows one to call himself but unfortunately I hadn't learnt that brilliant evasive skill.

With a serious tone, he began his lecture with: "Brother, let me share with you, man to man, nothing to be shy about ..."

He then went on to explain in great detail how I needed to perform "the deed" at the right time of the month, the most ideal position, and how the woman should not clean up thereafter. No kidding, Sherlock.



PHOTO: ROB DELANEY - HI, FIDELITY!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
http://www.viceland.com/blogs/en/files/2011/06/a_palace_affair.jpg
http://www.viceland.com/blogs/en/tag/rob-delaney/


What amazed me was that he spoke with such conviction, as if it was his calling in life to ensure that every man knew how to propagate the species on our vile, dying planet.

So, what else can I say?

I love taking taxis.
By Alywin Chew, Assistant sports editor, todayonsunday@mediacorp.com.sg, 04:45 AM Jul 17, 2011



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Saturday, July 16, 2011

Hair woes

Today, Tuesday, July 12, 2011, Page T10, Health
From http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20110712/1207HLP044.pdf
Source Website: http://www.todayonline.com/Health/EDC110712-0000012/Hair-woes
By Quek Sue Lyn Sarah, 04:45 AM Jul 12, 2011



PHOTO: Men, too, desire a thick, lustrous mane - and they are prepared to spend to get it
GETTY IMAGES, Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/cmsfileserver/showimageCC.aspx?450&338&f=1852&img=1852_406182.jpg&h=450&w=338
Today, Tuesday, July 12, 2011, Page T10, Health


Men, too, desire a thick, lustrous mane - and they are prepared to spend to get it
If your eyes were glued to the broadcast of Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal wedding in April, you probably would have noticed the former's glaring bald spot. Yes, even royalty isn't spared from the dreadful condition known as Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPHL).

MPHL is a gradual loss of hair caused mainly by a genetic tendency and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone normally found in the body. People with a genetic disposition to MPHL have a higher level of DHT. The substance shrinks hair follicles until they no longer produce visible hair.

The condition can kick in among men who are only in their 20s, while studies estimate that half of all men experience varying degrees of MPHL by the time they are 50.

Despite its common occurrence, a recent regional survey on MPHL sufferers found that Singapore men will stop at nothing to tackle their balding woes.

Funded by Merck Sharp and Dohme, the survey was conducted on 1,000 men between the ages of 20 and 40, living in India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Singapore. The local portion of the survey was conducted in consultation with Dr Cheong Wai Kwong, a senior consultant dermatologist from the Specialist Skin Clinic.

Conducted online last November, it aimed to find out the men's attitudes, the measures they took, their expectations, how much they spent on their balding problems and their motivation for seeking medical treatment.



Singapore men most concerned about hair loss
Compared to men living in the other regions, Singapore men spent the most treating hair loss. Local men blew an average of S$310.90 each month, compared to their counterparts in the region who spent S$43.60 to S$297.70 a month on over-the-counter hair loss remedies and/or hair care services.

The survey also highlighted that men here ranked third on the time spent on daily hair care, and almost half of them disclosed that their self-esteem was hurt when their balding condition was pointed out.

Seven in 10 local men also think thin hair is "not cool" and makes them unattractive to the opposite sex.

Harry Teo, a 28-year-old tutor, who suffered from hair loss at 25, is one such example. "My hairstylist pointed out to me that the hairline along my fringe and temples were receding. Even though I tried ways to hide the thinning area by combing and styling my hair, it still looked obvious. I was embarrassed and insecure."

According to Dr Cheong, the most effective way to tackle MPHL is to seek proper medical advice from general practitioners or dermatologists who are trained to treat the condition. Without any medical treatment, hair is progressively lost and not replaced, resulting in a worsening condition over time.

However, Dr Cheong added that patients must understand that medical treatment for hair loss issues often requires patience and a "long-term commitment".

"Men may start to see slowing of hair loss by the third month of treatment, and evidence of some regrowth of hair only by the sixth month onwards. Medication needs to be taken for at least three months to see how well it is working for each individual," he said.

There are also possible side effects from taking hair loss drugs, including erectile dysfunction, impotence and low libido.

After seeking medical attention for his balding problem, Harry said "it is no longer obvious that (he is) balding".

"Now, I look more like my age than before, maybe even younger," he said.
By Quek Sue Lyn Sarah, 04:45 AM Jul 12, 2011



PHOTO: Affinity Hair Design
http://www.weeklyplus.com/media/images/original_1402_4.jpg
http://www.weeklyplus.com/denver/spa-and-salon/affinity-hair-design-1-1402.html


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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Yoga Colour

Today, Tuesday, July 12, 2011, Hot News, Page 2 (Photo)
www.todayonline.com
From http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20110712/1207HNP002.pdf
Source Website: http://powerofnature.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/colour-therapy-for-yoga/ (Texts)

Project your true colours. Like the peacock feather ... discover blissful, spiritual awakening. Be all-seeing with knowledge and wisdom gained from compassionate, unbiased 'eyes'. Take pride in your nobility of character and regality (state of being a king or queen) of posture. See the yoga in you.



PHOTO: Yoga Colour
Today, Tuesday, July 12, 2011, Hot News, Page 2
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20110712/1207HNP002.pdf


The Power Of Colour
From: http://powerofnature.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/colour-therapy-for-yoga/

You know that everything has energy. Life itself is pure energy. If you have ever felt the vital force of color vibrating from the environment, you have come one step closer to being connected not only with your spirit, by with your physical senses as well.

Each light and colour consists of many electromagnetic waves which vibrate at different frequencies. The reason you see colour is that these vibrations are received by the sensitive photoreceptors in the retina of the eye, called cones which able to translate the vibrating energy of each object into colours sending messages to our utmost powerful control centre – the brain.

In turn, the brain generates the release of certain hormones and neurochemicals depending on the messages it gets. For example, by looking at a particular colour you may stimulate or suppress pituitary and pineal glands located in the centre of the cranium. These glands regulate the function of hormones governing metabolism and growth of the body, sleep patterns and blood pressure functions, appetite and thirst sensations.

When the energy in one part of the body gets out of balance, the chain reaction will begin to happen leading to changes in all systems and organs. Hormonal disturbances, mood fluctuations, impaired digestion and other illnesses may all be caused by many different events, so correcting them all may need to be done through a variety of approaches. And something as simple as being exposed to the correct colour has a wonderful ability to help in treatment and prevention of unwanted existing and potential conditions related to different functions in the system.

Today, natural therapists use Colour Therapy as an alternative completely non-invasive method to restore energy and boost the natural immunity bringing vitality to one’s life. Therapists believe that as light and colour is received and absorbed through the skin, it works on the entire body conveying equilibrium to growth and sleep patters, nervous and immune function, sexual behavior and mood, digestion and appetite.




PHOTO: Yoga Colour
Today, Tuesday, July 12, 2011, Hot News, Page 2
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20110712/1207HNP002.pdf

Meaning of Colors
From: http://powerofnature.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/colour-therapy-for-yoga/

RED stimulates brain wave activity, increases heart rate, respirations and blood pressure, excites sexual glands. It warms us and awakens us physically and energizes our blood. It is a good color to wear when we have colds and poor circulation. Too much red can over stimulate and make some illnesses worse.

ORANGE is the color of joy and wisdom, energy and internal connection. It stimulates appetite and it is a good color for illnesses of the colon and digestion.

YELLOW is the color of wisdom and emotions. It energizes, relieves depression, improves memory, stimulates appetite and helps in digestive problems.

GREEN has a calming and balances effect on the nervous system. Soothing and relaxing, green color ease from depression, anxiety, nervousness. Since green stimulates growth, it should be avoided in cancers and other tumors.

BLUE is calming and cooling to our system and hence, a good color to counteract hypertension. Spiritually it is the color of health and connects us to holistic thought.

INDIGO is the color for healing. It stimulates immunity and enhances intuition connecting us to our unconscious self.

VIOLET is cleansing, strengthening, and awakening. It has the power to suppress appetite restoring the peaceful environment. It affects the skeletal system of the body and is a good color for improving immunity, cancerous conditions, and arthritis. It also purifies the system and is an excellent color for headaches and migraines.



PHOTO: Yoga Colour
Today, Tuesday, July 12, 2011, Hot News, Page 2
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20110712/1207HNP002.pdf


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Monday, July 11, 2011

陳俐绢 (chén lì juàn) - 妈妈请你也保重 (mā ma qǐng nǐ yě bǎo zhòng) - Mother, You Take Care

Source:
陳俐绢 (chén lì juàn) - Jane Tan - 眷眷不忘之五 juàn juàn bú wàng zhī wǔ (CD + Karaoke VCD) (馬來西亞版)
陳俐绢 (chén lì juàn) - Jane Tan - 眷眷不忘之五 juàn juàn bú wàng zhī wǔ (CD + DVD 9) (馬來西亞版)



PHOTO: 离开年老的母亲, 但是你的教诲我会牢记
Separate from old mother, but I will remember your teachings
http://img1.dutianya.com/imagecache/9/0/7/907d8753d0729f2c6bd6292fdf7ae6df.jpg
http://www.dutianya.com/m10589/7.html



PHOTO: 陳俐绢 (chén lì juàn) - Jane Tan - 眷眷不忘之五 juàn juàn bú wàng zhī wǔ (CD + Karaoke VCD) (馬來西亞版)



PHOTO: 陳俐绢 (chén lì juàn) - Jane Tan - 眷眷不忘之五 juàn juàn bú wàng zhī wǔ (CD + Karaoke VCD) (馬來西亞版)


Lyric (作詞 zuò cí): 佚名 (yì míng)
Music (作曲 zuò qū): 鄧雨賢 (dèng yǔ xián)
Singer (歌手 gē shǒu): 陳俐绢 (chén lì juàn)
Source (来源 lái yuán): -

妈妈请你也保重 (mā ma qǐng nǐ yě bǎo zhòng) - Mother, You Take Care

离开故乡多年 - Leave home for many years
lí kāi Gù xiāng duō nián

我依然放不下 - I still cannot let go
wǒ yī rán fàng bú xià

就是我白发斑斑 - my white-haired
jiù shì wǒ bái fà bān bān

亲爱的母亲 - dear mother
qīn' ài de mǔ qīn

虽然我浪迹天涯 - Although I am wandering
suī rán wǒ làng jī tiān yá

离开年老的母亲 - separate from old mother
lí kāi nián lǎo de mǔ qīn

但是你的教诲我会牢记 - But I will remember your teachings
dàn shì nǐ de jiào huì wǒ huì láo jì

亲情比天高 - Affection higher than the sky
qīn qíng bǐ tiān gāo

我怎能忘记 - How can I forget
wǒ zěn néng wàng jì

妈妈请你也保重 - Mother, You Take Care
mā ma qǐng nǐ yě bǎo zhòng




PHOTO: 陳俐绢 (chén lì juàn) - Jane Tan - 眷眷不忘之五 juàn juàn bú wàng zhī wǔ (CD + DVD 9) (馬來西亞版)



PHOTO: 陳俐绢 (chén lì juàn) - Jane Tan - 眷眷不忘之五 juàn juàn bú wàng zhī wǔ (CD + DVD 9) (馬來西亞版)



遥远相隔多年 - Far apart for many years
yáo yuǎn xiāng gé duō nián

我依然牵挂的 - I am still concerned about
wǒ yī rán qiān guà de

就是我白发斑斑 - my white-haired
jiù shì wǒ bái fà bān bān

亲爱的母亲 - dear mother
qīn' ài de mǔ qīn

虽然我到处飘泊 - While wandering around I
suī rán wǒ dào chù piāo bó

离开年老的母亲 - separate from old mother
lí kāi nián lǎo de mǔ qīn

虽然你的爱心对我谅解 - Although your loving heart understands
suī rán nǐ de ài xīn duì wǒ liàng jiě

亲情比海深 - Affection deeper than the sea
qīn qíng bǐ hǎi shēn

我怎能忘记 - How can I forget
wǒ zěn néng wàng jì

妈妈请你也保重 - Mother, You Take Care
mā ma qǐng nǐ yě bǎo zhòng




PHOTO: 离开年老的母亲, 但是你的教诲我会牢记
Separate from old mother, but I will remember your teachings
http://img1.dutianya.com/imagecache/9/0/7/907d8753d0729f2c6bd6292fdf7ae6df.jpg
http://www.dutianya.com/m10589/7.html



离开故乡多年
我依然放不下
就是我白发斑斑
亲爱的母亲
虽然我浪迹天涯
离开年老的母亲
但是你的教诲我会牢记
亲情比天高
我怎能忘记
妈妈请你也保重



陈俐娟 - 妈妈请你也保重

From: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thPF174L1vo&feature=related



PHOTO: 亲情比天高, 我怎能忘记
Affection higher than the sky, how can I forget
http://ww2.sinaimg.cn/large/6a03826djw1diu1yyeufvj.jpg
http://www.weibodi.com/pic/experience/1711759320



PHOTO: 媽媽請妳也保重 (mā ma qǐng nǐ yě bǎo zhòng) - Mother, You Take Care
发信人: sangchengjia (在南方), 信区: Art
标 题: 我妈妈那年代的孩提时代 发信站: BBS 烟雨漓江站 (Tue Nov 29 17:41:58 2005)
http://bbs.gxnu.edu.cn/bbsanc.php?path=%2Fgroups%2FGROUP_4%2FArt%2FLive%2FM.1133257318.n0&ap=622107
http://bbs.gxnu.edu.cn/bbsanc.php?path=%2Fgroups%2FGROUP_4%2FArt%2FLive%2FM.1133257318.n0&ap=622107



PHOTO: 不知名的大花
http://img1.dutianya.com/imagecache/7/5/a/75a1a6e67a1c7a9a20dad1579863d871.jpg
http://www.dutianya.com/m10589/7.html



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