Environment spokesperson reveals reason behind lightning storm

Singapore last evening witnessed an intense lightning and thunder storm that was accompanied by very strong winds and rain. Lasting almost an hour, residents all over Singapore were mostly caught unawares by the sudden change in weather.

"It was so hot and humid in the afternoon, then suddenly at about 7:30pm, I saw many lightning flashes. It freaked me out." quipped Ms Soh Sua Koo, a housewife on her way home from NTUC to prepare dinner.

"My dog was terrified. For the first time, my pitbull terrier cowered in fear and hid behind the kitchen sink!" added pet owner Mr Espeecy Aye.

The reporter spoke to an environment expert, seeking answers to the weather phenomenon.

Ms Lai Ning Bot, 43, researcher at the Peh Eh Peh Institute, attributes it to increased energy due to more activity and interaction between neutrons and electrons. "We received news that new electrons have been introduced into the largely neutral atmosphere in recent days. Flashes of lightning is a result with resounding claps of thunder."

"The atmosphere will see more introductions of new electrons in the coming days, so be prepared for more lightning and thunder in the days to come." added her colleague, Mr Lau Tan Der.

The reporter went on to ask if such weather phenomenon is harmful to Singapore, and Ms Lai had this to say, "Don't worry. Singapore is safe. This kind of phenomenon happens once every 4 to 6 years. The last time Singapore experienced this was in 2006. If it rains hammers, then we should be worried. But that is unlikely to happen because our climate is quite stable."

Aspiring artist to feature 'iconic' art in heartlands

The Singapore Biennale 2011 is back in town and our local artists are taking the opportunity to showcase their works of art. One such aspiring artist is Pang Sai Chua, who will feature his installation art in the heartlands.

Mr Pang, 32, who claims his only education in art was in the now-defunct De la Salah Primary School says, " I learn about art by observing art around me and by trying to understand what is art all about." Like an expert in art forms, he continued, "I like installation art. There are many foreign artists who install art in our CBD. How and why they can do it and get paid for all these art is beyond me. I am homegrown just like Yeo Hiap Seng and Boon Tong Kee. But I want to be like Charles and Keith. I will install art for our Singapore people right here in the heartlands."

The reported asked about his installation, and Mr Pang was excited and confident. "You guys are funny. Go all out to cover the Merlion Hotel installation art. All that bugger did was to build 4 walls and a roof over the Merlion, and Singaporeans pay money just to stay with the Merlion! I mean, seriously I've been trying to understand the rationale behind this but I just cannot put my finger to it."

"I am going to build four walls and a roof around a porta-loo. Yes, a portable toilet. You want to know why and what this means?"

The reporter shook his head. Dumbfounded.

"Just as I thought; you are confused. Going to toilet is a very private thing in Singapore. The concept of the four walls around the porta-loo is an emphasis on privacy. It is also a reminder for all Singaporeans to be vigilant. Remember how Mas Selamat escaped?"

Mr Pang Sai Chua was starting to make sense.

"And I'm going to charge only twenty cents to enter my installation art. Why? Don't you pay ten cents to visit the public toilet anyway? Mine is a practical piece of art for all to enjoy!"

Mr Pang's porta-loo installation art will be showcased at Woodleigh MRT Station 'to help boost ridership there' from 1 April 2011 to 30 April 2011. He plans to seek MICA's approval to have his piece of art permanently displayed next to the Merlion statue 'after that temporary hotel is torn down'.

How about the Goh Keng Swee Bridge?

Picture this:

Young Son to Dad, "Daddy, why is this bridge called 'The Helix'?"

Dad, "well, Son, that's because it looks like DNA."

Then the father goes on to explain what DNA is, hopefully.

Son's general knowledge goes up one notch.

Now picture this:

Young Son to Dad, "Daddy, why is this bridge named after a Goh Keng Swee? Who is Goh Keng Swee?"

Dad, "Well, Son, Dr Goh Keng Swee was one of Singapore's founding fathers. He was a visionary and a pragmatic leader....... Without him, Singapore wouldn't be what it is today."

Then the father goes on to tell the history of Singapore and Dr Goh's contribution to our nation building.

A sense of pride envelopes the Son; the legacy of Dr Goh lives on.

The design and thought process that went into The Helix is in itself something for Singapore to be proud of, just like it being the impetus for people to know who Dr Goh Keng Swee was to Singapore. Would it be too late to name The Helix into the more appropriate Goh Keng Swee Bridge?

Dr Goh just passed away at the age of 91. Local TV stations are broadcasting a tribute for him. After this slew of tributes, then what? Dr Goh Keng Swee will be forgotten after his state funeral. Already the younger generation have no idea of who he is, who he was to Singapore, and how he contributed to our nation building. There must be something to remind us and future generations who Singaporeans really are.

Making a (more mobile) comeback

It's the iPhone era.

Alright so I was distracted by the Facebook popularity surge. Status and my goings-on were (and still are) updated on Facebook. Who wouldn't jump on the social networking platform? Blogging is dying. Video killed the radio star in the early 80s. Facebook is strangling the blogging scene. What's next?
Now it is the iPhone era and everyone is hooking up with applications. It's more convenient to blog on the go now.
We shall see.
What's next?


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Farewell Lunch with Close RID Colleagues

We had lunch at Alexandra Village this afternoon. There were 2 tables. From left standing: Simon, James, Vera, Maureen, Yian Kee, 'Mama' Beng Cheow, myself, Lifeng, Qingwei, Weiyang, Lissiana, Juvena, Darren, Terence. Seated from left: Ranga, Catherine, Kia Wang, Swee Tin, Sung Hong, Mok, Ms Loh.

Leadership comes with great responsibilities and......

In a couple of weeks, I'll be taking on the role of a General Manager at the Singapore office of an MNC. Many friends have congratulated me and gave me sound advice. One piece of advice in particular stood out: A great leadership role comes with great responsibilites.

It is true.

I've been thinking seriously about life lately, especially when I'm experiencing a career jump and at the same time, a jump in another stage in life - Marriage.

Career and Marriage. Both jumps are not mere hopscotch play, but leaps of faith, discernment, trust, passion, and love as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

Love is Patient, not Hasty

Love is Kind, not Inconsiderate

Love is Content, not Envious

Love is Humble, not Prideful

Love is Courteous, not Rude

Love is Generous, not Selfish

Love is Good-tempered, not Irritable

Love is Forgiving, not Vengeful

Love is Indestructible

I'm driving at the Love of Christ and the Love for Christ. Perhaps I'm at this stage in my life's journey that I have to consciously rely more on God's guidance to get by. Leadership in my career and leadership in marriage (and later, fatherhood) should be endorsed by Christ and I've to be willing to accept that fact. I need to allow God to guide me through the big responsibilities coming my way.

Only then will I be on the road to being a great leader.

Turns - Open Turn Sequence Step #4

practice practice practice!

Turns - Open Turn Sequence Step #3

Being aware of hands and arms during the turn reduces unneccessary drag

Turns - Open Turn Sequence Step #2

Part 2 of the Open Turn

Turns - Open Turn Sequence Step #1

ha! Flip turns and water in my nose NO MORE!