How uncanny: A SAF Captain collapses and dies immediately after running his best timing (1hr 34min) at last Sunday's Army Half Marathon. SAF's most recent commercial epitomises the very axiom of the late Capt Ho Si Qiu - a military leader, sportsman, and inspiration. It's even more uncanny when the slogan for the commercial is "Live to be your best". I'm sure Capt Ho did.
My deepest condolences to the fellow endurance athlete's family, and may Capt Ho rest in peace.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Live To Be Your Best
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Ad Campaign Should Target Some Singapore Drivers
No-speeding ads hit below the belt
Sydney targets male ego after previous scare ads fail to reduce accidents
SYDNEY — After failing to scare young men into driving more slowly, Australian authorities have hit on a new tactic: Questioning their virility.
An advertising campaign features passengers and passersby waving their pinkies — suggesting a certain lack of physical endowment — at show-off male drivers. “The message is: If you’re trying to impress people, this doesn’t impress anyone. People see you as a clown,” said Mr John Whelan, business director for road safety and policy at the New South Wales Roads
and Traffic Authority. “For a long time, nothing has challenged the fast car/big man image that car sellers sell,” added Mr Russell Watsford, a road safety marketing manager at the authority.
“This does.” The US$1.6-million ($2.4-million) state campaign, launched in late June, aims to cut a stubbornly high road death toll in the Sydney region. It is trying to slow down some of the main speed offenders, young men aged 17 to 25. From 2002 to last year, those drivers were involved in 34 per cent of the province’s fatal crashes, though they represent only 7 per cent of the state’s licence holders, figures show. “How do you make this behaviour socially unacceptable?” Mr Whelan asked.
Previous efforts to scare youths into slowing down — with ads showing bloody car crashes — failed, he said, largely because widespread violence on television, in horror movies and in video games has made younger people “more desensitised to shock-horror kind of images”. The new ads appear to have made an impression in a nation noted for its irreverent sense of humour.
Within days of their appearance on TV, in cinemas, at bus stops and on buses, the road authority’s website, which also carried the ad, registered more than 100,000 downloads and crashed three times. Now on YouTube, the ad has drawn more than half-a-million views. “It’s overwhelming,” Mr Watsford said. “What’s in the media resonates strongly with this group, far better than straight advertising.”
The slow-motion ad opens with a young man in a fast car, stopping at a red light as two young women wait at a crosswalk nearby. Grinning, the driver accelerates hard, smoke pouring
from his tyres. The two women lazily wave their pinkie fingers in the air and give each other a knowing glance.
In other segments, a grandmother also waggles her finger, as do teenage passengers in a show-off friend’s swerving car. “It’s great,” said Ms Katherine Ho, 27, a Sydney resident. “If you’re
in a car with your mates and they do it because they think you’re an idiot, there’s an immediate effect.” Road officials say they’ll look to year-end road death statistics as an indication of whether the new campaign is working. But, as with previous ad campaigns that helped cut the country’s rates of drunken driving and encouraged seat-belt use, the ad will be backed up with regulatory changes tightening penalties for speeding.
Under the new laws, provisional drivers — generally from 17 to 20 years old — can lose their licence if caught speeding. Road officials received overwhelmingly positive feedback from test audiences for the campaign before its launch and only 34 complaints on taste grounds. “People said, ‘This is a government ad?’” Mr Whelan said. “They found it empowering. A lot of women
of all ages said, ‘I do that anyway,’” referring to the key gesture. “We’re not trying to offend or be funny,” he said. “We’re trying to get in the head of these young guys.”
Impressed with the ad’s popularity, English and Irish road safety authorities have inquired about using it and “variations on it will get used everywhere”, Mr Watsford said. The United Nations, he said, has a new “empowerment” ad campaign urging bystanders to get involved
and take action against drunken drivers and speeders. The Australian authority is considering
following up with a positive reinforcement sequel to the ad — perhaps with careful young male drivers getting a different sort of reception from the state’s women. — MCT
Sydney targets male ego after previous scare ads fail to reduce accidents
SYDNEY — After failing to scare young men into driving more slowly, Australian authorities have hit on a new tactic: Questioning their virility.
An advertising campaign features passengers and passersby waving their pinkies — suggesting a certain lack of physical endowment — at show-off male drivers. “The message is: If you’re trying to impress people, this doesn’t impress anyone. People see you as a clown,” said Mr John Whelan, business director for road safety and policy at the New South Wales Roads
and Traffic Authority. “For a long time, nothing has challenged the fast car/big man image that car sellers sell,” added Mr Russell Watsford, a road safety marketing manager at the authority.
“This does.” The US$1.6-million ($2.4-million) state campaign, launched in late June, aims to cut a stubbornly high road death toll in the Sydney region. It is trying to slow down some of the main speed offenders, young men aged 17 to 25. From 2002 to last year, those drivers were involved in 34 per cent of the province’s fatal crashes, though they represent only 7 per cent of the state’s licence holders, figures show. “How do you make this behaviour socially unacceptable?” Mr Whelan asked.
Previous efforts to scare youths into slowing down — with ads showing bloody car crashes — failed, he said, largely because widespread violence on television, in horror movies and in video games has made younger people “more desensitised to shock-horror kind of images”. The new ads appear to have made an impression in a nation noted for its irreverent sense of humour.
Within days of their appearance on TV, in cinemas, at bus stops and on buses, the road authority’s website, which also carried the ad, registered more than 100,000 downloads and crashed three times. Now on YouTube, the ad has drawn more than half-a-million views. “It’s overwhelming,” Mr Watsford said. “What’s in the media resonates strongly with this group, far better than straight advertising.”
The slow-motion ad opens with a young man in a fast car, stopping at a red light as two young women wait at a crosswalk nearby. Grinning, the driver accelerates hard, smoke pouring
from his tyres. The two women lazily wave their pinkie fingers in the air and give each other a knowing glance.
In other segments, a grandmother also waggles her finger, as do teenage passengers in a show-off friend’s swerving car. “It’s great,” said Ms Katherine Ho, 27, a Sydney resident. “If you’re
in a car with your mates and they do it because they think you’re an idiot, there’s an immediate effect.” Road officials say they’ll look to year-end road death statistics as an indication of whether the new campaign is working. But, as with previous ad campaigns that helped cut the country’s rates of drunken driving and encouraged seat-belt use, the ad will be backed up with regulatory changes tightening penalties for speeding.
Under the new laws, provisional drivers — generally from 17 to 20 years old — can lose their licence if caught speeding. Road officials received overwhelmingly positive feedback from test audiences for the campaign before its launch and only 34 complaints on taste grounds. “People said, ‘This is a government ad?’” Mr Whelan said. “They found it empowering. A lot of women
of all ages said, ‘I do that anyway,’” referring to the key gesture. “We’re not trying to offend or be funny,” he said. “We’re trying to get in the head of these young guys.”
Impressed with the ad’s popularity, English and Irish road safety authorities have inquired about using it and “variations on it will get used everywhere”, Mr Watsford said. The United Nations, he said, has a new “empowerment” ad campaign urging bystanders to get involved
and take action against drunken drivers and speeders. The Australian authority is considering
following up with a positive reinforcement sequel to the ad — perhaps with careful young male drivers getting a different sort of reception from the state’s women. — MCT
Friday, August 24, 2007
Preview of Army Half Marathon / Marina Bay Run 2007
The mood is set for this Sunday 26 August. I'll be finally taking on the Army Half Marathon after missing out on last year's due to injury.
I've actually not done the AHM before; not the 21km segment. I did the 12km one 2 years ago with Chad from the US Marines, but a bad tummy forced me to walk most of the way.
My last half marathon was in KL in March 2006. Timing was 2 hrs 33min if I recall correctly.
This year, there were some twice-weekly training runs with my colleagues at Maunsell. It's heartening to see so many colleagues getting sucked into the healthy lifestyle campaign. Work gets tensed and immense, but it's great that they manage to find time to unwind by going for short runs around the office. The motivation level even went up a few notches when we adopted the 'go further' attitude; literally running that extra mile or so and conquering the Singapore River portion by portion up to Robertson Quay. Within a span of 4 weeks, newbies to running were doing distances up to an easy-pace 10km from the initial huffing and puffing 3km.
Progress has been awesome.
This year, I'll try to at least maintain my timing. I just hope that the sheer crowd will not be a hindrance to covering the distance.
Otherwise, I'm ready!
I've actually not done the AHM before; not the 21km segment. I did the 12km one 2 years ago with Chad from the US Marines, but a bad tummy forced me to walk most of the way.
My last half marathon was in KL in March 2006. Timing was 2 hrs 33min if I recall correctly.
This year, there were some twice-weekly training runs with my colleagues at Maunsell. It's heartening to see so many colleagues getting sucked into the healthy lifestyle campaign. Work gets tensed and immense, but it's great that they manage to find time to unwind by going for short runs around the office. The motivation level even went up a few notches when we adopted the 'go further' attitude; literally running that extra mile or so and conquering the Singapore River portion by portion up to Robertson Quay. Within a span of 4 weeks, newbies to running were doing distances up to an easy-pace 10km from the initial huffing and puffing 3km.
Progress has been awesome.
This year, I'll try to at least maintain my timing. I just hope that the sheer crowd will not be a hindrance to covering the distance.
Otherwise, I'm ready!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Now It's Time To Say Goodbye...
Now it's time to say goodbye
To all our company
M-I-C
See you real soon!
K-E-Y
Why? Because we like you!
M-O-U-S-E
To all our company
M-I-C
See you real soon!
K-E-Y
Why? Because we like you!
M-O-U-S-E
Friday, August 10, 2007
Were Frogs Harmed?
Mediacorp is in recent news because some frogs were supposedly harmed during a variety show. Mediacorp says the amphibians were not harmed, and in fact were later released into the wild after the show. The SPCA claims the frogs were treated in an abusive manner (frogs were let go at a high level, subjecting them to undue stress and body harm). Part of the Straits Times forum can be found within. And the SPCA also mentions in the letter that it is against the law to release animals into the wild without prior permission from NParks.
I don't know what to make of it.
All I know is that SOMEONE has graciously passed on his/her germs to me so that I'm pretty much physically bogged down by the dreaded flu bug.
And now this frog in me is very frustrated that taking part in tomorrow's Frog Race will be a medical risk!
WHO HARMED ME??!?!?!
I don't know what to make of it.
All I know is that SOMEONE has graciously passed on his/her germs to me so that I'm pretty much physically bogged down by the dreaded flu bug.
And now this frog in me is very frustrated that taking part in tomorrow's Frog Race will be a medical risk!
WHO HARMED ME??!?!?!
Monday, August 06, 2007
Primer: Non-Elite Age Grouper Strategy for Frog Race
Everyone, including myself, are aware that cramps are likely to occur when we swim after a hard and hilly run.
That is to be expected for this Saturday's Frog Race, especially since the organisers changed the venue to the much-dreaded NTU hills.
A strategy has to be in place. Note: This is not for those who are going for their PB or who are elite. This is only for those who want to enjoy the race without much suffering (I hope).
Here's my plan:
Do an easy 5km run at average 8.5kmph speed. I know it's slow, but I said 'easy'. Slow down to a deliberate walk (almost forward lunging) in the final 200m to stretch the calves and ankles.
Swim 1.5km in normal speed. Aim to do a 30-32min timing. Glide as much as possible. Kick only for balance. Propel with turning torso and arms.
Remaining 5km tempo run; easy peasy; pick up the pace in the last 1km to complete.
Aim for a total time of 1hour 45min. I think can lah.... it's for the kids at SAC anyway.
PS: I just recieved an email from organisers that my wave start is at @#$!% 11:30am! That will be HOT!! (Gotta have reason for the new shades)
That is to be expected for this Saturday's Frog Race, especially since the organisers changed the venue to the much-dreaded NTU hills.
A strategy has to be in place. Note: This is not for those who are going for their PB or who are elite. This is only for those who want to enjoy the race without much suffering (I hope).
Here's my plan:
Do an easy 5km run at average 8.5kmph speed. I know it's slow, but I said 'easy'. Slow down to a deliberate walk (almost forward lunging) in the final 200m to stretch the calves and ankles.
Swim 1.5km in normal speed. Aim to do a 30-32min timing. Glide as much as possible. Kick only for balance. Propel with turning torso and arms.
Remaining 5km tempo run; easy peasy; pick up the pace in the last 1km to complete.
Aim for a total time of 1hour 45min. I think can lah.... it's for the kids at SAC anyway.
PS: I just recieved an email from organisers that my wave start is at @#$!% 11:30am! That will be HOT!! (Gotta have reason for the new shades)
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Frog Race: Change of Venue, Change of Training Plans
Okay I just received an email regarding the Frog Race.
Apparently, since it's the first time in Singapore that such a race format is used (Run, Swim, Run), the organisers decided to change venue to NTU instead of the original East Coast Park. The reason cited is that some participants have expressed concerns over cramping during the swim leg, especially after running. Well, I've got the concerns too and I'm glad the organisers have taken note.
But the infamous NTU hills would probably be cause for more cramps as compared to the very flat East Coast Park course! At least the NTU swimming pool would be a better place to contain the swimmers!
Anyway, this means I've got a few days to train on some hills. I've been running alot on flat ground lately - most recently doing a 7.5km around the office area.
So.... this Thursday, I'll attempt Sheares Bridge and up my distance as well.
Cheers!
Apparently, since it's the first time in Singapore that such a race format is used (Run, Swim, Run), the organisers decided to change venue to NTU instead of the original East Coast Park. The reason cited is that some participants have expressed concerns over cramping during the swim leg, especially after running. Well, I've got the concerns too and I'm glad the organisers have taken note.
But the infamous NTU hills would probably be cause for more cramps as compared to the very flat East Coast Park course! At least the NTU swimming pool would be a better place to contain the swimmers!
Anyway, this means I've got a few days to train on some hills. I've been running alot on flat ground lately - most recently doing a 7.5km around the office area.
So.... this Thursday, I'll attempt Sheares Bridge and up my distance as well.
Cheers!
The Accidental Engineering Week
We used to have Engineering Week back at Purdue and if I remember correctly, it was always held witin the first few weeks of the new school year - some time in September. I may be wrong though, coz Purdue has got so many events in its calendar - Bug Fest, Grand Prix Weekend, Orientation Week, Homecoming, etc.
Anyway, this week 30 July to 5 August is somewhat an Engineering Week for me. A purely coincidental; rather accidental one.
Check out my activities for this week:
Tuesday 31 July, evening: Purdue Alumni dinner; mentoring and meet up with 4 Purdue engineering students who are on a short course in Singapore. I'm supposed to mentor them on engineering and stuff...
Wednesday 1 August, mid day: Catholic Junior College Careers Day. In my 4th year returning as a speaker about what else? Engineering of course!
Friday 3 August, evening: Institution of Engineers (Singapore) dinner; Distinguished Lecture by Philip Yeo
Weekend 4,5 August: Supposed to bring the 4 mentees out for a 'chat'.
Anyway, this week 30 July to 5 August is somewhat an Engineering Week for me. A purely coincidental; rather accidental one.
Check out my activities for this week:
Tuesday 31 July, evening: Purdue Alumni dinner; mentoring and meet up with 4 Purdue engineering students who are on a short course in Singapore. I'm supposed to mentor them on engineering and stuff...
Wednesday 1 August, mid day: Catholic Junior College Careers Day. In my 4th year returning as a speaker about what else? Engineering of course!
Friday 3 August, evening: Institution of Engineers (Singapore) dinner; Distinguished Lecture by Philip Yeo
Weekend 4,5 August: Supposed to bring the 4 mentees out for a 'chat'.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Thanks
Hello everyone!
Thank you all for the well wishes and congratulatory messages.
I would like to return my sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who has inspired me one way or another. It would be crazy for me to list out everybody's names, coz indeed, EVERYONE has a part to play. Being an inspiration has got to start somewhere, and this is usually when we first get inspired by others. It's a vicious cycle, really.
Therefore, this one goes out to you - who truly inspired himself/herself before getting the bug to inspire others. We are all like-minded athletes in our own right, and we've all come so far in doing the impossible when it comes to self-motivation, self-discipline, and inspiring even the most unlikeliest couch potato in our midst.
We have at least once in our lifetime come to grips in answering questions like "What do I want to do in my life", or "Damn I look fat, and I wanna do something!". It is these thoughts that are the impetus to bend down and tie our shoelaces and... go for that short jog.
Sometimes we are inspired by people around us "You mean that fat dude just completed a marathon? Sure or not?" We were once skeptics, but we've certainly crossed that hurdle and we aim for longer distances.
And that's because we know that WE CAN.
And by doing so, we can inspire others around us. So what if I'm fat? Are you doubting my abilities? Have you tried it yourself? Let's take a run together. It's not a challenge nor competition about who's faster, stronger or fitter. It's to show them the satisfaction of crossing that finishing line. I call it EDUCATION: to show them how it feels to compete with yourself.
If I can do it, so can you!
Thanks everyone! and.... don't stop pushing!
Thank you all for the well wishes and congratulatory messages.
I would like to return my sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who has inspired me one way or another. It would be crazy for me to list out everybody's names, coz indeed, EVERYONE has a part to play. Being an inspiration has got to start somewhere, and this is usually when we first get inspired by others. It's a vicious cycle, really.
Therefore, this one goes out to you - who truly inspired himself/herself before getting the bug to inspire others. We are all like-minded athletes in our own right, and we've all come so far in doing the impossible when it comes to self-motivation, self-discipline, and inspiring even the most unlikeliest couch potato in our midst.
We have at least once in our lifetime come to grips in answering questions like "What do I want to do in my life", or "Damn I look fat, and I wanna do something!". It is these thoughts that are the impetus to bend down and tie our shoelaces and... go for that short jog.
Sometimes we are inspired by people around us "You mean that fat dude just completed a marathon? Sure or not?" We were once skeptics, but we've certainly crossed that hurdle and we aim for longer distances.
And that's because we know that WE CAN.
And by doing so, we can inspire others around us. So what if I'm fat? Are you doubting my abilities? Have you tried it yourself? Let's take a run together. It's not a challenge nor competition about who's faster, stronger or fitter. It's to show them the satisfaction of crossing that finishing line. I call it EDUCATION: to show them how it feels to compete with yourself.
If I can do it, so can you!
Thanks everyone! and.... don't stop pushing!
Opening Speech, SSIA 2007 Ceremony
2007 SPORTING SINGAPORE INSPIRATION AWARDS CEREMONY
Speech by: DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN, MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH AND SPORTS AND SECOND MINISTER FOR INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND THE ARTS
MCYS SPEECH NO: 37/2007
DATE OF ISSUE: 25/07/2007
5.00 PM AT JUBILEE HALL, RAFFLES HOTEL
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Speech by: DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN, MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH AND SPORTS AND SECOND MINISTER FOR INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND THE ARTS
MCYS SPEECH NO: 37/2007
DATE OF ISSUE: 25/07/2007
5.00 PM AT JUBILEE HALL, RAFFLES HOTEL
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
We congratulate the 42 individuals and organisations, who through their passion and tireless efforts, in promoting the Sporting Singapore vision, have reached out and enriched the lives of their family members, friends and colleagues.
The recipients of the 2007 Sporting Singapore Inspiration Awards are role models who have helped make Singapore an even more vibrant, resilient and healthy nation.
This year, our individual winners range from a 20-year-old student to a 61-year-old company director; and our organisational winners include schools, banks and hospitals. I am pleased to note that nominations for the awards have almost doubled, from 289 last year to 565 nominations this year. This shows that increasingly, individuals and organisations are seeing the benefits of inspiring others to be active in sports. I hope that this will also encourage other individuals and organisations to join in and reap the countless benefits.
The nominees here today are all worthy of special mention. Unfortunately, because of time constraints, I can only highlight a sample of their achievements with you.
Truly inspiring individual (Adult) - Mr Chen Munn
First, I would like to mention 32 year-old traffic engineer Chen Munn. Besides travelling widely around Asia to take part in triathlons, duathlons and marathons, Chen Munn has personally led his colleagues in weekly runs at Marina Park to prepare them for the 2006 Sheares Bridge Run.
He enthusiastically reaches out to first-time participants in the sport, dispensing advice to novices on proper swimming stroke techniques, as well as cheering and motivating them to complete their races. He regularly leads groups of enthusiasts to attend marathon training sessions held in Malaysia and Indonesia and compete in events like the Triathlon Family Sprint Race.
Always ready to inspire others to take up sports, he has created blogs and contributed significantly to online forums on triathlon-related issues. Chen Munn serves as an inspiration to all, on how each of us can play our part in leading others to take up a sport.
Sport advocate that promoted a strong sporting culture to their employees - SGH
Next I would like to highlight an organisation. Singapore General Hospital has committed itself to build a culture of exercise, fitness and healthy living. SGH has set up a system where appointed health ambassadors from various departments provide steady encouragement to their fellow colleagues to participate in a variety of sporting activities. Last year, SGH even rebuilt its staff gymnasium and dance studio to make it more conducive for staff to exercise.
Many organisations have realised that sport participation programs can reap tangible benefits in terms of happier, healthier and more productive employees. I am encouraged to see more and more corporations promoting sports and fitness in their workplaces.
Sports partners who have helped to promote sports and active lifestyles to the community - NParks
I would also like to congratulate the National Parks Board (NParks) for doing a tremendous job in reaching out to promote sports on a large scale to the community. Last year alone, NParks played a pivotal role in organising 38 sporting events that reached out to an estimated 130,000 people. In conclusion, while we continue to enhance our sporting infrastructure, with the Sports Hub being one major investment in our hardware, it is even more important to nurture our heartware - namely the men and women with the passion and dedication to make Singapore a vibrant sporting nation. I would like to encourage all of you here today to continue your good work in inspiring and enabling others, to help make sports a part of their lives.
Thank you.
Monday, July 23, 2007
One Year On......
It's been exactly a year since my accident at Port Dickson. Around this time last year (2:30pm), the medical orderlies in Seremban General Hospital were injecting me with loads of numbing morphine (or whatever that 'happy' thing was), and preparing my plaster cast to immobilise my left hand.
The great guys from Trifam (Edkor, Blossom, Snail, Mythos, BK, SK, Smallcircle, etc) found me in Seremban through a chain of adhoc communications. Everyone thought I was in Port Dickson Hospital.
One year on and what has happened so far?
For one, I haven't been on the bike yet. I guess it's still a mental and physical barrier for me. The implants are situated right where I'm supposed to rest my arm on the aerobars, and there is still one more rod where my wrist is. Therefore holding handlebars (whether straight or curved) is not gonna be comfortable. The psychological barrier is also inevitable - I have developed a phobia. Much as I would like to dispel my fears, it is still very real. Sometimes I think about how a simple fall like that could result in such damage to my hand, and I still cannot fathom its complexities. The very nature of its simplicity and 'freakishness' just scares me no end.
What am I to do? Start on the trainer? Well, I've managed to get the Tacx Satori but I've yet to install it. And I've taken my bike back from John and had it cleaned up at Choonwei's Bike Boutique. My bike is certainly waiting for me to get back on the saddle.
Then I haven't taken part in any major races as well. No triathlons or duathlons for me. But I've done the Navy Biathlon and Masters Swim, and registered for some runs and also the Frog Race. In terms of weight, I've probably gained back some 5kg just because my trainings aren't as intense and frequent as a year ago.
Besides physical training, what is my mental mantra now?
I've pretty much turned to being inspired by my peers around me, and in turn inspiring them by keeping up the faith in myself. If I cannot bike, I could still swim and run. If I'm not going to race, I could still attend the events and cheer my peers on. If I can be inspired by the determination and smiles on everybody's faces (even if they are physically challenged), I'm sure I can inspire those around me too.
No pain, No gain. How true. Dad once painted an oil painting for me some 10 years ago. I brought it to the US with me when I studied and worked there. Ironically, it depicted 2 cyclists racing against each other. The inscription was "No Pain, No Gain". I never thought of cycling or racing for that matter. Triathlon was just wowed upon with awe. But on hindsight, this mantra stuck with me. It is so appropriate, even now.
Without the pain from falling, would I have gained a different mindset to take stock of my physical abilities?
What's next on the road ahead?
Singapore Bay Run. I hope to complete a half marathon for this series since I promised to do so with Maunsell last year but had to pull out because I was still fresh out of surgery. Meanwhile I'll try to gather colleagues to start challenging themselves because they've been working too hard and too late in the pursuit of deadlines and whimsical fancies of some bosses and architects. They need to rediscover themselves.
Get on the bike trainer.
Move one step at a time; continue to rediscover myself as well!
The great guys from Trifam (Edkor, Blossom, Snail, Mythos, BK, SK, Smallcircle, etc) found me in Seremban through a chain of adhoc communications. Everyone thought I was in Port Dickson Hospital.
One year on and what has happened so far?
For one, I haven't been on the bike yet. I guess it's still a mental and physical barrier for me. The implants are situated right where I'm supposed to rest my arm on the aerobars, and there is still one more rod where my wrist is. Therefore holding handlebars (whether straight or curved) is not gonna be comfortable. The psychological barrier is also inevitable - I have developed a phobia. Much as I would like to dispel my fears, it is still very real. Sometimes I think about how a simple fall like that could result in such damage to my hand, and I still cannot fathom its complexities. The very nature of its simplicity and 'freakishness' just scares me no end.
What am I to do? Start on the trainer? Well, I've managed to get the Tacx Satori but I've yet to install it. And I've taken my bike back from John and had it cleaned up at Choonwei's Bike Boutique. My bike is certainly waiting for me to get back on the saddle.
Then I haven't taken part in any major races as well. No triathlons or duathlons for me. But I've done the Navy Biathlon and Masters Swim, and registered for some runs and also the Frog Race. In terms of weight, I've probably gained back some 5kg just because my trainings aren't as intense and frequent as a year ago.
Besides physical training, what is my mental mantra now?
I've pretty much turned to being inspired by my peers around me, and in turn inspiring them by keeping up the faith in myself. If I cannot bike, I could still swim and run. If I'm not going to race, I could still attend the events and cheer my peers on. If I can be inspired by the determination and smiles on everybody's faces (even if they are physically challenged), I'm sure I can inspire those around me too.
No pain, No gain. How true. Dad once painted an oil painting for me some 10 years ago. I brought it to the US with me when I studied and worked there. Ironically, it depicted 2 cyclists racing against each other. The inscription was "No Pain, No Gain". I never thought of cycling or racing for that matter. Triathlon was just wowed upon with awe. But on hindsight, this mantra stuck with me. It is so appropriate, even now.
Without the pain from falling, would I have gained a different mindset to take stock of my physical abilities?
What's next on the road ahead?
Singapore Bay Run. I hope to complete a half marathon for this series since I promised to do so with Maunsell last year but had to pull out because I was still fresh out of surgery. Meanwhile I'll try to gather colleagues to start challenging themselves because they've been working too hard and too late in the pursuit of deadlines and whimsical fancies of some bosses and architects. They need to rediscover themselves.
Get on the bike trainer.
Move one step at a time; continue to rediscover myself as well!
Friday, July 20, 2007
Anya Hindmarch I am not a plastic bag
WHAT THE HECK! Women are going crazy over this 'environment-friendly (statement)' bag. Maybe someone shuold check if this is fair trade. Hopefully it's not made in sweatshops. See where the money goes to.
Gives me a thought for a spinoff bag: "I'm not a plastic bag, but my owner has a plastic brain!"
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Published Again!
Okie dokie... here's some Wednesday fodder for you:
My tribute to Ang Sar Nah... published in the online version of Straits Times.
A Parting Letter from Ang Sar Nar
My tribute to Ang Sar Nah... published in the online version of Straits Times.
A Parting Letter from Ang Sar Nar
Monday, July 16, 2007
I knew it!
I know someone up there would be interested.
We should go all out to bid for the Youth Olympics! It's time we bring our sporting nation to a new high! Come on!!!!!!!
We should go all out to bid for the Youth Olympics! It's time we bring our sporting nation to a new high! Come on!!!!!!!
Triathlon Song
Someone did a song about triathlon.
It's not about the elites or the top ten finishers. It's about the ordinary mortals in us who make it extraordinary. It's about us who dare to start at the starting line, and for those who've experienced the joy of chesting the finishing tape at the end of the race.
Enjoy.
Finally Proven: Life is easier for JC Students
I've encountered so many JC students who've lamented that their 'A' levels are much tougher than last time. They cite that the 'syllabus has changed', and I always counter-argued that syllabus would not change or deviate much. I mean, the Laws of Motion have stood the test of time, remaining where it has always been without external forces of political influence causing drastic reactions. Minute traces of hydrogen gas still gives a 'pop' sound when exposed to a lighted flame from a splinter, and Pythagora's has never gone more crooked than a right-angled triangle. Perhaps the only change the world has witness in 'traditional' science is the dismissal of Pluto as 'one of the planets of the Solar System'.
Besides the demotion of Pluto, what else has changed?
Nothing.
In fact, the advent of the internet age and IT facilities have made life easier for everyone, including students. Gone is the dire need to rush to the library to reserve reference material and to do manual searches on the most trivial of subjects. Yes, we HAD to conduct a full-scale search and rescue operation if we needed to find out alittle bit more about Pluto, whereas now you just have to Google the word in and you'll get a plethora of articles and websites about the planet and the Mickey Mouse's pet dog.
Life is much simpler, isn't it?
And now FINALLY, someone up there from UK has made the revelation that the A Levels are simply much easier!
So go study, boys and girls... and stop whining that Life is tough.
Besides the demotion of Pluto, what else has changed?
Nothing.
In fact, the advent of the internet age and IT facilities have made life easier for everyone, including students. Gone is the dire need to rush to the library to reserve reference material and to do manual searches on the most trivial of subjects. Yes, we HAD to conduct a full-scale search and rescue operation if we needed to find out alittle bit more about Pluto, whereas now you just have to Google the word in and you'll get a plethora of articles and websites about the planet and the Mickey Mouse's pet dog.
Life is much simpler, isn't it?
And now FINALLY, someone up there from UK has made the revelation that the A Levels are simply much easier!
So go study, boys and girls... and stop whining that Life is tough.
Letter from Ang Sar Nah
I was asked by my friend, Ang Sar Nah to produce her posthumous letter to everyone in Singapore on her sad demise, which happened rather uneventfully yesterday. She died a slow and torturous death amidst an accidental crowd - not by gathering to see her execution, but by unwittingly getting caught in a traffic jam that was worthy of the usual Singapore-brand of complaints. I felt that I should do my part to share her story because she once provided shelter for the graves of my paternal grandparents.
My dear beloved humans,
By the time you read this, I would not only be dead, but I would be mutilated to unrecognisable chunks of wood and heaps of sawdust. It's okay, because life still goes on. There was no way of turning back.
I've lived a fulfilling life. I've stood tall for over a hundred years. I've seen the development of Pek Shan Teng from a humble cantonese cemetery to what Bishan is all about now.
As a young sapling, I admit to competing with the other trees to get sunlight and nourishment. I must say that I have been lucky on a few occasions already. Some of my fellow friends like Rain Tree and Frangipani were uprooted in their early teenage years to make way for graves. I was lucky. I was out of the beaten path and was spared the changkols and saws because where I stood, the fengshui was not exactly ideal for the departed to rest. Graveyard diggers, coolies and undertakers would seek refuge under my shade after a hard day's work on the hilly cemetery grounds. Every Qingming in March / April, hordes of families would dutifully come over to Pek Shan to pay their respects to their dearly departed. Some families would even leave food and plant joss sticks around me. I suppose they were paying respects to me, or honouring me. Come to think of it, it was funny how I was revered by the masses of religiously-struck humans. I appreciated that.
I continued to flourish and grow. I've received many guests on my leaves and branches. Did I mention a tiger once used me as a scratching post? A travelling hornbill from Sarawak roosted on my branches for a few months to recuperate from the long journey. I've even had the honour of being the home to a colugo (flying lemur) that gave birth to twins!
Then the government decided in the seventies to develop Pek Shan Teng. First, it renamed the area to Bishan, in line with the hanyu pinyin efforts then. The heavy machinery came and exhumed the graves of many cantonese ancestors. The cemetery in some areas were levelled. Again, I was lucky to have missed the excavation and clearing of the land.
Then I also witnessed a geopolitical shift in where I was supposed to be located. Not that I was transplanted, but the government on one hand said I belonged to Bishan, then one day mentioned I belonged to another GRC. Last I heard, I think I belonged to Aljunied or Marine Parade. In any case, I witnessed boomtime in the eighties when Bishan experienced a huge surge of residents coming to live in the New Town. I also saw Raffles Institution and later Raffles Junior College moving just a stone's throw from where I stood.
Urban sprawl was also the reason to expand the transport network. Braddell Road became more congested as it was the main trunk that brought the Bishan residents to other parts of Singapore. Planners decided to widen Braddell Road as part of the Outer Ring Road System. Cutting across underneath was the Circle Line MRT system. The drawing plans had me demarcated as an 'obstruction to road widening plans'. Someone wanted me to be felled. I was already more than a hundred years old then, and I've seen everything - well, almost.
But there was someone else who championed for my existence and fought his way to get me saved. They came up with an ingenious temporary traffic scheme so that traffic would be diverted safely around me while they kept to the posted speed limit of 40 kmph. I mentioned that I've seen it all, including the few reckless and irresponsible drivers who would violate the 40 kmph limit. They would zoom past me, thinking that the diversion made a good Formula One-type of chicane or dogleg.
I prayed for them, and for the many other responsible drivers who were endangered by these selfish and reckless punks.
For 2 short years I literally stood in the middle of the road, relishing once again my stay from the chainsaws. I've got the policymakers to thank.
But they decided to overturn their decision, amidst the international call to 'Go Green' and to 'Save the Trees'. How ironic. Now they blame me for being a potential hazard to drivers who speed and don't adhere to simple safety rules to slow down. Who's going to watch over them now? Who's going to pray for these irresponsible drivers? I don't want to point my branches to who's at fault for 'near misses and accidents'. I'm but a 'lucky' tree to almost everyone who sees me standing on that small island in the middle of Braddel Road.
Like I said earlier: there's no way of turning back. The decision was made to execute me and to allow for 'free flow' of traffic. I was once told that I was a good reason for traffic calming measures in the area. I guess it's not the case now.
I am only an Angsana Tree - a tree gone by the time you read this - but I have a few things to say. And this is the only time I'm mentioning anything to anyone in my more than hundred years of living on this planet.
Please educate your drivers and enforce your rules with the right frame of mind, and with professionalism. There are always the easy way out in coming up with solutions, but there are many other more innovative ways. I have submitted to the fact that I need to make way for national development. At my expense, I will do my part if that's the only choice for the sake of safety. Alas I'm disappointed that the very issue of responsible driving is not addressed. It's too late for me to fathom how my demise will result in safer driving when the very root of the problem is not addressed on a national level. Oh well, life must go on.
I appreciate the nature lovers who have tried their best to keep me alive, but my time has come to bid adieu to all my friends. Please continue to pray - on my behalf - for the selfish and inconsiderate drivers who endanger the lives of others.
Your friend,
Ang Sar Nah
My dear beloved humans,
By the time you read this, I would not only be dead, but I would be mutilated to unrecognisable chunks of wood and heaps of sawdust. It's okay, because life still goes on. There was no way of turning back.
I've lived a fulfilling life. I've stood tall for over a hundred years. I've seen the development of Pek Shan Teng from a humble cantonese cemetery to what Bishan is all about now.
As a young sapling, I admit to competing with the other trees to get sunlight and nourishment. I must say that I have been lucky on a few occasions already. Some of my fellow friends like Rain Tree and Frangipani were uprooted in their early teenage years to make way for graves. I was lucky. I was out of the beaten path and was spared the changkols and saws because where I stood, the fengshui was not exactly ideal for the departed to rest. Graveyard diggers, coolies and undertakers would seek refuge under my shade after a hard day's work on the hilly cemetery grounds. Every Qingming in March / April, hordes of families would dutifully come over to Pek Shan to pay their respects to their dearly departed. Some families would even leave food and plant joss sticks around me. I suppose they were paying respects to me, or honouring me. Come to think of it, it was funny how I was revered by the masses of religiously-struck humans. I appreciated that.
I continued to flourish and grow. I've received many guests on my leaves and branches. Did I mention a tiger once used me as a scratching post? A travelling hornbill from Sarawak roosted on my branches for a few months to recuperate from the long journey. I've even had the honour of being the home to a colugo (flying lemur) that gave birth to twins!
Then the government decided in the seventies to develop Pek Shan Teng. First, it renamed the area to Bishan, in line with the hanyu pinyin efforts then. The heavy machinery came and exhumed the graves of many cantonese ancestors. The cemetery in some areas were levelled. Again, I was lucky to have missed the excavation and clearing of the land.
Then I also witnessed a geopolitical shift in where I was supposed to be located. Not that I was transplanted, but the government on one hand said I belonged to Bishan, then one day mentioned I belonged to another GRC. Last I heard, I think I belonged to Aljunied or Marine Parade. In any case, I witnessed boomtime in the eighties when Bishan experienced a huge surge of residents coming to live in the New Town. I also saw Raffles Institution and later Raffles Junior College moving just a stone's throw from where I stood.
Urban sprawl was also the reason to expand the transport network. Braddell Road became more congested as it was the main trunk that brought the Bishan residents to other parts of Singapore. Planners decided to widen Braddell Road as part of the Outer Ring Road System. Cutting across underneath was the Circle Line MRT system. The drawing plans had me demarcated as an 'obstruction to road widening plans'. Someone wanted me to be felled. I was already more than a hundred years old then, and I've seen everything - well, almost.
But there was someone else who championed for my existence and fought his way to get me saved. They came up with an ingenious temporary traffic scheme so that traffic would be diverted safely around me while they kept to the posted speed limit of 40 kmph. I mentioned that I've seen it all, including the few reckless and irresponsible drivers who would violate the 40 kmph limit. They would zoom past me, thinking that the diversion made a good Formula One-type of chicane or dogleg.
I prayed for them, and for the many other responsible drivers who were endangered by these selfish and reckless punks.
For 2 short years I literally stood in the middle of the road, relishing once again my stay from the chainsaws. I've got the policymakers to thank.
But they decided to overturn their decision, amidst the international call to 'Go Green' and to 'Save the Trees'. How ironic. Now they blame me for being a potential hazard to drivers who speed and don't adhere to simple safety rules to slow down. Who's going to watch over them now? Who's going to pray for these irresponsible drivers? I don't want to point my branches to who's at fault for 'near misses and accidents'. I'm but a 'lucky' tree to almost everyone who sees me standing on that small island in the middle of Braddel Road.
Like I said earlier: there's no way of turning back. The decision was made to execute me and to allow for 'free flow' of traffic. I was once told that I was a good reason for traffic calming measures in the area. I guess it's not the case now.
I am only an Angsana Tree - a tree gone by the time you read this - but I have a few things to say. And this is the only time I'm mentioning anything to anyone in my more than hundred years of living on this planet.
Please educate your drivers and enforce your rules with the right frame of mind, and with professionalism. There are always the easy way out in coming up with solutions, but there are many other more innovative ways. I have submitted to the fact that I need to make way for national development. At my expense, I will do my part if that's the only choice for the sake of safety. Alas I'm disappointed that the very issue of responsible driving is not addressed. It's too late for me to fathom how my demise will result in safer driving when the very root of the problem is not addressed on a national level. Oh well, life must go on.
I appreciate the nature lovers who have tried their best to keep me alive, but my time has come to bid adieu to all my friends. Please continue to pray - on my behalf - for the selfish and inconsiderate drivers who endanger the lives of others.
Your friend,
Ang Sar Nah
Something has to be done on Coastal Road
You know, I hate to talk about punishment by death for people who are just plain assholes. A guy drives at 160kmph along Coastal Road, swerves to avoid an oncoming vehicle, and then crashes. Reckless driver dies, and leaves the driver of the delivery truck injured. It's a lucky thing that the truck driver broke a few bones. What if he also died, or if he was very seriously injured?
In any case, the speed demon is dead. He paid the ultimate price for the following offences:
- Reckless speeding;
- Inconsiderate and selfish road user;
- Injuring / Hurting a fellow road user;
- Causing fear to other road users (including cyclists and pedestrians);
- Wrongful impersonation of a Boeing 747 taking off from the parallel runway.
Okay, bad joke on the last item.
But seriously, you think he deserves to die? Like I said, I hate to judge others and mete out punishment. Then again, I'm really sick of speed demons like him. They 'zhng' their cars and think they are F1 drivers. They think they are so damn cool to drive way beyond the speed limit. They think they can beat the law, and beat the next 'racing' car. They think they can cheat death.
Well, he's dead.
The authorities ought to do something. Yeah, let's start with the Changi Coastal Road. Speed traps? Sure.... install speed detection cameras and ENFORCE the speed limits there. Changi Coastal Road has always been the hotbed for speeding-related accidents. Not only do these hyped-up cars race against each other, but even delivery trucks from the surrounding logistics park there.
Incidentally, the Coastal Road is also a favourite cycling route for bike training.
I urge the authorities to seriously look into this and DO SOMETHING! If spending public money is an issue for a national effort to reduce speed, then start with something small - like what some highways in India are doing:
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