Obama's Unprecedented Security

Obama's Inauguration Video

"The success of our economy is always dependent not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but on the reach of our prosperity, on the ability to extend the opportunity to every willing heart..."

Part 2:

"And so, to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today - from the grandest captial to the small village where my father was born - know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to leave once more."

Via 'Obama's Speech'

Obama's Inauguration: Snipets of Speech

Terrorism:

"We say to you (terrorists) now, that our spirit is stronger, and cannot be broken. You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you!"

Religion:

"We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this earth."

To Leaders Worldwide:

"Know that your people judge you on what you can build, not what you can destroy."

To the Poor Worldwide:

"We pledge to work alongside to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow."

Facing the Challenge Ahead:

"Our challenges may be new, the instruments when which we meet them will be new, but those values upon which our success depends; honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism, these things are old. These things are true....return to this truths!"

Reminder to Americans:

"America! In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come."

Leaving the Legacy to Generations Ahead:

"Let it be said by our children's childrens, that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end - that we did not turn back, nor did we falter - and with eyes fixed on the horizon, and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom, and delivered it safely."

Inauguration Sights and Sounds

With courtesy of CBS News
Watch CBS Videos Online

Be Happily Stressed!

I had many people labelling me as "no life!" and others simply being more tactful by labelling me "busy girl". But what people do not realise, or probably find hard to grapple with, is my joy of being busy.

And they only have one question to ask: "What are you so happy about?"

My equally simple answer: Because I love what I'm doing.

It is as simple as that, but many a times, I realised that people are doing what they don't like doing. Or some just haven't found what they exactly like. The only credible answer they gave was "I like slacking" or "I like eating and sleeping".

I remember when I made a decision to pursue a degree in Mass Communication, many persuaded me otherwise.

"Xiao Mei ar, you know that passion can't feed you for life right?", one concerned colleague said.

Then on and on went the rest of the concerned friends on how the media industry in Singapore is impenetratable, how the pay is so measly, and claiming that I would probably regret this decision later. Others went on to recommend I be a teacher - and mind you, this advise has been given to me upteen times until I almost flared.

Just because you're paid to study doesn't mean you have to sell your soul! No, I told myself firmly, I want to pursue my passion. That's that.

Of course, I got to thank God that I am so fortunate as to have been born in a financially stable family, but most importantly, a family who will support me no matter what.

I have always believed that the decision lies in your own hands.

Some sales guy lamented to me about his pathetic life (sales people work 7 days a week), how tired he is of his job and what not. After listening to his all-so-touching speech, I felt tired too.

My father always told me that people always have a choice. He said, "You can't control the situation, but you can control how you react to it."

Just like how the poor people are always happier than the rich, he added, because they learned to treasure what they have and be thankful for it, while the rich only complain about what they don't.

This morning I woke with a grumpy mood as I had only four hours of sleep. I started biting whoever who disturbs me. And I kept sighing to myself. As I was extremely stressed out finalising my reports for the term, this image flashed through my mind. Then I made a choice - I chose to smile and face Mr. Stress.

So, instead of sighing and complaining your way through life (trust me, there's never an end to complains - This month's Most Complained about Award unanimously goes to Recession), choose to smile through your life!

Is there Perfect Objectivity?

Tell me, what do you see?

Everyone sees things differently, and that brings me to a question:

Is anything ever perfectly objective - with not even a hint of human touch?

The answer is no, simply because the world is made up of humans.

Journalists are humans; they are the opinion leaders of the society, framing people's ideologies in accordance to theirs when their feelings subtly flows into the article.

Professors are humans; they educate the next generation whose thinking would most likely be influenced by them.

Judges are humans; for they are not immune to the emotions of the defendent, but they bear in mind to be impartial at all times.

Law makers are humans; they craft the law or policy based on what they think needs to be addressed when they see for themselves where the problem lies.

Ministers and presidents are humans; they eat and sleep just like we all do, just that they have to draw a clear line between work and personal life.

Doctors are humans; they have to make sure their emotions do not cloud their judgment in a surgery room, when they hold the power to make or break a person's life.

And the list goes on.

Everything we read, every photograph we see has human emotions melded and cleverly weaved into the piece.

At the end of the day, you will take a stand.

It depends on what values you believe in, the choices you make based on your experience, the people you've spoken to who had made an impact in your lives, the articles you read that make you have a pre-conceived notion of someone.

That is probably what causes conflicts across the world today - from international news (the Israel-Gaza war, and the strained ties between India and Pakistan) to domestic affairs that you would have come across everyday of couples bickering, office disagreements and such.

Nothing is perfectly objective in this world.

Wonders of Dubai

The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island created using land reclamation by Nakheel, a company owned by the Dubai government. It is one of three islands called The Palm Islands which extend into the Persian Gulf, increasing Dubai’s shoreline by a total of 520 km. The Palm Jumeirah is the smallest and the original of three Palm Islands (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira) under development by Nakheel. It is located on the Jumeirah coastal area of the emirate of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Heart of 120-acre waterscape

The Palm Jumeirah is in the shape of a palm tree. It consists of a trunk, a crown with 17 fronds, and a surrounding crescent island that forms an 11 kilometre long breakwater. The island is 5 kilometres by 5 kilometres and its total area is larger than 800 football pitches. The crown is connected to the mainland by a 300-metre bridge and the crescent is connected to the top of the palm by a subsea tunnel.

Zigurat Tower Slide through a shark-filled lagoon

Grand residences in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Bird's eye view of Dubai from Burj, Dubai from 801 m

The persons who are working on the upper most Girders can see the

'ROTATION OF EARTH'

Information from Wikipedia and Palm Jumeirah's Official website.

Pictures from Palm Jumeirah's official website & an email intended for the writer.

Brussels in Bloom

Every two years people can admire the carpet of flowers on the Grand Place in Brussels. In 2008, 700,000 begonias form the largest tapestry of the Savonnerie the world: a tribute to the French presidency of the European Union.

Since 1971, it is the 16th carpet of flowers on the Grand Place in Brussels. In recent years, the flower carpet has become one of the biggest attractions of Brussels.

Last year, the flower carpet designed by floral architect Mark Schautteet is inspired by the tapestry of the French Savonnerie, which dates from the 17th century. 700,000 begonias form a colourfum motif on which appears the patron saint Saint-Michel and the iris of the Brussels Region. One hundred volunteers have brought flowers on the Grand Place.

For the floral carpet of flowers to be perfect, the design is fully represented in size on a transparent plastic perforated to create a micro-humid climate which must keep fresh flowers and colorful.

The official opening will be accompanied by music created specially for the occasion by the composer Gregory Dune.

The information was republished from an email intended for the writer.

The Arts House 2: Photo Gallery

I have loaded some of my favourite art works amongst the plethora of photo works.

Take a peek into the photo gallery:

First prize: Wild Places

Chalid Nasution

Indonesia, North Sumatra

Grand Prize: Man's Imprints

Thai, Myanmar

Bali, Indonesia

Humanity

Jashim Salam

Chittagong, Bangladesh

Bali, Indonesia

All photographs are taken with the permission of The Arts House.

The Arts House 1: The Pillow Talk

I visted The Arts House yesterday, 9 Jan, 2009.

The most interesting creation I stumbled upon was this art work "The Pillow Talk". The designers are Tomoko Hayashi, Stefan Agamanolis and Matthew Karau who created this piece of art work relating the growing trend of lond distance relationships nowadays.

I tried my hands on Mutsugoto, an interative installation that enables couples to experience intimate connection over a distance.

This work serves to explore how human can stay connected via technology and the digital media.

Take a look:

Red lines - human connection across the world

2 beds on each side

Christine, the friendly volunteer who explained to me the concept of the artpiece

This exhibition is part of the Singapore Fringe Festival '09, occuring between 7-18 Jan 2009. The writer has enjoyed herself there and encourages all art lovers to try this invention out.

The Power of Believing

Years ago, my family went to Snoopy's Place for dinner.

For those who haven't been to Snoopy's Place (which has been closed down some time back), this restaurant is a western restaurant serving delectable, exquisite dishes like local's favourite, Fish & Chips, hamburger sandwiches, salads, and mouth-watering deserts such as Shepherd's Pie, ice cream and thick creamy cakes.

It was an experience that I haven't forgotten - and doubt I ever will - because of a hilarious joke that our family still laugh over today.

It was then that we reached the desert course, sharing the ice cream that was beautifully designed and equally satisfying to the mouth. Probably because all of us were extremely satisfied with the quick and good service shown by the workers there and had enjoyed the ambience, all of us started to agree that the ice-cream there was good. The whole family agreed unanimously. It all started with someone who exclaimed with astonishment and said with so much resolution that "This ice-cream is better than Swensen's."

So, we decided to check with the friendly waitress where did they get their ice-cream from. The waitress replied with a polite smile, "Oh, we get the ice-cream and cakes from Swensen's just downstairs."

For a moment, all of us exchanged blank glances, then bursted out in raptures! We couldn't stop laughing until people in the restaurant were looking at us, giving us the what-are-those-weirdoes-laughing-about look.

If we did not enquire about the origin of Snoopy's Place's ice-cream, I would have held on to the believe that it's ice-cream is better than Swensen's, and probably mention that everytime I consume a Swensen's ice-cream.

That is the power of believing.

It reminded me of the movie, Kungfu Panda. Besides it being an extremely enjoyable comedy to watch and relax, this film actually taught me a lot of values that we should learn.

One of them is the power of believing.

There was this scene towards the end of the film where the villan of the show, Tai Lung, has finally managed to get his hands on the coveted Dragon Scroll, believed to be able to bestow greatness and unlimted power to one. But all he saw was himself.

"Don't you see? It's only you." said Po, the Panda, main star of the film.

Po understood this theory from his father - who happens to be a duck, by the way. His father revealed to him the secret ingredient in his Secret Ingredient Soup - it is nothing.

"For something to be special, you just have to believe it's special," said Po's father.

Assault and Battery

You probably would have known that there is a law called the "Assault and Battery" in Singapore.

But have you ever wondered why it is called 'battery'?

'Battery' actually came from the word 'batter', which means to hit repeatedly, to damage or injure, or to subject one to physical violence.



Other information:

Battery is a term used by the common law jurisdictions, which involves an injury or other contact upon the person of another in a manner likely to cause bodily harm. - Wikipedia


battery n.

the actual intentional striking of someone, with intent to harm, or in a "rude and insolent manner" even if the injury is slight. Negligent or careless unintentional contact is not battery no matter how great the harm. Battery is a crime and also the basis for a lawsuit as a civil wrong if there is damage.

It is often coupled with "assault" (which does not require actual touching) in "assault and battery." The following elements must be proven to establish a case for battery: (1) an act by a defendant; (2) an intent to cause harmful or offensive contact on the part of the defendant; and (3) harmful or offensive contact to the plaintiff. - The Legal dictionary from The Free Dictionary

Israel finally broke its silence

Israel broke its silence 15 days ago when they launched attacks into Gaza.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, French President Sarcozy, Ban Ki Moon from the United Nations (UN) and many other institutions have since stepped in to call for peace between the two nations whose feud runs deep into history.

Many countries continue to take sides with Hamas, claiming that they are unhappy with Israel's attacks into Hamas. Israel maintains that their aim is very "limited" - only to disable Hamas from all possible military strength to attack Israel again. Previously, Hamas had made several rocket launches into Israel, killing many of their civilians. Hamas gave their explanation as only a trial test of their military equipment.

US Secretary of State Rice continues to push for Israel to consider the Eqgyptian proposal.

While watching yesterday's episode of Channel News Asia's Insight, a Palestinian living in Singapore was deeply engrossed watching the news on the war as it is close to his heart.

Although he admits that he does not agree with what Hamas has done to Israel over the years, "his people" are now dying in the war, which saddens him.

While the country's leaders continue to ponder over the multiple facets of the political and inter-diplomatic ties, it is always the civilians who suffer the most. Even basic neccessities become a growing problem.

"...the people in the south are extremely poor; over 40 percent are Russian Jews. They have been tremendously traumatized by the constant pounding of rockets and mortars fired from Gaza. The town of Sderot has had some 8500 projectiles lobbed into the city since Hamas began its rocket attacks, sometimes as many as ten each day. On Christmas day, it was targeted 27 times. The psychological and emotional effects are devastating to parents and children alike", according to a report from Dr. Michael D. Evans, one of the few who were allowed into the war zone.

According to the Jerusalem Post: For weeks Israel has been imploring Hamas to stop shooting across the border, to stop tunneling in preparation for the next round of violence, and to allow our farmers to tend their fields. The Islamists responded that they were not afraid of the IDF and that they reserved the right to resist "the occupation" - meaning the existence of a Jewish state. They brazenly told Israel to get used to the idea that no amount of humanitarian gestures would stem their behavior.

A Palestinian woman wounded in Israeli missile strikes is helped into the emergency area at Shifa hospital in Gaza City, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008

Michael D. Evans is an award-winning syndicated journalist who has served as a confidant to leaders in the Middle East for more than two decades. He is also a Christian evangelist and the founder of Jerusalem World News. He has appeared on hundreds of network television and radio shows including Good Morning, America, Cross Fire, Nightline, The Good Morning Show (Great Britain), and appears frequently on the Fox Network, CNN World News, NBC, ABC, and CBS. Mike Evans has won more than fifteen national awards for his prime time specials based on his books.

Pictures courtesy of Reuters, AP, BBC and Jerusalem News.

The writer would like to point out that whatever news through Singapore's mainstream media comes from agencies/ news wires like AP, AFP and Reuters which are all based in the West. The writer has tried to incorporate sources from the Middle East for viewers to get a more balanced picture. She has also experienced problems sourcing for pictures as the search produced mostly of the Palestinians children and elderlys hurt but few on the Jews in the same predicament.

The Sex-y Battle

Define "sexy".

The Media shapes the society in ways more than you ever imagined.

The intricate nuances of boy-girl sexual attraction has long been present since the day Adam set his eyes on Eve. However, have you ever thought, what is it in Eve that appeared pleasent to Adam? What is "pleasant"?

As the sex-y battle unfolds, you will find yourself tangled in a tug-of-war over the debacle: Is this Sexy or not? The media has been an integral part of our lives; whethere you like it or not. It has a strong influence on our ideology, behaviour and actions that served to mould the society into what it is today.

The mere notion of characterizing people as "weird" or "sexy" - the definition of these words is ultimately media-crafted. Ever thought your own definition of the words you use?

The use of words are accepted without resistence as the norm of society. Let's take a look at some fine examples:

When ladies wear tight skinny jeans, they are considered "hot" and earns many stares from goggling men and envious women. But when men wear tight jeans, they will earn stares, sure, but mostly from people who either classify them as gay or think they are "gross", as many of my friends plainly put it.

When ladies adorn themselves with earrings and accessories, they earn praises from fellow friends or colleagues saying they look "pretty" and "gorgeous". However, when men decorate themselves with earrings with holes unimaginably big and chains hanging down from their neck, there are divided opinions. Some innocent teens will think they look "cool". Others just think they "act cool"- and along with that remark comes the sentiment of disgust.

When ladies wear spaghetti strips and mini skirts, the men will literally drool as their eyes are loving the feast. When men wear sleeveless top with short pants, again comes divided opinions - one of preferance that guys put on proper shirts, or one that accepts them for their own taste. Someone once told me, "If that guy is muscular, I don't mind. But if that guy is fat and short, it'll look so ugly. He'd be better off putting on a shirt with sleeves."

How about women who go bikini waxing? They are often deemed as acceptable and thought as girls who care about their own appearance and body. Fabulous. But how about men going for bikini waxing? Ever wondered why some guys look great while sun tanning? It's no I'm-born-like-that theory. They take care of themselves, just like girls do.

However, why does the same action by men earn scrunched up faces and disgusted looks from people who hear of it? My friend once asked me what I thought of him if he went for waxing. These people know how the world thinks of them, but they just want to experience it out of curiosity. Is that wrong?

Essentially, the light under which we see people and attach them to a character largely boils down to an individual's ideology. The reason why people can relate to the same term used is due to a similar media influence that results in a homogenious society.

But what if, just what if, we redefine beauty and the characteristics it embodies?

Today, learn to look at everything in a different angle - and be prepared for your world to be turned topsy-turvy!


Before you comment, look inside the person - Real Beauty is found from within.

Redefine "sexy".

This article is written in 2008 and republished from my previous blog.

Dinosaur Ale

Have you ever wondered what is it like to have a taste of the ancient Dinosaur whose image are those conjured of humans?

Microbiologist Raul Cano of the California Polytechnic State extracted dormant yeast from a 45-million-year-old piece of Burmese amber and attempted to bring it to life - in the form of a beer.

The beer, Fossil Fuels Ale, are currently only available in a few pubs in California.

Picture from ibabuzz.com.

Tainted glasses in Churches

Aurgsburg Cathedral, Germany

Chapel of Annonciade, Vieux Port, France

For centuries, stained glasses has been the hallmark of towering cathedrals all over the world, especially in many parts of France and Germany.

Tainted glasses in churches is not only found to beautify the architechture, as discovered by associate professor Zhu Huai Yong from the Queensland University of Technology in Australia, but also to prevent people from dozing off during sermons.

It is found that the solar energy from the sun causes gold nanoparticles to resonate with an energy that causes them to move in tiny whirlwinds that has the ability to remove impurities from the air.

Pollutant particles in such cathedrals would commonly come from volatile organic chemicals originating from new carpets, furnitures and paints, emitting that unmistakenable "new" smell.

Chapel of Annonciade, Vieux Port, France

National Cathedral:

Lights from Stained Glass displayed in an array of gorgeous colours on the floor

Information from Discovery Channel

Pictures from Christusrex.org, Tourinfos.com and Flickr.com

My 2009 Resolution

I went on the streets today with The Online Citizen (TOC) at Orchard Road and Clarke Quay to check out what Singaporeans had to say of their new year resolutions.

Many answers given by the younger generation were hoping for good grades, quit smoking and drinking, and wishing away the economic blues. Most rated their year good or bad based on their studies or job.

Good goals, I thought, but nonetheless it did reflect that the bulk of our younger generation are oblivious to the sufferings of the people in many countries, or probably just not concerned.

Each of them have the power to make a difference to someone else's lives - a child who is battling malnutrition in many parts of Africa, an old man who is trying to make ends meet in a one-room flat, or even just by helping an old lady into the MRT would make a difference.

So, that is my new year resolution: To reach out to the needy. To give the poor a voice. To see them smile.