Religion and Spirituality
17) Where are my Romeo and Juliet?
Where is this building and what is it for? And what does it has to do with Love?
Yes, this is the Registry of Marriages (ROM) and Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM). The favorable building is located at 7 Canning Rise, Fort Canning. A place where couples tie their knots, and leaves a memorable lifetime event with their friends and families!
ROM & ROMM will be there to greet you before you enter this sacred land of lifetime happiness.
This is the place where couples in Singapore love to come and register themselves as “Love Birds”. Most did the solemnization here before their customary ceremony. While some “by appointment only” solemnization are done in religious premises or at venues at the comfort and convenience of the couples.
Before the entrance to the Registry Hall, two eye-catching sculptures welcome you with bliss of delight. The one on the left (ROM logo) with an “M” signifies the Quintessential Elements of Marriage. Everlasting Bliss and Love are represented by the fluidity and continuity of the stroke “M” which is the Registry of Marriages.
The other one on the right (ROMM logo) with the letters “T” and “U” signify “Tranquility in Unity”.
The Fort Canning Park behind and the little roundabout with a circular planter is a favorite photo shooting spot for newly weds.
Today, I am searching high…
and low….till now…
For lovebirds…
and Romeo & Juliet
25) Contrasting Articles
I love you, so I wanna eat you
Some 30 thousands shark fins was laid on the roof? This is a shocking news happened in Hong Kong lately, where 30 thousands shark fins was being discovered having sunbath on the industrial building in western Hong Kong.
Conservation group Sea Shepard described this is really wrath and the scene of crime is too appalling to viewers. Based on the picture given, these 20-30 thousands shark fins are placed surreptitiously on the roof of industrial building in anticipation for Chinese New Year demand.
Fortunately, according to seafood industrial spokeman, the demand of this expensive staple in Chinese banquet has been declined progressively, this has to be related to the “no shark fins banquet” and our Eco mindset. I am glad!
I love you, so I wanna be with you
This happens in North Wales, an eight years old doggy, Terfel keep bumping into things and stuck in basket. After vet’s examination, Terfel was detected to have cataracts.
Subsequently, owner Judy Godfrey Brown lets a stray pussy cat Pwditat stays with them.
What happens next is that, Pwditat guides Terfel in and out of his basket and into the garden.
This amazing story breaks the law of cats and dogs hate each other! And since then, both are glue to each other and sleep together as well. A true story from North Wales, about a Guide Cat and a blind dog.
We should have more of the both on this earth! Peace!
52) Review the past with respect, gratitude and blessings at this moment of time
The Lim Bo Seng Memorial is located in Esplanade Park opposite City Hall, Padang. The Memorial in memory of this Chinese resistance war fighter whom sacrificed himself in exchange for dignity and peace.
Lim Bo Seng (24 April 1909 – 29 June 1944) was born in Fujian, China, happened to be the last year of the Qing Dynasty. He was the son of Lim Loh who was then a building constructor. Lim came to Singapore at the age of 16 and studied in Raffles Instituion under the British Colonial Government and subsequently further his studies in the University of Hong Kong.
Lim took over his father’s business when his father died in 1929. He started with two businesses in brick manufacturing and biscuit production and later ventured into building construction together with his brothers.
When second Sino-Japanese War broke out in 1937, Lim immediately participated in anti-Japanese activities. In 1942, Lim traveled to Sumatra with other Chinese community leaders and made his way to India. He recruited and trained hundreds of secrets agents through intensive military intelligence mission from China and India. He set up the Sino-British guerrilla task force (Force 136) in mid-1942 together with Captain John Davis of the Special Operations Executive (SOE). Unfortunately, Lim was captured by the Japanese at a roadblock in Gopeng around March-April 1944.
In 29 June 1944, he was tortured to death in Batu Gajah prison by the Japanese soldiers and buried behind the prison. The Chinese National Government awarded him Army Major General, 13 January 1946. Lim’s remains was brought back by his family to Singapore and buried in a hill in MacRitchie Reservoir.
In 1954, the Singapore government constructed a 3.5meter high monument in Esplanade Park to commemorate the sacrifices he made for the country.
This picture shows Mr. Lim and his member of Force 136, Mr. Tan Cheong Tee.
Flowers look upon a heroic soul.
And now, he is watching over the Marina Bay Sands, cheering for our Nation’s growth and developments.
If you happen to be in Esplanade Park, do pay a visit to this Fighting Warrior!
49) Last day of the year in the Gardens
This Gazebo sitting next to the Swan Lake, designed in Victorian style with cast iron material. It was originally built in 18th century at Grange Road. It was later on been re-erected in 1969 and relocated to the entrance of Botanic Gardens. Finally, in 2010 it was shifted next to the Swan Lake.
I wish this would be his final home, as to get a favorite ground like this is not as easy as you could choose. Memories, surroundings and atmosphere are considerations.
What is it like sitting on this timber bench, well washed by weather? Well, while enjoying watching the lonely swan surfing from one end to the other; waving at the surfing boat passing by; or even meeting a new friend could be a valuable insight for some.
The Gazebo with a dark gray body, exudes the calm and tranquility of the landscape even more.
Only one single swan is onboard today, I see that the others are all out for their party preparations or are they somewhere reciting their incantations for a better new year ahead…?
Come close to Frederick Chopin and his lover seated near the Symphony Lake, a few hundreds meters away from the Swan Lake. While Chopin is engaged in his keys and notes, his lover looks on. Symphony Lake is filled with emptiness now, but with the looming notes of Chopin, a brand new year awaits her. Shall we ask Frederick for some inspiration?
And I am sitting next to the lotus, good enough for my companion to comfort me, on the last day of 2012! Cheers!
24) What’s gone wrong with us?
What’s gone wrong with you..?
You tear a person into pieces, leaving her soul unease.
Raped her by your gang wolves!
Slaughter her with no guild with blood and brazenness!
Hit her and throw her out of a moving bus!
Have you cherish the beautiful life around you..?
And do you know how lovely it is to chase each other around the coconut tree?
How entertaining Bollywood show can be?
And you did that in return, to tarnish all should have been!
For sure, she is not going to rest in peace!
It would be a joke, if they asked her to do so!
Is this a joke, if it’s going to happen to your family?
Will you still be laughing and kicking?
And what an irony!
She was offered a marriage in return to close the case!
She asked “What’s gone wrong with us?”
Before she tears off freely…with a shattered heart in agony.
In memory for the two victims gang raped by the locals in India, eventually one committed suicide and one died of serious injury in a Singapore Hospital.
My heart goes to the victims and the families. It’s very sad and disheartening to see such crimes happening over and over again.
48) Would you like to have a new curtain for 2013?
This is not a curtain, is a root!
This is the root of Cissus sicyoides, it is also commonly known as Curtain Ivy or Princess Vine. This beautiful lady carries long reddish roots that forming a dense lacy curtain.
It looks like a Mammoth from far, but I am sure she is much more gentler.
This amazing plant is not the true Ivy but is a close relative of grape family.
Traditionally, it can be used to treat rheumatism, ulcer and diabetes. To me, this is the most elegant doctor I ever met.
So would you like to have this kind of curtain for 2013?
47) Tembusu Tree Speaks You and Me
Tembusu tree is one of the popular trees you can find along the roadside of Singapore. It can grow up to 40m in height with it large and evergreen portray. This tree in the picture is located next to the footpath, which heading Ginger Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens. Besides being a Heritage tree, it also serve as an appreciation to The Shaw Foundation in supporting for the Garden City Fund.
This huge tree bears creamy fragrant flowers that attract moths in the evening when the party starts.
It grows small and orange berries that I believe is nothings to do with Christmas.
It can grow to a very large size on poor soil and low branches will develop when the tree left unpruned.
Let’s be strong and hardly like this guy, carry on the battlefield in 2013.
23) Song of Boxing Day
I’m dreaming of a white musical box
Just like the ones I used to know
When the heaven door open
And babies listen
To hear sweet dreams in the bow
I’m dreaming of a white post box
With every Christmas card you write
May your days be cherished and shine
And may all
Your Christmases be fine
I’m dreaming of a white shoe’s box
Just like the ones I used to know
When your door got opened
And your toes listen
To hear my secrets in a row
I’m dreaming of a white letter’s box
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all
Your Christmases be white
2) Where is my Christmas gift?
My owner, Sydney, this is the place where he was born, a green green grass of home, a place where he spend his childhood busy catching spiders and butterflies, Merpati Road. Now with the remains of the old wall, the grass still looks green. When he left this place 23 years later, it still wave at him now and then, as if asking him to drop by now and then.
Though his house has been torn down for redevelopment many years ago, it is still a very fond memory in his heart. The trees, the wall, the green grass and the road to the playground, it’s his childhood nostalgia.
Sungei Kallang (a canal) is also full of his memories. In those days, when the tide is high, kids lure fish from the canal with their utmost attempt. A fish is so precious in those days where most families were poor. It was not until a drowning incident occurred, the fun of this young seeker would have continued.
This is a shot of a ‘meal finder’. This chap is not smart enough to spot the right place, all his seafood has been gobbled up by F&B for the preparation of Christmas parties!
This is the neighborhood park where he lives now, a crawling distance from the Sungei Punggol. A quiet and serene wetland where he got his surprises and funky inspirations! There is a Sports & Recreation Centre nearby, where you can practise your swimming skill or have water fun with your ducky toy.
This is the west side scenery from the apartment where we stay, a glance of the Bukit Timah Hill on the right, stormy clouds is a reminder of nature dear and near.
On the left, is the last Kampong in Singapore. Sometime is so amazing to wake up by the ‘Kampong fragrant” under the star!
And this is the door leading to our home sweet home, a door opening up to east meet west.
Where reindeers are all dressed up, but no where to go…
Shimmering stars all ready and awaiting for the dance and party goers..
Oops! So much about my owner…He won’t realize how much I have reviewed the little secret of his past. He is still busy waiting for his turkey, honey baked ham, log cake, Christmas gifts and party dress-up!
And now, don’t keep me waiting…where is my Christmas gift before the year past…
Friend (24) – No Doomsday but Dawn is here / 朋友- 末日早晨
A thin layer of fog floating on the grass, just awaken. That’s the face of nature’s pure, perfect face under the escort of the Divine. No one can help not to give it a second glance…on the day after doomsday, on the morning after doomsday; a brand new morning!
一层薄薄的雾气，漂浮在刚苏醒的草地上。那是一张大自然的脸孔，单纯无瑕，在神的护航下，让人不禁多望一眼。
这玛雅传说后的第一天。
这玛雅传说后的第一个早晨。
Cool air and blue sky, accompanied by the sounds of insects hidden in the green grass, I rejoice with the miracles in my eyes and the warm in my heart.
清凉的空气与湛蓝的天空，伴着草地里的虫鸣声，我的眼睛被这一幕神迹吸引。一股喜悦在心里满满的被滋润。
Standing outside the fence, asking myself how often do I witness nature with his hazy eyes. While eveyone is busy with the myth of the Apocalypse, the new day has gradually emerge, never deceptive, never turn up late with hesitation. Giving everyone a fair day of his own.
篱笆外的我伫立片刻，试问我们这一生，有几何见证大自然睁开朦胧眼睛的样子。当大家还忙于世界末日的传说，新的一天已经在那儿慢慢耘酿，毫不虚假，毫不迟疑，每人一份公平的一天。
How far you go with the 24-hour is up to you. You can walk a distance with it and you can fly far with it. Paint this canvas of the sky with your own colours, you may obtain your own rainbow or may not even sell it for a penny.
每人一份24小时的天空，你要走多远，随你。你要飞多远，也随你！这幅天空随你用什么颜料去涂彩都行。用心画会有彩虹，没用心的当然卖不出一分钱。
I am not fearful of the end of the world, I am more apprehensive when the world lost its sight of light. Then, front with tract of the sunray, doesn’t it have enough to shoot through the doomsday? We don’t even have to debate about it!
我不怕世界末日的到来，我只关心这世界有没有曙光。但眼前这道旭日足以射穿末日的那一端，还要争论吗？
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