tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74216052024-03-14T08:09:19.106+10:00CONNEXIONS in CYBERSPACEIn a space where time is lost...王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-84650111967875974842020-08-09T19:28:00.002+10:002020-08-09T19:28:44.099+10:00Thrive and Prevail: On Singapore's 55th National Day<p>For our generation, the year 2020, which is marked by an unprecedented global health crisis, will be remembered as a difficult year. The covid-19 pandemic has caused widespread social and economic upheavals around the world, resulting in 723,000 deaths to date, disrupting the normal movement of people and impeding the supply of goods across international borders. Businesses were impacted, capital projects were delayed, events were postponed, cancelled or moved online, jobs were lost.</p><p>Singapore is not spared from the detrimental effects of the pandemic. Exceptional measures were taken to muster resources to operate testing, contact tracing, quarantine, community care and recovery facilities across the island state. Existing healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics have had to ramp up their operations to look after extra patients. Additional venues and spaces, even vessels, were sought and transformed into temporary healthcare facilities to house and treat covid-19 patients.</p><p>Extraordinary efforts were made to prevent the local transmission of the coronavirus disease, including the distribution of face masks and hand sanitiser. To contain the virus within the community, an eight-week lockdown was imposed, seeing the closure of schools and non-essential workplaces. There was smooth coordination to ensure essential services and goods were provided timely despite the mounting challenges. Financial support was rendered to businesses, families and vulnerable individuals by the government and charitable organisations. Disruption to work and study was minimised through teleconferencing and other online services.</p><p>Times may be tough, but the kampung spirit was well exemplified by people displaying generosity, care and love for each other, delivering handmade artworks and dedicating songs to frontline workers in healthcare and essential services. There are those who helped others by sewing face masks, refurbishing used laptops for students, providing hand sanitiser for public, giving out free food, snacks and drinks, distributing meals, and volunteering for frontline duties to ease the burden of healthcare workers. And not to forget those who rallied for the migrant workers requiring additional support from the community.</p><p>Education being important to the young ones, students have since returned to schools. Retail and non-essential workplaces have reopened safely. Construction projects are also slowly resuming. Singapore has also joined the international community in the global effort to develop treatment and vaccine for the coronavirus. Even so, uncertainties remain and major challenges lie ahead. Until a vaccine or an effective treatment becomes available, life may not quite return to normal. The virus may flare up any time with little warning. Many countries face a second wave of the virus after successfully containing their first.</p><p>Today, on the 9th August 2020, Singapore celebrates its 55th National Day with a smaller parade conducted with safe distancing guidelines. This year's National Day Parade (NDP) pays tribute to our frontline heroes and essential workers for the sacrifice and contributions they made in these troubled times. For the first time since 1972, NDP is being held in the morning. Singaporeans will watch the morning parade and evening show on television or online streaming platforms from their homes. People will also be able to catch a glimpse of flypasts, mobile columns, parachute performances, maritime sailpast and evening fireworks at multiple locations over the island.</p><p>The days ahead may look gloomy, but Singapore is in a strong position to weather the storm brought about by the pandemic. With unity and vigilance, Singapore will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger than before. In the not too distant future, we will once again be following rainbows, realising dreams, and building for a better Singapore.</p><p>Happy 55th Birthday, Singapore. Onward Singapore! Majulah Singapura!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NGt4CRQs4a8" width="320" youtube-src-id="NGt4CRQs4a8"></iframe></div>王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-56681993662423381762019-08-09T20:44:00.000+10:002019-08-09T20:44:28.359+10:00Commemorating Singapore's BicentennialHappy Birthday, Singapore. Majulah Singapura!<br />
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Dare to Dream. Scaling Higher Peaks.<br />
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<br />王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-17675332868079906612018-08-09T21:09:00.000+10:002018-08-09T21:09:02.838+10:00We Are Singapore<div>
The city of Singapore was founded in 1819. When the British first set foot on the island, Singapura (as it was known then) was a simple fishing village. (Most parts of the island were covered by forests and swamps.) The villagers were unaware that they would be witnessing a historic turning point to the island.</div>
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The British were then in search of a place to build a trading post to strengthen their trading power in Asia, most notably the Far East. Leading the British expedition was Sir Stamford Raffles from the British East India Company. Raffles was 38 when he landed on Singapore. He quickly realised that Singapore's location was ideal for a new port.</div>
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Not long later, the British signed a formal treaty with the Temenggong, or local chief. The British flag was first hoisted on 29 January 1819, thereby establishing Singapore as a British colony for the next one and a half century. Singapore became independent in 1965.</div>
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The British set up Singapore as a free port. As maritime trade grew throughout the region, immigrants from different parts of the world arrived in Singapore to find work or do business. Most of them came from China, and they mainly worked in plantations, quarries, warehouses (or godowns) and wharves. The British government and the East India Company sent many people to Singapore to perform adminstrative and other public functions, among them are troops and convicts from the Indian subcontinent to build roads and rail.</div>
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In no time, Singapore became a busy harbour for transporting goods between the Far East and Europe. Archaeological evidence suggests that a few centuries prior to the British, a substantial settlement may have already existed. However, this is a story for another time.</div>
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It is no mistake that the British founded modern Singapore. For this reason, Singapore is commemorating its bicentennial in 2019 with a year-long calendar of events. Singaporeans are grateful for the foundations the early immigrants have built. Many structures and public spaces built in the colonial days have been preserved till today.</div>
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Singapore became an independent country on 9 August, 1965. (Yes, many parts of the island were still covered by forests and swamps.) Under the leadership of founding prime minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, the pioneer generation of Singaporeans successfully transformed Singapore into a vibrant first-world nation with a thriving and competitive economy. For Mr. Lee, his government and the pioneer generation, nation building was not an easy task. Indeed, neither would it be easy for the younger generations to bring Singapore to new heights of success. However, Singapore will always be ready for new challenges and opportunites, and scale to greater heights of success.</div>
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As we celebrate as one nation, I take this opportunity to wish all Singaporeans and friends:</div>
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Happy National Day. Majulah Singapura!</div>
王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-31710700780996193872017-08-09T20:47:00.000+10:002017-08-09T20:47:34.079+10:00Singapore: A Smart City in the MakingIndeed, it is National Day today! Singapore celebrates its 52nd year of independence this year.<br />
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Nation building is a marathon. Singapore has come a long way since the separation from Malaysia in 1965, and there is still a long way to go and lots of growing to do. The young nation is currently remaking itself to become a smart city in a garden. And, no doubt, by keeping alive the spirit of its pioneer generation, Singapore will make even greater achievements.<br />
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This year, Singapore commemorates fifty years of national service (NS50). National service forms the backbone of Singapore's military defence, and is a vital contribution to peace and stability. Every Singaporean son contributes two years of his youth to protect the nation. In the past fifty years, batches of young men were enlisted into national service and trained to become soldiers, sailors and airmen. Over time, those who have completed national service are seeing their sons going through national service. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore during the second world war. People suffered and many lost their lives during the Japanese Occupation, which lasted for three years and six months between 1942 and 1945. Singapore's commitment to maintaining a strong defence force is the result of the lessons learnt from the Japanese Occupation.<br />
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The growth of the middle class in Asia presents businesses and individuals with new challenges and opportunities. The strong economic foundation laid down in the past decades helps to keep Singapore ahead of competition. In addition, Singaporeans have to master new knowledge and skills, which will in turn reinvigorate the economy. Like our forefathers who had worked hard for the fruits of success we enjoy today, the rainbow awaits those who rise to meet the challenge of the day.<br />
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Majulah Singapura. Happy Birthday, Singapore!<br />
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<br />王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-11969266812989100162016-08-09T19:43:00.000+10:002016-08-09T19:43:34.764+10:00Singapore: A New Chapter in the WritingAugust 9 is special because this is the day Singaporeans celebrate National Day to mark the independence of the country. On this day, Singaporeans around the world would come together to rededicate their commitments for a harmonious and prosperous Singapore, our home.<br />
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Singapore gained independence in 1965. The city-state celebrated SG50, its golden jubilee year, with lots of meaningful and fun activities in 2015. However, the nation also lost its founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, in 2015. Under the leadership of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew and his successors, our pioneers overcome many great challenges to build a successful Singapore, within the span of fifty years. With good governance and commited people, Singapore is now in a good shape to excel for years to come.<br />
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Looking beyond SG50, Singaporeans are renewing existing trade relationships and creating new ones with global partners. They are equipping themselves with skills and knowledge to excel in Science and Engineering, in the Arts, in Sports, and other areas. Many are taking up the challenge to innovate and create new solutions and technologies to improve the lives of people around the world. Others are exploring the opportunities to leverage new technologies for smart businesses and smart living.<br />
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I am hopeful that a new generation of Singaporeans will rise to thrive with many more Singapore success stories to tell.<br />
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On its 51st birthday, I wish for Singapore to succeed for the next 50 years.<br />
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Happy Birthday, Singapore. Majulah Singapura!王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-85620718184977070182015-08-09T20:58:00.003+10:002015-08-09T21:20:16.564+10:00SG50 Celebrating Singapore's Golden JubileeHappy Birthday, Singapore.<br />
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To Greater Heights. Majulah Singapura.<br />
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"The best is yet to be."<br />
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王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-29395879595507219022014-08-09T19:48:00.000+10:002014-08-10T07:57:13.845+10:00Singapore, May You Shine Forth and Glow<span style="font-size: small;">August 9 is a special day. On this day, Singaporeans celebrate National Day, which marks the independence of the country.<br />
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Singapore gained independence in 1965. In the span of 49 years, the island nation has grown into a cosmopolitan city and global financial center. It is also home to a population of over 5 million people. In Singapore, people of different races and religions live together in harmony. This year, Singapore honours and thanks its pioneer generation for their contributions. The pioneer citizens had overcome many great challenges to build the Singapore we see today. They contributed to the nation in all different areas, in many different ways. Without the pioneer generation, their dedications and efforts, Singapore will not be successful today.<br />
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Singapore has many success stories to share. But, the best is yet to be. The country celebrates its golden jubilee in 2015. And as the baton passes on from one generation to another, inheriting the spirit of their pioneers, united and committed, its people will thrive and take Singapore to new heights.<br />
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To many of its friends, Singapore is passionately known as the little red dot. On its 49th birthday, I wish for this little red dot to shine forth and glow.<br />
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To greater heights! Majulah Singapura!</span><br />
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王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-37311429532702874552013-08-09T20:31:00.000+10:002013-08-10T11:58:34.536+10:00Singapore, Let the Lion RoarSingapore celebrates its 48th year of independence today. The country derives its name from "Singapura", which means lion-city. Singapore is located in a neighborhood of big economies. There are China, Japan and South Korea to the east, and India to the west. To its immediate south is Indonesia, and further down-under is Australia. The region has had both challenges and opportunities to offer Singapore.<br />
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When it first gained independence, Singapore, without natural resources, had hardly any competitive edge over its neighbors. However, the people of Singapore came together with dedication. Under the leadership of a good government, Singapore overcome the challenges it faced and succeeded to transform itself from a small trade-port to a first-world city. Today, Singapore occupies a significant place in the world. Singaporeans are helping other countries to improves their cities. Singapore is now home to the world's best airport and the busiest seaport. It has an excellent public transport system, and its education and healthcare facilities are among the best in the world. Many people overseas know Singapore to be a clean and green city. It is also famous for the variety and choices of food it offers the visitor.<br />
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Singaporeans have worked hard to enjoy the rewards and success. The journey has brought us thus far, but it is far from over. Many opportunities, as well as challenges, still lie ahead of us. However, religious ideologies, political instability and natural disasters can all set us back. We have witnessed, in recent years, religious extremism and political upheavals which have led to conflicts, turmoil and social unrest in several countries. As we rejoice and celebrate our achievements today, let us be forward looking and work together for a better Singapore.<br />
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Happy Birthday, Singapore.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/VIgoiKKa9_E" width="560"></iframe><br />王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-87932866000887284662012-08-09T19:55:00.000+10:002012-08-09T19:55:28.461+10:00To Singapore, With LoveToday, 9 August 2012, marks the 47th National Day of Singapore. On this day in 1965, Singapore separated from Malaysia to become independent. The new nation was founded upon the principles of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality, which are symbolised by the five stars on the national flag. These principles were enshrined in the hearts and minds of the people of the young republic. And, on this bedrock of a multicultural and inclusive society, the men and women of Singapore committed themselves to build a better future for the next generation. Truly, these men and women of yesteryears were the reasons for Singapore's success today.<br />
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Nation building is not an easy task. Through the dedication and diligence of its government and people, Singapore evolved from a small harbour to an international shipping hub, from a humble trading outpost to a global financial center, from a third-world to a first-world nation. Today, Singapore is a bright, shiny star in the world. Many nations, big and small, are eager to learn from its success.<br />
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The road ahead is nonetheless full of challenges as it was 47 years ago. However, I see that with the same unparalleled commitment and effort, Singapore will continue to scale new heights and achieve greater success.<br />
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Happy Birthday, Singapore!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/z7c9QmhZuBo" width="420"></iframe>王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-56304919378543724582011-08-09T20:21:00.003+10:002011-08-09T21:39:21.595+10:00The Singapore Spirit LivesThe recent Norwegian shooting in Utøya made me wonder what multiculturalism means to people in different parts of the world - political lip service? election slogan? marketing gimmick? social taboo?
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<br />In Singapore, multiculturalism is real, it flows in the very veins of the Singaporean society. Singapore is multiracial, multilingual and multireligious. In Singapore, Chinese, Indian and Malay people live side by side in a cohesive society. A person may speak English, Malay, Mandarin or Tamil. He or she may be a Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Taoist, or even a free-thinker. We recognise these differences make Singapore a colorful and vibrant society. Together, these distinctions give Singapore its rich heritage and make Singapore special.
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<br />Multiculturalism is an achievement and a key strength of Singapore. The appeal of radical religious ideologies in recent years, among all Islamic militancy in neighboring countries and around the world, is a reminder that social cohesiveness in Singapore is result of the labour of the present and past generations of Singaporeans. It did not come by easily, and will take equal efforts by future generations to maintain.
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<br />On this 9th day of August, 2011, I wish Singapore, my home, a very Happy 46th Birthday.
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<br />Majulah Singapura!王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-5156219687269366962010-08-09T23:04:00.008+10:002010-08-10T21:54:46.609+10:00My Home SingaporeEvery year on August 9, Singaporeans celebrate National Day. It's Singapore's 45th birthday today. And I dedicate this blog post for Singapore's special day.<br /><br />Singapore has certainly come a long way to become a successful and vibrant city, where 5 million people call home. Unlike many other countries, Singapore is lack of natural resources, yet through hard work, it is today one of the best places in the world to live and work.<br /><br />After World War II, the colonial powers were almost brought to their knees. The United Kingdom, for example, relied heavily on loans from the United States to rebuild its infrastructure. The race for world dominance was foolish and futile, but WWII did not prevent further hostility. The Cold War came and went, and we saw people divided, setting up their fellow citizens as enemies, and killing each other. In Southeast Asia, we witnessed the brutality of the Vietnam War and the Khmer Rouge massacre right at our doorsteps, and the waves of boat people which follow. We saw people being driven out of their countries and became refugees in foreign lands, homeless.<br /><br />These were the early days of Singapore, a time of uncertainties and great challenges. It was under such difficult circumstances that Singapore was granted independence from Britain.<br /><br />Singapore started with little from the former colonial master, there was inadequate housing, many issues like water supply, public health, transportation needed urgent attention. The nation solved all these problems, and grew its population to the current size of 5 million. It truly is the pride of all Singaporeans.<br /><br />Happy Birthday, Singapore.<br /><br /><object width="400" height="325"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FxLIQodP3YQ&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FxLIQodP3YQ&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="325"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="400" height="325"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rGrGrZj-oxg&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rGrGrZj-oxg&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="325"></embed></object>王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-4611053087504921762009-08-09T11:03:00.005+10:002009-08-09T12:54:13.133+10:00Happy Birthday, Singapore!Today, Singapore celebrates its 44th National Day. This year also marks 50 years of self-governance for Singapore.<br /><br />In its 44 years of nation building, the island-state has grown from strength to strength. Today, as one of the four Asian tigers, Singapore is well positioned to advance itself together with the rise of China and India in the coming years.<br /><br />I wish Singapore prosperity and progress, and that it remains young and vibrant forever.<br /><br />Happy Birthday, Singapore!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3wXZYczZPsE&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3wXZYczZPsE&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-65369731941185822322008-12-01T21:06:00.002+10:002008-12-01T21:12:17.472+10:00Collapse of the New World Order?I join the international community with my deepest condolences to families and friends of the victims of the Mumbai terrorist attack.王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-43085338652569876222008-09-22T23:09:00.011+10:002008-09-23T06:41:19.116+10:00Hairy ButterI find a recent piece of news that Hollywood studio Warner Bros has filed a lawsuit against the maker of Bollywood film Hari Puttar awfully amusing. As a Harry Potter fan (not a great one, but still a fan), I too think "Harry Potter" has some influence on the title "Hari Puttar", although its Indian producers denied it completely.<br /><br />On the other hand, in the wake of infants falling ill and dying after consuming toxic milk formula from China, I like to share a nice little story, Hairy Butter:<br /><br />A long time ago in ancient Singapore, where the British once ruled.<br /><br />One day, Ahmad came home from school and found hair in his butter. So, he ran to Ah Seng. "Seng, Seng, see, dun know why got hair in my butter."<br /><br />Ah Seng was woke up from his afternoon nap, and reluctantly said, "How I know, let's go ask Adam lah!".<br /><br />So, the two of them came to Adam's house and told him about the butter.<br /><br />After listening to the story, Adam said, "I am the smartest in class. And, I think we should go ask the cow."<br /><br />And the three came to the farm where the cow was. Adam went to the cow and asked, "tell us, cow, why is there hair in the butter?"<br /><br />The cow replied, "moo...".<br /><br />"Oh," Ah Seng said, "the cow says we should talk to the cat."<br /><br />"Ah Seng's right," said Ahmad.<br /><br />And so, the boys came to the cat, and asked, "tell us, cat, why is there hair in the butter?"<br /><br />The cat replied, "meow...", wagged its tail and ran away.<br /><br />"Why don't we ask the dog?" said Adam again.<br /><br />"Let's go," said Ahmad.<br /><br />So, they came to the dog and asked, "tell us, Bobby, why is there hair in the butter?"<br /><br />Bobby lay still on the ground without moving.<br /><br />"Bobby is sick," said Ah Seng.<br /><br />"No, he is hungry," said Adam, as he patted Bobby.<br /><br />Then, Bobby stood up and shook its head. And another hair fell onto the butter.<br /><br />"Oh..." the boys said together, "it was Bobby."<br /><br />Moral of the story: <span style="font-weight:bold;">Eat clean, stay healthy.</span>王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-34814097640221020982008-08-09T15:21:00.010+10:002008-08-09T21:07:46.333+10:00Semoga BahagiaToday, Singapore celebrates its 43rd birthday. In 1963, when it declared independence from Britain, the island state faced pressing problems such as unemployment, housing, shortages of land and drinking water, and the lack of natural resources. As a result, Singapore seized the opportunity to enter into a merger with Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak to form the Federation of Malaysia the same year.<br /><br />The merger did not work out well for Singapore. It lasted barely two years before Singapore was separated from Malaysia on 9 August 1965 to be an independent nation. After the separation, Singapore did not give up. With determination and hard work, Singaporeans built a harmonious and progressive society, which today is a model for many countries in the heterogeneous and pluralistic world we all live in.<br /><br />Happy birthday, Singapore. Semoga bahagia.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pSZ91Exwqbk&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pSZ91Exwqbk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-28915459109809430472008-06-28T21:52:00.004+10:002008-07-06T21:42:27.355+10:00The Vision That WasOn June 27, Microsoft headquarters staff bid farewell to its founder Bill Gates. Gates co-founded the company in 1975 with the vision to put a computer on every desk and in every home. 33 years later, the vision has been realized and the computer has truly revolutionized our lives. According to research firm IDC, there are currently more than one billion PCs worldwide.<br /><br />After stepping down, the 52-year-old will devote most of his efforts to philanthropy. His charitable foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is the world's largest charity. While pitting himself against malaria and poverty, Gates will still work on special projects at Microsoft on a part-time basis.<br /><br />The next time someone boasts of having X computers at home, gently remind and thank the person for fulfilling the vision that was.王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-30015609119689622722008-04-23T06:48:00.013+10:002008-07-27T10:43:18.646+10:00An Open Letter to Janet Nadj of Rental Empire (Queensland, Australia)Janet, what a greedy, money-sucking horrendous woman you are!<br />An incompetent "property manager", you scream at your customer with your filthy mouth.<br /><br />Nadj, what an arrogant, money-mongering vicious woman you are!<br />Each of the filthy looks on your face reflects so well of your greed and arrogance.<br /><br />To my complete disgust, Janet, you are a woman of no character.<br />Bitch! You took three-day rent from me for nothing.<br /><br />Inarguably greedy and arrogant, <br />Totally and absolutely disgusting.<br /><br />Curse you, whore! May misfortunes befall you.<br />H...王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-59823677323082079842007-08-09T19:51:00.000+10:002007-08-10T21:00:53.620+10:00Majulah SingapuraOn 9 August 1965, a new nation was born.<br /><br />On 9 August 1965, the people of Singapore decided that they should be the masters of their own destiny. They decided that time had come to build a Singapore for Singaporeans. On that day, Singaporeans chose the road of independence, a road so rarely traveled, yet traveled so well.<br /><br />After 42 years, Singapore, which was once a small fishing village, has transformed itself from a former British trading outpost to a global cosmopolitan city, a world-class aviation hub, shipping port, financial centre, and manufacturing hub.<br /><br />Today, Singapore is a vibrant multicultural city, a home to people of different races and religions living harmoniously side by side.<br /><br />The Singapore of today is not simply a dream come true or a wish fulfilled. Singapore's achievements are the results of diligence, dedication and sacrifices every man and woman of the nation had made and committed.<br /><br />As Singapore celebrates its 42nd birthday, I wish Singapore many more good years to come.<br /><br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2mCrQkoPeiQ"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2mCrQkoPeiQ" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object>王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-67140823919650979122007-06-22T22:46:00.000+10:002007-06-26T08:24:57.445+10:00Pasha Bulker Here I ComePasha Bulker discovers Nobby's Beach!<br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1lpGOC39lE4"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1lpGOC39lE4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />Worst storm in 30 years.<br /><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/F0Obuqf6-l0"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/F0Obuqf6-l0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RoA-7zrrsRI/AAAAAAAAAEc/c9pUsYi2yYc/s1600-h/IMG_1174.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RoA-7zrrsRI/AAAAAAAAAEc/c9pUsYi2yYc/s200/IMG_1174.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080129576880550162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RoA-7zrrsSI/AAAAAAAAAEk/7Kt5vhJKDWQ/s1600-h/IMG_1176.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RoA-7zrrsSI/AAAAAAAAAEk/7Kt5vhJKDWQ/s200/IMG_1176.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080129576880550178" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RoA-7zrrsTI/AAAAAAAAAEs/zCNjx_BUnms/s1600-h/IMG_1177.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RoA-7zrrsTI/AAAAAAAAAEs/zCNjx_BUnms/s200/IMG_1177.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080129576880550194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RoA-mzrrsMI/AAAAAAAAAD0/2fkBKwBvUuI/s1600-h/IMG_1169.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RoA-mzrrsMI/AAAAAAAAAD0/2fkBKwBvUuI/s200/IMG_1169.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080129216103297218" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RoA-nDrrsNI/AAAAAAAAAD8/b3Tp3QkQvmU/s1600-h/IMG_1170.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RoA-nDrrsNI/AAAAAAAAAD8/b3Tp3QkQvmU/s200/IMG_1170.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080129220398264530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RoA-nDrrsOI/AAAAAAAAAEE/Qtg31XmIXQI/s1600-h/IMG_1171.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RoA-nDrrsOI/AAAAAAAAAEE/Qtg31XmIXQI/s200/IMG_1171.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080129220398264546" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RoA-nDrrsPI/AAAAAAAAAEM/ZvHi1mzeGnM/s1600-h/IMG_1172.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RoA-nDrrsPI/AAAAAAAAAEM/ZvHi1mzeGnM/s200/IMG_1172.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080129220398264562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RoA-nTrrsQI/AAAAAAAAAEU/vWHBqY0gdog/s1600-h/IMG_1173.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RoA-nTrrsQI/AAAAAAAAAEU/vWHBqY0gdog/s200/IMG_1173.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5080129224693231874" border="0" /></a>王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-54581988270535448242007-04-22T10:38:00.000+10:002007-04-22T10:43:43.453+10:00Water Savvy Singapore Helps Queensland王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-10450834189324367902007-03-05T21:55:00.000+10:002007-03-07T08:21:04.020+10:00Trees that Glow in the Dark王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-64718781600895279672007-02-19T00:07:00.000+10:002007-02-19T00:09:36.047+10:00大地回春,‘网’象更新。王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-70744590193764164622007-01-22T20:35:00.000+10:002007-04-22T12:02:06.222+10:00NZ1221 - A Tour of New Zealand's South Island<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbU4QpPy54I/AAAAAAAAAAg/RdAnDUXQQCs/s1600-h/IMG_0662.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbU4QpPy54I/AAAAAAAAAAg/RdAnDUXQQCs/s400/IMG_0662.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022982818002823042" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 1: Tēnā koe, Aotearoa</span><br /><br />On Friday, January 12, I took Flight NZ0802K with Air New Zealand (<a href="http://www.airnewzealand.com/">web</a>) to Christchurch in Canterbury, New Zealand's largest region. Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island, and the second largest city in the country.<br /><br />The plane arrived late, but it didn't bother me much. This is my first trip to New Zealand, but the scenaries I saw from the plane already blow my mind away. It was awesome. I made a video clip of the aerial view with my digital camera. It includes the picturesque surroundings of the airport, and the entire process of the landing of the craft. Unfortunately, the video clip had been accidentally edited, with most of it deleted. And so, there goes my first impression of New Zealand.<br /><br />The phrase "Tēnā koe, Aotearoa" means "Hello, New Zealand" in the Māori language (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maori_language">info</a>). Before the arrival of European settlers, Aotearoa refers to the North Island only. The use of the word to refer to the whole of New Zealand is a post-colonial usage. Māori is one of three official languages of New Zealand. It is classified as an Eastern Polynesian language, closely related to Rarotongan and Hawaiian.<br /><br />Along with Indonesian, Melanesian and Micronesian, Polynesian belongs to a group of languages known as the Malayo-Polynesian group. A characteristic of Malayo-Polynesian languages is a tendency to use reduplication to express the plural. The linguistic source is believed to be Asia.<br /><br />Māori was first given a written form and a formal grammar, in the early 19th century, by British missionaries. Although Māori is a single language (te reo), there are several tribal variants. They are distinctive enough for the Māori people, familiar with their language, to be able to identify the tribal connections of others by their speech characteristics.<br /><br />The word 'māori' is an adjective meaning 'normal', 'usual', 'ordinary'. The Māori people used the word to describe themselves, as opposed to the 'alien' European settlers, during the 19th century, and the Europeans in turn adopted it. Before the time of the arrival of Europeans, the Māori people had no names for themselves as a nation, only a number of tribal names.<br /><br />Modern usage of Māori includes:<br />1. (adj) native, belong to New Zealand.<br />2. (n) person of native race, New Zealander.<br />3. (adv) freely, without restraints.<br /><br />I left the airport on a shuttle service for the Arena Motel (<a href="http://www.arenamotel.co.nz/">web</a>), where I would spend a night before travelling to Greymouth. The motel is situated just one street away from the railway station, which proved to be convenient for me the next day.<br /><br />It was just past 5pm. In my room, I turned on the TV, and was glad to watch the popular Ellen DeGeneres Show (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ellen_DeGeneres_Show">info</a>) on TV One (<a href="http://www.tvone.co.nz/">web</a>).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbsjhZPy55I/AAAAAAAAAAw/3YGe1Id6ztc/s1600-h/IMG_0414.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbsjhZPy55I/AAAAAAAAAAw/3YGe1Id6ztc/s200/IMG_0414.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024648865881712530" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbsksZPy56I/AAAAAAAAAA8/BPoG4sAVbto/s1600-h/IMG_0415.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbsksZPy56I/AAAAAAAAAA8/BPoG4sAVbto/s200/IMG_0415.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024650154371901346" border="0" /></a>It was already getting late, I proceed to have dinner at the McDonald's restaurant in the Westfield Shopping Centre on Riccarton Road. After dinner, I did a bit of shopping and bought a microwave meal box for breakfast the next morning. It was past 9pm when I decided to get back to the motel. The sky has only began to darken for the summer day. It began to rain just before I reached the motel. {Pictures: Fillet-o-fish meal in New Zealand, Borders bookshop at Westfield Shopping Centre}<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 2: When it rains, it rains</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/Rbw8hZPy59I/AAAAAAAAABg/-YmNp0Fo-6I/s1600-h/IMG_0416.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/Rbw8hZPy59I/AAAAAAAAABg/-YmNp0Fo-6I/s200/IMG_0416.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024957828649117650" border="0" /></a>Today I begin a seven-day tour with tour operator Thrifty Tours New Zealand (<a href="http://www.thriftytours.co.nz/">web</a>). The day begins with a free transfer to the railway station provided by the motel. Rain greets me as I stepped out of the motel, and loaded my luggage on the back of the van. Being so close from the motel, we reached the station in only 2 minutes. {Picture: Christchurch Station}<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbtRcZPy58I/AAAAAAAAABU/VchOSHQji0Q/s1600-h/IMG_0417.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbtRcZPy58I/AAAAAAAAABU/VchOSHQji0Q/s200/IMG_0417.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024699357517244354" border="0" /></a>Tranz Scenic (<a href="http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz/">web</a>) operates three train routes in the South Island. I took the famous TranzAlpine train (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TranzAlpine">info</a>), which travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. The train travels the 212km Midland line, which features five major bridges, five viaducts and 17 tunnels, the longest of which is the 8500m Otira Tunnel. The entire journey takes about five hours. The train departs Christchurch every morning at 8.15am and reaches Greymouth at noon. It then departs Greymouth at 1.45pm and returns to Christchurch in the evening. {Picture: Tranz Scenic train}<br /><br />After leaving Christchurch, the train travelled through the fertile fields of the Canterbury Plains and headed towards the Rolleston station, where it connected to the Midland line. From Rolleston, the train passed the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. It briefly stopped at Darfield, Springfield and Cass to pick up a handful of passengers at the small towns. Springfield is located at the foot of the Southern Alps. The most scenic segment of the journey is from Springfield to Arthur's Pass. From the huge panoramic windows, I watched the magnificent scenery unfolds before my eyes as the train climbed into the Southern Alps. This is accompanied by timely and informative commentary from the captain throughout the journey. Between Springfield and Cass, the train moved across the Staircase viaduct, which stands 73 meters high, displaying the spectacular views of the Southern Alps. {<a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&z=10&ll=-43.129052,171.863251&spn=0.452018,0.933838&t=h&om=1">Map</a>}<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbyJnpPy6AI/AAAAAAAAAB8/Nzr1mUWpnPI/s1600-h/IMG_0423.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbyJnpPy6AI/AAAAAAAAAB8/Nzr1mUWpnPI/s200/IMG_0423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025042598418638850" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbyJeZPy5_I/AAAAAAAAAB0/C-x-_pG7Q08/s1600-h/IMG_0426.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbyJeZPy5_I/AAAAAAAAAB0/C-x-_pG7Q08/s200/IMG_0426.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025042439504848882" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbyJVZPy5-I/AAAAAAAAABs/zsRdzVjKiis/s1600-h/IMG_0425.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbyJVZPy5-I/AAAAAAAAABs/zsRdzVjKiis/s200/IMG_0425.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025042284886026210" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbySo5Py6BI/AAAAAAAAACQ/LDCiFKhP1Nw/s1600-h/IMG_0452.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbySo5Py6BI/AAAAAAAAACQ/LDCiFKhP1Nw/s200/IMG_0452.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025052515498125330" border="0" /></a>The train made a photo stop at Arthur's Pass (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur%27s_Pass">info</a>), to drop and pick up some passengers and prepare for crossing the Main Divide through the Otira Tunnel. After Otira, the train descended through lush beech rain forest and terminated in Greymouth, on the West Coast. Again, it made brief stops at Jacksons, Moana, Kokiri and Brunner. {<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrHTQYVAMcw">Video</a> | Pictures: Arthur's Pass station}<br /><br />The West Coast is the wettest region in New Zealand, receiving a seasonal average of above 200mm of rain. Some parts of the region get as much as 7 metres of rain each year.<br /><br />I got only a one-way ticket for the train. For the rest of my tour, I travelled on InterCity (<a href="http://www.intercitycoach.co.nz/">web</a>) and Newmans (<a href="http://www.newmanscoach.co.nz/">web</a>) coaches. The coach to Fox Glacier was already waiting for me when I arrived at Greymouth station. {Picture: Greymouth station}<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/overseasdrivers/gfx/give-way-to-traffic-1.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 104px; height: 161px;" src="http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/overseasdrivers/gfx/give-way-to-traffic-1.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/Rbyv9ZPy6CI/AAAAAAAAACc/oHCB0K3hKXo/s1600-h/IMG_0453.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/Rbyv9ZPy6CI/AAAAAAAAACc/oHCB0K3hKXo/s200/IMG_0453.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025084753522649122" border="0" /></a>The ride to Fox Glacier took roughly five hours. From Greymouth, the coach travelled Southwest on State Highway 6, to the East of the Tasman Sea. The journey is marked by three rail-car-one-lane bridges. These are bridges wide enough for only a single lane shared by the train and both directions of traffic. To prevent collision, the train always have the right of way. When there is no train on the bridge, one direction has the right of way. The smaller red arrow shows which direction has to give way. Other than these three bridges, there are many one-lane bridges (without rail) in the South Island. {Picture: Our coach crossing a rail-car-one-lane-bridge}<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbyzzpPy6DI/AAAAAAAAACo/KmC7VpIJTTU/s1600-h/IMG_0458.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbyzzpPy6DI/AAAAAAAAACo/KmC7VpIJTTU/s200/IMG_0458.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025088984065435698" border="0" /></a>We stopped midway in Hokitika (<a href="http://www.hokitika.com/">web</a>) for grocery. Hokitika features shops specialising in greenstone jewellery and sculptures. {Picture: Hokitika with the Southern Alps in the background}<br /><br />The second part of the bus journey is a 4-hour drive. We continued from Kumara Junction Highway to Ruatapu Ross Road, Harihari Highway, Whataroa Highway, Franz Josef Highway and Fox Glacier Highway, all of State Highway 6. The sky started pouring after we left Hokitika. The Whataroa Highway was the road which led us across rivers and streams, and ascended into the Southern Alps. It connected to Franz Josef Highway which led us past beautiful scenaries, including Lake Mapourika and Lake Wahapo, to the Franz Josef township. This part of West Coast is also known as the Glacier Country. At 11 square kilometers, Lake Mapourika is the largest lake in the Glacier Country. Other lakes we seen along State Highway 6 are Lake Mahinapua on Ruatapu Ross Road and Lake Ianthe on Harihari Highway. We let a few passengers drop off at Franz Josef before proceeding to Fox Glacier.<br /><br />Because of the rain, the driver did not make any photo stop after Hokitika. However, that did not stop me from enjoying the scenic views of the Tasman Sea, Mount Cook and the Southern Alps. Afterall, when it rains, it rains. It's about living in the present. Still, the rain slowed the coach down a fair bit. At about 6.30pm, we arrived at Fox Glacier, a small township catering primarily to the tourist activities on and around Fox Glacier. After a long day of travelling, I was glad to be able to get some rest. For the next two nights, I stayed at the Glacier Country Hotel (<a href="http://www.scenic-circle.co.nz/hotel.asp?id=12">web</a>).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbtRA5Py57I/AAAAAAAAABI/r4t8KeWGf8s/s1600-h/IMG_0522.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RbtRA5Py57I/AAAAAAAAABI/r4t8KeWGf8s/s200/IMG_0522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024698885070841778" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RcBoKJPy6EI/AAAAAAAAAC0/7UvEyuGo-P8/s1600-h/IMG_0603.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RcBoKJPy6EI/AAAAAAAAAC0/7UvEyuGo-P8/s200/IMG_0603.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026131707635624002" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RcBoKpPy6FI/AAAAAAAAAC8/sPOt2qKe2X8/s1600-h/SOJT71168856.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RcBoKpPy6FI/AAAAAAAAAC8/sPOt2qKe2X8/s200/SOJT71168856.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026131716225558610" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RcBoKpPy6GI/AAAAAAAAADE/boX88rhhi5Y/s1600-h/IMG_0797.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/RcBoKpPy6GI/AAAAAAAAADE/boX88rhhi5Y/s200/IMG_0797.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026131716225558626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 3:</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Where there is ice, there is water<br /></span><p style="font-weight: bold;">Day 4: Embrace nature, not ruin nature</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;">Day 5: Nature always make sense</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;">Day 6: In the beginning, there is water</p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/Riq7taEnfuI/AAAAAAAAADs/WjuD9tW16_w/s1600-h/shitface3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/Riq7taEnfuI/AAAAAAAAADs/WjuD9tW16_w/s200/shitface3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056059920443997922" border="0" /></a></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/Riq7tKEnfsI/AAAAAAAAADc/A6Lv6eKibS4/s1600-h/shitface1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/Riq7tKEnfsI/AAAAAAAAADc/A6Lv6eKibS4/s200/shitface1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056059916149030594" border="0" /></a></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/Riq7taEnftI/AAAAAAAAADk/3VwQXAiRtvo/s1600-h/shitface2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rGjCQ6bdfGw/Riq7taEnftI/AAAAAAAAADk/3VwQXAiRtvo/s200/shitface2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056059920443997906" border="0" /></a></p>王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-9700242464138016442006-12-25T21:29:00.000+10:002007-03-07T08:18:59.624+10:00Do I Believe in Christmas?I take the opportunity of resurrecting this blogspot to share a personal encounter.<br /><br />I was enjoying a little <a href="http://www.independentdistillers.com.au/ibuilder.aspx?tabid=291">drink</a> in a pub on Christmas eve when a guy came up to me with a cheeky look, and asked "Do you believe in Christmas?"<br /><br />"Oh my <span style="font-style: italic;">God</span>," I thought, "not the crap again."<br /><br />It isn't my "intellectual" character to give a simple Yes or No answer for such questions. At the same time, I noted he isn't the type looking for an intelligent, rational, well-thought-out reply. So, the conversation wasn't long-lived. Still, I managed the situation well enough and told him that I celebrate all pagan festivals.<br /><br />As expected, he didn't laugh. He ended up rambling something else.<br /><br />I wasn't exactly joking though. I do celebrate all pagan festivals, like Christmas. But, I didn't say it twice.<br /><br />Oh well, it's all relative.<br /><br />Cheers, and Merry Christmas. Jingle bells, jingle bells, lah lah ...王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7421605.post-109267126332701622004-08-17T01:41:00.000+10:002004-08-17T16:22:44.113+10:00When Scientists Meet DinosaursRichard A. Muller, a 1982 MacArthur Fellow, is a physics professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where he teaches a course called “Physics for Future Presidents”. Since 1972, he has been a Jason consultant on U.S. national security.
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<br />In a recent article commemorating the 25-year old discovery which led to the standard explanation that the extinction of the dinosaurs was due to a comet or asteroid ramming into the Earth, Muller wrote that science is driven by a sense of adventure, rather than curiosity (as many people would say).
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<br />If scientists were plain curious, without being adventurous, Muller argued, they would spend most of their time reading, just like what truly curious people would do. Curiosity is the impulse to learn something new, while being adventurous is the desire to be <em>there</em> first. In just a few books, a curious person can learn a thousand times as much as a top scientist could possibly discover in a lifetime of research.
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<br />Until today, we do not really know whether it was an asteriod or a comet that wiped out the giants. In fact, with every discovery comes many new questions to answer. There is a lot more that we don't know today than we didn't know 25 years ago. However, just like the legendary Sisyphus, Muller contended that scientists are better off.
<br />王永平 Ong Yong Penghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579558251167913421noreply@blogger.com