Happy Birthday Singapore.....

Warm Greetings everyone....Recently,the land where i was born in celebrated its National Day.A a very important day in the nations celebrations....A day,all races,religions and people of
Singapore join in one hearts & minds to proclaim our love for the country we live in.

Singapore's National Day Parade (NDP) is an annual extravaganza involving more than 5,000 participants,65,000 spectators and requiring six months of organization.The spectacle lasts four hours and culminates in a brilliant fireworks show lighting up the night sky.


Singapore celebrated its first National in 1966,one year after Singapore's independence from Malaysia on 9 August 1965.Over the years,the Parade has become the biggest national event in Singapore.What is perhaps most memorable at each celebration is the fireworks display marking the climax of the parade,the sky would be bursting with the wonderful colors of the visual vista,dazzling it as well as the hearts of fellow Singaporeans.On this very special occasion,most Singaporeans would be decked out in patriotic colours - namely,red and white.The colours of our flag.

The venue of the parade is usually at the historical grounds of the Padang,where the declaration of Singapore's independence was held.Since the first parade in 1966,all the way to 1975,the venue was located in this central area to bring the parade closer to the people.In 1976,the parade was held for the first time at the newly completed National Stadium,where the much larger capacity allowed for more to view the parade live.For the first time in 2007,it was held in Marina Bay and future parades will be held there until the new sports hub is completed in around 2011.

The Parade has gained enormous popularity and support from the people that it is not unusual to find massive number of citizens trying to get their hands on a ticket,which is released free-of-charge.Although the programme and sequence of the parade do change over the years,several components and the overall flow of the parade have remained intact for the past 4 decades.With the shifting of venues for some editions of the parade,the programme may see slight modifications in order to suit the venue,for instance the Mobile Column, which is only possible at the Padang site.




The pre-parade segment today may include mass-displays,choir performances,school band displays,sky-diving displays,and other light-hearted performances to entertain the crowd prior to the parade proper,with the added positive effect of encouraging parade-attendees to be seated earlier.

The parade has been a traditional staple of the National Day Parade.Participants of the parade include members of the Singapore Armed Forces,Singapore Police Force,Singapore Civil Defence Force,representatives of the different unions and Ministries as well as students in uniformed groups such as the National Cadet Corps,National Police Cadet Corps,the Singapore Red Cross,the Girls' Brigade,the Scouts.

The entire parade of will end in a chorus of voices singing familiar National Day Songs,mass pledge taking and the singing of the National Anthem.
It has its origins in early NDPs as various mass display items put up by community groups or schools to add colour to the otherwise military parade.

These items revolved around the themes of racial harmony,ruggedness among youths etc,which are represented by ethnic dances and mass gymnastics displays.This section evolved over the years to become more theatrical,from the massive flashcard displays that complemented the parade in the 1980s to multimedia projections in recent shows.

Parades today,held from dusk to night,end in the climax of fireworks displays which have become a signature item of National Days.However,in the early parades that were held in the day,mass lion dance displays are actually the finale in the parade.Lion dance troupes from various community centres and clan associations would gather on the field to the resonating sound of drumbeats to put on a fiery display that end the parade on an auspicious note.

I was working this year on National Day,but made sure i got home in time to watch the parade live on Tv.Its a very importatnt day for all Singaporeans.A day we remember how our countries grown over the years.A day to thank our forefathers and people who have given up their blood,tears and sweat to build up this tiny nation.

I'm proud to be Singaporean.This is My Country,My Home.......With that,i leave with a couple of videos for everyone to view of the parade since the earlier years and evolved till this day.

Michael Jackson---King Of Music & A Phenomenon SuperStar To Have Ever Lived

Hello Everyone....Well,since the last post,lots of things have happened in real life.I havent been able to post since i wasnt exactly up to it in real life.My dad passed away peacefully on the 22nd of June 2009.Its been an extremely difficult time for me and the family.We're trying to move on in life,consoling ourselves with the fact that he's somewhere more peaceful now and we'll meet again someday.Please do pray for his soul.




Now growing up,i witnessed a human who was a living legend.A man who feels his music and creates magic.He's none other then the King Of Music.....A legend....Michael Jackson.I first came across this human when i saw one of his vidoes when i was 3 years of age and though i was still pretty young then,his dance opened up this little eye of mine.I wanted to dance like him and started practising with those little feet to dance....dance like Michael.....

Let's see who exactly is Michael Jackson.....

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009),dubbed the King of Pop,was an American recording artist,entertainer and businessman.One of the most commercially successful artists of all time,his contributions to music and dance,along with a highly publicized personal life, made him a part of popular culture around the world for four decades.





The seventh child of the Jackson family,he made his debut in 1964 as a member of The Jackson 5,beginning a solo career in 1971.His 1982 album Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time,with four others—Off the Wall (1979),Bad (1987),Dangerous (1991), and HIStory (1995)—among the best selling.



He popularized several physically complicated dance moves,such as the robot and the moonwalk,now iconic. His inventive music videos,including Thriller, "Beat It" and "Billie Jean", helped to transform the music video into an art form in addition to its original function as a promotional tool.




He was the first African American artist to amass a strong crossover following on MTV,and his continually ground-breaking videos,such as "Black or White" and "Scream",ensured his popularity well into the 1990s.




Jackson had a notable impact on music and culture throughout the world. He broke down racial barriers,transformed the art of the music video and paved the way for modern pop music in his own country.Jackson's work,distinctive musical sound and vocal style have influenced scores of hip hop,pop and R&B artists,including Mariah Carey,Usher,Britney Spears,Justin Timberlake,
R. Kelly and many more.





For much of his career,MJ has his fondly known,had an "unparalleled" level of worldwide influence over the younger generation through his musical and humanitarian contributions.He was characterized as "an unstoppable juggernaut,possessed of all the tools to dominate the charts seemingly at will,an instantly identifiable voice,eye-popping dance moves,stunning musical versatility and loads of sheer star power.

As one of the world's most famous men, Jackson's highly publicized personal life, coupled with his successful career,made him a part of popular culture for four decades.




Michael...Thanks for your music and dance.I'm glad to have witnessed you in my lifetime.May your soul rest in peace.

Some of Michaels' performance below.

Cruise Ships---Experience A Truly Unique Time Onboard....

Hello there everyone,i would like to share a delightful news with all of u...I've been accepted to become a Marine Officer Scholar.Will be a navigation officer onboard those huge ships u come across at sea.





Its a great career with huge potential and prospects.Plus the benefits of going around the world for free definitely is a worth the hard work one goes through on the ocean.Fighting rough weather conditions such as high waves,strong currents....Its an adventure...A journey across the waters of the seven seas.





There is going to be a whole load to study though once i embark on this career.To name a few,there is navigation,astronomy,weatherforecast,morse codes,marine shipping knowledge....etc.Its gonna be fun but i am sure there's going to be a mountain to climb as well.Could so feel the pressure and stress that's about to come with the studying.
But I'm ready for it and raring to go....Its important that one has a positive outlook and is confident in life.With faith and determination,mountains can be moved.





Now,for todays topic,i shall bring u onboard the world of Cruise Ships.

What is a Cruise Ship?

A cruise ship or cruise liner is a passenger ship used for pleasure voyages,where the voyage itself and the ship's amenities are part of the experience.Cruising has become a major part of the tourism industry,with millions of passengers each year.





Cruise ships operate mostly on routes that return passengers to their originating port.In contrast,dedicated transport oriented ocean liners do "line voyages" and typically transport passengers from one point to another,rather than on round trips. Some cruise ships also engage in longer trips which may not lead back to the same port for many months.




Cruise ships are organized much like floating hotels,with a complete hospitality staff in addition to the usual ship's crew.It is not uncommon for the most luxurious ships to have more crew and staff than passengers.





As with any vessel,adequate provisioning is crucial,especially on a cruise ship serving several thousand meals at each seating.For example,passengers and crew on the Royal Caribbean International ship Mariner of the Seas consume 20,000 pounds (9,000 kg) of beef,28,000 eggs,8,000 gallons (30,000 L) of ice cream,and 18,000 slices of pizza in a week.My gosh....that's really alot man...Could feed an army..... =)





The number of cruise tourists worldwide in 2005 was estimated at some 14 million. The main region for cruising was North America(70% of cruises),where the Caribbean islands were the most popular destinations.Next was Continental Europe(13%).The fastest growing segment is cruises in the Baltic Sea.The most visited Baltic ports are Copenhagen,St. Petersburg,Tallinn,Stockholm and Helsinki.





But according to 2008 CEMAR statistics the Mediterranean cruise market is going through a fast and fundamental change,Italy has won prime position as a destination for European cruises,and destination for the whole of the Mediterranean basin.The most visited ports in Mediterranean Sea are Barcelona(Spain),Civitavecchia(Italy), Palma(Spain)and Venice(Italy).






Cruise lines operating in the Caribbean include Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises,Carnival Cruise Line,Celebrity Cruises,Disney Cruise Line,Holland America,P&O,Cunard,and Norwegian Cruise Line.




There are also smaller cruise lines that cater to a more intimate feeling among their guests.The three largest cruise operators are Carnival Corporation,Royal Caribbean International,and Star Cruises/Norwegian Cruise Lines.



Many cruise lines also have stops at their own "private islands",more truthfully,a private section of a Caribbean island.These private resorts are reserved exclusively for passengers of the respective cruise line using the location,and frequently offer features such as an Aqua Park,kayaking,snorkeling,parasailing,music,and private reservable cabanas.


Without further delay,let's watch some cool videos on Cruise Ships...

Scuba Diving-Explore The Hidden World Beneath The Ocean Waves

One of the things i must do during my lifetime is to become a certified scuba

diver.Why...Well,that's cos there is another greater beauty that many of us havent seen though its right before us...And we dont have to go far,its right below the oceans of the world.

How many of us know about this greater beauty God has created for us mankind and that its a world on its own,right at our doorsteps.A world where colours are many,mystery surronds the unknown and many a living creatures call their home.

Now,we can get a glimpse and enter into this underwater world by becoming a scuba diver.

What is Scuba Diving?

-Scuba diving is a form of underwater diving in which a diver uses a scuba set to breathe underwater for recreation,commercial or industrial reasons.

Scuba diving may be performed for a number of reasons,both personal and professional.Most people begin though recreational diving,which is performed purely for enjoyment and has a number of distinct technical disciplines to increase interest underwater,such as cave diving, wreck diving,ice diving and deep diving.

Lastly, there are professional divers involved with the water itself, such as underwater photography or underwater filming divers, who set out to document the underwater world,or scientific diving,including marine biology and underwater archaeology.

A great website you guys could check out on learning about Scuba Diving will be the Padi scuba diving website.Now,before i provide u with the website address,i would like to highlight that i do not work for them nor have anything to do with them in anyway,but i feel its a great site you guys could read alittle about scuba diving and learn more about it.I like sharing knowledge with my readers and herein,is my contribution.

You can view the site at:- http://www.padi.com/scuba/

To start your journey into becoming a scuba diver,its best to join a reputable dive school.First you'll go for theory lessons and learn all the things on land before you take your first plunge and head into a pool for your pratical lessons.Once you've mastered all required modules,you'll then have your first dive in the open ocean.

Its a great hobby and one where you'll have taken the first steps into exploring a beautiful world beneath the waves of the ocean.Besides,its a good activity for a family to enjoy.Its creates for some awesome fun for the entire family and the bonding you guys could have would be a very enriching experience.

Now as always,i've added some videos below on diving lessons being taught and a video of a dive trip.It would be good to view them and see what you could expect from learning to dive.Enjoy guys. I cant wait to start my dive journey someday. =)

Photography---A New Fad Or A Thriving Human Interest

Hi guys....Been awhile since the last post.Sorry i havent been able to post as much as i would have liked.Have been rather busy with work and all plus basically,i wanted to make sure my blog focus on good content and not just any topic.Substance & quality is important i feel and not just blog just for the sake of blogging.

Basically,today,our topic of discussion shall be on Photography.I'm not sure about people in other parts of the world,but here in Singapore,suddenly Photography seems to have become a new fad.Lots of people seem to have taken an interest into Photography and its kindda common to see teens and young adults bouncing around town with a camera in tow and just snapping away at will.I kindda wondered,well,since its sort of the "IN" thing this days,let's do some research on it and do a blog post on Photography.Besides,it's something i've been interested in since i was a teenager but i cant say i'm an expert in it.So here then now,starts our journey into the wonderful world of Photography......

What is Photography?

-Photography is the process,activity and art of creating still or moving pictures by recording radiation on a sensitive medium,such as a film,or an electronic sensor.Light patterns reflected or emitted from objects activate a sensitive chemical or electronic sensor during a timed exposure,usually through a photographic lens in a device known as a camera that also stores the resulting information chemically or electronically.Photography has many uses for business, science,art and pleasure.

In all but certain specialized cameras,the process of obtaining a usable exposure must involve the use,manually or automatically,of a few controls to ensure the photograph is clear,sharp and well illuminated.The controls usually include but are not limited to the following:


Focus- the adjustment to place the sharpest focus where it is desired on the subject.

Aperture–adjustment of the iris,measured as f-number,which controls the amount of light passing through the lens.Aperture also has an effect on focus and depth of field,namely,the smaller the opening aperture,the less light but the greater the depth of field--that is, the greater the range within which objects appear to be sharply focused.The current focal length divided by the f-number gives the actual aperture size in millimeters.

Shutter speed–adjustment of the speed (often expressed either as fractions of seconds or as an angle, with mechanical shutters) of the shutter to control the amount of time during which the imaging medium is exposed to light for each exposure.Shutter speed may be used to control the amount of light striking the image plane;'faster' shutter speeds (that is, those of shorter duration) decrease both the amount of light and the amount of image blurring from motion of the subject and/or camera.

White balance–on digital cameras,electronic compensation for the color temperature associated with a given set of lighting conditions,ensuring that white light is registered as such on the imaging chip and therefore that the colors in the frame will appear natural.On mechanical, film-based cameras,this function is served by the operator's choice of film stock or with color correction filters.In addition to using white balance to register natural coloration of the image, photographers may employ white balance to aesthetic end,for example white balancing to a blue object in order to obtain a warm color temperature.

Metering–measurement of exposure so that highlights and shadows are exposed according to the photographer's wishes.Many modern cameras meter and set exposure automatically.Before automatic exposure, correct exposure was accomplished with the use of a separate light metering device or by the photographer's knowledge and experience of gauging correct settings. To translate the amount of light into a usable aperture and shutter speed, the meter needs to adjust for the sensitivity of the film or sensor to light.This is done by setting the "film speed" or ISO sensitivity into the meter.

ISO speed–traditionally used to "tell the camera" the film speed of the selected film on film cameras, ISO speeds are employed on modern digital cameras as an indication of the system's gain from light to numerical output and to control the automatic exposure system.A correct combination of ISO speed,aperture,and shutter speed leads to an image that is neither too dark nor too light.

Auto-focus point–on some cameras,the selection of a point in the imaging frame upon which the auto-focus system will attempt to focus.Many Single-lens reflex cameras (SLR) feature multiple auto-focus points in the viewfinder.




There are alot more other functions,but if i'm gonna list them all down,u might end up dozing off even before u finish reading this blog post.So,i shall spare u through all those tons of details. =)

Now,there are many ongoing questions about different aspects of photography.It has been concluded that photography is a subjective discipline “to photograph is to appropriate the thing photographed.It means putting one’s self into a certain relation to the world that feels like knowledge,and therefore like power”.

Photographers decide what to take a photo of,what elements to exclude and what angle to frame the photo.Along with the context that a photograph is received in,photography is definitely a subjective form.

Photography is one of the new media forms that changes perception and changes the structure of society.Photography is both restricted and protected by the law in many jurisdictions. Protection of photographs is typically achieved through the granting of copyright or moral rights to the photographer.

Now without further a due,below are some some videos i've got for you guys to explain alittle about Photography and deepen your understanding about this great art.