Have been spending quite some time reading "Hot, Flat and Crowded", and a slow reader I am, I only finished one-eighth of the book(a very thick one indeed.. Haha). Or rather, I've just read up on where we are now. Unless your an avid researcher on environmental issues, one would never guess the extent that our environment is damaged by each and every of our actions. It's a common fact that development damages our environment, and until today, we humans are unable to strike a balance between development and environmental conservation. But how many of us actually see the exact magnitude of the damage done to our environment? Perhaps because we are stuck in this tiny island of Singapore that we are unable to picture size accurately. To me, by just building the marina bay IRs, I feel that we are already destroying a large part of nature. But this pales in comparison to the damage done when China built the 3 Gorges Dam across the YangTze River. Then again, this is nothing as compared to the amount of land China has to clear in order to develop Beijing and Shanghai into the developed cities they are to day. This is just like comparing the size of an electron, to an atom, to an entire piece of metal. It's that big of a difference! And by doing so, I'm only comparing the extent of loss of land biodiversity and environment. What about the other aspects such as damage to our oceans, air and about the increasing amounts of waste produced and about energy demand, supply and damage?

I feel that our world is developing at a rate far beyong what our environment can cope with. This is evident with recent more-drastic-than-normal changes in the weather conditions and the rapid loss of biodiversity. Dramatic weather conditions such as Hurricane Katrina destroying millions of homes in the USA, the underwater earthquake leading to Tsunami in Indonesia, longer-than-ever droughts in Australia leading to widespread forest fires. All these are signs of the environment succumbing to the extensive and intensive damage that we are subjecting it to. These are all the results of our unintentional actions to make the a better place. We all choose to develop our cities in a bid to increase our people's standard of living and quality of life. But who would expect that this results in increased air pollution through vehicle exhaust, increased electricity consumption, and greater dependence on mechanisation, increased waste as people get wealthier and adopt more undesirable consumption habits and greater loss of biodiversity through clearing of land, extensive use of the sea( overfishing, increased shipping, etc). Ironically, it's because of their actions to improve the world that they speed up the destruction of the very place we live in, and hence reduce quality of life as a result.

In my opinion, we are facing such a problem because many key personnel in society lack the thorough understanding of the problem we are facing. On the surface, it may seem as if China's rapid economic expansion of up to 10% per annum since the year 2000 proves that China's development masterplan is one that is effective and has foresight. But it simply takes one visit to the more industrialised areas in China to destroy this entire dream-like senario in our minds. Looking at the state of its natural environment, I feel that something needs to be done, and it needs to be done really soon, before things go out of control. Ask any teenager on the streets and they would probably be able to tell you that there are already measures put into place- Kyoto Protocol, Montreal Protocol, Government initiatives to encourage renewable energy, etc. But to me, what we need now is not these plans. What we need now is concrete action. Some things need to be done now. That's why I would like to commend certain orgainisations and government that have brushed aside political and economic pressures and pushed for environmental conservation.

The Netherlands
This is the country that places the greatest emphasis on the development and use of renewable energy. Such energy sources range from wind, solar, thermal, heat pumps, biomass to hydroelectricity. Currently about 10% of their total energy is met using these renewable sources. Although the Netherland does not own the largest rivers, the greatest land surface area, nor produce the most waste, the amount of energy they derive from these sources are the most. They do not have the highest GDP per capita, but still they are the most environmental friendly country. So much for the stereotype that such renewable energy requires massive funds. This is done by the two-way understanding between the people and the government. The understanding of the people reduces the level of political pressure faced by the government when they plan their budget at the start of every fiscal year. The government also increase employment through the operation of these high technology operations and they see the use of renewable energy and the greater ability to save the environment a milestone for the country and a mark of a highly developed state. I totally agree to it and commend its efforts and ability to stick by it through thick and thin.

Hyflux, Singapore
This is the company that is responsible for the developement of reverse osmosis, an essential process that allows waste water to be recycled into potable water. This drastically reduced Singapore's dependence on imported water from Malaysia and Indonesia. This comes at a perfect time when Malaysia is trying to raise the price of water sold to us. This method of obtaining drinkable water is still not as cheap as it should be, but it still beats desalination that is more expensive and pollutive. Although Singapore's action seems to have a political agenda behind it, I feel that it would be more appropriate to say that Singapore has took another crucial step towards environmental conservation. To add on, this advancement has allowed Singapore to take the lead in water management technology. Never would anyone expect such a tiny country to soon be self sufficient i water even without a fresh water source, but with this technology being further researched upon, it's won't be long before that happens.

The above are just 2 examplary examples of environmental conservation in each of their own fields. Very often it's when a country lacks something that they push for the development of it. Singapore lacks water, and hence pushed for greater water technology. Holland lacks crude oil and hence it pushes for renewable energy technology. It now seems as if these efforts are some what driven by economic and political factors. Once again, there's an irony. It's because of political and economic factors that many people and government do not dwell into research to protect our environment, but it's also because of these same 2 factors that accelerate their advancement in these fields. And this is what makes people think and go nuts, perhaps. Haha. I love how everything in this world is inter-linked. The link between science, engineering, environment, business, economics, politics.. The complexes the issue of environmental conservation, but it also makes it more exciting and this allows for people from different fields to associate with, bringing people together and pushing towards greater conservation of the environment. The vey place we live in.

Alright, these are just some of my thoughts on reading the book and perhaps the book would shed more light on the difficulties and problems of environmental conservation and economics development. But till then, that's all! =D

Today finally went to sing k with Vin and Shan. Has been quite a long time since I ast sang with them. Haha. Anyways really had a great time. Oh and i managed to borrow Mayday's CD from Vin, so that saves me like 20 bucks buying the album. Haha. Oh I couldn't find Red Alert 3! I went throughout town searching for it but it's like sold out everywhere! So depressed lah. Haha. Gonna go Parkway or Tamp these couple of days to check it out. Haha. I could really spend my off playing some good games. Haha. Saw a couple of guys from my unit at PS. Guess it's the most frequent hangout spot. Haha. Or maybe pure coincidence. Haha.

Oh Ye Wei's going Thailand today (From what I heard from Vin..) ! So yea hope ya have a safe and enjoyable overseas training experience! Jia You!

Anyways I'm off to enjoy my entire week of off-in-lieu. Haha. Cheers!

Ah.. Feels good to be back in Singapore. Alright, all I can say was that the experience in Australia was a good one. Different terrain, climate, culture and everything. The going do get tough, but it's something I am proud to have gone through and I can say that the 26 days had been quite well spent. Haha.

Anyways, back to the sunny island of Singapore. Yesterday touched down at around 4am, went to shop at the DFS and headed straight home after that. Kinda suffered from abit of jet lag. Haha. Anyways yesterday night went to grandpa's house to celebrate his birthday. There was a crowd and yea I kinda hate crowds. Haha. But that's not the point. Anyway, there was good food (I didn't eat much though, ate too much during R&R le.. haha), and chit chatted with my relatives whom I've not met up with in a LONG time. Yes almost a year. Haha. Oh and they can actually mistake me for my bro. Hmm. Is that a good thing? Haha. Anyway, I headed home pretty early coz everyone was tired from everything. Haha. So the day ended there.

Today woke up pretty late. Went to help at my dad's shop before going off to meet Wei Chong to pass him a few CDs and lunch. Haha. After that went to Parkway to do some shopping. Bought a new book entitled "Hot, Flat and Crowded" by Thomas Friedman. It's a non-fiction book about Climate crisis and all the greeny environmental stuff. It's something that most people my age wouldn't read for leisure, but heh, I do find it darn interesting. Haha. Weird me. Anyways I also bought 3 new CDs. They are 为你而活 by 神木与瞳, 魔杰座 by 周杰伦 and Sixology by 林俊杰. Haha. Just one month away and so many new albums are out. Haha. Spent quite abit but heh! It's been a month man! Hahaz.

It just feels good to be home. =D

26 (Dreaded) Days gone in a flash..

I'M BACK! (Alive..)

The best damn song I've heard in a long time. Haha. 刘力扬 is really good man. Enjoy! 7 days to Ex. Wallaby!

Yesterday went to meet up with john n vincent for dinner. Betsy and Nerd supposed to meet up too, but too bad last minute can't make it. lol. Anyway I was somewhat on a binge yesterday. The thought of eating combat ration for the next 4 days just makes mt stomach rumble even more. lol. ATEC's this coming week and i guess its gonna be one hell of an outfield. Haha. Alright enough of army. Anyways I went to eat at Aji-Tei at PS (not me). The food there's damn good man. Haha. Ended up eating like a paper steamboat, curry rice, hotplate potato.. and macha icecream. LOL. Its only after i ordered that i realised that i ordered a tad too much. Haha. But who cares. I ate them all anyways. Haha. After that just went to walk around PS. Bought a book entitled " The Last Lecture" by Prof Randy Pausch. He's a lecturer from Carnagie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. He was suffering from the terminal stage of pancreatic cancer and was asked to give his last lecture at the university. Most people would expect someone dying to give his last lecture on issues such as how he cope with the disease etc. But no. That wasn't what he lectured about. It was about living childhood dreams. Talking about his life experiences. Very moivational book. And the very fact that it was his last words yet it sounded so optimistic with the burning passion to live life to the very last minute, flooded me with emotions beyond description. It was also about work-life balance and the sacrifices one have to make in life. These are things that form the very basis of living a happy life. And the best thing is that I've only read the first 3 chapters. It's that good. Makes me wanna read one as soom as i can man.

It made me realise that some things in life are definitely worth treasuring. Simple things such as friendships, relationships, kinship. And yes, there are many things in life that is fated. Superstitious or Real. I choose to believe. And hence, I believe that some things that are not meant to be will never be. Everything happens for a reason and I would want to believe that everything good that happens is to be treasured, while anything bad that happens is a step essential for future happiness. The unpredictability of life, the excitement of life, the passion for life. Aren't they all the same?

Anyways later probably gonna send Karl off to Australia. Guess he's going there to be a pilot. Congrats dude and wish ya the best! Jia you!

Lol. I, too, is going Australia in 2 weeks time for training. Should be on the 5th. Haha. It's gonna be a very busy 2 weeks ahead b4 Australia. so I guess this blog would probably be left empty till like 6 weeks time. So till then.. chow!

Alright I've changed my blogskin back to this simplistic one. Yes everything has been changed, except it being orange. Haha. Changes. They are part and parcel of everyday life. Nothing remains the same over time. But looking on the bright side, changes tend to be for the better. Or maybe that my sole opinion. I wonder.

Anyways, last week went to meet up with Xuan Ping and quite a few of the MSU guys. Yea he's got back his pink IC and is going to Beijing University to study econs on a PSC scholarship. So cool right. Haha. Anyways, we met up at Dhoby Ghaut and had lunch at Ajisen Ramen. Haha. Nice to be with the guys away from army. There's so much segregation and politics in camp. Such peace is hard to come by and yea, I treasure it. Haha. After that went to play pool and arcade. Supposed to play lan after that, but I went off earlier to meet up with John and Betsy. Oh wish Xuan Ping all the best in his studies! Oh and he will ORD in like 6 years! Wahahaha. I'm such a bitch. LOL.

Haha. Watched Make it Happen with them at Cine. Hahaz. Quite nice show except that its very short. LOL. After that went to makan Pepper Lunch with them plus Vincent. Haha. Very nice to meet up with my besties for a meal. Really miss those JC days! Oh yah, after that went to shop for Vin's bro's present. Supposed to attend his wedding the next day. Shop for quite a long time, not knowing what to buy, I finally decided to share a nice box of chocs with john. Haha.

Now here comes the twist. After I went home mum told me that my great grandma's death anniversary was the next day! And that all my relatives would be coming over for breakfast and lunch! And i HAD to be there coz my great grandma used to 疼 me the most. Haha. So once again, I had to pang seh john and gang. Didn't go for the wedding. So sorry dude! I sooo owe u a meal! Haha. Sorry to Vin too. Initially agreed to turn up but didn't go last minute. Paiseh yea. I feel damn bad.

Anyways this week's a long weekend. Because Friday's a forced company block leave. So yea. Woke up pretty early to follow my Bro to deliver his mooncakes. Yes he drove, if not i would never have followed him. LOL. His Hall stuff is like squeezing every ounce of energy out of him man. So much crap to do, how to concentrate on studying? Haha. After that went to send my coveralls to the army shop for some sewing. Haha. Friday was such a rushed leave so didn't really plan things to do. Haha. Anyways spent the rest of my day slacking at home.

Oh yea, I bought 梁静茹 new album: 今天情人天. It's a damn nice album! It's a few songs from the older alum but mostly new and live songs. Damn nice. Oh have i ever mentioned that her live performance songs exactly the same as the CD. She's THAT good. Haha. Some song really worth listening is 今天情人节，如果能在一起，崇拜，诱惑的街，梦醒时分 and C'est La Vie. Go listen. It's highly recommended!

Then yeaterday went over to my aunt's house for family gathering. Really enjoyed it man. Good food, good wine, good ambience, good people. What else can I ask for man! Haha. We had a guy to guy talk, literally (Coz my paternal cousins are all guys!). Had great time watching soccer, F1 and yea BOLLYWOOD movies! It was great! Oh and my oldest cousin is getting engaged this year and married next year. Haha. He's only 24 lahz. But god damn it, he's a high flier. Gifted student, RJC, Lawyer. Wow. Haha. Anyways my best wishes. Don't know the exact date yet. Hope I don't miss it coz im going Oz in October. Haha. Everything was nice that night. Next gathering would be at my Uncle's house. So nice. So looking forward to it. =D

And to my bro, go for it dude! Don't let a bad experience hinder your way! Jia You! =D

Oh and to Gerry, Happy Birthday dude! Haven't meet up with u in a long time. But anyways wish u all the best!