‘A whole new world’

As I am writing this, my hubby is busy with his new girlfriend :). He has started trying out the camera. I must say taking a picture is easy. Taking a good photo isn’t that difficult but taking a great photo, now that’s another story. Looking at the camera, I knew I had a lot of reading and practicing to do before we can master the equipment.

You would know that I have not a clue on how to use the camera. When I took the camera out yesterday to fix on the lens, my camera was facing upwards. Little did I know that you are supposed to change the lens with the body facing downwards.

And all along I thought that I just had to have a good eye but now I realized that there is much more to photography. Thankfully, my hubby picks up all the technical stuff rather fast and we are planning to bring our new baby out with us tomorrow… :)

COMEX 2008

The Olympics are over. Now it’s back to Singapore. COMEX 2008 is here. As it is usually packed, I would only go there if I needed to get something. And today, I had to get something… :)

My husband and I have started taking an interest in DSLRs. But his interest in it is greater and he has shortlisted two that he is keen on. Thus, today, with the help of my colleagues and my husband’s info, I finally bought him a DSLR.

But there are so many things to learn and read. You can probably guess what I’ll be doing this weekend… ;P

Superstition or reality?

When Singapore beat South Korea in the women’s table tennis’ semifinal in Beijing, they were wearing red. When China beat them in the finals, China’s team was in Red and Singapore in Yellow. When Lin Dan beat Malaysian Lee CW in the men’s badminton’s final, he was in yellow and Lee CW in a black top. Today, I saw Zhang YN play against Feng TW in the women’s individual table tennis. Feng was in black and lost :(. I think Zhang was wearing a blue and yellow top. It got me thinking, has it got to do with the colour since Chinese believe that Red and Gold (Yellow) brings luck while black does the opposite?

However, since I have yet to see a report or study on this, I will assume that my observation was purely coincidental and the best players won. Though I do suggest wearing red/yellow in critical matches if possible. :)



From http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_203245.html

RISING STAR: Feng Tianwei, 21, could become the new golden girl of Singapore table tennis after a string of fine performances. -- ST PHOTO: EDWIN KOO

Taking chances

Watching the game’s heroes and heroines reminds me about taking chances, going all out and never giving up. The women single’s badminton champion from China is already in her 30s and was not expected to win but yet she proved all her critics wrong by bringing home the gold medal.

Michael Phelps beat Cavic by a hair strand even though he had an extra stroke. And now as I am typing this while watching the Korean table tennis women giving it all for the bronze medal, shows me just how serious they are at whatever they do.

This reminds me of my university mate who I believe will be successful in whatever she does because she puts her heart and sweat into what she is doing. While studying with her, I always admired her discipline.

Previously working in Microsoft, she went on to chase another of her dream, which is flying. She has informed me recently that she has started flying on her own. She’s simply amazing and I am looking forward to being flown by her one day.

To my friend, all the best!

To the Singapore’s table tennis stars and Malaysian Lee CW, go for gold!

A good day out at the Beijing Olympics

15.08.08 -

First of all, thank you for visiting my site. I checked on 08.08.08 and was happily surprised to find that the number of visitors had reached 888.

And today is another good day at the Olympics because Singapore's ping pong team has been guranteed a medal by entering the finals. The last time they won a medal was in the 60s. Their win was greeted by cheers all around.

Following that, I had the chance to watch Malaysian badminton player, Lee Chong Wei in action. I didn't know much about him as I haven't been following the Malaysian badminton news for awhile. Watching him play, I soon learnt that he had good techniques and was consistent. It has been a long time since Malaysia had a good singles player in badminton. And it was a joy to watch him play. Winning in the semi-finals was equally satisfying. I hope he will go on to win the gold.

To both countries, congratulations and ‘jia you’ (All the best!).

Beijing Olympics 2008 Opening Ceremony

The cauldron of the Beijing Olympic Games is ablaze over the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in north Beijing, China, in the early morning of Aug. 9, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

8.08 pm, 8.8.08, Beijing – Fireworks lit up the sky around Beijing. It was spectacular. Thousands and thousands line up the street outside the Olympic stadium (Known also as ‘The Bird’s Nest’ for its design) to catch the action and billions more all around the world.

Being Chinese, it was a proud moment for me even though I’m not of China nationality- to see all the Chinese history, culture and artistry being displayed for the world to watch.

The scroll which was the highlighted throughout the show was brilliantly displayed. The amount of volunteers and the preciseness of the performers amazed me. Their months and months of training were paying off and everything seems to flow smoothly. Even the weather looked good.

On display were some of the greatest inventions that China has made – Starting with the paper. The whole show presented (and had the feel of) what China is about. The organizers behind the show have put a lot of thought and creativeness into the ceremony.

There were movie clips, cultural dance, ‘calligraphy’, singing and much more. I am still figuring out the technology used behind some of the performances. The last part, the lighting of the cauldron had Chinese former gymnastics champion Li Ning, running around the ‘Bird’s Nest’ itself (high in the air) before finally lighting the beautiful cauldron. If you miss it, you have to catch the ‘replay’. As the commentators said, “Let the Games Begin!”

Chinese former gymnastics champion Li Ning kindles the cauldron of the Beijing Olympic Games during the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games held in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in north Beijing, China, Aug. 8, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/09/content_9069055.htm

08.08.08

It's here. It's just past midnight on the 8th of August 2008. I wonder if I can have a total of 888 visitors today. Probably not, it will more likely be 808 visitors.

I can imagine the joy and pride the Chinese people must be feeling now. China is the first Asian country to host an Olympic in this millennium. I read that the Olympic slogan, One World, One Dream, calls upon the world to unite in the Olympic spirit.

While you are preparing to enjoy the games, I’m off to bed to have EIGHT hours of sleep.

The next William Hung???

I’m back. I have figured out what to give you all at my dinner (Reason why I took 2 days off from blogging).

Anyway, today I have some interesting news to share. I went for an audition which requires me to sing. Yes, you read it right. I know, I know, you probably won’t believe this because I have never agreed to sing with all of you before. And for those whom I sang with before, thank you for all of your laughter. I did this because it seemed like a fun thing to do! :)

I was nervous when I was told that I had to sing. I walked into the room and there were 3 people and a camera. A lady was behind the camera and another young sweet lady at the desk asked me if I am nervous. Of course I said ‘Yes’. Next to her was a guy under a cap. Can’t say much about him because his face was hidden by the cap.

She asked me to sing but the words will not come out. After some guidance from the pretty lady, I got through it and I bet whoever reviewing the tape will have a good stomach exercise. :)