Monday, 17 December 2007

Birding at my doorstep....

EDIT: Realised that my posts are probably too convoluted and unclear. Kena misinterpreted by Wildsingapore again. The bee-eater was spotted along the road just outside where I stay (those of you who know me know where I am referring to), which is NOT Ubin, unfortunately. Ubin offers tonnes of bird sightings, but that's not the focus of this entry. Just want to share on how you can enjoy nature that's right in front of you, without going through the trouble of trooping all over to nature hotspots. After all, mother earth is all around! Start simple in sparking off that interest in nature, and slowly work up to joining us crazy guides on forays to our nature reserves (and joustling each other for the best photos, and the fastest blogs!) ^^

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Originally wanted to blog about the sunny, fun-filled trip to Sungei Buloh and Kranji Nature Trail but I figured that with FIVE blogs covering the same outing, it's kinda overkill. Besides, I have yet to figure out which of my photos I want to put public and watermark. Those would come slowly since Christmas is yet another flurry of outdoor-sy stuff.

So, I'm putting up a couple of photos of this Blue-tailed bee-eater (Merops philippinus) that I managed to photograph just as I went home after a morning out at the Chek Jawa boardwalk with the Naked Crabbies earlier this month. Yes, those photos are up on my Flickr if anybody's interested.
DSCF9381 Blue-tailed Bee-eater

Not the best-est of photos but considering that it's the first time I was using a DSLR, still rather decent I must say. At least it's decent enough to match to a way better photo in the ID book, showing the greenish tinge of the body, slightly orange-yellow nape, mask across the eye etc.
DSCF9374 Blue-tailed Bee-eater

The book also states that the blue-tailed bee-eater is "found in all open habitats, rural areas, mangroves, plantations, scrub and secondary growth." Nothing about housing estates I see. Yet at the same time, it amazes me that from time to time I would see some colorful/interesting bird just out my window. Being Singaporeans, we are probably familiar with crows, spotted-nape pigeons, sparrows, and common mynas (including balding ones!). But these are NOT the only birds around us. No time to go to Sungei Buloh or any other birding spot? Why not just take a look out your window and observe the the nature that's at your doorstep? Or even just spend some time at the nearest park or park connector observing things around.... You might even see a few parakeets flying pass! I know that happens from time to time, and I would be too stunned to do anything.
Click for the rambling...

Sunday, 16 December 2007

Story of Stuff

Found this site via my friend's posted link on Facebook, features a quick 20min look at consumerism in light of environmental and social issues. Truly the "Story of Stuff"! Here are some teaser videos. For the full clip and more information, be sure to visit the site yourself!







Click for the rambling...

Wednesday, 12 December 2007

Going paperless this yuletide ^^

Letting my creative juices flow during this season of joyful tidings, especially while I am backup-ing photos onto Flickr and exploring Picnik. Have made my own set of Christmas e-cards as well, after being inspired by applecow and monkey. Click on the little thumbs for the e-cards. Here's presenting the seaside seasonal greetings from our friendly Singapore wildlife! Feel free to use them when emailing greetings to loved ones, with a little crediting would be nice ^^ Joyeux Noel everybody!

p/s. would be adding new ones as and when I get inspired (all the way to Christmas day!), so do drop by once in a while to see what else there is ^^


hairy christmas ode to the zooanthids Labrador rocky cliff green anemone caulerpa decor intertidal angels
Click for the rambling...

Monday, 3 December 2007

Can't Go On - Group1Crew

[Intro]
I can’t go on without You.
I tried so many times, and I failed.

[Chorus]
Lord, I really need You in my life.
Fall every time that You’re not inside.
Can’t go on without Your love,
I can’t go on.

Every time You arrive let my heart be open.
Because it’s You that I put my hope in.
You give me love, give me strength, and
You give me courage, even though I don’t deserve it.

I can’t go on without You.
I don’t believe that I even want to.
All I really want to see is me becoming more and more
Like You.

[Chorus]
Lord, I really need You in my life.
Fall every time that You’re not inside.
Can’t go on without Your love,
I can’t go on.

And I don’t want to face this world alone.
I don’t want to do this on my own.
I can’t go on without Your love.
I can’t go on.

[Rap]
I see the need in my
Life and I can’t deny
That You’re the reason I’m breathin'
And I need You in my life.
I’m on a new level and never will I be coming down.
Lift me up when I feel drown inside this shame I found.
And I believe whatcha said and You promised me.
And now I constantly look for You, to keep on watching me
I can’t go on without You, I don’t believe I’d ever want to.
Never be all You want
All I really want to see is me becoming like You.
Lord, I realize, I can’t do it on my own.
I need you close, so You can help me make it through the storm.
And when I fall I know, You’ll be there to pick me up, brush me off
And then You’re quick to bring me back inside Your love.

[Sing]
I don’t know where to go now.
I’m lost in this emotion.
I’m givin You control now.
Pull me up from the bottom of the ocean.
I don’t know where to go now.
I’m lost in this emotion.
I’m givin You control now.
You pull me up, pull me up when I’m going down.

[Rap]
You know I could never let anything get between You and me
At times I tried driving solo but I finished on E
My own anxiety blinded me that I couldn’t see that
You were always there and not once did You ever leave me.
I learned the hard way, but I’m glad that now I can say I’m free
Through all the turmoil You have opened my eyes to see
The greater love that You give and never asked a fee
And now I can say that I can’t go on without You loving me.
Now I can say, now I can say that
I can’t go on without You loving me!

[Chorus] x3
Lord, I really need You in my life.
Fall every time that You’re not inside.
Can’t go on without Your love,
I can’t go on.

And I don’t want to face this world alone.
I don’t want to do this on my own.
I can’t go on without Your love.
I can’t go on.
Click for the rambling...