Today was the first day for the public to pay respects for Mr Lee Kuan Yew at the Parliament House, Singapore. It would last until this Saturday, 28 March 2015. This morning at 9am, I saw the live telecast of the funeral procession from Istana to Parliament House. I couldn't find the right words to describe my feelings. I wished he could live on but I also don't wish him to hang on suffering or in pain in the hospital. I know the time will come for people to go and the living will have to accept. Still... my heartache. I had also taken half day leave off work few days ago for I know I had to go over there, to pay my last respects. This was the only little thing I can do.
The little red dot where I called home was built up by this man, It's his country and endless efforts.
Building up bit by bit, all this was super not easy and it was this man that continued his passion and love for the country to make all this possible. Buildings with balance of nature, lots of tress all over the place.
A short walk through of the queue today. Arriving near Boat Quay. I do not know where the start of the queue was, I can only walk on.
The sun was blazing hot today and I have never seen any queue in this way. I was offered an umbrella by a group of kind souls. I thank them and had the umbrella returned to her when the weather started to cool off. There was also good people especially this restaurant that put out the free drinks to the public.
The queue went up and around the bridge and this was only about an estimated 20% of the distance made. Then a u-turn around had to be make as directed by the police guards.
By the time my queue reached Raffles Place, it was about 3pm. I had started queuing from 12 plus.
Of course, there were still some people trying to cut into the queue on and off, here and there. Thankfully, majority are queuing in order, doing it the right way, the honest way, the good way. Along the way, many guards was also helping to distribute water to the public. Overall, everything was still in a very good order.
Looking up at all this skycrapers, I can't help but think again how much was went through before all this can actually happen in a small island, in such a short time. Since young, I had lived in a shophouse and also a house in Chua Chu Kang. Both my childhood houses are no longer there and had made way for newer developments. Changes are inevitable, sometimes good, sometimes bad.
The queue goes on...
Looking at the opposite, I think I'm making to about 50% of the queue line from where I'm standing. Only then I started to take a few slips of my drink (given by the resturant). I didn't dare to eat or drink since 10.30am this morning, fearing I might have to go to the restroom. It is actually not advisable not to drink though especially under hot sun. Please do take a umbrella if you are going there.
At the bridge and nearing the Parliament house.
Upon reaching this covered point, it takes about another 30 minutes to get into the Parliament House.
Cards written for Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
Reaching. Photography not allowed inside.
Paid my last respects.
Rest in Peace, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
Exiting back of Parliment House, Singapore.
Large crowd continued on near Hong Lim Park. Overall, it took me about 4 hours. The crowd seemed to be longer and longer later in the day. TV are now reporting changes to the time. The time had changed it to 24 hours open from today and till 8 pm on Saturday. It is really touching to see such a huge crowd lining up orderly to pay their respects. Keep the good flow.
Park Yong Ha Korean Actor and Singer Birth : 12 August 1977 Died : 30 June 2010 Age : 32
Park Yong Ha commited suicide this morning and was found dead by mother at around 5.30am. Reported that he used an electrical cable cord to hang himself. He was last seen at around 12.40am with his father, whom is suffering from terminal stomach cancer. He rose to fame in 2002 with the hit Korean TV drama - Winter Sonata. Also released various music albums and held many sucessful concerts. I am shocked and saddened by this news. May he can now rest in peace and happiness. His funeral is reported to take place on the 2nd July 2010. Condolences to his family.
Updated Post on 24 September 2009, 26 September 2009
Yoshito Usui Born : 21 April 1958 Died : 11 September 2009 (At age 51) Author for Crayon Shin-Chan 蜡笔小新
I didn't expect to do a "Gone Too Soon" post so soon again. This afternoon, my mom told me that a manga author passed away few days ago and it was the author of Crayon Shin-Chan. I was shocked and sad. As reported, Mr Usui went for hiking and photography in Gunma Prefecture on the 11 September 2009 morning. His wife reported him missing when he did not return. On the 19th September 2009, a climber found a body at the bottom of cliff at Mount Arafune, Gunma. It was confirmed and identified to be Mr Yoshito Usui. His camera last photo was a picture of the bottom of the cliff. It was believe that he accidentally fell while taking photos of the cliffs.
His works in Crayon is one of my favourites. The first time I heard about "Crayon" comics was when I was working in a bookstore in 1995. One customer came into the shop and asked for Crayon's comics books. My boss then told me that this comics is very funny and the main star is a little boy who always gets in some sort of mischevious acts. From then, I started reading book 1 and then the next book, then the next again... There's also the TV anime on Crayon which I enjoy very much though I've never finished watching them yet. He was a great artist who did bring many warmth and laughter through his manga. May he rest in peace.
Post Additions on 24 September 2009
Youtube Video Credits : liquidus2172
Post Additions on 25 September 2009 Crayon Shin Chan 蜡笔小新 - Allowance (English) The first time I watch Crayon shin Chan in English. It's quite funny too!
Michael Joseph Jackson Born : 29 August 1958 Died : 25 June 2009 (at age 50)
I was at Vivo City just now trying to get a ticket to watch Transformers when my friend called. I'm shocked at the bad news! Michael Jackson had passed away... It was a heart attack as reported on the radio. It's really hard to believe and I like his songs very much since I was a kid. To think that he was preparing for this coming sell-out concerts but now he's dead. My mood's really dampened down and I felt sad. So I came back home without watching the movie.
The 1st english album I brought was Michael Jackon's album when I was in Primary school (1980s). At that time, it was a cassette tape which I played over and over again on a walkman. I would say it was my first exposure to the western pop music. I like the beat, the music and his voice. Something very new, different and unique. As I grew older, I continued to listen to his songs. Many many years ago, when Michael Jackson was in Singapore, he visited Sim Lim. My dad called and said Michael was at Sim Lim so I rushed down immediately. I was lucky to be able to greet him and have a handshake with him. He was wearing a glove. He politely smiled at me. This was my only brief encounter with the King of Pop. Last year, I wrote a fan mail on August 2008 to wish him a happy birthday at Neverland Valley Ranch. I've also tried to request for an autograph which I know now I'll never be able to recevive it... Now that he's gone, I pray that he will be happy and peaceful at wherever he shall be. R.I.P. and thank you very much for the MUSIC.
Michael Jackson death : As reported, it was on the morning of June 25 2009 that Michael Jackson collapsed at this home at Los Angeles. He's personal physician was with him and attempted to resuscitate him. A call to 911 was made at 12.21pm and they reached 9 minutes later. Arrived UCLA Medical Center at 1.14pm. Michael Jackson was in coma and died shortly after arrival. Cause of death is reported to be Cardiac Arrest. Pronounced dead at 2.26pm local time (21.26 UTC). For Sony comments on the passing of Micheal Jackson, please visit his official website.
A fan made video I found on you tube! This is also one of my favorite song from Michael Jackson.
YouTube Video credits : mj4life
Live at Concert
YouTube Credits : DjGuitta
I Just Can't Stop Loving You - Michael Jackson I Just Want To Lay Next To You For Awhile You Look So Beautiful Tonight Your Eyes Are So Lovely Your Mouth Is So Sweet A Lot Of People Misunderstand Me That's Because They Don't Know Me At All I Just Want To Touch You And Hold You I Need You God I Need You I Love You So Much
Each Time The Wind Blows I Hear Your Voice So I Call Your Name Whispers At Morning Our Love Is Dawning Heaven's Glad You Came
You Know How I Feel This Thing Can't Go Wrong I'm So Proud To Say I Love You Your Love Get Me High I Long To Get By This Time Is Forever Love Is The Answer
I Hear Your Voice Now You Are My Choice Now The Love You Bring Heaven's In My Heart At Your Call I Hear Harps And Angels Sing
You Know How I Feel This Thing Can't Go Wrong I Can't Live My Life Without You
I Just Can't Hold On I Feel We Belong My Life Ain't Worth Living If I Can't Be With You
I Just Can't Stop Loving You I Just Can't Stop Loving You And If I Stop Then Tell Me Just What Will I Do 'Cause I Just Can't Stop Loving You
At Night When The Stars Shine I Pray In You I'll Find A Love So True
When Morning Awakes Me Will You Come And Take Me I'll Wait For You
You Know How I Feel I Won't Stop Until I Hear Your Voice Saying I Do
"I Do" This Thing Can't Go Wrong This Feeling's So Strong
Well, My Life Ain't Worth Living If I Can't Be With You
I Just Can't Stop Loving You I Just Can't Stop Loving You And If I Stop . . . Then Tell Me, Just What Will I Do
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
We Can Change All The World Tomorrow We Can Sing Songs Of Yesterday I Can Say, Hey ... Farewell To Sorrow
This Is My Life And I, Want To See You For Always
I Just Can't Stop Loving You No, Baby Oh! I Just Can't Stop Loving You If I Can't Stop! And If I Stop No Oh! Oh! Oh ... Oh ... What Will I Do? Uh ... Ooh ... (Then Tell Me, Just What Will I Do) I Just Can't Stop Loving You Hee Hee Hee! Know I Do Girl! I Just Can't Stop Loving You You Know I Do And If I Stop Then Tell Me, Just What Will I Do I Just Can't Stop Loving You
Post Additions on 27 June 2009: As expected to see the newspapers flooded with news of the death of the King of Pop. Yesterday evening, I brought a copy of "Lianhe Wanbao" and this morning the Straits Times newspaper. When I woke up this morning, the first thing that came to my mind was "He's dead!" Somehow, I don't know why but I felt even more sad than yesterday. Maybe I'm a delayed timer! Slow reacting... Even though I don't know him but yet I felt this way. His close friends, family and fans ... they must be having a rough time now. It's really a great loss that we cannot see more of his performance any more, the music, the dancing, all gone now...
His friends/familes speaks : Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presly, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson. His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend." - Steven Spielberg (Film-maker)
“My heart…my mind… are broken. I loved Michael with all my soul and I can’t imagine life without him,” Taylor, 77, said in a statement to Us Thursday. “We had so much in common and we had such loving fun together. I was packing up my clothes to go to London for his opening when I heard the news. I still can’t believe it. I don’t want to believe it. It can’t be so. “He will live in my heart forever but it’s not enough. My life feels so empty. I don’t think anyone knew how much we loved each other. The purest most giving love I’ve ever known. Oh God! I’m going to miss him. I can’t yet imagine life with out him. But I guess with God’s help… I’ll learn. I keep looking at the photo he gave me of himself, which says, ‘To my true love Elizabeth, I love you forever.’ And, I will love HIM forever.” - Elizabeth Taylor (Actress)
"He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. He will always be the King of pop. For anyone who has ever seen, felt or heard his art, we are all honoured to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson." - Beyonce (Singer)
"He was a kind, genuine and wonderful man. He was also one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. I loved him very much and I will miss him every remaining day of my life." - Liza Minnelli (Singer)
"I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me. " - Lisa Marie Presley (Ex-Wife of Michael Jackson, only daughter of Elvis Presley, Singer)
“I am heartbroken. My prayers go out to the Jackson family, and my heart goes out to his children. Let us remember him for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, his generosity of spirit in his quest to heal the world & the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world. I feel blessed to have performed with him several times & to call him my friend. No artist will ever take his place. His star will shine forever.” - Mariah Carey (Singer)
“I can’t stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family.” - Diana Ross (Singer)
"I can't stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever. My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless." - Madonna (Singer)
“I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words.” - Quincy Jones (Music Producer)
“My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael. He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world. I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing.” - Brooke Shields (Actress)
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