Saturday, October 8, 2022

Hey, Thanks for 130,000 Views !

 


In Seville Dec 2019 

We are now at 2022. When I first started my blog, way back in 2008, little did I envisage, that some 14 years later, I am still writing my little life stories, experiences and views of the world as I see it.

In 2010, we hit 3,000 views I thought, "wow". Well now we have 131,800 as of last month and I am still at it. A persistent writer blogging about anything, and everything (with the exception of politics and religion) to my heart's content. 

I am now talking a leaf from the more experienced Bloggers and Vloggers (Youtube) out there and am questioning myself on this whole 'experiment'

Q : "Whats the point ?"

A  : To curate and keep a diary of my life experiences as a means to reflect on what         I have done in the past, warts, blemishes and all. 

What its not : A self glorifying shallow museum of myself. That is sheer nonsense and it would be absolutely pathethic if I needed self affirmation of my life. 

No one is forced to read my blogs. Everyone is free to critique and pan whatever I write. In the meantime, I have had linkups with people from as afar as 

a) USA - Jacob John (my old neighbour from 6 Adis Road) and Mr. 

b) Australia - Bruce Fenwick who used to swim with my brother John and I when we were pre teens in the 70s.

c) England - some old friends of my late father

d) China - some aquaintences of my late grandfather

e) Singapore - NUSS and Peddling pictures who wanted to connect with his next of kin as a means to document his contributions to Singapore in the 50s to 70s.

To those who follow my blog, "thank you". 

It has and will continue to be an enriching and stimulating experience for as long as I live. 

This is but my attempt to put a mark (pun intended) on my little space and curate whatever I have experienced and whatever challenges I have faced or am facing.

There are many uncertainties in the world right now. Just look at the headlines screaming the prelude to another climate change disaster, runaway inflation and the tipping point to a global conflict. Its easy to get carried away and depressed about the big world view.

Can we do anything about it ? Yes in any small way. I elaborate below. 

a) Climate change : Yes, do our part. Buy less, opt for paper or no carry alls, take public transport and plant a tree (in your garden).

b) inflation : This is up to the Governments of the day and the banks. We can only take prudent steps to eat and buy only what is necessary, and not spend too much on luxuries.

c) Global conflict : I pray in my heart of hearts the leaders will not go down that path.

Well, thats it for today.

Have a great one.


   

Friday, October 7, 2022

48 years ago, I went to the Acropolis with my father, now I've returned.

 


                     Sitting on the ruins of the Parthenon with my Papa,  June1974


Over 48 years ago, before I turned 12 years of age, my Dad, Geoffrey brought me on an European holiday which I remember till this day.

We went to Greece, which is considered the cradle of democracy and England, which he considered his soul birthplace, as he studied there for at least 5 years and had many friends who were and probably are residing there.

My images of Greece are hazy, but I recall we had stayed in some small hotel, and walked up to the Acropolis.

Above is the priceless picture of the two of us, sitting on some column.

Carpe Diem ! 




Saturday, September 17, 2022

All set for some Adventure !

                   Sunset at Santorini 24th Sept 2022 

We actually got the see the sun set beyond the horizon and disappear !

The long awaited holidays are here.  For 15 short days and nights, I will be on the road to the land they called the Cradle of Democracy, where the 'country' was a hodge podge of city states (or polis),interwoven with fables of immortal gods, Zeus, Poseidon, Hercules, Athena, Hermes, Aphrodite to name a few. Wars, Heroes, Kings, Battle fought won and lost and all of the history of a once great Hellenic empire spanning from the modern Western Spain all the way to India, and up to the Germanic kingdoms.

Yes, We are going to Greece. 

This is only my 2nd trip ever there. 

Boy am I really excited about this trip.

I will blog the pics and videos once there.

Carpe Diem. 




 

Sunday, August 21, 2022

QRA International is now ISO 9001 : 2015 Certified (we have been since 2014)


 

QRA International has recently been awarded the ISO 9001 : 2015 for the 3rd time in its history. This achievement has been due to the hard and consistent efforts of the small but reliable and hard working team of people who put their energies, commitment to quality and a resilience to failure time and again to strive for the best Quality Experience to it customers.

We have never compromised on providing quality as well as taking ownership to problems which will surface from time to time when the equipments we provide, the service we offer and the proposals we submit experience issues.

For issues make us resilient and strong. We have and will always overcome any setbacks when we choose to tackle these projects,

QRA provides the following products and services to Biomedical, Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing industries : 

1. Accelerated aging and Shelf Life Testing - ASTM F 1980 -21 and ISO 11607

2. Environmental Simulation (QRA) and Volatile Organic Compound Chambers 

3. Repair Services of all brands of test chambers

4. Calibration Services

5. Athletic Chambers for Athletes and Rehabilitation


We will strive for ever improving sales and profits through focussing on our core values which are :

1. Integrity in conducting our business

2. Diligence in attending to customer's needs

3.Trust that we will never disclose client's information.

4.Compassion to help the less privileged (we have a social responsibility focus too).   

Let us all sit back and reflect on our journey to greater heights in the years to come ! 

Choose QRA for all your testing and QA requirements 

Website : www.qra.com.sg

Email     : qrasales@qra.com.sg

                mark@qra.com.sg

 

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