Does Singapore Hold Reading In High Regard? By: Christopher Toh.

https://pngtree.com/free-backgrounds-photos/girl-looking-for-books

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16 CHATS, COMMENTS

I met Chris during those early years when he was a journalist. Cheerful, open and always knowledgeable, we had a chat over both our favourite topic, local music from the 60s. This article is a comment in reply to **my own article about reading books. [Andy]

"Having worked with a book publisher for the better part of five years, I feel sad that Singapore does not hold reading in high regard. While the book business in several countries has picked up in recent years, it is not the case in Singapore.

What's also interesting is that over here it's the nonfiction books that make the most sales. It used to be children's books but our declining birthrate has meant that fewer parents buy books for their children. So we are not creating tomorrow's readers today.

I don't know if it's because kids equate reading to school texts but somewhere along the way from sixteen to adulthood the idea of reading for entertainment stops and I believe that for many, it's a case of reading only because they must.

I hope I'm wrong. While I do enjoy a good video or two, apart from music, books are still my most basic form of entertainment.

What many people don't realise is that a lot of our top tv series or even movies are all adaptations of books.

Maybe it should not be a case about whether books should continue to be a thing but that storytelling continues to thrive. After all, our stories were originally of the oral tradition before books. And now it's moved on to electronic devices.

However, books still rank high as gifts so maybe that's where it will continue to survive. Keep giving books as presents!"

Comments are always welcome.

**  https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2016/09/five-decades-of-pictures-and-news-items.html

Author: Christopher Toh.

Christopher Toh 

Ex-Music Journalist, 

Pod-Caster.

Thank you my friend.

The nearest song I could find where 

some words and phrases relate to books?

Check out the lyrics...

Simon n Garfunkel: The Dangling Conversation.

YouTube Video by: Big Chuck Lyric.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjC6soIUVkk

Images: Google.

Are News Books Still Popular? Yes: 'Daily Mail' 5 Vols. Of Pops n Pix

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30 CHATS, COMMENTS

Are book shops closing down because less and less people are reading text on paper as more and more are mousing or tapping the Internet to read from Kindle,  e-reader, iPad, Tablet or smart-phone, since they find it convenient and sometimes free to read off these technological miracles? Now is this statement true? I'm not sure.

It took me a while to collect this set of five volumes.

But I'm still lurking in book shops and book sales and some two years ago managed to get a set of coffee-table ones that I found so useful. They went for a dream price of ten dollars each.  In a nutshell, I paid about sixty dollars for what I thought was a bargain. And it was.

From the news and picture archives of the Daily Mail this fabulous British newspaper charted people, places and events that made up five memorable decades (from 1960 to 2000) into readable volumes. And the contents, according to the blurb, were photographs from the momentous and the apocalyptic to the offbeat and the trivial. And it's true.

Cover of the first book in the series.

At a cute 17 cm. square per book, I couldn't buy them all at one time, having to hunt for three of the five volumes after getting the first (1960's) and the third (1980's).  I remember paying a little more for two of them. 

But it was fifteen pounds (S$30/00) each when it first came out in 2010.  Using quality paper and beautiful photographs in black and white each book by Trans Atlantic Press from Hertfordshire, England is nearly 400 pages thick. Nobody would pay for five books now since portable hard disks are a bargain?

The Beatles and Folk Group Peter, Paul n Mary.

I don't think I have the stamina to write a review on each of the five books and even if I had I'd probably be sued by the publishers for exposing their hard work so I am highlighting Decade of Our Lives 60s (above) and had it narrowed down to only pop music and relevant news and pictures. With a picture on every page it's quite a task.  But let's take a peek inside.

For the liberated woman: Plastic Dresses and The Pill.

The series is an exciting picture journey all the way with a clear description for each and every image taken. According to the introduction, the 1960s was a swinging decade when postwar baby boomers came of age and found themselves in a new permissive era as the Pill launched a sexual revolution. 

As hemlines rose all you needed was love; flower power challenged old orthodoxies and Kennedy carried the hopes of a generation when he became US President.  Like Martin Luther King after him, John F. fell to an assassin's bullet.

Youthful Cliff 's 'Summer Holiday'

In the movies there was John Wayne, Anthony Perkins, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton and the Magnificent Seven gang of Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen and friends. On stage were Adam Faith and Cliff Richard, clean living members of society...

I'd better not carry on. The volumes are still with me on my library shelf. Love reading directly from solid, hard copies, especially in bed. No blue light giddiness nor sleeplessness afterwards... 

But never stop reading, hard copies or from tablets.

Comments are welcome...

The Beatles: 'Paperback Writer' 

YouTube Video from The Beatles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYvkICbTZIQ

Paperback Writer

Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book?

It took me years to write, will you take a look?

It's based on a novel by a man named Lear

And I need a job

So I wanna be a paperback writer

Paperback writer...

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: John Lennon / Paul McCartney

Paperback Writer lyrics © Iricom US Ltd, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

Disclaimer:

There is no intention to promote any publication nor make financial gains. Any copyrights misdemeanours and this posting will be deleted. Do let me know.

Christmas Songs, Hymns, Carols n Agatha Christie With CYLin: by Jimmy Chng

Everly Brothers. YouTube Video: 

from Catherine Silver.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas.

Gaudeamus Igitur: Recorded June 2021. 

Glasgow University Chapel Choir

YouTube

Andy explains, "It's a song learnt as a student at St. Andrew's or St. Margaret's.

The Song has Latin manuscript and used as a formal graduation hymn; a jolly, light-hearted composition originating in 1289, that makes fun of university life. Like the phrase Carpe Diem, it's just another way of saying, Seize the day!"

Here's a note from Jimmy Chng:

Hi Andy, 

You asked if I could contribute an article for your blog like what my late sister Lin had done so annually for a number of years. I had initially told you that I wasn't able to. As I subsequently pondered on your request, something inside of me "triggered" and motivated me to try and come up with one. I think it has to do with the love and respect I have for my sister as well as the gratitude we both have towards your wonderful blog.

Lin was the eldest amongst her four siblings, with me being the youngest at 5 years her junior. She went to a mission school and through her, I learned to sing Christian hymns and Christmas carols at a very young (pre-school) age. I think Latin was a subject in her school's curriculum then as well, and unsurprisingly I also learned to sing Gaudeamus Igitur.

Since young, Lin had always wanted to be a school teacher. As kids, we used to play "school" and us younger siblings and our neighbours' children of similar age range were her "students" and she the "teacher."  Her ambition to be a school teacher was realized when she joined the teaching profession upon completing her secondary school studies. She remained in the teaching profession until her retirement.

She loved reading, especially novels by Agatha Christie [above titles are for illustrations only] and both my other sister and I would listen intently when she told us the stories soon after she had finished reading. Lin also loved listening to pop music/songs on the radio. On occasions she and I would do sing-alongs together to Everly Brothers hits like, Devoted to You, Lightning Express, Ebony Eyes, etc.

It's been slightly more than a year since Lin's passing. She would have, around this time of the year begun to draft another article for your blog had she not succumbed to her illness.

The piece she contributed to your blog on 23 December 2019 titled, **"Christmas message: God used your blog to bring about this happening," was in appreciation and gratitude to you and your blog.

Merry Christmas to you & family and your readers.

The writer, family and friends. 

Read the article below to appreciate this pix.

**Link:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2019/12/christmas-message-god-used-your-blog-to.html

Ms CYLin and Jimmy Chng have written a number of articles for this blog. Check them out by clicking their names under Labels below.

Everly Brothers YouTube Video:

Some of the Best: from Pete Roberts.

Images: Google.

You Tube Videos.

If you take information from this article for your own use, 

at least credit me because copying is stealing.

Andy.

As We Grow Older: By Judy Chong-Lee

https://dontgiveupworld.com/motivational-essay-life-and-death/

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Many thanks to Judy, whose deep sense of thought, sincerity and love surface in this poem... I am touched by her sensitivity.

As We Grow Older

[Judy Chong-Lee]

As we grow older and nearer the end of our journey on earth

We must consider the possibility of an existence after death

What waits for us on the other side, do we have another birth

Just as we wake up from sleep will we be revived with new breath.

If there is not a place to go where we must give an account totally

Of our thoughts and deeds, everything committed in our life

Why do humans have conscience and a code for morality

To refrain from evil, injustice, violence and all kinds of strife.

Man tries to find a way to live justifying his every end

It's easy to self deceive and cross that blur thin line

The poor and weak we cannot see or we just pretend

Greed and corruption make every good man turn blind.

Who can be mighty enough to take charge of this entire universe

Other than the one who created it from alpha to omega and eternity

Why deny that God exists, that He designed and made us

And His son died on the cross to redeem our divine destiny.

https://www.istockphoto.com/search/2/image?phrase=human+age

After all that is said and done get ready and prepare

Forget our pride and humble ourselves to the power above

No one will escape judgement if a holy God is to be fair

Lay ourselves at the mercy of Father God who is Love.

All it takes is our acceptance of a free salvation

We can't do enough good to be sinless and not condemned

At the cross of Calvary sin's atonement had completion

The only sacrifice required by God was Jesus the Lamb.

We only need to believe in Jesus alone, and NOT  Jesus plus..

Heaven awaits all who acknowledge Him, only He can save

It's our faith in Christ, by God's grace, need no other fuss

We are heading for heaven not fearing death and the grave.

As forgiven people, born again into the family of God

Our sinful past obliterated the devil cannot take us to hell

Sin no longer our master, freed by our Saviour and Lord

We have faith hope and love, and such good news to tell.

God bless us! 

I think of it everyday. Comment anyone?

Poet/Author Mrs. Judy Chong-Lee 

with hubby Jimmy PresLee.

'Life', Elvis Presley.

Words & Music by Milete. 

YouTube Video beautifully visualised by: 

LeCommedieDellArte.

Richard Adams Rabbits Book: 'Watership Down': Art Garfunkel Rabbits Song: 'Bright Eyes'

Art Garfunkel and his big hit: 'Bright Eyes'. 

About fearless rabbits in 'Watership Down'.

One of the best books to read and a great song to listen to. I have revived the post for this Rabbit year 2023.

A Blessed Lunar New Year To All Readers, Friends and Contributing Writers.

Richard Adams who wrote 'Watership Down'

It's not a children's book but for adults too.

Worth a read.

This post has been updated from 20 July, 2010.

The Writer

Richard George Adams, born 9 May 1920, was an English novelist who is best known as the author of Watership Down, Shardik, The Plague Dogs, The Girl In A Swing.

He studied modern history at university before serving in the British Army during World War II. Afterwards, he completed his studies, and then joined the British Civil Service. 

In 1974, two years after Watership Down was published, Adams became a full-time author.  He was awarded with a Carnegie Medal in 1972 and a Guardian Medal in 1973.

He passed away on 24 December, 2016 at 96.

The Book

Personally, the book exudes a troubling, eerie calm that excites:

"Oh, Hazel! This is where it comes from! I know now - something very bad! Some terrible thing - coming closer and closer." 

He began to whimper with fear. "What sort of thing - what do you mean? I thought you said there was no danger?"

"I don't know what it is," answered Fiver wretchedly. "Oh, Hazel, look! The field! It's covered with blood!" (Watership Down - Puffin Books 1973 - P 19)

The animated movie was made as a result of the modern classic, heroic fantasy novel by British writer Richard Adams. It is the odyssey of a group of rabbits escaping the destruction of their warren (home) as they struggle to seek another. Evoking epic themes, Watership Down (1971), takes its name from the rabbit's destination, a hill in the north of Hampshire, England.

The Song by Art Garfunkel

The lyrics suggest similar feelings of the fear within:

Is it a kind of a dream
Floating out on the tide
Following the river of death downstream
Oh, is it a dream?

There's a fog along the horizon
A strange glow in the sky
And nobody seems to know where it goes
And what does it mean?
Oh, is it a dream?

Bright eyes, burning like fire
Bright eyes, how can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes

Is it a kind of a shadow
Reaching into the night
Wandering over the hills unseen
Or is it a dream?

There's a high wind in the trees
A cold sound in the air
And nobody ever knows when you go
And where do you start?
Oh, into the dark

Bright eyes, burning like fire
Bright eyes, how can you close and fail?
How can the light that burned so brightly
Suddenly burn so pale?
Bright eyes

Songwriters
MIKE BATT

Published by
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Song Discussions is protected by U.S. Patent 9401941. Other patents pending.

Bright Eyes - Art Garfunkel (Live)

YouTube Video by Bill Clarke.

Bright Eyes (image/record cover) was used in the soundtrack of the movie and considered the theme song of the film. The track also appears on Garfunkel's fourth studio album, Fate for Breakfast from 1979. 

Although it did poorly in the US, the song sold a million copies in the UK that year, making it the biggest selling single.

One interpretation of the lyrics, when book and song combine, discusses the transition into death highlighted by Rabbit Hazel's close shave when he is shot and then years later when he departs and his body enters the spirit world. The journey of life punctuated by trouble and fear?

The book's been read time and again. It's recommended script-fare for all, including the older children. The song? Wonder why it didn't do too well in the US? Definitely not for the kids. I love both the book and the song, haven't seen the movie though. 

Comments about the song

1. A beautiful song - it is probably the saddest song of all time - its about death and trying to understand it because none of us know anything about life or death, or why we are here and where we go or if we go anywhere.

2. 'Bright Eyes' was not written for 'Watership Down'. Mike Batt composed it about his father dying of cancer. 'Bright Eyes' refers to the strange look in his father's eyes brought on by pain killers. I suppose that the 'suddenly burn so pale' must be when he finally died. The song itself is one of my favorites. Very emotional.

3. Great song. Great movie. Great book. There's really not much you can say about a song like this one. When I was little, I used to cry at the part of the movie when they played it.

Much for discussion here. Anyone?

This posting is for Perry Nodelman

Children's Literature professor

University of Winnipeg, Man/Can.

1980's.

Book/Song Information: Wikipedia.

Original article: Andy Lim.

History Of Victoria Theatre Singapore: Nostalgia Aids Mental Health

At the patio in a bungalow from the 1960's, 

Andy with sunglasses. [Image: Copyrights Reserved]

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A journal article reads that nostalgia is not a psychiatric disorder and occurs in all cultures and amongst all age group. Research suggests that it can promote psychological health with overall positive feelings including higher self esteem and the increased feeling of being loved. It counteracts the effects of loneliness and increases perceptions of social support.

Nostalgia provides a link between our past and present selves i.e. it may provide us with a positive view which could help to give a greater sense of continuity and meaning to our lives. It may acquire greater significance in old age as elderly adults are vulnerable to social isolation. "Nostalgia is now emerging as a fundermental human strength and we play a starring role in our nostalgic scenes."

The first image shows a house party, at a bungalow at Mountbatten Road, which I  organised. It shows the dancing that took place at the large patio. For dance music, records spin from a radiogram and tapes on large spools were played that evening. Later on in the evening, the lights were dimmed. 

Just across Mountbatten Road and beyond a row of bungalows was the open sea at Tanjong Katong, where many young couples enjoy a private moment. The second image shows the Victoria Theatre with its clock tower where many dances and music events are held. It still stands today, renovated, stately and ready to stand for another 100 years and more.

Judy, Judy, Judy by Johnny Tillotson 

was one of the favourites of the bungalow owner.

YouTube Video from: SVansay.

From: 

http://PsychCentral.ComRick Nauert (PhD), Senior News Editor, Association for Psychological Science15.12.2008.

Image 1: 

Home Party-1963 Andy Lim Collection. 

Image 2: 

Victoria Theatre - 1962 from National Heritage Board Website.

Victoria Theatre (posted on 4th August, 2010)" Reliving the Glory Days

The Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall in the heart of Singapore’s Civic District is one of the most historically versatile buildings in all of Singapore. In the course of its nearly 150-year history, apart from being a focal point for arts and cultural entertainment, this handsome Victorian-era colonial landmark with its distinctive Palladian clock tower, Italianate windows and rusticated columns was once a town hall, hospital and a war crimes trials court.

The history of this building is a fascinating one. In fact, you’ll be surprised to know that it wasn’t even originally intended to be a theatre. Designed by prominent architect John Bennett, it actually began life as the young colony’s Town Hall in 1862. The fact that it had two large halls on each of its two floors allowed it to stage concerts. And soon, while it thronged to the footsteps of municipal employees in the day, amateur groups were busy putting on plays and concerts at night.

When Queen Victoria passed away in 1901, the colonial government decided to erect a memorial to her long reign, deciding that a public hall alongside the existing Town Hall building would be a fitting tribute. And sensibly, they decided, in the name of continuity, to keep the same architectural style as the earlier municipal building.

The new building was christened Victoria Memorial Hall upon completion in 1905, and almost immediately, the Town Hall underwent renovations to turn it into a theatre, with the space between the buildings earmarked for a splendid clock tower. The makeover project (to turn the complex into three different parts) was completed in 1909 when Victoria Theatre officially opened.

Vic. Hall today. It's always a full house.

https://ourhound.com/listing/victoria-concert-hall/

In the period before World War II, the Victoria Theatre and Memorial Hall staged many concerts, musicals and plays, including a performance by Noel Coward in 1930. It was lucky to have survived intact during the Japanese air raids, and during the Japanese Occupation its strategic location in the city saw it being used as a hospital.

During peaceful times, it was also the scene of political milestones, chief among them the launch of the ruling People’s Action Party in 1954. And then in 1962, the original bronze statue of Singapore’s founder Stamford Raffles, which had been standing at the nearby Padang for years, was moved to the front of the building. When the Singapore Symphony Orchestra moved in 1979, the complex was renamed Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall.

To preserve the grandeur and allure of the old dame, it had closed later in 2009 for an extensive two-and-half year renovation, before reopening in 2013. So on your visit to Singapore, don’t miss your final chance to capture a slice of its old glory."

[This article has been edited to suit the time and format of this posting's publication. No other information has been changed.]

Information from:

http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/see-and-do/culture-and-heritage/a-touch-of-history/landmarks-and-memorials/history-of-victoria-theatre-and-victoria-concert-hall.html

(I acknowledge the article was taken from the above website. This posting will be taken off if it contravenes copyright laws. Please write via the latest posting on this blog for removal. Thank you.)

This article is a repost from January, 2009.

'Getting Old' - A Poem By Judy Chong-Lee & Songs About Life's Journey

Poet: Mrs. Judy Chong-Lee with husband 

Jimmy PresLee [Elvis Tribute Artiste].

UP TO 8,000 VIEWS, 40+ CHATS, COMMENTS

When I suggested that she let me publish her lively verses, Mrs. Chong-Lee responded positively. So to all our young once and young ones, please read the very down to earth but soul-stirring lines...

Thank you Judy.

Sharing with my close ones this poem I penned in May 2020 during the lock down. For the inspiration of fellow seniors 🙂.

Getting Old

Age they say is just a number

But the higher I go I seem dumber.

I've never been as old as I am now

To the march of time I must bow.

Simple chores no longer automatic

Auto-pilot programs gone erratic.

Things often get lost or go missing

Tasks to do need constant reminding.

Add on to these my new miseries

The sad pain of physical disabilities.

From birth to death we face life stages

Same for everyone through the ages.

With all our experience and wisdom

Age constraints restrict our freedom.

Since the past is already long gone

Please don't let it keep us forlorn.

The present is really a great gift

To live with joy as we daily drift.

The future is undecided for all

Just be very careful not to fall.

We're here on a wondrous journey

Aspiring to reach our divine destiny.

If there's still a dream or ambition

Go for it... too old for any inhibition.

For many they say life begins at 40

At 70 we could be young (once) as 30.

So cast away the cares every onus

To live these golden years is a bonus.

I want to live well laugh and love much

So my dear friends please stay in touch.

Composed by: 

Judy Chong - Lee [Mrs. Jimmy PresLee]

May, 2020.

*Click comments below, please, one by Chow Wen Hing especially...

Yours too are welcome.

Jimmy PresLee is Elvis Presley Singapore Tribute Artiste. Click the connection below to read about him. Check out his costumes too:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2014/11/jimmy-preslee-singapores-elvis-tribute.html

Here's a short list of songs with similar themes that could interest you:

1   Life - Elvis Presley [Mrs. Judy Chong's choice on YouTube]

2   Fly Like An Eagle - Steve Miller Band

3   Against the Wind - Bob Seger/Silver Bullet Band

4   Still Crazy After All These Years - Paul Simon

5   Those Were They Days - Mary Hopkin

6   It Was A Very Good Year - Frank Sinatra

7   Yesterday When I Was Young - Roy Clark

8   My Way - Paul Anka

9   Young At Heart - Frank Sinatra

10  Forever Young - Rod Stewart

Elvis Presley's 'Life' as selected by Judy Chong.

YouTube video from 'bigbadandrew'

11  Just Young - Paul Anka

12  The Young Ones - Cliff Richard

13  The Times Of Your Life - Paul Anka

14  Enjoy Yourself - Doris Day

15  In Our Old Age - Kenny Rogers

16  That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine - Gene Autry

17  Silver Threads Among The Gold - Will Oakland

18  We'll Meet Again - Johnny Cash

19  September Song - Willie Nelson

20  Rocking Chair - Hoagy Carmichael

Paul Anka: Just Young. 

YouTube video by: CatsPjamas1.

The Story of Rock n Roll - Consultant Paul Du Noyer. My Bookshelf Recommends...

Here's my suggestion for this rainy month's read, a 1995 big book published in Australia.

UP TO 1.000 VIEWS

It's a totally absorbing read because the colourful layout is simply inviting and the stories and articles are written by pop music journalists for the different decades - from the 50's to the 90's, i.e. Bill Haley to The Beatles, from Bruce Springsteen to Beastie Boys right up to Billy Ray Cyrus. And scattered in between, all the gossips, personal details and music ideals about the hundreds of pop singers and musicians during those 50 years or so. About 400 photographs to browse and key biographies to absorb.

A great book for students keen on pop music culture and for seniors wanting to go into nostalgia mode [but definitely with more details than what they thought they already knew].

On page 12 of the book [image - book cover] the chapter reads, ELVIS BEGINS. But did it really start with Elvis. You got to read the 11 pages before to find out.

The book ends with U2, R.E.M. and Nirvana with a great Artistes Index beyond these chapters. There is also a top 10 hit list for all the 50 years. Name the musicians and singers and they are in the book.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Only one of hundreds of stories to read from the book...

The Paul Anka picture is for illustration only and does not appear in the book but there are others.

Did you know that Paul Anka's composition DIANA had been recorded in 320 versions, totalling more than 10 million sales. He was still a minor then. He could only take his vast wealth when he turned 21 in July 1962 - page 55/column 3.

A glance at one of the pages and 

how the write-ups are formatted.

[This post is not an advertisement. I read the book and find it useful for any introductory course to rock n roll or pop music.]

Library Reference:

The Story of Rock n Roll - the year-by-year illustrated chronicle - Consultant Editor - Paul Du Noyer. [1995 - Carlton Books Ltd - UK/Australia.]

ISBN 1 86309 099 1 

Images - google.