A signpost that appeals to your heart

Saw this interesting signpost while sightseeing in Washngton DC. It has two children holding hands and the message, "My daddy works here. Slow down please."

Instead of putting the usual signpost with the word "SLOW" which a driver can ignore, this message actually reminds the driver that the construction workers have families to take care off.

More of this kind of signposts should be put up!

Things happened when the previous person left

At work, I was asked to take over another project about two months ago. During this short period, I had to condense and pick up what he had been doing for two years. Things had to be learnt fast which is not my usual strategy of slow and steady wins the race (the hare and tortoise story). In today's situation, there is a need to balance between the fast pace of producing results and the mental capability to learn new things.

Recently, I am having difficulties sleeping because my mind is thinking about work subconsciously. The machine which was used to purify proteins started giving me problems. It had to 'complain' just when I was all alone and not when my colleague was present.

However, problems are not all bad. It depends on how you look at them. For me, it forced me to read the machine manual so that I could troubleshoot and solve the problems. They are opportunities to test the boundaries of your comfort zone. By solving them, it helps you to understand what you are doing instead of fretting over what to do. A vital virtue in research is to never give up in times of adversities and failures. That's what makes research interesting. It's all about discovery and learning new things.

Baltimore Pennsylvania Station

The main train station of Baltimore, commonly referred to as Baltimore Penn Station was constructed in 1911. Penn Station is served by three transportation companies, Amtrak, MARC and Maryland Transit Adminstration's Baltimore Light Rail system.

Train tickets to Washington DC cost USD$7 per trip from Monday to Friday. Weekend prices are costlier.

I am drawn to the Beaux-Arts architecture among the modern buildings surrounding it. Intricate designs can be observed from the facade. Right in front of the station is an aluminum sculpture by Jonathan Borofsky which stands at 51 feet (15.5 meters). The interesting concept to this sculpture is that of two figures, one male and the other female, intersecting at right angle. They share one heart with alternating blue-and-pink glow. A perfect symbol to represent union between man and woman.

Six Flags America

I went with Fero to a theme park called Six Flags America on June 10 (Saturday). First, a brief background of the theme park company. It has been operating for 45 years and has 29 parks in North America. It is a great place for friends and family members to hang out and have fun. I felt like I was a tourist again the moment I stepped into the park after staying in Baltimore, Maryland for three months.

As Fero had not been on any thrilling rides before, we started with some mild ones such as The High Seas, a swinging pirate ship which moves in a pendulum motion. After being 'initiated', we went for fast and thrilling rides.

I liked The Wild One, which is a classic wooden coasters. It may looked mild but when you are riding on it, the ups and downs, twists and turns can churn your stomach inside out. The other is Superman-Ride of Steel that sent my adrenaline rushing when it plunged at a height of 200 feet (61 metre) at 70 mph (112 kph). It was simply exhilarating! Along the ride, I raised up my hands (not advisable) and felt as though I was flying. My long hair was messy after the ride (yes, I am still keeping my hair).

On the whole, I had a whale of a time at Six Flags America and am looking forward to go there again. Photos are available here.

Happy 70th Birthday, Ed Henson

I was invited to attend a very warm person's birthday today, Ed Henson. It was celebrated today since his actual date is June 6 (Tuesday). When I was a stranger in this foreign land, he welcomed me. His wife, Delores, is my colleague who gave me the lamp during the initial furnishing of the former empty apartment.

Lots of family members and friends gathered at his home for a BBQ session. There were hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken wings, salad, pasta, cakes, drinks, chips etc. Since Ed likes reading, I bought for him "Tuesday with Morrie" by Mitch Albom, which I love very much. This book touches on what you really want in your life. Hope the good Lord uses Ed just like what Morrie did to Mitch.

Many blessings rest on Ed and many more years to come!