SNOMED CT... the way forward?

I'm glad my home country has decided to adopt SNOMED CT as the standard medical terminology to be used in electronic health records (EHR) [source]. Now all that learning won't be for nothing! ;)

Hopefully with worldwide adoption, SNOMED will finally be available without charge. Perhaps some day we would be able to import the extensive vocabulary into Freebase, DBPedia and/or Wikipedia.

If you're looking for a good browser for SNOMED, I would highly recommend SNOB. It's available freely and a server-based version is currently in development. SNOB allows you to browse, create subsets and displays crossmaps with other vocabulary.

I also highly recommend that you license the use of the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) in your systems if you qualify. The project was started by the National Library Museum (NLM) in 1986 and provides a centrally-managed methathesaurus plus a whole bunch of other tools including a web services API.

Blog Title Needs to Change

It's unfortunate that someone decided to name their production on lesbian relationships, "I Can't Think Straight". The subject matter of this film goes against my moral standings. Hence I have decided to rename my blog. I shall now call it, "Thinking Anew".

Making My Living

This photo would probably be condemned for poor technical quality, but I liked it anyway. It captures two generations of Cambodian working hard to earn their living. This picture was taken on our minivan, on the way to Tonle Sap.

Going Home

I took this picture whilst touring the floating village on Tonlé Sap late in the evening. I have to assume that she was heading for home. Always a good feeling.

Simplexity

I attended a seminar given by my centre's director yesterday, during which he spoke about a book he was currently reading - Simplexity. The book is supposedly about how to make complex things simple. It's next on my list of books to buy!

This picture I feel merges complexity (in the fabric designs) and the simplicity of the lady's lifestyle in a remote village. This photo was also taken during my trip to Thailand last year. The cultural village is found near the city of Chiang Rai.

Mindfulness

One of the core components of Buddhist teaching is the Noble Eightfold Path. One of the guiding principles to enlightenment is Right Mindfulness, and it is about calming oneself and being aware of one's thoughts, actions or motivations. Allow me to extend this and apply it to my own beliefs, that mindfulness includes an awareness of the presence of the Almighty and His creation. For a long time now, I occasionally find myself asking this question, and awe at God's divinity.

I took this picture when visiting Chiang Mai, Thailand with my wife and her family in August last year.

My Prayer for You

I took this photo while visiting a temple in Tokyo, Japan. If my memory hasn't failed me, devotees would write their prayers on paper and tie them along these poles in hope that they will be answered.

So my friend, I am not near you during this hour of need. But I pray, that your burden be eased and joy will once again enter your life.

Don't Take Everything

An important lesson I learnt from master photographer Jeffrey Wong! This picture was taken in the famed Chatuchak market in Bangkok, Thailand. I was taking many pictures including this one, when my friend Jef walked over and gave me an important lessong I will always remember, "Don't take everything."

Some of the many pitfalls of digital photography includes complacency and the unseeing eye. When the price of storage is generously low, and the room for error unfathomable, our ability to selectively capture beauty diminishes.

Have you ever?

Just thought for a moment... "I exist."

Cold Creations

This ice structure was sculptured by Mother Nature. One of those days I was grateful that I lugged my camera up the mountain.

The River of Dreams

While in Siem Reap, you have to take a boat trip on Tonlé Sap. It's a beautiful lake south of the city and leads southeast to the city of Phnom Penh then on to the Mekong River. We knew about the trip late in the afternoon, but were still able to find a boatman and his son to take us out to the lake.

Island of Dreams

Sibu Island Resort (SIR) was the favourite island I loved to visit for my annual retreats. It is one of the few beach resorts lying on a cluster of island known as Pulau Sibu. SIR was the only resort on one of the islands and it's my pauper's Club Med. I enjoyed walking down to the semi-private beach where I once tried to rip apart a coconut as if I was an Orang Utan. I spent many good times and cherish memories with friends and my wife.

The small little island is where we would go to snorkel. I remember during one of my visits, the boatman left us about 50 metres from shore as it was high tide and he didn't want to risk his boat running aground on the corals. We swam against the outgoing currents to reach the shore. It was then that we met a guy from East Malaysia, and he caught a really large squid that day. He took it back and had the chef make a tasty grilled-squid dinner. He was really kind and shared with us his feast.

I wish I could turn back time... so much has changed. Pain and suffering had crept in.

Anyway, since it is also the National Day weekend for Malaysians, I dedicate these fond memories to my friends across the causeway (some in Singapore). Merdeka!

Lonely Boy

This picture was taken outside of where we stayed during our trip to Siem Reap. We just had our dinner and were on our way back to the guesthouse when I saw this guy sitting on the roof of the opposite building; watching and waiting as Mother Earth drew her curtains.

I used this picture a lot whenever I felt lonely, but perhaps it is more deserving. There's a time to "act" and left for the day. When evening comes, we go into silent contemplation and reflection. That's what it should portray!

Why does dawn symbolise hope while dusk is often associated with despair? I have always enjoyed sunsets, they remind me of rest that I desire.

Sunset in Kaslo

Lakewood Inn is perhaps the most memorable stop we made on our nine day journey. First, we got lost. Yes, for the first time in the entire trip, my Garmin 60CSx failed me. But not that the GPS wasn't any good. It is still the best navigation device I have used so far. The problem was with the maps. Lakewood Inn was so remote that even the townsfolk in Kaslo did not know of its existence.

Fortunately, a quarter solved our problems. We called and our host gave us general directions on how to get to the inn. And so we backtracked and headed down a steep winding dirt track that eventually brought us to our destination. Phew.

It's the kind of lakeside resort that gives you the creeps (Crystal Lake feeling), but yet had so much peace and tranquility suitable for a restful vacation. There was no communication with the outside world except at the owner's home.

If you are in need for a real vacation, I would strongly recommend Lakewood Inn.

Dawn Breaks Over Medicine Lake

This picture was taken during my road trip in 2006. We woke up early during our two days stay in Jasper to try and catch sunrise in the mountains. Here as dawn breaks over the mountains, a strong warm beam casts its light on the trees growing along the banks of Medicine Lake.

The Last Beacon

This picture was taken at Porteau Cove on our way to Whistler. A spider had spun a fine web just next to the lamp, giving the feeling of age and abandonment. The lone lamp with the blue sea as a back drop acts like a beacon, hence I entitled this picture "The Last Beacon".

Thing of the Past?

This picture was taken at protest march staged by Dr Chee Soon Juan and his supporters, during the International Monetary Fund/World Bank Annual Meeting 2006 that was held in Singapore. These "protesters" were recently charged for their willful disobedience of Singapore's strict laws against public assemblies. In the coming days, we may see some amendments to these rules after a rousing National Day Rally speech by Prime Minster Lee Hsien Loong.

Disclaimer: I took this photo as a record of events that I believe belongs to Singapore's history. It does not support any political parties/agendas or represent my political views.

Keeping It Clean

This is one of my favourites, even though some might disagree with the framing, blur and noise. Here it reminds me of the people who have taken the less glamorous vocation of cleaning the streets, and how they have kept Singapore "Clean and Green".

Lonely Hope

Yellow is frequently used to symbolise hope and gray is commonly associated with stormy periods. It reminds me of how I often felt and sometimes still do, and I had a Barry Manilow song to help me get through.

Fill My Cup

This was another picture taken in Chinatown, Singapore. We were at a Hindu temple taking snapshots of worshiper on the sunny weekend. There was this cute little boy running around drinking goat's milk. Before this photo was taken, he was busy posing for us photographers wannabes. Later, her ran to this lady (I assume that's his grandma) and asked for more milk.

The caption for this photo inspired me to find an old hymn on Imeem, and here's what I found...