Life Liberation @ Ulu Tiram, Johor Bahru

A week after returning from my Malacca trip, my folks and I were once again heading to Johor Bahru with Dad's friend (yes, that same uncle we went to Malacca with).

We are going there to take part in this "Life Liberation" (fangsheng/放生) event where we will be releasing animals into the wild. It is my first time attending such an event and as a Buddhist, while I applaud the cause, I am at the same time thrown into a dilemma.

I believe the purpose of liberation is to rescue animals from a live and death situation (eg, live animals saved from being slaughtered for food) but, what if the animals (eg. birds/fish) are intentionally captured/trapped from the wild for the sole purpose of selling to us to free them, then what is the point?

UPDATE: This is exactly what I meant but unable to summarize in a few words!

2D1N Malacca Trip - Hang Tuah Well, Jonker Walk, Chicken Rice Balls, Christ Church, Klebang Coconut Shake, Peranakan Dinner & No Toilet Bowls!

I went for a two days and one night weekend getaway to Malacca (马六甲) with Dad and his friends two weekends ago. To be precise, it was his friend and this friend's other friends.

We woke up super early that morning to meet up with his friend (and this friend's other friends) then, we board a chartered coach heading for the customs.

Malacca (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is a few hours drive away from Singapore and thankfully, I managed to catch some much deprived sleep. Along the way, we stopped for breakfast at Gelang Patah before continuing our journey towards our first destination - the Hang Tuah well.

添发云吞面 Tian Fa Wanton Mee @ Keat Hong Shopping Centre

I was at Keat Hong Shopping Centre (actually it is more of a wet market) because I heard that there is a nice Wanton Mee on the second floor. There are two coffee shops on the second level and the Wanton Mee which I am looking for is located at the coffee shop called 85° Cafe.

The Wanton Mee stall only have a Chinese name called 添发卤面云吞面. As its name implies, the stall sells Lor Mee and Wanton Mee.

I had the Wanton Mee.

Tokyu Hands 東急ハンズ Arrived In West Gate Singapore!

Tokyu Hands (東急ハンズ) has recently opened a new store in Singapore - its first outlet in Southeast Asia - earlier this month.

This Japanese lifestyle store sells such a wide variety of merchandise that you can call it a part hardware, part hobby, part kitchen, part gift and stationery store all in one.

Seeing some excitement from friends about its arrival, I decided to check it out to see what was the commotion all about.

From what I found out, Tokyu Hands is a multi-level shopping paradise in Japan but the store here is located in a 7,500 sq ft store on the first floor of West Gate Mall in Jurong East.

Actually, it reminded me of Daiso but a more upmarket one (read: EXPENSIVE).

Wei Ji Noodle House - Wanton Mee @ Chinatown Complex

Update: Wei Ji Noodle House has permanently closed.

Sick of having the usual at Chinatown Complex market & Food Centre, I walked around the food centre, hoping to uncover something new for lunch when I stumbled upon Wei Ji Noodle House.

Hidden at a inconspicuous part of the complex, business is sluggish - or at least that's what it appears to be - when I was there just before noon. This is a striking contrast to the other stalls just round the corner.

Nevertheless, I decided to give it a try and ordered myself a plate of wanton mee.

The person taking my order is quite aloof who made no effort to take my order even though I was standing there in front of the stall for a good whole minute.

I had to take the initiative to call out to him what I wanted. Even then, there was no communication between us during the entire transaction as I am the only one doing all the talking.

I wonder is that part of the reason for the lack of business?

鯛パフェ Tai-Parfait @ Bugis Junction

Update: Tai Farfait has permanently closed.

Last month, I was passing by Bugis Junction (the truth is, I was there to use the toilet) when I realized the basement is undergoing renovations.

While walking around, I learned that some of the new F&B tenants are Boost Juice, Yellow Submarine, Bear Bites, Tai-Parfait, etc.

Among those, what caught my attention was Tai-Parfait, a Japanese-concept store selling fusion dessert which combines Taiyaki with Parfait.

That is why, I am back a few days ago, to try the Taiyaki which is a traditional fish-shaped pancake from Japan filled with a sweet filling (usually Azuki) on the inside.

At Tai-Parfait, the Taiyaki filling options are Azuki, Matcha, Custard Cream and Chocolate. The Taiyaki is shaped like a fish with a gaping mouth where your preferred Parfait ingredients goes in.

You can buy the Taiyaki as it is without the Parfait portion (SGD2.20/pc) which includes ingredients like fruits, matcha and soft-serve ice cream.

Tiong Shian Porridge Centre - Mixed Pork Porridge And Raw Fish Salad @ 265 North Bridge Road

It has been ages since I last had a bowl of porridge at Tiong Shian. I remember when I was younger, my family would have our dinner here whenever we visit Chinatown. Perhaps that is how I grew to love porridge, especially the Cantonese-styled ones.

As the coffee shop is located just by the main road, customers had to endure the carbon output from passing vehicles. Not only that, they also had to put up with the unbearable heat during the day. And of course, not forgetting the emotionless and sometimes rude waiting staff.

Despite all that, it has not deterred customers from returning for their porridge fix. This place is always fully packed that it would be quite a daunting task trying to get a table.  

Mini Beanies And Soya Porridge @ Mr Bean Jurong Point

When I saw the above poster on Mr Bean's facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MrBeanSingapore/photos/a.204749536337346.69311.194064697405830/520886044723692/?type=1&theater), I was smitten-ed by the cute Mini Beanies donning different funny hats. 

I have always like Mr Bean's mascot so I thought I gotta give it a try!

And there I was, a few days later, standing in front of Mr Bean at Jurong Point, ordering my Mini Beanies.

Tanglin Halt Western Food @ Clementi Central

Update: Tanglin Halt Western Food has permanently closed.

*This review is from a combination of two different visits.

Tanglin Halt Western Food is run by Mr Ng and his wife for the last 38 years.

Located just next to the popular Chai Ho Satay, this western food stall also happens to be one of the stalls with a perpetual queue at Clementi Central.

I mean, where else can you find Fish & Chips, Pork Chop, Chicken Chop for $4.50 and Beef Steak for $5.50?

Health freaks who avoid western food would be happy to know that since joining the Healthier Hawker Program in July last year, the stall owner has switched to healthier alternatives like oil with unsaturated fat and salt containing lesser sodium than regular salt. 

财好沙嗲 Chai Ho Satay & Dried Pork @ Clementi Central

Chai Ho Satay & Dried Meat has been around for a long time. As its name implies, this stall sells Satay as well as Dried Meat (Bak Kwa).

The stall has probably been there even before I moved from Clementi 25 years ago.

Chai Ho Satay is a non-halal Satay stall. They have pork Satay aside from the usual mutton and chicken.

I have long wanted to try the Satay here but I was always there at a bad timing when they were still not opened for business. It wasn't until last week when I brought Mum to see a Sinseh nearby that we were finally able to catch it in business.

华记面食品 Wah Kee Noodle @ Amoy Street Food Centre

Just across from Tai Seng Noodle House at Amoy Street Food Centre is Wah Kee Noodle - another stall specializing in Cantonese-styled Wanton Mee that is run by a husband and wife team.

After placing my order with the husband, the wife is heard raising her voice at him over some petty issues like having not enough bowls. I think I caught them at a bad timing as the atmosphere inside the stall is a little tense.

I had thought of cancelling my order and going over to Tai Seng instead but, I was worried that I would incur lady-boss' wrath so I awkwardly waited for my order in front of the stall while she continue berating her husband who just kept his silence throughout. 

The moment my order is ready, I quickly scoot off with my noodles! That few minutes felt like forever!

Dinosaurs: Dawn To Extinction

By the time you read this post, the exhibition, Dinosaurs: Dawn To Extinction would have already ended it's 8-months run at the Artscience Museum. The exhibition began in January this year but unfortunately, I got hit by the procrastinating bug and before I knew it, three days is all there is left for me to visit.

Entering the hall, visitors would be greeted by a family of Herrerasaurus. I like how the museum played with the shadows of the skeletons by projecting them onto the wall behind them. 

I thought I was seeing things when I saw them move.

Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist @ Hong Lim Market & Food Centre

This review is from a combination of three visits.

One late afternoon, Dad and I came to Hong Lim Market & Food Centre for lunch and we had the soy sauce chicken noodle from Ji Ji Wanton Noodle Specialist.

It was a choice out of desperation. We had actually come for Tuck Kee Ipoh Sah Hor Fun but it was already closed by the time we were there and so were most of the other stalls.

Yakader Dum Briyani @ Tekka Centre

 Dum Briyani SGD4.50 with an added hard-boil egg for SGD0.50

All my life, I thought Nasi Briyani is simply Nasi Briyani - a spice-infused rice dish drizzled over with curried meat. The only difference is having either chicken, mutton or fish to go along with your meal.

My first trip to Tekka Centre recently taught me otherwise, as I soon found out that there is another kind called the Dum Briyani where the meat and rice (placed in alternating layers in a pot) are cooked together where the rice stews in the meat juices, absorbing the delicate flavors of the spices and herbs as opposed to Nasi Briyani where the rice and meat were cooked separately.

Tuck Kee Ipoh Sah Hor Fun 德记怡保沙河粉 @ Hong Lim Market & Food Centre

Hong Lim Market & Food Centre

One of the most exasperating thing to happen while queuing for hawker food has got to be when you thought you are next in line, the person in front actually ordered more than 10 packets to go!

What a bummer...

That's what happened to me when I was queuing for a plate of Tuck Kee (Ipoh) Sah Hor Fun at Hong Lim Market & Food Centre.

Tuck Kee does not use the regular wide hor fun used by our local tze char stalls here. Ipoh's sah hor fun is a flat, rice noodle that is long and narrow bearing some resemblance to our kway teow.

The sah hor fun is drenched with a thickened brown sauce full of crustacean umami with chye sim and fried shallots on the side.

The only headache you have, is to choose what ingredients you want to go with your sah hor fun. The choices are Chicken with Prawns ($4), Medium Prawns ($4.50), Pacific Clam with Prawns ($4.50), Abalone Mushroom with Prawns ($4) and of course their signature and most popular item, Crayfish with Prawns ($6).

No brownie points for guessing what I ordered.

吊桥头大华猪肉粿条面 Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle @ Crawford Lane

I have long heard about this famous "Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle" which have been hailed as the best Bak Chor Mee (Minced Meat Noodle) in Singapore by its fans.

That claim sure arouse my interest but I only got to try it last week when I went to collect my new passport from the ICA (Immigration & Checkpoint Authority of Singapore) beside Lavender MRT.

The stall in question is located at Blk 466 Crawford Lane, which is right behind the ICA building.

Even though I was there at 11am, a queue of 6 people had already formed in front of the stall. The queue is very slow moving; by the time it reached my turn, twenty minutes have passed.

Of course, I know twenty minutes is not a very long time to wait considering that the queue can sometimes stretch beyond the perimeter of the coffee shop during peak hours (which literally translates to at least 60 minutes of wait)!

I really take my hat off to these people who bothered to queue so long just to have a bowl of noodles.

Nick Pitera: One-Man Tribute to Aladdin on Broadway

via

Nick Pitera has done it again - this time as a one-man tribute to Aladdin on Broadway.

This talented young man needs no further introduction if you have been a regular reader of this blog for I had blogged about him here, here and here before.

The League Against Evil: A DC Super Heroes Exhibition: Somewhere To Bring Your Kids This June Holidays!

Nope, this is not the headquarters of the Justice League of America but the Singapore Philatelic Museum.

Your favorite super heroes from DC Comics - Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman - is now on exhibition at the Museum. 

Come explore the origins and history of the Justice League through stamps, comic artworks, and collectibles of figurines and models.

This exhibition is held in conjunction with Warner Brothers' celebration of the 75th anniversary of Batman. It is also the first and only DC Comics Super Heroes exhibition in Asia to commemorate this milestone.

Video: Starwars Flash Mob @ Cologne Wallrafplatz, Germany

At Cologne Wallrafplatz, Germany, a lone trumpeter plays the opening credits from the Star Wars movie in the middle of a busy street.

He was joined by the other brass players from the WDR Radio Orchestra who had hidden themselves on the second floor of the surrounding buildings. The strings section then appeared on the streets and take up position at the cafe.

Surprised pedestrians stop in their tracks and whipped out their mobile phones to film the entire act.

At the end of the performance, the musicians disperse and goes their separate ways.

炒果条 Fried Kway Teow @ Amoy Street Food Centre

Amoy Street Food Centre is a great place to grab lunch if you work nearby in the CBD area. It is a two-storey food centre that has every kind of local food imaginable.

If you do a search on what's recommended here, the Char Kway Teow is bound to turn up in the results. char koay teow

Char Kway Teow, or Fried Kway Teow is a flat rice noodle dish fried with eggs, tau geh (beansprouts),  see-hum (cockles) and lup cheong (Chinese sausage).

This particular Fried Kway Teow stall at Amoy Street Food Centre serves one of the better ones around. Well, not out of this world good but good enough.

Afterall, uncle has been frying kway teow for the last 50 odd years when he first operated from a push cart at Boon Tat Street in the 1960s. If his kway teow is not good, his business could not have lasted till now.

Qianhu Fish Farm: Somewhere To Bring Your Kids This June Holidays!

Qianhu Fish Farm had very humble beginnings.

The Yap family started off as pig farmers before venturing into the ornamental fish business. They converted old pig pens into concrete ponds and bred Guppies for local exporters.

There is no turning back for the small family business which has since grown into the corporation it is today. In year 2000, Qianhu became a public listed company on the SGX.

I enjoy visiting the farm to escape from the bustle of city life. I also like to get my aquarium supplies here because it is not too far from where I stay but most importantly is, watching the fishes has a therapeutic effect on me.

Besides, the aquarium shop near my place got their supplies from Qianhu too so it makes sense for me to come here straight where I can find everything I need all under one roof.

You can enjoy an idyllic afternoon here with your loved ones to relieve the childhood days of longkang fishing or simply pamper your feet with a fish spa.

You can also seek advise here if you are setting up an aquarium for the first time.

大成熟食面家 Tai Seng Noodle House @ Amoy Street Food Centre

Since I was at Robinsons Road the other day, I decided to have lunch at the nearby Amoy Street Food Centre.

The 'homework' I did the night before narrowed down my choices to Tai Seng Noodle House - specifically for its Wanton Mee. My reason for picking this stall is attributed by the many photographs of the Wanton Mee with its generous serving of ingredients.

I could not believe my eyes when I saw photos of the said Wanton Mee that I had to come see this for myself!

And seeing is believing.

Kin Kin Chilli Pan Mee @ 534 Macpherson Road

Update: Kin Kin Chilli Pan Mee has permanently closed.

I have never tasted dried ban mian (or pan mee, as they are known in Malaysia) before and have always been intrigued by its taste whenever I see Malaysian bloggers blogging about it.

Thus, when Kin Kin Chilli Pan Mee from KL set up a branch here in Singapore two months ago, it got me excited.

I had wanted to go pay them a visit then but was upset to learn that the queue is two hours long!

Disgruntled, I decided to wait until the hype is gone before going down.

Hua Feng Roasted Delights @ Tiong Bahru

While on a chicken hunt at Tiong Bahru recently, lunching at Zhong Yu Yuan Wei (忠于原味) was included in the plan.

Unfortunately, I was dismayed to find this notice stuck on their door when I got there.

Having no luck with their bu jian tian (不见天) pig's armpit char siew Wanton Mee, I went in search of the other Wanton Mee stall.

I remember my lecturer telling me on Facebook that there is another Wanton Mee stall called Hua Feng Roasted Delights (华丰烧腊) at Tiong Bahru Market which happens to be right next to the popular 178 Shark Fritters Lor Mee stall.

Fowl Play And Fishy Business @ Tiong Bahru

My curiosity was aroused when I learn that there were Cockerels running amok at Tiong Bahru.

They are not your usual chickens per se but murals put up by artist Ernest Goh as part of the 2014 Tiong Bahru Heritage Fiesta.

I knew I had to come check them out when I first saw the photos from the Cheekiemonkies!

Without much further ado, let us go catch some chickens!

Batam 2014

Went to Batam with the folks last Saturday. We woke up at five in the morning and the skies were still dark when we reached the Cruise Centre at Harbourfront.

I was actually not too keen to go as our last trip to Batam was just a few days short to a year. 

However, with the lure of A&W, I decided to go anyway.

The Prong Collar: Training Aid Or Torture Instrument?

I guess most people would have already read about the case of the dog trainer abusing her dog at one of the obedience competition held at the EXPO.

Below is the witness' account on her Facebook.

Post by Drey Drey Yeo.

Hello Kitty Bubbly World Series From Mcdonald's

Hello Kitty fans rejoice!

McDonald's is celebrating Hello Kitty’s 40th Anniversary and Singapore is the first country in the world to receive the exclusive Hello Kitty Bubbly World series!

Inspired by the fashion trend of polka dots, each character in the series will be decked out in colourful and fun costumes from her friends’ wardrobes!

Everyone's Talking About Redmi. Have You Jumped On The Bandwagon Yet?

Redmi, or Hongmi is a reference to its Chinese name 红米 meaning red rice.

If you have not already heard, Redmi have been selling like hotcakes in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and now Singapore, it's first venture outside China.

When I first learn that Redmi is a China phone, the first question I asked myself is "will it explode"?

All that caution is thrown out of the window when I'm reminded that iPhone is also made in China. Some of Redmi's components are made in FOXCONN, the same factory that assembles iPhones.

To be honest, I do not know much about phones. I know nothing about MIUI or Snapdragon and I can't tell WDCMA apart from GSM. 

All I knew is, this phone is a bargain at SGD169!

Movie: Rigor Mortis 《僵尸》 2013

I know it is a little late to do a review for this movie now since it was released in the theaters last November but I only got round to watching it a few days ago.

The film began with Auntie Mui (Nina Paw Hee-Ching/鲍起静) lying in a pool of blood and the camera pans to the injured Yau (Anthony Chan/陈友) leaning against a crumbling wall.

Nearby, the dying Chin (钱小豪) flips to his back weakly, stares into the sky and his flashback begins.

Chin - the protagonist of the movie - plays himself, a has-been movie actor moving into a very old apartment apparently to end his life.

With a rope round his neck, he listens to the voice mails left by his beloved son and reminisce about life with his wife and son during happier times.

There is no mention of what happened to his family but in his flashback, they were seen walking away from him with their eyes turning white which I interpret as they are dead?

He finally kicked away the stool he was standing on.

新加坡动物园 Singapore Zoo 2014

It was around noon when I left the Singapore River Safari. The staff stamped my hand with a chop so I could re-enter if I want to.

After thanking her, I made my way towards the Zoo entrance and again gained free entrance with my complimentary ticket. I think it is so nice of Wildlife Reserves to open up their parks for free to Singaporeans on their birthdays.

If only Resort World Sentosa would do the same... Heh heh!

河川生态园 Singapore River Safari 2014

I have been wanting to visit the Singapore River Safari ever since it opened its door a year ago. However, not all of the exhibits were complete hence, I decided to put off my visit till they are fully ready.

The park was finally completed last December and I feel the time for my visit has come.

While looking for information on the Wildlife Reserves website, I discovered that Singaporeans and PRs enjoy free admission to all of WRS parks during their birthdays!

What better timing to take advantage of this offer as my birthday is just approaching?

Galicier Confectionery @ Tiong Bahru

If you are in the vicinity of Tiong Bahru, do not give this old-school confectionery a miss. While the nondescript shopfront does not say much about it's offerings, it is in fact, a treasure trove filled with a good variety of nonya kuehs.

Auntie Jenny, the lady behind the counter is very helpful with suggestions on what I could buy as I was overwhelmed by the mere sight of these delectable kuehs in front of me.

I cannot help but wished I could have a bite of everything!

Well, who wouldn't? Everyone would be spoilt for choice here at Galicier.

KL-Styled Wanton Mee @ Jurong Point Malaysia Boleh!

Malaysia Boleh! is a themed foodcourt located at the new wing of Jurong Point Shopping Mall (beside Ding Tai Fung) selling renowned Malaysian delicacies like Klang Bak Kut Teh, Penang Laksa, Ipoh Nga Choi Gai (Bean Sprouts Chicken), Petaling Street Claypot Chicken Rice, KL Wanton Mee, etc.

Opened since 2012, I have always wanted try the food here but was put off by the horrendous crowd each time I was there.

Try to avoid peak hours if you can or at least bring a friend along so one could chope a table while the other queue for the food.

I decided to drop by an hour before the lunch time crowd arrive and there's plenty of seats to choose from.

The interior is renovated to resemble the olden days when hawkers peddle their food in the streets with the stalls designed as push carts. If you have been to Malaysian Food Street at RWS, you would understand what I am talking about.

Video: PIXELS

Are you a child of the 80s?

Do you remember playing 8-bit games like Tetris, Space Invaders, Pac Man and Donkey Kong?

I recalled spending hours playing in front of the TV via the game console and almost breaking the joystick! 

PIXELS is a award winning film directed by Patrick Jean. How many childhood game characters can you spot in this brilliant video?

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青蛙王子高凌风走了！

台湾今晚传来了噩耗！

青蛙王子高凌风因血癌恶化，于2月17日七点五十分在新店慈济医院过世，享年63岁！

早年因演唱琼瑶小说改编的电影《女朋友》主题曲“大眼睛”，开始受到注意；之后演唱过包括“冬天里的一把火”，“蒙蒙烟雨”等，招牌的鼻音共鸣唱腔极具特色，成为许多艺人争相模仿的对象。

自2012年11月份爆出罹患血癌，病情就一直反反复复。

据报导，高凌风的助理赵小姐证实该项死讯。

Get Ready For More With The New KFC Rice Bucket!

KFC Singapore has just launched a new rice item - the KFC Rice Bucket. That got me real excited because I love chicken rice AND KFC and what better way to combine both!

When I first saw the TVC and poster, I thought the so-call "bucket" would be just like the A.M porridge size which is pretty small for my appetite.

However, I was taken aback when my order came! For those who are wondering about the size of the bucket, I can assure you that it is huge! The bucket is literally a 饭桶 (rice bucket)!

The KFC Rice Bucket comes in two different flavors:  Á La King sauce with mixed veggies and Original Recipe Sauce with mushrooms.

I opt for the latter.

Anti-Rape Security Pants For Ladies! *NSFW*

Hey ladies, are you concerned about your safety when returning home late at night?

Fret not!

Headmuns Security Pants is here to your rescue!

Just put on a pair of this security pants and you can kiss your worries goodbye.

No more fears about getting raped or robbed as Ploy Nyam demonstrates how this amazing security pants work!

Save your pussy, save your clitoris!

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兄弟啰惹 Brothers Rojak @ Clementi Central

Brothers Rojak

As a former resident of Clementi, I have lost count the number of times that I have walked past this unassuming stall tucked away at a corner of See Lam Hern coffeeshop.

Well, who could blame me when there are lots more choices at the nearby Clementi Central Market & Food Centre?

Till the day my family moved out of the neighborhood, I have not once eaten the rojak here. In fact, I did not even know that there is a rojak stall here!

What a shame isn't it?

I only got to learn about them many years later on the internet which prompted me to return to my old neighborhood to have a try.

秋莲板面 Qiu Lian Ban Mian @ Jurong East Westgate

Qiu Lian Ban Mian at Westgate

I remember I had my very first bowl of Ban Mian from Qiu Lian Ban Mian (秋莲板面) some twenty years ago during my schooling days in the 90s.

Ban Mian is a traditional noodle dish with Hakka origins (some say Hokkien) and it is Qiu Lian who introduces it to the masses in Singapore.

Well, I could be wrong though but I do not recall seeing any other Ban Mian stalls around prior my first bowl at Qiu Lian.

It was only after sometime that other Ban Mian stalls began sprouting all over the island when the dish became popular and gained a foothold in the local food scene.

At that time, the novelty of seeing your noodle being handmade (with the pasta machine) in front of you was something new to me and the chewy texture of the noodles was a refreshing change from the usual mee pok, mee kia, kway teow, etc...

Hotplate Grilled Chicken Chop From Yilmaz Western @ Ang Mo Kio Ave 6

Fish & Chips $5.50

A few months ago, I visited Yilmaz Western intending to try the Hotplate Grilled Chicken Chop but as it was not ready yet, I had the Fish & Chips instead.

I told myself that somehow, I must return for the Hotplate Grilled Chicken Chop and that opportunity came just a couple of days before Christmas when my parents and I happened to be around the vicinity of Ang Mo Kio. 

I ordered a Fish & Chips for the folks to try and a Hotplate Grilled Chicken Chop for myself.

As mentioned in the previous post, I am most impressed by the generous portion and the economical pricing.

The Fish & Chips scored rather well with my folks but just how did the Hotplate Grilled Chicken Chop fare?

霹雳2013:怡保与邦咯岛 *图多慎入*

*English version*

大家好!

几个星期前，一民热衷于社区服务的阿姨主办了一个到马来西亚，霹雳州的旅游团而我们一家也受邀同游。

日盼夜盼，期待已久的这天终于来临！

我们摸黑起床与各位团友集合后就上了旅游巴士往新柔长堤开去。

一伙人上了旅游巴士就倒头大睡直到抵达了华都牙也 (Batu Gajah) 享用早餐。

妈妈的早餐

有谁晓得这包是什么呢？它只有手掌般大小。

它包的像椰浆饭但里面装的并不是我们熟悉的小鱼干，蛋皮和花生而是几只淋上酱汁的虾仔。

说句实话，我还蛮喜欢这饭配上酱汁的味道。

Perak 2013: Ipoh And Pangkor Island *Photos Intensive*

*中文版*

Hello!

A few weeks earlier, a kind neighbor has undertaken the task to organize a trip to Perak, Malaysia and had invited some of us neighbors to come along.

The big day finally arrived after much anticipation. We woke up in the wee hours of the morning to board a chartered coach which brought us across the causeway.

Everyone spent much of the journey catching up on much deprived sleep until we arrived for breakfast at Batu Gajah.

Mum's breakfast

Does anyone know what this palm-sized packet is called?

It is wrapped like Nasi Lemak but the content is just rice with shrimps and gravy and not the usual ikan bilis, egg and peanuts.

To be honest, the taste of the rice with the sauce is quite nice actually.

Video: Riot In Little India

via

I am still finding it hard to believe that a riot has taken place earlier in Singapore. When I first come across this news on twitter, I thought it was just part of an anti-riot exercise by the police.

Singapore has been riot-free for the last 44 years so how could it happen now?

Titans of the Past – Dinosaurs and Ice Age Mammals At The Singapore Science Centre

Do you know that a new exhibition "Titans of the Past – Dinosaurs and Ice Age Mammals" is here at the Singapore Science Centre?

I don't.

I only found out after a few parent bloggers attended the media invite and blogged about it. In fact, the exhibition started way back in October (that's two months ago) and I wonder why it wasn't publicized then?

I believe I only saw the advertisement on TV in late November. Anyway, I was contemplating whether to go or not to as the price of the admission ticket seem pretty steep.

Well, it does not take a genius to guess that I gave in ultimately as it is not everyday that you can come face to face with a dinosaur!

McDonaldland Characters Plushie

McDonaldland Characters Plushie

When I was young, I really like the old McDonald's TV commercials featuring McDonaldland and I remember that they used to launch toys with their McDonaldland characters.

Sadly, they do not make such toys or commercials anymore.

Last week, I am elated to learn about the launch of these plushies featuring the old gang and they will be launched on the following dates:

Hat Yai Trip 2013 *Photos Intensive*

Hat Yai

*中文版*

Sawadeeka!

Last month, I boarded Tiger Airways with my parents heading for Hat Yai, Southern Thailand. We touched down at Hat Yai International Airport after a 75 minutes flight from Singapore Changi Airport.

Compared to taking a coach ride setting off from Golden Mile Complex to Southern Thailand via Malaysia, we saved more than twenty hours and alot of backache.

Those who know me might wonder why does my family visit Hat Yai year after year? Isn't it boring?

Hat Yai is not as picturesque as Phuket nor as glamorous as Bangkok. What it have is a very slow pace of life and aged buildings.

However, these are the exact factors which drew my parents to this place as they find the way of life suits them perfectly.

Furthermore, the cost of living is relatively cheaper here and communication is not much of a problem as the Thai Chinese here speaks a little Teochew, Cantonese and Hakka.

McDonald's Despicable Me 2 Toys Ready For Collection!

After a long wait, the McDonald's Happy Meal Despicable Me 2 Toys will be ready for collection in about a month's time.

Fans who have placed an order for the Minion toys through the deferred fufilment website should be receiving an SMS from McDonald's regarding the collection soon.

合艾之旅2013 *图多慎入*

合艾

*English version*

三碗猪脚！（Sawadeeka）

上个月，我和两老登上了虎航飞往泰南，合艾。从新加坡樟宜国际机场起航短短75分钟后，我们就抵达了合艾国际机场。

这比起N年前从黄金大厦（Golden Mile Complex）搭乘二十几个小时的长途巴士途经马来西亚再抵达泰南边境而省却了不少的时间与折腾！

认识我的朋友或许会纳闷，我家为何年年都会回到这里度假呢？难道不闷吗？

的确，合艾即没有普吉岛那怡人的景色，也没有曼谷的绚丽繁华。这里有的，只是非常慢的生活节奏和老旧的店屋。

可是，两老偏偏就喜欢这一点，觉得这样的步伐才适合他们。

再来，这里消费便宜，沟通上也没多大的问题因为这里的华侨都会说些潮州，广东或客家话。

8th Death Anniversary

八年前，死亡第一次在我眼前真实地发生。

当时，你已病入膏肓有整整一个星期站不起来了。在兽医院时，你突然使劲了力量站起来看了我一眼后，就吐血到卧不起。

兽医给你进行急救，我却只能无助地站到一旁默默的为你祈祷。这一幕就像美国连续剧ER的情节。不同的是，发生在我眼前的事是真实的而并非虚构的。

遗憾的是，经过一番抢救，你仍然是回魂乏术。

兽医取除了口罩对我说：“I'm sorry, he's gone…”

Happy 15th Barkday!

My dog is amazing, I truly adore,
So very cute, walks on all four.
Sometimes he makes a pretty big mess,
When he's around, I never depress.
 Runs and jumps, when I come home,
Loves when I pet him, and gently comb.

With my dog, I get to act crazy,
When we watch TV, we get a bit lazy.
 He gets excited and begins to bark,
When we are leaving for the park.
My dog is definitely my best friend,
Time with him, I love to spend.

HAPPY 15TH BARKDAY, DEXTER!

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Urgent: Children For Adoption

Must rehome quickly!

Please help! After two long years of being on a waiting list for a dog, we have been notified by breed rescue that, at long last, our number has come up and... WE ARE HAVING A PUPPY!

We must get rid of our children IMMEDIATELY because we just know how time consuming our new little puppy is going to be and it just wouldn't be fair to the children. Since our little puppy will be arriving on Monday we MUST place the children up for adoption this weekend!

They are described as:

One male -- his name is Tommy, Caucasian (English/Irish mix), light blonde hair, blue eyes. Four years old. Excellent disposition. He doesn't bite. Temperament tested. Does have problems with peeing directly in the toilet. Has had chicken Pox and is current on all shots. Tonsils have already been removed. Tommy eats everything, is very clean, house trained and gets along well with others. Does not run with scissors and with a little training he should be able to read soon.

One female -- her name is Lexie, Caucasian (English/Irish mix), strawberry blonde hair, green eyes quite freckled. Two years old. Can be surly at times. Non-biter, thumb sucker. Has been temperament tested but needs a little attitude adjusting occasionally. She is current on all shots, tonsils out, and is very healthy and can be affectionate. Gets along well with other little girls and little boys but does not like to share her toys and therefore would do best in a one child household. She is a very quick learner and is currently working on her house training. Shouldn't take long at all.

We really do LOVE our children so much and want to do what's right for them. That is why we contacted a rescue group. But we simply can no longer keep them. Also, we are afraid that they may hurt our new puppy.

I hope you understand that ours is a UNIQUE situation and we have a real emergency here! They MUST be placed into your rescue by Sunday night at the latest or we will be forced to drop them off at the orphanage or along some dark, country road. Our priority now has to be our new puppy.

$10 rehoming fee but price is very negotiable.

PS - If you laughed or understood the seriousness of this posting, please repost it in other areas of the country as well as continue to repost it. It doesn't matter how quickly it was flagged the point is that SOMEONE SOMEWHERE will have read it and thought about it for a minute.

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Did Class 95 FM Morning Express Wastes Food For Fun?

So about a week ago, Glenn Ong from Class 95 was creamed in the face with a pie. It all began with a meaningless bet between him and Joe Augustine.

Sheng Yi Fa Lor Mee @ Blk 443 Clementi Avenue 3

When I learn about this popular lor mee at Clementi Central, I knew I had to go check it out at Food Loft, a coffeeshop situated along Clementi Avenue 3 near Clementi Town Secondary School.

I ordered the default $3 bowl and when it is served to my table, it came together with the vinegar bottle.

When having this dish, I tend to go over the top with the condiments like garlic and black vinegar because that is how I perceive this dish is to be best enjoyed.

However, there are times when the hawkers' face turned as black as the vinegar when I requested for more.

I am overjoyed that I could add as much vinegar as I wanted here without having the hawker rolling eyes at me!