Goat Xi Fa Cai @ Tiong Bahru

Tiong Bahru Market

2016 is the year of the monkey and more than half a year has passed so why am I still in the year of the goat? That is because, the following murals of goats were intended for the year 2015. My last visit to Tiong Bahru was two years ago, seemingly  after some chicken murals installed by the same artist Ernest Goh.  

A total of three goats can be found in and around the marketplace.

The Invasion Of Local Flavors At McDonald's Singapore!

McDonald's Singapore has just "zhng-ed" their menu with local flavors, giving a new twist to old favorites such as the Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Burger, Twist & Shaker Fries with Salt & Pepper Crab flavored Shaker, and Gula Melaka McFlurry with Layer Cake Bites.

Review: Nano Space 2 From Ocean Free

I have been using the Nano Space 2 from OF (Ocean Free) for about two weeks now and it is time for me to share my thoughts on this nano tank.

I must say that I really like the simplicity and overall look of the nano tank. With the built-in filter, there is no need for a filter to take up extra space within the tank. The pump is really quiet and the strength of the flow is adjustable. A plus point is that this tank consumes very little power and water change is a breeze with a siphon.

Unboxing: Nano Space 2 From Ocean Free

While visiting Qianhu Fish Farm a week ago, I bought this Nano Space 2 fish tank from OF (Ocean Free) which is one of Qianhu's many own in-house brand. I have been eyeing this range of nano tanks displayed at their retail store for quite a while now but have been indecisive due to the pricing. 

Initially, I was looking at the 16 litres tank priced at $98 but after much consideration, I decided to get the slightly bigger 24 litres tank for $10 more.

Boon Kee Wanton Mee @ Clementi Central

My last plate of Boon Kee Wanton Mee at Clementi Food Centre was four years ago. I actually stopped patronizing them because my last plate was a letdown.

Earlier this week, I accompanied Dad to the dentist nearby and while waiting for him, I ventured over to the food centre and decided to order myself a plate of Wanton Mee. I suppose it is about time to lift the ban to give them a chance to redeem themselves.

I requested for no char siew but they got my order wrong anyway.

ในหลวงของแผ่นดิน 万王之王

I have finally found this song today - about five years after watching it in the hotel room while holidaying in Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand.

I find the music very moving but I have no ways to search for it online since I could neither read nor write Thai.

Despite not understanding the lyrics, I could somehow associate it as a song about the Thai King judging from the images shown on TV.

Ah Hoe Mee Pok @ Blk 501 West Coast Drive

Ever since the new location of the old Bukit Purmei Lor Mee was discovered, I have gone to have my favorite bowl of Lor Mee (Braised Noodles) four times.

Each time while queuing for my Lor Mee, I cannot help but notice that the Bak Chor Mee (Minced Meat Noodles) stall next door is also doing a very brisk business. A quick google on the stall name Ah Hoe Mee Pok revealed that stall owner, Eric Chia made news recently by teaching a Japanese man the skills to cook his mee pok.

After learning from Eric for six months, the Japanese - Naoji-san - took over the stall at Blk 710 Clementi West Street 2 with his daughter to sell this dish. They had a second stall manned by his wife and son further away at Blk 713. According to their Facebook, they are currently looking for a third stall.

What happened to Eric then? Well, he moved to set up his stall at the current location at Blk 501 West Coast Drive.

Review: Hydra Nano Plus From Ocean Free

Thanks to Qian Hu Fish Farm, I received a Hydra Nano Plus and a hundred dollars worth of accessories vouchers from their FB contest. I collected my prize from the farm two weeks ago and was able to test out the very versatile Hydra Nano Plus.

Science Centre Singapore - Fire Tornado Demonstration

The most popular live demonstration at the SCS has got to be the Fire Tornado. It is located at the Courtyard where the rest of the fire exhibits are.

Walk through the Maxwell Auditorium and Mendel Auditorium from the Atrium and you will come to the Courtyard outside of the main building.

There is only one show available every Tuesday to Sunday at 3pm.

Science Centre Singapore - Animal Zone And Eco Garden

Just right beside Hall B, there is a animal zone with hatching chicks, leopard gecko, tortoise, gerbils and hissing cockroaches.

To be honest, the chicks are the only memory I have of the science centre from my primary school visits.

Science Centre Singapore - Hall G

Hall G

Hall G is located on the second level above the Atrium. You can take the lift or stairs at the entrance before entering the Atrium.

The exhibits in this hall are:

• Invent!
• Quirky
• Singapore Innovation

Invent!

Science Centre Singapore - Hall F

Hall F Tuning In: Brain & Body

Hall F is all about the complex brains and how it works.

Science Centre Singapore - Hall D & Hall E

Hall D Butterflies Up-Close

Hall D is home to the latest exhibition, Butterflies Up-Close - a collaboration between the SCS and Sentosa's Butterfly and Insect Kingdom. 

I am not too fond of caterpillar or insects in general so I gave it a miss. 

*Take note that this exhibit requires additional admittance fee.

Science Centre Singapore - Hall C

The entire Hall C is dedicated to the exhibition E3, or E-mmersive Experiential Environments. As I walk into the hall, I am instantly thrown into a virtual reality world as the walls around me came to life with jellyfish and other sea creatures.

Science Centre Singapore - Hall B

This exhibits in this hall are:

• Bioethics
• Climate Change - Climate Challenge
• Earth: Our Untamed Planet
• Human Body Experience
• Island Adventurer
• Marine Alcove

Science Centre Singapore - Hall A

After watching the electrifying Tesla Coil demonstration, I proceeded to Hall A.

There are several exhibits in this hall and they are:

• Defending Science 
• iZ Hero 
• Scientist For A Day 
• Uniquely You 
• Waterworks

Science Centre Singapore - The Atrium And The Tesla Coil Demonstration

The Atrium is where you catch the Tesla Coil Demonstration which is a live demo of high voltage electricity. Expect loud buzzing sounds and electrifying sparks!

The 10 minutes demonstration is on at 12pm from Monday to Sunday with additional 5pm shows during the weekends, school and public holidays.

Science Centre Singapore - The Mind's Eye

Come 2020, the Science Centre Singapore (SCS) will be relocating to it's new premises at the Jurong Lake area beside the Chinese Garden MRT Station. Since last April, the SCS has been offering Singaporeans and Permanent Residents free entry during off-peak hours.

I must have been living under a rock all this while because I only got to know about this a few days ago.

The SCS is a treasure trove of all things science and is a must-visit for science geeks. For better enjoyment, you should dedicate at least half a day to fully explore what the SCS has to offer. And do check out the various show timings so you do not miss out on any for the best experience.

I was there for four hours yet I am unable to cover everything (and I still have not gone to the second level!). Looks like I have to make a return trip for the second level another time! 

My First Nano Tank With "Observation Tower"

I have always been mesmerized by those beautiful nano tanks I see but the thought of setting one up is enough to deter me because I know nothing about aquatic plants and even much less about the installation of CO2 to keep them alive and flourished.

However, the urge to do one is getting increasingly stronger by the day. Since I have a 2 gallon nano tank lying around, I thought why not just give it a try? 

Singapore Zoo 新加坡动物园 2016

What a bright and cheery morning. The time is 8am and there is barely anyone else here at the Singapore Zoo entrance (ticketing opens at 8.30am). Yay to free wifi at the zoo entrance!

It is my annual trip to the Singapore Zoo and you know what that means? It is my birthday again. I have said it before and I am saying it again: Singaporeans and PRs gain free entry to the WRS parks (Singapore Zoo, River Safari, Night Safari, Singapore Bird Park) on their birthdays! Isn't that neat?

McDonald's Food Icons X Nanoblock With Purchase Of EVM!

Scream, Nanoblock fans!

After Hong Kong and Malaysia, the McDonald's Food Icons X Nanoblock is finally coming to Singapore!

The Nanoblock will be made available in stores every Monday from 22 February 2016 at 11am and each collectible is available for sale with purchase of any EVM (Extra Value Meal). 

The Nanoblock are released as follow:

McDonald's Food Icons X Nanoblock Sneak Preview At Bugis Junction Atrium!

After Hong Kong and Malaysia, Singapore is the third Asian country to launch the McDonald's Food Icons X Nanoblock!

The promotion will be launched next week (22 February 2016) but there will be a sneak preview this coming Wednesday (17 February 2016).

McDonald's will be setting up their smallest store in the world at Bugis Junction Atrium (outside Bossini) and the first 100 customers can order one of the following items: Big Mac, French Fries (M), McFlurry Oreo, Apple Pie, McCafe Premium Roast Coffee or a Coca Cola (S).

Each customer will receive their order free of charge along with one matching McDonald's  Food Icons X Nanoblock.

The restaurant will operate from 12pm and orders are limited to one menu item per customer.

This is a ONE day only event so do not miss it!

On 17 February 2016, we launched the World’s Smallest McDonald’s® for one day only. For those who missed it, get our exclusive McDonald’s® Food Icons x Nanoblocks® Collector’s Kit in stores from 22 February, 11am onwards. While stocks last! For more information, visit https://goo.gl/cduKGG
Posted by McDonald's on Sunday, 21 February 2016

More details on the promotion will be shared soon. 

Current promotion page: https://www.mcdonalds.com.sg/nanoblock

McDonald's Website: https://www.mcdonalds.com.sg

McDonald's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcdsg

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Total Defence Day - There's A Part For Everyone

The British army surrendered Singapore to the Japanese forces at the Ford Factory in Bukit Timah on 15 February 1942.

The annual Total Defence Day is picked on this date to remind Singaporeans of the sufferings of our forefathers during World War II and what we stand to lose if we are unable to defend ourselves.

The sirens on the Public Warning System (PWS) will also go off for a minute at 6.20pm - the historical time that the British surrendered to the Japanese.

Total Defence is the name of Singapore's comprehensive defence strategy, based on the understanding that besides military action, aggressors can also attack the country by wrecking its economic systems, tearing its social fabric apart, targeting Singaporeans' beliefs and commitment to defence, and its ability to recover from disasters, both natural and man-made.

The Total Defence concept encompasses five key aspects – military, civil, economic, social and psychological defence – and focuses on the need for each Singaporean to play his or her part to defend the nation.

River Hong Bao 2016

Marina Bay Sands and Artscience Museum

On the third day of the lunar new year, the folks wanted to visit River Hong Bao so I brought them there via the new Downtown Line which is much more convenient and faster compared to the East West Line. The public transport infrastructure is so well connected now there is no need to own a car in Singapore. 

We alighted at Bayfront Station and exited through Marina Bay Sands.

Movie Review: Long Long Time Ago《我们的故事》

Cast: Mark Lee, Aileen Tan, Wang Lei, Suhaimi Yusof 

Director: Jack Neo 

Genre: Period Comedy

Language: Hokkien and Malay with Mandarin, English and Malay Subtitles 

Release Date: 5 February 2016 

Distributor: Golden Village Pictures, Shaw, MM2 Entertainment
Facebook

*Spoilers ahead*

We all know Aileen Tan can act and she did not disappoint in her role as the ill-fated Zhao Di in Jack Neo's latest movie. In an era where boys are favoured over girls, returning home with three daughters in tow may not be a easy thing especially with a superstitious father like "Si Cek" (Wang Lei).

Met with one misfortune after another, her tenacity and perseverance pulled her through all of life's odds against her. 

The Old Bukit Purmei Lor Mee Lost And Found! Reopened @ West Coast Drive!

Update: Bukit Purmei Lor Mee has permanently closed.

By now, you might have already heard about the old Bukit Purmei Lor Mee reopening for business at Blk 501 West Coast Drive.

I was taken aback when I heard the news a year ago that the stall at Bukit Purmei had closed down due to Uncle Teo suffering from a heart attack. However, I am glad that he is back in action again after a year of recuperation.

The current hawker taking over his stall at Blk 109 Bukit Purmei (also selling lor mee) is in no way affiliated with him, as clarified on their FB page. I guess the clarification came about because some customers who did not know about the change of hands thought uncle's lor mee standard has dropped - quite drastically!

One Day Tour To Rustic Kluang, Johor, Malaysia

Wanton Mee RM 5

Last Saturday, I went on a one day trip to Kluang, Johor, Malaysia with my folks. The trip was organised by Dad's friend, the same uncle whom we went to Malacca with two years ago.

Just like the previous time, we dropped by Gelang Patah for breakfast. There were several coffeeshops here and we chose the one furthest away located under Hotel Linkway.

I ordered Wanton Mee but it was no where in sight after 20 minutes despite not being very crowded. I was just this close to beating up the hawker when I found out that his helper is serving those who ordered after me first. Well, I have a coach to catch and we only had 40 minutes for breakfast.

When my order finally came, what struck me first was the small bowl and its even smaller contents. Next would be the mee pok. Isn't Wanton Mee usually mee kia by default?

Nonetheless, the sauce coating the noodle is pleasant - the kind that I like, although the puny wantons and char siew are quite generic.

In Memorium: David Bowie The Goblin King 1947 - 2016

David Bowie
8 January 1947 – 10 January 2016

David Bowie losses his battle with cancer two days ago.

I will not pretend that I am a very big fan of his or marvel what a musical genius he is. Sure, I have heard of his name but I know nothing about this man or the songs he sing.

The one thing I do know (apart from the fact he is a rock singer) is that he plays Jareth, the Goblin King from the movie "Labyrinth" which I never fail to watch whenever it airs on TV.

I loved that movie so much I once recorded it on VHS and now owns it on VCD (bought it from HMV  before it moves out of Singapore).

Qianhu Fish Farm: Marine Exposition 2015

The SG Reef Club held a marine tank competition called the "Marine Exposition 2015" at Qianhu Fish Farm last week.

I have always been amazed by the beauty of marine tanks but I already have difficulty keeping freshwater fish alive as it is so I guess I had better save myself the heartbreak from the lose of livestock and money by admiring other aquarist's tanks instead.

I took the free shuttle bus to the farm from Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange as usual and the competition is right in front of the drop off point.

With Love From Snoopy, Charlie Brown And The Peanuts Gang Exhibition At The Singapore Philatelic Museum

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the debut of the Peanuts comic strip.

An animated movie - "Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie" - slated for release on December 10, is a long, overdue wait for enthusiastic fans of the Peanuts gang.

Aside from the movie, the Singapore Philatelic Museum is collaborating with 20th Century FOX, Blue Sky Studios and Charlie Brown Cafe to put together an exhibition showcasing stamp artworks, stamps and first day covers issued by Singapore, Portugal, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, USA, Japan, Australia and Hong Kong.

Also on display are comic strips and collectibles on loan from private collectors, Charlie Brown Cafe, and Mint Museum of Toys.

Free Peanuts Figurines With McDonald's Happy Meal

McDonald's Singapore will be launching a set of 10 collectible toys from the animation, Snoopy And Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie this coming Thursday, 03 December 2015 at 11am.

The characters are:

01. Charlie Brown And Snoopy Bobble
02. Sally And Snoopy
03. Flying Ace
04. Linus
05. Spinning Snoopy
06. Ice Cleaning Woodstock
07. Lucy
08. Schroeder And Snoopy
09. Peppermint Patty
10. Charlie Brown

The toys come free with every purchase of a kid's Happy Meal.

初音ミク - 千本櫻 Hatsune Miku - Senbonzakura

Senbonzakura/Thousand Cherry Trees/千本櫻

I'm probably late but this is the first time I have heard of Hatsune Miku (初音ミク), a humanoid persona voiced by a singing synthesizer application developed by Crypton Future Media.

The name of the character comes from merging the Japanese words for first (初 hatsu), sound (音 ne) and future (ミク miku), thus meaning "the first sound from the future," referring to her position as the first of Crypton's "Character Vocal Series."

10th Death Anniversary

This Empty Collar

The empty bed and the empty bowl,

the weed covered path we used to stroll;

dog snacks,muddy tracks and the hair on the floor,

and the slap of the flap on your dog door.

 There's still the fence that kept you safe,

and there's still the bandanas I can't put on.

Some things, they remain,

but some things are forever gone.

These old photographs, they can't take your place;

they only bring tears that flow down my face.

Your love was unconditional, mine was the same.

The price of love is memories and their pain.

They say time heals everything

and yes I know that is true

The food and the Vet bills, you were worth every dollar,

but there is nothing so sad and it hurts so bad as I cling to

"this Empty Collar"

Happy 17th Barkday!

I weally weally wuff you

I weally weally do

When I say, "Your wonderful"

It's weally, weally true.

You mean the very world to me

You weally haven't got a clue.

I so tweasure our welationship

cause I'm so in wuff with you.

HAPPY 17TH BARKDAY, DEXTER!

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What Does A Cleaver, A Typewriter And An Abacus Have In Common?

Well, they are used as musical instruments and in a Chinese Orchestra no less!

Sounds unbelievable? I have to admit that I too raised an eyebrow when I came across the videos but after listening to them, I find the sounds... music to my ears!

Check out the performances below.

Musique de Cuisine by NYP Chinese Orchestra

Review: Retro Handheld Game Console

And so, I saw someone flaunting this retro handheld game console on FB the other day. Not to be outdone, I ordered one set for myself too.

I believe 8-bit games form a collective memory for many people who grew up playing such games on the Atari and Nintendo. This is especially so for those from my generation.

I placed an order on October 4 but there were no updates on the tracking website till October 9. I got a little impatient but there was nothing I could do except to wait. Then, I found out that week was their holiday following their National Day.

The package finally got delivered yesterday so I thought I would share the unboxing here.

DIY: Corner Bookmarks And Origami Heart Shape Corner Bookmarks

Just before I went for my ICT two weeks ago, I made some corner bookmarks for a book lover friend of mine. These bookmarks are inexpensive and easy to make so even if you lose them, they are easily replaceable. 

I have long wanted to write up this post when I found out this ingenious way of making bookmarks but have been procrastinating like forever.

If you love reading or know someone who does, perhaps you can try your hand at making your own bookmarks? 

End Of ICT With Marrybrown At iFly, SENTOSA!

After a grueling two weeks high key ICT (which gave me a very nasty blister), it finally ended this morning with a unit cohesion at SENTOSA. What luck it was for me, as I lay in bed last night and read the news about Malaysia's fried chicken franchise, Marrybrown, setting foot in Singapore at SENTOSA's iFly!

I loved their fried chicken so much that I try to have some whenever I visited City Square at JB.

So, after the cohesion ended, everyone out pro-ed and I happily made my way to iFly. The fast food restaurant was officially opened just a week ago on the 1st of October.

I reached there 30 minutes before 11am and being the only customer, had the whole place to myself and all the privacy I needed to take photos.

DIY: How To DIY A Lantern For Mid-Autumn Festival With A Plastic Bottle

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

Once again, it's the season to binge on Mooncakes and playing with lanterns!

In today's post, I'll share how to make your very own lantern using just a soft drink bottle. You can hardly call this a DIY because I simply bought a lantern handle which comes with a LED bulb and all I did was to push the bulb into the bottle. The only DIY part I did was make a hole in the cap to insert the ring to hook onto the handle.

You can probably paint the bottle or wrap it with cellophane paper but I think this will do for me.

The photos below are pretty self-explanatory.

Tribute To Hayao Miyazaki

I am in awe of this fan-made tribute to Mr. Hayao Miyazaki (宫崎 骏).

Ever since I watched "Castle In The Sky" many years ago, I was sold and became a fan instantly.

Whenever I can, I am always on the lookout for anime produced by Studio Ghibli, a film studio founded by Miyazaki.

Their attention to details is beyond words but what I am most impressed with is how they are able to string my emotions along with the story's development.

There are times when I secretly wished I was the protagonist of the story so I could walk in their footsteps and experience their adventures.

Jubilee Weekend Part 3: Artscience Museum

And so, we have come to the second day of the Jubilee long weekend.

I couldn't get over the fact that I didn't manage to visit the Artscience Museum the day before, henceforth, I returned to join the queue for the second consecutive day.

To be honest, I did not expect that there would be such a long queue on the first day. After all, I don't think many people would like to visit the museums which can be such a boring place. I believe that morning's ComChest Heartstrings Walk participants contributed quite a bit to the length of the queue after their event ended

I guess the onus is on myself to find out if there's any other activities happening at the same time, same area when I decided to visit a place.

Jubilee Weekend Part 2: The Little Red Brick Show (SG50 Edition)

Continuing from my previous post, after wasting the first half of my Friday at MBS doing nothing other than getting drenched in the rain, I arrived at the Central Library at Bugis to attend a LEGO showcase only to find the library closed!

I was on the verge of killing someone when I noticed that the showcase is not held inside the library but at the foyer outside it instead.

Heaving a sign of relief, I made my way towards the crowd to understand what the showcase is all about. 

Since it is our Golden Jubilee year, the talented builders from the Singapore AFOL community have built 50 exhibits all relating to a piece of Singapore history.

Jubilee Weekend Part 1

Last Friday was the beginning of our SG50 long weekend and there were a host of activities available for Singaporeans to keep themselves busy with.

For one, the Artscience Museum is offering free entry for Singaporeans to it's exhibitions "The Deep", "Dreamworks Animation: The Exhibition" and "Singapore STories: Then, Now, Tomorrow".

The exhibitions have been running for quite some time now but I only found out about it recently. I am particularly interested in The Deep and Dreamworks exhibition. Luckily, I was able to coincide my visit with the free entry day and save some money off the admission prices.

爷爷的遗愿

小时候的我性格比较内向，因此非常黏着妈妈。

我记得这件事情发生在我八岁那年。

当时，念小二的我和爸妈住在西部的一间三房式组屋。

事发当日，爸爸出门工作了，只剩下我和妈妈在家。妈妈正在厨房的浴室洗澡而我就蹲在门外等她出来。

等着，等着，我便开始唱起歌来。我正唱的起劲，一抬头往厨房门口的方向望过去时，竟然目睹了一件让人无法解释的一幕！

Happy 50th Birthday, Singapore!

Singapore's 50th birthday celebrations at the Padang has just come to a close but it was no birthday like any other for it is her Golden Jubilee.

It has been fifty years of Independence since our separation from Malaysia. It was a big blow to us then, when we were chased out of the door with nothing to our names and had to fend for ourselves. However, one very brave man took charge and lead us to a brighter future. He is non other than our founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

Fifty years on, our progress is evident for all to see but it was no mean feat though, as our forefathers have paved the way for us - their future generations - with sweat, blood and tears. 

Activities For The Jubilee Weekend!

Can you feel the footsteps of the Jubilee weekend approaching?

As Singapore marks 50 years of independence this year (09 August to be exact), the President has declared 07 August 2015 (Friday) a public holiday. This will make for an extended Jubilee Weekend over the 07 to 10 August period so as to enable all Singaporeans to participate in commemorating this special milestone in our nation's history.

Over the Jubilee Weekend, special programmes have been prepared for Singaporeans around the island to revisit and experience afresh the journey of Singapore's story.

Here, I have compiled some events which is taking place during this Jubilee weekend!

SG50 Hello Kitty From McDonald's!

Hello Kitty fans rejoice!

Singapore is celebrating her golden jubilee this year and McDonald's is launching the SG50 Hello Kitty series!

This set of unique Hello Kitty plushies is exclusive to Singapore so be the first to get your hands on the limited edition collectibles!

Video: 台湾八仙乐园粉尘爆炸 Horrifying Explosion At Taiwan Water Park *Warning: Graphic*

Last night, I was horrified to learn of the explosion at Formosa Fun Coast, a water park in Taiwan. Colourful clouds of flammable powder were fired at the party goers out of pressurized canons at the Colour Play Asia party which, unfortunately, ignited and engulfed them in flames.

It was like a scene out of a disaster movie as the victims scramble for their lives in the fire.

At the point of penning this entry, casualties numbered to 500 with close to 200 in ICU.

May God bless the injured.

Video below.

In Memorium: James Horner 1953 - 2015

Oscar winner James Horner has been killed after crashing his single-engine plane in Southern California on Monday morning. 

Ventura County fire spokesman Mike Lindbery said the crash happened around 9.30am in the Los Padres National Forest, with the Federal Aviation Administration adding that the plane was an S-312 Tucano MK1 turbo-prop with two seats and that the debris was spread across an acre of land. 

Crews extinguished a fire that erupted in vegetation after the plane became engulfed in flames upon impact, about 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

Horner, a husband and father of two, was later confirmed dead by one of his employees.

Horner's assistant, Sylvia Patrycja, confirmed that it was the beloved composer who died in the tragic accident. 

'We have lost an amazing person with a huge heart, and unbelievable talent,' Patrycja wrote on Facebook. 

  

'He died doing what he loved. Thank you for all your support and love and see you down the road.' 

Jay Cooper, an attorney for Horner, said the plane was one of several owned by the 61-year-old composer. 

  

Horner’s representatives have not commented on the issue. - Daily Mail

Free Minions Figurines With McDonald's Happy Meal

McDonald's Singapore will be launching a set of 10 Minions collectible toys from the animation, MINIONS this coming Thursday, 18 June 2015 at 11am.

The Minions are:

01. Guitar Strumming Stuart
02. Groovy Stuart
03. Minion Caveman
04. Lava Shooting Kevin
05. Chatting Bob
06. Egyptian Hula Minion
07. Minion Vampire
08. Marching Minion Soldier
09. Martial Arts Minion
10. Guard Minion

The toys will come free with every purchase of a kid's Happy Meal.

Hatyai Sabbatical 2015

I must really apologize for the lack of updates.

The first half of 2015 has just gone in a flash. A lot has happened during the last six months and my mind have been bogged down by family matters. All is fine for now and I hope it stays that way.

Last month, my folks and I brought forward our yearly retreat to Hatyai (we usually go during year end) and we took the opportunity to recharge and re-energize. Hopefully, we did not bring the negative vibes back with us.

I think Hatyai has been blogged to death by me so I shall consolidate the entire five days into one single post and not go into the details. Since it is simply a staycation, we spend most of our time sleeping/watching TV in the hotel when we are not out looking for food.

Now if you would fasten your seatbelt, our journey shall begin in just a minute.

Singapura: 700 Years Exhibition At The National Museum Of Singapore

After visiting the Lee Kuan Yew memorial exhibition on level 2 of the National Museum, I proceeded to the basement to visit yet another exhibition - Singapura: 700 Years.

History is one of my favorite subject in school so how could I miss it?

I studied South East Asia history in school and I would like to attribute my keen interest in the subject to my history teacher, Ms Lau Gek Moi who managed to make her lessons unboring.

Entering the gallery, I was thrown back into the pre-Colonial days when the then Temasek was still a Sultanate. Bit by bit, like fragments of a long forgotten memory, the story of Parameswara and the invasion from the Majapahit Kingdom all came flooding back.

In Memoriam: Lee Kuan Yew exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore

This memorial exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore chronicles the life and political career of Singapore's first Prime Minister and founding father Lee Kuan Yew. It also highlights the ideals and convictions that shaped Mr Lee and his generation of leaders.

Through a selection of photographic images and audiovisual recordings, as well as artefacts from the National Collection, the exhibition begins with Mr Lee's formative years as a law student at Cambridge and his early involvement in the anti-colonial struggle.

It also traces his political career from the formation of the People's Action Party, through his Prime Ministership, to his final years of service as Senior Minister and Minister Mentor.

Mr Lee's political biography is inextricably linked to Singapore's own journey from British colony to merger with Malaysia to Separation and independence. This exhibition chronicles that journey and pays tribute to his contributions.

This exhibition will enable visitors to remember and reflect on the solid foundation that he built for Singapore.

State Funeral for Singapore's Founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Today is a day unlike any other for Singapore as we bid farewell to our Founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

The past week has not been a easy one as anguished Singaporeans come to terms with his demise since news of it broke on early Monday (March 23) morning.

Pulled by an open-topped ceremonial land rover, Mr Lee's body was brought to Sri Temasek atop a Gun Carriage for a two-day private wake inside the Istana where President Tony Tan Keng Yam, the Sultan of Brunei and Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing were among the visitors.

The Passing Of A Legend - Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew

Tribute site beside Jurong Regional Library

Grave news shook the world in the wee hours of March 23rd 2015. 

Lee Kuan Yew, the former Prime Minister of Singapore has passed away peacefully at 3.18am. He has been warded at the Singapore General Hospital since February 05 for severe pneumonia where he remained critically ill. He was 91.

For the days leading up to his demise, the PMO (Prime Minister's Office) has been updating Mr Lee's health status daily. His deteriorating  health is worrying and I knew what is to come but still, I was shaken when the inevitable happened. 

A Day With The Singapore Zoo, River Safari And Night Safari!

Last Sunday, I spend my birthday at the Singapore Zoo and River Safari for the second consecutive year ever since I found out that Singaporeans enter WRS (Wildlife Reserves Singapore) parks for free on their birthdays.

I arrived at the Zoo bright and early that morning to collect my complimentary tickets from the ticketing booth.

After getting my tickets, I head straight for the River Safari because I wanted to see the Manatees and Araipaima first.

While most people visiting the River Safari naturally turn left towards Rivers Of The World, I head for the opposite direction towards the Amazon Flooded Forest where the Manatees and Araipaima are.

The River Safari is designed in a loop so visitors can just go clockwise (or anti-clockwise like I did) around the park. The Rivers Of The World is at the beginning of the loop while the Amazon Flooded Forest is at the end of it. Since the majority of the crowd are at the other side, I have the Amazon Flooded Forest all to myself!

DIY: Biological/Chemical Filter For Aquarium

I have been toying with the idea of making my own biological cum chemical filter for a long time. I am using a overhead filter but it is kind of small to add in any other media after putting in the filtration wool.

Since my overhead filter is only fulfilling the mechanical aspect of the filtration system, this project will enhance the biological and chemical step.

There are three components to the filtration system:

- Mechanical

- Biological

- Chemical