eastcoastlife

ECL Learning to make her own Short Film - WS

2009-07-05T23:28:00.001+08:00

My course mate trying out the latest camera

I spent half a Saturday learning the skills of making a short video focusing on events coverage. There were 17 of us in this sponsored workshop. At the end of two lessons, we have to make a short video and upload to YouTube. I can't wait to see my product. :)

During our first lesson, our instructor Lionel Chok gave us an overview of filmmaking - from an idea and story to screening and sharing. It requires imagination and creativity. Those, I have. hehe.....

We learn to appreciate different elements that make a film. There was so much to learn and it was really interesting to learn what goes on behind the making of a film.

To my filmmaker friends, I shall be pestering you on the finer points of shooting a good film from now on. hehe.....

Shooting with a digital camera

During our first outdoor shoot, Lionel brought out the latest video camera to film us at work. A few course mates and I tried it. It is not very heavy although it looks bulky, but if I have to carry it on my shoulders for an hour, it would probably feel like a rock! :P

Lionel filming us at work during the outdoor shoot

I convinced the course organiser to loan (only for 2 weeks -_- ) me a video camera as I'm serious in producing a good film and plan to get a video camera. Meanwhile I have to start shooting because on the next lesson Lionel will teach us editing.

On Sunday, Chris and I spent a day outdoors, familiarising ourselves with the equipment and practise filming.

I'm going to be busier as I take on a new task and have new toys to play with. 加油! 加油!加油!

weekend-snapshot

First Commenter - stanley

Pink Starfruit Flowers - PH

2009-07-04T10:19:00.001+08:00

tiny pink flowers on a starfruit tree

One of my neighbours has a starfruit tree in her small garden. I saw many pretty but tiny pink flowers on her tree.

The starfruit is a juicy tropical fruit grown throughout Southeast Asia. Due to the hot weather and H1N1 pandemic, I was advised by my elders to drink more starfruit juice. They are a great source of Vitamin C and will cool down the body system.

For anyone who is trying to lose weight, this fruit has only 30 calories plus lots of fiber. :D They are full of antioxidants and flavonoids. Very healthy fruit!

When ripe, starfruit turns a bright yellow.

When you cut the fruit, each slice has a star shape. They taste sour when unripe. I prefer to eat the ripe ones because they are sweet. Besides making juice with the starfruit, I also cook it in a few ways. They make salads look pretty.

unripe starfruits

Note : I'm still having problems uploading my photos to Blogger. grrrr.....

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First Commenter - YSTL

Shopping for the Dead - WW

2009-06-30T18:00:00.006+08:00

A friend wanted to buy a laptop for her late husband. No, you didn't read it wrong. She lost her husband 3 months ago.

She misses him so much. Friends and relatives tried to console her but to no avail. :( Last Saturday, she asked me to accompany her to Chinatown to pick up a laptop and cellphone for him.

We went to a shop that sells incense and paper items for the dead.

black laptop (extreme left) for the dead

Besides the 'laptop', she also bought 'dentures', his favourite food and lots of menswear. All were made of paper. I didn't laugh nor chide her, I felt very sad and sorry for her.

paper dentures

I discovered some lacy paper bra but I couldn't find any matching G-string. Female ghosts also need to wear sexy underwear? -_- "'

Guys, beware! :P

Don't leave Hell Without a Hell Passport and Credit Cards

Note : My photos are missing due to Blogger's 'internal error'. I hope the problem can be solved asap. Meanwhile I have to upload my photos in another site. :(

Wordless Wednesday

First Commenter - Sasha

Self-Quarantine, Limit the Spread of H1N1! - WS

2009-06-28T23:22:00.000+08:00

mischievous students making fun of those on home quarantine

After a month of holidays, schools in Singapore are set to re-open tomorrow. But some of my foreign students who are returning from other areas with evidence of community transmission of Influenza A (H1N1) were advised to stay home by their schools.

I have placed those students on self-quarantine, hoping to limit the spread of Influenza A (H1N1) in the community.

They will stay at home throughout the 7 days quarantine period. I will monitor their temperature twice daily and check for flu-like symptoms. They must practice good personal hygiene and minimise contact with other house mates. They will have online lessons until they return to school on 6 July.

I don't know whether they are carriers of the virus. We just have to be socially responsible. I have prepared masks and hand sanitizers for every one in the house.

On 28th June 2009, Singapore has confirmed 145 new cases of H1N1, bringing the tally to 599.

weekend-snapshot

First Commenter -

Flags A-Fluttering at Asian Youth Games - PH

2009-06-26T20:37:00.001+08:00

flags fluttering stiffly in the breeze is an inspiring sight, and does a country proud

The 1st Asian Youth Games will be officially opened by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 29th June 2009 in the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Find the flag of your country!

Over 1000 athletes aged between 14 and 17 from 42 countries will be competing in more than 90 sporting events from June 29, 2009 to July 7, 2009.

Athletes and officials are housed at the Games Village at Swissotel The Stamford. Due to the recent H1N1 outbreak, one level on the ninth floor of the 5-star hotel has been set aside for atheletes who have suspected cases.

An athlete from the Philippines and 4 Hong Kong footballers have been tested positive for H1N1 flu. All are doing well.

The Games Village at Swissotel The Stamford.

I have several requests from overseas friends to buy Asian Youth Games Singapore 2009 merchandise. The T-shirts and caps are pretty cool!

Go Singapore! Go! Go! Go!

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First Commenter - DC

Tribute of Love (Part I) - RT/WW

2009-06-23T01:23:00.002+08:00

On 20th June 2009, I was invited to the Yellow Ribbon Cooking Competition 2009 'Tribute of Love' Father's Day Luncheon at Changi Prison Complex. Guests-of-honour included Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Home Affairs Mr Masagos Zulkifli BMM and MP Denise Phua (Jalan Besar GRC).

Senior Parlimentary Secretary, Education and Home Affairs, Mr Masagos Zulkifli (left) and Director of Prisons Mr Ng Joo Hee (in uniform) speaking to guests at the luncheon

It was a special day for the finalists who have cooked and dedicated their winning recipes as a tribute of love to their strongest pillar of support: their families.

When the dishes were served, several elderly parents were visibly touched. It was the first time their child has cooked for them. They nodded and smiled as they savoured the food, they were so proud of their child at that moment.

When the chefs from SHATEC went round to speak to the family members, many thanked them for giving their children a second chance. They were extremely grateful for the support and help given.

Family members thanking the chefs from SHATEC

I saw one finalist pass a Father's Day message to his elderly Dad. Written in Chinese, when it was read out, tears welled in the eyes of the elderly man. It was a touching moment.

family members were served the winning dishes

The champions from Khalsa Crescent Prison won S$500 cash and together with the other 2 teams which have made their way to the finals, will get the chance to undergo a 35-week certified culinary training course conducted by SHATEC and sponsored by staff of Temasek Holdings.

Performers from the SPS Performing Arts Centre

Besides a sumptious lunch, we enjoyed a lovely performance put up by the SPS Performing Arts Centre. Their melodious rendition of 'Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree' keeps playing in my head..... until today. :D

Chef Catan Tan to the finalists : 'All of us are here today, because .... we Care'.

Photos - courtesy of Singapore Prison Service

Wordless Wednesday

First Commenter - Mama asid

50 Plus Active Ageing Carnival 2009 - WS

2009-06-21T22:05:00.002+08:00

Dance, Grandpa, dance!

When I started planning for my retirement, I wanted to live near a beach and spend my remaining days fishing or gardening, dozing off in my rocking chair.......

Can you imagine EastCoastLife retiring? I wanted to lead a quiet sedate life until ...... I went to this Active Ageing Carnival and discover lifestyle choices that seniors can embark on.

It wants to promote an active ageing culture amongst seniors in Singapore. Turning 50 can be healthy and fun!

A senior tries his hand at archery

Surprisingly, I am a good archer. My hubby Chris protested vehemently against my taking up archery. He said he would not be able to run faster than my arrows. hahaha......

Rock n Roll with Singapore First Elvis Fan Club

Chris' eyes sparkled like diamonds and his body started gyrating when he saw these seniors rock n roll like the King on stage. Oh boy! You should have seen these people perform! More on this club in my next post.

Contact : sfefc2004@yahoo.com.sg

Learn Cantonese Opera

Cantonese opera is a traditional Chinese art involving music, singing, acting, martial arts and acrobats. But this art is slowly dying in Singapore. I was glad to find this group that offers opera lessons. Let's see if I'm cut out to be an opera singer. :P

For Enquiry, call Lam Kam Ping Cantonese Opera : 9119 2661

Free medical screening

Besides the mind boggling variety of activities, seniors also enjoy special deals and promotions.

arggghhhh.... I couldn't enjoy the discounts because I'm still far from age 50! :P

weekend-snapshot

First Commenter - stanley

Creamy Chocolatey Drinks - PH

2009-06-20T08:46:00.001+08:00

Suckao

I love chocolates, I'm a chocolate addict. I just can't get enough of the creamy textures of this comfort food. :D

My favourite hang-out serves a hot creamy chocolatey drink called the Suckao.

Served in a special metal container, there is a special metal scoop which doubles as a straw to suck the creamy drink. Milk is poured into the heated container which has a tea candle (like an aromatheraphy burner) burning at the bottom of it. You add the chocolate chips (3 types to choose from - dark, milk and white chocolate) to the warm milk. You can ask for a re-fill of milk.

Be very careful though, the drink is quite hot and you could get your tongue scald if you suck it with the metal straw. Sip.

warms you up on wet, chilly evenings.....

Another creamy chocolatey drink served in a cute custom made cup. Great for a wet and chilly evening. :)

Ask for its Belgian Waffle with creamy vanilla ice-cream!

Max Brenner Chocolate Bar
#01-06/08, 8 Raffles Avenue, Esplanade Mall
Tel: 62359556

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First Commenter -Angela

Samsung Jet Launch in Singapore

2009-06-16T10:45:00.002+08:00

Senoir Samsung executives holding the Samsung Jet.

I was invited to be amongst the first in the world to view Samsung Jet, the exciting new Samsung mobile phone that is touted to be ‘smarter than a smartphone’. It was all secretive before the launch as the media and partners of Samsung were shuttled from the Ritz Carlton Hotel and Swissôtel The Stamford to Changi Exhibition Centre.

Samsung unveils this new flagship simultaneously for the first time in Singapore at 8 pm, 4 hours later in Dubai and London 7 hours later on 15th June 2009.

Senior Samsung executives were on-site to share Samsung’s mobile phone strategy moving forward, and how it will reaffirm its industry leadership in Asia with this robust new line-up.

We were treated to a delicious dinner and entertainment by our top local performers.

There was a long queue to try this new mobile. I could hold it for only a few minutes (only enough to take a few shots of the phone and try the touch screen) before it was passed to the next person.

The Samsung Jet's got an 800MHz processor, making it the fastest full touch handset on the market today. I like the vivid images in natural colours. I could surf up to five pages at any one time, and there's a book marking widget to save my favourite websites. Such a cool phone! Read about its features here.

You can try out the Jet at Samsung booth in :

CommunicAsia 2009
June 16, 2009 - June 19, 2009
Singapore Expo-Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hall 6
1 Expo Drive, #01-01
Singapore

Video Games Live 2009 Singapore Tour

2009-06-15T13:48:00.001+08:00

The biggest gaming music event in the world is coming to Singapore! Performed to countless sold-out audiences in United States, Europe and North Asia, the world’s original and most successful video games concert will be coming to Southeast Asia for the first time, on 19 June 2009, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium - For one night only!

I'm not a gamer, I know nuts about gaming. Blogger Nic has given me 3 tickets to the event. When I told my son Jaymes about the tickets, he was ecstatic.

I was informed it is an explosive audio-visual extravaganza created with music and animation from the most popular video games of all time! Using exclusive video footage and music arrangements from a full orchestra, synchronized lighting, live action performances and unique interactive segments, Video Games Live brings the audience on a journey through 30 years of gaming culture.

It is a must-see for gamers familiar with the world of Warcraft and Final Fantasy, and great family entertainment for those looking to relive the nostalgia of Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, Video Games Live has left hundreds of thousands across the globe with an unforgettable experience.

Produced and performed live by world famous video game composers Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall, with our very own remarkable NUS Symphony Orchestra & Choir, VGL features music from the most popular video games - Pong, Mario, Sonic, Halo, Warcraft, Zelda, Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy and more.

Do not miss this opportunity to watch Video Games Live’s debut performance in Singapore!

Ticket sales - S$115, S$85, S$70, S$55
Get your tickets at all SISTIC Outlets!

Video Games Live 2009 Singapore Tour
(Duration 2h 30 mins with 20 mins interval)
Singapore Indoor Stadium
19th June 2009

article, courtesy of Nic

First Commenter - Doreen

Great Singapore Sale! - WS, RT

2009-06-15T09:48:00.002+08:00

... where just about everything is on sale!

Chris and I met up with some Indonesian friends who came over the weekend for The Great Singapore Sale! We ended up shopping with them for almost the whole day. :P

We started from Orchard Road. I was surprised to see long queues at a couple of top luxury brands. Undeterred by the global economic downturn, the shoppers couldn't resist splurging on a luxury item or two.

We then proceeded to Suntec City for the PC Show 2009 which offers the latest IT products as well as the hottest deals .....

in the queue to redeem our free gifts after making some purchases at PC Show 2009

We ended at Mustafa (24 hours!) for more midnight shopping.

huge crowds even at late hours

We bought lots of stuff at great bargains. I tried to buy only what I really need, but with discounts of up to 70% off the usual prices, it's hard to resist such deals.

Armed with info on the mall activities and events, my overseas friends came well-prepared. Visitors to Singapore during The Great Singapore Sale are entitled to exclusive promotions on selected retail and lifestyle purchases. Using the Tourist Privilege Card, they enjoyed even bigger bargains and returned home happily! :D

The Great Singapore Sale
29th May to 26th July 2009

The Great Singapore Feast
12th June to August 30 2009

Great Singapore Pass offers discounts on admissions to attractions island-wide until 31st December 2009.

weekend-snapshot

First Commenter - levian

No Locks - PH

2009-06-12T14:48:00.001+08:00

old village huts on Jeju island

On a trip to Jeju Island (South Korea), I learnt that villagers in the old days did not have to lock their doors. If they were going out, they just put a wooden post across the entrance to keep animals from entering their houses.

I lived in a village when I was a kid. It wasn't necessary to lock our doors too. We were poor and there was nothing worth stealing. :)

The door wasn't locked! We just walked in!

In Daegu city (3rd largest city in Korea), while enjoying a stroll and admiring the beautiful, traditional Korean houses, we noticed we could just push open any door. They were not locked!

In a Korean traditional medicine shop

It was freezing cold that night. Although it was way past opening hours, this young apprentice didn't lock us out in the cold when we came knocking on its door to buy some medicine for a sick member.

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First Commenter - Sgshortstories

Police K-9 Unit - WW

2009-06-09T22:13:00.001+08:00

Sergeant Lee and Charlie

At the Home Team Exhibition 2009, visitors have a rare opportunity to see our police dogs in action. Adults and children were immediately attracted to these smart canines. They are the unusual heros in the search for suspects, location of victims or to detect narcotics, illegal immigrants and explosives at our land, sea and air checkpoints.

sniff..., sniff...., sniff....

Sergeant Lee, together with his canine partner 5-year-old Charlie, demonstrated how they locate missing victims. Both were part of the rescue team at China's Sichuan Earthquake last year.

Found!

Members of the audience were invited to go on stage to participate in the demo. These two brave kids were hidden in one of 4 huge cardboard boxes. Charlie found them!

Kids were attracted by the cuties and queued for pictures with them.

Wordless Wednesday

First Commenter - stan

Home Team Exhibition 2009 - WS

2009-06-07T23:03:00.001+08:00

Officers from Prison Service demonstrate how they would overpower a violent inmate

I brought my foreign students to the Home Team Exhibition 2009 held at Suntec City on Saturday and returned on Sunday with my family. The exhibition provides the public a glimpse into what the Home Team has been doing to keep Singapore safe and secure.

We were taught how to prepare effectively for a crisis and to do our part for our community to make Singapore a best home for work, play and starting a family.

Interesting and fun activities were available too. There was a booth to try your hand shooting a pump gun. The queue was long, we had to pass that. :(

The kids were in awed of the police dogs who are the heros in the search for suspects, location of victims or to detect narcotics, illegal immigrants and explosives at our land, sea and air checkpoints.

Participants taking part in a quiz

Visitors can take part in a quiz similar to Who Wants to Be A Millionaire and win cool souvenirs of the Home Team. I didn't get a chance to participate as I was busy taking pictures of my students and listening to the duty officers from different members of Home Team providing interesting insights into the extensive planning and preparations carried out behind the scene.

The Home Team is aiming to recruit up to 1,500 officers this year. At the Recruitment area, officers from various members of Home Team were available to answer any queries from interested individuals. Members of the public could also volunteer their time in Volunteer Special Constabulary, prisons and civil defence.

My souvenirs and prizes from the exhibition :D

My students were absolutely thrilled. They were allowed to take photos while riding on the traffic police bikes and fire engines. They learnt first aid from SCDF officers and practised on one another. It was fun bandaging up a friend or teacher. :D They also received lots of souvenirs from the friendly officers.

Home Team Exhibition 2009
6 & 7 June 2009 (10 am to 6 pm)
Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre

weekend-snapshot

My First Commenter - Stanley

Advertisement - Gift Vouchers from a Hospital (PH)

2009-06-05T14:48:00.002+08:00

PhotoHunt theme : Advertisement

gift vouchers from a hospital

Choi!! Touch wood!!

This was the first reaction I had when I received these gift vouchers from a local hospital. The 4 gift vouchers, according to its PR personnel was a 'goodwill gesture' because they lost the medical file of my foreign student. I filed a complaint about the missing medical file and received a crappy reply accompanied by these. Bad move.

As much as possible, I will avoid visiting a hospital. What with the Swine Flu and whatnot contagious diseases flying around, why would I go shopping in a hospital?

What will the hospital think of next? Free injection? Free incision?

Chris having a fun time at a road show of a branded lifestyle product

To generate increased consumption of products and services, advertisement is carried out in every available medium.

Advertising is a powerful educational tool, capable of reaching and motivating huge audiences.

Besides promoting commercial goods and services, it can be used to inform, educate and motivate the public about non-commercial issues, such as Yellow Ribbon Project, HIV/AIDS, energy conservation and deforestation.

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My First Commenter - Lina

Want a Pet Snake? - WW

2009-06-02T19:17:00.002+08:00

A kindergarten invited some unusual guests to one of its events.
Snakes.
Can you imagine scores of children screaming.....! hehe....

Who wants to hold the snake?

The Fearless 8!

Some children stayed far far away from the snakes, some came forward to touch the slimy guests. :D

Eastcoastlife stood far far away to take photos. :D

Wordless Wednesday

My First Commenter - Sasha

Mensa Singapore Monthly Board Games - WS

2009-05-31T22:25:00.002+08:00

Junior Mensans and their parents

As my kids have finished their mid-year exams, I brought them to Mensa Singapore's monthly board games event. We made some new friends and had 4 hours of fun and laughter.

Great turnout ...... Full House!

There was a huge turnout this time. No worries. With over 100 fun board games and many players to choose from, everyone had a good time.

Be prepared to be thrashed by youngsters half your age though. haha.....

************** ooooo OOO ooooo **************

National Family Celebrations '09, an annual national campaign to celebrate the importance of the family, runs from 30th May to 28 June 2009. Singaporeans are encouraged to take time off their busy schedules to enjoy a day out with their familes.

weekend-snapshot

My First Commenter - Mariuca

Fancy a meal among Books - PH

2009-05-30T01:23:00.000+08:00

PhotoHunt theme : Book(s)

What can you find in a public library?

EastCoastLife eating and drinking!?

Eating delicious Dim Sum surrounded by thousands of books.

The books are not real. It's a Food Court, in a Singapore shopping mall, decorated to look like a library. :D

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Yellow Ribbon Cooking Competition 2009 (Finals) - WW

2009-05-28T01:43:00.002+08:00

Stuffed Chicken Thigh

The dishes that were being brought in looked yummy, but I did not get a chance to taste them. These scrumptious dishes were prepared in a prison kitchen ..... by inmates.

They were the 12 finalists from both the mens' and womens' prisons taking part in the Yellow Ribbon Cooking Competition 2009 held in Changi Prison Cluster A on 26th May. The competition was a challenge to these participants because each team was given a set of predetermined ingredients and basic kitchen equipment to work with.

Under the watchful eyes of prison officers present in the kitchen, the participants went about their tasks. Knives and even vegetable peelers were chained to a kitchen bench. One team had to improvise a heart-shaped mould from aluminium foil. They had to produce the dishes within a time limit.

pan seared Salmon

The dishes presented not only earned the praises of the judges but captured the hearts of the invited guests and prison officers. I was amazed when I was told some of the participants had little cooking experience and only went through 3 cooking lessons with SHATEC Institute's trainers. And the women particpants had no kitchen in their prison to practise for this competition.

Judges : (L to R) Catan Tan, Tony Khoo, Paolo Zambrano,Matthew Yim

The dishes were judged by 4 chefs - Tony Khoo (Executive Chef, Marina Mandarin), Paolo Zambrano (Executive Sous Chef, SATS Catering), Matthew Yim (Vice Principal, SHATEC Institute) and Catan Tan (SHATEC Institute).

The champion team is from Khalsa Crescent Prison. Besides cash, the winners will be given an opportunity to cook their winning dishes for their families. I hope to be invited for this special occasion. There would be touching moments.

Chef Tony Khoo was surprised at the particpants' high level of creativity despite the constraints of the prison kitchen. He was impressed with the enthusiasm and good working attitude of the participants. He would be more willing to hire ex-offenders if they display such qualities.

Vice Principal of SHATEC Institute, Chef Matthew Yim was certainly proud of these participants. They show a willingness to learn and take in criticisms. It was a satisfying and rewarding experience for his school to support such a meaningful project.

ECL with Matthew Wee (Head, Public Affairs, Singapore Prison Service)

I was invited to this event by Singapore Prison Service.

For security reasons, my personal particulars was submitted prior to attending the event. I was allowed to carry only a notebook and a pen, all my belongings were left in a locker at the Prison Link Centre.

I went through barricade after barricade, security was so tight within the prison compound. It was not easy for EastCoastLife to go to jail. :P Surprisingly, I was getting more excited as each auto gate closed behind me. :D

I was warmly welcomed by Matthew Wee (Head, Public Affairs), the officers of SPS and SCORE (Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprise).

Lunch was catered from SCORE's Catering & Central Kitchen. The dishes are cooked by inmates. I would recommend its really yummy Brownie and mini custard puff!

******************** ooo OOO 000 ********************

More than 11,000 ex-offenders complete their sentences and are released from our prisons and drug rehabilitation centres (DRCs) annually. The Yellow Ribbon Project helps the reformed inmates put their past behind them, especially when they try their level best at home, at work and in the community.

Support the Yellow Ribbon Project.

Photos - courtesy of Singapore Prison Service

Wordless Wednesday

First Commenter - Ayie

Mensa Singapore 1st Quarterly Lunch - WS

2009-05-25T00:09:00.001+08:00

Lunch with fellow Mensans

Christopher and I got to catch up with fellow Mensans at our 1st Quarterly Mensa Singapore Lunch at NYDC cafe and restaurant, Bugic Junction branch.

At this event, we welcome new members to the society and hope they will mingle with existing members. Members are encouraged to bring their family or friends.

Our two adorable Junior Mensans

The owner of NYDC is a Mensa member, so we got a good deal. :D

Diners can choose from 3 main dishes. One of the main dishes was its Mushroom Madness Pizza. Named “Best Pizza in Singapore” by a local paper, it came with lots of fresh mushrooms, garlic sauce and mozzarella.

famous Ally’s New York Cheesecake

Dessert was another famous item on its menu, Ally's New York Cheesecake. yum yum...

We will be having our Monthly Boardgame Meet next Sunday. :)

Our 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner will be held on 5th June. We hope to raise funds for the meal coupons, transport allowance and school uniform of NorthLight School's needy students.

The students have put up some of their art pieces for sale.

Mensa Singapore conducts the Mensa Singapore Admissions Test for persons aged 14 and above. The MSAT is interesting and challenging as it involves only symbols and pictorial representations, and does not require knowledge of any particular language or mathematics. It costs S$55 per person.

Register for the Mensa Singapore Admissions Test to be held on Saturday, 20 June 2009 at Suntec City NUSS Guild House.

weekend-snapshot

First Commenter - Rachel

Singapore Prison Service New Media Workshop

2009-05-22T13:24:00.003+08:00

ECL at Singapore Prison Service New Media workshop

Singapore Prison Service (SPS)

I was invited to the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) Digital/New Media Training sessions on both 13 May and 21 May 2009. Walking into the room, I saw 'stars' ...... stars on the uniform of the officers. :)

These top officers are in charge of the fourteen prisons and drug rehabilitation centres (DRCs) that SPS manages in Singapore.

I was given 30 minutes per session to answer questions from these officers. No, they were not interrogation sessions. :) They were fun sessions where we learnt from one another and shared our thoughts on new media and how we can use it to engage the community.

Through both the sessions, I gained valuable insights into the work of the prison officers and have a better understanding of the organisation.

SPS hopes to steer the offenders towards being responsible citizens with the help of their families and the community. Our community needs to be more accepting, one that is willing to give ex-offenders a second chance at making good.

I am familiar with its Yellow Ribbon Project which gives ex-offenders a second chance - to help them find the hope to start afresh.

ECL and Charlie Pownall (from Burson Masteller)

Meet the Blogger
Q&A with a top Singapore blogger. Opportunity to ask questions about motivation, working practices, blogging trends in Singapore, etc.

Photos - courtesy of Singapore Prison Service (SPS)

First Commenter - Mariuca

Art Pieces of NorthLight School students

2009-05-21T01:38:00.003+08:00

MN09/001 (poster sized), from S$200

A highlight of Mensa Singapore's 20th anniversary Gala Dinner is its community outreach programme. Mensa Singapore is working with NorthLight School (NLS) which takes in students who have repeatedly failed their PSLE (elementary school exams) and prepares them for lifelong learning and employability so the students can make positive contributions to the community.

An introductory post on NorthLight School by Daniel

I was at NLS to take photos of the students' art work which will be for sale at the dinner to raise funds for its needy students.

A class of students were having their Food Preparation and Service Course. They rose to greet us as we entered the room. In this course, they learn basic food preparation, F&B service, house-keeping and customer servicing skills relevant to the hospitality industry.

NLS students having their Food Preparation and Service Course

The students are encouraged to do community service like painting, fix light bulbs and doing minor repair works for an elderly activity centre nearby.

Framed art work (A3 sized) of NLS students, from S$60

Underprivileged students formed the bulk of the intake each year. Each needy student needs an average of S$400 per year in assistance.

Art pieces (postcard size, framed) by NLS students from S$25

If you are moved by the mission, you can do your part to contribute to the students’ assistance fund. Your contribution will go into providing the meal coupons, transport allowance and school uniform to the needy students.

Buy an art piece by NLS students or send your donations to :

NorthLight School
2 Dunman Road
Singapore 439188
Tel: 6580 6490
Donors are eligible for a tax-deductible receipt

Mensa Singapore 20/09 Gala Dinner

Date:
5 June 2009 (Friday)

Time:
7pm (To be seated)

Venue:
NUSS Suntec City Guild House

3 Temasek Boulevard, #05-001
Suntec City Mall
Singapore 038983

Ticket prices:
$50/ pax (Mensa member)
$60/ pax (Public)
$500/ table

NLS students will be performing at the dinner. Art works of the students will be available for purchases.
Do give them your support and encouragement.

First Commenter - Renny

Red Crops at a Dragon Fruit Farm - RT/ WW

2009-05-19T00:08:00.000+08:00

dragon fruit trees

After a brief visit to a goat farm, we went over to the dragon fruit farm next door. Despite the hot weather, families with elderly grandparents and young children in tow were scattered all over the farm. The kids were happy to have a huge open space to run about.

We were happy just to breathe in the fresh air and be close to Nature, taking in deep breaths of the lovely smell of the earth as we walked past a farm worker who was preparing a vegetable plot.

red flesh dragon fruits

Besides their main crop of dragon fruit trees, several types of fruits and vegetables are also grown on the farm. There are maize, beans, pineapple, passion fruits, bananas, a few varieties of melons and gourds ...... just to name a few.

passion fruits

ECL admiring a pretty winter-melon

I was fascinated by the rows of red long bean plants grown on the farm. I have not seen them in our local markets.

The farm owner brought the seeds over from Thailand and started growing them on his farm.
I was told the red long beans contain more iron and taste sweeter.

Red and green long beans (S$2 per bunch)

Visitors can buy freshly picked vegetables and fruits from the farm. We were surprised to see purple sweet potato leaves.

Curious, I bought one bunch each of the red long beans and purple sweet potato leaves. The red long beans turned a dark green colour when cooked. They are crunchy and taste sweeter than the normal green ones. I have yet to cook the purple sweet potato leaves. :)

Purple sweet potato leaves (S$2 per bunch)

Spring Orchard Dragon Fruit farm
1 Lim Chu Kang Lane 4
Singapore 718858
Tel: 63101884

Wordless Wednesday

Village Life in Singapore, Kampong Buangkok - WS

2009-05-17T20:24:00.010+08:00

Lovely place to have a meal or just chat....

Chris and I brought oceanskies, my blogger buddy, on a tour of the countryside. Our first stop was to the last village of Singapore, Kampong Buangkok.

We met some residents and spoke to them. We could simply walked in unannounced into one villager's garden and admire the lush greenery surrounding his humble house.

We discovered a secret garden in the village.

A creative DIY structure, a nice place to relax during evenings ....

We came to this simple wooden hut,.......

where a father was teaching his daughter to fry vegetables in their outdoor kitchen. They have their meals in an alfresco setting. Cool!

The father fried two plates of vegetables and sent one plate to his elderly next-door neighbours. Sharing whatever one has with his fellow neighbours are very common in this village.

A Malay family whom we were chatting with, generously invited us to their BBQ on an upcoming special occasion.

Modern apartments can be seen from the village. In another 3 to 4 years' time, Singapore's last village will be demolished and redeveloped by the government.

How to get there :
By car - Try Yio Chi Kang Rd near the junction of Ang Mo Kio Ave 5, then Gerald Drive

By bus - Numbers 70, 103, 854

weekend-snapshot

Painted Fish - PH

2009-05-15T14:03:00.003+08:00

PhotoHunt theme : Painted

Molly Fish with numbers tattooed on them

To appeal to consumers, some ornamental aquarium fish are artificially coloured, They are called Painted fish.

The fish are sedated before they are injected with a bright fluorescent colour dye, so they feel no pain. Alternatively they are dipped into a dye solution, or fed fish dyed food.

This gives the fish a brighter colour and they look more attractive to consumers. The colouring of the fish fades away after six months.

These fishes with single digit tattooed on them are very popular during Chinese New Year. The consumers think that keeping these fish bring prosperity.

Is it necessary to hurt the fishes just for quick monetary gains?

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First Commenter - levian