KBOX Karaoke

Singing and eating are some of the things I love to enjoy with my family and friends. It’s my boss’s birthday and he invited us for a makan and singing session. KBox is our favorite KTV lounge as we can have buffet dinner and sing our heart out.

We’ve been to their branches in Marina Square and Orchard Cinelesure. So, we decided to give their new branch at Kallang Leisure Park a try. Anyway, it’s very near to our office. The rate is rather reasonable at S$23++ per head inclusive of buffet dinner and room till 11pm. It’s cheaper then what we had paid for in the other 2 branches. However, the spread is not as good (lesser food).

Upon arrival at 7pm, we were allocated Room 21 at the KTV lounge. Hey, Pebble, your KTV session was in room 12 if I’m not wrong. Want to buy 4D ? 1221 or 2112 over this weekend ? haha….

The room is big and no odor is detected :P We were given a sticker each to paste on our arm for the buffet dinner. Air-con was so cold and the food turned cold in a short while. So, you have to eat when it’s hot….hmm….it’s not really hot at the first place. They have good spread of Japanese food. They also serve Western food (I like the Cream of Mushroom soup) as well as Chinese Dim Sum and best among all is Laksa. However, as compare to Marina branch, I still prefer the later as the food is warm and spread is wider.

What I like most was their drinks and desserts. They have a good coffee machine dispensing Black Coffee, Latte, Cappuccino and Teh Tarik. We tried all the drinks and all of them were surprisingly well blend. Their cold drinks were lemonade, lemon tea, peach tea and green tea. I strongly recommend lemonade. I give it 4 stars.

As for their dessert, they serve Japanese Rice Cake, Sea Coconut, Gui Lin Gao Jelly, Peach Pudding and GOOD CAKES such as Chocolate Cakes, Tiramisu, Cheese Cakes, Fruit Cakes etc. Can you imagine, a nice cup of Latte with Cheese Cake and good singers around singing songs that you requested ? Its simply heaven.

My colleague Regine is a born singer. She sings better then Singapore Idols especially her Cantonese songs (she is not Cantonese). She is too humble to join Singapore Idol Contest else she will be cutting records now instead of being shouted by clients and suppliers at times :P

As usual, I’m busy taking pictures and eating then singing. Too bad the room was too dark and the pics I took was not to my satisfaction. So, I stepped out from the room and took pictures on the nicely arranged spread. Before I took pictures, I seeked permission from the lounge assistant. After lengthy explanation of why I I wished to take pictures for my blog, he just stared at me with a blank on his face. Well, he didn’t understand a single word I uttered. I spoke to him in English and little did I know that he is from China. So, I need to explain all over again in Mandarin. Finally, permission granted and happily I took those beautiful pics.

The session ends with another good cup of lemonade and final song sang by the birthday boy. Oopsss…..now then I realize we didn’t even wish him happy birthday. Anyway, we had wished him and bought him a cake a day before on his actual bday. Celebrating his birthday on the following day is only an excuse for us to “CHOP” him and belanja us dinner + KTV. Hahaha…..what an brilliant excuse. How fortunate my boss is to have smart staffs like us.

BEN....the poodle

Ben is Gong Gong's best buddy. He is a poodle about 14 years human age (14 x 7 years = about 98 years in dog age). ET bought it when he was 3 month's old in 1994 as a gift to Gong Gong. He is a very gentle and intelligent dog. He used to jump in great height till a day when he fell and broke his leg. After underwent operation, his hind leg is still weak. He is such a kind soul that even Mei Mei squeeze his tail or pull his ears, he will never retalliate. When Mei Mei gets near Ben, I've to be very careful not worring that Mei Mei being bitten by Ben but Ben get hurt by Mei Mei. He is such a jewel.

Ben eats fruits everyday. An apple a day..keeps the doctor away. He has pinkish completion :) However, due to old age, Ben developes some heart problems and on medication which makes him lost appetite. I hope he can get well soon but I have this worry that should anything happen to Ben, Gong Gong will be heart broken. ET and I bought him Ben because he lost his pet dog King who was with him for 14 years. He was very down when King had to put to sleep but Ben brought back all the laughters. Gong Gong will be very lonely without Ben.

Am I going to get him another dog after Ben passes on ? Should I let Gong Gong break his heart every 14 years ? I really don't know.....Is there a dog that will live for 20 years ?

Ben....please stay healthy as your papa needs you most.

Beijin Olympic 08 Closing Ceremony

The Beijing Olympics, has finally drew to a magnificent close at the Bird's Nest Stadium last night (24.08.08 Sunday) featuring 16 days of spectacular games.

At the end of the competition and 302 events, China had 51 gold medals, 15 more than the United States on 36 although in total USA won 110 medals to China's 100. It is the first time China has won the gold medal count. Russia comes in next by winning 23 and Great Britain 19.

International Olympic Committee chief Jacques Rogge handed over the Olympic flag to Boris Johnson (Mayor of London), which will host the 2012 edition.

Even though China has invested more than 40 billion dollars on the Games and more than 1.5million volunteers helping out, it is definitely handsomely rewards. As what Mr Rogge said "Through these Games, the world learned more about China, and China learned more about the world. These were truly exceptional Games." Indeed. China has made many proud.

What touches me on the closing ceremony was the entrance of all athletics. All athletics entered through different entrances casually towards four corners of the center stage. No grouping of countries and no differences between all human. That's what Olympic spirit is. This spirit should carry on and encourage even after the game. Peace to the world.

As a soccer fan (MU fans). It's a real surprise to see former England (MU) football skipper, David Beckham, booted a ball off the top of a London Transformer bus before the Olympic flame was extinguished. Just look at the smile on the lucky fan who received the ball. What a nice surprise.

Last but not least, I wonder if London feels the pressure of hosting after China putting up such a spectacular games. London ...you can make it too !!! Cheer for you in four years time.

Beijing Olympic 08 Closing Ceremony

SUNNY's Famous Chili Crab & Bee Hoon

SUNNY Gong Gong is my mum's god brother. He is like a father to me and a grandpa to my kids. He is so young at heart and tough like a iron rock. Sportsman like him has been collecting many awards and trophies in skying, bowling, boat racing, golf, diving and shooting. He is teaching us Golf and definitely a perfect Golf Pro to many. Many times, my kids just fool around with him as though they are of same age.

He invited us over to his place last night for dinner to celebrate the completion of my kids' examinations. Hmm.....it's just an excuse to celebrate...actually we are just aiming for his famous Chili Crab and Bee Hoon. He is a brilliant cook.

Jo, Supercute, Black Ninja and Mei Mei went to Gong Gong's house in the afternoon to get the food ready. Gong Gong tought Supercute to cook vegetables and he excels it. ET and I arrived in the evening follow by Pebbles and UR. The braised duct that ET bought complements the meal. Pebbles and I kept taking pictures for our blogs while the rest were busy eating. The meal ended well with canned dessert, bananas, gin lime and crackers.

Supercute, Jo and Mei Mei stay over for the night for computer games. I've downloaded a few pc games for them to compete with each other at night. Apparently, Gong Gong was hooked to the game. I heard from Supercute that Gong Gong kept playing and was the last one to end the game :P. Looks like we have another PC Game addict. Welcome to the club Gong Gong.

HOMEMADE SNOW....Kids having Fun

I rarely buy toys for my kids. It's an idea passed down from my grandmother to my mother to me. The idea is not to buy toys but to invent toys or games for kids.

Since I was very young, my mother always says she doesn't believe in ready made toys as they are not fun. I have 3 brothers and I'm the youngest. We always invented toys made from papers, cups, discarded items like pot, wire, rope, etc etc. We make use of recycle items and convert it into toy house, cable cars (using boxes and ropes and attached to our double deck bed), build rooms using blankets and bamboo sticks in our bedrooms (we even have a tiny toilet in our room), paper balls, boat, kite etc. Anybody came out with an idea of certain toy, we would make that fun toy immediately. Most of the time the craft is done by my eldest bro as he is the smartest among us.

Many times, we would come out with script and act it out as a game. My eldest bro was always the bad guy, my younger bros were the heroes and I was the princess they need to protect and rescue. We played haunted house (my second brother is ghost and we are visitors cos my second bro acts ghost well), zoo (my bros are animals and I'm visitor), hero rescue, ghost comb (my second bro...ghost again...holding a ghost come and chased after us. Whoever being poked by comb would be the ghost), riding mad horse (my bros are the mad horse and I need to ride on them till I fell from their back). It's really fun and at zero cost.

Now, it's my turn to pass this idea to my kids. I started with them when they were very young. When they were one year old, I made toys from papers and cloth. When they get older, they are able to make themselves. It just happen naturally.

My kids simply love their own invented games and toys. There's once my youngest son told me "mum, ready made toys are not interesting as compare to the toys or games we come out with ourselves." I guess, it's the fulfillment that hey have being able to create something fun to play. At times when my kids receive toys as birthday and Christmas presents, they really love the toys but the feelings are a bit different. They will play for some time and you will notice that they normally put them aside and go back to their own games.

Here is a vedio I capture when my younger son was playing "Homemade Snow" with his sister using papers. See how much fun they have. Enjoy the vedio. Cheers.

Homemade Pizza (AMC Pot / Oven Bake)

As what have mentioned in Pebble’s blog, it’s so convenient to call a pizza company and ask for delivery. My family love pizza with extra cheese toppings as the regular toppings are normally not to our satisfaction.

Extra toppings = extra money. Thus, auntie like me is always looking out for cheaper alternatives. There’s pizza joints that offer buy one get one free. Hey, it’s still not cheap and doesn’t taste as good without extra toppings. I’m greedy though…. :P

You can also make your pizza at home with ready made pizza base and spread your pizza sauce, cheese, toppings. However, nothing is cheaper and better then a Homemade Pizza with homemade dough. Thanks to Pebble and SC for this easy recipe. It works like miracle. It taste good and it’s absolutely easy to make.

I’m using AMC pan but if you do not have one, an oven is equally good.



INGREDIENTS FOR PIZZA BASE
1/2 bowl fresh / low-fat milk
1 Egg
1 tsp dry yeast
a pinch of find salt / sea-salt
a pinch of sugar
1-1/4 bowl of plain flour


INGREDIENTS FOR SEAFOOD PIZZA TOPPING
tomato base (note: you can use paste sauce)
sliced ham (cut into squares)
sliced bacon (cut into squares)
sliced mushrooms
sliced prawn
sliced crab meat
sliced pineapple (cut into small pieces)
sliced capsicum
grated mozzarella cheese
shaved or grated parmesan cheese


INGREDIENTS FOR PORT FLOSS PIZZA TOPPING
tomato base (note: you can use paste sauce)
mayonnaise (optional but it really taste better with it)
pork floss (I choose one with sesame seed and seaweed)
grated mozzarella cheese
shaved or grated parmesan cheese


METHOD

1. Mix the milk, egg, yeast, sugar and salt in a big mixing bowl.
2. Add the flour and mix till a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough.
4. Cover the dough with a wet cloth (note: remember to squeeze out as much water as possible) and leave the dough to rise for about 30 minutes. The dough will rise about another 3/4 of the original height.
5. Grease the inside of an AMC flat pan with butter / margarine.
6. Place the dough in the middle of the pan and use your fingers to spread out the dough until it covers the bottom of the pan and a little of the sides of the pan.
7. Cover the entire pizza base with a layer of tomato / pasta sauce.
8. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese liberally.
9. Add the bacon, ham, mushroom and pineapple (note: the ingredients are to be squeezed as dry as possible before placing them on the pizza base).
10. Top with shaved parmesan cheese and grated mozzarella cheese.
11. Flatten the pizza so that the cooked pizza will turn out even.
12. Cover the pan with the AMC cover and cook on a low flame until the dial reaches "M". The cooking time is about 15 minutes.

Remarks & Tips

As the dough will rise after 30 minutes, place the dough in a tall container and cover it with wet cloth. If you place it in a small container or bowl, the dough will rise and touches the wet cloth. Why should you spend extra time washing the cloth isn’t it ?

The above pizza topping is for Seafood Pizza. Use your imagination and creativity to make your unique pizza. Give your invention a name. I name mine Kim Tian Regency Royal Pizza.

I made two pizzas at one go. One is Seafood Pizza and the other is Pork Floss Pizza. For Pork Floss Pizza, since the floss is cooked, I cook the base with tomato base, mayonnaise and cheese without topping the floss. Once the base is ready, I spread a bit more mayonnaise (so that the floss can stick to the base) and top the base luxuriously with seaweed pork floss.

My Fun with Kids & Friends

Our Royal Pizza was served with mixed vegetable salad, coleslaws, cakes, and drinks. It’s a Saturday night party feast.

Do it with your kids. My kids did it with me with minimum help. They feel very encouraging being able to show their talent. My Buddies TS and UR tried the pizza and the result is ……thumbs up. My eldest son Supercute can’t get enough of it and he did another two pizzas on the following morning as our surprise breakfast. He serves with hot lemon tea. Simply Delicious !!! Thank you son.

Beijing 08 Olympics Medal for Singapore

Our Singpoare Women Tabe Tennis Team has finally bring us back a Olympic Medal after a long 48 years wait. We have been following the game closely and cheer for our team with out heart out. Yeah…..girls, you make us proud.

Our women trio of Feng Tian Wei, Wang Yue Gu and Li Jia Wei (world ranking 9, 7, 6 respectively) have done us proud by coming in second after beating South Korea, USA, Nigeria and Netherlands in the women’s table tennis team event at Beijing 2008 Olympics.

Our girls in yesterday match display good sportsmanship. You can see them putting up great smiles even if they are beaten by China top rated team consisting of the world’s no 1 & 2 players.

We are extremely delighted having such result. Even my 2-1/2 year old daughter is supporting our team. She “Jia You Jia Wei” and claps her tinny hand whenever we claps. Haha….cool girl.

So, Singapore, let’s dream of our Olympic Gold and strive for it.

FA Community Shield 08 - MU v Portsmouth

So many events over the weekend. First the wonderful Olympic Opening on Friday (08.08.2008 at 8.08pm), then our National Day on Saturday (09.08.2008 at 5.30pm) and FA Community Shield on Sunday (10.08.2008 at 10.00pm).

Manchester United and Portsmouth drew 0-0 after 90 minutes. The game was finally put out of its misery with a penalty shoot-out, with United winning 3-1. Man United dominated parts of the game but were unable to break through. Darren Fletcher miss the best chance before later hitting the crossbar when chipping from long range. Gary Neville lasted around 70 minutes of the match before being replaced by Wes Brown.

Manchester United claimed their first piece of the silverwear of the season when Tevez, Giggs and Carrick all converted their penalties whilst only Jermaine Defore could score for Portsmouth. Diarra, Mvuemba, and Glen Johnson all guilty of missing with some poor penalties, handing the Community Shield yet again to Manchester United.

We are MU fans just like TS and UR. It is the first trophy of the English season, FA Cup winners Portsmouth against Premier League Champions Manchester United for the FA Community Shield. The result is ...... for sure......MU !!!!! Glory Glory Man United!!!

HIGHLIGHTS FIRST HALF http://videos.sapo.pt/Q0QkITzVjNbY01VgId8t


HIGHLIGHTS SECOND HALF http://videos.sapo.pt/AGu0Qgf6gtdESdHEZPwV


PENALTY SHOOTOUT http://videos.sapo.pt/ZzS1jJzqg177pcHTWRwZ


THE SHIELD



Too bad TS is unable to join us on Sunday for our first MU triump at Wembley Stadium. Hey, you miss our Homemade Peach Cheese Cake done by Black Ninja. Not to worry, we have reserve some for you. It taste like peach ice-cream cos we leave it in the freezer. I'll post the recipy in my next blog (Label as RECIPE Cakes).

北京奥运会08 Bei Jing Olympic 08

奥林匹克运动会今天在北京开幕了!!!

奥运是全世界人民的共同节日，追求更快、更高、更强的奥运精神体现的是人类自强不息、追求卓越的崇高价值观念。奥运会不仅仅是单纯的体育竞技活动，也是各国人民传达友好、和平信息，促进彼此交流，增进友谊的盛会。

2008年北京国际奥林匹克运动，不但是中国人民的荣耀，也是亚洲人民和世界华人的荣耀。奥运会的火炬在世界各国传递，奥运圣火传递过程中虽然发生一些干扰和无知者的企图破坏,但最终还是能够顺利、圆满地完成“点燃激情和传递梦想”的和谐之旅,平安地抵达北京！

虽然我是土生土长的新加坡人，不知怎的我和家人都感到特别骄傲。不为什么，就因为我们是炎黄子孙吧。每隔四年才举行一次的奥林匹克运动会，今晚,在中国首都北京隆重开幕。特开心！！！特骄傲！！！

在那么美好的日子里，还是有部分对中国抱有歧视和偏见的人批评治安，交通，空气素质，甚至食物，还有零星的恐怖事件。其实，目前北京可能是全世界最安全的城市之一。希望从今晚开始，大家都能抛弃所有政治和成见，好好享受奥运带来的欢乐。也让我们为建儿们加油，打气！并祈求天下同心，太平。并共同欣赏“鸟巢”上演的连场好戏吧！

很喜欢这首歌。歌手来自不同国家，唱同样的歌。喜欢它那天下大同的精神。和您一起分享：

Olympic song "Beijing Welcomes You" 北京欢迎你




Bei Jin Olympic 08 Openings 北京奥运08开幕典礼

SINGAPORE Happy 43th Birthday

Singapore National Day falls on 9th Aug and it is a day where we celebrate Singapore Spirits. The Spirit of being One People, One Nation, the Spirit of fighting together through hard times, the spirit of helping each other, the spirit of loving and sharing. The Singapore Spirit has brought us prosperity, peace and prominence on the international stage, and we celebrate it this year and many many years there after.

My dear kaki Pebbles has written about the history of Singapore and I'm going to make it a skip. (Hey Pebble, how can you write before me ? I wanted to write about that you know !!! It's all your fault. Now I have to crack my head and write on other topics. Do you want me to cut and paste your blog post again ? )

Let me share with you my slid show and Singapore NDP 08 Theme songs. Lets sing together and transcend from multitude of voices into one unified voice for our Small but Strong Singapore.







(I prefer the Chinese version "Qing Kong Wan Li-Joi Chua" then the English "Shine for Singapore-Hardy Mirza". Sorry Hady :P)

Happy birthday Singapore. With our determination to stay as ONE, I am sure our next generation can enjoy what we are enjoying now for the things our previous generation had generated. Keep it going, Singapore, regardless of race, language & religion. I love Singapore, we love Singapore.....Singapore My Home, My Country, My Pride.