Some time back my sister told me about a case regarding a little girl in NUH. Her name is Charmaine. She is only around 4 years old yet she has been diagnosed with neuroblastoma* ( in the 4th stage and fighting hard ). In Singapore, she can go through all the chemotherapy and surgery yet chances will remain low. Based on statistic, only 2 out of 20 survive ( and this is not including patients for her age group. )

Currently, she has completed her 3 rounds of chemotherapy, and 4th session is coming soon. To ensure her chance for survival, she will need this treatment called the 3F8. 3F8 has been used in clinical trials for neuroblastoma for more than 20 years and is a treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma but currently the only places 3F8 is available is in the US at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and in Hong Kong. To go for the treatment aboard, she will need at least $350,000 for upfront deposit and the total amount will be about half a million Singapore dollars and currently her family is still looking for ways to fund this.

They are at lost right now on what to do now and it is very sad to see a little girl at such a young age going through so much -- and not just her but her mother, Cynthia as well. I think it is not easy at all for a single mother to cope with her work and her kids.




I am writing this down on my blog as a platform for awareness for them -- if you reading this, do leave some comments of encouragement for Cynthia and Charmaine at their blog. Also, in order to help Charmaine fight this cancer battle, do help to raise funds for the medical expenses and the expensive treatments and it will be helpful if you have ways to think of how to raise funds for them or something.

Currently they have a blog here. Do support them by clicking their adverts there too.

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To read more, go to:
[http://ourfeistyprincess.blogspot.com/2009/05/i-need-help.html]
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroblastoma]



As I was checking my email yesterday, I realized there is this wild card for my last chance to make it to the top 5 contestants’ that the organizer actually had sent me a few days back and I am supposed to write something regarding it or rather the title that goes with “Choose me because……”

Ironically during this contest, I tried to tell myself not to be overly self-conscious by looking at my readership rate and such at times (though I have to admit sometimes I am curious and I am surprised to know that I am currently one of the top few bloggers in this contest for the pop star category). However, I am of course still away from the real good ones out.

Part of me of course would like to have more readers but my rationale for not to be overly self-conscious or something is because by avoiding checking my readership, numbers of hits and such -- I tend to stop myself from becoming someone that perhaps maybe consciously try to write things just for the sake of getting more readers or becoming someone else.

During this contest or for my past contests, I do get comments and suggestions from some of my supporters (mainly friends and readers) to me to be a "better" blogger such as posting my photos online, post more frequently, or even post some sensational topics...etc.

While I really appreciate all these little suggestions and such -- I think it is important to still be yourself despite the cool prizes or the potentially greater amount of readership you may gain just for the sake of it.

Therefore I will only blog when I think I have something to worth writing about or feel the need to do so.

So choose me because I am still who I am and I am true to myself and my readers.

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On another note, I really appreciate all those that have voted for me ( such as Mr. Magician -- Alvin , Felicia ( also known as Number 3 ) and many others that have been supportive. Thank you.

Labels: Blogging, Random thoughts

Apparently there is this thing call The S Factor. Knowing that I do not watch much local shows or TV, my friend sent you-tubes of it to educate me on it. Personally I have take a look at it on those you tubes and I do find it entertaining as the producer exploit certain moments of some those girls for the amusement of the general public.



I think some of these girls may not be that bimbotic or really that bitchy because it is after all a TV show and the producer probably exploit, or even plan the show in some ways.

However, I do find it perplexing that most people seems to love girls with too much make-up, acts ditzy all the time, has a really whiny voice, and I just do not understand or know why. Personally, I do look at eye candies at times too but I think most people are giving too much attention to some bubbly-but-ditzy girls that do not care about the world beyond looking cute than to those who have a decent head on their shoulders and realize what is crucial in life and persistently attempt to improve themselves in general.

No, do not get me wrong. I have nothing against them ( In fact I kind of like two of the contestants -- KayKay and Holly ) but I just find this observation perplexing. While The S Factor is probably entertaining, I hope it is just a small representative of the female species because the truly intelligent and good-looking girls do not have to subject to that.


I wonder if I should feel sorry for those people that think that everyone acts only in reward seeking behavior to their own benefit and that there is no such thing as doing something not for any personal gain or should I pity myself for being naiveté and believing that things can be done not for any gain but out of your heart?

I am starting to question myself and human in general. I am not saying that I am selfless but sometimes I have done things that involved no personal gain and sometimes to my own disadvantage -- for the sake of love or something I believe in firmly or perhaps maybe I am just stupid.

On the other hand, there are some people that believe that we only cater to ourselves, no matter how we feel, what we do or what we say but if that is truly the case, then I think it is sad -- human have been gifted with the intellect to rise above our animalistic instinct and shape our own paths and yet this is the way we choose to be......

But today I am feeling confused about these thoughts.

Labels: Random thoughts

An Omy.sg event



I was invited by Omy.sg for their Star Trek Preview and was given a pair of tickets on the Wednesday, 29th April and of course I was excited. It should be on the big screen on 8th may 2009 but some of us have the invites for the sneak preview. ( I saw some of the more well-known faces and bloggers there as well.)

For this, I brought my mum along after work since she actually liked Star Trek! ( she is currently back to Singapore for a short visit ) The security was tight -- we were not allowed to bring our phones, cameras and such to the hall therefore not much photos were taken or something.



"In the Star Trek universe, the story starts when humans developed faster-than-light space travel, using a form of propulsion referred to as "warp drive". According to the story time line, the first warp flight happened on 5 April 2063, and the Vulcans, an advanced alien race, made first contact with Earth on that day after detecting the warp drive signature. Partly as a result of the intervention and scientific teachings of the Vulcans, humans largely overcame many Earth-bound frailties and vices by the middle of the 22nd century, creating a quasi-utopian society where the central role is played not by money, but rather by the need for exploration and knowledge. Later, mankind united with some of the other sentient species of the galaxy, including the Vulcans, to form the United Federation of Planets....."

Fans of the "Star Trek" will be glad to see Capt. Kirk (Chris Pine), Spock (Zachary Quinto) and all the others in the early part of their lives as the Starship Enterprise takes its maiden voyage.

In the movie, James T. Kirk is shown being born as his Starship captain father (Chris Hemsworth) goes to his death in a blaze of glory. The film sketches the different childhoods of Kirk and his future partner Spock, then moves quickly to their time at the Starfleet Academy before they are ordered to go on a rescue mission to the planet Vulcan......

I think the storyline, the special effects and Spock's hair ( I wonder if he uses a bowl to cut his hair ) are all great in the movie. If you like science fiction, have strange alien theories like my parents, it will be a must watch. If you are not really a big fan, it is also great to watch it to understand why The Star Trek franchise is a multi-billion dollar industry, currently owned by CBS!


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The first thing I noticed was Spock ( played by Zachary John Quinto )or rather Spock's hair and his complex character in this movie. I find him strangely appealing somehow. Oh, I used to have a Spock inspired hairstyle when I was a kid too. ( My mum did it for me ) which I will probably post up one day when I have the time but for now nah.

Oh yeah, they have this cool stuff here:


Go to http://www.startrekmovie.com/ for more details.

Labels: Star Trek Movie Preview

I felt good that I helped two people on their school essays the other day somehow . One of them was about Germany during World War I and the other on Plath’s work. I think I miss secondary school days a little probably because I wish I have the time just to learn more things or read some really good writings at times without too much obligations and responsibilities. I want to have the time to write essays and read up more again! Hah, it is strange but true. When I was back in school, I used to spend most of my part time paycheck on books that intrigued me (though I never really bothered as much to memorize all the facts just to do well on a piece of paper).

Lately, I am reading up on more on psychology and things relating to consumer behavior (especially those related to fast moving consumer goods.) However this can be a phrase or something that I go through for several weeks and then move on other more interesting topics but as of now, I just feel like taking in as much information as my mind can possibly hold.

I am also just curious to find out what intrigue you, so to anyone who reads this feel free to let me know the followings:

What do you find it most intriguing to learn about?
And do you have any good book recommendations?
Or tell me more what your favorites are and why?
And are there any topics that my beloved readers would like me to blog about?

I would love to make my blog more interactive, so do feel free to leave suggestions here!

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Oh yeah, just a few days ago, I had a wonderful surprise from a reader’s email regarding my current blog contest with Omy (only ten out of the twenty of us will be selected and I am sort of feeling a little self conscious or something since I guess I may not have as much voters) However, it was sweet to receive an email from a reader that he told me that he gathered a list of people to vote for me! But I have a gentle (yet serious) reminder that regarding this: Please do not use any illegal means to manipulate the outcome of the competition or something, yeah? Other than that, have fun and I hope you are one of the lucky voters with cool prizes. Yes, voters have the chance to win prizes too!



If you would like to support me or something, click here for more details.



An Omy.sg event and food review for Shokudo

I was invited by the friendly Omy.sg team for a gathering for the Top 20 Omy.sg Bloggers during the weekend to dine at Shokudo, The Heeren Shops (at basement one.) At first I was little apprehensive as I would need to write a food review since I know I could be a picky eater at times. I think it was very nice of them to do so but still I mean I need to be honest to my readers right? However, these little concerns of mine were gone since I was later impressed by both the food and the decor of Shokudo.




The modern term "Japanese cuisine" (nihon ryōri, 日本料理 or washoku, 和食) means traditional-style Japanese food and it has developed over the centuries as a result of many political and social changes. Some of my favorite dishes happen to be Japanese food as I think they put in a lot of thoughts in their food such as the emphasis on its seasonality of food, quality of ingredients and presentation. It is not just about selling regular dishes but how they treat their dishes as work of arts that make me like Japanese food I guess. When I reached Shokudo, the first thing I took note of was the ambiance there:



(The various sections of the 12,000 square feet are peppered with different facets of the Japanese lifestyle and culture. The selection of Japanese food is great as it combined a lot of Japanese food in one location which means you can have most of the food under one roof. The concept is pretty much like the one at Marché but with more choices and the difference would be mostly Japanese food instead of Western, which suits me.)



But how about the food?

And so, I tried on their five signature dishes recommended by Shokudo......

1. Japanese Style shrimp omelets ( sukura ebi egg ):

Verdict: 4/5 stars

"Sakura Ebi" or Sakura shrimp ( or some call it the cherry shrimp ) is a very small (maximum 5 cm). With Sakura Ebi combined with the Japanese sauce in the omelet, and thin layer of bread and smooth, tofu-creamy texture of the egg is just perfect.

2. Bamboo Prawn Rice

Verdict: 3.5/5 stars

Wow look at the prawns. Sometimes you can tell if the prawn is fresh the moment you eat it.

According to Yong Wei (one of our top 20 Omy.sg Bloggers), he claimed that another way for the prawn to remain fresh is to put it under running tap water for hours! I heard about this before but I was not sure if this really work but anyway, the baked rice was done very well as they complemented it well with some seasoning.

3.Rosti with chicken sausage

Verdict: 3/5 stars (I like this but for those of you who may prefer the more traditional Japanese food and do not like sour sauce may find this dish a little out of place )

Rosti with chicken sausage: Japanese style chicken sausage, potato and sour sauce. This dish may look ordinary or even plain to you but I like it.

The devil was in the details -- I suspect the potato was flavored with a bit of herbs and there was something about the sour sauce that was different there. Their service of course was excellent but the only faux pas was when I inquired about the exceptionally sour sauce. To which the waiter answered, "It's sour sauce." He only elaborated a little that chief flavored it after I probed further.

4. Japanese grilled chicken balls ( Tsukune Chicken )

Verdict: 4/5 stars

Personally, I enjoy most Japanese grilled and pan-fried dishes (yakimono (焼き物)) and this is no exception. Known as Tsukune in Japanese -- they are juicy, yummy, and definitely my on my favorite list and a must-have item at any Japanese restaurants.

5.Tofu Cheese Cake

Verdict: 3/5 stars

Personally I do not like cakes because most of them are too sweet. However, most Japanese food is low in fat and it is healthy compared to others relatively. What makes this unique is unlike the usual cheesecake, this is a mixture of cheesecake and Tofu with its melt-in-your-mouth delightful taste and texture. For those with a sweet tooth, you can add a bit of the strawberry sauce too!

Here are the address and details of the two outlet:

Shokudo Streets of Japan @ The Heeren Shops
The Heeren Shops
260 Orchard Road, #B1-01
Singapore 238855
Tel: +65 6736 1216

Operating Hours:
11.00 am – 11.00pm

Shokudo Japanese Food Bazaar @ Raffles City
Raffles City Shopping Center
252 North Bridge Road, #B1-44E
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 6837 3793
Operating Hours:
11.30am – 10.00pm

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As I walked around the place, I also notice that Shokudo really put in some thoughts for their customers too.


You can check your card spending there.


And Shokudo has a little corner meant for the little ones, too.

In conclusion I think:

The food in Shokudo is good and they pay attention to the little details. Besides, Shokudo offers a wide range/variety. You can find most Japanese food there and if you friends/family prefer the more westernized food, they can try yōshoku (洋食) there too -- since Japan has incorporated imported food from across the world (mostly from Asian and Europe ) yet they have historically adapted many to make them suit their own taste! The ambiance is perfect for family and friend's gathering (they put in a lot of thoughts in it, with different facets of the Japanese lifestyle and culture which is great. )

Therefore, I seriously do not mind paying another visit since it is good Japanese quality food at a reasonable prices.

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Thank you note:

I would like to thank the wonderful people from Omy.sg, The Heeren Shops and Shokudo to make this possible. We had a great time there.


( Hah. I know this photo was not that clear but obviously you can tell that we really enjoyed ourselves that day! )

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For more fun and details of the day:

Omy.sg

Labels: Japanese cuisine, Omy.sg, Shokudo, The Heeren Shops

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