Our Fourth Meeting 310807

17 Weeks 0 Days, Height: 10.6 cm

It was with great anticipation that we approached our 4th meeting with our kid. And true to previous experiences, we were not disappointed. It was a time filled with amazement and wonder at how beautiful life is, even at this young stage.

He (see previous posts for explanation of how this came about) is much bigger, more developed and we can make out his eyes, nose and lips that make up his little face. His legs look lanky but they remain flexed at the hip and knee, nicely tucked up. This static description cannot begin to describe his activity during the entire meeting. He was busy opening his mouth, nodding at the neck and twisting and turning around. We could even make out his little finger as he opened and closed his hands.

By now, you probably cannot wait to see him too, so here are the photos


A good look of his face here. See the little eyes, nose and lips

Here are the legs.

Right arm then left arm

Full body shot

Porridge Place

This has been THE porridge place to go to when we need a good bowl of porridge. Sadly, we have not been here in a while. So it was great to be back here on a weekend morning.

It was easy to spot the stall, seeing the number of customers and cars concentrated around the corner. The place looked the same except for a more formal stall sign " Ah Chiang's Porridge" over the stall. There was even name card holders on the tables. We think that the 'younger' generation must have had something to do with this increased publicity and modernisation.

Other than that, little has changed in the way the stall looks and the work flow. Fran had her bowl of pork porridge, sans liver add one egg routine while I had my pork porridge plus liver plus egg, everything in routine. In addition, a plate of raw fish and 'you tiao' topped off the meal.

In general, the food is still how we remembered it. The porridge was smooth and tasty with little need to add soy sauce or pepper. You could if you wanted to, but it was not necessary. I vaguely remembered century egg porridge being available in the past, but it was not on the menu, neither did I see any century eggs around.

The raw fish was good. Thinly sliced fish covered in a thin layer of sesame oil and soy sauce was so good it could just slide down the throat. All of this, washed down with soy bean milk or coffee... a perfect start to a Saturday morning.

In case you wanna go there...

Ah Chiang's Porridge

Blk 65, Tiong Poh Road
#01-38
S160065

65570084

Lego Artistry

Enough of simple Lego planes and trucks or even Lego recreations of the Eiffel Tower and other famous landmarks. These creations are simply amazing, considering the humble building blocks from which they are created.



Follow the link below for more information

http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/05/31/lego.artist/index.html

Lego Turn 75

Lego, the Danish toy firm turns 75. Since master carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen started the company on August 10, 1932 in his studio in the town of Billund in Jutland, Lego has gone on to become one of the world's most popular as well as popular toys. The headquarters of the global toy giant are still located in Billund. Christiansen created the word "Lego" in 1934 from the Danish words "leg godt" (play well).

How many of us have memories of hours of endless fun piecing together the many pieces into objects limited only by our imagination... or the number of bricks we had.

One thing I discovered today, something so fun and unique

Lego Ice Cubes
Hmm... maybe I should try making some...

Cough, cough!

Did the haze come back today?

*cough cough*

Sigh

Yaesu FT-8900R FM Transceiver

This is what I need to enhance the capabilities of Miss Daisy, in terms of communications. It will replace the sometimes ineffectual handheld walkie talkies in terms of reliability. with its capability, it can also serve as my ham radio station, although then this past time will have to operate out of Landy, which is not a minus point.

The technical specifications of the model under considerations is included below, including the 4 points below which have surely caught my attention as being vital for my needs.


29/50/144/430 MHz FM Transceiver The FT-8900R is a ruggedly-built, high quality Quad Band FM transceiver providing 50 Watts of power output on the 29/50/144 MHz Amateur bands, and 35 Watts on the 430 MHz band. It includes leading-edge features like cross-band repeat, dual receive, VHF-UHF Full Duplex capability, and over 800 memory channels. And its 10-meter FM coverage brings the possibility of world-wide FM DX-ing to you on your drive in to work!

Convenient Remote-Head Mounting Capability
Having trouble mounting your mobile radio in your compact car? With the FT-8900R and its optional YSK-8900 Separation Kit, mounting is a breeze even in the tightest locations. The YSK-8900 includes a 20’ (6 m) remote cable and a mounting bracket for the front panel, and the microphone jack is located on the side of the front panel, eliminating the need to run a separate cable.

Quad Band Operation
The FT-8900R combines the “traditional” 144/430 MHz local-communications concept with the exciting capability for Sporadic-E or F2 DX on the 29 MHz and 50 MHz bands, for nationwide or worldwide FM communications from your car! The first Amateur Radio FM mobile transceiver providing this capability, the FT-8900R will make you wonder how you got by with a two-band transceiver up to now!

Wide Frequency Coverage
The FT-8900R provides extended receiver coverage beyond the Amateur bands, so you can keep informed of communication activities in the public safety, commercial, aircraft, and government communications ranges. Included is coverage of 28-29.7 MHz, 50-54 MHz, 108-180 MHz, 300-480 MHz, and 700-985 MHz (cellular frequencies are blocked and non-restorable).

Cross-Band Repeat Capability
For emergency work, or to extend the range of a hand-held unit, the FT-8900R includes Cross-Band Repeat capability, similar to that pioneered on our popular FT-8100R Dual Band FM Mobile!

Por Kee Eating House

I had the chance to try out the food at this small, simple place in old fashioned Tiong Bahru during dinner today. The surroundings was simple but pleasant but the food was very good.

There was a total of 8 persons at the table and we ordered 6 dishes in total. The service was attentive and the food was prompt. We had:

1) Home-made Tofu
2) Garlic fried Dou Miao
3) Cereal prawns
4) Steamed Soon Hock
5) Champagne Pork ribs
6) Yam Basket
7) Yam Paste with Lotus Nuts (Orh Ni) for dessert

Notably, the steamed fish was quite outstanding. The meat was soft and tender, being extremely fresh. The gravy was spicy, a little like tom yam. What was unique was the way it was served. A bowl of soup was ladled over the fish, kept hot over a solid fuel fire, but the soup was allowed to drain back into the bowl after being heated and having absorbed the 'flavour' from the fish. The soon hock costs SGD6 per 100gm which was rather reasonable for the quality of the meat and cooking.

The champagne ribs was also good, with the meat being tender and the champagne imparting a wonderful flavour.

But I must comment on the dessert. After having tried Orh Ni on about 3 occasions over a span of 3-4 weeks, I have made it a personal effort to ensure I know what a good Orh Ni tastes like instead of just lapping up any kind of slop dished out, especially at wedding dinners. Tonight, I have found it. Fragrant with the yam taking a smooth yet mildly lumpy texture. The consistency was just right, not too watery nor too pasty.

For a superb meal in comfortable surroundings, this is a place of choice.

Por Kee Eating House
69, Seng Poh Lane
#01-02
S160069

62210582

Duck Tours Excursion 11 Aug 07

Today, I've finally satisfied an itch that has been present for quite a few number of years.

It all started when I was doing medical cover for an event in Pan Pacific Hotel. I was sitting on my land rover with my medics under the Benjamin Sheares bridge when I saw this boat on wheels trundling down Republic avenue with her load of tourists. It was a converted Larc V military amphibious vehicle now used for commercial purposes. It was a clever idea.

So since I had these "useless" credit card points that I needed to get rid of, it presented the perfect opportunity to scratch this itch of mine. So Fran and I made a date with her sister and her boyfriend for an afternoon tour of the Singapore skyline and bay.

What surprised me first of all was that I had actually redeemed a SGD 132 worth of tickets as an adult ticket costs SGD 33 each. The journey itself was an hour, of which 40min was on the water taking in the sights of the Singapore skyline.

The journey was a little noisy, making the commentary from the guide just a little difficult to hear. But the views were great and different from the water. It was also a good experience have a land vehicle run down a ramp and splash into the water.

Check out my flickr for our Ducktours Excursion

Our Third Meeting 10 Aug 07

13 Weeks 4 Days

It was our third glimpse of our kiddo. She has sure grown and now stands at 8.2 cm tall. we are at the end and entering the 2nd trimester already. The most dangerous period for the baby is now over. Fran is doing well also with minimal manifestations of morning sickness.

Today, we saw he tilt her head back and forth and also opening and closing her mouth. You can definitely see the profile of the face and her hands and feet has little fingers and toes. It is so mesmerizing, Fran and I could just watch all day. If only we had an ultrasound at home, we can meet her as and when we want.

So here she is.




Just look at the last photo, thats is a view from the bottom, so we are looking at ahem...the butt. Look at the 2 legs extended and spread apart. There is something else there... our little "she" may turn out to be a "he" after all.

Continue to check out her photo album at Project Baby@Flickr

Poljot and Sturmanskie

"On 12 April 1961, Yuri Gagarin made history by becoming the first cosmonaut who circled the Earth in a space shuttle called “Vostok” (East). This earmarked the success of the Soviet’s advanced development in space exploration, well ahead of its American counterpart.

It was a historical moment for 1st MWF as well with its “Sturmanskie” watch strapped around Gagarin’s arm throughout the space journey." This Russian watch factory has gone from being the first state watch factory in 1930 to the First Moscow Watch Factory in 1945 and then developing the trademark 'Poljot' (which means Flight) in 1964. While the watches were marketed under different brands or lines, the movements were produced by Poljot, notably the 3133 and 31681. In 1961, Yuri Gagarin, wore a Sturmanskie (Navigator) line watch, produced then only for military aviation and not available to the public. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of space flight, Sturmanskie produced 999 pieces of a limited edition timepiece to commemorate this event. I have heard of Russian watches and the brand, but did not know much prior to this trip and the research of the watch. I was fortunate to have chanced upon a shop selling this line and the one that stood out was this beautiful piece. Not only did it have a good look, it was full of significance and a limited edition as well. After much consideration and haggling, the price was settled at 12500 roubles, about SGD 750.

CASE:	SOLID STAINLESS STEEL 39 mm
CRYSTAL:	MINERAL GLASS
CROWNS:	STEEL, ENLARGED FOR EASY WINDING
MOVEMENT:	POLJOT CHRONOGRAPH CAL. 31681 OF RUSSIAN ORIGIN/MANUAL WOUND
FUNCTIONS:	SECONDS, DATE CALENDAR, 24 HOURS DIAL, STOP WATCH WITH SUMMING UP ACTION
JEWELS:	25 BEARING RUBY JEWELS
STRAP:	GENUINE LEATHER
BUCKLE:	STAINLESS STEEL
BACKCASE:	STAINLESS STEEL-SECURED BY A SCREW-IN RING
DIAL:	BLACK, ARABIC NUMERALS
HANDS:	SWEEP-TYPE SECONDS HAND, LUMINOUS
ACCURACY:	-20 TO +40 SEC/DAY
WATER-RESISTANCE:	Up to 30 meters/100 ft or 3ATM

Holy Darkness

At long last, I have this song. This has been in my mind since I heard it during Mass on Holy Thursday. This was during the adoration of the Eucharist before it was taken away for Good Friday.

Just listen to it and the words. Tell me what you think.

Holy Darkness-John Michael Talbot

If you want the lyrics, let me know and I can leave it here.

Addition 9 Aug 07

Holy Darkness
by Dan Schutte

Holy darkness, blessed night,
heaven's answer hidden from our sight.
As we await you, O God of silence,
we embrace your holy night.

1. I have tried you in fires of affliction;
I have taught your soul to grieve.
In the barren soil of your loneliness,
there I will plant my seed.

2. I have taught you the price of compassion;
you have stood before the grave.
Though my love can seem
like a raging storm,
this is the love that saves.

3. Were you there
when I raised up the mountains?
Can you guide the morning star?
Does the hawk take flight
when you give command?
Why do you doubt my pow'r?

4. In your deepest hour of darkness
I will give you wealth untold.
When the silence stills your spirit,
will my riches fill your soul.
5. As the watchman waits for morning,
and the bride awaits her groom,
so we wait to hear your footsteps
as we rest beneath your moon.

Optimash Prime

"Mr Potato Head"

"Potatoes in Disguise!"

"More than meets the fry."

Optimash Prime is the fearless leader of the Autotots, a faction of taters battling the evil Decepticons. Starchy situations call for a quick change - from truck to robot! No ordinary fries, these are potatoes in disguise.


This is so cute...... and during the season of the transformers movie too. The quotes above are not mine, but found on the box of the toy. Clever. It does really provide for a few laughs.

It also comes in various other iterations like a storm trooper or darth vader version as well.

Hmmm.... should I start a collection then?

Transformers

Just caught the moview Transformers on Monday. As a treat from the wife, she surprised me with a pair of Gold Class tickets at Vivocity. Just when I thought we would be watching the movie on one of those small cinema screens.

It was an experience. Almost like a performance. We left it till late before we went to the cinema. That proved to be a mistake because the interior was great! Big comfortable couches and sofas with a bar counter serving drinks and food. There was staff on hand to greet us and bring us to our seats.

I feel so 'sua ku' as I gushed over how large the cinema seats were. There was a control to lower the back and raise the foot rests. If you were feeling a little chilly, there was even a blanket. On the table in front of the seats was a green glowing button that would signal the staff to attend to you in the event that we wanted some drinks during the show. I snuggled under the blanket, kicked off my shoes and waited for the show to start.

The show, under these circumstances, was a scream. Childhood memories flashed through my mind as I saw the digitally rendered robots transform and battle each other on screen. There was a certain artistic liberty taken as some of the Autobots and Decepticons were depicted differently from the cartoon series. Nonetheless, that did not detract from the fact that the show was a fun, action packed movie.

Best were the familiar lines from the cartoon series:
Autobots, transform and roll out
More than meets the eye

What a movie!