Don't play play

Ok, I am biased on this issue.

Invited by the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (which is pro-independent Taiwan), His Holiness Dalai Lama is now on a humanitarian visit to Taiwan's Hsiaolin village where 571 people have died in Typhoon Morakot, to pray for peace for them.  Taiwan's China-friendly President Ma Ying-jeou has decided not to meet the Dalai Lama in a bid not to infuriate China further. However, as expected, China is still angry. 

In fact, China is not happy and opposes whichever countries the Dalai Lama chooses to visit. I would think, instead of making all these surface vehement objections,  China should instead, focus on giving more than necessary aid to Taiwan at this moment, with no strings attached.

Nonetheless, to me personally, it is never wise to trifle with someone who is God-equivalent, as such actions do have serious consequences. In this case, Dalai Lama is a Living Buddha, being the emanation of the Thousand-Armed Chenrezig (Guan Yin), the embodiment of the compassion of all the Buddhas, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

It's like a man being robbed of his own house.... the robber chased the man out of his house, the robber continued to stay in the man's house, and YET at the same time, kept stalking and haunting the poor homeless man!

Live and let live lah, China.

"We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves." ~ His Holiness Dalai Lama

An inherent sense of being....

Yesterday was a beautiful day, although it was quite hot. Did you notice the skies were unusually blue yesterday?

I like the facade of old rundown shophouses, which are filled with such rich history.

I also like dancing clouds. I call this "The Soloist", because this blob of cloud was merrily swaying gracefully. Hee!

This guy having an idyllic read in the park.

Chanced upon this huge hibiscus flower and it is pink! See the droplets of water on its petals.

Sun setting fiercely.... it was really a hot day.

The sun was gone, followed by lazy orangy-hue skies.

And I reached home, saw that this plant of mine has sprouted little pink buds of flowers for the very first time. Love it!

Ganbatte!

Ok, many people have asked me why I suddenly became a temporary vegetarian. Even my niece and nephew are confused "why you sometime vegetarian, sometime not?"  This is because usually, on and off, I would be vegetarian for a day, or a week or a month. Well, it was not my friends or family who asked me to, or from any dietitian or doctor. I would not purposely do something just because someone asked me to without giving me a proper reason.  This time round, I was advised by the healing lama to go vegetarian for 100 days, for spiritual, health and luck purposes and maybe some other personal reasons. Thank you, Lama! Ganbatte to myself!

This week's round up of some food I came across....

My usual favourite if I am near Liang Court - Kakiage Udon. This is at the basement of Meidi-ya Supermarket, where they have different counters selling Japanese food, like a Japanese foodcourt; one counter for udon, one for curry, one for sushi, one for ramen etc..  Kakiage Udon is the vegetable tempura with clear broth, and the quality of the thick udon was fantastic. They fry the tempura into a huge ball, made up of strips of carrots, capsicum and big onions. I normally sprinkle alot of Shichimi Togarashi, the Japanese chilli powder, which contains red pepper, roasted orange peel, yellow sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, Japanese pepper, seaweed, ginger. The Kakiage Udon here is one of the best udon around, without restaurant pricing.

I had my favourite Tze Char Hokkien Mee in vegetarian version, which the coffeeshop gladly did for me. The kick of this dish was from the way they fry the Hokkien Mee and the sauce. One of the days, the family had this Yam Basket as well. I did not take the prawns and chicken chunks that came with it. I only ate the deep-fried crispy-outside-soft-inside yam and the vegetables. Ooo... it was very good.

Yes I cooked these dishes! I cooked Sayur Lodeh (vegetable curry), Stir-fry Lotus Root, Mixed Veggies with Broccoli, and Tomato Potatoes.  I missed my yummy crunchy stir-fried lotus root which I usually cook with minced pork. This time I did not use pork, just sesame seeds. Broccoli is one of my favourite vegetables (which I stir fry with carrots and chinese mushrooms). Also made my own tomato sauce potatoes, and added carrots, onions, and yes, apples (because I ran out of green capsicum)!

One of the days, I tried cooking 茶叶蛋 Cha Ye Dan (Tea Leaves Eggs). I have a pack of the spices, and you just need to boil the hard boiled eggs together with the spices and some seasoning. While the whole house was filled with the nice aromatic smell of Cha Ye Dan, and they looked ok when cooked, unfortunately the spice has not thoroughly permeated the eggs, hence it was still bland eggs (even though they were cooked for 2 hours). Now we know why they cooked them in slow cooker in pasar malam stalls.

Perhaps being a vegetarian now gives me more excuse to take sweet desserts? Haha! I was craving for these - Tau Suan (split green bean soup with you tiao) and Black Sesame cream soup.  They were from my neighbourhood market and quite good.

Miss Zinger-pore

I think this is the most horrendous interview I have ever seen, even more so coming from Miss Singapore World 2009. I wonder how the judges chose her and WHO were the judges!!?




It is really no wonder Singapore can never ever dream of being Miss Universe or Miss World, ever. I think even Singapore Idol (anyone) can do better than this. This is so embarrassing and malu that I want to dig a hole and hide this Miss Zinger-pore. I am truly stumped!

Can we import girls from Venezuela, please!!!

"I want to eat already"

One of the days, I was in town to repair something.

Passed by these Singa, our Courtesy lions all lined up on a field. Wonder why they were all here and not spread out across town.

Nice interesting patterns above the ceiling, like a big spider web. Niece was with me, so we went for a quick lunch at Republic foodcourt in Wisma Atria.

We each ordered a roti prata. This was my mushroom prata while niece had egg prata. I changed my fish gravy to vegetable gravy, while niece dipped hers with sugar as well.

We were saving our stomachs for this, actually..... Muddy Mud Pie!!!  This was our dessert, one of my favourite desserts to share.

Beautiful girl with a great view below..... the whole Orchard Road is her oyster. I like this shot and how aptly her Tshirt said "I'm gonna fly high". Niece was hungry and said "Yeeyee, I want to eat already", to remind me to stop snapping photos and eat.

However, she reminded me of this one when she was 2 years old as she uttered the same words to me. And the same looks. Hehe, time flies!!

Great Granny - the exemplary example

Recently I suddenly thought of my Great Granny, probably because I am on temporary vegetarian diet, and probably because of the 7th month. Well, my Great Granny was a full-time vegetarian for the later 40 years of her life and she passed away about 28 years ago at the age of 90.

My Great Granny, pictured here on the extreme left, with my parents and my grandparents on my parents' wedding day (I shall try and find more of her photos to scan). I remember sis and I used to stay in Grandma's huge wooden attap house during our school vacation. We used to play with each other, accompanied by Grandma and Great Granny and 3 german shepherds in that house. While Grandma was busy running the household then, we spent much time with Great Granny, who kept an eye on us.

Great Granny was a very good-natured old lady with failing eyesight due to old age. I remember she used to sit in the living room armchair, and she would hug us, laugh and talk to us while we play. Once when sis was around 3 or 4 years old, she found a scissor and she cut her own fringe till it was quite awful, and she proudly showed it to Great Granny excitedly, "Lao Ma, see I cut my own hair!!!" Great Granny was quite amused and laughed whereas Grandma was furious. Great Granny took things easy and was calm most of the time.

In the living room, Great Granny was always praying and chanting mantras with the mala beads on her hand. She carried her mala beads everywhere in her hands, always chanting. In the temple on special occasions, she always worn a black robe during prayer sessions and Great Granny had already taken refuge. She was quite an authority in the temple then.

Great Granny was the first full-time vegetarian I know. At that time as a kid, I used to wonder how could Great Granny managed with only vegetarian food when there were so much delicious food around. Grandma used to cook for Great Granny and her vegetarian dishes were fantastic.

She was a big contrast compared to her younger days, where she had to run her huge household and her own business. The family used to run a Tze Char shop along the old Hougang 6th Mile area and they were pretty well known. Great Granny has 7 sons and 1 daughter and hundreds of grandchildren and great grandchildren, and so many households to take care of. That was why she had to run the family and business with an iron fist. However, the Great Granny I knew was none of all that smart businesswoman. I only know her as a very patient and kind old lady who accepted everything with a graceful smile.

During her last days, she was due to visit and stay in another son's house for a while. One of my little 1-2 year old cousin waved good bye to her and said "Lao Ma, bye bye, see you again in a few days time." And Great Granny replied smilingly, "Lao Ma is not coming back anymore. Be a good boy."

The very next day, shortly after noon time, we received a call from my grand uncle's house. Great Granny had passed away. She had taken her lunch and was just resting on her chair, and passed away peacefully in a sitting position. Somehow she knew she was going. We take heart that she left us in a peaceful manner, with no pain, no struggle, no sickness and that she left for her journey after a full meal.

I believe with Great Granny's good karma, she has already gone to Pureland, and probably one of the enlightened ones there now. Indeed we were told likewise too. No need to take rebirth. Through Great Granny, I witnessed for myself, her constant daily practice, her character, her sincere treatment of others, and her faith in the Three Jewels that led her into her final blissful journey. She led an exemplary example for us. No need miracles. No need preaching.

Because you loved me

This little video goes to show that dreams can come true if you dare to dream and if you meet kind and gracious people along the way.  Bring out your tissues.

Click here.

Ghost busters?

Now is the Hungry Ghost Festival (中元节). Who you gonna call? Ghost busters?

The lunar 7th month is regarded as the Ghost Month (鬼月), in which ghosts and spirits, including those of deceased ancestors, come out from the lower realm, to visit the living. Both Taoists and Buddhists perform rituals to transmute and absolve the sufferings of the deceased.

Every year, my parents usually write the names of my paternal grandparents and maternal grandfather at the temple so that the temple can make daily offerings and prayers to liberate the dearly departed into blissful rebirths.

In addition, this year, I signed up for prayers and offerings, food offerings :
1. To pacify karmic creditors and vengeful beings. Sometimes we meet obstacles because we have offended beings in our present and past lives, hence they are creating problems for us now.
2. For the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
3. For the hungry ghosts and wandering spirits.
4. For the unfortunate unborn. This year I remembered to include a prayer offering for my friends' child who has passed away in late 2007.  I asked my friends, the parents (who are not Buddhists) if I could pray for their child. They are ok with it. I pray that the baby would be liberated quickly into a good rebirth.

Many people have the misconception that because it is the 7th month, the hungry ghosts are out to haunt the humans. It is not exactly true.

To Buddhists, the 7th lunar month is actually a joyous month, which is also known as the Ullambana Festival. This is because the 15th day of the 7th month is often known as the Buddha's joyful day and the day of rejoice for monks. According to the Ullambana Sutra, the Buddha instructs his disciple Maudgalyāyana on how to obtain liberation for his mother, who had been reborn into a lower realm, by making food offerings to the Sangha on the 15th day of the 7th month. And because of this, the number of monks who attained enlightenment during that period was high, the Buddha was very pleased.

There are 6 realms which we can take rebirth; Deva, Asura, Human, Animal, Hungry Ghost, or being in Hell. One's previous actions and thoughts determine which of the 6 realms one is reborn into.

This is a photo of a Hungry ghost (preta). They are beings with huge, empty stomachs, but they have pinhole mouths, and their necks are so thin they cannot swallow. They experience continuous frustration and unsatisfied hunger. They seem to be attached to their worldly material possessions they once had, including their homes and other places, and when they pass away their suffering continues and no matter how much they have or they eat they are never satisfied.

We already co-exist with hungry ghosts and wandering spirits, though most are unseen by humans. Hungry ghosts are those reborn beings with cravings. Wandering spirits are those deceased who have yet to take proper rebirths due to strong attachment. Most ghostly encounters are with the wandering spirits, and NOT hungry ghosts or hell-beings.

Here are more myths of Ghost Festival, if you are interested.

"If there are no ghosts within, there would be no manifestations of ghosts without - be it from oneself or others." 

- Stonepeace

Big Breakfast, anyone?

One of the mornings, I suddenly felt like having McDonalds breakfast.

So I went and ordered a Big Breakfast and replaced the usual sausage Mcmuffin patty (which was usually my favourite) with a sunny side up egg, as well as the scrambled egg, hash brown, plain burger buns (with jam) and Latte!  Think I will do my own scrambled egg next time, as their scrambled egg was quite bland.

I couldn't help snapping this guy in front of me, having a little nap in the cosy corner of McDonalds. He must be lovin'it and enjoying his nap.  :P

Sometimes I just like a local breakfast from the market or coffeeshop. These are what we called "chwee kueh", pieces of saucer-like rice cakes made from steaming cups and added with cai por (preserved radish) on top.

Since we are at "cai por", I found this Cai Por Pancake in Eminent Plaza hawker center. This was made on the spot. They put in the flour mix, added an egg, and strips of carrot as well as cai por and mix in well inside the pancake mold. After about 5 minutes, it was ready. It must be eaten hot. This stall came out on TV before, with its variety of sweet and savoury pancakes. Think I still prefer the sweet flavour like peanuts and cheese. For savoury cai por, I still prefer a plate of white fried carrot cake (added with cai por) - below.

Alleluia and amen!

Indeed, live and let live. Thanks to the Prime Minister for this speech. From this article...

Singapore PM Warns Religion Threatens Stability

SINGAPORE (AP) — Singapore’s prime minister warned that “aggressive preaching” by religious groups and attempts to convert others threaten the city-state’s stability.

Lee Hsien Loong, a Buddhist by birth, said his education at the island’s Catholic High School was an example of how different religions can coexist peacefully.

“The most dangerous fault line (in Singapore) is race and religion,” Lee said.

Singapore’s majority Buddhist Chinese, Malay Muslims, and Indian Hindus have largely avoided conflict since race riots between Chinese and Malays left about 40 dead in the 1960s.

"Christians can’t expect this to be a Christian society,” he said. “Muslims can’t expect this to be a Muslim society, and ditto with the Buddhists, the Hindus, and the other groups.”

In the most recent census in 2000, 43 percent of Singaporeans said they were Buddhist, 15 percent Muslim, 15 percent Christian, 8.5 percent Taoist, and 4 percent Hindu.

Lee cited the case of a Christian couple who were jailed earlier this year for distributing religious pamphlets that were deemed offensive by those of different faiths, and he condemned those who try to convert ailing hospital patients “who don’t want to be converted.”

“You push your religion on others, you cause nuisance and offense,” he said.

He also singled out a group from an evangelical Christian church that briefly took control of a women’s association in April and said they opposed what they claimed was the association’s advocacy of homosexuality.

They were voted out soon after.

“This was an attempt by a religiously motivated group to enter civil space, take over an NGO they don’t approve of, and impose their agenda,” Lee said. “This risked a broader spillover into relations between different religions.”

He said the government must remain secular because Singapore’s authority and laws “don’t come from a sacred book.” Lee’s People’s Action Party has ruled Singapore since independence 50 years ago.

Lee said there had been a global surge in religious fervor, including in the United States and Islamic countries.

“There is a wave of revival, mega-churches, and tele-evangelism,” Lee said. “Religion and politics are supposed to be separated in America, but in reality, they are closely entangled.”

Lee said Malaysia, Singapore’s neighbor with which it formed a federation from 1963 to 1965, had imposed strict rules on food, dress, alcohol, and contact between men and women.

“Very strict rules prevail now which did not prevail a generation ago,” he said. “It’s become a conservative, more rigorous Islamic society.”

Lee said Singapore’s prosperity depends on people respecting the beliefs of others.

“We have to keep religion separate from politics,” he said. “Religion in Singapore can’t be the same as religion in America or in an Islamic country.”

“We all have to adopt ‘live and let live’ as our principle.”

Yippidy do da!!

I am so excited. I just got in touch with a writer whom I have idolised since I was very young.  I have practically read all her books. As she is from another country, she would be having her talk in Singapore next year and invited me along!  After sharing a little, she said we must have been connected since past life. She asked me to identify myself to her on that day. I will talk more about it when the time comes.  :D  I hope to be like her when I am older, ageing gracefully, with no plastic surgery and no artificial enhancements on her face or body. Because without all those, she still looks as good and as beautiful as when she was in her 20s.

But what makes an even better impression, was she comes across as very warm, friendly and truthful (everything I have imagined her to be all this while). I think famous people should be like that, genuine and enthusiastic about their fans and not be too superficial. She is just a beautiful soul. That's how you retain your fans f.o.r.e.v.e.r.

In fact, recently I have found a number of people on the internet whom I would like to get in touch with. I love the internet!!

"Threads of memories, wisps of desire, are the karmic software of our souls recycling themselves as persons."

- Deepak Chopra

Say Cheeze

Met up with a dear friend in Tampines One for a small celebration and early dinner. It was my first time in Tampines One.  As we did not feel like having Japanese, so we did not go to the popular Manpuku. Ended in Say Cheeze instead. Yes my first question was, why Say Cheeze? Such a cheesy name for a restaurant? Then I realised they actually specialise more on cheese cakes. They have all different types of cheese cakes and ONLY cheese cakes for desserts, nothing else.

The decor of the place was more pop art, cheery with yellow and red chairs. I ordered the Farmer's Special, a drink which tasted more of green apple with soda.

I ordered the Asparagus & Mushroom Pasta. I love the look of the food, especially in photos. But then, it was quite disappointing. I have no issue with the pasta which was nicely done. I only felt they should be more generous with the mushroom (because their menu showed huge portions of mushroom!), and the Asparagus was tasteless, in fact a little bitter. I have cooked asparagus before, we can enhance its bland taste further, and not like this.  

I really could not swallow all the asparagus. You see the remnants left.

Next we shared a cheesecake (because they only have cheese cakes!) and having TWO cheesecakes would really make us "jelak" afterwards. Ordered the Baileys Cheesecake! It has got the taste of cheesecake and coffee and Baileys with little chocolates on top. The Baileys came in a spoon, I did not know what to do with it, slurp it down into the mouth or pour it all over the cheesecake. Ended dipping each bite of the cheese cake into the Baileys.

The taste was quite rich and potent, from all the 3 strong flavours. It was as if having a dose of real coffee plus Baileys and jelak cheese! No wonder they specialise in cheese cakes. I would advise you to have just that in this place.

You say vegan, I say...?

"When I see bacon, I see a pig, I see a little friend, and that’s why I can’t eat it. Simple as that."
– Paul McCartney

Whenever, I hear the word "vegan", I think of Paul (grouchy) McCartney. I have nothing against him being a vegan or him being an admirable animal rights activist, but I do not like what I read about some of his idiosyncrasies which I could not fathom.

I prefer the term "vegetarian" (although I am a temporary one). There are different categories of vegetarianism:

Vegetarian - Someone who makes it a practice to not eat fish, flesh or fowl or their by-products.

Vegan - Someone who eats no animal products whatsoever, including dairy and eggs and usually including honey. Often, vegans will not wear animal products, such as shoes made from leather.

Lacto vegetarian – Similar to vegans, with the exception that they will eat dairy.

Ovo-lacto vegetarian - Similar to vegans, except that they will eat both dairy and eggs. (The word ovo comes from the Latin for egg, while the word lacto comes from the Latin for milk).

Pesectarian – Not really a vegetarian, but a person who follows a vegetarian diet with the exception that they will eat fish.

In conclusion, I should be classified as an Ovo-Lacto Vegetarian. So be careful. Do not anyhow call yourself a Vegan if you are not.

Purifying dream

I had a dream 2 nights ago. It seemed like I was in a tour somewhere, everywhere. Because in the dream, I saw many beautiful landscapes through the eyes of a camera. It was as if I was snapping each of the beautiful scenery. It was like I was watching a running projector of beautiful scenery before my eyes.  I tried to find online similar photos of those which I had seen in my dream.

Then I also dreamt I was in a very posh hotel, not sure where. The hotel was very crowded with many people booking in and checking out. I was with my buddies, Rich Friend and Joan.  Seemed like 3 of us were out on this trip. At first we were in some Western restaurant inside the hotel, eating and making lots of noise.  

Somehow after that, we were outside at the hotel lobby again. It was still crowded that we could not check in. We decided to play carrom I think, right on the floor of a staircase in the hotel lobby surrounded with people. Funny thing was, there was no carrom board. And I don't know what exactly we were playing, only 3 players. My 2 friends, as usual, were talking and laughing loudly and happily.

Then all of a sudden, with a blink of the eye, and I was on the bed inside the hotel room. I was alone. One side of my ear felt very itchy.  So I started to dig my ear to relieve the itch. Then something came out of my ear - some semi-hard brownish black substance the size of a 5-cent coin dropped onto my palm. I was feeling so weird as I observed the substance. The end of dream.

Hmm, when I woke up I tried to recall the dream. I am not so sure what was the meaning of the dream but I think the brownish black substance that came out meant some sort of purification, according to what I had read before. Well, hopefully. Hmmm....  

For whom do we live for?

Lotsa patterns

One of the days, had an "idyllic" day with nephew. I didn't know that with a 7-year-old around, by the end of the day, I felt as if I had conquered Mt Everest.

Nephew:  "Yeeyee, can I use your computer?

Me:  "No."

Nephew: "But why ?? But I want leh.... "

Me:  "No"

Nephew:  "Then, can I play with your handphone?"

Me: "No"

Nephew: "But whyyyyy? I want, can??"

Me:  "No"

Nephew:  "Pleeeeease leh...."

Me:  "No"

Nephew:  "Then what can I dooooooo.? So boring....."

Me: "Read a book."

Nephew: "I never bringgggg"

Me: "Read newspaper"

Nephew: "Read already, nothing much. Please leh, what can I do?" 

Me:  "Do some assessment"

Nephew: "Never bringgggg"

Me: "Ok later in the afternoon I bring you to the playground"

Nephew: "Yay!!!"

Peace for 10 minutes.

10 minutes later.....

Nephew: "Yeeyee, what can I do? Can I play with your computer?"

Me:  ***AAARGGGGHHHH!!!***

Finally brought the rascal downstairs. Had just rained, playground was wet, could not play. Brought him to neighbourhood shops, walked around. I asked if he was hungry, if he wanted to eat bread.  Or if he needed bread for his excursion the next day. He shook his head, no, mommy would buy for him.

Went into 7-Eleven.

Nephew: "So good lor, jie jie has the Little Miss pencil case, I don't have."
Me: "But your mommy bought you other presents, remember?"
Nephew: "Yah, but I don't have Little Mister pencil case"
Me: (****pretend not to hear...****)
Nephew: "Wow this Pokemon book is the one my friend lent me, I like lor"
Me: "You already read it"
Nephew: "But I wish I have my own lor..."
Me: "Ok, then I buy for you lor..." (in jest)
Nephew: "NOOOOOOOO...DON'T WANT, WAIT MOMMY SCOLD!!!" (horrified)

Passed by Mr Bean.

Nephew:  "Yeeyee, have you tried the watermelon soya bean before?"

Very diplomatic with purposeful intent. We went in and I ordered the watermelon soya bean.

Nephew: "Yeeyee, have you tried the soya bean nuts? It's very nice you know. Mommy bought it before, we liked it alot."
Me: "You want to eat some nuts?"
Nephew: "It's nice you know. You want to try?"  *smile*

Bought the nuts. 

Nephew: "Wow they sell ice cream here"

Me: "Wow, I didn't know they have soya bean ice cream cone... want to try?"

Nephew: "I don't know leh....."

Me: "Ok, then I try."

Bought the ice cream cone and it was NICE and creamy and we BOTH tried.

Back home, you see 2 channels showing simultaneously on our TV screen, and you know it was the Grandfather and the Grandson who each wanted to watch their own channel. Thank God for modern 42" LCD TV! And both refused to use the two TVs in the bedrooms. *roll eyes*

Even watching TV, nephew has lots of patterns; lying on sofa, lying on the floor, sitting on the coffee table, sitting on sofa hand rest, jumping around, demanding water, playing with rubberband, doing somersaults, arguing with the Grandfather etc...etc....

But if there was a scary scene on TV, he would quickly crouch in a fetal position, both hands covered ears, and eyes closed.... until the heart-popping exciting scene ended.  You see, 坏人单小.

Then, he would also proudly show me his bulging blister on a finger. I said I have a spray to make it burst so that it could heal faster. He refused, because he "like it very much leh". I asked "Not painful?" He said if it burst, he would "feel so sad".  Sigh. 坏人多作怪. So many patterns. No wonder I so tired. But he was considered quite "guai" (obedient) on that day.

His parting shot ..."Yeeyee, can I bring home the spray? Can I ???"