Minus 8, A special treats from Blu, Shangri-la Hotel Singapore

On Tuesday (26th Jun 2012), me and my wife went to the Blu Restaurant, Shangri-la Hotel Singapore for my wife's early birthday dinner celebration (our annual "ritual"). The reason why we have it much earlier is because the fine dinning restaurant, Blu that we frequent is going to close down for good (what a shame!).

This being our last fine dinning there, it was also one of the best fine dinning experience we have had (in Singapore, at least). On top of the knowledgeable and top-notch hospitality of the waiting staffs (always serve with a homely smile), there are wave upon wave of surprises hit us like lighting, the personalized birthday card, the martini treats and the best of all, a special invite to the kitchen (yes, you heard it right) to have our mother of all surprises of the night: A special treats from chef Kelvin Chia called Minus 8.

It's a mix of science and dessert preparation! Minus 8 is actually a small strip of chocolate with mint flavor, covered with marsh-mallow. It was dipped into a pot of -110 degree C liquid Nitrogen. Chef Kelvin reminded us that once he lift up the Minus 8, we need to consume it in one mouth. The coldness of Nitrogen transformed the marsh-mallow into crispy pieces that melt inside our mouth and the lingering after-taste of mint made us a pair of very happy customer.

Bad news is that not many people will have the chance to experience this little magic of Chef Kelvin but hope that our next visit to Shangri-la Hotel will be hit will another wave of surprises! 

Well done and thank you Chef Kelvin for this special surprise!

Following are some photos taken while we are at Blu:

Taken before the dinner

Magic hands of Chef Kelvin carefully dipping Minus 8 inside the pot of Nitrogen

The little magic called "Minus 8"

Chef Kelvin Chia and my lovely wife

My wife and me after the satisfying dinning experience

Cheers!            

Surprise Catch: Neil Humphreys (Return To A Sexy Island)

I was utterly thrilled for what had happen today! 

First time in my life that I have bought a signed book directly from the author. The best part is able to take a few shots with the friendly author. The author that I am talking about is Neil Humphreys and the book that I've bought is "Return To A Sexy Island".

For those who are from Singapore will probably heard or seen this British author. He has written a few highly acclaimed and best seller books about Singapore and soccer, "Notes From An Even Smaller Island", "Scribble From The Same Island" and "Match Fixer", just to name a few. I have been a fan of his work for quite sometime. His wittiness, direct and insightful account of Singapore and Soccer scene just made me lol countless times. 

"Return To A Sexy Island" is his latest book about the new Singapore from his perspective after 5 years absence from this lovely island (he moved to Australia five years ago). With his return, I am sure it will add a tinge of colorfulness here and there in the local publishing scene.

For those who are interested to read more about him and his books, check out his official site at Neil Humphreys.

Oh ya, the photos! did I mention that I've gotten a few photo-shot with him? Here are for the sharing:

The tall author (Neil Humphreys) and me (1)

The tall author (Neil Humphreys) and me (2)

The tall author (Neil Humphreys) and me (3)

The book (Return To A Sexy Island) and the signed poster

The signed book (He knows I am a Man Utd fan)

Cheers! 

15 Funny Comics About Web/Computer That Set You Thinking

Have you ever thought about how the computer and internet(web) have made a difference to our lives? Well,  to look at it in a lighter note, I've compiled the following 15 funny comics related to computer and web. I personally like comic strips as many a time it not only make you laugh (as in LOL*), it also set you thinking (occasionally)!

These comic strips are meant to just make you LOL! Hope they live up to your expectation! ;-)

Enjoy...

*In case you still don't know (which I doubt so), LOL stands for Laugh Out Loud!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheers!

SPECIAL: Why Concrete Skirting is better for manufactured or mobile homes

Today, I am going to share a topic that is “outside the box” i.e. something not related to the theme of my blog. Just the other day, while browsing through the net, chanced upon a site that is providing the concrete skirting service – Duraskirt. What attracted me is the term “concrete skirting” as in where I stay, all skirting are concrete and thus we usually just call it skirting.

 

After some research over the net, I discovered that many of the residential houses in countries like USA are wooden base and thus the skirting is made of wood as well. Further research told me that there are many benefits in using the concrete skirting. Some of the prominent benefits of concrete skirting are: 

1. It keeps the floor warmer (during winter) and cooler (during summer).
2. It can last for years with little or no maintenance
3. It helps to keep out small animals like rodents
4. It’s termite proof etc.

This is just to share my findings and what I’ve learned on the topic (building structure) that is totally alien to me.

 

Cheers!



Euro 2012 Fever - Your Prediction?

The once every 4-years global sport tournament, Euro Cup (Euro 2012) has just started for about a week now. This year, the tournament is co-hosted in Poland and Ukraine. It has been gaining momentum around the world and the hot talking points during the tea/lunch breaks nowadays goes something like these:

"Have you watched the match last night(or early morning in some countries)?"

"What a lousy defence from xxxxx" 

"Draw again!?" etc...

So far, the first few matches of Euro 2012 were not the prettiest (or "exciting") ones to watch but they still manage to create enough buzz among the working adults. By the way, do you know that this is the last Euro Cup to have 16 competing teams (nationals)? From 2016 onwards, there will be 24 teams in the Euro Cup. In would means that there will be more matches, more sleepless nights in the upcoming tournament(s).

Being a soccer fan, I must admit that I did not follow the Euro 2012 as frequent as I like it to be. So far, I only managed to catch 2 live matches. Having said that, the tournament will usually get more excited after the group stage. So, it's time for me to stock-up my 3-in-1 coffee!

Talking about the world most beautify sport aka soccer, there are many lessons that we can learn from it. Three of my personal favourite are:

"Soccer is about team work and never about individual performance" (same thing applies in the corporate world)

"Defence is the our best attack" (we always need to take care of our back-line [foundation])

"The ball is round" (nothing is guarantee in the match, same thing happens to life)  

Are you following the Euro 2012? If yes, what is your prediction on which team to lift the cup on 1st Jul 2012? My prediction is GERMANY (even though I am an ENGLAND fan)!

Cheers!   

My Breakthrough Commitment! What's Yours?

Last weekend, I’ve attended a 2-days workshop entitled Black Belt 2, organized by my company, for all the managers within my section. From the name of the workshop, you will know there this is the part 2 of the workshop (I’ve attended Black Belt 1 some years back). It is a very intense and participative workshop which making use of numerous games to challenge the participants physically, mentally and emotionally.

The objective of the workshop is to guide through the participants to embrace the new cultural revolution of my company so that we can move from Excellence to Extra-ordinary. Objectives aside, I personally liked this type of workshop whereby each activity has its learning point(s) and we learned by participating in it (it is proven that we can learn and remember better through such workshop). Even though after the 2-days workshop, we were mentally, physically and emotionally challenged and personally need 11 hours of sleep to recuperate, it is still one of the most fun-filled and enriching workshop I’ve attended so far.

Besides, it allows us to have our own personal breakthrough i.e. doing the stuff that we might thought impossible initially or we would never thought of doing (if not because of the challenge given). A lot of out-of-the-box thinking and facing our own fears heads-on. For example, I would never think of myself being part of the flash mob event.

This post is not really about the workshop, it is about how we should constantly challenge ourselves to come out from our comfort zone and try something new (definition of breakthrough : doing something that you’ve never done before and it can be as small or as big an action/event that you deemed fit!). Actually, doing something new is necessary for growth. It is never too late to learn something new, especially with the advance of technology, learning curve has been shortened tremendously as you can practically find any knowledge, information over the web freely.

Thus, effective from this post, I am making a public breakthrough commitment as follows:
1. I will make at least one breakthrough [do something new] a week (that translates into 52 breakthroughs a year!).
2. I will do a monthly updates on this blog about the progress of these breakthrough (Stay tuned).

What kind of breakthrough have you done for the past one month? Do share them here.

Cheers!

SPECIAL : Unique online store - Supreme Kitchen And Bath Supplies

When comes to online store, most of us would think of big names like Amazon, eBay or Buy.com etc which provide a very wide selections of products (physical or e-products) to choose from. Of course, there are many other online store which provide special range of products which comes in many different models and price ranges.

I do find that such specialised online store do have its attractiveness as we can compare the prices and features of the similar products easily. Recently, I've chanced upon a unique online store that focuses on Kitchen and Bath Supplies. I was stunned with the wide range of bidet seat products that they carry online and the detailed  specifications of each product that provided in the site. 

Cheers!

   

SPECIAL: Online Volunteer and Charity Mission - Keith Gilabert

Whenever I saw some individual (or organisation) initiated any volunteer or charitable drive, it will put a smile on my face as I believed that such initiative will improve somebodies' live, some where, some how. That's what make the world a better place to live.

Recently, I've chanced upon a site by a gentleman called Keith Gilabert whom are the founder of Keith Gilabert Foundation. Focus of this foundation is on providing self-help, inspirational and motivational guidance through Education and Cancer Research.  Following are the extracts from the sites of what they do in the respective research:

EDUCATION for Children:

Keith Gilabert Foundation is committed to: 

- Strengthening the profession by recognising and rewarding outstanding educators, and by expanding their professional leadership and policy influence.
- Attracting, developing, motivating and retaining the best talent to the teaching profession by means of comprehensive, whole school reform.
- Stimulating creativity and productivity among young people and adults through programs that encourage learning as a lifelong process.
- Building vibrant communities by involving people of all ages in programs that contribute to the revitalisation of their community and to the well-being of its residents.

CANCER RESEARCH:
Keith Gilabert Foundation is committed to:
- Advancing and supporting basic and applied medical research–especially in the areas of cancer and rare diseases–and recognising and rewarding outstanding scientists in these areas.
- Supporting basic health care programs to assure the well-being of community members of all ages.

For more details, feel free to access the site through the links above. 

On the same note, like to share the following quotes of mine: 

Happiness is when we can make a difference on others' lives by creating a better world!

Cheers!

INFOGRAPHIC : Top 10 Regrets In Life By Those About To Die

"Regrets" is a taboo topic that most of us have but reluctant to admit it openly. The truth is, it doesn't matter whether you admit it or not, it is still a regret if you didn't live up to the dream of your life (whatever it is). Life is a journey that consist of series of decision (or non-decision) and action (or non-action). Ultimately, our decision and action (or lack of it) contributes to our regrets!

Recently, I've chanced upon a meaningful Infographic (from Addicted2Success) which detailing the top 10 regrets from elderly of nursing home and palliative care. Even though these regrets seems common sense enough but it is worth re-sharing here again to serve as reminder. I am pretty sure we would still have few regrets here and there when we get old but it is never too late to reignite your dreams to cut down the costs (regrets) in the future.

Hope you find this infographic as meaningful as what I viewed it. Of course, not all the indicated regrets are relevant to us and need to adjust for cultural/upbringing differences. However, I find that it is a great "mirror" for us to reflect internally and start the soul searching, once again.

Do share with me if you have any other "regrets" that not reflected here and how you find this infographic? 

As a summary, the top 10 regrets stated are:

1. Never pursued my dreams and aspirations.
2. Worked too much = less time for family
3. Should have made more time for friends
4. Should said "I Love You" a lot more
5. Should spoken my mind more instead of holding back and resenting things
6. Should have been the bigger person and resolved my conflicts
7. Should had children
8. Should have saved more money for my retirement
9. Should have the courage to live truthfully
10. Happiness is always a choice, wish to knew it a lot earlier

(To view the larger version of the Infographic, click on the image below and save the image into your local drive): 

Cheers!

Inspirational Sharing - Inspire It Forward (#19)

May is coming to an end, we are already almost in the last month of second Quarter 2012. As usual, I hope you are progressing well so far in 2012. In any case, just like to repeat here once again: no matter what is your progress now, you can't change what you have already done (or didn't do), you should  focus on the present and work towards your goal(s) NOW!

This is already the 19th sharing of my "Inspire It Forward" posts, hope you folks like it. Do share with me what other motivational and inspirational stuff you like to see in my blog and I will try my very best to accede to your request.

Keep Going and Keep Smiling!

1. Inspirational Video - Starfish An Inspirational Message For All Teachers (I've shared the story of starfish in words and thought it gives greater impact if it is in a video clip format. Also, even though the original intend of this clip is meant for teachers but I personally think that it is applicable for everyone):

2. Inspirational Quotes (Original):

“Our view can be little but not belittle; can be big but not biggety" 

Cheers!

SPECIAL: Medical Education For Medical Practitioners

Medical industry is one of the industries that would not be facing with the predicament of sun-setting moment. In short, the demand for medical services will only be getting stronger. With the global shrinking of birth-rate, greater risk factors for medical deterioration as well as the anticipated silver tsunami, medical industry will only get more and more important.

Thus, whether you are practising medical as a direct profession (e.g. Doctor or nurse etc…) or an indirect profession (e.g. Medical Insurance underwriter or claim officer etc…), it is important to obtain on-going medical education to keep abreast with the latest development in the medical arena. New sickness or bacteria are being uncovered every now-and-then and new treatments/surgery or medical breakthroughs are happening at the similar speed. Thus, it is critical to keep up-to-date.

Recently, I’ve chanced upon a UK site called Oxford Medical that provides medical education (courses) in an interactive and effective way which caters to all levels of medical practitioners/doctors. Bearing in mind of the long hour commitment of the medical practitioners, most of the courses are organised in a smaller segment with one or two key learning point(s). Some of the well known courses provided are:

1. Consultant Interview Course
2. Medical Teaching Course
3. Medical Management Course
4. Teach Te Teacher Course

Thus, either you are already a medical practitioner or are becoming one soon, do check out this beautiful site for better understanding of the above-mentioned courses which will give you a head-start in the medial field.

Cheers!

SPECIAL: Lifestyle Thailand Application – Thumb’s up!

People are impressed, excited and complimentary about the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s new app for Apple and Android cell phone and tablet systems called “Lifestyle Thailand.” It is a FREE download, has wonderful, colorful graphics and gives the user a wonderful experience. If you are taking a trip to Thailand, it is mandatory; for all others, it is just plain amazing.

The app is suitable for iPhones, iPads, iPod Touch and all Android systems 2.2 and up. It is unique, interesting and provides information like reading an animated travel brochure. Reviews are favorable with a 5 star rating.

The main screen features eight lifestyles that you can enjoy Thailand:
· Chic. For Glamorous, glitzy and fabulous experiences.
· Romantic. Perfection for Honeymoons.
· Breezy. Sun worshipers and beach bunnies and bums unite.
· Thainess. Learn and admire the heritage trail and people.
· Adventurous. Lots of action for those who want it.
· Wellness. Cleanse, refresh and relax the inner person.
· Easy N Slow. Explore the life and locale.
· Family. Enjoy togetherness in Thailand.
 

The next screen shows four categories of information:
· Accommodations, such a hotels, spas and resorts.
· Restaurants, that serve the wonderful crispy, chewy, spicy and sweet and sour Thai food. Restaurants such as the Sala Rim Naan in the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok. A magical memory is created after one has crossed the River Menam Chao Phraya in an old fashioned teak ferry boat, and brought into the pavilion, had their shoes removed and escorted to a table. It can be a memorable experience to enjoy the great spicy food with a cool singha beer, sweet music and dancers of the old Siam court.
· Things to do, from visiting temples to enjoying cinemas, to shopping and just enjoying scenery and relaxing.
· Attractions, such as the many in Bangkok. The sky train; Temple visiting; Jim Thompson House; Central World Plaza; and Era wan Museum.

The app also has social network sharing capability, hot deals and images of Thailand in 360 degree images.

 

I have personally downloaded this app in my iPhone, besides the massive loads of informative travel information, the user interface is sleek and easy to navigate. Thus, if you are planning to visit Thailand, this is a MUST HAVE app for you.

 

Cheers!