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新加坡动物园 Singapore Zoo 2016

March 17, 2016, 1:06 am
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What a bright and cheery morning. The time is 8am and there is barely anyone else here at the Singapore Zoo entrance (ticketing opens at 8.30am). Yay to free wifi at the zoo entrance!

It is my annual trip to the Singapore Zoo and you know what that means? It is my birthday again. I have said it before and I am saying it again: Singaporeans and PRs gain free entry to the WRS parks (Singapore Zoo, River Safari, Night Safari, Singapore Bird Park) on their birthdays! Isn't that neat?


The ticketing booth finally opens and I collected my complimentary tickets to the Singapore Zoo and River Safari cum birthday badge.

The White-Faced Saki greeted me as I made my way towards the Tree Top Trail. 

White-Faced Saki

False Gharial

I enjoy watching the False Gharial but it gives me the jittery as we stood on the boardwalk above them. I always thought there were only two of them but this year, I saw five! Has it always been five? They must have been well camouflaged while submerged under the water!

Flamingos

I remember there used to be more of them. Did some of them got transferred to the Jurong Bird Park?

Inuka the Polar Bear

The Frozen Tundra exhibit is totally empty when I was there and I have Inuka all to myself. He was baring his teeth while sleeping. Perhaps the climate here really does not suit him.

White Rhino

Poaching has driven the population of the White Rhino to near extinction. I was really glad to see a calf galloping among the adults. This only means our breeding program is taking off well. This is why I am so proud of our zoo.

Zebra

Warthogs

Meerkat

Giraffes

and that is our new born baby giraffe Jubilee!

Chimpanzee

Estuarine Crocodile

Crocodiles are one of my favorite reptile to watch on documentaries.

token feeding at $5 per basket after the show

My camera's battery went flat halfway while recording the "Elephants at work and play" show. I remember I double checked the night before and it was full... Arggh!



redeemed my free cookies & cream ice cream from Ah Meng Bistro

Very nice! I like it!

I break for lunch


I packed food to last me a full day but because of the camera, I decided to go home at noon to recharge the battery but... while waiting, the comfort of my bed proved too much to resist and I ended up sleeping my day away...

I am so mad at myself for wasting the tickets to the River Safari and Night Safari!



SINGAPORE ZOO
80 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729826

Telephone: 6269 3411
Opening Hours: 8.30 - 6 pm daily
infocounter.zoo@wrs.com.sg  
Website: http://www.zoo.com.sg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wrs.sg

Check out more photos on the Singapore Zoo in my Facebook page.

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/hyYVu
GPS Coordinates: 1.404348,103.793023


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My First Nano Tank With "Observation Tower"

May 4, 2016, 5:34 pm
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I have always been mesmerized by those beautiful nano tanks I see but the thought of setting one up is enough to deter me because I know nothing about aquatic plants and even much less about the installation of CO2 to keep them alive and flourished.

However, the urge to do one is getting increasingly stronger by the day. Since I have a 2 gallon nano tank lying around, I thought why not just give it a try? 


Since I already have the tank, gravel and even fish, all there is left to do was to purchase a couple of plants from the row of aquarium shops at C328. Basically, all I wanted was a no-frill and low maintenance tank therefore there is no fertilizer, CO2, CO2 reactor and other complicated stuff like that.  

I have put in six of my guppy fry in there and I have also added a tiny hang-on-back filter.

Currently, I am observing how they are coping in the new tank.

Top view of my setup with partial water

Setup complete

Are you wondering what is that bottle doing in the tank? I am using it as an "observation tower" so the fish could swim up higher and look beyond life outside of the tank.

Nah, just kidding. I saw the experiment of a inverted fish tank on youtube and thought that is quite interesting so I decided to try it out.

This is how I removed the air from the bottle

I sucked out the air from within the bottle using a airline tubing. As the air gets lesser, the suction would pull in the water from outside. You can notice the tank waterline going down while the bottle's waterline going up. You can top up the water in the tank after you are done. 

A reminder not to unscrew the bottle cap because once air goes in, the suction would not hold anymore. The water inside the bottle will exit and the tank will overflow.


Here is the guppy exploring the inverted tank


Does anyone know what that plant on the left is?

It is my first time seeing this plant and I find it very attractive looking with all the different colors.


Trying out the new never-heard-before-brand (Jeneca) hob filter



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Science Centre Singapore - The Mind's Eye

May 9, 2016, 7:00 pm
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Come 2020, the Science Centre Singapore (SCS) will be relocating to it's new premises at the Jurong Lake area beside the Chinese Garden MRT Station. Since last April, the SCS has been offering Singaporeans and Permanent Residents free entry during off-peak hours.

I must have been living under a rock all this while because I only got to know about this a few days ago.

The SCS is a treasure trove of all things science and is a must-visit for science geeks. For better enjoyment, you should dedicate at least half a day to fully explore what the SCS has to offer. And do check out the various show timings so you do not miss out on any for the best experience.

I was there for four hours yet I am unable to cover everything (and I still have not gone to the second level!). Looks like I have to make a return trip for the second level another time! 


If you look closely at the floor plan, the SCS is separated into different halls, with each offering a different topic or theme. Walk past the ticketing gantry, you will enter the section called "The Mind's Eye". If you are a fan of optical illusions, this is the place for you.










Towards the end of The Mind's Eye, you will enter the Atrium which is the heart of the SCS because from here, it is linked to all the different halls as well as access to the second level.

The Atrium

Stay tuned for my next post, as I bring you the electrifying Tesla Coil Demonstration happening at the Atrium!


SCIENCE CENTRE SINGAPORE 
15 Science Centre Road
Singapore 609081
Telephone: 6425 2500

GPS Coordinates: 1.3329,103.7361


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Science Centre Singapore - The Atrium And The Tesla Coil Demonstration

May 11, 2016, 7:00 pm
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The Atrium is where you catch the Tesla Coil Demonstration which is a live demo of high voltage electricity. Expect loud buzzing sounds and electrifying sparks!

The 10 minutes demonstration is on at 12pm from Monday to Sunday with additional 5pm shows during the weekends, school and public holidays.


Apart from the Tesla Coil Show, there are a few exhibits here including the tornado, vortex, cloud ring, ice bodies, etc...













The Atrium is the link to the rest of the other halls which I will bring to you in the next few posts. 'Like' my Facebook page to receive my updates!


SCIENCE CENTRE SINGAPORE 
15 Science Centre Road
Singapore 609081
Telephone: 6425 2500

GPS Coordinates: 1.3329,103.7361


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Science Centre Singapore - Hall A

May 15, 2016, 7:00 pm
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After watching the electrifying Tesla Coil demonstration, I proceeded to Hall A.

There are several exhibits in this hall and they are:
  • Defending Science 
  • iZ Hero 
  • Scientist For A Day 
  • Uniquely You 
  • Waterworks

Defending Science

Defending Science is all about our military defense and the science behind it. This is a collaboration with DSO National Laboratories.









Hover Go Round


iZ Hero

iZ Hero is a digital exhibition about cyber risks and moral values.

Your mission here is to rescue the captured children from the clutches of evil Magui before he turns them all into Inzombs.

I took the lift to the second floor where the exhibition is and I realized that only the floor moved upwards which is just like what we see in sci fic movies! When the door open, the setup impressed me even further!

Isn't this just like some sci fic movie set?

with a control room to boot

Body gesture games to play with

A message from Master Naam

The lift



Scientist For A Day

Scientist For A Day is a interactive exhibition where visitors are encouraged to think and ask questions. Facilitators will be there to guide you through various experiments to understand about the scientific concepts underlying the experiments.







Uniquely You

Uniquely You explores the complex combination and interaction of genetic inheritance, environment and lifestyle influences through three sections - Balanced You, Beautiful You and New You.






Waterworks

 Waterworks is a water playground for the kids.

Entrance to Waterworks





Stay tuned for Hall B in my next post!


SCIENCE CENTRE SINGAPORE 
15 Science Centre Road
Singapore 609081
Telephone: 6425 2500

GPS Coordinates: 1.3329,103.7361


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Science Centre Singapore - Hall B

May 17, 2016, 7:00 pm
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This exhibits in this hall are:
  • Bioethics
  • Climate Change - Climate Challenge
  • Earth: Our Untamed Planet
  • Human Body Experience
  • Island Adventurer
  • Marine Alcove

Bioethics






Climate Change - Climate Challenge









Earth: Our Untamed Planet

Step into the core of the earth



Tsunami simulator

Volcano

Just go in, close the door after you and press that green button to start

Earthquake simulator

Quake selector







Human Body Experience

The "Human Body Experience" is a temporary exhibition and requires additional admission charges. You have to crawl in through the mouth and go on a journey inside the human anatomy through the organs, muscles and systems. It lets you interact and play with the amazing functions of the body. In the end, you exit the exhibit through the rear complete with fart sounds.


The Human Body Experience


At first, I did not know what this strange looking thing is. I was looking at the typhoon simulator located next to it when the fart sound startled me. And then everything made sense when I saw the following sign...


The EXIT


Island Adventurer

Island Adventurer is a temporary exhibition located on the second floor in Hall B. Come find out what connection the great naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913) has had with Singapore?







Marine Alcove








Check out my next post as we proceed to Hall C.


SCIENCE CENTRE SINGAPORE 
15 Science Centre Road
Singapore 609081
Telephone: 6425 2500

GPS Coordinates: 1.3329,103.7361


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Science Centre Singapore - Hall C

May 19, 2016, 7:00 pm
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The entire Hall C is dedicated to the exhibition E3, or E-mmersive Experiential Environments. As I walk into the hall, I am instantly thrown into a virtual reality world as the walls around me came to life with jellyfish and other sea creatures.


There is a live show at the Deep Space Theatre


Here you can take two virtual reality rides: the Rilix Coaster and the Oculus Drift.








Hall D and Hall E is coming up in my next post! Follow me on Twitter for updates!


SCIENCE CENTRE SINGAPORE 
15 Science Centre Road
Singapore 609081
Telephone: 6425 2500

GPS Coordinates: 1.3329,103.7361


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Science Centre Singapore - Hall D & Hall E

May 22, 2016, 7:00 pm
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Hall D Butterflies Up-Close

Hall D is home to the latest exhibition, Butterflies Up-Close - a collaboration between the SCS and Sentosa's Butterfly and Insect Kingdom. 

I am not too fond of caterpillar or insects in general so I gave it a miss. 

*Take note that this exhibit requires additional admittance fee.

Hall E The Tinkering Studio



Visitors are invited to think with their hands and get creative with the exhibits here. There are twice daily sessions from 10.30am to 12.30pm and from 2.30pm to 4.30pm with their Science Educators.







Hall F is coming up next! Stay tuned!


SCIENCE CENTRE SINGAPORE 
15 Science Centre Road
Singapore 609081
Telephone: 6425 2500

GPS Coordinates: 1.3329,103.7361


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Science Centre Singapore - Hall F

May 24, 2016, 7:00 pm
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Science Centre Singapore - Hall G

May 26, 2016, 7:00 pm
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Hall G

Hall G is located on the second level above the Atrium. You can take the lift or stairs at the entrance before entering the Atrium.

The exhibits in this hall are:
  • Invent!
  • Quirky
  • Singapore Innovation

Invent



This pair reminds me of Statler and Waldorf from The Muppets










Quirky









Singapore Innovations

As it's namesake, "Singapore Innovations" is all about inventions and technology from Singapore.




In land scarce Singapore, traditional farming methods has been met with challenges as farmland is limited. The only way to go is up and here comes the Vertical Farming System.


I did not know that the capsule speaker is also an invention from Singapore


RevoReef, some filtration technology for marine tanks by Qian Hu


I have brought you to all the different halls in the Science Centre Singapore but we have yet to visit the animal zone. Stay tuned to my next post as we visit some newborn baby chicks!


SCIENCE CENTRE SINGAPORE 
15 Science Centre Road
Singapore 609081
Telephone: 6425 2500

GPS Coordinates: 1.3329,103.7361


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Science Centre Singapore - Animal Zone And Eco Garden

May 29, 2016, 7:00 pm
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Just right beside Hall B, there is a animal zone with hatching chicks, leopard gecko, tortoise, gerbils and hissing cockroaches.

To be honest, the chicks are the only memory I have of the science centre from my primary school visits.

Newly hatched chicks



Hissing cockroaches that does not hiss




Gerbils

There is a door here that leads to the eco garden outside.








Tumeric

Mint

Indian Borage

Ginger

Lemon Balm

Indian Pennywort

Pepper

Roselle

Mother's-in-law-tongue



 SCIENCE CENTRE SINGAPORE
15 Science Centre Road
Singapore 609081
Telephone: 6425 2500

GPS Coordinates: 1.3329,103.7361


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Review: Hydra Nano Plus From Ocean Free

May 30, 2016, 9:58 am
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Thanks to Qian Hu Fish Farm, I received a Hydra Nano Plus and a hundred dollars worth of accessories vouchers from their FB contest. I collected my prize from the farm two weeks ago and was able to test out the very versatile Hydra Nano Plus.

Below is their product video.



Sounds amazing that one product can have so many uses. 

The components

To sum it up, the Hydra Nano Plus can be a:
  • Surface Skimmer
  • Depurator (Internal Filter)
  • Depurator (Internal Filter) with venturi effect
  • Waterfall for low level water tanks

SURFACE SKIMMER
Hydra Nano Plus with Surface Skimmer function

DEPURATOR WITH VENTURI EFFECT
Hydra Nano Plus as a depurator with venturi effect

WATERFALL FOR LOW WATER LEVEL TANKS
Hydra Nano Plus in low water levels with waterfall function




Before trying out the Hydra Nano Plus, I have been using a mini internal filter for my guppy fry tank which is a 32 litres tub. It have a spout that sprays water and provide circulation however, it is not that efficient in the mechanical filtration aspect as I still have to siphon out the physical waste once a week.



With the Hydra Nano Plus, I initially decided to use the waterfall function with the periscopic pipe sprout but I realized that the current is rather strong so I redirected the spout to the bottom of the tub and increase the water level, hoping to leave the surface less strenuous for my top swimming guppies. However, I still find my guppies swimming against the current. 

After trying out numerous positions, I finally decided to face the output upwards. This creates ripples at the surface yet the fishes does not find it difficult to swim. 



According to the brochure, the Hydra Nano Plus is designed to help nano-aquarium enthusiasts achieve the best water conditions. Powered by Hydro-Pure Technology, it constantly breaks down Protein, detoxifies Ammonia (NH3) & Nitrite (NO2), reducing overall level of organic nutrients much faster than normal biological filtration which results in biological clean and pristine water conditions for your fish .

The Hydro-Pure Technology consists of two electro-plates to energize a cartridge box containing special Ceta-Pure Catalyst Media to generate strong reactive Hydroxyl (OH) radicals, which is the key to the detoxifying and depurating reactions process.


Indeed, since using the Hydra Nano Plus, I find that the tub is cleaner with lesser fish waste. I do not even have to do that many water changes anymore.



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Science Centre Singapore - Fire Tornado Demonstration

May 31, 2016, 7:00 pm
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The most popular live demonstration at the SCS has got to be the Fire Tornado. It is located at the Courtyard where the rest of the fire exhibits are.

Walk through the Maxwell Auditorium and Mendel Auditorium from the Atrium and you will come to the Courtyard outside of the main building.

There is only one show available every Tuesday to Sunday at 3pm.

This is the chamber where the demonstration takes place

These metal plates are arranged in a similar angle where the oxygen goes in

That shallow pit is where the kerosene is poured and the fire lit

As the fire starts burning, the oxygen goes in and they swirl round and round creating the fire tornado




Watch the demonstration below.




The rest of the fire exhibits

I visited the SCS four times (each time spending approximately four hours) just for this write-up because there is simply no way to finish every exhibit in just a few hours. With that, I conclude my visits to the Science Centre Singapore and I hope you like what I have shared. 


SCIENCE CENTRE SINGAPORE 
15 Science Centre Road
Singapore 609081
Telephone: 6425 2500

GPS Coordinates: 1.3329,103.7361
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/CRYaGxq8nt12


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Ah Hoe Mee Pok @ Blk 501 West Coast Drive

June 2, 2016, 7:00 pm
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Ever since the new location of the old Bukit Purmei Lor Mee was discovered, I have gone to have my favorite bowl of Lor Mee (Braised Noodles) four times.

Each time while queuing for my Lor Mee, I cannot help but notice that the Bak Chor Mee (Minced Meat Noodles) stall next door is also doing a very brisk business. A quick google on the stall name Ah Hoe Mee Pok revealed that stall owner, Eric Chia made news recently by teaching a Japanese man the skills to cook his mee pok.

After learning from Eric for six months, the Japanese - Naoji-san - took over the stall at Blk 710 Clementi West Street 2 with his daughter to sell this dish. They had a second stall manned by his wife and son further away at Blk 713. According to their Facebook, they are currently looking for a third stall.

What happened to Eric then? Well, he moved to set up his stall at the current location at Blk 501 West Coast Drive.


The search results online baffles me because more attention is emphasized on the apprentice's stall instead of the master's. What's with all this fascination over a Japanese man and his family selling mee pok? I have not tried Naoji-San's mee pok yet but I will after I have tried Eric's version.

It was not until my fifth visit back at the Blk 501 coffeeshop that I decided not to have the Lor Mee but to try out Eric's mee pok instead. The queue was comparable with the Lor Mee stall but moved at a much slower pace.



After almost thirty minutes, I finally got to the front of the queue. I was stoked to see a crockpot simmering with braised mushrooms because I like having the umami flavors of mushrooms in my Bak Chor Mee. Unfortunately, not all Bak Chor Mee have it in their noodles.

Eric is quite generous with the minced meat and pork slices. There are also handmade fish dumplings (her giao/鱼饺), braised mushrooms and what seemed like abalone slices!


After a taste, I must say that not all Bak Chor Mee are created equal. Eric's mee pok is definitely a notch above them all.

Some Bak Chor Mee have either too little, or way too much black vinegar (like Hill Street Tai Hwa) that it overwhelms the other flavors of the noodles. Eric's concoction of black vinegar and chili is just right but the flavors does not stop there. The braised mushroom sauce, pork lard and ti-poh (sole fish) flavors from the fish dumplings all complement each other nicely. Toss everything together with the al-dente mee pok and you have yourself a very addictive bowl of Bak Chor Mee! Even the accompanying soup is very flavorsome!

By the time you read this post, I have already had my second bowl of Ah Hoe Mee Pok. On both occasions, I requested to add noodles but both times, I wasn't charged for it.


A standard bowl of Bak Chor Mee at most places  is priced around $3 but here at Ah Hoe, their cheapest bowl costs $4. I suppose the handmade fish dumplings and the addition of mushrooms and abalone justifies that extra dollar. My only gripe is the painfully slow queue.

Do check out their Facebook if they are opened for the day before making your way down.

The Verdict?
My ratings: 4/5


AH HOE MEE POK
Food Loft
Blk 501 West Coast Drive
Singapore 120501

Opening Hours 
Wednesday - Sunday: 6.00am to 2.00pm
Monday, Tuesday: Closed

GPS Coordinates: 1.3121205,103.7606821


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ในหลวงของแผ่นดิน 万王之王

June 5, 2016, 11:43 pm
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I have finally found this song today - about five years after watching it in the hotel room while holidaying in Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand.

I find the music very moving but I have no ways to search for it online since I could neither read nor write Thai.

Despite not understanding the lyrics, I could somehow associate it as a song about the Thai King judging from the images shown on TV.

I made a partial recording of it on my phone and uploaded it to my Facebook then. Last night, that post turned up via the "On This Day" on Facebook. I know it's a long shot but I decided to ask Siri what song it is.

To my surprise, Shazam returned the following results:

ในหลวงของแผ่นดิน (nai lŭang kŏng pàen din)



Here is one with English lyrics

If you have ever been to Thailand, you would have known that King Bhumibol Adulyadej is a well-loved Monarch. You can see his posters everywhere on the streets and even inside the shops. The reason why the King has earned my respect is because of Tongdaeng (Copper), a mongrel puppy he adopted during one of his visits to a village. Given his status, he could have gotten himself any pure breed dog he wants yet he chose a mongrel.

An autobiography of Tongdaeng authored by the King himself


The King making public appearances with Tongdaeng

Tonggdaeng is even featured on first day covers

The close relationship between the King and Tongdaeng truly moves me. Unfortunately, Tongdaeng passed away on 26 December 2015 at the ripe old age of 17 years old. The King's ailing health is another concern being closely watched by the Kingdom.

I sincerely wished King Bhumibol Adulyadej the best of health.


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Boon Kee Wanton Mee @ Clementi Central

June 7, 2016, 7:00 pm
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My last plate of Boon Kee Wanton Mee at Clementi Food Centre was four years ago. I actually stopped patronizing them because my last plate was a letdown.

Earlier this week, I accompanied Dad to the dentist nearby and while waiting for him, I ventured over to the food centre and decided to order myself a plate of Wanton Mee. I suppose it is about time to lift the ban to give them a chance to redeem themselves.

I requested for no char siew but they got my order wrong anyway.


The Wanton Mee comes with two boiled wantons and one fried wanton, some generic char siew and vegetables.


I still stand by my previous views about the char siew which is red, lean and dry. The fried wanton is tasty but is mostly skin with hardly any fillings.

If my observation is right, I think they wrapped the wantons in two ways. Those intended for deep frying are wrapped flat in a triangle shape with lesser minced pork while the boiled ones are wrapped the usual style with considerably more filling.

This is, of course, just guessing on my part.

The boiled wantons

The star of wanton mee is definitely the wantons.

My complaint about the boiled wanton four years ago is because it is just loose skin with hardly any minced pork in it. I believe during that time, they have mistakenly boiled the wantons which they had intended for deep frying instead.

This time, the entire wanton skin is wrapped around the meat so all is good.

The noodles are springy with a good bite. It did not turn soggy despite the photo-taking. As for the sauce, it is a tad sweet due to the ketchup but still delicious otherwise .

The menu


Wash everything down with a refreshing cup of "Michael Jackson" from Heng Heng (#01-24).


BOON KEE WANTON NOODLES
Clementi 448 Market & Food Centre
Blk 448, Clementi Ave 3
#01-36
Singapore 120448

Opening Hours:
Mon - Sat: 6am - 5pm
Sun: Closed 


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Unboxing: Nano Space 2 From Ocean Free

June 19, 2016, 7:15 pm
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While visiting Qianhu Fish Farm a week ago, I bought this Nano Space 2 fish tank from OF (Ocean Free) which is one of Qianhu's many own in-house brand. I have been eyeing this range of nano tanks displayed at their retail store for quite a while now but have been indecisive due to the pricing. 

Initially, I was looking at the 16 litres tank priced at $98 but after much consideration, I decided to get the slightly bigger 24 litres tank for $10 more.


The contents of the box includes:
  • 24 litres tank measuring 275 x 275 x 320
  • Plastic cover 
  • Evo submersible pump with flowrate of 300 l/h
  • Dual color mode LED lamp 
  • 2 removable media cartridge 

The main feature that attracted me is the IOS (Internal Overflow System) filter system although on the box, it's stated as "smart back filter system". In all my years of aquarium fish keeping, nothing irks me more than seeing bulky filters taking up valuable space inside the aquarium. With the Nano Space 2, the in-built filter system is hidden out of sight behind a black panel.

The IOS have 3 compartments. The compartment on the left is where the pump is located and connected to the output pipe while the middle and right compartments are where the removable media cartridge is. The inlet (holes) is located on the right compartment.



How this IOS works is, the water in front will overflow through the holes  into the compartment on the right to the back and after passing through two rounds of media, the filtered water is return to the front via the spout on the left.

The two removable media cartridge with handle for easy removal 

Removable filter cartridge

The filter cartridge contains filter wool, coarse and fine bio foam, activated carbon and ceramic rings. The cartridge comes with handle for easy removal

The LED light

The dual LED light comes with blue and white bulbs (daylight and moonlight mode). 


Like my Facebook page for my next update as I share my thoughts about this tank.


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Review: Nano Space 2 From Ocean Free

June 25, 2016, 12:22 am
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I have been using the Nano Space 2 from OF (Ocean Free) for about two weeks now and it is time for me to share my thoughts on this nano tank.

I must say that I really like the simplicity and overall look of the nano tank. With the built-in filter, there is no need for a filter to take up extra space within the tank. The pump is really quiet and the strength of the flow is adjustable. A plus point is that this tank consumes very little power and water change is a breeze with a siphon.

Below is the LED lights in different modes.

(L-R) Day/Night mode, night mode, day mode


I am not sure if you can see the ripple effect on the wall. It was mentioned on the box so I guess that is one of the selling point of this tank too.

Unfortunately, the tank do have a few flaws too.


First of all, I realized that during feeding times, most of the food tend to get sucked into the filter before the guppies could even finish their meal.  

I have raised these guppies since the day they were born thus I am still feeding them with the leftover fry food in powder form. To combat this problem, I have to switch off the filter during feeding time which is not much of an issue to me. I suppose the problem will be solved once I switch them over to adult food. I have experimented feeding fry food and pellets for tropical fish but both were sucked in except for the goldfish's sinking pellets.


Next, I found that the plastic cover does not fit very well on the top of the tank. Again, this is not much of an issue as long as it can keep the fish in and the dust out.


Thirdly, the IOS filter system is the main reason why I bought this tank but it did not function the way I expected it to.

If you study the diagram below, the one on the left is what I expected the direction of the water flow to be like: water enters from the 3rd chamber and goes through chamber 3 and 2 before exiting from chamber 1.


However, as demonstrated by the diagram on the right, the two filter cartridge (white rectangle) does not sit all the way down at the bottom, thus, there is a "tunnel" below. Furthermore, the presence of the small hole at the bottom of the divider between chamber 1 and 2 creates a shortcut for the debris (white particles) to go from the third chamber straight to the first. The pump would then suck up all the debris and return them all to the front of the tank. 


Fortunately, I found a solution (diagram above) that worked for me which is to lay filter wool (grey rectangle) above and below the filter cartridge to trap all the debris before they can make their way to the first chamber. 

I understand the small hole is for the prevention of low water levels (in case water levels in chamber 3 and 2 is too low to overflow to chamber 1) therefore water still can flow from chamber 3 to chamber 1 via the "tunnel". So what I can do is to block the hole with filter wool therefore water can still flow through but debris will be trapped behind. However, the filter wool have to be changed frequently in case it gets clogged up.

Confused yet? I hope the diagram below can help you.



Despite all the flaws, I am still quite happy with the tank because the flaws I mentioned above can be easily fixed in one way or another so there is really no big issue.

The range of nano tanks on display at Qianhu Fish Farm's retail outlet 


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The Invasion Of Local Flavors At McDonald's Singapore!

June 30, 2016, 3:17 am
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McDonald's Singapore has just "zhng-ed" their menu with local flavors, giving a new twist to old favorites such as the Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Burger, Twist & Shaker Fries with Salt & Pepper Crab flavored Shaker, and Gula Melaka McFlurry with Layer Cake Bites.

Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Burger

McDonald's Singapore has finally jumped on the Salted Egg Yolk bandwagon and introduced the Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Burger! Available at $5.75 a-la-carte, or as an Extra Value Meal that includes French Fries (M) and Coca-Cola (S) from $7.50.

Twist & Shaker Fries with Salt & Pepper Crab flavoured Shaker

Everyone's favorite curly fries is back! Combined that with the popular shaker fries, you get the ultimate Twist & Shake Fries (M) with Salt & Pepper Crab Flavoured Shaker. Available at $3.40 a-la-carte or upsize with any Extra Value Meal by topping up $0.60.

Gula Melaka McFlurry with Layer Cake Bites

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this soft serve swirled with gula melaka-flavoured syrup and topped off with kueh lapis. The Gula Melaka McFlurry with Layer Cake Bites is available at $2.90.

Other than the above mentioned new flavors, two old favorites also made a comeback due to popular demand.

Banana Pie

The Goreng Pisang needs no further introduction. Encase that in a flaky crust and you got your beloved Banana Pie! Available at $1.20.


Another hot favorite is the Spicy Nuggets. It is available a-la-carte at 6pc ($4.45), 9pc ($5.95), and 20pc ($11.20) respectively while an Extra Value Meal that includes French Fries (M) and Coca-Cola (S) is available from $6.05 for the 6pc option and $7.70 for the 9pc option.

The promotion is available after breakfast hours at all restaurants and via McDelivery® from 30 June 2016, for a limited time only.



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Goat Xi Fa Cai @ Tiong Bahru

July 21, 2016, 7:00 pm
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Tiong Bahru Market

2016 is the year of the monkey and more than half a year has passed so why am I still in the year of the goat? That is because, the following murals of goats were intended for the year 2015. My last visit to Tiong Bahru was two years ago, seemingly  after some chicken murals installed by the same artist Ernest Goh.  

A total of three goats can be found in and around the marketplace.

Goat #1

This baby goat is located under one of the spiral staircase inside the market near a mutton stall and fruit stall.


The other two goats are located outside along the perimeter of the market.

Goat #2

Goat #2 is located along Kim Cheng Street, on the market wall opposite Blk 33.


Goat #3

Goat #3 is located along Seng Poh Road, on the wall beside the carpark entrance/exit.


Happy hunting!


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