The Ultimate Apple Pancake

Another one for cousin L. Enjoy.

German Apple Puff Pancake
(serves 2)

1 large or 2 medium, firm apples such as Fuji, Braeburn, or Delicious

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 eggs, at room temperature

1/2 cup milk, at room temperature

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

2. Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.

3. Peel the apples and cut into 1/4-inch slices.

4. Melt the butter in a skillet that's 8 or 9 inches at the base. Add the apple slices so they cover the bottom of the skillet completely. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the apples. Saute the apples about 4 or 5 minutes, until they soften and become light golden brown on both sides.

5. Pour the batter over the apples and place the pan in the hot oven.

6. Bake approximately 18 minutes. Don't open the oven door while it's baking. Turn on your oven light to see if it's done. The pancake should no longer appear wet on top.

7. To serve, invert the pan over a large round plate. If using the pie plate or regular pan, run a spatula under the pancake before flipping to make sure the apples don't stick to the pan.

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The Birthday

So I owe a big thanks to the following people:
JNJ
Fano
Smack
Fairplay
Tela
llano
Spyne
Survivorgirl
Canadian Bacon

Joannah
Alvin

Arisya
Carol
Nad
Gajan
Weijie
Nicole
Kay Miang
Ifah
Zhili
Kamesh
Xin Le
Regina

Mom
Dad
Frederick
Aunty Tina
Aunty Dah
Uncle Jerome
Elaine
David Durong
Diane
Kathy
Maria
Duane

Shoban
Shakira
Aunty Sathia
Uncle Ravi

Esther
Yessie
Shwee
Yen Hao

Thanks all for remembering. Jo and Alvin, thanks for the super huge gift and the lunch. 05-ers, thank you for Mad Munkie Mattie McCurry. Mom and dad, thanks for the dinner.

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One funny convo

Survivorfreak | Canadian Bacon | You're the one who makes me shine says:
jonathan chua has thrown a goose at regina leong
Dita Von Teese is my idol. says:
THATS NOT FAIRRRR
Survivorfreak | Canadian Bacon | You're the one who makes me shine says:
lol
Dita Von Teese is my idol. says:
i'm not even on facebooook!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dita Von Teese is my idol. says:
you BRAINWASHED xinle!
Survivorfreak | Canadian Bacon | You're the one who makes me shine says:
lol
Dita Von Teese is my idol. says:
she KARATE CHOPPED meee
Survivorfreak | Canadian Bacon | You're the one who makes me shine says:
oh dear
Survivorfreak | Canadian Bacon | You're the one who makes me shine says:
do you need medical assistance?
Dita Von Teese is my idol. says:
no
Dita Von Teese is my idol. says:
i shall get carol to moon the both of you as revenge

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Food Fiesta

This post shall be for all the people who like cooking and experimenting, especially for cousin L! You hear?


Cabanossi Pasta

Ingredients

• 500g packet spiral pasta
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 250g packet cabanossi (5 x 14cm sticks), sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 2 cups frozen peas and corn
• 575g jar tomato pasta sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
• fresh herbs to garnish

Method
1. Add pasta to a large saucepan of boiling, salted water. Boil, uncovered, until pasta is tender. Drain well.
2. Heat oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Add cabanossi, onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, until onion is soft.
3. Add peas and corn, pasta sauce and water. Bring to boil, then simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Add pasta. Stir over heat until hot.
4. Serve pasta topped with parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Hint. Add any combination of vegetables to the pasta, such as broccoli florets, diced carrots, sliced mushrooms and capsicum. For a spicy flavour, substitute chopped Spanish salami for the cabanossi.

Spaghetti with creamy ham sauce

ngredients

• 500g spaghetti
• Olive oil spray
• 1 medium brown onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tblsp cornflour
• 550ml Carnation Light and Creamy
• Evaporated Milk
• 250g sliced lean ham, cut into thin strips
• 1/4 cup finely chopped chives
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Method

1 Cook the pasta as per the packet instructions. Drain and keep warm.
2 Spray your wok with oil and heat to
a high temperature. Add the onion and garlic and saute for 1 minute.
3 Place cornflour in a small bowl, add cup of evaporated milk and mix well. Add the remaining milk to the pan and gradually add cornflour mix, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. The sauce will thicken as it reaches boiling point. Add the ham and the chopped chives and season to taste.
4 Divide the spaghetti over 4 bowls and pour over the creamy ham sauce. Garnish with extra pepper and fresh green herbs if desired. Serve immediately.


Tuna Fried Rice

Ingredients

• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tblsps olive oil
• 1 medium red onion, finely sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 100g button mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, halved and sliced on diagonal
• 270g can sweet corn kernels, drained
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup kecap manis
• 2 tblsps oyster sauce
• 1 tblsp sesame oil
• 3 cups cold cooked brown rice
• 425g can John West tuna in springwater
• Green spring onion strips, to garnish

Method
1 Place eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Heat half the olive oil in a large wok or frying pan. Add eggs, then cook and stir until set. Remove from wok, break into small pieces and set aside.

2 Heat remaining olive oil in same wok. Add onion, garlic and mushrooms and stir-fry till onion is soft. Add carrot, corn, peas, kecap manis, oyster sauce and sesame oil, then stir-fry for about 2 minutes. Add rice to wok, cook until heated through, then gently stir in egg and tuna.

3 Serve fried rice garnished with spring onion strips.

Hint: You will need 1 1/2 cups of uncooked rice to make the 3 cups for this recipe. When rice is cold, spread over a tray and place a tea towel over the top. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight to dry rice.

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Happy Birthday Zhili & Aunty Tina

Since its Zhili's and Aunty Tina's birthday today, here's a cake to make everyone's mouth water. Hope both of you are having a great day and are treated like royalty. Enjoy your day!

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Its like a weekend but during the weekdays

Probably the best way to describe the DMC/FT/3B/05 timetable. Haha. "Its like a weekend but during the weekdays". Referring to the double free days of Wednesday and Thursday, which seems like its a weekend during the middle of the week. 3 days of school a week ain't bad. And as they calculated, its only 18 school days out of 30. 2 days down and 16 to go. This is going to pass real quick. On average, we have about 3.5 hours of school a day. Wow. Three days a week and about 3.5 hours a day. Hahaha. 05 has it good this time around.

Glad to see everyone - Nicole, Kay Miang, Dione, Seejun, Zhao Jie, Gajan, Weijie, Aung, Shaun, Regina, Carol, Kamesh, Xin Le, Zhili, Ifah, Nad, Arisya. =)

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6 weeks

Tomorrow starts the six weeks of lessons, the last ever for the diploma. We've come that far already, wow. And after these six weeks (which will pass by real quick), its internship with some company. What to expect? Where will it be? What will I do? Who will I be with? But that's six weeks later. Right now, its going to be a heck of six weeks. Rajan's gonna whip us into professional shape and it'll be interview after interview. Making sure we look professional and have our portfolio's all ready up and done. And Ms. Kwa is gonna drill new communication technology into us so that we're well versed with anything our companies throw at us. Only six weeks more to be stuck with the 05-ers. Only six weeks more of foodcourt six and Dover station. Only six weeks more of SB lift jams. Only six weeks more of school starting at 9am while we have to report to our company at goodness knows what time. Only six weeks more of classes ending by 3pm. Only six weeks more of no school Wednesdays and Thursdays. Only six weeks more of being told what to do and not be judged for what we do without severe consequences. Six weeks, six weeks, six weeks. School, here we come. I don't feel like this holiday has been much of a vacation.

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Asians and systemisation

I think Peih-Gee is a typical Asian. Or at least fits the stereotype of a typical Asian. Ever noticed the need for everything to be in a system or a particular manner. So organised. Neat, tidy. Is it something that comes naturally to us, to the point it becomes clinical and technical? Its not exactly OCD, but it may be very close to it. In the first episode of Survivor: China she already was saying we should keep things here so we know where to find them. Probably a good way to describe this behaviour would be practical.

Looking at forums on the internet, Singaporeans seem to have an inherent need to keep things organised. I'm not too sure about other Asians and perhaps I'm making a generalisation here. But I know Singaporeans love things to be systematic, almost symmetrical if you may. It must be in this manner, this method. I'm not sure if the way I organise my folders on the computer is for convenience, by matter of habit of organising or for practicality. I've been told before that I'm neat and orderly. But its not OCD I know. My mom often nags me to clear up my room, so it can't be OCD.

Going back to being technical, clinical. Is it fueled by generations before us who have inculcated this value of prefectionism amongst us? Look at April from America's Next Top Model cycle 2. The judges often felt that what she did was very "clinical", as though she were more of a technician than a model. Could her drive to win and succeed in doing the best for every aspect be seen as too clean, too excellent or in their words, too clinical? Another thing that she was chided for amongst her fellow models was that she tended to over-analyse things. I know I am guilty of this.

Why do we over-analyse things? What prompts us to do that? More questions than answers on Asian behaviour. I need to talk to a psychologist about this. Well, at least there are 2 in the family.

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Happy Birthday Dakota

Dear little Dakota, happy birthday to you, you cute boy. 2 years old now that its officially your birthday. Enjoy your childhood while you can.

Dear Nan,
I wonder how yer doing. Its been a long time, yet my memory of you is still very fresh. I can remember your voice and how you used to do things. Your generousity is a trait that flows through the family. We miss ya.

Love,
Jono.

Dear bro,
Its his second birthday today eh? Sigh. It makes me sad that you didn't even get to see his first. But well, things have been going good lately. I haven't forgotten you, no. I still remember and treasure what you used to say, the conversations, everything. Anyway, I hope yer doing good from where you are up above. Yer missed too bro.

Love,
Jono.

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Episode 1: A Chicken's A Little Bit Smarter

I can totally see where the title comes from. Chicken thought that his tribe didn't want to listen to his opinions so he flat out stopped giving them even when he was asked. The old man didn't fit in at all. At least the tribe gave Ashley a chance for that bout of illness she had. Maybe it will be good for the next episode, seeing that it involves wrestling to some extent.

Todd remains my favourite post-premiere as well. Dude, don't get too cocky though! That bit about making Aaron the leader, maybe its good. But don't let the game get to you that you have to be playing it full on all the time.

James is silent but likable. The dude is ripped too. Let's hope he goes far.

Leslie, Leslie. I take my hat off to her for sticking up for what she believes in and for having the guts to excuse herself from an uncomfortable situation that could make you stick out like a sore thumb. Lets see how far you get eh? Go Leslie.

And Denise! I dunno, I get a good vibe from her. I don't think she'll be one of those who will be making the moves but I don't see her in a Cassandra type of way either. Maybe she's like the white version of Cirie?

And I just realised that all my favourites are from Fei Long. The Zhan Hus don't really have it going and don't do much for me. Zhan Hu to me is like what Casaya was. The tribe is also younger than the Fei Long tribe in average age, maybe that's why its showing signs of cracking up at the fault lines already.

The tribal council exit was awesome for a premiere. The best TC exit for any premiere may I say. And I liked the way this episode went. I totally had no idea if it was gonna be Chicken, Ashley or Peih-Gee! And that's with the spoilers saying Chicken too. But this season will be boot spoiler free. Good start CHINA! Awesome theme, awesome intro, awesome location, awesome season. I look forward to Fridays for more reasons from now on.

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Survivor China Intro

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Survivor: China - Ancient Voices

If you haven't at least heard the preview yet, you should. This season Russ Landau did a TERRIFIC job. This one could possibly become my favourite theme ever. Even better than Pearl Islands. The starting sounds like the extended Borneo theme, then it veers away from the normal themes. It has a very adventurous feel to the beginning with strings highlighting different sides of the theme you never heard previously. And this time the ancient voices "song" can be heard better than say in Fiji, in CHINESE. The middle to end part is also good, you hear the Fiji-esque yell, the one where Michelle's credits are shown in the Fiji intro, followed by some drum beats. A Chinese flute can then be heard before it dies down to a few yells and some kind of chimes. Great job Russ!

Ancient Voices of China

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Train ride gripes

Ok, so here we go complaining again. I promise, not too long.

1. The Clementi Curve - just when the train is coming to Clementi, there's this tight curve that SMRT simply loves to speed their trains around. Do they realise that at times the trains feels like its going to fly off the track and that a lot of the commuters have problems standing on their feet at this part of ride?

2. The Armpit View - some people love to hold the overhead railing with both hands, nearly like being crucified. They look unpleasant and goodness knows if they stink as well!

3. Gas Attack - bodily odours, enough said. When people, tired after a day's work, hop on the train, they want to just reach home as soon as possible and look forward to a couch or a bed. And I'm talking taking the train back after work at 10pm, not 6pm. It is understandable for BO to be around during rush hour when there's lots more people, but at 10, nearly 11, pm?

That aside, why do patrons have to PAY to get into the booth area for the NATAS fair? Don't those people want to sell the holiday packages and air tickets and tours? Or is that just a way to recoup "losses" incurred from discounts? I can't believe I went all the way there to find out that you have to pay $3 for an entrance ticket to get into a sales promotion fair. And the queue was bloody long as well.

Oh well... What can you do eh? Just think about something nice I suppose, and you'll be fine. Once again, thanks to one of the best friends around. Such a rare catch these days.

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Ryandan

To one of my best friends, if not THE best friend, out there, this song is for you:

Like The Sun ~ Ryandan

I tried to hide from you
but i failed
i tried to lie to you
but how i failed
and even in my darkest time
you gave me light
i never knew this kinda love could feel so right
when i'm in your arms
i find myself believe it
we could be anywhere
so i can keep on dreaming

(Chorus)
whenever your close to me, you`re like the sun
you feel like the sun
and everyday you telling me
i am the one
i am the one who makes you shine

and i know
whenever you want me to, i'll go
and even when your not with me
i feel you there
i only have to look and see
and i'll know where
when i'm holding you
the world can stop it's turning
you`re always gonna pull me through
and i won't be returning

(Chorus)
whenever your close to me, your like the sun
you feel like the sun
and everyday you`re telling me
i am the one
i am the one who makes you shine

you`re like the sun
you keep me warm
you`re telling me

when i'm in your arms
we can be anywhere (2x)

(Chorus)
whenever your close to me, you`re like the sun
you feel like the sun
and everyday you`re telling me
i am the one
i am the one who makes you shine (2x)

your like the sun (2x)

Its so beautiful and powerful, the song. Cheers to you, and thank you for everything. *hugs*

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Mambo jambo

This week/holiday/past month has been crazy. So many thoughts run through the head, so little time to ponder about them. Anyway, I shall try to collect them now, where ever they have run off to, and to get them down.

1. Blessings
I don't really get why suddenly its as though my whole family has been blessed. Not in small amounts, in a much bigger quantity. My parents have been receiving gifts for the house from friends - steamer, sound system, DVD player, oven, fax machine. And me? Job offer after job offer. First was Maxsphere from Farid, then Senses through Aunty Doris and now Nine-V from Henry. And Lee Lian has just asked me to do part time, more subtitling. I really wonder why all of a sudden. Oh yeah, while working for Senses I actually had another call from Maxsphere. Can you believe?

2. Celebrity "attacks"
Well, there have been some scandals, some dramas, some whackos out in the world of glitz and glamour - Hollywood and the media industry.

- Britney Spears' attempt at a come back at the MTV VMA
- Vanessa Hudgens from Disney's High School Musical's furore
- Lindsey Lohan's upside down tango with rehab

I believe in some cases, the media should let it rest for awhile, let the celeb get time to get a hold of themselves. Britney's been in the scrutiny for quite some time now. I think that its somewhat of a nasty cycle. She's sunk low, the media scrutinises and criticises her. She needs to prove herself, redeem her image. So she attempts something, doesn't work out right and she gets criticised again. Why does the media criticise her so, and follow her in such a tabloid manner? For the inside scoop? For something to talk about? Its all about sales and little regard for someone's personal life. That girl need some time alone to think about what she wants to do to salvage her life. She needs to think about her kids, her financial future. Sure, come back may bring that but what's the use if its a desperate attempt? It'd be better to produce something that you would be proud of, something you can take time and put in effort to make it good.

Lindsey, however, is on the other side of the spectrum I feel. I feel as though she's been given several chances over, but she just seems to blow every chance as though its a useless piece of waste paper. She too, could do with some time alone to rethink about her life. However, unlike Britney, she seems to want to be in the limelight.

**The above thoughts are purely my opinion**

3. What's in a name?
Have you wondered how many different names you are called? Probably if you have a Chinese name and only a Chinese name, you'd be called the same name all the time. Not abbreviated versions of some name. I just find it interesting the number of ways people can call your name.

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Spec Dip Final results

Module Code - Credit Unit - Grade
---------------------------------
BA0605 - 3 - B - DTC
BA0606 - 4 - B+ - PROJ


SEMESTER GPA: 3.286
CUMULATIVE GPA: 3.342


Goodbye spec dip, we're done with you. I dunno whether I'll miss you, but I'm thankful extra hours are over. Twenty twO, thanks for the good times.

Ms. Kwa, Mr. Loh and Chet, thanks very much for the past 1.5 years of extra, insightful lessons.

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Year 3, Semester 1 results

Module Code - Credit Unit - Grade
---------------------------------
BA0196 - 4 - B - ICM
BA0228 - 3 - B - CIBM
BA0230 - 3 - B - MIA
BA0233 - 3 - B - ICMT
CP001S - 2 - B+ - NUTW
BA0266 - 4 - B+ - WFM


SEMESTER GPA: 3.158
CUMULATIVE GPA: 3.165

Happy? Not very. I could've done better. Oh well, at least its maintaining. Not doing worse. But still not too happy about it. Goodnight.

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Long days

I love lighthouses. The one above is charming isn't it? It signifies a long day over. I just want this week over. I'm tired, really, really tired out. Work is long and now the extra help has been stopped, so we have a lot to do. Oh well... This song is kinda nice.

You'll Be In My Heart - Phil Collins

Come stop your crying, it will be all right
Just take my hand, hold it tight
I will protect you from all around you
I will be here dont you cry

For one so small,you seem so strong
My arms will hold you keep you safe and warm
This bond between us cant be broken
I will be here dont you cry

And youll be in my heart
Yes, youll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
Youll be in my heart
No matter what they say
Youll be here in my heart
Always

Why cant they understand the way we feel
They just dont trust what they cant explain
I know were different but deep inside us
Were not that different at all

And youll be in my heart
Yes, youll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
Youll be in my heart
No matter what they say
Youll be here in my heart
Always

Dont listen to them, cause what do they know
We need each other, to have and to hold
Theyll see in time, I know

When destiny calls you, you must be strong
I may not be with you, but you gotta hold on
Theyll see in time, I know

Well show them together cuz...

Youll be in my heart
I believe, youll be in my heart
Ill be there from this day on
Now and forever more

Youll be in my heart
No matter what they say
Youll be here in my heart always

Always...
Ill be with you
Ill be there for you always
Always and always
Just look over your shoulder
Just look over your shoulder
Just look over your shoulder
Ill be there always

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Work, Rambles and Trips

Finally, one day that I'm home early. After coming back from KL its like I've been home but not yet been home if you know what I mean. I'm here but not in the house. Been working hard at different jobs. So many things going through my head now that its been such a long time since I last posted anything here. Let's do lists then. Lists are so orderly, heh.

1. I spent quite some time in KL kinda bored since I didn't have much money. But I saw Kathy. And Mr. Andrew! Man, I missed his antics and Kathy's a bunch of her own fun too.
2. I came back on Wednesday night at went to work Thursday morning till Sunday at the Comex fair 2007 for StarHub. Made great friends there. Will upload some pictures when I'm not so busy. Jon Yap, Precy, Bee Leng, June, Henry and all the other guys.
3. Had Monday off but got another call to start work today doing subtitling for videos.
4. Now my dad is in my room fiddling around with something. I hate how my "study table" is always full. Of what? Computer monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, printer. No space!!! And now he's trying to put a lamp there. =_="
5. I'm kinda tired out after working so long. Anyone feel like going to Sakae the week before school reopens? While working I had a sudden craving for Sakae's soba. And I need that week to relax before the last semester of school opens. Last semester of school?!?!?!?! EEEEEE! *freaks out*
6. Survivor: China in under 3 weeks! My favourite pre-season is Todd Herzog! A survivor fan, so I hope he does well. More on Survivor....

Zhan Hu (Fighting Tiger)
1. Ashley
2. Dave
3. Erik
4. Frosti
5. Jaime
6. Peih Gee
7. Sherea
8. Steve/Chicken (what kind of name is CHICKEN?!)

Fei Long (Flying Dragon)
1. Aaron
2. Amanda
3. Courtney
4. Denise
5. James
6. Jean Robert
7. Leslie
8. Todd

Aight then, enough for one night.

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