Hawker food song, sung in Hokkien to Shang Hai Tan (上海灘 ) tune, .

I heard this song probably twice at some clubs, I can't remember clearly where. I was surprised to see the video titled "Kuching Food". In any case any Singaporean listening to the song would have no difficulty identifying the food dishes in the lyrics. Enjoy! Anyone knows who composed the Hokkien lyrics and who's the singer?

Dog's Name

Naming a dog can be easy for some dog owners but for others it can be quite a task. I found that people who read a lot tend to come up with doggy names more easily and are more creative. Some choose names with a great deal of care like choosing a name for a baby while others seems to do it without much thought. This is reflected in the end result. Kids get excited not just about the arrival of puppy but also in choosing a name for their pet.

Some years back I read that "Max" is the most popular name for our beloved canine. Coincidentally my records from 20 odds years training dogs found that to be true even here in Singapore. Certain names are popular with certain races. Other favorites are "Coco", "Cookie", "Pepper", "Bruno", Buddy", "Monty" and "Snowy".  The Japanese likes "Hana" which means Flower (花) and the Koreans like "Sarang" which means Love. I understand that "Diesel" is a popular with farmers in the west. Here in Singapore I remember "Lucky" and "Blackie" were common for our Singapore Specials (mongrel).

Then there are owners who choose to give their K9 friends human names; "Alex", Billy", "Daisy", "Joe", "Lucy", Stanley", I dislike it. I mean how would you feel if someone called out your name in public but they are actually calling their dog? Unfortunately, I do have 2 grooming clients with the name "Frankie".

But seriously, I am of the view that a name ending with "y" or "ie" is a good name to give to your K9 companion. It's got a cheery pitch to it. Also I am for two syllables names and am against mono syllable names. You know people will often shout their dog's name when they are angry with it. It would come out more harsh sounding with a mono syllable name than one with two syllables name ending with that "y" or "ie". By the way please don't scold your dog this way; using the name in a harsh tone. If you have to reprimand your dog use the words "Ahh Ahh" or "No!" instead.


Our friend, blogger Lam Chun See (http://goodmorningyesterday.blogspot.com/) have a dog named "Nappie". According to Urban Dictionary Nappie means :

• A word use in Ireland or UK for a diaper.
• sleeping in the middle of the day
• Or a nasty person who does not take care of them selfs with disgusting or greasy hair that is a mess and not taken care of.

I guess it's chosen because puppies like babies takes afternoon naps.

Dog Problems : http://petzcentral.com

China Got Talent - China Talent Show 中國達人秀

America Got Talent, Britain Got Talent, and now China's Got Talent (China Talent Show 中國達人秀). And I am not at all surprise. I'll be surprise not to see greater or more talent from China. We've seen all the great sportsmen/sportswomen in the Beijing Olympics, the migration to other countries of these chinese talents in various fields and even now here in Singapore at the Youth Olympics Games, YOG 2010.

You'll be moved to tears watching this video. Liu Wei, 23, an armless, self-taught pianist from Beijing playing  “Mariage D’amour” in ”China’s Got Talent” competition. Using his toes, he played the piano to a stunned audience and impressed the judges. Liu lost both his arms at 10, in a freak accident after touching an electrical wire while playing hide and seek.

One judge was speechless and asked instead that he relate how he is able to master the piano in his condition. His reply  “I feel there can only be two paths for me in my life; one is to end my life swiftly and the other is to lead a wonderful life. Nobody stipulates that one can only play the piano by hand." On participating in the Chinese Talent Show, he said his objective is to be in the Top 3.

Does God Exist?

I've received this story by email many times. And then today I received it in the form of a Youtube video. It seems that the story had been circulating for some time since 2004 when it was first attributed to Albert Einstein. Always careful to make sure information are true and accurate, I did a little research and found that there are doubts about the story or at least that the boy in the story wasn't Einstein. http://www.religioustolerance.org/culeins.htm

Singapore Heritage Fest 2010 Concert

English Concert - 20 August 2010, Friday, (8-10pm), SMU Campus Green
Lovers of local Music and supporters of local bands party the night away with popular bands from the past and rising artistes of the present. The English concert features a tapestry of musical genres and local bands such as The Great Spy Experiment, Tania, Gypsy featuring Mel and Joe Ferdinands, Wendi Koh, former members of the Flybaits and The X-Periments – all hosted by popular Radio DJ and Host, Hamish Brown. 

English Concert - 21 August 2010, Saturday, (8-10pm), SMU Campus Green
If you are a big fan of Chinese evergreen songs, then mark this date on your calendar right now. Featuring artistes such as Chen Wei Lian, Chen Diya and Carrie Yang, Yi Ge Da Liang Ge Xiao, Xian Hong, Hong Shao Xuan, Pan Ying, Li Fei Hui, Ye Pei Fen, Li Chuan and Huang Qing Yuan, it's going to be an evening of songs and music under the stars.

Admission is free.

Life in Singapore in the 60's

Great video of Singapore in the 60's.  You get to see what life was like. Everything from the buildings, the automobiles, the clothings, the shopping and trade and the most interesting of all the happy faces of children having a lot of fun over simple things.

ONCE UPON A SINGAPURA, A journey through local music

On 7 & 8 August 2010 Esplanade presented National Day Celebrations ONCE UPON A SINGAPURA, A journey through local music at the outdoor theater. Bands of the 60's The Mysterians performed their hits such as Please Don't Tease, The Vadham family's Moses and Regina delivering familiar oldies and Sausalito in tribute to their brother Chris Vadham of Western Union Band, Terry Mortimer of Tony & Terry and Peter Diaz of the Surfers played some memorable rock & roll songs. This is such a wonderful event to reminisce about the good old music of the 60's and our very own local bands.

Regina & Moses Vadham singing Sausalito







Terry Mortimer of Tony & Terry and Peter Diaz of The Surfer "Can't Buy Me Love"

Brian Richmond interviews Terry Mortimer of Tony & Terry and Peter Diaz The Surfers.

Give way to YOG Song (With Lyric and Sing along)

Another big event coming up. Singapore will be hosting the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) from 14 to 26 August 2010. The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games will receive some 5,000 athletes and officials from the 205 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), along with estimated 1200 media representatives, 20,000 local and international volunteers, and more than 370,000 spectators. Young athletes - aged between 14 and 18 years - will compete in 26 sports. Along with all the publicity, the Youth Olympic (YO) Lane was introduced to facilitate the smooth travel of athletes and officials during Games time. Motorists only need to give way when they see Youth Olympic Vehicles approaching.
 
Give way to YOG Song (With Lyric and Sing along) - Mr Brown Show Production