Japan's vending machines

Japan, land of the rising sun, can take extreme pride of being the cleanest country in the world. Everything is orderly and fastidously correct. It is also a place where one can find vending machines in every nook and corner. The machines dispense virtually everything

This is the machine which deserves a second look. Maybe it is a new type of drink or a new brand that was advertised.

Turning 55

June 14th 2008 :
A warm and balmy day. Holland had just thrashed France 4-1 to enter the q-final of Euro08 while Italy drew 1-1 with Romania. It will be between the three countries for the final q-final spot from this group.
Usual Staruday attended Novena at 0900 and then down to Toa Payoh for a spot of heartland shopping. Spent $200 just to get fitted with a pair of footsoles for relief of heel pain. Dinner at Bk Gombak. So, it was an ordinary in my life, a blessing just being able to see my CPF money coming back to me for my own administration

National Stadium - Last Game??

Prematch scene outside the Stadium



Section of the crowd as viewed from the Gallery stand





The two different sections of supporters

The eternal flame and end of match scene

Since 1973, the National Stadium had seen numerous eventful occasions and its atmosphere was endeared in everyone heart after we sat on those wooden benches and felt the atmosphere of the occasion. June 30 2007 was supposed to be the last event the dear old lady would host before it is being torn down for the new Sports Hub. The soccer game was a friendly between Singapore Lions and Australia (who won 3-0 with Harry Kewell playing).

However, since that match, there were other matches played there, the last being the World Cup qualifying game between Singapore and Uzbekistan (who won 7-3). It seemed that we were duped when the Australian game was touted to be the last. Singapore Sports Council and FAS got some explaining to do.

Ama Keng Farm

This last area of farming land at Ama Keng near Tengah Air Base was recovered by the government in 2006. It used to be a farm with lots of herbs and was tilled by an old lady who has a wealth of knowledge in Chinese herbs and their uses. Unfortunately it is all gone now.

Pang Sua Canal at Yew Tee

The end of the canal with Kranji Reservoir in sight

The bend slope of the canal side allows people to stand and fish

Those of us who have been staying at Yew Tee would have discovered this little area of natural scenery since 2005 when the Pang Sua Canal diversion was built. This diversion started at the Teck Whye Canal and it drains into the Kranji Reservoir at the end.

The views from the canal pathway are great. It gives a sense of peace and quiet especially in the early part of the morning. In the dusk, when fishermen took over, there is a laid back kind of surrounding.

On one side of the canal, one can find the factories of Sungai Kadut. On the other side where Kranji Camp is, there is a forested area where one can find fruit trees. It is especially busy during durian season as the durian hunters will arrive in full force to harvest.

There is a pair of sea eagle nesting among the tall trees. Observed were green parrots, kingfishers and a variety of migrant birds.

Sungei Kadut factories on one side Reflection of the Yew Tee Estate

The marsh land along the pathway.

The view of Kranji Camp

The 2.5 km walkpath. View of the BBC Microwave station at then end of the the pathway.

Fishermen at the banks of the canal. Tioman and catfish are aplenty. Some used net to go across the canal to trawl the water.

Glorious sunset at the end of the pathway, with a splendid view of the Kranji Reservoir

Pictures showed the clearing was taking place since May 2008

The road was created as part of the connector to the Neo Tiew farm area. Many grassland and tree were cleared, destroying the virginity of the land. Hopefully, this destruction will not affect the long term survival of the flora and fuana of this peaceful greenery.