Steve Jobs: iPod, iMac, iPhone, iPad

Steve Jobs is dead.  

This very sentence sends a ripple effect of shock and gloom throughout the world.  With this sentence, the world seems to have grown dimmer as the world mourn the snuffing out of a brilliant light.

With his passing, Apple Inc co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs joined the the league of the GREAT who had left an indelible mark in the world, not just by what they have achieved, but also their philosophy and legacy of wisdom.

Many people are wondering what's going to happen to Apple now that "the brain" is gone. Always the man of vision, Steve Jobs assured us:

I mean, some people say, ‘Oh, God, if [Jobs] got run over by a bus, Apple would be in trouble.’ And, you know, I think it wouldn’t be a party, but there are really capable people at Apple. My job is to make the whole executive team good enough to be successors, so that’s what I try to do.

So much has been said about this man who brought us the iPod, iMac, iPhone and iPad - some are good, some are bad, but most are amazing!   

Steve Jobs himself once said, "I want to put a ding in the universe."

And that he did beautifully, elegantly and effectively.

All I can say is: for a man with such humble beginnings, you have been a true inspiration.  And for all that you have given the world, our children and the generations to come, "Thank you" doesn't seem enough!  You have truly made a 'ding in the universe'.    But given your wisdom, vision and foresight, I wouldn't be surprise if YOU surprise us with "just one more thing" from the heavens above.  You will be greatly missed, Mr. Jobs.

Rest In Peace.

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Steve Jobs on naming Apple:

I was actually a fruitarian at that point in time.  I ate only fruit.  Now I'm a garbage can like everyone else.  And we were about three months late in filing a fictitious business name so I threatened to call the company Apple Computer unless someone suggested a more interesting name by five o'clock that day.  Hoping to stimulate creativity.  And it stuck.  And that's why we're called Apple.

This is extracted from Steve Job's public address to the Stanford University's graduating class of 2005 - a rare public speech by him - read more about it HERE.

The amazing revolution of the Apple computer.

The first Apple prototype

that became the stylish iMac

and then the incredibly light Macbook Air

Revolutionary iPad

1955 - 2011

How do you choose between two loves?

Two words. Tenacity and Compromise. 

I love this movie. Aside from being a huge fan of the incredibly likeable Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays the movie's lead role Kate Reddy, this movie speaks volumes to me.  

I was excited to watch it as soon as I saw the trailer.  I could relate to Kate and completely understand her emotional turmoil to be physically and emotionally present for her children AND fulfilling her professional dream at the same time.

I love my kids.  I love my job.  How do I choose between 2 things that I love?  Must I make a choice?

As always, LIFE throws you curve balls, and watched while you agonize over your decision to choose or compromise.  The invitation to the movie preview fell on the same day as the annual Mid-Autumn Festival at my son's school.  This festival was a big event for the school and was organized by the Parent Support Group (PSG or PTA equivalent).  It was a major fundraising opportunity for the PSG as well as a chance for families to bond. 

As a parent volunteer who had reduced my volunteer hours due to work commitments, I had promised the PSG committee that I would help out at this event.  I had even made plans to put in my hours manning the game station, and then spent quality fun time with my kids at the Festival.  

With the movie preview, these plans had to be revised.  The night before the Festival, I sat down with my kids and helper (my husband was out of town - remember the curve ball?) and we discussed the 'new' plans.  

Like an army sergeant, I gave them their marching orders.

My son will bring his mobile phone to school so that he can call me and know where to find me after school is out at 5pm.  I will be at school at 3:30pm to help with setting-up of the game stall.  My helper and my daughter will leave the house at 4:30pm and join me in school at 5pm. 

All parties have to regroup at 6:30pm and we have to absolutely leave the school at 6:45pm for me to drop them home.  That would give me a comfortable 30 minutes to rush downtown from the East, in time for the movie preview.  

On that day, it was all systems go.  Things went according to plan, except for one minor detail.  I had forgotten to instruct them where to meet me at 6:30pm.  As I frantically dialled both my son and helper's phone numbers, I was scanning the faces of the hundreds of students and adults milling around the school, hoping it will be them.  And of course, they were not and they were not answering their phones.  Darn it!  We are on the clock here, people!

I could feel my panic button being pushed, as I tried to focus my thoughts and think of contingency plans.  Then on the sixth try, my helper answered her phone.  And miraculously, my son was with her!  Yea! We are only five minutes behind.  

"But Mom! We still have to redeem our prizes!" cried my son.  We rushed to the redemption room, picked out the prize and sped off to the car park.  By the time I dropped them home, I had only 15 minutes to get to my movie preview.  This was no easy task considering that I'll be driving in after-office-hours traffic on a Friday.

I Don't Know How She Does It © 2011 The Weinstein Co.

I'm happy to say that I got to the preview breathless, but with a minute to spare. And yes! I bribed the children with cotton candy and home movie so I could have a night out with my friend to watch this preview.

"I Don't Know How She Does It" opens on 22 Sep with a stellar cast Sarah Jessica Parker, Greg Kinnear, Pierce Brosnan, Olivia Munn, Seth Meyers, Kelsey Grammer, Christina Hendricks and Jane Curtin 

Click HERE to watch the Trailer

Maldives: Heaven on Earth

Everything you heard about the Maldives is TRUE.  It has the bluest skies, clearest seas, softest sand, biggest coral and most gorgeous marine life!  Just a little piece of heaven on Earth!!

Maldives is a brilliant country that consists of over one thousand islands!  You heard me, right.  This nation of islands has over 200 resorts on 89 of its habitable islands.  The main mode of transport is by cruiser.  Once you are on one of the island resorts, time stands still.  Literally.

During our four days on the island resort, Vivanta by Taj, time became irrelevant. We ate when we felt hungry, slept when we were tired, swam when we felt hot and lounged when we got tired of being in the sea or pool.  Clocks and watches disappeared from sight and like they say, out of sight, out of mind.  Life was idyllic, peaceful and good! 

A hotspot for honeymooners and celebrities, Maldives is ideal for those who crave for some peace, quiet and privacy. I met local celebrity comedienne, Irene Ang yesterday at the Trend Micro event and she told me she just came back from Maldives too! Check out her lovely tan and how fresh she looks!

Is Maldives family friendly?

Absolutely!!  How can you go wrong with sun, sea and sand with the children?  While Vivanta by Taj did not have a kids club like some of the other resorts, the staff was very hospitable, understanding and helpful when it came to catering for the children.  For example, one morning my 2 kids were fighting over who should have the single yummy chocolate donut in the breakfast basket. Even before, we (the parents) could step in to stop the bickering, Amol, one of the waiters walked over with an extra chocolate donut.  Conflict resolved.

Later that evening, we wanted to dine Al fresco at The Grill.  As we scanned the menu, we noticed that there wasn't anything on the menu for the kids. We were about to get up and returned to our rooms to order room service when again, by his own initiative, the waiter serving us immediately offered to put together some spaghetti bolognaise for the kids. He even served them in separate pasta bowls so there'll be no messy division on my part. How thoughtful !

And one evening, we returned 'home' - that's what the kids were beginning to call our hotel room - to find a manually printed scroll addressed to my 5-year-old girl.  It was a storybook that the housekeeping had thoughtfully printed out 'just for her'.

This dream vacation was a delight in so many ways.  We enjoyed the island tremendously from the food, the activities to the friendly people we met on the island.   

Rowan with her mom (England)

The honeymooners (France)

And yes, Maldives is expensive.  Very expensive! Getting to the mainland, Male cost us US$70 per person.  But I tell ya,  the joy of experiencing Mother Nature's pure creations at such close proximity and all the first-memories I gained with my children?

• Our first midnight cruise ride to our island resort (50 minutes away from the main island of Male)
• Our kids' first snorkelling experience - the water in the lagoon is so clear you can see all sorts of Marine life!  
• Sharing our first glimpse of the famous natural, unsullied coral reef of Maldives together as a family  
• Feeding stingrays and seeing sharks and eels in their natural environment for the first time.

These memories are priceless! So, my husband and I will have to work harder and smarter for the next few years.  But at least we can say, we've been to Heaven, enjoyed it and came back to share with our friends.  

A picture can say a thousand words, we hope you enjoy our memories as much as we do. 

Chef Sam Leong shows us how to cook a good cod fish

Celebrity Chef Sam Leong has cooked for Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, Queen Elizabeth II of England and US presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton. Today, he shares with theAsianparent a quick and easy menu you can cook for your family.

1. Steamed Cod Fish in Superior Light Soy Sauce

Portion for: 4 persons

Ingredients: Cod fish (fillet) – 4 pieces

Seasoning:

• Chicken consomme (or water) – 320 ml
• Soy sauce – 70 ml
• rock sugar – 20 ml
• dark soy sauce – optional a few drops
• spring onion – 2 stalks
• ginger (sliced) – 5 pcs
• coriander – 2 stalks

Garnish :

• Choi sum (chinese vegetable) – poached
• Spring onion (shredded)

Cooking Directions:

1. Marinate the fish fillet with egg white (1), salt (1/4 tsp), sugar (1/4 tsp), sesame oil (a dash) and corn flour (2 tsp)
2. Bring marinated cod fish to steam* for about 8 minutes (in a wok or steamer)
3. Prepare Steam Fish light soy sauce**
4. Sprinkle shredded spring onion on top of cod fish and pour piping hot oil over it
5. Garnish the dish with choi sum, place the cod fish on top
6. Pour hot Steamed Fish Light Soy Sauce over cod fish and spring onion

Cooking Tips:

* How long you steam a fish depends on the equipment you use and the size of the fillet. So, do test and trial and you’ll realize your optimal time.

** Preparation for Steam Fish Light Soy Sauce

1. heat up your corn / vegetable oil in the work
2. stir-fry ginger, spring onions, and sliced ginger
3. once, its fragrant, add in consomme / water
4. pour the sauce over coriander to soak for half hour
5. strain the sauce, removing the ginger, spring onion and ginger
7. This post first appeared in theAsianparent.com in 2011.

Zoe Tay shares on being a working mom and discipline

Grab Zoe Tay's limited edition Similac Mummy Tote bag and Gain IQ Baby Rompers and read about her boys, her discipline style and how she manages parenting with her busy lifestyle.

A revered celebrity, an award-winning actress, a doting mom to 3 lovely boys, and now, a budding designer!! Is there anything that this versatile queen cannot do? We caught up with the Queen of Caldecott at the First Moms’ & Dads’ Congress supported by Abbott Nutrition, where she was promoting her self-designed tote bag and baby rompers.

theAsianparent (TAP): Congratulations on the birth of your 3^rd son. You were invited by Similac to design a tote bag and baby romper for them. What was your inspiration?

Zoe: When Similac asked me to design a tote bag for them, I was surprised, but I thought I’d give it a try anyway. I thought long and hard and had several meetings with my manager. Finally, late one night, I was looking at the Similac teddy bear and it all came together. We decided to put the teddy bear emblem all over the bag as it is so cute.

TAP: Tell us about the Limited Edition Similac Mummy Tote Bag.

Zoe: I wanted to come up with a bag that all mothers can appreciate. So in my design, the bag has to be light-weight, waterproof, and full of compartments – bottles and mummy’s wallet on the side, diaper mat on the back and tissue papers on the front. I chose black as the background as you cannot go wrong with black. Plus men can carry and not be averse to it.

TAP: What do you look for in a tote bag?

Zoe: Practical and Fashionable, lots of pockets to put all my knick knacks.

TAP: What styles do your boys adopt?

Zoe: Boys are pretty easy; they are always in Bermudas, shorts, T-shirt, sneakers and jeans. My 2^ndson wears hand me downs from his big brother. My 2 boys have very different styles. My 1^st son is very easy. He wears whatever I take out. My 2^nd son has very strong ideas. He likes to choose his own colour and style and is very insistent on his own style.

TAP: Where do you shop or buy clothes for them.

Zoe: I shop online alot. I like baby Gap, Paul Frank and a Japanese brand called Konka’s. Also, a lot of friends give clothes to my sons as gifts.

TAP: What about yourself? What is your style?

Zoe: (with a laugh) When I was pregnant this last time, I bought normal fashion clothes that is trendy, loose and baggy, and fashionable of course. And I wear them during my pregnancy. So, now I still have a lot of nice clothes and I can fit into them.

TAP: How do you look so beautiful after giving birth to 3 kids? What are your beauty secrets?

Zoe: I watch out for my diet, and take care of my kids myself, that’s the fastest way to slim down. I keep a balanced diet and have lots of fluids, lots of fish and lots of vegetables and fruits. I love fruits. I crave fruits as other people crave for char kway teow. I also drink 2 cups of milk a day especially now because I am nursing my baby.

TAP: With such a busy schedule as mom, career woman and wife, how do you manage to do it all?

Zoe: You have to enjoy what you are doing. For me, acting is a passion and I still love doing it. Although I don’t encourage my kids into the industry because it’s tough. I also love to spend time with the kids and hear their laughter and conversation. I have so much fun and joy spending time with them.

TAP: Was there a time when you were torn between work and family? How do you find time for your kids with such demanding schedules?

Zoe: Yes! My 2^nd child has a tendency to get fever when he was young, because his older brother goes to day-care and passes the germs to him. Once, when he was a few months old, I was on set filming and I got a call. He had a fever of 40 degrees. I couldn’t leave work. I had to call my mom and neighbour to help send him to the hospital. Luckily I have a very nice neighbour.

As mothers, you always feel guilty when you go to work. When I’m home, I try to take care of the baby myself. Luckily, my babies are very well taken care of by my helpers. You have to let go sometimes. If you want helpers to help you, you must trust them to help.

TAP: What is your discipline style? Who is the disciplinarian at home – you or Philip?

Zoe: I’m more strict. When it comes to parenting, Philip and I will talk and we try to respect each other’s parenting style. We always try to be calm and when one is disciplining the child, we do not get involve. Like there was once, Philip was disciplining my son. He came to me for help. But I told him, no, he must listen to “baba” – father.

TAP: Do you send your kids for enrichment classes? How do you coach them?

Zoe: I consult lots of my friends for advice on the best enrichment classes to send the boys. But I don’t want to over-stress them. My mother-in-law is a teacher, so she helps to teach them in Maths and English.

TAP: With the recent interest in teaching kids to speak Mandarin. How do you enforce your children to speak the language?

Zoe: The kids have to speak the language. You have to force them to speak Mandarin. For example, if they know how to say table in English, you must ask or teach them to say it in Mandarin. Create an environment for them to learn, play games with them in Chinese, and let them understand the culture. That is very important.

Click here to get Zoe’s limited edition Similac Mummy Tote bag (300 pieces only) and Gain IQ Baby Rompers before 4 Feb.

This post first appeared on theAsianparent.com in 2011