Implementation of Taxi Lane

Being experiencing increasingly amount of frustration and agony. Seriously imposing a 'Taxi Lane' on the roads is evidently fundamental for all drivers whom've gone through those days where cabbies behaving badly, reckless driving, road hogging, basically think that they own the god damn road.

Well, probably why they're behaving like moofoos on the roads. They need their own godammit lane. Just like buses, we have our bus, then taxi, and our normal lane. This is what I'm talking about. Justice!

There should also be some kinda camera system just for those cabbies. They're monitored 24/7, so say goodbye to lane hogging and headlight flashing rude cab drivers. Hasta la Vista Baby....

Feng Shui?

Was just having dinner yesterday evening at this chinese restaurant at Bras Basah Complex. Pretty typical oriental decor and simple chinese food. Dim sums and a la carte menu.

I tried the beef noodle, boiled dumpling and steam xiao long bao... although there's nothing compared to Ding Tai Fung and Crystal Jade, the restaurant apparently is affiliated to Singapore Restaurant Association. Tourists, mainly Japanese and other tour guides bringing their tour groups, frequently visits.

As I went to the bathroom to take a leak, to my surprise and horror, I saw a manga figurine on top of the cubicle. Legs were spreaded apart, showing the undies and I tried to think it as a humor rather than something explicit. Unfortunately, what's gonna happen if kids were to ask their Daddies and Mommies about that kinda legs-spread-apart pose. I was kinda shocked, which is why I took an evidence of this to express my thoughts. Is this for feng-shui? Or this is just a big fat joke?

I Know My Christmas Eve Was Jolly

It was after so many nerve wreckin' years away in the land of the kangaroos, I finally get the chance to spend my christmas with my fellow bandmates from school. As usual, we did it the, fill-your-stomach-till-you-are-contented way. Good ole barbie...

I decided to squeeze my petite time to overwhelming that my marinades of food to fill their little stomachs. Requested was no beef and no lamb, they're sticking to the good faith of their religion or whatsoever, I concluded with only the chicken and the pig...I threw in the shrimps to make it less boring. The highlight of the night was understanding how are we gonna set that bloody pitt in little-est kitchen of mine. Decided that the utility room would fit the bill, though when we're starting to make some decent food outta the pathetic little pitt, smoke arise and it wasn't just a "who farted in the room" kinda situation, it was like the P.S.I. in the room was rocket high. We survived the smog and our stomachs were overpacked.

Card games are such fun witht he right people, I was amazingly hilarious and the laughing meter goes to insanity. Although in this special christmas eve was great, one of our dear friend had to work. Pity as it is, at least I'm not far away for christmas this year. Strangest thing, a friend brought her girlfriend along, went off, left their gifts for the gift exchange thingie we wanted, and just 'poof' never return. I'm wondering why....hmm... But still! It was an enjoyable christmas eve barbie, no doubt 'bout that, thanx a zillion guys...Happy Holidays to us the old school way...Yo Yo Yo

Christmas Decor 2006

We have awaited for the long Christmas decoration along Orchard Road, to my disappointment, it looks like Hari Raya and Deepavali combined into a whole monstrosity artwork crying out for help. The whole golden, shimmering, jewels and stupid birds hanging on trees. My surprise that it was done by Dick Lee, and boy, he has some weird and ornate style. Its all just wrong and especially the golden tree.... Gosh! What was he thinking?!?! Colors were all too loud, which clearly shows his personality and charismatic queeniness. Forgetting the subtle and perception of the general public than himself...*Smack*

I was going around with my little mobile taking pictures of Christmas Trees around town, made little ticks and crosses as my personal comment assessing it. Thank goodness there's no Christmas decor competition this year. Honestly, I dun think anyone can make it. Most shopping malls are *ROAR*...

Picture attached with comments (Left to right):

1) & 2) Goodwood Park Hotel : Classically done : Deserved another cheer

3) Marina Square : At least its better than Orchard

4) & 5) Orchard (Along Heeren) : The whole water works thingy - Dumb & Dumbest

6) Orchard (Along Takashimaya) : Birds and Gems = BURN BURN BURN

7) & 8) Bugis Junction : So what if there're diamonds - Buff & Puke

9) Cathay : You dun see a pink tree everyday

The Interdiction Of Crocs

Recently over the 'Crocs' freak accident, I have officially announced that Crocs are to be banned forever!! Understanding from a fashion point-of-view, it has no nothing to do with being trendy nor fashionable. Why oh why, innocent consumers still purchase such worthless piece of item?

Its a cult! Making victims looking as if they have webfeet....yes, a freakin' duck. QUACK QUACK! If we're talking about comfortability or accessibility, I would rather go barefoot to put myself in that kinda situation. The price for a dumb looking Crocs, unbelievably expensive, seriously you should be shot alive if you would buy to make your money worthwhile.

I hereby state my confirmation regarding the worldwide elimination of Crocs. Anyone found displaying with such progression would suffer heavy consequences.

Nostalgic Nostalgia

Catching up with some old bandmates from school, gave me such a rush in my mind. Images of prior years incident and memories continuously flashed back, was some really... good old times. How amazing it is when we see our changes, physically to mentally, all grown up (ambiguous grin...) and have our own personal endeavors. It seems and felt like just yesterday we hungout at KFC, McDonald's and some food centre, stuffing ourselves with food and more food. Weight issue had never been a problem, the lard bucket look was pretty 'in da house'. Hmm.... Fat people are indeed jolly.

I also recalled my Down Under days, been recurring recollection of my bygones especially my school band days; which I'd hope to catch-up and bring everyone back one fine day. I see on the concurrent situation, it IS happening. Yay!

So much laughter and fooling around, can't educed of how long it was that I've felt this, definitely a hell of a gathering we had. It was so familiar and yet so unfamiliar, but I just can't wait for another meet up. It is addictive - the laughs.

Falling Sakura

Us human beings are sensitive with our emotions, ocassionally fragile and so delicate. Every single one of us, all hope for that perfect love in our life, striving endlessly to achieve a stable relationship. However, the factual world supplying us with stereotypical perceptions toward love. Assuming on all the possibilities but without any evidence to support the assumption.

Relationship, whether or not it works out depend tremendously on both couples. We receive pressure from society, the media and all different types of channel, providing us with that model relationship indication. I am sure we have experienced watching a romance movie and hoping for our relationship to be, at least some sort of similarity to what we saw on the screen. Back to the basics, a person's love, the high and low peaks, that most loved period and the big fight period; incorporating necessary actions to solve or to enhance the relationship. Relationship, like the sakura, enjoying the moments where both partners stroll under the falling petals, feeling that intensed love. The other couple walking away from each other, where the falling petals signify the end of a relationship.

Catching the falling sakura, illustrating us catching for our dreams in love, so delicate and soft as the petals fall, but our harsh hands grabbing and catching it with force; crushing the petals. Love all so delicate but we at times are too overwhelmed by our emotions that we dash into in without thinking it through, regreting after seems to be a second too late. As similar to the sakura, the true meaning of love, it rises and falls, when it falls, let it fall onto your hands delicately. Maybe then, you will find a way to make it right.

VivoCity Proclamation

As we saw tonnes of advertising methods for the launch of "VivoCity", we always have that ambiguous thinking about how good and how bad it would be. With catchy poster at bus stops luring curious neighborhood cats to experience the super mega mall, I myself got caught up in the midst of action in town. I came across models dressing up in futuristic outfits, those you saw on posters, besides the big deal about their good looks, its their costumes which amazed me. Wasn't loud but sure gave a concept of the whole futuristic perception on what to expect for VivoCity.

When I arrived at Haborfront Centre, a whole new entire different venue. God, the enormous upgrading for the World Trade Center is just fantastic. Remembering those days where its crappy without any interesting stores around, it has been turnover into a place where you can actually shop around for.

I starting entering Tangs and the size of it was huge and spacious. I'm sure it'll fit everyone. Interior was pretty detail and diversed, was pretty amazed with the distance from one entrance to the other. The whole design was kinda like a swirl, design artifact was interesting when you see the artwork on the roof. Although much stores are yet to open, you kinda get the feel of he vibe. From fashion to entertainment and food, its a perfect haven for all.

A Dining Experience - Whitebait & Kale

It could be my unfamiliarity of the location, it was my first experience at an eatery with soothing and smoundering ambience. I was amazing my the kitchen area, where you can actually see what they're assembling, sorta like a demo-kitchen with the mirror on the ceiling.

Had s starter and a main, thought that the price was a bit high, but I guess with the ambience and the music playing on did contribute on giving them a credit. My starter was a pan seared tuna which I'd guessed the pan seared hasn't given much assistance to the flavor. It a bit overcooked. I had the lamb for my main, it was pretty delicious, a bit fat but hey, you've to cut yourself some slacks here. The chocolate savarin was delightful, however, I would hope if the waiting staff would pronounce it correctly, its sa-va-rang and not sa-va-rin.

Ended the day with a lovely tea, came in a bud and when you poured water in it, the bud slowly bloomed to a flower, it taste subtle and relaxing, a definite drink to end the whole evening.

Irresolution

Mr Wolfowitz mentioned that Singapore had made a "bad" decision of restricting the activists due to security concerns, that were accredited for the World Bank & IMF meeting.

"I hope Singapore's authorities will change their minds and allow the people in that we have accredited as originally agreed," as what he commented.

He followed by saying that it was important for the organisation to hold a "strong dialogue" with such groups.

"We may not always agree with what they have to say, but it is very important to have that discussion," quoted by Mr Wolfowitz.

Singapore later on agreed on the offer for the activists to join hte IMF meeting, which was then rejected by the NGOs. I was pretty amazed by the fuss going on, so much agreeing and disagreeing. Nevertheless, understanding how our country dealt with the problem, is just classic - eeks. Are we afraid or are we precautious? Is the boycott a matter of solidarity? Although its a thin line difference, we created such a scene whereby internationally, minus out the delegates whom will be walking away with such good impression of our country.

"Enormous damage has been done ... A lot of that damage has been to Singapore and it's self-inflicted," Wolfowitz told a meeting with NGOs in Singapore on Friday.

Have we self-inflicted this damage? We have to acknowledge our actions, be accountable. Is it such an arduous effort to apologize and acquiesce in whatever's done? You extend your reasons of action and the golden rule of everything, be tactful. A pride thing... Our country's ego maybe.

Different opinions and methods of expressing the issue, politically, apprehending the problem and getting over it is merely unfeasible.






Let us see what's next....

Gardens by the Bay

The designers were finalized from the "Gardens by the Bay" competition. The winning entrants are Grant Associates - Garden at Marina South and Gustafson Porter - Garden at Marina East , both extremely astonishing submissions.



Grant Associates' design philosophy for the Gardens sees the Marina South Garden as an "intelligent" space which will have "Edutainment gardens" as well as event spaces, show gardens and a conservatory. It captures the essence of a Garden in a downtown setting - the experience of color and vibrancy all year round.



Gustafson Porter positioned the Garden at Marina East as a key Garden, leveraging off the attractive views it offers of the city skyline, looking across the water highlighting the essence of Marina Bay in a subtle and elegant manner.

A wide selection of flowers and foliage providing Gardens by the Bay a spectacular display of vibrancy and color. The winning designs would be exhibited at the Function Hall in the new Botany Centre, Tanglin Core, at the Singapore Botanic Garden.

The Hunt for the Cat Killer

Every single Singaporean must've heard of the cat killer who actually murdered 20 kitties in the past 2 weeks. Their carcasses were found by residents and cleaners in drains, under bushes and void decks of Jurong.

All the cats had their throats slashed, while some of them also had their heads smashed or their throats burnt. This psychopath must be loose in the head. I can't imagine myself spotting a dead cat with evidence of such brutality. Hooray to the Cat Welfare Society who had organized volunteers to keep a lookout. A reward of SDG2,000 by Cat Welfare Society and SPCA, for anyone who can help arrest that bloody bugger.

Animal abuse is an offence with a maximum jail term of 1 year and a fine of up to SGD10,000. However, I would prefer the culprit to be put behind bars, fined and some kinda corrective work, but Singapore authorities has yet to strengthen the punishment on animal cruelty.

Advise: a big fat spank on the butt would be a good start.

People! You! You! And You! Put ourselves on nation alert and apprehend this lunatic. This person should be the one to put to sleep instead of the poor kitties.

Botak Jones - Journey to the REAL americano food

It was like any other sunday, hungry for food and desperate to fill up the juices. I was craving for good ole American food, hot dogs, steaks, chilli, fries, you name it! Flashback....I'd a recollection of seeing an ad in the papers about this American guy making authentic American food in my homeland - Ang Mo Kio.

In a flash, my friend and I took a bus down to "Botak Jones". Located at Blk 608 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4. Found myself in a situation whereby tonnes of people crowding the coffeeshop, this is why sunday is always sardine packed, and this long...... queue in front of the stall. To my surprise everyone was gnawing on Botak Jones' food and I did saw some caucasians there, which makes me a lousy local foodie coz they were there before me. DOH!

When I approached the queue, this guy told me I'd to wait for an hour. Bummer. We took the big risk, ordered our food and waited impatiently as they dished out plates of food, an advise not to sit too close to the stall when you're inhumanly hungry. When the food came, we took it in as if there was no tomorrow, like Ethiopians. With the speed of light, we're satisfied with out little trip there. Definitely worthwhile. Cna't wait for the next trip.

Facts about Chocolate

Good news and bad news
Researchers carried out experiments that suggest that if you eat chocolate 3 times a month, not 3 times a day, you will live almost a year longer than those who forego such sweet temptation.

But it's not all good news - research also suggested that people who eat too much chocolate have a lower life expectancy. BLEAH. Chocolate's high fat content means that excess indulgence can contribute to obesity (habaa habaa), leading to an increased risk of heart disease. It looks like the old adage of "everything in moderation" holds. But if you can't resist chocolate, at least stick to dark. It's higher in cocoa than milk chocolate and helps to increase levels of HDL, a type of cholesterol that helps prevent fat clogging up arteries.

Death by chocolate
Dogs and other domestic animals metabolise the chocolate more slowly than humans. Safe doses for us could be toxic or even lethal doses for our pets, affecting their hearts, kidneys and central nervous systems. No sharing with your pets your chocolate ice-cream, please.

Aphrodisiac?
Chocolate contains a natural aphrodisiac. Tryptophan is a chemical that the brain uses to make a neurotransmitter called serotonin. High levels of serotonin can produce feelings of elation, even ecstasy. Get some chocolate mousse home to your partner and start workin' on it. Smashin' baby yea...

Dough-nuts = Donuts

I was stuffing my face with Ben & Jerry's Oatmeal Cookie ice-cream yesterday and something stroke up. Why isn't there anyone franchising Krispy Kreme? After the long forgotten Donut King & Dunkin Donuts, we only left with neighborhood confectionary selling donuts which taste like buns.

Does anyone even remember how soft and light a freshly made donut taste like? Glazed or fillings, you betcha! Sure miss that sugar rush sensation. Singaporeans should get their ass moving. WE NEED KRISPY KREME, N-O-W!!!

Korean Foooooooood

When most people think of Korean food, they think of kimchi, Korea's staple side dish which, along with rice, accompanies almost every meal. Beside kimchi, some other condiments are actually not highlighted, the crunchy celery, sprouts, radish, stewed vegetables and a whole lot of others, a big fat symphony of munchies.

An order of some BBQ beef, you get greens to wrap the beef, dipping sauce and BBQ pork belly, POP POP, it goes into your mouth. Its a mixture exploding on your taste bud, smokey beef and fresh greens, the texture and intensity, still lingers on my mind. The rejected cup of wheat tea, cleansed the bud and move you onto the next bite. Bibimbap, a.k.a Hot Stone Rice, a classic and popular dish, I only love the crunchy burnt rice which sticks within the base of the bowl. My spicy seafood and tofu soup, dumping in my bowl of plain rice into was a smart move. Friend's ordered Korean spicy rice cakes were nice but we'd had better ones (Scotts Shopping Centre - Pinic). The fried glass noodles were chewy and tasty, although they should go low on the oil.

After the sinful dinner and over-stuffed feeling, BURP, I needed to reconsider about my strict diet plan. I guessed I've flopped my initiate plan 'again', DOH! Its back to the drawing board Mister!

Accepting the Rejects

People with anger, frustration and stress, experiencing an overload of inputs to the brain and somehow couldn't find any ways to release the outputs - probably why they called it depression. My first day at a non-profit organization where they reach out their little helping hands for those in need of psychiatric services.

Although, it was a slow eight hours of work, I saw little kids, going through such a rough ride, struggling to maintain their mental management. My boss was explaining to me that we should not challenge their minds by opposing on their comments. Although we might not sometimes see 'whatever' they see, their hallucinations shouldn't be our suspicion. Being straightforward might not be effective and may even create dispute. I was told to accept their thoughts and comments, however, telling them you understand their believe but just dun have the ability to be on par with them.

Its all about acknowledging and creating trust, with an open perception to their needs. Sadly to know they're trying their best to survive in this judgemental society and yet people still think that these misfortune ones suffered from diminishing capacity. Ouch!

Materialism

The postmortem of the movie "The Devil Wears Prada." I learnt from the book as well as the movie that our lives are surrounded with material that represents a certain state of mind. A mindset on how the fashion industry creates a foundation for the public to follow. High fashion clothes, acceessories and our lives, revolving in all directions towards materialism. It has become an addiction , a path for recognition and a way of live to some. I believe that being fashionable is cool but like an addiction, is there a downside to it? Would someone be too obsessed until it has gone too carried away?

From the movie whereby one can turn herself from hideous to fabulous and became the limelight in fashion. Having a fastidious boss, she understood that she was walking the footsteps of her boss, where career was the priority of everything. Ultimately, loosing hope in all areas but work. She had snapped outta it to realize that truthfully that wasn't what she was looking for.

We got lured into this dimension where fashion is everything and if you're fashionable you are somebody. Creating a big hoo-haa over this statement, but honestly, are you what you are. Fashion is just an industry. Its just work. Why can't other industries outshine fashion? If the talk-of-the-town was the hospitality industry, our society would be flourished with excellent etiquette and going that extra mile in all aspects of our lives. People would put an effort to care more instead of wondering have you seen the season's new prada collection.

The Passing ~

When a terminal illness hits someone close to you, a friend or family, the overwhelming feeling of saddness and grieve rushes up to our sense like a high fever. Its unpredictable and sudden, making it us hard to actually anticipate on its forthcoming. Their last words, so powerful and moving, some how always touched everyone's heart. Providing the living a chance to cherish their lives and look forward to the future.

Parting with your love one, the emptiness and loneliness that you'll experience is like a grueling race to reality. A feeling of seclusion to your own solitude, trying to gather sweet memories, magical moments and that unconditional love, being contributed to the relationship. This phrase of mixed feelings, blaming yourself on the stuff you should've done instead of those that you shouldn't. A question of whys kept filling in, why this, why that, trying to fill that empty slot in your heart. Ultimately, we just didn't wanna let him go.

The quote - "Nothing is forever", made us think that that's the fact and we all take ourselves for granted sometimes. We try to narrow down the fights, arguement, hatred, but in situations where the feeling of dislike and anger hits us like a moving truck that we'd forgotten all about our love. Looking at the big picture didn't even come into our mind then. However, in the passing of this person, we tend to listen to our hearts, more than our minds. The guilt in us, like a public denunciation on your mistakes, makes us realized that its too late for anything now. Life still has to go on, and soon he'll be the past for you to remember of.