The Bag Frenzy

The Singapore distributors of "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" have cancelled the launch of the designer bag. The eco-friendly (yea...right) bag was to have made its debut here at the "On Pedder" store in Ngee Ann City on 18 August. However the store had decided not to follow on with the launch, due to the trouble the bag caused at its launches in Hong Kong and Taiwan earlier this month. Its pretty sad to hear some designer promoting eco-friendly product, which obviously created nothing than chaos. I've always thought being eco-friendly is an initiative and all benefits to the environment, than making it into a business opportunity. Thumbs down for that...

I've actually came out with a few realistic, down-to-earth versions of the not-so-eco-friendly stuff....

SOS Live Earth

Mano-a-mano - Chestnut & Kobayashi

In a gut-busting showdown that combined drama-banana, stomach courage and indigestion, Joey Chestnut emerged as the world's hot dog eating champion, knocking off six-time winner Takeru Kobayashi in a record-setting yet repulsive triumph.

Chestnut, the great red, white and blue hope in the annual Fourth of July competition, broke his own world record by inhaling 66 hot dogs in 12 minutes (what the...) -- a staggering one every 10.9 seconds before a screaming crowd in Coney Island. Amazing...

Old Spice to New Spice

The Spice Girls have announced that they are reuniting for a world tour and a greatest hits album. Victoria Beckham, Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm and Geri Halliwell held a press conference at the 02 Arena in east London to unveil their comeback plans. The pop five-piece will begin their tour in Los Angeles in December, before going on to perform in Las Vegas, New York, London, Koln, Madrid, Beijing, Hong Kong, Sydney, Cape Town and Buenos Aires.



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Previously Released Singles & Albums
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'Wannabe'

First up for the girls back in 1996 was classic tune 'Wannabe', an incredibly popular song still playing at clubs. With an irreverent video that made you laugh and a Girl Power message that surpassed anything anyone had heard from the music industry beore, this bouncy song empowered women and girls of the '90s and shot the five-piece to stardom quicker than anything. Number one in almost two dozen countries, 'Wannabe' is a tune still relevant today for young women, but its light tone ensures it doesn't become mired in the feminist agenda too much.
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'Say You'll Be There'

Next to be released was 'Say You'll Be There'. Moving away from the neon clothing of the 'Wannabe' video, this track showed the girls in sexual mode, dressed up to the nines in leather and PVC clothing (me...ow), standing in a desert and roleplaying powerful female Bond roles. More than anything else though, their sexuality was on show as they high-kicked their way through the plaintive yet blasting pop tune, the lyrics emphasising the girls' maturity while discussing the issue of relationship honesty and fidelity - this was a song designed to appeal to both the kids and the guys.
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'2 Become 1'

Certainly one of the most memorable tracks the Spice Girls ever released, '2 Become 1' hit a generation of teenagers with its message about sex, continuing the theme established in 'Say You'll Be There', but slowing the pace down and being rather more explicit than before - "I need some love/Like I never needed love before/Wanna make love to ya, baby". Gorgeously chilled out, simply yet perfectly lyricised, '2 Become 1' was the final song for the Spice Girls that sold over a million copies. However, it has, like 'Wannabe', lasted the test of the time, and for those around at the time, the lyrics are still pretty easy to recall.
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'Who Do You Think You Are'/'Mama'

This double A-side release showcased both sides of the Spice Girls, as shown by previous single releases 'Say You'll Be There' and '2 Become 1' - both their soft and hard sides. 'Who Do You Think You Are' is a typically energetic romp of a Spice tune, a song that caught the public's imagination while lacking any true substance - the perfect pop song, some might say. Meanwhile, the ballad 'Mama' features all the Spice Girls' mothers in the video, and is essentially a paean to the love each girl felt for her mother and their relationship. Lush harmonies and a sweet sensibility on 'Mama' and poppy, aurally pleasing slides from chorus to verse on its joint A-side ensured that although 'Mama' and 'Say You'll Be There' didn't sell as much as the group's previous releases, both are still incredibly memorable singles.
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'Spice Up Your Life'

A very popular Spice song, 'Spice Up Your Life' is an extremely liberating tune. This brazen samba-esque pop song has a Brazilian tinge to it that means you may not stop dancing for quite a while after you first re-listen to this tune. Despite sporting a video that, according to Mel B, the band were not particularly pleased about, and being released around the time of Elton John's tribute to Lady Diana, the song still topped the charts in many a country, not least the UK. Another classic from the girls, the song attempts to draw everyone in by referencing various races throughout.
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'Too Much'

The second single to be released from the SpiceWorld album, 'Too Much' went to number one in the UK upon release, but it, along with the girls' second album, proved to be much less successful than the group's early hits. Although in itself it still proves to be a standalone, fantastically catchy ballad, the immediacy of songs like '2 Become 1' simply isn't quite as present on 'Too Much', which featured at the opening of the band's film, of the same name as the album.
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'Stop'

Sadly for the Spice Girls, this marked the beginning of the end for the Girls, at least in relation to their chart positions. The first single that didn't make number one on release, only hitting the number two slot, 'Stop' nevertheless spawned a dance that can still be replicated (if only partially) to this day by drunken dancefloor enthusiasts. Although the lyrics weren't exactly complex, as with other Spice Girls tunes, the melody was catchy, pleasurable and upbeat to the extreme.
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'Viva Forever'

Released in 1998, the melancholy of 'Viva Forever', combined with an extremely freaky video, was extremely critically successful and hit number one. The story, which shows two children running around in the woods, one of whom is disapparated, as it were, by the fairies after climbing into a giant rubik's cube, leaving the boy alone with a toy-sized version of the rubik's cube. Essentially, the boy has lost his friend, but will always retain her - but not in a physical way. Perhaps this was meant to be a guarded reference to Geri's forthcoming departure from the group, and certainly the song was a huge departure from the chirpy pop of 'Stop', something next release 'Goodbye' would only build on.
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'Goodbye'

The penultimate single ever released by the Spice Girls, and the first to be sung without Geri Halliwell, who had left the group to pursue a solo career by this point, 'Goodbye' was the eighth number one hit for the depleted girl group. Soft-focus and squeezing every ounce of emotion out of the situation with Geri, 'Goodbye' is a song you put on, like Bridget Jones, when you want to revel in your own misery. Beautiful in its own right, but not exactly happy-clappy.
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'Holler'/'Let Love Lead The Way'

Finally, double A-side 'Holler'/'Let Love Lead The Way'. The final release for the girls, and a departure from the pure pop they so favoured on all previous releases, 'Holler' had far more of an R'n'B feel to it, thanks mostly to the influence of producer Darkchild. Not as memorable or as enjoyable as much of their previous output, it still managed number one - allowing the girls to go out on a high. 'Let Love Lead The Way' was more reminiscent of tunes like '2 Become 1' and 'Goodbye', and is said to pay official tribute to the departure of Geri from the group, but still doesn't quite sound up to par with their previous releases.
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'Spice'

- Track listing -

"Wannabe"
"Say You'll Be There"
"2 Become 1"
"Love Thing"
"Last Time Lover"
"Mama"
"Who Do You Think You Are"
"Something Kinda Funny"
"Naked"
"If U Can't Dance"
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'Spiceworld'

- Track listing -

"Spice Up Your Life"
"Stop"
"Too Much"
"Saturday Night Divas"
"Never Give up on the Good Times"
"Move Over"
"Do It"
"Denying"
"Viva Forever"
"The Lady Is A Vamp"
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'Forever'

- Track listing -

"Holler"
"Tell Me Why"
"Let Love Lead the Way"
"Right Back At Ya"
"Get Down With Me"
"Wasting My Time"
"Weekend Love"
"Time Goes By"
"If You Wanna Have Some Fun"
"Oxygen"
"Goodbye"
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The Spice Girls were a phenomenon the world has never seen repeated. Amazingly successful, their music inspired a generation of women, kept us all dancing and shot them to instant success, even if they have since failed to make much of a mark with their solo careers. Their music was fresh, different to anything we'd heard before, and, most importantly, can still be sung willy-nilly a decade on from their inception. Now that's the mark of a good girl group. Hai-Si-Ya Hold Tight!

Revamped Old-School

We just love our old-school cartoons, especially those back in the eighties when we're still a bunch of kids. From the 'Transformers' tv series back then to the current live action film today, the transition from old-school to brand new is pretty fascinating. It also also been annouced that some popular cartoons such, Thundercats, Smurfs, He-man and G.I. Joe will be hitting the cinemas in the coming future. Anticipation... Spare a little time to browse through the streamings below and indulge in reminiscence. Rrrock!

A Tribute to National Day Parade 2007 - August 8th 2007

This was the god knows how many freakin' time I didn't get the National Day Parade tickets. All the time wasted inputting names of friends and family at the AXS machine...boo hoo! Well these are the two NDP reditions which are still concurrently playing on TV. Another year of facing the telly on National Day. Hoo....ray... hoo....ray... DOH!

- There's No Place I'd Rather Be -
Prefer the year when Tanya Chua sang "Where I Belong", Kit is just too loud.



There's No Place I'd Rather Be
Artiste: Kit Chan
Music & Lyrics : Jimmy Ye
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I’ve walked the streets of Cairo & Bombay
I’ve seen the neon signs on old Broadway
I’ve climbed the Eiffel Tower
The Great Wall in one hour
Experienced Sweet and Sour
But that’s okay

Seen Hollywood, the sunsets in LA
The London Bridge, Big Ben, the Thames, UK
I’ve crossed the River Kwai
Yet still I don’t know why
I think of you each night and every day

There’s no place I’d rather be
You’ll always be a part of me
And even though I’ve roamed the world
It’s still my home I long to see
This is where my family
And my friends grew up with me
So I’ll cross the skies and sail the seas
To be where I wanna be

There’s no place I’d rather be
You’ll always be a part of me
And even though I’ve roamed the world
It’s still my home I long to see
This is where my family
And my friends grow old with me
So I’ll cross the skies and sail the seas
To be where I wanna be
Cos there’s no place I’d rather be

- Will You -
Um...If there was a bit more beat and bass, 'will you' think it might be a techno version. Just not my cup of tea. Eek!



Will You?
Artistes: Jadani Sridhar, Asha Edmund,
Emma Yong, Lily Ann Rahmat, Jai Wahab,
Shabir Mohammed, Sebastian Tan, Gani Karim
Music & Lyrics : Jimmy Ye
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Will you make this island
Amazing in all ways?
Surprises every corner,
Delightful nights and days.

Will you take this country
And turn it from a place
To a home that greets you
With smiles on every face?

Will you come on this brave journey?
Will you help to make it real?
Will you write us grand new stories,
Songs that everyone will feel?

So...Will you swim the current?
Will you scale new heights?
Will you make it happen,
Will you let your dreams take flight?
And...Will you make the difference?
Will you seize the day?
Will you live each moment,
Will you dare to find new ways?

Will you take this city
And turn it from a place
To home that greets you
With smiles on every face

Dare to find, dare to find, dare to find new ways!

Jiajia's Big Day

A most enjoyable day indeed where old friends meet for such an occasion, yes, its the mother of our group, Jiajia. Started out freighting the cake and condiments to Jiajia's, with a slight interruption, a hinderer called placing menu order which in the event I had to unload myself to answer her call (was also hailing a cab at the same time - an octopus I am).

Rendezvoused with Suling at the supermarket to do grocery for the japanese-oriental birthday hotpot. Kids are always kids (little rebels), Jiajia's little Lewis was really an eye-opener for Suling, with his overwhelming petite personality, hyper-active juvenile Lewis really spirited up the whole grocery trip.

The rest of the gang (Raymond, Suxiang, Peiling) came with Jiajia's birthday gift, and got it going with the food preparations. Following to that with our extra spare time, we had a little mahjong session (purely based on our friendship with no money involved).

We sally forth on the food once and for all, of course there were leftovers coz we were over ambitious with assuming that everyone eats like a pig. Ha.. After a teamwork of cleaning up, the cake was presented, phswoo... no bad comments (total sweatness). Was glad that we chose an oven for her birthday since she had thoughts of leaning how to bake (smiles), I've had to have at least someone to be my reserved.

Gone fishing... That's where we went to fish for shrimps, 2 teams, 2 rods. Winners get Milo... Me, Raymond, Jiajia and Suling, Suxiang, Peiling. Its always hilarious to see Suxiang & Peiling in action, where most of the time they were just 2 jesters doing their job in comedy.

Jiajia was so happy that she text me, complaining me she couldn't sleep till late. Fluttering like butterflies in our stomachs and everywhere else, that day was indeed most memorable. Yipee-dee-doo-daa...

Shakespeare with a local twist

A Midsummer Night's Dream is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare written sometime in the 1590s. It portrays the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors, their interactions with the Duke and Duchess of Athens, Theseus and Hippolyta, and with fairies who inhabit a moonlit forest. The play is one of Shakespeare's most popular and is widely performed across the world.

Until now, I've never expected the amount of improvision done by the Singapore Repertory Theatre. There were lots of hilarious local slangs, outrageous costumes, followed by the fact that its held at Fort Canning Park where immense effort done on the stage settings.

How can an outdoor play do without a picnic, though we gorged ourselves even before the commencement of the play. Surprisingly we saw people going all the way to the max with the picnic idea. Cushions, picnic basket and sundeck chairs, with as usual kids running around (leash them!), people over-dressing themselves (its an outdoor play not a fashion venue for goodness sake); come to think about it, I found a certain degree of entertainment by just observing the crowd.

Two thumbs up for the clean and decent mobile bathrooms, definitely not those you see at a wake. I must say the evening was rather delightful and pleasant, with exception to the gi-normous spotlights (the heat is ON). Let's just anticipate for more unorthodox events like this in future. Sweet...

Illustrated Assumption for NDP 2007 Goodie Bag

Our highly anticipated National Day Parade (NDP) which would be held at the new location of Marina Bay. This time round, high preventive measures are done to avoid any safety hazard. Due to the construction of the floating stage, I have suggested some handy stuff which would be included in the goodie bag for any unexpected situation.

Tattoo Art or Tattoo Cool

There's an article on youths with tattoos, which was rather disturbing after reading it. I pondered as the society created such a stereotype on individuals with tattoos, being straight at the face judgemental with raising eyebrows, we received comments like, "Were you from some kinda cult", "Does your tattoo have some sorta of representation of gangs". These questions.....high frequency when you meet up with new people. Could it be an act of being cool, which ignorance overwhelmed? Or is it a monkey-see-monkey-do trend that had coz youths to be victims of being inked.

My personal impression on tattoos has never been a 'cool' status element, it has always to me, an artwork being orchestrated on one's body. You have to appreciate it rather than depreciating it. Make it a part of you, something you would have to face for the rest of your life. Just like having that special soul mate, you wouldn't wanna remove your soul mate right?

In the article, some 20 malay kids were sponsored by their religious association, lucky for them they're receiving that 50% discount (oh boy...) on the removing process. It mentioned that this malay chap regreted so much (matts are always matts), he had to wear sleeves to cover his tattoos on the arms. This is just crap! These are the idiots that had brought down the reputation of skin art culture. Off with their heads!!!!!! Ha-yee-yaah!

Sanjaya, Sanjaya

Fan-fuckin'-tasic!!! Its about time that we enjoy some peace and quiet without the presence of Sanjaya. Whose not irritated by this continuous effort of bragging and groaning on stage, which ultimately created nothing but pompus performances.

Thank goodness I was wrong regarding him earning compassionate votes from American by his innocent indian little babu-singh looks. I guess American was sick and tired of facing that untalented, discovering that he had no potential whatsoever to stay.

Good one though... Its a god damn relieve!!! WOO HOO!

The BIG Comeback

Aren't we all simply 'adore' our super-duper thick pan crusted pizza, NOT! The M.I.A. of thin crust pizza is pissing pizza-lover like myself off, hateful, hateful. However, as I was flipping through the morning publication, I can't seem to avoid this thin sheet of printed brochure falling onto the floor with a distintic picture of 'you-know-what'. Ahh.... It has indeed come to my senses that, 'you-know-what' has make its way home...Sweet Momma!!!

Déjà vu?! Blinked my eyes and took a second glimpse, it is REAL! Finally we shall NOT be stuffed with horrible crust, filling up our stomach with unnecessary carbs, wasteful wasteful.

Attention - 'Pizza Hut': Please include crispy thin crust to home delivery menu.
Please include crispy thin crust in the menu, FOREVER!

Hopefully, it'll stay for good... So why wait...Go Go Go.

Oops, she did it again...

This may be rather disturbing but I'm sure its something you dun get to see everyday. Yes! Britney has official hit the road of crazy insanity with the Sinéad O'Connor hairdo.

Baldy here decided to not only shave her head, she is letting the 'cat' out of the hat. Pussy in the wild, untamed out in the wilderness, she's flashing her hoo-hoo as if it needs a grasp of fresh air. Its a minge attack!!

Just when we thought she couldn't be more whacked, 2 new tattoos. Looks like she's taking a detour to looney-land. She's not that innocent after all, that's official. Somebody get her some panties....Please...

Here's to the Titties

People flip the papers daily to understand the current job opportunities available, be it a thought of changing jobs or simply just to kill some spare time while taking a dump. Fascinated by jobs from fruit-harvester in australia to hostess with good body, we tend to glare at the salary of each position and question ourselves.

It occured to me when came upon this ad, illustrating the position of 'Bikini Babes', whatever that means, sought after by this employer which I reckon would rather be anonymous. The first phrase that came outta me was, "No Fuckin' Way!". The power of breasts, miraculously received the 'catch of the day' prize. For SGD2,400 to walk around in swimwear and wait tables, that's ridiculously amazing. Didn't aware the amount of clothes you're wearing actually affects your paycheck.

The second concern was regarding the term 'Babes'... Is it applicable if you're a girl with a big physical structure, a.k.a. FAT. Picture yourself being served by this oo laa laa chunky chic in bikini...Bon Appétit. Well, we'll never figure out what people actually prefer if we dun provide variety...

The Prata House Shenanigan

Some days ago a friend of mine gave me this link to YouTube, ambiguous as it may seem, perplexity rocketed as it could be a prank video targeting my weakness of timidity. Took the risk and gave it a shot, was pretty flabbergasted by the content. Check it out:



Disturbing as it was, my friend has it on his mobile phone. Although there was some kinda humor to it, was rather surprised with the amount of effort done by those pranksters. All I could say is that I extend my deepest sympathy to that poor indian guy. Did he actaully reported it to the police? Hmm....?

Lobsters All Wrong

Just another day at the supermarket with P, doing her grocery shopping. When we approached the seafood counter (background music: JAWS theme), I was petrified to see 'dead' boston lobsters on the counter. ARGH! They were lying on crushed ice (carcass a la morgue), all in awkward positions, freaking looked as if it was an aftermath of an earthquake or a massacre. There was a claw laying right between 2 lobsters, I wondered whether was it genuinely appropriate to place it out on the counter for sale. $16.80 for a dead claw-less lobster, no fucking WAY! I would've created a kerfuffle if I was buying those deceased lobsters. Eugh!

Choosing and buying live lobster

Lobsters can be bought from a fishmonger's, supermarket, where they are kept in a glass tank or they can be shipped in.

The colour of a lobster does not affect the taste or quality of the meat; so don't be put off by any strange shades. In fact, lobsters are usually a green / black colour but may also be brown, yellow or even white. They only turn bright red once they are properly cooked.

Make sure that you choose a lobster that is lively and active, although this may seem quite daunting for first timers. The tail should be straight and curl under once it is picked up. If you uncurl the tail, it should spring back to a curled position if it is healthy.

Invisibility

There are times we feel that we're so helpless and lost with ourselves, but on the other hand contributing your effortless attention to the people around you. Now imagine yourself on the street, saw 9 individuals with physical disability requiring some kinda assistance. However, you happen to be the 10th person with physical disability on that exact street, who likewise needed a helping hand.

The emotional debate between, 'am I too egocentric if I prioritize myself before others', and, 'I prioritize others before myself to avoid being egocentric', which phrase is the model answer to the question? Percepting yourself as priority creates a foundation to support yourself emotionally. Situation where your priority goes to others would constitute an absence in your emotional foundation. In other words, you express concern to everyone except yourself.

How is one to help others when one has forgotten about one's existence? Ownership in yourself is evidently crucial if you wanna get a promotion at work. You contribute your hardwork to the company, not to your colleagues. Ultimately, its a one-man-show situation even if teamwork is required.

The bottom line is, the importance of self-existence has to be practiced in all circumstances. You, assigning your significant self before everything else, avowed others to actually apperceive your subsistence.

Casino Cassino Casino

As everyone of us been updated regarding the decision made for the upcoming casino, what kinda impact will it be for Singapore? I guess we can make all assumptions until we're cognized by the facts.

Coincidently, when I saw some brochures along the corridor, right in front of my doorstep, a sense of disturbance rushes up into my brains. Casino, I meant, Cassino is here! Talk about eccentric and capricious individuals, this is way way WAY, insane!!

Some smart person has the name, Cassino. He must have some people in his family called, gambling den, betting house or the unbelievable, mahjong. Sheesh! Didn't know people are THAT excited about the upcoming casino. Psyched out!

Just be alert... you'll never know if Cassino is roaming around your neighborhood...POOF!

A - Z of Singapore M.R.T.

This is a tribute to all the unfortunate victims including myself, who've had 'exhilarating' experience while taking the SMRT. Dun we just love it to death...ARGH! The explanatory description below is not an act of discrimination or whatsoever.

The train cabins, as we know, are divided to a few categories. The first and last cabins, where most matt-rockers and bollywoods are, hence the heavenly scent (try it after office hours). Middle cabins, where you see the most anxious individuals coz the proximity to the escalator is minimal - elderly or handicap wannabes. The rest of the cabins are either with irritating kids playing loud music (and they think their cool) with their mobile phones or lovely family with 'kids' doing the pole act (the return of moscow circus). I do not specifically raise my detestation to parents pushing a baby pram. Nevertheless, if the freaking baby is a giant kid, that would be a major kick-in-the-nuts problem. An encounter of 4 prams in a cabin... would looked like a goddamn supermarket I tell ya!!!

We just 'love' the yellow marked lines on the ground, just in front of the platform. Providing a direction for us to station ourselves before we board the train (which no one even bothers about, let's take it as a graffiti instead). Funny as it may seem, many would rather prefer to cleave their faces right in front of the door. It felt like as if there would be some kinda death threat if you'd board the train last. In situation if you're the alighting passenger, you'll be re-alighted into the train coz of the death threat happening in the station (you know what I mean, yes, you've been pushed BACK into the train).

Isn't there anyone who can actually think of a resolution to minimize the episodes of terror? Seriously...anyone?

Puttin' the Groovy on the Move

It has to be eons since I contributed myself to the public bus to anywhere. However, this evening's bus ride was darn pretty cool. Was on bus 132 from Serangoon North to Ang Mo Kio, and just when I did the beep on my Ez-link, the interior of the bus was like as if you're in a club!!! (No freakin' way) There were lounge chairs, bar seats and long cushioned seats which you would never even imagine of encountering it on a bus. Now all we need is booze and we're ready to rock 'n' roll....

Just behind the driver seat, was a LCD monitor playing music videos (sweet!) and of course not forgetting TV mobile. Talk about entertainment man. I wonder what's next...PlayStation or Xbox?

When I alighted at my stop, took a second glance of the bus exterior. To my surprise it was a mobile Nokia ad...looks like some kinda advertising gimmick. Definitely deserve a two thumbs-up, woo hoo! This is what we need, creative people display their creativity. Anymore happenings around? Let's just anticipate for more.