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.

iWant iPhone

Capping literally years and years of speculation on perhaps the most intensely followed unconfirmed product in Apple's history - and that's saying a lot - the iPhone has been announced. Yay... we said it: "iPhone." Gimme Gimme.....

Sweet, glorious specs of the 11.6 millimeter device (that's freakin' thin, by the way) include a 3.5-inch 480 x 320 touchscreen display with multi-touch support and a proximity sensor to turn off the screen when it's close to your face, 2 megapixel cam, 4GB or 8 GB of storage, Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR and A2DP, WiFi that automatically engages when in range, and quad-band GSM radio with EDGE. Perhaps most amazingly, though, it somehow runs OS X with support for Widgets, Google Maps, and Safari, and iTunes (but of course) with CoverFlow out of the gate.

Apple quotes 5 hours of battery life for talk or video, with a full 16 hours in music mode - no word on standby time yet. In a twisted way, this is one rumor mill we're almost sad to see grind to a halt; after all, when is the next time we're going to have an opportunity to run this picture? Unfortunately it'll only be reaching us in 2008.

Questions:

(a) If its that thin, what happens if you drop it on the ground by accident. Doh!

(b) Touch screen, will its sensitivity deplete? You keep pressing but see nothing.

(c) Screen hang issues that we're tired of rebooting the phone goddamit.

Aftermath Thailand

Was away in Thailand with B for 5 days 4 nights. Couldn't think of anything to describe the situation after the bombing. Everyone was apparently calm and even though I received a long distant call from my mum, telling me that Bangkok is on high alert. Basically you see tourists around and there wasn't a single breath of threat nor anxiousness in the air.

Occasionally you see army guards and police with their guns, patrolling around shopping malls to ensure the security. Counters were stationed at the entrance of most shopping mall, where security check is done, I wondered why my bag wasn't checked. B was pretty panicky when he spotted some police walking with a fast paced, towards a direction as if there was something going on, he said it could be a possible sign of a bomb threat. I call it paranoia.

I heard from some tourists that there might be more bombings coming up. But, well...all we could do is to expect the unexpected. Just be safe for those who're traveling to Bangkok.

AMK Hubba Hubba

Little ole Ang Mo Kio Town has it's recognition finally. Its 'bout time people know that it exists. The new awaited Hub has its ball rolling with the mega big NTUC Fairprice Supermarket, Hypermarket they call it. Comparable with Carrefour...Huge!

Its a shoulder rubbing and foot stepping environment, people were like everywhere. The travellator was like Orchard Road packed, the amount of people was definitely overwhelming. Was doing my grocery shopping and I saw home-makers, house maids and grannies crowding around the fresh produce section. If I was pushing a shopping cart, I dun think I'll even make it through, I might have to use durians to make way....umm...maybe not. Kids were running and yelling...GRRR... Toddlers walking with their squeeky shoes...ARGH!!! Its a jungle out there I tell ya.

Aniticipation with the opening of retail stores, brand new cathay cinema and as I heard of, Fitness First Gym. NO WAY! Until then, waiting...we shall. Ha Ha Ha...

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.