Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Calvin & Hobbes
I just love the "snowman series" from Calvin & Hobbes. They always crack me up to bits!
Everyone Else
What a waste of time! For what seemed like a promising synopsis and despite the fact that it actually won a Silver Bear award in Berlin, this closing movie for us from the Bangkok International Film Fest was such a disappointment. The ending of the movie left nothing much to be said, glorified or gratified.
It was monotonously slow. Lame. Insipid. A movie I'd love to hate. That's 119 minutes of my time I will never get back. I have no idea how such a movie could have actually won an award. Must have been some element of an artistic intellect there which obviously went right over my head.
Film Fest: you win some, you lose some...It is, otherwise a consolation that the first four films we caught were pretty good to ease the setback from this final movie.
It was monotonously slow. Lame. Insipid. A movie I'd love to hate. That's 119 minutes of my time I will never get back. I have no idea how such a movie could have actually won an award. Must have been some element of an artistic intellect there which obviously went right over my head.
Film Fest: you win some, you lose some...It is, otherwise a consolation that the first four films we caught were pretty good to ease the setback from this final movie.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Cool ideas
Stumbled upon these in my archive folder from quite a while ago and still loving these. Pretty brilliant ideas, eh!
From the streets of New York:
No idea where this was executed. Word has it that the only challenge was to have that patch of grasses trimmed regularly.
From the streets of New York:
No idea where this was executed. Word has it that the only challenge was to have that patch of grasses trimmed regularly.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Taking the piss?
Looks like a Walmart employee was so bored out of his head that he found it to be very necessary to report what seems like innocent, harmless photographs of kids bath-time taken by a proud parent to capture their kids' cute moments to the authorities. Read the article here.
Can you imagine the tumultuous times the parents and kids experience as a direct result of the most under-handed and not the most intelligent of decision made by an ignorant Walmart employee who probably just doesn't know any better? What right does the employee have over those photos? So self-righteous are we, now? It really is taking the piss out of an innocent candid shots, I'd say.
I'm pretty certain we have a few of those photos tucked away in some family album, and I'm sure under no circumstances were our parents advocating child pornography then. In fact, I remember seeing a few photos of me clad in nothing but my glorious underwear when I was about 3-5 years old. Those pictures, are still the standing jokes in my family gatherings as my parents found the joy of relating funny (sometimes embarrassing) stories of how tomboy-ish I used to be. Absolutely nothing offensive or perverted about that, me-thinks. At least, nothing damaging; and in fact, I actually welcome those stories of me. It does make me happy to listen to them and while life was not a bed of roses for them then, it is nice to know that my parents had their share of fun and entertainment raising me as their child.
Can you imagine the tumultuous times the parents and kids experience as a direct result of the most under-handed and not the most intelligent of decision made by an ignorant Walmart employee who probably just doesn't know any better? What right does the employee have over those photos? So self-righteous are we, now? It really is taking the piss out of an innocent candid shots, I'd say.
I'm pretty certain we have a few of those photos tucked away in some family album, and I'm sure under no circumstances were our parents advocating child pornography then. In fact, I remember seeing a few photos of me clad in nothing but my glorious underwear when I was about 3-5 years old. Those pictures, are still the standing jokes in my family gatherings as my parents found the joy of relating funny (sometimes embarrassing) stories of how tomboy-ish I used to be. Absolutely nothing offensive or perverted about that, me-thinks. At least, nothing damaging; and in fact, I actually welcome those stories of me. It does make me happy to listen to them and while life was not a bed of roses for them then, it is nice to know that my parents had their share of fun and entertainment raising me as their child.
At what point is this acceptable?
[Warning: A rather lenghty blog post]
I just had to post this here when I saw Barcajax's post of a couple caught on camera as the Girl attacked the guy in the groin over and over. That's not all, she also slapped him again and again as the guy just stood opposite her, and get this: He did nothing!
Not knowing the context of this incident could easily spark off speculations and inaccurate assumptions of the "whys"- something I'm not going to be analysing about. However, based on the visual facts alone, I would say that such behaviour, especially that of the girl, and in no uncertain circumstances, is acceptable. I am simply appalled by the behaviour of the "fairer sex" featured here. That doesn't mean I feel sorry for the guy though. In fact, I'm questioning as to why the hell he just stood there and take in all the abuse. In a wide open space accessible to members of the public too! Insane.
Now, I'm not a relationship expert and I don't pretend to be one, either. There could be a lot of excuses for the guy or the girl in question as to why she did what she did or as to why he reacted the way he did. There is however, always an option to walk away from the misery, the abuse, the unfairness and whatever it is in the relationship that makes either party extremely unhappy. No one, and I mean NO ONE should subject him/herself in such an abusive (physical/emotional/mental) relationship, no matter how much "love" have been professed to each other. To me, there's simply no respect in this couple's relationship and that just spells disaster. I can only imagine things going much, much worse behind their closed bedroom doors.
I can understand there's a fair amount of work that needs to be done to keep a relationship going. This, however, has to be mutual as both parties will have to want to do it because you do it because you want to, and it makes both of you happy and there's an end benefit for both parties. However, if the effort taken to salvage a relationship far outweighs the benefits in trying to keep your sanity and especially if it devalues your self-worth and dignity, then perhaps the relationship is not worth the save. The one worth saving is yourself.
My hope is for those who are in bad relationships will eventually find the courage to walk away, let go and never look back. That's the best gift anyone can give to him/herself when your heart is in constant turmoil. Even if the couple has similar personalities, the relationship is pretty much doomed right from the beginning, if there's no trust, honesty, respect, communication and the sharing of similar values and outlook in life.
There is no point in staying in a bad relationship if you cannot feel the happiness you deserve to feel in whatever circumstances. Walk away and look beyond short-term "happiness". Perhaps its easier said than done. I am, afterall a logical person when it comes to relationshp and love. Matters of the heart is always a tricky one but there's no doubt in my mind that the work towards building true happiness in a relationship should almost be effortless.
If the other person truly, deepy loves you, the last thing he/she will deliberately do is to hurt you emotinally, physically or financially and making your life a living hell while you try to put up with it because of your undying dutiful, love. In fact, it's the contrary. That's what I meant when I said true happiness should almost be effortless from both parties and you don't speculate (in your mind) about what the other party will be up to in the next hour whether you are together or not.
Whatever it is, I truly do believe there's always the right someone for everyone eventually. That doesn't mean one has to just "settle" with whatever one gets and subject your life to a miserable existence. Life is a journey...
...and Alanis Morissette is spot on with her You Live lyrics.
I just had to post this here when I saw Barcajax's post of a couple caught on camera as the Girl attacked the guy in the groin over and over. That's not all, she also slapped him again and again as the guy just stood opposite her, and get this: He did nothing!
Not knowing the context of this incident could easily spark off speculations and inaccurate assumptions of the "whys"- something I'm not going to be analysing about. However, based on the visual facts alone, I would say that such behaviour, especially that of the girl, and in no uncertain circumstances, is acceptable. I am simply appalled by the behaviour of the "fairer sex" featured here. That doesn't mean I feel sorry for the guy though. In fact, I'm questioning as to why the hell he just stood there and take in all the abuse. In a wide open space accessible to members of the public too! Insane.
Now, I'm not a relationship expert and I don't pretend to be one, either. There could be a lot of excuses for the guy or the girl in question as to why she did what she did or as to why he reacted the way he did. There is however, always an option to walk away from the misery, the abuse, the unfairness and whatever it is in the relationship that makes either party extremely unhappy. No one, and I mean NO ONE should subject him/herself in such an abusive (physical/emotional/mental) relationship, no matter how much "love" have been professed to each other. To me, there's simply no respect in this couple's relationship and that just spells disaster. I can only imagine things going much, much worse behind their closed bedroom doors.
I can understand there's a fair amount of work that needs to be done to keep a relationship going. This, however, has to be mutual as both parties will have to want to do it because you do it because you want to, and it makes both of you happy and there's an end benefit for both parties. However, if the effort taken to salvage a relationship far outweighs the benefits in trying to keep your sanity and especially if it devalues your self-worth and dignity, then perhaps the relationship is not worth the save. The one worth saving is yourself.
My hope is for those who are in bad relationships will eventually find the courage to walk away, let go and never look back. That's the best gift anyone can give to him/herself when your heart is in constant turmoil. Even if the couple has similar personalities, the relationship is pretty much doomed right from the beginning, if there's no trust, honesty, respect, communication and the sharing of similar values and outlook in life.
There is no point in staying in a bad relationship if you cannot feel the happiness you deserve to feel in whatever circumstances. Walk away and look beyond short-term "happiness". Perhaps its easier said than done. I am, afterall a logical person when it comes to relationshp and love. Matters of the heart is always a tricky one but there's no doubt in my mind that the work towards building true happiness in a relationship should almost be effortless.
If the other person truly, deepy loves you, the last thing he/she will deliberately do is to hurt you emotinally, physically or financially and making your life a living hell while you try to put up with it because of your undying dutiful, love. In fact, it's the contrary. That's what I meant when I said true happiness should almost be effortless from both parties and you don't speculate (in your mind) about what the other party will be up to in the next hour whether you are together or not.
Whatever it is, I truly do believe there's always the right someone for everyone eventually. That doesn't mean one has to just "settle" with whatever one gets and subject your life to a miserable existence. Life is a journey...
...and Alanis Morissette is spot on with her You Live lyrics.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
4 down...
and 1 more to go!
So far, the films we choose to watch at the Bangkok International Film Fest hasn't been a disappointment at all. So far so good as far as quality and storyline are concerned that it's hard to choose a favourite one.
Here's just a brief overview of what we caught:
1. Antichrist
Highly disturbing mainly due to its extremely graphic and vivid visual that haunted me well into the night as I closed my eyes to slumber land. The "most debated and notoriously divisive" quote from the synopsis was the only reason why we chose to watch this movie. This is one movie that would spark off a lot of debate if you are to study the plot in an English literature class. Just rivetingly brilliant, yet frightening at the same time.
2. Mental (documentary)
This started off really slow and at one point, I wondered if the director is just experimenting with filming technique as it was rather amateurish. Turns out that this Japanese director was merely documenting real life mental patients as an observer, and did not want to interrupt any moment with comments or sound effects throughout the entire time, and keeping the entire film at that observation level for viewers to form their own opinions to spark off a discussion.
The Q&A session after the screening shed some light into how real mental disorders can affect the lives of ordinary people...and how the director was inspired to document this. The one character which captured me was this guy who seems to have been a fallen intellect...I really love how he kept the entire movie pure so to speak...all dialogues coming off naturally from the speakers; unscripted.
3. Fixer
Another documentary worth watching. Sad, sad, sad...it makes you wonder if life is so cheap to these people in "power". May his soul rest in peace.
4. The Queen & I
I am genuinely surprise at how this turned out. I love it, I love it, I love it! In truth, I have absolutely no knowledge of the Queen of Iran and The Shah prior to the revolution. My first impression of the Queen initially is that of a spoilt person with too much power and riches. I changed my mind at the end of the film and I truly found her to be rather intelligent, compassionate..not to mention, still looking like a real beauty at her age. Like them, I wish for Iran to be a better place for the sakes of their own people.
One other thing I noticed too about this movie is that the Iranian girls featured here are absolutely gorgeous!
All in all, this year movie fest has been really promising. I hope the last movie we'll be catching next week is a good one too.
So far, the films we choose to watch at the Bangkok International Film Fest hasn't been a disappointment at all. So far so good as far as quality and storyline are concerned that it's hard to choose a favourite one.
Here's just a brief overview of what we caught:
1. Antichrist
Highly disturbing mainly due to its extremely graphic and vivid visual that haunted me well into the night as I closed my eyes to slumber land. The "most debated and notoriously divisive" quote from the synopsis was the only reason why we chose to watch this movie. This is one movie that would spark off a lot of debate if you are to study the plot in an English literature class. Just rivetingly brilliant, yet frightening at the same time.
2. Mental (documentary)
This started off really slow and at one point, I wondered if the director is just experimenting with filming technique as it was rather amateurish. Turns out that this Japanese director was merely documenting real life mental patients as an observer, and did not want to interrupt any moment with comments or sound effects throughout the entire time, and keeping the entire film at that observation level for viewers to form their own opinions to spark off a discussion.
The Q&A session after the screening shed some light into how real mental disorders can affect the lives of ordinary people...and how the director was inspired to document this. The one character which captured me was this guy who seems to have been a fallen intellect...I really love how he kept the entire movie pure so to speak...all dialogues coming off naturally from the speakers; unscripted.
3. Fixer
Another documentary worth watching. Sad, sad, sad...it makes you wonder if life is so cheap to these people in "power". May his soul rest in peace.
4. The Queen & I
I am genuinely surprise at how this turned out. I love it, I love it, I love it! In truth, I have absolutely no knowledge of the Queen of Iran and The Shah prior to the revolution. My first impression of the Queen initially is that of a spoilt person with too much power and riches. I changed my mind at the end of the film and I truly found her to be rather intelligent, compassionate..not to mention, still looking like a real beauty at her age. Like them, I wish for Iran to be a better place for the sakes of their own people.
One other thing I noticed too about this movie is that the Iranian girls featured here are absolutely gorgeous!
All in all, this year movie fest has been really promising. I hope the last movie we'll be catching next week is a good one too.
Bangkok International Film Fest
Seems like we were just in time to catch the Bangkok International Film Fest this year as we unexpectedly stumbled upon the screening schedules yesterday. This is after missing the Bangkok movie fest here for 2 consecutive years already, with the lack of advertising and the unstable schedule period of such festival here. As soon as we found out, we make haste to head on to the respective movie theatres to grab those tickets! We are really lucky this time as we realised that the BIFF has just started only a few days ago. In the last few years, we somehow had missed the screenings by only a few days. For a movie buff, I find that highly annoying...mostly at myself.I've always participated and enjoyed the International Film Festival in Singapore years ago.Each time, I'd spend quite a bit of dough to catch a minimum of at least 5 movies, watching a couple of movies a day on a weekend, or whenever the movie was being screened. The thing with movie fest and guided only by a brief synopsis, you never really know what kind of movie you are gonna end up with. It's always a mystery as most don't really make it big on the cinema screens. Sometimes though, you just get lucky and catch yourself a really, really good film.
It's looking like we are gonna be spending most of our time at the theatres this weekend. Exciting times ahead to the world of the unknown, costing us only 
1000 baht for 10 tickets altogether! That's really only a fraction of what I'd be paying back in Singapore! Life's sweet for movie buffs out here.
1000 baht for 10 tickets altogether! That's really only a fraction of what I'd be paying back in Singapore! Life's sweet for movie buffs out here.Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Cats nowadays
The recent conversation with Fudge went like this:
Silver Bullet/Me: Ah-chooooo!
Fudge: Meeeaaaoowww (while she sometimes attempt to sit next to the sneezer)
Silver Bullet/Me: Hattch-chooooo
Fudge: Meeeaaaowwweowww (looks at the sneezer , then licks herself)
Silver Bullet/Me: Ahhhh-chooooooooooooo
Fudge: Weaaooww Meeeeaaaweoww (long and loud voice while glancing at the sneezer first then try to snuggle up or otherwise quickly follow the sneezer around when sneezer leaves his/her seat if not distracted by the other felines or toys)
Weirdly, funny cat. I wish I had a camera handy to capture those moments.
Silver Bullet/Me: Ah-chooooo!
Fudge: Meeeaaaoowww (while she sometimes attempt to sit next to the sneezer)
Silver Bullet/Me: Hattch-chooooo
Fudge: Meeeaaaowwweowww (looks at the sneezer , then licks herself)
Silver Bullet/Me: Ahhhh-chooooooooooooo
Fudge: Weaaooww Meeeeaaaweoww (long and loud voice while glancing at the sneezer first then try to snuggle up or otherwise quickly follow the sneezer around when sneezer leaves his/her seat if not distracted by the other felines or toys)
Weirdly, funny cat. I wish I had a camera handy to capture those moments.
Cat shot 13x
Another appalling news on animal cruelty courtesy of Vicvanvinkle.
I have absolutely zero tolerance for people who refuse to show any regards for the lives of animals. I simply don't understand how human beings can be so so cruel to these helpless animals, which by virtue of nature, cannot fend for themselves. I hope whoever did this will pay for it, and if the cat eventually dies, I hope the soul of the cat will continue to haunt the very person who did this deed to the cat for the rest of his/her life. I do hope for this inhumane bugger to be caught and severely punished. Let's see if he can take it if we were to put 13 bullets into his head.
Such stories of animal cruelty always makes me mad and sad. It is, though, remarkable that the cat was still able to walk home after his ordeal. The very behaviour of the cat trying to get home to his owners is so,so heart-wrenching...but it is looking like the cat Smokey is a survivor.
I have absolutely zero tolerance for people who refuse to show any regards for the lives of animals. I simply don't understand how human beings can be so so cruel to these helpless animals, which by virtue of nature, cannot fend for themselves. I hope whoever did this will pay for it, and if the cat eventually dies, I hope the soul of the cat will continue to haunt the very person who did this deed to the cat for the rest of his/her life. I do hope for this inhumane bugger to be caught and severely punished. Let's see if he can take it if we were to put 13 bullets into his head.
Such stories of animal cruelty always makes me mad and sad. It is, though, remarkable that the cat was still able to walk home after his ordeal. The very behaviour of the cat trying to get home to his owners is so,so heart-wrenching...but it is looking like the cat Smokey is a survivor.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
DSLR Series: SG
Silver Bullet managed to squeeze in a couple of hours over the weekend with Barcajax as his personal tour guide to capture the ever changing landscape of Singapore. It has really been a while since I last walk these places. I have to admit that Singapore is looking so glorious as the day passes. There is a certain air of tranquility in these pictures here too...I miss taking a walk around here. It must have been quite nice.
Silver Bullet also got busy with a couple of other random shots.
The famous Hari Raya's spread of goodies:
Maxwell blending in with the couch:
Silver Bullet also got busy with a couple of other random shots.
The famous Hari Raya's spread of goodies:
Maxwell blending in with the couch:
The loot
Our loot from Singapore to last us for the rest of the year in case of starvation ... :p
and add on to THAT, our fridge is now filled again with frozen food from Singapore that cannot be found in Thailand!
Let's see ...we have the rendang, red chicken, briyani, marinated satays, dalcha, pineapple tarts, sugee, cornflake cookies, chocolate chip cookies, rainbow cake brownies, Ramli burger patties, curry pau, 2 kg of uncooked deng-dengs...hmmm..not nearly enough to feed the whole building, me-thinks! Should I SOS?
Singapore kiasuism at its best, I tell you! ;D
and add on to THAT, our fridge is now filled again with frozen food from Singapore that cannot be found in Thailand!
Let's see ...we have the rendang, red chicken, briyani, marinated satays, dalcha, pineapple tarts, sugee, cornflake cookies, chocolate chip cookies, rainbow cake brownies, Ramli burger patties, curry pau, 2 kg of uncooked deng-dengs...hmmm..not nearly enough to feed the whole building, me-thinks! Should I SOS?
Singapore kiasuism at its best, I tell you! ;D
Ah-Max the Old-timer
One of the biggest draw about going home is seeing my old friend, Maxwell again. He is such a sweet , sweet, darling not-so-little boy and has been with the family for about 9 years now. This is one cat that's always up for a little bit of misadventures at times with his super friendly and trusting nature. Currently, he is a little on the obese side rolling in at about 10kg so far
This bugger likes to sprawl around at home or on his chosen human lap when he is not out of the house. He has this funny habit of meowing rather loudly at anyone who walks past him without petting him if he so happens to sprawl in your way and you ignore him. It is really funny to watch him do that and shock whoever that person in question is - it's as if he does not like you to trespass his area without a simple hi. Usually, he'll purr rather than meow in annoyance at you if you just give him a pet or scratch on his head when you happen to walk past him as he sprawls away.
This bugger likes to sprawl around at home or on his chosen human lap when he is not out of the house. He has this funny habit of meowing rather loudly at anyone who walks past him without petting him if he so happens to sprawl in your way and you ignore him. It is really funny to watch him do that and shock whoever that person in question is - it's as if he does not like you to trespass his area without a simple hi. Usually, he'll purr rather than meow in annoyance at you if you just give him a pet or scratch on his head when you happen to walk past him as he sprawls away.He is also one of those cats who takes an instant liking to Silver Bullet. I am certain he recognizes me as his human choice once when I'm home as he does call for the needful attention. But somehow, he seems to struggle in making his decision of who he should be focusing on when he finds me sitting next to Silver Bullet. While he walks towards me, looks at me and purrs with one paw on me, he has his other paws and backside on Silver Bullet as if to say to me, " I know I know you and I do like you...but I kinda also like him too. Maybe a bit better". No bonus points for guessing who Ah-Max decides to snuggle up to in the end. Ahhh! The antics of a cat.
Mom's dish of love!
It is always a pleasure to be back in Singapore even if it’s only for a few days. It always is nice to spend some time with my family and have a little catch-up time with some friends along the way in whatever little time I have in this once a year Hari Raya (aka Idulfitri) ritual of cleaning, baking, cooking and gathering with family and friends for feasting. That, my friends, also means coming home to be an absolute glutton as we get fed and fattened-up with a lot of home-cooked yummilicious food, along with all sorts of sinful goodies specifically prepared for the festivities of Hari Raya. Indeed, it ain’t every day that we get to eat what my mom has labouriously cooked as we onerously have to stuff ourselves silly with them…
I know I’m home when I can smell that familiar aroma of mom's cooking the moment I open my eyes. During this time, the whole house is filled with nothing but the fragrance of my mom’s cooking and baking for several days. Nothing like mom’s food prepared out of love! Sizzling hot from these magic woks bearing her key signature dishes where everyone raves about...
Ayam Masak Merah
Beef Rendang
Sambal Prawn with Quail Eggs
Of course, the above is just not complete without my mom's home-made briyani, vegetable dhalcha, sayur lodeh and the pineapple patchri. All of which I had forgotten to take a photo of since I got busy entertaining guests and stuffing my face at the same time.
Nothing like authentic food from home. Mom's cooking is always the best!
I know I’m home when I can smell that familiar aroma of mom's cooking the moment I open my eyes. During this time, the whole house is filled with nothing but the fragrance of my mom’s cooking and baking for several days. Nothing like mom’s food prepared out of love! Sizzling hot from these magic woks bearing her key signature dishes where everyone raves about...
Ayam Masak Merah
Beef Rendang
Sambal Prawn with Quail Eggs
Of course, the above is just not complete without my mom's home-made briyani, vegetable dhalcha, sayur lodeh and the pineapple patchri. All of which I had forgotten to take a photo of since I got busy entertaining guests and stuffing my face at the same time.
Nothing like authentic food from home. Mom's cooking is always the best!
Missing SG already
It only took a few minutes to miss Singapore and the entirety of its modern, civilized and efficient world the moment we set our foot back into Thailand’s soil and, into the arms of annoyingly grumpy-mr-know-it-all Bangkok’s taxi drivers. The ride home was less than pleasant as our cabbie took us for a bunch of tourists who doesn’t know our way around and nagged at us throughout the journey for not telling him the “right” location. It’s as if we don’t know where we live and as if it’s our fault that he misunderstood what we told him earlier at the airport. While we insisted on going to our right location, he kept insisting on another “right” location of where we want to go. It would only take one wrong turn to get stuck in rush-hour traffic for more than 2 hours if Silver Bullet hadn’t argued of the cabbie’s “right way”. We had a moron of a taxi driver and literally had to endure an earful of Thai gibberish and abuse as he scolded us for telling him the “wrong way” all the way home from the airport.
Times like this, I can’t help but compare how different it would be if this is Singapore. It is really so much easier to get around in good ole Singapore where people are more civilised. Thailand still has a long way to catch up. That’s why it’s always good to get out of crazy Bangkok every so often and remind myself that no matter what it sets out to be, Thailand is still a third-world country. And so, I have to adapt accordingly and be reminded once again that inefficiency and ineffectiveness is once again the norm, has to be accepted and any form of courtesy and kindness is a bonus.
Times like this, I can’t help but compare how different it would be if this is Singapore. It is really so much easier to get around in good ole Singapore where people are more civilised. Thailand still has a long way to catch up. That’s why it’s always good to get out of crazy Bangkok every so often and remind myself that no matter what it sets out to be, Thailand is still a third-world country. And so, I have to adapt accordingly and be reminded once again that inefficiency and ineffectiveness is once again the norm, has to be accepted and any form of courtesy and kindness is a bonus.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Terms of endearment?
It's always a welcome sight to be watching the furries minding their own business after a long, hard day at work. I could sit for hours and watch their little antics from afar while smiling to myself as I fish out my camera and candidly video them as I wind down for the evening.
Absolutely no care in the world. It's nice to be a house-cat.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Cutting some security slack
To a certain extend, I do agree that airport security measures can be such a pain in the ass, especially when some airports do tend to take their security measures to the extreme. It is so bloody inconvenient to be removing your shoes, your belts, your jackets, emptying your pockets and what nots in the name of security. However, I also understand the reasons behind it and what better way than just to comply for that few minutes of inconvenience for a better peace of mind.
Thailand, of course, as always, has her way of doing things. One of which is a new rule to drop the pre-boarding screening procedures. What scares me is not the fact that they are slacking off here, rather the drop of this measure will essentially breach global aviation security standards. TiT.
Somehow, I do think that their priority should be first to drop off the scams that have been going on at the duty-free area in Suvarnabhum.
Thailand, of course, as always, has her way of doing things. One of which is a new rule to drop the pre-boarding screening procedures. What scares me is not the fact that they are slacking off here, rather the drop of this measure will essentially breach global aviation security standards. TiT.
Somehow, I do think that their priority should be first to drop off the scams that have been going on at the duty-free area in Suvarnabhum.
Monday, September 14, 2009
"Speculaas"
...Sweet dreams are made of these...
At the moment, the recipe is written in Dutch so I can't even understand the gibberish of the ingredients required...;p. This thing, though, when broken into smaller pieces are so yummilicious. Speculaas is quite the typical Dutch treat. Silver Bullet is so proud of his new-found skills that he even made an extra batch so we can bring them back to Singapore.
Silver Bullet got into his chef mode recently and decided to make some Gingerbread cookies using his family's secret recipe.
1. Mixture of a bunch of stuff he brought from home...
2. Freshly baked and piping hot from the oven...ta-daaaaaaaaa!
At the moment, the recipe is written in Dutch so I can't even understand the gibberish of the ingredients required...;p. This thing, though, when broken into smaller pieces are so yummilicious. Speculaas is quite the typical Dutch treat. Silver Bullet is so proud of his new-found skills that he even made an extra batch so we can bring them back to Singapore.
Ahh! The heavenly Dutch treats...
Funny sign spotted
You gotta laugh! Just what the hell is "eyehole pain" and "hand anesthesia"? Wonder what's a rolling massage? hee..heh! Amazing Thailand.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
4 Day work week
It seems that the 4-day work week concept apparently isn't as far fetched as I thought it would be when I blogged about it a few months ago here. Apparently, a friend of Silver Bullet's back in Holland is currently enjoying his 4-day work week and and and....get this: legally employed! In fact, not only he is having a 4-day work week, his girlfriend in yet another different profession, is too having the same perks and legally employed all the same! Not just a 4-day work week, mind you, but a 4-day work week with only 35 hours of work.
In fact, just about a week ago, Time magazine published an article on this 4-day work week thing that's currently happening in Utah.
Now, ain't all that something!
I'm only wishing employers from this part of the world would just, for once, consider this option for the well-being of their employees. It seems like the only right thing to do. And in truth, the only reason why this 4-day work week thing came to mind again is because I am currently feeling sorry for the bunch of us who have been pulling an all-nighter for weeks and months, and at present slaving our weekends away back in the souless office building to achieve the impossible.
If there is a world-wide campaign on a 4-day work week, I'm in! But for now, it's back to work...
In fact, just about a week ago, Time magazine published an article on this 4-day work week thing that's currently happening in Utah.
Now, ain't all that something!
I'm only wishing employers from this part of the world would just, for once, consider this option for the well-being of their employees. It seems like the only right thing to do. And in truth, the only reason why this 4-day work week thing came to mind again is because I am currently feeling sorry for the bunch of us who have been pulling an all-nighter for weeks and months, and at present slaving our weekends away back in the souless office building to achieve the impossible.
If there is a world-wide campaign on a 4-day work week, I'm in! But for now, it's back to work...
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Oopsy big time!
Note to self (and other not-so-guilty parties): Be careful what you post on FB.
Overall this video on "How FB account can get you fired" seems almost hilarious. But, but.. it will not be funny anymore if you yourself happened to be the subject. The fact that every single one in your contacts can see the message that was posted ain't too funny either. Tch Tch Tch...
Overall this video on "How FB account can get you fired" seems almost hilarious. But, but.. it will not be funny anymore if you yourself happened to be the subject. The fact that every single one in your contacts can see the message that was posted ain't too funny either. Tch Tch Tch...
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Comic Sans
Who'd have thought the Comic Sans font type could create such a big issue?
Say what you will, but I do not mind the font. It's readable, casual, non-threatening and even seems friendly. What's wrong with all that? Not professional? I can agree if it all seems unreadable, but otherwise, it's a matter of personal taste.
I know of a few people who would cry mother, cry father from not liking the font type, size and colour. Me-thinks that there are, however, plenty of other better things to be concerned about rather than nit-picking on font types used. Like making sure of the right spelling for one, which certainly cannot be covered by the type of fonts used.
Say what you will, but I do not mind the font. It's readable, casual, non-threatening and even seems friendly. What's wrong with all that? Not professional? I can agree if it all seems unreadable, but otherwise, it's a matter of personal taste.
I know of a few people who would cry mother, cry father from not liking the font type, size and colour. Me-thinks that there are, however, plenty of other better things to be concerned about rather than nit-picking on font types used. Like making sure of the right spelling for one, which certainly cannot be covered by the type of fonts used.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Counting down
Silver Bullet will be coming home! Usually, I would be surprised as to how fast time flies, as the next thing I knew, he's already back. Somehow, his being away this time felt too long despite me being extremely busy.
Not too far away now...
I reckon it would be a nice change after waking up to only Fudge snuggling up to me these days. In less than 10 hours, I would be entitled to a much needed snuggly time of my own! Can't wait. I think I'm having butterflies in my stomach...which essentially is not very me.
Weird.
Not too far away now...
I reckon it would be a nice change after waking up to only Fudge snuggling up to me these days. In less than 10 hours, I would be entitled to a much needed snuggly time of my own! Can't wait. I think I'm having butterflies in my stomach...which essentially is not very me.
Weird.
Caramel Croissant Pudding
Watching Nigella on Discovery Travel & Living last night put some sinful thoughts in my head. I like how she creates express meals and desserts, with a lot of LUST to go with it! Just watching her devouring her Caramel Croissant Pudding creation is enough to push me over the edge of making my own pudding. Thanks to her, the mere image of the darn pudding has been occupying my mind since last night and for the whole of today!
I am weak-willed when it comes to food and I do enjoy the occasional traditional English bread and butter pudding. So, armed with ingredients, I followed her recipe (minus the bourbon) and started making the pudding at 11.30 p.m. So easy to make, so simple, so quick and oh-so-heavenly for a late night supper. Doesn't that just look so very decadent for a late night munchies?
I am weak-willed when it comes to food and I do enjoy the occasional traditional English bread and butter pudding. So, armed with ingredients, I followed her recipe (minus the bourbon) and started making the pudding at 11.30 p.m. So easy to make, so simple, so quick and oh-so-heavenly for a late night supper. Doesn't that just look so very decadent for a late night munchies?There was a reason why I stopped baking for more than 2 years already...
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Apocalypto
I've watched this movie thrice and I still love it. One of the best movies ever! Thinking back, I would have never picked out the movie by the title alone. When Aunt Antsy mentioned it to me before I got to know about it, I actually rolled my eye-balls, as the title struck me as a no-brainer alien invasion type of film. With the exception of Star Wars, I really do hate those type of movies. Only when I saw the DVD cover was I convinced that Apocalypto is not just what it seems. The Mayan language used in the movie was really beautiful, the gore and intensity of the cinematography are simply top-notch.
In my mind, Mel Gibson is definitely a better director than an actor. Apocalyto rates very high on my top 20.
In my mind, Mel Gibson is definitely a better director than an actor. Apocalyto rates very high on my top 20.
Living Simply
The less time I have for myself, given that I'm spending more time at work, confirms the fact that I don't really need all that much to keep me going. What I really need is just food, water and sleep. The very basic of Maslow hierarchy of needs. The physiological needs. Because without those, I can't function even if they keep pumping my salary into the bank every month. Because I spend most of my waking hours working, it means I don't have the time to be spending the money that I earn.
Does that make for a very sad existence? Not at this point since those basic needs are hardly being fulfilled while trying to get to the top of the pyramid (self-actualisation) and somewhat securing the middle pyramid (safety/love & belonging/esteem). To me, it is a testament of a certain possibility of living your life simply. Forget the fact that it will make a sad existence. Think about the fact that while trying to earn your bread and butter, we can get by with less. No need for other material things. Live simply. Focus on the needs, not the wants; and still lead a decent, happy life.
Which brings me to another point whenever Silver Bullet asks me what I want for my birthday. My biggest problem is giving him a specific answer. I can't think of anything and that's because there's nothing I really,really want. For some reason, big rocks, diamonds, jewellery and what nots are also just not my thing. What do I do with those stuff anyway?
So maybe, just maybe, it's a good thing I can't think of anything tangible I want or need. That would just mean I don't need much material things to keep me happy.
Does that make for a very sad existence? Not at this point since those basic needs are hardly being fulfilled while trying to get to the top of the pyramid (self-actualisation) and somewhat securing the middle pyramid (safety/love & belonging/esteem). To me, it is a testament of a certain possibility of living your life simply. Forget the fact that it will make a sad existence. Think about the fact that while trying to earn your bread and butter, we can get by with less. No need for other material things. Live simply. Focus on the needs, not the wants; and still lead a decent, happy life.
Which brings me to another point whenever Silver Bullet asks me what I want for my birthday. My biggest problem is giving him a specific answer. I can't think of anything and that's because there's nothing I really,really want. For some reason, big rocks, diamonds, jewellery and what nots are also just not my thing. What do I do with those stuff anyway?
So maybe, just maybe, it's a good thing I can't think of anything tangible I want or need. That would just mean I don't need much material things to keep me happy.
New discovery
Being in Thailand really rekindled my love for fruits; especially the freshly cut fruits. It definitely is a plus that one doesn't have to travel too far to stumble unto those, since they are always so readily available by the roadside - cheap and clean, almost at any time of the day.
I always have a thing for guavas. I thought they are already quite addictive in itself, until I recently discovered these...
If you look closely, the green is much brighter. The fruit almost looks artificial, but it is still as crispy as the normal guavas. The difference is actually in the taste...kind of plum-ish. Remember those days when guavas are sprinkled with powdered plums before eating them? This is close to it, except that you don't have to deal with the powdered plum mess, since they used plum sauce to preserve these guavas.
One bite and I'm addicted. My only gripe with this fruit is with the seeds, as they are potential hazard for an emergency visit to the dentist if you accidentally chew on them too hard.
I always have a thing for guavas. I thought they are already quite addictive in itself, until I recently discovered these...
If you look closely, the green is much brighter. The fruit almost looks artificial, but it is still as crispy as the normal guavas. The difference is actually in the taste...kind of plum-ish. Remember those days when guavas are sprinkled with powdered plums before eating them? This is close to it, except that you don't have to deal with the powdered plum mess, since they used plum sauce to preserve these guavas.
One bite and I'm addicted. My only gripe with this fruit is with the seeds, as they are potential hazard for an emergency visit to the dentist if you accidentally chew on them too hard.
Ms Grumps
If looks could kill! Funny how this furball has completely ignored me since Silver Bullet went away. I thought she would at least attempt to "make friends" with me when she eventually realizes that Silver Bullet is not around. I guess I was wrong. Two weeks later, she is still in her anti-social mode. She would only show her utmost affection to Silver Bullet, and only Silver Bullet can pet her for prolonged period of time. I wonder if she'll come around any time soon. She really is Silver Bullet's cat, this one.
Friday, September 4, 2009
40 Years
Apparently the internet turned 40 today! Isn't that just an amazing accomplishment as to how human and technology has evolved? I was only in my pre-teens when the web went public!
Here's a piece of the excerpt from the same article that marked the 10 key milestones of the almighty internet which I find really interesting:
October 29, 1969: Often regarded as the other key 'birthday' of the internet, this was the day the first message was sent between computers at different sites - when a computer at UCLA sent the message 'login' to a computer at Stanford. Unfortunately, the system crashed, so only 'lo' was sent.
Late 1971: The first emails are sent over the ARPANET network, by Ray Tomlinson - who would also propose the @ sign as being a crucial part of email addresses. Tomlinson says he's forgotten what those first emails actually said, but suspects they were just nonsense text.
1973: The first ARPANET nodes outside of the USA join the network, in the UK and Norway.
January 1985: The first 'top-level domains' - .com, .net, .org, .gov, .edu and .mil - are created.
November 2, 1988: The first major internet worm, written by a student, brings down thousands of computers as it spreads across the network.
Christmas 1990: Tim Berners-Lee, working at nuclear research centre CERN, creates the first World Wide Web server.
August 6, 1991: Berners-Lee announces the World Wide Web to the world, and the web goes public for the first time.
1993: Mosaic, the first graphical web browser, is released, bringing a new level of popularity and accessibility to the web.
4 September, 1998: Larry Page and Sergey Brin incorporate their new search engine company, Google, from a friend's garage in California.
2014: Microsoft finally stops supporting Internet Explorer 6. Wild celebrations ensue worldwide, and a new era of peace and harmony descends over the planet.
What an amazing 40 years of history and development.
The next time anyone (especially those in marketing/advertising) says that internet "is a trend and not relevant to my consumers" really deserves a good smack on the head.
Here's a piece of the excerpt from the same article that marked the 10 key milestones of the almighty internet which I find really interesting:
October 29, 1969: Often regarded as the other key 'birthday' of the internet, this was the day the first message was sent between computers at different sites - when a computer at UCLA sent the message 'login' to a computer at Stanford. Unfortunately, the system crashed, so only 'lo' was sent.
Late 1971: The first emails are sent over the ARPANET network, by Ray Tomlinson - who would also propose the @ sign as being a crucial part of email addresses. Tomlinson says he's forgotten what those first emails actually said, but suspects they were just nonsense text.
1973: The first ARPANET nodes outside of the USA join the network, in the UK and Norway.
January 1985: The first 'top-level domains' - .com, .net, .org, .gov, .edu and .mil - are created.
November 2, 1988: The first major internet worm, written by a student, brings down thousands of computers as it spreads across the network.
Christmas 1990: Tim Berners-Lee, working at nuclear research centre CERN, creates the first World Wide Web server.
August 6, 1991: Berners-Lee announces the World Wide Web to the world, and the web goes public for the first time.
1993: Mosaic, the first graphical web browser, is released, bringing a new level of popularity and accessibility to the web.
4 September, 1998: Larry Page and Sergey Brin incorporate their new search engine company, Google, from a friend's garage in California.
2014: Microsoft finally stops supporting Internet Explorer 6. Wild celebrations ensue worldwide, and a new era of peace and harmony descends over the planet.
What an amazing 40 years of history and development.
The next time anyone (especially those in marketing/advertising) says that internet "is a trend and not relevant to my consumers" really deserves a good smack on the head.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Delirious
...is what I have been feeling since yesterday evening, post my traumatic meeting with the e.v.i.l w.i.t.c.h.e.s from Central.
The funny thing is, I don't feel bad or mad anymore. It's just the way it is, it is just the way they are. When I take a step back, I had to laugh. It all seems really hilarious. When I actually assess the situation, I see cowards who cannot make decisions and would nullify any blames upon themselves. I see individuals who thinks a little bit too much of themselves and that only THEY know more than other people possibly could. I see people who just can't get along with anyone who are just a tad smarter or thinks just a tad differently from them. I see stupidity that breeds arrogance when they try to stultify other people. I see insecure, yet power-hungry individuals who think that respect is earned out of fear for them. I see the sorriest state of the human behaviour in the facade of the corporate world when they try to talk down their comrades and peers, and yet don't have their own point of view. I see people with ZERO self-awareness; while they think so highly of themselves, the entire world just think they are the dumbest people on the planet. I see millions of infectious cancerous cells, ready to annihilate others who rock their tiny little make-believe world. I see bitter individuals who just don't know any better and outrightly refuse to change or learn.
These are the saddest people I have ever met. If I let them affect me, I'll be nearly or just as bad as them, because their ultimate goal is to crush me in every way they can so they feel more powerful. If I break down, they win. Because that's probably their ultimate goal as they have successfully driven all of my 4-5 predecessors to resign in the last 1 and half years or so. That's why I felt delirious. That's why I have to laugh. That's why I decided to let it go, because I actually feel silly for being angry at a bunch of moronic munchkins who wish you nothing but disaster at the end of it. Fighting them might just give me the adverse effect of losing my sanity, be a criminal or death from stress. Maybe I'll just try to get along just one more time, and maybe, just maybe, I'll have the last laugh. The world can certainly be cruel and unfair, but there is also such a thing as karma. What goes round, comes round.
These people, they may have done something right to be able to stay in their jobs. I wonder what their secret is. Perhaps there's much to learn from that. There's always room to learn and grow.
The funny thing is, I don't feel bad or mad anymore. It's just the way it is, it is just the way they are. When I take a step back, I had to laugh. It all seems really hilarious. When I actually assess the situation, I see cowards who cannot make decisions and would nullify any blames upon themselves. I see individuals who thinks a little bit too much of themselves and that only THEY know more than other people possibly could. I see people who just can't get along with anyone who are just a tad smarter or thinks just a tad differently from them. I see stupidity that breeds arrogance when they try to stultify other people. I see insecure, yet power-hungry individuals who think that respect is earned out of fear for them. I see the sorriest state of the human behaviour in the facade of the corporate world when they try to talk down their comrades and peers, and yet don't have their own point of view. I see people with ZERO self-awareness; while they think so highly of themselves, the entire world just think they are the dumbest people on the planet. I see millions of infectious cancerous cells, ready to annihilate others who rock their tiny little make-believe world. I see bitter individuals who just don't know any better and outrightly refuse to change or learn.
These are the saddest people I have ever met. If I let them affect me, I'll be nearly or just as bad as them, because their ultimate goal is to crush me in every way they can so they feel more powerful. If I break down, they win. Because that's probably their ultimate goal as they have successfully driven all of my 4-5 predecessors to resign in the last 1 and half years or so. That's why I felt delirious. That's why I have to laugh. That's why I decided to let it go, because I actually feel silly for being angry at a bunch of moronic munchkins who wish you nothing but disaster at the end of it. Fighting them might just give me the adverse effect of losing my sanity, be a criminal or death from stress. Maybe I'll just try to get along just one more time, and maybe, just maybe, I'll have the last laugh. The world can certainly be cruel and unfair, but there is also such a thing as karma. What goes round, comes round.
These people, they may have done something right to be able to stay in their jobs. I wonder what their secret is. Perhaps there's much to learn from that. There's always room to learn and grow.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Another sight for sore eyes...
...AND my therapy after an excruciatingly bad meeting. Just in time for dinner, too!
Don't they just look absolutely gorgeous? The way they are being displayed surely do whet my appetite big time. What's more, these gelates are served with the wafer-type cone biscuits. Yummy!
Definitely a good way to forget about the work stress for a while. At this rate, I'm gonna be fat in no time! But I'm stressed, so I don't give a crap.
I simply love the chocolate mint flavour, though. Unfortunately, they don't have that flavour for the time being. Who am I kidding, right? Obviously they all go out of stock the moment I start buying the flavours I like...
So I settled for the cookies and cream flavour...and within an hour, I forgot what it tasted like. Must not have been impressive or I'd remember. I still want my chocolate mint.
Don't they just look absolutely gorgeous? The way they are being displayed surely do whet my appetite big time. What's more, these gelates are served with the wafer-type cone biscuits. Yummy!
Definitely a good way to forget about the work stress for a while. At this rate, I'm gonna be fat in no time! But I'm stressed, so I don't give a crap.
I simply love the chocolate mint flavour, though. Unfortunately, they don't have that flavour for the time being. Who am I kidding, right? Obviously they all go out of stock the moment I start buying the flavours I like...
So I settled for the cookies and cream flavour...and within an hour, I forgot what it tasted like. Must not have been impressive or I'd remember. I still want my chocolate mint.
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