Just Cool

Sometimes they just get it right. I mean how can anything with ?uestlove be wrong.

Neslo Days: Kuala Lumpur Pt.1

Four days at Kuala Lumpur for the Malaysian Yoyo Championships. Mostly just to visit the players over there, hang out and take a break from Singapore. Got picked up, we got hauled into a van kidnap style. Something like 47 people in one van.

When we asked for a places to eat around our hotel, we had no idea until Stuart mentioned A&W. Unanimous decision. Root Beer Float. Sorry make that a Double Scoop, Root Beer Float. I still think they could use work on their main courses though, their burgers are still nothing spectacular.

Checked out the Rubik's Cube event also happening at our hotel in the morning. There were a few Singaporeans that went there to compete as well. Some sick skills there.

The real reason I went is because over there, everyday we drink Neslo. Neslo is Nescafe(coffee) and Milo(chocolate). I guess that makes it kind of like mocha, but not overpriced and freakin awesome. And they all thought I was there to watch the competition.

Triple Legendary

Dave Matthews Band plays

Jimi Hendrix's All Along the Watchtower and transitions into

Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven.

Crazy.

Sick. Be Back Soon.

I woke up on Christmas feeling feverish and weak. Endured that ish to do all the merry making and all that. Went to the 24 hour clinic at the end of the day. When the receptionist took my temp it read 36.5 (0.5 below normal). I joked that I wouldn't be seeing the doctor then.

Some More S'mores

In America, Roasted Marshmallows + Chocolate + Cracker = S'more.

In this case, leftover marshmallows are fried and placed on a Jacob's biscuit with Nutella spread. I didn't think it would be great but it definitely tasted awesome. Thanks F for the idea!

If I Don't Wake Up Tomorrow

Blame it on the Marshmallows.

Does It Have Like a Cool Name?

Umm.. it's called Crusher, 2010

From the Overheard Conversations

I found out about the Har Jeong Kai (Prawn Paste Chicken) Burger. Pretty good if you're looking for something above fast food. It starts a tad salty but I think it will grow on you!

Support the locals @ Everything With Fries, Orchard Central.

Pepsi Cola 1, 2, 3!!

Got destroyed by the kids (who were probably skiving from Dance Camp) at that old schoolyard game haha. They're much faster than I thought. Got back at them in good ole' Catching though.

Sometimes All You Need

Is the right words and good typography.

Most of the Important Things In the World

Have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.

Don't Need Another Perfect Line

So nice to see the Cello and Classical Music (specifically Bach's Cello Suite No.1 Prelude) still have a place in today's music landscape! Please Rock the Cello!

Let's Rock Out!

About time we got some good old hardcore rocking going on. None of that wussy emo stuff. Some no holds barred, guitar shredding, unapologetic, actually epic even before that word became trendy, heavy metal.

Here's a playlist I created of their known setlist!

P.S. Please don't tell my mother.

Sweet Masquerade

Chris posing with the centerpiece of her custom order cake made for her Masquerade party: a Mask made of (I guess) sugar. Happy Birthday!

Future Selfs

Today a boy lost one of his rare Digimon cards and was so upset he almost cried. I told him that 10 years from now, he will look back and think it's ridiculous getting upset over something trivial like that and he won't even care for Digimon cards.

I then proceeded to tell myself the exact same thing. Minus the Digimon cards.

Reminder to Check Out

Quaint store along Prinsep Street we passed by on a late night hunt for Beancurd. Quick search reveals they have a "Garlic Buttered Prawn" Pancake! Sounds like fun don't you think?

The $20 Week: Days 5, 6 & 7

I realized I didn't post what happened through the last days of the week.

I basically felt a little sick on Day 5 but still went to the BBQ for some free food in exchange for some work done.

Day 6 the flu + sore throat combo kicked in full force. I still went to work and spent my last $3.50 on bottled water. Dinner was sponsored by a kind friend who owes me money anyway so that was a little :) on a bad day.

Balance left: -$1.50

Day 7 I couldn't take it and got Panadol Cold at $5.80. I had no idea those generic pills were so expensive and so terribly ineffective at making me feel any better. Pulled myself through work, went home and crashed.

Balance left: -$7.30

(BTW this Chinese Herbal Tea donated by a good friend is much better than Panadol Cold. Get it at your resident Chinese Medicine shop. 1 Bag makes 2-3 cups)

So it looks like I failed to keep within the $20 mark but hey, this still is easily the most economical week of the last 4 years of my life. I reckon I saved at least $30 there.

I guess the greatest thing I learnt was just how much I spend taking the taxi. This week alone, I've already spent $15.50 on taxi rides. I would have easily made the $20 mark if i took public transport instead :(

So once again Mr. Ong, manage your time well please and you can be a rich kid!

Busy!

Sorry for the recent lack of updates! Basically been busy out with friends and studying for my exams and doing some work! Here's your obligatory end of year Christmas lights shot from Vivocity while unsuccessfully searching for my Power Ranger mask.

Such a Character

Songs usually are sang by few people using many words. Bobby McFerrin pulls one out of thin air with many people, using few words.

Twenty years after telling the world to Don't Worry Be Happy, Bobby is still amazing. I know that he's always been championing improvisation, acapella and crowd interaction for a while now but this is definitely beyond what I thought is even possible.

Save the World: Put This Into N.Korea Leader Kim Jong Un's Ipod

D'you wear a black armband when they shot the man who said

"Peace could last forever"

And in my first memories they shot Kennedy

I went numb when I learned to see

So I never fell for Vietnam we got the wall of D.C. to remind us all

That you can't trust freedom when it's not in your hands

When everybody's fightin' for their promised land

And I don't need your civil war

It feeds the rich while it buries the poor

The power hungry sellin' soldiers in a human grocery store

Ain't that fresh

I don't need your civil war

What's so civil about war anyway?

So Much Greatness

Crammed into 5 short minutes and a kickin soundtrack. Must watch.

Please note however, that the running on water and Federer hitting the can off the dude's head have been proved to be faked. A couple of the basketball shots too are possibly fake.

Tonight the Streets Are Ours

The most important film about art by the most important artist of our time. Not showing in Singapore, so email me (or just let me know) if you'd like to see it.

You should.

Riviera Club

Showing you how to rock the pink jeans without looking like a girl/clown/crazy.

It Runs In the Family

Simpson's Taiqi Master Grandfather. I'm at a loss for words.

The $20 Week: Day 4

Taxis will be the death of me.

Taxi to make it in time for school: $3.00

Ham & Cheese Pretz: $1.20

Taxi to catch last bus: $8.50

Total Expenditure: $12.70

Balance Left: $2.00

I don't know how I'm going to survive the next 3 days really. Really want to go to the Spinworkx BBQ tomorrow. I'm wondering if I can convince myself it was last week's spending and dish up the $10 for that.

The $20 Week: Day 3

Stayed home all day. Best move all week. Not only did I not spend anything, I convinced myself I was too lazy to go out there and satisfy my Tim Tam craving. BTW this was what I meant by Celestial Peaches and as far as I know, I'm right.

Total Expenditure: $0.00

Balance Left: $14.70

Second zero dollar day. I'm on a roll!

Rodney Would Be Proud

Kilian Martin takes Rodney Mullen's dizzying array of old school freestyle tricks and throws in a couple more boards, a whole lot of creativity, and a crazy ass tree plant @ 2:20.

Simpson Rocks Halloween

Playing yoyo in a ridiculous dragon suit! Looks pretty fun to me! Bet he won every costume contest he played yoyo at!

The $20 Week: Day 2

It rained extra heavy today because the Baby Gods were crying because I stole the Celestial Peaches from Heaven and they had none to eat. I kept them in my pouch beside the Western Scriptures and ate them for dinner. While they weren't that tasty, they kept me from starving.

Total Expenditure: $0.00

Balance Left: $14.70

The $20 Week: Day 1

Get to school on time Taxi fare: $4.00

Bring a water bottle out next time Apple Juice: $1.30

Total expenditure: $5.30

Balance left: $14.70

Overspending already?

The $20 Week

Inspired by shopping sprees, dwindling funds and the Iron Maiden Concert, I have challenged myself to survive 7 whole days on S$20. That's November 15 till November 22 10a.m.

This S$20 will not include public transport, phone bills and home food. Everything else will be counted. I will make it a point to still try and hangout with my friends and NOT leech off them.

Time to bust out the Peanut Butter Jelly Sandwiches. Wish me luck.

Hidden in the Hearlands

Botak Jones @ Toa Payoh (6 min from Braddell MRT) has a nice outdoor seating that is a nice place to hang out! Also serves up mean Burgers beside a quaint kopitiam bar! Perfect for indefinite lazing arounds!

Love Punch!

Think she stole the ring from this dude.

Fashion Should Be Fun

Opening Ceremony and Agnes B drop a fashion video that's actually kinda fun to watch! I wish we could have fun like that with clothes and friends~

What is a G6?

I'm not sure there's a technical term for what he does @ 1:25. But I know that it is sexy.

Go to School Early Today!

After staying up all night looking at expensive clothes. Reversible jacket by James Perse.

Just The Best Damn Beef Noodles

Thai Noodle House @ 5 Coronation Road, #01-03 Coronation Arcade.

From Backyard to Space

Father and son tie a camera to a balloon and send it to space. This is the footage.

I think it is such an amazing idea. To create your own spacecraft, send it to space and retrieve the footage, all with your son in for the ride.

I want to be that kind of father.

Like Secondary School

Caught them tying up my shoelaces while I was sleeping.

Then Break Danced with them all tied up in the student lounge.

Decadence

When in doubt, add whipped cream and syrup. Thick toast @ Romulus, Ngee Ann Alumni.

Screw Destiny

Gunslinger: All You Need Is Bullets

My question is this. At what point does it become more about juggling?

via Dimi.

I Don't Even Like Cute

But I really like Elmoscar!

Pretty Colours~

Pity the product looks pale in comparison though? I don't even know exactly what it is?

Enjoyable

The company. Not so much the candy.

:p

The Greatest Rapper You Never Heard Of

Will never be heard again. Michael Larsen better known as Eyedea left us 17th October 2010 and I don't know where to begin.

The world has lost a rapper that is in so many ways simply unparalleled. A genius ahead of his time, his raps appear many times difficult to listen to because they are some of the deepest, most profound hiphop ever recorded. If you actually read his lyrics as you follow his songs however, you find that they move you, inspire you and open your eyes.

Right now though, amidst all the sorrow, they just make me Smile. (Choice lyrics below to help you follow the song)

The sadly married set up alibis. No harm, no regret,

hoping they meet an angel in bed that can wrestle the devil right out of their heads

This city runs fast, no one has time to sit with themselves,

no time to look into our pain or see the same despair in everyone else

its here, its there, its everywhere tears soak each card the dealers dealt

But time taught me how to see every second as heaven even though they're perfectly disguised as hell

Despite the wars founded by the rich, funded by the poor

kids barely 18 are dying so billionaires can make more

elsewhere hungry mothers watch their babies starve to death in a beat up shack on a dirt floor

I can only build if I tear the walls down

even if it breaks me I wont let it make me frown

I'm falling but no matter how hard I hit the ground

I'll still smile

:-)

Old Starbucks Trick

Warning: Does not pick up girls.

Rock Your Ride

The French are definitely over doing it but I really wouldn't mind getting to school late just to see two rival Kung Fu schools fight over me.

(If you're still clueless as to what's going on, I believe the train company gathers information on a few lucky commuters and plans an elaborate surprise as they travel)

Picked Up a Free Coconut Tree

On the the road while walking to ZT's house. Awesome!

Covertly planted it in his neighbour's backyard. I wish it all the best in growing up to be a healthy strong Coconut tree!

Reed Space Online Store

I've always been a fan of Staple Design (the guys behind the infamous Pigeon Dunk) and their retail front Reed Space so it is nice to know they finally have an online store.

Like the brick and mortar establishment, the store boasts an excellent choice of products including this sneaker esque Desert Boot by SeaVees.

Mass Order/Spree anyone? >.<

Still Relevant

16 years ago this song became an anti-war sentiment that resonated through the world against in particular the conflict in Ireland. Today although Ireland now has peace, the world is still a troubled one. I hate to say it but 16 years later, this song is still relevant.

I hope I don't have to say the same thing 16 years from now.

Don't Let Anyone Else Decide

How awesome you are. Red pens are $1.30 at the book store, smiley faces are free.

Ice Cream Can Be Funny

For the older people, Island Creamery has Chendol ice cream and a wall where you can paste pictures of you and your friends. The kids however, get a wicked cookies and cream, stationery to draw on, and a wall to showcase their work.

Kobe Bryant: Let Me Do Me

To play in Jordan's wake is a tough thing to do and I think we've given him enough discredit. He has definitely matured into the greatest player in the game today and I think it's about time we let him do him.

Ahead of His Time

Winston is a 5 year old kid I met at Downtown East. He won a free card by spelling the whole digimon website address after just looking at it twice. He also told me that 3*9=27 before kicking my butt at the game.

So Much Work, So Much Beautiful

Droppin more patterns than I ever thought was even possible, from France.

I Tried to Get Her to Buy Me Dinner

But all I got was Taiwanese meatball noodles and Milk Tea. Well they were both awesome and I'm not exactly complaining.

To Be Responsible For Your Own Dreams

You just can't deny. Goosebumps @ 3:45.

It is difficult to translate but I think when he said "要为自己的梦想负责", he meant to say the same way parents have a responsibility to their children to raise them well into adults of value, we have a responsibility to your dreams to turn them into reality.

You owe it to your dreams. Don't let them down now.

Heartbreak Music

Everyone is breaking up around me. My social network feeds are full of songs like these. But hey, they say the whole music industry is really powered by sad love songs and I guess musicians need to pay rent too so...

No Bells No Whistles

No fancy costumes, no crazy stage lighting

Just a performer, his ideas, and a whole lot of skill.

via Willie

Triptych

Christina with Yoyo, 2010.

Speechless

I've heard that if you touch a certain part of a shark's nose they enter a trance like state. But to make a shark float vertically is just...

Ballin in the City

Saw this across the road on the way home. Free to play basketball court @ Velocity, Novena. Rim is dented though but the kids still ball the crap out of it. More motivation to get my knee better so I can play!

Elegant Tributes Do Her No Justice

When asked by foreigners, I always introduced Lee Kuan Yew as the godfather of Singapore. With the passing of his wife Mdm Kwa Geok Choo yesterday, I feel Singapore mourns the loss of our godmother. The woman who stood behind and unwaveringly supported in so many ways, the most important man in our nation's history.

I don't know her personally and I think few do. But if anyone needs any indication of her brilliance, just look upon this miracle of a city, breathe its air and feel its pulse. I think she gave us that.

Thank you Mrs Lee, and goodbye.

Final Four @ Tampines Mall

Digimon Data Carddass Finalists from left: Randell, Boon "Giant Killer" Hsuan, Leroy, Jia Jun.

Some very exciting matches all around. Great performances by 7 year old Boon Hsuan for coming in second, and of course Leroy, who at one point was down to one Starmon (Champion Level) but pulled off a massive comeback against two Creepymons (Mega Level) and then went on to win the competition.

Edit: I previously published that Boon Hsuan pulled off the massive comeback. That has been rectified.

Happy Children's Day

Good Friends, Good Music, Good Food

What else can one ask for. Happy Birthday, Chong!

How to Make Bubble Tea Mooncake

1. Get a tea flavoured mooncake. I ate the tea flavoured one so I'll use the yam flavoured one. Let's call it Yam Bubble Milk Tea Mooncake.

2. Flip it upside down and cut out a piece from underneath. Keep that piece intact (do not eat it).

3. cut up some pearls and put them inside.

4. Cover the pearls with cut out piece of mooncake.

5. Flip it over. Yam Bubble Tea Mooncake.