Not Funny.... meh?

Somehow, nobody else finds this comics funny. Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?? :(

I find it hilarious. Don't you? Maybe I am a freak with a skewed sense of humour.



----------------
Now playing: Dishwalla - Angels Or Devils
via FoxyTunes

Now, for the weather report.

Meteorologists in Singapore must have one of the easiest and most boring jobs around...

In The House

He's back! The best anti-hero of all time, Dr. Gregory House *rapturous applause*


House-isms:

"Everybody lies."


“Ideas are not soda cans. Recycling sucks.”


“No, if you talk to God you’re religious. If God talks to you, you’re psychotic.”


“Awesome. A sex fiend with a swollen tongue. Think of all the places I can make Foreman search.”


Cameron – “What are you looking for?”
House – “Same as you. Love, acceptance, a solid return in investment.”


Chase – “We’ve got an MRI scheduled in twenty minutes. Earliest Foreman could get the machine.”
House – “I teach you to lie and cheat and steal and the second my back is turned you wait in line!”


Cameron: Men should grow up.
House: And dogs should stop licking themselves, but it isn't gonna happen.


Dr. House: [talking to Wilson about a patient and quickly changing the subject as he sees Dr. Cuddy coming] —the cutest little tennis outfit! My God, I thought I was going to have a heart attack! Oh my! I didn't see you there - That is so embarrassing...
Dr. Cuddy: How's your hooker doing?
Dr. House: Oh, sweet of you to ask, funny story, she was going to be a hospital administrator, but hated having to screw people like that.



----------------
Now playing: Maria Taylor - Song beneath the song
via FoxyTunes

The End To A Saga

This book was to be the one that finally provided an end to an epic story that has lasted over 2 decades. The grandfather of the science fiction genre, Frank Herbert's universe has kept countless minds enthralled in a reality where Sandworms were worshipped and spice was the currency. Where the noble Artreides and evil Harkonnen families feuded. Where politics always brought with it the danger of the poison tipped dagger. Frank Herbert made you fall in love with loyal Duncan Idaho and despise the twisted Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. He made you admire the Fremen for their tenacity while living in the harsh deserts of Dune as well as awe at the ferocity of their Fedykin warriors.

When Brian Herbert announced that he had found a chest of notes belonging to his late father that hinted to how Frank Herbert wished to end the saga, fans of the Dune universe were electrified. They might as well have gone on holding their collective breaths. This book felt like it was going on forever, lost and without any direction, before reaching the last 10th and then realising it all has to come to an end it dropped all plots... before hitting you with a plot twist so big you could see it from chapter 2 of the book. It was a total waste of time. Such a shame, for the legendary Dune and its Sandworms to end on an incredibly weak note.

It was very nice for Brian Herbert to try to finish his father's award winning series. Brian Herbert is an accomplished writer in his own sense, having published a few novels and such. But this time, he might have stepped into shoes too large for him. Namely his father's.

One Never Forgets How To Smoke

Have you ever thought about what protects our hearts?
Just a cage of rib bones and other various parts.
So it's fairly simple to cut right through the mess,
And to stop the muscle that makes us confess.

----------------
Now playing: Ingrid Michaelson - Breakable
via FoxyTunes

Miracle Beer Diet - More bloopers are a click away

A Fremen's Love Song

"Tell me of thine eyes
And I will tell thee of thy heart.
Tell me of thy feet
And I will tell thee of thy hands.
Tell me of thy sleeping
And I will tell thee of thy waking.
Tell me of thy desires
And I will tell thee of thy need."

----------------
Now playing: Depeche Mode - Somebody
via FoxyTunes

Choose your poison

After a conversation with the bartender at Tribeca, she told me that Frangelico is actually quite a hard liquer to work with because of its strong and overpowering taste. Other than the usual suspects Baileys, Coke and Sprite, she didn't really know any other cocktails with Frangelico in them. This is also probably why most pubs and clubs don't carry Frangelico too.... much to my dismay.

Therefore, in an effort to spread the hazelnut love, I present a few recipes I've found online for everyone to try. Go suggest them to your friendly neighbourhood bartender the next time you visit!

1.Better Than Sex recipe:

1/2 oz Frangelico® hazelnut liqueur

1/2 oz Haagen Dazs® cream liqueur
1/4 oz Grand Marnier® orange liqueur
1/2 oz Kahlua® coffee liqueur
1/2 oz cream

Pour the Frangelico hazelnut liqueur, Haagen Dazs cream liqueur, Grand Marnier and Kahlua coffee liqueur into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes. Shake well, and strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Float the cream on top, and serve.


2.Alaskan Polar Bear recipe:

1 oz amaretto almond liqueur
1 oz Frangelico® hazelnut liqueur
1 oz cocoa cream
1 oz chocolate syrup
1 scoop ice cream
1 1/2 oz whipped cream

Blend ingredients until of milkshake consistancy. Serve in a highball glass and garnish with whipped cream.


3.Heavenly Orgasm recipe:

1 oz Frangelico® hazelnut liqueur
1/2 oz amaretto almond liqueur
1/2 oz Bailey's® Irish cream

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker half-filled with cracked ice. Strain into an old-fashioned glass 1/3 filled with ice cubes, and serve.(this one is definitely a girly drink...)


4. Cinnamon Nuts and Cream recipe:

1 oz Frangelico® hazelnut liqueur
1/2 oz cinnamon schnapps
1/2 oz amaretto almond liqueur
1 oz cream

Pour ingredients into a stainless steel shaker over ice,shake until completely cold then strain into a chilled stemmed glass or Rocks glass filled with ice.


and lastly... one that's NOT creamy.


5. French Fry recipe:

1 oz Frangelico® hazelnut liqueur
1/2 oz triple sec
2 oz lime juice
1 dash pineapple juice

Pour the Frangelico hazelnut liqueur, triple sec, lime juice and pineapple juice into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes. Shake well, strain into a highball glass, and serve.


Alright, now go forth my underlings, and spread the word!

spiderpig spiderpng

What to do when you are locked in your own house and it's on fire? Call Spiderpng!

Oh Tri-Joy

Imagine my tri-joy! I now live 3 minutes away from Tribeca... Tribeca now carries my darling Frangelico... They are selling it for only 2 pounds as a shot or with a mixer of your preference. Oh the tri-joy!

The Definition of ROFLOL

It's the little things

It's always the little things and touches that count for the most, isn't it? Like how this glass potpourri defines the finishing touches to my new room. Remembering to wish people on their birthdays. Saying goodbye. It's these little packets of effort that reach the deepest and give the most warmth.

New Pad

Update your address books, this year I will residing at this location:

26 Sackville Place,
Bombay Street,
Manchester,
M1 7AT,
U.K.


Yes, I did choose this location because it is literally 10 seconds away from school and I am a lazy git. :)

Pngday

Schpng turns 24!

Thank you to everyone who made the effort to wish me well this birthday just past. All your warm thoughts and well wishes are greatly appreciated. Thank you. *bows*



----------------
Now playing: Pearl Jam - Alive
via FoxyTunes

So I Read

你说, 我是你心底的一根刺，拔出来疼按进去也疼。
可是,你有想过吗?
你何尝不是我心底的一根刺呢.

但是,我从未想过要拔出来。

----------------
Now playing: 陶喆 - Susan说
via FoxyTunes

In Singapore

Packing can be quite a bitch in Singapore's weather. Occasional thunder storms that drench everyone and everything do nothing to improve moods either. On top of that, I am leaving again in 3 weeks which means.... MORE PACKING.

----------------
Now playing: Michael Bublé - Everything
via FoxyTunes

Last Mayflower Day

I just found out this: my empty room naturally has the acoustics of a concert stadium.

Tell me, this picket fences relationship you speak of, can I apply membership for it? Or is it an exclusive club just for the two of you?

Will I regret this decision to not come home in December?

My thoughts are scattered all over... I think I shall go hoover attack the dust I see on my floor.

On The First Day Of September...

Finally, something that I want to get for myself this birthday. No luck so far at Kino though.

"Death, Gunslinger. But not for you."

"Go then, there are other worlds than these."

And So The Little Prince Said...

"Grown-ups love figures. When you describe a new friend to them, they never ask you about the important things. They never say: 'What's his voice like? What are his favourite games? Does he collect butterflies?' Instead they demand: 'How old is he? How many brothers has he? How much does he weigh? How much does he earn?' Only then do they feel they know him.

To forget a friend is sad. Not everyone has had a friend. And if I do forget him, I might become like those grown-ups who no longer care for anything except figures



----------------
Now playing: Finest Jazz Flavours - Stompin' At The Savoy
via FoxyTunes

Getting Lost in KL

Travelling up to KL was well worth it. Both Andrew and Kuan Ching were marvellous hosts for the period that Aaron and I stayed in Msia.

Maybe it's just me, but the feeling I got from hanging out with Andrew and co. in KL was that everything was very ... chill there (for want of a better word). There wasn't a sense of rush or the need to be somewhere at a certain time that seems to just exude from everyone in Singapore. I admit it might be a biased view as I hung out majorly with people from Manchester. That just means we Manchester people are a cool bunch!

Next up would be Hong Kong before I fly back to Manchester on the 11th. Travelling has done me very well this summer, it is probably one of the few reasons I managed to pull through. That and the support of friends and family of course. Onwards... Hong Kong!

----------------
Now playing: Fergie - Clumsy
via FoxyTunes

Teochew "Hee", Hokkien "Guah"

Passing It On

Resting at Home

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

-Luke 6:37

----------------
Now playing: 曾宝仪 - 没有人
via FoxyTunes

Pulau Tioman

One of the highlights of this summer break, the snorkeling trip with my bros left many great moments in my mind. Good company, food, weather, fun all around and these few moments stood out:

1. Being stalked by a pack of Barracudas. Seeing one of them snap its teeth right in front of us was quite scary.

2. We managed to manufacture our own hydrogen gas bomb.

3. finding out that clams come in blue, purple and even green.

4. proposing to the prettiest clam that turned bright blue as she held tightly onto the blade of leaf I presented to her.

5. going Ramly crazy

6. teaching the locals what is Nestum Ice/Milo Ice/Nescafe Ice "DINOSAUR"

Nineteen Twenties

Watched This

"People say to plan for the future, but do they realize that if all they plan for is the future, many things will be left behind?
Maybe it's because we are born with our eyes in front and ears by the sides that we can't see or hear the things we leave behind."

Last Frantic Burst

song : The Decemberists
mood: wanderlust
book(s)-in-hand: His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman

On the cards:

1. Tioman trip

2. KL trip

3. Hong Kong trip

4. Manchester.

Before I realised, the number of weekends I have left in Singapore amount to less than 5. The familiar routine or stacking things up mentally, preparing a checklist of tasks to complete and psyching myself up for the solitude once again.

Why is it through the frenzied activity, I still find myself thinking of her? Looks like I still have to constantly remind myself to move on. Chuga-chuga-chug-chug.

A truth that's told with bad intentions beats all the lies you can invent
~William Blake

Legal threats towards Singaporean fansub downloaders

sources: wikipedia, anime-source

As of 1 June 2007, Odex has sent letters to people downloading anime fansubs of series from Japanese companies that Odex represents. A copy of the letter may be seen here: [1]. The letter threatens legal action against its recipients. It is stated in the letter that the recipient is given a period of time to contact Odex for an out-of-court settlement, and if Odex is not contacted within the deadline, legal proceedings will be issued. It is unclear how Odex managed to obtain personal information of people that they suspect of downloading anime fansubs using BitTorrent programs, and information as to how many people have actually received such letters were withheld by Odex.

Odex first sent out a batch of 17 letters in May 2007. The success of the letter campaign prompted a much larger sending in June. Lawyers hired by Odex determine the penalties on a case-by-case basis with downloaders found guilty of willful and significant downloads facing possibilities of fines of up to $20,000 and up to six months in jail. So far, the youngest culprit caught is 9 years old [[2]].

However, general opinion holds that ISPs like SingNet, etc. were responsible for the disclosure of personal information. It is also believed that due to its poor sales, Odex has to resort to legal actions for revenue, as there is a large number of people who obtain anime online via torrents, whom at the same time due to the transparency of ISPs like Singnet, make easily legal targets for Odex.

However, it must be noted that due to its low marketing presence in the local anime market, many anime fans have never heard of Odex. Odex has also been attempting to encourage purchases of its anime VCDs/DVDs in place of original Japanese anime and anime produced by other English anime companies in order to beef up its sales. However, fans that have heard of Odex have criticized Odex for abusing its monopoly power to set prices that are even more than the American or Japanese counterparts.

Of important note is that Odex apparently has the legal right to commence legal action against people downloading anime fansubs of series that they do not sell, as long as they are produced by the Japanese companies that they represent, as Odex is under AVPAS directive to curb video piracy. However, many forums currently debate that the AVPAS is actually a ploy by Odex, thus not making it controlled by the Government.

The response on anime-related online communities and forums has largely been negative, ranging from sharp criticisms of Odex's video quality and business model, to impassioned outcries for a boycott of Odex or of the anime market. You can read an open letter from one of the anime community here.

Evergreen Classics

song : David Tao on repeat
mood: old
book(s)-in-hand: His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman (final book)

Edit: on the guitar
[A] Now I miss you more then I missed you before
and now where I'll find comfort God [D] knows
'Cause you [A] left me [E] just when I needed you [A] most
[D] [A] left me [E] just when I needed you [A] most

Now most every morning I stare out the window
'an I think about where you might be [D]
I've written you letters that I'd [A] like to send
[E] If you would just [E7] send one to [E] me

Amazing

Just like that, it's almost time for me to head back to Manchester already. 4 more weeks and it'll be over a year before I am able to come back home again. And I don't feel like I've accomplished anything within these months.

Japan Hour

Because it took me an hour to get the settings for this right. Here goes... hope it works. Day 2 in Hokkaido =]

Oh yeah, to answer some people:

1) yes, I had to stip naked to enter the hot springs and communal baths.

2) no, the hot springs were not unisexual. It's a very relaxing and addictive experience. I can see why the Japanese do it so many times in a day (I once went down at 7am due to an early set off time for the tour and it was PACKED)

Rain On Me

This Is Your Brain On Anime.

Japan Minute

Japan was everything I thought it would be and more. The fresh products of Hokkaido island. Abundant seafood and summer weather was just exquisite. I already miss the practice of dipping myself into the onsen for up to 4 or 5 times a day. Pics will follow when I feel like I've more than a minute.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A preview of what I had the fortune of eating in Hokkaido.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 1:










-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We Little Shits

A very self-important college freshman attending a recent football game, took it upon himself to explain to a senior citizen sitting next to him why it was impossible for the older generation to understand his generation.

'You grew up in a different world, actually an almost primitive one,' the student said, loud enough for many of those nearby to hear. 'The young people of today grew up with television, jet planes, space travel, man walking on the moon, our spaceships have visited Mars. We have nuclear energy, electric and hydrogen cars, computers with light-speed processing and,' pausing to take another drink of beer.

The Senior took advantage of the break in the student's litany and said, 'You're right, son. We didn't have those things when we were young... so we invented them. Now, you arrogant little shit, what are you doing for the next generation?'

No More White Rabbit?

song : Ophelia by Natalie Merchant
mood: bookworm
book(s)-in-hand: His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman





Remember these? Brings back memories of childhood past for us 80s babies, don't it? These candies used to be THE item of treats with its immensely fun edible paper wrapped around the creamy candy. It was like a licence to be naughty. Eat paper? Go right ahead! Hahaha.

Maybe that's why I am so whacked in the head now. The Philippine Bureau of Food and Drugs has stated that they contained potentially toxic formaldehyde. Singapore's AVA has also started testing those imported locally for the toxic substance as well. China and the company has hit back viciously of course, denying such claims. Most are also of the view that this might just be another swipe at China from USA in the ongoing spat between the current World Superpower and its pretender to the throne.

Personally I hope White Rabbit doesn't go down in flames. It's a classic candy. Go Rabbit go!

Lose yourself, let it go, let it out : )

Throw it all away
Let's lose ourselves
'Cause there's no one left for us to blame
It's a shame we're all dying
And do you think you deserve your freedom?

Where Is Summer?

But for the grace of God, I cried myself to sleep
Because the grace of God is something I can't keep.
Oh, it won't be long
Before their hold is broken
No, it won't be long
Until we find our home.

Forget where to begin
Mother, I have not sinned
I have not sinned

When summer comes
Light my life
Snow will melt away

The hope and the spirit
I'd rather not feel it
The hope and the spirit
I'd rather not fear it

Milo On The Rocks Please

song : You Belong to Me by Jason Wade
mood: pensive
book(s)-in-hand: His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman

Recently...

...I've been finding it harder and harder to be happy

...I've been finding it harder and harder to connect to those around me

...I've been dreaming more and more about people I don't want to

...I've been withdrawing further and further into myself

...I've been having trouble going to sleep at night

...I've been shelved in "Lost & Un-found"

...I know the feeling I miss is the pulse-racing-when-I-see-her and heart-missing-when-I-don't kind of feeling

...I realised death doesn't scare me. My lack of love to give out does.

...I've come to a crossroads of sorts

...I've been trying very hard to change myself for the better to no avail.

Keep It Short n Simple (KISS)

Found this hilarious. The actors did a good job of keeping it light-hearted and entertaining. Educational too! Haha. Yes, French Kissing wasn't invented by the French. Lastly, remember "if it feels right, you're probably doing it right".




VideoJug: How To Kiss Someone Passionately

I Passed!!!

Free Online Dating

Ume!

song : Say It Right by Nelly Furtado
mood: relaxed
book(s)-in-hand: His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman
&
Flight by various budding mangaka world wide.


This seemingly innocent bottle of "Plum Juice" is actually quite nice! With a mild 15% alcohol content it makes for a nice drink to sip on the rocks to wind down for the day. It is quite amazing the sheer amount of things humankind has tried to ferment into some form of alcohol. Most of it grains and fruit of course. Here's an interesting piece of trivia:

vodka today is produced from grains such as sorghum, corn, rye or wheat. Among grain vodkas, rye and wheat vodkas are generally considered superior. Some vodka is made from potatoes, molasses, soybeans, grapes, sugar beets and sometimes even byproducts of oil refining or wood pulp processing.

July July!

song : July, July! by The Decemberists
mood: lethargic
book-in-hand: Dance Dance Dance - Haruki Murakami

Just felt like listening to a funny song on this funny date 070707.

July, July!
The Decemberists

There is a road that meets the road
That goes to my house
& how the green grows there
& we've got special boots
To beat the path to my house
& it's careful & it's careful when i'm there

& I say your uncle was a crooked french canadian
& he was gut-shot runnin' gin
& how his guts were all suspended in his fingers
& how he held 'em
How he held 'em held, 'em in

& the water rolls down the drain, the water rolls down the drain, oh what a lonely thing! In a lonely drain!

July, July, July! Never seemed so strange (x2)

This is the story of the road that goes to my house
& what ghosts there do remain
& all the troughs that run the length & breadth of my house
& the chickens how they rattle chicken chains

& we'll remember this when we are old & ancient
Though the specifics might be vague
& I'll say your camisole was sprightly light magenta
When in fact it was a nappy blueish grey

& the water rolls down the drain
The blood rolls down the drain
Oh what a lonely thing
In a blood red drain

July, July, July! It never seemed so strange (x2)

Bad Assness

mood: amused


Bad Assassin?
Bad Ass Assin?
Bad Ass A SSin?
Bad Ass As Sin?

In the news

Found out about Chris Benoit's death (WWE wrestler who was supposed to come to Singapore soon) recently. If it was really a drug induced murder-suicide.... tragic.

Also in the news is the 2 murder cases found in a space of 3 hours right in Singapore. Here and here as well. Singapore isn't as safe as we thought eh? But I always suspected there's an animalistic rage in the psyche of Singaporeans that has been repressed by the oppressive nature of our government. Are these incidents social indicators of something hidden that might be starting to leak out of the seams?

All the bad news makes me weary. I wish for some good news.

Thresholds (2)

song : Rehab - Amy Winehouse
mood: weary
book-in-hand: Dance Dance Dance - Haruki Murakami

Silence is golden? Silence means consent? I wonder how those phrase came about... Silence might be greatly appreciated at times and even instances where it is sought after, but the part about it meaning consent? Surely not. Silence means just that - silence. An absence of a reply equates to being ignored my dear.

A person can only try so much for so long. A friendship, like any relationship, is a 2 way thing. There comes a time when the ignored text messages and un-returned phone calls or emails get to be too much and regardless of assurances made or words said, friends start to lose their sincerity.The effort, patience, good nature and kind words seem to be trampled underfoot so easily. No, it's not "prevention of misleading"; it is plain disregard, downright rude and just disrespectful. So with time, friends get buried like chipmunk acorns. Some you remember and dig up again, making the effort once more because you believe again. Some take root and sprout up, making the effort to grow back into your life. Others you forget and there they lay buried underground.

Not that I am a stranger to being ignored. I always seem to end up alone in the end. Just when I thought it was possible for someone as twisted as I am to be really accepted and taking the risk to open was worth it after all, I get shot down. The outstretched hand hoping for support, maybe even expecting it in some sense for once, grasped air yet again. In the end, I still have no one but myself and have to face it alone. The defenses and camouflage should never have come down so thoroughly.

Both Stephen King and Haruki Murakami wrote something to the effect of "I'm older now, I don't fall in love so easily now." and the statement struck me as somewhat defeatist and poignant. It does have an element of truth though. Won't you build higher walls everytime you get hurt to protect yourself in the future? Amidst the ever tougher and higher walls you forget one thing: the gates were opened from within every time. It matters not how high or thick your walls are. You might as well do without them to begin with. At least the view will be clearer.

So, what is your threshold for loneliness? How far would you go to work at a relationship? How long will you keep at shoring up your defenses before realising you are just boxing yourself in and not keeping anyone out. No one deserves to be lonely. Being alone is fine, but lonely isn't.

Really?

A lady friend told me something ....

"A woman can forgive a man of nearly anything, except his failure to ask for forgiveness"

Do you think it's true? I find it hard to believe. Then again, I've always been kind of cynical.

Brainiac

Sam, you are Balanced-brained

That means you are able to draw on the strengths of both the right and left hemispheres of your brain, depending upon a given situation.

When you need to explain a complicated process to someone, or plan a detailed vacation, the left hemisphere of your brain, which is responsible for your ability to solve problems logically, might kick in. But if you were critiquing an art opening or coming up with an original way to file papers, the right side of your brain, which is responsible for noticing subtle details in things, might take over.

While many people have clearly dominant left- or right-brained tendencies, you are able to draw on skills from both hemispheres of your brain. This rare combination makes you a very creative and flexible thinker.

The down side to being balanced-brained is that you may sometimes feel paralyzed by indecision when the two hemispheres of your brain are competing to solve a problem in their own unique ways.