non silent

Gifts Shopping Trickery!

2011-12-16T23:38:00.001+08:00

Gift exchange present shopping is such a challenge! You not only need to get something that's suitable for both genders, you try your best to find something practical yet not overly boring. And it's super tough to search for something decent within the normal $10-$20 budget.
Most of the time, you end up buying something for yourself instead. Or does that only happen to me? :P

ANYWAY, that happened and I bought myself a toy. A near perfect toy for anyone who loves Transformers and Lego.

KRE-O Transformer Optimus Prime! Basically it's just another brand of building blocks that teaches us to construct the different Transformers.

I bought the cheapest version they have, with only 90 pieces, since I just wanted to give it a try.

ooooooooo~

Building in progress...

Vehicle mode

Robot mode

Looks damn cool eh! But before you get excited, let me just give you the breaking news...

IT DOES NOT TRANSFORM.

You got to break apart the vehicle mode to rebuild the robot mode. -_____-"

It's super WTF. A Transformer toy that DOESN'T transform!! What irony!!

I actually felt damn cheated but I've got no one else to blame other than myself cos later I realized that it was written on the box. If you go check the first photo, at the lower left of the cover it's written in fine bold (but really small) print "Product Does Not Convert". Also at the bottom center it says, "Build Truck OR Robot". :/

This is a case of a marketing graduate kena cheated by marketing strategy / ploy / trickery / witchcraft. FAIL!

Well, I contemplated destroying my robot to rebuild into the vehicle cos the truck actually looks super cute. Haha. :3

I changed my mind though. I mean... what is a truck compared to a freaking robot. And not just ANY robot. mind you.
It's OPTIMUS FREAKING PRIME.

I rest my case.

Anyway, do check out their website for the rest of the more expensive models. They look superb. Especially Starscream and Megatron. Click --- HERE!

The team behind KRE-O is actually quite creative. They create videos using the toys and this one below is actually quite funny.

I might be getting the bigger models in future for the sake of those puny miniaturized Transformer figures shown in the video above (they are packed together with the bigger boxes [marketing ploy again])!

SO ADORABLE CAN! :3

Well, all in all, I still liked the toy very much.

Hope all of you have a great gifts shopping season, and may you stay vigilant against those sly marketeers! >:P

[Changing Tides] (Original)

2011-12-15T18:24:00.000+08:00

There was this fateful night that I couldn't get myself to sleep, and was thinking back on the days when I liked to visit the beaches at night just to listen to the waves. The sound of the crashing waves is kinda therapeutic and almost always put my running thoughts back into place, into perspective.

It was past 3am and I was still online, and a friend chatted me up. I told him that there were things on my mind and how I wished I could go to the beach to listen to the waves.
He asked 'What's stopping you?'
I thought for awhile, and replied 'You are right. Nothing.'
And I took the keys to my car and drove off to the nearest beach.

When I reached, it was the breeze that welcomed me first. Refreshing cooling breeze.
Then came the sound of the waves that I was so looking forward to.

I remember I didn't stay for long. I just stood there, looked out into the darkness, stopped thinking, and listened. To the crashes that kept coming. And I hummed a melody. It was nice, so I recorded it down with my handphone.

This final arrangement is an extension of the original melody that I hummed at the beach. It's still a short melody with no distinct verse or chorus. It's one that keeps going and keeps changing.
I titled it [Changing Tides].

Because that fateful night when I couldn't sleep and drove off to the beach to listen to the waves, I was thinking about Change.

# Sidenote: I added in sounds of waves into the melody so that, hopefully, you guys can get the feel of how I was feeling that fateful night.

《那些年》清唱 Cover

2011-12-04T02:18:00.001+08:00

The low and narrow range of my voice has always bothered me a little. Most songs out there I'm not able to sing in their original key.

Thank God for Karaoke systems and their key changing functions.

And also the good old fashioned a capella singing. :)

So here it is, me singing 《那些年》, the theme song of Taiwanese movie 《那些年，我們一起追的女孩》.

Music of 'Skyrim' That Inspires

2011-12-03T02:18:00.001+08:00

I really do not wish to come across as a gaming nerd who only blogs about games, and so today I'm going to blog about music. Of the game 'Skyrim'. :P

'Skyrim' is the game that I've devoted all my free time to, and I can assure you that I'm not the only devoted one. This particular title has swept the feet off gamers all around the world and created quite a wave in the entire gaming population.

As promised, I'm here to talk about its music and so let's have a listen to Skyrim's main theme song that will blast you off your chair.

# Sidenote: If you can't figure out the lyrics, it's normal since you are not a dragon. The whole opening theme song is sang in 'Dragon Tongue', which is a make believe language of dragons in the game.

I personally love this opening theme song to bits! The grandeur! The feel of adventure! In fact, it is so epic and charming that it inspired many talented musicians, who play this game, to create their own versions of the Skyrim song.

These 3 I'm sharing are really the few of the many good ones out there.

1)

She started by singing 'The Dragonborn Comes', which is a song that the bards of the game sing in the taverns. And then with the angelic harmonising *swoon*, came in the main theme.

2)

People who prefer pop music, specifically rap, will enjoy this. The rapper cleverly uses the main theme as a background music which complements his rap really really well. And even the rhythm of the rap is really really good and catchy.

Classical music lovers will love this arrangement of the piano and violin duet. And what I love about it is that this isn't a case where the piano takes the center spot and the violin accompanies or the other way round. Each took turn taking the center spot of the melody with the other beautifully accompanying. *paishou*

Alot of people actually think videogames are just simply games. Something you play just to kill time.

Videogames to me are actually so much more. They, like movies, are an expression of storytelling. They bring you to worlds that you can never imagine, and they put you in roles that you will never experience.

And today I've also shown you guys how they inspire people musically. :)

Long live videogames!

Let's Think About Self Worth

2011-12-01T22:34:00.001+08:00

It might be a weird question to ask, but how do we measure self worth? Or is it, as the term is named, how much we think ourselves are worth? That definitely isn't very accurate and objective. 

Can we measure it by our accomplishments?

That seem a little shallow.

Or by how our friends view us?

That seem a little sad to let others define us.

And if these two are really the rules of measurement, I think I will fare very low. 

Do we all start with 100 points and start losing a few every time we do something wrong in the eyes of the universe; Or do we start with 0 points and gain them along our course of life?

It is a very peculiar concept, all of this. Why is there a need to label a score on ourselves in the first place right?

But if we don't do that, how do we know that we truly deserve all the good things that are happening to us, or vice versa, how can we question whether we deserve all the bad things that befall us. 

I guess many of us have never ever gave this much thought. For who will think that they do not deserve the good things? In this case, however, people will think that it's only right for them to occur and not appreciate them as a blessing.

Can it be that maybe it's never a quantitative figure but rather a qualitative answer to self worth?

It's either you are worth everything or nothing at all.

No in between. Period.

What do you think?

That Feeling Of Being Watched

2011-11-29T01:37:00.001+08:00

No wonder I kept having the feeling of being watched throughout the night.

My cat had his eyes on me all that time! :3

Heaven Sent Games That Sparkle My Life

2011-11-13T23:00:00.001+08:00

Hello, everyone of you imaginary blog readers! It's been awhile since I've written anything on this blog, and you guys must be missing me alot, yes?
(Imagines hearing a 'YES!')
Thank you for missing me! :....D
Tonight I'm going to end all of your longing sorrow with a long awaited blogpost!
(Imagines hearing a 'YAY!')
:......D

Let's get on with it then!

The year is coming to an end, and other than immense stress from work, there're other things worth looking forward to. The PLETHORA of quality videogames.
It actually is a love hate thing. Love because of the quality of the games themselves. Many have received terrific reviews from trusted reviewers and I can't wait to play them. But hate because of the timing of their releases. WHY WHY WHY all come out during the year end?! GRRRR. Work is driving me crazy that I don't really have the luxury of time and also mental strength to play them. Of course, to buy all of these games together will burn GI-NORMOUS holes in my wallet and pockets. :/

Nonetheless! I still feel the excitement that I will, one day, be able to play them all. :D

My must-have list for this holiday season is as follows:

1) The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Fantasy. Swords. Magic. DUAL WIELD MAGIC. Dragons. Giants. Dragon fighting giants.
All these just sum up to never ending possibilities. The world of Skyrim is so freaking huge, it's gonna be an epic adventure that I can't wait to immerse myself in.

2) Battlefield 3

I chose Battlefield 3 over Modern Warfare 3 because it's less of a close quarter fight in its bigger maps. Not only that, I personally feel that its maps have more beautiful environments, and its gameplay places emphasis more on tactical battle rather than an all out bullet spraying frenzy.

3) Rayman Origins

Who can resist a crazy platforming game with unique characters and weird looking bosses? All the colours, the nicely drawn artwork, the funny music and sound effects all contribute to this charming game. And the ultimate 4 player co-op. :)

4) Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception

In actual fact I'd never interest myself with the previous episodes of Uncharted, but I heard this has superb storytelling and I don't mind giving this game a try.

5) L.A Noire Complete Edition

Another game which I expect great storytelling as it puts you into the shoes of a detective character. Solve crimes by gathering objects of proof and collecting information from people in the game. I particularly like the game's setting in that era with beetle cars, 3 piece suits and hats. :P

6) Metal Gear Solid HD Collection

Woohoo! My favourite espionage game franchise remastered in HD for all the graphic glory. My eyes are gonna get an orgasm I'm sure! Heh.
A gun swinging Ocelot in HD. What more to say.

There you are. I've already blocked out the days on my calender when I'm going into seclusion to 'meditate' upon these 'heaven sent titles'. So forgive me if you can't contact me in the months of January and February of next year.

And maybe also March. >:3

林俊杰 - 她说 (JJ Lin Jun Jie - Ta Shuo) Cover

2011-07-25T00:04:00.001+08:00

Never been a fan of JJ Lin, but his recent song '她说' found a place in my favourite song list the moment I heard it.

A short cover by me singing at my own comfortable range (probably a couple of tones lower than original) and you can catch me being super vain in the video. LOL. Special thanks to Evan Tiang for the videography. After nth times seeing it, I still feel damn embarrassed about the mirror checking part.
I'll be extra careful of rolling cameras the next time I do another recording at his place. :)

Geek Power!

2011-07-14T22:24:00.000+08:00

I've commended on the patience of geeks before in a previous post, but the following 2 YouTube videos below are really THE epitome of patience in my opinion.

1) Final Fantasy Stop motion- Sephiroth the World's Enemy

source: counter656's YouTube Channel

Ok I admit. I got a soft spot for anything Final Fantasy. And I've seen way too many lousy stop motion videos that I was kind of reserved when I saw the title of the above video. However, I was very pleasantly surprised by it. Action was intensive, and everything else, from the special effects to the simple plot, were very well thought through and skillfully executed. A project that's made from 10,000 picture shots (YES! OMG!), and took 2 months to complete. Can really tell that the creator put in lots of love into this. <3

2) Minecraft Timelapse - Huge Train Station

source: FyreUK's YouTube Channel

If you guys do not know what Minecraft is, go Google it for goodness sake!
LOL. Just kidding.
Minecraft is a game where players are placed in a randomly generated world with natural landscape and then it's absolutely freedom for them to do whatever they want. Of course, the name of the game suggests that they mine and craft things of their own. And there's really no limit to what they can build. Floating islands, cathedrals, Old West Towns, or a humble cottage by a beautiful lake... you name it! Creativity's the limit and I guess that's the beauty of the game.

The huge train station in the video above is one of my favourite Minecraft creations not only because if its sheer size. But because of its exquisite architectural design. Inspired by the New York Penn Station, this Minecraft station has courtyards, a concourse and a huge underground area. Considering that every building block needs to be mined and refined, I can imagine the amount of time the creator spent to build something so massive.

True geeks out there possess great patience in the things they set themselves to complete.
For me to call myself a geek, I should also learn to cultivate such patience and determination to see to the end the things I want to achieve.

*humble kung fu bow*

Random Thought: Deaths Of Friendships

2011-07-07T22:35:00.000+08:00

When friendships come to an end, they do so in different manners.

Some friendships simply dissolve.

Others crack up piece by piece, and ultimately, at one point, they crumble and crash.

Some explode like dying stars and blast everything around them with their bursts.

And others implode and form blackholes that will forever devour every ray of light that ever go near.

Photos of My Rome / Mykonos / Athens Trip!

2011-06-30T22:06:00.002+08:00

I finally took some time to organize and choose the photos of my recent Rome / Mykonos/ Athens trip for this post. Sad to say they really don't look as nice on photos than when you are physically there seeing the buildings and the views with your very own eyes. Maybe it's because I used lousy cameras. Shot with my iPhone and a borrowed Fujifilm digital cam from my sis. :/

Nonetheless, I do hope these photos can at least show you a glimpse of what those places are like, and in future you will have the opportunity to visit them! :3

Rome, Italy

My humble little hotel. With free Wi-fi.

The coliseum. (click on image for larger panoramic view)

Town square. (click on image for larger panoramic view)

The Trevi Fountain

Interior of St. Peter's Church

Exterior of St. Peter's Church

The Spanish Steps

I enjoyed my stay in Rome thoroughly due to its historical appeal. The grand churches and museums, they are a sight to take in. Their architecture and history offers so much for us to soak in.

Florence, Italy

The Dome in Florence

Arno River in Florence. (click on image for larger panoramic view)

Florence is a nice quaint place to visit. And apparently a very good place to shop. I might not be a shopping kind of person but I will definitely like to visit again when I got the money and in need of branded goods buying.

Mykonos, Greece

Rafina Port. (click on image for larger panoramic view)

Mykonos Island

Hilltop view, north of island. (click on image for larger panoramic view)

'Super Paradise', beach bar club. (click on image for larger panoramic view)

Approaching dusk. (click on image for larger panoramic view)

Mykonos Town. (click on image for larger panaromic view)

(click on image for larger panoramic view)

Mykonos is a place I might never forget. It's a charming place with its scenic hills and seas and white houses. And it has a fair bit to offer different people with different agendas, be it relaxing and chilling or clubbing and partying or even just exploring. The beaches, the bars and clubs, the jeep tours around the island, the towns, the diving trips.... there's so many things to do there. It was a pity I only stayed for 2 days. Definitely going back again in future. :3

Athens, Greece

Hydra Town

Temple of Athena

The view from the Acropolis

(click on image for larger panoramic view)

Corinth Canal

Ancient Corinth

Athens to me wasn't as enjoyable as the earlier places I visited during this trip. Sure, the Acropolis is magnificent. Marble temples on top of the hill overlooking the whole of Athens. Only ruins remained but you can still imagine the greatness of the once civilisation when you stand in the midst of it all.

However, you can only stay interested at broken stones for that limited time. :/

All in all, this Rome / Mykonos / Athens trip was a very enjoyable one. Not only because of the iconic places we've visited, but also because of the wonderful company of my colleagues. :)

Next will be visiting these places again with my loved one. Especially Mykonos. :3

p.s (Please kindly pardon my chubbiness in the photos. 10 days of meat and carbo diet caused it. :/ )

I Love Cats But I Cant Comprehend The 'Nyan Cat'.

2011-06-28T01:04:00.001+08:00

I love cats.

I like how they are independent, egoistic and their 'they-think-they-are-king-of-the-world' attitude. And of cos their bigger-than-life curiosity. Truthfully, to me, it's these traits they have that actually make them more adorable than dogs.

Once I have my own place, I will get a cat. And it will be named Elliot. :3
It will be a boy Scottish Fold, silver and droopy eared. :D

Like Maru the Youtube star!

source: mugumogu's Youtube Channel

2 of my favorite videos of Maru and his love for boxes. They just cheer me up everytime I watch them.
It's the cuteness~!
Actually most cat videos (less the animal abuse ones) have this same effect on me.

Until my friend introduced me to the 'Nyan Cat'!

source: sraj00n's Youtube Channel

This is one cat video that I don't comprehend. AT ALL.
Why did this go viral?? 20,694,562 views as of today.
WHY WHY WHY? I dun get it!!!

It still baffles me to this day. :/

(But I must admit the 'Nyan Cat' video has a very nice progress bar! :3 Wonder how they change it.)

Pokemon's Brock and Officer Jenny Make It Official On Facebook!

2011-06-26T15:27:00.000+08:00

Source: http://www.dorkly.com/article/15060/brock-and-officer-jenny-make-it-facebook-official

Brock photoshopping himself onto Officer Jenny's photos is so creeper TTM.

HAHA! :3

《落叶》Falling Leaves (Original)

2011-06-17T22:19:00.000+08:00

An original melody which I composed in year 2003 when I was 19 years old.
Quite a number of years ago but I remember exactly how this melody came about.

I was looking out of the window just thinking about things. Exactly what, I cannot remember. But I was thinking.
And there was a breeze, then there was the rustling of the trees, then the falling of their leaves. Then I wondered if our everyday worries can just fall off like those leaves and disappear into the horizon.

Then I walked to the piano and composed this melody.

'It's You'

2011-05-18T00:59:00.000+08:00

Alright, I admit I'm a sucker for sad beautiful songs. And also anything Korean.
But I'm sure I'm not alone! :P

How I wish I can sing like Sung Si Kyung here. Wiki says he's the "Prince of Ballads". I totally agree.
Envious much! >:/

Enchanting Songs from Jóhann Jóhannsson

2011-05-09T01:56:00.002+08:00

Jóhann Jóhannsson might not be a name that everybody knows, but you'll soon find that he is one person worth knowing.
He is an Icelandic musician, composer and producer. Many people might have come across one of his songs in a recent movie's trailer that is 'Battle: Los Angeles'.

'The Sun's Gone Dim and the Sky's Turned Black'

The sun's gone dim
and the sky's turned black
'cause I loved her
and she didn't love back

_______________________

Jóhann Jóhannsson's "IBM 1401, A User's Manual"

There is also another song, which I love greatly, worth mentioning. Its lyrics from the Poem, Catuallus 85.

'Odi et Amo'

Odi et amo.

Quare id faciam fortasse requiris.

Nescio, sed fieri sentio, et excrucior

translated:

I hate and I love.

Why I do this, perhaps you ask.

I do not know, but I sense that it is happening and I am tortured.

_________________________________

Jóhann Jóhannsson's "Englabörn"

I am aware that both songs are slow and might not suit the tastes of many people. However, they really grow on you the more times you listen to it. And undeniably, they have the saddest lyrics with the most emotion evoking melodies.

I actually played 'Odi et Amo' again and again on Youtube for an hour while I surf my Google Reader. That's the extent to how the song enchanted me.

Hope they enchant you too. :)

To know more of his songs, visit his website at: http://www.johannjohannsson.com/

Thunder and Hammer

2011-05-07T02:18:00.001+08:00

I was actually very tempted to write a post of what has happened over the past few weeks regarding the Elections. But I considered the sheer amount of such articles already circulating around and I decided not to. Let's just take a break from all the rage and angst being generated and bring our focus on to happy things for awhile before we vote.

Movies.

Specifically, 'Thor'. Have you watched it? If you are a Marvel fan, or a superhero fan, you should definitely catch it. :) I enjoyed it totally.

So now that the movie is still fresh in your mind (even if it's only the half naked body of Thor) and you are in a Thunder God mood, check out these mini games on the Marvel website.

The first game is 'Thor: Bring the Thunder'

This is a side scrolling game where you need to jump platforms and kill enemies. It plays kinda like Megaman.
What is impressive is the the sprites are beautifully done (look at the beautiful Asgard in the background!), and there's a storyline. Not too shabby for a simple game like this.

To try it, click -- HERE!

The second game is 'Thor Takes Flight'

In this game, you control Thor like a plane in a typical shooter plane game with top-down view and power upgrades. Tried it and it's not that interesting. :/

To try this, click -- HERE!

Well that's it for my short mini game intro post. Hopefully it'll keep your focus away from annoying things for er.... a few minutes? Haha.

And while this is not a post on politics, there is both thunder and hammer. :P

[Cosmos] - by Your Favorite Enemies

2011-04-28T01:57:00.000+08:00

And while many people involve themselves in the political warfare surrounding this year's General Elections, I chose to take part in another war of a higher purpose. The war between good and evil. :)

Yes. I'm fighting alongside the God of harmony's warriors against the God of discord's minions.
Dissidia [duodecim] 012 Final Fantasy!

I'm not going to talk about the gameplay because that will probably bore the hell out of you. Instead I'm going to introduce to you my favourite soundtrack in the game. The game has many soundtracks which are remixes of BGM (background music) from all the Final Fantasy series. However only this one song, which is written especially for this game, stood out among the rest and caught my attention.

I love its haunting melody as well as its unique lyrics. I can't really lay a finger on it but it's both creepy and beautiful at the same time. And it really sets the mood very well.

Have a listen!

[Cosmos] - by Your Favorite Enemies

The avenger is roaming through the land
Ready for the clash, for the lasting gash
Mothers kissing sons with a staff in hands
The bride is shining when the groom is gold
The Spirit is over town, waiting for me to hit the floor

Blooming white sky for the voice of one calling tonight
Tonight fate is the red crown, the red crown around your door
Time is scattering the seeds of the mourning daylight
Shouting worship choked in a wave of silver
The offering's grief for Deceiver's pride,
Salvation man is a cup of fire
But hope is the star on a morning tide
But hope is the star on a morning tide
The Pilgrims are gathering and the marching band, the marching band's howling
Compassion is the flag a righteous man, a righteous man will hold
The Pilgrims are gathering and the marching band, the marching band's howling
Compassion is the flag a righteous man, a righteous man will hold
The Spirit is over town, waiting for me to hit the floor
Blooming white sky for the voice of one calling tonight
Tonight fate is the red crown, the red crown around your door
Time is scattering the seeds of the mourning daylight
The Spirit is over town, waiting for me to hit the floor
Blooming white sky for the voice of one calling tonight
Tonight fate is the red crown, the red crown around your door
Time is scattering the seeds of the mourning daylight

All music and rights are reserved to Square Enix.

______________

"but hope is the star on a morning tide"

These are very beautiful words don't you think? :)

Very True

2011-04-24T22:53:00.001+08:00

T-shirt from "Mystery Glamour"

I'm sure everyone agrees! :)

Top 10 Lousiest Designed Pokemon (in my opinion)

2011-04-19T23:00:00.000+08:00

Everybody loves Pokemon right? Me included. But in actual truth I've never completed a single Pokemon videogame. It just didn't matter since the ultimate goal is not to finish the game but TO CATCH THEM ALL!
Well, it used to be easier back in the days when there were only 151 of them. Now there are 649! Far tooooo many to catch them all. Unless you seriously don't have a life. :P

In todays' post, the geek in me is gonna discuss about the top 10 lousily designed Pokemon I find in the total array of monsters. So I went to look thru the entire list of them and chose a handful which I have design issues with. Initially there were more than 10, about 16? I had to do an elimination to further qualify for these 'chosen ones'.

Below are Ethan's 'Top 10 Lousiest Designed Pokemon'!

1) Voltorb

Yes. This is not a monster. This is just a ball with eyes. And what's worse is it actually looks like a pokeball. It's like the designers just got lazy and decided to put eyes on a pokeball and call it a monster. To further justify themselves, they actually described Voltorb as possibly a monster created with human involvment due to its similarities with the pokeball. :/

Not only it's unoriginal, it's damn useless because it 'self destructs when agitated'. Which Pokemon trainer in the right mind will catch and train it?

2) Ditto

This is simply a piece of snot with facial features. Period.

I actually do understand the rationale behind a glob-like design because of it's shapeshifting power. It's supposed to be a shapeless mass that can take on other forms. But does it necessary HAVE to be that way? I'm sure a shapeshifter can also have a well designed form.

Look at Mystique from X-Men. She isn't a snot humanoid!

3) Unown

My least favourite Pokemon of all time. What's irritating is there are 28 of them in total. They are symbols with one gigantic eye that actually resemble more like *ahem* a breast. So in the game I keep seeing 28 floating breasts. Which is kinda disgusting.

My limit is 2.

4) Luvdisc

A heart shape lying on its side with eyes, cheeks and a mouth. In a single colour pink. How exciting can that be? And they call it a fish. It doesn't even have gills!

It might make a nice sashimi dish though. Imagine the aesthetic it'll present on the plate. Best to be on the menu during Valentine's day. Unfortunately not the best as a Pokemon where you need to spend precious time catching and training. Not worth it.

5) Munna

Another pink one. This time with purple flowers on it that look like those you draw during your kindergarten. My baby cousin can draw prettier flowers. I mean, come on, the designers can at least put in a little more effort to elaborate the flowers.

And the monster is round, has red eyes, stubby legs and a pink mole on the nose? Totally doesn't make any sense at all!

6) Trubbish

As its name suggests, this is rubbish. Literally. Trash bag with eyes and jaws. What more can I say. Just that the designers are getting lazier and lazier. Maybe creative juices are used up after 500+ Pokemon.
Anyway look at those eyes and the teeth. It's so... so... uninspiring. No effort there at all. :/

7) Solosis

Is it only me? I'm real sick of Pokemon appearing in round ballsy shapes already. And why is there a curl of a pig tail I see?... It's a Cell Pokemon isn't it. Oh right! Maybe it's the cell of a pig. (sarcasm)

8) Vanillite

If you guys read my previous post, you will know I love ice cream! But this is simply laziness on the designers part! I won't want my Pokemon to throw vanilla cream at enemies. I want them to have destructive powers! This is not the last of it. The designers decided to put eyes on every damn thing to create Pokemon from here onwards. You don't believe me? Read on.

9) Klink

Yup. Eyes on gears.

You think that's all?

10) Litwick

Yup again. Eyes on candles.

Ok I admit it. They may be a little adorable. But that's NOT COOL AT ALL.

Pokemon are supposed to be like pets! You shower them with pet love and give them pet training. Will you as a trainer keep an ice cream for a pet? What about gears? Or candlesticks? Will you? Huh? Of course you won't! Thus neither Vanillite, nor Klink, nor Litwick will make good Pokemon.

All in all, I don't want my Pokemon to be inanimate objects with eyes.

*take deep breathes*

Pardon me if I sound angsty, but uncool Pokemon really can prove to be quite infuriating. :P

Pokemon constitutes a major part of many people's lives and so such issues must be taken seriously.

Anyway, everything here is strictly in my opinion only. If there are some of your favourite Pokemon among my list, I apologize.

...

Actually, I won't apologize. They seriously are lame, and you should be the one who needs to reconsider your choices.

For the whole list of Pokemon in Pokedex order, visit here! This is where I took the pics for the above Pokemon. :)

There's no doubt the number of Pokemon will increase in future with subsequent future new releases of the game. I hope I don't have to come up with a 'SOMEMORE Lousy Designed Pokemon' post.

We'll see!

Ice cream bliss at Soft!

2011-04-10T01:45:00.000+08:00

Yes! It's no secret that I might be the world's biggest ice cream lover (self proclaimed)! That's why I agreed in a heartbeat to attend an ice cream tasting event that my food blogger friend, CalvinTimo, invited me to.

Bliss~ :3

Introducing Soft!, where premium Japanese soft serve ice cream is offered with a wide variety of quality toppings. They actually researched and came up with unique and special concoctions to be put on their menu.

In fact it is the colourful and artistic (not mentioning gigantic) menu on the wall that caught my attention first when I visited the outlet at Downtown East.

Without further ado, introducing to you the stars of this post....... THE ICE CREAMS! :D

Of course we tried their chocolatey Best Seller first. That will never go wrong.

Chocolate + Oreo + Milo powder = winning formula.

And that name. Godzilla Max leh. How can an ice cream named after a giant dinosaur that breathes heat ray from its mouth go wrong? NEVER. :)

This fruity delight brought a welcoming change of tastes from the previous one, and the combination of the cranberry chunks and the sunflower seeds with the ice cream was actually refreshing albeit a little too sweet. Still, I never knew sunflower seeds can taste well with ice cream.

Ok this, I got mixed feelings for. I dislike black sesame because of it's taste and texture. Even though the sesame cream was suppressed by the ice cream in this case, I still didnt enjoy that topping. The rest, however, were extremely nice. The sponge (pandan) cake at the bottom, especially, gave the ice cream a whole new layer of 'character'.

Pandan cake + vanilla ice cream = WOW!

Another eye opener for me.

One other very unique ice cream worth mentioning must be this.

Yes. You see right. SEASALT.

And yes, you think right too. It's salty. But in a pleasant way. I liked the Ritz crackers crumbs at the bottom when eaten together with the melted ice cream. Might not be for everyone due to its saltiness, but definitely does it for me. :)

We also tried some others...

At the end of everything, the lovely PR lady of the shop, Trixie, who attended to us during the tasting session, gave us each a 'THE HAPPINESS KIT - Remedy For The Blues'.

In it were a couple of items, but the most interesting thing is the 'Happiness Guidebook', where they provide ice cream remedies for different symptoms people normally suffer from.

It will take more than an ice cream to calm my exploding mood if I lose my winning lottery ticket! >:P

But kudos to the cute marketing :)

As you can tell, the 4 of us were very very happy people at the end of the day. :3

(From left to right: Andy, Calvin, Mint and me)

I totally enjoyed my ice creams for that afternoon, and I got a strong feeling that I will be visiting here again very soon. :D

Ice cream lovers amongst you, do check out the place too and be ready to get pleasantly surprised by some of the topping combinations they offer. It's located at Downtown East #01-23. There's another one at Hougang Mall situated beside Ya Kun. :)

Enjoy the ice cream bliss!

Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir 2.0, "Sleep"

2011-04-09T03:55:00.001+08:00

Eric Whitacre's goodness again. :3

This time, the 2011 Virtual Choir video features 2052 performances of 'Sleep' from 1752 singers in 58 countries, individually recorded and uploaded to YouTube between September 2010 and January 2011. Amazing feat don't you agree? It's the first virtual choir of this scale!

Visit the main website - http://ericwhitacre.com/the-virtual-choir, for more information on the stories behind and making of this heavenly musical project.

I actually wanted to take part in one of his earlier virtual choirs but didn't manage to fork out time to do it.
Hope the next song he'll be doing will be my personal favourite, 'Water Night'. :X

*crosses fingers*

If Street Fighter Characters Have Facebook

2011-04-06T00:25:00.000+08:00

Source: http://www.dorkly.com/article/1445/street-fighter-facebook

Help Japan! - Beneath The Stars Fund Raise

2011-04-04T19:27:00.005+08:00

It's been a few weeks since the earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan, and things are still right in the dumps for them with the constant threat of the radiation leak from the reactors. As a fellow member of the humankind, I think this is the best time to show some good Samaritan love to our neighbouring country.
Ok... Japan technically ISN'T our neighbour but you got to understand this sense of closeness I have for this country. It's the place where all my beloved videogames, mangas and animes come from. :...D

In order to show some love and support in the aid for Japan, there have been many fund raising projects held by many kind hearted organizations and individuals. I strongly urge everyone to do their little part to help those in dire need. And if you are a fashionista looking for avenues to donate funds, continue reading!

*ahem* (clears throat)

Helllooo~ fashionistas! ;D
Beneath The Stars and its founder, Yang Lay, is having a fund raising project where 50% of all proceeds (excluding postage) gathered from sale of all the items in the online shop during the period from 1st April 2011 to 30th April 2011 will be sent to the Singapore Red Cross Society to aid Japan.

Beneath The Stars was incorporated in Singapore by Yang Lay back in 2006, it specializes in handmade designer jewelery and accessories of semi-precious stones set with individually crafted 925-Silver and White Gold Plated.

Yang Lay creates earrings, necklaces, pendants, bangles, bracelets, bookmarks, rings as well as many other forms of products such as shoes and cardigans. Her designs have won her a nomination for the President’s Design Award(Designer) in 2009.

Some photos of the jewelery (courtesy of CalvinTimo) you can find on their online shop:

I'm not into jewelery so I can't pass a professional judgement on them. However, speaking from a guy's perspective, I do think they look kinda classy and elegant in a sense. :)

So do take a look at the items listed in Beneath The Stars. Go now by clicking here!

Mode of Payments
1 . Debit/Credit card payment through the website, QUOTE “JAPAN TSUNAMI(BLOGS)” in your purchase.

2 . SMS/Call Yang Lay @+65-9178 6226 with the Item Code(e.g. RFT1 from ‘more info’), your name, payment by Cash, Cheque or Bank Transfer and QUOTE “JAPAN TSUNAMI(BLOGS)”. Picking up the item in person can be arranged if preferred.

Now you can shop for your stylish jewelery and, at the same time, do your part for Japan.
If you want to help spread the word of this fund raising project to your other fashionista peers, share this campaign either via Facebook or on Twitter (hashtag #BTS). Thank you!

God bless Japan! :)

"It's not the drinking. It's how you are drinking."

2011-03-29T01:40:00.002+08:00

Last Friday, Mint invited me to a bloggers' party event called, "Get Your Sexy Back". It is a youth-led initiative aimed at encouraging responsible drinking and the program is supported by Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore. Thus, naturally, the event was held at the Tiger Brewery. :)

The journey from Tampines to Tuas was horrendous as I was caught in a massive traffic jam so my mood was slightly dampened. However the amazing time and company that I enjoyed following that evening just brightened my mood again. Like sun rays through dark clouds. *cue angelic chorus sound*

The party was held at the bar and this actually was my second time visiting. The first was when I was in the army, and I came here during one of my cohesion days. Believe it or not, that night my company finished all the beer on tap. :P

The first thing in the bar that caught my attention last Friday was this.

Enlarged for you to read the words.

Kind of like a drunkenness test. Looks kinda silly. But cute and amusing at the same time.

Let's get on with the photos (so that I can stop typing words)! Heh.

Yes, there's Erdinger. Which I realized its high popularity among my friends.

Oh Glorious alchohol~ :P

Mint and Calvin

And bloggers just can't help it but take photos of food. :P

Awwww. Love <3

Why are they so happy you ask? Because they are playing with the most ingenious invention, that's why!
These! ---->

These goggles (aptly named Fatal Vision) emulate the blurry vision you achieve when you are drunk. And they actually come with varying degrees - light, moderate or high. I'm sure if you wear it long enough, you can trick your brain into a 'drunken high mode'. Which you must agree with me it's uber convenient. No need to drink to get high, just wear these! Then you can save your money on beer! And save yourself a beer belly! :3

Anyway, the main objective of this bloggers party is to introduce to the bloggers this new online game Asia Pacific Breweries came up with - 'The Cheers Challenge'. It is specially developed to engage consumers in a casual and fun manner on the subject of drinking responsibly.

Yongwei trying out the game.

And scored a total of 965.

A score of 965 sucked totally. Haha. I was sure I could get a higher score so I decided to give it a try too.

'The Cheers Challenge" plays like a classic 'Wack-A-Mole' game, but instead of holding a hammer, you hold a mug of beer. And toasts targets instead of whacking them. I quite like the concept because it doesn't promote violence. Haha.

The game has 4 levels where in each level, the targets that you can and cannot toast to differs. There also is a bonus stage where you need to grab falling pitchers of water (why are they falling?) and answer questions when you grab a glimmering pitcher (why will it shine?) for bonus points.

It's actually quite challenging as the level increases because not only the targets move faster, the computer will try to intercept your toast with a 'No' target so that you'll lose lives (in this case 5 mugs of beer). Tricky tricky.
I find myself concentrating even in this so called casual game. Trust me, it's not as easy as it sounds. It's a game of speed and focus.

Well, this is not just a play and that's it kind of thing. You get to be rewarded if you manage to be the top scorer of the week or of the month. 12 Sony Cybershot cameras and 3 iPads wifi 3G to be won. Not bad eh.

Follow the link here if you're interested in the game: http://www.facebook.com/GYSB.SG

Just don't squeeze me off the top scorer charts. Thank you very much. :)

I normally don't blog long posts, but this is an exception as there is a good cause to it.
I know quite a few friends who need to hear this message. I'm sure you have friends like this too. And if you really have, tell them this:

"It's not the drinking. It's how you are drinking."

Drink responsibly dudes! :3

Birthday Polaroids

2011-03-25T00:21:00.002+08:00

Birthday lunch at Hinoki

2011-03-23T18:18:00.002+08:00

Went to this Japanese restaurant called 'Hinoki' with my colleagues for a birthday lunch. It's quite a nice place with very good service I would say. But that's probably because my director knows the boss there. Hah.
Nonetheless, food was very good!

Just look at them!

They actually taste as good as they look. :D

Thanks Team VG minus (not everyone was there) for this little lunch celebration.

And also for the wonderful gift! :D

Now I just need to pray that I'll stop misplacing my pens which I often do...

Chatroulette Love Song

2011-03-23T00:26:00.000+08:00

Saw this sweet little video on Wong Fu Production's website, and I can't help not sharing it!
This nicely choreographed home-made 'music video' not only brought a smile to Diana's face, but to mine as well. :D

*applause to dorky guys in the video*

Now, who said that Chatroulette is all about naked wanking guys? :P

"Come Home" by Vocaluptuous

2011-03-17T00:01:00.000+08:00

Hark! Listen to this feeling feeling acapella piece with lots of local flavour!
Nice!

Deserves a cat face. :3

"I Will Follow You Into The Dark" Cover

2011-03-15T20:28:00.000+08:00

I'm planning to do an official cover of this again after I master the chords.

For now, a preview with NG. :3

Choices choices choices

2011-02-01T00:57:00.000+08:00

I was doing some online shopping and came across this 3 pullovers which I really like.

Am contemplating on which 1 of the 3 to choose. Hmmmm....

Pullover 1. Music with hood! I love hoods. And music. :D

Pullover 2. Large Pig print. Cute yet not too overly cute. :)

Pullover 3. Rabbit prints for the Rabbit year! :3

Choices choices choices....
:/

MintBand Live Showcase - Song 7 "泪不停不停的流"

2011-01-25T02:04:00.001+08:00

Oops! Played a few wrong notes.
I think more wrong chords to come in the rest of the upcoming song videos....
:P

Confession

2011-01-21T14:20:00.001+08:00

Seriously, I've been indulging in cab taking too often. Bad bad bad. Especially when it's not that cheap to travel to the city. Ironic though, cos just yesterday night I tweeted 'All taxi drivers should just crash on the roads and die.'. I, myself, am guilty of relying a tad too much on cab traveling. It's a rather love-hate relationship I have with the taxi drivers. :/

Trying my best to cut down on cabs, so looks like a new year resolution is coming up.
Apologies beforehand to all the people I'm going to meet in future.
I AM GOING TO BE LATE. :P

《最后一次》The Final Time (Original)

2010-12-07T01:54:00.000+08:00

A shortened version of an original melody titled "The Final Time", and it's composed to remind myself to never cry again.

When I was younger, I was very easily affected by people around me. Thus many expectations became disappointments. And I continued to be like that until there's this point of time when I grew so sick of myself, for being so emotionally weak and dependent.

I still remembered that day, I walked to the piano, sat down, and told myself that it's going to be the last time I'm going to be so emotionally vulnerable. I told myself to cry everything out at that point and in future to never tear so easily again. So the next few minutes, I allowed my tears and emotions to flow, and this melody emerged.

I've never really made any changes to it since that day, so it's really that raw and unrefined emotion you'll hear in the tune. Nothing spectacular, but it is, and always will be, a precious memory of that time in my life.

倪安東 - "散場的擁抱"

2010-12-06T23:00:00.000+08:00

This song shattered my heart.
:'(

The King and the Beaver

2010-12-05T23:37:00.000+08:00

Le Royaume from Sébastien Hary on Vimeo.

An interesting animation :3

Pika! :3

2010-11-22T22:07:00.000+08:00

I love my IPhone lockscreen pic! :3

Sad

2010-11-21T01:45:00.000+08:00

The most looked forward and anticipated thing that I wanna do might not be realized after all.
I'm very sad.

Cornered by circumstance. And I blame myself.
If only I could have been more capable.

I'm very very very sad.

No, actually words can't even really express my sadness.

Like a Soldier

2010-11-17T02:10:00.002+08:00

Phone upgrade came on Monday! Like finally I have a camera phone once again. With better self-camwhoring function. Heh.

Anyhows, I really should bury my IPhone 3G like a soldier. Not only it didn't die on me when I accidentally took it for a dive in the pool, it actually 'breathed' its last AFTER I synced and transferred everything to my new phone. The immediate second after. I'm not kidding.

So this post is dedicated to you, my faithful iPhone 3G.

*Salute!* :...D

你是我的唯一

2010-11-14T13:23:00.001+08:00

Tactics Ogre Let Us Cling Together

2010-11-07T01:20:00.000+08:00

Do you see what I see?

Splendid artwork, great potential story plot, nice battle sequences... Remake of a classic game I've never tried.

The perfect combination of a orgasmic gaming experience. :D

Batman and Robin Sneakers

2010-09-08T19:40:00.000+08:00

They actually look real nice! :D

Passion of the Geeks

2010-08-29T01:40:00.000+08:00

One quality about geeks, is that they put in lots of effort in the things they like to do.
Even when it comes to recycling.

A Gundam model at 3 metres tall.

A closer look. :D

Yup. Made of runners and part trees from model kits.

Darn impressive if you ask me. Way to go geeks!

I want these toys :3

2010-08-26T02:28:00.000+08:00

Summer Wars figmas!

"King Kazuma"

"Love Machine"

Chioz chioz chioz~

Untitled

2010-08-25T20:12:00.000+08:00

It's really not the best feeling.
This anticipation of whether your friend will turn up for the appointment or not.
It's always full of guesses and uncertainty. Even if we've already confirmed over the phone or smses a few times, people will still pull out a last minute disappearing act.

Dear friends. I have a heart too.

John Barrowman & Daniel Boys - "I Know Him So Well"

2010-08-21T01:13:00.001+08:00

A different perspective, a brand new feel.

Equally touching.

Rant

2010-08-21T00:36:00.000+08:00

Not thinking. Not daydreaming.

No inspiration. No creativity.

Life is still eventful, but no longer exciting.

In-camp training starts

2010-01-25T23:34:00.001+08:00

First day of my in-camp training and, while I was still feeling depressed about it yesterday, it proves to be a very worthwhile 2 weeks reservist.
Well, cos there won't be any overnight outfield exercises!

I couldn't believe it at first since SAF's not famous for giving pleasant surprises. 14 days of mostly theory tests is a very good deal to clock as a 'high key' in-camp. :D

The most siong activity is going to be the CCAC Revision. What's that? Just know that we are required to use syringes with big needles to poke our buddies' veins. To draw blood or something. Cannot remember exactly. But I'll never forget the bruises it'll leave on the arms when your buddies try to 'navigate' the needle below your skin when he misses the vein at first try. OUCH!

I hope my buddy this time is zhai!

They are REAL!

2010-01-19T16:23:00.000+08:00

LOL.

Almighty Me

2010-01-07T00:11:00.000+08:00

We command lots more than we think we do.

Scarlet and Vermillion are Shades of My Surname

2009-12-28T17:06:00.002+08:00

I came across this question on some website during my random browsing:
"What is the colour that most represents you?"

A really silly question I'd say, but just for the fun of it I went ahead to think it through. I didn't spend much time before coming to an answer. The colour that most represents me must be red. Cos that's exactly what my surname means. "朱" means bright red.

Over my years, I've received many attempts of teasing from friends on my surname due to its pronunciation which is the same as the chinese word 'pig'. 'Pig Yu Xian', 'piggy', any other names you can link to pig, I've been called that. Of course when I was younger, I was very affected by these teases and because I didn't know the actual meaning behind my surname, I hated it. Till the day when my Primary 5 chinese teacher told me, over some stupid classmate who tried to make fun of me during class, that my surname means bright red.
That realization/enlightenment that hit me was transforming. I love my surname ever since and now though friends still tease me, I just laugh in my heart about how ignorant and stupid they are. :D

Now, I also realize how apt my surname is. I'm not much of a horoscope person, but my surname matches my sign perfectly. Red is also the colour of Aries! Haha. I'm just amused by all this coincidences.

So much for a silly question.
:P

So what will be the colour that most represents you?
Sometimes it take's something like this silly question to allow you to know more about yourself.

Post Bangkok and Pre Christmas

2009-12-24T00:55:00.001+08:00

Dang! I was supposed to blog on the day I came back from Bangkok, describing my 4D4N trip. Well, in short, I ate ALOT and walked ALOT. Everyday was non stop walking from place to place and for long hours! The physical drain aftermath of shopping is something really intense and I raise my white flag to this activity. I'm in utmost admiration for those shopaholics among us.

Went camera-less this trip thus I'm hoping my 'photographers' will upload our photos soon so they can send me my share. Heh.

I hope myself there'll be a photo blog of my Bangkok trip after this weekend. That is if I'm not too lazy. :P

Christmas is here soon!
I'm in holiday mode once more. Yay :D

Resonance

2009-12-11T23:41:00.001+08:00

It has never been to the extent that people calls me weird in front of my face, but well, I must be truthful and admit that I'm actually really much more than your average kind of weird.

Why? Like the lyrics in this song, maybe I'm searching for that particular something in my life. To compensate for something I've lost or never indeed owned.

Anyway, this is my favourite MJ song and its words will forever have resonance throughout my life.

"Childhood" - Michael Jackson

Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for the world that I come from
'Cause I've been looking around
In the lost and found of my heart...
No one understands me
They view it as such strange eccentricities...
'Cause I keep kidding around
Like a child, but pardon me...

People say I'm not okay
'Cause I love such elementary things...
It's been my fate to compensate,
for the ChildhoodI've never known...

Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like pirates and adventurous dreams,
Of conquest and kings on the throne...

Before you judge me, try hard to love me,
Look within your heart then ask,
Have you seen my Childhood?
People say I'm strange that way
'Cause I love such elementary things,
It's been my fate to compensate,
For the Childhood I've never known...

Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like fantastical stories to share
The dreams I would dare, watch me fly...

Before you judge me, try hard to love me.
The painful youth I've had

Have you seen my Childhood....

Culprits

2009-12-02T03:07:00.001+08:00

I'm not sure why, but it always seems like things stop working when you need them the most. Although they might be working fine the previous second when you didn't need it. :/

Can someone explain that to me? Sheer bad luck? Or is this suppose to be a pattern of life affected by some unknown cosmic energy? Cos it ALWAYS happens.

*scowl*

I am damn upset that my microphone is not working. It worked very well previously. But not anymore.

*scowl*

HOW AM I SUPPOSE TO RECORD MY PART FOR ERIC WHITACRE'S VIRTUAL CHOIR??!!

I hate unknown cosmic energies. You culprits.
>:/

Know your enemies' weak points

2009-11-24T16:23:00.001+08:00

Artist: http://www.ollymoss.com/

Current Wallpaper - Lightning (FFXIII)

2009-11-23T20:33:00.000+08:00

Will she be able to replace Aerith of FFVII and become the new 'Babe of videogames'?
I can't wait to find out.

Good bye Rusky

2009-11-23T11:56:00.002+08:00

I will miss you!
Definitely miss you more than my computer.
Not like your owners.
TSK. :P

Lazy Luigi

2009-11-14T01:10:00.001+08:00

Although the Luigi player is lazy to his/her core, this is an amazing video to watch where the 3 other players transport Luigi throughout the stage. Splendid coordination!

*clap clap*

The Real Post

2009-10-28T03:15:00.000+08:00

It's time for a real post.

That's what I've been telling myself the past few days. Why revive a blog when you can find nothing to write about? But there's no need to blog so often isn't it? No one ever determined a set frequency of posts per day, or week, or month.

And there I go again, telling myself something else in order to overrule a statement I made and cannot adhere to. I'm very good at that, I realized.

I'm also very good at many other things which I'm not very proud of. Those, obviously, are only for me alone to know. I hope there can be more things that I'm good at and can be proud of though. Maybe I have, but have yet to discover. Well, I've got the time now for that.

2 days into my break, as I like to call it since it sounds less depressing (although I'm not depressed at all, haha), and I've had a great time doing what I do very well in which is nothing. This particular act of doing nothing is the one item which I'm not sure whether to categorise into the 'very proud' or the 'not very proud' group. Cos sometimes it's an art, and other times it's just a form of procrastination. Mostly a mix of both.

I digressed though. I've got a tiny 'To-do' list to fulfill during this break and I plan to achieve all of them. Job-hunting is top on the list, followed by (not in order of preference) swimming and suntanning, piano recording, NAFA course application, friends meeting and so on and so forth.

Sounds very random? But what do you know...
Randomness is VERY REAL and thus my real post. ;P

Random thoughts

2009-10-21T00:44:00.001+08:00

I realized I didn't bring alot of personal items into the office, other than a cushion to hug and battle against the cold aircon. No small potted cactuses, no photos of friends and families, no cute little decorations, no nothing.

Does that say anything about my sense of belonging to the place?

到了明天 (Blue Tomorrow) - Super Junior M

2009-10-13T18:13:00.002+08:00

And if you know that tomorrow holds no more promises for the two of you, how will you see the coming day?

What colour will your tomorrow be?

Math Atheist

2009-10-11T14:15:00.000+08:00

Math atheists of the world unite!

yellow yellow chio chio fellow

2009-10-11T02:09:00.000+08:00

Been looking for a new bag to replace my Crumpler since dunno when....

And I finally found it!

This very chio Fred Perry Tarpaulin Messenger Bag.

:)

Penang Trip Aug'09

2009-10-08T00:56:00.004+08:00

Penang Trip Aug'09

Photos of my Penang Trip with the choir gang!

First time using Picasa Web album. Unsure of it's interface friendliness yet.
Do comment whether uploading the photos individually is a better way? Thanks!

Aion

2009-10-07T00:23:00.002+08:00

So far, I've heard good reviews on it.

Should I?

WOoot~!

2009-10-02T18:26:00.002+08:00

It's Friday again! The most looked forward day in the week once you start working (at least for those normal non-workaholics like us).

Hmmmm. I've got a feeling that it's going to be a wonderful weekend ahead. :D

Party party party~!!

Ethan signing off.

Google Love

2009-10-02T00:45:00.001+08:00

I've just installed Google Chrome on my desktop, and boy I'm in love with Google!

I'm typing this post on my iGoogle homepage itself. :) Not only that, I can also tweet and check mail and check facebook all on the same page. Boundless possibilities await as I can just add in more application gadgets onto the homepage. I'm really pleased with this ingenuity!

Truthfully, I'm not a tech savvy person, so do pardon my amazement. I even gave up playing WOW tonight just to set up all those Google things.

Ok. I dun really want to sound like an over enthusiastic new convert, nor an ambassador, but Google is coming up with a Google Wave, which I personally feel is very cool after watching the demo.

So if you guys want... you can google Google. :P

Ethan signing off.

Reconsidering

2009-10-01T17:08:00.000+08:00

Having thoughts of reblogging again.

Like what Matthew said, I used to blog about anything, even empty buses!

So what is different now?

Maybe I no longer want to share my thoughts with anyone anymore?

Or maybe it's just plain laziness.

Let's try...

Give me back my version 2

2009-07-06T19:03:00.001+08:00

Ever since I upgraded my IPhone's software to 3.0, it has been encountering a few problems! Inability to sync with my home laptop and now my internal iPod can't play.
So sad. So so sad.

Someone help! :(

Ethan signing off.

Untitled

2009-07-01T20:18:00.001+08:00

A baseless thought can be such a tormenting demon. Drained my energy but kept me restless and impossible to sleep.

The heart ached for another time. Months since the first. Seven to be exact.

Who would have known that this is part and parcel of it. The past one didn't bring me this.
I'm glad. Very glad.
Becos this one feels more real and alive.

I'll be able to sleep soundly tonight.
Cos my angel smiled upon me.

Ethan signing off.

It's beautiful

2009-06-12T00:04:00.002+08:00

If I want to show you anything,

it will be through my eyes.

Ethan signing off.

Ramblings

2009-05-17T14:14:00.002+08:00

It's a 9 to 6.30 every weekday and it's going to be like this for probably the rest of my life till I can retire. This has sunk into my head I think when I started working, but now it has sunk even deeper. And according to Newton's third law: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The reaction is the feeling of TOTAL SIANZNESS.

There's kosong things to look forward to, except the pay and the weekends. However, my pay is not exactly very high and the weekends are miserably short.

Monday's tomorrow!
I'm already suffering the blues of it.

ERGH!

Ethan signing off.

Random

2009-04-23T15:37:00.001+08:00

Some of my friends say I've a weird eating habit of mixing grapes and rice together. It's delicious you know. Really, why can't we? We put raisins in rice sometimes, and raisins are basically grapes in another form. Heh.

Anyway, I saw an uncle just now during my lunch break pouring kopi into his porridge to eat!
My rice plus grapes combination definitely pales in comparison to the uncle's.

Ethan's weirdness 0 - Uncle's weirdness 1
Darn :/

Ethan signing off.

Untitled

2009-04-23T01:07:00.001+08:00

I'm alive because my heart is beating for me.

But I feel more alive when my heart is also beating for someone else.

Ethan signing off.

we learn new things everyday

2009-04-11T17:23:00.002+08:00

If you are lactose tolerant, you are a mutant.
You had a mutation that allows you to digest lactose.
Normal (read: unmutated) human bodies aren't suppose to digest lactose.

If your body flushes when you drink alcohol, you are a mutant.
You had a mutation that rendered your enzymes inactive in breaking down alcohol into carbon dioxide and water.
Normal (read again: unmutated) human bodies dun flush when they consume alcohol.

I think we have mutants in our midst! :D

Ethan signing off.

really

2009-03-17T00:22:00.003+08:00

It's nothing really.

Just that I'm over here, and I want to get over there.
Because over there is a much brighter place than over here.

Metaphorically.

I might lose some things.
But some things are worth losing to get to where you want to be.

We all know after we lose we gain. In some other aspects.
A natural cycle, undeniable.

This process grants happiness.
It should, somehow.

So, it's nothing really. Just a journey to obtain happiness. We do that all the time in many other ways.
Only that this is after 25 years.

This way, this journey...
Probably it's something.

Ethan signing off.

My current mood: Starry

2009-03-12T00:58:00.003+08:00

小明星 (電影"流星語"主題曲)
曲：張國榮詞：林夕編：Alex San

Little Star跟你飛
不需給我什麼傳奇
Shining Star請給我光
來尋回從前漏眼的欣喜
小明星繁華相比
會發現誰值得不捨棄
小小明星原來再珠光寶氣
無法代你
Little Star給我飛
光得不需要什麼傳奇
Shining Star多少世紀
才明瞭悠閒是最終隔氣
* 一天流星與你相比
會發現凡事有著限期
小小明星原來再珠光寶氣
無法代你
Repeat *
小小明星凡人拍不出的戲
令我沒法忘記

Ethan signing off

ramblings

2009-03-05T12:58:00.002+08:00

Right now I'm sitting in my office meeting room waiting for my supplier to come down for training. Arranged time is 12.30pm, but it's already 12.52pm. Whatever happened to punctuality?

My stomach is growling non stop. And I'm freaking cold under this super strong aircon in my office. AND I'm extremely yearning for an afternoon nap.......

12.56pm....
Seconds feel like hours.
EERGH.

Ethan signing off.

A sense of direction

2009-02-24T19:21:00.001+08:00

As I look around the commuters on the train now, and try to decipher the fuzz all the chattering noise is creating, I think I can hear a somewhat inaudible sound. Faint yet full of direction.

Guess it's a calling. Unfamiliar but recognizable.

Looking at the pattern of the clouds and the direction of the wind, I figure and realize what is it I need to do.
Today.
Without delay.

I need to go for a haircut.
:P

Ethan signing off.

Photoshoot - machiam reunion dinner

2009-02-22T23:43:00.003+08:00

Went to take my graduation photoshoot with my family in a studio today. It was quite a huge affair, cos it's a BIG family photoshoot that involved my grandparents and my other cousins who actually graduated long ago. They knew that I was going to take with my grandparents, and so they took this opportunity to take with them as well.

So it was my family with grandparents, their 2 families with my grandparents, and then all the grandchildren graduates with my grandparents. 4 mere photos but it took like 2 hours?
Going to collect the samples next week and hope I look good in all of them! haha.

I really thank God for a closely knitted family and relatives.
:D

Ethan signing off.

Testing

2009-02-22T00:37:00.001+08:00

I'm actually very sick of the word 'Testing' cos that's exactly what I've been spending bulk of my time in office doing. One product under my management requires me to do testing every now and then, I should change my post from 'Marketing exec' to 'Product Tester'. Heh.

Anyway, I'm currently trying to enable my Iphone to do everything under the sun and thus I'm actually testing out a blogger application right now.
If it works, I'll be able to blog on the go in future and I reckon that's a good thing since I seem to be generating more thoughts when I'm not at home staring at my computer. This will also up my entry numbers as I realize I'm blogging less and less often. I kinda dun want that to happen cos I like to blog and share interestin things to my friends. Haha. Although in reality not much people reads them.
Oh well, to those of you who do, I just hope it has always been an enjoyable task. :)

Come to think of it... Why do I bother to write so much when this is just a test?
Tsk. This better work or I'll be wasting my effort! RAWRH!!!

Ethan signing off.

I know you guys miss me

2009-02-05T23:22:00.001+08:00

HEH :3

Ethan signing off.

Introducing - 'Daichi no la-li-la'

2009-01-25T02:18:00.004+08:00

I just finished watching the anime "Scrapped Princess" all over again, and the entire process was still very enjoyable. It's one of my favourite animes with good plot, good story pace, interesting characters, good art, and hell lots of magic and action. Not forgetting good music at the end of every episode.

This particular anime song is really beautiful as it's a two part harmony. The harmonization is not the regular '3rd apart', but two very independent melodies stringing together, complementing each other.
A very captivating and charming song for an anime. :)

snippet from work

2009-01-21T00:26:00.003+08:00

My blog entries are reducing to little snippets and I'm totally fine with that. Guess I've passed the long-writing-phase into the blog-on-anything-short-phase. Heh.

And so, presenting my first snippet from work.

I call it "No Business"

Damn. Looks super depressing. :/

Ethan signing off

random

2009-01-20T00:36:00.002+08:00

I'm glad I can't mind read.

Feeding on others' thoughts will be so scary.

I'm sure the world will become a much darker place for me if I know what everyone is thinking about.

Ethan signing off

I'm loving it.

2009-01-19T00:36:00.000+08:00

Ethan signing off

Taipei Photos

2009-01-18T02:36:00.005+08:00

I've finally gotten my lazy ass up to upload the photos.
Chose a few to share on the blog. Too many!

*comments coming later :P*
*Treat it as a photoblog for now... Heh.*

Ethan signing off

Lovebug from Taipei

2009-01-03T02:51:00.004+08:00

Hi dudes! Happy New Year! It's been quite a while since my last post, and the reason behind this hiatus was because yours truly went to Taipei for a holiday during the last 2 weeks of December. I just returned this Tuesday actually. The trip was fantastically fun and I really can't wait to share photos.
BUT I'm feeling really lazy now. Like really really lazy. So I'll put the uploading of photos on a sweet little short hold. :P

Dun be disappointed though, as yours truly has something else to share!
A very nice and catchy song that has been playing quite regularly on the Taiwan channels during my stay there.

It caught on to me like a bug. A Lovebug! Heh.

[Lovebug] - Jonas Brothers

Called you for the first time yesterday
Finally found the missing part of me
Felt so close but you were far away
Left me without anything to say

Now I’m speechless
Over the edge and just breathless
I never thought that I’d catch this
Love bug again
Hopeless head over heels in the moment
I never thought that I’d get hit
With this love bug again

I can’t get your smile out of my mind
I think bout your eyes all the time
Beautiful but you don’t even try
Modesty is just so hard to find

Now I’m speechless
Over the edge and just breathless
I never thought that I’d catch this
Love bug again
Hopeless, head over heels in the moment
I never thought that I’d get hit
With this love bug again

Kissed her for the first time yesterday
Everything I wished that it would be
Suddenly I forgot how to speak
Hopeless, breathless, baby can’t you see

Now I’m…
(Guitar solo!)

Yahow!!!

Now I’m speechless!
Over the edge and just breathless!
I never thought that I’d catch this!
Love bug again!
Now I’m hopeless, head over heels in the moment!
I never thought that I’d get hit!
With this love bug again!
Ohh oho

Love bug again...

Ethan signing off

evil laughter

2008-12-14T01:14:00.002+08:00

After watching the local musical "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves", which was really enjoyable by the way, I think everyone SHOULD have their own set of evil laughter.

Not that it's particularly useful or necessary.
Just to add dramatic effect into your lives.

MUAWHAHAHAHAHAHAH~~

Ethan signing off

Painting.

2008-12-11T00:44:00.003+08:00

Not only is this painting adorable, it's title is gleefully cute as well.

"Ceasefire" by Jaspher Penuliar. 36 x 36 in. oil on canvas

http://www.galeriejoaquin.com.sg/

Ethan signing off.

every evening sky...

2008-12-09T23:38:00.005+08:00

Maybe if my heart and soul is in sync with the universe, then can I know so much more about the things happening around me. Maybe then can I get answers from listening to the wind, or even to the cats' purr.

Never was I the inquisitive one.
I'm always fine to let things happen at my sight without knowing the reason why they actually happen.
Perhaps this indifference has gotten too potent and destroyed a part of me.

And for this, I apologize to my loved ones.
For the inablility to display that all of you mattered.

Maybe that's why you all feel I dun matter as well.

Yet again, it's times like this that I think of You.

Ethan signing off.

senseless people

2008-12-03T17:54:00.003+08:00

"Animals sometimes make a lot more sense than people do."

I totally agree.

Ethan signing off.

random

2008-11-27T00:35:00.002+08:00

The office is such a big germ box.
I'm catching all the diseases from my colleagues.
From lost of voice, to cough, to now sorethroat.

I can't wait to embark on my Taiwan getaway.
And breathe some rejuvenating non Singapore air.

For now, it's penny saving mode to salvage some colossal destruction I did to my bank account. :P

I still have nothing much to blog about.
Work kills inspiration.

Ethan signing off.

Heart beat

2008-11-12T13:08:00.002+08:00

This song just sprang onto me one day, and I can't get it out of my mind.
It's like there's something that I should get it into my head.

Ethan signing off

magic number what?

2008-11-09T23:23:00.003+08:00

And when secrets are not supposed to let others know, we normally share our secrets with a few.

So, when is a secret no longer a secret?
What is the number to hit to undefine it?

Then maybe I can try to hit that quota and do away with secrecy in my life.

Ethan signing off.

random

2008-10-29T22:50:00.003+08:00

Faded.
That's what I've become in some of their lives.
And they were the only friends I had once.

But I've faded.

Ethan signing off

let's talk about the angst

2008-10-22T23:10:00.004+08:00

I just went for a haircut and it feels so refreshing right now. Kinda have a lifting off the weight feeling.
Not that my hair weigh heavy, but with the recent humid wave, and the immense workload in office, some weight (apparently any kind) off myself is welcomed.

Now... I'm starting to realize that I'm most vulgar during work. At least there's a higher chance to hear me spew expletives there than anywhere else.
And of cos, sitting behind the steering wheel comes in a close second. I surprise myself sometimes by the degree of hate I have for taxi drivers as a road user. You somehow just can't stop cursing them. heh.

But office angst (that's what i'm going to call it) goes to a whole new level.
The person over at the other end of the phoneline is always a dimwit, I dunno why.
And there are countless hateful people who you have no choice but to work with. I know doing business is all about the relations, but unfortunately, there's this one business associate whom I swear I'll strangle the next time I see him. Or secretly stick pins all over a grassdoll with his name on it. Actualy I think, not only me, my entire department wants him either less hateful, or dead altogether. >:P

Normally I find myself incapable of holding on to hatred as it's really a pointless emotion detrimental only to oneself. I dunno why, however, it seems so much easier to grow horns than to have a halo in the office. It's like life becomes a little less beautiful in that space.

But I guess, taking aside Facebook and MSN, it's stuff like this that makes office life less mundane than it can lethally be.

Oh and it's official. I HATE EXCEL.

Ethan signing off.

recent work

2008-10-19T23:58:00.004+08:00

So far, October has been a mad rushing month at my workplace. There are events lined up back to back for almost every single day of the week. I've had 2 such weeks already and this week will not be any different.

On one hand it's kind of good as time passes faster when you're occupied with things, but on the other hand it's not so good when there's not much time to even take a breather and meal times are irregular.

Work's still not too bad and kind of fun except that the higher heads are setting you quotas and goals which, sometimes, you don't know how to achieve. And that is part of assessment for performance bonus at the end of the year. Looks like it's not that easy to achieve that freaking bonus.

Although, it isn't really much of my business now, as I'm still under the probation period and working towards confirmation. No bonus for me yet.

ok wait... den why the hell I'm working my ass off now...
Heh.

Ethan signing off

Reflections of a Skyline

2008-10-02T00:11:00.004+08:00

Another video which I found in somebody else's blog, and I can't help but feel that I needed to show this to all my friends out there.

A video about the ongoing, neverending love.

Ethan signing off

prom dance and rain dance

2008-10-01T01:04:00.002+08:00

Was at Mind Cafe the other day with my bunch of friends and we played 'Quelf', a wacky game that makes the players do outright nonsensical things in order to win the game. Basically, it's like a game FULL of forfeits.

Below are the 2 funniest forfeits we had to do, and was captured by a friend with his handphone.
The videos are the wrong way up so you'll have to tilt your head to watch it properly.
:P

This first one has me dancing a prom dance with a partner (another player) for one minute.
My friend was kinda embarassed, but I assured him that this is not the worst of the tasks. I've done wackier ones!

This second one has my friend perform a rain dance complete with chanting and gibberish shouting. It's stated in the forfeit that if it REALLY starts to rain when he dances the rain dance, he wins the game immediately. haha.

It's great to let down your hair once in a while :D

Ethan signing off.