Therapy has taught Jacky Teo that Art is cool

Jason Lee: Are There New Concepts to Discover

2011-12-31T00:25:00.005+08:00

I was speaking to Jason in China, and one of the things I asked him was if he thinks there'll still be new concepts in yoyos out there waiting to be discovered. He replied with what I thought was the most fitting answer possible.

He said in about 2002, somewhere along the peak of the 1A string trick explosion, he and Gary Longoria, two players he described as "at the forefront of yoyoing" sat down and asked each other the exact same question. Both of them agreed that there were none and every concept that could've been discovered has been done.

Look where we are now.

Nothing Like Death to Tell Us How to Be Alive.

2011-12-18T03:21:00.002+08:00

Regrets of the Dying.

Life Makes Us Villains. Death Makes Us Heroes.

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

Knowledge Belongs to the People

2011-09-08T00:59:00.000+08:00

Don't forget.

Advertising Reflection #1: Impact on Society

2011-09-07T02:51:00.002+08:00

As a powerful tool to drive sales, in a free market system advertising has helped blow consumerism culture up into today’s almost ridiculous proportions. While it isn’t the primary cause, I think it certainly is a contributing factor.

Advertisers effectively brainwash children whose innocent minds simply don’t stand a chance against the psychoanalysts, focus groups, bright color palettes and morning TV spots. Fashion houses prey on my insecurities and desires to be with the ‘in’ crowd to peddle more clothes I don’t need.

Of course, on the other end of the spectrum we have advertisements that promote healthy lifestyles, discouraging drink driving, encouraging exercise etc. This goes to show advertisements are mere tools, and their goodness and their impact on society lies in the way they are used.

In today’s society however, the vast majority of ads are used to perpetuate consumerism and a materialistic culture. I think this point at a more fundamental problem with the free market system, or how society operates, in which people need to decide for themselves what it is they truly want.

In my imagination is a world where billboards shout the benefits of compassion, where TV spots remind us that happiness is not about having what we want, but wanting what we have, and pamphlets sell happiness for exactly $0.00. This world sounds ridiculous, but at least you don’t have to buy a new sweater every fall, and your kids won’t be clamoring for Playstation Four.

You Can't Understand, But We are the Future

2011-08-14T01:29:00.000+08:00

Principles of Humour

2011-08-02T00:22:00.001+08:00

Surprise, exaggeration, similarity.

Old Friend

2011-07-05T23:36:00.001+08:00

She looked a little tired, but I guess all of us do.

I guess growing up hit her, the way it hit all of us too.

To the Activists

2011-06-16T23:05:00.001+08:00

I understand how important each one of your causes is. But just to let you know, the kids are still hungry in Africa.

The Revolution Has Died

2011-05-30T00:51:00.001+08:00

I've never been able to understand everything he's produced, but from the little that I do, I know we've lost a great artist in Gil Scott-Heron.

BOOM.

2011-05-20T06:05:00.001+08:00

Sounds by Unkle, visuals by Spike Jonze + Ty Evans.

Absolutely Amazing

2011-05-04T09:36:00.000+08:00

Which ping pong ball roller coaster ride through historical landmarks made of toothpicks would you like to go on today?

Pool + Football = Poolball

2011-05-02T09:30:00.002+08:00

I wonder if we can do Bicycle Kicks up there......

Paintball Robot

2011-05-02T05:20:00.000+08:00

How can this not be awesome? Cover your friends (or enemies) in paint in the comfort of your ugh.. paintball bunker. Comes equipped with camera mounted on gun so you can aim for maximum damage.

The Whole Shebang

2011-04-22T07:30:00.001+08:00

Powerful

2011-04-19T02:57:00.000+08:00

But what else did you expect from the most important artist of our time?

If You Don't Have a Cape, a Blanket Will Do.

2011-04-17T01:37:00.001+08:00

It's times like these we need to be our own Superheroes.

Jeon Ji Hwan

2011-04-15T00:07:00.004+08:00

The, attention grabbing, Big Bang loving, behind the back whipping, canned food eating, yellow sneaker rocking 17 year old from Korea is a constant ball of fun to have around. He taught me Korean cuss words and made the hotel lobby his dinner table.

He also lost his phone at the airport along with all the photos he took in Singapore. So here's what I have of my crazy Korean friend!

Pro-tip: A ridiculous personality lets you rock ridiculous clothes.

Three caps at the same time. Do-rai~

Party All Night Long~

2011-04-05T06:07:00.000+08:00

Did he just say "smoke a lotta weed" in a University?

The Dream is Over

2011-04-04T00:56:00.002+08:00

Sorry I've been busy for a week or so. Now trying to get back on to life etc.

To You and Your $1000 Fixed Gear Hijinx

2011-04-04T00:37:00.000+08:00

Progress > Cool.

Still Standing

2011-03-25T05:27:00.000+08:00

Damn right the 1/1 Gundam model in Japan is still standing strong despite the disasters that rocked the nation. Gambatte!

Disaster Marketing

2011-03-22T04:08:00.018+08:00

I know this comes at a bad time and in bad taste. But I'll tell you what else is in bad taste. Everybody and his brother's startup company releasing a white-red coloured product to "Support Japan".

Years ago when a disaster struck, if companies wanted to help, donating was the only way to show people "XYZ & Co. Cares". But when a few companies with clever PR departments had success releasing "disaster products" to aid victims, the rest of the world followed suit.

When the quake hit Japan weeks ago, it was an obvious marketing opportunity. Companies big and small were thinking of ways to cash in. Either on money, public relations or both.

But the disaster in Japan doesn't just give you the chance to build goodwill. Because when the bandwagon of cool is shaken, it's everyone's chance to jump on. When Haiti shook, I didn't see no one "Dance for Haiti". I didn't see no one "Design for Haiti". It just well, isn't as cool.

So really when I see Channel News Asia trying to cash in, I shrug and move on because really, everyone is doing the same thing.

By the way, Japan's death toll is nearing 20,000. 230,000 died in Haiti.

Japan is the world's 3rd largest economy. It has the resources to rebuild itself.

Haiti has the world's 3rd highest percentage of people under the poverty line (80%). Haiti doesn't have jack shit.

So unlike the rest of the world, I'm not going to tell you how you can help a country that will help itself. I'm telling you that you can help Haiti at Yele Haiti, where Wyclef Jean has nothing to cash in on.

(Don't get me wrong. I love Japan. The food, the culture, everything. I have friends in Japan. I feel bad for everyone there. I just think everyone trying to cash in on their plight by disguising it as support really is straight disgusting. Please think of a new marketing gimmick.)

Mister Ong Talks to Christopher Chia Pt.1

2011-03-22T03:15:00.012+08:00

I sat down to talk to Christopher Chia after he returned from Orlando finishing 3rd in the World Yoyo Contest in 1A - the most competitive division. In Pt. 1 we talk about the inverted tricks, winning US$200 at Lucky's BBQ and how AP stacks up against Worlds.

MO: We know that before worlds you had to juggle school and training for the contest at the same time. Can you tell us about that?

C: Actually before worlds I had an exam. It was less than a week before worlds. My exams ended on Thursday and I was leaving for Worlds on Monday so it was quite hard. So after my exams I practiced everyday.

MO: How many hours of training did you put in a day?

C: It depends. On a usual day, 2 to 3 sometimes 3 to 4 hours.

MO: Tell us about the planning for your freestyle.

I decided to use the same freestyle as Singapore Nationals because I don’t want to screw up.

I just added a few tricks. Like the inverted one (points inwards).

MO: Tell us how that came about.

C: Jayson told me Mickey was doing something like that at AP2010 and told us to explore. After a few weeks, I came up with this combo and it was new so I put it in.

MO: Was it very difficult to get it 100%?

C: Yeah quite.

MO: You were going up against the best in the world. Jensen Kimmit, Mickey, Yuuki Spencer, how were you expecting to do?

C: I didn't aim to lose. Because I spent so much money to go over there. I was aiming to win.

MO: Did you put a lot of pressure on yourself?

C: I did. But when I got there I didn’t practice as much as I did in Singapore. I rested.

MO: How is Worlds different from AP?

C: Very different. AP when overseas players arrive at the airport, Singaporean players will go and fetch them and bring them to the taxi stand. But when I reached Orlando, I didn’t know where to go. I had to find the taxi stand myself, and then go to the hotel. At Worlds no one would guide you. In Singapore when the Japanese come, we bring them out all over the place

MO: So no one told you what was the equivalent of chicken rice over there?

C: Ya and the food was expensive. I ate mainly pizza and burger. During the contest I ate pizza three meals a day

MO: Who was interesting there?

C: Senba and Tsubasa Onikii. Out of nowhere they will start dancing. And hoah they can dance quite well. Break dancing and popping. Eric Koloski as well. He can play the piano. There was a piano at Lucky's BBQ.

MO: How was Lucky's BBQ?

C: His house is very nice. Oh and I won US$200 there. There was a 15 seconds of fame contest there where everyone will just go up and just do whatever to try to impress the judges. You can do yoyos, anything.

Taka did soloham, Rei Iwakura did the 5a dance and some guy jumped over a dustbin.

Actually I didn't want to join but Taka said "you must join, you must join". Then there's this guy from Duncan. He said (pointing) “he's the only one from Singapore.”

Then everyone started clapping so I went up. I did the behind the back horizontal trick. At the end of it they just announced the winner and I got the trophy and two US100$ bills.

MO: How is the competitive level of Worlds compared to AP?

C: Umm.. I think it's harder to qualify for AP. Overall, AP is more competitive. By looking at the freestyles, AP almost everyone has a clean freestyle.

Second round at Worlds though is a little bit tougher. First round at Worlds is easier than AP but second round maybe is about the same.

MO: How was your condition on the day of your competition?

C: I was quite on form that day. When I practiced I didn't make any mistakes. Some of my friends in Singapore told me not to practice so much there so I just relaxed. I went up to my room and slept for a while. Then when the freestyle started, I went down.

MO: Before your freestyle, were you nervous?

C: Yeah nervous.

MO: Compared to syyc?

C: About the same.

Next time: Chris tells us about who he's most afraid of in Singapore!

Too Cool for School

2011-03-21T01:20:00.003+08:00

Who knew amidst the sensory overload of Dhoby Ghaut, one could be just a (long) flight of stairs away from a peaceful serenity? I dragged myself to Old School on a school assignment looking for an exhibition that didn't exist, but the fruitless walk around the complex was surprisingly enjoyable.

The old Methodist Girls' School is now a home to a collective of media/design companies. The first thing that greets you when you pass the gates is its elegant peacefulness. It was calmly quiet on a Sunday evening and the only few people around were just lounging at the cafe or mindfully finishing up on some weekend work.

As you walk in, slowly but surely you sense this creative spirit in the air. It's like the window of social acceptance just widens as you explore the place. The eclectic mix of companies here quietly tells you it's ok to be a contemporary dancer, to paint colourful characters on Chinese porcelain, to push or better yet disregard boundaries.

The architecture of the place is exciting. While the main building has corridors that seem to weave into each other, it remains just accessible enough to keep one from getting lost. I imagine it must have been amazing schooling in this compound exploring its almost dizzying array of nooks and crannies. Considering the building was probably built a very long time ago, I think the architect really did a brilliant job designing something that is still interesting so many years down the road.

While we are caught up in our rolled up jeans and wide framed glasses, its nice to sometimes immerse oneself in a truly genuinely unpretentious creative spirit that allow you to be whoever you want to be.

The Boys are Back

2011-03-19T20:52:00.000+08:00

Mini mini video: Some of Singapore's best headed into the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Philippines for some intensive training under the mythical Pat Cuartero. They came back with some of that sickness.

J.J. got inspired by Kenji Eto.

Darrell extended his Spirallini by adding the Roti Prata.

Iskandar has somethin ridiculous coming soon.

Gourmet Status Symbol

2011-03-14T01:51:00.004+08:00

It's no secret that when a new food craze arrives, Singaporeans treat procurement of said food as a status symbol. They parade the results of their patient queueing proudly as they consume the product. Don't act like you don't know.

Well judging from the number of envious eyeballs we got from buying overpriced popcorn, this might be the new thing to go for.

The Chicago Mix. Dripping cheese and crispy caramel. As Oprah says, pop one of each at the same time. Salty and sweet and um.. really really good.

At $8 for a small bag, it really can seem quite expensive but the serving is pretty generous. It is actually quite a lot to go through and kind of makes up for the exorbitant price. I think when you compare it to paying $6 for coffee though, it really doesn't seem that crazy anymore.

Garrett's is at B1-26A, City Link Mall.

Prison University Project

2011-03-06T00:30:00.002+08:00

I don't think I've seen three words put together that make so much sense. What are we waiting for?

Northpoint is Insane

2011-03-02T03:32:00.002+08:00

Christopher rocks the capacity crowd outside Popular @ Northpoint. People had to go one floor above us just to get a look. Thank you for your support. Moments like these are what we live for.

The rings and things you sing about, bring 'em out. It's hard to yell when the barrel's in your mouth.

2011-02-28T02:18:00.004+08:00

-B.I.G

For Nothing But

2011-02-25T03:37:00.002+08:00

I had a slightly heated debate with Elaine over the nature of human motivation. I argued that everything we do for someone we do it to trade for something else. I scratch your back you scratch mine. She argued that isn't the case for everything, that sometimes we do things just cos we want to help or just cos we're nice or we're friends.

I think that's BS because even then, we do it because we want to be known as helpful or to maintain the friendship. Everything we do, we trade for something else. Sometimes we trade (donate) $5 just for The Good Feeling that we have done something positive.

I then proceeded to ask her to be my debt collector for like 15 min. She passed me the money in this cute envelope she drew herself~ I hope we can have more debates because there are still some outstanding debts to be collected!

^^ Thanks Elaine!

Best Slam Dunk Contest Ever

2011-02-22T01:05:00.002+08:00

and there have been quite a few magnificent ones before this one came along. But the guys really put on a show. Javalle McGee and Blake Griffin dropped undoubtedly some of the greatest dunks in history. Two dunks, three balls, and a car?

Chop Pencils

2011-02-17T01:40:00.003+08:00

Saatchi & Saatchi placed these pencils disguised as chopsticks in China's restaurants. The instructions on the wrapper encourage Chinese to write to their government to stop torture and push for the amnesty.org cause.

Pretty nifty~

Midnight Culinary Experiment: Needs More Salt

2011-02-17T01:35:00.004+08:00

$2 Daiso "Salty Taste" Popcorn (never buying popcorn from movie vendors again)

+ melted butter

= hehe.. now all we need is a good movie~

South Africa Remix

2011-02-16T16:37:00.000+08:00

No Vuvuzuela?

Just Chillin'

2011-02-14T16:32:00.000+08:00

On top of the tallest building in the world.

Yakitori / Sake

2011-02-11T22:28:00.000+08:00

The last Beef Skewer takes on the last cup of Wine @ Watami, ION Orchard.

Hoah.

2011-02-10T06:45:00.000+08:00

Someone said Ryu had too much Curry and Akuma's going to a Rave party in Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition.

Please Give Him Some Love

2011-02-08T06:11:00.000+08:00

Willie does a very entertaining street performance on the Clarke Quay bridge, friday and weekend nights! Give him some love! (You'll know what I mean just before his finale)

Cachet.

2011-02-06T22:12:00.000+08:00

When Nike wants to be cool, no one comes close. Mad props for making some niche activities look cooler than they've ever been.

Blanc / Noir

2011-02-05T22:03:00.002+08:00

New paint for an old shoe that I didn't even know I had until spring cleaning. Simple as it is, I'm quite sure Nike never made this exact colourway.

Blacked out the label just cos I freakin felt like it. Boo ya!

The Triple Cork

2011-02-04T02:42:00.000+08:00

A corkscrew (or cork) is not a backflip. Snowboarders say it's an off-axis spin. Whatever that means. I just think it's a 180 rotation that tweaks the backflip diagonally. This time done three times over while whipping up a tornado in the air.

His much hyped about winning move at the recent Winter X Games 15 however, is more of a Triple Backflip 180. Considering he still flipped three times with broken ribs under the pressure of a competition, still makes it pretty damn crazy.

Seafood Platter for Eleven

2011-02-03T07:10:00.000+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year! Get your Huat on!

No Stage, No Spotlights

2011-02-03T06:23:00.002+08:00

Just a performer and his passion for his craft.

How Many Jackets Do People Need?

2011-02-02T00:07:00.005+08:00

I always have a lot of respect for Staple because he speaks the truth, and unlike 99.8% of the rest of the world, he (for the lack of a better term) keeps it real. He also has a good blog.

I Play Golf

2011-02-01T03:55:00.002+08:00

I don't know Golf systems very well, but he has a handicap of 3. Which I think means he's a very very good amateur Golfer.

Greatest Tournament Name Ever

2011-02-01T01:54:00.001+08:00

Because it's not just cute. The guy who invented the Frisbee really did get inspired by his mom's cake pan.

You Can't Murder a Legacy

2011-01-31T05:47:00.004+08:00

Probably the most important film in the past year. I'm actually quite ashamed about how little I know about the situation there. Reminds that the peace we enjoy, is something many would die for.

Life Changing Sweet Potato

2011-01-29T01:49:00.002+08:00

And I don't even like sweet potato. They also have Seaweed Fries for those of you that miss maybe the only good thing from McDonald's. Get it at B1, bugis Junction!

Boogie Nookie

2011-01-29T01:40:00.001+08:00

Andrew is a Dirty Dancing Champion. See you on the dancefloor.

Rollercoaster Music

2011-01-29T01:25:00.002+08:00

Interesting look into how they make music for theme park rides. Those sound effects are genius!

Ghost Ball

2011-01-25T04:13:00.002+08:00

Mini golf hole in one off a fountain spout while drunk.

Saved My Weekend

2011-01-24T14:00:00.002+08:00

Everyone can see the road that we walk on is paved in gold, and it's always summer it never gets cold~

This is My Excuse

2011-01-18T06:18:00.002+08:00

For the lack of updates these past few weeks. Blazing Teens site is live as of few weeks ago. Probably my best website design ever (ok I've only done 2). However content generation and blogging is much more tedious than I thought. I want to give J my language ability and let him take over. He's much better at that.

There's actually more design work coming in. I need to charge more for this sleep deprivation.

Nachos Overdose

2011-01-18T06:13:00.002+08:00

It was so good we ordered another serving. We almost never do that. Ask for some Ranch Sauce if the dips are not working for you. Move on to the Sour Cream (white stuff in photo) when your tastebuds are more accustomed to the flavour, then order another serving @ Chili's, Tanglin Mall.

Singaporean Kindness

2011-01-13T05:19:00.001+08:00

I was happy to see this aired @ bus interchanges. Always nice to see people who treat others well get treated well in return.

In response to ads like these, many Singaporeans say that kindness in our country if anything is always artificial and not genuine. You see a sign, listen to the campaign and be kind for a while. Well to that I think the only way to have real kindness is for those same Singaporeans to stop complaining about their fellow countrymen and be genuinely kind themselves.

By the way, I think "Thank you" and "You're welcome" are good, easy starting points.

I Eat Emcees for Breakfast

2011-01-11T03:26:00.000+08:00

Much of the Indie Hiphop genre for a number of reasons is actually very difficult to listen to, so it's always refreshing to hear a smooth flow over an easy beat. Outside of that, this guy's got some technical rhyming skills and a sense of humour. Definitely worth supporting.

Gyeah!

via Andrew

Signed Off

2011-01-09T03:57:00.000+08:00

Sketch after sketch, render after render, it's been tough but I'm glad the final version looks cool. Hope y'all enjoy it in Prague!

Please tell Spinworkx to let me or Winnie redesign some of their major competition logos.

Christmas Origami

2011-01-08T08:10:00.000+08:00

I think I did okay~

Extended Replay

2011-01-07T05:49:00.002+08:00

While we already know the Electro Duo have dropped another amazing track, it really is kind of short. So I went out to find me an extended version so I don't have to hit replay every 2 minutes.

Electrify the boys and girls, if you would be so kind!

The Krispy Kreme Post

2011-01-06T08:12:00.002+08:00

The Best Donuts (Sugar Glazed) in the World.

Donuts + Yoyos. Good times.

BTW I'm only back in Singapore because they rejected my application for a job there. Apparently locals only. Sob.

Skating Lightshow

2011-01-05T06:52:00.002+08:00

Japan at the next level once again. Crazy tricks, even crazier lights. Some pretty complex stuff going on there if I could say so myself.

Back to painting my Frisbee Black with Turquoise glow rims.

Comedy Gold

2011-01-04T19:03:00.001+08:00

Roy! Roy Roy Roy! I'm still laughing.

Fly Macam G6: Kuala Lumpur Pt.2

2011-01-01T07:50:00.001+08:00

Morning shopping at Sogo, Chris and Darrell try'na look fly with their newly purchased Beyblade spintops. Apparently slightly cheaper there.

Blindfold Rubik's Cube Division. Basically once they're given the cube, they figure out and remember how to turn the cube in what order to solve it, put on their eyepatch, and execute it. Totally ridiculous. The eyepatch and the level of skill.

Faiz lookin mad fly. Rocked both the mic and the women's blazer. Automatic slim fit.

Judges and wannabe judges. They look like they're having but they're really suffering. Judging is no fun. I decided not to ruin my holiday with useless stress and work.

Post competition dinner with the players. We took over this crazy place called Murni. Some of the most heart stopping, blood vessel clogging, straight up greasiest grub I've ever allowed into my mouth, but just so good. This was I think double chicken chops with cheese in the middle. Now it's just the lining in my blood vessels.

This is their Mango special or something. It's more of a sweet than a drink so forget about quenching your thirst here.

Final day shopping @ Showroom, Berjaya Time Square. Great selection and prices of some of that streetwear gear. Here's Zaf, hot off getting 6th at his first competition and wants to tell you he can't help it. He's just naturally that damned talented.

By the way, you don't wish the new year is Awesome. You make it Awesome.

2011-01-01T03:38:00.001+08:00

Happy New Year.

Just Cool

2010-12-31T07:48:00.000+08:00

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

Neslo Days: Kuala Lumpur Pt.1

2010-12-30T07:19:00.002+08:00

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

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

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

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

Triple Legendary

2010-12-26T16:08:00.001+08:00

Dave Matthews Band plays

Jimi Hendrix's All Along the Watchtower and transitions into

Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven.

Crazy.

Sick. Be Back Soon.

2010-12-26T14:00:00.001+08:00

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

Some More S'mores

2010-12-21T05:06:00.000+08:00

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

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

If I Don't Wake Up Tomorrow

2010-12-19T05:42:00.000+08:00

Blame it on the Marshmallows.

Does It Have Like a Cool Name?

2010-12-18T05:38:00.000+08:00

Umm.. it's called Crusher, 2010

From the Overheard Conversations

2010-12-17T05:23:00.003+08:00

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

Support the locals @ Everything With Fries, Orchard Central.

Pepsi Cola 1, 2, 3!!

2010-12-17T05:19:00.002+08:00

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

Sometimes All You Need

2010-12-15T17:35:00.000+08:00

Is the right words and good typography.

Most of the Important Things In the World

2010-12-14T16:00:00.000+08:00

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

Don't Need Another Perfect Line

2010-12-13T16:35:00.002+08:00

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

Let's Rock Out!

2010-12-13T14:44:00.004+08:00

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

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

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

Sweet Masquerade

2010-12-06T05:50:00.002+08:00

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

Future Selfs

2010-12-04T22:48:00.003+08:00

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

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

Reminder to Check Out

2010-12-04T05:45:00.000+08:00

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

The $20 Week: Days 5, 6 & 7

2010-12-03T05:17:00.005+08:00

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

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

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

Balance left: -$1.50

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

Balance left: -$7.30

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

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

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

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

Busy!

2010-12-03T05:11:00.003+08:00

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

Such a Character

2010-11-28T04:43:00.004+08:00

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

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

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

2010-11-25T01:01:00.002+08:00

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

"Peace could last forever"

And in my first memories they shot Kennedy

I went numb when I learned to see

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

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

When everybody's fightin' for their promised land

And I don't need your civil war

It feeds the rich while it buries the poor

The power hungry sellin' soldiers in a human grocery store

Ain't that fresh

I don't need your civil war

What's so civil about war anyway?

So Much Greatness

2010-11-24T01:48:00.000+08:00

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

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

Tonight the Streets Are Ours

2010-11-22T16:15:00.001+08:00

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

You should.

Riviera Club

2010-11-20T08:02:00.000+08:00

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

It Runs In the Family

2010-11-19T11:21:00.000+08:00

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

The $20 Week: Day 4

2010-11-19T03:10:00.003+08:00

Taxis will be the death of me.

Taxi to make it in time for school: $3.00

Ham & Cheese Pretz: $1.20

Taxi to catch last bus: $8.50

Total Expenditure: $12.70

Balance Left: $2.00

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

The $20 Week: Day 3

2010-11-18T06:00:00.003+08:00

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

Total Expenditure: $0.00

Balance Left: $14.70

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

Rodney Would Be Proud

2010-11-18T01:56:00.003+08:00

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

Simpson Rocks Halloween

2010-11-17T20:05:00.002+08:00

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

The $20 Week: Day 2

2010-11-17T02:40:00.002+08:00

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

Total Expenditure: $0.00

Balance Left: $14.70

The $20 Week: Day 1

2010-11-16T05:40:00.003+08:00

Get to school on time Taxi fare: $4.00

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

Total expenditure: $5.30

Balance left: $14.70

Overspending already?

The $20 Week

2010-11-15T07:12:00.006+08:00

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

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

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

Hidden in the Hearlands

2010-11-15T07:00:00.000+08:00

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

Love Punch!

2010-11-11T15:48:00.002+08:00

Think she stole the ring from this dude.

Fashion Should Be Fun

2010-11-11T15:44:00.002+08:00

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

What is a G6?

2010-11-11T02:05:00.001+08:00

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