Background Noise

...

2007-04-26T15:34:00.001+08:00

Y: "steve do you have a screwdriver"
S: "yah what do you need it for?"
Y:"something"
S: "yeah.. what size lah?"
Y: "uhh.. normal size"
S: "what are you trying to screw?"
Y: "something, can I see what screwdrivers you have?"
S: "yeah but, how big a screwdriver do you need"
Y: "the plus kind... normal size. not too big, not too small"
S: "what are you using it on?"
Y: "something"
IFS: "..."

2007-03-20T19:00:00.000+08:00

Middle Ages Tech Support

I cant believe how patient the tech support guy is!

techsupport ftw!

2007-01-31T02:58:00.000+08:00

the mrbrown show: giving a helping hand

the things we do in the office.

sometimes

2007-01-30T23:35:00.000+08:00

i know she's got a hidden smile

and i see glimpses of it ever so rarely

but it is precious that hidden smile

20 questions about everyone but me!

2006-09-30T10:40:00.000+08:00

I kena tagged! wah lao.. but these things are interesting in a fashion, and i'm doing this cos i'm sitting in the office now waiting for the rest of the guys to come in so I can run some network cables and assorted arrangements, then later i rush off to finally get my hair cut with my baby.

and this is how it goes....

Name 20 people you can think of at the top of your head, without reading the questions below.Tag 5 more people to do this quiz.

Clare
Ian Wallace Goh Ming Ming
Marvin
Ser
Jac
Steph Pee
Ian Andrew Lee
Colin
Charissa
Shing
Ningru
Fabian
Kelly Wong
Kaichin
Bel
Mark Cheong
Mervyn Kong
Gabrielle
Melissa
Mike

How did you meet no.14?
Guitar Connection Guru, everyones favourite tech, my neighbour, beer corny-sewer, poetic pundit and thru number 17.

What would you do if you never met no.1?
I'd be living a much less interesting life, would never be as happy as I am now and would have a huge hole in my life. Nites playing literati with random strangers would be terrible, no more cuddling in front of my laptop watching DVDs and strange comedians on YouTube.

I'd be lost.

Did you ever like no.19?
My first drummer, went through band training, likes dogs and cats, is a virgo, is anal, what's not to like? :D

Would no.6 and no.17 make a good couple?
It's a bitch fest waiting to happen. One's anal, One's retentive (you know who you are) Altho' i dont't think 17 would like being the shorter :p

Describe no.3.
Wit, Sincerity, Randomness, Rock, COol specs! takes cool photographs! loves tur-kwa! The Bass.

Do you think no.8 is attractive?
I'm sure Rosie does.

but on a more serious note, Yes and so does Rosie

Tell me something about no.7.
Has issues deciding between taking the Left path, Right Path or the Centre Path.
Will also eventuall have a football team to call his own.

but will also find what he's looking for eventually.

cryptic no? wahahaha

Do you know any of 12's family?
I know they live in Woodlands, Malaysia. Has a sister, but I've never met any of his parents or siblings.

What's no.8's favorite?
Listening to strangely inappropriate music while walking home late at night (read: Nirvana's Rape Me)

What would you do if 11 confesses that he/she likes you?
Tell her politely that i'm in love with no. 1. but then offer her off-peak hours at a discount rate.

What language does no.15 speak?
Turrle or Turrururuururule, I can never remeber how to spell it.

Who is no.9 going out with?
She goes out with many people, but none at the moment seem to fit the bill of romantic-interest (i think)

How old is no.16 now?
22?

When was the last time you talked to no.13?
On the phone? last week to ask about the delivery date of my new switch! it rocks!!!!

What's your favorite thing about no.5?
Eh booze buddy! when are we boozing!?!?!?

Have you seen no.1 naked?
Wouldn't you like to know? The reason that this question is last on this list is such a set-up. You ain't getting no dirt from me!

eenie, miney, meenie, moe was the last stooge. i tag..

Melissa, Charissa, Ian Wallace Goh Ming Ming, Mervyn, Clare!

My Life as Garden Gnome

2006-09-21T22:13:00.000+08:00

Everything comes up roses.

You reap what you sow.

-insert-garden-variety-adage-

While waiting for the tow truck to tow brown's car......

Once in awhile, I come to realise how much I've missed when whizzing by on my high horse.

I forget to pay attention to people, to things that used to matter. It wasn't so long ago that I was fed up with working for incompetent people. It wasn't so long ago that I was directionless in my career. It wasn't so long ago I didnt have a clue as to what I was doing and why I was doing it.

A normal day then would have passed with nary a care. I really did not or rather, would not give a shit. But much time has passed, and with time wounds heal and the bitterness and resentment over my last employment stint have passed. What remains now is pity, not for me, but for a good friend who is still toiling her way in that shit hole. She assures me her time there is short and for that I'm grateful. It was my fault she got into that place.

Fast forward to now. I love my job. I see my purpose, and I want to etch it into a career.

I'm also very very very very lucky, the woman who for the past 3 years has been my companion, my confidante and my best friend, has decided that we'd be better off upgraded to a different status. I've seen her manage her way through university, and now trundle through the beginnings of her fledgling career with the juggernaut. I've heard her happy, and seen her cry, and see her tremble with anticipation. She reminds me that there are many things more important in life and shows me what I sometimes forget. Her passion and dedication inspires me.

I am so proud of her.

I am so proud of you.

so proud.

Thank you for sharing the garden with me.

bob the porcupine.

.....

2006-09-14T17:10:00.000+08:00

brown: "eh, reese witherspoon isit?"

miyagi: "no, with a knife"

me: "...."

randomness

2006-09-01T11:01:00.000+08:00

There will be no post today, due to unforeseen circumsta.... aww damn it

How to cross the street like a Singaporean

2006-08-25T11:45:00.000+08:00

step 1: be the law abiding citizen that you are and saunter up to the designated street crossing.

step 2: depress the button which through magic and mystiks alerts the traffic signal that there are pedastrians wishing to cross.

step 3: before the green walking dude indication appears on the traffic signal, look left, then right, and if traffic permits, scurry across the street like a rabid and horny squirrel.

step 4: mock vehicular traffic stuck at designated street crossing for waiting for no-one to cross.

break the silence

2006-07-04T22:32:00.000+08:00

Hey ppl, yeah i know, it has been a looong time since i last posted. and yeah, shit loads of stuff has happened along the way.

firstly, new job: it rocks, i'm appreciated, i'm valued and i love working with people who are passionate about what they do, who don't take themselves seriously, who really really have a desire and a comittment to excelling. it's been a while since i saw the value of my role in a company, and here, i know wat that is. i'm once again at the place where i feel most comfortable, i'm an enabler and initiator. I can see that the people in charge have 1) more competency than most, 2) more sense than most, 3) more empathy than most.

secondly, new band line up: well, not exactly a new line up, our beloved drummer has left us to focus on other committments. I do miss the connection we had when playing. After a year of playing together, things were slowly beginning to fall into place. but i guess, change is inevitable. so Mr. I, all the best in whatever you do. Now we've been mingling and dabbling with the idea of a 2 acoustic guitar and vocal set. more news on that later. we've only had like 2 jam sessions. and still need time to gel.

and finally, you: you make me happy.

Closing Time

2006-05-18T17:37:00.000+08:00

So it's been sent.

Now to sit back and watch the fireworks.

reader: "wth? what's been sent? tell me!"

well. i've tendered my resignation from the shithole company i'm currently with.

why you ask? well, there are several reasons.

1) conflict of working styles

The company is only as strong as its employees. At no time was i given any indication that my value was being utilised. Not only was I asked to do things that I saw as redundant, some of the things they made me do just don't make sense. It was never a company that was looking forward to fixing their problems. Instead, they fixed things as they happen. Kinda like patching a sinking ship with masking tape.

2) leadership suspect of ethic and moral issues

so i get quotations from my vendors, and we've knocked it down to what i consider a reasonable price for a comprehensive solution. i pass the quote along to my boss who says its still too expensive. so i button down and knock off a few less essential items and i come back with a reduced price. he takes the quote and brings it to his friend and says to his friend.... "if you can be lower than this, it's yours" so his friend does. i get the new quotation back and an instruction to "bring this to my vendors, if they can take off another 10%, it's theirs" along with a caveat to not inform HIS Friend about what we're doing. I couldnt do that to my vendors, or my friends.

3) leadership suspect of incompetency

Just cos' you've studied overseas and may know the difference between a tape drive and a hardisk backup doesnt mean ur an IT guru. they both exist for a reason. and Im glad i wont be around when your network fails.

4) leadership which puts the value of $ ahead of the value of the employee

there are just too many instances of Him protecting his own ass. not once did i feel as if my contributions were of any value.

dear Mr A.

You dont need me. You just need an extra pair of hands.
I'm sorry, but I'm no ones hands.

maybe in time you'd understand.
but if you were reading this now, you're probably be fucking pissed off.

you lose.

Kweating Time

2006-05-10T17:43:00.000+08:00

play nice now.

I've had enough. There are too many things in this world to be upset about, and I'm determined to not let this job upset me. There are many things that i actually do like about the job.
Well, not really. Mostly its cos of a certain person who makes the job more tolerable. Said person, like me has a penchant in meeting a certain vehicle either on our way to work/lunch/home.

so fellow unhappy worker, hang in there! AND Thank you for being a pushover.

But you know, I've worked for several companies now and this has to be one of the more perplexing places. Don't wanna put up any details just yet. But trust me... there will be once a certain event takes place :P (those of you who know.. hush hush k?)

so bye for now!

knibbles

2006-04-12T15:44:00.000+08:00

knibbles
22.7.93 - 12.4.06

goodbye old friend

i miss you

do me favour and hug your dogs.

breathe

2006-04-03T15:04:00.000+08:00

help me unravel my latest mistake

jejune

2006-03-29T10:57:00.000+08:00

I haven't gotten much done for a while. I feel like a complete blank, but so it goes. Basically nothing seems worth doing. My life's been completely dull , but maybe tomorrow.

I haven't been up to much recently. What can I say? More or less nothing seems worth thinking about. I feel like an empty room. Pfft. Oh well.

click

halfway to anyway

2006-03-25T01:16:00.000+08:00

Meet me halfway
Across the sky
Out where the world belongs
To only you and I
Meet me halfway
Across the sky
Make this a new beginning of another life.

- Kenny

The Tao of Guitar Foreplay

2006-03-14T11:37:00.000+08:00

Step 1: Eye her from afar
Step 2: Walk up to her and admire her
Step 3: Tell her you want to feel her
Step 4: Feel her curves
Step 5: Caress her neck
Step 6: Fiddle with her knobs
Step 7: Finger her bottom
Step 8: Plug her in
Step 9: Turn her on
Step 10: Make her scream

Leaf it alone.

2006-03-02T17:22:00.000+08:00

Today, while conducting an interview in my rackety run down conference room in my rackety rundown office, a lone solitary leaf flittered down from the ceiling.

It landed rather primly on top of my head, in the midst of the carpet fuzz i call hair. It did so with such ninja-like stealth qualities that i felt nary a thing. (nary, lol, i've always wanted to use that in a sentence). The said leaf had floated on the whims of warm air coming from me in my rant about the importance of being earnest and nestled in the crop of reservist-bashed hair.

why couldn't it leaf me alone

Rwar

2006-02-27T19:09:00.000+08:00

http://kevan.org/nohari?name=electricfruit

downgrape

2006-02-25T11:45:00.000+08:00

Got this in the mail while I was away on reservist:

Please be informed that you have been boarded-in-absence by the Medical Officers of 2 PDF Clementi Camp Medical Centre with effect from 14 Dec 05.
Your permanent PES status is now C2L2

(PES C2 : Totally excused from the IPPT.
L2 : Fit for field duties but only in Unit HQ or near areas. Will not be involved in direct combat during field exercises. Not fit for IGCS, SAC, FIBUA, FOFO, CD, SNBC)
Thank you and regards.

Cool.

Rawr

2006-02-23T21:02:00.000+08:00

http://kevan.org/johari?name=electricfruit

sneezing while pee-ing is a very wierd sensation.

What do bored ns-men do in camp during reservist?

2006-02-20T18:53:00.000+08:00

1) compare pictures/videos of their kids
2) smoke
3) play dai dee
4) eat
5) sleep

day 1 of ICT.

hurhur

How did u spend your valentines?

2006-02-16T19:49:00.000+08:00

Did you spend it with flowera and wine?
Did you spend it alone, bored and angry at the world?

I spent the first part of Valentines with good food (altho i shouldnt have ordered the 2nd bowl of beef noodles) and a good friend. She r0x0rz!

then after that i had drinks with 3 gorgeous women.
(although the sappy music was crappy.. and we didnt win the pizza... poor kawasaki ninja died in vain)

1 night + 2 bowls of beef noodles + 4 gorgeous women + alcohols = EGO BOOST

muahah

i love you all :D

tomw i go back to camp for reservist.. POS. :(

fuzzy

2006-02-06T00:47:00.000+08:00

Do you like who you are?

How much are you willing to give up?

How far can you go without letting go?

When will it ever be enough?

My love/hate relationship with rainy days, the bartender, the thief, and my mirror.

wo chi bao le

2006-01-30T21:46:00.000+08:00

I learnt a new cure for the hiccups.

or rather, I learnt of the existence of a supposed cure for the hiccups.
Earlier this afternoon I was recounting a story of my evening of hiccups.

Late saturday nite, after the pre-requisite reunion dinner, I headed down to Acid bar with Jac, Ian and Shuhei. Val and Ian dropped by later. :D

anyway, after a few drinks and some calamari I developed a case of the hiccups. The usual hold your breath and look up at the sky trick didnt work and i was getting very tired of the constant muscle spasm. You know how hiccups are damn devious.
I though i had got the better of them, when all of a sudden, without warning, Michaela, Acid's musician for the nite, had just ended a song, and silence settled over the bar, "Urp!" an extremely, uncharecteristic, malu-atingly loud Hiccup escapes into the already ominous silence.

but i digress.

"Wo Chi Bao Le" mandarin for "I have eaten enough"

repeated 5 times is an instant but highly odd cure for the hiccups. or so Jbean says.
i'll remember that before the next time i malu myself in a bar.

edit: I hiccuped my way to a stiff neck.

Warhol with a Red Nose

2006-01-27T16:27:00.000+08:00

Who Should Paint You: Andy Warhol

You've got an interested edge that would be reflected in any portrait
You don't need any fancy paint techniques to stand out from the crowd!

What Artist Should Paint Your Portrait?

You Are Rudolph

Sweet and shy, you tend to be happiest when you're making someone else happy.

Why You're Naughty: You sometimes stick that nose where it doesn't belong

Why You're Nice: Christmas would be a sad affair without you!

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

O and O

2006-01-26T11:38:00.000+08:00

This is a story of On and Off, or rather the real reason why there are no Singaporean-Italian Mobsters in my lil Island Country.

Mebbe they're smart enough not to admit it. If there were, i can imagine a typical day, when our above mentioned mobsters are closing up shop for the day...

mafia don: "vincenzo...."
mafia thug: "si don calzone?"
mafia don: "did-a yous-a off it?"
mafia thug: "off-a wat-a don calzone?"
mafia don: "what i told-a yous-a to off before-a leaving the house-a!"
mafia thug: "si don calzone..i axked Jimmy to do it"
mafia don: "ah ya yie. Jimmy he didnt off it like i told-a yous-a!"
mafia thug: "me's a sorry don calzone! ill-a off the light myself next time-a!"

note: Anyone want to do a hokkien translation?

Plastic and Pretty

2006-01-21T13:11:00.001+08:00

Here it is.

After sitting in the studio for about 2 months cos i couldnt find the time to go down and do the necessary adjustments and tweaking.

Custom Pedal Board:
1/2" Perspex - Clear
Approx 18" * 12".

Routed three 3/4" channels to slip patch cables through, so that everything ends up a bit neater.
Pedals are attached with velcro strips.

Next Steps:
Sand down the underside to get a matte finish which is not see-thru.

Up Next:
Prototype 2 - angled pedal board

I'm thinking about making a smaller version that would fit just 3 pedals, a tuner and have a foot print of less than a square foot.

B'cos of its odd dimensions, I'm now searching for custom bag makers. Initially wanted a solid aluminum hard case, like those pro camera cases. After a little research.. they are bloody ex lah!. So the next step is to find a bag maker who can make custom soft cases. Anyone know where I can get the done? drop me a comment!!! I asked a previous boss if he had any idea where I could get that done and the conversation that ensued, needless to say, ended up going very off tangent.

Edmund says:
erm could do with some spraying hehe

gravity.is.grave says:
first prototypemight sand down the bottom so its not see thru

Edmund says:
ya. will it take the stomping?

gravity.is.grave says:
1/2 inch perspex

Edmund says:
ok as long as you dont get any fat punk guitarists haha

gravity.is.grave says:
hah.. i want to attach a light fixture

Edmund says:
lol

gravity.is.grave says:
so I can see wat knobs im tweaking in th dark

Edmund says:
oh i though you mean put neon light underneath

gravity.is.grave says:
HAHAHAHAH

gravity.is.grave says:
eh... might work

Edmund says:
then add one pedal for nitrous sound

Edmund says:
psssheeeoowww

gravity.is.grave says:
lol

Edmund says:
and spoilers

gravity.is.grave says:
and side skirting

Edmund says:
Initial D Minor

Thanks Ed!

So yeah, i had quite a bit of fun on this first prototype. On to more stuff!

indignant

2006-01-18T02:24:00.000+08:00

trust is such an important commodity
how can i do my best when i feel you dont let me run
empower me but pull back on my leash

do u want me to sit, rollover and play dead?

think again dude.

On Suspense

2006-01-05T16:29:00.000+08:00

A few days ago I made a post about a sales person who couldn't really pronounce "email"

Well, I was just reminded of this incident that happened at least a year ago.
I boarded the number 16 bus headed home from Plaza Sing. I sat behind this couple who had also boarded the same bus. This is the conversation that followed...

girl: "wah! just now that movie really keep me on suspending"
guy: "no, thats just bad english, your grammar is all wrong"
girl: "no meh?"
guy: "yes, you shouldnt say 'on suspending'!"
girl: *stares at guy with puzzled look*
guy: "it's not 'on suspending'... it's 'on suspense'!"

me: *stifles laughter by coughing violently*

and they say Singaporeans have a good command of the eeenglish language!

btw, long lunches rock.

In touch with the ground

2006-01-05T00:13:00.000+08:00

I'm on the hunt I'm after you.

well not literally of course. today's post is in homage to the gargantuanormous booboos that I personally have made when I was a poor unemployed schlob trying to get a half-decent (read: paying) job. (currently i'm a poor employed schlob!) In any case I'm sure that many of us have have to go through several days of torment when writing our first CV, and typing out our first cover letters.

A good friend of mine who shall remain nameless, is currently attempting to upgrade schlob status. after several nights of tearing hair out and mangling komputerkeyboards, finally completed her resume (which I think is pretty awesome for a schlob). The next phase would be to start sending her resume out. Like most of us in recent times would most likely send out our self-composed-blow-your-own-horn pieces out via email. And with email, comes a multitude of stupid things that you can do to screw your chances with a prospective employer.

I present to you, 4 reasons why I didnt get *that* job.

Reason 1
"....thank you for your time, please find attached a copy of resume...."

* then promptly forgets to attach resume *

* hits the send button *

Reason 2
I use MS Outlook for email... so...

"Dear Sir ..."

* presses CTRL Enter by mistake, which sends the email *

Reason 3
Sent the wrong cover letter to the wrong person.

Reason 4
I did Reason 1 at least twice, Reason 2 about five times, Reason 3 at most four times I think.

I'm sure there are other stupid things I did. but these were among the dumbest.

Dear nameless, please do not emulate me.

EMEW!

2006-01-03T16:11:00.000+08:00

*phone rings*

me: hello?

sales_person: hello sir, are you the IT manager of your company?

me: yes, how can I help you?

sales_person: my name is (i've forgotten), from (some company), i need your emew address...

me: *stifles laughter*

yeah.. tuesdays after a public holiday suck.

QRST-WXYZ

2006-01-01T23:40:00.000+08:00

And now for the Final Chapter

Q is for Queens.
and queers and questionable alignments

R is for Rimming.
and are those REAL?

S is for Spoon
and sluts, spit/swallow, sixty-nine.

T is for Tickle
and thongs, trannies and TITs (of course, on trannies you can ask the R question)

U is for Underwear
especially the no frills kind that you can Untie

V is for Vinyl
not the kind you listen to tho! also vibrators, vaginas and viagra

W is for Woody
and I don't mean Allen or Harrelson. Just some Wanton Watersports

X is too obvious, go think of your own
Y is for Yoni
Z is for Zoophillia

and thats the end of the perverted alphabits!

DOPE

2005-12-26T19:14:00.000+08:00

As heard by my ever astute, but slightly hard of hearing, and also foody-temptress, current colleague and fellow break time deviant....

"Gimme DOPE Joanna, DOPE Joanna, DOPE before the morning come!"

here's to improved hearing!

muhahaha

edit: jbean.. HAHAHA!

IJKLMNOP!

2005-12-26T18:45:00.000+08:00

Apologies for not posting, but here's an update

I is for Immoral [e-more-ra-el].
and ingest, and incest

J is for Johnson [make-up-your-own-fake-phonetics].
and Jugs, Jiggling

K is for KY
and Kink

L is for Lust
and Lick, Lingam and LanChiao

M is for Masturbate
and even if you say you don't i think you do!

N is for Nuts
and Nipples (what a dessert!)

O is for Orgasm
and Oral, and Orgy, and Or-Luak

P is for Prince Albert
and perineum, prick, pussy, piercing, punish, pain, penis (howcome got so many P words?)

stay tuned for the last installment!

narcissist with faults

2005-12-21T18:16:00.000+08:00

You Have a Choleric Temperament

You are a person of great enthusiasm - easily excited by many things.
Unsatisfied by the ordinary, you are reaching for an epic, extraordinary life.
You want the best. The best life. The best love. The best reputation.

You posses a sharp and keen intellect. Your mind is your primary weapon.
Strong willed, nothing can keep you down. Your energy can break down any wall.
You're an instantly passionate person - and this passion gives you an intoxicating power over others.

At your worst, you are a narcissist. Full of yourself and even proud of your faults.
Stubborn and opinionated, you know what you think is right. End of discussion.
A bit of a misanthrope, you often see others as weak, ignorant, and inferior.

What Temperment Are You?

I have cholera!

Even Fish Get High

2005-12-18T22:16:00.000+08:00

Apologies for not posting, but here's an update

E is for Erection [e-rek-shun].
and Ejaculation and Erotic

F is for Fuck [Fark].
and Fellatio, Fetish, Fanny and Fairy

G is for G-Spot [Gee Spot?]
Genetalia, gonnorhea and gays

H is for Herpes [her-peas]
and also Humping, Head and Heterosexuals

who could forget our local one hour joints? Hotel 81?

stay tuned for more!

Brought to you by the letter D and the number 2

2005-12-15T02:07:00.000+08:00

Going the distance, on our fourth day!

D is for Dildo [d-ill-doh].
and/or Dicks, Domination and Doggie Style.

On a more local note. Desker Rd.

stay tuned for more!

Coming a Loooooong Way

2005-12-14T11:25:00.000+08:00

is Darkman
is Oskar Schindler
is Rob Roy
is Jean Valjean
is Qui-Gon Jinn
is Alfred Kinsey
is Henri Ducard
is Aslan
is Liam Neeson

Another Day Another Letter

2005-12-13T20:06:00.000+08:00

Its plain to see in this continuity, perverted alphabet, now presents letter C

C is for Changi Point [Cha-Gnee Po-oy-nt].
or Cunts, Cocks and Cunning Linguists.

some other locally flavoured items are too obvious. In homage to a friend tho.. i shall name them cheebs.

stay tuned for more!

Alpha-bits Part 2

2005-12-12T23:11:00.000+08:00

So, welcome true believers to the 2nd installement of the perverseness that is yours truly.

We delight in presenting you our 2nd letter of our twisted and muchperverted alphabet.

B is for Bapok [Bah-poke].
or Boobs, Blow Jobs and Back-doors.

stay tuned for more!

The Alphabet Soup part 1

2005-12-11T21:09:00.000+08:00

On the first day of christmas, my true long gave to me...
a crappy excuse to relearn the alphabet.

So here goes, that for the next 26 days, i will be teaching you a new way to appreciate the alphabet. I present to you, for your viewing pleasure and other kinds of pleasure if so desired, the perverted alphabet.

A is for Arkwa [ah-kwah].
or ass, anal and things associated with the southern end of business.

stay tuned for more!

Green One

2005-12-03T23:57:00.000+08:00

Here she is in all her splendour!

GREEN

All stock, Yamaha SGV 800, Sparkle Green.

Note the retro 60s style body, with a minimalist top horn, and superflous bottom horn.

Sleek headstock, still showing that wonderful blue sparkle!

Gorgeous Pearloid pickguard! The pickup selector works like a Gibson Style switch on these Yamaha designed P90-ish pups.

And finally a Yamaha designed tremolo, which REALLY stays in tune even after a few dives.

The Project

2005-12-03T10:58:00.000+08:00

Meet RED.

Red is a Squier Affinity II Stratocaster by Fender.
Thanks to fellow GAS-er Evangion, Project RED FENDER is officially underway (several weeks late, mostly cos' I was lazy)

She's a beautiful colour, but then I've always had a thing for Red Guitars.

Even from the back, love that shine, hate that neckplate (which will be replaced with a decent looking FENDER neckplate).

Pretty standard swimming pool cavity here, but one of the cleaner swimming pools I've seen. (after you've dusted away all the remnant saw dust that is)

The tremolo block, the springs, the ground wire. Did I mention the block has a name? It's called SUNG IL. (Goodbye, Mr Sung)

Butterfly string-trees have got to go, Squier decal has got to go, crappy cheap "Squier" tuners have go to go.

Pickguard Reversed: Very neat job, inspite of the crappy soldering job done on the pots.
Pickups are stock Fender Squier (Whatever that means). Sitting just out of frame are a Lace Sensor RED and BLUE, which will be replacing the stock Bridge and Neck pups.

Something I've been wondering about, should I change the metal bits to gold bits?

Forgot to take a picture of the front of the pickguard, but its a standard 3 color White Black White pickguard, Evangion is bugging me to take the Pearloid one.

Well come back soon (not too soon) to see the further adventures of me and RED. The bank doesnt like it when i spend too much.

Edit : Been trying to date this Strat, but so far no luck, but the overall impression is that it's based on a 1982 Dan Smith Stratocaster.

The Office Girls Lebowski

2005-11-30T23:05:00.000+08:00

The Movie Of Your Life Is A Cult Classic

Quirky, offbeat, and even a little campy - your life appeals to a select few.
But if someone's obsessed with you, look out! Your fans are downright freaky.

Your best movie matches: Office Space, Showgirls, The Big Lebowski

If Your Life Was a Movie, What Genre Would It Be?

i loved those movies

Kao Sai!

2005-11-16T23:51:00.000+08:00

Heylo

Yeah, I know I haven't been posting. But you can't have words of wisdom all the time yeah?

In anycase, i'll be away to Thailand for the next few days. Before you envy me, I'm going on business. But we decided to go up over the weekend to make full use of our time there.

Gonna miss you guys.

btw.. did I mention that I HATE HELLO KITTY.

Trying

2005-11-07T02:20:00.000+08:00

But will I hold you again?
These fickle, fuddled words confuse me
Like 'Will it rain today?'
Waste the hours with talking, talking
These twisted games we're playing

more quiz things

2005-10-20T14:49:00.000+08:00

You Are 70% Boyish and 30% Girlish

You are pretty evenly split down the middle - a total eunuch.
Okay, kidding about the eunuch part. But you do get along with both sexes.
You reject traditional gender roles. However, you don't actively fight them.
You're just you. You don't try to be what people expect you to be.

How Boyish or Girlish Are You?

and more:
somehow i didnt figure this one -

You Should Get a PhD in Liberal Arts (like political science, literature, or philosophy)

You're a great thinker and a true philosopher.
You'd make a talented professor or writer.

What Advanced Degree Should You Get?

and i always figured i was a dead log when im asleep:

What Your Sleeping Position Says

You are calm and rational.
You are also giving and kind - a great friend.
You are easy going and trusting.
However, you are too sensible to fall for mind games.

What Does Your Sleeping Position Say About You?

Freddy and the WWF

2005-10-15T21:16:00.000+08:00

there was once this boy
lets call him freddy
and freddy had a
really strange problem
whenever he thought of grass his left eyeball would
pop out
and this was rather annoying for freddy
and most inconvenient
so freddy tried to live in a grass free environment
he supported
deforestation and other forms of logging.
ok..SOOO. freddy built for himself
a concrete and glass house
unfortunately for freddy, becos of his support
for deforestation anf other anti-enviromnent laws
he made many enemies
including the WWF, who we all know are pro-wrestlers with a huge heart for
the environment.
these wwf wrestlers break into freddy's concrete and glass
world
and plant grass and trees and foilage everywhere much to freddy's
dismay
his left eyeball popped like it had never done before
which
annoyed him to no end.
so, he closed his eyes.

the end.

- susie poh, author extra-ordinary!

"Do I sound like Andy Lau?"

2005-10-10T19:53:00.001+08:00

That's what an extremely talkative cabby asked me just after he spontaneously burst into a ear shatterin rendition of one of Andy's songs.

But before we go into that, mebbe i should share with you what happened...

Here i am happily seated after a long wait at the UE Square cab stand, with some bloody irritating teenage kids who happened to get in queue just before me. They with their extremely Posuer poses and designer jeans and fashionista wannabe hairdos, were boisterously proclaiming their prowess at luring the opposite sex.

finally a blue comfort cab pops up and i get in and give the cabby specific directions on how to get to my house. It being rush hour and all, so I didnt want to leave it up to him to ketok me for another additional 4 dollars or so by going the obviously more expensive route.

now, don't get me wrong, i'm all supportive of cabbies who attempt to strike up conversations with their passengers. comfort should really train its cabbies to recognise the 3 tell tale signs of when a passenger is not interested in talking.

1) I'm extremely non-responsive
2) I'm having a conversation on my mobile
3) I'm asleep

today, I was non-responsive. But this cabby goes on a tirade about who he thinks is responsible for all the terrorist acts in the world. I shall leave out this portion of this discourse, b'cos nowadays political comments in my country are liable to get one thrown in prison.

THEN. he goes on to extol the virtues of the different sorts of women. at which point i start messaging a friend to call me on my mobile phone to rescue me from having to listen to Dr Phil. mebbe those darn teenage kids would have been better off in this cab and me in the nice merc cab they got. damn.

After 10 minutes or so, he pops a cassette into this tape deck, and starts to sing, loudly, with feeling and slightly tuneless, ok.. more than slightly tuneless, a rendition of some Andy Lau song.
He does it with such gusto too! I'm about to pop my iPod earphones on and crank the dBs up to 1000000millionandthree + 2, when he turns to me and says in hokkien

"Do I sound like Andy Lau?"

Not expecting a comment from me, he goes into a tirade of "compelling arguments"
- I have feeling - I'm Self taught, learnt to sing at a Karaoke place - I have 4 ulcers in my mouth else I would sound even better - even this JC kid who took my cab asked me to sing more.

spare me please.
let me listen to the singapore idols.
anything...

and if i can't escape.

...kill me now....

So I paid 12.80 for a 23 minute cabaret.

thanks mr I for calling. and saving me for the last 30 seconds or so.

New things Old

2005-10-10T00:33:00.000+08:00

Currently playing on my iTunes, is Queen & Paul Rodgers.

More than a decade after the demise of the most dynamic frontman to front any band and have an equally illustrious solo career, and one of the most important bands of the 20th century are on the road again.

Paul Rodgers, of Free and Bad Company fame, has been called on to wear the mantle of the late, great Freddie M.

So i'm listening to the CD, and immediately, sonically its Queen. Roger/John/Brian are unmistakable. its like they've started where they left off. albeit with a slightly more mellow, mature tone. then paul sets off, and you immediately start with the comparisons.

Paul != Freddie

Never was and never will be. You can't replace Freddie.
But Paul is amazing in his own right. he adds something, but also left me wondering what the band would have been like if Freddie didnt die.

got me thinking... Am I expendable? would my non existence be of any importance to anyone other than my creditors?

Have i been a thorn in your backside?

i hope so :P

Would you believe...

2005-09-27T08:35:00.000+08:00

Maxwell Smart,
Agent 86,
CONTROL,

a.k.a

Inspector Gadget,
Cartoon Character,

a.k.a

Father of Cecily,
who is Ishka,
who is Quark's Mom,

is dead.

I guess another page in my wry, self-depracating history is closed.
I remember coming home from primary school and rushing to catch the madcap antics of my favourite super spy thats not Mr. Bond.

Even now, the damn theme song is playing in my head. I can see him stumbling through the closing doors as the strangely, but not oddly mantled doorways slowly grant him access to HQ.
I'm a product of what i've watched on the telly as a kid. namely, The Muppet Show, Get Smart, A-Team, Knight Rider, and a gazzortment of other shoes from the early to late eighties.

I've always wanted a phone in my shoe. and i want to build a nude bomb.

goodnight don, thanks for the laughs.

Don Adams,
82,
Comedian, Actor
-
Obituary
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Adams

Notorius P.I.D featuring starfish

2005-09-25T22:38:00.000+08:00

"Prolapsed intervertebral disc is a condition where the gelatinous nucleus pulposus squeezes through the annulus fibrosus and bulges in a posterior or posterolateral direction, beneath the posterior longitudinal ligament. This causes pressure symptoms on the root below the level of herniation - most commonly S1, then L5, then L4. Other defects are rarer, and higher defects ought to be investigated for other causes."

P.I.D.

Its been seven years since the initial accident that gave me this problem.
Almost 5 years to the date of my accident during my army days which caused a recurrence and subsequently degenerative process from a compression of the lumbar vertebrae to full fledged PID

"Lumbar disc degenerative lesions most commonly occur at L4/5 and L5/S1. Prolapse of the disc is more likely in a young person secondary to degenerative - spondylotic - disc changes and following an awkward lift or other strain. In middle-aged people, root compression in the lumbar region may be associated with hypertrophic degenerative disease - spondylosis. Lateral disc protrusion typically only affects the nerve roots, whilst a central disc protrusion may compress the cauda equina: this is a neurological emergency."

L5S1, the fifth lumbar vertebrae, and the first saccral one. has shown considerable loss of disc height. great, one more obvious sign that im shorter than i need to be.
apparently, my condition isnt unique, in fact, its one of the most common spinal injuries. most people suffer from back problems, stiffness, decreased mobility. but, most people don't get tingling sensations down their legs.

"Conservative measures may be sufficient in 90% of cases:

bed rest - for 6 weeks on an orthopaedic mattress, or with a hard board under the mattress
pain relief - NSAID and diazepam"

now, i couldnt agree more with the reccomended treatment. i'd love 6 weeks off.
sadly, if i did that, i wouldnt be able to afford the pain relief. btw, don't be a dumb ass like me and take pain meds, forget that i've taken them, drink my last beer, and end up being trippy the whole day.

so, the notorius P.I.D, has resurfaced and has reared his ugly face. 2pac Diazepam needs to gun him down all over again.

i got to talk to tom today :D

I saw a starfish on the ground
He was half buried in the sand
Just so out of place and ahh
He was a long long way from home
I was a long long way from home
And so we talked a little while
Then I shook his hands....and I
I was a long long way from home

starfish rock

wednesday

2005-09-21T16:19:00.000+08:00

I like wednesdays

middle of the week, everything is downhill from here.

got back from KL late last night. was an uneventful bus journey back.
managed to get out of going to penang next week :D

came back from KL with the realistion of 3 Is, Infrastructure, Ideas, and Idiots

Infrastructure, you need it everywhere, in whatever you do. IT. Music. Sex. Drugs.
but u'd be surprised how many ppl would rather spend money on the short term fix than build/ implement a solution that will actually FIX the problems.

Ideas, are good, are needed, keep things fresh. but without the right people and the right infrastructure.. PFFFT!

and what do you call those people who rather spend money on the short term... Idiots :D

- corporate governance gone wrong

to all non existant blog readers, here is a huge non-existant hug
and to assorted body parts... don't make me unscrew something.

away

2005-09-15T23:50:00.000+08:00

for all my loyal, non-existant readers.

i will be away in kl from friday till tuesday.

so keep not reading my blog.

gonna miss you all

c.a.t

2005-09-15T12:41:00.000+08:00

handsome
Originally uploaded by subterreaneansunshine.

This cat is so handsome.

and extremely manja.

he can be located at the DBS/ POSB atm' at Marine Terrace.

but dog's rule.

goodbye clarence

2005-09-13T03:57:00.000+08:00

Clarence is gone

growing up

2005-09-11T20:34:00.000+08:00

10 years ago, i had ideals, i had plans, i had purpose

10 years ago, i was invincible

10 years ago, i couldn't lose

Now i feel caught between 2 worlds.

A world of promise and challenges, and a world of memories and longings.

letting go isn't easy.

help me let go.

or help me embrace it all.

damn

catch me

2005-08-29T00:49:00.000+08:00

just leave me standing here
now close the door
take your coat with you
leave my keys by the phone
don't even try to call
cos' i wont be here anymore
just let me fade away
will you catch me if i fall

no, i don't want to try again
i'm tired and ashamed
and all your stupid lies
have me tangled up again
now, walk out that door
cos' i can't take you anymore
just let me fade away
will you catch me if i fall

whisper those words to me
whisper my memories
dont stop, just let me see,
hold me

a different kind of happy

2005-08-20T16:43:00.000+08:00

would it matter much to you
that i'd always be the same
would it make you change your mind
and have it come crashing down again
maybe its bcos im trying too hard
and im pushing you away
im doing all the wrong things
and i cant find the words to say

i just want to be a different kind of happy
i just want to have a seperate piece of cake
could you make me a different kind of happy
so that i can hide it all away.

now im just sitting here
waiting for your call
im counting all my blessings
and saving each star that falls
maybe its bcos im trying too hard
and im pushing you away
im doing all the wrong things
and i cant find the words to say

i just want to be a different kind of happy
i just want to have a seperate piece of cake
could you make me a different kind of happy
so that i can hide it all away.

of Rainbows, Friends and Keats

2005-08-08T09:43:00.000+08:00

It's been a while since my last entry.

Suffice to say its been a mad last 2 weeks.
New job, new challenges, new colleagues.

Did you ever think that Henry Mancini's Moon River song was about Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn? For the longest time, I've always thought of it as simple allegory to 2 friends/lovers wanting to escape the humdrum of mediocrity and explore the unknown world. Until last nite whilst shu and I were having coffee (in fact: shu had tea and i had this chocolate thing) and this song was played over the house music system, did we come to our conclusion that Henry was referring to Mark Twain's protoganists.

They travelled down the river on a raft, in search of adventure, in search of glory. But what they really found was a commonality between them, and that you never really outgrow the dreams of your youth, they just adapt to suit where you are. In the book, Tom and Huck grow distant, but eventually find that in each other, they see what each lacks and finally appreciate each other.

Tom: thanks for all the late nite chats and plotting to get our friends attached to each other. will really miss you when you head back.

We're after the same rainbow's end--
waiting 'round the bend, my huckleberry
friend, Moon River and me.

Been jamming quite a bit. Ser, Val, Marv and Ian are great! I havent had so much fun in a jam for a long time. Altho' Ian has a propensity for making very interesting comments.

Ian: No more monkey business ok?
Ser: watermelon powder

'Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all
Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know

Do we really think we always see every side of the story?

PrairieDog

2005-07-27T02:12:00.000+08:00

PrairieDog
Originally uploaded by subterreaneansunshine.

Prairie Dog needs no explanation.

Actually, it might. But Ian might take offense.

2 Tao Huay and Pho

2005-07-09T12:48:00.000+08:00

Tao Huay 1.

Tao Huay butt has enlisted. Needless to say after the next 3 months in that island, THB, will still most likely be the same colour.

Tao Huay 2. and Pho

Unrelated incident to THB; after getting a haircut on Friday nite, I was waiting for my bus to drag my sorry ass home (yes, I was home on a friday nite). When lo and behold, I peer out of my copy of Alex Garland's - The Beach and eyeball this svelte, sexy piece of art. For arguments sake, lets just call her Jane.

Upon further inspection, I noticed Jane has great hair, and is kinda pleasant looking in a quirky sorta way. Jane has a face that was passingly unforgettable. Her figure while not super model, would give some red-blooded males the hives. Her smile was well.. toothy to say the least, but not uncomplimentary.

then it all goes down hill.

Firstly, i'm all for the pale look, the I've-never-let-the-sun-touch-my-skin-cos-i'm-afraid-of-cancer look, but Jane looked whiter than MJ. (THB would probably have been about the right shade) I'm all for the nice flat bared tummy peeking out from between a sexy top and hipster skirts. I'm challenged to remeber when I've seen a whiter shade of pale.

Secondly, and most pertubingly, was the presence of Pho. Or if you prefer, fur. What once was the domain of cute forest animals and bejewelled widowers of texan-oil-barons, has now become the sole ownership of Jane's bared stomach.

"Excuse me? Did a Koala die on your stomach?"

The guy standing next to me also seemed to notice her homage to the pelt industry and quickly averted his eyes to his copy of FHM, or in this case Fur Him Magazine.

The tired old cliche - If you've got it, flaunt it, seems horribly inept and misquoted.

So, Dear Jane, for the sake of all that is to be oggled, WAX :P

Chocolate, yes please

2005-07-02T01:50:00.000+08:00

You Are Chocolate Ice Cream

You have a flair for the dramatic and love to party.
Your personality is super strong and unique.
Many people crave you constantly - while you turn a few off.
You are most compatible with coffee ice cream.

What Flavor Ice Cream Are You?

funny this. i coulda sworn i was some strange flavour like garlic ice cream.

after the marathon conversation with coffee ice cream, i realised how infinitely large the world is, and how small our place/view/understanding is.

in any case, i'm glad your along for the ride.

TTFN

2005-06-27T02:10:00.000+08:00

RIP - Tigger, Gargamel, Boomer, Paul Winchell

bounce your way up to heaven.
azrael is there too.

click

www.paulwinchell.com

Circles = Me?

2005-06-27T01:44:00.000+08:00

You are dignified, spiritual, and wise.
Always unsatisfied, you constantly try to better yourself.
You are also a seeker of knowledge and often buried in books.

You tend to be philosophical, looking for the big picture in life.
You dream of inner peace for yourself, your friends, and the world.
A good friend, you always give of yourself first.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

i too am a sucker for things like this.
all your fault shu :P

now let me sing a few verses of across the universe.

jai guru dev.....

Runaway Train, never looking back

2005-06-24T17:15:00.000+08:00

RIP, Karl Mueller, 41

way too young.

click

life is too short to have you live in the dark.

Of Blogs, Relatives, Friends and Work

2005-06-21T22:36:00.000+08:00

Wooh.

This blog has been around for a year. I've been reading through my posts over the last 12 months and i've realised, i'm so full of shit.

There's been a lot that's happened over the last year, a breakup, job switching, freelancing, job finding, music, finding new friends, rediscovering old ones. so for those of you that've put up with me, my thanks. (but i'm still as crappy as ever)

took urgent leave today cos mom wasnt feeling well. gonna have to take some flack for it in the office tomw, cos they're unhappy with my absenteeism at work. but i have become so disenchanted with my current work its become a chore. hell, its more than a chore.. its a pain. depending on what happens tomw, will see if i want to attempt completing this contract. (my resignation letter is prepared anyway)

but taking leave today was good. managed to tie up several loose ends. got to the bank to settle some bank drafts for school, met up with a great aunt who's heading back to seattle on saturday.

it got me thinking, if in 40 years time, will i still be hanging out with the same bunch of people? i know groups of people who used to have prominence in my life have now slipped into the shadows, and that life is like that and changes abound. still would be nice if you guys were at my funeral going "remeber the time..."

ah enough of this emo-pyscho-babble.

I'm the only bee in your bonnet

2005-06-17T09:58:00.000+08:00

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch
who watches over you?

make a little birdhouse in your soul

not to put too fine a point on it -

say I'm the only bee in your bonnet
make a little birdhouse in your soul

- They Might Be Giants

Actually, other than the poetic and rather upbeat tune of this song that catches my attention. I have no idea what it means.

Never really caught on to TMBG, but if they're stuff is like this, your not the boss of me now!

Conjecture conjecture : Birdhouse in your Soul

Even the wiki isn't sure what this songs means.

Anyone else know of songs with less than obvious meanings?
I can think of a few:
American Pie - Don Mclean (thank you Singapore idol for maiming this song)
Mr Tambourine Man - Bob Dylan
The Riddle - Nik Kershaw

I want to rant about music, and how the lyrics of today pale in comparison to those of yesterday.
but I shall collect my thoughts. mebbe later? :P

Downing @ Occhard

2005-06-11T03:45:00.000+08:00

Thank you mr Downing
Originally uploaded by subterreaneansunshine.

I don't know what gets to me more, the horrendous spelling, or the fact that the service staff at cathay cineplex occhard were trying to intimidate us for taking a photo.

"we have a right to delete the photos"
says the plump service staff personnel.

yeah. ok. sure.

and i have a right to take my money elsewhere.

There's a right way to tell people that you don't allow things. and then there's this womans way of doing. if you told us nicely and warned us politely, i wouldnt be sitting here thinking of all the nice things i could complain to your boss about.

but in any case, so long and thanks for all the fish

Trixie

2005-06-07T20:30:00.000+08:00

Trixie
Originally uploaded by subterreaneansunshine.

a.k.a as ham cheem pang.

cos she's flat like one and smells salty.

but also one of the purtiest kittys

pnknq: do u agree? how's the lil monster? i want photos!

Of blogs and of pimps: not so shameless plugs

2005-05-26T14:22:00.000+08:00

go here.

me?

2005-05-24T20:30:00.000+08:00

Your #1 Match: INTP

The Thinker You are analytical and logical - and on a quest to learn everything you can.Smart and complex, you always love a new intellectual challenge. Your biggest pet peeve is people who slow you down with trivial chit chat. A quiet maverick, you tend to ignore rules and authority whenever you feel like it. You would make an excellent mathematician, programmer, or professor.

Your #2 Match: ENTP

The Visionary You are charming, outgoing, friendly. You make a good first impression.You possess good negotiating skills and can convince anyone of anything. Happy to be the center of attention, you love to tell stories and show off. You're very clever, but not disciplined enough to do well in structured environments. You would make a great entrpreneur, marketing executive, or actor.

Your #3 Match: INTJ

The Scientist You have a head for ideas - and you are good at improving systems. Logical and strategic, you prefer for everything in your life to be organized. You tend to be a bit skeptical. You're both critical of yourself and of others. Independent and stubborn, you tend to only befriend those who are a lot like you. You would make an excellent scientist, engineer, or programmer.

What's Your Personality Type?

the knees

2005-05-20T18:05:00.000+08:00

Talisa!

and

and

Star Wars - I'm happy

2005-05-18T23:42:00.000+08:00

Hey folks, just got back from a sneak preview of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.

NO SPOILERS!

I'm happy that he closed out this part of the trilogy like this.

i've got a load of crap to add.. but will not post that until most of the people I know have seen it.

in any case: This has bad ass written allll over it.

Harry speaks truth

Tarkin. Antilles. Owen. Beru

Puffins Rock

2005-05-17T22:20:00.000+08:00

Puffins just have to be the cutest birds in the erm.. bird kingdom.

They're way cooler than penguins.

Penguins think they're so smart, with the black-tie get-up and the snooty sneer.

But the unassuming puffins, just wanna have fun.
they just wanna...
they just wanna...
they just wanna have fun

KaBoom!

2005-05-10T16:21:00.000+08:00

the lastest addition to the Leongs has arrived.
version 1.0.

more news as events warrant!

update:
Sally exploded, Chris is beaming.

Talisa Leong, 10 May 2005, approx 3.71kg
i'm now really uncle phen :D

check this out: Bus Heads

freedom_flask

2005-05-09T08:53:00.000+08:00

talk about jumping on the bandwagon...

sordid tales of censorship

Next thing you'll know is that the thought police have you no their permanent record! MiniTrue!

01110100 01101000 01101001 01110011 00100000 01101001 01110011 00100000 01101101 01111001 00100000 01100010 01101100 01101111 01100111

note: gothamite. i curi your link.. lazy to upload to my own site :P
edit: gothamite. never curi already

Goodbye Uncle Kim Wee

2005-05-02T21:46:00.000+08:00

A page in our local history is closed.

Former President Wee Kim Wee passed away early this morning.
Although i have few memories of uncle kim wee, i grew up listening to stories told to me by my mom of how uncle kim wee and my grandma used to go dancing. Apparently, the 2 of them really could cut-a-rug.

I remember when i was mebbe 9 or 10 years old, going to his house in Siglap, and being scared shitless by his tiny dog. and remember running in his garden while his security guard watched on.

so, uncle kim wee, thank you for those memories.
mama and ahkong are waiting for you :)

brenda,muthu,mike,sherwin: click here

Snails are faster than ADSL

2005-04-27T13:42:00.000+08:00

Yeah, so the veritable Giant African Snail is in fact faster than ADSL.

Which leads to the question, what other modes of organic data transfer can be used?

Kinda like the Keanu Reeve vehicle, Johnny Mnemonic, based on a short story by William Gibson. In the movie, Keanu's character, Johnny, carries in his brain, a memory chip with oodles upon oodles of data. (Incidentally, William Gibson coined the term "Cyberspace")

Why am I writing about this? Well probably b'cos I'm intrigued by the fact that the human mind has the capacity to go beyond convention and sometimes achieve great things. Albeit that sometimes we stumble on to the next BIG thing by sheer coincidence (i.e right place, right time)

So what drives some humans to push the envelope? Is it something in their genetic makeup that makes them more prone to dabbling? more prone to fiddling? more prone to brilliant flashes of mind boggling incredulity? What makes this small handfull of people different from the mass throngs of "if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it" subscribers?

Any thoughts? You do? Good. Now go make a flea distribute MP3s.

Side note-

George Pan Cosmastos, director of such films as Rambo: First Blood Part 2 (the one with the singaporean actress in it, can't remeber her name tho') , and Tombstone is dead.

Click here for a moving email from one of his Conspirator/Friend/Fan

Reading Now: The Swiss Family Robinson
Ma, Paw, and the boys on a desert island. Survivor? hehe.

Watching Now: old downloaded episodes of Black Adder Goes Forth
this is a darling of a show. i need to find myself a cod piece when i watch the first season again!

Listening to: Smoma
Italian trio, SMOOOOOOOTH Jazz, FUNKY rhythms, COOL interpretations, SNAZZY compositions. GO LISTEN.

Me and you, and a dog named Spanky

2005-04-24T01:17:00.000+08:00

You're not the easiest person I ever got to know
And it's hard for us both to let our feelings show
Some would say I should let you go your way
You'll only make me cry
If there's one guy, just one guy
Who'd lay down his life for you and die
It's hard to say it
It's hard to say it, but it's probably me

When the world's gone crazy and it makes no sense
There's only one voice that comes to your defence
The jury's out and your eyes search the room
And one friendly face is all you need to see
If there's one guy, just one guy
Who'd lay down his life for you and die
It's hard to say it
I hate to say it, but it's probably me
I hate to say it
I hate to say it, but it's probably me

-
gotta believe..gotta believe

The not so Simple Life

2005-04-16T11:17:00.000+08:00

enough of the two whinny, spoilt, "insert-slur-here", brats.

this can only mean good things :D

okay, more random lameness.
I'm sure some of you have seen or at least heard of the latest proliferation of SMS spam.

"The vatican have elected a new Pope, and he is of asian ethnicity, as such he will be known as "Popiah".."

the follow up to which is...

"as the newly elected Popiah is unable to fulfill his duties in the papacy, the next leader of the papacy will be of indian ethnicity and wishes to be known as "Popadum".."

We ain't in Kansas anymore

2005-04-15T11:48:00.000+08:00

5 14 15 22 25 29 40

no go!

What I'm Reading:
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
The story is written from the viewpoint of a murdered 14 year old girl, Susie, who also serves as the narrator of the novel. She witnesses how her family and friends cope with their grief and loss. The book serves as a pleasant reminder that the people we've lost aren't really gone, they're still watching over us. GO READ!

What I'm Listening to:
I Shot the Sheriff by Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton + Bob Marley = Funky

What I'm Watching:
24: Season 2
Jack Bauer and gang have returned. And, yes, he's having a bad day, a very bad day.
Kim Bauer a.k.a Elisha Cuthbert is still in the show! woof!

Ponk

2005-04-14T14:59:00.000+08:00

Pop + Punk = Ponk

What exactly are kids listening to nowadays?

While on the way to work, I happened to overhear a conversation between 2 middle aged parents lamenting over the choice of music their teenaged children were listening to. One was commenting that her daughter would only listen to noisy things like Avril Lavigne and Simple Plan. whilst the other was nodding in empathy. Her own son listens to things like "System Down" which I took as her reference to "System of A Down".

note: I give them kudos for even knowing wat their kids are listening to.

With the deluge of a myriad of bands claiming to be punk acts like Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, the youth of today are being fooled into believing that any of these bands allude to real punk music. A majority of these bands, their 4 chord Ponk ballads and their "wannabebadboy" personas, have recently seen much activity on the music charts. They've even managed to displace pseudo R&B acts, but thats another story.

John Lydon, AKA Johnny Rotten was interviewed recently about music and the "new punk bands".

The interviewer asked Lydon, “What is your definition of ‘punk’?” Lydon responded, “Individual. Do-it-yourself. Independent. Free from corporate. (pause) I think that that definitely sums me up.”

The interviewer then asked, “Are there any bands now who...” Lydon obviously knew what was coming and responded, “Anyone who's parading under a hundred-thousand-dollar-plus video is not free from corporate. That's just the MTV advertising agency. I find them all to be just a bit of a sham. I mean I don't mind, I don't care, that's for some people who are into that. But don't be telling me what my life is. Because in the likes of Kelly Osbourne and this silly Lavigne
thing, yapping on about what punk is or isn't—it's just unbearable. At their age, if they're calling me old, then I want to know why they haven't done nothing of their own. Nothing. It's all borrowed from my life. Therefore, they have no word of any value in it.”

“You'll find that empty vessels make the most sound,” Lydon said following a half asked follow up question. ”And the ones that proclaim themselves the most punk are the least.”

He went on to speak about the Sex Pistols desire to play Iraq, “It's a simple enough idea. It's for the people of Iraq. I know what being disenfranchised means, I come from that and still am. Here we are, the Sex Pistols, we have no record company backing, we have no sponsorship deal. We're kind of on our own—as it always has been—and these poor bastards have got it tenfold. Nobody's doing anything for them. They're still arguing over water.”

Lydon explained that if the Sex Pistols did play Iraq it would be a benefit show and not a publicity stunt. He also took the opportunity to take a swipe at the Vans Warped Tour. “If we're in this for the money, I'd like you to tell me why we're going out at such a low ticket price, [compared to] your Warped Tours [with] your so-called fake punks, which of course we're never invited on.”

When asked about the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, Lydon said, “That's one of the very few places in this life I wouldn't break into because there's nothing worth nicking. They put up these exhibitions of the Pistols there. It's all fake! It's all rubbish!”

But he saved most of his venom for Kelly Osbourne when the topic rounded back to the
reality TV star/wanna be popstar. “You need to see the rich kids, how they get it wrong: Kelly Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne. (laughing) Poor girl! Her big rebel statement is ‘I'm a punk!’ (loud laughter) Well sorry missus, but you're not. You're fat, that's all. (laughing) You're a fatty. She's a tub o' lard. (laughing) Cheers.”

Johnny does have a point. But so do the masses of kids who spend their parents hard earned money on over-hyped concerts. Ironic how that these parents probably grew up during the hey day of Punk. They probably went threw puberty to the likes of The Clash, Sex Pistols, and The Ramones. Now a hair weave and some 20-odd years later, the parents have unknowingly fed the MAN. As Dewey Finn said, rock and roll was about Sticking it to the MAN.

Punk was the expression of teenage rebellion, of breaking beyond boundaries, exploring life, living life, getting hurt and healing.

So where does that leave bands like Green Day? Are they Popular music? If the last Grammy Awards are any indication, they most definately are. Are they Punk music? I'd like to think so, they've slogged through the last few years and have garnered their fair share of criticism and critical acclaim.

Cred, yeah Punk Credentials. It isn't about how many piercings you have, or how many pre-pubescent fans (and their parents) cue up to get front row seats in the mosh-pit. If you want to know what those credentials entail, and what your entitled to, go STICK it to the MAN

So what's it all about Alfie?

lets get this straight...

1) your kids will listen to music you hate
2) your kids will not listen to the "real" music you grew up with
3) no i will not turn the volume down.

therefore,
Pop + Punk = Ponk

If you disagree with me, sod off and go listen to your collectors edition LP of Flock of Seagulls.

boogers from hell

2005-04-12T10:56:00.000+08:00

Read this First

okay. now that i have your attention.

How does anyone go around with a leech in his/her nose and not know about it?

hello? it was a five centimetre long leech! The doctor only noticed it on the patients second trip to see him! i'd forgive the doctor for missing it if he had one working eye, and if it was a myopic, cataract inflicted one.

i guess this does shed some light on why people incessantly have to pick their noses.
exhibit a) riding the train in the mornings on the way to work: if you take the effort to not doze off the moment you grab a seat, please note the uncle in the corner with the pinky with the long finger nail. its just a matter of time

exhibit b) traffic light junction: Just because you are in your car doesnt mean that the rest of the world can't see what your doing. The traffic police should institute a fine for those who pick their noses while driving.

then of course we could also have an olympic event called Marathon Picking, or the Sprint Picking.

now for your reading pleasure:
habitual nose pickers, real life tales

X list

2005-04-09T06:52:00.000+08:00

(X) snuck out of the house
(X) gotten lost in your city
(X) seen a shooting star
(X) had a serious surgery
(X) gone out in public in your pajamas
( ) kissed a stranger
(X) hugged astranger
(X) been in a fist fight
(X) Had alcohol
(X) laughed and had milk, coke or water etc come out of your nose
(X) pushed all the buttons on an elevator
(X) been in love
(X) been close to love
(X) been to a casino
( ) been skydiving
(X) broken a bone (finger bone counts?)
( ) skinny-dipped
(X) skipped school
( ) flashed someone
( ) saw a therapist
(X) played spin the bottle
(X) gotten stitches
(X) drank a whole gallon of water in one hour
(X) bitten someone
(X) been to Disneyland
(X) gotten the chicken pox
( ) kissed a member of the same sex
(X) crashed into a friend's car
( ) been to Japan
(X) ridden in a taxi
(X) had feelings for someone who didnt have them back.
( ) stolen something from your job
(X) gone on a blind date
(X) lied to a friend
(X) had a crush on a teacher
( ) celebrated mardi-gras
(X) been to Europe
( ) slept with a co-worker
( ) been married
( ) gotten divorced
( ) had children
(X) seen someone die
( ) had a close friend die
( ) been to Africa
( ) Driven over 400 miles in one day
(X) Been to Canada
(X) Been to Mexico
(X) Been on a plane
( ) Seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show
(X) Thrown up in a bar
( ) Purposely set a part of myself on fire
(X) Eaten Sushi
( ) Been snowboarding
(X) Met someone in person from the internet
( ) lost a child
(X) gone to college / poly
(X) graduated college / poly
( ) done hard drugs
( ) tried killing yourself
(X) fired a gun
( ) purposely hurt yourself
(X) taken painkillers
(X) miss someone right now

i'm x-tremely x-istential and x-static over all the xs

The Pope and Dave Matthews

2005-04-04T15:13:00.000+08:00

John Paul II is no longer with us.

But the legacy of his life, his work and his love remains as evidence of there being a Greater Power. 26 years as the head of the Catholic church, and many more as a man of the cloth. It's exceedingly humbling to acknowledge that such a man could exist in this day and age.

His work changed lives, it broke down communism, it brought warring nations to the peace table, it told us that money doesnt make the world go round. How is it that one man could impact the lives of so many? A mighty man indeed.

How is it that we, even with our human propensity for destruction, violence and anger, can put aside these "differences" to venerate one man? and in the blink of an eye, once the man is forgotten, return to our back-stabbing, murderous ways?

History will remeber John Paul II. Historians will mark his birthday and departure on calendars. Theologians will argue over his reforms. Catholics will mourn, and honour his memory. How will I remeber the Pope? probably for the next few days i will remeber him, and then... ill conveniently gloss over all of this.

pathetic carbon based lifeforms.

Dave said:

Where Are you going?
With your long face, pulling down,
Dont hide away, like an ocean,
That you can't see, but you can
Smell and the sound
The waves crash down. . .

I am no superman
I have no answers for you
I am no hero, oh, that's for sure
But I do know one thing,
Where you are is where I belong
I do know where you go is where I want to be

Where Are you going?
Where do you go?
Are you looking for answers
To questions under the stars
And if along the way
You are growing weary
You can rest with me until a brighter day
You're okay . . .

I am no Superman
I have no answers for you
I am no hero, ohhh that's for sure
But I do know one thing,
Where you are is where I belong
I do know where you go, is where I want to be

Where are you going?
Where do you go?

Where do you go?
Where are you going?
Where do you go?

I am no superman
I have no answers for you
I am no hero, oh, that's for sure
But I do know one thing,
Where you are is where I belong
I do know where you go is where I want to be

Where are you going?
Where do you go?
Tell me where are you going?
Well . . . . let's go

where am i going?

I'm still here

2005-04-01T09:45:00.000+08:00

April 1st 2005.

yup, the bargain that has earlier been struck goes into effect today.
however, i can't rightfully say that i've worked out all the details yet, but hey, i'm working on it alright? some of the stipulated clauses of the agreement, i've relenquished and some.. yeah.. well.

had free tickets to watch "Be Cool", the sequel to "Get Shorty". witty show, much better than i expected after reading several spoiler free reviews about the show. Johnny T. and Umma T., while they couldnt exactly rekindle the on screen sizzle that made dancing to old school blues cool, in my opinion looked like 2 long lost friends who'd found each other. but anytime the black eye peas and sergio mendes get to jam a song and have Johnny and Umma do a little dance, make a little love, get down tonite, is definately worth the free tickets. Vince Vaughn, The Rock, Harvey Keitel , these guys got the best lines in the entire show! oh! and Robert Pastorelli, this guy has come a long way from renovating Murphy's house! am looking forward to having both these movies on DVD, i'm sure there are some deleted scenes and cuts that never made it to print.

it's April Fool's Day, i've always wondered what the history behind today was so :
go check your calendar

Am listening to : Switchfoot - Economy of Mercy

Am reading : George Orwell - Down and Out in Paris and London

Am watching : 24 season 1 ... Elisha Cuthbert.. woof!

There's a full moon tonite

2005-03-24T01:41:00.000+08:00

Do not distract me from the setting sun
for i'm resting in it its radiance
Let me soak in its waning warmth
and let me feel its dying embers
Let me taste the fleeting wind
and hear the last birds song.
Do no distract me from the setting sun
don't let the darkness come

ctrl-alt-del = reboot

2005-03-21T17:53:00.000+08:00

Maybe I'm not but you're all I got left to believe in
Don't give up on me
I'm about to come alive
And I know that it's been hard
And it's been a long time coming
Don't give up on me
I'm about to come alive

Soup Boy Ends

2005-03-18T20:31:00.000+08:00

yeah. soup boy is dead.
a failed heart surgery has terminated soup boys insistence on believing in the past.

mourn not for soup boy, mourn for the innocence lost.

Velvet Lovelies

2005-03-16T09:48:00.000+08:00

Do you know where you are in your life
Are you walkin' in between the lines
I can tell by the look in your eyes
You're hurtin' way down inside
Afraid to leave your pain behind
Never know what you're gonna find
When you look up at the velvet sky
You will finally come alive

hmm...where's my velvet sky?

A letter to you

2005-03-07T11:13:00.000+08:00

Elise believe I never wanted this
I thought this time I'd keep all of my promises
I thought you were the girl I always dreamed about
But I let the dream go
And the promises broke
And the make-believe ran out...

So Elise
It doesn't matter what you say
I just can't stay here every yesterday
Like keep on acting out the same
The way we act out
Every way to smile
Forget
And make-believe we never needed
Any more than this
Any more than this

audio, video, visual

2005-03-01T00:11:00.000+08:00

Audio Input: Safri Duo 3.0 edition
techno/dance/latin rhythms/old school funk beats. in short a good time.

Video Input: Closer
Easily the best movie i've seen for a long time. If you havent seen it. go see it. beautifully woven story about people trying to make sense of it all. of being stuck in status quo.

Paul Giamatti is the ultimate loser i want to be.

Visual Input: 20000 leagues under the sea.
Not the first time i'm reading it. but never realised how much captain nemo gave up. to escape from himself and others, he resorted to extricating himself from society. i'd never have enough strength to do that.

Next door neighbours

2005-02-20T20:07:00.000+08:00

I don't why she's leaving, or where she's gonna go,
I guess she's got her reasons but I just don't wanna know,
'Cause for twenty four years I've been living next door to Alice.
Twenty four years, just waitin' for a chance,
To tell her how I feel and maybe get a second glance,
But I'll never get used to not living next door to Alice.

No, I'll never get used to not living next door to Alice...

-
"Livin next door to alice" by smokie

this is such a cool song.
Alice is gone, but Sally is still there.

but Smokie doesn't realise that Sally's there. Sally's been there since the start.

sometimes in life were blinded by our own desires. How do we start to filter all the chaff in our lives? Can we be sure of all the decisions we make?

i'm gonna sit in a corner and mope.

should be asleep

2005-02-16T02:36:00.000+08:00

its 230 in the morning.

yeah, i cant sleep again. my body clock is operating oddly again.
spent the last 2 hrs tossing and turning in bed. i blame chinese new year for screwing up my schedule.

im sitting at my desk listening to smooth motown and the isley brothers are now singing their classic "Harvest for the World"
its one of those songs with a highly infectious groove and a solid rhythm, gotta love motown.. gotta love motown. Anyway the song to me is really about looking past yourself and thinking about other people for a change. it's easy to look at yourself and compare yourself with other people that you think are better or have got it better than you. but its human nature to complain, or so sayeth the taxi driver who took me from sim lim to my home. yeah human beings like to complain. we're never content.

i'd like to think that i'm pretty much a content person. but am definitely still a work in progress. there's parts of me i really dont like, and apathy and lethargy so far have got me believing that those parts dont exist. there's other parts of me which arent complete, kinda like having one half of a pair of chopsticks. you can eat with one chopstick, but wouldnt it be easier if you had a pair? there's parts of me that i like too, and hope that those parts are apparent to the people who know me.

billy joel's "just the way you are" is playing know.

I said I love you and that's forever,
And this I promise from the heart.
I could not love you any better,
I love you just the way you are.

being content is also about loving yourself enough to care about others.

and i dont make much sense when im sleepy

crud

2005-02-12T00:56:00.000+08:00

i give up.
better luck next time

crud.

if there's one thing im good at.. its underachieving

ive overstretched myself.

or you could say i've under utilised the rest of me

damn.

Laugh..

2005-02-07T15:41:00.000+08:00

Take bread away from me, if you wish,
take air away, but
do not take from me your laughter.

yellowdeathmachine...

2005-02-04T10:45:00.000+08:00

In the town where I was born
Lived a man who failed to see
And he told us of his life
In the land of yellowdeathmachines

So we drove up to the sun
Till we found the tiles of green
And we lived beneath the dashboard
In our yellow yellowdeathmachines

We all live in our yellowdeathmachines yellowdeathmachines,
yellowdeathmachines yellowdeathmachines, yellowdeathmachines yellowdeathmachines
We all live in our yellowdeathmachines yellowdeathmachines,
yellowdeathmachines yellowdeathmachines, yellowdeathmachines yellowdeathmachines

And our friends are all on board
Many more of them live next door
And the band begins to play

We all live in our yellowdeathmachines yellowdeathmachines,
yellowdeathmachines yellowdeathmachines, yellowdeathmachines yellowdeathmachines
We all live in our yellowdeathmachines yellowdeathmachines,
yellowdeathmachines yellowdeathmachines, yellowdeathmachines yellowdeathmachines

As we live a life of ease
Everyone of us has all we need
Sky of blue and sea of green
In our yellow yellowdeathmachines.

We all live in our yellowdeathmachines yellowdeathmachines,
yellowdeathmachines yellowdeathmachines, yellowdeathmachines yellowdeathmachines
We all live in our yellowdeathmachines yellowdeathmachines,
yellowdeathmachines yellowdeathmachines, yellowdeathmachines yellowdeathmachines

-
aint the beatles cool. hahah

midget speed... giant weed

2005-02-03T10:12:00.000+08:00

after a brief discussion with phie.

I've decided to rework the psuedo metal-ballad "midget on speed"

here goes....

Screaming down the highway
in a yellow death machine
taking the bends at 90
i thought "this isnt what it seems"
red dragon stares at blank tv
kurt is screaming his apologies
and in my head and in my car
i thought "couldnt you see me?"

Like a midget on speed!
Like a giant on weed!
running running running in circles!
Like a midget on speed!
Like a giant on weed!
running running running in circles!

9 ball spins on a empty green
throwing away the nocturnal screen
throwing the fisherman his cup of tea
i thought "how can this be?"
and in the end of time
little children we will seem
when the maker reads his judgement
we'll scream "its too late for me"

its too late...
its too late...
its too late...