Steve Gong: Pyongyang Style - Man Uses Canon 5D as Secret Video Camera in North Korea.
The monochrome life on the other side of the border. In many ways, it looks alot like Soviet Russia.
" On a recent trip to North Korea photojournalist Steve Gong covered the back of his 5D Mark ll camera with black electrical tape, put it around his neck and left the video function without the permission of government officials.
In doing so he's obtained some of the only HD video footage ever recorded in North Korea. Thankfully he wasn't caught. "
Love the concept and execution! And it looked really fun to make!
" It was tricky to make this video, but it was a lot of fun! You see, what we did was skate backwards throughout the video and then when I edited it, I played the clips backwards so it looks like we're going forwards and everything else is going backwards. !yojnE
Filmed with a Canon Rebel t2i. "
And in a spoof of Zeitgeist 2011: Year in Review, here's to all the OTHER things that mattered in 2011.
3 years ago, in December, a movement started to slowly change the world for the better.
The Karma Experiment was a simple yet powerful initiative to show that everyone, in our own little way, can make a difference in someone's elses day.
And that it doesn't really takes much, just a little care and concern and a pinch of initiative.
and here's a video by LifeVest inside that illustrates the same point.
So, what little random act of kindness can you do today?
And yes finally we have a L4d2 proposal! About time! Considering how Portal 2 and Borderland already had their takes on it.
" This is a special version of Suicide Blitz created by RT Frisk for me to propose to my GF. It took him a long time and I think he knocked it out of the park making it really special. This is the 3rd level of the original campaign that was edited to fit my surprise. The first two levels play like normal to keep it a good surprise.
Since my comment was pushed out of the way I will edit it here. She did say "YES" after the "You're Kidding part?", it was just cut off the game since at that point I was already down on one knee with the ring . It was a huge surprise for her since she was not expecting it till late next year. We were playing together in the same room, she is a huge gamer like myself so it wasn't like I made her play a game she has never played before, she actually has more hours clocked in L4D1/2 then anyone else I know. It's her favorite game and the game we actually met through, which is why I chose it as my medium to propose. The game holds a special meaning to us. "
Love how they healed each other at the start, and bunny was like preoccupied with the gnome, lol'ed!!
And yes, Airsoft GI's film take on Left 4 Dead is finally out. Gotta say, I'm both impressed by the quality and taken aback by the twist. Really good, but not quite what I was expecting. But hey, there's Zoey looking great! And that's all that matters!
In an attempt to be more productive in a way, I decided to do this side project the other day.
The vids were recorded with web quality via Overwolf, and I gotta say, I'm impressed with the quality obtained without affecting my in-game experience. It also has other features like in-game use of MSN, FB, Twitter, web-browsing and even video watching, all of which I'm really excited to use when I go full-scale grinding for the upcoming Diablo 3!
Haven been posting much recently. I guess I'm falling into the symptoms of depression and cabin fever. Knowing I need to snap out of it and move on, but I'm just stuck here, huddling in a fetal position.
The struggle against normalcy bais. The victim of procrastination. And the knowledge of upcoming festive gatherings isn't really helping.
If I could drink and get drunk now, I would.
I guess I'm really turning into the seldom seen kid.
Gunther ft Sunshine Girls: Ding Dong Song / Teeny Weeny String Bikini / Sun Trip.
Nothing like a little Gunther to perk up the week! Admit it, that has gotta be the sexiest mustache-duck-face ever!
Ooo~ You touched my tralala - my ding ding dong
Ooo-la-la~ Ching-ching-cha~
O-la-O-la~ La-ga-ga-ga-ga~
PS: Gotta say, I think if Nick ever went for the mustache look, this would be it! Lol'ed!
And with the hype up on Airsoft GI/Northern Five Entertainment's Left 4 Dead fan film, lets not forget that in a few months, TheRealDravenStudios will also be releasing Left 4 Dead - The Movie. Almost 3 years in the making, there is much to look forward to.
Would you invest 36 hours into making a hamburger?
Well, that's the estimate given by modernist cuisine to create the ultimate burger. And boy is it a thorough scientific approach into the reinventing the humble burger, with even custom-made cheese, and cryofrying of the beef patty. Amazing!
The little awkward moments in life.
Here's some more that they missed:
- Boob brush when you're opening doors for someone.
- Boob brush when you're huddling together for group photos.
- Bumping, leaning, loss-of-balance-body-press in rush hour MRTs.
- Stuck next to another dude on a packed dance floor.
- Bumping into someone while walking in a dark room, cinema.
- Swimming into or bumping into someone in the swimming pool.
Is he asking for Change, or is he asking for CHANGE?
Love the cinematography in this inspiring silent film. Just puts the message across that, sometimes, the human and humane touch, does speak louder than words.
It doesn't cost much to make a change in someone's life. Big or small. It's all about slowing down our pace of life, and giving others the second glance. Opportunities are out there. Are we looking but not noticing? Or noticing but ignoring?
Or does it take someone who's outside the rat race, someone who doesn't wants it all, to see what we're missing?
Kenneth A. Myers: Cigarette Smoking - An Underused Tool in High-Performance Endurance Training.
This is indeed an actual article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in December 14 2010. An before you go about dismissing/discrediting/condemning the article, take a read at the abstract. There is indeed a logical and insightful reason as to why such an absurd sounding article would be published in a respectable journal.
" Abstract:
The review paper is a staple of medical literature and, when well executed by an expert in the field, can provide a summary of literature that generates useful recommendations and new conceptualizations of a topic. However, if research results are selectively chosen, a review has the potential to create a convincing argument for a faulty hypothesis. Improper correlation or extrapolation of data can result in dangerously flawed conclusions. The following paper seeks to illustrate this point, using existing research to argue the hypothesis that cigarette smoking enhances endurance performance and should be incorporated into high-level training programs. "
Indeed, with the rise of the internet, science blogs, e-magazines and all, there have been multiple instances where stories are published and republished all over the web, without scrutiny into the facts/details, and ends up being taken as truth.
One recent wildfire occurred earlier in May, about how Canadian researchers cured cancer with DCA and the conspiracy that mainstream media were still not going public about it. Turns out, not only was it stale news, with the study being done in 2007, but the study was so preliminary, with a small sample size, and conflicting results, that declaring DCA as a cure just seemed absurd.
So yes, while peer reviews and all are there to "guard the guards", the responsibility still falls on the individual to look beyond the published findings and question their significance. This article serves as a reminder to us all, how a person of authority can possibly put together a seemingly compelling argument built upon a slippery slope.
So what are the flaws in the argument in this article?
Serum Hemoglobin:
Smoking results in the inhalation of carbon monoxide, arising from incomplete combustion. Carbon monoxide binds strongly to hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin, and thus hindering the formation of oxyhemoglobin, and subsequent oxygen supply throughout the body.
The body responds to this lack of oxygen by creating more red blood cells, thus increasing the overall serum hemoglobin. However, unlike altitude training, this increase not translate to a richer supply of oxygen. Transversely, this increase in red blood cells, coupled with the increase of cholesterol, clotting factors such as fibrinogen and platelets, results in "stickier" blood and a higher tendency for clots and stroke.
Lung Volume:
In COPD, emphysema occurs, in which the alveolars or air sacs are inflamed or destroyed, and lung recoil is greatly reduced. This "unfolding" process results in a larger lung, with decreased surface area. This decreased surface area, coupled with the weakened lung recoil for expiration, and obstructed airflow, leaves the patient gasping, and constantly out of breath.
Weight Loss:
As stated above, most COPD patients are constantly out of breath. This usually leaves them bedridden or immobilized. As a result, muscle wasting occurs through disuse atrophy. In addition, if the patient develops lung cancer, muscle atrophy could progress on to cachexia, which can be fatal. Thus, despite the weight loss, it is unlikely that the muscle-wasting patient will be performing any endurance sports.
As the saying goes, no matter what you do, there's always an Asian who can do it better.
Edit:
Okay the previous posting didn't give this act full justice. Appears that the above video is only the later part of their act. Here's a longer video detailing the action before the TaeKwonDo moves. Appears that they were not only shuffling to LMFAO but also moonwalking to MJ!
The latest Banksy in central London.
Indeed the recent Black Friday was a crazy one, with a lady pepper spraying other customers over console games, another cop (off-duty this time) pepper spraying as crowd control, a grandfather bloodied and unconscious, when he was planted face-first onto the ground for wrongfully alleged shoplifting, and a bomb scare, just to name a few.
A second.
What is a second worth?
What do we give a second for?
What's worth a second look?
Do we make every second count?
Or are we just missing out?
190 years ago, Nicolas Rieussec recorded time to an accuracy of a fifth second for the first time - the chronograph was born. To celebrate this unique invention, Montblanc is announcing the one-of-a-kind "The Beauty of a Second" short-film contest presented by the famous film director Wim Wenders.
Your challenge as a video artist is to "seize the moment". Everyone - professionals, amateurs, cell-phone camera enthusiasts -- is invited to capture a one-second long moving picture. The subject can be anything you consider as beautiful: a smile, a child's face, a flower, a piece of the world around you, as long as the video lasts only one second. Capture your second beauty now and get the chance to win a Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph. Watch the video to receive further information.
Honestly, not sure why I didn't post this before. IMHO he is STILL the epitome of Old Spice commercials. The best part is that all the commercials were captured in a single cut. Totally awesome!
And to the video that started it all and the wave of memes that followed
and if you're interested, here's a behind-the-scenes look into it. What followed was a wave of witty, smooth talking uncut commercials.
and Isaiah Mustafa was such a hit that he even started doing videos in response to fans' internet responses on Youtube, Facebook and Twitter. So much more awesomeness, smooth talking, wit, and random props altogether. Here are some of my favourites:
Another local wedding with a fan-boy twist to it. A pity that the bride and bridesmaid weren't really in on Star Wars theme. Some latex outfits or togas might have fit the bill, though their turquoise dresses do come close.
So, what's up next for our generation? Power Rangers? Teenage Mutant Ninga turtle?
AMA 2011: LMFAO Party Rock Anthem + Sexy And I Know It - Shuffling Bieber and a Wild Hasselhoff.
American Music Awards 2011.
LMFAO.
Party Rock Anthem.
Sexy and I Know It.
A shuffling Justin Bieber.
A wild wiggling David Hasselhoff.
Quest Crew.
Will.i.am
Striptease on Stage
Gyration on National TV
An inflatable Zebra
So much EPIC-ness all in one video.
Mind = Blown.
This is the highest resolution I could find thus far (720p). Enjoy ^^x
22 months
1,357 hours
30 people
2 ladders
1 still camera
288,000 jelly beans
Going considerably viral, the official MTV for this enchanting track. Really a unique MTV, reminding me of something OK Go would do, like their toast MTV for "Last Leaf"
and finally a peep at intense time consuming process behind it all. One word - Woah!
Thanks Nick for the share!
If you still do not know already, #OCCUPYWALLSTREET has turned into #OccupyTogether, and it is sweeping nationwide across the United States.
I guess largely the liberation of Libya has had global repercussions, similar to that during the fall of Eastern Europe and USSR. There is an overwhelming surge of belief in power to the people.
Even back home in Singapore, we too had a similar event and rush of emotions when against all odds, the Workers' Party made a historical breakthrough by winning Aljunied GRC in the General Elections.
The difference though between protests back home and in the States, is that, in Singapore, the battles are largely fought online, over social medias, or at rallies. Meek as we are, and all the restrictions in place, Singaporeans don't really hold protest rallies.
On the contrary, in the States, where views are much more liberal, protestors tend to use more action instead of words. However, it should be noted that despite the numbers, most of these protests have been really peaceful.
So now, you have an interesting situation. From history, we know that when Ghanhi stood up against British rule and fought for independence, his non-violent defiance was met with force, mostly in the form of arrests and detentions. There was a growing frustration to suppress him into submission.
Today, we have a similar scenario with the #OccupyTogether movement. As an official of the law, what do you do when a growing number of protestors, legally abide by the laws in place, exercise their civil rights, and refuse to back down?
As we've seen in #OCCUPYWALLSTREET, the ultimatum was macing/pepper spraying the protestors into submission.
10 years ago, the news only came from the media, in the form of photographs, videos or first-hand accounts from on-site journalists. It might have been possible to censor such events from the headlines, or even downplay it.
But today, with camera-phones everywhere, and the internet just a click away, events seen through the public eyes can spread like wildfire. The NYPD defended the use of the pepper spray, calling it "appropriate" use of force.
And now, just days after the above incident, a similar event happened, this time in the University of California Davis. From the National Public Radio article:
"... In a demonstration of support for the Occupy movement, a small group of protesters was sitting, arms linked together. Campus police told them to move. The students didn't. And that's when an officer walked down the line of seated men and women, pepper-spraying them. Some took it straight in their faces...
... Campus police said the officers had been surrounded by protesters and commanders have defended their actions. So did university Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi — which led to a call from the school's faculty association for her resignation. Katehi has since said she wants an outside, independent panel to review what happened and that she doesn't plan to step down..."
So yes, it begs the question. Pepper-spray, like the taser, is supposedly to be a less-than-lethal agent for self-defence, riot and crowd control. However, is it "reasonable use" to pepper-spray non-violent protestors? In my view, the officers could have just picked up the student protestors if they wanted to, it's not like they were armed and dangerous.
But the more impressive turn in this incident, is the response by the non-violent protestors. Also from the National Public Radio article:
"... On Saturday, after a news conference she held, Katehi remained inside one of the university's buildings for a couple hours. Outside, protesters regrouped. And when she emerged, there was one of the most amazing scenes so far related to the Occupy movement. As Katehi and another woman walked three blocks to an SUV, they passed through a gauntlet of several hundred students — who remained silent in a powerful show of their disdain.... "
The deafening silence. The walk of shame. Indeed, silence did speak volumes louder than words ever could.
So if you haven heard of Linsey Stirling, she is a 25 year old violinist from the states, and she really reminds me of a female David Garrett, in that she is really into her music, shuffles/struts/dances her way through it, and both take violins beyond classical genres.
Really love this collaboration she did. Shuffling with a violin is just awesome!
And she does take it one step further with theatrical performance too!
If you have never watched his videos, do yourself a favour and catch them. I really love how he is able to come up with simple anecdotes to scientific concepts, that makes learning light-hearted and totally enjoyable. Totally my idealistic notion of a great lecturer. Really hope that one day I can be like him.
In this video, he touches on Déjà vu, Blindsight, Presque vu, and Jamais vu
Really love the concept of the desk/bar counter. Overall less complex than the lego style apartment of Christian Schallert, which I think is nice too. Guess the trend is really catching on. Hope that they become a thing in Singapore in 10 years time =3
It's 5am, and I just finished reading minutes ago.
Gotta say as a whole, the novel was good. Liked the unconventional approach in storytelling, especially with the play on typography. But I also felt that Oskar was portrayed beyond his years and the approach was a tad too similar to "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time".
It is true that national disasters like 9-11 are effective means of showing the transient and fragile nature of human lives. The novel even goes a step further to draw parallels between 9-11 and the ugly nature of war. However, it is disappointing, and a tad unsavory, that the novel has to borrow the emotional turmoil of 9-11 to sell its sentimental standpoints. The time-frame/events of 9-11 were just not crucial at the crux of it all; any other disaster/accident could have yield the same effect.
However, what really struck me at 5 in the morning, isn't the novel, but rather, the heartfelt scribblings of a previous reader. Yes, it is the 3 lines in pencil marks.
I guess, in an odd cosmic way, these timely words really brought some measure of peace to my troubled mind.
And with emotions sweeping through me as dawn breaks, I like to pen these last few quotes from the books.
If you ever read it, you'll know it's for you.
" How could anything less deserve to be destroyed?
It was late, and we were tired.
We assumed there would be other nights...
I said, I want to tell you something.
She said, You can tell me tomorrow.
I had never told her...
There was never a right time to say it.
It was always unnecessary.
I thought about waking her.
But it was unnecessary.
There would be other nights.
And how can you say I love you to someone you love?
Here is the point to everything...
It is always necessary.
I love you. "
For Ms Yan who has deactivated FB for the finals and for the LULZ.
" This is my generally silly dog, Haiku, a Siberian Husky / Australian Shepherd mix (we "think") who just turned one year old.
And this was his very first ride through the car wash.
Turns out, it was a very terrifying experience :)
(No animals were harmed in the making of this video. Soon after the ordeal ended, we stopped to vacuum out the inside of the car and Hike was bouncy and happy as ever. He makes the same horrified face when I drag him into the tub for a bath, although he loves running through puddles in the rain and swimming in mud.
I wasn't planning on posting this when I filmed it, so the real background sound was of me and my mother laughing over the situation in our native language. When I replayed the video at home, I figured it was too hilarious not to upload. And then the Jaws theme music just seemed more fitting. "
Love the nostalgic jerking from rotoscoping, a technique developed for older cartoons in which animated-action sequences were hand-drawn frame by frame from live-action shots. Really hope that even as computers get more advanced and photography gets more common, the art of drawing by hand never dies.
So yeah, The Rock finally returned to WWE, set for Survivor series. And I don't know about you, but I'm excited in a way of seeing The Rock again. Sure, he does look older (dang, makes me feel darn old too), and yeah the beard really adds to it, but I've never seen The Rock looking so defined. Man...
And, you just gotta love The Rock, he came from an era built by greats like Stone Cold, The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Triple H and Mick Foley, just to name a few. It was a world of trash talk, embracing the fans, and bringing entertainment to new heights. All of them played both face and heel so well that they earned the fans respect. That is something really lacking in the WWE today. John Cena is long overdue as a heel.
For some added nostalgia, the LMAO Rock and Sock Connection.
And finally IMHO the best match ever that The Rock has ever been in - Wrestlemania 17. Feuding against Stone Cold and Mr McManaman, that match is still sends chills up my spine.
What started as a single photo from NTU, has now become a viral media including all 4 universities in Singapore, and even a snippet of the chums on exchange. Let's see how long it takes before it goes viral on mainstream media and even abroad. Totally meme worthy if it catches on.
PS: Click on picture for for larger original image.
"... Can anybody hear me?
Am I talking to myself?
My mind is running empty,
In this search for someone else,
Who doesn't look right through me.
It's all just static in my head.
Can anybody tell me why I'm lonely like a satellite?
Cause tonight I'm feeling like an astronaut,
Sending SOS from this tiny box.
And I lost all signal when I lifted off.
Now I'm stuck out here and the world forgot.
Can I please come down, cause I'm tired of drifting round and round
Can I please come down?... "
" Being human is the most terrible loneliness in the universe. "
- AA Attanasio.
Sometimes, in life's little ways, a message can be hit home hard.
Earlier, in month, I had received a graduate employment survey from TP. Yesterday, I received the graduate employment survey from NTU.
And reality just snapped at me.
Yes, everyone has moved on, but I'm still stuck here.
It is crummy that the project might be in jeopardy.
It is crummy that I'm going nowhere fast.
"... Stop and stare,
I think I'm moving but I go nowhere.
Yeah, I know that everyone gets scared.
But I've become what I can't be... "
Darn it. The only comfort I guess, is that the Prof did ask the opinion of my references. As rejections are not informed, I guess it is up to my own discretion.
"... Stop and stare,
You start to wonder why you're here not there.
And you'd give anything to get what's fair.
But fair ain't what you really need... "
I can tell that the stress is getting to me.
Outbreaks even with regular sleeping hours.
Refreshing my gmail more than facebook.
These days, I'm just dreading gatherings. Friends. Family.
Always the same questions.
The same ones that haunt me each night.
The ones, which I too wanna know the answers to.
I know they mean well.
But it is just harder to keep a straight face with each passing day.
I'll give it another week.
Another hopefully 7 days.
Another long 168 hours.
I really need a distraction.
Christmas shopping seems to be helping.
I really love shopping for presents.
Especially when I'm about to start a new chapter.
To me, it is a journey down memory lane.
Reliving all the times spent together.
Past jokes. Dreams shared. Arguments fought. Tears shed.
The gift is never the target, but a culmination of the process.
Although it may seem totally random at times, it is not.
One way or another, it reflects the moments that our lives intertwined.
Moments that I hold dearly.
So yeah, if you are reading this and do receive a gift this Christmas, don't feel bad.
I do set aside cash throughout the year for this period.
From not going on holidays, not getting new clothes/specs, blogging, book scholarships and such.
All I hope is that random it may be, the gift has value to you to.
And if sadly you don't get a gift from me, don't take it to heart.
As much as I could save, the budget is pretty tight this year, so yeah.
Merry Christmas to all in advance!
Personally, I think this is the only great thing about the upcoming Twilight movie. Musically, it doesn't tug at my heartstrings as much as Jar of Hearts, but the cinematography used throughout just sends chills down my spine. And no, I am totally not referring to the Twilight snippets, could have well done away with those imho.
Just came across this amusing story from CBS 5 - KPHO.com.
"... There's been documented cases of people going to the hospital with alcohol poisoning just from utilizing it that way," Thomas said.
Thomas spends his days patrolling the halls of a Valley high school. He's heard first hand how kids are getting tipsy.
"What we're hearing about is teenagers utilizing tampons, soak them in vodka first before using them," Thomas said.
"It gets absorbed directly into the bloodstream. There's no barrier, there's no stomach acid to prevent it," Thomas said... "
There's just so much fail in here that I don't even know where to start.
Nowhere in the entire article or video did the "experts" make a direct clarification or assertion that they've seen such a case. Worst still, Dr. Dan Quan seemed to be grossly misquoted, much of his speech is stitched and pieced together and he seemed to be describing what the possible outcomes and dangers could be, rather than giving first-hand insight.
Direct accusations of teen folly, and list of lethal consequences are mainly done by the narrator and not either expert. In all, the argument just seemed like a slippery slope, with one assumption leading to the next.
As amusing as this might be, I would also like to point out the following. Rectal insertions (Suppositories) deliver drugs much quicker and more potently than oral consumption because they escape dilution/digestion/interferences in the stomach/intestines. But more importantly, this route it bypasses the first pass effect and thus are not metabolised by the liver.
Unlike what is described in the video/article, there is still a barrier in place even with rectal insertions (ie: the mucous/rectal wall). The only method of delivery with no barrier would be intravenous shots (IV).
The other thing I would like to comment is that while the the tampon is shown to soak up 1 shot of alcohol, it had to be squeezed dry. Firstly, I'm not going to comment how tight/loose one's vag/rectum, but it is highly likely that you'll squeeze out a large portion of the shot trying to shove it up there. There's a reason why sex toys do have a certain level of rigidness.
Secondly, you would have to "suck" it dry to get the shot of alcohol, or what's left. That'll take awhile, preferable lying down. Suppositories usually advise that you lie down for 15 mins for maximum effect. So after that, they would have to remove the dry tampon and change it? Sounds really labourous work for a few shots.
Honestly, if they were willing to go through all that trouble, why not just do it the AWOL approach. Yes the actually machine is banned in various states, but if you are willing to go to such lengths, you would probably be able to replicate this with some bong/tube/pipe/cup and a flame.
Okay, so finally got my Dota 2 Beta invite earlier today. The game is quite small I must say, just around 1.5G, as compared to the enormous 12+G for L4D2. Will post up a photo later of the running game when the download is done.
So, how do you go about getting the invites, well, first off go onto steam and register for the Dota2 Beta. You should really have done this months back when the Internationals had just ended.
Next off, complete the official survey on Steam. The process should look something like this. Once is has been done in Steam, it is more or less, just a matter of waiting.
And yes, if you are one of the luckier ones who did this way before the current frenzy, you would probably already have one of these.
The shop caught my eye while I was at City Square Mall. Yes, I'm a sucker for such bright lettering. And on seeing that milkshakes were for sale, I was instantly sold.
Makeshake's concept is similar to that of Cold Stone Creamery, in that customers can choose from an array of add-ins to blend in. And boy are you spoiled for choice. Besides the usual Snickers, Kit Kat, fudge, raisins, granola, etc... there are more exotic items like English breakfast tea, earl gray, Nutella and even coconut. These are added to their homemade malted vanilla ice-cream and milk and blended into a smooth finish.
But, on hindsight, I would say that it was the right size. Having sold milkshakes before in TP, I would say, the cost of milkshakes is really in the volume of ice-cream used. Most vendors would increase the volume by adding ice, which ends up diluting the milkshake. Here at Makeshake, only ice-cream and milk were used, thus, the shake remained thick and consistent to the last drop.
Personally, I will opt for the larger cup ($5+) on a future visit, but that's just me. As Dawn put it when I shared with her, the small cup (about 2 scoops of ice-cream?) would probably be enough of a sinful indulgence for most.
So yes, if you get the opportunity, do drop by City Square Mall, Farrer Park MRT, and try it out. They're at #B2-K2/K11. You just can't miss the colourful sign! I will definitely be back again to indulge in the earl gray and breakfast tea flavours!
The trailer for the first of the Snow White trilogy is out. And yes, thankfully, Kristen Stewart is looking more kick a$$ than a vulnerable-despaired-needy-helpless-lovesick girlfriend. In fact, I think it is a rather interesting take on Snow White being the "fairest of them all", when she's all geared up like Joan of Arc.
And personally, I think I saw more emotions there on Kristen, than in the entire Twilight saga thus far. But then again, maybe that's me.
Previously, I blogged about how Gearbox went about fulfilling a fan's perfect proposal through Claptrap, and honestly these days, it might not seem as a lot, in the host of many different wedding stunts, outdoing one another.
Well, in all, marriage is just one of the stages of life. So is birth, and so it death.
As quoted from the Destructoid article:
" This morning, we received an email from a Destructoid fan named Carlo who shared a story about his late friend Michael John Mamaril. Last month, Michael passed away due to cancer at the young age of 22. Both were huge Borderlands fans, so Carlo thought a great way to honor his buddy's memory would be to shoot Gearbox Software an email asking for a short eulogy to be read by the game's smart-mouthed robot mascot Claptrap. Not only did Gearbox comply with the request, it also promised to insert Michael into the upcoming Borderlands 2 as an NPC. "
This just blew my mind. Gearbox truly has taken fan-interaction and integration to a whole new level. Totally worthy of a standing ovation and a salute.
The eulogy is on Soundcloud, but has been marked private, thus I'm unable to share it here. However, you can hear it for yourself from the Destructoid article
Was strolling along Orchard Road today, when I heard this melodious tune at the Junction of Cineleisure and H&M. Gotta say, it is my first time seeing or hearing a dulcimer, and I'm mesmerized by the notes it produces. As Daniel puts it, it is very much like those tavern BGMs in RPGs.
Speaking with Ivan, I learnt that it was a native American instrument. Looks-wise, it is a cross between a zither and a ukelele, and its neck was thin enough for a capo to be used.
Apologies on the first video, I was so absorbed into it all, that I only noticed later that my finger was in the way... and video quality is a tad down due to smudging.. and it only halfway as I was listening to him, and decided dang, this is too good not to be recorded. The second video, on the other hand, is a complete song. Enjoy!
It also appears that he performed live earlier at the Esplanade Concourse for free, so you might have caught him there.
" The Appalachian Dulcimer is an instrument native to the south-east region of the United States surrounding the Appalachian Mountains (Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia). This sweet sounding plucked instrument has a history of about 200 years and is most commonly heard in bluegrass and old-time music, also known as mountain music.
Ivan Ng, 19, is self-taught on the Appalachian dulcimer. With humble beginnings busking at Read Bridge, Ivan has since made appearances in Sentosa’s Lights of Spring and National Day Celebration together with Dulcet Project & MIG respectively. Apart from exploring the American folk tunes, Ivan also has great interest in trying out other genres of music on his instrument. "
Leidenfrost Effect: Goldfish in Liquid Nitrogen / Mythbusters - Molten Lead.
One of those scientific "magic tricks" that never fails to amaze. Yes, it is based on Leidenfrost effect and some demonstrators even go so far as dipping a wet finger into Liquid Nitrogen.
and this was demonstrated really well by the mythbusters too, when they dipped hot iron into water, and human fingers into molten lead.
As quoted from Wikipedia:
" The Leidenfrost effect is a phenomenon in which a liquid, in near contact with a mass significantly hotter than the liquid's boiling point, produces an insulating vapor layer which keeps that liquid from boiling rapidly...
... The effect can be seen as drops of water are sprinkled onto a pan at various times as it heats up. Initially, as the temperature of the pan is below 100 °C (212 °F), the water just flattens out and slowly evaporates. As the temperature of the pan goes above 100 °C (212 °F), the water drops hiss when touching the pan and evaporate quickly. Later, as the temperature exceeds the Leidenfrost point, the Leidenfrost effect comes into play. On contact with the pan, the water droplets bunch up into small balls of water and skitter around, lasting much longer than when the temperature of the pan was lower. This effect works until a much higher temperature causes any further drops of water to evaporate too quickly to cause this effect.
This is because at temperatures above the Leidenfrost point, the bottom part of the water droplet vaporizes immediately on contact with the hot plate. The resulting gas suspends the rest of the water droplet just above it, preventing any further direct contact between the liquid water and the hot plate. As steam has much poorer thermal conductivity, further heat transfer between the pan and the droplet is slowed down dramatically. This also results in the drop being able to skid around the pan on the layer of gas just under it...
Finally got around to watch this documentary, and gotta say I'm impressed by it. I am normally quite skeptical towards exposé style documentaries. as they are normally quite biased or tilted, and tend to fall towards generalizations.
However, in "Addicted to Plastic" the facts are given to you as it is. Rather than just showing viewers the harmful effects of plastic to the environments and all, it shows you the fuller picture. You end up with a fairly light-hearted documentary, with a humour sprinkled in, that is informative for all, and filled with solutions.
By the end of the 1.5hrs, audience are left to find it within themselves. You could be just a consumer, or a designer, or even a manufacturer, and there will be something to take away from it all. Indeed, there is a sense of hope. This is a growing global issue, and thus, its only natural that actions have to be taken at all different levels of the community.
PS: I guess as a blogger, the question I have here is, how many of you, the readers, will actually watch it, and take an active step to share it over your social media outlets? Be be twitter, facebook, bloggers etc.
We are already sharing/spamming these social outlets daily with all forms of entertainment/LULZ/crap/jokes/quotes/photos. But when it comes to something meaningful as this, will be take the time to share it? Will we take such steps towards changing our society for the better?
What do you think, is the worst part of living? Disability? Cancer? A broken heart? Loss of a love one?
To me, the worst possible thing in life, is none of the above. Sure, the end is crushing, The knowledge that something is definite and can never be changed is devastating. But with each end, comes a beginning, a hope, a means of coping.
No.
The worst part of living,
is waiting for that end.
The sheer weight with waiting. The growing void of nothingness. The anticipation of the worst possible outcome. The replaying of options that could have made a difference. The torturous self-doubting. The uncertainty of when it will all end. The inability to control it all. The helplessness to affect it. The incapacity to move on. Paralysed, emotionally and physically. The lonely detachment from the world, that only those like you who were waiting too would understand. The eventual sense of loss in everything - track of time, grip on reality, hold on sanity. Yes, this unbearable agony when a swift death is denied. Indeed, it is life's sickest of torments.
And yet, we are guilty of it.
Possibly everyday.
To the people we love the most.
Yes.
The worst thing you could do to anyone, is to ignore them, deny them an answer, and leave them waiting.
The worst thing is you could give anyone,
is absolutely nothing.
A book. Music. Tea. Nature. The simple life.
This new Starbucks outlet is a tad out of the way, you have to take a 5-10 minutes walk from Buona Vista MRT. New appartment buildings are in the works around it, so hopefully carparks won't be an issue in future. Gotta say I love the serenity of the second floor. The feel just reminds me of Flutes at the Fort.
PS: As construction works are going on around it, especially more in this rainy season, do avoid wearing dark colours if you're intending to sit outdoors, lest you attract mosquitos.
Been awhile since I had a drink. Stomach/Gastric problems have seriously hampered my lifestyle in the past few months. Well, here's to recovery then!
Picked up a Tiger Crystal for this chilly rainy season. Looks-wise, it really looks much like a light beer similar to Corona and such. But take a swig and you will know the difference. It does have a light refreshing taste to it, but it is the aftertaste that really sets the kick. Unlike Coronas, the aftertaste here is really rich and distinct.
As someone who had his fair share of cheap Tigers in NS to last a lifetime, I gotta say that I love the balance that Tiger Crystal has managed to achieve. Not too gassy, light tasting, not too bitter, but with a rich aftertaste.
If you have a chance, do try it. It will likely change your view of Tigers.
PS: Been trying out the Rainbowbrush app on my N9, thus the visual effect. The green tint/glow from the bottle is merely a reflection of my desktop.
Yeah, the upgrading at the site is not complete as of yet, but there are some stark changes already visible across the barbed fence. For starters, the addition of red into the school's colour scheme? There is a hint of red in the school's crest, but the colour scheme for the uniforms have always been blue and white. So, any changes to that too in the near future?
And as stated by the guys on FB, yes, the arch designs for this missionary school does look a tad Turkish/Muslim/Monastery-like. Guess we'll have to wait till later next year to find out the interior changes.
PS: And yes, as Carradine pointed out, sadly, barbed wires do make a school feel more like an institution.
A really novel idea from this San Francisco startup. There's just something about it being made from torn down barns that just adds that whimsical feel to it. Large and small ties all going for USD $34!
For years, scientists have studied the inner workings of a psychopathic killer, trying to isolate traits that could be used to identify one. However, as history has shown through the XYY saga, correlating isolated genetic traits to that of violent behavior, often led to unjustified stigmas, that brought more harm than good.
With scientific advancements, there in an increasing library of markers, both genetic and physiological, that are characteristic of a psychopathic mind. However, even with this wealth of knowledge and tools, the question still remains. If someone actually fits the scientific profile perfectly, possessing all of the identified markers, is he or she definitely a psychopath?
In this documentary, we meet a scientist who discovers that he has the scientific profile of a psychopath, proving that nurture does play a role in shaping nature.
For all unfamiliar with Rico Genest aka Zombie Boy, since earlier this year, he is the current Guinness World Record holder for the most insects (178) and bones (138) tattooed on a human body.
In addition, he also appeared in Lady Gaga's video for "Born This Way" earlier this year. Yes, he's inks are real, while Gaga's are make-up meant to mirror him.
Now, he has appeared in Dermablend Professional's latest advert promoting their line of concealers, and I must say, dang, it is really impressive.
" It took three makeup artists for the one day shoot to cover Rico. During the transformation approximately 4 tubes of Dermablend Leg and Body Cover were used along with Leg and Body Tattoo Primer and Original Loose Setting Powder... The video was shot in one take with only one opportunity for Rico to reveal his true face. "
Love the concept and here! For Charleen, you'll understand when you see it.
So the Lytro is finally up for sale, 8GB going for $399 and 16GB for $499, though shipping only starts in 2012. I'm so hoping that it will be slightly cheaper during Black Friday!
I just love-love-love the ability to refocus in the same photograph. Just view the photos on their blog or photo album and you'll get what I mean!
" Lytro lets you take pictures like never before. Unlike a conventional camera that captures a single plane of light, the Lytro camera captures the entire light field, which is all the light traveling in every direction in every point in space.
Since you'll capture the color, intensity, and direction of all the light, you can experience the first major light field capability - focusing after the fact. Focus and re-focus, anywhere in the picture. You can refocus your pictures at anytime, after the fact. "
Planned Obsolescence. A term we live by everyday, but one that many might not even know or be aware about.
To simplify, it is:
"... a policy of deliberately planning or designing a product with a limited useful life, so it will become obsolete or nonfunctional after a certain period of time. "
And as such, it has successfully become the driving force in today's consumer market, where consumers buy products repeatedly to sustain market growth.
Today, we are surrounded by all forms of obsolescence. Technical/functional obsolescence determines that a product fails after a given lifespan, and that cost of repairs is comparable to a replacement unit. Proprietary lithium-based batteries that not only discharge after a fixed number of cycles, but are also soldered into your gadgets making replacement almost impossible.
Obsolescence in healthcare, in which patients are offered life-long drugs instead of a one-off cure. Systemic obsolescence, in which new systems or OS are released periodically, and newer programs are not backwards compatible. The consumer is not given an option to improve/upgrade his/her older system or OS and thus is forced to buy the new releases. Finally, style obsolescence in which fashion changes and repeats in a cycles, thus pushing you to re-buy items that you once deemed obsolete and had discarded.
It is true that in some areas, the issue of safety demands the need for planned obsolescence, such as changing of needles in healthcare, or disposables in laboratory work. It is also true that in a profit-driven market, planned obsolescence is a necessary evil.
However, in a world where resources are finite, and the strain or even monopoly of such resources has started taking place, perhaps it is time for us to ponder and reflect. As consumers, we do have a choice against planned obsolescence. Are we able to look past the immediate benefits/drawbacks, be it cost, fashion or function, and settle for something more sustainable?
Over the past few months, we have seen many international proposals go viral, from movie trailers, to video games like Borderland and Portal 2, to being mobbed on national television, to transmissions over airwaves, and finally even an "Inception Reception".
And as we try to out-do one another, trying to make the moment as perfect as possible, sometimes, we forget that there are still simpler ways of saying those 3 words. Indeed, sometimes, the aww, sweet moments are in everyday events. And for us, Singaporeans, sometimes the local flavour really just adds to the sentimental feel.
" Moomedia went stealth and shot a real proposal with our thoughtful groom to be...
Yiming, the moo, together with students and teachers of Crescent Girls School... devised a plan to throw Jerene off guard to give her a proposal she deserves.
The students pulled their unsuspecting teacher to their classroom to view and comment on their "promo" video... she totally didn't expect what was to follow.... "
For those really dark and hopeless times when Murphy's law is onto you. Maybe someone can make a Singaporean version online? Would be cool to consolidate all the unique swears in cultural diverse Singapore!
Embedding is sadly disabled, so you'll have to watch it at Vimeo
One of those movies that we still reflect about years after watching it.
" Is the sunshine of a spotless mind really worth...
... missing out on the rainbow that comes only with the rain? "
Some day in the future, I hope I will still be as random, and still wanna lie down with that special someone in a totally random place and just watch time go by.
" How happy is the blameless vestal's lot!
The world forgetting, by the world forgot.
Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind!
Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd... "
Ever since Facebook started giving users the option subscribe to someone, the wall feeds have been flooded with quote sharing. In all honesty, subscription was a great idea, but the resultant scene of all the reposts does get a tad annoying.
One of the most common themes seen, I guess would be on lying.
Yes, an honest world may seem really idealistic and all. But realistically, as House puts it, everyone lies. Generalizing that you can never ever trust someone else again after being lied to once, is just unrealistic. Unless you are into radical honesty, it is unlikely that you too have ever been through a day without lying. Common lies like "I'm fine", "It's alright", "Give me 5 minutes", "I've read and agreed to the Terms of Services" are said so often that you probably do not even notice yourself saying them.
There is a Science to spotting liars, as publicized by "Lie to Me". But chances are that, most of us are not even consciously aware of these liars until they are found out, or until they had a destructive effect.
So yes, maybe a more accurate quote would be "I'm against destructive lies/liars". Cause, in the end, idealistic as we may all be, white lies do tend to soften the harsh truths of life. Everyday life is already hard enough without some b*tch coming up to you, in all honesty, to tell you how much you truly suck.
When Apple released the iPhone 4S, they also unveiled Siri, a function that allows you to use your voice to send messages, set reminders, place phone calls, and more.
I guess it was just a matter of time before someone adapted it to our favourite Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System. Ah, good old cynicism!
Love the light-hearted sense of humour at Inherit the Mirth. Somedays I feel that all the religious tension worldwide came about, because somewhere down the line, we just forgot how to laugh at ourselves.
Rube goldberg machines have always fascinated me. The biggest problems to tackle with building one is usually finding methods of transition from one set-up to the next.
The most common way would be using dominos and popsicle sticks. However, the overall effect is usually less dramatic.
That's where the Cobra Weave comes in. I'm sure some of you have heard of it in Scouting or Guiding, and yes, it is a rather decorative weave for campcraft, which you can use to make rather pretty bracelets or keychains.
Well, the weave has since been translated for use on popsicle sticks. And interestingly, this variant also adds an additional characteristic of the cobra to it, as the weave will dramatically rise upwards as it travels down its explosive path. If only we learnt about it years back. Well, enjoy!
So, about 24 hours ago, Apple did not announce the dawn of the iPhone 5 but rather, the release of the iPhone 4S. And as the truth starts to slowly sink in, the social media is going abuzz with outspoken thoughts if one should get the iPhone 4S, despite the presence of iPhone 5 in the near horizon.
To me, it is just seemed like an adult version of the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment. It is true that in real-life, there is often no end point or eventual goal, as life goes on.
However, similarities can be drawn if we look at such events as independent cases. Such as iPhone 4S now? or iPhone 5 months later? Even as adults, do we suffer from poor impulse control? Is deferred gratification really that abstract and distant?
What are your thoughts?
An interesting piece by GAMBIT game lab - the Singapore-MIT collaboration. The short gameplay, fresh game mechanics, and surreal atmosphere, just leaves one in a state of self-reflection after the entire experience. Take my advice and don't attempt to brisk forward in this game. Let it all in and ponder each line. It will be the best 5 minutes you've spent in a long run.
Great short film made about Aperture Science by independent film makers. Documenting the great minds at work before the fateful completion and debut of the Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System. A tad long at 20 minutes, but filled with lots of juicy geeky references from all around. Enjoy!
1000th post.
Big thanks to all who have been here throughout the years and listened to my rambles =P... yes, I do know that at times the content is a tad random and all, but yeah that's who I am =3
1000th post... I guess it also hints of a tinge of maturity. Well, a resolution that I'm making as of this post onwards would be to change my blogging style. I will still contain my rambling thoughts and all. But without the smileys and all. Hopefully, this will aid me in my professional writings in the years to come!
So yes, come 36 hours, I will be taking the GRE examinations. I guess this is where reality sets in, and my cynicism steps in. It does seem to appear that even with tons of hard work and dedication, there is will always be an unbridgeable chasm that separates prodigies and true brilliance from the pack.
PS: To those who know me - I know it has never been the habit on this blog, but you know, I do enjoy it when I read the comments left by you guys/girls. So yeah, do leave some in the future, either by the post or the chatbox. Yes, I do check for them! ^^x
Didn't sleep much last night. Kept thinking about the match. We were totally outplayed. The tricks used weren't new to me, but I was just too rusty to prevent my team from being ripped apart.
Felt so frustrated at my own helplessness. In that match, I wasn't a game changer at all. Sat up all night reflecting over it. Thoughts went back to a time in TP, when I was an avid gamer... part of a DOTA team... we were going to take part in the Nationals... and then priorities shifted... and I gave it all up.
But even then, I was the same. I always shunned the role as DPS or Hero Killer... but rather trained solely as a supportive healer or stunner. Preference I guess. Maybe there was a time when I would have craved for the power rush that came with domination. But it had come to pass. The peak, it was a lonely place.
I would be the prankster. I would be the lamester. I would be the protector. And I would find fulfillment. That's what I told myself.
But, on days like this... bad days like this... doubts gather. Practice makes perfect. The more you fight, the more you hurt, the more you kill... the better you get.
So then... can the one who protects... really be strong enough to save his loved ones... from the one who takes? Or is it all just poetic justice limited to literary works?
He who fights with monsters should be careful, lest he thereby becomes a monster...