dementia praecox

I wonder how many got this correct?
If your answer is NOR, I suggest you go back here and re-read the question.

Else, you can check your answers by clicking here.

Labels: Being Geek-ish, Quiz

*Re-post from fb Notes*
Hi peeps! Wasn't it fun at the Real Escape Game? Are we banking for a double team this May? Well, to psyche you all up for the coming Real Game Vol 2 which will be held in May, I've decided we need training~ lol So if you don't mind giving your brain some more work every week, I'll be posting a note each week and you all can try to solve it~ Feel free to share with anyone who's interested in puzzles~

Here's the first conundrum:

You should be able to complete the words below using all of the letters from A to Z, each used once only. Once completed, three leftover letters should remain.

D O _ _ _ E

_ O N _ O R _

R A _ E N

B U Z _ _ R

M _ _ _ E R Y

_ Y L O _ _ O N E

_ U E _ S Y

_ E N M A R _

_ _ _ S A _

Line the 3 remaining letters in alphabetical order. What is the seven letter word that is often used together with the word formed by the three remaining characters?

First to PM me the correct answer wins! (Just glory, no prize sorry.) Answers will be out 5 Feb~

Labels: Being Geek-ish, Quiz

I was distracted from my reverie when Lu's niece patted my hand. Her other hand was occupied by a packet of green tea drink. And she said, "Gor Gor, 给你。"

"Okay, deep breaths...."mentally rang out as I took a deep breath, then slowly let it out. "Thank you. But erhm, I am not Gor Gor.... I am Jie Jie" to that, she gave me that same confused face every time I corrected her. Then sat down on the bed beside me and stare at the screen I have been staring at for the last 2 hours. (P.S: 那小脚晃啊晃的邮购可爱。)

Lu came in not so long after that, since her niece did not return. To find 2 people staring blankly at the computer screen.

"You should do the cleanup every once in a while, instead of it taking so long now. Oh and we need to get you another mouse."

My words broke the trance and the kid just blinked then stood to leave the room. Sometimes, I wonder...

While out getting the mouse, we got some groceries as I'm staying for dinner. End up getting caught in the rain so when back into the mall for another round of aimless window shopping.

As one can expect from the hospitality of Lu's sister, I was asked to stay for dinner. Home cooked meals are always great barter for service, and you can never go wrong with salmon and greens. Mushrooms, corn, garden green salad and mash potatoes tasted really good as well, and the ending note of a dessert; that carrot cake is heavenly.

Cleaned up and got back to systems updates, re-installations and patches. It wasn't until almost 11 when I finish up and the lull of the kid playing in the living room had turned into silence.

Waking Lu, who've fallen asleep waiting; and headed for the living room to once again thank her sister for the hospitality before going downstairs with Lu to the cab.

Well, all in a day's work I guess.

Labels: Being Geek-ish, Foodies, Generic Day

I think I crapped throughout that interview lol. And it turns out, they still want me. =x So today, I went down to the agency to sign the contract and got lost (again?) getting to Hotel Royale. 3 way conversation almost made me climbed an over-head bridge needlessly.

Contract signed, I headed down to SNEC to meet Cind for lunch. Then head over to donate my blood. Saw a woman faint at the door while I was filling up the form. Medical assistance was immediately provided to her. Turns out she got up too fast and walked out after she donate blood. (Didn't even made it to the door; luckily.)

Enjoyed mindless chit-chat with the nurses tending to me and later relax and let my blood flow~ Had to pump throughout the process instead of the blood just flowing. The nurse asked if I had enough water... (I did.) Managed to almost fill a full pack. Was worried and ask them if this can be accepted (:shakes head: felt like didn't do well in exam like that...) and the nurse kept reassuring me.

Excited for my next donation, as it will be my tenth! Ended my ninth donation with the regular snack courtesy of HSA then headed down to Bugis for a while to meet Drew then headed back to SNEC to meet Cind for dinner.

KTV tomorrow, sweet dreams peeps!

Labels: Meet-ups, Studies/Work

Got a call a few days ago asking if I'm available to work. Not the usual type.

Anyway I've decided to give it a shot after hearing the details and I've just gone for the interview. I think it'll work out and I'll be working soon~

Labels: Studies/Work

Dreams and Reality. To me, dreaming is the mixture of ideas and emotions; sub-consciously what we yearn for or what we feel deeply about. People say “日有所思，夜有所梦”, that your daily musings reflects in your dreams. Whether it be a more fantastical depiction of our thoughts or just whimsical non-sense, this depends on who the dreamer is and how he / she interprets it.

Sometimes, we think about things so much, that it came true. That is the power of mind.

What is our artist's 憧憬? Did they make it into reality? By viewing this exhibition, we might have an insight of how the featured artists feel about 'current affairs'. After all, isn't that what impressionism is all about? Instead of depicting heroic acts or scenes from biblical mythical stories, the "Impressionist" then chooses to record nature, emotions and ideas. Old vs New. Then vs Now. Of course we have to be thankful; because without these 'records', we might never have known how life is back then, or how some places looked like previously, if it is no longer there. It is much like how netizens are now, twittering about their lives or posting their pictures on facebook. Ah, the similarities of keeping moments treasured alive...

But what really is impressionism? For the conservatives then, impressionism was considered amateurish mostly due to the subject that was painted and the style of painting. The method in which the 'Impressionist' use; usually working directly on the canvas instead of mixing their colours on palettes and using light rapid brush strokes (to prevent colour from drying before it could be mixed?) to capture the living / scenery might seem rushed to others, but we have to note that they are capturing live and usually doing it out-doors adds to the difficulty of not having the subject 'stop' for them.

Also, many think of impressionism as scandalous. We can see that from Manet's 'Le déjeuner sur l'herbe' (The Luncheon on the Grass) and 'Olympia', how human forms were depicted in personal life instead of as mythically (the many forms of Venus by various artists).

Imagine my excitement when I saw the wall ad in Doby Gaut MRT a few days back. Fast forward back and here I was, in front of the National Museum of Singapore sketch pad / notebook equipped. I have to resist the urge to do the "clutch of victory" at its door when I see the crowd. Or the lack of it~ :D

This exhibition, titled "Dreams & Reality: Masterpieces of Painting, Drawing & Photography of the Musee d’Orsay, Paris", would garnered much attention from the general public, I expect. I should just be thankful that Musee d’Orsay is having renovation back at its galleries or there would not have been this opportunity to view all these great works of art. Everyone who has the opportunity to visit should do so, because this epic giant that it is almost took up the entire lower floor (and then some) of the grounds in NMS. Apparently, a total of 140 pieces were brought over to be on display (even the original frames were brought over) and there are some events (films, lectures, interactive tours, performance arts and sketching~) going hand in hand with it.

For a moment, I was lost. So armed with the brochure, I thread on, following the curator's set-up as guidance. The exhibition, sectioned into "Allegory and History", "Man and Contemporary Life" and "Man and Nature and Solitude" prove to be very informative and well organised. I could go on about the introductory to each sections on the walls ("History and War" or "Leisure" for example) and the play with lights and mannequins or the quotations about colours and such. What really pleased me was the brief description below every piece. Like tidbits; easy to digest and tastily descriptive. There's even audio explanations provided (if you decide to rent a headset.)

Arranged by their years, it is not hard to follow the growth of the artists and the styles that they develop as they strive to find personal / individual expression. The over-all setting makes this exhibition interesting to go through because of the different moods in the different sections.

Of course, there will be a few motion-stoppers. It is hard not to stop for the likes of the many depictions of Venus, Van Gogh's 'Starry Night Over the Rhone', Degas' 'Dancers Climbing a Staircase', 'The Card Players', and Monet's landscapes... the list goes on. However, my attention was in getting to that one painting. It might seem strange but in a certain way I think it fits that the painting that drawn me most is a nude. Le garçon au chat or more easily named, 'Young Boy with a Cat'. Yes, that's the painting featured on the wall ad at the Dhoby Ghaut MRT.

I did a bit of research on Pierre Auguste Renoir and his works before coming to the exhibition and saw interesting similarities to (for example) his 'The Theatre Box' (1874) and Eva Gonzales' 'A Box at the Italian Theatre' (1875-1878) and enjoyed his sweetly colourful 'The Railway Bridge at Chatou' or adeptly named 'The Pink Chestnut Trees' (1881) However, this RENOIR is very different. It was painted before he broke up with the Impressionist Movement in the mid-1880s and for someone who love his art 'likeable, joyous and pretty -- yes, pretty!' It is hard to see why he chooses to paint the boy in such cold colours and realist light. Even the brush strokes seem to be harsher than his other works during that period. The colours remind me a bit of Manet's 'The Luncheon on the Grass' and I am immediately struck with the conspiracy theory of Pierre Auguste Renoir doing this painting for something other than it being fun. What could he be trying to prove with this work?

Other than the light colours for the table setting, the cat and the boy (the main characters of the painting) seems too real. The painted seem nonchalant at being watched and drawn (I am assuming as this IS after all a work during the Impressionist Movement) as he cuddle against the rather fat cat as he turn back to face his 'audience'(?) I could almost see that shadow of a smirk forming on his lips.

I think I stood there for an hour just looking at it, trying to figure out what the boy is thinking. (Or it could just be the yaoi poisoning my brain, making this seems more than it should O_O)

Well that aside, I've gained much from this experience and if there is a chance for me to attend such an event again, I would. I don't know much about fine art but this exhibition really showcase some of the most impressive works that it is an exhibition not to be missed.

Labels: Being Geek-ish

It was really quite a wonderful day out. I arrived at Kranji station mid-day and was hoping to have a wonderful day out exploring the Kranji Countryside.

The Kranji Countryside is one of the rare areas in Singapore that is set aside for agricultural development; where farmers can grow their own produce for cash, gives the general public a place for recreation and educating people on conservation.

Feeling 'green', K.L and I had decided to give this place a try. I print maps and planned routes ahead of time (I know I am very bad at directions so I should erhm, make up for it by beeing prepared?) and being excited, arrived early to scout the shuttle bus area for more information.

And K.L called and told me she's late. -_- What to do other than people watching and studying that shuttle bus route known as "The Kranji Express". The route starts out from Kranji MRT itself and then goes to Tropical Aerogreen / Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve --); Hausmann Marketing Aquarium --); Gardenasia (Nyee Phoe Group) --); Max Koi Farm --); D'Kranji Farm Resort --); Bollywood Veggies --); Hay Dairies --); Jurong Frog Farm --); Fireflies Health Farm and back Max Koi Farm back the previous route to MRT. Along the route are many other smaller farms and aquariums that are accessible by walking from the shuttle stops.

There was a couple lurking around the signboard at the shuttle service point and I was quite agitated because K.L was late for around half an hour and I did not see the bus service during that time. I was kind of wondering if the two of us has the skills to actually navigate into that area we want to explore when the couple approached me and ask if that was the start of the Kranji Express. I nodded and they just lingered around like me. Feeling adventurous, tried to plan a route so that we can explore as many place as possible.

K.L finally made it down and she was asking me if I need anything. Well, its hard to need anything when you've packed sandwiches, water, map... you get the idea. All I really need was a toilet in case I need to... go.

The elderly couple boarded the bus with us. People, we can use ez-link! And you only need to tap once. A standard charge of $2 applies. So if you board inside the Kranji Countryside you don't have to scan your card anymore~ The elderly couple ask the bus uncle lots of questions, some he can answer, others he can't. I end up answering some and even gave my extra copy of map to the couple.

The first stop that really caught my eye was near the Thow Kwang Industry where they have lots of pottery and porcelain. But K.L wants to stay on the bus more to see the various places before deciding where to alight. I looked at the time and decided that I should just go with the flow; we wouldn't be able to see the entire place with what little time left anyway.

The elder couple got down at some aquarium and we proceed on to... Bollywood Veggies which K.L really want to go see.

The first thing we saw when we alight at the outer gates were the guides.

There had been a light drizzle while we are on board and the grounds around us is a little wet but there are still lots of parents with kids in tow milling around the place. Following the route we walked down the main aisle passing(12,11,10,9,8,7) the Poison Ivy Bistro to look at all the trees, fruits and flowers up on display. The smell of the place is really earthly due to the rain and I am reminded of the times when I play at my Grand-father's backyard with all the chickens and herbs growing haphazardly. Or the time when my grandfather bring me out on trips to his plantations back in Malaysia.
The sun, warming us up after the light drizzle.
The eco toilet that caught our interest.
A close-up on the notice at its door. Unfortunately we are unable to try it out as it is "Under Repair"

The other thing that caught my eye and bring a chill breeze around is this:I can so imagine a little girl sitting on the swing with a doll in her arms, humming to songs that only she can hear herself. Eerie factor 80%!

Then there's the banana trees... There's a lot of banana trees here. All different bananas.Does this remind you of all those Malay horror stories you heard from the radio in the middle of the night? A bit. But I was more reminded of all the lovely bananas I've had since young. (It's not really bright daylight now so stop thinking about creepy stuff, you idiot!)

I had lots of fun walking around, taking pictures and well looking and all the greenery. Kudous to hunger pangs, I rejoin K.L and we went to the Poison Ivy for some of their specialty dishes. The dishes in the cafe is cooked in a no MSG, low salt style. We ordered a banana curry to be shared between the two, and the really special Moringa leaves tempura and flower tea.Apparently, Moringa is known as the miracle tree due to the nutritional value of its leaves and roots. The leaves of the tree contains 4 times the amount of calcium in milk and 7 times the amount of vitamin C in carrots (RAS 2009).

More pictures here

As we were about to leave, I saw this really nice sign that I think Cin would need:

As we proceed to the outer gates, we met the elderly couple again. They waved at us and we had friendly chit-chat for awhile and when we talked about what we've explored in the Kranji Countryside, they told us this was their last stop and the previous bus driver uncle told them that was the last available shuttle for the day. O.o

Okay. You know that trick that people uses in the outback? The thumb sign that signifies the need of a free ride? lol The couple had been doing that at the gates for a couple of minutes before seeing us. I kind of face-palmed mentally.

However, we need to offer a big thank you to the elderly couple. They went back in and spoke with total strangers that drove there and actually manage to secure us all a ride out to the nearest MRT station!

The driver is a expat Dad in his thirties, who's son is working part-time in Poison Ivy cafe. He drove his son to work on weekends and would go fishing until its time for his son to knock off. Then drive him home. (The son is so fortunate.) We chatter idly until it was time for us to alight. Thank you again! (These are the kind of people that make you feel that there's still hope for humanity.)

Labels: Explore, Foodies

There are times when I lament the growth of my waistline but my buddies seems to like to meet over food. It's like the way we bond.

04.01.2011
Happy Birthday Ris (again). Thanks for the treat, didn't know what to give you so spend that ang pow wisely okay~ You know your friends had a weird sense of humor when they know you're lactose-intolerant and still insist having pizza for dinner.

05.01.2011
Brought Mum to see the doctor. Since we are around Bugis area, I had an impromptu meet up with Ms Duh since God knows when(Sorry Siwon~ Oh.. and Ms Duh also). The weather's nice and chilly with spring rain to reckon a go at 鲜得来。I look at recipes while we were wait for the steamboat ingredients to come. Had such a hearty meal that we almost had to wade out of our seats.

10.01.2011
Meeting with the SP Gang! Wow it's been how long? Obviously this meet-up is requested by Dajie. She went Korea for work (I think) and got us gifts~ How can we not order my favorite 小笼汤包 at 鼎泰丰？Then chat over food and coffee thereafter at Starbucks (Cindy, who else.)

13.01.2011
Yupps. Must be the weather for everyone to come up with steamboat. Teresa couldn't make it because she's preparing for her wedding (OMG) so Jeylne, Natalie and I had fun at this steamboat outlet in Novena. Reminisce about the time where we're young and free of worldly happenings, then had a bitch fest about working life in general. The spicy soup base provide us with the fire we need to continue talking about that irate part of our lives for two hours. Well, at least we know we don't have to organise the next primary school meet-up. It will be at Teresa's wedding.

Labels: Birthday Post, Foodies, Meet-ups, Rants

Drew you idiot! You kite-flyer you! I am officially pissed off with you!

Other than that, I had a wonderful time last night / this morning.

Had fun introducing K.L to the clubbing scene. I didn't drink anything but I was high due to the atmosphere and the general sinking(?) feeling of the year ending and everyone getting one year older.

Cin, Bon, Jo joined us after their KTV session and we had fun club hopping in groups (someone have to look after the table), dancing wildly (more like flailing around), singing loudly to the songs and jumping onto one another.

We even saw familiar faces in the crowd. School mates, ex-colleagues... Then we spotted Gene as he club-hopped to Boiler Room too!

The countdown, the partying after, more flailing and floundering. By the time we cab home, we were shagged.

The tak-glam pictures are here~

Oh. Happy New Year everyone! And Happy Birthday to you Sungminnie and Ris~

Labels: Fangirling, Happenings, Meet-ups

A few day's after the queuing event, (my colleagues had been laughing at me for this... *grumbles*) I spot this article online and I was like Oh. My. God. (Sorry Shiwon.)Poor thing. I think she should have scout out and come queue overnight. (Since she could sleep anyway) Hope she gets better soon. Heard there's going to be a second show added so fans who cannot get the first concert's tickets still have a chance!

Anyway, been busy with work and missed the collection dateline (of my goody bag) but called and they say it's ok to collect anytime so I made a point to go down on a Saturday after work. I kind of face-palmed when I collected that goof of a goody bag.

The huge-ass plastic bag enough to put in a pair of denim long jeans.Here's the things that are in the goody bag.P.S: The blue gift wrapped thing is not included, I just use it as a background contrast because I don't want to show my bed.

... ... Don't get? Do you need so big a bag to put papers in? Saving Gaia, hello~

Oh well, what can I say? I'll treat it as a late Christmas present from Heeren and leave it as that then.

Labels: Fangirling, News 5 Tonight