All in a Day's Work

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After my Plastic Modelling Session with Jian Ming at Bernard's, I caught Madagascar with Weizhang and Yao Shun, who rushed down to Plaza Singapura after work, from the West. A rather upbeat and hilarious amimation, though do not expect too much of its plot and storyline. Madagascar is able to offer lame jokes as well as cool, cute and fun jokes - probably sufficient for just about anyone.

Theme / Relevance 16%
Content / Storyline 16%
Acting / Cast 18%
Sound / Special Effects 14%
Bonus / Pleasant Surprises 16%

Rating: 80%

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Star Wars: Episode III - The Revenge of the Sith

The most widely anticipated movie of the lot, meant to bridge the gap between the earlier prequels and the classic Episodes IV-VI. Yes, the Lightsaber duels are cool. Yes, the Darth Vadar is cool. But the bit on young Anakin being drawn over to the Dark Side was not convincing. It has a very simple... naive plot.

Theme / Relevance 12%
Content / Storyline 10%
Acting / Cast 8%
Sound / Special Effects 18%
Bonus / Pleasant Surprises 2%

Highly Anticipated, Thoroughly disappointing. 50%

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Having bought a combined Zoo-Jurong Bird Park Ticket at the Singapore Zoological Gardens with Jian Ming and Zi Rong last month, we were hard-pressed into finding a date suitable to expand it. Having finally found this very Sunday agreeable to all three of us, we wasted no time in meeting up for the trip. En route to Boon Lay, though, the sky turned a dismal dark grey, and I was hoping for the dark clouds to scatter by the time we reached Boon Lay. It turned out that Mother Nature had other plans for us; The downpour was heavier than anticipated (Kinda reminded me of my Fort Canning Experience), so we sought refuge within the safe confines of Jurong Point.

On the Jurong Bird Park

Penguin Parade - Penguins are some of the most adorable critters around, which explains why we went back for a second look during feeding time. The King Penguins are the thinkers of the lot. Instead of competing directly with the smaller-sized and more nimble penguins, they simply surrounded the keeper, with each such penguin able to consume, on average, 2 fat, juicy fish. The smaller penguins had to contend with bickering and fighting amongst themselves over several fish tossed randomly into the pool. A classic case of 'old birds taking to bullying the young birds'.

Flamingos - There was an entire pond full of these beautiful birds, giving the pond a pinkish tinge. To locate it, just search for the cafe which takes its name from these birds on the Guide Map provided at the entrance.

Man-made Waterfall - Standing at over 30 metres, it is the world's highest man-made waterfall and truly an impressive landmark, and one which is satisfying enough for those who have seen natural ones abroad. The Bird Park could probably look into improving the view by clearing some of the foliage around the waterfall for those who make the arduous trek to the higher viewing platforms.

Noctural Birds Gallery - One of the better galleries, thanks to its environment... Creature comforts, silly... Yup, the only Enclosure that was air-conditioned (Other than the penguins')

Staff not well trained/informed - One of the staff was bit aware of the make or origin of the Orchid brooch displayed in the shop, which was quite a turn off for me, as I was contemplating purchasing one as a gift.

Smell - Be warned: The stench of bird droppings at several exhibits might be so overpowering, it would simply put you off.

Stamp - The staff had disappeared by the time we walked out of the gate at 6pm, so we had to apply the stamp for our 'Uniquely Singapore Passport' ourselves. Sheesh...

Visitors Log Book - Many visitors, local and foreign alike, complained of the high entrance fees (S$14 for adults). I thought the variety of birds on exhibit was sufficient for a day-long visit.

In the evening, we dropped by SUNTEC City, which was hosting the World Book Fair (Until the 5th of June). Browsed through the Hall for around an hour before making our way home. I bought a book on Lee Kuan Yew's Parliamentary Speeches (From the past to the present). Probably be able to learn something on statesmanship from him. Heh...

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Went down to the World Book Fair again, a more thorough walkthrough this time round. There was a Chinese Chess set, complete with a Strategy manual (Very professionally produced and in a finely-crafted tome... okay, a nice box). Asking price? S$1,600.

Okay, am finally back from the chalet. The past week has been one overwhelming and thoroughly enjoyable experience for me at the National Service Resort and Country Club Resort.

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Checked into NSRCC Unit 10 at 2 pm.

A quarter past five, the first guests arrive via shuttle bus - Jeff and Chee Kiong. Special Thanks go out to them for helping to set up the fire.

Okay, I would like to take the opportunity once again, to offer my thanks to those who managed to take time off to grace my 21st Birthday Party, in no particular order of attendance:

Friends from

SGPS
ZHSS
SRJC
BMT
CMC
42 SAR

Teachers from

SRJC

MOs from

42 SAR

Will Blog more on the Party and subsequent activities tommorrow...

All in a Day's Work

Have been busy preparing for the big day (Actually two days) on the 22nd and 25th for the past two weeks. Therefore, I shall enjoy my local vacation till the end of the week.

Cheers!

Was given an introduction to Nichiren Buddhism yesterday night by Weizhang. It's good to know that many religions in the East are still promoting peace and self-improvement, very much retaining the essence and roots of religion. I guess the benefits of being a clear thinker allows me to comprehend and appreciate the finer points of every religion.

On Religion

Some quotes by famous (or not-so-famous) people

Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities -- Voltaire

Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful -- Seneca

What excellent fools religion makes of men! -- Ben Jonson

They must find it difficult, those who have taken authority as the truth, rather than the truth as authority -- Gerald Massey (Egyptologist)

Faith means not wanting to know what is true -- Friedrich Nietzsche

The urge to save humanity is almost always a falseface for the urge to rule it -- H.L. Mencken

Toward no crimes have men shown themselves so cold-bloodedly cruel as in punishing differences of belief -- James Russell Lowell

War has been used by religious leaders and followers alike as a way of justifyi8ng their own greed, power, and stupidity -- Senator Wayne Morse

Theocracy is the worst of all governments. If we must have a tyrant, a robber baron is better than an inquisitor -- C.S. Lewis (religious writer)

In the long run, the most unpleasant truth is a safer companion than a pleasant falsehood -- Theodore Roosevelt

I believe in an America where the separation of Church and State is absolute -- John F. Kennedy

If all the achievements of scientists were wiped out tomorrow, there would be no doctors, but witchdoctors, no transport faster than a horse, no computers, no printed books, no agriculture beyond subsistence peasant farming. If all the achievements of theologians were wiped out tomorrow, would anyone notice the smallest difference? -- Richard Dawkins

A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion -- Aristotle

There is much in the Bible against which every instinct of my being rebels -- Helen Keller

There is nothing more negative than the result of the critical study of the life of Jesus -- Albert Schweitzer

It is a farce to call any being virtuous whose virtues do not result from the exercise of its own reason -- Mary Wollstonecraft

Missionaries are perfect nuisances and leave every place worse than they found it -- Charles Dickens

They came with a Bible and their religion--stole our land, crushed our spiritŠand now they tell us we should be thankful to the "Lord" for being saved -- Chief Pontiac

If by "God," one means the set of physical laws that govern the universe, then clearly there is such a God. This God is emotionally unsatisfying... It does not make much sense to pray to the law of gravity -- Carl Sagan

I believe in a wall of separation between church and state so high that no one can climb over it -- Sam Ervin

Leave the matter of religion to the family altar, the church, and the private schools, supported entirely by private contributions. Keep the church and state forever separated -- Ulysses S. Grant

The first clergyman was the first sly rogue who encountered the first fool -- Voltaire

What excellent fools religion makes of men! -- Ben Jonson

Far more hideous crimes have been committed in the name of obedience than have ever been committed in the name of rebellion -- C.P. Snow

Which is it, is man one of God's blunders or is God one of man's? -- Friedrich Nietzsche

I was born a heretic. I always distrust people who know so much about what God wants them to do to their fellows -- Susan B. Anthony

For who is to tell you the truth?ŠNo one. You must search it out yourself! The department of war will not tell you. Certainly the church isn't going to tell you the truth. Search in all obscure placesŠnot the established high towers and cathedrals for the answers -- William Allen White (editor)

The motive of fear is the be-all and the end-all of religion -- H.L. Mencken

To free a man from error is to give, not take away -- Arthur Schopenhauer

All religions die of one disease--that of being found out -- Joan Morley

When a man is freed of religion, he has a better chance to live a normal and wholesome life -- -Sigmund Freud

And of all the plagues with which mankind are cursed, ecclesiastical tyranny's the worst -- Daniel De Foe

If I had my way, the world would hear a pretty stern command -- exit Christ -- Thomas Carlyle

We were not delivered into this planet by some god, but have come forth from it. We are its eyes and mind, its seeing and thinking -- Joseph Campbell

Finding that no religion is based on facts and cannot therefore be true, I began to reflect what must be the condition of mankind trained from infancy to believe in error -- Robert Owen

Our human ancestors thought long and hard on who and what they were and came up with the best explanations they could make. The frightening thing is that we--almost at the end of the 20th century, entering the space age becoming a society based on knowledge, are still hanging onto those explanations, which date back to our stone age -- Gene Roddenberry

When we lose the right to be different, we lose the privilege to be free -- Charles Evans Hughes

As long as there is poverty, there will be gods -- Will Durant

In all countries, religion or superstition is closely related with crime -- Havelock Ellis

Religion and its practices have consistently been one of women's fiercest enemies. The fact that many women do not realize this shows how thorough the brainwashing and intimidation have been -- Arnold Toynbee

The Bible and the church have been the greatest stumbling blocks in the way of women's emancipation -- Elizabeth Cady Stanton

All in a Day's Work

Received a call from Zi Rong at around 8 pm, while I was dining at Serangoon Central. What was it regarding?

200520052005

Or simply, 2005 hrs on the 20th day of the month of May in the year 2005.

We have the Georgian Calendar to thank, for its fairly 'recent' conception means we will see many more of such fun, arithmetic dates.

Side Note

The Hindu Calendar
The Buddhist Calendar

The next such 'once in a lifetime, not-to-be-missed' date is

060606060606

Or the 6th hour, 6th minute, 6th second on the 6th day of the month of June in the year 2006.

I still recall staying up till one in the morning (very late, by my standards then) on the 1st of January 2001. The reason?

010101010101

Go figure. Literally.

All in a Day's Work

Helped out at the Mobile Toy Library (We went to MINDS) today with mum and dad. The kids here are more responsive and active than the ones at the Spastic School at Pasir Ris.

Went to SIR (Now known at the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) Building down at Lavender to renew my passport. It's ten bucks cheaper to fill up a form and drop it into a deposit box (pay by NETS/credit card) than to go through the snaking after-lunch queue at the registration and service counters. What a pleasant irony!

Spent the evening with Jian Ming at the Library@Orchard, listening to a Professor from the MDIS give a speech on the future of Life Sciences in Singapore, and its impact on the economy and labour market. However, many issues were raised about the availability of jobs for graduates in Life Sciences and were left unanswered by the Professor, who was more of an academic than a EDB bureaucrat.

All in a Day's Work

Spent the greater part of the afternoon frying Kueh Pai Ti shells for the party on Sunday. Try it at the party!

A Penny for Your Thoughts? I'll Give You My Two Cents Worth

Ever wondered where the remaining one cent came from?

Interesting Stuff Off the 'Net

Gran hits burglar with garden gnome
Ananova ^ | 4-15-2005 | Staff

Posted on 04/15/2005 11:17:11 AM PDT by Red Badger

A grandmother knocked out a burglar by hitting him with a garden gnome.

Jean Collop, 69, woke at 5am to find an intruder clambering on her roof.

She yelled at the man, then picked up a gnome and hurled it at him, reports The Sun.

It bounced off his head, leaving him lying dazed on the roof in Wadebridge, Cornwall.

Jean dashed to fetch her rolling pin and a camera, and then took photos of the burglar as neighbours called the police.

Officers arrived to find the man still on the roof and half a dozen locals standing guard.

Jean said: "I heard a crash and rushed out in my nightdress. I politely told him not to move and grabbed the first thing that came to hand, which was a garden gnome.

"When it hit him he lay down for a while. I got my rolling pin in case. I didn't want to break another gnome." (Source)

All in a Day's Work

Initially thought of going down to Sim Lim Square or Funan the IT Mall, but detrimental weather put those plans in cold storage. Well, at least I have more time to prepare for my Birthday Celebrations.

Didn't realize that there was a bug in the Photobucket link provided yesterday. Kudos to Melvin, for identifying the problem, and his timely feedback.

A Penny for Your Thoughts? I'll Give You My Two Cents Worth

On the 'Why Integrated Resorts?' pamphlet (available at all Community Centres)

Just picked up a copy of this information sheet at Braddell Heights CC.

"Some have asked why we can't have IRs without casinos. This is a great idea, but nobody is willing to build such an IR. If indeed investors wish to develop an IR without a casino, we would welcome them. But in reality, none of them want to because these large scale projects are not viable without a casino or some form of government funding"

In other words, the government is prepared to take a risk in opting for the former rather than fund the project through its Temasek engine. Not to mention the public outcry from the religious-moral watch groups. They could have gone the way of the numerous social clubs (with a resort element), but the temptation of bringing into the country (and no doubt, the culture) a casino (We can expect more Casinos to spring up in future. As in Casinos per se, ala Las Vegas) and the economic benefits it may reap have proven to be an irresistable mix.

It then goes on to say, "... NTUC Downtown East and SAFRA CLubhouses are wholesome family destinations where people go to swim, eat , play golf and enjoy the facilities. Somewhere within is a small jackpot room that makes the money to keep the entire club viable. If the jackpot rooms are removed, NTUC and SAFRA clubs will have to close down."

As with everything bureaucratic in nature, the clubs per se are inefficient. If they had done their sums in the first place, the jackpot machines (affectionatly called 'fruit machines' for the harmless-looking fruits depicted in many machines) would provide extra revenue, not necessary (or 'operating revenue') revenue (to cover operating costs). Besides, with so many members, a one dollar increment in the monthly maintenance cost per member would provide enough funds (over the course of a year or so) to upgrade existing facilities or build new ones.

What Others are Blogging About

On Training Hazards in the Army

"Starry Night" by Mr Miyagi.

Geography of Women, between the ages

18 & 22, she is like Africa, half discovered, half wild, naturally beautiful with fertile soil.
23 & 30, she is like America, well developed & open to trade, especially for someone with cash.
31 & 35, she is like India, very hot, relaxed & convinced of her own beauty.
36 & 40, she is like France, gently aging but still warm & a desirable place to visit
41 & 50, she is like Great Britain, with a glorious & all conquering past.
51 & 60, she is like Yugoslavia, lost the war & haunted by past mistakes.
61 & 70, she is like Russia, very wide & borders are now unpatrolled.
After 70, she becomes Tibet. Gracefully beautiful, with a mysterious past & the wisdom of the ages.

All in a Day's Work

Had a Teppenyaki-Steamboat Buffet Lunch at Yuki n Yaki, Orchard Cineleisure.

For obvious reasons, a hyperlink is not added; There was a miscommunication between the manager and us during the intial order, resulting in us not knowing that we were not entitled to the ice cream buffet, one of their waiters preparing the ice-cream buffet setup for one group, THEN going on to check the order slip and insist that we pay up for the ice-cream buffet. There was a spoken agreement with the manager initially that we were entitled to the ice-cream buffet, since we were a fairly large group.

It saddens me that a manager has to go back on her words. The way the manager handled the incident was also unsatisfactory; she told us that if we were to carry on with the ice-cream buffet, due to the miscommunication, she would have to bear the additional costs. But the way she upheld her professionalism was highly defensive and insistent on all wrong doing. But I'll give her the benefit of the doubt, and merely impose the lesser penalty of a boycott on all K Box-Suki Group outlets indefinitely. Tsk, not a pleasant experience.

Played DOTA with Dr Lim, Sgt Melvin and Jinsheng after lunch, near the shop Guohan is working in. First time actually playing it, and it was quite a smooth game. A good charater to use is one with both ranged attack and a chain lightning spell or a similarly powerful spell.

Dinner at Marina South Steamboat buffet with the V Gang. At twelve bucks (later bargained down to ten, the two bucks went to drinks), it was a much better bargain than the one at Yuki n Yaki.. Rui Yi, Jin Yu and May tried to make mussel and bean sprout omelettes, which were a little too salty initially.

After dinner, we proceeded to a 'Secret Garden', past a frog-infested swamp. The walk was tedious, and we might have, in the course of navigating the desolated and unlit pathway, ruined the 'special moment' for one or two couples who were not expecting company as they strolled in the park.

More relevant photos here!

All in a Day's Work

Went to Manzhu restaurant at the Chinese Swimming Club for dinner yesterday. The pricing is rather competitive, unlike many other social clubs. One complaint though, is the lack of initiative on the part of the waiters and waitresses; When our main course was cleared, we had to wait for fifteen minutes before approaching one of them to enquire about our dessert. With some initiative on their part, the waiter who clears the plates from the table should take up the responsibility of asking if dessert should be served thereupon. Well, but with the total bill coming up to around ten dollars per person, I'd say it was certainly great value.

What Others are Blogging About

On the Casino Issue

After the government announced their decision to host two integrated resorts, online blogs reported that “People lobbying against a casino have won. The government is not going to build a casino, it is building two!”

Private reason masquerading as public reason?

All in a Day's Work

Went 'round Singapore today, not metaphorically though... First up was Plastic Modelling at M Workshop with Eng Guan at Sunshine Plaza (Near Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station). Next up was my Dental FFI appointment at Kranji Camp (That's a short walk from Yew Tee MRT Station). Finally, I went back down south again to Tanjong Pagar to take a look at some shops there. Whew!

At Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, I noticed a middle-aged man giving a lesson on Singapore's MRT System at the train platform to several youths, which I guess are either on an educational trip or are on an exchange programme here. He was trying to explain things like "follow the colour (of the train line) if you are not sure" and "If you overshoot Orchard Road, the line will take you one big round. It is Pan-island" to the awestruck foreign students.

Fresh off the 'Net

Dim Sum Girl, The Notorious MSG

Catchy music, but sadly, nonsensical lyrics. Go Figure.

Private reason masquerading as public reason?

An insightful look at why some things should not be taken at face value.

All in a Day's Work

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Well, it was disappointing to hear that the Goethe Institut ended its screening of German films. Weizhang, Yaoshun, Sean and Caleb were looking forward to catching it. Anyway, met up with Sean and Caleb for dinner at Chomp Chomp, where we caught up on old times. Well, the ORD mood was quite prevalent, as we exchanged notes on our army days. After dinner, we popped by Ice 3 nearby, and got myself a Rocky Pit Tia Maria, which was essentially a Cocoa-based ice cream with a vial of alcohol (a bit like brandy, only with less intensity).

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Went down to Tanjong Pagar and Harbour Front to source for materials for my Social Entrepreneurship project.

What's Hot on the 'Net

At USD141 million, Singapore is ranked 25th as importers of conventional arms. Israel, which has gone 'local' with the production of conventional arms such as the Merkava Mk II MBT, spends only USD45 million in contrast.

This Chilli is so hot, you'd have to drink 250,000 gallons of water just to put out the fire -
An interesting site which provides an insight into one of the most preferred spices, Chilli.

Before you go to the toilet, this will provide some insightful observations on the Male Loo.

Hobbits are Very, Very Gay -
Author Aristan says, "These pages are very photo intensive and may take awhile to load. I don't own the rights to any of the characters because my last name isn't Tolkien and I don't own any of the people because this year is later than 1863. These pages are meant to be funny and point out that it isn't just Elijah. All the hobbits are very very gay!"

All in a Day's Work

On Der Rosegarten (The Rose Garden) NC16 and Hitlerjunge Salomon (Europa, Europa) M18 by Artur Brauner

Der Rosegarten starts by throwing the audience straight into the story: An old man (Aaron Reichenbach) recognises a man as being the concentration camp doctor, who tormented and murdered his sister, as well as 20 other Jewish children, after subjecting them to medical experiments (such as pumping the tubercolosis virus into their lungs) and beats him up, thereby bringing himself to court on charges of assault. A female lawyer tries to help him in his quest for justice, but Aaron, being a survivor of the Holocaust himself, appears frustratingly muted with his feelings and words. A worthy film that ponders into the channels of Justice in the Judicial system, Der Rosegarten is rated 70% by me. The NC16 rating is provided due to its graphic content: One scene shows children being forcibly hung by Nazi soldiers in a laboratory.

In Hitlerjunge Salomon, a young Jew, Salomon, and his family, are forced to flee Nazi Germany after kristallnacht. They end up in Poland, but war comes to them in no time. Salomon is educated in the Soviet Union as a young member of the Komsomol, forced into the ranks of the Wehrmacht after the invasion of the Soviet Union, and under being adopted by his Company Commander, a Captain, he is sent to a prestigous Hitler Youth Camp in Germany. As the war comes to a close, he defects once more to the Russians. An interesting film which captures the different viewpoints of the two sides during the war, a dash of humour here and there adds flavour to the overall production. In once scene, Hitler and Stalin are seen dancing together (The Nazi-Soviet Non-Agression Pact); In another, his company mate tries to ascertain his religious background by, yes... attempting to check if he has been circumcised. I guess that's why there's an M18 rating slapped onto it. Just like in Schindler's List, Hitlerjunge Salomon involves nudity and a hilarious 'sex' scene with Salomon's adopted mother (Yes, you have to watch it to find out how he got to such a stage!) A rather refreshing perspective to the war, it deserves a score of 90%!

By the way, the above two films (In German, with English Subtitles) were filmed at the Goethe Institut Auditorium on 10 May 2005 at 1800 and 2000 hrs respectively. There was no admission charge for the viewing of the films. Turnout was reasonably good, at 30 to 40 people per film.

All in a Day's Work

On Mother's Day

One day that should be celebrated everyday is Mother's Day. To commemorate the commercial holiday, the whole family (It's been quite a while since we have had dinner together, due to our conflicting work schedules) dined at A(star) at Ang Mo Kio. Reasonable dishes, satisfying experience.

Bang Zhi's birthday was a huge affair: Many of his old mates turned up, including some from his Primary School. Went with Peter to the party at Potong Pasir, where we met some of his NDU and Navy medics and chatted about old times.

On Social Entrepreneurship

Spent the whole afternoon with Yilinn and Hui Min to come up with our proposal.

Social Entrepreneurship to me, is a great way to gain an invaluable insight into doing business and helping the needy, two skills every responsible homo sapien should be equipped with to prosper in today's society. While ekking out an honest business, one must remember to return to society, for his wealth depends on the wellness of society.

What Others are Blogging About

Gabriel was featured in The Straits Times, 08 May 2005. Looks like he can finally flaunt his locks to the world! (Okay, probably not so...)

All in a Day's Work

On Plastic modelling

Did a marathon session at Bernard's, spray painting my Sherman Tank the whole afternoon. Need more practice on the use of the airbrush; The shades were not well balanced.

Had dinner with Jian Ming at Secret Recipe, Plaza Singapure. The cafe was surprisingly packed, but we still managed to get a seat. I tried out the Chicken Cordon Bleu and Oreo Cheesecake, both of which I'd recommend for first-timers like myself. The one-piece chicken more than made up for its small portion with its delicious chicken and ham combination and its oozing cheese. Yummy!

Found on the 'Net!

The Llama Song - Try it!

All in a Day's Work

On Far East Plaza

There are many shops that sell collectables here, probably so due to the closure of several outlets at Clarke Quay due to renovation. The famed The Falcon's Hanger disappointed though, as it was a warehouse heaped with unopened boxes of toys, and it created an interior that wasn't much to browse through.

What others are Blogging About

The Shitty Life of an MTO - 'Nuff Said.

All in a Day's Work

On the attitude of the service staff at a Subway outlet

Excerpts of my letter addressed to the Manager at the outlet, to which I am still awaiting a timely reply:

"...with a look of dissatisfaction, (he) threw the knife on the wooden board... I am disappointed by the service standard of Subway, and although Subway might serve the World’s Best Sandwich, it still has a long way ahead in terms of providing the World’s Best Customer Service. The unfortunate incident (was) my worst experience at a Fast Food Chain to date..."

Which sums up my first (and probably last) visit to Subway in a very long time to come. I was snubbed by a service staff, who showed me his 'attitude' in more than one way. A more heartening example of things to come (For the Pessimist in you) is highlighted below.

On the Zoological Gardens

Admission, while costly at $14, is certainly worthwhile. Judging from the quantity of food that feeds a single animal each day, the steep admission (We are not used to paying so much for entry...) does not come as a surprise to me.

A nifty addition to the zoo since my last visit has to be that of little 'Air-con huts' that can easily accomodate 30 visitors. The zoo's staff were friendly and professional in handling our queries, to which I must applaud. Now, that's what I can call uniquely Singapore - Good (but hopefully not a shrinking) Service Staff!

On Chompang Nasi Lemak

Recommended order:

Coconut Rice
Ikan Bilis
Fried egg
Fried fish (I changed my order to fishcake, which was more convenient to eat)
Fried Chicken Wing (According to sources, it is a must-have item)

At $2.50 to $3.00, it is reasonable and of a generally acceptable quality. No rave comments though, simply a 'Not Bad'.

On Bugis Junction

Absolute Comics on Level 3 offers an incredible range of comics, including the less established names in anime.

The amusement arcade at the basement floor is apparently one of the favourite haunts of 'expert-level' gamers, and is very unwelcoming to novices, as can be seen by the marked difference in the AI. If you don't know or use infinite combos, then this place is not for you. 'Nuff said.

Did you know?

Happy Tree Friends, a seemingly harmless cartoon, is in fact not meant for children. It contains violence of a 'socially unacceptable' level, including the decapitation of the cute characters in nearly every episode. I guess it is on the same level as South Park and its use of foul language.