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.
Dear Visitor,
A very warm welcome to my Blog. NSS@Home is very much a personal Blog as it is an information Blog. It is an attempt to capture my many experiences, be it good or bad, in and around Singapore, including eateries, movies and other services.
Thank you, and have a pleasant day ahead!
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
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!
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!
Sunday, May 15, 2005
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!”
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!”
Friday, May 13, 2005
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.
An insightful look at why some things should not be taken at face value.
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
110505
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).
120505
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!"
110505
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).
120505
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!"
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
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.
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.
Monday, May 09, 2005
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...)
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...)
Friday, May 06, 2005
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!
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!
Thursday, May 05, 2005
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
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.
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.