Ugliest Car Ever

Being a big car fanatic this is the kind of stuff I always watch out for wherever I go and for many years the ugliest car in my books has been the, wait for it.

SsangYong Stavic/Rodius.

One on my former colleagues owned one and after a strategy session held in Sun City  , I was asked to drive them back as they did not feel so well. I obliged off course and it is as bad as it looks. Basically a "lounge" on wheels.

And then a few weeks back on the way to Jurong I spotted something that certainly takes the gold for bad car design without a doubt. I tried to get a name or at least a car logo that is recognisable while driving , but to no avail and it disapeared in the traffic.

It's been on the back of my mind since then and yesterday I decided to search for the "culprit" in order to expose it on my Blog. I was certain the Chinese are guilty considering they are the masters of car copying with disaterous results but in the end I was wrong and could not find it. I searched words like ugly, weird, accidental design, freak car etc. and finally there it was.

The Mitsuoka Galue.

Even the name sucks and it is actually a Japanese coachbuilder guilty of the "Crime". It's a cross between a Rolls, Old Jaguar, Cadillac and too many others to mention. It was actually featured on one of the Top Gear episodes which I probably missed making a cup of coffee or something. No matter from which angle you look at it, it is BAD and UGLY.

Here is a video link for some more "wonderful" angles.

Turns out they also build a "fantastic" sports car. The Mitsuoka Orochi. Hmmmm. Not for me Thanks

Spam

Not the unsolicited electronic kind but the good old American canned meat favourite, Spam. There are actually two different Wikipedia definitions for the word Spam. On average, 3,8 cans of Spam is consumed every second in the United States. I have always been intrigued so during the weekend shopping I sneaked a tin and this morning gave it a try.

Two slices of pan toasted French bread topped with two slices of pan fried spam and a fried egg with some baked beans (English Recipe). The verdict. It's not bad but on it's own is quite salty. Sort of like compressed vienna meat. I can think of various other ways to incorporate it in some dishes and tone down the saltiness. Been there done that one. Still prefer my "Bully Beef" (Corned Beef) as a canned meat product as a last resort.

A little bit on that English staple food, baked beans. I have tried many brands through the years and Koo (South African) baked beans are still my number one. Since coming here have tried some local Ayam and other brands but found them very bland. Favourite so far has been Heinz Low Salt and then on the weekend spotted a tin labelled Heinz - English Recipe. Very nice with a sweet tomato taste and slightly tangy.

2,3 million British people eat baked beans and a daily basis either as part of breakfast or supper. Considered a students staple food for it's ease of preparation and value for money.

Separate posting on the Eviltwin's Cowboy Stew, my ultimate baked beans dish.

Reverse Parking

This is something I still find "funny" and puts a smile on my face every time I get to park anywhere in Singapore. This is uniquely Singapore style and during my research to find out how this came to be some people have some strong opinions about the topic. I have travelled the world and certainly this was a first for me although some sources say it's also done in the UK.

I found many opinions and theories in this regard. Reversing out, thus "looking back" into the past apposed to looking into the future is one such theory. Reverse parking is inherently safer as you are forced to look back before parking is another. The most credible explanation is the fact that it is historical and due to the fact that parking bays in the HDB complexes are very small and narrow and reverse parking allows you to park further back especially with a big car. Makes sense I think.

There is even the view that reverse parking is more fuel efficient, but that one does not hold water as you ultimately have the same two motions in front and reverse parking. It could be considered "against the grain" and even disrespectful if you do not reverse park.

Ultimately it's a peoples choice and if that is what you are used to and comfortable with I have no problem with it. I prefer front parking because that is what I have been doing all my life and certainly mean no disrespect. It's just easier to get my shopping trolley to the boot without navigation between reverse parked cars and heaven forbid damaging someones vehicle in the process and that is something I have far stronger feelings about.

P.S  I have observed Singaporeans front park as well.

Bored in Singapore?

Won't I get bored?

This is a question I have been asked numerous times over the past year by friends, expats moving here or planning to move here and just in general. Considering my one year "moving here" anniversary is coming up in a few days at the end of July, I feel I am now qualified to answer the question with conviction. The answer is a definite NO.

The fact that Singapore is a relatively "small" island certainly gave me the perception that potentially you could get bored and run out of things to do and experience. Actually, the opposite is true, converging everything within easy reach which is not the case when living in a large country where you would have to travel extensively to get to experience it all.

Both Government and private enterprise strive to keep Singapore at the top of the list as number one holiday and shopping destination in Asia, if not the world. The safety factor leads to a world where you can have a different experience visiting the same attraction. Places like Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa, Orchard Road, Clarke Quay, Singapore Zoo and many other are totally unique and different during day and night visits.

The results of the never ending "new" stuff to see and do is that your wish list becoms longer and inevitably having to make some choices of things you will not be able to do within the given time frame. The fact that I still have not visited the world famous Jurong Bird Park is a point in case. Too many other non permanent things to see and do.

Living here also adds another perspective to not getting bored with the individual communities arranging their own activities for an interesting and local experience. Considering I have been on a "sabbatical" the past 12 months and gave it my all to try and do as much as possible and still have not even conquered the tip of the iceberg there is no way you can get bored in Singapore.

During the week the national Arts Council announced that they will increase their funding by some $20 million to $63 million for 2012 towards artists, art groups, festivals, art venues and community arts so there will be even more new stuff to enjoy in future.

Bring it on I say. Singapore the Exciting City!

  

Why The "Mask"

I have seen them around in Singapore and although not the norm I always have a little giggle when I spot one. The people who wear masks, those "Bird Flu" ones and I just did not get it until the past week. The Eviltwin was felled down for the 3rd time in 11 months the past week with the dreaded Flu.

Lying around on the bed like "Roadkill"  since last Sunday got me thinking. Maybe they do have a point and actually are the clever ones. Back home I would get in my car, open the electronic garage door, then the automated house gate followed by the complex gate and drive to work. No Human contact and maybe have contact with some 20 people or so during the day.

Here, things work a little bit different. Walk down to the MRT, get on the train with loads of "germ carriers", hold on to the rail in the train (I m not a skilled train surfer yet), travel to my destination with people getting on and off the train, more contact with "germ carriers" in the station and so on.

No wonder I catch all the "Bugs". Sharing close quarters with all these "infected" human beings is just looking for sh!t. I am going to be permanently sick if I do not take some preventative measures.

So, If you see a tall western guy with a mask and some gloves around in future, do not be alarmed.

It's not a serial killer in disguise but the Eviltwin in "protection mode"

P.S. I will not wear a hat and glasses as they do not help in the cause and might get me arrested.

Red Bull Flugtag in Singapore

I am super excited to see the Red Bull Flugtag challenge is going to be held in October in Singapore which will give me the opportunity to see it live. I have watched TV snippets and it certainly is an exciting and fun event to attend.

Flugtag meaning "Flying Day" in German is a challenge for amateur aviators to build home made flying machines and get to launch them from a 6 meter high flying deck with the hope of soaring into the wild blue yonder unfortunately most times landing in the water below.

Click here link to check out the promotional video.

Get all the details on www.redbullflugtag.sg

Casino Freedom

One thing Singapore does not have a shortage of is the fines and rules that govern the society. Sure, I am all for policies that make sense and actually add value to society but when it comes to treating adults like "Children" it becomes a bit ridiculous.

Point in case is the current revision of the Casino Control Act to "mitigate" the risks posed by casinos. As stated before in my posting Horse Racing Thrills all Singaporean Citizens and Permanent Resident must pay a $100 entry fee at the two casinos and foreigners are exempt. The latest recommendation is to include a "visit limit" in the Act to better protect vulnerable locals. Really!

This can not be the answer as these "vulnerable" individuals is certainly not the majority of the population and they will merely find other avenues to gamble. Back in the day when gambling was against the law in South Africa you just popped across the borders to countries where it was legal. Problem solved or was it? The more stricter the rules the more the unsavoury underground characters will provide illegal gambling facilities and they really do not have the well being of society at heart.

The casinos are already monitored and with the information at hand you can target the minority that actually is at risk and help them. There are already "ban" lists in place so why make a general rule like visit limits for the rest of society. Horse racing is only $3, Oh but that's not gambling in the true sense. What about online gambling?

The other day someone proudly announced that he officially became a Permanent Resident and made the following comment.

"The only bad thing is that I will have to pay if I want to go and gamble"

In the past 11 months since arriving here I visited the Marina Bay Sands casino once to check out it's grandeur. Totally awesome and majestic but I would not have paid the $100 entrance fee if I was a local.

Okay, I did gamble $100 just to try my luck.

Ask Eviltwin

Since my journey started in the social media world 11 months ago with the creation of my Blog and Facebook it's been a real fun ride and learning curve. The Blog has gone from 10 reads a day to the current plus 150 per day and growing. Aamazing with the total reads just over the 18000 and the last two months topping 5000 per month. 

For some time now I have been thinking of a platform where I can consolidate the different online groups I interact with and make it more interesting. There is the Warlords Superbru Clan now in it's 5th year, my own Facebook friends, The Blog readers and several people via the Expat Arrivals and Expat Blogs.

The Blog has it's limitations as it is somewhat a "one way street" with me writing stories and the occasional comment. Over the past 11 months I have been helping people who are moving to Singapore or just need some information which ultimately means I supply the same answers repeatedly.

Twitter is not the answer with the message limitations. So, I have decided to create a separate Facebook page called Ask Eviltwin which will be a common platform for all to join and interact. This will allow me to share a lot more interesting stuff which does not justify a full Blog posting and hopefully answer questions to the benefit of all.

I don't profess to have all the answers but I will certainly try my best.


Lets see how this one works out. Please join for a lot more fun and stories and any comments welcome.

http://www.facebook.com/welcomeback/requests/#!/ask.eviltwin


Have a great weekend

Heartland Rainfall

As promised in a previous posting I have been meticulously recording the rainfall at our house since my friend Gatoe brought me a rain meter during their visit in December. It's something I have been doing for years and find it quite interesting. Obviously this does not reflect the rainfall island wide but is a true reflection of the actual rain in the Bishan area close to Junction8 where we live.

According to official websites, Singapore gets rain on average 222 days per year. My data reflects the period January 2012 - June 2012 with February and March having the least rain as well as days rained. Highest recorded is March with 340 millimetres and 17 days rained. May is interesting as the days rained was only 9 but the total rain the second highest for the six month period.

The data is for my personal use and in no means trying to re-invent the wheel. It often rains at home while down in the City there is no rain and vice verso.

Their are very comprehensive statistics available which can be viewed at the National Environment Agency

Sure the posting won't break reader records but then I have been surprised before.

Have a great week.

Net Doomsday

The FBI will shutdown their servers that has been blocking a malware virus tagged, "Internet Doomsday" since it was identified in November last year. FBI predictions are that some 64,000 computers in the US could still be at risk of loosing connection to the Internet as a result of the nasty virus. Worldwide several hundred thousand computers can be at risk.

Check your computer at DNS OK. Green means your computer is not affected. If your machine is infected go to http://www.dcwg.org/fix/ to read on how to clean your computer.

Read more here

Kampong Glam Explored

Joined Avalone from NCompass Mobility for  a Kampong Glam guided walk on the weekend. I have been to this area before and did two postings called Arab Street and Leaning Tower but the fact that this was with a guide sounded interesting with the oppertunity to learn more about the "Village".

We met at the NCompass offices and the group of eight departed via bus to Victoria Street to commence the walk. My first bus ride since arriving in Singapore as I never had the need to use it before. You can read the previous postings on the already covered stuff with this posting focus on the new and strange things I came across.

Stocked up on some water, got a briefing from the guide and started the walk from the Golden Landmark Shopping Complex. The walk took about two hours and we visited two Mosque's, perfume shops, textile shops, eateries, curio shops, carpet shops, art galleries and saw some pretty amasing stuff in the process.

The Malay Heritage Center. (Currently closed for restoration but according to the notice at the gate due to open June 2012. Watch out for this one.

The official photographer was missing in action so I was given the task of taking photos and did I have fun.

Here are some of my favourites captured during the walk. The Three Wise Men, Telephone Booth, No Alchohol, Cheap Haircut, Extreme Paintjob and Mini Couch.

While the group visited the inside of the Sultan Mosque (I did not feel like taking my shoes off again), I did my own little exploration down the street and found this little gem, Children Little Museum. It's more than a museum and you can buy toys and other stuff downstairs. They also have a retro booth with items from the 50's and 60's. The shop has some outrages retro toys on display that  brings back fond memories.

Finished the walking trip of with a seriously delicious lunch at the the Zam Zam restaurant. (Best Muslim Food in Town), established since 1908. Avalone ordered a group meal that consisted of Chicken Murtabak, Nasi Goreng and Chop Mutton. Super tasty and highly recommended.

Met some very nice people and had a blast. NCompass Mobility does weekly tours and I can recommend it to both Expats and Singaporeans. Very informative and cost effective. Their offices in Riverwalk is also a hub for information and things to do in Singapore.