The Curious Case of the Abandoned Pint

Two weeks ago we spent a long weekend in London as a 21st wedding anniversary treat when we ended up at the local O"Neills pub in Kings Cross. The place was packed and after visiting several restaurants in the area with no luck in getting a table we were pleased to find a perfect table right next to a big window on the ground floor.

The atmosphere was great and although quite noisy we really enjoyed not "Being alone" as we had been for the weekend. We ordered a nice bottle of wine and some scrumptious food and just enjoyed the experience.

Just after we finished our main meal we noticed a young white man sitting down at the table outside our window with a pint of beer. He lit a cigarette, took a sip of his beer and then took a call on his mobile after which he got up and promptly left, abandoning his now nearly untouched pint of beer on the table. As there was a drizzle and it was on the cold side there were no other people sitting at the single row of covered outside tables.

Time for my "after dinner" smoke break and I headed outside. Lit up my cigarette and looked at the "Lonely" unfinished pint sitting on the outside table, wondering what important call the young man had received to make him leave his pint like that.






Returned to our table and within a few minutes we noticed a staggering black, man of the street (Hobo) coming towards the abandoned pint. He stopped, looked around for a few seconds and then promptly grabbed the pint and took two huge gulps, put it down and staggered of. Not even two minutes later he re appeared, grabbed the pint and took another big drink before disappearing not to be seen again. The pint had now been enjoyed by two total strangers with about just under half left in the glass.

Strange but true and we both laughed and talked about what we had just witnessed. Another five minutes or so passed while chatting when a Chinese tourist looking man walked up to the table, looked around, and then grabbed pint and what was left of it and finished it of before casually walking away. Again we could not believe what we were seeing and laughed some more about the now, three total strangers that had shared the pint. It was funny but the whole idea a bit gruesome, come to think of it.

We did discuss the idea of buying another pint and putting it on the outside table to see what would be it's fate and even taking photos if the same sordid story unfolded but it was already late so we finished our wine and left.

I wanted to call the story the "Beer & the Threesome" but decided the Abandoned Pint deserved some dignity and named it as such.

Finding Beatrix Potter

This year is her 150th birthday celebration and No, I am not an Idiot. I knew who she was although I  have never read any of her books. And so it happened during our 8 day road trip we ended up staying in Windermere in the Lake District without knowing that this was basically where she lived most of her life and owned most of the property in the area.

Entrance at the Attraction

After we checked into the Hotel we took a walk down to the village of Bowness to plan our lake excursion and noticed many Japanese tourists in the street with suitcases. This was strange to see such a high number of the same nationality in such a small village in the middle of the country. We kept on coming across even more of them down at the harbor. This puzzled me and upon our return I asked the owner about this. Oh, it's simple he said. They use Beatrix Potter books to learn English and basically grow up with it. So it is normal and sort of a pilgrimage for Japanese tourists to come and visit her home. Her house is just outside the village and we could also visit the Beatrix Potter attraction in Bowness.

Japanese tourist stocking up at the Attraction

The next day during our Mountain Goat trip we ended up driving past the Hilltop Farm house where she lived most of her life. Our guide Michael went on the share some interesting facts about the lady. She used the proceeds from her books to buy properties in the Lake District and owned fourteen farms by the time of her death in 1943, aged 77.



Apart from being a writer, illustrator and natural scientist she also was a serious conservationist and prize winning sheep farmer. She stocked all her farms with Herdwick sheep and Galloway cattle. The acquisition of all the farms were part of her efforts to preserve the unique hill countryside. She got married at age 47 and never had any children. She left most of her properties (4000 acres) in total to the National Trust therefor preserving much of the land that now constitutes the Lake District National Park.

As you can see from the photos we did visit the World of Beatrix Potter attraction and it was very informative and interesting. She wrote 30 books including 24 children books. Zelma really enjoyed all the interactive displays and even spent some time playing with some of them. My only observation is how thin and small the books are with most of the pages basically illustrations but then I am no children's book expert and two million of her books are sold each year.

There, one history lesson for the day.

Visiting the UK Coastal Towns

Finally, after a long break I have "Picked up the Pen" and decided to write some more articles. Since moving to the UK in December 2014 from Singapore we have done some getting around and visited 47 cities to date including four coastal towns chosen as part of our long weekend road trips.

We previously visited Skegness and Bournemouth and during our latest trip included Blackpool and Whitby. Blackpool, I hear you say and certainly that is the response we got from many people when we announced our itinerary but here is the thing. I like visiting these places for the very reason that the people are very different from the city folk.


They are a more simply people, with less hangups and certainly far more laid back and I mean that in the best way possible. The dress code is more "Common" and during our visit to Blackpool it was strange to see the locals walking around in town and about in their track suites. That's the way it is and I am okay with that. Why do we have to dress up all the time?

One thing is for sure, the people in the coastal towns are friendly and down to earth. What you see is what you get attitude and more genuine if I dare say so. I have read that many of the coastal towns are struggling and no longer the destination of choice for the UK people. Now, they prefer the cheap "Packaged" overseas holidays and as a result these towns are in decline when it comes to holiday visitors.

I believe the direct result is that the coastal people therefor make an extra effort to be friendly and treat visitors in a special way. You are appreciated and certainly that has been my experience. Even if you end up staying in some small hotel you come away with 5 Star treatment and that is a bonus for me. The hospitality is great, awesome food and overall a more personal and rewarding experience.

There are always loads to explore so I will continue to include more of these towns in future road trips and to date has always been very cost effective compared to some other destinations.

Kudos to all the peoples of the Coastal Towns.

The "King" of Fruits

NO, definitely not the Durian, Asia's take on this one. I know I will probably take lots of "stick" for this posting and YES, I have tried it and never again.  It's simple, I can not eat anything that smells like a public toilet that has not been cleaned for several weeks. There it is.


I am talking about one of my all time favourite fruits, The Marula. The trees grow in many parts of Southern Africa and has many magical properties including Vitamin C, some eight times more than your average orange.

It smells good and you can eat it, spread it, drink it and something I only found out during my research, use it as a oil application as a magical facial anti ageing treatment locally available in Singapore from the Body Shop. I am no "make up" expert so I provide the link for further reading for the health conscious readers.

More on the Health benefits of the Marula Fruit



I want to talk about my two favourite versions apart from just eating the fruit. While on holiday back in South Africa in November 2013 after being gone for more than 2 years I was able to buy my favourite Marula Jelly (Not available in Singapore) and enjoy it on my return. The label says;







Ah, it also solves my other problem, the Aphrodisiac thing as I hate the other one, you know those slimy raw oysters with a dash of Tabasco. Yuk. The Jelly is tasty and can be enjoyed with any things but my all time favourite is as a condiment in a cheese platter. Delicious and unlike anything you have ever had.

There is off course a "darker" side to this little fruit in one of it's products. The sinful but absolutely delectable Amarula Liqueur. Smooth and heavenly, neat with crushed ice, in or over ice cream, and many more. Fortunately available in Singapore from the Springbok Bazaar as well as many other very unique South African products.

Finally, a warning. When ripened and enjoyed in it's purest form this little fruit has a kick that can bring a Elephant down, literally. Do not believe me? Check out the video below and you shall believe without a doubt.

A Singaporean went to Africa

Early in October 2013 my now Ex Boss asked me on the smoking deck if I could help his friend, A Singaporean to plan his trip to South Africa. Now this is my kind of thing so I agreed and promptly arranged to meet Lee (as he will be known) for lunch to find out what he had in mind. Lee had taken his family on holiday all over the world but  now that his kids are teenagers he wanted to take them on a Africa holiday so they could experience the wild for themselves. This would be their first trip to Africa.

Lee was very specific regarding his requirements for the holiday in South Africa. 14 days starting in Cape Town for some shopping and visits to the wine farms, then onto the Kruger National Park and back to Johannesburg. Lee, wife, four kids and the in laws. No hotels, self drive with the Big Five a must see and any other suggestions I could come up with. I smiled and promised to email my suggested itinerary.

First thing you need to know about South Africa, it's one very big country with diverse landscapes, unique sights and distances that will blow any Singaporeans mind. There was only one way I could 'Explain" the one thing that Lee wanted to do that would not be possible so I included a map in my first email. The Road trip??

To put it in perspective, 2976 kilometres. A bit ambitious for a first try, so here was my suggestion which he gladly accepted as a far better alternative.

Start in Cape Town for a few days, then overnight in Hermanus for some whale watching, another overnight in Knysna because it is mind blowing beautiful, then final stop in Ado Elephant nature reserve in Port Elizabeth. Fly back to Johannesburg and drive to Pilanesberg Nature Reserve for a few days returning to Johannesburg for final shopping before flying back to Singapore. Less time spent driving and much more time to enjoy the whole experience.

Lee would make his own reservations and decide where they would stay. Many more emails followed with some general questions on roads, safety, do's and don'ts weather and travel tips which I will not include. We met early in the new year once they returned and Lee shared their experience with me so look out for my next posting "A Singaporean returns from Africa"


I provided the following information to help with the planning.

So here they are for any prospective wild life enthusiasts.

Cape Town

Here are some must do’s in Cape Town

http://www.southafrica.net/sat/content/en/gb/where-to-go/western-cape/

Take the cable car up Table Mountain

Visit to Cape Point. (Not the most Southern point in Africa) but very nice views.
Take a drive to Houtbaai for Lunch. (Take the M4 highway then the M6 via Chapman's Peak, one majestic drive) Famous Seafood restaurant, harbour, boat trips to seal Island etc. Drive back via Llandudno, Campsbay, Clifton and visit Sea Point. Millionaires Valley where the rich and famous have holiday homes.

Visit Robben Island where Mandela was imprisoned for most of his life.

Many Spectacular Shopping Centres.

Visit the world famous V&A Waterfront. http://www.waterfront.co.za/Pages/home.aspx Including the Aquarium

Take one of the Wine Tours. Self Drive or tour

http://www.capetown.travel/content/page/top-five-cape-town-wine-routes

Knysna

http://visitknysna.co.za/new/

Port Elizabeth

http://www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-southafrica.net-port-elizabeth#.Us5GZi_2PmI

http://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/tourism/get_there.php


The General Information

Here are some trusted links I have used for our own holiday trips in South Africa to help with accommodation.

 http://www.sa-venues.com/

http://www.booking.com/country/za.en.html?aid=342443;label=country-za-Zj5T78D4n8TcjuAiff7NxwS31655208230:pl:ta:p1:p2:ac:ap1t2:neg;ws=&gclid=CL6EtZ_mx7kCFUgB4god_mEAZA

http://www.portfoliocollection.com/

http://www.safarinow.com/

You can also use http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ to check on accommodation reviews etc. Sure you know this one but out it in anyhow.

 

This site has all the info including route maps etc. http://www.aa.co.za/travel/route-planner/. It has all the Tips, Advise, Road Conditions, and General information you will need for the Trip. This is all you need to plan your own route with all the information in one place.

Pilansberg and Sun City

 

 

http://pilanesberggamereserve.co.za/?source=google&medium=cpc&campaign="Pilansberggamereserve.co.za%20Search"&adgroup="National%20Park"&gclid=CMORl9y98LsCFQcB4godAgYADg

 

http://www.suninternational.com/sun-city/Pages/default.aspx

 

The Game Reserves

 

https://www.mweb.co.za/Features/ViewArticle/tabid/2910/Article/9522/Top-5-Alternatives-to-Kruger.aspx

 

 

 

Ever Changing Singapore

I have live here for just over two years and the one thing that is very apparent and part of everyday life is the never ending upgrading and renovations all over the island city. I am not complaining, it's nice to live in a modern city where everything works efficiently and looks new and shiny. There is new attractions, malls, roads, MRT lines, taxis etc, but there is a "dark side" to this New City syndrome.

I call it the "Now you see it now you don't" phenomenon. You will not be aware of this as a visitor but when you live here it actually becomes very frustration to say the least. It's a real pain in the ass.

A friend told me about this in the beginning but only now I can vouch how this affects me personally. You know when you find that little gem foodie spot or favourite book shop which you religiously frequent and enjoy. Well, in the Little Red Dot you better rid yourself of that because one thing is for sure, it will disappear and with no warning it will be no more and never return. Sometimes just your spot and sometimes whole sections or whole buildings will be "Gone".

Off course, you might get some new undiscovered spots after the renovations but you have to start the search all over to find your favourite curry joint, chili crab heaven or whatever else you have been "Robbed" from in the process.

That's the price you pay for living in a modern city so  make the most of your time while you can because it is inevitable that it will change.

It is very irritating to say the least.

Eviltwin's "Final" Day on Earth

So here we are. After watching countless Doomsday, Countdown to Apocalypse and other related TV Documentaries, I still do not have the answer. One thing is for sure. I will make sure my last day is a good one and go out with a bang.

Some strange rumbling noises woke me up round 02h00 this morning and after doing some investigation outside I could for the life of me not sleep again and certainly not what you want to wake up to on an ominous day like today. Made some coffee and spend the next few hours watching my favorite programs that I have taped on my decoder. The dogs “Woke” the wife round five, so I took this opportunity to get some snuggle time and make sure I have all the boxes checked for this day.

Toasted Ciabata for breakfast as I have a serious final lunch planned. Took a nice long shower and drove to work without incident. The traffic was very reasonable as lots of people already on leave and the weather looking very “Promising” considering what we are to face. Killed some time to get to my 12 o Clock lunch appointment at Harry’s with the wife just down the drag from the office. The two of us finished a Bar Platter for 4 (Buffalo Chicken Wings, Mini Spring rolls, Samosas, Mini Deep Fried Fish, Beef & Chicken Satay Sticks and some fries) and I had my final Tiger Beer for good measure.

Have to kill a few boring hours until 17h00 then into the final stretch. Have a nice supper accompanied by some good wine, play with the dogs, play Angry Birds one last time and beat my “Annoying” sister, read my Facebook postings and do one last posting to my friends. Off to bed and hopefully some snuggles and off to Dreamland. No, I am not taking the easy way out but figure it’s not worth waiting up for this “Fireworks” Show, whatever it will be.

There is a glimmer of hope that all the hype will not turn out to be reality and I can continue to share stories with you all on the Blog. As one colleague put it this week on the smoking deck, “I have yoghurt in my fridge that expires in March 2013” hence 21/12/2012 cannot be the end of the world.

I have a few of those as well so let’s hope. Just in case we do not make this one. Thanks for your loyal support and it was a pleasure being at your service.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Singapore Vertical Marathon 2012

I always believed I am in the know about what goes on in the world only to realise the past 15 months that there is so much I do not know about. This coming Sunday will be the 25th time the Swissotel Vertical Marathon will be run in Singapore. What vertical marathon? Turns out there is a Vertical Marathon world circuit with nine participating countries.

The Singapore race will be run in the Swissotel Stamford hotel clocking in at 226 meters with 73 floors and 1336 steps. I have walked down some 12 floors for a fire drill, my wife and her team did the same down 28 floors taking some 20 minutes and that was seriously exhausting. Running up in a non air conditioned staircase and doing it in 7 minutes or so must be extremely challenging. It's also for a good cause, raising money for selected charities. Wonder where the spectators will be?

One thing is sure. I have not seen a marathon finish line view like this before.

Learn something new everyday.

Here is the link if you want to read up some more about the world wide event or be crazy enough to actually take part.

Swissotel Vertical Marathon

Singapore's "Pursuit of Happiness"

Nobody can dispute that since Singapore’s independence in 1965 the country has progressed in leaps and bounds to become the modern metropolis it is today. The country established itself in Asia and the rest of the world occupying top ten positions in many business and tourism surveys. With a multi culture society living in harmony, it is a safe, clean and extremely efficient country with excellent and above average housing and transport infrastructure.

 

 

 

Does this mean it has no problems?

 

 

 

On the contrary, based on my experience since moving here 15 months ago the country has its fair share of normal problems with drugs, gambling, isolated corruption and race issues. The bigger and more serious issue is where the country will be in 20 years and it seems like right now nobody really has the answer. There is ongoing engagement with the population in many different forums to ascertain what the Government should or should not include in the future Road Map. Should the future measurement of success continue to be the country’s GDP which is a global standard and has brought it to where we are today but does not mean it will be as successful in future.

 

 

Some of the current and pressing issues that face the Government and will impact it greatly in future are the Declining Population, Policy towards the Foreign Workforce/Population,   and the “Nations Happiness”. Personally, I do not believe the proposed measures to try and increase the population growth will have any real effect. The new generation has a totally different set of values and ambitions which does not include having either “Early” families or extended (more than one child) families. They are too busy chasing the world of success and all the worldly trappings that come with that and this will not change in the next 20 years. So, with a continued declining local workforce the issue of reducing foreign “Help” will not be a reality and the next 20 years will see the ratio of foreigners in the population increase. Better take note and start having a different view on this one.

 

 

So what about the Happiness Factor? I watched the Bridging Asia Debate the past week on this topic and the motion to include the measurement received a resounding 70% and I definitely agree. I always include my views only if I can base them on actual experience and in this case have some 50 years of learning on what is really important in life. I chased the same “Dream” for most of my time on this earth only to realise a few months ago that maybe I should have had more “Balance”.  Less of the worldly “get the better job, bigger house, more expensive car” type “shit” and a lot more focus on spending time with my friends and family and doing the things that actually make me happy.

 

 

And no, I am not saying do not be ambitious, contribute to economy and society in general but I am saying have a better balance and this is where the Singapore future and political direction should have some focus apart from the economic growth and GDP.

Maybe if the people have a better work/life balance there will be more time for making love, having families and a happy interactive and cohesive society in general.

Actually it is a fact and happy people are naturally more productive so it is a win for all.

“All Work and no Play made Johnny a dull Boy”

 

 

 

 

 

The Office Fire Drill

I have been involved in Fire Drills before, but the Singapore version certainly proved quite different. Firstly, my office is on the 28th floor and by far the highest spot I have been resident in on a daily basis and secondly we had more than a weeks warning that the drill was actually going to take place and exactly what time. Really, this was never going to simulate a real situation based on my experience of human nature.

We arrived this morning and the normal parking garage entrance was closed with a trip around the block to enter via another entrance followed. The area around the offices were cordoned off by 08h00 and I made the fatal mistake to visit the loo only to find my entire team had disappeared to go and work from home. Nice one. Then the rest of the floor emptied half and hour before the drill was due to start. Nobody wants to walk down 28 floors of stairs but here is the thing, What the hell is the point then.

I did the only "reasonable" thing and took the lift down and went for a stroll in the shopping complex only to find every coffee shop and open restaurant packed to the hilt with the rest of the crowd I work with and the rest of the building occupant's for that matter. I am convinced the owners of the food establishments around our building was in on this one as the must have made an absolute "Killing" this morning.

After my casual stroll a fellow "stroller" from my floor pointed out that we must at least report at the gathering point and get our names recorded by the fire Marshall, so we headed that way. While standing around waiting for the fire Marshall one serious "Bomb" explosion (Shit, I nearly wet myself) went off and right in front of us a Double Decker bus had been blown up and was now in flames with thick black smoke towering above the scene. Part of the drill, people, as I discovered. Thumbs up for the touch of reality to the fire department and some excitement for the morning.

More shopping followed as we could not get back in the building. Absolutely fruitless exercise if you ask me. Well, there were actually people who did do the drill properly and hopefully they will help the rest of us sorry bastards when a real fire break out without those nice warnings.

Maybe we all need a reality check. Remember the people who rather jumped from the Twin Towers than burn to death? I do, so next time lets take a fire drill serious and not turn it into a shopping expedition. I guess it's human nature to always believe it can not happen to you and still it does as I know very well but that is a story for another day.

Mo Bros in Singapore

Every November , men across the globe grow a moustache to raise vital funds and awareness for men's health issues. The movement started in 2003 in Australia and word has spread across the globe resulting in Movember campaigns in worldwide.

 

This year Singapore and Hong Kong will join the campaigns and registration can be done on the official website. They also have a very informative Movemeber TV online channel and you can follow on Twitter.

Comes on boys. Lets support them and do our bit for men's health awareness.

I will be growing my own Mo.

Braaivleis with Fellow South Africans

Got an opportunity to finally visit  Labrador Park yesterday and join the South Africans from the (SAISG) group for the quarterly Braai (BBQ) in the park. The weather looked ominous and we had some rain on the way there but the rain held of and the overcast skies was actually perfect for such an event.

We were welcomed by Mark (Chairman) and quickly joined by Trevor and his family. Settled down with the appropriate beer in hand and got to meet some awesome South Africans who share Singapore as home for now. As per the norm the women had their little groups while us men did some serious catch up on the rugby, golf and all other sport related matters.

 Gert and the "Boys" were in charge of the braaivleis and that familiar smell of lekker boerewors on the braai made us all forget we were in a foreign country. The whole atmosphere was like a group of old friends getting together for a braai next to the sea. If you are not South African you must understand that the guys in charge of the meat is the most important "job" at any braai and comes with high expectations and responsibility.

There is no getting it wrong and typically the "Tong Master" and his helpers will be seasoned braaiers. There is a hierarchy and etiquette is very important. If you have never been to a South African braai here is a short video to "educate you on the basics. Enjoy and a job well done Gert and the "Boys', excellent boerewors and I had more than my share.

Time to serve up and tuck in. Boerwors rolls (with tomato sauce and mustard), potato salad, mixed green salad (rabbit food) and chips off course with some marshmallows done over the fire for desert, at least for the kids. It was like being home. Yummie.

The kids played and ran around and I watched some of them play on the biggest Jenga set I have ever seen in my life. Hell, when the blocks come tumbling down you better not be in the way or you are bound to take some serious punishment. Definitely not the one you want to play after to many beers.

Then came the lucky draw and the much anticipated Malva poeding competition judging. There were 13 "Judges" who got down to some serious tasting and scoring and the winner Woon Peng Ziady (Singaporean). That can not be right and she apparently also won the previous Melk Tert competition.  Well done Woon and all the other participants. The poeding was lekker.

Met some great people and had a fun and nostalgic afternoon. Looking forward to the Christmas function in December. Thanks to all who made it a great afternoon.

The Singapore "Blow Job Queen"

It's not like it is a secret so I will venture outside my normal "Prim and Proper" Blog mode and give my views on the matter of Ms Sue and her "services" rendered to the accused former Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) Chief, NG Boon Gay. (Check the surname) Huh.

I have been following the story in the news with some curiosity. First she testified that she was "forced" on four occasions to to perform oral sex with Mr NG but in subsequent cross examination it  the facts certainly seem very different. The fact that she also had sex previously with Mr Ng does make it sound quite strange that she was "forced". One of her more funny claims is that she often when she types text messages, does so quickly and might send it to the wrong person.

Read the full story here

So, basically Ms Sue you have obviously provided the same services to some other men? Just own up and save youself and Mr NG further public embarrassment. You were a naughty girl with a married man.

I am convinced after all the publicity and graphic testimony you are going to be a "Girl in Demand".

I just can not help myself sharing this picture considering the Singaporeans love for queueing.

Have a stunning weekend people.

New Exciting Stuff in Singapore

Yes, I know. I have not been doing regular postings so here we go. Can't believe there is only 12 weeks to Christmas. How time flies and another year for us in Singapore comes to an end. So lets have a look at some of the new attractions and events we can look forward to over the next 3 months.

The Malay Heritage Center re-opened in the beginning of September after a 2 year restoration project and certainly is worth a visit. There are six permanent galleries spread over  two levels showcasing stories and artifacts from both the Singapore National collection as well as contributions from the local community.

Probably the biggest and most exciting one for me is the opening of the Marine Life Park at Sentosa early in December. It is the second anchor attraction in Sentosa and will house the world's largest Oceanarium housing some 100,000 marine animals from some 800 species including 25 dolphins. And then there is the Adventure Cove Water Park, a tropical paradise with an escapade for everyone.

 

 

 

The Pandas arrived and another new addition to the existing Zoo theme parks is the new River Safari Park. It will be Asia's first and only river themed park with it's tropical rain forest setting featuring a rich biodiversity. The park will feature more than 300 plant and 500 animals species and is destined to become a must see nature based destination in Asia. And don't forget, the Giant Panda's will also be there for us to marvel over. I can not wait for this one. Official opening early in December.

 

 

 

 

 

Coming up in October and two events I will not miss is the award winning "Hottest Dance Show" ever, direct from Broadway and London's West End, Burn The Floor and off course the outrageous and amasing Red Bull Flugtag Show

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Let's not forget the newly opened Lego Land Theme Park across the sea in Malaysia and the amasing  Gardens by the Bay which we must still go and see. Hell, I have been here 14 months and still have not done the Night Safari , Botanic Gardens and loads of other stuff.

 

It's gonna be a busy time leading up to Christmas.  

 

 

 



Dear Blog

We passed another milestone this week with the 30,000 page views achievement. How far we have come in the past 13 months. I remember that first little story, The Eviltwin has Landed  I shared with you and the amazement the next day to see that 9 people had read the story. It started as a means to share my journey with a few friends back home and it has exceeded my wildest dreams.

To date, I have shared 195 stories with you and we have explored Singapore, took trips down memory lane and got exposed to the world of social media in the process. We received some accolades and formal recognition, ended up writing articles for other Blog sites and even got invites to fun and exciting events as a result of our story telling.

I could not have been on this journey without you and the friends we made and helped along the way is very rewarding. The occasional inspirational comment when we post a story that is either funny or informative. Sure, there are the days when I have "Writers Block" and find in difficult to share stuff with you but in the end the fact that there are so many people reading our stories inspire me to get out the gutter and come up with something new and exciting.

It has been a steep learning curve and over time we have had to adapt as our reader base has changed. I am often surprised about the popularity of the stories and more than often it turns out something I might thought sharing with you is not that great ends up being read by so many people. There is no correlation between the amount of research I do and how successful the story turns out at all.

The journey is still in it's infancy and we have the world to share. Who knows where it will take us. A big thank you to all your loyal readers for making my life interesting.

Top page views countries from around the world is Singapore, United States, United Kingdom, South Africa and Russia.

Zack Efron Song

A friend posted the video on Face Book (Thanks Lindy) and it is actually not bad. I certainly only know mister "Pretty Boy" from one or two movies and did not know he starred in the High School Musical movies which I never watched. I am not really into musicals so that is understandable. Any case, it might be 7 months old but still worth sharing. Zac and Taylor Swift performing a duet on the Ellen show.

What is the worst (number 1) movie I ever watched. Mama Mia (2008). I actually gave the DVD away. Man, that was one pathetic movie with a musical performance by "James Bond". Really?

Here is another funny video and one sure way to get your lady angry and not "get any after" that.

The weekend is around the corner people.

"Slobodan Milosevic", Adobo & The A380 Pilot

Was invited to a house warming party at the wife's boss, Slobodan Milosevic, aka Bobi and his wife Doris on Saturday night. No, not the Slobodan who was accused of war crimes although Bobi has the same name. Obviously you can not turn up at a house warming without a gift sand after some deliberation we settled on a orchid. So what is the correct and traditional house warming gifts one should take along and one of the guests did bring?

Traditionally your gift should include three items, Bread (your cupboards will always be full), Salt (life will always have flavour) and Sugar (life will always have sweetness). Other items you could include and have other meaning are wine, honey, broom, coins and candles. Read more here

Doris laid out a starter spread of salted bread sticks, olives, sliced bread and a selection cold meats and Bobi served up some quality wine and we got to know each other. Proceeded to the table to sit down and enjoy the main course, more bread with cooked prawns and Chicken Adobo prepared by the maid. Aobo is the unofficial National dish of the Philippines, it is excellent and you should definitely try it served with rice or crusty bread.

Here is the recipe Pork and Chicken Adobo recipe link

One the the guests, Jason is a A380 pilot for Singapore airlines and I am crazy about flying and aircraft. Hell, it's not everyday you get to share an evening with pilot that flies the newest and biggest aircraft in the world. The funny part of the discussion and much to the "horror" of the rest of the party guests was the, let say A380 pilot "working hours" and Jason did take some stick and "ridicule" over this.

There are always two sets (four pilots) on board and they fly in six and a half hour shifts. They are not  allowed to fly more than 100 hours a month and on the away leg they get two days to rest and when back home three days. They can also take "controlled" 15 minute breaks during their flight shift so we all joked they they certainly are not over worked. Actually I would not have it any other way as a passenger considering they have 500 plus lives in their hands.

Doris finished the evening of with a cheese platter fit for a king and the best chocolate cake I have ever had in my life. No, she did not bake it and you can also have a slice of heaven, if you live in Singapore. The cake is from Awfully Chocolate and they also produce a range of other delicacies.

Great evening and "To Die for Food".

A Person Of Interest

I have been watching the "A Person of Interest" show over the past few weeks and it is excellent. The plot about two men preventing crimes as a result of some super computer certainly makes you think. Over the years I have watched movies that dawn inventions and gadgets that seem far fetched only to know today they are actually now reality.

"The Government has a Secret System, a Machine that spies on you every hour of every day. I know because I built IT"

The posting is not about the show (Do watch it if you can), but about my own awareness as a result of watching the show. Going around town I started to "notice" the camera and tracking technology which previously was sort of "out of sight, out of mind" and it is astonishing. There are cameras everywhere.

The bottom line is you are actually being "watched" all the time. They are in the trains, shopping centres, shops, toll fee gantry's, HDB housing blocks, traffic and speed cameras, car parks, attractions etc. You just do not notice them until you look. Sure, every city will be different but in Singapore you are "covered".

The Singapore Police will install high definition CCTV cameras at another 700 housing blocks and multi storey car parks by the end of the year in addition to some 300 locations announced earlier in the year. Mind blowing surveillance if you ask me. These cameras are so sophisticated they can pick up a discarded cigarette butt thrown from a HDB Flat.

As an individual I have access to some of the cameras via the EMAS (Intelligent Incident management System) which is really help full and fascinating. Obviously the cameras are there for our "safety" and protection but the show did make me wonder, What else are the Government and organisations capable of doing with the information?

The wife forgot to put the card in the "In car Unit" and drove thru an ERP Toll Gantry and within a few days the fine was delivered at our house. Just $10 but the point is they know where and who you are.

Here is one you probably did not know. If you are staying at the Marina Bay sands hotel and your car gets parked in their car park it gets a 360 degree scan and digital video upon entry that will give detail to the size of a 10 cent piece in case there are any disputes about possible damage while in their care.

Even the dogs have tracking devices. All taxis have in Car HD video recording systems installed to assist with accident disputes.

Be careful what you do when you are out and about. You are being watched.

PS. I would love to spend a day in one of the control centres and see the world through these eyes.

In The News

A Singapore robotics professor has invented a virtual kissing gadget with motion sensitive lips that will allow couples to enjoy a smooch and remain "Intimate" during long distant relationships. Hmmm. Check out the Kissenger, you never know you might need one.

The Tooth Fairy has upped the ante and according to a survey done by Credit Card brand Visa the latest "price" left by her or parents who discreetly act on her behalf is around $US3 (2.4 euros) up by some 15% from the previous year. Visa also promote a smart phone app that will help parents figure out what that precious fallen tooth is worth. Even the fairies are taking to the social media world.

Make sure you do not short change your children and pay less than the going market rate.

Tooth Fairy App This is actually quite funny.

McDonald's, the world second largest fast food chain will open it's first ever vegetarian only outlet in India next year. No beef to avoid offending Hindus and no pork to cater for Muslim requirements. The McDonald's menu in India is already 50% vegetarian and the top seller is the McAloo Tikki Burger which contains a spicy fried patato patti. Okay then.

Panda mania struck Singapore this morning with the arrival of the two giant pandas, Kai Kai and Jia Jia who is on loan from China for 10 years to mark two decades of strong ties between the two countries. The Panda's will make their home in the new River Safari park which is due to open early next year. Can't wait to go and see them.

Actor Michael Clarke Duncan died this week at the age of 54. He is known for his excellent and oscar nominated performance alongside Tom Hanks in The Green Mile. If you have not seen the movie make every effort to do so. It is still on my top ten list of all time movies.

Just finished watching Bill Clinton's speech at the Democratic Convention. Very powerful and compelling and he still commands the repect of all. Hell, I would like to see him as the American President again. Not with standing his personal controvercy he is still considered one of the best ever.

I predict Obama will win his re-election.

The speech is a definite must watch. Catch it on You Tube.

West Coast Swing

AMLive had a segment this morning about this improvised (Not Choreographed) social dancing style and it makes you want to give it a go. Freestyle, sexy moves and very fluent dancing. It's a Partner and "Slotted" dance performed in an imaginary area, eight or nine feet long. Canadian Champs, Myles Munroe and Tessa Cunningham doing the dance to some nice music.

West Coast Swing is the official State Dance of California, one of the rare dances emphasising improvisation. Learn something new everyday. Apparently the dance style is making inroads in Singapore and Asia. Check out the local community website for more information. Great way to kick off the week and get rid of the "Monday 'blues'

http://www.westcoastswing.com.sg/about/about-west-coast-swing-singapore

Definitely something I could watch and enjoy but my favourite remains the Tango. This band also had another very catchy and famous song. Can you guess it?

Watched a movie on the weekend and the closing song is just so good I had to find it and listen to it a few more times. This lady certainly has a unique and powerful voice. Can you guess the movie the song is played in at the end.

Have a great week.