Just to properly mourn the weekend. IDRK.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Older, not necessarily wiser
Better living through chemistry, I always say. Scientific and pharmacological progress can help rewind the clock and reinvigorate the limp flesh. No other drug has been enthusiastically lauded and celebrated as the (in)famous little blue pills that made gazillions for pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer.
It is said that Viagra (alongside its brethren Cialis, Levithra etc.) has now changed the sexual landscape worldwide. The little blue pills allow older men to hold on to younger partners as well as contribute to a growing population of swingers.
Frankly, I believe in live and let live. Your body is a temple; worship it, do whatever you want with it. After all, the human condition focusses a lot on pleasure seeking activities; whatever it was that crank your engine, be it illegal pharmaceuticals, adrenaline or even pain.
However, studies have shown that the sexual landscape sculpted by the little blue pills include a rise in sexually transmittable diseases (STDs) among the older population. One study actually demonstrated a link between men who take erectile dysfunction drugs and STDs. Another showed that middle aged swingers are at higher risks of STDs infection.
Previously studies on sexually transmittable diseases are focussed on populations who practice risky sexual behaviours (teenagers, sex workers, men who have sex with men), now it is the parents and grandparents who are more likely to come down with the clap. Is it because they are no longer concerned about pregnancy they leave off using rubbers?
*rolls eyes*
It is said that Viagra (alongside its brethren Cialis, Levithra etc.) has now changed the sexual landscape worldwide. The little blue pills allow older men to hold on to younger partners as well as contribute to a growing population of swingers.
Frankly, I believe in live and let live. Your body is a temple; worship it, do whatever you want with it. After all, the human condition focusses a lot on pleasure seeking activities; whatever it was that crank your engine, be it illegal pharmaceuticals, adrenaline or even pain.
However, studies have shown that the sexual landscape sculpted by the little blue pills include a rise in sexually transmittable diseases (STDs) among the older population. One study actually demonstrated a link between men who take erectile dysfunction drugs and STDs. Another showed that middle aged swingers are at higher risks of STDs infection.
Previously studies on sexually transmittable diseases are focussed on populations who practice risky sexual behaviours (teenagers, sex workers, men who have sex with men), now it is the parents and grandparents who are more likely to come down with the clap. Is it because they are no longer concerned about pregnancy they leave off using rubbers?
*rolls eyes*
Friday, August 13, 2010
New agrarian economy?
Apparently, the Canadian government reaps roughly C$20 billion a year from weed. That's right, peeps; selling TWENTY BILLION CANADIAN DOLLARS worth of marijuana to their southern neighbour annually, providing employment to near a quarter million citizens.
Who said agriculture is not profitable?
Who said agriculture is not profitable?
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Ingenious!
I am in awe of this guy's creativity. I wonder how much did it cost for him to transform his apartment *admires*
ETA: Post title spelling corrected from "ingenuous". Pardon the spelling fail. *headdesk*
ETA: Post title spelling corrected from "ingenuous". Pardon the spelling fail. *headdesk*
Monday, August 9, 2010
The little grey cells are NOT for decorative purposes only
New nomination for the Darwin's Award: the guy who died in a sauna competition.
I mean, c'mon.You steam a guy like dumpling and see who cries chicken first. Like, WTF? You are elevating your core body temperature, dammit, never a good thing.
They've had the competition for some time already, yeah, (and presumably no one died) but it was just testing fate. A sauna is not meant to be a he-man test; if you want one of those, go swim in an ice floe.
No wonder men die early. They die of stupidity.
I mean, c'mon.You steam a guy like dumpling and see who cries chicken first. Like, WTF? You are elevating your core body temperature, dammit, never a good thing.
They've had the competition for some time already, yeah, (and presumably no one died) but it was just testing fate. A sauna is not meant to be a he-man test; if you want one of those, go swim in an ice floe.
No wonder men die early. They die of stupidity.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Scientists say the darndest things
Many people become scientists because they have a passion for finding answers. Me, I'm okay with other people doing the work and me being told the answer. I guess I'm just lazy.
But what are the burning questions that are being answered courtesy of your
hard-earned tax-payers' money?
1. That male ducks outstrip the Homo sapien variety in terms of sexual appendages.
a) The male duck penis can change shapes (giving new meaning to screwing).
b) The male duck penis can grow 25% larger than normal during mating season (guys, forget those pumps and enhancers; you are a confirmed loser in the evolutionary battle for larger you-know-whats).
2. That it is easy to break up with your now-insignificant other via Facebook (text messages and phone calls? phbllltt. So yesterday).
3. That to measure courage in terms of brain activity, one can make people with ophidophobia bring a snake close to their face while they are stuck in the MRI machine (and get published in a high impact journal, yo).
4. That you can measure boredom (and get funded by the military to do so).
5. That you can teach a monkey to floss (and have better oral hygiene than most Homo sapien).
Monkeys teach young to floss their teeth using human hairs
Uploaded by ITN. - Watch more comedy videos and sitcoms.
6. That you can frame someone for a crime using synthetic DNA (forget what you see on CSI; please remember that it *is* a television show).
And the list just goes on ....
But what are the burning questions that are being answered courtesy of your
hard-earned tax-payers' money?
1. That male ducks outstrip the Homo sapien variety in terms of sexual appendages.
a) The male duck penis can change shapes (giving new meaning to screwing).
b) The male duck penis can grow 25% larger than normal during mating season (guys, forget those pumps and enhancers; you are a confirmed loser in the evolutionary battle for larger you-know-whats).
2. That it is easy to break up with your now-insignificant other via Facebook (text messages and phone calls? phbllltt. So yesterday).
3. That to measure courage in terms of brain activity, one can make people with ophidophobia bring a snake close to their face while they are stuck in the MRI machine (and get published in a high impact journal, yo).
4. That you can measure boredom (and get funded by the military to do so).
5. That you can teach a monkey to floss (and have better oral hygiene than most Homo sapien).
Monkeys teach young to floss their teeth using human hairs
Uploaded by ITN. - Watch more comedy videos and sitcoms.
6. That you can frame someone for a crime using synthetic DNA (forget what you see on CSI; please remember that it *is* a television show).
And the list just goes on ....
Saturday, July 31, 2010
A matter of perspective
I am not a very artistic person; the only time I ever got an A for art class was because my group member drew the project and we all slapped paint on it. However, I have always enjoyed paintings and like the saying goes, "I don't know much about art, but I know what I like."
Periodically I go to the National Art Gallery to look at the exhibits. I love the works of Abdul Latif Maulan; his work has a viscerality and intensity that imbues his subject with a larger-than-life energy. I am particularly fond of his tepak sireh series; they evoke a nostalgia of a time long gone and elucidates Malay sensibilities and culture beautifully.
An artist captures a moment, a thought, an emotion, a memory in his/her artwork. A skilled artist can present it in such a way that an untrained audience can appreciate the message conveyed in the piece and it enriches their experience. The plebeian me only appreciate art that is clear; i.e. abstract paintings and sculptures hold little interest for me.
The subject matter in art is a matter of personal preference. Human or animal figurines, still life and landscapes can tell a complex story with nuance and dimension that is both proffered by the artist as well as imposed by the viewer themselves. If the art resonates with you, the experience can transcend your sensory memories and invoke emotion and passion.
War art is not new; it is a popular subject and theme for artists since the development of cave paintings. Classical paintings in Europe often portrays war scenes from historical battles. I was introduced to this idea from my favourite Mary Jo Putney book, River of Fire. The only difference between the war art in the classical painting and what we see now is the diversity of artistic media available; from oils, chalk, water colour to digital photography.
I find the idea of capturing the experience of war using art intriguing. The US Marines and US Navy have artists in their ranks who are deployed in wars, carrying art supply along with their heavy packs. A mini view of the Navy art gallery as well as the Marine combat art is available online.
Illustrating war provides a very intimate view of the combatants; telling stories that would otherwise be watered down or distorted by the media. It helps to humanise the combatants and to underscore the humanity (or lack of) of the all of the engaged parties. I don't know if anyone who look at these images and still see war as romantic; to me they underscore the price that are paid by both the combatants as well as the non-combatants in the conflict.
Will art help to make an unpopular war more palatable or a popular one more acceptable in general? I don't know. Michael D Fay and Kristopher Battles are two Marine artists who capture the engagements in which they participated in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their work is beautiful, even as the theme and subjects can provoke strong negative emotions. Sgt. Battles and Chief Warrant Officer (Rtd.) Fay offer us another facet to the war that is often contemptuously dismissed, particularly by opponents of the American occupation.
Frankly, I think the American occupation in Iraq and Afghanistan accomplished little of what they set out to do; it is unlawful and a gross violation of human rights and national sovereignty. I do wish that the American troops will withdraw from both countries and let the Iraqis and Afghan people rebuild as they see fit. If they are wont to kill one another without an occupying force "maintaining peace", by all means let them. These are lands that have not seen peace without an iron fist; their people are not ready for the American brand of democracy, as well meaning as those tenets are. It is doubtful that the occupation actually helps to reduce terrorism in the world. However, the hidden strings being pulled and people benefiting from this atrocity that is paid with blood and pain on both sides of the conflict means that there is no easy way out of it.
This is beautifully illustrated by Dark Side of the Sun by the glorious Tori Amos.
Let us all work towards peace for everyone.
Periodically I go to the National Art Gallery to look at the exhibits. I love the works of Abdul Latif Maulan; his work has a viscerality and intensity that imbues his subject with a larger-than-life energy. I am particularly fond of his tepak sireh series; they evoke a nostalgia of a time long gone and elucidates Malay sensibilities and culture beautifully.
An artist captures a moment, a thought, an emotion, a memory in his/her artwork. A skilled artist can present it in such a way that an untrained audience can appreciate the message conveyed in the piece and it enriches their experience. The plebeian me only appreciate art that is clear; i.e. abstract paintings and sculptures hold little interest for me.
The subject matter in art is a matter of personal preference. Human or animal figurines, still life and landscapes can tell a complex story with nuance and dimension that is both proffered by the artist as well as imposed by the viewer themselves. If the art resonates with you, the experience can transcend your sensory memories and invoke emotion and passion.
War art is not new; it is a popular subject and theme for artists since the development of cave paintings. Classical paintings in Europe often portrays war scenes from historical battles. I was introduced to this idea from my favourite Mary Jo Putney book, River of Fire. The only difference between the war art in the classical painting and what we see now is the diversity of artistic media available; from oils, chalk, water colour to digital photography.
I find the idea of capturing the experience of war using art intriguing. The US Marines and US Navy have artists in their ranks who are deployed in wars, carrying art supply along with their heavy packs. A mini view of the Navy art gallery as well as the Marine combat art is available online.
Illustrating war provides a very intimate view of the combatants; telling stories that would otherwise be watered down or distorted by the media. It helps to humanise the combatants and to underscore the humanity (or lack of) of the all of the engaged parties. I don't know if anyone who look at these images and still see war as romantic; to me they underscore the price that are paid by both the combatants as well as the non-combatants in the conflict.
Will art help to make an unpopular war more palatable or a popular one more acceptable in general? I don't know. Michael D Fay and Kristopher Battles are two Marine artists who capture the engagements in which they participated in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their work is beautiful, even as the theme and subjects can provoke strong negative emotions. Sgt. Battles and Chief Warrant Officer (Rtd.) Fay offer us another facet to the war that is often contemptuously dismissed, particularly by opponents of the American occupation.
Frankly, I think the American occupation in Iraq and Afghanistan accomplished little of what they set out to do; it is unlawful and a gross violation of human rights and national sovereignty. I do wish that the American troops will withdraw from both countries and let the Iraqis and Afghan people rebuild as they see fit. If they are wont to kill one another without an occupying force "maintaining peace", by all means let them. These are lands that have not seen peace without an iron fist; their people are not ready for the American brand of democracy, as well meaning as those tenets are. It is doubtful that the occupation actually helps to reduce terrorism in the world. However, the hidden strings being pulled and people benefiting from this atrocity that is paid with blood and pain on both sides of the conflict means that there is no easy way out of it.
This is beautifully illustrated by Dark Side of the Sun by the glorious Tori Amos.
Let us all work towards peace for everyone.
To know me is to love me? Biblio edition meem.
I snagged this from an LJ friend (the lovely pwcorgigirl who shows fabulous grace in the face of much adversity).
Crossposted at LJ and FB. Just sharing some of my reading habits.*grin*
1. Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack?
No. I read when I snack, not snack while I read (if you get my meaning).
2. What is your favorite drink while reading?
None. I often am too engrossed to bother.
3. Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you?
I love to abuse my textbooks! Colourful lines, rude comments on the margins, the lot. But my storybooks are off-limits. No pencil, no pen although you may find the odd lipstick marks when I nod off and accidentally kiss the book *blush*.
However, I would love to chop off the hands of people who write, underline etc in library books. Hello? Not your personal possession. Other people want to read it too and nobody wants to read your illiterate scribblings.
4. How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ear? Laying the book flat open?
Commonly a book mark or laying the book face down (I try not to break the spine, though). I keep cardboard pieces for this purpose; nice bookmarks often disappear when you need them the most.
5. Fiction, Non-Fiction, or Both?
Mostly fiction. I read obsessively what interests me at the time, be it Persian history, Lalique or even social issues on pornography. But I do like my non-fiction with lots of pictures; especially coffee table art books.
Used to borrow books from the library and force my Mum to read them and give me the CliffNotes condensed version of them.
6. Are you a person who tends to read to the end of a chapter, or can you stop anywhere?
I prefer to go to the end of a chapter, but can stop anywhere.
7. Are you a person to throw a book across the room or on the floor if the author irritates you?
Oh yes. On the floor; but mostly I whack my mattress with it. I do hold books dearly, even those that I loathe.
Non-fiction book that I've tossed: haematology textbook and the AABB blood banking manual (no wonder I could never get more than a C or C+ for it).
Fiction: The last book in Pullman's His Dark Materials series. I felt cheated to discover the culmination of an interesting series to be nothing but a rant against the Church. Give me back the time I wasted, dammit!
8. If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop and look it up right away?
I try to figure out what it means from the context in which it was used. If it bugs me enough, I dig for the dictionary.
9. What are you currently reading?
Unperfect Souls by Mark del Franco. Delish!
10. What is the last book you bought?
Sandman Slim - Richard Kadrey
Some orchid growing thingie for my Mum.
I usually rent or borrow what I read, since books are pricy. I have wonderful suppliers (my cousin and friends, you know who you are). I usually buy books for my Mum and my niece; I do go nuts during book warehouse sale though.
11. Are you a person that reads one book at a time, or can you read more than one?
One book at a time. I can read more than one but it leaches away my enjoyment.
12. Do you have a favorite time/place to read?
I like to read on the swing in the garden, though it means sacrificing a few microlitres of blood to the mozzies.
I read practically everywhere; while queuing, eating, stuck in a jam etc. The prefects used to scold me for reading while walking back to class from recess time. In my defense, I have never tripped or bump into anyone/anything while I do so.
13. Do you prefer series books or stand-alones?
I love both. I would follow a series by an author I love obsessively; I rec the series by Carrie Vaughn, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Mark del Franco, Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, JD Robb and Simon R Green. I find urban (and non-urban but contemporary) fantasy to make the best type of series to follow. If you like the way the 'verse is shaped, you will want more.
14. Is there a specific book or author you find yourself recommending over and over?
Contemporary romance: Linda Howard, Jayne Ann Krentz, Jennifer Crusie.
Historical romance: Lisa Kleypas, Amanda Quick, Christina Dodd, Loretta Chase
Supernatural/paranormal romance: Shana Abe, Susan Krinard, Sherrilyn Kenyon, MaryJanice Davidson
Futuristic/fantasy: JD Robb, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Emma Bull, Elizabeth Vaughn
Urban fantasy: Mark del Franco, Carrie Vaughn, Patricia Briggs, Simon R Green, Jim Butcher
Feminist theorist: Fatima Mernissi, Amina Wadud
15. How do you organize your books? By genre, title, author's last name, etc?
By size and space. I am *not* an organised person.
Crossposted at LJ and FB. Just sharing some of my reading habits.*grin*
Damn right I want to save some naked women.
1. Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack?
No. I read when I snack, not snack while I read (if you get my meaning).
2. What is your favorite drink while reading?
None. I often am too engrossed to bother.
3. Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you?
I love to abuse my textbooks! Colourful lines, rude comments on the margins, the lot. But my storybooks are off-limits. No pencil, no pen although you may find the odd lipstick marks when I nod off and accidentally kiss the book *blush*.
However, I would love to chop off the hands of people who write, underline etc in library books. Hello? Not your personal possession. Other people want to read it too and nobody wants to read your illiterate scribblings.
4. How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ear? Laying the book flat open?
Commonly a book mark or laying the book face down (I try not to break the spine, though). I keep cardboard pieces for this purpose; nice bookmarks often disappear when you need them the most.
5. Fiction, Non-Fiction, or Both?
Mostly fiction. I read obsessively what interests me at the time, be it Persian history, Lalique or even social issues on pornography. But I do like my non-fiction with lots of pictures; especially coffee table art books.
Used to borrow books from the library and force my Mum to read them and give me the CliffNotes condensed version of them.
6. Are you a person who tends to read to the end of a chapter, or can you stop anywhere?
I prefer to go to the end of a chapter, but can stop anywhere.
7. Are you a person to throw a book across the room or on the floor if the author irritates you?
Oh yes. On the floor; but mostly I whack my mattress with it. I do hold books dearly, even those that I loathe.
Non-fiction book that I've tossed: haematology textbook and the AABB blood banking manual (no wonder I could never get more than a C or C+ for it).
Fiction: The last book in Pullman's His Dark Materials series. I felt cheated to discover the culmination of an interesting series to be nothing but a rant against the Church. Give me back the time I wasted, dammit!
8. If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop and look it up right away?
I try to figure out what it means from the context in which it was used. If it bugs me enough, I dig for the dictionary.
9. What are you currently reading?
Unperfect Souls by Mark del Franco. Delish!
10. What is the last book you bought?
Sandman Slim - Richard Kadrey
Some orchid growing thingie for my Mum.
I usually rent or borrow what I read, since books are pricy. I have wonderful suppliers (my cousin and friends, you know who you are). I usually buy books for my Mum and my niece; I do go nuts during book warehouse sale though.
11. Are you a person that reads one book at a time, or can you read more than one?
One book at a time. I can read more than one but it leaches away my enjoyment.
12. Do you have a favorite time/place to read?
I like to read on the swing in the garden, though it means sacrificing a few microlitres of blood to the mozzies.
I read practically everywhere; while queuing, eating, stuck in a jam etc. The prefects used to scold me for reading while walking back to class from recess time. In my defense, I have never tripped or bump into anyone/anything while I do so.
13. Do you prefer series books or stand-alones?
I love both. I would follow a series by an author I love obsessively; I rec the series by Carrie Vaughn, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Mark del Franco, Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, JD Robb and Simon R Green. I find urban (and non-urban but contemporary) fantasy to make the best type of series to follow. If you like the way the 'verse is shaped, you will want more.
14. Is there a specific book or author you find yourself recommending over and over?
Contemporary romance: Linda Howard, Jayne Ann Krentz, Jennifer Crusie.
Historical romance: Lisa Kleypas, Amanda Quick, Christina Dodd, Loretta Chase
Supernatural/paranormal romance: Shana Abe, Susan Krinard, Sherrilyn Kenyon, MaryJanice Davidson
Futuristic/fantasy: JD Robb, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Emma Bull, Elizabeth Vaughn
Urban fantasy: Mark del Franco, Carrie Vaughn, Patricia Briggs, Simon R Green, Jim Butcher
Feminist theorist: Fatima Mernissi, Amina Wadud
15. How do you organize your books? By genre, title, author's last name, etc?
By size and space. I am *not* an organised person.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Men are from Mars, Women are ... ?
It is amazing the things people do in the name of research. It is also amazing the things people study in the name of research.
Nicolas Gueguen begun publishing in 2000 stuff that we already know; except that he included a proper hypothesis, experiment and detailed the outcome mathematically (the way a good scientist would).
For example:
1. Women with bigger boobs get more male attention.
2. That romantic songs puts a woman in a mood to say yes.
3. Waitresses who wear makeup get more tips.
4. That women in their fertile phase are also more likely to say yes to a guy.
You gotta admire a man who is systematically and mathematically profiling factors that influence men-women interaction. Especially when met with lame pick up lines, women are more wont to be doing this:
Vive le sciences et recherche!
Nicolas Gueguen begun publishing in 2000 stuff that we already know; except that he included a proper hypothesis, experiment and detailed the outcome mathematically (the way a good scientist would).
For example:
1. Women with bigger boobs get more male attention.
2. That romantic songs puts a woman in a mood to say yes.
3. Waitresses who wear makeup get more tips.
4. That women in their fertile phase are also more likely to say yes to a guy.
Gratuituous Angelina Jolie shot for the gents.
Vive le sciences et recherche!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Not proselytising!
I love this man. I do. I'd offer myself to be his second wife, but I don't think he'd want such a heathen like myself. *grin*
Any number of my friends have been the unfortunate listener to my rants of the deficiencies of religious scholarship in my country; particularly the religious teachers in schools who are fond of damning and hellfire. But it is scholars like Imam Faisal, Dr Mohd Asri (although I may disagree with some of his politics)and Dr Amina Wadud who gave me hope that my beautiful faith can be interpreted most beautifully and inclusively, the way it is meant to be.
Any number of my friends have been the unfortunate listener to my rants of the deficiencies of religious scholarship in my country; particularly the religious teachers in schools who are fond of damning and hellfire. But it is scholars like Imam Faisal, Dr Mohd Asri (although I may disagree with some of his politics)and Dr Amina Wadud who gave me hope that my beautiful faith can be interpreted most beautifully and inclusively, the way it is meant to be.
Another word for a hissy fit
debacchate (v.)
To rage or rave as a bacchanal. Hence debacchation.
After watching Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, I threw a debacchation that could be heard three doors over.
*shakes fist at George Lucas*
Monday, July 19, 2010
On skiving
Shirk : verb ‘To avoid work, duties or responsibilities, especially if they are difficult or unpleasant.’ [source: Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary ]
The Japanese are renowned for their insane work ethics and dedication to duty. Is it any surprise that they would be the ones to publish a paper on professional skiving? Mathematically eludicated, mind you.
The Japanese are renowned for their insane work ethics and dedication to duty. Is it any surprise that they would be the ones to publish a paper on professional skiving? Mathematically eludicated, mind you.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Iz serious biznes, hokay?
Business Time by Flight of the Conchords is kinda like Marvin Gaye meets Steve Carel.
Trippy and soulful ... but sex-ay?
You decide.
Trippy and soulful ... but sex-ay?
You decide.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Screwed
Looking for that special someone? Have no clue where to start? Think that the Internet is the answer to your prayers?
According to Dan Ariely (he teaches behavioural economics at MIT), online dating is not the best way to meet people if you are looking for something permanent.
Oh dear.
According to Dan Ariely (he teaches behavioural economics at MIT), online dating is not the best way to meet people if you are looking for something permanent.
Oh dear.
Friday, July 9, 2010
A rose by any other name ...
vespasienne
A public lavatory in France.
The vespasienne, although beautifully named, is not always a wonderful place to visit.
A public lavatory in France.
The vespasienne, although beautifully named, is not always a wonderful place to visit.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Give me something for the pain!
wheeple (v. & n.)
intr. To utter a somewhat protracted shrill cry, like the curlew or plover; also, to whistle feebly (intr. and trans.). So wheeple (n.).
The force of the projectile smashing his groin was such that Ian wheepled like a boiling kettle before collapsing to his knees, clutching himself. Faint sounds of retching could be heard soon after.
Yes, I know, smashed balls are not funny. No, I lied. They are funny as hell.
Don't believe me? Just watch the Three Stooges.
intr. To utter a somewhat protracted shrill cry, like the curlew or plover; also, to whistle feebly (intr. and trans.). So wheeple (n.).
The force of the projectile smashing his groin was such that Ian wheepled like a boiling kettle before collapsing to his knees, clutching himself. Faint sounds of retching could be heard soon after.
Yes, I know, smashed balls are not funny. No, I lied. They are funny as hell.
Don't believe me? Just watch the Three Stooges.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
You dreamer, you ...
... is no longer an epithet.
Yes, daydreaming is beneficial, and not just to while away the time during the insanely boring quarterly meeting.
Scientists said so.
If you can't believe the scientists, whom can you believe?
*snerk*
Yes, daydreaming is beneficial, and not just to while away the time during the insanely boring quarterly meeting.
Scientists said so.
If you can't believe the scientists, whom can you believe?
*snerk*
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Yummy stuff ahead
Wedding cake for geeks of every flavour. As an amateur baker whose idea of cake decoration is slopping vast quantities of ganache over every inch of said baked goods, I can only marvel at the amount of work and creativity that goes into these.
*props chin to admire some more*
All pics swiped from Jet City Cakes.
*props chin to admire some more*
All pics swiped from Jet City Cakes.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Emo goth, moi?
Because sharing is caring, hein?
Within Temptation's operatic goth/symphonic rock style is fabulous. They suffer comparisons to Evanescence, but I think that they have a wider repertoire to their American counterpart. It also helps that Sharon den Andel sounds really good live, which, unfortunately, cannot be said for Amy Lee.
Enjoy.
Within Temptation's operatic goth/symphonic rock style is fabulous. They suffer comparisons to Evanescence, but I think that they have a wider repertoire to their American counterpart. It also helps that Sharon den Andel sounds really good live, which, unfortunately, cannot be said for Amy Lee.
Enjoy.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Feel guilty no more!
If you have a tendency to reach for the chips packet and are fond of dousing your food with salt, you may sniff at the doomsayers who insists that you will die of hypertension (of which you might) and say ...
"It's in my genes."
Everyone knows if you have such genetic predispositions you are a victim and have no control over yourself.
So there.
*snerk*
"It's in my genes."
Everyone knows if you have such genetic predispositions you are a victim and have no control over yourself.
So there.
*snerk*
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Word of the Day
parachronism (n.)
An error in chronology, esp. the placing of an event later than its real date; error of this kind.
Everyone knows that Evelyne's claim about her real age is nothing but a parachronism.
Monday, June 14, 2010
The universe is out to screw you when ...
Your attempt to save the universe results in the erasure of your existence by a Silurian and everybody (including your fiancee!) forgets you.
Except for The Doctor.
It must be a tragedy but yet I am consumed by the desire to giggle madly.
And I'm not even a fan of the show.
Except for The Doctor.
It must be a tragedy but yet I am consumed by the desire to giggle madly.
And I'm not even a fan of the show.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Electrons going haywire
Many of us don't realise it but the world runs on electrons. Energy excites the electrons and we see things, hear things, do things. Movement of electrons generate the energy for things to happen.
Electrons power the Internet. Yay!
As a reading addict, the Internet is both a boon and bane. The sheer amount of information anyone with a connection can access is almost unimaginable. Consider that a person of my stature fifty years ago would not even get to read a fraction of the stuff I could get my grubby paws on right now.
With all the gadgets that we have now; 3G cellphones (4G now?), iPads, netbooks, PDAs, we are connected 24/7. Services such as Twitter and Facebook keep us connected with people we wouldn't have thought about in years, much less care that they are alive. It gives us a false sense of popularity. Sometimes I see people with more than a thousand friends and I marvel at how they check their friends' status updates.
Maybe they don't bother.
E-mails used to be an exotic wonder when I was an undergraduate. Not many people have Internet access then (no kids, this was not the prehistoric times. It was a mere dozen years ago) so people keep in touch the old fashioned way.
Semaphores, wireless (no, not WiFi), smoke signals, talking drums, etc.
Just kidding.
The connectivity that we have now can be claustrophobic. Ask anyone whose bosses think nothing off ringing/texting/e-mailing them at all hours just because they can.
Some people think of it as a badge of honour to be hounded so; it makes them feel like a vital cog of the organisation. What it makes you is the go-to patsy. Not to mention that cogs can always be replaced. There are such things called spare parts.
This connectivity is also addictive. Studies have shown that little packets of dopamine rushes are the reason why you keep checking that little LCD screen for the newest status updates/comments/RSS feed/spam in the inbox to be relegated to the trash bin. We are addicted to information and the toys that gave us access to it. Texting messages mean more to us than making we sure we don't wrap our cars around the telephone pole.
Personally, I think that all this information availability at our fingertips is inducing ADHD in us. We learn a lot of things, but not in depth. Tony Schwartz puts it "our attention under siege". This is not good for someone who has the attention span of a gnat (i.e. moi).
Isn't it a good thing my finances don't allow me to get an iPhone?
*scurries off to check for new fanfics*
Electrons power the Internet. Yay!
As a reading addict, the Internet is both a boon and bane. The sheer amount of information anyone with a connection can access is almost unimaginable. Consider that a person of my stature fifty years ago would not even get to read a fraction of the stuff I could get my grubby paws on right now.
With all the gadgets that we have now; 3G cellphones (4G now?), iPads, netbooks, PDAs, we are connected 24/7. Services such as Twitter and Facebook keep us connected with people we wouldn't have thought about in years, much less care that they are alive. It gives us a false sense of popularity. Sometimes I see people with more than a thousand friends and I marvel at how they check their friends' status updates.
Maybe they don't bother.
E-mails used to be an exotic wonder when I was an undergraduate. Not many people have Internet access then (no kids, this was not the prehistoric times. It was a mere dozen years ago) so people keep in touch the old fashioned way.
Semaphores, wireless (no, not WiFi), smoke signals, talking drums, etc.
Just kidding.
The connectivity that we have now can be claustrophobic. Ask anyone whose bosses think nothing off ringing/texting/e-mailing them at all hours just because they can.
Some people think of it as a badge of honour to be hounded so; it makes them feel like a vital cog of the organisation. What it makes you is the go-to patsy. Not to mention that cogs can always be replaced. There are such things called spare parts.
This connectivity is also addictive. Studies have shown that little packets of dopamine rushes are the reason why you keep checking that little LCD screen for the newest status updates/comments/RSS feed/spam in the inbox to be relegated to the trash bin. We are addicted to information and the toys that gave us access to it. Texting messages mean more to us than making we sure we don't wrap our cars around the telephone pole.
Personally, I think that all this information availability at our fingertips is inducing ADHD in us. We learn a lot of things, but not in depth. Tony Schwartz puts it "our attention under siege". This is not good for someone who has the attention span of a gnat (i.e. moi).
Isn't it a good thing my finances don't allow me to get an iPhone?
*scurries off to check for new fanfics*
Sunday, June 6, 2010
You + me + baby makes 3
While I was doing literature review for my previous project, I discovered a plethora of concoctions for gila meroyan (post-partum depression) in traditional Malay medicine. The Malays take psychological health of new mothers seriously, judging by the variety of tisane available for this malady.
Again, in these times of gender equality, even fathers get post-partum depression.
Huh.
Wonder if all those concoctions would work on anxious, suicidal daddys too.
Again, in these times of gender equality, even fathers get post-partum depression.
Huh.
Wonder if all those concoctions would work on anxious, suicidal daddys too.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
For a sylph-like silhouette
Often it is said that vanity, thy name is woman but in these times of gender equality, even men wear foundation garments.
Shape up, tuck in, define - that's what foundation garments are for. They can run anywhere from low down RM 45 to thousands.
My fav quote from the article?
“Spanx for Men is all good, until you meet a chick,” one skeptic warned on Twitter. “You gain 45 lbs when you get naked.”
Alas, there are some things that can never be hidden.
Shape up, tuck in, define - that's what foundation garments are for. They can run anywhere from low down RM 45 to thousands.
My fav quote from the article?
“Spanx for Men is all good, until you meet a chick,” one skeptic warned on Twitter. “You gain 45 lbs when you get naked.”
Alas, there are some things that can never be hidden.
Surgical Word of the Day
Gouge (n) a curved chisel used in orthopaedic operations to cut and remove bone.
Mary daydreamed about plunging a gouge in the cheatin', lyin' heart of her son-of-a-bitchin' boyfriend.
The beautiful painting is by Pino.
Mary daydreamed about plunging a gouge in the cheatin', lyin' heart of her son-of-a-bitchin' boyfriend.
The beautiful painting is by Pino.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Geological Word of the Day
Ignivomous (Ig`niv´o`mous) : Vomiting fire.
Joe was ignivomous after consuming the leftover vodka.
Oh, and the thing about exploding eggs in the microwave oven? It is not an urban legend. Please take note.
However, if you choose to ignore caution and do it anyway, please take a video and upload it on youtube. Your pain need not be in vain.
Joe was ignivomous after consuming the leftover vodka.
Oh, and the thing about exploding eggs in the microwave oven? It is not an urban legend. Please take note.
However, if you choose to ignore caution and do it anyway, please take a video and upload it on youtube. Your pain need not be in vain.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Not two-legged sloth
I am sure you encounter two-legged sloths on a daily basis. I should know; I am one.
The four-legged ones are sooooo much cuter!!!
The four-legged ones are sooooo much cuter!!!
Meet the sloths from Amphibian Avenger on Vimeo.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
I discovered this guy courtesy of Manolo for the Big Girl; the awesome ladies of wit and style.
Go to his website for more dark hilarity.
Go to his website for more dark hilarity.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Beard-ome and the science of aesthetics
I have a friend who has never been successful in growing a beard. He would be green with envy at the luxuriant facial hair sported by other men and bitch about the pathetic stubble that was the product of losing the razor for 3 weeks.
Dude, people are doing research on it. Perhaps you just don't have the right genes for it.
*pats him in commiseration*
Who says science geeks aren't creative?
Dude, people are doing research on it. Perhaps you just don't have the right genes for it.
*pats him in commiseration*
Who says science geeks aren't creative?
Monday, May 24, 2010
Too many cooks will spoil the broth
As a baker, I know that specifics can be helpful in order to get the best outcome of the recipe.
But "Whole eggs may be liquid or frozen and shall have been processed and labeled in accordance with the Regulations Governing the Inspection of Eggs and Egg Products (7 CFR Part 59)." ?
I think that is a bit much. Trust the military to complicate desserts.
But you gotta admit the precision of the instruction is truly a thing of beauty.
But "Whole eggs may be liquid or frozen and shall have been processed and labeled in accordance with the Regulations Governing the Inspection of Eggs and Egg Products (7 CFR Part 59)." ?
I think that is a bit much. Trust the military to complicate desserts.
But you gotta admit the precision of the instruction is truly a thing of beauty.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Thank you for being that kind of girl ...
Brandon Boyd is definitely one of those few singers who sounds really, really, really good live.
Delish.
Delish.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Voice soft like summer rain ...
There are various interpretation of this song apart from the eponymous original by the incomparable Dolly Parton. However, I love this version by Mindy Smith best; the pure, clean notes of her voice underscoring her desperation and pleading. Wonderfully emotive.
The theme of the song is something that I have never experienced first-hand. I cannot imagine loving someone who loves another in such a way; to humble one-self to ask for clemency from the third party.
I suppose this is the kind of love that drove a person to self-destruction because of its loss. I do like the idea of such an all encompassing love and passion, but the reality of it? Not so much.
Just like how I love my fictional men to be emotionally damaged, but if I met these guys in real life, I'll be running in the other direction so fast, you'd hear the Beep! Beep! of the Road Runner.
The theme of the song is something that I have never experienced first-hand. I cannot imagine loving someone who loves another in such a way; to humble one-self to ask for clemency from the third party.
I suppose this is the kind of love that drove a person to self-destruction because of its loss. I do like the idea of such an all encompassing love and passion, but the reality of it? Not so much.
Just like how I love my fictional men to be emotionally damaged, but if I met these guys in real life, I'll be running in the other direction so fast, you'd hear the Beep! Beep! of the Road Runner.
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