All that is gold does not glitter...

Circle

2011-01-17T19:22:00.002+08:00

"Everything that has a beginning has an end."

- The Oracle, Matrix Revolutions

As one chapter ends, another begins. It's time to close this down. I'll be moving to Tumblr.

Life is tough

2010-05-23T19:12:00.003+08:00

I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time. What do you get at the end of it? A Death. What's that, a bonus? I think the life cycle is all backwards. You should die first, get it out of the way. Then you live in an old age home. You get kicked out when you're too young, you get a gold watch and you go to work. You work forty years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You do drugs, alcohol, you party, you get ready for high school. You go to grade school, you become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities. You become a little baby, you go back into the womb, spend your last nine months floating... and you finish off as an orgasm.
- George Carlin

Christmas eve

2009-12-24T14:25:00.007+08:00

Dutch designer Mieke Meijer has created Blend, a fusion of a bed and chair.

Mieke says:

The chair refers to the 17th century, when people slept semi-sitting up because laying down was associated with death. The chairs now function as night tables.

Enproyecto Architects have completed a monument in recognition of Spanish film director Pedro Almodóvar, located in his hometown of Calzada de Calatrava, in the heart of the community of Castilla, La Mancha, Spain.

The project was the winner of a competition launched by the community government to pay tribute to Almodóvar’s film work and to make references to the culture and landscape of La Mancha. The main idea of the project was to frame the land of La Mancha, as if it were a fragment of one of his films.

Moldavite

2009-10-20T23:04:00.004+08:00

Just beautiful and amazing. I'd love to get one myself - the museum grade which is much more expensive than the regular grade. Apparently there are mines for these gems. (Haha.) But it's estimated to run dry in 10 odd years.

Below taken from wiki:

Moldavite (Czech: Vltavín) is an olive-green or dull greenish vitreous substance possibly formed by a meteorite impact. It is one kind of tektite. It was named[citation needed] by A. Dufrnoy as by town of Moldauthein (Czech: Týn nad Vltavou) in Bohemia (the Czech Republic), where it occurs. It is sometimes cut and polished as an ornamental stone under the name of pseudo-chrysolite. Its bottle-green glass color led to its being commonly called Bouteillen-stein, and at one time it was regarded as an artificial product, but this view is opposed to the fact that no remains of glassworks are found in the neighborhood of its occurrence; moreover, pieces of the substance are widely distributed in Tertiary and early Pleistocene deposits in Bohemia and Moravia. For a long time, it was generally believed to be a variety of obsidian, but its difficult fusibility and its chemical composition are rather against its volcanic origin.

LInk to wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moldavite

Trichrome Blue

2009-10-15T20:31:00.002+08:00

Absolutely beautiful. A graduation animation for the Utrecht School of the Arts by Lois Van Baarle.

Trichrome Blue from Lois van Baarle on Vimeo.

Link to Lois's page on vimeo: http://www.vimeo.com/6327556

Link to Trichrome's page: http://trichrome.loish.net/

And yes Fin.. You sent me this link. Thank you! :)

Can't wait for the other two videos!

Agua Table by Domingos Tótora

2009-10-03T00:13:00.003+08:00

Brazilian designer Domingos Totora's Agua Table made from cardboard.

Moulding the pieces:Finishing:Their awesome studio:

Link: http://www.contemporist.com/2009/10/01/agua-table-by-domingos-totora/

The Weinerchaise by Andy Martin Associates

2009-09-26T23:21:00.002+08:00

At this year’s 100% Design show in London, Andy Martin Associates will be exhibiting the ‘Weinerchaise’ as part of the ‘100% Inspiration’ feature. This is Andy Martin’s response to the brick as an inspirational object, “it is such an iconic British building material and I thought it worth pursuing for inspiration. Individually a brick seems characterless but with others has the possibility to be poetic,” says Martin. It is constructed entirely of extruded and wire cut bricks using the thin set joint method and resin bonding. The bricks are stacked and bonded accurately in a mould, and once set, carved by hand to the designed shape. The piece was produced with the help of Weinerbergerbricks, one of Europe’s largest and most innovative brick manufacturers.

Link: http://www.contemporist.com/2009/09/24/the-weinerchaise-by-andy-martin-associates/

Brick wall

2009-09-25T20:57:00.000+08:00

Modern day movie posters

2009-09-24T21:15:00.001+08:00

More at http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/25-magnificent-modern-day

Highway

2009-09-24T01:49:00.006+08:00

Living bridges

2009-09-20T02:19:00.004+08:00

I do hope this is not a hoax or anything, because it is lovely.

North-Eastern India is one of the wettest places on earth. There bridges aren't built - they're grown.

The living bridges of Cherrapunji in India are made from the roots of the Ficus elastica tree. This tree produces a series of secondary roots from higher up its trunk and can comfortably perch atop huge boulders along the riverbanks, or even in the middle of the rivers themselves.

Go to http://rootbridges.blogspot.com/ to see more pics.

Sliding house

2009-09-20T02:00:00.004+08:00

Inspirational.

The Sliding House, by dRMM Architecture, may look like a simple timber barn or shed, and you may not be impressed by it — until you discover that it contains a surprise within it. The design of this home is so unique that, well, there is no real actual architectural term to describe it. In fact, the best way to describe it is to say that the house slides!

You see, what appears to be house’s exterior walls and roof are actually a second skin that slides across a longitudinal axis to reveal a second facade. Sliding back and forth, the mobile exterior offers the house’s residents incredible flexibility with the look and behavior of the building. The lighting and mood of the interior spaces can be altered with the simple movement of the exterior. The building’s architectural trick also mean the heating and cooling loads of the house can be manipulated throughout the year.

The house was designed by London-based practice de Rijke Marsh Morgan for a client who desired a retirement home. The house is made up of three buildings arranged along a longitudinal axis, with a garage set perpendicularly, off to the side. A small patio was located in front.

Glass and red rubber work in unison with the timber of the roof/wall enclosure to create a pleasing and unassuming shape that resembles the barns and sheds of the rural countryside. The entire house sits on a concrete bed, which partially hides the surprising mechanism that allows the home to reveal a second facade.

If achieving a flexible outcome within tight planning constraints is truly the hallmark of a great architect, then dRMM architects can clearly take a bow. We absolutely loved this one.

Text from inhabitat: http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/02/20/residence-sliding-house-drmm/

Architect: drmm - http://www.drmm.co.uk/

Heaven of Delight

2009-09-13T01:40:00.002+08:00

Royal Palace in Brussels with Jan Fabre's Heaven of Delight - with the ceiling decorated with jeweled scarabs.

A flame in microgravity

2009-09-13T01:06:00.003+08:00

In the year 2000 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States discovered that gravity plays an indirect role in flame formation and composition. The common distribution of a flame under normal gravity conditions depends on convection, as soot tends to rise to the top of a flame (such as in a candle in normal gravity conditions), making it yellow. In microgravity or zero gravity environment, such as on a circular orbit , convection no longer occurs and the flame becomes spherical, with a tendency to become bluer and more efficient. There are several possible explanations for this difference, of which the most likely is the hypothesis that the temperature is sufficiently evenly distributed that soot is not formed and complete combustion occurs. Experiments by NASA reveal that diffusion flames in microgravity allow more soot to be completely oxidized after they are produced than do diffusion flames on Earth, because of a series of mechanisms that behave differently in microgravity when compared to normal gravity conditions. These discoveries have potential applications in applied science and industry, especially concerning fuel efficiency.

Text from tywkiwdbi, who got it from wiki. Link below.

http://tywkiwdbi.blogspot.com/2009/01/flame-in-microgravity.html

Cat Shower 2 (Woody Style, very funny and cute)　猫ウッディーのシャワー2

2009-09-13T01:04:00.000+08:00

Ahh! too cute!

Archi blink.

2009-08-20T22:57:00.001+08:00

Below taken from BldgBlog http://bldgblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/architecture-of-blink.html

An article posted today on New Scientist suggests that, over the course of a 150-minute film, audience members will miss an incredible fifteen minutes simply through the act of blinking – but also that people watching a film tend to blink at the same time.
It's called "synchronized blinking," and it means that "we subconsciously control the timing of blinks to make sure we don't miss anything important" – with the addendum that, "because we tend to watch films in a similar way, moviegoers often blink in unison." That is, they blink during "non-critical" moments of plot or action, creating a kind of perceptual cutting-room floor.
On the one hand, then, I'm curious if this means that clever editors, like something out of Fight Club, might be able to insert strange things into those predicted moments of cinematic calm – moments deemed safe for blinking – simply to see if anyone notices, but I'm also left wondering if there is an architectural equivalent to this: a spatial moment inside a building in which it seems safest for us to blink.
In other words, do people not blink when they first walk into a space like Rome's Pantheon or into Grand Central Station – or is that exactly when they do blink, as if visually marking for themselves a transition from exterior to interior?
It would seem, then, that if film has moments of synchronized blinking, then so might architecture – but when do we choose to blink when experiencing architectural space, and do those moments tend to occur for all of us at the same time?
How could we test this?

Further, if there is, in fact, a moment inside a building somewhere where almost literally everyone blinks– say, in the lobby of the Museum of Modern Art, or in a bathroom corridor in the history building at your own university – could we say that that space is somehow yet to be fully seen?
It is the spatial equivalent of those fifteen minutes of a film that no one realized they missed.
After all, perhaps there's a detail in your own house that you've never actually seen before – and it's because you tend to blink as you walk past it. Your own body assumes, outside conscious awareness, that this must be a safe space for blinking; it's near a window, or the colors are very dull. Perhaps that's how spiderwebs build up: you literally don't see them.
On a much larger scale, meanwhile, are there stretches of highway somewhere outside town where the scenery gets a bit boring – and so everyone starts to blink, more or less at the same time, thus visually removing from collective cultural awareness that McDonald's, or that abandoned house, tucked away over there beside the trees?
And could you locate that exact moment of blindness – could you find blinkspots throughout the urban fabric – and start to build things there? Architecture becomes a three-dimensional test landscape for the neurology of blinking.

For instance, if people driving 65 mph travel, say, five feet with every blink, then what spatial and architectural possibilities exist within that five feet?
What are the spatial possibilities of the blink?
I'm reminded of certain zoning laws in which you need to consider the exact amount of shadow your building will cast on the neighborhood around it before beginning construction.
But what about zoning for blinks? Can you zone a building for maximum blinks?
Or perhaps the opposite: a new genre of architecture, specially designed for Halloween fun houses, in which it's too stressful to close your eyes even for a micro-second...

Fantaghirò - Mio Nemico

2009-08-20T02:37:00.001+08:00

Yahoo Answers.

2009-08-17T18:40:00.003+08:00

Below taken from Yahoo! Answers.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070712203757AAmGU16

Question: Why, oh why, didn't I take the blue pill?

Best answer chosen:

Great question!!!

The choice between a red/blue pill is the basic dilemma faced by atheist and believer in choosing between reality or fantasy. Should we choose the red pill of wisdom (free thinker / skeptic / atheist), or the blue pill of happiness (believer / religion / faith / not questioning)? In a nutshell, do humans want to be wise or happy? As your question notes, many willingly choose the blue pill or the philosophy of 'ignorance is bliss'.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redpill
“The use of a red pill is an allusion to the use of a similar device in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The Matrix movies commonly use references from this other work of fiction. For instance, when Morpheus offers the red pill to Neo, he says that by taking the red pill, he would show Neo "how deep the rabbit hole goes." The red pill also features in the movie Total Recall. In this movie the protagonist Quaid is purported to be having a schizo-paranoia episode, resulting in the situation he finds himself in on Mars. The red pill is, here, the path 'out' of this episode and back to a normal life.”

Cypher: I know what you're thinking, 'cause right now I'm thinking the same thing. Actually, I've been thinking it ever since I got here: Why oh why didn't I take the BLUE pill?

Morpheus: The Matrix is everywhere, it is all around us. Even now, in this very room. You can see it when you look out your window, or when you turn on your television. You can feel it when you go to work, or when go to church or when you pay your taxes. It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth.

Neo: What truth?

Morpheus: That you are a slave, Neo. Like everyone else, you were born into bondage, born inside a prison that you cannot smell, taste, or touch. A prison for your mind. (long pause, sighs) Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself. This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back.

(In his left hand, Morpheus shows a blue pill.)

Morpheus: You take the blue pill and the story ends. You wake in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. (a red pill is shown in his other hand) You take the red pill and you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes. (Long pause; Neo begins to reach for the red pill) Remember -- all I am offering is the truth, nothing more.
(Neo takes the red pill and swallows it with a glass of water)

The Matrix can also be a metaphor for religion. e.g. replace “Matrix” w/ “religion” in the paragraph below.

"Morpheus: The Matrix is a system, Neo. That system is our enemy. But when you're inside, you look around, what do you see? Businessmen, teachers, lawyers, carpenters. The very minds of the people we are trying to save. But until we do, these people are still a part of that system and that makes them our enemy. You have to understand, most of these people are not ready to be unplugged. And many of them are so inured, so hopelessly dependent on the system, that they will fight to protect it."

It is of course, no small coincidence that the occupation of "carpenter" was inserted by the writers.

"Religion is but a desperate attempt to find an escape from the truly dreadful situation in which we find ourselves. Here we are in this wholly fantastic universe with scarcely a clue as to whether our existence has any real significance. No wonder then that many people feel the need for some belief that gives them a sense of security, and no wonder that they become very angry with people like me who say that this is illusory."
— Fred Hoyle

"What I conclude is that religion has nothing to do with experience or reason but with deep and irrational needs."
— Richard Taylor

Milk crates

2009-08-16T02:09:00.003+08:00

Text from http://mathieugallois.com/diy_8.html

Light weight, strong, stackable and easily modified, the iconic milk crate – the starting point of so much DIY stuff! Used universally as a seat in the street, a handy container – and a thousand other users; the milk crate in Australia is the object that comes closest to transcending notions of individual or corporate ownership (in the eyes of most, but perhaps not milk distributors).
The generic milk crate 'belongs' to a fluid zone reminiscent of the White Bicycle Plan started in the 1960s by Luud Schimmelpenninck in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. This so-called White Bicycle Plan was possibly the first large-scale community bicycle program. It provided free bicycles that were supposed to be used for one trip and then left for someone else.

Below picture from http://www.freshbump.com/featured/special-features/25-innovative-re-purposed-home-fittings-designs/

Twisted Princess

2009-08-04T18:10:00.002+08:00

Came across this. Amazing. Here are three of my favourite. I guess Snow White could have been darker.

Go to http://jeftoon01.deviantart.com/gallery/#Twisted-Princess to see the whole range.

SOUR '日々の音色 (Hibi no neiro)'

2009-07-18T01:45:00.001+08:00

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland

2009-06-23T01:27:00.002+08:00

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland featuring Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, and Anne Hathaway as the White Queen. Also included are three more pieces of concept art.

The article explains that the March 5, 2010 release, co-starring Michael Sheen, Mia Wasikowska, Matt Lucas, Crispin Glover, Stephen Fry and Alan Rickman, is almost like a sequel to the original story:

The traditional tale has been freshened with a blast of girl power, courtesy of writer Linda Woolverton (Beauty and the Beast). Alice, 17, attends a party at a Victorian estate only to find she is about to be proposed to in front of hundreds of snooty society types. Off she runs, following a white rabbit into a hole and ending up in Wonderland, a place she visited 10 years before yet doesn't remember.

Source http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=56475

Stair Porn

2009-06-10T20:44:00.001+08:00

Link: http://fr.trekearth.com/gallery/photo501529.htm

Bri(n)ck

2009-05-24T02:14:00.006+08:00

Bri(n)ck at Graduate School of Design, Harvard University

I don't really like brick.. It's generally so solid and boring. I do like the uniformity of it... That sense of order. And it's warm. This particular design shows how damn CAD can help.. I think this will be an area I'd love and loathe to explore.

Love the curves lines, the play of light and the materiality of it.

Go to http://www.dezeen.com/2009/05/11/on-the-brinck-at-graduate-school-of-design-harvard-university/

Tutorials

2009-05-23T14:22:00.008+08:00

Sydney, May 09

2009-05-10T02:23:00.005+08:00

So, my 50% assignment was over on Wednesday. Big load off my shoulders. Prasad was in Sydney so I thought why not go visit - I really wanted the break.

In case you don't already know the train ride to Sydney is a bum-breaking three hours. I get bored. I patch up the holes in my clothes, sew back the buttons that have come off from my clothes... And then take random photos. Like this one: It's not just of my thumb, it's of my thumb that was stumped. Lol. Well, I kinda injured it a couple of many weeks ago... And basically that whole area that is discoloured is hollow! There's actually hair that got in there! (I don't know how.) So I basically spent a good deal of my time inserting a safety pin into that crevice to try and get the hair out. I didn't succeed. Yeeaash.

Ok, I'll skip all the small details about the arrival and all that, but I really had a good time on this trip.

I spent the whole Saturday afternoon in the Art Gallery of NSW, the Fern Garden at the Botanic Gardens (which weren't much, but I got to see the largest bats in the world nesting.) and the Power House Museum, with most of my time at the art gallery.

I was blown away at the art gallery, and there's the Archibald Prize going on right now. Wiki says it "is regarded as the most important portraiture prize, and is the most prominent of all arts prizes, in Australia... first awarded in 1921." But anyway, the main point of this is that I came across last year's finalist, Vincent Fantauzzo, and his triple portrait of Heath Ledger.

http://www.nydailynews.cojavascript:void(0)m/gossip/2008/05/08/2008-05-08_portrait_of_heath_ledger_wins_australian.html

I simply love it and If I had $115 to blow I'd spend it on the framed print of this. In case I wasn't clear, this is a painting. So since I couldn't afford a framed print I bought 5 postcard instead. I would have bought the print alone since it was ony $25, but then I would crease it and then there'd be bo point...

Go to http://www.thearchibaldprize.com.au/home to see this years' finalist.

Also I was at Martin's Place just off George St, right at the fountain where The Matrix was filmed. That's right! It's in the first Matrix, the scene with the Woman in the Red Dress. I compared my pics and the scene in the movie.. And realise the flooring was different. The amazing wiki tells me the fountain was redone after the film. Why would they want to redo it?! But still, you can identify the details of the columns in the adjacent building.

I did something I've not done in awhile too. I watched a movie on my own again. Was nice.

This trip has made me think more about archi and where I want to study in the future and I'm pretty sure I don't want it to be in Newcastle. I mean, Newcastle is awesome to build the foundation and ground yourself. But it's just too secluded, cut off from the whole art scene. Good place to lay the foundation, but not grow from there.

I did seem to want to type more.. At least more fluidly, but I am getting tired. And you will forgive me since it's 5am.

TTFN.

Pictures that caught my attention.

2009-05-01T12:59:00.009+08:00

"Misfits", Thomas Grünfeld

"Accident", Ricochet Studio

"Stalin + Mao", Peter Saul

"Poster Girl", Jasper Goodall

"Letterpress", Cameron Moll

Art for T.I. Papertrail, Ian Wright

All pics sourced from http://baxterfinley.typepad.com/baxter_finley/

Peanut

2009-05-01T01:03:00.000+08:00

Inspiration

2009-03-21T17:05:00.006+08:00

Just a few nice pics that I like.

New York-based Dror have designed residential villas for Nurai, a resort on a natural island off the coast of Abu Dhabi.

Lush Island, part of the residential villas of Nurai.

Dubai Opera House by Zaha Hadid

Power Unit Studio, Y House Aichi, 2005, Makoto Yokomizo Edition 1/15

Drowned World

2009-03-21T17:02:00.002+08:00

A series of photographs, Flooded London series by Squint/Opera. Breathtaking, in my opinion.

Interested? Go to http://www.dezeen.com/2008/06/22/flooded-london-by-squintopera-2/

Food for thought

2009-03-21T16:57:00.004+08:00

Rather late, but here's the entrants for the Architectural Jelly Competition -
http://www.lfa2008.org/event.php?id=130&name=Architectural+Jelly+Banquet

How cool is that? Visit http://www.dezeen.com/2008/07/22/architectural-jelly-competition-results/ for more.

Seven Deadly Glasses by Kacper Hamilton

2009-03-21T16:50:00.004+08:00

London-based designer Kacper Hamilton has designed a set of wine glasses inspired by the seven deadly sins: lust, gluttony, greed (below), sloth, wrath (above), envy and pride.

Visit http://www.dezeen.com/2008/06/05/seven-deadly-glasses-by-kacper-hamilton/ to see the rest.

Asemic Scapes - Rehabilitation Center Rainberg by Sarah Schneider

2009-03-21T16:39:00.008+08:00

The following from Sarah Schneider:

This project is a conceptual design for a rehabilitation center for trauma and post surgery patients with a capacity of 50 beds in the Austrian Alps, in Vorarlberg.

In general rehab centers like their predecessors the sanatoriums of the 19th and 20th century are based on a dualistic set of values: they embody the belief in the healing power of technology and the healing power of nature, which is why they are mostly situated in prestine landscapes.

Therefore my attempt was to develop a contemporary relationship to the landscape based on calligraphic ornamentation.

Calligraphy is adding an idea of creating variation through artistic expression to a technical matter of communication and is connected to ornamentation which generally uses natural motifs and often rules of natural growth.

The project develops an architecture that uses rules of natural growth and connects both growth and ornament, with a landscape environment, topologically and calligraphically.

The ornament creates a symbiotic relationship with the existing environment by framing existing topographic features and at the same time giving a feedback to the landscape by creating topographical irregularities.

In the landscape the ornament starts to organize the ground by subtle terracing and it creates paths that break the clear definition of an indoor ñ outdoor boundary by running through the building, widening up to create bigger platforms and shrinking back to paths when leaving the building again.

This ornamented landscape topography develops the roof structure transforming from a plan calligraphy into a complex volumetric condition of overlay and envelope.

Cadbury Eyebrows

2009-02-18T01:50:00.001+08:00

Oh my gosh, this is awesome lah. I wish I could do that.

Cadbury Eyebrows from Nils-Petter Lovgren on Vimeo.

Links: Nils-Petter Lovgren via vimeo http://vimeo.com/2944140

Triflow tap by Zaha Hadid

2009-02-18T01:46:00.003+08:00

Uber cool tap.

The new Triflow tap by Zaha Hadid takes inspiration from the fluid movement of water. The design is a formal expression of the continuous flow of liquid - merging the spout, body and handle of the tap in a seamless trajectory of curvilinear geometries. Already unique to the three-way Triflow tap is the technology woven effortlessly into its design – namely the extra internal tube that allows treated drinking water to be delivered through a separate waterway, avoiding contamination from the hot and cold tap water. While hot and cold water are controlled by the tap’s discrete handle, the drinking water element is activated by a touch sensitive electric button indicated by the Triflow logo. A green halo light ignites when operational, turning to red when the water treatment cartridge needs replacing and flashing red when the battery is running low. A battery provides back-up in case of failure of mains electricity failure.

Hidden within the Zaha Hadid design is a highly sophisticated manufacturing process that has never before been used for a tap. The revolutionary shape employs the latest methods of production and a unique ceramic coring process, resulting in a tap that is as much a piece of art as it is a kitchen or bathroom appliance.

Links: http://www.triflowconcepts.com/, http://www.dezeen.com/2009/01/30/triflow-tap-by-zaha-hadid/#more-24215

You Found Me

2009-02-18T01:39:00.002+08:00

Amy Winehouse - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow

The Fray - You Found Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obhdTlImFBo

One

2009-02-09T12:35:00.001+08:00

"I mean, what is an un-birthday present?"
"A present given when it isn't your birthday, of course."
Alice considered a little. "I like birthday presents best," she said at last.
"You don't know what you're talking about!" cried Humpty Dumpty. "How many days are there in a year?"
"Three hundred and sixty-five," said Alice.
"And how many birthdays have you?"
"One." - Lewis Carroll

Helix Nebula: The Eye of God

2009-02-03T01:04:00.001+08:00

Beautiful picture taken by NASA with the Hubble telescope.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helix_Nebula

Scientists: True love can last a lifetime

2009-01-05T00:57:00.002+08:00

Link: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/01/04/true.love.found/index.html

Black hole

2009-01-04T04:19:00.001+08:00

Amusing video. :)

Wall-E vs vacuum cleaner

2008-12-12T02:10:00.000+08:00

Amazing shot

2008-12-10T03:24:00.003+08:00

http://kussyi.tumblr.com/post/33299643/via-gallery-photo-net-creature

Cheeky can

2008-12-10T03:18:00.001+08:00

Lol.. funny.
http://www.markushofer.at/html/arbeiten/markus-hofer-geeignetzurzucht.html

Lego rings

2008-12-10T03:14:00.002+08:00

Goodness, Lego rings! I want!
http://www.edition-mathea.de/english/lifestyle-sites/nops/01_nops1er.html

Gundam

2008-12-09T01:32:00.002+08:00

Very cool... I like.

At a Christie's auction in Hong Kong, Japanese artist Tenmyouya Hisashi's traditional-meets-modern Gundam painting "RX-78-2 Kabuki-mono 2005 Version" went for HK$4.8 million (approx. US$600,000). WoW! Hisashi says

In Japan there are many "Gundam-Otaku's," and their adoration of Gundam is intense. Therefore, I did not want to change their image of Gundam. By changing Gundam's "mobile suit" to tattoos, I altered his body, and made him even more customized. I emphasized the very concept of the "mobile suit," and by setting Gundam against a background of gold leaf from traditional Japanese painting, I emphasized Gundam's samurai origins.

Linked from likecool.com

Ian Kim's artwork

2008-12-05T13:32:00.003+08:00

Really nice work.

"Monkey"

"Circumcision"

"Librarians on Ice"

http://www.iankim.net/

Mucus dispenser

2008-12-05T13:11:00.003+08:00

Oooh. I like! http://www.potpourrigift.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=R85103#zoom
It comes as "Breast dispensers" as well. But I don't want to link that.

Xtreme Geek

2008-12-05T01:11:00.003+08:00

http://www.x-tremegeek.com/templates/TshirtStoreDetail.asp?StyleID=140
(If you're still wondering, the picture won't load.)

Morfai

2008-12-04T16:18:00.002+08:00

I dunno what the title means or where this statue is... but it's super awesome!http://pan-dan.blogspot.com/2008/10/m-o-r-f-i.html

Type the Sky

2008-12-04T16:14:00.004+08:00

The site isn't in English so I have no idea what is being written, but I love the shots.
http://www.slanted.de/eintrag/type-sky

Man Chair

2008-12-04T14:54:00.003+08:00

No link for this one, picture taken from http://www.likecool.com

Bodylicious

2008-12-04T14:39:00.003+08:00

Bodylicious X, inspired by Nyotaimori, the contraversial art of displaying sushi on a naked woman, using her body as a tray. Bodylicious Y, comes in the male form, also known as Nantaimori.

http://www.designcode.es/

Francoise Neilly

2008-12-04T14:29:00.003+08:00

Love her work: http://www.francoise-nielly.com/en/index.html

In all seriousness...

2008-11-30T04:49:00.005+08:00

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Pooh," he whispered.

"Yes, Piglet?"

"Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw, "I just wanted to be sure of you."

I am serious about you.

Contentment

2008-11-29T03:55:00.001+08:00

Recently I had typed "contentment" as one of my status.

While it sure did feel like it, I don't think I want to be or should be contented. After all, when you are contented, then what else have you got to live for?

So, I want more.

And Fin, this one is for you.

2008-11-28T00:10:00.002+08:00

More Lolcats

2008-11-28T00:08:00.008+08:00

1 Corinthians 13:4

2008-11-27T03:48:00.005+08:00

Oh, and just becuase I have always loved this passage from the bible:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Richard told Chandler "Don't let her go."

2008-11-27T02:08:00.011+08:00

It's been awhile.. I made up with the onslaught of 5 posts.... :) Ok, this makes 6.

I don't know why I am typing this though, I'd really much rather spend the time...Reading? (Yeah right) Or perhaps talking to that someone. Yah. But since he's been asking to update, I guess I will.

I know so many of you are complaining I've been MIA even though I'm back.. But as Plato said, Love is a serious mental disease.

Oh, and Fin, this one is for you:

Love is not just looking at each other, it's looking in the same direction.
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900-1944) French aviator and writer.

Uni stuff
It's been about three weeks since I've been back, and I've been checking my results everyday. Still waiting on that computer-related module, the one that involves CAD and photoshop. I didn't do too well for the first assignment (I mean in the C-grade range) and am hoping to pull a distinction with the second assignment.

So far, a distinction for Archi design and a high distinction for History.

Though, sometimes I feel I don't deserve that HD. One of my goals this Summer break is to go through my history notes again and study again.

KylieX
Good golly gosh! I went to see Kylie! It was, indescribable. Honestly. Words cannot do it justice. The opening, the effects, her presence... I think her opening number, Speakerphone sums it up pretty well:

Lights
Mind
Eyes
Hearts

Lights (Flashin')
Sound (Clashin')
Minds (Blowin')
Body (Rockin')
Eyes (Lockin')
Lips (Touchin')
Hearts (Pumpin')
Pressure (Risin')
Breath (Takin')
Rump (Shakin')
Music (Make you)
Lose (Control)

Gotta thank the wonderful Nickseth, Joel and Barry for a fabulous 23rd birthday present.

I'm lazy to continue with typing about anything else... Maybe another night.

Design for Poverty Competition Winner

2008-11-27T01:43:00.007+08:00

http://dustbowl.wordpress.com/2008/10/30/design-for-poverty-competition-winner/

'expanded portraits' by justin ponmany

2008-11-27T01:36:00.003+08:00

I think they are super freaky, but you cannot deny so very interesting and unique. This was the not freaky one... Others in the link below.

http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/10/view/4605/expanded-portraits-by-justin-ponmany.html

Kanera sink

2008-11-27T01:29:00.004+08:00

Anyone can translate the page for me? It's in Greek. Or Korean. Or Manadarin.

Either way I can't read it.Sensual, no?

http://www.hi-id.com/?p=2225

Fortis IQ watch by Rolf Sachs

2008-11-27T01:23:00.004+08:00

For you smarty pants out there...http://www.dezeen.com/2008/11/06/fortis-iq-watch-by-rolf-sachs/

Floating Chain Wine Bottle Holder

2008-11-27T01:20:00.002+08:00

http://www.gadgetspy.co.uk/gadgets/floating-chain-wine-bottle-holder/1534

Ornament

2008-10-14T21:17:00.001+08:00

Whoo-hoo! I got 83 for my history paper! It's awesome man coz I really had no idea how to gauge how I would do.

Pushing the limits

2008-10-13T10:30:00.002+08:00

So got back from Sydney on Saturday night, or more like Sunday morning.

Sydney was fun enough and I suppose the part I enjoyed the most was catching up with Steffen even though the Glebe markets on Saturday morning were enjoyable too - with Sameer and Brock a little hungover from the previous night.

I had my first visit to an Australian hospital. No it wasn't me who needed the attention. A friend of mine passed out. I reckon it was really a combination of the non-stop super vigorous dancing and the lack of water plus quite a lot of drinks and the small dinner that did it.

Went to the Gender Fuck party hosted by the Sydney Uni and that was.. bad. The music at least. Then proceeded to The Columbian, where I had "Fairy Dust" - a shot of Kahlua, what I think was Bailey's and Midori. This was set alight and cinnamon sprinkled on top to create that fairy dust kinda effect. The bartender was a bitch though. I mean, very well built, and looked like a real bloke, but I didn't get his prissy attitude. When we asked him how much it was he was like "A lot." What kinda answer is that? Sameer told him to keep the change and use it to enjoy himself or something like that.

After that we headed to Stonewall, which was fun, and had a very young atmosphere to it as opposed to The Columbian. Though the upstairs at Stonewall had very poor ventilation and stank of sweat. And God knows what else. So it was at Stonewall that this friend passed out and really freaked us out since even the bouncers slapping his face did not rouse him. The ambulance was called, he kinda came to and he said was aware of everything the whole time, but just couldn't do anything. I must say it struck me how they questioned whether he had taken drugs. I mean, from their actions I gather drugs are so rampant and they have to be prepared for that. A completely different night life. Though thankfully this friend came to and was fine after that.

Today, Monday, is back to school. I slept at 6am this morning, simply to complete my tutorial. Yes, I wouldn't have to sleep this late if I had been doing my work consistently, but for once I'll say "But it was my holiday."

But the lack of sleep totally paid off. I mean, while discussing my design proposal during tutorial, my tutor called another tutor over to add input into the discussion. I do feel I need to talk to people about my design as that is when it starts evolving. While calling another tutor over my not appear to be a good thing, I reckon it is a good sign as the design was intriguing enough to warrant a discussion.

The design is for a lifeguard post/house at the beach. Since the primary function was to save lives, I geared all my designs towards objects that regenerate, gave life and cleansed. This were starfishes that can regenerate limbs, gills that gave oxygen and abalone shells that have holes in which waste was passed out.

My favourite was the starfish or the gills. My idea for the starfish was a five-sided building with each of the functions required (there are five main requirements) in each wing. I thought the first-aid wing could be detachable - for emergency evacuations and the like. The tutors were telling me how I should try then to incorporate this idea of detachable rooms to the whole building such that it might become more of portable architecture. This would then support my idea of incorporating and education centre and this could become like a traveling exhibit. Hope I haven't lost you.

But yeah. It's been a great start to the last semester of the year.

Coolest pencils.

2008-10-09T21:13:00.006+08:00

A S Batle Company - Sculptor Anelio Batle makes these unusual implements that are equally an object of art and a functional drawing/writing tool. Each Graphite Object is meticulously hand-crafted in his San Francisco studio.

First, he carves an original design in clay. With intense pressure, carbonaceous graphite (same material in pencils) and smudge-resistant compounds are fused into a reproducible form using a proprietary technique that Batle invented. Finally using delicate carving and traditional finishing techniques, the Graphite Object is completed. All their surfaces can draw and the graphite will resist smudging onto your hand. With daily use these Graphite Objects should last 7 to 9 years. Perfect for gift giving, each Graphite Object is beautifully packaged with signed literature and a custom box.

Links:
http://sattvagallery.com/graphite-objects.html
http://www.wildlifewonders.com/asbatle.html#paging

Atelopus frog

2008-10-07T21:48:00.000+08:00

An atelopus frog found in the remote mountains of Suriname. Like whoa!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-459834/The-incredible-purple-frog-thats-24-new-species-discovered-South-America.html

More youtube

2008-10-07T21:12:00.003+08:00

Lion vs Zebra
Horrible sound, and I don't know if what the zebra did was intentional... But cool.

Beauty and the Beak

Both from http://scribalterror.blogs.com/scribal_terror/nature/index.html, one of the cooler sites I've been to in awhile.

Fred

2008-10-05T18:14:00.002+08:00

Check out Fred from youtube. I thought he was funny.. But really, I can only tolerate him in small doses.

Lolcats

2008-10-02T17:26:00.002+08:00

Oh, this is soooo cute!

Lolcats

2008-10-02T17:06:00.003+08:00

Oh my goodness, this is hilarious. FYI, ceiling cat is "God" and basement cat is the devil...

More at http://icanhascheezburger.com/

My Little Pony turns 25.

2008-09-30T21:57:00.002+08:00

Just because I think they are cute.
Link: http://www.smh.com.au/news/photogallery/design/my-little-pony-turns-25/2008/09/30/1222651043704.html

London 2012 - I think it's shit.

2008-09-20T22:49:00.002+08:00

Check out the logo for the London Games, 2012. I think the logo is shit. Honestly.

Apparently it cost 400,000 pounds and some people actually got epileptic fits just looking at it.

I think my gag reflex just kicked in.

One Mile Beach

2008-09-16T22:43:00.007+08:00

It's late now, but I thought I'd better write this before I forget...

We went up for a site visit to One Mile beach today, it's about an hour North of here near Port Stevens.

We waited for the bus at an early 8am, while the chilly wind whipped about our feet. So unlike yesterday's nice warm weather. Of course I slept on the way and when I got up I asked the girl sitting next to me "Did I drool?" To which another girl behind me burst out laughing.

I didn't drool.

One Mile beach was beautiful. Though I must admit it took awhile for the beauty of the place to really sink in. I saw sand so fine it moved like water; different coloured sands that made patterns that appeared like black fire.

It's the whole place in general. Serene. Secluded. And untouched by man. Except for this piece of architecture sticking out like a sore thumb.

I saw sharks' eggs too, for the first time. I once came across (in writing) of a mermaid's purse. This is actually the egg sac of a dog fish/shark. The eggs sac was something truly remarkable. Such curves, and it was opague too - which had an amber colour. There were urchins, and sponges and corals washed up on the beach. All weird, contorted and came in all sorts of vibrant colours.

(BTW, the first two pics are the sharks' egg sac)

So this is our last, and longest assignment. I expect that means it's gonna be critiqued more strictly. This one is titled BeachBox, and we have to design a lifeguard house. After all this boring computer work and my history assignment, I'll definately be looking forward to exploring this assignment.

Bloody hell, it's Spring.

2008-09-15T22:39:00.003+08:00

Well, it is warmer. And I can finally wear my shorts again, and finally sleep ~~in the nude~~ with the window open.

But bloody hell! There are insects EVERYWHERE! If the small ones don't get in the big ones buzz about outside the mosquito net, the sound annoying me.

Oh listen to me, the Singaporean.. Complaining about everything. I wouldn't last ten seconds back in the army. (Don't you laugh Chris.)

Test you colour IQ

2008-09-14T12:41:00.003+08:00

Ok, I didn't score too well on this, but I'll say I don't know if time is a factor - I left my computer for awhile to help a coursemate with the assignment. Really. Honest!
http://www.xrite.com/custom_page.aspx?PageID=77

Irked

2008-09-13T11:39:00.010+08:00

I'm a little irked.

Got back my results for the semester so far and these are how they are.

Well, yeah.. Good and all... But the two assignments I received a 75% for were done in pairs. Aren't two heads supposed to be better than one? Argh. I suppose what irks me a little more was that this other pair got higher than me for the Skin & Bones assignment and I thought theirs was crap.

Does this say I don't work well in pairs?

And my final grade is currently about one mark shy of the high distinction. Will have to make sure the last assignment gets the high distinction.

Left pic is the Skin & Bones assignment...

Onion Tarts

2008-09-06T21:12:00.003+08:00

Oh, I made some onion tarts tonight... A fantastic, easy to prepare small bite.
1. Prepare tart shells - either bought, or made. I use pre-made pastry sheets which I cut into cup-sized circles, put into a muffin tray and blind bake at 170 degrees for about 10 mins.
2. Saute some sliced onions, red is best. A tray of 12 tarts requires about 3 medium-sized onions.
3. Spoon about a tablespoon of onions into your tart shells.
4. Add about a teaspoon of fig paste. I had no idea where to get this from, so I just made a very simple chunky fig jam. Cut figs into smaller pieces, boil with about 1/4 cup of water with some sugar, I used brown. Reduce till thick.
5. Top with a small piece of goats cheese and bake. Remove when you start salivating... Ok, about 10 mins should do it.

The recipe didn't call for it, but some thyme would go beautifully. Really. Just top with a couple of small pieces.

Yum. My mouth is watering again.

A very long overdue post.

2008-09-06T20:33:00.004+08:00

I actually typed the below post on the 18th of August, but was too lazy/tired/cold/hungry to post:

It is Monday again and I can’t help but feel some Monday Blues.

The last assignment, Urban Box, was due just last Thursday and this morning, cold and sleepy, I slumped into the lecture theatre for the next assignment brief: Eco Box.
I’m a tad apprehensive about this project (at least I am now) because unlike the previous assignments, this has quite a lot to do with sustainability, something I know little about.
My lecturer, JR, is amazing. We have this supplementary lecture at 3 in the afternoon. Normally feeling lethargic after a lunch, I still try to attend because when JR speaks, his words are like liquid poetry. The way he describes objects and scenes, it’s like you could almost reach out and grasp the object. Anything from an architectural sketch to a detailed photograph of a leaf caught in the swirl of a river.

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned, but with all this talk of sustainability, I can’t help but question my own ecological footprint. And with that thought, and quite a number of people around me being vegetarian, I’ve been trying it out. Well, every meal but dinner.
But that said, I still love my meat! I was stuck in the library today and ended up spending $10.90 on lunch! (Goodness… No wonder I only eat on campus once a week. And that’s without a drink) But I was hungry… And that roast pork did look, smell and taste good! (Mum, I miss your prune-stuffed roast pork with that brilliant apple cabbage!)

So, back to Eco Box… I am getting a little excited, the juices starting to churn… But it’s cold and hopefully it won’t take too long. I borrowed a book on treehouses.. Can’t wait to look through that one! (The site has plenty of trees, and we can’t cut down too many of them… So gotta think of building around them!)

6th September: Here's how my finished model looks like (along with the mess in my room. :P)

It was also the Cultural Awakenings week which is very much like a Racial Harmony week.. It ended with a food fare at the bar on campus. Food was pretty good... I think my fav was the Korean stall. In case you were wondering.. Singapore made bandung and chin chow.. along with some kueh. At least I think that was made by SIngaporeans... Their stall was so close to Malaysia's and Brunei's. Indonesia's cehndol had jackfruit in it.. not used to nanka in chendol. Also below are the ladies from the Pacific Islands.

Cool designs

2008-08-08T13:44:00.003+08:00

What if there was an instrument which would change the world into something that we find strange? And better, what if this instrument can also change it back?

I worked with the refraction of light as a basic principal for a new form language. I designed a different world, a strange world. In this world there still is a possibility to go back to the world we know.

With the instrument it is possible to reshape objects, spaces and architecture. Designer: Nathan Wierink (Netherlands)
Manufacturer: own atelier (Netherlands)

A red table that seems to flow down on the ground.

Designer: John Nouanesing (France)

Sonnet 141 - 10 Things I Hate About You

2008-07-26T01:06:00.001+08:00

I hate the way you talk to me. And the way you cut your hair.
I hate the way you drive my car. I hate it when you stare.
I hate your big dumb combat boots And the way you read my mind.
I hate you so much it makes me sick — It even makes me rhyme.
I hate the way you're always right. I hate it when you lie.
I hate it when you make me laugh — Even worse when you make me cry.
I hate it that you're not around. And the fact that you didn't call.
But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you — Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.

Christian the lion

2008-07-25T22:47:00.000+08:00

Uber cool sink

2008-07-08T00:05:00.001+08:00

Sooooo cool! Link to HighTech Designs

Dove Chocolate: Em Ocean

2008-06-29T22:55:00.001+08:00

I love this ad. May take awhile to load though...

Dolphins Blow Bubble Air Rings

2008-06-26T22:29:00.001+08:00

Bated breath

2008-06-04T20:00:00.003+08:00

So, it's been pouring today.

I decided I had to go down to the studio today to remove my work since Thursday was the last day we could leave it there. Plus I had to submit the hardcopy of another assignment I handed in last week.

So, when it looks like the rain's about to let up, I leave for the studio, and along the way it really starts again. I decide I have to buy an umbrella. The only one was 21 bucks. Oh boy. But I really need it since I would be carrying my drawings and my model back...

I get to the studio and I can't find my work anywhere! Sure, my model is there, But the drawings! Nowhere to be found... After searching high and low, I make my way back... And call my groupmate, whose work I had pinned mine up next to.

Then he tells me that during the lecture in the morning (I missed because of the rain) JR, the lecturer, took some drawings! And I find out later that he took them to make copies.. To show future 1st years. Oh my gosh. It feels great, and I try not to gloat, but for the first time it seems that I'm doing well in something!

But, the coin always has two sides. And the other side is rusty. Very rusty. I think I suck at Construction Technology. Honestly. It was VERY bad. I am very scared how I will do. And it's not the "I'm scared I don't get distinction". It's the one subject I am so bad at because I have no interest! Sigh. I really hope I can clear it. Really, I just want to clear it.. That's how bad I am at it.

So, with this serious contrast in subjects, I actually think I know what fear is. Poly never made me feel like this.

Bated breath.

Little Red Riding Hood

2008-05-30T23:13:00.001+08:00

Little Red Riding Hood
by Roald Dahl

As soon as Wolf began to feel
That he would like a decent meal,
He went and knocked on Grandma's door.
When Grandma opened it, she saw
The sharp white teeth, the horrid grin,
And Wolfie said, "May I come in?"
Poor Grandmamma was terrified,
"He's going to eat me up!" she cried.
And she was absolutely right.
He ate her up in one big bite.
But Grandmamma was small and tough,
And Wolfie wailed, "That's not enough!
I haven't yet begun to feel
That I have had a decent meal!"
He ran around the kitchen yelping,
"I've got to have a second helping!"

Then added with a frightful leer,
"I'm therefore going to wait right here
Till Little Miss Red Riding Hood
Comes home from walking in the wood."

He quickly put on Grandma's clothes,
(Of course he hadn't eaten those).
He dressed himself in coat and hat.
He put on shoes, and after that,
He even brushed and curled his hair,
Then sat himself in Grandma's chair.

In came the little girl in red.
She stopped. She stared. And then she said,
"What great big ears you have, Grandma."
"All the better to hear you with,"
the Wolf replied.
"What great big eyes you have, Grandma."
said Little Red Riding Hood.
"All the better to see you with,"
the Wolf replied.
He sat there watching her and smiled.
He thought, I'm going to eat this child.
Compared with her old Grandmamma,
She's going to taste like caviar.

Then Little Red Riding Hood said, "
But Grandma, what a lovely great big
furry coat you have on."

"That's wrong!" cried Wolf.
"Have you forgot
To tell me what BIG TEETH I've got?
Ah well, no matter what you say,
I'm going to eat you anyway."

The small girl smiles. One eyelid flickers.
She whips a pistol from her knickers.
She aims it at the creature's head,
And bang bang bang, she shoots him dead.

A few weeks later, in the wood,
I came across Miss Riding Hood.
But what a change! No cloak of red,
No silly hood upon her head.
She said, "Hello, and do please note
My lovely furry wolfskin coat."

Three Little Pigs

2008-05-30T23:05:00.001+08:00

The Three Little Pigs
by Roald Dahl

The animal I really dig,
Above all others is the pig.
Pigs are noble. Pigs are clever,
Pigs are courteous. However,
Now and then, to break this rule,
One meets a pig who is a fool.
What, for example, would you say,
If strolling through the woods one day,
Right there in front of you you saw
A pig who'd built his house of STRAW?
The Wolf who saw it licked his lips,
And said, "That pig has had his chips."
"Little pig, little pig, let me come in!"
"No, no, by the hairs on my chinny-chin-chin!"
"Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in!"

The little pig began to pray,
But Wolfie blew his house away.
He shouted, "Bacon, pork and ham!
Oh, what a lucky Wolf I am!"
And though he ate the pig quite fast,
He carefully kept the tail till last.
Wolf wandered on, a trifle bloated.
Surprise, surprise, for soon he noted
Another little house for pigs,
And this one had been built of TWIGS!

"Little pig, little pig, let me come in!"
"No, no, by the hairs on my chinny-chin-chin!"
"Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in!"

The Wolf said, "Okay, here we go!"
He then began to blow and blow.
The little pig began to squeal.
He cried, "Oh Wolf, you've had one meal!
Why can't we talk and make a deal?
The Wolf replied, "Not on your nelly!"
And soon the pig was in his belly.

"Two juicy little pigs!" Wolf cried,
"But still I'm not quite satisfied!
I know how full my tummy's bulging,
But oh, how I adore indulging."
So creeping quietly as a mouse,
The Wolf approached another house,
A house which also had inside
A little piggy trying to hide.
"You'll not get me!" the Piggy cried.
"I'll blow you down!" the Wolf replied.
"You'll need," Pig said, "a lot of puff,
And I don't think you've got enough."
Wolf huffed and puffed and blew and blew.
The house stayed up as good as new.
"If I can't blow it down," Wolf said,
I'll have to blow it up instead.
I'll come back in the dead of night
And blow it up with dynamite!"
Pig cried, "You brute! I might have known!"
Then, picking up the telephone,
He dialed as quickly as he could
The number of red Riding Hood.

"Hello," she said. "Who's speaking? Who?
Oh, hello, Piggy, how d'you do?"
Pig cried, "I need your help, Miss Hood!
Oh help me, please! D'you think you could?"
"I'll try of course," Miss Hood replied.
"What's on your mind...?" "A Wolf!" Pig cried.
"I know you've dealt with wolves before,
And now I've got one at my door!"

"My darling Pig," she said, "my sweet,
That's something really up my street.
I've just begun to wash my hair.
But when it's dry, I'll be right there."

A short while later, through the wood,
Came striding brave Miss Riding Hood.
The Wolf stood there, his eyes ablaze,
And yellowish, like mayonnaise.
His teeth were sharp, his gums were raw,
And spit was dripping from his jaw.
Once more the maiden's eyelid flickers.
She draws the pistol from her knickers.
Once more she hits the vital spot,
And kills him with a single shot.
Pig, peeping through the window, stood
And yelled, "Well done, Miss Riding Hood!"

Ah, Piglet, you must never trust
Young ladies from the upper crust.
For now, Miss Riding Hood, one notes,
Not only has two wolfskin coats,
But when she goes from place to place,
She has a PIGSKIN TRAVELING CASE.

En pointe

2008-05-28T12:56:00.004+08:00

I feel kinda like I'm on the top of the world now.

Today marked the end of one of my four courses, Architectural Design, and it ended with a presentation of our assignment. If you recall, this is the one where we had actual clients come in and talk to us. the lovely ladies from High Tea with Mrs Woo were back again and this time to see the final work. Yeah, like all presentations I was feeling a little jittery, but confident that I had done a good job.

We were being assessed by two student tutors, one being my own tutor and the other from another group with whom I've had no interaction with. There are twelve groups in total, each divided into groups of ten. Through this time the lecturer (ie person-in-charge of this course) walked around sitting in for various presentations. The two clients did the same.

It so happened the lecturer and one of the clients was there for my presentation. (I was secretly pleased they were, because they were the best critiques, and were not obliged to be "nice" in any way) Halfway through presenting I realised both clients were there. And they liked my work! Apart from my assessors complimenting me on my technique, idea and flow of the work,(this was sufficient) the clients were interested enough to com up to where I was to look at my work more closely. The feeling was indescribable. JR, the lecturer was complimenting me on my drawings and saying things like far better for a first year student's work. The clients took up my model to hold and look at. Haha. JR commented on the form of my building saying it was pleasing to look at as well.

So, with that, he now knows my name. Watch for it, John Siow architects. (Insert REALLY big grin) I still know that my work is not perfect and it'll take awhile before I reach perfection. But that is why it's so fun, the journey.

But, what goes up must come down and I have to quickly ground myself for the reaming three assignments.

Speaking of highs, check out what I came across: Heels to kill

I think they look stunning, in a morbid kinda way... Every step a torture.

Links to the site: http://members.fortunecity.com/tchb1/balletboots.htm

Sight

2008-05-24T16:36:00.003+08:00

It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision.
-Helen Keller

Apple tunrover

2008-05-21T19:49:00.004+08:00

So, I tried my hand and baking pastry. The first batch was a tad burnt... But tasted ok.

Apple with mixed berry turnover

Apple turnover

Ok, I cheated.. The pastry was premade and frozen... But baby steps.

Wednesdays

2008-05-21T12:49:00.001+08:00

Wednesdays make Tuesday nights worth staying up for.

Reflections@Keppel

2008-05-19T16:12:00.004+08:00

I was browsing the net and came across Daniel Libeskind's work. I was actually looking at his Jewish Museum (He's of Jewish descent.)

I quite liked his concept and went to browse his site... And what do you know, I found a piece of architecture in Singapore designed by him! It just goes to show how much more I have to learn.

I'm not sure I like all his work though.

Lindt’s Excellence Chili Chocolate

2008-05-18T14:46:00.004+08:00

I've been having this habit of purchasing a bar of good, dark chocolte from the supermarket whenever I do my grocery shopping. (With the exception of two weeks ago when they ran a promo for buying two bars. How could I resist?)

I found Lindt’s Excellence Chili Chocolate and had to try some. What caught my eye was actually the bright red chilli. It pretty much stood out in the sea of chocolate-coloured packaging. I first heard about the fantastic chilli / chocolate combination from Joanne Harris's Chocolat, which went to be made into a film. Judi Dench's character was initially surprised at the mention of the combination but on first taste, fell in love with it.

The initial taste of this chocolate is creamy and even though it's dark chocolate, perhaps is a tad sweet. The chilli taste doesn't hit you till after you swallow, when the superb flavour of cocao dissolves to give way to this gentle warmness, more so around the back your throat. A very delicate balance of falvours. I try not the eat too much. Oh I try.

Jessica Alba The Stare Response

2008-05-18T14:23:00.007+08:00

For those who don't know... Jessica Alba made a video response to Kevjumba's challenge to the stare. I thought it was cool that she actually responded. Eventually it was posted to youtube (originally from ibeatyou.com) and a whole lot of men started posting very lewd comments. I think it's just sad that some men are like that. And it also made me think (for a short while) on the wonders of technology - how it bridges people from different walks of life.

And then as I was watching the video I thought the track was pretty darned catchy. Very nice beat to it and made me wanna dance! After some searching I found it. So, here it is, Tribulations by LCD Soundsystem. Didn't quite like the rest of their tracks though.

Uber cool wine decanter

2008-05-18T13:16:00.002+08:00

This one's for all the wine lovers out there. I suppose Nadia would love this.. Coz I do.

http://the-strange-decanter.blogspot.com/

Bad weather

2008-05-18T13:15:00.000+08:00

Oh, love this one.

http://www.raindropsto.com/product/Adult_Umbrellas/Unique_and_Novelty/index.html

Hole-y cow. This is sick

2008-05-17T22:21:00.002+08:00

No camera tricks here - that's a hole in each cow. The holes, called fistulas, allow scientist to perform experiments on the cow's digestive system.

I think it's sick.

Missing

2008-05-17T21:48:00.001+08:00

'missing' by nobody & co., is a set of seven uniquely designed yet similar chairs.

All that is gold does not glitter...

Circle

Life is tough

Christmas eve

Moldavite

Trichrome Blue

Agua Table by Domingos Tótora

The Weinerchaise by Andy Martin Associates

Brick wall

Modern day movie posters

Highway

Living bridges

Sliding house

Heaven of Delight

A flame in microgravity

Cat Shower 2 (Woody Style, very funny and cute) 猫ウッディーのシャワー2

Archi blink.

Fantaghirò - Mio Nemico

Yahoo Answers.

Milk crates

Twisted Princess

SOUR '日々の音色 (Hibi no neiro)'

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland

Stair Porn

Bri(n)ck

Tutorials

Sydney, May 09

Pictures that caught my attention.

Peanut

Inspiration

Drowned World

Food for thought

Seven Deadly Glasses by Kacper Hamilton

Asemic Scapes - Rehabilitation Center Rainberg by Sarah Schneider

Cadbury Eyebrows

Triflow tap by Zaha Hadid

You Found Me

One

Helix Nebula: The Eye of God

Scientists: True love can last a lifetime

Black hole

Wall-E vs vacuum cleaner

Amazing shot

Cheeky can

Lego rings

Gundam

Ian Kim's artwork

Mucus dispenser

Xtreme Geek

Morfai

Type the Sky

Man Chair

Bodylicious

Francoise Neilly

In all seriousness...

Contentment

And Fin, this one is for you.

More Lolcats

1 Corinthians 13:4

Richard told Chandler "Don't let her go."

Design for Poverty Competition Winner

'expanded portraits' by justin ponmany

Kanera sink

Fortis IQ watch by Rolf Sachs

Floating Chain Wine Bottle Holder

Ornament

Pushing the limits

Coolest pencils.

Atelopus frog

More youtube

Fred

Lolcats

Lolcats

My Little Pony turns 25.

London 2012 - I think it's shit.

One Mile Beach

Bloody hell, it's Spring.

Test you colour IQ

Irked

Onion Tarts

Cat Shower 2 (Woody Style, very funny and cute)　猫ウッディーのシャワー2