Re-connect. Dis-connect. I have been posting more randomly via Twitter and Plurk, thanks in large parts to my smart phone. Many nowadays just can't, or won't, sift through anything more than 140 characters.Sign of the times. We want to know things in an instant, with the least amount of fuss. When was the last time you sat down and had a conversation with someone without reference to a tweet, a post on your facebook wall, and in my case, a plurk?True that I have been communicating with many of you with the written word for the longest time. However, nothing beats sitting down over a nice hot kopi; seeing, hearing, giving each other a firm handshake or a warm hug.All this, whilst resisting the urge to check in on your online accounts via the mobile web.The weekend is coming up. Go out and talk to someone. Less is More. I was in danger of turning into my Mum. Hoarding items from days of yore; the movie ticket from the 1st date, boxes from gadgets bought over the years, old uniforms, dust collecting on electronics sitting in a sad corner at home, clothes bought on a whim. And tupperware... a lot of tupperware. It started out with a cabin bag that was excess to requirement. Then the 7.1 speaker system that wasn't making a squeak to the home theatre experience. Then the 5.1 DVD system which was a leftover for when my brother was staying with me. Good stuff, all of 'em, but bad use of space.So word was sent out that the Haus of Tiong was de-cluttering. Of course, one has to entice them people to show. Enter Wii, steamboat and Mahjong. How they love their mahjong... The trio combo were so successful that some forgot about picking up things for a good part of the day.However, some did go back with items that will get a new lease of life instead of sitting in a dark corner gathering sinus-inducing dust. Somewhere, someone out there is blasting their ears off with a newly acquired sound system, a room will be cooled down considerably by a large fan, stacks of CDs are being digitized into a huge archive, and hopefully someone will turn up with a better tan next time. And at Lor Ah Soo? I can see my kitchen. Again. Great way to...Wala! "So what are you going as tonight?""I assure you, it will banish any remnants of your hubby's halloween costume from years back.""OK onz, tonight I go Wala.."So it was to be Kevin's birthday on the 2nd Jan of 2010. With this crew there usually is a theme for their birthdays, but I think this really takes the cake. I assured them that the crowd will literally part for them even though it would be a full house by time they got to Wala after the birthday dinner.It occurred to me to head towards Mustaffa Centre. This place really has everything. It didn't take me long to locate the souvenir department and begin to find a size that will fit me. Luckily the costume is situated at a tiny corner so I could try it on right there, without shoppers thinking I had a particular fetish. Proceeded to make payment before whizzing off.Word must've got out to the Barflies, cuz by the time we got to Wala the turnout was big. The same people had rushed from a party from another end of the island to join those who, as usual, were there early for a table.For the first Sa-Thirst-day in 2010 at Wala, it definitely is memorable!!P.S. another theme party on the same night got totally pwned by ours! 2010 woots!! 12 ways to Christmas... On the first day of Christmas, the cowboybar gave to me... an AC/DC cd..hey!On the second day of Christmas, the cowboybar gave to me...2 headlights,and an AC/DC cd..Hey!on the third day of Christmas, the cowboybar gave to me..3 Wala furniture, 2 headlights, and an AC/DC cd..Hey! on the fourth day of Christmas, the cowboybar gave to me...4 xmm,3 wala furniture, 2 headlights, and an AC/DC cd..Hey!on the fifth day of Christmas, the cowboybar gave to me...5 pints-of-Kilkennnnnyy!!!4 XMM, 3 wala furniture, 2 big headlights, and an AC/DC cd...Hey!! on the sixth day of Christmas, the cowboybar gave to me.. 6 hours spent-in-office-plurking...5 PINTS_OF_KILKENNNNYYY!! 4xmm, 3 wala furniture, 2 big bouncy headlights, and an AC/DC cd..Hey!!on the seventh day of Christmas, the cowboybar gave to me... 7 NSFW links, 6 hours spentinofficeplurking..5 PINTS_OF_KILKENNNNYYY!!4xmm, 3 wala furniture, 2 big juicy bouncing headlights, and an AC/DC cd..Hey!!on the eighth day of Christmas, the cowboybar gave to me..8 googlewave invites, 7 NSFW links, 6hrsspentinofficeplurking...5 PINTS_OF_KILKENNNNYYY!!4xmm, 3 wala furniture, 2 big juicy bouncing headlights, and an AC/DC cd..Hey!!on the ninth day of Christmas, the cowboybar gave to me...9, mezza9 that is, 8 googlewave invites, 7 NSFW links,6hrs wastedinofficeplurking.5 PINTS_OF_SUPERCHILLED_KILKENNNNYYY!!4 chio xmm, 3 drunk wala furniture, 2 big juicy bouncing headlights, and an AC/DC cd..Hey!!on the tenth day of Christmas, the cowboybar gave to me...10-hank gawd we're almost done, 9, dinner at mezza9, 8 googlewave invites,7 freaky NSFW links, 6hrs might-as-well-go-home than wastetimeinofficeplurking... 5 PINTS_OF_SUPERCHILLED_KILKENNNNYYY!! (if 1for1 we get 10!)4 chio xmm with long legs, 3 drunk wala furniture headbanging, 2 big juicy bouncing headlights that are waiting to be teh-ed..and an AC/DC cd..Hey!on the eleventh day of Christmas, the cowboybar gave to me...11times this week i dun have a seat on the train..10-hankew for reading this..9, I also wanna go mezza9, 8 googlewave invites that nobody wants, 7 NSFW links,6hrs eatsnakeandplurking..5 PINTS_OF_beautiful, super chilled,KILKENNNNYYY!! 4 chio xmm long legs, short skirts, 3 drunk wala furniture doing air guitar now,2 headlights waiting to be teh-ed..and an AC/DC cd..Hey! on the twelfth day of Christmas, the cowboybar gave to me...the 12th men for the other team (referee kayuuu),11 times I had to smell armpit cuz I dun have a seat..10-hankew, preese cum again..9, I also wanna go mezza9!8 screw googlewave invites, so laggy one7 freaky NSFW videos which had 2 female barflies in Bangkok with a random chick tourist after a bottle of vodka..6hrs i spent pretending to work but i actually plurking5 pints of CHIlled KILKEENNNAAAYYYY!!4 chio xmm, long legs, short skirts, preferably commando for the night. 3 wala furniture kena blacklisted cuz they actually tried to climb on stage and play the guitar.. with Rene still holding it. 2 boing boing headlights.AND AN AC-freaking rocks-DC cd................................. HEY!! Lions whimper at the Grand Dame of Kallang... So I was given 2 complimentary tickets to watch our National Lions play against Thailand for the AFC Asia Cup qualifier.With nothing to do till my regular jaunt to Wala Wala (we call it SaThirstDay now..) , I asked my new friend James to join me. Great chance for him to soak in some local action too.We had a quick lunch opposite the Geylang Lorong 1 bus terminal. The mutton briyani at Banana Leaf is pretty decent. Whilst washing down the food with a cup of teh tarik, James asked about the price of the ticket.Then it hit me.I had stuff everything plus the kitchen sink into my bermuda pockets, except for the tickets!!Feeling rather stupid, we made our way there on foot with the rest of the supporters to the stadium. The drinks and food temporary stalls were doing brisk business. James took some photos whilst I took everything in with my Vado HD. The National Stadium is slated to be torn down. When? Nobody knows, cuz they been pushing back the demolition date too many times. Looking at it, I do not think it is necessary to be reduced to rubble. All they really need to do is put in proper seating instead of the benches, add 2 jumbo screens and a roof. And voila! I suspect it would cost less than tearing it down and building a new one all over again.Now you probably asking, what about the match?It ended 1-3. The Thais didn't play that well, but Singapore sucked even more. The only upside was that we didn't have to watch the match in the rain.And I was soooo looking forward to using my 100yen rain jacket... 21st.. Barfly style! There's only one way to celebrate your birthday... BarFly Style!!Now that you are 21, there are a few things you should take note of;1. Flashing the 'V' sign while taking photos is not cute anymore hokaay?!2. If you wanna talk to a girl, just walk up to her and do so. Don't send a whole section of boys to do it for you, and pretend that you just want to take a photo.3. Filling your stomach before a night of heavy drinking; Good idea. Ordering dory fish with heavy cream sauce; Bad idea.4. The sing title is "Don't Stop Me Now", not "Having A Good Time".5. Don't keep dissin' the CowboyBar/BarFlies, you will kena your just deserts many many times over one.All in all, you performed admirably. And had the good sense to merlion very, very far away.Happy Birthday, chow-keng Robin! test post test post with anypost Mercy, Mercy me Sometimes it takes just a picture, a few line in the papers to get people moving. Now, I am not talking about Ris Low, or Tracy Ang. Those are fodder for idle time.It was the typhoon that is sweeping across parts of SE Asia that did it for me. Pictures of helpless folks stranded by the floods, children who have lost their homes, families still trying to beef up their rickety abode against mother nature...I went over to Mercy Relief Singapore's and read about their efforts there. http://www.mercyrelief.org/?p=1041Hence, I started my weekend with a trip to the ATM and promptly transferred a modest amount to help Mercy Relief in their efforts.It was probably what I would be spending at my favourite watering hole the same weekend anyways. 36@Wala Wala If you look at either side of this post you will see pictures and video of my party at Wala Wala. Suffice to say I thoroughly enjoyed myself, more so because I managed to stay upright till the end of the night.On an earlier date with some friends, after a nice home cooked meal, they popped out a cake for me. I almost singed my eyebrows trying to blow out all the candles...Next time 1 candle can liao, okay?My better half had planned thursday night around a "Rockstar" theme and gave out KISS masks that she lovingly made by hand. We had fun walking around in it and taking many many photos. The Gene Simmons one was the crowd favourite, no surprise there.Geriatric Gene Simmons on the leftI was prepared to be subjected to the Waterfall treatment, a birthday staple amongst us, but was not ready for the 2nd one, as can be seen from the video. There can ever only be ONE waterfall per birthday...Nice T-shirt, very apt ain't it?My own birthday treat? An upgrade to a Flickr pro account, and carting back a foldy back from Japan.Pwhaaa!!!Thanks to all that showed up, and those who sms-ed me birthday wishes.Now excuse me while I go feel the burn from all *pant that *pant cycling *pant ... Gone paperless 2 years ago I was all gungho about being involved in club activities. It was refreshing, challenging, and gave me a sense of belonging. The energy within the committee was electric. Though not smooth all the time, the clubs are managed well enough.As with most of what I do though, I got bored. The meetings, the logistics, the paperwork. Oh the paperwork!! I have taken on more than I can chew. Productivity on my part came to a halt. It was not doing both clubs any good for me to stay on.And so I stepped down. It is a win-win. I can continue to like what the clubs are doing for members, and still maintain a casual, civil relationship with the exco.I shall stick to organizing random ctivities on the fly with the motley crew I hang with. More fun in that.And look, no paperwork!! $trong currency After the last outing to Drama Centre, I was really hoping that the night out to Esplanade turns out much better.And it did indeed.I remember I was in a cab when some Mandarin radio station deejay was interviewing one of the cast members, Emma Yong, who did her Chinese best in that interview, haltingly. My ears perked up when I heard that Singapore's queen of drag, Kumar and my boyhood Asia Bagus host, Najip Ali, are part of the ensemble in this production!Helmed by Selena Tan of Dim Sum Dollies fame, $ingDollar promised much right from the 1st night it opened. One only has to have a feel of the programme for this musical to see that it is bank-rolled a well sponsored one, even if it doesn't make much ticket sales, which I highly doubt.$ingDollar does well to engage the audience; with a familar setting (Geylang) , the standard stereotypes (most Bhangladeshis are muslims and CAN eat beef, as explained by Kumar's character as, what else, the foreign labourer) , and scores of ditties that poke fun at anything and everything local-centric. All this was played out with an actual live band behind, and the sets look great.I especially enjoyed the Micheal Jackson 'tribute' which they worked in, with men who were until recently held in high regard but landed in deep shite taking their turns doing their MJ thang. Heck they even managed to work a disgraced monk into the number!Brilliant.The trio of Selena, Emma and Pam are good, dimsumdollying their way around. Kumar was the funny one, ad-libbing his way through at some parts. Najip Ali is the better dancer, Hossan Leong the better singer. Lim Kay Siu is the veteren, whilst Sebastian Tan... well let's just say I am not streching my neck out for his Broadway Beng production coming soon.The musical is the a great sum of all the above talents, and worth wearing something smarter than bermudas and flip flops for.4/5 stars!P.S. What's with the local audience being so stingy with a standing ovation, har?! Shooting Blanks It has been a while since I watched any theatre/play/musical. So I was hyped up about watching "Own Time Own Target", a play centering around National Service.I didn't understand though, how it had to be 2 hours or more for something that has National Service as a backdrop. It's been done before and seriously, there are only those few jokes you can tell about NS before it gets old.The play made up of 2 halves, each with its own storyline (hence, Own Time Own Target?). Part 1 was ok, with the actors taking a stab at a recent security lapse that happened locally. It did illicit some snide guffaws from me, but that was it. Part 2 began promisingly, with the familiar backdrop of the 1st fourteen days in BMT. I could identify with the charactors portrayed, especially the Seargent (NOT the one whose only line was "CHEEEEEEBYE") who reminded me of my own whilst on Tekong. Smiling Tiger we used to call him...Part 2 was excruciatingly long, and too pink even for a neutral like me. By the umpteenth ditty the performers put on I was looking at my watch, wondering when all the farce was gonna end.And how I bolted outta that exit door.P.S. The night did end nicely, with us cheonging all the way down to Wala Wala for the last set. Now THAT is a show!! PP..PUI!! via Lancerlord Better late than never... .flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Main and sides, originally uploaded by ahtiong73_. It been a while since I met the motley crew for a nice meal.It was through a casual conversation on plurk, coupled with the fact that I could not get a decent meal without burning a hole in my pocket whilst in Zurich, that I suddenly had a craving for curry fish head.More plurking here and there, and after some googling, we settled for Ocean Curry Fish Head at Toa Payoh Lorong 8. I actually saved my tummy the whole day for this!The thing to note about the group, some of us are fashionably late. 6pm became 7pm, meaning we settled down by 8pm. Those that got there early had ordered ahead-thankew JF and Aloe, so by the time we plonked ourselves down the table started filling up with plate after plate of delectable dishes.Won't go into a detailed review but suffice to say all were well satisfied. The mouth didn't stop moving; we were either wolfing down the food or engaging in light-hearted banter. Not bad for $10/head.We walked off the heavy meal...to another food area. Durians were bought this time to go with more refreshments. An eager drink stall lady had to come back to us twice for orders. Some of us had the bright idea to wash the durians down with beer. Mistake.The gang dispersed slowly from 10pm onwards. All that food made me dizzy, and I dozed off on bed promptly.Sunday rounded off nicely. Gooners Gone Bald 5th July 2009 will have a significant place in my heart.This was the day that 10 Arsenal fans went to Novena, Velocity to have their heads shaved in support of Childrens Cancer Foundation, on their annual Hair for Hope event.If you would like to support this worthy cause too, consider pledging your donations to any of these guys below. Words of encouragement are welcome too!Arsenal Singapore Botaks!! Moblog: Dim Sum Jolly Betcha this is gonna cost waaay more in Singapore...33 portions, grand total of S$90 for 6 persons nia!! Moblog: Back on track First 5km in years. Now excuse me while I drop dead... 45 days, due West It's been running in my head, bad pun I know, for a while now.Many want it, some have embarked on it, others are just sitting it on their asses (that would be yours truly).Well, not anymore.On 2nd of August, we will be heading to West Coast Park for a 5km fun run/walk/blading/cyckling(kids only this one)/dog walking/drinking outing.45days to D-Day.Now, where are my dang Mizunoes...? Mr. Wenger pops into Singapore for a night. 沉迷 沉迷。我太沉迷了。。。何时才能自拔，何时才能解脱。。。 Moblog: Theme night gone wrong... Simply Hair Raising Arsenal's season might be over, but here at Arsenal Singapore we still plan for activities for our fanclub. There will definately be a kickabout to keep them feet busy amongst members. Since I am not so good on my feet, I am concentrating on contributing to the community...The first time I came to know about Hair for Hope was when friends of mine signed up as a volunteer shavee, and since I can't shave mine due to my line of work, I pledged against their names. I got in touch with the foundation recently, on behalf of Arsenal Singapore, and now am proud to say that we are working with Children's Cancer Foundation on their Hair for Hope 2009 project.Creating awareness amongst a football fanclub is not easy, with many just content with watching the football being played on the big screen. With email blasts to members, and a stack of flyers, bit by bit I am hoping to reach out to more. Members are being roped in to volunteers to shave their hair in support of children who lose theirs while receiving treatment. The event will be held at Novena Square on 05July, and Arsenal Singapore will be making their presence felt.If you wish to make a contribution, please go to here to pledge any amount through our members, it's all going to a good cause.ArsenalSG volunteer shaveesSee? Some good DOES come outta watching 22 men run around chasing a ball on a field! Moblog: Shirlyn-less Thursday An alternative, perhaps? Fourteen days later Recap of the past 2 weeks...FamilyAfter Shirlyn jet off to LA to pursue her passion in yoga, my Mummy dearest celebrated her 70th birthday with a dinner that had a huge turnout. She has worked hard all her life, and deserved the bash 101%!PlayPlenty of it. Movies, Wii gathering, a great dinner party with good friends, capped off with a vacation in Boracay. Woots!ArsenalThey are not a convincing force this season, though they do have their moments. That we were not in contention for the top spot was glaringly apparent. To not grab the FA cup was a disappointment. To reach the semi-finals, only to concuss over 2 legs, was both a high, and a frustrating low. As a fan, I can only keep the faith and see a newer, tougher team emerge next season.WorkI don't start till the 17th. Jealous right?! Walking into the Pit! This is as big as it gets. And a few of us are throwing ourselves right in the line of fire, by visiting the Devil's Cafe at Boat Quay, home of some team thats playing us...Oh yeah..THOSE buggers!!THE ARSENAL!! Pause. Rewind. Play Will miss hearing her... Raising Shirlyn A little bird told me about this while I was at Timbre last night, so excuse me for rushing this out."Another reason to get Farce FaceBook la, deh.." my friend says.Bah.So we all know that my sis, Shirlyn, is embarking on her journey to be a fully qualified yoga teacher. I don't need to say again how her gigs at Timbre and Wala has sustained many of us for the countless weekends beginning on Thursdays.Yes. Her fees have been paid. Yes. Airfare has been taken care of. There's the little detail of expenses though.. And this is where I suspect many of her friends have came in to assist. "The "Yogini Bear" Fund Fundraising for Shirlyn's Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Palm Springs Host: Shirlyn Tan Type: Causes - Fundraiser Network: Global Date: Monday, April 20, 2009 Time: 8:00pm - 11:00pm Location: Blu Jaz Cafe Street: Bali Lane ( near Arab Street) City/Town: Singapore, Singapore Email: info.shirlyntan@gmail.com Description:Come share Shirlyn's dream of becoming a Certified Bikram Yoga Teacher! She has taken the first big step to being accepted for the Spring 09 Bikram Yoga Teacher Training from 26th April to 28th June in Desert Springs. Now she needs all the help she can get to raise funds for her fees and expenses. We hope to raise a humble $5,000 tonight to help her along with her food and expense. Door Charge: a minimum of $15. There's no stopping you should you feel the urge to help a little bit more. Two sets of acoustic music performances by Shirlyn & The UnXpected One sizzling performance by Belly Dancer Belinda of Sahara Sundance. Auction items: One Belly Dancing Lesson with Belinda A date with Carrie Lim (Shirlyn's lovely, single flatmate!) 5 weekly passes for Bikram Yoga at Bikram Yoga City Hall" If you've sang along to "I Will Survive", "Geeeeylang", "Master of Puppets", "Window" with her...you'll be there on Monday.If you've celebrated your birthday with her, your engagement with her, your break-ups with her...you'll be there on Monday.If you ever came across her on FaceBook, at the smoking corner, in the neighbourhood...you'll be there on Monday.You've always enjoyed what Shirlyn has brought to you. If her songs have made you laugh, made you cry, made you drunk...you'll make it on Monday.Be there.Monday. Moblog: Moscow, baby! At St. Basil's Cathedral on Red Square The early bird... So some of you might already know.My sister Shirlyn, who leads The UnXpected, will be going away for 9 weeks from the end of April.Time to get in line early at Wala Wala (still the best place to hear her) on Thursdays and Saturdays.Shirlyn is off to LA...SoonIf you would like to show her some support while she's still rocking it out, get one of the groupie tee that I've came up with.GSML; UnXpected Groupie TeeThe message is simple, but it'll put a smile on her face. That, plus singing and dancing to her kick-ass gigs!!