October 11
Posted by: slipperynipples on: April 15, 2009
Guess who else is getting married on the same day as Andrew and Me?
Another wedding dinner will be held in Malacca for Christopher’s Malaysian relatives and friends on October 11
I think ID bands are the best investion ever, and its not just for the runners/cyclists but even those who might have medical problems and medics need to know on hand.
The ID Band’s concept is simple, its a single, silicon-type band with your name, medical information and emergency contact printed on it. It comes with different colors, and looks alot like the Lance Armstrong bands that started the entire craze.
I took it out for a test run, and apart from how it looks I’m a little disappointed in the overall design of the band. I ran a total of 7.7km at Bishan Park. Obviously I didn’t put it to good use, no one wears an ID band in hope of using it, so the test run was all about the comfort and the useability of the band.
The ID Band came in a nicely packaged box, with all the necessary vendor information that you need. I expected the important information to be cut into the band. The website mentioned that all the important information is “laser burned” onto the band. My name was etched onto the band, but I’m unsure about the important information on the underside of the band. If it was laser etched, the etching feels a little too shallow, and because the etching is then filled with a light colored ink (mine was a green band and cream/white colored text), my concern was that the ink might fade after awhile.
On my band, it does look like some parts of my name was already fading, but it could be because of the laser etching more than anything else. But if the ink does fade, then your name and all important information would be the same color as the band.
Which was a problem.
Secondly, the emergency contact and medical information is printed on the inside of the band so if anything happens, I wonder if the paramedics would take time to flip the band over to check all the necessary info. Also, because the inside of the band comes into closer contact with skin and sweat compared to the outside, it is more susceptible to fading. Again, the etching here felt a little shallow, so I don’t know if in times of emergency, people will take time to figure out what the hell is on the band, and that defeats the purpose in the first place right?
I also wished that the band was adjustable. Not everyone fits into three sizes, and while I just barely fit into the size I ordered, I wondered what would happen if I lost or gained weight, would I need to order new bands? Also the stretching when it came to putting on the band and slipping it off after exercise would surely compromise the integrity of the band.
That aside, the ID Band does look good, so you don’t look like a total dork wearing it. If you’re used to wearing bands and bracelets, you might not even need to take it off. My skin gets irritated easily so I have to slip it off after a run, no questions asked.
Cost wise, at $18.80 a band, its not a hefty price to pay for those “just in case” situations, just like its not too much to pay a couple of hundreds every month for insurance. You get a 10% discount when you purchase 5 bands or more. A local merchant is also good for those who tend to be paranoid still about the whole buying online thing, especially from overseas merchants.
Overall, I would still recommend the ID Band for a simple solution for the recreational runner, if you’re a little more hardcore, you might want to look into something else.
Let the Right One In
Posted by: slipperynipples on: March 7, 2009
The film is about a lonely boy, a seemingly smart, outcast in school that meets lonely girl, a smarter outcast of society. Oskar lives with his mother and visits his father who could be questioningly gay every weekend. He gets taunted by the bullies in school but doesn’t know how to fight back. In the evenings, he goes out to the courtyard at his apartment and exacts revenge on a tree trunk.
Eli moves in one night with a much older man, presumable her guardian/slave. She appears to Oskar only at night but declares that she can’t be his friend.
But she’s a kid who craves for company, not just her bumbling guardian/slave who could never seem to get things right. He goes out late at night to get blood for Eli, but keeps getting foiled. He gets interrupt mid-tapping by a dog and its owners, gets interrupted even before he could kill the next victim for Eli.
Eventually the child-couple falls in love, but as we all know, these relationships don’t come easy.
Think of Let the Right One In as the Swedish version of Twilight. Only it is alot less Hollywood, and alot more honest. Brutally honest. And violent.
The cinematography reminds me of another film “Dancer in the Dark”. There are no camera frills, no surprises, no fancy things that you see in Hollywood movies. Just stark and still visuals to make you focus on the story. Close up shots are used often especially for the two star-crossed loves (as Shakespeare might’ve put in had he seen this film), seemingly to tell the audience – the worldview is as simple as it can ever be, why can’t we all be like them?
Kåre Hedebrant’s portraying of Oskar is ernest. You sense his loneliness, his social awkwardness, and his sincerity with Eli. Lina Leandersson was marvellous as Eli, who you could imagine rising as Queen of Darkness if she ever grows up. Her portrayal of the character is a good contrast to Oskar’s innocence, you get a sense of wordliness, weariness and maturity, but at the same time she longs and craves for the company and innocence of a child just like her.
For those expecting horror and gore in this film, don’t bother. Let the Right One In is a genuine film exploring social issues and relationships under a romantic, idealistic storyline involving two young children who seem to know more about life than they ever should.
Why an ID band will save your life
Posted by: slipperynipples on: March 5, 2009
My joints have spent years being abused by excessive pounding, and belonging to an owner who, in her youth, thought she was invincible and never let her injuries heal completely before roughing it out again. I am also accident prone, and when I run, I make sure the music doesn’t just play, it rocks my ears.
I’m an accident waiting to happen, I’ll admit. Whether I’m running on the pavement along the roads or around Bedok Reservoir, I’m bound to either get myself in an accident.
Believe me, I do try to prevent these things from happening, like going slower, or not running at all, or even not having the music pounding in my ears. But what am I doing to do if I don’t run, and why should I run if I can’t push myself? Worse still, how to run when I can’t listen to what motivates me to go faster and further?!?
I can’t prevent accidents from happening to me, but at least when it happens, strangers and paramedics will know *exactly* who to call and important things like my blood type, allergies, etc.
Which are what goes on an ID band, so if the extreme ever happens to me when I’m running (like collapse from, I don’t know, too much of the good music coursing through my veins), at least I won’t be just another statistic, or one of those Jane Does lying unconscious in the hospital.
And thats good to know for every runner, isn’t it?
Bananas
Posted by: slipperynipples on: February 12, 2009
Heard in the office:
Me: “Sam’s banana is bigger than mine”
Sheena: “A big banana may not be a sweet one”
Heh heh.
The Travel Blog
Posted by: slipperynipples on: February 12, 2009
Travel posts and pictures up here: http://wanderlustfulbears.wordpress.com
Nike+ iPod Sport Kit
Posted by: slipperynipples on: January 26, 2008
- In: MacGeekery
- 4 Comments
So, having had little to zero motivation for running around the estate since I’ve moved out from hall, I decided to put in a little investment for the greater good. The Nike+ iPod Sport Kit promises to revolutionize the way you run, and I thought it was a good way to add in a little motivation for my running with the prospects of being able to visualize my runs in a really geeky way.
The easy thing was walking into iShop or EpiCentre @ Orchard or any Nike store for that matter to get the kit. At $55, the kit comes with a sensor which you attach to your shoe. The receiver goes into your iPod Nano which transmits your run data from the sensor and stores it directly into your iPod, which you can then upload them onto the Nike+ Website.
Getting the iPod Nano, unfortunately, wasn’t as easy. Having already owned a 4th Generation iPod Photo and currently using Andrew’s iPod Video, I obviously had no other need for a brand new iPod Nano. I settled for a 2G 4GB iPod Nano to do the job. For those who have a 1G and hear rumours that it doesn’t work with the Nike+, fret not. The Nike+ is made to work with all generations iPod Nano.
If paying another $200 for a pair of Nike+ shoes seems like the single greatest obstacle to getting started, fret not. While it may be recommended to use the kit with a Nike+ running shoe, there are plenty of ways to attach the sensor to any pair of shoe at the same time achieving rather accurate results. The Marware Sportsuit Sensor+ offers what could be one of the most secure way to attach the sensor to your laces. Other alternatives include the SwitchEasy Runaway, and what could be the cutest pouch ever, the Shoe Pouch. For the minimalist, you could even attach two pieces of velcro to both your sensor and the tongue of your shoe, secure it with laces, and you’re (probably) good to go.
If you’re the type who doesn’t like to hold on to anything while running, there are plenty of options for armbands, pouches, and built in pockets for iPod (from the Nike+ Apparel range). I managed to get a good deal from EpiCentre who by the way, is having a sale right now as we speak. I got myself a DLO Action Jacket which doubles up as a case when you’re not running with it. It features an adjustable armband which works fine on my wrist and while snug, isn’t too difficult to remove or insert. The problem is that the Action Jacket probably wasn’t made for the Nike+ in mind so securing the iPod with the velcro flap would be almost impossible. However, the snug fit ensures that even without the velcro flap your iPod stays where it should be.
Apart from the cost (which is very little if you already own an iPod Nano), setting up and using the kit is easy. Just attach the receiver to your iPod, attach the sensor to your shoe and you’re ready to calibrate and use it for running and/or walking. The Nike+ features various programs for you to customize your workout to, much like the kinds you see on a treadmill at the gym. You can programme it to keep to a timeframe, distance or even for calorie burning. There are voice sensors which provide feedback for your workout, including a Powersong feature, which allows you to select your favourite workout tune to. Otherwise, you can also choose to stick to a Basic workout, running to your selected playlist while the Nike+ keeps track of the distance and time during your run.
Once you’re ready to upload your runs, all you have to do is to plug in your iPod to your computer, much like how you would sync your iPod and iTunes does the rest. Your runs would be uploaded to the Nike+ website (which you would need an account for), and you’re done.
While it may seem like a hassle to have to connect to a website to see your runs, it is unfortunately the only way so far to track progress. The Nike+ website however, makes it all worth it. Once on the Java-based site, you are able to compete against other people, join other users in making a resolution, set your own targets and contribute your own run route to the Map section. Likewise, it also allows you to check out the routes others have taken, together with information about that route. For the really geeky, widgets (for both PC and Mac) are available for download. There are currently two available, one for goals and the other for challenges.
I would say that the Nike+ kit makes it easy to run. From the geek’s point of view, its the fact that you can actually customize and upload your progress that makes the entire process more appealing and motivating. For the more economic minded, think of it as getting more mileage out of your iPod, and at the end of the day if you still feel unmotivated after buying the Nike+ Sport Kit, think of the amount of money spent on accessories just to get started. It may all be worth it.
Mac-Tips
Posted by: slipperynipples on: January 25, 2008
- In: McD's
- Leave a Comment
Joe Hahn of LP once joked on CNA that the best thing about being a rock star is that you get fresh fries from MacDonalds. Then he later gave an important advice to his fans in Asia; if you want fresh fries, always order fries without salt because then they’d have to fry up a fresh batch just for you since the salt would’ve been added into the previous batch already.
I think everyone should go and try it out.
Here’s something else we should try.
The Mac Pie A La Mode is a MacDonalds apple pie (or other kind of pie like wildberry) and a McFlurry eaten together in harmony.
Step 1: Purchase 1 or 2 pies (2 pies if your going for the value menu) and a plain McFlurry (no condements like smarties).
Step 2: Depending on how you would like to enjoy your Mac Pie A La Mode, you can take a chunk of pie and scoop some ice cream or (as I like to do it) make a hole in the center of the McFlurry and insert the pie, and taking scoops of ice cream and pie at the same time.
*There are other variations of the Mac Pie A La Mode such as mixing the pie in with the ice cream.
Taken from Urban Dictionary.
Dumb Blonde. Like Seriously.
Posted by: slipperynipples on: December 4, 2007
- In: WTF
- Leave a Comment
Seriously?!?? Seriously.
‘Nuff said.
Seriously.
Rawwwwk Onn
Posted by: slipperynipples on: November 14, 2007
Linkin Park Live.
Before the concert started. I was in line at about 5pm with Matt (we were first in line!). Two girls joined us at 5.30pm. Waited til like 7pm before we could finally get in. It was hilarious. They removed the barriers and we all happily took a few steps forward. Then..
Ushers: Wait wait!! We need your tickets.
Us: Uh okay. *gives them tickets to tear out the stub*
Ushers: Ok you can go in now.
*walks into the entrace where the security was waiting*
Security: Wait wait!! Where are the ushers?!?
Us: huh? *after a minute* Oh they tore our tickets already
Security: Ok you can go
*half-runs a few steps forward*
Security: wait wait!! Need to give you the tag!!
Us: Uh okay..*retracks footsteps*
*after putting the tags around our wrists*
Security: ok you can go now
Us: for real ah?
*charges ahead to an empty Pen B*
Yes, yes. We were first to arrive (because we were first in queue) and we picked like the best spot in the house you can get for $128. Right smack in the middle, right in front of the barriers so we get support when we jump up and down. Then we bitched and yelled in futility for another 2 hours before the show finally started.
I don’t remember the order of the show but I was bloody hoarse after the first song. They started with Wake, then it was No More Sorrow (I think).
The arena. We were nearer to the stage than it seemed. It was only now that I’m editing this picture that I realise the marvels of my 3.2mp camera phone because when I see this picture in full size I can actually make out the individual band members on stage. This was about 1/3 or 1/2 through the show where the screen came on with the logo, can change colour somemore.
Anyway, it was great rocking out with the guys. Was with Matt, Lenoil, Sharifah (whom I hadn’t seen since Sec 4 – 8 years ago), her friends and Kiat. All of us were bloody aching by the end of the night. But it was a good experience. LP as usual played a good show. We all enjoyed ourselves. Of course there will always be people who complained. Like those in the seating areas who say that the people in the mosh pit weren’t happening enough. And that LP wasn’t interacting with the crowd enough. In case they didn’t notice, which I guess they didn’t since they were so bloody far away, Chester kept shoving the mike into the crowd. Which has got to count for something. This is probably the most times he did that in a show because I was watching the PR shows and it wasn’t as much. And as for interacting, what, you expect them to play games with you? We all pay money to see a band PERFORM, and LP did exactly that.
Maybe they expect these guys to jump around on stage like some teenybopper band, I don’t know. But I think LP hasn’t been doing that for awhile. And its not the stage antics that everyone is there for anyway.
And for those who say that the mosh pit wasn’t happening, just because you can’t fork out the extra $50 or so to be standing with the crowd, don’t say the grapes are sour.
To those who paid $148 to sit on the floor half of the show? Find a better place to spend your money.
Ok, I need to go find a good massage studio now.
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