Smiling back at you, Bangkok

Posted on Friday December 4, 2009 in Personal, Travel.

I admit that I might have been too biased with memories smeared by past experiences. Bangkok cab service has definitely improved. Though still consistently trapped in the good old heavy traffic, I did not once fear for my life. Previously. zigzagging cabs in tight one-way streets flipped my heart arteries all the time. Because of that, I have always rejected vacation ideas that will land me in this city.

Beijing cleaned up for the Olympics. Singapore put up prettier Christmas lights for APEC. If Bangkok has changed because of some event, I am very happy that whatever-that-is has taken place here.

I commented one night that this city is full of Manhattan-like lights. Then I was reminded that this is really the city of smiles. Yes indeed. It has even rubbed off on the usually stoic customs officers. Not just in the official airport where they are probably contractually binded to smile at tourists, even the tireless ones in the free trade zones are surprisingly nice.

I may actually be ready to return for a touristy visit soon. But right now, I just want a confirmed flight home.

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Regressing by a T

Posted on Monday November 23, 2009 in Technology., Web.

I have a bad web/tech habit. I hang onto memories of old stuff – flamboyant site designs (non-grid and creatively charged), people who write commentaries and document their lives (the word blog was not invented till much later), web awards that went beyond popularity, literally brick-like mobile phones, and Palm OS!

Tungsten

Decided to resync my Tungsten T and use it for the rest of 2009. It is well-deserved, after all, I couldn’t live without it between 2003 – 2006.

What are you hanging onto?

Thread(less)ing the iPhone

Posted on Friday November 20, 2009 in Shopping., Web.

I was a fan of the cult tee, Threadless. Even though I did feel slightly cheated when I realised that they are sewn with threads. Eh, that aside, I outgrew them.

Anyway if you are rocking the iPhone (soon to have larger SG fan base by end of 2009) and simply adore the quirky designs of Threadless, now you can have both. Well two designs at the moment, I’m sure more will come. With the collaboration between Threadless and Griffin, you can be totally coordinated with matching tee and iPhone cover.
Threadless on iPhone

It can be a little weird, considering the cover looks like a mini-me.

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Xperia multiplied!

Posted on Wednesday November 11, 2009 in Technology.

It has been announced for a week and I just found out1 – Sony Ericsson is launching Xperia X10 in early 2010. Though likely they are trying to join in the “2010” number hype, one wonders if it is indeed 10x better than the predecessors in the same line.

Xperia X10

First look available at Engadget – quick review with pictures and videos.

Of course, it is based on Android. So for anyone who is a iPhone or WM fan, this announcement has no meaning. Then again, who knows. Tech-toys have grown to a state where nothing is truly irreplaceable or will last forever. The saying is so applicable in the digital movement – if you live long enough, you will see (insert some tech evolution that is not presently unimaginable). But I digress.

Back in Feb 2008, SE announced Xperia X1 with bells and whistles that dazzled everyone. Then as the year rolled on, HTC and Apple saturated the market and X1 began to feel like soggy old news. I am now fearing the same for X10. With Android 1.6, it has already fallen behind Motorola Droid which is on 2.0. SE will need to pick up speed or risk disappointing the public once again.

Except for the lack of a hardware keyboard, X10 has what I enjoy in a phone. I am a little concerned with the availability of user support e.g. XDA like. Hopefully, the community will sprout soon and fast. And one more thing, I don’t get the fascination of social-media-in-a-phone. It is not chicken biscuit, you know.

  1. Have been so caught up with Lumix GF-1 [↩]
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Good news, only good news

Posted on Tuesday November 10, 2009 in Music., Personal

Do you remember the first movie you have ever watched? Or the first ice cream? Or the first time you come across an amazing sunrise? If you know me, you will know that I don’t have the best memory. While it is a mystery why, I do remember one thing. The first English song I ever heard and loved.

A Little Good News by Anne Murray

I must have been in primary school then. I don’t quite recall how I came to know about it but bits of the song have been floating in my head for years. And today, I actually remember the full song!

There’s a local paper rolled up in a rubber band
One more sad story’s one more than I can stand
Just once how I’d like to see the headline say
“Not much to print today, can’t find nothin’ bad to say”, because
Nobody robbed a liquor store on the lower part of town
Nobody OD’ed, nobody burned a single buildin’ down
Nobody fired a shot in anger, nobody had to die in vain
We sure could use a little good news today

Very true.

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F4T – The White Dog Cafe

Posted on Thursday October 8, 2009 in Gourmet.

It is not my intention to review food. Small pictures which cannot induce salivation does not help, I am aware. Bear with it while I move back on track.

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White Dog Cafe @ Vivocity has always failed to interest me. Maybe because of the name1, maybe because I am tired of another Fish’n’Chips. Anyway, out of options, we decided to try the only place that does not have a snaking queue. Says alot huh.

Staff is adequately friendly, carrying out standard protocol throughout the dining experience. Restaurant has a good view of Sentosa, or rather the construction on the island. The seats are comfortable enough to have a sit-down dinner for 3 hours.

If you are a lover of lobster bisque, you would be disappointed. Thin and somewhat fishy. Good portion and decent warm garlic bread. The leading soup, sadly, lacks the luscious creamy body.
Lobster Bisque

Calamari cannot fail, right? The squid fritter is crunchy on both the inside and out. The crumbs made it taste like fish sticks, probably similar batter. No complaints really. Just a personal observation.
Squid fritters

Not my dish but the batter is way too thick. Generous portions with limp salad. Ignoring the odd cabbage strips and thick coating, the fish is pretty well prepared. Good sized chips too.
Traditional Fish and Chips

The Margarita pizza is succulent! My all-time favourite pizza topped with smoked chicken. Yes I cheated. Just the right amount of bubbling cheese and herbs, with a tomato base that does not overwhelm the white meat. Inspired!
Margarita or Margherita Pizza slice

I will go back just for the oven-baked slice again, and for that Berry Banana Bonanza smoothie too.

  1. why do they call themselves that, I don’t get. [↩]
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