Archive | July, 2010

Flirt with Nintendo Gameboy Nanoloop

27 Jul

12 years since I last touched a gameboy.. nostalgic feeling to the max. My definition of relax during my pre-teen years was listen to my walkman while playing my gameboy and a bottle of coke by my side. Ah what luxury!

My colleague friend, who’s a music synthesis junkie brought this to work to show me how cool a toy this is. Behold! the Nintendo Gameboy Nanoloop!

Nanoloop is a mobile music software that provides all functionality you need to create nice electronic music. With its clear, minimalistic interface it plays almost like a game while still allowing for complex musical structures as well as sheer noise. – Oliver Wittchow

I like one word from that sentence, minimalistic…

4x4 grid sequencer

It’s like the cartridge works as the sound library and the gameboy console is the midi controller. The developer has also created Nanoloop for iPhone. Still thinking if I should pay $2.99 for it…

Here’s some loops I messed around

Now I feel like searching for my old gameboys and have some old skool times…

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Flirt with Little Creatures

20 Jul

At 7 degrees and light showers, we passed by a glass door with a man on the other side making hot dogs…

It’s a crime to walk away

The hotdog man

Welcome to the Little Creatures Dining Hall

Little Creatures brand logo

Pork sausage hotdog and Little Creature Bright Ale

Great food, Great beer.. what took me so long to finally go there.

The hotdog comes in two choices, pork or lamb. Never knew there’s such a thing as lamb sausage :\

Written somewhere at the side of the stairs, it says that you can take those red bikes for a ride.

Bar counter with all the lil descriptions of their beer

Can’t really see from the picture but there’s small lil hanging chalkboards with descriptions of the beer. I usually go for pale ale but saw the bright ale’s description as ‘fruity, citrus and sunshine’. So need that under a gloomy weather!

Little Creatures beer range:

Pale Ale

Brewed with Chinook and Cascade hop flowers all the way from Washington and Oregon, US and local ones form Tasmania. Creating an intense citrus and grapefruit aroma.
















Pilsner

Brewed with Tasmanian Hallertau, New Zealand Pacifica and Saaz hops.  Giving a light flavour and crisp Bitterness.


















Rogers

Brewed with the best whole hop flowers and toasted malts. Gives a combination of light, citrus with roasted hazelnut, toffee and caramel malt flavours..


















Bright Ale

Brewed with summer fruit aromas of luscious pineapple, passionfruit and melon with a generous addition in the brew house of whole US Cascade and NZ Motueka hop flowers. The happy little beer.
















Beer angels

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Flirt with Wadaiko Taiko Drums

19 Jul

Taiko (太鼓) or Wadaiko (和太鼓) means “drum/wide drum” in Japanese and the taiko drumming ensemble is known as Kumi-daiko (組太鼓)

I was blown away with Tao Drum – Samurai of the Drum performance at the Palms@Crown.

A lil’ info on the Tao Drum troupe:

  • they were formed 16 years ago, with a 10 year plan on establishing themselves
  • the troupe is divided to Tao Red and Tao Yellow
  • Tao’s homegrown is Aso-Kuju National Park (that’s where they lived, trained, performed. Accommodation with full facilities such as halls, sauna, spa, theater, gym etc.)

Morning on the Handa Plateau, Aso-Kuju National Park. Good place to focus and practice.

Tao Red and Tao Yellow

The group that performed at the Palms was Tao Red as a recognized some familiar faces:

Arisa Nishi - the hot chick who plays the biggest drum

Maki Morifuji - the super hyper lion head

Takuya Era - the one who can really swing that stick :p

My seat at the Palms. Quite a good view for last row seats




















































































No pictures allowed during performance but here are some pics from the Tao Drum Gallery

The humorous part where they tease each other

It's not only about hitting the drums, it's got body movements too

Drums and Flutes

My hyper lion head chick!!

Because they looked like they’re having so much fun, I wanna try it too. Before I start Googling, I found this in my bookmarks

Can’t remember why I bookmarked this last year but.. .yay!!

Contacted the instructor, Toshi Sakamoto and he asked me to come for the basic class  (right timing, they were about to start the new term). I figure I could go for the Beginners class instead, since I’ve did drumming and percussion before (as long as its not constantly hitting the  downbeats like triple cello parts in Steelpan >.< ….that still haunts me……) and plus I do play Taiko Drum Master (hwa hwa hwa)

Taiko Drum Master

Reached there early and got so excited when I hear the drums going on. The people in Abbortsford must be cursing these drums. I walked around the neighbourhood and I can still hear it a block a way.. its so LOUDDDDD (I guess that’s just how it is, Taiko Drums were meant to motivate military troops during war)

My Taiko Drum sticks

Taiko drumming isn’t just about hitting the drums. Its also about the pose, body movements making it all a great work out!!!

one hand hits the drum while the other make a circle while keeping your knees bend

Move 1: X across your chest

Move 2: Throw hands to the sides

Move 3: swing your right stick *swish*

These moves were part of the Umai, which generally have more spirited movements based on the rhythm. We had a brief session on Hachijodaiko, with two person hitting the drums at both sides and the rest of us following them, like a call and response.

Hachijodaiko (we had a much bigger drum)

Looking forward to my classes 🙂

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Flirt with communicating with a designer

18 Jul

Story goes :

Shannon (the secretary) lost her cat and asked David (the graphic designer) to help with a lost poster. This is their email correspondence:
(Read from top to bottom)

***

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.15am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Poster

Hi
I opened the screen door yesterday and my cat got out and has been missing since then so I was wondering if you are not to busy you could make a poster for me. It has to be A4 and I will photocopy it and put it around my suburb this afternoon.

This is the only photo of her I have she answers to the name Missy and is black and white and about 8 months old. missing on Harper street and my phone number.
Thanks Shan.

From:David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.26am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
That is shocking news.
Although I have two clients expecting completed work this afternoon, I will, of course, drop everything and do whatever it takes to facilitate the speedy return of Missy.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.37am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Poster

yeah ok thanks. I know you dont like cats but I am really worried about mine. I have to leave at 1pm today.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.17am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
I never said I don’t like cats. Attached poster as requested.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.24am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

yeah thats not what I was looking for at all. it looks like a movie and how come the photo of Missy is so small?

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.28am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
It’s a design thing. The cat is lost in the negative space.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.33am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Thats just stupid. Can you do it properly please? I am extremely emotional over this and was up all night in tears. you seem to think it is funny. Can you make the photo bigger please and fix the text and do it in colour please. Thanks.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.46am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
Having worked with designers for a few years now, I would have assumed you understood, despite our vague suggestions otherwise, we do not welcome constructive criticism. I don’t come downstairs and tell you how to send text messages, log onto Facebook and look out of the window. I have amended and attached the poster as per your instructions.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.59am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

This is worse than the other one. can you make it so it shows the whole photo of Missy and delete the stupid text that says missing missy off it? I just want it to say Lost.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.14am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.21am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

yeah can you do the poster or not? I just want a photo and the word lost and the telephone number and when and where she was lost and her name. Not like a movie poster or anything stupid. I have to leave early today. If it was your cat I would help you. Thanks.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.32am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Awww

Dear Shannon,
I don’t have a cat. I once agreed to look after a friend’s cat for a week but after he dropped it off at my apartment and explained the concept of kitty litter. I have attached the amended version of your poster as per your detailed instructions.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.47am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Awww

Thats not my cat. where did you get that picture from? That cat is orange. I gave you a photo of my cat.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.58am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Awww

I know, but that one is cute. As Missy has quite possibly met any one of several violent ends, it is possible you might get a better cat out of this. If anybody calls and says “I haven’t seen your orange cat but I did find a black and white one with its hind legs run over by a car, do you want it?” you can politely decline and save yourself a costly veterinarian bill.
Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.07pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Please just use the photo I gave you.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.22pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.34pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

I didnt say there was a reward. I dont have $2000 dollars. What did you even put that there for? Apart from that it is perfect can you please remove the reward bit. Thanks Shan.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.42pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.51pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Can you just please take the reward bit off altogether? I have to leave in ten minutes and I still have to make photocopies of it.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.56pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 1.03pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Fine. That will have to do.

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Flirt with Scott Stephen

11 Jul

Scott Stephen

“I gather materials and push them beyond their conventional characteristics. I’m rarely happy with each component unless I’ve spent hours creating it.” – Scott Stephen

Oh how I love fancy headbands

Gloria Cube Headband by Scott Stephen


My first buy from Scanlan & Theodore and I’m pretty sure I’ll be paying more visits there now :p

Scott Stephen is a Scottish designer and did couture fabric for Gaultier and Dior. He has also collaborated with FrostFrench(fashion label by Sadie Frost, Jude Law’s ex wife), Swarowski and Collette Dinnigan (Australian fashion designer).

The Salesgirl from Scanlan and Theodore did mentioned that Scott Stephen is one of the top milliner/headwear designer in UK and made hats for Princess Diana and Elton John.

Close up of the embellishments -Cubes, Balls and Needles

Look how shimmy it is

What’s the damage?

Hehe.. I’m not that crazy.. lalalalala

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Flirt with skin food

11 Jul

My Skin Food parcel all the way from Anyang, South Korea.

Since there’s no Skin Food here, I’ve got to rely on Ebay. Zinopark’s a great seller, and I like how it comes with so many freebies!!

I’m not particularly a fan of skin care products but ever since my mom introduced me this product line, I’ve been liking it…alot!

I have combination skin, which makes it a lil’  harder to find suitable products that will work on my skin. I usually have issues with facial washes where I’ll either get red blotches or it itches.

Skin Food’s logo – The guardian angel that represents purity in the products and to guard our skin. The appealing factor about Skin Food is the use of natural ingredients and also how they package their product lines using the original form of the ingredients – Peach Sake, Cucumber and Lettuce, Carrot, Eggplant, Rice, Caviar, Aloe Vera, Salmon, Banana etc…

Sung Yu Ri for Skin Food ad

The goodies!!

Aloe Vera Foaming Cleanser and Wash-Off Mask

The Aloe Vera product line contains aloe and cucumber extract to soothes and moisturize sensitive skin. I like the fact that the mask only needs to be applied for 5 minutes and then rinse off.

Peppermint Pore Diet Peel-Off Mask and Salmon Brightening Eye Cream










The Peppermint mask contains peppermint and orchid extracts which helps minimize pores and moisturizes the skin. The peel-off gently removes dead skin and controls sebum. I’m most curious with the Salmon product line. I was contemplating between the eye cream or the eye mask as they focus on reducing dark circles. I hope it works as I seriously need some help with my eye bags..ugh







Besides Skin Food, I ordered some products from Etude House as well.

Sweet Appleade Body Wash

Apple is one of my favourite scent besides jasmine.. or green tea.. or peony….or magnolia..

The “concept” of this body was is Sweet and Tart fragrance of juicy green apples.. haha, we’ll see about that

Hand Bouquet Rich Butter Foot Mask








With the amount of torture I put on my feet, I should at least pamper them once in awhile 😛

This  mask contains shea butter and olive extracts that will moisturize my dry footsies.









And now the freebies!!!!

Omija Product Line

Omija Whitening Emulsion and Toner. I assume its for whitening then.

Gold Caviar Product Line













Gold Caviar Nutrition Mask, Toner and Emulsion. It’s for wrinkle care using gold and caviar ingredients @_@
















Interesting Skin Food samples:

Broccoli Sun Cream, Aloe BB Cream, Apple Vinegar Fresh Foam, Rice Mask, Black Sugar Scrub

Broccoli Sun Cream – Contains vitamins and broccoli extract to revitalize skin. Good for Summer.

Aloe BB Cream – Protects skin from hardcore UV rays. Good for summer too

Apple Vinegar Fresh Foam – Contains apple vinegar and honey extracts. Good for dry and dull skin.

Rice Mask – Contains rice extract to moisturize and brightens tone. Good for whitening.

Black Sugar Scrub – Contains Brazilian black-sugar grains to scrub off dead skin. Good for ‘banyak daki’

Etude House samples:

Aloe Soothing Gel, Magic Rice Pack Peeling, Total Age Repair

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Flirt with the modern Talaria

4 Jul

My obsession for shoes with wings does not stop. Ever since my fondness towards Melissa + Vivienne Westwood’s Anglomania collection, I’ve been actively looking for a pair in faux marble rosa or preta (though I was told by leen that it looked a bit ‘la la’ :/) This platform shoe had its debut at Westwood’s Spring 2010 Red Label Collection in London. It’s not a new product so most of the places are out and some online stores offer stock request but only available in August >.<

Rosa

Preta

Dourada

Rosa Pink

Model wearing faux-marble rosa

(L-R) Faux marble preta and white

Hermes/Mercury, god of messenger with his winged sandals

The shoe looks like a funkier version of a Talaria, the winged sandals that was worn by Hermes or Mercury, god of messenger.

Matt Bernson has a Talaria as well and it’s design closely replicates the traditional Talaria.











Matt Bernson gold Talaria

Now, what about a sporty looking Talaria?

Introducing…

ADIDAS ORIGINALS x JEREMY SCOTT LEATHER WINGS 2.0

JS 2.0 collection line (with matching jacket)

Adidas x JS leather wings 2.0

This is from the Fall/Winter 2010 line and will be launched in August (time to save some $$)

Jeremy Scott has a fascination with putting wings in his collection. He did it in Fall/Winter 2009, the difference was that the wings are removable metallic leather flaps.

Some of his past works…

From his 2006 autumn-winter collection

2008 Adidas collaboration

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Flirt with mid-season sale at Gorker Gallery

4 Jul

A Sunday well spent: mid-season sale at Gorker Gallery wtih items from Limedrop, Lenko, Trimapee, Who Am Eye and Thomas Finch. Brands that I won’t be able to afford/not worth buying at a full price 😀

The 3-day bender sale was held at a small space in a quiet alley, just off Smith Street.

I managed to grab some good buys: 1 Limedrop top, 2 Trimapee Leggings, 1 Thomas Finch t-shirt and 1 bag from Limedrop.

My buys from Gorker Gallery

T-shirt by Thomas Finch

Hotel Chelsea... so cheeky

Limedrop foil-ish bag, as sling/backpack

Limedrop open-sides top/dress

side view, open slits

Trimapee black and white leggings

Trimapee white leggings








































Kinda obvious what’s my favourite clothing colour scheme


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Flirt with teach yourself Japanese

4 Jul

Cute hiragana chart

Because I’m just so awesome! Here are the links to download the files.

Teach yourself Japanese: pdf and audio included

teach_yourself_japanese pdf

https://download.yousendit.com/YWhPNU1GaTFCSWRFQlE9PQ (audio disc1 – 7 days only)

https://download.yousendit.com/YWhQNnFBUzhJMHV4dnc9PQ (audio disc2 – 7 days only)

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Flirt with Slow and Steady Wins the Race

4 Jul

“Why do you need a photo of me? Why can’t you take a photo of the shirt?” – SSWTR designer

The designer decided to stay anonymous as she wants the works to be the focal point. But with my Google-Fu skills, I managed to dig up the brilliance behind SSWTR : MARY PING

I came upon this brand a couple years ago because I was looking for a certain pair of shades… I’m still contemplating wether to get it or not, its USD100/pair… I love it, but would it look funny?

SSWTR No.16 Sunglasses Collection (notice that some are foldable, great for us girls with small bags >.<)

The core concept of this brand is an experimental study of fashion basics which look into the depths of everything and spiked them with humour.

The SSWTR installation held at saatchi & saatchi during new york fashion week

Mary Ping is an American designer based in New York with her works featured in films and exhibitions.

I enjoy navigating SSWTR’s website. Kinda reminds me of my mockup for Anrealage. We must be using the same Javascript plugin 😀

My mockup website design for Anrealage

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