Enter Sandman

Nope, not that Metallica song...

Neil Gaiman dropped by the sunny (but most times rainy) shores of Singapore last week. While i tell anyone who asks that i'm a fan, i'm ashamed to say, i did not skip work to get his autograph (the blasphemy!)

But he's simply just an awesome guy, if not, one of the great writers in comic-dom and the literary world. Not many celeb folks bother to travel halfway round the world, curious to find out why a nation with a population of 4 mill can have that many fans so eager to chew up bits of info from his forum, journals, and countless server-jamming mails.

Well, i didn't make it to any of his book signings, but i did see this when i drop by Kinokuniya later in the week:
huge poster
the cute thought bubble reads "just another hundred people to go"
Heard he went through like a thousand signings per night (at Kino, Borders and the British Council)

How great a guy is he? In an interview that asks what one book a bibliophile like him will take from his burning house, he answers:
"Rather than save any of the printed books i've got, i have in my house's basement library, a book that's 150 years old. Its an accountant's book that is leather bound and larger than an encyclopedia...(it)is made in such a way that it can sit flat completely, no matter which page it is open. It is also completely blank.
When i saw it, i knew i had to buy it and write a book in it one day. What's silly and funny is that, even if i get struck by lightning tomorrow, i would be happy not having writing anything in it. The blank book symbolises writing and its infinite possibilities for me.

Told you he's a great guy.

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Fantastic F-awe
I'll stick with the comic-related theme. Caught F4 yesterday, thought it was pretty good. Maybe not as good as Batman Begins, but still good (y'know what i mean)
I did feel a tinge of sadness for The Thing, "whoa"-ed at Human Torch's X-Games antics (those Moto-X superman seat grabs are totally awesome), and dribbled at Jessica Alba's...everything. No, i didn't like the nerdy, wimpy Reed Richards. But then again, he is like that in the comics, so its prob a fair portrayal. I did like Doc Doom played by Julian McMahon from "Nip/Tuck"(new season this Sept, get ready to BT!), he's the type of villian i wanna be, haha. I love Stan Lee's cameo too, did u spot it?
Anyways, here's a treat for u faboys(ie: normal hot-blooded male) of Jessica Alba:

Click Pic
u guys can thank me now

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Alba-fest
Once u start, u can't stop. Jess Alba is really something. Which is why i can't understand why RollingStone puts her on the cover and proclaims her as a "starlet". Well, she definitely isn;t one now, not with Fantastic Four, Sin City and the upcoming Into the Blue (more on that later).

Sin City Press Conference pic

Got so hyped on Alba that i caught Sin City. Not that i was gonna miss it for the world. Frank Miller is the BEST inker, artist out there and true lover of noir art. It was an absolute spot-on frame by frame depiction of his graphic novels. Kudos to Robert Rodriguez and Frank for carving out this gem. On one hand, fans will love how their fave characters come to life, reliving the stories in live-action. On the other, new-found fans will hunker down a copy of Frank's novels and appreciate the details of his work. In case u missed it, Frank has a role as the Priest who listens to Bruce Willis' Detective Hartigan's confessions.

But more on Jessica Alba...she's got a new movie (damn, she's hardworking) Into the Blue. I no longer care for movie plots for any movies she's in, but this one promises bikinis and more bikinis, definitely 5 stars! LOL


I gotta take a cold shower, she's hot!

back in biz

Had a short hiatus, finally back online (hopefully). Probably gonna do short stacatto post bursts, depending on how much literal comments i can think of at the time. Its been a very eventful week or so, much happenings in the world and at home.

Glad to hear most pals in UK are doing fine (tommy, u doing ok?).
I've had questions asked by friends about the who, how, what, why etc...frankly, there isn't really any reason at all for it all...it could've happened to anyone, anywhere. The only thing we can do is just to get on with what they are trying to destroy, and that is our daily lives.

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half-mast
The boys back in "old camp" are in the news lately as well. While the annual best unit award is a literal shoo-in, there were, unfortunately, news for the wrong reasons.
First the instructors in the "dunking" incident were sentenced for a longer term. They're prob hard done by the decision, both of them are among the best examples of soldiers i've ever met and had the pleasure of training with. Its just bad luck.

Next was the unfortunate freefall descent during the National Day rehearsal. The photos in the papers and video on the news was definitely heart-wrenching. I've had hard-landings before as well, but that was on a different scale. I was glad to hear that MSgt Chua is doing fine and will be back in action in days to come. He was yet another professional in his training and how he carried himself in the line of work.

And just a couple days ago, the unthinkable happened. Another heli-rappel accident. It shouldn't have happened. But my condolences to the family of the red beret as well as the unnamed foreign troop, not many dare to do what we do.

A silent nod to the SOF troop who "bought the farm" last month as well. He belonged to men who will never be known to the public, only among his brothers in arms. Respect

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pattern patent
RTHQ showed what BDU meant.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, Mr Hardy from dpmhi has patented DPM. Does this mean monopoly? hmm...

Black thursday

My heart and thoughts go out to all affected by the tube and bus bombings in London earlier today. No one deserves the barbarism and carnage, certainly not the innocent going about their daily lives.
I hope my pals in London will be fine, my prayers are with you all.

Link to more updates

London wins

Sorta had the feeling London will clinch it, with all the important personalities pulling the strings behind the scene. The public sentiment will probably be with Paris and her romantic setting...i do love the atmosphere when Lance Armstrong won his 6th Le Tour at the Arc de Triomphe. But London it is, and 2012 host it shall be.

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Laser madness

New Nike womens AF1 mid for Fall, featuring crazy baby blue with mad laser-etching.

Not really feeling it, but the lasering does remind me of a bandana-type of artwork, which should fit find for the current "Mexican-surf" look in Japan.

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You know you are a DJ god when you have "Technics" tattooed on your wrist.

DJ AM and Nicole Ritchie on a night out recently, him sporting some nice bling, Ssur tee and bapesta's; her sporting a pretty funky carry-all and looking very tan.

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Local news

The Real Run will be back this year, with New Balance helming for the next 3 years, taking over from Nike. The race will be held in sunny Sentosa island, expect an "extreme x-terrain challenge". For more info, go to Real Run and sign up, or pick up the forms at Royal Sporting House stores.
Registration dateline is 31sJuly.

Live8 pics
Happen to chance across them...


"maybe Apple doesn't quite like Dada's singing?".... lol


Maddox cute as ever with Angie at the Eden Project. Brad at Hyde Park urges "Let us be outraged, let us be loud, let us be bold."


The Paris' and Elle & fam.


Ad-hoc Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club and U2.


The Black Eyed Peas and B at Philly...ladies are smokin'!

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How many mobile phone numbers can u remember?
It doesn't matter, you're not gonna beat this guy's memory
Man recites the pi to 83,000 digits
I'm happy i remember my home address...

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In case you didn't catch the news, the greatest concert ever started yesterday, 100 performers, spanning 10 free concerts around the world, united for one cause: to garner support and voice to the G8 leaders to overcome Aids and extreme poverty in Africa, when they meet next Wednesday July 6th. I wished i was able to catch the performances live, but i wish for even more help to the cause.
"Every single day, 30,000 children die, needlessly, of extreme poverty."
Thats more info than neccessary to be pushed into action ain't it?
These organisations are not asking for your money, just your voice. Get more info here:
Live 8 Live
One.org

and pass on the message.

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On a related note, i came across an article the other day... the number of HIV infected living in America has passed the 1 million mark.
In case you, your friends or anyone you know and care for, ever thought AIDS was a "one-in-a-million" thing...its high time to rethink.stay-alive

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Sorry if i've been sounding like Public Broadcast Announcement...its just thoughts running round my head.
Another biggie event happening on July 6th (must be an auspicious date in the almanac) is the IOC meeting to decide on the host for the 2012 Olympics. Yes, its gonna be here, in the tiny island of Singapore. 5000 delegates, thousands more to make the event happen are gonna jam-pack downtown area. Muhammad Ali, Becks, Raul, Tony Parker, Sharapova (hope to hear her shriek and grunt)et al are gonna be in town as well to bolster support for their home country's bids. I hear London's gonna get it by a whisker...

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Which whisker, i do not know

But just imagine the havoc Banksy will create, and the fun we'll have enjoying his works!
I'll definitely be trawling the museums the next time i hit London, check this out!
Ha!

Notice

No, i'm still very much alive thank you.

And yes, you who owes me money, best pay up. At the very least, reply emails instead of posting your blog and fiddling with your new blog-site. I'm tired and simply want to end the fiasco.

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sorry to the rest of readers out there for the outburst.

Won't have much to add tonite, nor for the time being...and if i do, it'll be random, of course. Yes, blame it on my bad mood and debtor. Feel free to email me to find out who it is, i play a mean game of name-smearing too.

Some linx:
Pixelgirl has nice icons and stuff for download/sale.

JustBeComplex: artwork, toys, clothes, shoes, anime dvds...JustBe there to shop!

Download Squad...pretty plain and simple ain't it. Get loaded with knowledge and software.

Hideout online store: the best, and nothing but. If you happen to be in the area, drop by and say hi. If u spot a cute babe in there, say hi too. Actually you should say hi to all babes you see...

Some info:
Stussy dunk sb drops next week. Clerks pack stussy blazer drops mid month and Undftd dunk the next. Seamless all-white AF1 drops next week too.
Will hook up of course...if the expected hundreds of pesky kids don;'t turn up. Thats like asking if theres a chance Tom Cruise will admit Scientology is a scam. Or if there're any honest people left in the world.

Sneakerpimps World Tour hits LA...where else but La-La-Land to draw the dopest! Show Biz Markie your safari's, Mix Master Mike your bootleg of his session with Q-Bert, and finally steal AM-One's kicks on opening nite (oh and tell him, Nicole Richie is sexy!, and tell Mr JB his one of a kind kicks are off the hook.

"Today's blog is brought to you by the letters X, Y..."

Doesn't the above phrase ring a bell? remind you of Sesame Street from yesteryear?

Gosh, seems like a long time away from those days.

While we can't stop time and age, i guess we can still feel young at heart...i still get fascinated by a slow walk in the park with a morning drizzle; brightly-colored hand-drawn 2D cartoons/anime; long hours in the design-art section of Kinokuniya Books; seeing your crush try on a skimpy spaghetti top; trying to fit the last spoonful of Haagen Dazs Rum & Raisins...
It does bring me away from the strung-out, worked up days

So i absolutely love "Kastner"s Spell with Flickr tool...it searches thru Flickr's huge archive of images filed under individual letters and creates the word from random images of letters. It even looks like my Arts & Crafts lesson from schooldays! hahaha
Definitely an awesome fit my "Random Ramblings"!

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LMAC - "music and art for your grandkids"
I gotta admit, i like pop art, and i love anime...lmac just seems to be loaded with them!
Those crazy geniuses are working overtime to churn out the good stuff, with newbies in store:
Ark united (in-store exclusives)
lmac(ex) and (b) apparel
Mishka NYC Summer 04/05
Head down to Far East Plaza #05-128 for a look-see (and spot the babes) or do the online thing (and probably miss out on the babes)

They'll be embarking on the American Leg of their World Tour in a week's time (don't worry, store will still be open), go find them if you're in the area. Its the only way to get hand customs, exclusive merchandise and the much sought-after collabs.
Dudes not in the cities of the Tour, relax, you won't be forgotten. Just drop them a mail to get the info/updates as to when they'll be at your city, and your nearest stockist.

Peace

I feel the need....the need for speed

Initial D opens this week...

Would be interesting to see how the anime adaptation turns out...worst comes to worst, i'll still catch it just to see the clothes the dudes are wearing (lol)
The stars will pop by Singapore for the Premiere today, with a red-carpet walk the Shaw cinemas...


For the groupies out there, got a feeling Edison should be hanging around for a while, catch him at the usual celeb pub/joints or that uber-cool shop. :wink:

THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY

You know how, once in a long time, you come across people who have the same direction of thought...and you begin to realise, somehow, you might not be that alone

Steven of STREETWEAR TODAY shares with us his thoughts on the current globalisation fever that has everyone caught with a hype-like grip:

"Globalization is a topic hot on everyone’s lips and minds, not a day goes by in which you aren’t bombarded by the sensationalist media about the negative effects globalization is having your life, your job and your country. Well, let’s turn it around them, start thinking globally and act locally. Like with everything else in life, every negative has a positive, thus, surely, Globalization has some positive aspect which you can use for yourself. Let’s take the ability to have instant access to global information example, you are no longer dependent on the knowledge with which you were infused with in your local settings, be it by your parents, social surroundings or teachers. You can, today, gather information about every subject from anywhere in the world an instant and thus find solutions to problems from outside your traditional think box. "


StreetwearToday is due in less than 12 days, and features Gimme5 head honcho Michael Kopelman...the dude has been-there, done-that and is still on top of the game. Read about how Michael and others around the world (featuring Surrender of Singapore, Stereo Skateboarding of SF, Franklin & Marshall of Verona) took their globe-trotting knowledge and making an impact from their local setting. The revamped mag and site are now bilingual! (i can officially say i can read a German mag)

Also features write-ups of HVW8 Production House

and Mr-"i-hate-interviews"-aka-"Mr Pants"-aka-"Invisible:Man" himself, Andrew

who surprisingly gives one of the better interviews of late, dropping info on the new es footwear collab and something about Bastard Squad and (gasp) a 24inch BMX with Shadow Conspiracy. "Wha-, who?" i hear you say? Well, guess you gotta buy the mag to get the juice.

Go check out Streetwear Today, click on the English version(newly added!) and get a subscription today...if you need more info, email them!

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Surrender
Oh, just because i mentioned Surrender above, the mag will show off a 2-page artwork by Surrender's creative art director Andy, a tribute to the late John Willie(1902-1962), fetish photographer and bondage artist who was born in Singapore and grew up in England.

You know i can't stop at just saying Surrender without giving a shout-out to SBTG. You would've seen both SBTG and Meth's latest custom works on NT

Both denim-demons done using Surrender denim, with Meth putting a selvedge denim touch on the toe-box and SBTG showing off his print work on a vintage-wash.
Both are due to show off even hotter stuff, their "East-meets-West" customs will be mindblowing...wait for their exclusive online offerings soon.

*edit*
YEs, its pre-meditated, pre-conceived, whatever...check out Beinghunted's presentation of SURRENDERin time for the Summer drop...exclusive pics, info(yep, the new line of tees will be smashing)...and u get a detailed look at the Surrender footwear, embossed blazer-style, very Def.

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You know, I get mails everyday regarding from my pages on determining fakes to info on streetwear etc, most of the time asking "where to buy this", "how to get that", "can i get a hook-up". I'd love to just simply dig up my bunch of online bookmarks, list of contacts and what-nots and blah them out on the webpage, but thats not what its all about. People ask me how i get my info, if i have "connects" with the right people...Answer is "No, i don't", though i'm fortunate enough to have made good friends with fellow info-trawlers. I trawl the vast space of the net, forums, sites, stores, most times dropping an inquiring mail or 2, other times sifting through thousand of searches (ask anyone that knows how i google or ebay) to come up with little bytes of so-called info. Its pretty easy to get spoon-fed...like i said before, theres tons of info-sites, style blogs out there. I visit everyone of them too, and then more. That was why i wanted this blog done my way...cos to be spoon-fed is to misunderstand the "game". I prefer dropping links and pics of upcoming labels on and off, just to pique your interest. And if you feel the urge to ask, do so...
I do have a dilemma these days though...i get mails from strangers asking if i can hook them up. I used to do it in a heartbeat, thats what being someone who remembers what it was like hooking up, "back in the days" of good ol' Niketalk (circa pre-SB). But i've been left with bad taste in mouth lately...probably cos i'm being too nice in the new world of selfish hype. Oh well, guess its what is termed a painful lesson. Feel free to have pity on me

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Back to the links...
Ever wanted a "true-to-life" Foosball table? Now you can...for $73,000


Featuring patent pending technology to microcast 3D molds from photographs, now u can truly pit Ronaldinho against Maradona, Steven Gerard versus Pele...via elevenforty

I'm feeling the new Amadana earpiece though...

upscale and posh like the Beo earpiece:

its a perfect match for the Gucci bamboo:


"Gotta get me one of those"

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T'was a dark and stormy night

Well, not really...it was frickin' hot in fact, when i caught Batman Begins on a Saturday matinee(when was the last time anyone used the word, outside of opera or plays?)



I felt it was an excellent movie, finally one that does justice to the Dark Knight that i love in the graphic novel "Dark Knight Returns" by Frank Miller. The fact that Christian Bale has a copy of Batman: Year One that he refers to on-set probably contributed to the true-to-original and my enjoyment of the movie. I'd say as far as comic adaptations go, it has the story of X-men2, the down to earth feel of Christopher Reeve-era-Superman and possibly the truthfulness to originals of Sin City. Sin City hasn't opened yet in my part of the world, but my gut tells me i'm right...after all, Frank Miller is co-directed it with Robert Rodriguez.
"Begins" has a host of stars like Gary Oldman (very under-rated role as the future Commisioner Gordon) Michael Caine(can anyone think of a better Alfred the Butler??) Liam Neeson (the mentor-mentee fight scene was very SW:Episode1) Morgan Freeman(loved his gravelly wisdom and wit ala Se7en) and Cillian Murphy(very credible take as scarecrow).
Batman Begins also stars current tabloid dynamo and owner of some huge bling Katie Holmes

a pic of her wearing it..and then some:


But i guess most males, paparazzi will remember her take in the movie for scenes of pokies like this:

Gotham must be cold

Though i guess she's either "cold" or "excited" most of the time outside the celluloid

Recovering

Still a little pissed and angry, but its just the leftover teenage angst in me (yeah right, like years overdue)

Anywho, back to a couple of info bits...

ESPN "Its the Shoes"
Hosted by Bobbito Garcia, the don of sneaker-dom and guru of all shoe-headz, the weekly show aims to capture every angle of the sneaker game... So if you have a cam handy and most importantly, you actually have heat that is worth showing off, film a portfolio/self interview of your kicks and yourself and send it in.
Did i mention not to send in the "unworthy" shoes? nah, i'm just kidding, i ain't judging, so just send whatever you deem important y'all...whats the worst that could happen? at most, Mr Garcia has a belly-ache of a laugh at your kicks, that is all (heh heh)
Click here for more info via NT

I'd suggest using this as an opportunity for city gatherings like the good ol' days of NT Summits. Film the kicks and collectors at one go and just have a blast. Anyone would like to start the ball rolling?

Mongolian BBQ
Simply tasty...a little oily on the side, but yummy.

In regards to shoes though, i'd say Puma is doing a good job on them, a slightly more "fun" take on the NikeID (too business-like, until they hit on the Times Square moblog IDea). Puma just needs a more focused and intensive marketing slant...hope they get it right this time.
Catch the Puma Mongolian BBQ Tour through Stateside from June till December
Link via Fixins.com...funny how i'm still linking them, them dudes still owe me some moolah...but hey, i'm a nice guy, and nice guys finish last and get bullied all the time.

Reebok/Finishline Custom Kicks
Live in the States?
Can paint to save your life?
Care to have a Reebok in your design?
Well, get cracking
Guess it sure beats the mini Reebok competition i got 2nd place for, haa

Lifestyle
Nokia shows off like a hundred models of phones to be released this year...no, i'm kidding, not a hundred, but its many, satisfied?
This one stopped me in my tracks when i saw it last weekend, mirror finish stainless steel casing, scratch resistent screen, unique glide to reveal camera (the LCD portion moves up, instead of the mouthpiece half), new software to use digital pens to write messages...has your jaw dropped yet? no, then check the pic

and website for more info

Nokia held a launch party of sorts a couple of days ago in HongKong...the usual celebs appeared, but she caught my eye... no idea of her name or details...just that she's definitely a perfect match for the 8800


I can finally sleep well tonite...