It's Already Tomorrow Here!

Birthday bash for Sanjay, Samir and Anastasia - Starring Captain Amazing!

2011-10-30T09:59:00.000+08:00

Halloween in Singapore

2011-10-30T09:32:00.002+08:00

Baseball Boy

2011-09-26T15:11:00.000+08:00

Sporty Boy

2011-09-26T14:58:00.000+08:00

US Trip July 2011

2011-08-11T17:27:00.000+08:00

Sanjay's 5th Birthday - Photo FLOOD

2010-10-19T12:10:00.004+08:00

Hanoi - Lots of pictures - the place, the people and the FOOD (editing soon)

2010-06-25T16:44:00.000+08:00

My birthday dinner at Green Tangerine. A French Bistro in the old section of Hanoi

Bangalore, India

2010-05-12T09:52:00.004+08:00

Barcelona in Singapore

2010-03-26T10:25:00.003+08:00

Reverse progression - a yummy dessert.

Savory veal meatball stew

Bev and Oscar - my patrons

Fois gras and pigeon - stuffed up goose and a little urban bird

Chef Santomaria at work.

Thanks to the generous invite from friends Bev and Oscar Postma, I experienced a culinary delight for lunch today. Famous Spanish chef Santi Santamaria and a team from of chefs and sommiliers from his 2 and 3 Michelein star restaurants in Spain are doing a gig at the St. Regis here in Singapore this week. The special a...lmuerzo con mucho vino made this gray day very bright. we had the Catalan menu featuring fois gras, pigeon, Costa Brava fish, Ecudella and a fresh fruity dessert. The spanish cava, white and two reds where superb.A double esspresso got me ready to go back to the office after the 2 1/2 hour lunch. Muy Bien y muchos gracias a mi amigos Oscar y Bev!

Is He Back?

2010-03-23T15:03:00.003+08:00

I have fallen to Facebook, a new job, a new condo and too many things on my plate. But in light of some of my less rechno friends, family members and just plain blog fans, I will try to resurrect this humble journal.

Here is the last 12 months in a nutshell.

Found out I was leaving my job, decided to stay in Asia, negotiated package, left old job, started to look for new job, enjoyed hiatus, ate, drank, ate some more, had checkup, found I needed to have my colon removed, studied up on the options, had some job interviews, got a part time gig consulting, consulted, had brother for a visit, went to Bangkok, interviewed some more, got job offer (almost didn't), had colon removed, recovered, started work, worked, moved to new condo, went to HK a few times, settling in to work, fashion not food, going on first US biz trip....

Ok, are we all up to date now?

I will try pictures next time!!!!!

Ciao

Lambusan, San Remigio, Cebu Project

2010-01-05T16:01:00.010+08:00

The rice, in giant sacks, sits in Myrna's Mom's living room. Nephew James hides behind the bags.

Myrna's Dad starts to work as James continues to "help".

Dad and sister Tessie start to weigh out the rice portions

James continues to add value to the process

Kraft products delivered. The sorting process begins. This time James and his brother Ramram help out. "One for me...one for the kids"

Tang, Cheeze Whiz, Oreo...Oh My!

The crowd gathers at the front door on the 24th, eager to get their booty.

Parents and kids anxiously await their call

The banner looks great, even wit a few errors. The kids are happy.

The drawing book was a hit. This little boydrew the saddest picture. Life without enough food is not easy.

Others drew pictures of their town.

Many of the adults fish locally of the Dads are seamen, gone on cargo ships 6 months at a crack.

Another happy rural scene

Great shot of the local fishing boats.

One little girl drew her dream home.

Astro Boy to the rescue

A thanks to all the donors from Myrna and family - Mom, Dad, Myrna, Joey, Dadad, Tessie, RamRam, Steven, Noel, Ann, Sophia, Noelani, Liza, Joven, Gingging, Romie, Raymont, Jay, Trisha and Lanz

And of course the well known Lambusanian, Clarc Kent Topal!

I'll be Back!

2009-06-10T12:11:00.001+08:00

Job changes, travel and other general tumult have caused me to be very remiss about updating this blog. I have also gotten onto Facebook and have posted a lot there. I will try to update this site soon though so hang in there. In the meantime, get on Facebook and add me as a friend!
Tod

Hong Kong Kung Foo

2009-04-10T11:31:00.011+08:00

About a month ago we went to Hong Kong for the weekend. It's about a 4 hour flight from Singapore. In my opinion, Hong Kong is to Singapore what New York City is to Toronto. Both are big but Hong Kong really has a big city feel. We stayed at the, not so lovely from outside, Sheraton Kowloon. We had a nice room facing the bay looking out to the Hong Kong side.
Next door was the famous Peninsula Hotel. Probably the most well known of the grand hotels in Hong Kong. We will see a bit more later.

The view from our room at night. HK is aglow with more neon than Vegas. I was really irked by the fact that one of the biggest, most intricate of the neon signs was on the AIG building. The electricity alone to run that sign is costing me (and all you other American tax payers) a small fortune. TURN IT OFF!!!!!!!!

Sophia posing in Kowloon with HK in the background.

One morning I took a walk (along with throngs of Chinese tourists) on the "Avenue or Stars". The HK take on Hollywood Blvd.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avenue_of_Stars,_Hong_Kong

There I saw the stars of all the famous HK celebs, some you may know. Quick, name any movie staring Li Tit????? (He was an HK star in the 30's and 40's)

Fung Bo Bo? No, not one of the Pandas in the DC Zoo! You may remember her from such hit as the 1988 classic "Woman Prison" and how could forget the 1960 drama, "The Woman Who Saved Her Adoptive Mother". I do believe the pinnacle of her career was "The Jade Ring and the Powerful Monster".

Check out her many, many other films here
http://www.lovehkfilm.com/people/fung_bo_bo.htm

Ok, this guy you do know of. The Boss...not Springsteen...Lee. Did you know that he also was born in the USA?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Lee

He's so famous he got a star and a statue! All say I couldn't stop humming the Karl Douglas classic Kung Foo Fighting. ...

Everybody was Kung Fu fighting, those cats were fast as lightning. In fact it was a little bit frightening, but they fought with expert timing. There were funky China men from funky Chinatown.
There was funky Billy Chin and little Sammy Chong. He said, here comes the big boss, let's get it on!

A classic!

But of course, the man who is today, Mr. Hong Kong is Jackie Chan. I swear that in the 3 days we were there I saw him on TV, in the newspaper, doing endorsements, at the wax museum and the Ave. of Stars. He is omnipresent.

Everyone want a piece of Jackie!

Next it was time to hop onto the Twinkling Star and take the short but famous trip across from Kowloon the HK. http://www.starferry.com.hk/

After Singapore, the HK chill was very welcome.

Ready to dock on the HK side. The trip is about 5 minutes.

Why, there is Jackie again, at the base of Victoria Peak, welcoming the tourists.

I'd kick his butt in an instant!

Riding the old Peak Tram. It's been there for 120 years.
http://www.thepeak.com.hk/en/home.asp

It was a little foggy for the perfect view, but what the heck.

Mountains, buildings, water, HK has it all.

Everyone wanted a piece of me that day.

After lunch we had to join the queue for what turned out to be the most awesome Portuguese Egg Cup on the planet. We have some decent ones in Singapore but these were unbelievable. I could go for one right now.

Need any traditional Chinese medicines?

Or perhaps a nice steak.......

HK is new and old all rolled into a very tight crowded space.

Maybe you'd rather have seafood?

The Auntie was catching a quick lunch between sales.

Sophia, overwhelmed by the fumes, was ready to move on.

But not before finding some of her favorite flowers, hydrangeas.

Later we met up with Noah's classmate and India traveling buddy, Blake, and his friend Ezra. We had a nice dinner together and I was lucky enough to join them for a boys night in HK. Fortunately no pictures of the evening exist....as far as you know.

Next day I got on a junk. It was in the Hong Kong History Museum. A really good museum, well worth a visit.

These guys carrying these things.

And the giant Moon cake shrine was there too.

Sophia at the controls of an old trolley.

These ladies must have caught a cold.

That afternoon we waited in line for a table at the very famous high tea at the Peninsula.

It was a lovely experience and we were looking very glamorous.

One more spot of Ceylon and we were ready to eat our scones and wrap up a nice weekend.

Happy Birthday Sophia!

2009-03-03T08:48:00.011+08:00

Every year, whether we need it or not, we have a birthday. Sophia reached a big one recently and we brought together a small group of friends to celebrate.
The event was brunch at the Fullerton Hotel. http://www.fullertonhotel.com/
I must say it is one great brunch.

Sophia was joined by good friends Shailesh and Ruchira, James and Debbie and the Brown/Heeley family Christopher, Cathy, Kim and Tom. Here are Christopher, Shailesh and Cathy.

The free flow of Tattinger's Champagne makes the brunch most enjoyable. I think Ruchira would agree.

Sophia explains some of the many aches and pains that come when one hits the half century mark. Debbie looks on with amusement.

The food is amazing from sushi (mmmm my fave) to salads to Western, Asian and Indian dishes, to fresh seafood to one of the best cheese tables ever to be found in Asia and of course desserts too.

Christopher pauses to pose before scarfing more cheese.

Shailesh is always smiling.

I think even Kim had a good time.

James looks on as Sophia scolds me for putting too much food into my mouth.

Kim and Tom made a special gift for the birthday girl.

A very cool card and notebook - hand made and priceless

We were there for so long Tom grew a goatee...or was it a result of the chocolate fountain?

A lone candle - the true amount would be a fire hazard.

Even at her advanced age, Sophia can still blow out a candle!

Yes, I was there too. After about three hours of eating and drinking it was time to go home and take a nap.

Thaipusam - Video

2009-02-19T15:20:00.002+08:00

Here are a few short (and sadly not to great) videos I took on my still camera. You are better off looking at the previous story and pictures first.

Thaipusam - Son of Shiva

2009-02-19T14:06:00.013+08:00

A few Sundays ago I got up early and headed to Little India for one of the most colorful and festive, yet also most disturbing Hindu festivals - Thaipusam. For a good explanation of the festival please look at the following link - http://www.sttemple.com/STT/english/thaipusam.asp

Like most Hindu holidays and festivals, there is no one explanation, merely a number of different legends.

The gist of the festival is that devotees of the deity take on a burden, called Kadavi, for which they are said to gain benefits a million fold greater then the pain he (or she) inflicts upon himself.

Things start off at the temple early in the morning. There are thousands of devotees and they are all sequenced. There is plenty of music - drums, horns and other instruments.

Each devotee has a "crew" of family and friends who get them ready for the procession. http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_333366.html

The "pain" involves piecing of the devotees bodies and carrying or pulling elaborate tableau's.

http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20090213-121728.html

Here one guy have spike put into his back to allow him to pull a large float. Behind him the gentleman sits quietly with pierced cheeks as his headdress is readied.

The kadavis are put together on site. Each is unique but most feature lots of peacock feathers. There were boxes and boxes of the colorful feathers at the temple.

http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Thaipusam

It it said that the devotees go into a trance and therefore can't feel the pain of the piercings or their burden. I didn't see any blood.

Here on the the kavadis is being assembled. These guys are mostly Tamils. Most Tamils come from Southern India or Sri Lanka. There are well over 100,000 Tamils in Singapore. It's the 4th largest Tamil community behind India (61 million), Sri Lanka (3 million) and Malaysia (1 million).

This man calmly sits with a skewer poked through his cheeks.

Each of these wires is attached to the guy with a pin that looks like a fish hook.

The top of one of the kadavis - lots of feathers, a garland and lord Ganesha and Shiva.

Another one gets strapped on. The devotees are getting ready to walk about 4 miles and let me tell you it's always pretty hot and humid here and that day was no exception.

More elaborate kadavis.

Each devotee goes through a prayer ceremony before donning his kadavi.

Special ash is placed on his forehead and chest.

Another man waits as decorations are applied.

It's a very frenetic scene at the temple as hundreds of devotees get ready, leave and others come in. The festivities take place over a 24 hour period and there are not too many lulls. 8000 participated in Singapore and the streets were lined with 10s or thousands of spectators.

After leaving the temple I found a place on the street to watch the procession. Each devotee has his group of family and friends. Some playing instruments, some carrying supplies. Te guys don't look to be suffering but they must be.

I'm not sure if he is in a trance but he is focused.

Here are two guys with limes attached to their backs by piercings.

Each kadavi is unique.

This guy was wearing sandals made from wood with nails, face up, under his feet. Try to do that for 5 miles.

There were a few women amongst the devotees. This one was carrying a kadavi. the minimal burden allowed is a pot of milk. Even carrying a pot of milk on one's head for five miles in the Singapore heat would be no picnic.

There were several stations giving out water and food. Here was some kind of lentil mixture. Maybe a Tamil version of trail mix...

Also huge cauldrons of what tasted to me like a kind of savory Cream of Wheat. I had a cup and it wasn't half bad.

A few lemon and lime carriers and a few milk pots.

One of my faves - the monkey god.

This guy was pulling a very heavy load.

Finally, before I left, a pair of women passed carrying milk on their heads. I've now seen this festival several times and it never ceases to amaze and intrigue me. I don't think I will do more than watch anytime soon.....

Uncle Jimmy's CNY Pt. II

2009-02-17T16:36:00.001+08:00

Here are a few short (not so great) videos of the party -

Enter the Lion!

Some Karaoke (not for the meek) -

Chinese New Year at Uncle Jimmy's Pt 1

2009-02-07T13:00:00.013+08:00

The long Chinese New Year was very special this year. Since this is our third CNY in Singapore, we were lucky enough to attend many celebrations. One of the most down to earth was the one at Uncle Jimmy's in Yishun. Uncle Jimmy was Myrna's boyfriend Jhoey's landlord. His HDB http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDB is in a residential area in the Northern part of the island.

We weren't the first to arrive. Here in Singapore, and in most of Asia, everyone removes their shoes before entering a home.

Uncle Jimmy had a table of Chinese New Year goodies ready to go. Pineapple cookies, nuts, oranges, egg roll cookies and more, not to mention beer and liquor.

Uncle Jimmy's wife, Attie Jen, a Filipina, cooked up so good Filipino food.

We were treated to some state of the art Karaoke - the singing ranged from really nice to REALLY bad!

Everyone was awaiting the arrival of the Lion Dance troop. http://www.chinatownology.com/lion_dance.html Here, their truck pulls into the complex. In Singapore there are probably a hundred Lion Dance troops. Many work all year as the lion dance is used to bring good fortune to new businesses and homes. On CNY they are all working overtime. The sounds of the drums can be heard all over town as the troops travel in their brightly decorated trucks to their performances. Performances are going on all the time.

The first to arrive was the God of Good Fortune. He is one of the Chinese Gods. http://www.zandavisitor.com/newsarticle-852-Start_The_Lunar_New_Year_With_The_God_Of_Fortune_At_Singapore_Zoo He appears around Chinese New Year and in return for giving him a "red packet" (known as "Hong Bao" in Manadarin or "Ang Pao" in Hokkien) he in turn gives you a "red packet" containing lucky lottery numbers! All throughout the CNY season the red packets are handed out. In Singapore it is mainly called Ang Pao because the Hokkien dialect of Chinese is more prominent than Mandarin. Usually the packet is only given to single people, so sadly, I got none!

The Fortune God is in the house!

Uncle Jimmy and the God bow to Jimmy's Buddhist shrine, in order to bless him with good fortune and happiness in the year of the Ox.

The big guy does the Ang Bao exchange - a few bucks for him, some lucky numbers and a blessing in return.

Now the Lion enters. Jimmy's place isn't huge sop the drummers and other musicians play from outside on the landing.

The littlest attendees thought the drums were a little too loud, but they loved the show.

The Lion need a little guidance to avoid boinking his head on the light fixtures but with his handlers kept him out of trouble.

The Lion dance includes a ritual which bestows good luck on the home, business and attendees. The lion approaches a plate with lettuce and some oranges. He (actually it's two guys) puts the plate into his mouth and does some sit down stuff.

He then dances some more and approaches a member of the crowd.

While he sits, he is doing something with the oranges and lettuce.

He looks to the crowd to give someone a special good luck charm- oh! It's Myrna!!!!!

Triumphant she gets an orange from the lion! Another lucky guy got a half peeled orange. Both should be a sign of good things to come in the new year.

The lion then sets down the plate - rearranged so that the oranges are split open and the lettuce is placed inside. The plate is presented to the host, Uncle Jimmy. The plate is placed on the alter for good luck and prosperity to the home.

A tired and hot lion guy pears out of his mask - "is it over yet?"

The dance over, the lion guys and party attendees participate in the Singapore CNY ritual tossing of the salad, not to be confused with the Schmenge tradition of exchanging of the socks.

The alter is set - good things will come to Uncle Jimmy in the OX year.

Jhoey and Myrna pose with the lion head.

Wearing my CNY red, I too get some face time with the big feline.

Finally - a Jeepney Ride!

2009-01-11T10:56:00.005+08:00

After dozens of trips to Manila and many great experiences from appearing on television, meeting great people, accomplishing great things for work to eating balut, the one thing I had never done was ride in a Jeepney. Jeepneys are omnipresent in Manila. Old looking beat up Jeep buses that shuttle people around town. The cost is minimal, there are no set stops and each Jeepney displays it's route painted on the side. They are each unique. Owners decorate then with the names of their wives or girlfriends, religious sayings or pictures, zodiac signs and even the names of their favorite NBA teams. It's really the people's transport.

Friday afternoon as we headed to the airport - my friend and associate Ray Soberano and his friend and driver Nestor - we pulled over, Ray and I got out of Nestor's van and waited about 1 minute for a Jeepney. We slid in though the open backside and took our place among the travellers. I looked a little out of place in my Ted Baker shirt, cuff links and black loafers. As we headed down the main drag of Sucat horns honked, motorbikes buzzed by and other Jeepneys also filled the road. Each time we pulled over someone else jumped in, paid the driver the minimal fare and off we went. Women headed home from shopping, kids on their school; lunch break and men just headed down the road got in and then later got out.

It was a great ride for me, a laugh for Ray and while I got a few puzzled looks no one really seemed to mind. Nestor followed in the van and after our ride we hopped in and he whisked me off to the airport for my flight home.

Summer in Sydney

2009-01-10T19:07:00.019+08:00

Between Christmas and New Year we ventured to Sydney. It's a mere 7 1/2 hour flight from Singapore. December in Sydney is like June in the US, nice warm, dry days and cool nights. A fine escape from the Singapore winter (hot, wet and sticky). What better way to fly down under then on Qantas Airlines. I must admit their Premium Economy section wasn't half bad.

We stayed at the Sheraton Four Points on Darling Harbor. Not the best hotel I've ever stayed at but I'm pretty spoiled these past few years when it comes to hotels. The price was right as we used points for the stay.

We did have a sweet view of Darling Harbor, the Aquarium and the Maritime Museum.

Ok, my uploading is not great. Jump to Sophia standing on the waterfront at Circular Quay with the famous Opera House in the background. It looks a little tired close up as it was built in the 60s but it is still one of the well known symbols of Sydney.

It was cloudy that day and the Opera House looked a little bit beige.

From the end of Circular Key you can see across to Luna Park, an amusement park and another big chunk of the city.

Back near the hotel crossing the Darling Harbor Bridge.

Yep, you do need to pose now!

What would a trip down under be without seeing a guy playing a didgeridoo? This guy even let tourists sit in n his gig, for a small donation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didgeridoo

The famous (as far as you know) pig statue in front of the hospital. Rubbing his nose brings good luck they say.

The famous statue of this guy on his horse.

And this old clock tower had tremendous historical significance, I think.

On the waterfront with the Harbor Bridge in the background. As you see later I got to see the bridge up close.

At night the old Opera House does look pretty impressive.

Sophia poses in the Rocks neighborhood, site of the original settlement in Sydney. http://www.therocks.com/

All spiffed up for dinner at Cafe Sydney. The restaurant is on the top floor while the Sydney Public Library is on the first floors. http://www.cafesydney.com/

Wandering around the Surrey Hills area. Kind of reminded us of Washington, DC a bit. Lots nice streets, townhouses and little shops and restaurants.

Dining on the sidewalk at Fish Face. The best meal we had. http://www.fishface.com.au/ There was also a very cool little pub nearby where we had a glass of wine before dinner. The pubs (most are called hotels for some reason I really don't know) reminded me a lot of the bars in Milwaukee. Small, friendly and people start drinking about 9AM.

Great seafood and very fancy and tasty fish and chips. We also had sushi and some other very fresh and well prepared fish dishes.

There is very old and established Jewish community in Sydney and we walked past the old Synagogue.

There were dozens of these birds in the park. I think they may be Ibis but I'm not sure. They sure have long beaks. There were also the most amazing huge bats that came out every night near the parks and the Harbor Bridge. They were definitely the size of hawks or owls. I have to say they were extremely creepy.

So nice to be in a country where breakfast is breakfast. No noodles, fish ball soups, brionis - just eggs, bacon, pancakes and stuff. The Book Kitchen was one of the best. http://www.eatability.com.au/au/sydney/book_kitchen_the/ So nice we ate there twice.

Walking from the hotel to the bus for the beach was a pleasant experience as Sydney has many nice vistas.

In front of a very cool 60s fountain. Looked like a dandelion.

This sign truly illustrates how far away Australia is from most of the world.

Early evening. Lots of people out and about.

Ready for my climb the next morning.

Bondi Beach. Famous and very crowded surfers paradise only about 20 minutes from downtown.

Looks like California.

Looking for topless girls. I think I found one!

Dressed in a We Are Devo suit I went on the "must do" Harbor Bridge climb. It cost an arm and a leg but it was really fun and unique. http://www.bridgeclimb.com/

The money shot!

The last night we went on the Ferry. A lovely way to wrap up a nice little trip.

The bridge was all decked out for the New Years fireworks extravaganza, which we missed...

My Top 10 CDs of 2008 (and a few 2007)

2009-01-02T12:24:00.008+08:00

#10 - SINGH IS KING - SOUNDTRACK

Bollywood is where it's at. Great mix of old, new and exotic. Singh is King may not be the best all around Bollywood soundtrack but the addition of Snoop Dogg gives it some global cache and there are just enough good beats and grooves to keep everyone on the floor in the Rupee Room until they drop!

#9 BONNIE "PRINCE" BILLY - LIE DOWN IN THE LIGHT

I really liked "Prince" Billy's 2006 CD so I thought I'd give the new one a try. This singer/songwriter has a quaking anguished voice and his lyrics really have bite. I like that this one is a little more upbeat but still has the sound of a troubled guy with more issues then newspaper. Earthy and dark but pleasantly uplifting too.

#8 - SUBMARINES - HONEYSUCKLE WEEKS

Bouncy, breezy fun tunes form this nice couple are hard to resist. They lyrics are cute and the singer, Blake Hazard, has that waify voice I like. I particularly like the track Swimming Pool.

#7 KD LANG - WATERSHED

Kd Lang has been around for a long time. She has made some great CDs over the years and while her style changes with each different album her lyrics and voice are a constant. I wouldn't say this is her best but it does find her in top form. It is very mellow and dreamy. Songs like Sunday and Close Your Eyes are great to kick back to with the newspaper or a latte. Nice stuff from KD, her first album of new tunes since 2004.

#6 SIA - SOME PEOPLE HAVE REAL PROBLEMS

I have loved SIA's voice and phrasing style since I first heard her sing the song Destiny with Zero 7. She still contributes to that great chillout lounge band but now has a couple of albums of her own out. She found a bit of success as one of her songs was used in the final episode of Six Feet Under, but luckily she didn't hit it too big and sell out. Some People Have Real Problems is SIA at her quirky yet very listenable best. Bouncy tunes like Little Black Sandals and Playground mix nicely with more serious stuff like the beautiful, You Have Been Loved and Beautiful Calm Driving. This is really a nice one to listen to over and over and over....

#5 MO' HORIZONS - TEN YEARS OF REMIXES

Wow do I love this! Every song is so loaded with percussion, bass, flutes, vocals and grooves that it is really hard to sit still and listen. the songs can all be found on other Mo' Horizons albums but these mixes are all really terrific. It's kind of retro and futuristic all at the same time. I really like Sunshine Today, My Bombombomb and Tu Fiesta Personal. Put this on and dance or at least move around in your airplane seat like I do when listening on my iPod.

#4 Karsh Kale/ Anouska Shankar - BREATHING UNDER WATER (2007)

This is not new but it is new to me. I really love Karsh Kale's CD Broken English (2006) and thought it might be nice to hear this DJ, mix master guy teasm up with one (and at least for one song two) daughter of the legendary sitar player Ravi Shankar. This fine mix of old and new is really great. Not that I am an expert, but Anoushka is a very respected sitar player herself. On this album there is a cameo by her half sister, Norah Jones, and another by Sting. I'm not a big Sting fan but I love the track he sings on. Sea Dreamer. There are also a few tracks where old Ravi strums in as well. Nice stuff to chill to.

#3 GROOVE ARMADA - SOUNDBOY ROCK (2007)

I rank this #3, not because every song is great but rather because some of the songs are really great and the others aren't bad. Groove Armada always gets great guests and puts out an eclectic mix of funk, hip hop, reggae, R&B and whatever else pops up. GREAT SONGS - What's Your Version, Song For Mutya (Out Of Control), Love Sweet Sound, Lightsonic and Save My Soul. The rest ain't bad either.

#2 LAMBCHOP - Oh (OHIO)

Let's start by saying I think Lambchop is the absolute best band there is. The musicians are amazing and leader Kurt Wagner's lyrics are quirky and deep. That said, many people don't get it (Sophia for one) and can't get past the fact that Kurt isn't going to win the American Idol contest anytime soon. He probably wouldn't even stand a chance on Singapore Idol (which is so lame it's laughable). My number 1 album of all time if Lambchop's 2004 Is A Woman. This new offering is up with their best. Great sound of country, jazz, rick, folk and the kitchen sing mixed with great lyrics full of mystery. Songs like Sharing a Gibson With Martin Luther King, I'm Thinking of a Number and Slipped, Dissolved and Loosed top the list but it's all good here in Lambchop land.

#1 SKYE - LIVE ATR KCRW

Skye, the former singer with ultra chill Morcheeba is in great form on this short live set. She mixes some old Morcheeba stuff with a few from her own really solid album, Mind How You Go and even a few new gems. Every song is really a knockout. She even does a nice version of the Gorillaz - Feel Good, Inc. This is my top little gem of 2008.

Like I said, you may not like all of any of this but it is what is getting most play on my pod as I traveled Asia in 2008. I'm looking forward to more great stuff in 2009, might need a few more gigs on the pod though....

A few more.....

2009-01-02T10:54:00.003+08:00

I just got a few shots in from our friend Carla. Here is a good portrait of the entire Xmas Eve crowd (except for whoever was actually taking the picture).

Me with the Jimenez sisters - Carla and Ivy

Presents!

2009-01-01T17:55:00.004+08:00

Before we open stuff we need to eat. Myrna whipped up a very nice French Toast souffle, bacon, fresh fruit and Teh Tarik from our favorite Tea Stall.

Sophia is out of order! We haven't even eaten. OK, I just posted out of order..not her fault.

She sits at the table but her mind and eyes wander over the the big stack of gifts.

From the tech savvy Wii Fit to the Chinese traditional Lion Dance mask, I hit the jackpot!

Myrna, wearing her new dress over her clothes, sniffs her nice Aveda lotion compliments of the Milwaukee Gimbels.

Jhoey overjoyed with his new basketball. Ready to hit the courts.

Myrna gets a cat shirt. I guess it's because we now have those rascally cats and Myrna gets to feed them.

Getting my Dragon on. I need to perfect my act before Chinese New Year.

Holiday's Tropical Style

2008-12-22T14:23:00.011+08:00

The season kicked off with Puffy the Penguin (direct from Benny's Outlet in Plymouth, MA) hanging out in front of the house. We get a lot of foot traffic on our street and for a week or two no one really stopped to see him. As they warmed up to his presence we got several gawkers and picture takers. Each night we unplugged little Puffy and he fell in a heap onto his chair. I think he was not quite cut out for the heat here!

The house was very festive with garlands and lights up the stairs and little snow ghost ornaments made by our friend Xin for her shop Mai Squarepatch http://www.makisquarepatch.com/

As usual the table was set with festive flair and we even had spray on frost for the windows.

Sophia found these giant ornaments at Ikea and they were in fine proportion to hang in the living room.

I carefully sprayed on these beautiful snowflakes.....ok, me and the stencil.

On Christmas Eve Myrna we had a feast. Jhoey and I went to Teka market and got mutton bryani for 14, Myrna made wings, veggies, prawns and more for her friends to chow down on. I made a very interesting Ginger punch. Even the Absolute 100 vodka I added couldn't get anyone, other then me, to like it.

It was pouring rain all night the 23rd and all day the 24th. If this had been Milwaukee we would have had 3 feet of snow. Luckily it isn't so it was just hot and damp.

Amy and Mohamed arrived on Mohamed's motorbike. They were set for the weather and/or for directing traffic.

They did look fine after removing their rain gear.

Jhoey, Myrna and Grace pose for a shot before dinner.

Finally united after Jhoey's escape from Saudi Arabia a few months back, Myrna hugs her young fiancee. He is a great guy and Myrna finds him very handy around our house.

The Princess of the kitchen with the Queen of the house slaving over the dishes.

Myrna's late arriving friends, still in time to have a laugh.

Ivy, Grace, Nelia, Beth and Isa with their gifts before opening them.

The dinner is served. Everyone was so polite and sober.

After we ate there was a fluke snowstorm. It had never snowed in Singapore since time began but once we went out group shots with Puffy a chilly wind blew in and flakes started to fall. The true spirit of Christmas made it to the tropics!

Ok, no one believes I am the King until I put on my crown. At least Puffy is happy to pose with me!

Merry Xmas 2008!

Go Fly a Kite!

2008-12-08T09:09:00.007+08:00

UFOs?

A Squadron of Planes?

The Singapore Air force on maneuvers?

Just a strong man on the pier flying his kite.

Perfect beach day!

This couple is chilling.

Pretty colors, pretty day.

The loop.

Going up!

Beach parking only

As winter set in in the US, it's always summer here. The sticky, sweaty walk to the beach feels sweet when I know my friends and family back in Milwaukee, Chicago, Virginia and Plymouth are pulling on layer after layer of clothes to stay warm. I have my 365 days per year routine of coming home from work, slipping out of the slacks and shirt and pulling on a pair or shorts, a tee shirt and, when I step out of the house, a pair of flip flops.

A few weeks ago ( yes I am a poor blogger of late), we were walking in East Coast park and stopped to watch a guy flying a kite. The sky was particularly blue that day and there was a rare breeze. This guy was working hard to make his fancy kite fly and do tricks. I captured a few shots and thought I'd share them.