little lab monkees

Working....

2007-08-23T08:07:00.000+01:00

Some people have been asking me to blog more. And since there's really nothing else happening in my life other than the writing the darned thesis, I've decided to add a pic of what I'm been working on in the blog.

These are basically some high-speed camera (500 frames per second) images of mixing time work I had been doing on microwells. Trying to edit them in photoshop was such a pain, but I think I've got it sussed now.

Oh! And we've got tickets to watch Bebel Gilberto at the Durian in October. Excellent!

Gunther rocks!

2007-08-16T07:24:00.000+01:00

I'm speechless... the lyrics are just inspired!

Iron Man Mark I armour

2007-08-08T04:07:00.000+01:00

Here's more coverage from SD CC '07. The unveiling of the Iron Man Mark I armour by Jon Favreau and Robert Downey Jr.

Transformers Animated

2007-08-01T02:46:00.000+01:00

Here's the preview clip courtesy of the people from ENI News.

TF Animated

I have to say, I'm not sure about it. In the space of 1 year Optimus goes from this

to this?!

I have no idea what the guys at Hasbro at doing. Anyway, I hope it works out, we shall see what it's like after the show's broadcast. Here's another clip from Comic Con '07.

Iron Man '08

2007-07-30T15:01:00.000+01:00

This was screened at Comic Con '07 this weekend. All I can say is, damn, it looks like it's going to be real good. And I'm not even an Iron Man fanboy.

Iron Man - Comic-Con Preview
Uploaded by toma-uno

2007-07-30T03:48:00.000+01:00

Humility is the embarrassment you feel when you tell people how wonderful you are.
- Laurence J. Peter

If I feel no embarrassment, does that mean I have no humility?

War

2007-07-20T21:27:00.000+01:00

As of March 15.

2007-07-19T16:50:00.001+01:00

For the Utopia pple, this is how it stands at Feb 10th, 2 days into the war.

more pics

2007-07-04T05:01:00.001+01:00

Optimus Prime

Megatron

Bumblebee

Giant freaking ROBOTS! (a transformers fanboy reaction)

2007-07-04T04:52:00.000+01:00

I watched Transformers the movie last night. Crikey! It was truly an awesome remake. Kudos to Michael Bay for finally getting a Transformers "reboot" that works. Initially, I had huge reservations about this new incarnation of my favourite childhood toys. But somehow, Bay's worked his magic, and made an 80s toyline with blocky robots, cool, slick and updated for the 21st century. (Be warned, leave your brain at the door, and just enjoy the ride.)

Being the fanboy that I am, I was initially horrifed at the changes in the physical appearance of the transformers. The biomechanical look seemed too messy to my eyes. But watching the film, the transformations really work! I kept trying to keep track of all the moving details, figuring out where each part goes.

As far as the storyline, it's not too deep. I mean, we're talking about Michael Bay. He excels at blowing stuff up, not metaphysical analyses of human existence. And blow stuff up he did. :) The action was pretty much non-stop from the get go. Shia LeBeouf worked out really well as Spike, and his interact with Bumblebee, his juvenile naivete. It's not a deep story, just simple, good vs evil and GREAT FUN.

MIA no longer....

2007-02-22T13:28:00.000Z

Back from a long hiatus..... Moved back home, got married in the meantime, moved out of the parents, struggling with a thesis.....

It's terrible not having any real internet access for 3 months. Thank God for broadband.

2007-02-22T13:26:00.000Z

Been a while.... I'm back.

You scored as Anselm. Anselm is the outstanding theologian of the medieval period.He sees man's primary problem as having failed to render unto God what we owe him, so God becomes man in Christ and gives God what he is due. You should read 'Cur Deus Homo?'

Anselm

100%

John Calvin

93%

Karl Barth

93%

Jonathan Edwards

60%

Martin Luther

53%

Paul Tillich

40%

Charles Finney

33%

Friedrich Schleiermacher

33%

Jürgen Moltmann

33%

Augustine

33%

Which theologian are you?
created with QuizFarm.com

2006-09-26T14:13:00.000+01:00

Darn, if they had this when I was growing up, I probably would never have started.

2006-08-24T10:24:00.000+01:00

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.
- Dr. Seuss

Snakes on a plane?? wtf??!?

2006-06-03T12:01:00.000+01:00

Brilliant impressionation video of Jack Nicholson, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Christopher Walken auditioning for the "nail biting, edge of your seat" thriller, Snakes on a plane... nuff said.

2006-05-23T10:00:00.000+01:00

This is so true..... uncanny....

2006-05-07T12:11:00.000+01:00

Heart of the Matter

I got the call today, I didn't wanna hear
But I knew that it would come
An old true friend of ours was talkin' on the phone
She said you found someone
And I thought of all the bad luck,
And the struggles we went through
And how I lost me and you lost you
What are these voices outside love's open door
Make us throw off our contentment
And beg for something more?

I'm learning to live without you now
But I miss you sometimes
The more I know, the less I understand
All the things I thought I knew, I'm learning again
I've been tryin' to get down to the Heart of the Matter
But my will gets weak
And my thoughts seem to scatter
But I think it's about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don't love me anymore

These times are so uncertain
There's a yearning undefined
...People filled with rage
We all need a little tenderness
How can love survive in such a graceless age
The trust and self-assurance that can lead to happiness
They're the very things we kill, I guess
Pride and competition cannot fill these empty arms
And the work I put between us,
Doesn't keep me warm

I'm learning to live without you now
But I miss you, Baby
The more I know, the less I understand
All the things I thought I figured out, I have to learn again
I've been tryin' to get down to the Heart of the Matter
But everything changes
And my friends seem to scatter
But I think it's about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don't love me anymore

There are people in your life who've come and gone
They let you down and hurt your pride
Better put it all behind you; life goes on
You keep carrin' that anger, it'll eat you inside

I've been tryin' to get down to the Heart of the Matter
But my will gets weak
And my thoughts seem to scatter
But I think it's about forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don't love me anymore

I've been tryin' to get down to the Heart of the Matter
Because the flesh will get weak
And the ashes will scatter
So I'm thinkin' about forgiveness
Forgiveness


Even if, even if you don't love me anymore

for a.

Therapeutic Christianity?

2006-04-19T19:32:00.000+01:00

Been a while.... food for thought.....

"The emotional side of knowing God is often played down these days, for fear of encouraging a maudlin self-absorption. It is true that there is nothing more irreligious than self-absorbed religion, and that it is constantly needful to stress that God does not exist for our 'comfort', or 'happiness', or 'satisfaction', or to provide us with 'religious experiences', as if these were the most interesting and important things in life.
It is also necessary to stress that anyone who, on the basis of 'religious experiences',' says "I know him", but does not do what he commands is a liar and the truth is not in him' (1 John)."

Knowing God
J I Packer

Microsoft being hunted.... :)

2006-03-11T13:16:00.000Z

"Software" retaliates against the evil empire....

"An error in McAfee's virus definition file released Friday morning caused the company's consumer and enterprise antivirus products to flag Microsoft's Excel, as well as other applications on users' PCs, as a virus called W95/CTX, Joe Telafici, director of operations at McAfee's Avert labs, told CNET News.com."

Article here

McAfee update exterminates Excel

Fiancee Woes

2006-03-06T16:38:00.000Z

To my dearest fiancee,

I dedicate this post to you. Thanks for sticking with me despite all the troubles involved in going out with poor miserable grad student. This comic pretty much says it all.

labmonkee

Recent hiatus

2006-03-02T01:21:00.000Z

I just realised that I hadn't blogged in ages! I guess having the fiancee here kind of made things a little hazy, and I haven't really been in touch with what's been happening. I just had my birthday thingy last friday at the Lock Tavern. It was awesome. Thanks to all those who made it out for my do. I had a great time. Great company, great food, and an abundance of Guinness pints to go round, what more could one ask for at a birthday do.

Round up of presents
Skagen watch
Guylian chocs
Profiteroles
Ipod Nano (!!)
Champagne
Schott's Miscellany of Food & Drink

I'm pretty pleased. Thanks everyone!

Went to Savoire Faire last night with my fiancee. Yet more great food. And drink. It's been busy.

2006-02-18T09:49:00.000Z

The fiancee is finally here! After several hiccups in terms of flights etc. Been an interesting few days. Call it test trial for married life. Valentine's was surprising uneventful. Just as well. She got me a gorgeous Skagen watch. Simple and elegant, yet with a little panache.

London delights: Soho hotel

2006-02-11T18:34:00.000Z

Stumbled across this little boutique hotel tucked away in some obscure corner of Soho. I'm not exactly a novice when it comes to the little streets of Soho, but this jewel in the midst of the London's own Babylon has managed to escape my attention for the past 7 years. What caught my eye was the huge mural they had in the hotel restaurant REFUEL, saw it from the main street and I just had to find out what it was. That's what I love about this city, the complete and utter randomness of it. They've got a big ass Botero bronze cat in the lobby. What I find most intriguing is the lovely library / lounge coupled with the honesty bar. Somehow I don't think the honesty bar concept would work too good back home. But that's just the cynic in me.

Soho Hotel

Favourite places

2006-02-05T18:02:00.000Z

This is my favourite place in London. When I look back on my time here, many years later, I will remember this small cafe, tucked away on Charing Cross Rd, and all the time I've spent here with real people, people I've shared my life and a cup of coffee with. It's kind of poignant to me right now, seeing as I haven't got much more time left here. I shall have to spend some time there this week. Breakfast tomorrow morning....

Covent Garden

2006-02-05T17:57:00.000Z

Was at Covent Garden Neal's Yard, when I randomly stumbled into this gallery which had some pretty amusing fashion I thought I'd share. Can't seem to remember the name of the designer/artist though. Sorry to all those who'd like to buy this dress.

2006-02-05T17:06:00.000Z

A brilliant write up on singapore by William Gibson, one of my favourite writers.

Disney land with the death penalty

2006-02-03T12:12:00.000Z

Gave a departmental seminar yesterday, it went well! Praise the Lord! Really encouraging.

Woman is comming next saturday.... :) can't wait.

New lows

2006-01-18T17:08:00.000Z

You know that you've reached a new low in your existence when the time you can go home is dictated by the speed at which your files transfer off the lab computer onto the portable hard drive so one can work at home.....

Miscellanae

2006-01-06T16:29:00.000Z

Happy New Year everyone. I can't believe 2005 has just gone by in a blink like that. Quite amazing really. Looking back I can't really say that I've accomplished too much. Just a whole lot of faffing around in the lab etc.... since that's really what monkeys really do, and eventually come out with a PhD after achieving enough faffing over 3 years. (Other than the obviously event of getting engaged to a sexy, intelligent buxom woman I have the huge fortune of managing to con into marrying me.)

Been doing a huge amount of shopping between Boxing Day and New Year's Day, before I proceeded to do more faffing around in the lab again this week. Recently got my hands on the 2 N.E.R.D albums and the Led Zeppelin discography, so the brainpan has pretty much been inflicted with a weird mish mash of Pharrell and Jimmy Page lately.

Purchases over the chaotic Boxing Sales period

5 pink ties for the wedding (1 for me, 1 for Dad, 3 for the groomsmen)
Bally shoes (also for the wedding)
Reiss trousers
Sweater
4 Tops (Mummy, Daddy, Sis and wife)

This concerted effort at shopping for others (mainly) has left me totally exhausted, and a lasting aversion to crowds and the odour of humanity.

Had a small party at my place for New Year's eve. Since I moved into my new south facing room on the 7 floor with a balcony and no nearby buildings obscuring the view, I surmised that the unobstructed view would be great for a New Year's party, well, more like gathering. So basically we just sat round and got pissed, watching Marv dismember Mr Frodo on tele. Until the fireworks came on, which was brilliant. Saw them go off all across the London skyline, from Canary Wharf in the East, to the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, and Primrose Hill in the West. All from the relative comfort of my balcony. I was pleased.

Listening to: Led Zeppelin - BBC Session 1

2005-12-29T13:07:00.000Z

Merry Christmas everyone.... a little late, better than never.

Coldplay 05

2005-12-16T13:17:00.000Z

We went to the Coldplay concert at Earl's Court last night. It was truly a transcendent musical experience. The gigs started pretty much on time with Richard Ashcroft opening as the supporting act, and as he put it, "best, f**kin' support act in the f**kin' world". He started out with a few new songs off his forthcoming album, interspersed with the Verve classics like "Sonnet", "Lucky Man" and the ubiquitous "Bittersweet Symphony". It must have been slightly disappointing for him when the audience only seemed to respond to songs from back in the Verve days. But that being said, on the buzz, in front of tens of thousands, should pretty much quell any inadequacies.

After a short half an hour intermission, Coldplay literally burst onto the stage with "Square One" from their latest album, "X&Y". His vibrant stage presence and interminable energy worked the audience up into a fervour. I have to say that the director for the displays, lasers and lighting played a huge part in building up the mood of the evening, and complemented the songs perfectly. I hadn't gone in with huge expectations for Coldplay's performance, seeing as their performance at the Mtv Europe Music awards was hugely lacking in vocal ability. Maybe it was the

Unhappy DNA monkey

2005-12-09T21:27:00.000Z

Well, regarding that previous post about how I've sorted out my DNA woes, well, no, I haven't. The darn bastards. I completely should have bought the Invitrogen Gigaprep kit just because it was on sale. I mean, darn it, it's completely not turned out the way I expected it to. Basically, I've transfected the cells with the previously said DNA, I got PATHETIC efficiency, we're talking 10% here. Oh the trials and tribulations of the research world.

Anyways, been stuck on all the work for the past few days. It's been totally hectic. I did manage to pop down to Borough Market yet again last saturday to pick up a rack of lamb. It was awesome. Went to C's place to cook. I guess I had to make up for the shitty lab results somehow. Somehow, devouring dead animals seems to help. I wonder how the vegetarians take it. I can't.

The wife (soon to be) is in Thailand on her mission trip. I'm sad, I miss her. Not being to call her as and when I wish is really annoying. Didn't manage to call her for 3 days, because I had lectures from mon to wed at the time she could use the phone. That totally didn't help with this week.

At least I've finally managed to finish writing the paper that's been stewing in the works for a year. SO the week hasn't been all bad. Been so packed up I haven't even had to time to check up on the blogs I normally read. It's been too mad.

This is sad, I've taken to drivveling about my mundane scholastic life. (As opposed to monastic). I wonder if monks blog, if so, what about.....

Happy DNA monkey

2005-11-30T00:18:00.000Z

Ran this gel yesterday, it made me so happy! Finally I can start doing some crazy experiments. The big blotch kept bugging me, but after slicing it up with some endonucleases, I can now say with confidence that my plasmid isn't contaminated with genomic DNA. Err... it's probably multimers.

(I do realise that most people would have NO IDEA what I'm talking about, except for D, and the wife.)

Now I'm stuck in the lab overnight, yet again. Thought I'd do 6 shake flasks and 2 24 well plates, but 4 flasks and 2 24 well plates is pretty much all I can handle right now.

Now off for some cup-a-soup.

stormtrooper look

2005-11-20T17:24:00.000Z

There was that chemical spill in the lab a couple of months back, and we had to wear these industrial respirators in order to protect our various important sensitive bits. I've finally gotten round to transferring the picture off my phone. Don't you reckon the stormtrooper look is very befitting? Now all I need to is blast proof white armour and a blaster rifle to complete the look.

2005-11-14T11:45:00.000Z

Normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work and driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for - in order to get to the job you need to pay for the clothes and the car, and the house you leave vacant all day so you can afford to live in it.

Ellen Goodman
American journalist

Engagement

2005-11-06T09:25:00.000Z

Went to Nama bar last night for a sort of engagement party drinks thingy. It was great. Planning the wedding is a lot more work than I had previously envisaged. Thankfully she's agreed to plan it. I just need to give birth to my thesis in the next 10 months. Easy peasy.

Happy Day!

2005-11-01T17:44:00.000Z

We're engaged! Yay!

Arrival!

2005-10-30T09:15:00.000Z

My woman is here!! Awesome. And thanks to all those who have been wishing me the best for her visit. Off to church now. Blackham is preaching. Jesus rocks!

Anticipation pt deux

2005-10-28T11:14:00.000+01:00

My woman is coming tomorrow!! I can't wait. Lots to do and prepare in the mean time. Not enough hours in a day.

2005-10-25T15:50:00.000+01:00

The only thing that sustains one through life is the consciousness of the immense inferiority of everybody else, and this is a feeling that I have always cultivated.

Oscar Wilde, "The Remarkable Rocket"

Morning

2005-10-24T06:32:00.001+01:00

It's 6.30 in the morning and I'm already awake. No, I'm not staying over in the the lab sampling overnight as I had done on thursday. There was this guy in the hall who had some problems with money, and he obviously deigned it necessary to call me up at 6am to talk about. Some people don't have common sense.

The woman is coming! Yay! Only five and a half days to go. I can't wait! Yet there's a slight, very slight feeling of trepidation. Mainly because I'm afraid she won't have a good holiday, and we'll be at each others throats. But, it should be fine. I miss her loads! Looks like there's going to be some major cleaning around the flat to be done this week, looking forward to it.

It's been ages since I've been awake in my room at this hour. Interesting. And since this post is pretty much a collection of random thoughts precipitated at being up at such a godforsaken hour; last night they had Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and Gladiator on tv. Awesome movies.

Favourite scenes:

Opening sequence in Gladiator, where the Romans kick the but of the barbarians in Germania.

Scene where Zhang Ziyi comes out of the water, all wet and sexy like uttering the words, "Do you want the sword or me?" [You! You! Please...] [don't worry dear, I still love you]

Weekend

2005-10-10T18:29:00.000+01:00

Thursday - Bible and Life with Blackham
Friday - Watched Serenity
Saturday - Coffee with Alex at Borough Market

It was a good weekend. Rico's sermon on sunday rocked!

Serenity is here!

2005-10-06T13:40:00.000+01:00

Joss Whedon's maiden directorial effort has FINALLY been released in the UK after many many months of anticipation!

Click HERE for a review.
Movie site

blogger sting

2005-10-05T10:43:00.000+01:00

We've heard that a million monkeys at a million keyboards could produce the complete works of Shakespeare; now, thanks to the Internet, we know that is not true.

Robert Wilensky
Courtesy of Google homepage

Amazing Rachel Stevens Advert

2005-09-28T02:21:00.000+01:00

I'm not going to spoil it for you all, but here's a HILARIOUS ADVERT. And for a good cause as well! Guys HAVE to check it out.

Oil and blood

2005-09-27T20:44:00.000+01:00

Let's not forget all the blood shed, and lives lost in the pursuit of petroleum.

Skype

2005-09-26T13:56:00.000+01:00

I've finally gotten round to using SkypeOut to call the woman in singapore. It rocks! Expect to be called from the UK pretty soon.....

PhD drudgery

2005-09-16T15:18:00.000+01:00

It's been yet another long and ardous week, not as ardous as say climbing Mount Everest, or swimming across the English Channel, but enough. Firstly, I pretty much had to survive 3 days with no carpet at home. "What's the problem?" you might say. But thing is in England, when you've stripped off the carpets, all you are left with are blank floorboards and the dried up carpet adhesive that basically turns into dust and gets EVERYWHERE. It's friday now, and we still don't have flooring the the bathroom. Cosy. I've also decided to move from my very spacious Room 2, into Room 1 once my flatmate leaves. Even though Room 1 is a little smaller, it's got a lovely south facing balcony, which means a lot during the dreary winter months ahead. That's pretty much it for my domestic whoes.

On the work front, things are starting to shape up. I actually did work for a change whilst I was on duty last weekend. More often than not, my best intentions of my staying and working inevitably gives way to a) watching random anime/tv series/movie b) wasting time watching television c) sleeping. This weekend was a real change and left me feeling rather good about myself, despite not being able to make it to church.

Then there's the mad rush of preparing for experiments during the week. I finally got round to drawing up the thesis outline last weekend, and basically shat myself. I'm 2 years into this monster, and have only managed to accomplish what looks to be half of the work that needs to be done. Which is what spurred me on to this recent flurry of industriousness. Going to be a working weekend again. Caning the experiments today, which means I'll be sampling the nice hamster cells overnight and sleeping in the lab, again. Think I'm going to be needing a dim sum tomorrow afternoon to cheer me up.

Listening to: James Blunt - back to bedlam

Long week

2005-09-10T11:49:00.000+01:00

It's been a really long week. It seems that things have just regressed into this shifting in and out of days with no perception of the days. Haven't been doing nearly as much work as I'm supposed to considering it's going to be the final year of my PhD. The work is pretty much slowed, just need to suck it up and keep on going. They say that doing post-grad is not so much about genius as it is about inspiration and tenacity. I'm stuck in the hall yet again this weekend, covering for one of the other vice wardens. Hopefully I'll be getting some serious amount of work done for a change. As opposed to sitting on my arse.

Listening to:
Renaissance Classics

Coldplay

2005-09-08T19:53:00.000+01:00

I'm going to Coldplay in December! YEAH!!

Fix You came out this week.

Babe of the week: Josie Maran

2005-09-05T00:35:00.000+01:00

Guys, ever go shopping with your girlfriend/mom/wife etc and see a Maybelline advert, thinking, "That model's hot! I wonder who she is..."? Fear not, wonder no longer! The luscious lady you are gazing upon is the one and only Josie Maran.

"I'm really shallow when I come to guys. I only date really good-looking, well-endowed guys, with great bodies. My friends are always going on at me. I'm like. 'I can't help it! I'm just a woman with high standards!'"

Quote from superiorpics.com

Too bad boys.

Vortex of unproductivity

2005-09-04T15:15:00.000+01:00

I AM the vortex.

Definition: Non-relationship

2005-09-01T17:06:00.000+01:00

My contribution to the english language.

Non-Relationship

The grey area in between taking the plunge into a committed relationship and platonic friendship. Often due to indecision on the part of one or more parties involved.

Symptoms might include, holding hands, non-committal sex, spending an inordinate amount of time together, flirting on text messages.

"Sam and Jane have been having this non-relationship for months now, they need to decide whether they are going out or not."

Source: atreidai, London, Jul 25, 2005

2005-09-01T12:05:00.000+01:00

Lost my phone on the bus last night. Really pissed off about it. mofos.....

Serenity Movie UK release

2005-08-26T01:40:00.000+01:00

The upcoming movie Serenity will be released in the UK on October 7, 2005. This is the eagerly awaited movie based on the shortlived but cult favourite TV series Firefly. Personally, I'm a huge fan of the series, and I can't wait to catch the movie when it comes out. There has been a lot of buzz on entertainment sites, based on the 3 trailers that have been released so far.

Movie site
Trailers

Babe of the week: Gen13's Fairchild

2005-08-25T16:58:00.000+01:00

In honour of IGN's Battle of the Comic-Book Babes, with Emma Frost winning the title of hottest drawn character, here's the gorgeous runner-up, Caitlin Fairchild.

"Fairchild is the opposite of Emma. She's a good girl who's gifted with incredible strength and an impossible bust. She's the sweet, strong girl you can take home to mom and show off to your friends. She is the apple pie of babes, a girl so beautiful and sweet, she'll make your eyes water.

Those with a thing for Amazonian babes or the beautiful girl next door can't possible pass up Caitlin Fairchild."

Excerpt from IGN

Student Diet

2005-08-25T01:39:00.000+01:00

After being completely knackered from the overnight transfections, I settled in for hugely unnutritious student dinner before passing out for 11 hours into a semi-comatose state. In my momentary inspired state, I took a picture of my dinner before devouring it. Anyone who's lived the life of a student away from home will be familiar with this faire. It's a veritable smorgasbord of the best that instant food can offer to the lazy cash strapped student.

cut tomatoes
sausages
cappellati
baked beans
poached eggs

click on pic for more details

2005-08-23T10:03:00.000+01:00

I am awake now. I hate the 2am sample. Cell counts just never seem to correlate at that time of the night. I reckon it's CHO-S witching hour.

And because I've only had 4 hours of sleep, my brain isn't too sharp, AND basically there isn't anything terribly interesting happening when you're stuck underground in a lab for 20 hours a day, here a pic of my Mr Incredible slippers. The woman got them for me last Christmas. I thought they were really sweet, coupled with me being a huge fan of Pixar Animation.

2005-08-23T02:14:00.000+01:00

In the lab doing overnight sampling... soo... tired.... brain shutting doooownnn....... zzzzz

Stop closing Post Offices

2005-08-20T16:58:00.000+01:00

They've closed my neighbourhood Post Office just down the road a couple of months ago. It's really made things difficult for me, having to send mail back home and all, even though I live in Central London. It seem that nowadays, it's getting harder and harder to find a Post Office in the UK. I understand the need for trimmer operating costs, and fatter profits, but surely there must be another way around it. Afterall, the purpose of the Royal Post is to serve the people of UK, and how can they do that if we can't even find the blooming Post Office?!?!

Evidently, other people feel as strongly about it as I do. Here someone's actually made a really bad video about it. Music reminiscent of The Streets. It's hilariously bad, please support him and check it out. The struggle of the common man.... and his mail.

Post Office video

Latin Fever: Jessica Alba, Eva Langoria, Eva Mendes

2005-08-18T16:06:00.000+01:00

Haven't posted on the Babe of the week thread for a couple of weeks now, but fear not! This pretty much makes up for it. Egotastic has managed to get hold of an event with the 3 hottest latinas in the media today, Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives), Jessica Alba (stripping, blue spandex and leather) and Eva Mendes (guns, fast cars and Will Smith) all in the same room! Personally I'm not really a fan of any of them, but since I've had a pretty good day, I'm feeling quite altruistic. Excerpt from the post is below. Find the original post here.

"What do you get when you put Jessica Alba, Eva Longoria, and Eva Mendes in a room together? A whole lot of exploded male heads, that's what. What follows are pictures of a Super Fantasy Latina Trio sure to raise the blood pressure (among other things) of every guy on the planet. Yes, every guy on the planet. The trio were together for the "Be More You" launch party. I don't know what that is."

2005-08-18T15:59:00.000+01:00

Oh yeah, and BOLLOCKS to walkover "elections".

At least I got to vote in the UK elections, and it's not even my own country!! The irony.....

Good day

2005-08-18T15:49:00.000+01:00

I had a good day. Mainly because the girlfriend is loving me again, well sort of. And I had a decent supervisory meeting. Only slept 2 hours last night, stayed up fretting about today's meeting and rushing whatever I had (basically a lot of waffle) so as not to go into it empty handed. I felt that I have pretty much been doing jack for the last 4 weeks since the last meeting I had with them.

Completely expected to be screwed over several times today, but things pleasantly didn't turn out that way. Pretty much spent the better part of an hour refreshing their memory on my theories, and presenting the meagre results which I generated several weeks back. They seemed to be satisfied and happy enough with that peace offering. Thank God for forgetful professors. :) Things are looking up. PTL!

2005-08-17T04:45:00.000+01:00

When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

And high up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face
And I

Tears stream down your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face
And I

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you.

Thanks Chris

2005-08-17T04:43:00.000+01:00

I'm not a happy monkey.

Miss you.

Repentance

2005-08-16T12:09:00.000+01:00

Angry words
That I shouldn't have said
Turn of regret
Now I know it's too late
I only wish I could fix it now
Unskilled hands can't build too much
If you could turn my way
Again
I'd hold you and not let go
This heart can't beat without you

Marc Newson's Nike Zvezdochka

2005-08-14T16:00:00.000+01:00

I was browsing around Covent Garden yesterday and decided to step into Offspring. There I finally laid eyes upon what is probably the coolest pair of shoes ever designed. I first stumbled across it several months ago here. But to truly hold a pair in my hands, the design of the Zvezdochka blows me away. Its exhorbitant RRP of £190 is the only thing that stopped me from leaving the store with a pair (despite the insistent peddling of a certain shop assistant).

"Launched in the Japanese magazine Huge, the Nike Zvezdochka is out of this world. Literally. Designed by Marc Newson as a multi purpose shoe for cosmonauts, it's named for the Russian space dog that ventured aboard Sputnik 10 in 1961. While it may look like a reinvention of the Jelly, it promises to be the next major accomplishment in footwear engineering. If you're in London, you might be able to decide for yourself when Newson's show opens next week at the Design Museum."

Excerpt from Coolhunting

Photos from raeo

Alter Egos

2005-08-12T19:59:00.000+01:00

My girlfriend reckons this is me. In case you guys are wonder what in the flaming 7 circles of hell is that?!? It's Sid the Sloth from the Ice Age movie. Hmm.... not entirely sure about the accuracy of her assessment. Well.... maybe the sloth bit.

Wind

2005-08-11T18:34:00.000+01:00

A wise woman (basically TH's mum) once said:

A long distance is to a relationship what a strong wind is to a flame.

If a flame is small, a gust will blow it out, but if the flames are strong, a wind will only make it stronger.

Amen

2005-08-09T13:06:00.000+01:00

Happy Birthday Singapore!

2005-08-09T12:49:00.000+01:00

One can check out more about this year's National Day celebrations here.

Even though I've been in the UK for quite a while now, and generally a disgruntled human being, I'm proud to say that I'm Singaporean. I wish all the best for Singapore's future, economically and socially.

I'm not one for gahmen propaganda, but I agree with this year's slogan. Dear singaporeans, the future is really ours to make of it.

Here's a brilliant article on Singapore.

A boon

2005-08-09T01:29:00.000+01:00

My beloved girlfriend has granted me the great privilege of a "rewind button", should I on the occasion blurt out something stupid! For people in relationships, especially the guys, I'm sure they would be fully aware of the generosity and power of such a concession.

Especially on the occasions when the partner goes "Do I look fat?" or "Have I gained weight?". Rewinding responses like "Then go on a diet lor.." or "I still love you even if you gain weight.." are critical to mental health and general wellbeing. Particularly if the girlfriend happens to be taking kickboxing classes at the local gym.

Sunny Day

2005-08-07T19:33:00.000+01:00

It was a gorgeous day in London today, praise the Lord! Here's the view from my window on the 7th floor, pointing southeast from Kentish Town.

2005-08-06T18:30:00.000+01:00

Doh! Just realised that humanbear has already taken a pic of her passport. But mine's in colour, so it shall stand.

One Singapore Minute

2005-08-06T18:25:00.000+01:00

In response to Mr Brown's call, I've dug out my crusty old passport and taken a picture of it. I think it's pretty much the most singaporean thing I have in my room. Unfortunately, I haven't got a pair of Japanese slippers. You know the one I'm talking about? The one that all hawkers, uncles and market sellers seem to wear.

Cheap Michael Lau Knock Off Toy

2005-08-06T18:10:00.000+01:00

Stumbled across this photo while trawling through my comp today. Got this toy in Hong Kong when I visited about 3 years back. Time really flies. It used to sit up on my shelf when I was working. Probably added to people's perception of me being a "see gee nah". Can't really blame me, right? It's such a cool toy, it even has a removable balaclava and removable MP5 magazine (all plastic of course).

What I never noticed before was the strangely coloured lips. It looks like he's got strawberry lipgloss on.... not that I'm terrible familiar with strawberry lipgloss.... or tried any..... just an observation that's all.

PBS

2005-08-05T18:52:00.000+01:00

I now know more about Phosphate Buffered Saline than I did yesterday! It's amazing what one can learn just by spending a couple of hours Googling it up.

Basically, there's

Sorenson's Phosphate Buffered Saline
10mM Na2HPO4/NaH2PO4
150mM NaCl

Dulbecco's Phosphate Buffered Saline
10mM Na2HPO4/KH2PO4
150mM NaCl
Ca2+, Mg2+ salts

Been trying to rustle up some PBS at pH 5.0. Being a geek and not taking things as they are can really complicated matters for myself.

And then there's the Henderson-Hasselbach equation stuff.

Star Wars Original Prop Auction

2005-08-05T01:49:00.000+01:00

Star Wars memorabilia

Ever wanted to wave Luke Skywalker's lightsaber around, dress up in his orange jumpsuit to go to clubbing (that'll so reel in the chicks with danishes on the side of their heads)? Chew on Yoda's gimer stick? Now you can!!

I've always wanted my very own prop used in the original Star Wars movies. None of the plastic crap you get from Hasbro. I already have 4 of those flimsy ones. That being said, the new collectors' Force FX lightsabers are pretty amazing. Light up LEDs, metal construction, "wooong wooonng kkrrshhhhh!!" sounds included!

But push comes to shove, nothing beats the the original prop using in Star Wars: A New Hope wield by Mark Hamill himself! (That was before his career took a downturn and he started doing crappy voice overs for cartoons.)

Wisdom

2005-08-04T09:22:00.000+01:00

My girlfriend is such a wise woman. I don't know what I would do without her. I have been suffering from huge amounts of stress. Let me summarise it here.

Normal stress
Sloth behaviour, bumming around without a sense of urgency

Optimum stress
Beaver! High productivity, organised, get lots done.

Too much stress!
Ostrich, stick head in sand, complete denial of the amount of research that needs to be done.

Basically I've been research ineffective! But wise words from her pretty much helped me through it.

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time....

(No elephants were eaten or harmed in the process.)

Productivity

2005-08-04T01:43:00.000+01:00

This is so describes my life in UCL now....

PhD Comics 2nd August 2005

Transport For London Travel Solution

2005-07-29T12:36:00.000+01:00

In light of the serious London Alerts that have occured in the past few weeks, it is critical to take certain precautions whilst travelling on the tube or bus.

Babe of the week: Emma Frost

2005-07-28T23:03:00.000+01:00

The White Queen's icy beauty and awesome telepathic powers will leave you grovelling at her gleaming white leather-clad boots.

Photo courtesy of IGN and Marvel Comics
Chosen by A Blank Page Productions

www.emmafrost.com
Marvel Directory: Emma Frost
White Queen

Initial D Trueno AE86

2005-07-28T10:08:00.000+01:00

In honour of the recent release of Initial D The Movie, I decided to post a pic of the famous wolf in sheep's clothing, Bunta Fujiwara's tricked out revved up HachiRoku.

CHO-S cells

2005-07-25T17:17:00.000+01:00

Since this is a lab monkey's blog, I figure I'd better post some vaguely sciency stuff.

These are CHO-S cells, the little critters which I work with, and pretty dictate my life. Note the scale bar in the corner, 10 microns, that's very very small.

Weird phrases

2005-07-25T17:13:00.000+01:00

Something you don't want to hear coming from your girlfriend.

"Are you going to die soon?"

I'm feeling the love......

Damn.....

2005-07-21T16:50:00.000+01:00

Not again. The w#nkers.

Babe of the week: Petra Nemcova

2005-07-20T19:49:00.000+01:00

All I can say is.... Damn....

Holiday synopsis 1

2005-07-20T19:33:00.000+01:00

Well, finally back in London after 4 weeks of "rest" at home in Singapore. I have to say that this is the first time that I actually wish I was back there. Normally after 2 weeks of being out of the lab, this monkey is itching to get back into some pipetting. But this time, I just can't seem to get into gear. I simply had too great a time back home, which is surprising if you know me.

Jakarta
First, I had to make a trip back to Jakarta. My mum's Indonesian and I used to visit every school holiday up till the age of 16. And since I hadn't been back in 10 years, I figure it was about time to make a trip over to visit the mum's side of the family.

Small triwheel scooters called Bajaj, deathtraps if you ask me.
It's not my bad photography that's making it hazy, it's the pollution!

This visit back was such an eye opener for me. Seeing Jakarta through eyes 10 years older (not necessarily wiser), somehow I appreciate the complexities and chaos a little better. It's no longer dirty and disorganised, more like it has got character. Maybe it's because I've been living in London (another mad city), as opposed to 10 years ago before I'd left home, and all I had known was the ordered sterility of Singapore.

Next stop, KL with my woman....... tune in next time...

See what I mean about the pollution?!

Had to get out of the city, went to Gunung Puncak for a respite. Here are some tea plantations on the slopes of the mountain.

Going up the mountain. If the moutain won't go to Mhd, Mhd will go to the mountain. (with requisite head wobbling)

Tragedy in London

2005-07-07T17:59:00.000+01:00

I'm horrified at the incidents in London today. Thank God I just happen to be back home for a holiday at this moment in time. I've been living in London for several years now, and it has truly become my second home, a city which I've come to love and call my own.

Watching the images of destruction, of places which are so familiar to me. The bus outside the British Medical Association where I walked past everyday in my 1st year, King's Cross and Edgeware Road. It's cliche, but I'm in shock. I just didn't know how to respond.

Rushing home, I called as many of the people around me as I could get hold of back there. Thank the good LORD that they are all fine. From the reports on BBC, the emergency services seem to be handling the situation well. Living with the threat of the IRA in the 80s and 90s has trained them well for such an "inevitable" day.

Michelle @ Syntaxfree has quoted well, "We will never surrender." The people of London will never bow to to such dastardly acts of terror. We will never give in, and we will never be terrorised.

Bad writing

2005-07-07T07:16:00.000+01:00

I have realised that I need to read each post at least twice before publishing. Especially if I'm posting late at night. Reading through the older posts, I'm completely horrified by how atrocious my grammar has become and not to mention the bad spelling.

This is what happens when you become a scientist, and no longer need to write coherently for the general english speaking world. A intellectual diet of MS Excel, graphs and cell counts have rendered my literary centers defunct. At least I've got this blog to practice constructing proper sentences on. Feel free to correct my grammar.

Damn. I think I'll just stick to comic art.

Babe of the week: Miho

2005-07-07T06:52:00.000+01:00

Miho is a 5 foot nothing bundle of blades and death. Cross the Old town girls and be prepared to face her lightning shuriken and katanas.

from The Big Fat Kill by Frank Miller

Ostrich on holiday

2005-07-01T21:39:00.000+01:00

I've pretty much been burying my head in the sand, trying not to think about the amount of experimental work I have to do and reports due. It's amazing how much time one can waste on holiday, just by lazing about and taking a little longer to do things. Not to mentioned the travelling. Here's the holiday tally so far,

pretty damn good Chendol [Bedok interchange]
perfect Prata [Al-Ameen Upper Bukit Timah thx to moi sis]
Equinox [thx to pinkpenguin]
Mee Pok [Parkway]

I need to start bringing my camera around with me just to take pics so that my gorgeous readers can envy my terribly hip and happening lifestyle, not to mention drool over the gastronomic delights I'm shovelling down my throat.

We have a boudoir

2005-07-01T17:59:00.000+01:00

The woman and I had a great time along Clark Quay last night. I had previously heard that it had been recently redeveloped, and since we were around the vicinity, we decided to check it out.

After sticking out heads into several places, we decided to settle down in Indochine's new offering, Forbidden City @ Clarke Quay. I know, it's terribly poser name, but I thought the Qin Shi Huang terracotta warriors were pretty damn cool. For a Discovery channel geek like me, it was the right bait to draw me in through it's doors.

The staff were friendly, and the antique styled lounges were very distinctive and interesting. There was this PR manager who was surprisingly friendly, and I would have to say that it was probably one of the best service I've ever encountered. She even let down the tied drapes around our little corner, giving us some measure or illusion of privacy. Seeing as it was a thursday evening, the Bar Cocoon wasn't too crowded and the music wasn't so loud that you had to shout in order to have a conversation.

As for the food, as bar snacks go, their rice parcels (or what we would call mini poh piah) were well prepared, and delicious. Good food accompanied with refreshing fruit juice based cocktails and a warm atmosphere, it was probably one of the best evenings out we've had in a while.

Babe of the week: Ava

2005-06-28T11:08:00.000+01:00

Dame to kill for....

Beautiful as a rose, deadly as nightshade, she'll steal your heart, and cut it out right in front of you.

from Sin City: A Dame To Kill For... by Frank Miller

Sunny island in the sea

2005-06-27T09:12:00.000+01:00

So apparently I'm back home. It's been a weird and wonderful experience having to readjust back to 90% humidity and an average "cool" temperature of 24 degrees..... at night! But it's not much cooler back in London anyways.

Been trying to stuff my face with as much food as I can in the 3 1/2 weeks back here. The tally so far is:

So far
2x black pepper crabs
guo tie (fried dumplings)
weird macau food (Crystal Jade Macau Cafe at Bugis)
Hakka Yong Tau Fu (thx HL)
Jln Kayu Prata (overrated)
Cai Tau Kuay (fried carrot cake)
Manhill rest. (don't ask, I don't get it either)

listening to: BBC Radio 1 @ Glasto 2005

F1 bureaucratic stupidity

2005-06-20T01:18:00.000+01:00

The whole stupid fiasco about 14 cars boycotting the race was probably the most ridiculous thing to have landed on the lap of motor racing in its entire history. For a fan like myself, I felt let down and frustrated at the politicking of ferrari team and the inability of the management teams to come to a compromise. This is one of those occations where the money has destroyed the spirit of a sport. Was it so damn difficult to install a chicane just so that everyone could enjoy a good race?

"It's a disaster for Formula One in the States," said Williams' Nick Heidfeld.

They've forgotten that at the end of the day, it's the fans that make a sport happen. It's very clear today that they have completely lost the true meaning of sportsmanship. I just hope that this will serve as a wake up call, and one day, the F1 management will start to see the big picture once again.

Snacking

2005-06-19T14:08:00.000+01:00

Probably the best snack in the world..... Sainbury's was having a deal on them. 2 for 2 pounds, I couldn't resist and bought a couple. I think Walkers pretty much got this one just right, there's also the Thai Sweet Chilli crisps, which are really addictive.

Coming home soon

2005-06-19T13:55:00.000+01:00

Gonna be back home in a couple of days! Can't wait!! Mainly cos of the friends, family and woman. And thank the good Lord for the food, it'd be a pretty shitty place back home if it weren't for the food. psych......

Hola!

2005-06-16T23:43:00.000+01:00

nancy
Originally uploaded by atreidai.

I just thought as a point of interest, I'd post a comic babe of the week. In light of the recently released movie Sin City, here's everybody's favourite cowgirl. She'll make you shiver in your boots......

Apparently I'm a Tusken Raider

2005-05-26T11:57:00.000+01:00

How bizarre, if you've always wondered what sort of Star Wars Character you are.

Click to see my Star Wars Personality!!