I currently interrupt my Aussie blog-a-thon to say two things. One - I can now update my blog via mobile, and two - I finally get to go to Boracay! Yipee!
5 years ago
I currently interrupt my Aussie blog-a-thon to say two things. One - I can now update my blog via mobile, and two - I finally get to go to Boracay! Yipee!
Definitely the best thing about Brisbane is using the ferry to get around town. It may not be as extensive as the trains of Sydney, or the trams of Melbourne, but standing at the front of a boat coasting through the Brisbane River with a breeze on your face (just hold that Titanic impersonation) is the sweetest way to travel. If you're lucky, get the City Cat that offers your second-floor rides.
I've already mentioned the standard sights of the city, now cross to the other bank and find out the region's cultural core. Apart from having no less than three major universities along the river, there stands an exhibition area, swimming pools, botanical gardens, a theater, the state library, the state museum and a museum of modern art. Timing was impeccable, as I chanced upon an Andy Warhol exihibit in the Gallery of Modern Art, and one of their features included a photo booth that will send you a Warholized photo of yourself. Here's mine:
I'm glad that I really went to Brisbane. The Couchsurfers I met were amazing, the city itself was endearing, and I could really see myself mooching about the city some more.
I've already mentioned the standard sights of the city, now cross to the other bank and find out the region's cultural core. Apart from having no less than three major universities along the river, there stands an exhibition area, swimming pools, botanical gardens, a theater, the state library, the state museum and a museum of modern art. Timing was impeccable, as I chanced upon an Andy Warhol exihibit in the Gallery of Modern Art, and one of their features included a photo booth that will send you a Warholized photo of yourself. Here's mine:
I'm glad that I really went to Brisbane. The Couchsurfers I met were amazing, the city itself was endearing, and I could really see myself mooching about the city some more.
Initial impressions. Done. Time to get my things settled in, drop off my stuff, and meet my host in Brisbane. Much thanks yet again to CouchSurfing, I found a willing host to lend me sleeping space for my 4 day stay. All I know is that the house was in the university district, so I board a bus headed that way. I meet the first and only jerk throughout my journey, and he gave me attitude for not knowing where the place was. Duh, it's my first day here, and he's the one driving around the area!
Anyway, I ask the local petrol shop for directions (you know which one), and since there weren't any buses headed that-a-way, decided to walk it. It turned out to be a 30 minute walk, not so bad, until I get to the house. The house looked like Macaulay Culkin ran through it in Home Alone. All the doors were open, there were sheets and mattresses on the floor, there was a couch on the tree in front of the house, and a fridge on the lawn! So I tried contacting my host, until I eventually gave and, and fell asleep on the couch. Thirty minutes later, someone wakes me up and asks me what was I doing at their door and my lovely host comes to the rescue! I dump my things, have a quick chat, then return to the city.
Later that evening I meet all 6 housemates, and their current couchsurfer, Graham. While drinking goon (translation: cheap wine in a box), I am informed that there will be two more lads coming in, and there is a couch on the roof. Awesome, awesome, awesome! The wine, and the fantastic views of Brisbane, and great company are definitely the highlights of my Brisbane trip.
Eventually, there would be 13 people staying at that house (the facial expression on the guests' faces, including mine, were priceless!), with the last guy in getting to sleep sitting down on the couch. I'll forever remember the roof-couch, great goon, and trivial pursuit. Definitely one of the most memorable CouchSurfing experience I've had.
Anyway, I ask the local petrol shop for directions (you know which one), and since there weren't any buses headed that-a-way, decided to walk it. It turned out to be a 30 minute walk, not so bad, until I get to the house. The house looked like Macaulay Culkin ran through it in Home Alone. All the doors were open, there were sheets and mattresses on the floor, there was a couch on the tree in front of the house, and a fridge on the lawn! So I tried contacting my host, until I eventually gave and, and fell asleep on the couch. Thirty minutes later, someone wakes me up and asks me what was I doing at their door and my lovely host comes to the rescue! I dump my things, have a quick chat, then return to the city.
Later that evening I meet all 6 housemates, and their current couchsurfer, Graham. While drinking goon (translation: cheap wine in a box), I am informed that there will be two more lads coming in, and there is a couch on the roof. Awesome, awesome, awesome! The wine, and the fantastic views of Brisbane, and great company are definitely the highlights of my Brisbane trip.
Eventually, there would be 13 people staying at that house (the facial expression on the guests' faces, including mine, were priceless!), with the last guy in getting to sleep sitting down on the couch. I'll forever remember the roof-couch, great goon, and trivial pursuit. Definitely one of the most memorable CouchSurfing experience I've had.
Whoops, my days seem to be fully loaded with activities that I forgot to mention that yesterday was my last day in Siddies. Early in the morning, I need to head off to Queensland's capital city, Brisbane. I initially wanted to go, but decided against it to spend more time in Sydney, then changed my mind again (fickle, I know) in order to meet more CouchSurfers and spread the good word about the Philippines. At least it sounded like a mission.
Upon arrival in Brisbane, I was definitely grateful that I made the right choice. The weather felt like Tagaytay, a bit less humid, but you can definitely feel the tropicality of the region. Getting to the city was a breeze, as there is a dedicated rail line from the airport to Central Station (I just love DIY airport transfers). Their transport system is being upgraded right now, to handle Airbus 380s, more international arrivals, larger vehicular traffic, and extensions of the existing rail lines.
You can definitely tell that Brisbane is a city on the rise. Whilst their CBD features old colonial style buildings similar to Sydney, a majority of the buildings are new, and construction is prevalent. My favorite? Brisbane Square, which houses the gigantic metal soccer balls, the city library (whose Tagalog section has nothing but romance novellas with titles such as Hindi Mo Sarili Ang Kasalanan and May Utang Kang Pag Ibig), all built on top of a motorway underpass. Check out the slanted window slivers on the library wall.
There was enough sights to see, their city hall boasts that Savage Garden has the keys to the city, Saint Stephen's Cathedral was a good place to take pictures around (apparently, I enjoyed it a bit too much), and a concise shopping district. I totally regret not shopping in Brisbane - Australia may seem a bit disorienting to the regular Pinoy mall shopper, but the Brisbane Queen Street Mall will quickly get you back on your feet.
Man, it's a pretty long post already, and it's just the morning I got to Brisbane, or as they would call it, Brisvegas. I guess it just shows how much I loved it there. More next time.
Upon arrival in Brisbane, I was definitely grateful that I made the right choice. The weather felt like Tagaytay, a bit less humid, but you can definitely feel the tropicality of the region. Getting to the city was a breeze, as there is a dedicated rail line from the airport to Central Station (I just love DIY airport transfers). Their transport system is being upgraded right now, to handle Airbus 380s, more international arrivals, larger vehicular traffic, and extensions of the existing rail lines.
You can definitely tell that Brisbane is a city on the rise. Whilst their CBD features old colonial style buildings similar to Sydney, a majority of the buildings are new, and construction is prevalent. My favorite? Brisbane Square, which houses the gigantic metal soccer balls, the city library (whose Tagalog section has nothing but romance novellas with titles such as Hindi Mo Sarili Ang Kasalanan and May Utang Kang Pag Ibig), all built on top of a motorway underpass. Check out the slanted window slivers on the library wall.
There was enough sights to see, their city hall boasts that Savage Garden has the keys to the city, Saint Stephen's Cathedral was a good place to take pictures around (apparently, I enjoyed it a bit too much), and a concise shopping district. I totally regret not shopping in Brisbane - Australia may seem a bit disorienting to the regular Pinoy mall shopper, but the Brisbane Queen Street Mall will quickly get you back on your feet.
Man, it's a pretty long post already, and it's just the morning I got to Brisbane, or as they would call it, Brisvegas. I guess it just shows how much I loved it there. More next time.
Similar to yesterday's zoo, today I saw caged animals being ogled at and photographed. Replacing cages with tennis courts, and animals with gorgeous female tennis players, it turned out to be the Sydney Open at Homebush Olympic Park. I've been to a tennis tournament before, but they were for men; and half the crowd then is now suspended for doping ... talk about drat rotten luck.
Anyway, the moment I step inside, I see Ana Ivanovic practicing to my left. I quickly change lenses, a zoom here and there, and voila. I had something to keep myself busy for the next 30 minutes.
Today was worse than yesterday's experience at the zoo. I'm wearing my jacket full-on, even though it's shining outside. Note to self, remember the song that goes: Wear Sunscreen. If I could offer you one piece of advise....I digress.
Luckily, it's the first day of the tournament, and there were plenty of seats in the shade. So I find a really comfy seat, but not before taking this photograph. Daniela! Woot, she (eventually) finally made it to a Grand Slam semifinal.
There was one match left, but I figured that it would take forever to finish it, and there was much to pack. So I took a quick night shot of their lovely tennis stadium and called it a day. Just in case you're wondering who these players were, it's Igor Andreev and Richard Gasquet.
Anyway, the moment I step inside, I see Ana Ivanovic practicing to my left. I quickly change lenses, a zoom here and there, and voila. I had something to keep myself busy for the next 30 minutes.
Today was worse than yesterday's experience at the zoo. I'm wearing my jacket full-on, even though it's shining outside. Note to self, remember the song that goes: Wear Sunscreen. If I could offer you one piece of advise....I digress.
Luckily, it's the first day of the tournament, and there were plenty of seats in the shade. So I find a really comfy seat, but not before taking this photograph. Daniela! Woot, she (eventually) finally made it to a Grand Slam semifinal.
There was one match left, but I figured that it would take forever to finish it, and there was much to pack. So I took a quick night shot of their lovely tennis stadium and called it a day. Just in case you're wondering who these players were, it's Igor Andreev and Richard Gasquet.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Wallabies! Koalas! Kangaroos! Too Much Sunshine!
under
Australia,
Photography,
Travel
Still nursing a sunburn that managed to sneak through yesterday's rain, I meet up a CouchSurfer and we proceed to the zoo. One of the few zoos where you have to cross a magnificent harbor just to get to. The sun was really shining hard, but the breeze kind of made up for it ... a little. Definitely on our checklist was the authentic and indigenous critters from Down Under, including the ubiquitous koalas and kangaroos. There were other never-heard-of animals in the zoo, including quolls, hydromys, and dunnarts.
I think this is a post I'd rather fill up with photos.
Footnote, never saw the Tasmanian devil. He was too busy burrowing under wood shavings. I'll just have to trust photographs for that one.
I think this is a post I'd rather fill up with photos.
Footnote, never saw the Tasmanian devil. He was too busy burrowing under wood shavings. I'll just have to trust photographs for that one.
Yes, I missed the fireworks to usher in 2008, but since the party hat is always on this side of Down Under, it didn't take me long to see the whole city have a major throwdown. Sydney Festival was just around the block, choosing select CBD streets and pubs, but I decided to have one on Saint Martin Place. And since an SLR camera won't fit any of my pockets, here's the only pic I got.
Earlier was a day for the beach. Bondi beach was the obvious choice, and being a bit too headstrong in searching for the beach, I ended up in a retirement home district, where the mean age was 40 years above mine. Yes, give me a pat on the back. Apart from that, I earned a mildly bad sunburn walking from Bronte Beach to Bondi. Mildy, because it was stormy - where else will you find beaches closed due to bad weather (rain and waves), yet still manage to toast your skin with overcast skies?
No worries, maybe it was the little pockets of sunshine that crisped me. Soundtrack alert: Hands Clean by Alanis Morissette.
Earlier was a day for the beach. Bondi beach was the obvious choice, and being a bit too headstrong in searching for the beach, I ended up in a retirement home district, where the mean age was 40 years above mine. Yes, give me a pat on the back. Apart from that, I earned a mildly bad sunburn walking from Bronte Beach to Bondi. Mildy, because it was stormy - where else will you find beaches closed due to bad weather (rain and waves), yet still manage to toast your skin with overcast skies?
No worries, maybe it was the little pockets of sunshine that crisped me. Soundtrack alert: Hands Clean by Alanis Morissette.
My second day in Sydney included long, long walks in the city. Indeed. summer is different in a tropical country. Their summer had blistering sunshine, but "cold" winds. As a matter of perspective, this "cold" is anything below 26 degrees celsius. This weather, me likey!
So, just the usual city walk, from markets to parks to your usual meeting places. In order to get your bearings correct, a lengthy walk around city center is much recommended. Flashforward, all the Australian streets are either George, Albert, Mary, Ann, and their brethren of monarchial names. However, I found no Henry street -it's nothing against the house of Tudors (I hope), Elizabeth Street was very common.
After much walking, and doing the Sydney sight checklist, I realised that the city was a brick forest. In contrast to our beloved Manila's rich cement and wood plank history, theirs is a milieu of brick in an assortment of earthen hues.
Apart from that, Sydney boasts its harbours. No great civilisation has really flourished in the absence of water, and this city simply revels in it. Tada, Harbour Bridge! A Sydney icon. Whoops, they haven't taken down the New Years hourglass (to further spite me for missing the festivities).
This one here is a traditional bridgehouse, dressed in the well-loved yellow and green, and marks one of the first bridges when Sydney was first inhabited. Or that's the story I think I remember reading from a pamphlet nearby.
And as a parting shot, you all know the Sydney Opera House.
So, just the usual city walk, from markets to parks to your usual meeting places. In order to get your bearings correct, a lengthy walk around city center is much recommended. Flashforward, all the Australian streets are either George, Albert, Mary, Ann, and their brethren of monarchial names. However, I found no Henry street -it's nothing against the house of Tudors (I hope), Elizabeth Street was very common.
After much walking, and doing the Sydney sight checklist, I realised that the city was a brick forest. In contrast to our beloved Manila's rich cement and wood plank history, theirs is a milieu of brick in an assortment of earthen hues.
Apart from that, Sydney boasts its harbours. No great civilisation has really flourished in the absence of water, and this city simply revels in it. Tada, Harbour Bridge! A Sydney icon. Whoops, they haven't taken down the New Years hourglass (to further spite me for missing the festivities).
This one here is a traditional bridgehouse, dressed in the well-loved yellow and green, and marks one of the first bridges when Sydney was first inhabited. Or that's the story I think I remember reading from a pamphlet nearby.
And as a parting shot, you all know the Sydney Opera House.
Finally, I got some time to sneak out and write in my blog. Everyone at home and at work was asking, and perhaps you my dear readers, all two of you, how my trip went. In a word, it was SUPER.
So I land in Sydney - it was the longest flight I've ever taken, and halfway through the 8-hour flight, I went claustrophobic. My seatmate was probably drowsy from all-night partying prior to the flight, so he slept like a baby; I on the other hand, was suffering from boredom, and disbelief that they'd be showing a B-Movie in a long-haul flight. So, the best way is to chat up the flight attendants (definitely out of my age group, so stop snickering), and mooch for a free drink. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough, so I just tried to sit still in my seat like a kindergarten student on detention.
Then the Sydney skyline came along. No pictures, drat, but you'd have to marvel on how they developed a portwith a craggy coastline and numerous bays, into a dazzling metropolis. The lights were all aglow, and that sight was surely worth the 8-hour trip.
That's it for now. We'll talk about walking around Sydney next time.
ps. I sneak away for a week and all I manage to come up with is a shabby excuse for a blog entry. Worry not, I'll be back with a more respectable outing.
So I land in Sydney - it was the longest flight I've ever taken, and halfway through the 8-hour flight, I went claustrophobic. My seatmate was probably drowsy from all-night partying prior to the flight, so he slept like a baby; I on the other hand, was suffering from boredom, and disbelief that they'd be showing a B-Movie in a long-haul flight. So, the best way is to chat up the flight attendants (definitely out of my age group, so stop snickering), and mooch for a free drink. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough, so I just tried to sit still in my seat like a kindergarten student on detention.
Then the Sydney skyline came along. No pictures, drat, but you'd have to marvel on how they developed a portwith a craggy coastline and numerous bays, into a dazzling metropolis. The lights were all aglow, and that sight was surely worth the 8-hour trip.
That's it for now. We'll talk about walking around Sydney next time.
ps. I sneak away for a week and all I manage to come up with is a shabby excuse for a blog entry. Worry not, I'll be back with a more respectable outing.
Not enough time to write a post, but more than happy to share photos. Enjoyed the last couple of days at the zoo and the Olympic Park.
Sssh, I'm currently feeling like toast, as I was burnt to a crisp yesterday at Bondi beach. Will be heading off to Brisbane to have a quiet time in a few days, and I promise to upload photos by then.
They'd sound (well, look) like this:
Between a frenetic chorus of distorted/synthesized vocals and flashing fireworks, nothing comes close to the spectacle that Daft Punk dished out the past year. I am still snapping my fingers, that they did not come to a reasonable SEA location, moreover, I missed their performance in Australia by 2 weeks. Draaaaat!
Still the CD makes up for it, partially, as it's a mashup of their biggest hits from the past decade. It's such a treat that they included Music Sounds Better With You,such an underrated hit from 1998. The spacesuits are still making us move, and I hope, that I get to see them, one more time.
---------------
And to think that I bought it for 50 pesos, LCD Soundsystem's second album, Sound Of Silver actually strikes gold. What's really amazing from both artists is that the vocals take a step back as the showpiece of the song, but it's actually the accompaniments and instrumentation.
----------------
All righty folks, I'm off to see the Australian Open, and will be updating from there. Happy New Year, and show off your robot rock moves this 2008!
Between a frenetic chorus of distorted/synthesized vocals and flashing fireworks, nothing comes close to the spectacle that Daft Punk dished out the past year. I am still snapping my fingers, that they did not come to a reasonable SEA location, moreover, I missed their performance in Australia by 2 weeks. Draaaaat!
Still the CD makes up for it, partially, as it's a mashup of their biggest hits from the past decade. It's such a treat that they included Music Sounds Better With You,such an underrated hit from 1998. The spacesuits are still making us move, and I hope, that I get to see them, one more time.
---------------
And to think that I bought it for 50 pesos, LCD Soundsystem's second album, Sound Of Silver actually strikes gold. What's really amazing from both artists is that the vocals take a step back as the showpiece of the song, but it's actually the accompaniments and instrumentation.
----------------
All righty folks, I'm off to see the Australian Open, and will be updating from there. Happy New Year, and show off your robot rock moves this 2008!
I've just made a queue of them on my Media Player. So here are my ten most-loved, most-played, most heads bobbed to-songs of the past year:
10. Stolen by Dashboard Confessional
So what if this is a departure from the acoustic set, and employs a full band? There's still as much emo going on as with their previous favorite, Vindicated.
9. Better Days by The Goo Goo Dolls
I do have a certain liking for songs that lead to a swelling denouement. This one starts mellow, wanting, and ends that way, swelling for a complete overture. Love it, and will always remember the nights I spent on a bus crossing Vietnam.
8. Last Request by Paolo Nutini
Yes, the "Breakup Sex Song" scores high on my list. Paolo Nutini offers much on his album, from drawls, to whispers, I hope he stays for some time.
7. Glory Days by Just Jack
A friendlier, more sober version of The Streets, I remember this song being played one late night on MTV - with changing shirts and easy beats, it was a late addition to summer soundtrack. Still, it was my wake up alarm - nothing says good morning like this song.
6. Wait For You by Elliott Yamin
Hands down my favorite American Idol contestant; and the only post-AI song that I liked. It's a great song with honest lyrics and a likable voice. He teams up woth Mary J. Bllige and Jason Nevins for some wicked remixes too.
5. First Time by Lifehouse
How can I resist Lifehouse? It's a happier, less somber new track and a world tour on the way. I do hope they swing by Southeast Asia.
4. Rescued by Jack's Mannequin
Though this should really count for last year, (Jack's Mannequin had 2 songs in the Top 20), this one takes the cake for 2007's cathartic expression of solitude. Look for the acoustic version.
3. Grateful by Julianne
The only OPM of this year, and well deserved it is. It's the lightest, feel-good song all through out 2007, and a much needed change from everything emo, R&B, and electronica. I remember listening to this song while walking on a peaceful late afternoon by the beach.
2. Starz In Their Eyes by Just Jack
You can so tell I loved Overtones. I repeat, it's a great, great album, though it feels like it's spoken word, but with lyrics that take on a skewering commentary like this, what's not to like? Plus, spins by Ashley Beedle, Trophy Twins and Boss Boss make this satirical ditty much more interesting.
1. My Love (Linus Loves Remix) by Justin Timberlake
Yes, Futuresex/Lovesounds was definitely one of the better releases of 2006 that carried over to 2007. Justin and Timbaland brings in their neo-R&B sound that makes the whole album interesting.
However, this win is not only for the duo, but for the remixer as well, Linus Loves. He cashed in on famous songs by Gossip, Mika, Jamelia and Kelis. Good dance music, and definitely one to be remembered. Wouldn't have loved My Love if not for this wicked remix.
------------------
So that was my list, and do vote on the poll on my sidebar, I'd like to hear what was your song of 2007.
------------------
Just to summarize my year-end countdown, here they are:
The Sign by Ace Of Base (1994)
One Sweet Day by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men (1995)
Ooh Aah...Just A Little Bit by Gina G (1996)
Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind (1997)
Wishful Thinking by Duncan Sheik (1998)
You Get What You Give by New Radicals (1999)
2000
One More Time by Daft Punk (2001)
Yellow by Coldplay (2002)
Breathe by Michelle Branch (2003)
Ocean Avenue by Yellowcard (2004)
Hard to Beat by Hard-Fi (2005)
Move Along by All American Rejects (2006)
My Love by Justin Timberlake and Linus Loves (2007)
I'm still looking for the song from year 2000.
10. Stolen by Dashboard Confessional
So what if this is a departure from the acoustic set, and employs a full band? There's still as much emo going on as with their previous favorite, Vindicated.
9. Better Days by The Goo Goo Dolls
I do have a certain liking for songs that lead to a swelling denouement. This one starts mellow, wanting, and ends that way, swelling for a complete overture. Love it, and will always remember the nights I spent on a bus crossing Vietnam.
8. Last Request by Paolo Nutini
Yes, the "Breakup Sex Song" scores high on my list. Paolo Nutini offers much on his album, from drawls, to whispers, I hope he stays for some time.
7. Glory Days by Just Jack
A friendlier, more sober version of The Streets, I remember this song being played one late night on MTV - with changing shirts and easy beats, it was a late addition to summer soundtrack. Still, it was my wake up alarm - nothing says good morning like this song.
6. Wait For You by Elliott Yamin
Hands down my favorite American Idol contestant; and the only post-AI song that I liked. It's a great song with honest lyrics and a likable voice. He teams up woth Mary J. Bllige and Jason Nevins for some wicked remixes too.
5. First Time by Lifehouse
How can I resist Lifehouse? It's a happier, less somber new track and a world tour on the way. I do hope they swing by Southeast Asia.
4. Rescued by Jack's Mannequin
Though this should really count for last year, (Jack's Mannequin had 2 songs in the Top 20), this one takes the cake for 2007's cathartic expression of solitude. Look for the acoustic version.
3. Grateful by Julianne
The only OPM of this year, and well deserved it is. It's the lightest, feel-good song all through out 2007, and a much needed change from everything emo, R&B, and electronica. I remember listening to this song while walking on a peaceful late afternoon by the beach.
2. Starz In Their Eyes by Just Jack
You can so tell I loved Overtones. I repeat, it's a great, great album, though it feels like it's spoken word, but with lyrics that take on a skewering commentary like this, what's not to like? Plus, spins by Ashley Beedle, Trophy Twins and Boss Boss make this satirical ditty much more interesting.
1. My Love (Linus Loves Remix) by Justin Timberlake
Yes, Futuresex/Lovesounds was definitely one of the better releases of 2006 that carried over to 2007. Justin and Timbaland brings in their neo-R&B sound that makes the whole album interesting.
However, this win is not only for the duo, but for the remixer as well, Linus Loves. He cashed in on famous songs by Gossip, Mika, Jamelia and Kelis. Good dance music, and definitely one to be remembered. Wouldn't have loved My Love if not for this wicked remix.
------------------
So that was my list, and do vote on the poll on my sidebar, I'd like to hear what was your song of 2007.
------------------
Just to summarize my year-end countdown, here they are:
The Sign by Ace Of Base (1994)
One Sweet Day by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men (1995)
Ooh Aah...Just A Little Bit by Gina G (1996)
Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind (1997)
Wishful Thinking by Duncan Sheik (1998)
You Get What You Give by New Radicals (1999)
2000
One More Time by Daft Punk (2001)
Yellow by Coldplay (2002)
Breathe by Michelle Branch (2003)
Ocean Avenue by Yellowcard (2004)
Hard to Beat by Hard-Fi (2005)
Move Along by All American Rejects (2006)
My Love by Justin Timberlake and Linus Loves (2007)
I'm still looking for the song from year 2000.
Here's Part II of the list. Should've updated it a day ago, but what the hey. Let me take this time out that I wanted to include Daft Punk's Around The World/Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger (live) to the list, but since it's not exactly a new song, I can't. On a related note, it is time to announce Kanye West's blasphemy for duplicating the song. Hehehe.
Drat, that song from Transformers almost made the Top 10. And yes, too much pop in here, I think.
11 Before It's Too Late - Goo Goo Dolls
12 Stay With You - Goo Goo Dolls
13 All Good Things (Come To An End) - Nelly Furtado
14 I'm Ready - Jack's Mannequin
15 All My Friends - LCD Soundsystem
16 Lying Is The Most Fun… - Panic! At The Disco
17 9 Crimes - Damien Rice
18 Clothes Off - Gym Class Heroes
19 Rewind - Paolo Nutini
20 Let Love In - Goo Goo Dolls
21 For You I Will - Teddy Geiger
22 Signal Fire - Snow Patrol
23 Disco Friends - Just Jack
24 Jenny - The Click Five
25 Til The Dawn - Dawn Sidora
26 Summer Love - Justin Timberlake
27 Do It - Nelly Furtado
28 Let Go - Boys Like Girls
29 Samson - Regina Spektor
30 It's All True - Tracey Thorn
Drat, that song from Transformers almost made the Top 10. And yes, too much pop in here, I think.
11 Before It's Too Late - Goo Goo Dolls
12 Stay With You - Goo Goo Dolls
13 All Good Things (Come To An End) - Nelly Furtado
14 I'm Ready - Jack's Mannequin
15 All My Friends - LCD Soundsystem
16 Lying Is The Most Fun… - Panic! At The Disco
17 9 Crimes - Damien Rice
18 Clothes Off - Gym Class Heroes
19 Rewind - Paolo Nutini
20 Let Love In - Goo Goo Dolls
21 For You I Will - Teddy Geiger
22 Signal Fire - Snow Patrol
23 Disco Friends - Just Jack
24 Jenny - The Click Five
25 Til The Dawn - Dawn Sidora
26 Summer Love - Justin Timberlake
27 Do It - Nelly Furtado
28 Let Go - Boys Like Girls
29 Samson - Regina Spektor
30 It's All True - Tracey Thorn
Hey hey! It's time for the best music (my list of course) of 2007. Which songs got overplayed in my music player, which ones were on constant repeat in my CD player, and ultimately, which song will remind me most of the year that was. Any ideas who the #1 song will be? Here is the rest of the list - I'll be flagging a song everyday until the new year (will be editing this post daily). In the meantime, here is the partial list. Do post a comment if you like any of them.
31 Typical - Mute Math
32 Here (In Your Arms) - Hellogoodbye
33 Fidelity - Regina Spektor
34 So Simple - Stacie Orrico
35 Beautiful Liar - Beyonce/Shakira
36 Rootless Tree - Damien Rice
37 Grand Canyon - Tracey Thorn
38 Whatever It Takes - Lifehouse
39 Just So You Know - Jesse McCartney
40 These Walls - Teddy Geiger
41 Lovestoned - Justin Timberlake
42 Tell Me Bout It - Joss Stone
43 1 2 3 4 - Feist
44 What Goes Around…Comes Around - Justin Timberlake
45 Walk Away - Funeral For A Friend
46 D A N C E - Justice
47 Apologize - Timbaland featuring One Republic
48 Face Down - Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
49 Lil Star (Linus Loves Remix) - Kelis featuring Cee Lo
50 Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5
31 Typical - Mute Math
32 Here (In Your Arms) - Hellogoodbye
33 Fidelity - Regina Spektor
34 So Simple - Stacie Orrico
35 Beautiful Liar - Beyonce/Shakira
36 Rootless Tree - Damien Rice
37 Grand Canyon - Tracey Thorn
38 Whatever It Takes - Lifehouse
39 Just So You Know - Jesse McCartney
40 These Walls - Teddy Geiger
41 Lovestoned - Justin Timberlake
42 Tell Me Bout It - Joss Stone
43 1 2 3 4 - Feist
44 What Goes Around…Comes Around - Justin Timberlake
45 Walk Away - Funeral For A Friend
46 D A N C E - Justice
47 Apologize - Timbaland featuring One Republic
48 Face Down - Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
49 Lil Star (Linus Loves Remix) - Kelis featuring Cee Lo
50 Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5
It had never really sunk in to me until I bought a bag. Or maybe the credit card bills haven't been forwarded yet. I'm going backpacking for 3 weeks and the day I leave is fast approaching. Most of the pertinent things have been taken care of, like a visa, and plane tickets, but I'm still scampering for accommodations in Sydney. Drat the hectic holiday season and peak travel times for Australia. Oh well, I'll find something - CouchSurfing, come to my rescue!
On my way to the loo, I end up buying a zoom lens for my camera. Let me calculate thate - if I use for 4 days, will get me views of a $200 seat for the price of $20...times four! Okay, so it's skewed reasoning, but it's the only monetary way I can justify the cost of the lens I picked up this afternoon. (Strange, I was Scrooging to avoid the 10-peso toll for lounge toilets, so I had to use the loo near the lens store. I save 10 bucks, but I get coaxed into buying the lens.)
Speaking of shopping distractions, I was looking for a dentist yesterday, and saw a large sign that said "CDs as low as 5 Pesos!!!!" Yes, I count exclamation marks. Like a moth to a flame, I swerve 3 lanes, at my personal risk, ire of other drivers, and possible apprehension by the MMDA. Of course the 5-peso CD was never going to by my taste, but I did find great bargains. The most expensive CD I bought was 150, with the cheapest being 50 pesos. It was a chance for me to collect the great electronica complations, and an opportunity to sample the newer indie artists introduced by the hit ex-show The OC. Here's a list:
1. Bloc Party - Silent Alarm Remixed and A Weekend In The City
2. Spoon - Gimme Fiction
3. The White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan
4. The Perishers - From Nothing To One
5. LCD Soundsystem - Sound Of Silver
6. Telepopmusik - Milk Angel
7. The Best of Moloko - Catalogue
8. The Best of Underworld - 1992-2002
9. The Best of Prodigy - Our Law 1990-2005
10. Thievery Corporation - The Cosmic Game
11. The Best of Basement Jaxx
12. The Best of True Faith - Memories Are Cheap
By the time my wallet was needing a refill, all the ATMs needed one too. Oh well. I'll hopefully last another weekend.
On my way to the loo, I end up buying a zoom lens for my camera. Let me calculate thate - if I use for 4 days, will get me views of a $200 seat for the price of $20...times four! Okay, so it's skewed reasoning, but it's the only monetary way I can justify the cost of the lens I picked up this afternoon. (Strange, I was Scrooging to avoid the 10-peso toll for lounge toilets, so I had to use the loo near the lens store. I save 10 bucks, but I get coaxed into buying the lens.)
Speaking of shopping distractions, I was looking for a dentist yesterday, and saw a large sign that said "CDs as low as 5 Pesos!!!!" Yes, I count exclamation marks. Like a moth to a flame, I swerve 3 lanes, at my personal risk, ire of other drivers, and possible apprehension by the MMDA. Of course the 5-peso CD was never going to by my taste, but I did find great bargains. The most expensive CD I bought was 150, with the cheapest being 50 pesos. It was a chance for me to collect the great electronica complations, and an opportunity to sample the newer indie artists introduced by the hit ex-show The OC. Here's a list:
1. Bloc Party - Silent Alarm Remixed and A Weekend In The City
2. Spoon - Gimme Fiction
3. The White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan
4. The Perishers - From Nothing To One
5. LCD Soundsystem - Sound Of Silver
6. Telepopmusik - Milk Angel
7. The Best of Moloko - Catalogue
8. The Best of Underworld - 1992-2002
9. The Best of Prodigy - Our Law 1990-2005
10. Thievery Corporation - The Cosmic Game
11. The Best of Basement Jaxx
12. The Best of True Faith - Memories Are Cheap
By the time my wallet was needing a refill, all the ATMs needed one too. Oh well. I'll hopefully last another weekend.
My stupid laptop crashed again. This time, she took no prisoners - all my photos are gone. All the music I had archived is gone. All the emails that I have saved for work are gone. And this stupid PC hasn't been with me for a year.
Folks, avoid the Compaq NC6400 like a rat-infested plague. It's a guaranteed lemon.
Folks, avoid the Compaq NC6400 like a rat-infested plague. It's a guaranteed lemon.
Tsk. Gimme a few days to write a decent entry. Just been so busy - my "baby" is due this December, but alas, she will be finished on January. Busy ironing out all the kinks there.
Also been busy finalising all my plans for that Aussie trip - lucked out as all plane tickets (free ones) have been consumed. Must have to shell out major moolah to get to Sydney. Also, couldn't get a couch in Sydney!! Drat, double drat.
There. A few days - gimme a few days. Also, let me plug that there's a CouchSurfing party on Saturday, December 8. Hope to see you guys there.
Also been busy finalising all my plans for that Aussie trip - lucked out as all plane tickets (free ones) have been consumed. Must have to shell out major moolah to get to Sydney. Also, couldn't get a couch in Sydney!! Drat, double drat.
There. A few days - gimme a few days. Also, let me plug that there's a CouchSurfing party on Saturday, December 8. Hope to see you guys there.
So, in a matter of weeks, I had my next CouchSurf. I really did not mean to host this time, but how can I resist hosting friends I've met before? And it doesn't help my cause that she's a lovely Lithuanian lady. The upside is, my parents were forced to do some research - where is Lithuania?
After a night of partying and drinks, we headed out for Batangas. On the way there, a mandatory stop at Tagaytay was definitely due. My friend was vegan, and like a moth to a flame, she was immediately drawn to the fruit stalls leading of to the ridge.
I really should be doing profile photos of my guests. Hehehe.
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It was my first time to snorkel, and in order to preserve the novelty of the experience, I decided to defer diving to a later date, and perhaps with another guest. Still, snorkeling and feeding the fishes was a great activity, if you're a fan of nibbling (pervert!) fishes.
And oh, my camera died on me; and this was the last photo I took.
After a night of partying and drinks, we headed out for Batangas. On the way there, a mandatory stop at Tagaytay was definitely due. My friend was vegan, and like a moth to a flame, she was immediately drawn to the fruit stalls leading of to the ridge.
I really should be doing profile photos of my guests. Hehehe.
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It was my first time to snorkel, and in order to preserve the novelty of the experience, I decided to defer diving to a later date, and perhaps with another guest. Still, snorkeling and feeding the fishes was a great activity, if you're a fan of nibbling (pervert!) fishes.
And oh, my camera died on me; and this was the last photo I took.
I may be dizzy from being too tired, I may have loads of work-related issues I have to deal with, and hordes of blog entries that need to be written, but I just want to say that right now.
As a friendly reminder to myself, I mnus remember to blog about my snorkelling experience, my 3rd CouchSurf hosting duties and a some other things.
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As a fortune cookie to end this short entry, I saw this motivational slogan largely written on an elementary school wall: "Be proud, you are a teacher - the future is in your hands!" Strange, that's the first time I saw that the motivation was for the teachers, not the students.
As a friendly reminder to myself, I mnus remember to blog about my snorkelling experience, my 3rd CouchSurf hosting duties and a some other things.
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As a fortune cookie to end this short entry, I saw this motivational slogan largely written on an elementary school wall: "Be proud, you are a teacher - the future is in your hands!" Strange, that's the first time I saw that the motivation was for the teachers, not the students.
Honestly, remakes suck. Correction, remakes that do not pay homage to the original, while representing the current singer aren't worth listening to. Though fitting to the description, "emo," "acoustic" and "bossa" remakes have been prevalent so recently, that I think my ears would bleed if I have to endure one of them in a bookstore again. Too much of the bandwagon, I guess.
So I discovered a collection of old pop songs from the last forty years, one per year - interpreted by today's more popular acts. It's nice that *most* songs on the album were popular enough to catch the mainstream consciousness, and the artists featured try not to duplicate the actual songs.
Who's in there you ask? The Klaxons, McFly, Foo Fighters, Lily Allen, Kaiser Chiefs, Amy Winehouse, Paolo Nutini, Keane, Mika with Armand Van Helden, The Raconteurs and more. And who did they cover? The Beatles, Sting, The Rolling Stones, The Stylistics, Madonna, Cat Stevens, Britney Spears, and Ace Of Base. There's a lot of great interpretations in there, but if I would pick a handful of songs to force you to take a peek at the album, it would be Careless Whisper (George Michael), No Diggity (Blackstreet), The Power Of Love (Huey Lewis and The News) and You Sexy Thing (Hot Chocolate).
However with such a varied array of choices, there are some disappointments. My supreme letdown was Your Song (Elton John) as interpreted by The Streets. There was really no Mike SKinner doing that song, worse, he's better of singing, or speaking garage. Mutya Buena did a pass on Tracy Chapman's classic Fast Car, but I personally prefer David Usher's 2004 version better as it offered a more electronic departure from the acoustic original.
Ooh, it's all new (sort of) music all over again here: Radio One
So I discovered a collection of old pop songs from the last forty years, one per year - interpreted by today's more popular acts. It's nice that *most* songs on the album were popular enough to catch the mainstream consciousness, and the artists featured try not to duplicate the actual songs.
Who's in there you ask? The Klaxons, McFly, Foo Fighters, Lily Allen, Kaiser Chiefs, Amy Winehouse, Paolo Nutini, Keane, Mika with Armand Van Helden, The Raconteurs and more. And who did they cover? The Beatles, Sting, The Rolling Stones, The Stylistics, Madonna, Cat Stevens, Britney Spears, and Ace Of Base. There's a lot of great interpretations in there, but if I would pick a handful of songs to force you to take a peek at the album, it would be Careless Whisper (George Michael), No Diggity (Blackstreet), The Power Of Love (Huey Lewis and The News) and You Sexy Thing (Hot Chocolate).
However with such a varied array of choices, there are some disappointments. My supreme letdown was Your Song (Elton John) as interpreted by The Streets. There was really no Mike SKinner doing that song, worse, he's better of singing, or speaking garage. Mutya Buena did a pass on Tracy Chapman's classic Fast Car, but I personally prefer David Usher's 2004 version better as it offered a more electronic departure from the acoustic original.
Ooh, it's all new (sort of) music all over again here: Radio One
So I ended up buying a bookcase from IKEA. Yey, but it took up all my baggage allowance - boohoo you, no goodies for you. Surprisingly, it only took 15 minutes for a Luddite like me to build a bookcase.
How did I do it? I bought myself a box of tools from IKEA as well, laid out all the materials I needed, and the manual was pretty easy to follow. No words were in it though, everything was illustrated. A bolt here, a nut there, a little pounding here, and voila, a bookcase. Look at the smug smile on this carpenter to be at the end of the picture series.
Here's the fitted out bookcase, with books (duh) and IKEA accessories (picture frames, lamps, pencil holders) I got from a year ago. Isn't that neat!
How did I do it? I bought myself a box of tools from IKEA as well, laid out all the materials I needed, and the manual was pretty easy to follow. No words were in it though, everything was illustrated. A bolt here, a nut there, a little pounding here, and voila, a bookcase. Look at the smug smile on this carpenter to be at the end of the picture series.
Here's the fitted out bookcase, with books (duh) and IKEA accessories (picture frames, lamps, pencil holders) I got from a year ago. Isn't that neat!
Like I said, I did the tourist thing in Singapore - the landmarks were all too familiar, the people came in droves, and all cameras were busy clicking. Sentosa, Merlion Park, Esplanade, which were all teeming with Indian tourists having their day off from Deepavali and Hari Raya.
Everything is almost walkable in Singapore, which is cute, but still tiring. I lost 5 lbs from walking all day, but maybe that's just because I took my weight in the 9th floor of the park I was staying at. I'd like to think it was from all the walking.
So, let's just do a rundown of the pics I took:
This is me trying to squeak in between the "ribs" of a dragon. Nice job Sentosa architects, how authentic. Good job for me too, I actually fit in between.
Surely I could be missing some important landmark here....
Watch out! Behind Me!
Here I am taking advantage of unsuspecting tourists. But hey, he started it.
What happens when you put 3 guys together in a rain-soaked morning in Singapore? Why, spend loads of time in IKEA, yey. Here's one of us enjoying a wacky seat. That's craziness that those Swedish meatballs can't cure. *drool* Swedish meatballs with gravy and cranberries *drool*
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But that's not to say I totally wasted my camera for nothing - I took nice pictures too. They're here - http://flickr.com/photos/ronniegatsby/ . Here's one of my favorites: The dolphin show in Sentosa just wasn't my cup of tea, and I was already extremely exhausted by that afternoon. I yawn, looked up and saw a great view:
Everything is almost walkable in Singapore, which is cute, but still tiring. I lost 5 lbs from walking all day, but maybe that's just because I took my weight in the 9th floor of the park I was staying at. I'd like to think it was from all the walking.
So, let's just do a rundown of the pics I took:
This is me trying to squeak in between the "ribs" of a dragon. Nice job Sentosa architects, how authentic. Good job for me too, I actually fit in between.
Surely I could be missing some important landmark here....
Watch out! Behind Me!
Here I am taking advantage of unsuspecting tourists. But hey, he started it.
What happens when you put 3 guys together in a rain-soaked morning in Singapore? Why, spend loads of time in IKEA, yey. Here's one of us enjoying a wacky seat. That's craziness that those Swedish meatballs can't cure. *drool* Swedish meatballs with gravy and cranberries *drool*
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But that's not to say I totally wasted my camera for nothing - I took nice pictures too. They're here - http://flickr.com/photos/ronniegatsby/ . Here's one of my favorites: The dolphin show in Sentosa just wasn't my cup of tea, and I was already extremely exhausted by that afternoon. I yawn, looked up and saw a great view:
I think it's the first time I went on a trip not carrying headphones - and admitting that music is an integral piece of every trip, it felt like I was travelling for a week with only 2 days' worth of underwear (ooh, bad analogy). It was also the first time I was travelling with friends - never really backpacked with a group before, but this trip was really all about becoming a tourist, and not a traveler.
Back to the music, who could resist HMV? Aside from the fact that it was just two doors away from the flat where I lived, it had racks and racks and racks of CDs that were screaming "Take! Me! Home!". Fortunately for my wallet and quickly depleting EQ, I brought a list. I had to pass on Frou Frou's and Jewel's debut albums (30 SGD each!), but brought home the double-disc retrospective of Garbage, and finally Dizzy Up The Girl by The Goo Goo Dolls.
However, the Singapore Soundtrack honors go to Jack's Mannequin - last year's discovery, thanks to One Tree Hill (there is some good coming from that show, I just realised). Their only album so far, Everything In Transit, is a breath of fresh air. Not the cliche type, but the one that makes you feel you're in a rush swimming and you run up the surface to gasp for air. The music is a persevering alchemy of piano-rock that continuously pounds you with its percussions and almost-spoken lyrics.
Just as a background, Jack's Mannequin is fronted by Andrew McMahon, a leukemia survivor, and this was the first record after his recovery. If I was on the verge of dying, and miraculously banished my disease, I would not be singing the "praise-be" of gospel, nor moping away self-pity with an "I could've died" anthems. I'd probably be like this: a little chirpy - walking with a spring in my step, but a the same time, a little drugged, rabid and continually shouting phrases. Strange, I know, but give me a break.
I've talked about the single The Mixed Tape, as it was in the best songs of 2006, so I'll skip that one. There are a lot great singles in the album - McMahon writes lyrics as brilliant as Carraba from Dashboard Confessional, but less wounded. He talks about long distance relationships, a destined love, and weeping alone. MY favorite has got to be "I'm Ready", a spirited morning song, laced with spoken dialogue. Imagine a bunch of lyrics just flying out, someone talking, all while Jack shouts "I'm ready!". Perfect wake up song.
Oh dear, I've written yet another long blog entry, but I know it's worth it. If you're looking for a burst of piano-rock energy, a chirpy happy melody, and forlorn lyrics, Jack's Mannequin is your guy.
Back to the music, who could resist HMV? Aside from the fact that it was just two doors away from the flat where I lived, it had racks and racks and racks of CDs that were screaming "Take! Me! Home!". Fortunately for my wallet and quickly depleting EQ, I brought a list. I had to pass on Frou Frou's and Jewel's debut albums (30 SGD each!), but brought home the double-disc retrospective of Garbage, and finally Dizzy Up The Girl by The Goo Goo Dolls.
However, the Singapore Soundtrack honors go to Jack's Mannequin - last year's discovery, thanks to One Tree Hill (there is some good coming from that show, I just realised). Their only album so far, Everything In Transit, is a breath of fresh air. Not the cliche type, but the one that makes you feel you're in a rush swimming and you run up the surface to gasp for air. The music is a persevering alchemy of piano-rock that continuously pounds you with its percussions and almost-spoken lyrics.
Just as a background, Jack's Mannequin is fronted by Andrew McMahon, a leukemia survivor, and this was the first record after his recovery. If I was on the verge of dying, and miraculously banished my disease, I would not be singing the "praise-be" of gospel, nor moping away self-pity with an "I could've died" anthems. I'd probably be like this: a little chirpy - walking with a spring in my step, but a the same time, a little drugged, rabid and continually shouting phrases. Strange, I know, but give me a break.
I've talked about the single The Mixed Tape, as it was in the best songs of 2006, so I'll skip that one. There are a lot great singles in the album - McMahon writes lyrics as brilliant as Carraba from Dashboard Confessional, but less wounded. He talks about long distance relationships, a destined love, and weeping alone. MY favorite has got to be "I'm Ready", a spirited morning song, laced with spoken dialogue. Imagine a bunch of lyrics just flying out, someone talking, all while Jack shouts "I'm ready!". Perfect wake up song.
Oh dear, I've written yet another long blog entry, but I know it's worth it. If you're looking for a burst of piano-rock energy, a chirpy happy melody, and forlorn lyrics, Jack's Mannequin is your guy.
Whoops, wanted to mention that. Just got in SIngapore last night, on Hari Raya, and well, it was pretty fun. The weather is not really too cooperative, as the rains choose to pour right smack our walking tour. To pass away the time, I ended up buying a bookcase from IKEA. Drat. Will let you know how that goes; seems like a job for Toolman Tim...
This is part two of sharing tips on helping Mother Earth breathe a little bit easier.
5. Skip the bag - Paper or plastic? How about none of the above? Skip the bags, and feel better. FGF: 7/10.
6. Check your tires - Proper tire inflation can aid in better mileage by around 3%. FGF: 7/10.
7. Plan a right-turn route - Whenever practical, avoid making left turns; the time spent idling while waiting to turn burns fuel and costs millions each year. If you plan your route correctly, you can easily avoid the left-turns and stop lights. FGF: 3/10.
8. Plant a tree. FGF 9/10.
9. Live simply - We can't all buy carbon offsets, drive a hybrid, live in a green building, but we can learn from the Buddhists: Live simply. Meditate. Consume less. Think more. Get to know your neighbors. Borrow when you need to, and lend when asked. FGF: 10/10.
5. Skip the bag - Paper or plastic? How about none of the above? Skip the bags, and feel better. FGF: 7/10.
6. Check your tires - Proper tire inflation can aid in better mileage by around 3%. FGF: 7/10.
7. Plan a right-turn route - Whenever practical, avoid making left turns; the time spent idling while waiting to turn burns fuel and costs millions each year. If you plan your route correctly, you can easily avoid the left-turns and stop lights. FGF: 3/10.
8. Plant a tree. FGF 9/10.
9. Live simply - We can't all buy carbon offsets, drive a hybrid, live in a green building, but we can learn from the Buddhists: Live simply. Meditate. Consume less. Think more. Get to know your neighbors. Borrow when you need to, and lend when asked. FGF: 10/10.
Last April 9, Time Magazine published an issue called The Global Warming Survival Guide - 51 Things You Can Do To Make A Difference. They list down things we can do to help the environment, and I saved that copy to share here in my blog.
Time rates these little acts of kindness to Mother Earth on three criteria: impact, time horizon, and feel-good factor. I'm picking out the easier things to do, with a high feel-good factor(FGF). Come on, make yourself feel better, by knowing your making the environment feel a wee bit better too.
1. Work at home - My favorite, haha. Seriously, if not required, why bother going to the office, waste parking space, gas, and contribute to the 2-hour jam at EDSA? FGF: 9/10.
2. Open a window - Hot in the house? Instead of running the AC, why not spend quality al fresco time with your folks at the porch? FGF: 9/10.
3. Pay your bills online - This one I just did. If you have constant internet access anyway, why bother getting (often delayed) billing statements in your pigeon hole? View and archive them online, then bank-permitting, pay the bills without leaving your desk and save paper, and courier incidentals in the process. FGF: 8/10.
4. Don't standby, shut it off - Instead of leaving TVs, DVDs, and computers on standby, shut them off if you don't mean to use them anytime soon. A maximum of 75% of all electricity consumed in a house is from appliances on standby. How much more for a cube farm? FGF: 4/10.
To be continued...
Time rates these little acts of kindness to Mother Earth on three criteria: impact, time horizon, and feel-good factor. I'm picking out the easier things to do, with a high feel-good factor(FGF). Come on, make yourself feel better, by knowing your making the environment feel a wee bit better too.
1. Work at home - My favorite, haha. Seriously, if not required, why bother going to the office, waste parking space, gas, and contribute to the 2-hour jam at EDSA? FGF: 9/10.
2. Open a window - Hot in the house? Instead of running the AC, why not spend quality al fresco time with your folks at the porch? FGF: 9/10.
3. Pay your bills online - This one I just did. If you have constant internet access anyway, why bother getting (often delayed) billing statements in your pigeon hole? View and archive them online, then bank-permitting, pay the bills without leaving your desk and save paper, and courier incidentals in the process. FGF: 8/10.
4. Don't standby, shut it off - Instead of leaving TVs, DVDs, and computers on standby, shut them off if you don't mean to use them anytime soon. A maximum of 75% of all electricity consumed in a house is from appliances on standby. How much more for a cube farm? FGF: 4/10.
To be continued...
My mind is speeding right now, so I'll be brief. Or lacking coherence; you decide.
My boss made me go home yesterday for a stupid, worthless meeting. Missed out on a weekend in Sagada, drat.
Had a CouchSurfer drop by the weekend. Had loads of fun, and got to go to Baguio.
Got my Aussie visa this morning - but I couldn't purchase Oz Open tickets. Darned things are all sold out.
Almost got a heart attack from trying to work too hard. My project is going downhill.
Oh, you might want to try the deluxe bus from Victory Liner - they're 29 seats in one bus, with stewardess service and snack. The bus comes with a loo. As of today, the schedules are:
MNL-BGO: 1315h, 2315h, 0015h
BGO-MNL: 1015h, 1115h, 1315h, 2315h, 0015h
Travel time is roughly 5.5 hours, and the ride is 600 pesos.
I better shut up now, because my head hearts, I mean hurts.
My boss made me go home yesterday for a stupid, worthless meeting. Missed out on a weekend in Sagada, drat.
Had a CouchSurfer drop by the weekend. Had loads of fun, and got to go to Baguio.
Got my Aussie visa this morning - but I couldn't purchase Oz Open tickets. Darned things are all sold out.
Almost got a heart attack from trying to work too hard. My project is going downhill.
Oh, you might want to try the deluxe bus from Victory Liner - they're 29 seats in one bus, with stewardess service and snack. The bus comes with a loo. As of today, the schedules are:
MNL-BGO: 1315h, 2315h, 0015h
BGO-MNL: 1015h, 1115h, 1315h, 2315h, 0015h
Travel time is roughly 5.5 hours, and the ride is 600 pesos.
I better shut up now, because my head hearts, I mean hurts.
Here's the last of the list I was able to recover. Just some notes: there's an OPM! It's got my favorite All Saints song, I'll just add notes on what else was on the list. I really thought my #1 song in 1998 was from New Radicals, You Get What You Give was #1 in 1999.
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25. Madonna – Ray Of Light
24. Robyn – Do You Really Want Me
23. Hungry Young Poets – Torpe
22. Lisa Loeb – Truthfully
21. INOJ – Time After Time
20. Run DMC vs Jason Nevins – It’s Like That
19. 911 – All I Want Is You
18. Mono – Life In Mono/Silicone
17. Green Day – Time Of Your Life
16. Pras/ODB/Mya – Ghetto Superstar
15. Eagle Eye Cherry – Save Tonight
14. All Saints – If You Wanna Party (I Found Lovin)
13. Texas – Breathless
12. Paula Cole – Me
11. Massive Attack/Tracey Thorn – Protection
10. Orbital – Halcyon & On & On
9. Janet Jackson – Everytime
8. Duncan Sheik – Reasons for Living
7. Alana Davis – 32 Flavors
6. Chantal Kreviazuk – Leaving On A Jet Plane
5. Stars On 54 – If You Could Read My Mind
4. Texas – Put Your Arms Around Me
3.. Aqua – Turn Back Time
2. Mariah Carey – Breakdown
1. Duncan Sheik – Wishful Thinking
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25. Madonna – Ray Of Light
24. Robyn – Do You Really Want Me
23. Hungry Young Poets – Torpe
22. Lisa Loeb – Truthfully
21. INOJ – Time After Time
20. Run DMC vs Jason Nevins – It’s Like That
19. 911 – All I Want Is You
18. Mono – Life In Mono/Silicone
17. Green Day – Time Of Your Life
16. Pras/ODB/Mya – Ghetto Superstar
15. Eagle Eye Cherry – Save Tonight
14. All Saints – If You Wanna Party (I Found Lovin)
13. Texas – Breathless
12. Paula Cole – Me
11. Massive Attack/Tracey Thorn – Protection
10. Orbital – Halcyon & On & On
9. Janet Jackson – Everytime
8. Duncan Sheik – Reasons for Living
7. Alana Davis – 32 Flavors
6. Chantal Kreviazuk – Leaving On A Jet Plane
5. Stars On 54 – If You Could Read My Mind
4. Texas – Put Your Arms Around Me
3.. Aqua – Turn Back Time
2. Mariah Carey – Breakdown
1. Duncan Sheik – Wishful Thinking
So my list of 1996 was pretty lame. Well it sounded good way back then, so no regrets. Now, I’m coming back with the list of the succeeding year, the year I graduated from high school, and the one that marks my entrance to university. Memories, hordes of them!
25. Robyn – Do You Know (What It Takes)
24. Leann Rimes – How Do I Live
23. Sneaker Pimps – 6 Underground
22. Fiona Apple – Criminal
21. Allure – Head Over Heels
20. Janet Jackson – Together Again
19. Sheryl Crow – Hard To Make A Stand
18. Garbage - #1 Crush
17. Spice Girls – Who Do You Think You Are
16. Puff Daddy/Faith Evans/112 – I’ll Be Missing You
15. Robyn – Show Me Love
14. B Real/Method Man/Coolio/Busta Rhymes/ LL Cool J – Hit Em High
13. Boyzone – Isn’t It A Wonder
12. Hanson – Mmmbop
11. Changing Faces – G.H.E.T.T.O.U.T.
10. INOJ – Love You Down
9. Matchbox 20 – Long Day
8. The Braxtons – Only Love
7. Mariah Carey – Honey
6. Whitney Houston – Step By Step
5. Sash! – Encore Une Fois
4. Texas - Say What You Want
3. Bruce Springsteen – Secret Garden
2. Jewel – You Were Meant For Me
1. Third Eye Blind – Semi-Charmed Life
Stuff that are elevated to classics that came from this era were Paula Cole, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, En Vogue, Lightning Seeds, Daft Punk and Meredith Brooks. Do you remember Size 14, White Town and Artificial Joy Club? They sang Claire Danes Poster (an innocent sounding song, but not really), Your Woman and Sick & Beautiful respectively. I’m going to look for these.
25. Robyn – Do You Know (What It Takes)
24. Leann Rimes – How Do I Live
23. Sneaker Pimps – 6 Underground
22. Fiona Apple – Criminal
21. Allure – Head Over Heels
20. Janet Jackson – Together Again
19. Sheryl Crow – Hard To Make A Stand
18. Garbage - #1 Crush
17. Spice Girls – Who Do You Think You Are
16. Puff Daddy/Faith Evans/112 – I’ll Be Missing You
15. Robyn – Show Me Love
14. B Real/Method Man/Coolio/Busta Rhymes/ LL Cool J – Hit Em High
13. Boyzone – Isn’t It A Wonder
12. Hanson – Mmmbop
11. Changing Faces – G.H.E.T.T.O.U.T.
10. INOJ – Love You Down
9. Matchbox 20 – Long Day
8. The Braxtons – Only Love
7. Mariah Carey – Honey
6. Whitney Houston – Step By Step
5. Sash! – Encore Une Fois
4. Texas - Say What You Want
3. Bruce Springsteen – Secret Garden
2. Jewel – You Were Meant For Me
1. Third Eye Blind – Semi-Charmed Life
Stuff that are elevated to classics that came from this era were Paula Cole, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, En Vogue, Lightning Seeds, Daft Punk and Meredith Brooks. Do you remember Size 14, White Town and Artificial Joy Club? They sang Claire Danes Poster (an innocent sounding song, but not really), Your Woman and Sick & Beautiful respectively. I’m going to look for these.
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