Residents of Azalea Park Condominium are concerned about a man in his early twenties sits on the edge of his window ledge to smoke.Mrs Jennifer Sim, 32, a resident of the condominium who regularly sees the man smoking by the window ledge, explains how he does so...
Did you know that getting the most out of your ice cream might be as simple as paying more for it? Ever wondered why a scoop of Haagen-Dazs ice cream costs so much more a scoop of Magnolia ice cream? Some might argue that this is a case of brand superiority, but studies show otherwise...
It is 2am and you are still tossing and turning in bed, reading a novel or listening to your favourite radio DJ who can take you through the night. You have tried various means to fall asleep but simply cannot; and even if by any chance you do, you will probably find...
A £60,000 remote-controlled dinosaur robot has gone missing from a Walking with Dinosaurs show in Mexico. It was the first time an exhibit has been stolen from the show, which has toured worldwide and been seen by more than four million people....
Did you know that getting the most out of your ice cream might be as simple as paying more for it?
Ever wondered why a scoop of Haagen-Dazs ice cream costs so much more a scoop of Magnolia ice cream? Some might argue that this is a case of brand superiority, but studies show otherwise.
Contrary to popular belief, quantity is in proportion to quality when it comes to this tasty treat. Research has shown that 20-50% of ice cream is literally made up of nothing, or rather, air.
During the early stages of freezing, air is whipped into the ice cream mix, more so in the case of cheaper ice cream. As a result, costs are slashed and volumes multiplied. This enables manufacturers to market these ice creams at attractive prices. Doubling the air content results in soft ice cream, which is commonly served in fast food chains at highly affordable prices.
A quick survey of 20 people revealed that not a single person was aware that cheaper ice cream contained more air than premium ice cream. Melissa Tan, 21, was clearly puzzled, asking: “Isn’t ice cream, regardless of quality, supposed to be made out of cream and not air?”
By weight, ice cream is mainly comprised of water (from milk and cream), sweeteners and flavouring. Milk fat is responsible for giving ice cream its distinctive richness and characteristic texture.
However, manufacturers of cheaper ice cream have discovered a way to deceive the palate. Additives such as guar gum or locust gum enable watery and bumpy “concoctions” to freeze with the consistency of real ice cream, thus fooling consumers.
While premium ice cream brands contain up to 20% milk fats, their cheaper counterparts contain a minimum of ten percent milk fat. Thus, more sweeteners and flavourings are used to compensate for the difference in taste.
Nonetheless, you can take comfort in the fact that the honest goodness of traditional homemade ice cream is not lost in this era. Chronos Chan, co-owner of Tom’s Palette (pictured above) that specialises in homemade ice cream, strongly feels that consumers have the right to know what they are putting into their mouths.
In fact, so insistent is Chronos on delivering fresh and natural ice cream that he is even willing to suffer a few losses along the way. “We do not add stabilizers into our ice cream as it gives a gum-like texture. But without this preservative, the lifespan of our ice cream is greatly reduced,” he explained.
One method of identifying the quality of any ice cream is simply to melt it. Premium ice cream melts into a rich, smooth liquid with little or no foam. On the other hand, cheap ice cream often melts into a sickly liquid topped off with a layer of foam.
The layer of foam is caused by air that escapes as the ice cream melts.
Another telltale sign of cheap ice cream is their density. A quick experiment showed that a cup of premium, homemade ice cream weighed 102g while the exact same amount of commercial ice cream weighed a mere 23g.
So the next time a friend insists that snacking on this sinful dessert is “nothing”, there might actually be some truth in that statement.
The Jonas Brothers, Lady Gaga and The Wonder Girls have all been the subjects of celebration and praise in the media, many times over. Top 40 radio, pop music television channels and teenage magazines enforce and reinforce the presence of pop superstars as these acts continue to churn out ample revenue for major recording labels.
Fans from all over the world rejoice every time an artist makes a tour stop, and album sales continue to rocket even as the Recording Industry Association of America tries to stop piracy around the world. Despite commercial success and worldwide recognition from mainstream audiences, many regard mainstream popular music to be bland and unsophisticated.
Daniel Sassoon, former lead guitarist of local band Electrico and entertainment lawyer said: “Pop music is predictable. It’s very obviously “manufactured” by staff songwriters at these major (recording) labels that have a template that the mainstream market responds to.”
“If one limits him or herself to mainstream stuff, it’s doing a disservice to yourself because there are always great artists that try not to conform and do a great job at it,” said Saiful Idris, frontman of local band The Great Spy Experiment and secondary school teacher.
This article takes a look at these boundary-defying, genre-bending artists that you should not expect to see grace the cover of Teenage magazine any time soon. Flying Lotus
Flying Lotus, as his name suggests, is a producer with a unique take on various genres of electronic music. The nephew of jazz legends John and Alice Coltrane has been called “the future of electronic music” in the August 2009 issue of The Wire, an American music magazine focused on critically acclaimed musicians.
Despite the backbone of his approach fitting into the instrumental hip hop vein (once helmed in the mainstream by the likes of the late J Dilla and the prolific Madlib), Flying Lotus dabbles with experiments in crossing genre boundaries. His debut album on Warp Records (also home to electronic legend Aphex Twin) featured songs that dabbled with electronica, techno, jazz and even dubstep.
Pitchfork, an acclaimed online music magazine, has praised his ability to blend these different approaches on singular track.
Check him out at www.myspace.com/flyinglotus
Monsters of Folk:
Among celebrity “supergroups” that are popping up all over Hollywood (Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters recently formed a band with Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones and Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme.), this proves to be the most interesting. Interesting and unlikely, that is.
There are two reasons for this: most would expect a “supergroup” to be something closer to a Motley Crue reunion, but Monsters of Folk do indeed play folk music, and they are made up of extremely reclusive musicians. What is the unifying theme in the band? They are all critically acclaimed in their own bands. Conor Oberst, Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes), Jim James (My Morning Jacket) and M. Ward (She & Him) have all released albums that might not have done well commercially, but have all been praised by the likes of Rolling Stone magazine.
Listen to Monsters of Folk at www.myspace.com/monstersoffolk.
Battles:
From the cultural melting pot of experimental music that is New York city (home to Sonic Youth, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Velvet Underground) Battles is an instrumental rock band that deals in the avant-garde. This is only fitting as Tyondai Braxton, keyboardist and band leader, is the son of prolific avant-garde composer Anthony Braxton. Ian Williams, Dave Konopa and John Stanier complete the lineup. They are label mates with Flying Lotus, and are similarly quirky and boundary-pushing. Their debut album, Mirrored, is a rhythmically complex, guitar-based opus teetering between progressive rock (like Yes) and math rock (like Dillinger Escape Plan). Characterized by complex, atypical rhythmic structures (including irregular stopping and starting), angular melodies, and dissonant chords, these heroes of the avant-garde will not be gracing mainstream airwaves on Top 40 radio any time soon. It would be safe to guess that they like it that way.
Been there, bought the T-shirt and came back? Hanging out with your friends can become mundane, especially if outings are limited to the usual tried and tested destinations.
Forget congested, suffocating shopping malls or overpriced eateries. The next time round, ditch the concrete jungle and hit the great outdoors for a truly memorable experience.
These three unusual locations, some opened not long ago, are perfect for chilling out.
So stop by... and discover that the best things in life are indeed free.
Henderson Waves
Henderson Waves is a 274 metre long pedestrian bridge that connects Mount Faber Park and Teloh Blangah Hill Park. Standing at 36 metres above Henderson Road, this sculptural structure remains the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore to date.
This picturesque bridge earned its name from its wave like form, consisting of seven curved steel “ribs” under the bridge deck that rise alternately. Apart the visual element, these curved ribs also double up as alcoves that function as shelters with seats.
Look out for carvings on the Balau wood deckings that mark out the height you are at along various points of the bridge. Do drop by between 7 pm to 2 am daily, as that is when the wave-forms of the bridge are lit up with orange LED lamps, creating beautiful shadows from the rib structures.
Enjoy a chatting session with your friends or even just a leisure stroll at Henderson Waves. But remember to bring along your camera, for it will be a night you will never want to forget.
Marina Barrage
The Marina Barrage is a dam built across the Marina Channel, between Marina East and Marina South.
Located near Marina Bay, the Marina Barrage is home to the first reservoir in the city, Marina Reservoir. As the water in the Marina Basin is unaffected by tidal activity, the water level is kept constant, making it ideal for recreational activities such as canoeing or dragonboating.
Landscaped to incorporate the surrounding environment, the “Green Roof” doubles up as an open recreational space, where kite-flying is a popular activity. It is the perfect spot to have a picnic while overlooking the panoramic skyline.
Do drop by the Sustainable Singapore Gallery for an impressive showcase of Singapore’s efforts towards environmentally sustainable developments.
Learn more about Marina Barrage at http://www.pub.gov.sg/Marina/Pages/default.aspx
Kent Ridge Park
Spanning across a staggering 47 hectares, Kent Ridge Park is a spacious and unspoiled nature habitat. Lying between the National University of Singapore and the Singapore Science Park, this public park is an official World War II site.
The park boasts several trails, including one for mountain biking enthusiasts. For those who prefer traveling by foot, a 280 metres long canopy walk conveniently links Kent Ridge Park to the war museum, Reflections at Bukit Chandu.
Along the canopy walk, there are information boards providing educational insights on the various flora and fauna found in Kent Ridge Park. Catch a breather at the half-way point, while taking in the scenic views of Normanton Park and the National Parks Board’s plant nursery.
Check out the three life-sized statues and a plaque outside the war museum, honoring the Malay Regiment and commemorating the lives of those who died. This history lesson will be anything but boring for you and your friends.
Could it be the whining children, the ringing cell phones or the annoying people whispering during the movie? If these reasons have you resorting to renting a DVD instead of heading to the cinemas, you are not alone.
At one time, going out to the movies was an event that was fun and enjoyable. However, times have changed with the dawn of home cinema. The advantages of having a home cinema have become irresistible such that the option of watching movies at the cinema has been abandoned for reasons which are not very difficult to see.
For one, the price of a movie ticket has sky-rocketed and is constantly going up – it is like the price of gas. If you calculate, you will find that it will cost you more than $40 for a family of five to see a movie just once.
The awesome sound system and effects in the cinema still enthrall movie-goers
Unquestionably, food is an important part of movie watching. Here, you will also be shelling out another $5- $10 for just simple popcorn and drink. At home you can have any snacks you like and drink whatever you want.More importantly, the prices at home are neither inflated nor taxed.
At the movie theater the floor is nothing but litter with sticky soda pop residue, popcorn, and who knows there might be a sticky bubble gum or worst, nose dirt sticking on the very chair you are about to sit on.
Comfort is key but unfortunately, at the cinema it an entirely different story. "Not only are most seats small and cramp, it is so irritating that I'm itching half the time," Sheryl Lim, self-professed movie-junkie complains.
At home on the other hand, comfort is the order of the day. You can use your favorite chair or an overstuffed leather recliner and relax and watch the movie in peace. Rubbing elbows with your neighbors is not an issue either.
Moreover, cell phones have acquired a nuisance value at places like movie theaters. Despite the countless reminders, there will still be someone yacking away on the phone. If you are unlucky, the ringing of a handphone will distract you at a critical part of the movie.
Mrs Lily Ang, a frequent movie-goer laments that there has never been an occasion in the cinema where a phone has not rung. "It's really frustrating sometimes. What's worst, those people don't really care who they disturb."
Given, there are many benefits and reliefs from watching movies in the comfort of one's own home. However, many argue that a movie has to be watched in the theatre in order to enjoy the 'full cinematic experience'.
There's just something magical about a movie theater. Once the trailers stop and the lights dim, the collective masses of movie-goers stop talking, rush to their seats, and cast their eyes upon the giant screen in anticipation. Then, when a stream of projector light hits the screen's silver surface, everyone in the theater is transported to another world.
“Watching movies at home are a far cry from catching a movie in the cinema” reveals Royston Tan, a 26 year-old Marketing Manager.
Fact is, the use of sound in a theater plays a crucial role. Surround sound heightens the experience.
Yes, many would argue that you can get surround sound aty home too but clearly, the ambience and 'feel' is incomparible. Those sound effects help take the movie-goer deeper into the movie's world, for it surrounds them in every direction.
Finally, movie theaters are constantly evolving. Whether it's 3-d, digital film, or IMAX, movie theaters keep up with the times and offer the latest and greatest entertainment technology.
“Just take 3-D movies for instance, the effects are so cool, everything feels so real and those glasses and bizzare” Victoria Lynn Tan, a secondary school student gushes.
Despite the advantages of watching movies at home and at the cinema respectively, many people forget that the movie itself plays a huge part in the whole 'movie experience'.
“Action or drama -packed movies like Titanic or Avatar will be better appreciated at the cinema because of the sound quality and atmosphere that the cinema provides” Singapore Polytechnic student Dannel George comments. “Somehow, when you watch it at home, it loses it's 'feel' and 'power'.”
“Chick flicks don't need to be watched in the cinema because they just dont have that cinematic element in them” Mary Chia , a final year film student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
Can you get the full flavor of Milk or (500) Days of Summer at home? Probably. G.I. Joe? Probably not.
So next time, when you are deciding where to watch your movie, think of it is nature and genre first then decide in order to maximise your movie experience.
Come 15th of April this year, Metalheads will finally get the chance to experience Pure American Metal when Grammy nominated band, Lamb of God, perform on our shores for the very first time at D’Marquee, Downtown East as part of their Wrath World Tour.
Consisting of vocalist Randy Blythe, guitarists Willie Adler and Mark Morton, drummer Chris Adler and bassist John Campbell, the quintet from Richmond, Virginia, will prove to everyone why they are considered the leaders in the New Wave of American Heavy Metal movement.
According to Mr. Andre Alabons from organisers LAMC Productions, this is not the first time they have attempted to bring the band to Singapore.
“We’ve been trying to get Lamb of God to add a Singapore date for two years but due to timing and schedules not working out, nothing materialised,” said Andre.
Despite such setbacks over the years, LAMC Productions continued to monitor the rise of Lamb of God because of their solid reputation for live shows and ever increasing fan base.
“They (Lamb of God) have earned Grammy nominations and their Singapore fan base is increasing with every album released. Lamb of God is one of the biggest metal bands right now and 2010 is the right time for them to come to Singapore,” Andre explained.
Lamb of God has released six studio albums since their formation in 1994 with their latest one, Wrath, being the most commercially successful.
Released in February last year, Wrath sold more than 68, 000 copies in the United States during its first week to debut at position number 2 of the U.S Billboard 200 charts.
The track “Set to Fail” from Wrath has also earned them a nomination for a Grammy in the 2010 “Best Metal Performance” category.
When it comes to the Grammy Awards, Lamb of God are certainly no strangers with their song, “Redneck” from the 2006 album “Sacrament”, earning them a nomination in the same category back in 2007.
Instead of the usual venue of Fort Canning Park where numerous metal bands such as Megadeth and Dream Theater have previously performed, Andre said that the live shows of Lamb of God are more suited to an indoor venue and D’Marquee is the right choice.
On top of performing at numerous major music festivals all around the world including Download Festival and Ozzfest, Lamb of God has also served as the direct support band for metal giants, Metallica, during their 2009 World Magnetic Tour.
Attendees of this upcoming concert can expect nothing less than an intensive, high energy head banging time in what could be this year’s hardest and loudest concert.
Tickets for Lamb of God’s Wrath World Tour are on sale now at www.tdc.sg
Media
Official Music Video of the Grammy Nominated Single, Set to Fail
Residents of Azalea Park Condominium are concerned about a man in his early twenties sits on the edge of his window ledge to smoke.Mrs Jennifer Sim, 32, a resident of the condominium who regularly sees the man smoking by the window ledge, explains how he does so...
Did you know that getting the most out of your ice cream might be as simple as paying more for it? Ever wondered why a scoop of Haagen-Dazs ice cream costs so much more a scoop of Magnolia ice cream? Some might argue that this is a case of brand superiority, but studies show otherwise...
It is 2am and you are still tossing and turning in bed, reading a novel or listening to your favourite radio DJ who can take you through the night. You have tried various means to fall asleep but simply cannot; and even if by any chance you do, you will probably find...
A £60,000 remote-controlled dinosaur robot has gone missing from a Walking with Dinosaurs show in Mexico. It was the first time an exhibit has been stolen from the show, which has toured worldwide and been seen by more than four million people....
