on a rainy day.

OMG- DW

2009-06-18T16:13:00.002+10:00

MY BELOVED WONDER GIRLS!

This is how thai boys grow up to be ladyboys.

holy. crap.

We Feel Fine

2009-06-09T00:11:00.003+10:00

Ever wonder how people around the world are feeling right now?

www.wefeelfine.org

A program that scours the internet for the phrase 'I feel...' and collates them into a rainbow of dots for your viewing pleasure.

Testing.
I feel awesome because I am.

Checkmate - AT.

2009-05-10T14:43:00.000+10:00

OC Revisited

2009-04-21T10:10:00.000+10:00

Hilarity Ensues - LT

2009-04-16T21:26:00.001+10:00

Moving Out- DW

2009-04-09T02:35:00.003+10:00

Well not really, but I'll be posting on my other blog that no one goes to. HAHA

I'll still be posting here. I just imported some posts from here to the other one

Ramblings

Don't laugh at it OK?! Or I kill you all :)

Anyways, I really want these.

$148 from exoticfootwear.com.au

to 5.75" or to 6" that is the question..

Lux- DW

2009-04-05T14:45:00.003+10:00

Everyone, I'd like to share my favourite blog of all time (Besides J&J etc etc)

LUXIRARE

It's probably too sexual for words, but it's food and fashion combined, on coke. PLEASE VISIT. ITS THE BOMB (skip over the scans of the bracelets and the rings, and straight onto her food/recipes and her amazing custom Creepers, which somehow makes me want them. CREEPERS ARE SO UGLY. WHY ARE THEY TAUNTING ME AS WELL)

Sorry for the lack of blogging lately, fashion these days doesn't really excite me as much as it used to. Trying to save up (unsuccessfully) has been the death of me. But look forward to some Alexander McQueen for Target pieces coming my way (thanks to Z in NY), and perhaps some sexual dresses from AA. AA WHY MUST YOU TAUNT ME SO!?

My new desktop picture: Alexander Wang in his studio:

Oh and the one I had from before that everyone thought were my shoes (I wish) were Rumi's, from fashiontoast, which everyone seems to be loving now. I used to follow her blog from end of 07, but alas, she deleted her whimsical photos circa 06. Now she's the hardass Erin Wasson #2, ah, the good ol' days from when she used to wear a shitload of f21. But I still want her shoes, btw, if anyone has a pair of Emma Cook x Topshop ankle boots, in size 36 or 37 in ANY colour, please sell it to me. They're always sold out :( Makes me sad.

Selling Dreams - LT

2009-03-20T17:41:00.000+11:00

FDT - LT

2009-03-10T09:48:00.002+11:00

not much of a post, but enough to show signs of life - KY

2009-03-05T12:02:00.004+11:00

is anyone else excited that uni's starting? and with the start of uni, i'll have to give up on some things, so thought i'd reminisce on them while i can. well, since i gave up GG around the 11th episode (did i hear anyone scream sacrilege?) i've been making myself useful, whether it be parking myself infront of 56inch screens, or 5600 inch screens. so was reading the other entries and saw broze's one on biggie. which reminded me of this.

(couldn't find a decent pic)

Notorious. release date 2009. yer, that means this year. it was still on poster when i caught slumdog, so i'm guessing it's not yet released. would anyone watch this? i was always more of a 2pac man than notorious. but we all know the reason why they've only released docos and not movies of 2pac (because he's still alive). and well that reminded me of a man called oliver stone.

and the one called W. the first movie ever made of a president while he was still in office. i give my respect to george, cos he had the cajones to stand by any decisions or policies he made. but i always imagined that he'd be tried for war crimes in 50 years time. but this is one i'm actually kind of interested in seeing.

aside from those, other movies i want to catch rain, hail or mid-semester exam. watchmen, transformers 2, the other w. wolverine, the GI that is Joe, Sherlock Holmes, restraining my gag reflexes - Dorian Gray, Star Trek, Public Enemies (damon and depp), and.. i'm not ashamed to say it - Harry Potter. without a rom-com in sight, i think it's safe to say that 2009 is a blokish year in the theatres to say the least.

random anecdote: when my sister went to watch Benjamin Button, she left the theatre - behind two of the burliest, most ripped men in life, bawling their eyes out confessing to each other that it was the most beautiful thing they'd ever seen.

random question: having picked up how i met your mother, which i have a theory that says it is 21st century 'Friends' minus phoebe.. but who is ted's wife? and where does robin fit in?

random just random: hope can meet up with y'all muchos over this year, so we can study hard and play hard. or for some, just play hard. seeing y'all soon.

New- DWZ

2009-02-23T15:36:00.002+11:00

Topshop Jumper come to mumma- please come in the mail safely- please Mr Postman don't lose it. Please please please!

Alexander Wang, why do you make such beautiful clothes? Why are they so damn expensive. BLANK LABEL PLEASE MAKE ME THIS JACKET PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE.
RUSSH THANKYOU FOR COMING IN MY MAIL TODAY I LOVE YOU!

Nike Football '09 - AT.

2009-02-19T16:59:00.001+11:00

Ever the pioneers and masters of marketing here are a few of nike footballs new ads for 09'

ps. middle ad is awesome.

My Thoughts on Rap #1 -AT.

2009-02-19T02:06:00.003+11:00

1) One of the songs i've been really bumping here in Hk is this:

Party and Bullshit by Biggie.

But one of the lines that i love is this:
"But all we wanna know is "Where the party at?"
And can i bring my gat?
If not, I hope I don't get shot
But i throw my vest on my chest
'Cause niggaz is a mess"

the reason why i love this is because i was thinking to myself. DO THEY EVEN MAKE BULLET PROOF VESTS IN BIGGIES SIZE? IF BULLET PROOF VESTS WERE ONE SIZE FITS ALL HOW MUCH OF BIGGIES TORSO WOULD THAT COVER? LIKE A MAN BOOB? MAYBE HE WEARS MORE OF A BULLET PROOF PONCHO THAN A VEST.

(retrospectively i did some research. turns out they make them in XXXlarge maybe i was wrong. rip biggie.)

2) Gin and Juice. Every body know this. no introduction necessary.

"May i, kick a little something for the gs (yeah)
And, make a few ends as (yeah!) I breeze, through
Two in the mornin and the partys still jumpin
Cause my momma aint home
I got bitches in the living room gettin it on
And, they aint leavin til six in the mornin (six in the mornin)"

WHAT THE FUCK IS A G STILL DOING LIVING AT HIS MOMS HOUSE?
WHY IS UR MOM STILL OUT AT 6AM? DOES SHE PARTY HARDER THAN YOU?

Opening Ceremony Opening- DW

2009-02-19T02:05:00.001+11:00

I DIE
OMG
ONLINE STORE NOW OPEN MUGFGRS

Joanna Wang "Vincent" - LT

2009-02-17T03:11:00.002+11:00

A deep and profound song, based on Vincent van Gogh.

Ghosting - DK

2009-02-16T11:30:00.000+11:00

Another one..

Be my valentine- DWZ

2009-02-13T21:40:00.008+11:00

So I'm sure everyone knows that Valentine's Day is coming up. (right guys?)

I can't remember the last time anyone has done anything for V-day. Maybe in highschool when we sent roses and heart shaped balloons and serenaded strangers?

But what do we give our valentines now that we've all (mostly) grown up?
Roses? Chocolates? Lingerie?
But what if your heart gets broken into a million pieces?Then what do you do?

...

BUY SHOES OF COURSE!

Tuts My Barreh? - DK

2009-02-12T10:49:00.002+11:00

This guy singing "Touch My Body" by Mariah Carey, but his English is so off someone put subtitles to show you what it sounds like he's singing.

Her Morning Elegance - SL

2009-02-09T21:09:00.005+11:00

This is probably the coolest thing I've seen this year, it's an interesting still frame video clip for a nice song.

And here's one for funny times, be warned, its explicit =)

One more, "If I were a bro" a Beyonce - If I were a boy parody, enjoy! =D

Some things I bought- DWZ

2009-02-06T23:16:00.006+11:00

1

Ok so here are some things that I bought before/in HK (except my name on my wall- that was a present from N + J from last year)

Leather Jacket on sale but still too expensive :( = HKD1400
Dior Homme Jeans HKD3400 :(I think I was super excited that they had men's jeans in my size and that the interior was super nice and the man kept on finding jeans in my size so I felt obliged to buy them. E bought a pair too, his are nicer, and cheaper to boot. Do I wear them and soak them in the bath tub? I have no idea. But I might as well right.. if they stretch then I either hve to get fat or give them to E again... Can anyone tell me how please?
Chloe shoes with perspex heel- USD... I don't remeber, but I bought it online from some hawaiian shop called Aloha Rag normally a super expensive place but it was on sale, I had previously wanted these in Black from netaporter but super expensive. AND THEN THE AUD/USD RAPED ME. :( oh wells.
Jimmy CHoooooooo!= 50% off on sale HKD1620 supercute. Also swayed by C family to buy from the Elements Store.
THE OTHER DAY IN SINGAPORE I SAW YSL FLATS FOR SGD186! in MY SIZE. but they were fluro yellow- so I hesitated. Plus the store had this mainlander lady who bought a heap of shit. and she was wearing D&G blinged glasses, Chanel Bag and the Prada blinged up teddy bear tshirt- ugh.
So all in all I didn't really buy much, I bought some H&M stuff including strange drop crotch pants, scarf, cardigan.. actually everything I bought from other stores were black or white. Oh and I bought a cuff from Fendi, just single strap with that gold horse thingie. Hermes, why are you so expensive now :( PLUS I GOT JIPPED since the cuff was cheaper in Sydney, since our exchange rate RAPES ME.
:(

Happy Holidaying!

Oh, go to looklet.com :) and get the invitation code from FashionSquad- super fun!
and theselby for awesome pics of famous people and their spaces, truly beautiful pics.

NATE and leona? "I will be" - DWZ

2009-02-04T22:03:00.001+11:00

leona lewis + chace crawford?!

proper post coming soon :)promise

Diary of an OB - LT

2009-02-02T20:58:00.002+11:00

Wow, I got suprise attacked by colleague today after she gave me work to do, I was blatantly FBing when she ninja-ed behind my back.

Luckily, thankfully, fortunately, it was also 6pm which is going home time so I could be forgiven. I suppose. Maybe!

Damn facebook, you sold out.

Diary of an OB - LT

2009-02-02T13:41:00.003+11:00

May I just say that I fail when it comes to finding this physical diary to buy. And I also fail at finding T-shirts, there seems to be some sort of jinx and I end up buying everything else but the things I want.

Except for snacks. My random snack craving quest from a few days ago has now been completed. Ah the feeling of satisfaction and achievement..

Tips that I think will come handy for those that never knew:

1. Cathay Pacific allows you to be put on the waiting list for up to 3 flights prior to your original confirmed flight with no penalty.

2. I am a tram noob and never knew you pay after you get off. I also got on at the front which is why I looked like a total tourist (that which I am, and not ashamed of saying). Getting on the back is for locals man, why be a poser for?

3. Do not buy shoes within the first week of CNY. Otherwise you jeopardise your 2009 lunar year!

4. Also just don't shower for the 3 days during CNY (ie before, during and after) because your washing away your luck. Especially if you wash your hair. So like, potentially you guys have washed away your 2008 luck to bring into 2009.

5. Wear all new things on CNY. This is boosted by wearing red, especially as underwear.

6. I don't know how foreigners survive on the mini vans because how do they let the driver know that they want to alight? I have yet to be found in a situation where I can finally find out what exactly happens..

7. Taking the MTR makes suburbs feel really far away from each other when in actual reality, you can seriously just walk the distance although it will take a short while longer.

8. Why is running a boat cheaper than running the MTR when going across the harbour? This has eluded me for some time.

9. HK TV totally sucks. The acting is poor, the quality is poor, everything is poorer if you have experienced Western TV. But somehow it just grows on you?

10. Ambiguous or unclear instructions.

Can't think of anymore, but like you'll probably learn the hard way some of these rules.

Diary of an OB - LT

2009-01-30T17:58:00.004+11:00

You know it's funny.

I have a mental to-do list. And on this mental to-do list is to get a diary/day planner type book to have a physical copy of my daily "to-do" list.

But I've put that off for some time now.

Anyway, I think I'll actively go looking for one now that I mentioned it.

Just as an epic aside, throughout my time here being the OB, the most awkward place ever EVER in ANY office has to be the bathroom. Yes, I would have preferred it if there were individual cubicles for bathrooms. So weird when you see someone you semi-know in there doing whichever thing it is they are doing. OK you get the picture. It just needed to get out there in the open so that you may prepare yourself for the same embarassment when the time comes.

So the single most vital thing on my OB list right now is to secure my damn flight back to Sydney. I'm currently waitlisted but I'd wish they would call me back right now and be like "o hey you're that OB eh? Sorry for the delay, sincerest apologies, I didn't realise it was THE OB. Here we'll put you on the flight, it's overbooked but that's cool, it might mean you'll get an upgrade into the uncomfortable business class."

Then I will reply with "thank you" and leave HK.

It's not that I'm hating my time here, but I've seriously been losing sleep thinking so much about the future that I think I need to return home to escape some of the thinking. I live in a think box of sorts.

As of late, I have gotten OB cravings where I just want to get every snack that pops into my head and just eat it. I've so far completed a few missions of that. It's bad, I know, but the feeling of conquest afterwards will be rewarding. Doubly rewarding.

Ok, I don't think the office realised its Winter, nor did they realise that air conditioners have reverse cycle and can be warming. But you know, being OB and all, I have like close to no voice in this office so I'll just quietly freeze to death now.

Edit: Another reason why I need to leave HK is because I am beginning to notice my English skills deteriorate into nothingness.

Diary of an OB - LT

2009-01-23T13:28:00.002+11:00

Wow, I just read something totally mind boggling. The people on trial for the Chinese Milk Scandal, although culpable, are just scapegoats for another perpetrator - the Chinese Government.

Wow, like how do you take on the Chinese Government? Would that actually happen? Like there's such a distinct stigma about the untouchables that are the Chinese government. Without really having any knowledge of how the Chinese system works, this sounds like an epic task. If a law suit was filed against the government, would it instantly be rejected by the courts for fear of being totally dominated by the government after the ordeal?

It's pretty interesting to note that Chinese victims and their families are openly calling for the accountability of the role the government had to play. Is this a social shift?

So many questions...

Diary of an OB - LT

2009-01-22T17:36:00.002+11:00

As OB now has time to think about random stuff, as Chinese New Year is fast approaching and hence there is nothing to do - the future of Hong Kong has always been on my mind.

What future? Yes, that is the correct question to ask.

Although somewhat bleak, there is absolutely no future for most children in Hong Kong and its the epidemic is already beginning to slowly encapsulate this Special Administrative Region.

How?

Well to provide some contextual knowledge, children are mainly brought up by maids as parents are always out/work. Like do kids not end up wondering who there real parents are? Do they not get confused. Apparently, young kids know a little bit of tagalog when they are young because they are exposed to it everyday. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but the point is, they don't even see their parents for most of the day.

So what kind of childhood to they have? Well, on a general level, I would say close to none. They learn nothing. They are treated like kings and queens and have their every request answered by the maid. As an example, I was in McDonald's and this maid buys this small girl like no older than 5, a Fillet-O-Fish meal. The maid unwraps the burger and holds it out for the kid to bite. The kid proceeds to look at the maid. With the most utmost air of snobbery, she flicks her hand, shooing the burger away. The maid obediently listens, with a sort of 'are you sure, lol at you, ok don't eat it, but i'll humour you by coaxing you to eat it' attitude.

I'm sitting quite close thinking in my head. WTF KID. HOW OLD DO YOU THINK YOU ARE. This girl is gonna grow up into a dumb bitch. No offence, but hopefully you don't. Man do parents not realise if their kids just get showered with attention for the rest of their lives they are going to grow up into the most useless person in society who forever will require attention and looking after?

Like then I tried to justify myself. Maybe things change when they grow up. I mean they don't know any other lifestyle so maybe its ok that they live in this bubble and then see the big wide world. Or is it? I bet most teenage honkies fail at cooking. Like will avoid the kitchen at all cost. Also, why do parents not want to look after their own child. Is it seriously that annoying to have your kid sit on the table with you at the restaurant with some family friends? Do you really need the maid to come along, feeling mega awkward sitting with your friends, just to attend to your child? Did you not get the feeling of parenting when the child was born? Did the maid actually deliver the baby as well?

Arrrrrrgh makes no sense! How is this society going to be sustainable?! Maybe it's because a foreigner and things don't quite click in my head. I mean I will admit that children in other societies and cultures also get pampered but honestly, not to this extreme, on such a widespread scale. GG.

What I also find awkward is how maids get to live with the family, in an apartment on average around 800-900 sq ft. Wtf is that? Your pretty much openly admitting that you will adopt a maid like your own autonomous and obedient child. How can you be alright with a random living at your house? Shouldn't you guys become like BFF family friends by the end of it all? The cultural shock that I still feel is astounding.

Like maybe if you were old, and frail and your family had no time, then a maid who could help you around the house, and like buy your groceries and so on is justified. Or even if you part time employ someone that doesn't permanently live with you is ok too. I suppose there isn't enough time in this little region since the working hours seem so ridiculously long.

O and another example. I'm sitting on bus overhearing random mother's conversation on my day off. She's ranting to her friend about her maid. And not a good rant either. Like an all out barrage of endless bitching about how lazy the maid is and shit. Then if she sucks, why don't you just not employ her, and do it yourself you tool!? It's not like you're working right now, just going to have a bit of yumcha with your friend. Why don't you and your friend go shop for groceries and shit? Why don't you cook dinner then?! FFS STFU!

Yea so angry, these things make me angry. ARGAKGJ WELGJ ALJGA. End Rant.

Diary of an OB - LT

2009-01-21T00:38:00.004+11:00

Apologies for the recent inactivity, I hope this makes up for it. I present to you the lesser known side of the city.

Every single time

2009-01-19T11:41:00.002+11:00

Must have watched this a thousand times over the past few years but every time it ticks me off.

Racist north shore fucks.

Diary of an OB - LT

2009-01-09T13:15:00.002+11:00

Ok so work has been increasing steadily. It must be that January is an unexplained phenomena where all OBs randomly get more work to do. I shall dub this the OB January effect and is not to be mistaken with the small-firms-in-January effect.

So where does this place me in terms of the OB ladder? Yes, I too had almost thought I had forsaken this...

Well, to be honest, it is hard to gauge where I stand. Have I gained the trust of this tribe to safely say I am climbing up a few rungs? Or is it just convenient to have this spare wheel connected to the end where you can safely dump all your excess baggage when the going gets tough?

Either way, I'm not complaining. To be used is not such a bad feeling after a month of inactivity. But I suppose there is a limit to everything and that if I'm swamped with work then I'll lose my mind and demand to HR that I want to be paid for this. Fortunately, I have not signed another contract yet, but something tells me if I were to take an extreme measure as such, I would get shot down in the instant. I'm treading on thin ice here just entertaining this idea. You know, the thought police might come after me..

Ok so this wasn't the purpose of this post. This post is to officially declare that I will now adopt the Hong Kong way of working. It is not as hardworking as you may first think. In fact, it's far from and that is why they work late.

Lawrence's Theory: HK workers are actually procrastinating kings/queens.

Why? This is what I have observed of an average joe worker:

9-11: Yawns I am so le tired, lets go surf some net and do whimsical things while I wake up. Hmm I should make myself a hot drink

11-12: Hrm, ok. Let's do some work. Ah emails...

12-1: Winz, lunch coming up, lets go surf that net again

1-2:15: Lulz, just came back late from lunch but o wellz - how satisfying was that?!

2:15-3: O man, so tired...foood coma...must go make drink and checks emails....

3-5: Intermittent work, and exploration on the big wide web

5-6: Ah crap, its almost home time and I haven't done anything. O nos! What to do!? O yea that guy over there, he can do some of my work. Superlolz. Winz. Ok yay, less to do. But I'll have to stay back a bit. Hrm thats ok, I'll look like a hero and skip traffic. I am zeeeee bomb.

Having said that, I am now going to try my hand at adopting this attitude. O man, I hope this doesn't rub off and become habit.

Orange Moon - LT

2009-01-07T01:41:00.002+11:00

My ears are rejoicing. For the 4th time round again.

Diary of an OB - LT

2009-01-06T18:43:00.002+11:00

Opportunity Cost - LT

2009-01-06T12:03:00.004+11:00

Yesterday, I almost bought these. They were retailing at $489 HKD down from $1199 HKD. If you put one on top of the other, thats 40% of the original price!

But then, I thought about a head porter wallet. And yes, by now as avid followers of my segment, you know what I did.

I forwent those boots and went straight for my wallet. And I has no cashe.

Damn.

heymomjustgonnagosmokesomefoolwontbehomefordinnerkbye -AT.

2009-01-06T01:21:00.002+11:00

Diary of an OB - LT

2009-01-02T18:16:00.002+11:00

2009 is well and truly underway and with my first day back at work, I received two emails from UNSW. Work is well and truly on its way. As an OB, this is great news because it means I will have something constructive to occupy my free time at work. My only regret is that I do not have a USB stick here with me, so it looks like I will be getting one some time soon so that I can work from work.

Is this ethically bad? In my opinion, no. In fact, it is ethically bad to leave an intern alone at their own desk with periods of nothingness. I think they are still feeling the Christmas-New Year double whammy and there is still no work for anyone to do. Well there must be some because I've seen the manager come out a few times and talk to the FTs. (Full timers). Note to self: when I become an FTer or a person with authority, I shall flood the intern with work until he/she cries.

On a more personal blogging level, I've almost reached the end of my to-buy list. That is to say, I have bought what I have needed to buy in Hong Kong, and any more purchases after the foreseeable next 3-4 purchases shall be superfluous and purely made on a semi-impulsive level in my bid to do what I can to stimulate the economy.

Moreover, for those who are preparing to come to Hong Kong, let me be your weather-guy. The weather has now changed from the warmness and random rain to something which somewhat resembles winter. It is kind of cold in the morning but when the sun shines, it can get warm. But if there is anything to go by, the locals have decided to whip out their goretex north face superpuff jackets to brave the northerly winds that have journeyed their way down to Hong Kong. In any case, you should be mindful of the humidity levels because high humidity and low temperatures are a dangerous combination (goretex is warranted in these conditions). I shall update those coming to Hong Kong of the weather again in around two weeks time.

Photos from my online courses may also become a part of this segment now that I shall be bothered to lug around my first generation digital camera. Speaking of photo memorabilia, I took the liberty of having a McGangBang to start off 2009 and unfortunately no cameras were available at the time of banging. But it is a culinary experience, one not to be missed when visiting Hong Kong McDonalds. (Still no sign of Shaker Fries....)

Tom Ford S/S 09 - AT.

2008-12-31T04:09:00.002+11:00

(ergh finally uncapped)

Diary of an OB - LT

2008-12-30T19:55:00.004+11:00

I have this really bad problem where my mind is working on a completely different plane as the person who is communicating with me. For lack of a better description, (or in some cases - to accurately describe this condition) I am just daydreaming when people are talking to me.

So, what do I do? To combat this serious character flaw, my mind has developed a way to contextualise everything so that when I do return to the conversation, I can deduce what was said and give the appropriate response. Normally this works alright. It seems my mind can process stuff like a Intel Core DUO and think of my own stuff in one half of the brain and then absorb the things going on around me in the other half.

Unfortunately, I think this skill I have learnt is only operable when I am immersed in the English language to which I am most familiar with. When another language is involved, it is harder for my strange ability to function. For example, I have seen glimpses of this design flaw when I was learning Japanese during high school. I'd pretty much deduce as best I could what the other person was saying and give my response. More often than not, I would give retarded replies which made no logical flowing sense.

That is the case here. I think I did it again where one of my colleagues asked me something but I did not understand/was only half listening and gave the most incoherent response. Now I am embarrased. And I'm pretty sure I've done this on more than one occasion. Damn.

I am now severely handicapped in rising up the OB ladder because of this. It could almost spell the end of the ascent and the beginning of the spiralling fall as people start to realise I'm a nub. (Noooooooooooo.) But the weird thing is, they keep feeding me stuff like I'm a guinea pig. Alarm bells are ringing! =O

This morning was slightly eventful with an actual research task handed to me but I think with this anti-epiphany, any slight rise in OB-ness was immediately negated.

Diary of an OB - LT

2008-12-26T23:59:00.003+11:00

Ok lets talk about food. Aside from the fact that my room is not actually very stereotypical of the demographics of the neighbourhood, the quality of living here is very enjoyable and multicultural. You have the random ex-pats who are actually ex-pats to add that twist of culture, you have the residential mixed with the small local shops that gives it that bit of homeliness and originality and you have the semi-convenient transportation network.

Today, I decided to try out a few restaurants around my place, (just like taste testing Anzac Parade at UNSW) and to my suprise, its semi decent. I say semi because the first two restaurants I tried had their mega downfalls. For example, Cafe "A" had alright congee, but too steep a price, Cafe "B" had better priced congee but laced with what I suspect to be MSG. DPD (Dai Pai Dong) "A" had good BBQ Pork Rice but it had the most seediest environment that would turn your stomach.

This leaves the Shanghai Restaurant which I must say I WILL GO BACK TO ZOMG. So when people do come, I think I'll take you out to this one because I think it has rather homely style dumplings and awesome shanghainese noodles. To top it off, it has the best chilli sauce EVERRRRRR. This restaurant left a rather good impression, except for the mandatory service fee charge so I didn't bother to tip them with my satisfaction. I deduced it must have been good because the first night I discovered it, there were a few people reading its public menu (even though its in a secluded side street) and it had newspaper clippings of what I presume to be an editorial on its overall package. But all in all, very pleasing!

AIWFBD - SC

2008-12-26T02:04:00.007+11:00

Partly because I got paid for the first time in so long last week, and partly because it's Christmas time (but mostly because I got paid for the first time in so long last week), I bought myself a couple of things while Christmas shopping.+ Youth & Young Manhood and Aha Shake Heartbreak because they were $9.99 for the two at JB Hi-Fi. Haven't had much chance to listen to all of them but I doubt I'll be disappointed.
I also bought a new blue French cuff shirt. At least I think that's what it is. Wikipedia can only aid so much in my knowledge of fashion without pictures. A bargain with the 30% discount with a Country Road card. Shame they didn't have it in 37. Not to worry, I'm well on course to hit 70kgs.

I can only think of three more things that I would really want.

World peace.

Soccer boots. Not fussed as to what kind so long as they're affordable, comfortable and durable. It'd be preferred if they weren't Nike though, as they seem to be by far the biggest player in this oligopolized market. But in honest truth, I'd rather a bag of soccer skill for Boxing Day.

You may recognize Jessy Schram as the young Alison in Medium, Rachel Seybolt in Life or as it turns out, Maxim. There are countless famous women I could only dream of that could be posted but they would all illustrate the same point.

Merry Boxing Day everybody.

Diary of an OB - LT

2008-12-24T14:05:00.002+11:00

Let's talk about introductions today.

Since I've started working here, I've always had the intention to introduce myself to the director of some other department that sits in the room behind me, but I've never really had the courage to overcome the awkwardness and break that proverbial ice. I've left it so late that he's taken leave to go on a holiday...and I'm still sitting here wondering whether I should have or shouldn't have...oops.

In hindsight, I should have probably broken the ice, but contrastingly so should he. I mean his title is Director of "Dept. A", which gives him the authority and freedom to break the ice confidently without making the month seemingly awkward with some random addition sitting in front of his office.

Argh, and speaking of introduction and names, I am so fantastic. I totally did not realise I was calling this girl by the wrong name, (well I told others what her supposed name was) and I only realised JUST then when I read her name card what her real name was. How embarassing...but at least I know now...and I hope I don't get written off as some chump. I thought I was good with names and faces, but apparently not.

Miranda watches this stuff?! - LT

2008-12-24T03:21:00.001+11:00

Boredom - SL

2008-12-23T20:17:00.004+11:00

Law, I'm speechless that you have created such an image in your mind, and now in everyone else's mind... lol
But to cure some of your boredom in HK, here are two pretty interesting vids I found, so enjoy!
Also, MERRY CHRISTMAS to all! =)

PC vs Mac - Transformer Style

Hectic driving I one day wish to master

Diary of an OB - LT

2008-12-23T15:26:00.005+11:00

With the lead up into Christmas, I have found myself back to square one where there is NOTHING to do. And as I have learnt in the beginning of this internship, the internet only has so much you can do before it too gets boring. But at least me typing sounds productive and staring at the screen makes me look like I'm doing something constructive.

NOOOOOTTTTHHHHIIIIINNNNNNGGGGGGGGGG

I was pleasantly warned about this at 10am this morning. The time now is 12:29 and NOTTTTTHIIIINGGGGG has to be done. I used to deliberately go get drinks from the fridge or make some milo or something, but even now I am too lazy. Like a true copycat of the cult coffee drinker, I have limited myself to that morning cup of milo, then no more.

O, today I opened the office fridge and the entire fridge was filled with canned drinks. It was amazing, especially with the soft glow of the fridge light highlighting the outlines of each can like Jesus rays or something. (speaking of Jesus, David Kwan's invitation was the funniest thing which I read today)

In Hong Kong, people drink this:

It is the most disgusting variant of water ever. Worse than Evian. Imagine fizzy mineral water with some weird twang. It does not even make you go "Ah" after you drink it like when you take a gulp of coke. And before you say you can mix this with say fruit juice like tonic water, people here drink it straight. It's not for the soft - mixing this drink is for the soft. I'm so shocked this thing even sells and is packed into the fridge. Coke should dominnnnnaaaattteeeeeeee.

EDIT: Man, people in China have it tough. They had to request to get a holiday for the 25th and 26th of December....

Diary of an OB - LT

2008-12-22T20:49:00.002+11:00

I have finally succumb to temptation and changed the title of this series to something more relevant and easily understood. (If you had been keeping up with each entry).

Anyway, I was looking at the blistex Steve gave me and the most homosexual thought popped into my head. It was like indirectly kissing him, because he gave me those lip products with love and the soothing nourishing nature of blistex was like making love to my o-so-dry lips. So I strangely concluded that I was indirectly kissing Steve. Please do not ask how random the situation must have been in order for me to have conjured up this retrospectively wrong image...especially you Steve...

Anyway, so with many friends going on exchange, consider this blog as a scale model glimpse of what life will be like by yourselves in another country, and prepare yourself for the same atrocities I have endured. At the same time, I can now plan for my world trip assault complete with free accommodation at various universitarial lodgings. How good is that! Peter's been nagging to go to Europe next summer, and now we have a place to stay, Jon's place. (Just like old times in Australia). I think a deserved break is in order at the end of next year! (Fingers Croxxed!)

Anyway, I haven't been really feeling this Christmas spirit that you would normally get as a kid. Maybe I'm too mature and cynical to fall for the cheap marketing ploys used by those greedy bastards. Or maybe those that prey on the feint hearted don't have the money to artificially create that Christmas rush to buy heaps of presents. Or, less likely, everyone has decided that buying stuff is for gimps and that they have all adopted the approach of recognising Jesus' birth only. I'm suprised that they even consider there to be a credit crisis when all these random mainlanders take daily trips down to the city, lugging around a roller suitcase, and filling it up with merchandise. Where is ze money coming from?! You can has money to spend!?

Also, I must document this momentous thought. Today, I had half a mind not to finish the McDonald's fries. It was almost blasphemous and sacrilegous. In fear of suffering the wrath from the God of Wastage, I obeyed the commandment that thou shalt think of kids in Africa and did not waste the chips. But, I think I'm slowly thinking of salads on a permanent basis. This is momentous.

Diary of an Ex-Pat - LT

2008-12-19T17:41:00.003+11:00

I have a really big urge to rename these posts OB's report but I'll need to put up a poll for that (if I knew how to) so for the sake of consistency, I shall keep it "Diary of an Ex-Pat".

I think I have come to another revelation about myself. I am a closet clean freak. Today I saw my second cockroach in the room which seriously tipped me over the edge. Like can these bad boys seriously annoy someone else. And these aren't your regular bad boys either. If you thought the road bike gang was bad ass, these cockroaches belong to the mafia. HUGE. Disgustingly oversized mafuggas. And living by oneself, on minimal resources inside the house, its a stress to find a way to kill and dispose of them. Hence my current obsession with dettol. Man I've used up the whole communal Mortein in the building to fumigate my room. I even did a random home improvement where I took masking tape and masked up every god damn nook and cranny in the room and IT STILL FOUND A WAY. WTF IS THIS MAAN. LEAVE ME ALONE. ARGH.

Tonight the assault continues. My campaign to kill these bastards marches forward. I'm so on tilt when I go to sleep that a damn cockroach will venture into my room. OMG CAN THEY JUST PISS OFF. I'm seriously gonna go nuts or something. Man life of an OB, what can I say? Seriously so annoying. SO ANNOYING SO ANNOYING. Man when the clock strikes 6, I'm donning the gloves and gonna hole up my place again. Such a pathetic title to call my building a serviced apartment. The only service I'm getting is some random making my bed sheets ONCE A WEEK ONLY? ARE YOU RETARDEDLY LAZY? And internet, which has emotional tyrades where one night it will be God's gift and the next night it will be suffering from lag city. So fail. O and they said they'll replenish my toilet paper but WTF EACH MONDAY I LOSE LIKE A FEW CENTIMETRES of radius. WTF. SO RAGE RIGHT NOW. RAWR.

Yes, so I realise:
a) I need my mum to protect me from GODDAMN BUGS (EFF THE HELL OFF).
b) I need a pest control dude ASAP
c) I need to complain the bejesus to management (dogpoo paper bag on doormat)
d) Continue my alliance with dettol and Mortein, and possibly get a face mask so I won't get some random lung disease
e) E for Edit: Having a really lax December means that I can do heaps of thinking and have multiple epiphanies within a day. In fact, I should seriously keep a record of this stuff. It's those type of revelations that make your heart flutter a bit because what you have just thought of was so immense. Like finding out HUNG WATCHES BATTLESTAR GALAZITICAZZZZZZZZZ.

MEGA SIGH. SUCH AN EPIC TASKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.

(on a side note: lol if I go back to Australia and lose my passion for cleanliness. It's dangerously forseeable that this will occur.)

Diary of an Ex-Pat - LT

2008-12-17T15:39:00.002+11:00

Ergonomics Revisited.

Recently I have developed the worst neck strain ever and it periodically will pulsate pain throughout the back of my eye causing much irritation. No matter how much I stretch the area or massage it, the pain is still there and I think it has something to do with my slacking off in ergonomically working. I thought that by becoming more man as I sit in this chair, I would soon become immune to eye strains etc. Alas I was wrong. So to rectify, I only JUST realised, the arm rests on this chair were also adjustable...next level ergonomics anyone?

Furthermore, I have cleaned out Watsons of most dettol products. I am now dettol freak and there is dettol everywhere in the place that I am living in. Germs, beware: dettol coming atcha! Anyway, there's no updates on my dietary plans either as I haven't really bothered to go out and get sandwich filling etc. My god, my neck is retarded now, I think I'm gonna touch everything on this desk to make it ergonomically friendly.

Upon reflection, not only has this spiritual journey enlightened me on self survival (Yes, Ambrose, I should now be featured on Man vs Wild), I have also become self conscious about hygiene and ergonomics. Maturity +1!

Diary of an Ex-Pat - LT

2008-12-16T14:19:00.002+11:00

It has come to my attention that people studying in the UK are cheaters. Yes, I accuse you of cheating. It seems rather unfair that people within the Common Law system have different time periods til graduation!

Notably, and comparatively speaking, the average time it takes a law undergraduate in the UK to graduate is 3 years, whilst it takes the law undergraduate in Australia 5. Whilst we in Australia may get a double degree recognition, can someone please explain why UK-ians get to study a single law degree? WHY? Per say that my chosen vocation is law - then I am effectively wasting 2 years of my life when I should have gone to the UK to study...No but I didn't waste it because UNSW > all other universities out there. Yes, fear meeeeeee.

Just a rant. No offence intended. No, but seriously...

An OB's Christmas List - LT

2008-12-16T00:33:00.004+11:00

In no way shape or form does this represent what I actually want:

Ok, as an OB, you'd definitely want more space, and although you cannot see it, this apartment is pretty big for Hong Kong, (this is just one part of it) and an OB would definitely appreciate an upgrade in living area. Fucking you know you made it as an OB when you can start balling in sq ft!
With bigger space comes bigger car, so you obviously need a baller car to ride the streets of Hong Kong in, and this is my chaffeur car of choice. Yes, I will not drive it. Yes someone else will drive it. Thats just how the cookie crumbles as an OB. Just don't have enuff multitask to include driving.

An OB has to know where his roots and and although this isnt the right picture, I of course mean the original roots of the Giordano 6pack underwear set. An OB knows value when he sees it.

The phone of choice for an OB. Whilst not quite there at "Blackberry status" this will subtly let the others know your a VIP when it comes to your inbox (be it constantly spammed with actually work mail or just spam...or nothing at all)

Finally, these are the sickest glasses an OB can afford. Battlestar Galatica anyone? I kid you not, these are actually on sale in HK.

CFWIA keo version. - KY

2008-12-16T00:27:00.005+11:00

Economic depression be darned..

1. I think i'll take brose's watch as well. got awesome, incredibly??!!

2. HTC Touch Pro

3. 6 days of Jack Bauer madness

4. can never have enough weights..

5. they said it was the Green car of the year, but we all know any car that weighs 5 tonnes cannot be a green car.. still, i'm a sucker for suvs.

6. Jack Nicholson's lifetime courtside seats, without his henchman/niece

7. A library filled with my dad's old bible commentaries, reference books and all the knowledge of the world.

Anyways, i'm off for the rest of the year, to my retreat into the wilderness unless you're looking for a beat down in 2k9 on wearne's farewell. it's been fun rain team. Happy Holidays.

lates.

Diary of an Ex-Pat - LT

2008-12-15T20:42:00.003+11:00

Whilst I shall just quickly say that it was a great privilege and experience for a mere OB to attend a Christmas Party, to which I might add that I had mega deja vu about, the crux of this post is about a solitary OB surviving on staples in a foreign land.

For the past week, I have stashed away countless amounts of cup noodles. Given the freedom to choose whatever the hell I wanted, I went nuts and chose one of every flavour and kind that I would eat. It has now been a week, and I am down to my last cup. And boy am I sick of cup noodles. In fact, I'm sick. Full stop. There is only so much a lowly OB's stomach can take until it says "please sir, can I have non-processed food". On a fateful Sunday morning, my stomach made its final push, the campaign to raise awareness of the dangerously low nutrition levels in my body. Vommitting was actually quite slow and painful and I knew, lurched over the toilet bowl, that this lifestyle totally sucked. Continual DGL totally sucks. Hong Kong seems to have a sucky food network built upon franchise and fast food. How does the OB counter?

Well I go onto some next level stuff. With the constraint of minimal washing (if any) I have now graduated from cup noodles onto making sandwiches with wholemeal grain wheat bread. Well that's the plan. That way, I don't really feel like I'm eating fast food thats been processed and the likes and this way I might be able to refresh my appetite. So the canape training I underwent earlier before I left on my spiritual journey shall come in handy. Lucky I signed up for canape training. Another thing about living by one self is I think I have reached my limit for cleanliness. At first I thought being a guy and all that I would have a limitless tolerance to mess and the likes, but with the lack of carpet etc, and the collection of dust, I discovered that there is a point where I too feel like its time to clean. Having never really attempted to clean in my life, this will be a steep learning curve. In fact too steep. In fact, I wish my Mum was here or like I had a helper in the house (HK-ers will understand what I mean). However, shame on those HK-ers that use and abuse maids and treat them non humanely. But I did funnily come across a story where apparently this is the best job on earth because they do easy chores and get paid alright for it and then go back to their homeland and live like Queens. So...yes, the main point of the story is, the OB has rejected processed food, but as an afterthought, I might want to test myself out again and just have trashy foods for the heck of it until I next vommit.

AIWFC AT. edition - AT.

2008-12-15T19:57:00.004+11:00

(1) Opening Ceremony Desert Boots

(2) B.Son Italian wool blend peacoat (theres this topman one too but i cant get the damn picture)

(3) Nike Windrunner

(4) Nike (Vandal) Dunk

(5) LOL u already know

(6) IWC Portuguese Chrono-Automatic: I think at 85 i would still be unable to fall out of love for this watch.

(7) Maserati GranTurismo MC Sport line

(8) Her

All I Want for Christmas- DW version

2008-12-15T16:53:00.010+11:00

I think everyone on the rainy team should do a Christmas list- Christmas is only a short 2 weeks away and I love it. Christmas for me is basically a scramble of food (prawns and cherries) and decorations and love. It brings so much excitement and happiness to so many people, from all races, religions- everyone. So this is my dream list, 8 things that would be mine if magic was real :) (read: money and bribing and kidnapping was of no issue)

In no particular order:

1. Homeroom 2 finger ring, in silver, $94
I actually went to Incu to try them on, they're in the men's jewellery section. Alas, my puny fingers dont fit, but online there are a range of sizes, from 6 to a massive 11.5 i think. SO PRETTY. I'm definately going to find lots of cool rings on my asia trip this time.

2. Themepark assault at the Goldcoast (hopefully this one will happen in Feb!)
J and I are planning a trip. I've always wanted to go to the goldcoast again before I get massively old, it just seems like the right time to go, especially since uni is starting and everyone is going away for exchange/work.

3. Alexander Wang leather backpack

I don't know why I like ugly things. But this leather baby is definately my alternative to the daily black bag for uni. My shoulders hurt too much for shoulder/tote bags. BACKPACK ME.

Actually. Maybe all of the Alexander Wang resort 09 collection, even the ugly thermal onesie.

4. Shu Uemura lashes
Definately getting these in HK. But not the obnoxiously hideous pube-like brown ones. ew.

5. Model from below post (Chris and Tibor)..drool (Sorry E, I still love you)

6. Bags of all colours from Net-a-porter and Mulberry,
even though I would prefer shoes.. actually maybe all the shoes as well. +marni ugly sandals from last last season.

7. Cherries + Canon EOS 40D
I want to steal my dad's EOS-1ds mark II. He won't let me. Plus it's peak time for cherries.

8. Simone Shailes for top shop cardigan, £250
I think this might be a little too extravagant for something that I would wear maybe 4 times. But it's so prettttyyy and crazy and delicious.

Now for the rest of the rainy team, waiting for your lists guys!

Chris and Tibor- DW

2008-12-12T15:19:00.003+11:00

Am I the only person that didn't look at the bag first, and looked at the impossibly good looking model?
HOT.

Launched in the summer of 2005, CHRIS&TIBOR is a young London label offering bags that are sporty and retro, cutting edge and classic, luxurious and casual. The brand is also the result of fashion designer Chris Liu’s quest for the perfect gym bag. Dissatisfied with what was on the market he decided to hand make his own. This prototype soon attracted the attention of graphic designer Tibor Matyas who saw the potential for a men's bag collection.

Encouraged by the popularity of their product among friends the East London based duo decided to design a mini collection which was instantly snapped up by Harvey Nichols Hong Kong and Japanese retail giant United Arrows. Their AW06/07 offering was what the two call their first "proper collection". It was also promptly selected by Pitti Uomo to be part of the hugely popular and highly influential trade show's New Beats area.

"We live in East London, we design in East London and we produce in East London" confirm the designers who both used to work as design consultants for the quintessentially British brand Burberry Prorsum. "We name all our bags after streets, areas or buildings in East London and the City".

AW07/08 will see the brand's eagerly awaited first women's collection. "We have not totally changed our product to make it very obviously feminine. That's not what our female customers want", they say. Instead they kept their silhouettes but opted for softer leathers, smaller sizes and subtly feminine touches.

-Text and photos from Totem

I got wood - AT.

2008-12-12T02:40:00.001+11:00

Sagawafuji Wooden Eyewear

Current Obsession - LT

2008-12-12T02:13:00.002+11:00

I love the music in this ad.

Ella Ella Ellery- DW

2008-12-11T17:09:00.004+11:00

Here they are:

The Ellery boots that I ordered about a month and a half ago. Custom made to my measurements. The boots are made out of black suede, gold leather and mass studs taht can be detached and re-attached on to the other side for an even higher-thigh effect. I'm so excited, I can't wait to wear them out when it's a cool night, with a short little dress or tights. ARGH so excited!

Everyone, please check ellery out at www.elleryland.com- coolest boots ever!

Also, they have the meanest dresses and accessories. Former market editor for RUSSH Australia, Kym Ellery, is a true genius.

Boots: Dahto for Ellery, RRP $1500

Diary of an Ex-Pat - LT

2008-12-10T12:24:00.002+11:00

The OB road is not a smooth gradual incline, and I had only just discovered this yesterday. After what seemed to be a glimpse that I will be seeing more game time, yesterday was similar to the chandelier crashing down upon the stage, lights exploding etc. What does an OB do when there is nothing to do? I found out the long way that the internet is actually quite limited and will get boring in 4.8 hours. However, I did resist playing fantastic contraption. I even forwent being discreet and blatantly surfed the net without making any effort to conceal the window when someone walked by.

The thing that frustrates me most is when they promise you a mountain of work and then immediately afterwards the so called promised mountain never appears. Kind of like waving a schmacko in front of dog. I can has schmacko?

What was suprising yesterday was the party planning committee meeting. I kid you not. There are such things in an office. Yes and I have to admit, 'The Office' do have very accurate stereotypes. So basically I just sat through that rather bemused. I doubt any of them would have understood the humour I was experiencing if I were to explain to them what was going on in my head. Also, the manager of some other department who sits behind me, to whom I have never been formally introduced to - nor will it be any easier to now introduce myself due to the time gap - has been experiencing PMS or some sort of study related stress. From my sources, ie just listening to the chatter that goes on from time to time, he's studying for his masters and has a paper (only 3000 words, can you stop crying?) due soon. So he's really sensitive to noise that emanates from shredders and just PMSed just then to someone else, whilst I was typing. Draaaammma.

Diary of an Ex-Pat - LT

2008-12-08T20:48:00.002+11:00

How does an office worker spend their weekend in a foreign country? Why doing laundry of course! What is there to do for an ex-pat in a foreign country, especially when that foreign country is Hong Kong? The answer is shop. But ah, there in lies the problem. What if the answer has been exhausted. What if there is no more shopping to be done? My friends, the answer therefore must be "shop when x is not equal to been there done that".

So I must admit, the weekend did go by pretty quickly when all I did do was a bit of shopping and a whole lot of lazing around, waiting for laundry to finish.

Moreover, at the beginning of my second day in my quest to gain CEO status from the lowly ranks of an OB, I at first encountered a wall. The very same wall that the protagonist of Run Fatboy, Run hit. Even in a bid to prolong the work I had to do, by doing it slowly, there was hardly anything to do. So you may ask "Question - how does the OB continue to climb the ranks when there is nothing to do?" Answer - Discretely send an email to the entire department, declaring the copious amount of free time you have on your hands. As a wise man once said (if not quoted from the bible) "seek and you shall find".

Whilst I don't think I am quite at the next rung of the OB ladder, I am quite happy to be doing things that are actually related to the department, rather than the OB data entry work.

Like Evian wasnt fucking expensive enough already - AT.

2008-12-07T19:21:00.002+11:00

6th December- SC

2008-12-07T15:45:00.005+11:00

Yesterday was Finnish Independence Day.

No Freaking way! - DW

2008-12-06T14:42:00.002+11:00

O.M.G
This is Snejana: she is massive in the fashion world.
This proves that with a little bit of styling, awesome photography and lots of money, we all have a chance at stardom.

OMG!

Diary of an Ex-Pat - LT

2008-12-06T02:45:00.002+11:00

Today I must stress the importance of office ergonomics. If you wish to survive the 40 hour working week on a continual basis then you should follow some simple guidelines.

Eyes are in grave danger. Think about it. You stare at a screen for 8 hours, and probably go home and stare some more. To alleviate any stress your eyes may be undergoing, follow the 20:20 rule. That is, every 20 minutes, stare out something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds, do a few eye exercise movements and carry on working. Who would have thought something so effortless could give you the edge to go the extra mile...

Secondly, posture. The way you sit can affect muscular strains particularly in the lower back and on the neck and shoulders. A rule of thumb is to raise ur chair so that the knees are slightly lower than the hip and that the back rest is firmly supporting your lower back. If your feet dont rest flat against the ground after this height adjustment, find some foot rest to substitute. Flowing on from the 20:20 rule, just take that opportunity to adjust your seating position as well so that no single group of muscles are under continual stress.

On another note, I think I have reached another tier on the OB-meter. After being taken under the wing of someone in my department, she has decided to further try and integrate me. From there I have met others like her and will continue to stay within this group. If I had any authority, I would instantly just promote the lady that first gave out a helping hand because that is so obviously a trait that a manager would require so that the team will work for them. Anyway, back to the observations. How do I know that I have reached the next level of OB? Well, it is because others in the department have decided that I am trustworthy and capable to handle other bitches work.

Diary of an Ex-Pat - LT

2008-12-05T02:32:00.002+11:00

One must realise that the office in itself is an environment with its own distinctive characteristics, much like how capital cities are defined by some prominent features. In this regard, the heart of the office should be defined by its watercooler. Ah, the classic anonymous watercooler where the workers can take a moment to exit from the frenzy of deadlines to gossip. In my two days at my new place, there is indeed a set ritual for which office workers decide to 'coincidentally' take their breaks for the chitchat at the office pantry (which by the way has no powdered milk tea =O ).

Also, as with any society, there is a hierachy from which one must begin their journey in a company. I dub the first tier 'OB'. Whilst the older generations, i.e. our parents, will recall the days of being an OB as the "office boy", I would like to rephrase this term - "office bitch". And ladies and gentleman, that is the base rung of the office worker ladder. As I have recently discovered, as you become friendly with your micro-society/department, the degrees of OB advance and slowly you become integrated and trusted to handle more and more arduous tasks. And that my friends, is the path which I am travelling in my quest to conquer a foreign office environment. Sadly, any tertiary education I have received so far have proven useless as tools to get ahead. Hrm.

In other news, my phone refuses to recharge itself. And the exchange rate has made what were once attractive sales into prices which are still debatable.

Gossip Girl s2 e13 Promo

2008-12-04T12:02:00.002+11:00

For those of you that are up to date with Gossip Girl, you wouldn't want to miss next weeks episode!!

Diary of an Ex-Pat - LT

2008-12-02T00:34:00.002+11:00

Ok maybe its politically incorrect to call myself an ex-pat but whatever, this is the birth of my online diary. A spur of the moment memoir for all those who miss me and have a vested interest in my day to day well being and random adventures.

Today I had day 1 of training, and it was actually quite enjoyable. Alas, I cannot go into explicit detail as there is a code of confidentiality.

However, I did get the chance to explore the sales and shops of HongKong. Seeing the new shit that I could cop before Ambrose gets here is seriously priceless and tempting, but realising I don't have the cash to do so is saddening.

I would post up pictures but I haven't taken any.

I live in a place the size of my room in Australia. My initial thoughts are that living by myself seems quite alright, though I am worried about laundry and possibly, POSSIBLY not enough money to even sustain life ie. food. So I might be a skinny bitch when I return =O

Terry Richardson for Vogue Paris- DW

2008-11-29T00:01:00.003+11:00

Terry Richardson.
Occupation: Photographer/creator of sex images
Terry Richardson is a genius. He recently did a photoshoot wtih Calibre, so yes men, go into calibre and get the take home catalogue. Richardson is known for his simple white backdrops and the ability to make his objects come out, and be themselves. (JT + disco ball included) He's one of my favourite photographers, and his is why:
Carine Roitfeld (Genius of french Vogue aka. Editor in Chief) + Terry Richardson + LV Lingerie = SEXUAL

Enjoy.

Shit (Balance) Bricks - SL

2008-11-25T18:24:00.001+11:00

Sambomaster - LT

2008-11-25T16:18:00.002+11:00

three chuck two chuck one chuck nun (chuck) - AT.

2008-11-24T17:15:00.000+11:00

Rachael Yamagata - LT

2008-11-20T23:52:00.002+11:00

The first minute is idle chat, but interesting nonetheless.

Personal favourite. (Edit: I must admit that this is not the best live version)

Blank Label- DW

2008-11-16T01:37:00.002+11:00

Preliminary shots for Blank Label shoot. Blazer, Blank Label; Singlet, AA; Tights, Topshop.

Shame it was a gloomy day. Everybody watch this space! :)

'Fall' season review - SC

2008-11-13T01:55:00.006+11:00

The new TV season isn't actually all that new. In fact it's been going for a couple of months now. But those couple of months have been consumed by the lower points of life (ie. exams) and the belated TV reviews are finally here. The purpose will be to give an insight to some lesser known but nevertheless worthy shows, new and old, airing in the American 'Fall' season.

An amazing new show about a world just like the one we live in, only vampires really exist. But this isn't some Buffy or Blade copycat. The story is set in a small American town (which is a nice change from the California/NY focus of American fiction) two years after vampires have decided to 'come out of the coffin' and reveal their existence to the world. Vampiric fiction has always been sexually charged, and there are certainly some strong sexual themes in the show, channelled primarily through Aussie actor Ryan Kwanten whom you may recognize from Home and Away. But the real draw for this show I think, apart from the unique concept, is the old-fashioned style romance that is sure to have women of all ages gasping for air. Only downside: the otherwise pretty protagonist has gapped teeth.

Not the most original of ideas but Simon Baker, apart from having an awesome first name, really makes this show worth watching. He plays a kind of genius, working as a consultant for the California (again) Bureau of Investigations. So smart in fact, people think he's psychic. It's also a rare new show that have more or less stand-alone episodes. Good if you watch TV irregularly but not if you like mysteries and plots that are pursued throughout the course of an entire season. Like if you're a TV junkie like me. I don't mind though, because Simon Baker is not the only thing I have in common with the show. One of the agents' last name is also quite common within our shared heritage.

Who hit Angelina Jolie before Brad Pitt? Johnny Lee Miller. Who plays Eli Stone. A modern day prophet. And lawyer. Plenty of lawyer dramas around. But this is the only show that keeps me waiting week in week out for the next episode. It's in its second season now which means throughout this lengthy Summer break you should all go and find season 1 online. It'll bring out your inner idealist.

First and Last video post- DWZ

2008-11-11T01:21:00.000+11:00

while you were sleeping - KY

2008-11-10T22:26:00.003+11:00

and by sleeping, I mean not studying. MAN, completely missed the opportunity to blog on:-
1. NFL opening day - the pigskin is still alive!
2. NBA opening day - the 65 year old breaks his ankle in his first game!
3. El Presidente Obama - Yes We Can! I'm not sure I'm even a demo..

and in no effort to redeem myself, I bring you one of the awesomest things to have graced my life in the past month. needless to say it's not about consolidation, but about basketball

NBA International League Pass

yes - that is right, NBA basketball 24 hours a day, every single game, online - granted you have decent internet connection. it gives the geeks (us) all a chance to keep up to date with our fantasy points. yeah pfft, like I'll be looking at my pseudo-clipizard fantasy team these days. and it's all for the meager price of 84.95 USD. our weak dollar may make our ipods cheaper, but it makes this baby a questionable 126.75 AUD. But you can't put a price on watching the forum blue and gold wallopping (double p? single p?) on the rockets, captain china, and t-mac. So get a couple of mates, chip in and share an account, or ask me for mine, or don't be cheap and buy one yourself.

On other notes:

Burn After Reading: Dark Comedy, nihilistic? (i haven't used that word in two years), get a couple of mates willing to laugh at anything, well worth watching the senselessness of middle white america, a douche that is Clooney, and an effeminate Brad Pitt.

Movies to watch this summer (with or without a girlfriend, in cinemas, or at home): Quantum of Solace, Max Payne?? HSM3???? so it's a bit slim pickins, but stuff worth keeping you on the couch, Pan's Labyrinth, PS I Love You, Iron Man on blu-ray, Hellboy 2..

Or - you could go fishin, get golden, and grow a keg.

And I leave you with Josh Groban's performance at the Emmy's in front of a stiff crowd. Felt sorry for him that no one was into it. But gotta love the language he speaks with his eyes and eyebrows.

Rihanna/ Chris Brown in Sydnehhhhhhh

2008-11-09T17:49:00.003+11:00

Courtesy of SL:

Cinderella:

Live your Life:

Take a Bow:

CB Forever:

dayam rihanna was so kinky all night!
For more, http://au.youtube.com/user/stebe69

LT on Vogue Cover - DK

2008-11-08T11:48:00.001+11:00

Combo Breaker - SL

2008-11-05T23:32:00.003+11:00

Yes We Can - AT.

2008-11-05T20:21:00.000+11:00

hear and read change.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96624326&ft=1&f=1001

Is it time? - LT

2008-11-05T09:23:00.005+11:00

Should Obama win, it will be a historic moment.

But to serve out a historic presidency and to be remembered as the first successful black man to be President, Obama needs a competent team to contain the woes of the financial crisis. Amongst other things.

Let's hope he can.

From Eric- DWZ

2008-11-02T19:45:00.001+11:00

Luv Sic pt. 1 Message Remix, Shing02, Dj Hana. - LT

2008-11-02T10:35:00.000+11:00

Angel's Sunday (Sungha Jung) - LT

2008-11-02T10:25:00.000+11:00

Visual Identity in the Built Environment - LT

2008-11-02T09:23:00.004+11:00

As some of you may know, I'm probably going to do a summer course as per the title of this post. Just to kick it off, I think this design by a Japanese interior design company "Wonderwall" has created a very interesting and conceptual art space.

My only wish was that my house was like that. Possibly with all the clothes included.

Terry Richardson for Obama- DW

2008-10-30T20:25:00.002+11:00

Terry Richardson.

Occupation: Photographer/Celebrity

Images from TerryRichardson.com

Top to Bottom: Mary-Kate Olsen, Teeth in Glass, Barak Obama, Guy from Jackass, Infamous Justin Timberlake image from his album

Don't Vote- JL

2008-10-30T15:09:00.002+11:00

Note: 34seconds into the video....

NATALIE PORTMAN!!!!! :P

BSOPM - LT

2008-10-29T15:27:00.001+11:00

I am now convinced that every witty fund manager in the world own one of these jerseys.

Ring/Shoe Me- DW

2008-10-26T15:32:00.006+11:00

Chronicles of Never- Gareth Moody (Ex-Tsubi, yes, tsubi)
I can't wait till I get my grubby fingers onto one of these babies, geometric shapes, dirty metal, sharp lines. Sex much?

But I have to save money.. Ellery Awaits. (Will post on this exciting news once I stop hyperventilating). If you guys are still curious, google "Kym Ellery" (Ex-Russh, yes, EX)
ARGH
BLACK
SPIKES

Edit: Some shoes (excluding thongs + Connies) @ Erics House.

My Hero? - DW

2008-10-22T00:02:00.003+11:00

Well, not really, but Tina Fey has done her research and has done a fabulous rendition of the candidate for Vice President SARAH "I-CAN-SEE-RUSSIA-FROM-MY-HOUSE" PALIN.

And since this has made headlines around the world, I thought I'd share a bit of humour in these dark times (not financial crisis, but study/exam crisis).

XOXO
GOSSIPGIRL

I miss Gossipgirl, I HAVEN'T SEEN THE LAST TWO EPISODES. ARGH.

Multiple Choice Exam? - AT.

2008-10-21T09:46:00.002+11:00

Pencil Ear Sharpener from Stas Aki on Vimeo.

Will-a be Agnes? -DW

2008-10-18T20:38:00.006+11:00

Look familiar?
On September 5th 2008, it was announced that Gossip Girl creator Josh Schwartz was giving Willa Holland (aka. the OC's Kaitlyn Cooper, Marissa's sister) a at-least-3-episode stint in season 2 of Gossip Girl. Willa will play Agnes, a 16-year old model working for Eleanor Waldorf (aka. Blair's mum). She is to create havoc with Taylor Momsen's character Jenny Humphrey.

Gossip Girl > the O.C

Let's see what GG has in store for us..

xoxo! DW

Le Batman? - AT.

2008-10-17T00:28:00.001+11:00

Peugeots RD 3 Wheeler concept. Batmobile? or Tricycle for gangsters.

Real Names - JL

2008-10-17T00:26:00.002+11:00

In the UK, The Sun newspaper, wrote an article about the weirdest names in England. Some of them are so slack, it is quite obvious that the parents did not give it much thought when it came down to naming their kids. Well here is the top 20.

Enjoy!

PLEASANT TITTY

Baptised Margate, Kent, 1768.

(She was named after her mum — so the family had a pair of Pleasant Tittys.)

SEXEY BUTT

Born Dundry, Somerset, 1803.

EFFING DICK

Born Glasgow, 1848.

WILLY MUSCLE

Born Holme, Huntingdonshire, 1685.

GOLDEN BALLS

Baptised Aylsham, Norfolk, 1813.

WILLIE STRETCH

Born Winsford, Cheshire, 1894.

CONSTANT PAIN

Born Hackney, London, 1901.

EASTER BUNNY

Born Yorkshire, 1851.

SENSITIVE REDHEAD

Born Bridlington, E Yorks, 1873.

PETE SAKE

Born Cheshire, 1840.

ALICE MAY FALL

Born Shoreditch, London, 1894.

DICK BRAIN

Born Stoke-on-Trent, 1871.

TURD COLLAR

Born Ireland, 1821.

WILLY LEAK

Born Poplar, London, 1886.

TRANNIE PICKUP

Born Portsmouth, 1853.

DICK HANDLER

Baptised Earls Colne, Essex, 1585.

HUGH SWELLING

Born Ireland, 1811.

BASIL LEAF

Born York, 1895.

LARGE BEE

Born Notts, 1829.

LOW FAT

Married Cardiff, 1905.

DAILY BONER

Born Hernhill, Kent, 1898.

Yes Yes Yes -AT.

2008-10-16T21:03:00.001+11:00

Ministry of Food - LT

2008-10-16T20:50:00.003+11:00

Changing the world - one meal at a time. Jamie Oliver

Currently airing on Channel Ten is his lastest revolution called the Ministry of Food. In fact, in one episode I was completely rapt by the potential change his cause could promote. Beginning with a small county called Rotheram, he plans to change a few select citizens of a quiet British town, and through the word of mouth, create a hype and buzz about healthy eating and recipe swapping.

It's just his crazy ideas and passion to promote better eating which makes this guy so great. Just look down his resume, you have restaurant 15 which he even opened in Melbourne to get homeless people into cooking and create a subculture of food.

And then there's School Dinners. A vastly epic feat to change the way UK people eat, starting from the roots.

Very Inspiring.

The Great North Bum- JL

2008-10-14T20:15:00.003+11:00

The laziest man of England goes to....

Yep. This guy.
I thought I was bad about walking my dog Rocky but this guy takes CBF dog walking to a wwwhoollleee new level.

Kevin Pyke, 35, has been named the laziest man in England for walking his dog while sitting in the car. Thats right. Zero walking is involved. When it is that time of the day to walk the dog, Kevin gets his son to drive him around the block slowly and, with his arm stretched out of the window, holds a leash with Bruce walking alongside.

He claims he actually covers more ground by doing so. He said: "It sounds terrible that I take Bruce for a walk like that, but it saves me from getting wet when it's raining."

The competition bosses say Mr Pyle won by a landslide.

Sexual- DWZ

2008-10-13T23:31:00.001+11:00

click to enlarge. ie. click to have an orgasm.

Hmm.... - JL

2008-10-11T20:56:00.002+11:00

Gold Coin Donation Please. - JL

2008-10-08T22:33:00.004+11:00

Designed by Jethro Macey, the COIN LAMP requires you to insert coins before it lights up. It even has sensors that detect how much money you have put in. The more you put, the longer it will stay on.

The Coin Lamp is the first product in a range based on the concept of values and reward, subtly heightening the awareness of consumption through its unique design.

Genius.
What a way to rip your friends off when they come over.

No Homo - LT

2008-10-08T20:26:00.003+11:00

Stolen off a friend's blog, this a piece part of the Lanvin Collection. (Also hijacking DWZs RTW blogs). From a purely artistic appreciation of this artwork, the word elegant comes to mind. Simple use of two complementing tones and subtle use of lines and shape, this is one outfit worth getting ladies!

Raviol-E- DW

2008-10-08T00:16:00.003+11:00

Everyone should go see wall-e. It made me cry. Like all other movies, but this one is different. I promise.

Onto more UNINSPIRING news, Chloe looks like a pasta-bake. Ravioli anyone? Click on images to see the pasta up close and personal. Hannah MacGibbon in her first season for chloe-wasn't too bad, and definately not as bad as I make it out to be (bar the pasta-like creations). Some were inspiring, the white dress in the collage below included. DELICIOUS much? Like Marc Jacobs. But I guess it's a good thing that Chloe's been brought back to an affordable (ish) house, a far cry from the ridiculous 6000dollar dresses that were tres plain. Let's see what Hannah has in store for us in the latter seasons.

Marchesa by Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig. Georgina is the designer of this luscious house, and is also married to HARVEY WEINSTEIN. Yes, the fat man who is worth hundreds of millions from his movie franchises. UGH. But I've loved Marchesa since their first collection which inspired Chic Collections in Sydney to make that dress that I bought and wore for my year 12 formal. Same dress, an eighth (or something) of the price. (but still the same price as a pair of Chanal Optics... sigh*)

More POLITICS TO COME. Everyone go on youtube and watch Jon Stewart. Type "palin" and "jon stewart" or alternatively type "obama" and "letterman" and watch his hilarious interview.

Where'd She Go? - JL

2008-10-07T21:01:00.000+11:00