User: valska Date: 2009-11-28 18:57 Subject: Wordpress App for BlackBerry Security: Public Tags: technology

Originally published at As My Life Is. You can comment here or there.

BlackBerry users out there, you can now download the Wordpress application for your phones from here: http://blackberry.wordpress.org/2009/11/11/beta-0-9-0-169/

User: valska Date: 2009-11-26 23:23 Subject: Fear Factor at Standing Sushi Bar Security: Public Tags: food, friends

Originally published at As My Life Is. You can comment here or there.

Maye-E, John and I met up for lunch today and ended up being in Standing Sushi Bar’s version of Fear Factor. I love turning up and asking the chef, Roy, if there was anything interesting to eat for the day and would ask him to surprise me. We got the usual sashimi platter (I particularly enjoy the geoduck, scallop and sea urchin) and then he gave me a bowl of these white curly bits that look very much like brains.

I thought they were fish eggs. Very smooth fish eggs. They have the texture and consistency of steamed egg custard, even softer. Oh, very much like the fresh sea urchin.

They were actually Silver Cod sperm.

Yup. I still can’t wrap my head around it (this coming from the woman who couldn’t bring herself to try her own breast milk) and I know it’s just in my mind. We three cracked up over bad sperm jokes, but truth be told, because it was very fresh, the dish was actually quite pleasant. It was served with a tangy sauce that gave it some bite, which juxtaposed against the smooth, creamy dish very well.

When I arrived, I saw these little critters, sawagani, crawling over each other in the glass tank. I wasn’t sure if I could stomach something that I had seen alive just minutes before, but I ate fish sperm, what’s a small crab?

Interestingly, the sawagani retain almost the same colour after they’re cooked, so it feels as though you are eating it straight from the tank. I thought that they would be as lightly crispy as soft shell crab (what was I thinking?!) but it was actually a little harder. Sprinkled with some salt and pepper, the crab was very crunchy and had a slightly bitter aftertaste. It doesn’t have an overpowering crab taste (well, they are tiny crabs afterall), and I was particularly tickled by the fact that I could eat the whole thing in one mouthful.

The final unusual dish of the meal was raw squid, mixed with wasabi. I’m not a fan of wasabi at all (unless I’m looking for a quick fix to clear my nose, but even then, I would rather stuff myself with Panadol Flu Relief). I couldn’t finish this dish chewy and slightly mush dish, even though I really enjoy squid.

We didn’t entirely subsist on these strange foods, but also had miso soup, more sashimi, aburi sushi (which had the three of us ‘mmming’ away at how good they were, chawanmushi, grilled salmon cheek, california handrolls and softshell crab maki. I wanted to have green tea / yuze ice-cream but I had to pass on dessert because I was too stuffed and wanted some space for TOFFEE NUT LATTE!

(By the way, I think my body’s not used to the sudden influx of caffeine, because apart from my usual can of coke, I’m drinking coffee every other day. I have been on a buzz till now!)

Anyway. Standing Sushi Bar. If you haven’t been there, you simply have to go. Ask them for the daily specials and be adventurous. Everyone I’ve taken there loves the freshness of the fish. I love that, and the fact I get to try all sorts of interesting things.

P.S., If I had known I was going to have such an exotic meal today, I’d have turned up with my camera. All photos were shot on my BlackBerry.

Standing Sushi Bar
+65 6533 7078
1 Raffles Place
#B1-02B OUB Centre
Singapore 048616
eat@standingsushibar.com

Open Monday – Saturday
11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

User: news (posted by theljstaff) Date: 2009-11-25 14:07 Subject: LiveJournal Major Notes: Security, Mobile, Facebook, Writer's Block, and Notes Security: Public Tags: facebook connect, lj_photophile, m.livejournal, mobile, notes, security patch, writer's block

Tweaks and enhancements

1. In order to improve site security, we've temporarily suspended the ability to change passwords for old email addresses that haven't been used for over six months. For further information and support, please visit our customer care page.
2. We've launched a new mobile site with an enhanced UI at m.livejournal.com. View spotlights, post to your journal, read and post to friends pages, and more, no matter where you roam! Please let us know what you think, since this will eventually replace our existing mobile interface. You can update your mobile preferences on your account page.
3. We've upgraded from Beacon to Facebook Connect to improve dual posting. If you've already signed up for Facebook Beacon, you're good to go. If you wish to update your Facebook Connect setting, visit Account Privacy settings and scroll down to the option labeled: "Send information about my updates to Facebook." You can choose Always or Ask each time. Remember to save (on the bottom left corner of the page). To learn more, check out FAQ 249. While we're on the subject, if you happen to be visiting that side of town, please join our Facebook fan page for a touch of home away from home.
4. You'll now receive the Writer's Block Question of the Day in the body of email notifications. To sign up for Writer's Block notifications, visit writersblock and choose the Watch Community option. Next, update your Writer's Block notification settings by checking the box to the right of "Someone posts a new entry to writersblock."
5. Paid and permanent users can now view, add, and edit Notes of commenters. Notes will appear beside the username of comment posters (instead of stars) on S1-themed comment pages.

Send some lovin' thanks to your friends with our holiday vgifts!

Photos of the week

We're so delighted with the immense talent of our growing, global lj_photophile community that we've decided to introduce a poll. Each week, we'll choose a half-dozen photos (based on user comments and staff feedback) and ask you to select a photo of the week. The winning photo will be announced in the next newsletter. If possible, please limit photo size to 350x350 to ensure that images display properly on friends pages. We want to thank you again (and again!) for sharing your passion.

Check out this week's photo poll and more fantastic user content after the jump!

( Read more... )

Curtains

Thanks for joining us. To our American friends, have a fantastic Thanksgiving. To all of our international neighbors, we'll eat a little extra for you!

User: valska Date: 2009-11-24 23:13 Subject: Uber Mini Photowalk Security: Public Tags: photography

Originally published at As My Life Is. You can comment here or there.

I went on a uber mini photowalk last night, after my photoshoot. I didn’t have to be home immediately and decided to just LET LOOSE and do something different for a change. (I have no concept of ‘own time, own target’ these days.) There was a story behind the reason why I went for the photowalk (see, I still have to have a reason/task to do something) but because of misinformation, it seems kind of stupid to even say it now. Nevertheless, I thought I scored some pretty decent pictures of the surrounds at the Padang. At least I was pleased.

Decided to do something for The Selfie Project, as it’s been a while. I was petrified of leaving the camera alone, so whenever I heard footsteps nearby, I pretended to be fiddling with the dials. And once I was sure the coast was clear, I set the timer, ran up the steps, tried to pose nicely, ran back down because I was somehow convinced that someone was lying in wait to grab all my camera gear. I ran up and down about six times, which officially clocks my exercise quota for the year. Towards the end, I noticed some coach drivers who were resting at their vehicles, looking at me in amusement. Thank goodness, I had the shot I wanted, so I ran off!

Full view of The Cenotaph, with The Esplanade and the soon-to-be Integrated Resort in the background.

Swissotel The Stamford. Tallest hotel in Singapore, as seen from the Padang.

A man sits on temporary seats for the rugby matches at the Padang. He’s facing the central business district.

This pathway goes right across the middle of the Padang. I saw a similar opportunity for lights and shadows in this picture, as with the Tate Modern one. Unfortunately, the man was walking along the side.

User: lj_spotlight (posted by ljspotlight) Date: 2009-11-23 09:43 Subject: 11/27/09 Homepage Spotlight Security: Public Tags: 65redroses, cystic fibrosis

65redroses
Eva is a vibrant young woman with Cystic Fibrosis who survived a double lung transplant. Read about her difficult recovery and personal triumphs over pain, isolation, and fear. Back in school, Eva now works part-time in a children's center and enjoys running and cross-country skiing. A documentary on her story, entitled 65 Red Roses, won three awards at the Vancouver International Film Festival.

User: lj_spotlight (posted by ljspotlight) Date: 2009-11-23 09:42 Subject: 11/27/09 Homepage Spotlight Security: Public Tags: meet_other_moms, parenting

meet_other_moms
A warm and welcoming "Add me" community for moms of all ages and backgrounds from around the world. If you're a mom, just post a little about yourself and start connecting with other mothers based on similar hobbies, musical interests, book/TV/movie preferences, or taste in humor! A great way for busy moms to socialize online.

User: lj_spotlight (posted by ljspotlight) Date: 2009-11-23 09:41 Subject: 11/27/09 Homepage Spotlight Security: Public Tags: cooking, foodies, kitchenfaq

kitchenfaq
Want to share a fabulous home recipe for coconut bread? Suddenly run out of confectioner's sugar with company on the way and need to find out a quick in-house substitute? Searching for tips on what to charge for a custom-designed wedding cake? Whether you're a professional chef, an aspiring culinary wizard, or a happy home-baker, you'll get delicious guidance from fellow and sister foodies.

User: valska Date: 2009-11-23 23:58 Subject: I Guess They Were Once Clean(ed) Security: Public Tags: photography

Originally published at As My Life Is. You can comment here or there.

Inside the toilet.

Had a photoshoot at the City Hall, where our supreme court used to be, tonight. I’ve never been in there before. The toilet takes me to another dimension with the retro fittings.

And speaking of another dimension, here’s a picture of the new Supreme Court, that looks very much like a spaceship. In the foreground is the City Hall, juxtaposed against the new.

Beam me up, Scotty!

User: valska Date: 2009-11-22 23:04 Subject: Jaws Security: Public Tags: pets, photography

Originally published at As My Life Is. You can comment here or there.

Jaws, the Christmas caterpillar

I’m glad that her staying with us has been healthy — she’s less wary of people now. She adores everyone in the family, except Thunder. But he still loves her all the same.

When I first decided to foster her till her owner claims her, I truly believed I would be OK to let her go. But if you ask me now, if her owner decided to come for her, I would go after him/her with a cleaver for abusing her and letting her go.

She bites, she has stupid quirks, but she’s family now.

User: valska Date: 2009-11-22 12:10 Subject: Thunder Security: Public Tags: pets, photography

Originally published at As My Life Is. You can comment here or there.

He turned 5 this year, and has grown from a tiny puppy (with one floppy ear) to a wonderful guard dog (albeit still with a tonne of issues). He is the epitome of love though — he’s always super happy when I come home and follows me around the house everywhere I go.

Merry Christmas from Thunder. Before this shot, he ran straight into the backdrop and crushed it, because he thought we were going to play a game and got really excited!

User: lj_spotlight (posted by ljspotlight) Date: 2009-11-20 17:11 Subject: 11/20/09 Homepage Spotlight Security: Public

naturesbeauty
Always on the lookout for compelling images, we were delighted to discover this flourishing community of artists who share a love of nature. Honoring the subject with photographs, paintings, sketches, prose, poetry, and
other creative works, you'll be simultaneously riveted to your monitor and inspired to run helter skelter towards the nearest wooded dale.

User: valska Date: 2009-11-20 23:59 Subject: Renew Business Registration Security: Public Tags: parenting, personal, work

Originally published at As My Life Is. You can comment here or there.

Love my business registration number: ALL PRIME NUMBERS! And very cute pattern too!

I received an email today, reminding me to renew my business registration, which expires in January next year. The first thing that hit me was: has it really been almost one year? Then again, Christmas is just round the corner. I guess I never really thought about how long it’s been.

Looking back, it has been quite a ride and I haven’t looked back. Sure, I miss being in the office with the Munkies and working on set, but it has been awesome being a full-time photographer thus far. It’s something that I truly enjoy doing, especially more so now that I have the ability to focus on it. I wish I had that little bit more time though, to experiment with photography to push myself and to do so much more. But I have been so busy! I am certainly not complaining, however!

I’m feeling a little displaced at the moment, though. Clare’s done with school for the year. I gave up my office space a few months back (because it didn’t make economical sense for all of us in there to have such a huge space — it was a bad thing for our businesses if all of us were in the office all the time). So while I started the year with an office to go to, and a routine of sending my kid to school every day, I suddenly feel very odd having her at home all the time. At the same time, I feel even more odd having to send her to her grandmother’s only to go home and work. I kind of feel mean.

I remember feeling guilty when I was at work — whenever I experienced a downtime and took a break from work, I always felt that the time could have been better spent with Clare or running household errands. Hence, the guilt of sending her off somewhere, if it not school. I don’t feel so bad when I have to go for French class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, whereas on other days, when I have no meetings or anywhere to go to, I rather she be at home with me. (This is not to say that she doesn’t occasionally suffer from cabin fever — those would be the days when we both go crazy on each other.)

I suppose, that was one reason why I left my previous job in the first place anyway — to spend more time with Clare! And I’m loving (almost) every moment of it!

User: news (posted by theljstaff) Date: 2009-11-19 15:39 Subject: LiveJournal Major Notes: Postcard winners, Tweaks, LJ_Cares Security: Public Tags: comments, facebook, lj_cares, photos, postcards winners, writer's block

Postcard winners!

We wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude for sending so much joy our way. Frank is still blushing with excitement over the love notes, proposals, propositions, and occasional intimate photos sent from his admirers around the world (China, Norway, Japan, and Poland just this week)! At his request, we blindfolded Justin, one of Frank's BFFs, spun him around in five dozen counterclockwise circles, and asked him to point to ten random postcards/envelopes pasted to the wall. After a brief trip to the bathroom, he chose the following lucky winners, to whom we will give a six-month paid account token (for paid, basic, and plus users) or, for our permanent account holders, a $15 voucher for the LiveJournal gift shop.

So, without further ado, the winners are:

1. seraphene
2. fotog
3. boykitten
4. seshat_6
5. anti_aol
6. lisalees
7. katrinkacat
8. mistyboston
9. _woody_lein
10. another_slender

Bugs, Tweaks, and Enhancements

1. We fixed a bug from the last release that was causing screened comments to become unscreened if they were edited
2. If you happen to be gaming around the corner, check us out on Facebook and be sure to spread the word!
3. We've added new vgifts to celebrate Thanksgiving! Check out our feathered friend, below!

Give more with charitable vgifts

In honor of national adoption month, we're offering a charitable vgift (priced at $2.99) to support Love Without Boundaries, an organization that provides healthcare and adoption to orphans suffering from life-threatening diseases. LiveJournal will donate 100% of gross proceeds from the sale (we'll cover the cost of credit card transaction fees). To learn more about Love Without Boundaries, please visit lj_cares. You can purchase your Love Without Boundaries vgifts in the Virtual Gift shop. We'll keep you posted on how much we raise!

Photos of the week

We're delighted to showcase yet more incredible photos from some of our brilliant LiveJournal photographers around the world. Keep posting (and tagging). And be sure to show some love by commenting on the awesome view at lj_photophile.

Check out this week's photos and more amazing user content after the jump!

Curtains

Thanks, again, for joining us. See you next week!

User: valska Date: 2009-11-17 20:55 Subject: 30 List: #15 Teach Photography (Part 2) Security: Public Tags: 30 list, personal, photography

Originally published at As My Life Is. You can comment here or there.

I conducted a week long photography programme at the International School of Singapore (ISS) last week. It was insane for me, having to start at 8am for five straight days. I did finally got used to it by day four, especially when I made the conscious effort to go to bed earlier to get more sleep. (Gotta get used to this lifestyle since Clare has been transferred to the morning session in her school next year!)

The premise of the course is to introduce the students to very basic concepts of photography, simple editing tools using iPhoto and compiling it all in iWeb. Mid-week, we went on a class outing to Hort Park, which was just across the road. They did the photoshoot for their class project there. It was fun to shoot at Hort Park, for me, this time round, despite the fact that I’ve shot there a couple of times before already. I liked that I walked around more and found some more interesting angles of that place.

It felt like an uphill climb in the beginning of the course, because I was dealing with a class of 20 teenagers. Some kids didn’t even bring their cameras on the first day. But we pulled through, the kids had fun and some even did brilliantly well in the class test on Friday!

Here are some shots I took during the week. You can view the entire set here.

User: lj_spotlight (posted by ljspotlight) Date: 2009-11-16 09:39 Subject: Spotlights: Homepage Spotlight 11/16/09 Security: Public Tags: gives us hope, moments of kindness

givesushope
It's that glorious time of year when we reunite with loved ones (we neglected all year), stuff our faces to excess, and pass out in front of the TV. Perhaps a recalibration of the thanksometer is in order. A spin-off of the popular GivesMeHope.com site, this community invites you to document moments of kindness, generosity, and pure human love.

User: lj_spotlight (posted by ljspotlight) Date: 2009-11-16 09:38 Subject: Spotlights: Homepage Spotlight 11/16/09 Security: Public Tags: lazy vegetarians, veggieslackers

veggieslackers
Despite its mainstream appeal, Thanksgiving is not for everyone. There are those struggling with food disorders, for whom this day causes endless conflict. There are the cash-challenged, who can't afford the gluttony we've grown to expect. There are the lonely, who don't have loved ones nearby. And let's not forget the vegetarians, who decry the animal cruelty. But there's one more group we often overlook: the terminally lazy! This community of lazy vegetarians offers easy recipes for an animal-friendly feast.

User: lj_spotlight (posted by ljspotlight) Date: 2009-11-16 09:37 Subject: Spotlights: Homepage Spotlight 11/16/09 Security: Public Tags: fashin, fashion. celebrity fashion

fashin
Just in time for holiday shopping season, this fashionista community brings you the world of haute couture in the form of sumptuous photos, video clips, and candid commentary. There's also a sugary sprinkle of mainstream movie discussions and debates on such pressing social issues as manicure styles and celebrity colonics. If you need a break from the daily grind to indulge your girlie side, this is twinkly pink on steroids.