Category: Culture

7 GOT Characters We Actually Have For Friends

Dum Dum Dum Dum, Dum Dum Dum Dum, Dum Dum Dum Dum, Dum~
Is the theme song awesome or what?

As die-hard Game of Thrones (GOT) fans, getting a taste of life in Westeros is the dream. Since that’s basically impossible, you thought you’ll never get a taste of GOT. But it turns out, you have been living with some of the most prominent characters all along.

Minusing the gorgeous looks and amazing costumes, there are actually more similarities between Queen Cersei and that ambitious friend of yours than you realised. Listed below are seven GOT friends that you have but didn’t really notice. So yes, Westeros is actually nearer than you think.

1. Joffrey Baratheon – The B(a)rat

No matter what you do or say, nothing will satisfy his Highness. From deciding where to eat, to picking out a group activity, this ex-ruler of the Seven Kingdoms will object to all options and expect you to come up with a better one. Instead of poisoning this friend of yours, consider y’know, talking things out.

2. Khal Drogo – The Gym Rat

He’s big, he’s strong and he’s silent. You don’t know much about this guy. In fact, the only thing you’re certain about is that he spends most of his time in the gym and his favourite drink is a protein shake. He may be fiercely loyal, but you wouldn’t risk ruffling his muscles feathers. Ever.

3. Daenerys Targaryen – The One With The Complicated Name

Ahh yes, Daenerys Targaryen, the First of Her Name, Queen of Meereen, Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men and oh my god we’re not even half way there.

Similar to the Mother of Dragons, we all have that one friend whose name is either overly long, tough to pronounce, or both. Remember that friend called Amethyst? How about Persephone? Or Dante Ignatius Lee? (yes these are actual names). C’mon guys, what’s wrong names like Tom, Mary or Jane?

4. Jon Snow – The One Who Knows Nothing

Everybody’s got that one friend who has absolutely no clue as to what is happening. Be it being kept in the dark or getting stabbed in the back (or front), you sometimes have no idea how they make it in this world. Sometimes it’s better to keep them safe behind the Wall.

5. Tyrion Lannister – The Smart Ass

He may not look like much, but this guy won’t need to lift a finger to take you down. Equipped with a brilliant mind, this unassuming character never ceases to surprise and amuse you with his quick wit. However, with his ability to impress girls and your professors or bosses, his gift of gab will have you resent him just a little.

6. Cersei Lannister – The Ambitious One

Be it at school or work, you’ve seen her taking out her opponents and are glad to have never been on the opposing side of her. Yet. Despite being surrounded by an air of confidence, this girl friend of yours is self-centred and irrational (remember that time she got a B+ for her paper and she tore it into half?). But don’t make her go through the walk of shame because once she composes herself, you won’t know what’s going to hit you.

7. Hodor – The Chubby Teddy

Basically the optimist in the group, this friend of yours is contented with the basic things in life. Despite his large size, he is a gentle soul. Reliable and a great confidant, this friend is much like the teddy you used to have, only better.

So there you have it, your seven GOT friends. Bet you didn’t really notice it till we put it together eh? Looks like Jon Snow isn’t the only one who knows nothing, hur hur.

(Header Image Credit: Digital Spy, words by author)

Also read: Happn – How I Connected With The Girl I Crossed Paths With

Keong Saik Carnival: The Event All Hipsters Shouldn’t Miss

Those who love the rustic charm of the shophouses and bars along Keong Saik Street won’t want to miss the first-ever Keong Saik Carnival. This all-day family-friendly affair is organised by the team behind Potato Head Folk, the popular hipster bar at Keong Saik.

With the theme ‘Old Streets New Treats’, the carnival will celebrate the heritage of the historic neighbourhood – Tiong Bahru, “where past inspires present, traditions meets contemporaries”.

Street Bazaar

During the carnival, explore the street bazaar where you’ll find everything from antiques, to vinyl records, to a limited edition fashion collection by Fergadelic created for Three Buns.

Activities

That aside, expect art installations, heritage tours, pop-up food stalls, and cultural workshops as well. Plus, families with children will be glad to know that there will be a lion dance troupe putting on a show, a story telling session, balloon sculpting, along with an Uncle Ringo to keep the young ones occupied.

Music

The carnival will also see collaborations of traditional Chinese musicians with cutting-edge electronic DJs, as well as the freshest beatsmiths livening up the atmosphere with sounds of Hip-hop, Bass, House, Funk, Soul and Disco. From international names like Beijing’s Howie Lee to homegrown acts including Pushin’On and Syndicate, the live music stages are to be anticipated!

Details

MUSIC:
HOWIE LEE + ZHANG YANG (LIVE)
CHACHA (LIVE) & HOWELL
AL ROCCO & BLOW FEVER
THE OBSERVATORY
SYNDICATE (KIAT, KOFLOW, INTRIGUANT)
ATTAGIRL!
PLEASURE (BERGAS, TARA)
SUN DOWN CIRCLE
MR. HAS
SA
PUSHIN’ON (MARVIN GOLD, TOM SHELLSUIT)
FAUXE
HOME (DJR, KNIVES, JERLS, REIKI)
DARKER THAN WAX (FUNK BSTRD, KAYE, DARYL C)
DONN
#VINYLOFTHEDAY (KURT, EDEN)

VISUALS:
EMPYREAL
HOODLAM
TELL YOUR CHILDREN

STREET BAZAAR:
A Juicery
Behave Behave X Oak & Bindi
Curious creatures
Custom Burner
Gallery & Co
get.give
Hounds of the Baskervilles
kapok singapore
Leica Store Singapore
Lime House
Luxe Singapore
Magpie
Sundays Sg
Sunday Market
Supplies & Co.
The Analog Vault
Three Buns
Underscore X Triceratops
Vinyl of The Day #vinyloftheday

SPONSORS:
Official Credit Card: UOB YOLO (UOB Cards)
Official Food on Wheels: Deliveroo
Official Projector Sponsor: Epson
Official Photography Partner: Leica
Official Ride: Uber
Official Hotel: Park 22 hotel Singapore
Official Beer: Heineken
Official TV: LI TV Asia
Official Bespoke Motorcycle: Custom Burner
Official Irish Whiskey: Jameson Ambassador Singapore
Official Rum: Mount Gay Rum
Official Gin: The Botanist
Official Soda: Fever Tree – Singapore
Official Music Partner: W Hotels Worldwide
Official Radio Station: Lush99.5
Official Magazine: JUICE Singapore
Official Production House: Blackvine Pte Ltd
Official Sound & Light: The Show Company

SUPPORTED BY:
The People’s Association
Urban Redevelopment Authority

BAR PARTNERS:
Ketel One
Tanqueray
Pimms
Hendrick’s Gin
Sailor Jerry

Schedule

Map

Keong Saik Carnival has also tied up with Uber for up to $20 off your first ride to or from the carnival with promo code “KSC2016”. Do note that this promotion is only valid for first time Uber riders. Download the Uber app for more details.

Excited for the carnival yet? Let your friends know about it and have a blast this Saturday!

Keong Saik Carnival
Date: Saturday, 28 May 2016
Time: 12:00NN to 10:30PM
Address: Keong Saik Road

(Header image credit: original image by Les Haines, edited by author.)

Also read: Everything For Free? Introducing SG’s Really Really Free Market!

10 Annoying Things Only SG Moms Do That We Take For Granted

There’s someone who cares so deeply about you, more than you will ever know. The one who gives you the best she can offer without hesitation. She’ll gently pull your curtains open in the mornings to wake you up. The only one who…You get what I mean.

There’s only one such person in your life – Mom.

As Mother’s Day is coming soon on 8th May, we’ve come up with a list of 10 things our moms do which we usually take for granted. As annoying as some of them might seem, if you think carefully, they are all actions that stem from her unyielding affection for you.

1. Calls you at “curfew” time.

The younger you are, the worse this gets. As long as you’re still staying with mom, regardless your age, you’ll still get these calls from time to time even when “curfew” time doesn’t exist anymore. If you get these calls like I still do, she probably waited up a little to see if you’ve come home but decided to call you before she goes to bed.

So even if you’re busy hanging out, pick up that call at 1am to assure her that you’re okay.

2. Calls you up to tell you to read your text.

This is as cute, funny, and irritating as it gets. Sometimes my mom sends me a text and I would probably be too busy to look at it for the moment. 10 minutes later, she calls me up and says, “Son, read your text.” without the intention to tell me what that text was about over the phone.

If you’ve experienced this too, maybe our moms just felt that texting was more interesting than calling us up. Who knows?

3. She’s the Google for anything within the house.

You can’t deny this. She’s THE google in the house. Lost your socks? No problem. Ask mom. Can’t find your jeans? No problem. Ask mom. Lost your girlfriend? No problem. Ask mom. Just kidding on the last one by the way.

4. When you go out with her, she’s got everything you’ll ever need.

Once, my family and I went on an outing to Botanic Gardens. She had everything from wet wipes to sunscreen to hand sanitiser. She probably brought our whole house with her. Go figure.

5. Comes into your room and makes you drink some weird drink or soup.

Whether you’re doing work or playing games or watching your favourite series, occasionally you’ll hear a knock at the door and she’ll come in with a bowl of “soup”. All you know is that “it’s good for you.” Even though you have no idea what’s in it, you’ll be a good kid and finish it to the last drop.

6. When you ask why, she’ll always say: “Because I’m your mom.”

One of the most annoying things I’ve ever heard my mom say. When reason doesn’t work in her favour, she will drop this line on me and I’ll just have to accept it. No choice. Mom’s the word.

7. She says: “Why don’t you ever go out?”

Sometimes I’m just staying at home for a few days to save up some money, or to do some work. Then, she’ll suddenly ask me this question. According to her, she was concerned that maybe I didn’t have any friends to go out with. Of course not. My friends are at Hogwarts battling Voldemort.

8. She says: “Why do you treat the home like a hotel?”

After a few days of going out with my friends, she’ll utter the opposite of the previous point. Well, do you want me to go out or not?

9. Always asks you to troubleshoot everything.

Whenever she needs to install an app or if something’s wrong with her computer or phone, we’ll be the first one she calls. She really trusts us on these things.

10. Treats you like a child no matter how old you are.

Finally, the last one on our list. No matter how old you are, in the eyes of your mom, you are always the kid that you were when you were just 10 years old.

Mother’s Day is only a reminder of how much our moms mean to us. Remember, you only have one mom! So show your appreciation every day!

Have you thanked your mom today?

(Header image credit: 8 Jobs In SG You Never Thought Would Pay Well But Actually Do

5 Singlish Phrases – What They Mean & Where To Eat That Food!

Singlish, love it or hate it.

Even if you lean towards the latter, you can’t deny the fact that there’s something unique about it. If you were to travel to another continent, odds are, you’ll have great difficulty conversing with locals there. It’s not your fault, our local unique slang tends to slip out.

Some of these phrases might sound foreign to your ear. Some might make you laugh like a drain. Some might even make your mouth water.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

1. Blur like sotong

Where to find the best sambal sotong: Chomp Chomp Ru Yi BBQ

Ru Yi BBQ’s dishes are hot on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside — it will leave you licking your plate and spoon and fork. The sambal sotong is sinful and makes your tummy feel like the Valley of Fire. But dear God almighty, is it worth it.

Address: 210 Toa Payoh Lorong 8, Stall No. 72, Singapore 310210 (not located at Chomp Chomp)
Contact: +65 8133 7688
Opening hours: 5pm – 11pm daily
Price: >S$8

2. Chop chop kali pok

What it means: Work faster

Kali pok refers to curry puff. Chop chop simply means hurry up. The two separate phrases were put together because they rhyme and sound catchy. Chop chop kali pok is often uttered by the impatient P.E. teacher or your BMTC instructor.

How to use it: “My 88-year-old grandma can run faster than you. Faster, chop chop kali pok!”

Where to find the best curry puff: AMK Curry Puff.

Thick crust. Check. Spicy. Check. Fragrance. Check. (Apparently, the owner of AMK Curry Puff, Mr Leo, used to be a shareholder in Tip Top Curry Puff!) If you love food with a tinge of tradition, you must head down to Toa Payoh. Word is, the curry puff is still finger-licking good even when it’s cold.

Address: Super 28 Coffee Shop, Block 184 Toa Payoh Central, #01-372, Singapore 310184
Contact: +65 9672 6621
Opening hours: 10am – 8:30pm
Price: >S$1.40

3. Stylo Milo

What it means: A fashionable, stylish person. A little tricky – it could be used as a compliment or sarcastic insult.

How to use it: “Wah piang, you wear socks with sandals? You stylo milo man.”

Where to find the best Milo Dinosaur: Spize.

Most drink stalls at coffee shops could probably do a Milo Dinosaur for you, but Spize is one of those stalls that does it the best. Of course, it seems nuts to order the drink alone – it’s milo + milo powder. If you’d like something to go along with your drink –  try Spize’s seafood aglio olio and chicken chop. Each bite is more delicious than the last.

A word of caution, though — you may get a sugar rush!

Address: Bedok outlet – 336 Bedok Road, Singapore 469512
(Visit their official site for River Valley and Rifle Range outlets)
Opening hours: Weekdays – 12pm to 2am & weekends – 12pm to 3am
Price: Iced Milo Dinosaur S$3.50, Iced Milo Godzilla S$4.50
Milo Dinosaur: Iced Milo topped with Milo powder
Milo Godzilla: Iced Milo topped with Milo powder, and ice cream or whipped cream

4. Ya ya papaya

What it means: An insufferable stuck-up person.

There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance. The phrase, ya ya papaya, leans towards the latter.

How to use it: “Just now, I congratulate Alex on his promotion, and you know what he said to me? He said ‘Of course, I deserve it.’ Cannot stand that guy, so ya ya papaya.”

Where to find the best green papaya salad: Beer Thai House Restaurant.

Lovers of spicy food, a heads-up! Granted, Beer Thai’s signature dishes are the mango salad and pineapple fried rice, but its loyal customers will have you know that the papaya salad can easily hold its own. It’s appetising and authentic.

Address: Golden Mile Tower #01-50/51, 6001 Beach Road, Singapore 199588
Contact: + 65 6297 7644
Opening hours: 11am – 11pm daily
Price: >S$6

5. Agak-agak (a.k.a agar agar)

What it means: A rough estimation.

It’s supposed to be agak-agak (a Malay Language phrase), but for some odd reason, someone gave it a new twist and called it agar-agar. It’s stuck since then. Sigh, we Singaporeans with our pronunciation…

How to use it: “Ah ya, don’t ask me to calculate for you. My maths very jialat, got a D for my PSLE. You own self agar agar la.”

Where to find the best agar agar cake: Cake Story.

Their cakes are so adorable. You’ll want to take a picture of it and post it on Instagram. Lo and behold, you’ll receive massive likes! They have a decent range of agar agar cakes for you to choose from – Hello Kitty, Mickey Mouse, Barbie Ball, just to name a few.

[caption id="attachment_5879" align="aligncenter" width="793"] Credit: Facebook and you’ll win our love!

(Header image credit: You Can Now Fish & Dine At Singapore’s First Kelong Restaurant! You’ll Want To Check This Out!