-          This is a value for money restaurant.

-          However, expect long queues during weekends and peak periods.

-          Sold out items are not uncommon and the service is only average.

-          This place is suitable for families with children but not recommended for a first date as it may get a little noisy.

-          Overall, Astons is still an excellent choice for low priced, good quality steaks.

As you enter the main doors of the museum, the Glass House stands straight ahead of you. This is a multipurpose hall which you are able to watch and listen to various seminars, performances and exhibitioners. It resides inside a frameless glass enclosure, filled with brightly coloured artworks to display a contemporary image to visitors. Located on both sides of the Glass House are the Courtyards, which boost huge and idyllic spaces suitable for holding private functions or parties with a sophisticated style, enhanced by a water fountain to relax your senses. On the second level of the museum, directly atop the Glass House is the Auditorium which was formerly the school chapel. Most of the statues and artefacts were restored in detail, which included the original stained glass window destroyed during World War II, created by Filipino artist, Ramon Orlina (the first artist to carve figures out of blocks of glass using the cold method).

The whole Singapore Art Museum houses 18 exhibition galleries on three levels. The gallery spaces were created by removing the walls which had separated the various classrooms previously. The museum has an excellent collection of artworks from Singapore’s modern and contemporary arts industry as well as from visiting collections, ranging from classical Chinese calligraphy to contemporary artworks surrounding issues of Asian identity. There are over 4000 permanent artworks and visiting collections from artists like Alwin Reamillo and Li Chen, making the museum the largest catalogued collection of 20^th-century Southeast Asian art in Southeast Asia. Guided tours are available daily.

The Dôme cafe, hidden in a snug corner of the premises is also worthy of a stop to enjoy cool coffee.

-          Visit the art museum to understand the meaning behind certain artworks.

-          To see the dome with its design inspired by the Bernini’s Colonnade in Rome.

-          Experience the interior of the first Catholic school in Singapore.

-          Blown glass installations by Dale Chihuly.

-          Location is out of the way from the other museums and not of much interest to a non-art lover.

Top 10 Searches (All Categories)

1. Singapore Budget
   If you remember, we have dug into our own reserves for the first time. Job Credit Scheme was also introduced.
2. H1N1
   Can someone tell me again, how did this eventually died down?
3. Michael Jackson
   I think the biggest Pop sensation ever in the music industry. Who touched and changed the lives of many.
4. F1 Singapore
   2nd year in the running. Almost a flop this year with more than 50% tickets unsold just a month away from the event.
5. David Widjaja
   Famous NTU Student, who’s life still remains a mystery.
6. Manohara Odelia Pinot
   Another scandalous affair, between a 17year old model, and a Malaysian Prince.
7. Mas Selamat
   Convict who escaped, sold Ramli Burgers in Malaysia, caught by Malaysian Police, but credits went to Singapore
8. Ris Low
   Miss Singapore, who loss her crown, and then, created her own “American wanna be” English slang.
9. Aware
   I still don’t really know what this is about. A bunch of ladies publicizing their views?
10. The Little Nyonya
    The Mediacorp show that I think helped Malaysia Tourism Board by re-igniting the Malacca as a tourist attraction.

Some other popular searches includes:

Fann Wong & Christopher Lee’s wedding. As always, Singaporeans are love celebrity gossips. What’s more this is probably the biggest wedding in the entire history of the local media industry.

Geylang Serai Food Poisoning. The one that had problems with the Rojaks or something.

Jamie Yeo (goibg public about her sex life, divorcing with Glenn Ong), Zhang Ziyi (sexy beach photos), Michelle Chia (2nd biggest marriage after Fann and Chris), Fiona Xie (Quitting Mediacorp), Joanne Peh (Winning Best Actress), Andy Lau (admitting he is married), were among the top Celebrity searches.

Some interesting questions that were being searched include:

Does Ris Low deserve to represent Singapore in the upcoming Miss World pageant? (like duh~)

Tissue Chopping is it curteous? (you tell me!)

Should I tell the truth during a job interview?

And finally, Pizzas was the topped searched item in the food category. An interesting fact though was that the searches peaked during the long weekend, especially during National Day. Seems like Singaporeans still prefer Pizza Hut to Macdonalds when it comes to home delivery.

Full list can be found here

The bus route includes stops at Ion Orchard, Plaza Singapura, The Heeren, and runs from 11am to 10pm daily with a mere 5mins interval. There are a total of 11 stops between Orchard Road, Orchard Boulevard, Somerset Road, and Tanglin.

Funnily enough, the free bus services are relatively empty compared to the paid SBS Buses. Probably because not many people are aware of this till date.

Do note though that the free shuttle bus service down Orchard road is a temporary one and will end in Feburary 2010, i.e. just for this festive period. So next time you see a black and white tram-like bus, just hop on for a free ride.

We managed to watch A Christmas Carol in 3D yet again. And till now, we have not regretted our decision. Indeed, this film is not only visual candy but also an exhilarating experience of flying mastery. In short, the audiences are in for a ride of the season and it being 3D is added bonus.

During the Christmas of 2004, we are sure some of you had caught the movie, The Polar Express, also directed by Zemeckis. A Christmas Carol is a lot more advanced in plot, story, visual imagery and even technology. The improvements are made and today, we get more from this age old classic.

The film started with Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) attending the funeral of his friend and co-partner of his firm, Jacob Marley (Christopher Lloyd). In this creepy scene, the film manages to make the audiences want to laugh about the frugality of Scrooge, wanting to keep even a single coin placed on the deceased eyes in a funeral ritual. This miserly curmudgeon, Scrooge is then visited by 4 ghosts on Christmas eve with the first being his business partner’s soul returning to warn him about his fate if he continued the way he is and tries to help him redeem his Christmas cheer by reliving his past and allowing him to understand how and why he became what he is today.

And so, the visual candy begins when the various ghosts appear – Marley’s ghost, Ghost of Christmas Past, Ghost of Christmas Present and Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Zemeckis have been faithful to the book, the original text and also the dialogues of the characters. Children would either feel that this film is extremely cool or, be forewarned, extremely afraid of the ghostly effects and sequences. The animation is awesome but the scene of Marley’s ghost coming back to haunt Scrooge is enough to even make some adults jump out of their seats due to the sudden clinging of chains and crates flying towards you (thanks to the 3D glasses).

Old English is sometimes used in the conversations between the characters so some research into that would be helpful. While facing his oncoming demise, Scrooge pleaded for mercy and is somewhat strange and chilling because of his sudden high-pitched voice. All in all, an astonishing film full of surprises, detailing of the various locations, characters’ emotions and expressions and also, the complete understanding of Ebenezer Scrooge is fulfilling.

So make a date and catch it in cinemas now. But as mentioned above, beware of the spirits and if you are bringing children, make sure that they are mentally prepared as you have been warned and also, do not label this as a “Disney bomb”. It is a timeless classic on its own, by its own way. And always remember, this was written back then as a ghost story of Christmas and its essence that was first written by Charles Dickens have been retained mostly in this film by Robert Zemeckis. Check your beds this Christmas, children, as you might see the silhouette of death lingering before you with a bony finger.

Be happy this season, and be rewarded!

This film by Glen Goei is one of the best “local” movies in Singapore. However, since it is categorised under Singapore/Malaysia in reference to the mixed cast from both nationalities, I would leave it as that. Glen Goei’s last movie was Forever Fever which was screened some 11 years ago so The Blue Mansion is actually a strong and powerful return of Glen Goei and his vivid imagination. Listed under mystery/murder/comedy, this film is masterpiece interlocking a satire weaved with clever touches of dark humour.

The movie is mostly shot at one of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Penang, the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion, recognisable by the brilliant indigo colour of its front walls. Waking up from the dead with a pure gold pineapple ornament and walking stick by your side is not exactly a good way to leave this world in peace. Especially when you have such a huge empire that you have built from scratch and your later generations are just not interested in your funeral.

As we slowly attempt to strip down the various characters, we notice that they render such close resemblance to a certain family in Singapore, the Lees. The cast was carefully picked and put together be it by chance or by a way of comparison. The children of Wee Bak Chuan (Patrick Teoh), consist of two sons and a daughter. All of them have a dark secret which they hide just like the house they live in, beautiful yet shrouded in mystery. Following certain hints being dropped along the way in the film, the audience would slowly find out that one of the sons has an extra-marital affair, one is a gay, and the daughter is an alcoholic!

The vast similarities between the two families in question, kind of hold the whole movie together. The ways of a family patriarch, the rules in a nanny state which moulds our mentalities. It fully depicts our last actions where we are not allowed to defy orders and follow instructions which are for our own benefits. As a Singaporean, we can all easily relate to this film, and more so, by seeing ourselves in each character that each of the siblings portray.

The wife of the pineapple king is a smart woman who can singlehandedly hold up his empire. However, she also slipped into a serious illness and pass away not long after her husband.

This movie is similar to the one which Colin Goh and Woo Yen Yen explored in Singapore Dreaming back in 2006. They looked into the psyche of Singaporeans and why we act the way we do. Wee Bak Chuan, the pineapple king built his empire from nothing and we see deeper into the calm facade of the characters. Various issues are being touched upon like favouritism to rivalry like the wandering thoughts of the various visitors to our country.

And so, we come to the funeral rites of the pineapple king and his wife and how he views racial differences during his days wandering as a spirit around his home. Then comes the funny part but we would not spoil it for you – imagine seeing your own wife’s funeral. Go watch it. It is good and highly recommended.

Knowing that you have tickets to the Sinema Experience at Old School is a good enough reason for you to want to take the day off work and if you are a girl, to dress up and enjoy a cozy evening together with your other half. Singles out there can also look forward to posh sofas and a fantastic ambience with good sound systems. With local films taking centre stage here, the name Sinema is a good one which can aptly introduce a cinema with the flavour of Singapore.

As explained above, Singapore + Cinema = Sinema. And so, Sinema Singapore was opened in December 2007 to the public. As more and more cinemas are popping up in modern Singapore, one might not notice Sinema at first sight. However, we want to add that Sinema only screens local movies and feature films by our very own talented filmmakers. Because of this reason, thus, making Sinema exclusively Singaporean.

Situated at the core of Singapore’s bustling retail strip, at Mount Sophia which is of close proximity to Orchard Road, Old School Singapore is where Sinema calls home. Set in a white building where lots of creative companies are located, Sinema lets out a cozy feel to the space it occupies. Surrounding the shop space, one would be able to spot a Panasonic van near its premises as the screen that projects the movies is by Panasonic. If you are wondering where the box office is, it is located at the back interior of the shop. So remember to get or collect your tickets here. The tickets come in a really unique colour too, neon pink.

Decorating the shop are various apparels, film posters, DVDs, CDs and a small office. If you are one who likes popcorn and drinks while enjoying the movie, get your fix here! If you want to buy something to remember this place with, get your exclusive souvenirs and memorabilia here too.

Facing outside, one would see a flight of stairs leading upstairs to where the cinema is and a few tables and chairs for one to relax in. The atmosphere is cooling and green and one is able to sit down and take a sip from your bought drink while waiting for the film to commence. If you are lucky, you might even be able to spot the founders of Sinema and have a good chat with them.

Heading towards the action, upstairs and you would be excited. At the end of the stairs, a Sinema usher would collect the pink tickets and return you a stub. One do not have to worry about seats because the location practices free seating and so arrive early to secure good seats. Entering the cinema, inviting red sofas call out to you. Legroom is not a problem as the space would fit even the fuller frame individuals. You will also notice the huge Panasonic screen and experience the good sound system.

We went to watch a local production called 18 grams of love. The acting was indeed good and as this film falls under a category where locals seldom would attend, we would recommend it. Aside from the movie, one would be able to notice the wide variety of films they offer which are displayed at the box office, and ranges from features to shorts. Sinema is unique and do pay this location a visit to experience a getaway from the usual hectic lifestyles and enter the realm of our local filmmakers.

In order to secure tickets, you might want to check out the film screening schedules at the Sinema website at http://www.sinema.sg/oldschool/ and book via phone on 63369707 or email at oldschool@sinema.sg to make your reservations. Ticket prices are $8 and $10 per person for regular movies and special Asian productions respectively. Concession prices for Senior Citizens are $6 and $8 each respectively. There are no other forms of concessions.

What are you waiting for? Go to Sinema and be awed.

The team is led by a guinea pig named Darwin (Sam Rockwell) and consists of three more members. The members include two more guinea pigs named Blaster (Tracey Morgan) and Juarez (Penelope Cruz), including a mole called Speckles (Nicolas Cage). Speckles the mole is the brain child in the film where he possess completely out of this world knowledge in technology and coding. Blaster is good at navigating through those driving computer games and Juarez is reminiscent of the animal version of G.I. Joe!

The two main humans in the film, Ben (Zach Galifianakis) and Marcie (Kelli Garner) are the people behind these “genetically engineered” guinea pigs. Their project being funded by the FBI means that they have more modernized technology at their fingertips. The main goal is to train these guinea pigs to be FBI special agents and perform certain missions on behalf of humans. However, the FBI suddenly did not want to continue funding this project after the failure of completing the mission involving household appliance magnate, Saber (Bill Nighy).

And so, even as the FBI ceased funding, Darwin continued on this mission, sure about the plans of Saber. Never did anyone know that it was Speckles who is the real mastermind and bad guy of the movie. Although this whole idea may sound ridiculous to you, but G-Force is still pretty entertaining. The graphics are cool and although no objects are flung towards you (in 3D of course), they are as realistic as any other 3D movie could be and get.

Imagine seeing guinea pigs rappelling on ropes and other special gears only known to serve men, and a mole that is so knowledgeable and even able to come up with such an ingenious plan because of his family’s past, makes you wonder what the world could be in the future. Will moles be replacing humans in coding? Maybe not so soon, but it might be an alternative process which is plausible. Children will learn and know more technical jargons after watching the film while adults may enjoy the fantasy world for now which is only reached in films. Envision hamster balls being made into transport equipments, parachutes so small that it could be used by the guinea pigs and the intricate details of such a tiny flight simulator.

In my view, I would say G-Force is fun and technical all at the same time. You have the usual stereotype of humans being seen in the guinea pigs where there is a funny guy, with a decent and down to earth guy, a smart one and a lady for all the other reasons. Do not ask me why I am even describing the rodents but I assume that the people behind it would have done much research before landing on this idea so it’s normal to acknowledge what they have done right?

And lastly, for tech lovers, you might be glad to know that hamsters and ferrets are not included even if you wanted to install it in Ubuntu for your Nvidia G-Force cards. Cheerios!

Having said that, have you ever thought of Singapore’s very own notorious list? Who are those that are famous, but in a negative way? Well, here’s a list that I’ve compiled from Hardwarezone

TT DURAI
I’m sure everyone would remember this ex-NKF Chairman, and the entire saga. Though working for a charitable organisation, but he draws a salary of $600K a year, takes First class air ticket and even installed a gold-plated tap in his toilet.

XiaXue
Our very own local blogger that shot to fame with her bitchy attitude and open-mindedness.

Tammy
Singapore’s very own Paris Hilton. What more do I need to say?

Steven Lim
Shot to fame during the Singapore Idol audition, all for the wrong reasons. He supposedly danced in his briefs and even stripped himself naked while on national TV.

Ms Ris Low
Miss Singapore 2009, but who has a diploma in Hokkien. You can find her clip on Youtube.

Tan Yong Soon
Civil servant who earns $50k a month during the current recession. Went on to splurgeon a french cooking trip with his family. Best part, he announces it to the entire Singapore.

Anymore to add?

As said in an earlier review, I am a Tim Burton fan. But I will still look at this with a neutral point of view. So fans of Tim Burton, you will watch the movie anyway. Tim Burton, one of the producers in 9 worked with Shane Acker and we have this beautiful and detailed animated science fiction of an alternate reality. The film revolves around the character, 9 (hence the film was named), voiced by Elijah Wood, who is a machine created by a scientist and resembles a tattered ragdoll (officially known as “Stitchpunks” as named by Shane Acker). And so, in the whole feature film, there are nine stitchpunks, aptly named 1 – 9.

The visual candy started when 9 woke up in the scientist’s room in an apocalyptic world where humans are a thing of the past and machines are the ones who survived the war and reign. Humans have created these machines and suddenly one fine day, the machines started to revolt and the massacre began. As expected of a Tim Burton production, this film is dark and barren yet again. The stitchpunks are intricately yet oddly designed by somewhat random items which linked them together tightly, except for the occasional stitches due to tear. However, after watching the film, you would be able to remember all nine of them distinctly due to their mysteriously wonderful characteristics. 9 is the daredevil of the pack easily identified by a huge zipper lining his front body. The others have buttons or buckles or even just one eye.

Before I digress, I urge people of all ages to go watch this movie. The visuals are good. The story is fantastic so what more would you ask for? The animated stitchpunks are the best attraction in years and each one having their own story to tell. Epitomizing specific qualities of the scientist himself, it portrays human feelings, both the good and the bad. Not to miss also is the machine aptly named B.R.A.I.N (Binary Reactive Artificially Intelligent Neurocircuit) funded by the Chancellor. This is also the very machine which brought forward the annihilation of humans.

And so, the stitchpunks started fighting for their very survival. Embedded throughout the story is the involvement of a fascist government. Although a film for the whole family, this is good enough for adults to want to watch it. Voiced by various stars including Elijah Wood and Jennifer Connelly, this is an adventure not to be missed, especially the female warrior!

One moral to take away from this movie is that even for “objects” aka the stitchpunks, they are subjected to rules where the leader rules and protects the pack while the weak goes out and faces unfair circumstances. What are you waiting for? Go… watch it!