Lewd or Art?

The recent display of a nude painting, in the atrium of the Ministry of Information, Communications and The Arts building, caused quite a stir. As the display did not meet Media Development Authority guidelines, the painting was turned to face the wall and then later moved inside the gallery. Some artists interviewed felt that the guidelines were too restictive. The Sunday Times subsequently published a feature on when is a nude offensive to the observer, and when is it art, as well as examine whether Singaporeans are too conservative or too daring.

The article explained that a nude is essentially a painting that features the naked human form rendered in an artistic manner. Usually done as an academic study, it is requisite training for most students in the Western art tradition. (Nude painting is a module under the Fine Art programme at NAFA) The female nude was often portrayed as a goddess or paragon of female virtue in the 15th century during the Renaissance period.

An Assistant Professor at NTU's School of Design, Art and Media was quoted: Whether a nude work is considered pornography or art depends on the intentions of the artist and the context in which the work was created. Pornography is created for the sole purpose of causing sexual arousal. Art may use sexual imagery to aspire to artistic merit.

It also got six experts to review seven classic nudes and this was one of the pieces:

My friend, please don't get alarmed seeing this nude painting or this topic here on my blog. I assure you that my mind hasn't been 'polluted' nor am I trying to be cheeky. As I tell some of my friends, my mind is 'kai fang' NOT 'hao fang' (yes, there is a difference between the two). I'm one of those who wouldn't batter an eyelid nor turn red at the sight of a nude painting, whether male or female nude. Well, the human form has many curves and the female body lines are especially beautiful. Actually hor, it was the cat in the painting that caught my eye. Just look at the body lines of the lady and the cat - there is a certain grace, gentleness. Once again, I've no doubt that the Almighty is the Greatest Creator of all and He has an amazing sense of beauty.

Gentle Giants

I clipped these articles some time back but couldn't find the time to upload them. Are these animals still cute (or do they look scary?) and more importantly, healthy if they are this obese?

This rabbit is of the same size as a big dog. Named Robert, he weighs 9.2kg and his owner is a retiree staying in the eastern part of Russia. His owner once won a prize for rearing such a huge rabbit.

This cat was trapped in the dog flap when his belly got stuck. He had lost his way and was trying to steal dog food from a house. He weighs 20 pounds (about 9.07kg). He eventually was reunited with his owner.

Skoda is also overweight for her age. She last weighed about 6kg in Jan 2007. Though she is not obese, the vet said she mustn't put on any more weight. In fact, she has to shed 1kg. This would be a major challege because all three girls share a food bowl and the current kibbles portion is already substantially reduced (we're not giving the total daily portion for three cats). In addition, we've stopped free feeding for some time and the kibbles are especially for cats that are kept indoor (less calories). I'm also feeding Skoda less treats. Yet, Skoda don't seem to be losing any weight. Visitors to the Cove often asked if she is pregnant. Impossible lah! She has already been spayed.

Some times, Skoda seems to look bigger (my eyes are playing tricks on me?). If she continues to tip the scales on the wrong side, she'll have to be put on a vet-prescribed diet. If we ever have to take up this measure, it would be difficult to keep the other two away from Skoda's diet food. So all three to go on a diet? Braun and Mikki have amazing appetites - they eat a lot but stay pretty much the same size. Might be too early to tell for Mikki because she is still a kitten and easily "burns up" her intake. I definitely don't think cuteness has anything to do with size. I'd be more concerned about Skoda's health.

How, Skoda?!?! I'm at my wits' end leh...

Another Nick?

Once I caught one of the girls up to some mischief and the next moment I hollered away. Almost immediately, the word "Banshee" sprouted from Grimlock's mouth. Then I didn't have a clue what the word meant. I asked Grimlock but he refused to tell me. Recently, he got his Super Heroes cards from U.S. and he showed me this:

The description behind the card:
Real Name: Sean Cassidy
Height: 6'
Weight: 170lbs
Group Affiliation: X-Men
First Apearance: Uncanny X-Men #28, Jan 1967
Extra Fact: One of the X-Men's oldest enemies - the villainous mutant Black Tom Cassidy - is Banshee's cousin!

I almost flipped when I read his profile...
Beware the scream of the Banshee, for this Irish mutant possesses a sonic shriek that can disintegrate solid matter. The Banshee's voice can also propel him through the air on waves of sound or hypnotise the most vicious of villains. Once a foe of the uncanny X-Men, Sean Cassidy was recruited by Professor X to help defeat the murderous mutant Krakoa, the Living Island! Now, after a brief retirement, the Banshee is back in high-pitched action!

GRIMLOCK!!! I'm gonna scream your ears off!!!

Best Foot Forward

Both Skoda and Braun have white paws with pink pads, while Mikki's are black with dark brown pads (they resemble those of a bear).

Some interesting facts about feline paws, extracted from http://www.pawsonline.info/:

A cat's paws, like its teeth, are lethal weapons; they also act as a climbing aid and a shock-absorber when landing. Each front paw contains seven pads. Five digital pads that have claws. One large plantar pad, which is made-up of three lobes and is the main support for the cat's leg, protecting the weight-bearing leg bones. Also there is a small wrist-pad (pisiform).*

There are five pads on each of the hind paws - four digital and one plantar pad. The hind feet are stronger than the front and endure much greater stresses and strains, especially when running and jumping.

There is a common condition know as polydactylism, in cats, this genetic disorder causes extra toes to be present. Sometimes as many as seven toes on each foot have been known.

Finally, one more interesting point about our feline friends is that they, like us, can be right or left-handed, or should I say pawed! Tests have revealed that, out of every one hundred cats, approximately 40 are left-pawed, 20 are right-pawed and 40 are ambidextrous. As regards to us, only 10 people are left-handed for ever 90 who are right-handed.

* "Pisiform" means "pea-shaped", and it refers to the shape of the cat's wrist-bone beneath the pad.

Now, take a look at the paws of Skoda, Braun and Mikki. Who's got the fairest paw of them all?

Could This be Real?

Maybe because Mikki is still a kitten (between four to five months old), Braun keeps a safe distance from her. Mikki is most of the time running about. She will try to get Skoda or Braun in the play mode. Their size does not deter her one bit. Skoda doesn't mind Mikki's antics and gets her share of fun. They end up in wrestling matches and race each other up and down the sofa.

Most of the time, Braun and Mikki engage each other in high-speed chases, with Braun the one being chased. I haven't seen them lock limbs, roll on the floor or go at each other's neck (rest assured, violence is well within PG guideline). If Mikki persists, Braun will scrowl at her and usually Mikki backs off. I had often wondered if Braun is going to stay out of Mikki's way for some time to come. Having said that, I'm SO HAPPY to have captured the following shots in this early hours when I happened to be staying up. HOT FROM THE PRESS leh! It's almost unbelievable that both had settled down on the study table (Mikki kept her paws to herself) and within close proximity. The moments weren't long but I wouldn't ask for more :) Looks like the ice may be melting?

Ahhhhhh... (Don't think you can fathom how mesmerised I'm with this photo)

Oops, a little too close for comfort?

No worries lah, we're cool!

La, la, la, I finally got some shots of Braun and Mikki together - these are their firsts. I had taken quite a few of Skoda and Mikki together - will post these soon. And very few of all three together - this would be a feat man!

I shall close with a few solo shots of my Braun Braun Sweetie Pie, who is right beside me, snoozing away on the cushy study chair (while I'm seating on a round plastic chair with no back support). What to do, I got to spoil her now and then ya!?! And I bet the other two rascals must be having their good sleep on the sofa outside.

Mr Chow, wait for me! Yawn...

Beauty Bloom

It's amazing to see by the day how much Mikki has grown, from about palm-sized to a feisty, hyperactive gal with an amazing appetite. And once upon a time, I kept my fingers crossed that she would live.

(Mikey, that's you in the background. You're dearly missed.)

This gotta be my favourite photo taken to date of Mikki, on 10 March. Isn't she pretty?

Looking just as lovely in these close-up shots...

Mikki, what are you up to?!?

"The Man, His Levi's & I"

"Tell me, what could be better on a Saturday afternoon than snuggling up to the man? I think it might by his Levi's that I love. And not his hairy legs?

I love his hairy legs. I love not his hairy legs. I love his hairy legs. I love not his hairy legs...

Oh my goodness, this is getting complicated. Looks like I'll need some help."

On the Road

Rained again when I went for my driving lessons on Friday. I was assigned a different instructor for my 3rd and 4th driving lessons respectively. My 2nd driving instructor, Ong started off with showing me some notes (which I hadn't seen during my first two lessons) and recapped with me some stuff I learnt the day before. He also showed me how the switches/buttons on the dashboard work (this was not covered during my earlier lessons). He seemed surprised my 1st instructor hadn't explained them to me and he also corrected the way I make a turn at the road junction and round the bend. Glad that I got to try out a different instructor because I picked up additional stuff. I learnt how to pull the car to a stop along the road and how to make a smooth lane switch.

The instructor for my 4th driving lesson went MIA so I was kept waiting in the car for 10 mins, until another instructor, Wee saw me. His student had gone MIA so after checking with his supervisor, he took me on my driving lesson instead. Got to drive out to the public road. Thrilled because I was getting bored with the circuit and it's more real out there. His teaching style is different too. My tendency is to slow down while make a turn at the junction or round the bend. His 'approach' is to drive nearer to the kerb and turn at normal speed (and step on the accelerator a little). I've to watch out driving past a car that is parked on the side - Wee's comment is that I drive too near it, and my turning angle is too wide (may end up 'swinging' into the opposite lane).

I made a few observations while driving a SSDC-labelled car on the public road. Taxi drivers are an impatient lot - they do not give 'chance' to newbies like me and seem to take every opportunity to show off their driving skills. Other 'more' experienced drivers will speed up, not give way or want to overtake when a SSDC-labelled car is on sight. I won't be losing my cool over such behaviours because if I do, I'm bound to become nervous. They can do whatever they want - I'm just gonna concentrate. Yup!

I'm going for my 5th driving lesson tomorrow after work. Ong recommended that I take at least two driving lessons every week. Will probably stick to one lesson per trip, unless I forsee that I can't make a second trip during the week. The thought of going for my driving lesson helps in dispelling the dreary of going back to work after an extended break :)

My 6th driving lesson is scheduled on Tues, 27 Feb. If I take two lessons per week, that will be chalking up close to $130 leh! Learning to drive in S'pore is really expensive!! I've created a spreadsheet to keep track of how much I've spent to learn driving. I should be taking my trial advanced theory test next week. The book is quite thick - hopefully I can retain the information and pass the actual test on first attempt lah!

Honk, Honk!

Whey, I started my practical driving lessons yesterday, 22nd Feb at the S'pore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC) located near Yio Chu Kang MRT station! Prior to this, I had never gotten behind the steering wheel so you can imagine my excitement. I took two consecutive lessons (there was a break in-between) to fully utilise the off-peak rates. Coincidentally, my instructor has the same English surname as I (han yu pin yin turned out to be different).

I learnt things like pre-operative procedures, starting and stopping engine, moving-off and stopping, steering control, braking, looking out for blind spots and negotiating corners and sharp turns. At one point, I had new admiration for taxi drivers who seem to have this amazing ability to switch lanes in such a swift and precise manner on a busy road. They have to spend long hours behind the wheels and at the same time stay alert. The car is a powerful engine which explains why accidents can be fatal.

We stayed within the circuit and learning is by repetitve practice so it became quite routine. Half-way through my first lesson, it started to rain. By the time I started my second lesson, the skies had become dark. I'm glad I opted to take auto driving afterall because there is much less coordination involved as compared to manual driving. I hear that though auto driving is easier to pick up, the driving test is more difficult to pass.

I've another two consecutive lessons today. The instructor said I might get to drive out to the public roads. Whey, that would be exciting! Driving comes with "feeling" how the car goes/moves/operates (not so much with reading the hard facts) and on-the-spot judgement. Hopefully, all goes well lah.

Hhmmm, now that my practical driving lessons are in progress, I've started to think what sort of car I'd love to own if I ever get one. Though car and COE prices have dropped, the monthly costs of keeping a car is still high. Unless there is a compelling reason to get a car, I rather keep the $$ in the bank. If you're wondering why I took up driving in the first place, that's another story. Grimlock started his manual driving lesson on Wed, 21st Feb so if we get a car, both of us will be able to drive it.

Back to my dream car, first choice would be...a Lexus RX08!

How, good taste or not? I don't know much about car specs so I'm banging on asthetic features. I'm fond of Lexus cars because they bring to mind a certain class and elegance. I probably won't be able to afford this (but not wrong to dream, right?) so my second choice...

A Skoda Roomster

I reckon I don't have to spell out why I shortlisted this car brand. I've a cat called Skoda, you know...hee hee I do fancy bringing her out for a spin in a Skoda car leh! Alas, this is a Czech brand so the price tag is gonna keep my hands off bounds. And if I've to stop dreaming and plant my feet firmly on planet earth, this should be within closer reach...

A Nissan Latio Sport

I've sat in a Nissan Latio Sport car before and first impressions are pretty good. If I do ever own this car, my preferred colour will be light gold or lime green.

Then again, I just might change my mind and come up with my fourth, fifth,... choice. It all boils down to enjoying the convenience that a car brings, yet at the same time keeping the cost within budget. Anyway, I'm not even close to getting my driving license yet, correct? Let's see how many attempts I'll need to get it, ha ha.

Oink, Oink!

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

Hope you had a great festive celebration/break! Today is the fifth day of CNY so it's still not too late for me to wish you an Abundant New Year. Cheers to good health and loads of laughter all year round!!

I'm enjoying an extended festive break. I had been on leave yesterday till this Friday. I'm having a jolly good time. I'm a firm believer of a Chinese saying: "To take a break is to prepare for the longer journey" (literal translation).

Allow me to tell you a short story about this pair of piggies. They are part of my beanie babies collection, ie gifts from Grimlock. They share the same birth date as I (they are much younger though, `born' in 2003) so I get quite a bit of teasing from Grimlock. While pigs are such adorable creatures, I wish TY (the manufacturer) had picked another icon for my birth date. There is another unattractive looking icon sharing the same birth date. I once contemplated writing an email to TY to voice my displeasure. Well, between the two icons, my choice is clear.

This beanie piggy is named "Luau" and here is the description:

"I love my life; it's so much fun (I can't agree more!)
Playing in the Hawaiian sun (I hope to visit Hawaii someday!!)
And then I'll hula dance all night (Not too sure if I wanna do this...)
It really is this pig's delight!" (It's the simple things in life that give the most pleasure!!!)

It's a Beautiful Sunday!

I'll be taking my basic driving theory test on Wed, 7 Feb. Grimlock and I had signed up for our driving test (starting with theory) in Aug last year. And shame on me for I had been procastinating, taking my own sweet time and hadn't turned a page of my basic theory book until Grimlock went ahead to take the trial test without me and he subsequently booked the basic theory test date for both of us. We'll be taking the trial test tomorrow so we stayed at home today to study. I was working the last two weekends and may have to work this coming Saturday, so taking time to rest can't get better. And while studying, I took some snapshots of what Mikki, Braun and Skoda had been up to...

Sparks went a flying earlier in the day (I didn't know Skoda had picked up some kungfu skills)

They spent most of the time indulging in their favourite pastime - siesta!

One moment alert and awake...

And a few moments later....zzzzzzzzzzzz

"Are you done with taking my photos??!!??!!??"

Where has Braun gone off to? There she is, snoozing away on the study chair...