This movie had little of what made the original film so compelling, while it was technically well made Ong Bak 2 was rather self indulgent and ultimately disappointing.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Ong Bak 2
This movie had little of what made the original film so compelling, while it was technically well made Ong Bak 2 was rather self indulgent and ultimately disappointing.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Mayday 五月天 - Just Rock It Concert
The first time I heard about Mayday 五月天 was back in the year 2005. I was in Hong Kong looking for some music CDs in HMV, I was looking for something different, a band... and I came across Mayday's 5th Album and I bought it! When I got back to London I listened to their album straight away, and I was surprised at the different sounds they produced... Very Indie style! I loved it and kept being their fan for a long time...
On Saturday 24th March I saw a post by London's Chinese Spectrum Radio - they were advertising Mayday's London Concert on March 27th in Wembley Arena. How comes I didn't know about this??!! So I immediately booked my ticket via ticketmaster. I completely forgot my password since I haven't used ticketmaster for a very long time. But eventually I booked my ticket! ^_^
On Saturday 24th March I saw a post by London's Chinese Spectrum Radio - they were advertising Mayday's London Concert on March 27th in Wembley Arena. How comes I didn't know about this??!! So I immediately booked my ticket via ticketmaster. I completely forgot my password since I haven't used ticketmaster for a very long time. But eventually I booked my ticket! ^_^
This was a birthday present to myself. Yay...!!
When I arrived at Wembley Arena, there were a lot of people about (mostly Chinese students - I must've been one of the older looking fans)... The following pictures was only the start of it.
When I arrived at Wembley Arena, there were a lot of people about (mostly Chinese students - I must've been one of the older looking fans)... The following pictures was only the start of it.
At 6pm, the doors opened!! I thought the concert started at 7pm, but they didn't start until after 7.30pm, so I was there for a good couple of hours... I should've left work late!
Most of the fans there spoke Mandarin and Cantonese... And there were probably a few Taiwanese fans plus some British fans... :)
Most of the fans there spoke Mandarin and Cantonese... And there were probably a few Taiwanese fans plus some British fans... :)
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| I got a good seat but a bit far from the stage! |
And here's the members of 五月天 Mayday...
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| Ashin - lead singer |
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| Monster - guitarist |
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| Masa - bass guitarist |
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| Ming - the drummer (Ashin was being very cheeky to Ming ^^) |
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| Stone - guitarist |
Concert ended quite quickly methinks! I want to hear more songs!
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| Noooo... don't end!! |
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| The end of the concert :( |
All of us were anticipating for an encore, we stamped our feet and started calling out "wu yue tian"! It took them a while to come back out, but they had to change into their t-shirts (and I guess take a sip of water)... I will allow that! ^^
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| Encore Time!! |
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| The end :( |
My Mandarin is only basic, so I understood 70-80% of what they were saying :) Stone spoke in English for a bit - I was very happy! I think Masa spoke in Cantonese like "大家好!".
Aaaaah! I love you 五月天 Mayday!! Come back again... (By the way, sorry for the bad quality pics - distance is always a problem)...
Update 18:51
Woops not the end of this post just yet... I forgot that I took a few pics on my phone!
Now it's the end! I hope Mayday does come back again with some new songs... Can't stop singing the I-N-G song in my head!! ^^
Update 26/11/2012
Sorry for taking sooooo long to upload my videos!! Sorry for the quality too... I used my small Panasonic camera :P
Video 1
Video 2
Video 3
Aaaaah! I love you 五月天 Mayday!! Come back again... (By the way, sorry for the bad quality pics - distance is always a problem)...
Update 18:51
Woops not the end of this post just yet... I forgot that I took a few pics on my phone!
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| Ashin ^^ |
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| A lot of confetti and lights towards the end of the concert |
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| Ashin wanted us to take out our phones - Quick pic!! ^^ |
Update 26/11/2012
Sorry for taking sooooo long to upload my videos!! Sorry for the quality too... I used my small Panasonic camera :P
Video 1
Video 2
Video 3
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Blue Thunder
Blue Thunder is another favorite movie of mine and yet somehow I've never owned a copy until I recently when I bought it on Blu-ray and for the most part the movie looks pretty good apart from a few of the model shots and honestly they always looked bad but now they look bad in high definition, thankfully those shots are brief and despite them Blue Thunder is a fun movie.
Drunken Master
I'd finally gotten around watching the apparent classic Jackie Chan film Drunken Master, I have to say I wasn't all that impressed, it was by no means a horrible movie but I really couldn't see what the fuss was about, I guess the movie was somewhat groundbreaking for it's time but for me it seems like I've seen that story several times before, maybe if that wasn't the case I would have enjoyed Drunken Master more than I did.
The Omega Man
One of the movies I've recently watched was The Omega Man, which is an old favorite of mine, I picked it up on Blu-ray recently and it scrubbed up pretty well considering it's age, the sound is nothing special just basic stereo ( I think ) and there was some dirt and scratching in places but overall it looked pretty good.
Of course this story has recently been remade as I am Legend starring Will Smith and while that version was technically very well made and has one very touching scene I find The Omega Man to be a much more enjoyable movie.
If you get the chance you should give The Omega Man a try, sure it's an old movie but I think there is a lot of fun to be had.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Home Steamed Dim Sum
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| Char siu bao (bbq pork bun) is also dim sum! |
In London China Town there are still a couple of restaurants that use trolleys to serve their dim sum. Unfortunately all of this restaurant business can be a bit pricey for a Chinese Londoner like me. So the obvious option is to buy ready made frozen or refrigerated dim sum - you're paying less for more! If you go into any Chinese supermarket you will always find a frozen section.
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| Inside a char siu bao |
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| Siu mai - pork and prawn dumplings in a wanton wrapper |
Then what do you do with these?
First, you start off with a large pan that has a lid, place some water into it (about halfway), take a large plate where the edges curve upwards (similar to a bowl, but the middle is flat). Depending on what you've got i.e. siu maai or ha gaau, place a little oil into the plate and spread all over so that the dim sum doesn't stick too much to the plate.
If you have buns or lo mai gai, you do not need to put any oil into the plate. Place the plate into the pan, cover with a lid and steam for about 15 minutes (or whatever it says on the package).
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| Yummy siu mai! |
The best thing to do if you are not sure about what dim sum is, is to try them in a restaurant.
Here's a news article to show you where you should go in London, check out these dim sum restaurants.
From personal experience (when I used to go) I recommend New World 新世界 - although expensive, it is one of the biggest Chinese restaurants in London China Town.
Update 28/12/2012
Check out my second post...
http://asimplegeekylife.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/home-steamed-dim-sum-part-deux.html
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Definition of thesaurus
SARA: Did you ever think that a thesaurus was a type of dinosaur?Sometimes, your friends will come out with one liners so amazing, you feel incredibly grateful just to have the privilege of calling them your friends.
KELLY: They look like quality street wrappers.
Essentially living in the cinema this week, need to see five films by the end of the month, I've been to the cinema three times in the past two days, with another two trips planned for tomorrow.
I'm beginning to talk in quotes, but quite frankly my dear, I don't give a damn.
Don't worry, I'll be back.
But I'll leave you with this.
Lauren xxx
That horrible moment when...
We've all witnessed it happen. Perhaps it's happened to one of our friends, perhaps our family, perhaps it has even happened to one of us, or we have been the ones doing it.
What I am talking about it criticising people for their appearances.
I'm not here to tell you that it is wrong. You know that as well as I do, but I'm just here to remind you that what we should be judge people on (if at all) is their hearts and their soul. Hating someone purely because of their appearance is affecting them because they become self-conscious and sometimes grow to hate themselves and you because you miss out on getting to know what is potentially an amazing person.
What I am talking about it criticising people for their appearances.
I'm not here to tell you that it is wrong. You know that as well as I do, but I'm just here to remind you that what we should be judge people on (if at all) is their hearts and their soul. Hating someone purely because of their appearance is affecting them because they become self-conscious and sometimes grow to hate themselves and you because you miss out on getting to know what is potentially an amazing person.
I saw someone who entered a 'Most beautiful teen' contest on facebook today, but he wasn't your typical applicant. His name is Brando and he suffers from a condition called treacher collens syndrome, which can cause facial disfigurement. He gets called ugly often and all he wants to do is be accepted.
And many facebook users have done just that.
But others have been cruel, calling this poor boy a "walrus" and that their "last shit was more handsome" than Brando.
It genuinely upsets me that we can be so cruel to one another.
Life is too short to spend it making fun of others.
It is too mundane to spend it making friends with 'beautiful' people.
You are too smart to spend it judging other by their appearances.
One day, our looks will fade and all that we will remain with is our hearts. Make sure that you've got one to begin with.
The Hunger Games review
"May the odds be ever in your favor"
With it earning an estimated $155 million dollars in weekend sales for America and Canada alone and the film ranking as the third highest domestic opening in history, I would certainly say that the odds are certainly in 'The Hunger Games' favor to be ranked as one of the biggest blockbusters of the year.
For those of you who are not familiar with the premise of the film (frankly, I am astonished that you managed to escape it for so long) it is based on a trilogy of books, written by Suzanne Collins. 'The Hunger Games' is set in a dystopic future society in which North America (now renamed Panem) has been divided into twelve different districts, controlled by the savage 'Capitol'. Annually, each district is forced to select one boy and girl aged between twelve and eighteen years old. These twenty-four 'tributes' are then forced to fight each-other to the death in the name of ''unifying' entertainment. Heroic sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) takes her sister's place in the games. Katniss, along with the male tribute from her district, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) are forced to fight other teenagers, some much stronger than them, others much more experienced, in an attempt to survive. Twenty four tributes go in. Only one comes out.
The intensity and deeply disturbing nature of the plot have separated viewers: some appreciate the blunt warning about what our society could look like in the matter of decades if our love for reality television and violence in the media continues, others miss the message entirely and assume that it is merely a movie glorifying teenagers killing teenagers. In a way, it's a bit of both. It is impossible to watch 'The Hunger Games' without criticising the games audience in one way or another. "How could they possibly cheer at the death of that innocent child?", "How can this been allowed?", "Why won't they do something?". The hypocritical nature of these questions quickly become apparent when you realise that by watching the film, you are figuratively putting yourself in the shoes of the games audience, and you are enjoying the excitement of the games. It's all part of the intelligent script-writing, something that is frankly uncommon for teenage-novel adaptions (for instance, look at 'Twilight'). The writing, editing, directing and acting truly jelled together in some of the films most stunning scenes, one in particular highlighting the innocence of the characters and the severity of their situation in such a simple manner, that cinematic beauty is achieved without a single word needing to be said.
The main reason that amazing scenes such as the one I am referencing (sadly cannot go into details in fear of spoiling it) are able to take place is due to the flawless performance of Jennifer Lawrence. She has a natural ability to create a complex web of emotions that the audience become tangled in, seeing an incredibly brave girl feeling an intense fear, trying to maintain her individuality and sense of morality in the midst of a world full of conformity and brutal behaviour. She portrays the character so well, and the chemistry that she and Hutcherson have adds greatly to the overall enjoyment of the movie.
The other thing that makes 'The Hunger Games' such a great watch is the breathtaking costume design and visual effects. The film-makers had such an elaborate vision and it translates beautifully on-screen. The idiosyncratic nature of the Capitol's dress sense and the disturbing modern scenery in which they are surrounded by are just as vivid as they are imaginative. Suzanne Collins should be proud of what Gary Ross and the rest of the cast and crew have managed to achieve with her books.
In fact, the only thing that really let the film down was the over-active camera movement that plagues it throughout. For the most part, it was necessary in order for the viewer to get into the mind-set of Katniss, with the majority of the shaky shots taken as a type of point of view shot, and the remainder as a way of making the vicious fight scenes abstract enough to rating that would exclude the target audience of teenagers.
Whatever your preconceptions are, forget them, swallow your pride and buy a ticket to the spectacle that is 'The Hunger Games'. It's worth it to see the first must-see movie of the year thus far.
With it earning an estimated $155 million dollars in weekend sales for America and Canada alone and the film ranking as the third highest domestic opening in history, I would certainly say that the odds are certainly in 'The Hunger Games' favor to be ranked as one of the biggest blockbusters of the year.
For those of you who are not familiar with the premise of the film (frankly, I am astonished that you managed to escape it for so long) it is based on a trilogy of books, written by Suzanne Collins. 'The Hunger Games' is set in a dystopic future society in which North America (now renamed Panem) has been divided into twelve different districts, controlled by the savage 'Capitol'. Annually, each district is forced to select one boy and girl aged between twelve and eighteen years old. These twenty-four 'tributes' are then forced to fight each-other to the death in the name of ''unifying' entertainment. Heroic sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) takes her sister's place in the games. Katniss, along with the male tribute from her district, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) are forced to fight other teenagers, some much stronger than them, others much more experienced, in an attempt to survive. Twenty four tributes go in. Only one comes out.
The intensity and deeply disturbing nature of the plot have separated viewers: some appreciate the blunt warning about what our society could look like in the matter of decades if our love for reality television and violence in the media continues, others miss the message entirely and assume that it is merely a movie glorifying teenagers killing teenagers. In a way, it's a bit of both. It is impossible to watch 'The Hunger Games' without criticising the games audience in one way or another. "How could they possibly cheer at the death of that innocent child?", "How can this been allowed?", "Why won't they do something?". The hypocritical nature of these questions quickly become apparent when you realise that by watching the film, you are figuratively putting yourself in the shoes of the games audience, and you are enjoying the excitement of the games. It's all part of the intelligent script-writing, something that is frankly uncommon for teenage-novel adaptions (for instance, look at 'Twilight'). The writing, editing, directing and acting truly jelled together in some of the films most stunning scenes, one in particular highlighting the innocence of the characters and the severity of their situation in such a simple manner, that cinematic beauty is achieved without a single word needing to be said.
The main reason that amazing scenes such as the one I am referencing (sadly cannot go into details in fear of spoiling it) are able to take place is due to the flawless performance of Jennifer Lawrence. She has a natural ability to create a complex web of emotions that the audience become tangled in, seeing an incredibly brave girl feeling an intense fear, trying to maintain her individuality and sense of morality in the midst of a world full of conformity and brutal behaviour. She portrays the character so well, and the chemistry that she and Hutcherson have adds greatly to the overall enjoyment of the movie.
The other thing that makes 'The Hunger Games' such a great watch is the breathtaking costume design and visual effects. The film-makers had such an elaborate vision and it translates beautifully on-screen. The idiosyncratic nature of the Capitol's dress sense and the disturbing modern scenery in which they are surrounded by are just as vivid as they are imaginative. Suzanne Collins should be proud of what Gary Ross and the rest of the cast and crew have managed to achieve with her books.
In fact, the only thing that really let the film down was the over-active camera movement that plagues it throughout. For the most part, it was necessary in order for the viewer to get into the mind-set of Katniss, with the majority of the shaky shots taken as a type of point of view shot, and the remainder as a way of making the vicious fight scenes abstract enough to rating that would exclude the target audience of teenagers.
Whatever your preconceptions are, forget them, swallow your pride and buy a ticket to the spectacle that is 'The Hunger Games'. It's worth it to see the first must-see movie of the year thus far.
Fabergé egg hunt - My Birthday Hunt ^_^
Report finished (but not handed in yet)!
It's my birthday today and so on your birthday you can do whatever you want right? Yep that's right!
It's my birthday today and so on your birthday you can do whatever you want right? Yep that's right!
So my day began with EGG HUNTING in Canary Wharf. (My friends don't seem to understand my obsession with these eggs at the moment - it's all for charity and the eggs are so pretty - plus it's my eagerness to hunt, plus I'm competing with a friend. But it's soon to end, and I have one more zone to go to!).
My trip started on a bus to London Bridge, and then I took the Jubilee Line to Canary Wharf. Blimey. That train was fast! I was there in 10 minutes - just 3 stops. I then followed the signs to the shopping mall and found a few eggs along the way before I strolled outside into the sunshine... Canary Wharf reminds me of Hong Kong with their tall skyscrapers and massive shopping mall! Wow!
I found 9 main eggs out of the 11 plus an extra egg... guess which one?! (Scroll down for the pic)...
And not a bad birthday!
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| I love Algorithm! So pretty ^^ |
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| Amazing! |
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| Hmmm.. not sure about this one. Sperm and egg? |
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| Eight - Chinese lucky number la! ^^ - Got a tip from a security guard |
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| Pretty Phoenix! - - Got a tip from a security guard |
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| So cool! |
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| Not so pretty - but it's ok |
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| So many colours! |
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| Shiny! |
I immediately spotted Where's Wally all by himself in front of Waitrose (after finding the first two) - lucky me!! There was no-one about. No security guard surrounding him. And he was not enclosed in a building that wasn't opened! So I quickly took some snaps of him :D
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| I found you Wally!! |
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| Where's Wally standing there all alone... |
I have found 102 so far!! Mayfair to go!!!!
And here's my birthday cake ^^
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| Yummy ^^ |
I had some lunch with some friends after my exhausting egg hunt (actually only an hour and a half of hunting - not so bad!).
And not a bad birthday!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Geeky Android Firmware Upgrade...
Being an absolute geek and staying up to upgrade my phone's firmware with Android's Ice Cream Sandwich...
Just hope I will be able to go to sleep in the next half an hour -__-zzzzzzzz
1:18 am update: it didn't work... will try again later on today... zzzzzzzzz!
Update 22/03/2012: So it didn't upgrade to the icecream version - just the latest Gingerbread 2.3.5 version, which is S*** and should have upgraded last year! :( Oh well. Need to root my phone again toooooo....!!
Update 23/04/2012: At last T-Mobile!!! I finally get my upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich. ^^
Update 06/06/2012: If you decide to root your phone, follow this person's guide. I found it relatively easy compared to the previous way of rooting!
http://www.androidauthority.com/galaxy-s2-i9100-root-ics-xwlp7-xwlp8-u-k-ireland-australia-78995/
And...
If you need to download Samsung Kies to upgrade (in the UK) here's the official link: http://www.samsung.com/uk/support/usefulsoftware/KIES/JSP
Just hope I will be able to go to sleep in the next half an hour -__-zzzzzzzz
1:18 am update: it didn't work... will try again later on today... zzzzzzzzz!
Update 22/03/2012: So it didn't upgrade to the icecream version - just the latest Gingerbread 2.3.5 version, which is S*** and should have upgraded last year! :( Oh well. Need to root my phone again toooooo....!!
Update 23/04/2012: At last T-Mobile!!! I finally get my upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich. ^^
Update 06/06/2012: If you decide to root your phone, follow this person's guide. I found it relatively easy compared to the previous way of rooting!
http://www.androidauthority.com/galaxy-s2-i9100-root-ics-xwlp7-xwlp8-u-k-ireland-australia-78995/
And...
If you need to download Samsung Kies to upgrade (in the UK) here's the official link: http://www.samsung.com/uk/support/usefulsoftware/KIES/JSP
Monday, March 19, 2012
Fabergé egg hunt - Another round of hunting
Last week was a busy week of entertainment! I did a bit of egg hunting too (and I only have 2 more zones to walk around!)...
One afternoon, I revisited Southbank (the Where's Wally Egg was underneath the London Eye - but I couldn't see it - didn't look hard enough).
Before I went into Yo! Sushi, I spotted another one in Carnaby Street.
With a full stomach from all that sushi, I was willing myself to do some more egg hunting in Selfridges - it's so close but yet so far... Hahahah :D (Poland Street --> --> Selfridges!)
Carnary Wharf and Mayfair to go!!
One afternoon, I revisited Southbank (the Where's Wally Egg was underneath the London Eye - but I couldn't see it - didn't look hard enough).
 |
| Southbank eggs - the one on the right I have taken before |
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| So far up! |
With a full stomach from all that sushi, I was willing myself to do some more egg hunting in Selfridges - it's so close but yet so far... Hahahah :D (Poland Street --> --> Selfridges!)
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| I think I'm missing one from Selfridges... (Look around the food court people and the techo section) |
Here's Selfridges Big Egg Hunt section...
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| Wow! |
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| The Big Egg Hunt! |
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| Miniature eggs in Selfridges |
On the next day after work and before I went into hibernation over the weekend to do some studying, I did some more egg hunting in EC1 (East Central London). I got lost for a bit (but mysteriously I found some eggs at the same time). I then somehow managed to get to Liverpool Street Station and got back on track (^_^)b
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| Most of the eggs around The City! The one with the horrid bicycle gear on top (bottom left hand corner) - I have taken a pic before |
Being my geeky-self and Chinese I got the urge on Sunday morning to find one more egg in The City before I went into study mode for the afternoon. Didn't eat breakfast and had built up lactic acid in my legs... Oh the agony, so I had to stop walking a few times... But here is the new egg that's just been released...
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| The BlackRock Asian Egg - I just had to find it! |
If you don't know The City area very well (like me), make sure you bring a map or at least have Google Maps on your phone!! When I tried to find this egg one road entrance was closed, then the building on one side was closed... more lactic acid... (This one is in BlackRock, Throgmorton Avenue).
Carnary Wharf and Mayfair to go!!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Do you know what pasta means in slang?
Pasta is slang for sex.
Also showed him and Sara a picture of a cocky test answer (literally) to which he said:
Just kidding, the nickname D-Zizzle already has girls going wild for him ;)
Starbucks barista and general heart-throb Joey called Sara out on why she never eats any of Joey's "wheeped creme" (not a metaphor, whore), because it apparently comes from the same town that he is from.
He also says that he is French... we thought he was Russian!
Life is so confusing at times.
Lauren xxx
Phwoaaaaar.
Upon discovering this, Sara, Dougal and I made a series of Saucy pasta tweets:
#GetYourMacaroniOot#SexySagnarelli#EroticEggBarley#DirtyDitalini#LusciousLumache-
#ArousingAlfabeto -
#CuddlyCouscous #RisqueRadiatori#SlinkyScialatelli#NaughtyNoodles#SexySpaghetti#AphrodisiacAnelli#LibidinousLumache-
#ProvocativePenne #SpankableSpaghetti#GorgeousGalletti-
#AdorableArrabbiata #FrigidFarfalloni-
#LustfulLinguini #EnticingElicoidali#RomanticRamen#FieryFettuccini#RacyRavioli- And personal favourite,
#FuckMeFusilli
Saucy pasta tweets... the cure for boredom.
I laughed more times on Thursday than I'd like to admit to, mainly because I got to hang out with Sara and Dougal for the vast majority of the day.
We were trolling urban dictionary:
ME: Look up mango bango.
SARA: Ohhhh... I remember you speaking about that. *shows Dougal*
URBAN DICTIONARY DEFINITION: An explicit sexual act, popular amongst various beaner populations, in which a male, while whistling, is performing anal sex on a bald, jump-roping female, while, also, allowing a three-legged dog of only 50 pounds or greater to perform anilingus on him. This act can only be considered a true Mango Bango if there is an ashy black guy jacking his meat whistle and simultaneously eating a Granny Smith apple.
DOUGAL: *reading, his eyes getting wider as he reads on* ... Well.What else can you possibly say to that?
Also showed him and Sara a picture of a cocky test answer (literally) to which he said:
DOUGAL: Why would anyone want to say "My penis is the size of three pieces of A4 paper"?!But I just tweeted "My penis is the size of three pieces of A4 paper" because I'm trying to make D-Zizzle a hit with the ladies.
Just kidding, the nickname D-Zizzle already has girls going wild for him ;)
Starbucks barista and general heart-throb Joey called Sara out on why she never eats any of Joey's "wheeped creme" (not a metaphor, whore), because it apparently comes from the same town that he is from.
He also says that he is French... we thought he was Russian!
Life is so confusing at times.
Lauren xxx
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