Click and Shop

Now you can do all the shopping without the walking. Just some clicking will suffice.
By Ronald Wan

The malls are increasing and the shops and boutiques are endless. There’s a plethora of choices to satisfy your fashion needs. You want a pair of skinny jeans; you can get it at Gap. You want a loud striped shirt; you can get it at Paul Smith. You want nice lingerie, you can get it at La Senza. So, what else is left?

For some people, they just can’t find what they want at the malls. You would be surprised. At the malls are big label boutiques that churn out stuff in bulks that probably someone else is wearing it too. If you want to be different and unique, we probably won’t find you in a mall. You should be hunting for good buys at one of the shops at Haji Lane, Amoy Street or you guessed it right – online websites.

The last we checked, many people are burning their credit card online, shopping at any imaginable site, from obscure blogs and websites to Amazon. What’s the real deal here? Are the products safe and usable? If we can’t feel it, should we buy it? Is it safe to give credit card details online? Put these questions and shop at your own risk. There’s where the fun is. You click. You buy. It’s a free world out there, even on the Internet highway. We feature three local sites where girls are flocking to for their irresistible buys.

La Piccola Donna
La Piccola Donna means The Little Woman in Italian, but it isn’t a hot Italian woman behind the site. Darn. Instead, we have Aileen Yang, a local Singaporean girl setting up the site to sell vintage accessories and contemporary dresses. The clothes are brought in from a local supplier and the accessories from the States. The dresses are especially feminine, with floral prints a main feature and perhaps to celebrate the little woman spirit. Accessories include the vintage necklaces, which are the bestseller. For those with a taste for something girly, like a little woman as the name suggests, do check out this site (includes mailing list).

Bonito Chico
The dresses here are sold like hotcakes on a Sunday morning. One gets the impression that most of the dresses sold here are party dresses you will wear to a Saturday’s night out. It’s popular with the young working girls (the site name means pretty girl) and especially those with extra credit to burn, because there are even designer shoes (Stuart Weitzman) and shades (Marc Jacobs) sold here. Set up by three girls, Vel, Rach and Lin, the site is conveniently equipped with a mailing list. And for boys hoping for some eye candy on the site, the models used here are faceless, so in other words, forget about it.

Glamz Style
We suspect the duo (Juliana & Weixing) behind the site are students studying in a business faculty or are in some marketing job, because they dangle carrots like 10% discount and shopping sprees (read: massive sales) for her customers. Very entrepreneurial indeed. The clothes here are from Taiwan and Korea, a variety of babydoll dresses, ruffles tops, cropped shorts and the likes of leggings and what’s hot in those Taiwanese magazines.

Spa-tisfied

Ronald Wan is now a spa convert. He can’t wait for his next session to get his body pressed and twisted.

I have a confession to make – I was never fond of spas because I could never understand the whole mumbo jumbo. Face spa, mud spa, crystal skin therapy, slimming massage – they all sound very alien and cheam to me. Also, being a guy (read: species with lazy body cells), I would rather stay home watch football on TV than to let my naked body be pressed (or is it pinched?) by someone else (doesn’t it sound like torture already?).

Hence it was with trepidation when my editor sent me to do a spa review at Body Contours. He gingerly remarked, “Look, just enjoy the massage. It’s not a torture. You will not die. I will take care of your girl for you if you didn’t survive.”

Body Contours is located at 30 Hill Street and upon arriving, you already felt serene and calm from the cascading water fountain fronting the boutique. The kind people at Body Contours showed me around before I began my full body spa scrub. I uttered a prayer.

I was told to strip and wear a pair of shorts. It seems these days, I’m told to strip everywhere I go (see other story on this writer’s waxing adventures) I feel like a Category III actor already. I promptly laid on the bed and my masseuse Jojo began to apply the scrub. I couldn’t help but feel like a spring chicken being laid out on the chopping board and getting my limbs all contorted. Okay, I exaggerate, and truth be told, I kind of liked the whole thing already.

Maybe it’s the New Age music playing in the background. Or maybe it’s the wonders of the scrub. After the scrub, I moved on to the bathroom to be ‘steamed’. For 15 minutes, I’m sweating in there, totally immersing myself in this whole therapy session so to speak. I cleaned up and then it was show time. Jojo told me gently to lie on the bed again for the full body massage.

I uttered more than a prayer this time. I prayed for salvation. Jojo began the massage from the lower limbs, slowly working her way up to the upper body portion. Everything seemed nice and easy, and soon she worked into full gear. She pressed down on my aching shoulder and neck deftly, working her magic on my lazy muscles. “Your muscles are rather tight,” she remarked. Oh yes, my muscles are so intense it must be due to stress and my heavy workload (dear Editor, did you read that?).

It was a wonderful massage. I have never felt so relaxed and flexible. And when Jojo was about to end the massage session, she asked if I wanted to twist my neck. Um, unsure and confused, I simply nodded hesitantly. I didn’t know what possessed me to say yes, but soon enough, images of killers twisting their victims’ necks in horror movies played in my mind. Wait! Is Jojo a pseudonym for a psychotic killer?

It was fast and quick. To the left. And to the right. I could hear the twisting sound of my neck. Thrice for each direction. Click, click, click. And I was still alive.

The entire full body scrub and massage lasted about an hour and a half. It was a great experience, thanks to the wonderful service offered by Jojo and the good people at Body Contours. Body Contours also specialises in their signature Winergy Infusions, where the properties in red wine is used as a spa ingredient to protect the skin against harmful radicals. It sounds rather bizarre to the uninitiated but I’m definitely game for that. No more football on TV. It’s spa time for me, scepticism not included.

Smooth Operator

Ronald Wan bares it all for a hair-raising experience – waxing. And survives to wax lyrical about it.

My friends looked at me gravely as if I had herpes or worse, a bald spot. You see, I just informed them the news bulletin of the week – I was going for a Brazilian wax.

“Are you crazy? Do you know how painful it would be?”

“Are you growing a jungle down under?”

“You would be walking like a chicken thereafter.”

Well, chicken walk or not, I wasn’t deterred a mere bit. After all, things were really getting hairy down under. Sometimes, I wonder if I’ll grow into an ape. Or a really hairy monkey.

The other day, the Significant Other told me to get down and dirty with her but it took on a whole new literal meaning. I was really down and dirty (read: the foliage needed some clearing). I didn’t feel grime, dirt and bacteria dirty but with so much hair and follicles going on, I certainly felt impure.

And my concerned friends began to question some lingering social stereotypes.

“Don’t men keep their hair?”

“A man is not a man when he has no hair. He will be too…clean.”

As if being clean or hygienic is a crime. While some men argue hair should remain where it’s supposed to remain because keeping their hairy self and whatever follicles and lice would ooze that special thing called masculinity, the last I checked, manhood isn’t measured in strands.

And so I was ready to take the great leap of faith (and pain) for mankind. For the lack of a better term (waxing sounds like hot candle dripping on a naked body), I shall call it ‘deforestation’ – it has a nice, pristine environmental ring to it.

Let the clearing begin.

14 00
I walk into Thomas D’Esthetique with much apprehension, a beauty salon that specialises in hair removal for men. After all, it’s my virgin experience, in hair removal, that is.

14 05
Thomas Tong, a face and body aromatherapist and owner of Thomas D’Esthetique, welcomes me with a glee. Maybe I’m too nervous and paranoid, but I swear it’s a sinister glee that reminds me of my primary school discipline master.

Thomas, who has been doing hair removal treatment for the past 18 years, is in fact the first aromatherapist in town to do hair removal for men. Thus, it’s hardly a surprise he charges at a high rate of $120 and above for his waxing treatments due to his expertise and experience.

14 10
“First time?” Thomas enquires. I nod obediently (maybe he’s really my primary school discipline master). Then he assures me succinctly it would be a nice experience and proceeds to tell me to strip. I freeze for a moment. I never had a man telling me to strip except for the army doctor during a medical check up once. As much as I try to be professional about it, I’m clearly embarrassed.

Imagine yourself completely naked in front of someone you hardly knew and worse, who looked like your school discipline master. And then, there’s the troubling questions in my mind – “Will it hurt?” “How painful?” and more importantly, “Will he laugh at my, um, package?” I digress, but size does matter for men because we can all get rather competitive and insecure.

14 15
I promptly lie down on the table butt naked, like the turkey on my dinner table last Thanksgiving. It makes me nervous. Thomas tells me nicely to relax several times but my muscles are just too tense. Forgive my jitters but I think the turkey didn’t exactly feel pretty relaxed either last Thanksgiving.

Thomas instructs me to turn over and lie face down. I feel a little relieved. At least I’m not out in the open getting a little airing, if you get my drift. Before I can breathe easy, holy smokes, I feel a warm sensation in my butt! Thomas is already applying the hot wax. The feeling is certainly very weird, to have a finger waxing something foreign around your butt but I kinda like the hot wax sensation. Like hot chocolate on a cold rainy day.

Yes, hair grows in the region around the anus for those uninitiated and soon, we’re down to business. Thomas strips away the hair in mere seconds and I can hardly feel any pain.

14 20
Now that my behind is pretty much done, the pain isn’t as bad as it’s made out to be I reckon. I shift over and I’m right out there in full view for Thomas. I decide to talk to Thomas to distract myself from the awkwardness and embarrassment. I ask him about the weather.

He informs me that he’s doing a Hollywood wax, which is a complete removal of hair around the nether regions, unlike a Brazilian wax which involves leaving a vertical strip of hair about two or three fingers in width. I guess it’s good I’m not doing the Brazilian, because the vertical strip sounds like a hedge to me.

Thomas begins at the groin area by applying the hot wax again, which feels good. And then it comes in one fell swoop. He strips away the hair in one masterful stroke using the ubiquitous wax strips. Darn, it hurts. I even jerk my legs a little, as if I just got an electric shock. And perhaps I’m a little trippy from the hot wax and slight pain, but I think Thomas, bless his soul, looks like a band conductor when he removes those wax strips. His gestures were simply grand and operatic. All he lacks is a baton.

14 30
The groin area’s done and completely hairless now. I peer up and like the sight of it. I feel clean. And then, Thomas tells me we’re about to begin on the sensitive part – the area around the penis. I brace myself for what is to come.

The wax strips are smaller this time but the pain is equally the same. I writhe a bit, squirm a little and jerk here and there whenever Thomas removes the strips. Basically, I feel like a half-dead cockroach contorting its limbs sprayed over by Baygon. And then, the critical stage is over, Thomas declares. Or so it seems.

14 40
Thomas explains we’re onto the last stage, which is hair on the testicle. Bollocks. I’m quite sure I won’t be having a – pardon the pun – ball of a time.

The pain I experience in the previous areas cannot be compared to what I’m experiencing now. Thomas gently strips the hair away but I still squirm and jerk – more this time. My friends always remind one another not to get our balls whacked during our regular football sessions. I’m definitely feeling mine’s getting all whacked now.

And then it’s over.

14 50
I examine my newly waxed look. It feels very funny because there’s not a single strand of hair down under! And it certainly looks very clean, pristine and smooth. And another important point to add (men, if you’re reading this, pay attention) – the manhood certainly looks bigger than usual. Pardon my lack of imagination in channelling my thoughts, but I suppose without the foliage, the tree trunk appears larger and clearer than before.

And that, is very good news.

15 00
I thank Thomas for his wonderful and professional services. He goes through the process with me again, explaining in finer details on the products he uses, such as the invisible glove lotion that aromatherapists use these days. He briefly mentions the steps to take after the wax (no hot shower three to four hours after waxing; don’t wear tight underwear etc). Just then, a Caucasian customer walks in and Thomas attends to him. Good luck mate.

And I swear I notice the same sinister glee on Thomas again. Feeling all waxed and cleansed, I walk out of the salon – like a chicken nevertheless.

Thomas D’Esthetique
5 Coleman Street #03-01
Excelsior Hotel & Shopping Centre
Singapore 179805
Tel: 6337 6858

Places to party this Halloween weeknight

Prepare yourself for some ghostly dark eye rings next morning.


POP/RE/TART Halloween
Crash it at: The Butter Factory
Spook out from: 9 pm – 3 am
Hell notes needed: $0 (if you’re a lady or in a costume), $15 if you’re a lazy guy who refuses to dress up
Slurp up: House pours and draft beers at 1 for 1 offer all night long
Dance to: Disco / New Rave / Electro


Heat Ultra Lounge
Crash it at: Heat Ultra Lounge
Spook out from: 9 pm – 3 am
Hell notes needed: $35
Slurp up: Free flow of house pour spirits, tiger draft, house wines, martinis and caipirinhas from 7 pm – 11 pm
Dance to: Ambient and Latin house music


RedBar
Crash it at: RedBar
Spook out from: 6 pm – 4 am
Hell notes needed: $10
Slurp up: $10 house pour jugs and $0.10 tequilas from 10 pm – 10.10 pm
Dance to: RnB


Every other club

Thank god Halloween falls on a Ladies’ night this year! So who says you can’t dress outrageously like those London clubbers and go partying even though it’s not a Halloween costume party!

Gather all your guts and dare to dress to kill (and slaughter) this Wednesday night.

Halloween or Bus!

I know what you did last weekend — you rode the famous Halloween Bus Tour and got wild...
By Harriet Ann Dy

DON’T be surprised if you bump into rotting rockstars doing a club crawl this Halloween. Last weekend, the damned got glam, Thriller fashion, for the 12th annual Halloween Bus Tour organised by Clifford Clement Chua (aka as THEPARTYMAN) and John Bosco Lopez (FUNK GURU). The popular tour was anything but spooky.

“The whole idea is to get a group of friends out on a piss without the hassle of waiting for taxis,” says Chua, who developed the idea while working at a beach bar in Sentosa. From the original 30 friends and one bus, the tour had 300 confirmed participants, booked on five buses this year, with a waitlist that was getting longer and longer.

This is reflects freaky growth of Halloween industry worldwide in a microcosm. In the US, a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation shows that consumers are expected to spend $5.07 billion for fright night, up 20% from two years ago, according to About.com.

What used to be about taking the kids trick-or-treating has morphed into a billion-dollar industry for children and adults alike. From Cinderella costumes to foam headstones to three feet cages with skeletons (at Toys R Us) machines, business is booming.

At No.1 Costume, Singapore’s top costume outpost, shoppers can become Marie Antoinette, or a sexy French maid, among 15,000 other dress-up options. The store expanded its retail space by 40% from its original Neil Road location four years ago, and their make-believe inventory is a theatrical delight. Here’s a tip: Grab a flyer at the Zouk foyer, and get 15% on your next purchase. Once you’re in character, head over to the clubs hosting parties on the 31st.

Homes will be dressed up as well. Senior systems analyst Jennifer Lim says a glowing Jack O’ Lantern, fake spiders and cobwebs are definitely in order. She also plans to buy candies, jellies, and Japanese snacks to give to kids. “My main theme is orange and black, with silver and neon green,” she says. Even the Singapore Night Safari got creepy with a transformation to a haunted rainforest in the spirit of the occasion until last weekend.

Meanwhile, sign up for next year’s bus tour, which will again begin at 8 pm and go on “until last man/woman standing.” “I’ve actually seen people in their costumes having breakfast at coffee shops,” says Chua. “It’s just about having a good time.”

[iRecommend] Yanqing’s Shanghai Kitchen

Interview by Mavis Ang

Who swears by it: Jonathan Chia, Full-time National Serviceman

Great food and pretty waitresses at this Shanghainese restaurant scored well against Jonathan Chia’s checklist for a great eatery. “When I was in China, everything I ate made my stomach extremely upset. So it’s quite surprising that I actually love the food at this restaurant,” Jonathan commented. He also fell in love with its modern oriental décor, and the pretty waitresses, of course.

WHAT SETS THEIR DISHES APART FROM THE REST: “Unlike fish soups served at other Chinese restaurants, the Huang Yu (yellow fish) Soup here is very clear, not oily, and the fish’s sweetness is very distinct in the soup.”

SETS YOU BACK BY: At least $30 for their popular dishes. Like most Chinese restaurants, the size and prices of dishes vary depending on the number of people on the table.

WHY HE LIKES IT SO MUCH: When asked about the service at Yanqing’s Shanghai Kitchen, Jonathan’s reply: “Prompt, polite and sexy.”

WHERE IS IT LOCATED: Opened by former Chinese TV presenter, Shanghai-born Wang Yanqing, Yanqing’s Shanghai Restaurant has established one more branch since it first opened two years ago. Hop on to Yanqing’s restaurant listing to find out more about this recommended dining place.

Clearly Delicious

Go to Miss Clarity when you want reasonably priced warm and delicious hearty food
By Cheryl Chia

WITH a name like Miss Clarity, you’d be forgiven for mistaking this bright local café for a regular teenage haunt, one that serves your regular fish and chips, burgers and ice cream. But while it’s true that this place is popular with the young, they’re not the only ones who have been streaming in. Only barely a year old, Miss Clarity Café has already gained a reputation for being a cosy place to go to when you want warm and delicious hearty food at a reasonable price.

Serving Asian fare as well as the typical Western grub like bangers and mash, this café have added new items to the menu since they first opened. Their head chef, Jonathan Pang, used to be from Raffles Grill. Having apprenticed at Michelin-star restaurants in France and receiving guidance from top chefs, Mr Pang took the liberty of using his creativity to come up with an array of wonderful culinary creations.

Dishes like the Risotto Venere with Steamed Seabass and Vegetable Cream ($13.80) and the Oyster Ravioli with Clams Vinaigrette ($11.80) certainly knocked my socks off!

First of all, Risotto Venere is made from wild Arborio rice and it does look a bit like our Asian black glutinous rice but, taste-wise, this one is much nuttier. The cream complemented the risotto and I polished off every single rice-grain. Yes, it was that delicious and the sea bass was a good addition to the rice. Plump and tender, the simply steamed fish did itself justice.

The ravioli served here is like no other. I’ve tried ravioli at other Italian restaurants but none has impressed me as much as the ones Jonathan has created. The ravioli I tried was stuffed with fresh oysters and the entire little package was translucent and oh-so-smooth!

I don’t know how he made the skin, but this ravioli has a texture so smooth that it simply glides down your throat — no kidding! The clams in the vinaigrette were a refreshing touch too. Absolutely delightful! Try the Ravioli of Potato Marmalade with Vegetable Cream ($9.80) if you’re not a fan of oysters.

Fancy some seafood? Why not try the Grilled Slipper Lobster with Capellini and Tomato Lobster Cream ($15.80). This pasta dish tastes great and the sauce really brought out the flavours of the lobster.

Still hungry and daring enough to try something out of the ordinary? Then I suggest you order the French Escargots in garlic butter (half dozen: $6, one dozen: $11) or the Lobster Bisque with Cheese melted on Garlic Bread ($6). Seriously, you don’t often get escargots in small cafés don’t you? If you’re not yet impressed then I reckon you check out their full menu at their website: www.missclaritycafe.com

This is one café that’s worth your while — whether you feel like having something fancy or as simple as a warm sandwich. Trust me, you’ll leave the place feeling good; if not, awestruck (like me).

Miss Clarity Café
5 Purvis Street, #01-04
Tel: 6339-4803
Email: happy@missclaritycafe.com
Website: www.missclaritycafe.com

Last-minute D.I.Y. Scary Costumes

You don’t think of Halloween costumes as investment dressing, but still dying to wear something at the last minute? Here are some sure-hit great ideas. Boo!
By Mavis Ang

SINCE Singaporeans don’t practice trick or treating here in our cramped HDB flats, it’s not worth the effort renting or making an outfit from scratch. So here’s a list of eight practical DIY outfits you can don for some Halloween night clubbing!

The Bum
a) Gather a few torn pajamas or unwanted clothes
b) Patch them up haphazardly and crumple them up
c) Mess up your hair. Hold up a bunch of your hair and tangle it by repeatedly brushing it in a reverse-combing motion.
d) Apply some darker-than-your-skin-tone makeup foundation on your face to make it look unwashed.
e) Hold a wooden bowl with a few coins in it, and rattle it as you walk.

Result: You might even end up a few dollars richer by night’s end!

The Sexy Secretary
a) Tuck a formal looking shirt into a tight pencil skirt with the top three buttons opened
b) Add thick black-framed spectacles (to be tilted slightly down your nose so that you can look up teasingly)
c) Tie your hair up to a bun and apply scarlet lipstick.
d) Hold a clipboard and chew on a pen seductively.

Advice: Do it only if you’re super hot. Actually, you can still do it as a joke if you’re neither slim nor sexy. It’s called irony, darling.

The Traffic Light
Guys
a) Red shirt
b) Orange belt
c) Green pants

Girls
a) Red top
b) Orange skirt
c) Green stockings

Advantage: Easy to put together, and definitely noticeable with such bold colours!

The Tampon
a) Pick an entirely white outfit
b) Paint your face and spray your hair white as well for maximum effect
c) Attach a long white string from the top of your head
d) Lastly, make a band to wear around your waist, which reads: “Tampax”

Caveat: This outfit is more effective for guys, since you would be able to execute a million cheesy pick up lines for the night in this costume.

The Fashionable Student
a) Bring out your former school uniform
b) Tie your hair up and add as many bright multi-coloured pins in your hair
c) Colourful earrings in multiple ear piercings
d) Loads friendship bands around your wrists
e) A Roxy bag over your shoulder
f) Finally, sport shoes with ankle socks

Accessorise: Braces and a nice tan would be a nice touch to the outfit too.

The Angsty Teenager
a) A black band T-shirt, black pants or skirt, black sneakers
b) Black nails and eyeliner
c) Draw a few thin lines across your wrists with red lipstick.

Don’t forget: The I-hate-the-entire-world look in your eyes.

The Celebrity
Olsen Twins
a) Big sunglasses
b) A long baggy top with footless leggings
c) Unkempt looking hair
d) The most important accessory: a takeaway Starbucks in hand

Paris Hilton
a) Pink from head to toe (Hello Kitty preferred)
b) Oh, and leave your brains behind, too

Rihanna
a) Black corset matched with a black mini skirt
b) Fishnet stockings
c) A black umbrella

Team work: Talk a bunch of friends into playing the roles of paparazzis so that you can make a grand exit out of the taxi.

A Couple Outfit: The Romance Novel Book Cover
Guys
a) White shirt with as many buttons opened, exposing (hopefully) tanned rippling chest muscles.
b) Tight, tight, tight leather pants
c) Boots

Girls
a) Put on a sheer Greek goddess-like dress, in white or skin-coloured.
b) Blow your hair to get Farah Fawcett’s flippy look.

Must-do: Arrive in a passionate embrace with wind in your hair.

Top 8 Asian Halloween Dishes

By Mavis Ang

Warning: It won't be pretty.

Invite your foreign colleagues over for the most frightening Halloween dinner – not at some fancy restaurant and café, but right at your own home. In fact, you don’t even have to customise our local food much to make them look scary to non-locals!













Starters

1. Fat Choy (moss fungi) Soup – Fat Choy is a human hair-like moss which translates to fortune vegetables in Cantonese, and is usually cooked with lotus roots as a Chinese New Year dish. For a soup dish, boil it with some pork meat and mushrooms, and it will look a little murky, with hair floating and swirling in it.
   
2. Pig Brain and Chicken Feet Herbal Soup – Boiled together with medlar seeds, dried longan flesh and Chinese yam, it is believed to nourish human brains as well.

Main Course

1. Kway Chap – This stewed pig innards dish contains pig intestines and stomach lining, with a few slices of pork and tofu. It’s a guaranteed cringer, so provide lots of chili to mask the gritty tastes of innards
2. Sotong Hitam (squid) – It’s squid cooked with a sauce made from its own ink, staining the whole dish jet black.
   
3. Fong Zao (chicken feet) – All red, wrinkly and limp, who would’ve thought it would taste so good! (To me at least) Fong Zao is a common dish at Chinese Dim Sum alongside prawn dumplings and pork buns, and is usually a little spicy.
   
4. Red Wine Chicken – Cooked with red vinasse, this dish looks like its drenched with diluted blood, and is supposed to reduce cholesterol and hypertension.
5. Red-dyed hard-boiled eggs – Just a back up plan if your guests go hungry that night. These eggs taste exactly how eggs should taste like, just a little peculiar looking because they’ve been boiled in food colouring.

Dessert

1. Ji Ma Wu (black sesame) – Another Dim Sum essential, this thick black paste is sweet and served warm. Supermarkets stock instant packets which only require you to add hot water to it.
   

Make your visitors pair up and down the dishes fear factor style! 88DB wishes all you daredevils a Happy Halloween!

8 Tricks (And Treats) For The Home-bound

SO YOU don’t feel like going out because you can’t find the right costume. Fret not, there are plenty of things you can do to celebrate Halloween at home.

1. Make your own Ouija board. If you want, you can also buy the original Parker Brothers board at the local bookstore, but experts swear the spirits prefer to patronise something more personalised. So make one with your friends. By the way, a ouija (pronounced "wee-jah"), as defined by Wikipedia, “is any flat surface printed with letters, numbers, and other symbols, to which a planchette or movable indicator points, supposedly in answer to questions from people at a séance. The fingers of the participants are placed on the planchette that then moves about the board to spell out messages.”
   
2. Get a tarot card reading. The eve of Halloween is said to be an auspicious day to communicate with the spirits, because that’s the time when they freely roam the streets and the skies. Book early and gather round a group of friends so you can all pitch in for the cost of asking the psychic for home service.
   
3. Hold a Halloween B movie Marathon. I know what you did last Halloween — and if you don’t want to embarrass yourself again this year, we suggest you stay home and go on a movie marathon. Classic titles you can borrow from the library of friendly neighborhood movie rental store: Rosemary’s Baby, Friday the 13^th, Amityville Horror and Damon.
   
4. Cook scary food. Pick a theme, like axes, and pick out 4 ultra B-movies that involve axes. Or a couple of titles that show a lot of blood in them, then you can plan your snacks around blood-coloured food. Like gazpacho, tomato juice, laksa.
   
5. Go online and play a game. We’re sure there’s something interesting there, somewhere. Or go to a chat room and use a scary handle like Frankenstein, Gollum or Lucifer. If someone asks for your intro, say Go To Hell.
   
6. Change your desktop. Bring out the Paint software and sketch something scary (like your favorite gym teacher) and post it in your computer. Keep restarting your personal computer.
   
7. Host a murder. This is a popular game where you invite friends for dinner three weeks ahead of time so they can learn their roles and look for costumes. At dinner, they come as different personalities (and they’re not allowed to revert to who they really are) and you, the host, narrates the evening’s plot: one of the guests at the dinner table is about to die – and the killer is among the guests. Guess who he/she is! The game set is available in local bookstores. If you want a simpler whodunit game, you can also try Cluedo.
   
8. Read scary poetry. “Bushes quiver where shadows lean/And not a sliver of moon is seen…” If you’re a total nerd, go in front of the mirror, hold a candle under your chin, and recite a horror poem. Let’s see if by the end of your soliloquy you see someone else listening to your performance.

Easy cash through tuitioning

By Mavis Ang


LET’S do some mathematics: If a student tuitions for two hours, twice a week, charging $20 per hour, how much would he make? It would be $320 every month. Compared to other $6 per hour F&B jobs, tuitioning brings in much more cash than that.

Here’s how to go about it all.
Nur Farahanah, 23, is a part-time tutor who teaches English, Mathematics, Science, and Malay for all primary school levels. She charges from $12 to $20 per hour, depending on the number of subjects and the home tuition location.

“I started tuitioning two years back, when my niece needed help with her studies. I found it pretty enjoyable, so I decided to get a little more serious in tuitioning because I realised it could actually give me a steady flow of income,” Farahanah said.
She’s currently handling four other students, and enjoys the extra bucks earned aside from her other part-time job as a camp instructor.

There are many tuition agencies available online, and are often painless to register with. If you’re currently a university student, try Campus Tutors. Besides a free registration with them, they have fixed subject syllabuses for you to follow, so you don’t have to crack your brains to come up with a study plan for your tuition kid.

Charges are also negotiable between the parents and the tuition teacher, but parents are advised to stick to the chart below, as tutors might only impart half of their knowledge on to your child if you underpay them.

Kindergarten Level
Undergards/Graduates - $10-15
NIE trained teachers - $10-22
Full Time - $15-27

Lower Primay Level
Undergards/Graduates - $12-20
NIE trained teachers - $12-30
Full Time - $17-35

Upper Primary Level
Undergards/Graduates - $17-25
NIE trained teachers - $17-40
Full Time - $22-45

Lower Secondary Level
Undergards/Graduates - $17-30
NIE trained teachers - $17-45

Upper Secondary Level
Undergards/Graduates - $20-35
NIE trained teachers - $20-50
Full Time - $25-55

A Level
Undergards/Graduates - $25-40
NIE trained teachers - $25-60
Full Time - $30-65

Keith Ng, Marketing Officer, from Campus Tutors advises, “The most important qualities to possess as a tuition teacher is a high level of patience with the kids, as well as first-rate skills in your specialised subject.”

However, you don’t have to aspire to be a kindergarten teacher to be a tutor.

Chee Wei Yan, 20, has been tutoring since her Junior College days, but rarely now that she has to concentrate on her University studies. She has encountered kids who fall asleep blatantly during tuition sessions, spoilt kids who are rude and bicker with her, as well as kids who are absolute angels.

“Tuitioning is good easy money. Just as long as you understand the needs of your tuition student and structure your lessons to cater to his or her needs, it should be rather standard after a few sessions,” he muses. “Personally, I usually teach maths. So during lessons the student will just show me her homework questions and I guide her along. For English lessons however, I would think need to think of interesting methods to help her with her weaker areas.”

It can be a rewarding experience for those with a passion for working with the younger crowd, but it all boils down to the money doesn’t it? So why not give tuitioning a go if are sick being broke at the end of the month, just before you start bugging your parents for additional pocket money.

8 Self-Help Books to Improve your Relationships

LADIES might get their monthly relationship advise from fashion magazines, but 88DB recommends these eight self-help books to both sexes. For women, it is definitely more in depth than all the fluffy relationship columns, and for guys, stop thinking it’s embarrassing to read this stuff. You’ll never know until you try.

1. The Seven Levels of Intimacy: The Art of Loving and the Joy of Being Loved by Matthew Kelly
   Kelly begins his book with a statement: Sex is not intimacy. The first half of the book discuss factors that are not considered forms of intimacy. Then proceeds to Kelly’s seven levels of intimacy: facts, opinions, hopes and dreams, feelings, faults, fears and failures, and legitimate needs. It would be a greater impact for you if this book is read with your partner.


2. Weekend Love Coach: How to get the love you want in 48 hours by Lynda Field
   More like a magazine, Weekend Love Coach is written in a friendly tone, and features tips, questionnaires, and even celebrity case studies. Field is Cosmopolitan’s resident Life Coach, so you ladies can be sure to trust her views.


3. The Secret of Staying in Love: Loving Relationships through Communication by John Powell
   This book focuses heavily on how loving yourself would enable you to improve relationships with your partner, family, or friend. Although written by a priest, The Secret of Staying in Love has minimal religious references, and is effortless to read. Powell strongly encourages deep introspection and self-love through his pages, so be ready for an insightful outlook of yourself.


4. Sex & Love for Grownups: A No-Nonsense Guide to a Life of Passion by Sallie Foley
   Written in a Q&A format, Sex & Love for Grownups is humourous, amusing, and fun. Foley assesses relationship problems, then provides a step by step guide to go about solving it. As the title suggests, this book is meant for those in the 40s and up.


5. Addiction To Love: Overcoming Obsession And Dependency in Relationships by Susan Peabody
   A recovering love addict herself, Peabody explores the different situations in which love addicts find themselves in, and presents a recovery program to save yourself from anymore emotional harm. She also reveals this damaging addiction can involve relationships with family members and friends as well.


6. How to Live with a Man... And Love It! by Jennifer Worick
   Unlike all the serious self-help manuals, this retro themed one is more for entertainment purposes rather than serious problem solving. If you don’t read into all the sexist statements and idealistic ideas, this book does provide practical solutions too. Its 50s inspired designs and images is easy on the eyes, which makes it an excellent gift too!


7. Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples by Harville Hendrix
   As a couples counselor, Hendrix’s divorce wounded him awfully, so he started exploring the technical aspects of love through this book. Through interesting case studies depicting the psychology of love and major problems in marriages, Hendrix provides valuable advice as more of a therapist than an author.


8. When You Love A Man Who Loves Himself: How to Deal with a One-Way Relationship by W. Keith Campbell
   So you think you’ve bagged the best looking charmer in town? You might want to give this book a go before you start suffering in the relationship. Campbell identifies the traits of common narcissists, describes how they view their relationships, and reasons why women are so attracted them. This well researched piece also recommends methods for ladies to stay well away from narcissists.
   

[iRecommend] Hair Plus Studio

Interview by Mavis Ang

Who swears by it: Priyadhershini Balraju, uniSIM student

PRIYADHERSHINI BALRAJU’S short wavy hair is always in need of a monthly fix, and can easily look disastrous if badly cut. “Especially when my hair is a little out of shape, it curls this way and that, and that annoys me immensely. So I need a good hairdresser to tame it,” she says. “I always go back to Hair Plus Studio at Far East Plaza because my professional hairdresser, Teen, always knows what kind of hairdo I want.”

WHAT SETS TEEN APART FROM THE REST: “Teen’s service is also very consistent, and she often recommends useful hair products suitable for my hair type.”

SETS YOU BACK BY: At least $32 on weekends, prices are higher for longer hair.

SHE LIKES IT SO MUCH THAT: Having patronised Hair Plus Studio for a year, Priya’s realised that the staff there are always friendly to all customers. “The place gives me this ever-welcoming feeling, so I will always go back to them.”

WHERE IS IT LOCATED: Hair Plus Studio is one of many hair salons in 88DB’s Beauty & Wellness list.

Hair Plus Studio
4 Scotts Rd #02-33
Far East Plaza
Tel. No.: 6735 3968

Imprezzive! New Impreza Now In Singapore

Stylish redesign and five-door hatchback make give it agile, sleek look


IN JAPANESE, the word “Subaru” means to govern or unite. And motoring enthusiasts all over Singapore showed their unity last weekend at Takashimaya Square in Ngee Ann City for this car show.

The occasion? The launch of the latest range of Subaru Impreza Cars, which has undergone a stylish redesign and is now available as a five-door hatchback. The exterior has been given a sophisticated facelift, making it look more agile and sleek.

“The Subaru Impreza already has a huge following amongst motoring enthusiasts and it has steadily won over a bigger audience,” explains Glenn Tan, group chief executive of Motor Image Enterprises (www.motorimage.net), sole distributor of Subaru cars in Singapore since 1986.

R&B singer Amerie, who was an Ultimate Urban Artiste nominee at the recent MTV Europe Music Awards 2007, was flown in from the United States to perform during the launch.

“Amerie is a bright new star and she conveys rawness, sexiness and power—all attributes that Subaru is proud to be associated with,” says Tan. “Her performance here is also part of our ongoing commitment to showcase top-class performers which reflect the Subaru lifestyle and attitude.”

According to Tan, he wants to make the Impreza the no. 1 choice among consumers whenever they think of buying a Japanese car.

Are you impressed with the new Subaru Impreza range? Share your thoughts in 88DB Forum.

The brand new Imprezza range was developed around the concept of refined design, resulting in a more compact and streamlined look. The flowing line, from the tip of the front hood to the rear window, highlights its agility and aerodynamic qualities.

Despite a shorter rear overhang, the interior capacity of the new Impreza is not hampered as the vehicle’s height, width and wheelbase are enhanced.

The range is available in nine colours: Dark Grey Metallic, WR Blue Mica, Obsidian Black, Spark Silver Metallic, Steel Silver Metallic, Satin White Pearl, Newport Blue Pearl, Topaz Gold Metallic and Lightning Red.

These are the three new models launched in Singapore last weekend:

• Impreza 1.5R, which is propelled by a 1.5-litre DOHC engine that is capable of smooth and effortless road performance. The Impreza is available in 5-speed manual transmission and 4-speed automatic transmission with Sportshift.
• Impreza 2.0 S-GT AT is powered by a 2.0-litre DOHC Boxer turbo-charged engine and is available only in a 4-speed automatic transmission with Sportshift
• Impreza 2.5 WRX MT is capable of taking on all terrain with a robust 2.5-litre DOHC Boxer turbo-charged engine and is available only in 5-speed manual transmission.
  

How To Meet The Perfect Girl Online

Online, it’s easy for any man to go to a woman and tell her anything — but it takes a special man to actually approach a woman in person.
By Mark Rosmar

LOTS of men often ask me if meeting women on the street and in public isn’t gradually becoming obsolete in today’s modern society with the growing popularity of the Internet. My answer to that is: Have vehicles become obsolete since the growing popularity of aviation?

The truth is that the Internet serves it purpose. Is there really any method that can compare to being able to meet all kinds of women — from as close as the girl next door to as far as the four corners of the globe — all in a single click? Probably not.

But just like everything else, the Internet as a method for meeting women has its advantages and disadvantages. Firstly, there is no comparison to seeing a woman in the flesh who you admire and plotting the course to meeting her and ultimately becoming a part of her life. Of course this too can be done on the Internet; but one big difference on the Internet, the woman is virtual.

Over the past few months I have taken a look at a few of the sites out there which have crept up to fill this void which introduce men and women to each other. They all seem to serve their purpose. As a matter of fact, I have known people who have met their perfect matches on some of these sites and have even gone on to do the ultimate.

On the other hand, I am all too familiar with people who have come away from the Internet experience so beaten, broke, frustrated and battered because they have been disappointed, disillusioned and let down — by the photo collectors (those e-women who only collect photographs of people they “meet” on the Net) and those women who supply fake photographs that bear no resemblance to who they actually look like.

Then there are those who, like Miss Haversham from the old novel “Great Expectations”, having been spurned and burned by relationships in the past, set out to trawl the Net causing as much pain as possible to every man whom she happens to come across. The Internet is full of these women.

In the age of political correctness and women’s liberation, these women are more than likely wreaking vengeance on the spineless men of the net as vengeance for the absence of men approaching them off of it.
I have come to verify that experiences on the Internet aren’t too different for the women either.

However, there’s one caveat for the fairer sex: the men that these ladies hope to and do attract are so desperate for attention and anything else on offer that they are willing to jump through every hoop which the women put in front of them so that they can have the chance to be with these women. These men are willing to pander (virtually and really) to these women’s every need, and numerous Net-women have to practically fight these characters off with a stick.

Some of the women seem like the perfect women who you really would want to meet and introduce to mother, but then you realise that you have been more or less automatically eliminated as soon you read the profile. Now, that’s honesty. But what are you then supposed to do? Run away with your tail between your legs or stick around, call the bluff, face the challenge and try to convince her otherwise?

Then there are the ones that you never hear from — and those are the high-quality ones.

I know a single friend of mine whose phone was always ringing off the hook with calls from these women, but he meets few of them and has never got past “first base”. We figured it was because he was giving these women too much “special consideration” on his web space and profile. After he ceased that, desperate practice all this has started to change.

Look, the Internet can be and is a fun place to meet women, and it seems like this will remain so for quite some time. However, it is helpful not to take the women who you meet out there too seriously —at least not until you get personally to know them.

One thing that men must remember is that, on the Internet, it is easy for any man to “approach” any woman and tell her anything. But it takes a special man to actually approach a woman in person.

A lot of the skills that will prove very helpful if you really want to get into this thing you can find in the book, “The Lazy Man’s Guide to Seduction: How To Meet & Seduce Today’s Modern Women”. It’s an information-packed guide about approaching, meeting and seducing women in the modern world and puts you at a definite advantage when it comes to building proper relationships with women. It will save men loads of time in their online as well as offline pursuits with women.

Mark Rosmar is the owner of http://www.lazy-seduction.info. His website is geared for men who are interested in meeting and seducing women along with the landmark book, "The Lazy Mans Guide To Seduction." This article was sources from articlecity.com

88DB at The Street House launch

Local labels hit the runway
By Mavis Ang

WHO needs porcelain-white Caucasian models at Singapore’s Fashion Week? Scale it down a little, put it in a chic bar, and top it off with Asian babes and you’ll be looking at something like The Street House at Martini Firm last October 18^th.

88DB had the honour of sponsoring this unique affair organised by NBTD, who have been bringing Singaporean fashion brands and clubs together through fashion events like this.

At the official launch of The Street House, a fashion series featuring streetwear, pretty ladies strutted on top of the bar, converted to a runway, in shorts and fitted t-shirts made by Dotti, Iggi, SkinnyMunster, and DkrisS.

88DB would like to send our love to Kristal of DKrisS for customising a pair of 88DB shoes just for this event, and we have to say that we utterly adore it.

The best thing about the fashion show was that guys didn’t get the usual evil eye from gawking at the cute girls – because models crave the attention. By giving away prizes for games and having a shoe painting competition, NBTD did a great job, going the extra mile to make The Street House more than just a fashion event.

The October 18^th event at the Martini Firm was only The Street House’s first series out of ten. It would continue for the subsequent weeks, featuring an array of local labels in ten different hot clubs. Watch this space for more NBTD event updates!

Wardrobe Must-Have for Guys

Ever wished that there was one definitive list of clothes that you should have in your wardrobe for all occasions? Ever wondered how to put together a wardrobe that just works? How does that other guy always look so good? How did he manage to always look so put together, when he earns about the same as you? What kind of umbrellas should a man use?

If fashion has always been a big puzzle for you, fret no more. You are now in the possession of a very powerful list that will teach you how to assemble the pieces required for all occasions. After setting up this wardrobe, you should never have to worry about what to wear, and even how to match your clothes.

Read. Print. Tick off your list. Dress well, and be confident. Anywhere, anytime.

Formal / Semi Formals

• Four (4) long sleeved shirts in blue, black, white or with small prints
• Two (2) short-sleeved shirts in summery colours like white, green or pale blue. You can also choose a shirt with some prints but avoid anything too loud unless you are a well-sculptured male model posing for a beach wear ad
• A pair of chinos pants in khaki colour
• A pair of black pants with a flat front. Try to avoid pants that have a pleated front as a flat-front pant can give you a more cleaner and sharper look
• A pair of black and/or blue pants
• One (1) well-cut suit, if you can afford bespoke, all the better. Be sure to tailor two (2) pairs of pants with it because they tend to wear out faster. If you prefer, have one made half and inch wider around the waist for those days when you begin to grow a beer belly. If you are having a tuxedo made, make sure you have a bow tie, tuxedo shirt and cummerbund as well
• Four (4) neckties, have at least one black based, one blue based, one with a fun print or something you like and one with a flashier color or style for nights (and nights when for some reason you want to act gay or blend in with the crowd.)
• Two (2) belts - have at least one black belt and one brown belt. You will notice that I advocate separating brown and black. Black is a cold colour while brown is a warm colour and unless you look like a model, it is very difficult to pull off wearing the two colours together
• One (1) light coloured jacket in either cream, pale blue or light brown
• One (1) leather satchel for your business documents
• One (1) set of silver cufflinks to accompany your formal shirts
• One (1) good watch in stainless steel. Avoid gold
• A pair of dress shoes in good polished leather in a colour that matches your main suit. Try to choose those with a square or round toe. Avoid dress shoes with pointed toes. You are not a cowboy
• Allowable jewellery on weekdays – wear only a maximum of two at a time out of these five items: ring, bracelet, earring, chain and/or tattoo
  

Casual

• One (1) pair of extremely well-cut blue jeans that is not torn anywhere, have chains or any words attached/scribbled/stitched to it. Little frays at the hems are acceptable
• Two (2) polo shirts. One plain one and one that is striped
• Sportswear for the sports that you play - you need one set that makes you look good for each sport you play. Try to avoid wearing your sportswear all the time especially when you are not planning to play that day
• Soccer jersey for the team that you support
• Board shorts
• Three (3) short sleeved shirts. Choose shirts that are roomy but not too big. You are not 50Cent. Try to get at least one shirt that is made of quick-dry fabric
• One (1) long sleeved sweatshirt in grey, black or blue. Should be relatively simple, either in round neck or V-neck
• If you have nice arms, get a sleeveless tee shirt for the beach. If not, stick to short sleeved tee shirts
• Cool sunglasses
• One (1) waist pouch or messenger bag to keep your hands free (your preference)
• Swimming trunks in black, blue or brown. Avoid wearing swimming trunks in red, yellow, white, purple or pink. Never, unless you are a model on a fashion show and being paid to parade in them
• One (1) pair of sneakers, try and get those with shoelaces and not those with Velcro
• One (1) pair of leather sandals and/or Birkenstocks
• One (1) pair of comfortable flip flops
• White trainers or city walking shoes. They are very fashionable now, and will remain in fashion for some time, so any guy who wants to be fashion forward can consider getting them
• Allowable jewellery for weekends or nights – Wear only a maximum of three out of these 5 items: ring, bracelet, earring, chain or tattoo
  

All Weather / Travel Wear

• Sports jacket or windbreaker and accompanying pants
• A well-cut winter coat in black
• Autumn coat or leather jacket
• Dark coloured turtleneck
• Heavy scarf
• A nice pair of gloves
• Two (2) pieces of luggage – one large and one cabin-sized
• One (1) backpack
• Travel documents folder
• Shoe bag
• Travel toiletries kit preferably with a hook that you can hang – for some reason this feature is more masculine than for women
• One (1) overnight bag
• One (1) cap
• Dark and light coloured socks. Remember to wear dark coloured socks with your dark shoes and light coloured socks with your light shoes. For moccasins, no socks
• Always have a spare set of clean underwear in only two (2) allowable styles: briefs or boxers. Sarongs and G-strings do not count.
  

Other Small Items of Need

• One (1) good pen
• A condom case
• A PDA or any gadget that you fancy that you can bring around
• A professional-looking cardholder
• A nice key chain
• A flat and clean wallet. If your wallet is fat and peeling, you obviously need to buy a new one. Better still if you look gorgeous and can carry off a money clip, everyone finds it sexy
• And maybe even a nice big long umbrella. Avoid using a foldable umbrella. If you currently have one, throw away now.
  

Wardrobe Must Have For Women

The All Weather All Love Wardrobe

Ever felt that you have nothing to wear? Feel that you have all the fashion trends and not enough of classics?

We all know that we really only utilize about 20% of our fashion wardrobes. Now, the idea is to reduce the lousy duplicates and replace them with good pieces that love you just as much as you love them.

Do not feel frightened of having less clothes - clearing out your wardrobe is actually very therapeutic! And with lesser clothes to clutter up your wardrobe, and with the knowledge that everything looks good on you, you'll never lack an outfit for any occasion again.

Look forward to building a wardrobe that is filled only with pieces that you love, and that will take you everywhere!

WARDROBE MUST HAVE ITEMS!

A. Casual/Semi-Casual

TOPS

• A tube top
• A tunic – a great piece you can wear as a minidress or as a blouse.
• A halter neck top
• An off-shoulder top
• A crisp white sleeveless button-down cotton top
• A true red sleeveless top - you could pick a nice buttery yellow if you are tanned. Some color would add pop to any outfit.
• Fitted denim jacket or casual jacket
• Hooded jacket and pants for traveling and cool hip-hop weekends.

BOTTOMS

• A pair of well-cut jeans – forget about those ripped-everywhere jeans and those
  ultra fashionable ones that only last a season. Invest in a pair of well-cut and form-flattering piece and it’ll never go out of style.
• Skirts, from flirty ones to denim ones – short skirts are fine as long as you remember that the idea is to look sassy and not spanky!
• Capri pants – avoid getting those white ones that fit so tight you worry about your G-string showing!
• Nice fitting casual pants
• Dark denim shorts
• Dressy shorts
• Casual board shorts – try to choose those that are longer falling just above the knees in a quick dry fabric

FOOTWEAR

• Flat thong sandals
• Ultra comfy slippers
• Flat shoes

ACCESSORIES

• Sunglasses
• Fun earrings
• Casual tote bag for when you go swimming, should come with a zip
• Small casual bag
• Wristlet or small lunch bag
• Wide brown leather belt – surprisingly, sometimes brown is more versatile than black!

OTHERS

• White summer dress
• Patterned summer dress
• Sportswear for the sports you play - one great flattering set (e.g. tennis, gym, golf, yoga)
• Flattering bikini
• Sarong
• Plain Pashmina shawl
• Printed Pashmina shawl

B. All Weather

• Wool coat
• Lighter Autumn coat
• Leather jacket
• Cashmere sweater
• Turtleneck
• Wool pants
• Leggings
• Black boots
• Ankle walking boots
• Gloves
• Heavy scarf

C. Travel Needs

• Large sturdy hard case luggage bag
• Medium sturdy hard case luggage bag
• Hand carry bag suitable for a two-night stay
• Rugged backpack
• Foldable carry bag to bring with luggage
• Shoe bag
• Toiletries bag
• Makeup bag
• Luggage tags
• Passport holder
• Travel document folder
• Beautiful notebook – where you can write down your thoughts and don’t let them fly away!
• Small, light, foldable umbrella

D. Small Items of Need

• Good luck charm – everyone needs something that makes them feel good!
• Baseball cap, wide-brim hat, beret
• Excellent lingerie in black, white, nude, colorful and invisible
• Quirky brooch
• Gorgeous hair clips
• Cotton pajamas
• Cotton kimono, fluffy bathrobe, big towel

There you go! With that, you have everything you need for almost all occasions! Just mix and match!

Occasionally, purchase one or two trendy pieces to complement the existing clothes you have and dazzle the world with a confident new you!

Groovy, Baby!

If it isn’t broke, why fix it? To make it better, perhaps? This was apparently the case for the second generation MINI. 88DB took the new top-of-the-line MINI Cooper S for a spin and gives you the low down of this feature-rich automobile.

Taking its cue from the legendary MINI designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, the new MINI was an instant hit when it first hit the roads in 2001. It was not quite the fuel-sipper its predecessor was but it quickly became a fashion icon.

Hopping in the car quickly changed our personality. We were suddenly morphed into attention-grabbing, fun-loving people. And we were glad that it hasn't changed much from the first generation MINI. So what exactly has changed?

Cosmetically, changes can be easily missed to the undiscerning eye. BMW (the owner of MINI) claims that the entire body is brand-new and nothing can be swapped with the first generation MINI.

If you look hard enough (side by side, no less), you will notice that the new MINI is slightly taller, wider and longer. A dead giveaway could be the addition of the rear fog lamps.

Under the hood, the engine is completely new. The whiney Cooper S supercharger power plant makes way for the more efficient turbocharger unit. Now for it’s interiors, it’s as plush as you would expect from a BMW car (and a car of this price) but the MINI adds a tinge of fun to it. To name just a few: the driver-controllable ambient lights has 5 colours to choose from, it sports old-style toggle switches and a humongous speedometer that would work against you if you were ever caught speeding. While we were content with the earlier model, we are certainly not complaining about having a better car around the block. The new MINI Cooper S has swung us around and we are in love, baby.

The engine put out 175bhp and some 240Nm of torque starting at 1,600rpm, bringing the MINI Cooper S to 100km/h in a fraction of over 7 seconds. But you would be missing the point if you were expecting faster numbers. The Cooper S isn't about raw speed or power. We found this out quickly (no pun intended!) when we tossed it into the back-roads and turns. Calling it a plush go-kart on steroids is apt.

Grooming Mistakes that Singaporean Men Make

10 Habits That Really Turn Women Off!

1. Not taking the effort to smell nice. Or worse, smelling bad. It is always a good habit to have proper hygiene and it’s worth the small investment to buy a small bottle of perfume and deodorant.


2. Wearing shirts that are too long. What is nice about wearing a top that looks like a pajama top on you? Never wear clothes that are too big for your frame; it’s not hard to find a shirt that fits well and flatters your body.
   
   Also, always remember that long sleeved shirts should be cuff-linked instead of rolled up during formal dates. I recommend buying a nice pair of silver cufflinks from Raoul.


3. Wearing polo tees with their collars up. This fad died a well-deserved death long ago. Wearing your polo tees with the collars up only serves to make you look like you’re trying too hard instead of suave. Wear the collars as it was always meant to be – folded down.


4. Tees with explicit/offending captions on them. Wearing shirts with offensive language and designs not only make you look like a poster boy for turn-offs; such trends (if they ever were) are incredibly passé too.


5. Shoes make an outfit. There you are wearing an awesome Bape tee paired with a sculptured pair of Diesel jeans. Everything looks good until we look down and see a well-worn pair of basketball shoes. This does not impress the girls. We are neither impressed with your military-inspired New Balance sneakers or that smelly old pair of rubber shoes you hit the gym with.
   
   Thinking you saved money when you bought that $40 pair of Nike shoes? That is not a bargain. Cheap shoes are cheap for a reason. They’re made of bad quality material. It is always a good rule to invest in a good pair of shoes even if they’re only a pair of rubber shoes.


6. Clean teeth. Oral hygiene is very important. If there’s one thing you make sure to do daily (aside from bathing!), it’s brushing your teeth. You don’t want to be caught with plaque-caked teeth when you smile across a room to that gorgeous girl who’s been eyeing you.
   
   And what goes hand in hand with yellow teeth? Funky breath. Bad breath. Whatever you call it. There is no way a girl is going to kiss you with smelly, plaque-ridden teeth. Even if you were as gorgeous as George Clooney.


7. Tight-fitting shirts. Not even if you have a physique to die for. And especially not if you have man-boobs. Avoid them at all costs.


8. Slippers. If you thought jeans with slippers was a serious faux pas, how about jeans with $2-a-pair slippers? If you really have to, please get a decent pair of jeans from Project Shop or Havaiianas.
   
   And if you’re going to be wearing slippers or any open-toed footwear for that matter, make sure that your toes and toenails and nice and clean.


9. Fabric belts. The surfer-dude look with one end of a fabric belt hanging loose is so ten seasons ago. Stop it. Please.


10. Imma P-I-M-P! I once saw someone in a COMPLETELY white outfit, from his white old-school sneakers to his white porter bag. I don't know what went through his head because he looked like a fashion victim who succumbed to a colour crime.
    
    The only forgiving same-colour outfit is an all-black get-up. Any other colour and you'll just look like one of those guys in a boy band singing in a cheesy MTV.