Mr Yoshito Usui 臼井儀人

Yoshito Usui
Born : 21 April 1958
Died : 11 September 2009 (At age 51)
Author for Crayon Shin-Chan

I didn't expect to do a "Gone Too Soon" post so soon again.
This afternoon, my mom told me that a manga author passed away few days ago and it was the author of Crayon Shin-Chan.
I was shocked and sad.
As reported, Mr Usui went for hiking and photography in Gunma Prefecture on the 11 September 2009 morning. His wife reported him missing when he did not return. On the 19th September 2009, a climber found a body at the bottom of cliff at Mount Arafune, Gunma. It was confirmed and identified to be Mr Yoshito Usui. His camera last photo was a picture of the bottom of the cliff. It was believe that he accidentally fell while taking photos of the cliffs.

His works in Crayon is one of my favourites.
The first time I heard about "Crayon" comics was when I was working in a bookstore in 1995.
One customer came into the shop and asked for Crayon's comics books. My boss then told me that this comics is very funny and the main star is a little boy who always gets in some sort of mischevious acts. From then, I started reading book 1 and then the next book, then the next again...
There's also the TV anime on Crayon which I enjoy very much though I've never finished watching them yet.
He was a great artist who did bring many warmth and laughter through his manga.
May he rest in peace.

Giant PEZ

Updated Post on 22 September 2009

XXL PEZ...
GIANT PEZ...
Aha...Giant PEZ found in Giant Hypermarket in Singapore!
Considering I've been waiting for it to come to Singapore since year 2006.
Searching every possible PEZ selling stores but no Giant PEZ was spotted!
But Today...
I was shopping at Giant Hypermarket and spotted the "XXL PEZ" or "Giant PEZ".
It was a real surprise! HeeHee!
I'm very excited now and though I've not taken their photos yet, I'll like to share a post here first.
I've only spotted three different Giant PEZ and brought all three of them.
There are Mickey Mouse XXL PEZ, Winnie the Pooh XXL PEZ and Hello Kitty XXL PEZ.
Not sure whether there are any other designs but I sure hope that the distributors here can also bring in XXL Star Wars PEZ too.
Does anyone collect Giant PEZ too?

Post Additions on 22 September 2009:
Hello Kitty Giant PEZ w/ flower necklace




Winne the Pooh Giant PEZ



Mickey Mouse Giant PEZ



Photo of a Mickey Mouse Giant PEZ and Mickey Mouse Regular PEZ.

Joe Ledbetter at STGCC 2009

I visited the "Singapore Toys, Games & Comics Convention 2009" on the 14 and 15 August 2009.
This was one of the convention events I was looking forward to.
Finally got to meet with this artiste on 15 August 2009.
I started to notice this artiste when I was collecting Trexi.
Like his artwork very much...the characters he created are unique too.

Mr Joe Ledbetter signing on my book.
I requested for a sketch of his "Unicorn" character.
It was one of my favourite.
He was very polite, soft-spoken and drew me an "Unicorn"!





Creatures of Habit - Joe LedBetter
ISBN - 978-0-86719-718-1
Type : Hardcover


This book is full colour with Joe Ledbetter's works from 2004 - 2008.
Paper quality of this book is also very good and well printed.
I also enjoyed reading the introduction by Joe Ledbetter himself!

Michael Jackson R.I.P.

Updated Post on 27 June 2009


Michael Joseph Jackson
Born : 29 August 1958
Died : 25 June 2009 (at age 50)

I was at Vivo City just now trying to get a ticket to watch Transformers when my friend called.
I'm shocked at the bad news!
Michael Jackson had passed away...
It was a heart attack as reported on the radio.
It's really hard to believe and I like his songs very much since I was a kid.
To think that he was preparing for this coming sell-out concerts but now he's dead.
My mood's really dampened down and I felt sad.
So I came back home without watching the movie.

The 1st english album I brought was Michael Jackon's album when I was in Primary school (1980s).
At that time, it was a cassette tape which I played over and over again on a walkman.
I would say it was my first exposure to the western pop music.
I like the beat, the music and his voice.
Something very new, different and unique.
As I grew older, I continued to listen to his songs.
Many many years ago, when Michael Jackson was in Singapore, he visited Sim Lim.
My dad called and said Michael was at Sim Lim so I rushed down immediately.
I was lucky to be able to greet him and have a handshake with him.
He was wearing a glove.
He politely smiled at me.
This was my only brief encounter with the King of Pop.
Last year, I wrote a fan mail on August 2008 to wish him a happy birthday at Neverland Valley Ranch.
I've also tried to request for an autograph which I know now I'll never be able to recevive it...
Now that he's gone, I pray that he will be happy and peaceful at wherever he shall be.
R.I.P. and thank you very much for the MUSIC.



Michael Jackson death :
As reported, it was on the morning of June 25 2009 that Michael Jackson collapsed at this home at Los Angeles. He's personal physician was with him and attempted to resuscitate him.
A call to 911 was made at 12.21pm and they reached 9 minutes later.
Arrived UCLA Medical Center at 1.14pm.
Michael Jackson was in coma and died shortly after arrival.
Cause of death is reported to be Cardiac Arrest.
Pronounced dead at 2.26pm local time (21.26 UTC).
For Sony comments on the passing of Micheal Jackson, please visit his official website.

A fan made video I found on you tube!
This is also one of my favorite song from Michael Jackson.

YouTube Video credits : mj4life

Live at Concert

YouTube Credits : DjGuitta

I Just Can't Stop Loving You - Michael Jackson
I Just Want To Lay Next To You For Awhile
You Look So Beautiful Tonight
Your Eyes Are So Lovely
Your Mouth Is So Sweet
A Lot Of People Misunderstand Me
That's Because They Don't Know Me At All
I Just Want To Touch You And Hold You
I Need You
God I Need You
I Love You So Much

Each Time The Wind Blows
I Hear Your Voice So
I Call Your Name
Whispers At Morning
Our Love Is Dawning
Heaven's Glad You Came

You Know How I Feel
This Thing Can't Go Wrong
I'm So Proud To Say I Love You
Your Love Get Me High
I Long To Get By
This Time Is Forever
Love Is The Answer

I Hear Your Voice Now
You Are My Choice Now
The Love You Bring
Heaven's In My Heart
At Your Call I Hear Harps
And Angels Sing

You Know How I Feel
This Thing Can't Go Wrong
I Can't Live My Life Without You

I Just Can't Hold On
I Feel We Belong
My Life Ain't Worth Living
If I Can't Be With You

I Just Can't Stop Loving You
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
And If I Stop
Then Tell Me Just What Will I Do
'Cause I Just Can't Stop Loving You

At Night When The Stars Shine
I Pray In You I'll Find
A Love So True

When Morning Awakes Me
Will You Come And Take Me
I'll Wait For You

You Know How I Feel
I Won't Stop Until
I Hear Your Voice Saying I Do

"I Do"
This Thing Can't Go Wrong
This Feeling's So Strong

Well, My Life Ain't Worth Living
If I Can't Be With You

I Just Can't Stop Loving You
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
And If I Stop . . .
Then Tell Me, Just What Will I Do

I Just Can't Stop Loving You

We Can Change All The World Tomorrow
We Can Sing Songs Of Yesterday
I Can Say, Hey ...
Farewell To Sorrow

This Is My Life And I,
Want To See You For Always

I Just Can't Stop Loving You
No, Baby
Oh!
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
If I Can't Stop!
And If I Stop
No
Oh! Oh! Oh ... Oh ...
What Will I Do?
Uh ... Ooh ...
(Then Tell Me, Just What
Will I Do)
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
Hee Hee Hee!
Know I Do Girl!
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
You Know I Do
And If I Stop
Then Tell Me, Just What
Will I Do
I Just Can't Stop Loving You

Post Additions on 27 June 2009:
As expected to see the newspapers flooded with news of the death of the King of Pop.
Yesterday evening, I brought a copy of "Lianhe Wanbao" and this morning the Straits Times newspaper.
When I woke up this morning, the first thing that came to my mind was "He's dead!"
Somehow, I don't know why but I felt even more sad than yesterday.
Maybe I'm a delayed timer! Slow reacting...
Even though I don't know him but yet I felt this way.
His close friends, family and fans ... they must be having a rough time now.
It's really a great loss that we cannot see more of his performance any more, the music, the dancing, all gone now...

His friends/familes speaks :
Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presly, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson. His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend." - Steven Spielberg (Film-maker)


“My heart…my mind… are broken. I loved Michael with all my soul and I can’t imagine life without him,” Taylor, 77, said in a statement to Us Thursday. “We had so much in common and we had such loving fun together. I was packing up my clothes to go to London for his opening when I heard the news. I still can’t believe it. I don’t want to believe it. It can’t be so.
“He will live in my heart forever but it’s not enough. My life feels so empty. I don’t think anyone knew how much we loved each other. The purest most giving love I’ve ever known. Oh God! I’m going to miss him. I can’t yet imagine life with out him. But I guess with God’s help… I’ll learn. I keep looking at the photo he gave me of himself, which says, ‘To my true love Elizabeth, I love you forever.’ And, I will love HIM forever.” - Elizabeth Taylor (Actress)


"He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. He will always be the King of pop. For anyone who has ever seen, felt or heard his art, we are all honoured to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson." - Beyonce (Singer)

"He was a kind, genuine and wonderful man. He was also one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. I loved him very much and I will miss him every remaining day of my life." - Liza Minnelli (Singer)


"I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me. " - Lisa Marie Presley (Ex-Wife of Michael Jackson, only daughter of Elvis Presley, Singer)

“I am heartbroken. My prayers go out to the Jackson family, and my heart goes out to his children. Let us remember him for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, his generosity of spirit in his quest to heal the world & the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world. I feel blessed to have performed with him several times & to call him my friend. No artist will ever take his place. His star will shine forever.” - Mariah Carey (Singer)

“I can’t stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family.” - Diana Ross (Singer)


"I can't stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever. My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless." - Madonna (Singer)


“I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words.” - Quincy Jones (Music Producer)

“My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael. He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world. I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing.” - Brooke Shields (Actress)

Secret 不能說的秘密

Youtube Video Credits: kakashihin

不能說的秘密
词 : 方文山
曲 ：周杰伦
演唱 ：周杰伦
　　
冷咖啡离开了杯垫
我忍住的情绪在很后面
拼命想挽回的从前
在我脸上依旧清晰可见
最美的不是下雨天
是曾与你躲过雨的屋檐 oh
回忆的画面
在荡着秋千梦开始不甜
你说把爱渐渐放下会走更远
又何必去改变已错过的时间
你用你的指尖阻止我说再见
想象你在身边在完全失去之前
你说把爱渐渐放下会走更远
或许命运的签只让我们遇见
只让我们相恋这一季的秋天
飘落后才发现这幸福的碎片
要我怎么捡

Seeing Bettas at Aquarama 2009

Aquarama 2009 - 11th International Ornamental Fish and Accessories Exhibition 2009
Date : 28 - 31 May 2009 (30 & 31 May 2009 - For Public Visitors)
Location : Suntect City - Level 6, Hall 601-603
Public Visitors Admision Fee : Adult S$8.00, Child below 12 years old is free

I went on the last day of the show, which was on Sunday.
It wasn't crowded at all to what I've imagined it to be.
The last time I visited Aquarama was about 5 years ago.
Which I couldn't really remember how it was now...
But I did enjoy my visit to see the different varieties of Bettas.
There are hundreds of beautiful bettas on show and I am looking forward to the next year Aquarama.









Stingrays!






An interesting booth with no one around.
There is a Honesty box saying that items are at S$2.00 each.


Department of Fisheries Thailand - Selling Bettas and betta tanks.
The person there is friendly and would introduce their items to you.


Betta Club Singapore - They have quite a lot of nice Betta on display,
They are also selling betta arcylic tank which I find is quite nice.



There are a total of 14 different fish for the International Fish competition categories.
They are : Dragon Fish, Discus, Goldfish, Guppy, Tetra, Pleco, Cichlids, Corydoras, Gourami, Molly, Platy, Swordtail, New Species/Varieties/New in Trade and Betta Splendens.

The Betta Splendens Competition details for Aquarama 2009 :
Competition fee = S$25 per entry
Number of fish per entry = 1
Maximum number of entries per participant per class = 3

CATEGORY 1 : HALFMOON
A1: Red STM (dark and light body)
A2: Black STM
A3: Red/Black DTM
A4: Dark Iridescent STM
A5: Dark Iridescent DTM
A6: Clear/Yellow/Orange STM
A7: Pastel/Opaque STM
A8: Light Solid DTM
A9: Bicolour/Patterned STM
A10: Bicolour/Patterned DTM
A11: Metallic Light-bodied STM/DTM
A12: Metallic Dark-bodied STM/DTM
A13: AOC STM
A14: AOC DTM

CATEGORY 2 : CROWNTAIL
B1: Dark Non-iridescent Red/Black CTM
B2: Dark Iridescent CTM
B3: Light Solid Colour CTM
B4: Bicolour/Patterned CTM
B5: Black Orchid CTM
B6: Metallic Light-bodied CTM
B7: Metallic Dark-bodied CTM
B8: AOC CTM

CATEGORY 3 : PLAKAT - SHOW/SYMMETRICAL/GIANT
C1: Red STM Plakat
C2: Black STM Plakat
C3: Blue STM Plakat
C4: Steel STM Plakat
C5: Green/Turquoise STM Plakat
C6: Clear/Yellow/Orange STM Plakat
C7: Pastel/Opaque STM Plakat
C8: Bicolour/Butterfly STM Plakat
C9: Marble/Grizzled/Multicolour STM Plakat
C10: Metallic Light-bodied STM Plakat
C11: Metallic Dark-bodied STM Plakat
C12: AOC STM Plakat
C13: Symmetrical Plakat
G2: Giant Plakat

Betta Splendens Prize :
Grand Champion : S$500 cash + Trophy
1st of each class : S$100 cash
2nd of each class : Medal
3rd of each class : Medal













This is one of the Betta that I like very much even though it wasn't a winner.




Below is a double winner for Cat B5 1st prize and also the Grand Champion of the Betta Splendens Competition.

Close up of the Grand Champion










1st prize winner for the Giant breed.

My Betta Splendens

Updated Post on 5 June 2009, 6 June 2009, 7 June 2009

Last Saturday, I went to visit Fish Farms and saw the many new different breeds of Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish) and thus started to keep them again.
I used to keep them at my work place many years ago because they don't need an air pump.
They are also not fussy eater and they are colourful.
Only cons is that they cannot be housed together with each other.
More regular water change is required as there is no filtration system to clean up or break down the waste.
Now my table is rather messy with different tanks and containers.
I need to think of a better way to display the tanks neatly...heehee.
I'll be going to visit the Aquarama 2009 at Suntec City later this afternoon to see the Betta competition.
And also heard from my friend that there is someone selling Betta fish there too.
Below are some of my Betta fish that I'm keeping now :

Half Moon Betta


(Photo added on 5 June 2009)
This betta enjoy blowing bubbles!


Half Moon Betta


(Photo added on 5 June 2009)


Crowntail Betta


This is my favourite photo of this fish!


Dancing!


(Photo added on 5 June 2009)


Crowntail Betta


(Photo added on 5 June 2009)


Female Betta

Female Betta


Giant Betta


(Photo added on 5 June 2009)


(Photo added on 5 June 2009)
Playful little one, likes to play with the stones.


Post Additions on 5 June 2009:
This is where I keep my bettas.
Since they do not have any filtration systems in the tank, I usually do a water change of 50% every two days.
My problem is with the aquatic plant now, it doesn't seem to last long and about 2 days, it'll start to have a foul smell.
Hence, I've removed most of the plants from the tank even though the Bettas seems to like the plants very much.
Does anyone has any recommendations for hardy aquatic plants for Bettas?


Below are a few more additions Bettas I've just brought.




Betta


Half Moon


Half Moon Plakat




Half Moon Plakat




Half Moon Plakat




Post Additions on 6 June 2009 :

Three new additions to the family.
They seemed a little stress when they were introduced into the tank.
But they started to flare at their neighbours almost instantly...aggressive little ones.

Half Moon




Half Moon Plakat




Half Moon




Post Additions on 7 June 2009:

Mini Facts about Betta Splendens
Name : Siamese Fighting Fish
Nickname : The Jewel of the Orient
Scientific Name : Betta Splendens
Family : Osphronemidae - Gourami family, (formerly classified as Anabantidae)
Originate : Thailand (Formely known as Siam)
Nature Habitat : Living in Rice paddies, muddy waters, shallow waters, slow moving streams…etc.
Species Found : approx. 150 years ago
Size for Bettas : up to 2.5 inches (6cm)
Size for Giants Bettas : up to 3.1 inches (8cm)
Species Type : Freshwater Fish
Temperature : 25 - 30 degree C.
PH : 7
Lifespan : 2-3 years
Reproduction : Males build bubble nests, the bubbles acts as a support for eggs.
During the spawn, they will be circling each other.
The male will wrap himself around the female and when she released the eggs, they are fertilized and starts to sinks.
The male will bring the eggs and spit them into the bubblenest.
Female is to remove after spawning. Males will look after the eggs.
The eggs will be incubated for 24-30 hours and hatch in 2-3 days.
About three days later, the male is to be remove from the breeding tank.
Young swimming frys can be fed brine shirmps.