It looks like two characters, "坦白" stacked on top of each other. Together, the word means "confession".
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 9:35 PM on September 30, 2008 marked best answer

This reminds me of Christopher Stone's 1972 article, "Do Trees Have Standing?" and subsequent book on the same subject.

Anyway, the Indian Constitution doesn't quite give rights to nature, but makes the protection of nature a duty of the state and every citizen:Article 48A: The State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.

Article 51A: It shall be the duty of every... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by hellopanda at 5:22 AM on September 30, 2008

I don't feel like I can just flounce into a bank/police station/whatever and ask them to check my identification.

Actually, why not just call up any lawyer in your area and make an appointment? The process of certification doesn't take long, and shouldn't cost much.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 8:42 AM on September 29, 2008

adamrice is correct that the words read "壽 禄 福". They are supposed to be read from right to left, though, so it's 福 (fu), 禄 (lu), 壽 (shou).

It's a common enough phrase, and refers to the three "blessings" of good fortune, prosperity and longevity, and personified in the "Three Star Gods". It's a mainstay in traditional Chinese Taoist culture even today, and probably inspired the Japanese Fukurokuju. Wikipedia has more.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 5:13 PM on September 25, 2008 marked best answer

Si = Singha Beer?
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 9:37 AM on September 17, 2008

The official trailer (Youtube link) for Mad About English, a movie about China's love affair with learning English.
posted to MetaFilter by hellopanda at 8:49 AM on September 15, 2008

I can't find it online, but the favorite photo I've seen from this year's Paralympics is of a one-legged track cyclist competing. (Using one leg, not one leg + prosthetic.) Has anyone else seen it?

Is it this photo of the Chinese cyclist Tang Qi?
posted to MetaFilter by hellopanda at 12:01 AM on September 13, 2008

This doesn't answer your question, but Anwar Ibrahim was charged under the Malaysian Penal Code, under which sodomy is illegal. The Penal Code, of course, is a secular law enacted by an elected legislature, and applies to every person in Malaysia regardless of religion.

(That said, Malaysia does have a system of syariah law enforced by the Islamic court and religious police stopping people from kissing in public...)
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 7:11 AM on July 25, 2008

Thanks for the repost! I really needed that reminder.

I'll be there around 6.30pm if work permits; otherwise, we can exchange contact details via MeMail and I'll give someone a ring to check where you guys are once I'm done with work.
posted to MetaTalk by hellopanda at 2:19 PM on July 21, 2008

April March (myspace)

The Innocence Mission (myspace)
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 12:55 PM on July 18, 2008

Are there screen covers that you can buy to take some of the glare out?

There are anti-glare filters available, such as these from 3M.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 2:59 AM on July 11, 2008

Also I'd be interested to learn whether those top-of-the-mark Chinese/Singapore students receive separate instruction in math at the primary grades, rather than lumping it in together with all core subjects under one teacher.

In Singapore, Math is a separate, standalone subject - we don't have individual subjects for each area of mathematics. Each school year, everyone learns a bit of arithmetic, geometry, algebra, calculus, statistics (and whatever... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by hellopanda at 7:48 PM on July 10, 2008

Actually, KL might be better if you plan on definitely flying. AirAsia flies direct to Bangkok from there, but not Singapore.

This is wrong. AirAsia flies Singapore-Bangkok direct. So does Tiger Airways and JetStar Airways. These are budget airlines, however; I'd advise you to check your partner airline options first.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 6:52 PM on July 10, 2008

Awesome. I'm on.
posted to MetaTalk by hellopanda at 5:30 PM on July 3, 2008

I won't be free for dinner on July 26th, but in case that's the chosen day, there'll be fireworks at Marina Bay then (National Day parade rehearsal)! If you brave the crowds, the Esplanade Glutton's Bay hawker centre would be a perfect place to watch.
posted to MetaTalk by hellopanda at 9:06 PM on July 4, 2008

What's a good time for you, aielen and rash?
posted to MetaTalk by hellopanda at 8:20 AM on July 8, 2008

Petra, Egypt, Turkey, and Morocco.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 7:33 AM on July 8, 2008

Seersucker! The ones at J. Press and Haspel look pretty good.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 8:17 AM on July 2, 2008

Mohamed Sultan Road is no longer the place to go - quiet restaurants are taking over what used to be a street full of youngsters spilling out of party places.

Zouk is an Institution! Will you have the chance to go on a Wednesday night? It's ladies night, and that's when Mambo Jambo is on - masses of young people doing synchronised hand actions and singing along to cheesy retro music. It's flat out bizarre and ridiculous fun. Then you can move along to Phuture or... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 6:12 AM on June 27, 2008 marked best answer

Will you have the chance to go on a Wednesday night? It's ladies night...

Maybe I should explain this more clearly. On ladies' night, girls get free entry and free drinks. Where the girls go, the guys follow. Lots of happy people all around.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 6:19 AM on June 27, 2008 marked best answer

Book 2:
Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out Of This Country
Interpol - Next Exit

Book 1:
Neko Case, Mazzy Star, Okkervil River, Summer at Shatter Creek, Adem.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 12:35 PM on June 26, 2008

Boltbus from NYC to Boston, on a Wednesday around 7am: The bus was about 30 minutes late, but that was the only hiccup in an otherwise pleasant trip. Clean, spanking new and almost-empty bus, comfortable seats, working wi-fi, and a very affable bus driver. Arrived nearly an hour after the scheduled time.

You should be able to expect a comfortable ride on the Boltbus. Extremely good value if your schedule isn't too tight.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 10:26 AM on June 25, 2008

Nirvana by El Bosco features choirboys singing Luke 21:25 in Latin.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 9:16 AM on June 24, 2008

Recommendations (links?) from the assembled gallery?

I'm partial to this video of her singing Love is a Losing Game. Particularly poignant, if you know even a little bit about her and "her Blake".
posted to MetaFilter by hellopanda at 9:00 AM on June 23, 2008

I'm surprised Hot Topic doesn't have one - it's such an emo staple!

I found one at American Apparel, if you don't mind the white collar.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 8:38 AM on June 20, 2008

Kirjava, wonton soup, kung pao chicken and Singapore fried noodles are not what I'd consider posh Chinese food. I wouldn't even consider Singapore fried noodles a proper dish (it doesn't exist in Singapore!) but steamed fish is right on the mark, as many above have said. For steamed fish, the ingredients are simple, but the skill and timing required are what define truly top-class cooking.

I second everything that Junesix said.

Also,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 5:37 AM on June 18, 2008

Calexico - Quattro (World Drifts In), from Feast of Wire.

love the run but not the race
all alone in a silent way
world drifts in and the world's a stranger

in a light, eclipsed and alienated
in a time, occupied and invaded
can't tell what's right, better hit the ground running
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 5:14 AM on June 18, 2008

Zaru soba is a chilled buckwheat noodle dish usually served with nothing more than sesame seeds, seaweed, and a cold dipping sauce. The linked recipe makes the sauce from scratch, but I just use the ones straight out of a bottle (check your nearest Asian grocery). Mmmmm.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 9:39 AM on June 17, 2008 marked best answer

I read TokyoMango and the aforementioned Ping Mag.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 10:20 AM on June 15, 2008

Muse - Invincible
Take That - Rule The World
Jack Johnson - With My Own Two Hands
Bon Jovi - It's My Life
U2 - Beautiful Day
Lighthouse Family - High
Mariah/Whitney - When You Believe
Michael Bolton - Go The... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 12:59 PM on June 7, 2008

John Thompson and A Dozen A Day! I did those too. I also practised my scales using the official ABRSM books.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 8:36 AM on June 3, 2008

It's occasionally a pride thing - you don't want to appear too desperate.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 7:36 AM on June 2, 2008 marked best answer

How about rewarding him when he does wash his hands, and ignoring him when he doesn't? A little bit of praise or extra physical affection may go further in encouraging good behaviour than nagging or disgusted looks. I'm referencing the immensely-popular NYT article "What Shamu Taught Me About A Happy Marriage" here.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 11:35 AM on June 1, 2008 marked best answer

It's Paper Planes, by M.I.A.

via Yahoo Answers.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 8:42 PM on May 27, 2008

The quadscape is by Morin, from a German encyclopaedia. You can purchase the image through the New York Public Library's collection.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 8:15 PM on May 27, 2008 marked best answer

Top 10 Thai Music gets you, yes, the weekly top 10 charts on MTV Thailand, plus lyrics in Thai, romanised Thai and sometimes English. Click on the song title to get to the lyrics page, where you can also listen to the song. It's the sister site to the very popular eThaiMusic site.

You'll find that most Thai pop songs fall into the sappy love ballad category. I'm partial to the Sleepless Society series of albums, all produced by hit producer and composer, Narongvit.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 7:11 PM on May 27, 2008

I think it's "I'm coming" in Mandarin.

"Come here": 过来
"I'm coming (already)": 我来了
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 6:24 AM on May 27, 2008

You can try contacting your local LGBT community organisation for recommendations.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 2:10 PM on May 25, 2008

You'll need to fill in a customs declarations form and an immigration form while on the plane. If you're eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (if you're a German citizen, for example), please make sure that the immigration form is the green one.

Tipping at restaurants is about 15-20%.

Are you there for business or fun? Boston is a great walking city, so do walk around when you're downtown. Try the Freedom Trail ($15 at the Visitor Information... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 1:48 PM on May 25, 2008

Incomplete but nonetheless potentially useful list of national chemical societies.

Googling "* chemical society" may also help a fair bit.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 12:40 PM on May 23, 2008

I was thinking about The Modern. any opinions either way?

I've heard nothing but good stuff about The Modern, but I haven't tried it personally.

Jean-Georges has excellent food, impeccable service and a beautiful dining room.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 1:56 PM on May 21, 2008

I must have been in an alternate New York, because everyone I met there was exceedingly friendly and helpful. Of course, I knew better than to stop and gawk on the sidewalk or to stand on the left on the subway escalators, and I personally shoved people into the subway carriage. But I never expected to be offered assistance on multiple occasions without even requesting for it, and I now miss that friendly "how are you?" around every corner.
posted to MetaFilter by hellopanda at 1:38 PM on May 21, 2008

Best Experienced with Headphones On

... on a gray and rainy day, with your eyes closed.

Thanks, netbros. The Observatory is one of my favourite Singaporean bands, and Leslie Low (also former frontman of the now-defunct Humpback Oak) does know how to bring out the melancholy.
posted to MetaFilter by hellopanda at 1:30 PM on May 21, 2008

Thanks for your answers and very helpful descriptions of suggested outfits. Please keep them coming! :)

Essexjan, I unfortunately understand full well what you're saying. It's just so difficult finding a pair of shoes that is as feminine and versatile as ballet flats and provide adequate arch support at the same time. Mocassins, while comfy, just don't cut it. I'm prepared, however, to do some shoe shopping in nyc if my feet start demanding it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 1:54 PM on May 4, 2008

I'll be flying 19 hours into NYC on the 6th. Sad :(
posted to MetaTalk by hellopanda at 2:49 AM on April 28, 2008

As far as location is concerned, I would pick The Inn Crowd (Little India), Prince of Wales (Little India), Sleepy Sam's (Kampong Glam), The Hive (Lavender), Fernloft (Chinatown) and the Bugis Backpackers Hostel, all for their proximity and accessibility to the city, sightseeing opportunities, and great food.

Of the above, The Inn Crowd appears to be most suited for young backpackers. Prince of Wales too, but with it being a pub I'm not sure if you'll get a good... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 10:58 PM on April 26, 2008

I was about to suggest a good set of highlighters and coloured sticky flags/tabs too! Scented candle. Eye masks for omgpandaeyes. Good coffee and a thermal mug. Shawl, blanket or little cushion to snuggle up with while cramming. A countdown calendar with self-penned encouraging notes for each day and/or things she can look forward to after the exams are done. Oh, and ear plugs!!
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 1:32 PM on April 26, 2008 marked best answer

I don't have any firsthand experience to share, but the Halogen Guide is a good place to go if you need further information on timeshares and other forms of vacation clubs.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 2:54 AM on April 24, 2008

Cells grown in a vat still need to eat. And they'll need some sort of immune system for keeping them safe from infection, respiratory systems for keeping them alive, and so on. Nature has already spent millions of years evolving solutions to these very problems.

The First International In Vitro Meat Consortium just released a preliminary economic viability report (pdf), estimating that in-vitro meat can be produced in large quantities at about 3300... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by hellopanda at 12:33 AM on April 23, 2008

The world of Chinese fonts isn't as wide and multi-varied as English ones, due to the sheer number of characters in the Chinese language.

This Wikipedia page shows the main Chinese typographic styles available. The 宋体 (song ti) style is the most widely used, I think, although I don't find it very legible, especially at smaller sizes.

This blog post (written in Mandarin) does a good overview on web typography considerations for Chinese characters,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hellopanda at 11:58 PM on April 22, 2008