Summer in the City

It's here. Temperatures soaring and all....this city is in for the burn. A brief reprieve can be afforded though, through these:

It's the Bächle. Legend has it that if one accidentally slips into one of these, you'd end up marrying one of the locals. At any rate, it only happens IF it is genuinely accidental. Most of the time, one sees this:

A refreshing change of pace...

Illy

Essentials. Somehow, computers and coffee have a knack of coming together...and in the past, a trip to the System Administrator's would see the C3 combination: Cigarettes+Coffee+Computer.
Still, me likes my Illy.
Here's what they say about Illy's Ground Roasted'.
A good way to get through those 200 page Tome reports especially when used in combination with one of those stove top contraptions called Brikka.

The Grease' cooketh

And so it was, the greasemonkey cooketh...breakfast this morning...the usual scrambled eggs with Wurstchen, bacon and all that greasy goodness. Courtesy of the usual suspect, the Random XS. Top it all off, with some real deal drip-brewed coffee and some nostalgia, and you get a breakfast like no other.



Grease Deluxe. Wurstchens, scrambled eggs with Fleisch/Saftschinken and greasy bacon in all its oily glory.

Stau = Germany's National Obsession

Call it the most hated word, call it a national obsession, whatever you call it, it still is a pain when it hits you. And not once, not twice, but three times in a row. Traffic Jams...the radio blares incessantly "Stau am A3 zwischen Frankfurt und....bla bla bla...fuer 20 km...." almost every 20 minutes. You gotta hand it to them Germans, they are really efficient when it comes to reporting this sort of thing. And the funny thing is, all of a sudden, it all clears up.Or, how about this, hailstorm sound clips playing through the national airwaves after a distraught resident of the Blackforest reports his windscreen has been shattered...or, even the rear one. They probably had baseballs falling from the sky. But to be honest, it DID sound like someone was playing drums on your car...save the fact that your car IS the drum. Typhoon struck the outer reaches of Cologne a cople of days ago...hailstorm does a windscreen smashing galore in the south west...I really don't want to know what is next.
Except that dinner is chicken curry. That's some form of familiarity for you. Guten Appetit meine Damen und Herren.

Optimus Prime

A while ago, FFG point this gem out

Considering it can do this:

and the customary:

Swing by here for the who's who for something that was "screaming to be invented", as FFG puts it.

Drive

Cruisin. Along the Autobahn once more. A Random picture of some random construction site...the only place you can pull out your camera without some mad vehicle breathing down your neck at 200 km/h and above.

Rabbit Paws

The (Jack)rabbit's paws. Left in the sun to dry. With these on, he doesn't jump half as often as we don't want him to. And that's good. With weather this good, he'd be out there in no time, feeling the need, the need for speed. (and if that one liner sounds familiar, that's because it was from director Tony Scott's 80's action flick Top Gun...and we don't want to go into the number of one liners in there that'd make one cringe...but well...that's life).

Evergreen

Driving through the woods along the Rhine river, one can't help but think about how the area probably hasn't changed much over the past couple of hundred years. Yet, back then, it was horse carriages that made their leisurely way through the same pass. Sunlight filtering through the foliage casting random checkered pattern along the tar roads. The greens have withstood the test of time. Only the carriages differ. Back then, it was true horsepower...now, it's diesel powered horsepower. What next?
It's nice being able to enjoy some solitude, cup of coffee at hand on a warm mid week afternoon. The Random XS knows he's going to miss times such as this in the future. But for now, it's enjoying the present. Bis Spaeter meine Damen und Herren.

Berry Colourful - 100

Since this is the 100th post...might as well decorate things around here a little bit...spruce up the plasticsprues. A bowl of berries of various sorts....taken a while ago...but still good as gold. To those who've been dropping by, thanks for checking in at the Random house. Here's to more good years. Cheers.

Keen Karat

Make no mistake...this is Dr. Khaki Khan...hailing from the Kaufmann Special Bureau. Dr. Khaki and the Random XS go back a long, long way...back to before the microelectronic insurgency began...yes. These were the last, true, old guards that held firm to defend the last bastion of true engineering...they risked life and limb to take on the juggernaut with nothing more than their wits and resolve...and survive they did...even if it meant that they'd be exiled to the far corners of the earth...and scatter the two of them the forces that may be did...but they'll never silent them. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Doc. K, one whom you can count on when they turned up the heat. This lady, is one tough cookie. You'd be glad she's on your side.

Vee-Double U

The Random XS was cruising along the Autobahn a while ago. Took a rest stop cos' the stomach was going random again. By the time he was done and got back into his ride, this was what he saw:

... no kidding. This is an O.D of VW, but sure a neat trailer to have....DRIVING the point across... Couple of days later, a quick venture into the kitchen, and this was the view outside:

....whilst cooking this:

...that's a fair deal of colour in a short few days. Random? Not at all.

Stand Alone Complex

Just finished watching Ghost in The Shell: Stand Alone Complex. Production I.G did a really fab job with the animated series. Can't wait to get me hands on the 2nd GIG. But for now, there's this to add:

....compared to this:

...just had to put it.

Knackered

Finally plonked in the last letters of a pulp report. Me thinks I deserve a good sleep. Been doing close to 12 hour work days for the past week. Weekend was a half-sleep-in, half-full-throttle-on-afterburners. Time to get some cooking therapy. But for now...just a nice warm bed would do. This is summer here..but the evenings do get a tad bit chilly. The morning's going to be filled with another mad string of meetings and stuff...the (Jack)rabbit and the Tap are off to some nice little tour near the land of BMW...those lucky blokes...and me suffers along the Rhine...oh well, can't have it all sometimes. Gute Nacht.

Chocks Off

The Random XS is back. It's not cos' circumstances have changed for the better, it's just because.
For one, the The Tap, (Jack)rabbit and Random XS had no idea that the Tap would play such a significant role in his native land in bringing to light one of the biggest charity investigations in its short history.
What's more bizzare, is the fact that this week, The (Jack)rabbit, Master of Denial himself, assigned the Random XS one of the most hideous procurement tasts beknown to mankind...sourcing for toilet roll cores. Yes, toilet roll cores.
*Accelerates Palm to the forehead* What is THAT for a task? He claims he needs it for some handicraft project...

Brakes

In a sudden turn of events, the Random XS feels a need to put the brakes on the Walawalamuciwawa. For a while at least. It has been a hectic few weeks, call it brain drain, call it spanner in the works, but the Random XS is taking time out.

+K in Tianjin

Tianjin, China -The +K's Area of Operations extend far and wide. Remember that Dang Excellent Warrior from a while back? This time, he heads East. Patrolling the streets of Tianjin +K leaves no stone unturned.

...and he sure knows where to find the best Eats in town. Hey, even Super Heroes need to eat. More updates as they come along.

Equatorial Pursuits

Was watching Batman Begins with Dr. AutoFocus a while ago. Thought it interesting how and where Alfred suggested Master Wayne get his kit together. Here's a recap of that Tutorial

How to Order Cowls discreetly:
Inside the BAT CAVE
Wayne places two BRONZE GAUNTLETS on a trestle table. FIRES up a paint sprayer. Starts coating them matte BLACK.

LATER on in the BAT CAVE
Wayne is showing Alfred DIAGRAMS. We catch only GLIMPSES.
ALFRED
If we order the main part of this...(points)...cowl from Singapore-
WAYNE
Via a shell corporation.
ALFRED
Indeed. Then quite separately, place an order through a Chinese manufacturer for these-
Alfred points at a diagram which looks like a pair of HORNS.
WAYNE
(nods) Put it together ourselves.
ALFRED
Precisely. Of course, they'll have to be large orders to avoid suspicion.
WAYNE
How large?
ALFRED
Say, ten thousand.
WAYNE
(smiles) Least we'll have spares.

How to deal with Goods Sold are Not Returnable or Refundable
Inside the BAT CAVE -- LATER in the movie
Close on: the COWL. Black, with a slight GRAPHITE sheen.
Dramatic, ICONIC even without its ears.
A BASEBALL BAT SMASHES into the crown, CRACKING it in two.
Alfred picks the pieces off the table, FROWNING.
ALFRED
Problems with the graphite mixture, apparently. The next ten thousand will be up to specifications.
Wayne looks up from adjusting a servo-mounted microphone.
WAYNE
At least they gave us a discount.
ALFRED
Quite. In the meantime, might I suggest, sir, that you try to avoid landing on your head?
Wayne shoots Alfred a look. Then fits the microphone into the horn-shaped "ear" from the cowl.

Drinking problem

The Random XS has a drinking problem. He just doesn't drink enough. He doesn't understand that a caffeine diet just doesn't make the cut. So here's the solution - A 6-pack...French.

Lady Wolfclaw

Was in conversation with Lady Wolfclaw today, or for that matter for the past month or so, and it sure is good to have met up with her since the last visit. Random XS and Wolfclaw go back a long way, and from the early days trolling Plastic Sprue Shops to late nights along the highway with beer cans and rants. More importantly, she was also there when the going go tough. Count on her for fire support. The Random XS definitely looks forward to their next meet.

And if the above looks slightly strange and out of place, it's Lady Wolfclaw's tool of the trade...she decided the Random XS could use one of the above fine specimens - A Type II Wolfclaw paw pad...it's been a while since the Random XS has been into FPS games...but this sure could come in handy to tackle the next slew of new releases on the market.

Brain Anti-Freeze

Some Dim Sum Restaurant - It didn't seem like much, but it sure got the job done. This sends plumes of mushroom clouds up one's cranial cavity, and whilst not as lethal as Wasabi in terms of it's "devastation", it sure can evoke a reverse effect from the nose-out if consumed in large amounts. Chilli oil they call it...leaves little to the imagination.

Sonnenaufgang

Southern Black Forest - For a moment, it seemed as if the summer had eluded us. A quick check this morning proved otherwise. Foggy? Yes, but a very welcome change of pace. The morning sun slowly burning off the morning fog. Cruising along a bit more, one sees the freshly tended fields glow with a warm golden brown.













It is quite neat seeing storks perched atop barns and then arriving at the office with the welcome aroma of freshly brewed coffee.













Life's simple pleasures. Thank God for days like this.

On days like this...

The are days you just feel like this....especially if it is a Monday...

Then as the evening draws near...things improve....but just a little bit....and you recover and this looks a little bit more like:

FlashFotoGraphy

Home Base - A couple of days back, FlashFotoGraphy celebrated his birthday. This one goes out to him. Having just come back from the far reaches of Sri Lanka, this fine young lad deserves a pat on the back venturing out there to go make a difference. Good on you FFG.

Sonnenuntergang

It's might seem odd that I should be thinking of an evening sunset on the first day of the week, as I come into the office. But hey, it's been quite a while since this part of Deutschland has seen a good evening sunset, and so I put up one of those warm evening 'Posters" outside a beloved Cafe´. Why?

I mean, just look at this:

Absolutely dreadful (ok, granted, this is actually a view directly across the local prison...but STILL!)

Right....supervisor has been complaining that I should be in the office earlier (considering he does his 6 am morning arrivals). I'd say he has a point...I guess. So, it's back to the grindstone.

Hot Vinyl

A while ago, we (+K, Zarchon and the Random XS) met up for a chill out session, exploring Zarchon's new acquisition. Enter Old School LPs and turn tables, with a full complement of Audiophile grade speakers and tube amps. This gem of a red LP caught our attention. It was enough just staring at it go round in circles...but the amp was really glowing red hot and we were getting distracted. We were sorely tempted to go grab our BBQ gear too...

The Purest of Pain...

In an evening conversation with a visitor to our local church, we invariably stumbled upon the subject of the legendary Haggis, which entrails...sorry, entails blending the following:

• 1 sheep's lung
  
• 1 sheep's stomach
• 1 sheep heart
• 1 sheep liver
• 1/2 lb fresh suet (kidney leaf fat is preferred)
• 3/4 cup oatmeal (the ground type, NOT the Quaker Oats type!)
• 3 onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3/4 cup stock

Not quite sure what to say regarding the Singaporean equivalent of it, The Random XS thought it only appropriate that a dish that contained a similar degree of animal innards would fit the bill as "Oh, we got something like that too..." Behold, the ubiquitous Kuey Chap:













Served with a generous portion of:













And to top that all off and blow the taste buds out of ye cranial cavity with the full force of a well used blunderbuss use this:













There is no pain more exquisite.

Time travel

Train Station, Switzerland - The Swiss are known for their precision time pieces. But when they name one of their trains Einstein, one'd really hesitate to board it. You really wonder where you'd end up if this decides to do a speed of light (or was it sound)? This is where Coldplay meets Relativity.

Gee Whiz

The Random XS begins the Urban Heroes Series...or just simply UH Series. Introducing Gee Whiz, known also as Mobeel-Soot-Garn-Darm-O (MSG). The man with the plan, in his trusty new steed, the Toyota VIOS, Black Special. Gee Whiz has been the resident model building specialist, hand painting expert, and absolute cool dude. He is currently making some interior modifications to his ride, given him an all round field of view to what is happening behind him (including the blind spots as well - when you have to negotiate City Traffic day-in-day-out, this becomes absolutely necessary). Covering his Six in style. Gee Whiz is the man for the job when you want to make sure you got you grounds covered. More about him and his art pieces in time to come.

Home and Dry

Home Base - West Side of a Fishing Village - Positive K (+K) returns, all smiles. He has every reason to. It's Mission Accomplished, a job well done. Behind him are the trophies - A silent reminder to the many missions he had undertaken during his early years as an up-and-coming Superhero. You don't get them like him nowadays. +K's theatre of operations transcends geographical boundaries. From Central Europe, to the far reaches of Middle Kingdom, to the war torn outskirts of the middle east and the shores of Cuba, +K has been there - right where the action is. Salutations to this chap. He is one fine Superfriend.

D.E.W

Along the Equator - West Side of a Fising Village. The Dang Excellent Warrior (D.E.W) - Model Postive K. Callsign + K was spotted via night vision equipment (note his not-so-phone-booth-looking changing room behind) heeding a call of duty to save the neighbourhood from impending doom. This man means business. He dons a high tech City Mug 16 oz De-Identifier and heads off on a night mission. This is risky business, ladies and gentlemen, for the opposition out there, is getting increasingly well equipped. But take note, +K dishes out much punishment, and his foe would wish it was never on the receiving end. We wish him all the best in his quest for justice.

Drive II

Today was Day 1-Post Grand Slam, a drive towards the south of the Blackforest yielded this:
It's a fair deal, but my these:

Need some time in this:

All in a day's work.

Slam in a Jam

This is post Grand Slam. The presentation turned out better than expected, but no news as yet, as to where the Random XS will be in a year's time...so, like the "Proverbial Autobahn Stau" it's "Schau mal an...wait and see". This is post recovery, getting recharged and all. The Random XS is more random than normal now....one would be....if one clocked on the average of 3.5 hours of sleep a day and a strict caffeine diet.
More later...

Drive

And so we call it a day for now...need to get some shut eyes. Be back tomorrow morning...

Knackered

Hammering away at the keyboards...one wonders sometimes just how odd presentation templates on Powerpoint can be. Consider an A4 sized slide. The headers and footers take up a good 30% of the writeable real estate in there...leaving you to contort/squeeze/Yoga-rise pictures, text and all that presentation goodness into a narrow tunnel in between. Just what in the world was the designer thinking when he or she came up with that corporate presentation template...
The Summer here took a weekend away. It's freezing cold out here. But the solitude is good I guess...save for the fact that a supervisor and his disciple are camping out here finishing up material for Operation Grand Slam - Right...back to work.

So much for solitude...the Jackrabbit just buzzed looking for a little adaptor...at close to midnight...smokes. But one really can't blame him...the poor chap, like the Random XS uses an Archaic DELL notebook running on life-support now...

Weekend

This is anything BUT. Day started in earnest round 6 am. Figured since we were going to work this weekend, we might as well do it in style. Hunted around town for the American way of life....known locally sometimes as Mc Doof...but Mc Doof we didn't find any that was open round 6.30 am. Settled for the German way of life instead...so it was baguettes, pastries and a good cuppa from our now ubiquitious Jura Impressa S90...let's see how this day turns out. Today's Grand Slam revisited.

Go Bananas

The above contraption pretty much describes what the present situation necessitates. Banana Guard.

Late night blues

I owe it to the poor hedgehog I ran over last night. Driving back at close to midnight along the Bundesstrasse on some warm summer night isn't exactly an inspiring experience (the same cannot be said for an early morning drive though). Cruising at 100 km/h, with a car in front of you and having both sides of the road lined thick with fresh summer foliage doesn't give one much room to manoeuvre...not at such short notice that is...and so when you see a brown furball making it's attempt at Frogger...
Suffice to say, it rained shortly after that. I was spared the agony of trying to do a CSI on the wheel of the trusty steed, Opel, to determine the degree of "damage" to that poor Erinaceus Europeaeus. Still, it bothers me, that I killed it.

Limited Edition

I saw a hideous looking "retro" car from a certain North American car firm that claims it's a limited edition. But when I start seeing the entire Autobahn filled with these "Limited Edition-sorry-excuse-of metal scrap box for a car", one begins to wonder where's the sense in it all. Manufacturers like to use this label. But just think about it, if they aren't going to produce them things for eternity, that makes them all "Limited" Editions doesn't it? So why bother calling them "Limted Editions"?

As a side note...
Question: What's worse than realising that your waist line has grown an inch?

Well, I just found that I had to loosen my watch's wrist strap by a notch today....