Gallimaufry#142

Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated photos, real photos and ramblings 📸

The pulse of the city

Spotted this rather unusual sign, especially since restroom use is typically free in Malaysia.

Dinner - pork chops

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

The Grand Place, Brussels 2019

Every two years in August, the square is transformed into a vibrant floral tapestry. Nearly a million begonias are arranged into intricate designs over 1,800 square meters, reflecting themes inspired by cultural and historical motifs. This tradition, which began in 1971, showcases Belgium's horticultural artistry and draws visitors from around the world. The event is accompanied by live music and light shows, making it a must-see spectacle in the heart of Brussels.

Flower Carpet 2024

image source - Xinhua/Peng Ziyang

I like to imagine that my AI mice buddies might have a role in crafting the Grand Place's flower carpet.

JUST A RANDOM THOUGHT

I love pineapple on pizza—roll your eyes if you must.

I enjoy the sweet and savory combination, which adds a toothsome twist to the traditional flavors.

The debate over pineapple on pizza is one of the most divisive topics in the culinary world. It's a clash between those who swear by the sweet and savory combination and those who believe it’s a culinary abomination.

Proponents of pineapple on pizza, often fans of the Hawaiian pizza, argue that the sweetness of pineapple perfectly complements the salty, savory flavors of ham, cheese, and tomato sauce. They appreciate the contrast in textures and flavors, making the pizza more exciting and less predictable.

On the other hand, traditionalists and purists argue that pineapple has no place on a pizza. They contend that the sweetness disrupts the balance of flavors and goes against the authentic Italian roots of pizza-making. For them, pizza should stick to its original Mediterranean ingredients, like mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and perhaps a few select meats or vegetables.

The debate has reached such a level of intensity that it has sparked countless online arguments, memes, and even declarations from public figures. In 2017, Iceland’s President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson famously joked that he would ban pineapple on pizza if he could, further fueling the controversy.

But hey, the best pizza is the one you enjoy, pineapple or not, agree?

 Now don’t get me started on durian on pizza!

What’s your favorite pizza combination?

Gallimaufry#141

Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated photos, real photos and ramblings 📸

TONY TONY CHOPPER RIDES WITH FOOD PANDA

Walking to where our car was parked, I noticed something perched atop a food delivery box.

My sons recognized them as a pair of action figures from the beloved anime series One Piece. The spiky character is none other than Tony Tony Chopper, the reindeer doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates. 

It was a quirky sight, seeing Chopper, in all his forms, hitching a ride on the back of a motorcycle. It felt like a little piece of anime magic had spilled over into the real world, turning an ordinary food delivery box into a moment of fandom joy.

Dinner - Fusion Dim Sum

*Dim sum for dinner? Absolutely, because why not! And yes, I'm diving into some fusion dim sum too—cheese on tofu? Let the food purists roll their eyes!

*Traditionally, dim sum is enjoyed during breakfast or brunch, especially in Cantonese culture. It's a social meal often shared with family and friends over tea, usually served in small portions like dumplings, buns, and other bite-sized delicacies. The practice of enjoying dim sum in the morning is rooted in its origins as a light, early-day meal to complement tea drinking, known as "yum cha" (drinking tea). However, the appeal of dim sum has grown globally, and now people enjoy it at any time of day, including dinner.

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Lucerne 2019 

In the charming town of Lucerne, where the historic Chapel Bridge stands proudly against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, humans love to walk their dogs in the evenings. But if you care to look closely enough, you might just bump into Elsa the Mouse and her dapper pet snail, Sir Escargot, enjoying their own little evening stroll. 

Lugano 2022

Have you ever noticed how tricky it can be to capture photos of benches with breathtaking views? When you’re sitting on the bench, you’re naturally facing the scenery, but the photographer can’t position themselves in front of you because it’s often a water’s edge or a sheer cliff. And even if they could, the backdrop behind you wouldn’t be the stunning view that the bench is designed to enjoy.

Isn't it amazing how AI can creatively solve this age-old dilemma of capturing the perfect photo on a bench with a stunning view? In real life, when you sit on a bench facing a breathtaking scene, the photographer is often limited by the landscape—usually, it’s a water’s edge or a cliff—making it nearly impossible to get both you and the view in the same frame. But with AI, it’s a different story. It can position the mice on the bench so they’re enjoying the view while simultaneously turning them to face the camera, all without sacrificing the beautiful backdrop. 

JUST A RANDOM QUESTION

Me, wide awake at 4:00 AM despite counting sheep

I’m curious—do any of you have trouble falling asleep? And if not, do you find your sleep gets fragmented or interrupted? I’ve been wondering how many hours of sleep most people actually average.

I’ve been having trouble falling asleep lately, which is new for me—never had this issue before. I suspect it might be an aging thing, but noisy neighbors have definitely been a trigger! I recently discovered CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) on YouTube and am now trying to practice it. It’s a method that helps address the thoughts and behaviors that might be keeping you awake.

Has anyone else faced similar challenges or tried CBT-I? I’d love to hear your experiences and any tips you might have for dealing with sleep issues.

Looking forward to your insights!

Gallimaufry#140

Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated photos, real photos and ramblings 📸

Awww!

Lunch—fried rice topped with shredded fried imitation crab sticks

Fried imitation crab sticks are a fantastic addition to fried rice, adding both flavor and texture. 

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Greek signboard

Turns out, my Greek is limited to the letters I barely survived in Math and Physics!

Sheep shearing at Wallan Wool Shed, Australia 1992

I’ve never seen a live sheep in Malaysia, though there are small-scale sheep farms nestled in the highlands and cooler regions. It's hard to imagine a sheep with its thick fleece enduring our scorching heat, especially now with climate change causing even higher temperatures. 

Having never seen live sheep, I always imagined them to be as white as fresh snow. So, imagine my surprise when I first saw sheep in Australia, and they were more of a beige color! 

My visit to the Wallan Wool Shed in 1992 was an interesting experience. I vividly recall the rustic charm of the shed, with its wooden beams and the earthy scent of wool. Watching the traditional sheep shearing demo was captivating—the shearers, with their practiced hands and swift movements, skillfully handled the sheep, expertly removing the fleece in one continuous piece.

The experience offered a unique glimpse into the rural Australian way of life and the wool industry. The sight of the freshly shorn sheep, naked and bare against the piles of fluffy fleece, was almost comical. However, the sheep looked petrified during the shearing process, and I couldn’t help but wonder if they felt stress or pain from the nicks and cuts. 

BALLARAT 1992

Ballarat is a historic city in Victoria, Australia, known for its significant role in the 1850s Gold Rush. Once a booming gold mining town, Ballarat now offers a blend of rich history and modern attractions. The city is famous for Sovereign Hill, an open-air museum that recreates the gold rush experience, complete with gold panning, historical buildings, and reenactments.

A blacksmith in a rustic forge, surrounded by tools and a sign advertising "Small Horse Shoes" for $1.50

Capturing the essence of life in a 19th-century gold rush town.

The hubs panning for gold at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

 FUN FACT 

 The Australian gold rush saw some massive gold finds. One of the largest nuggets ever discovered, the "Welcome Nugget," was found in Ballarat in 1858, weighing an astonishing 69 kilograms (152 pounds).