The Bank Bar + Bistro

This plush Shenton Way bar has an interior made for bankers and well-to-do types. Be greeted by polished maroon wood tables, sleek parquet flooring and walls decked with blown-up bank notes. Signature cocktails (all $16) here include Offshore Account, Financial Squeeze, and our personal favorite, Liquidated Damages, a whiskey sour with a splash of spicy Shiraz. There’s even a private 20-seater cigar lounge for that added glitz.

Bikini Bar

Helmed by bikini-clad babes, this brightly colored bar on the sandy beachfront has a chill-out summer ambiance. Take your pick of mojitos and margaritas (both from $14) or popular cocktails like Blue Lagoon ($13), Long Island iced tea ($15) and Pina Colada ($14). Enjoy mains like the Beachy prawn pizza ($22) and margarita pizza ($19) while sitting on wooden benches under giant umbrellas.

Handle Bar

Step inside this place and you’ll have a sudden urge to ride a bike. From photos of real-life renegades and bike parts donning the walls to furniture made out of motorbikes, this bar oozes a rebel-on-the-road vibe. Check out the signature motorized margaritas ($12)—concocted by a special gas blender that looks just like a bike’s engine—and pad your stomach with Sudden Death Wings ($16) and Bad Attitude stuffed jalapenos ($10).

Acer Iconia Tab A200

Specs: 10.1” LCM screen | 710g | 16GB internal (up to 32GB microSD) storage | Tegra 250 Dual cortex A9, 1GHz processor | Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

What’s hot: This Android tablet is priced lower than other 10-inch sized ones in the market. Its USB 2.0 port allows you to transfer data quickly, while its expandable memory space and competent dual-core processor ensures a smoother performance. We also like its reliability in battery life—lasts a good eight hours as stated.

What’s not: While there’s a front-facing camera, it has only two megapixels so don’t expect high quality pictures. It also weighs 710g, making it heavier and bulkier than most tablets. Plus, you can’t charge the Iconia Tab through the USB port. So remember to bring the charger along when you’re on the go.

Verdict: The features are modest, but its price makes it well worth considering.
$499 from 3.Mobile, #B3-34 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-8083.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7

Specs: 7.7” Super AMOLED Plus | 340g | 1.4GHz dual-core processor | 16GB internal (up to 32GB microSD) storage | 1GB RAM | Android 3.2 Honeycomb

What’s hot: This 7.7-inch screen has a vivid display due to its 1,280x800 pixel resolution and SUPER AMOLED Plus technology. Its slimness (7.89mm) and light weight mean this handy gadget fits easily into any bag (or large pocket). The dual-core processor allows faster loading of content so you don’t get frustrated when surfing. It’s surprisingly energy-efficient; battery life is said to last 10 hours but it can last up to 14 hours with normal usage.

What’s not: Its 3.2-megapixel camera with LED flash and 2.0-megapixel front-facing one will give you lower resolution images, compared to other tablet cameras. It’s far better to use your smartphone to snap pix instead. Performance also slows down when you have more than nine apps running concurrently. The rich screen display can be a little too bright for some users.

Verdict: The long battery life and the fact that this Galaxy Tab supports Adobe Flash Player make it a worthwhile buy for power users.
$898 from Samsung, #02-28/29 VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, 6376-9150.

Sony Tablet S (with 3G)

Specs: 9.4” TFT LCD | 598g | 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 mobile processor | 16GB, 32GB | 2GB RAM | Android 3.2 Honeycomb (upgradable to 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich)

What’s hot: Its 3G capability and user-friendly interface allows you to toggle between desktop and mobile rendering so you can view pages offline—saving you from hitting your monthly data ceiling (no thanks to the recently lowered cap by network providers). The infrared universal remote control function and PlayStation certification means you’ll be able to play a handful of games unavailable on other Android devices—an added bonus.

What’s not: The 1GHz processor isn’t as fast as the competition, and price edges more toward the expensive range. It isn’t the lightest and most portable tablet around as the tapered end can be bulky.

Verdict: Its unique “folded magazine” look makes it stand out from the crowded tablet market. This tablet also showcases what Sony is good at—its rich gaming legacy.
$698 from Sony Store, Isetan Orchard, #04-01 Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Rd., 6733-1876.

The New Apple iPad 

Specs: 9.7” LED backlit screen | 652g | 16, 32, 64GB flash storage | Apple A5x CPU | iOS

What’s hot: The breathtaking 2048x1536 retina display on the 9.7-inch screen means it’s a joy looking at photos or simply consuming media content. The five-megapixel camera and high definition video recording function are superior to the others in the market so you will get decent quality images even if the tablet’s response time is slightly slower than its predecessor. It also has the world’s largest app store for all your games and media needs.

What’s not: This new iPad is slightly thicker (by 0.6mm) than the iPad 2 and it’s almost imperceptible but the extra weight can be felt when you carry it for long periods. The front-facing camera lacks the HD function. Battery life is capped at nine hours on casual usage—slightly shorter than Android tablets’ battery performance.

Verdict: Upgrades are modest but this is still the finest tablet around, especially with its rich graphic display. Just remember to take the charger wherever you go.
$658-$1,088 from Multimedia Integrated @ Ion Orchard, #B3-14 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6238-9378.

The most embarrassing thing I’ve ever done…
Nix: That’d probably be my haircut in the early ‘90s.
Gierth: Yeah!

I have a secret fetish for…
N: Laksa.
G: Me too!

I like it hard when…
N: I wanna rock.
G: We play on a gig.

If I were an animal, I’d be…
N: A dog.
G: A whale—I like the ocean.

My biggest pet peeve is…
N: Spitting in public.
G: Getting totally drunk in public.

Sexy is…
N: A state of mind.
G: Eye contact and a beautiful smile.

The biggest challenge in spinning mixes is…
N: To get drinks.
G: When you urgently need to go to the toilet.

Stoneface & Terminal spins at the Volume Euphonic Night with Kyau & Albert, July 20 at Avalon.
 

Beer Market
This spacious setting can fill 300 spectators—no worries about overcrowding here. Its multiple LCD screens also mean that you won’t have to worry about conflicting sport schedules.

Boomarang Bistro & Bar
One of the few bars here that open in the morning, this laid-back spot lets you watch Olympic hockey and shooting games as early as 3:30pm while knocking back Aussie favorites like Victoria Bitter and Pure Blonde.

Muddy Murphy’s
Cheer your favorites on with ale while tucking into the hearty Irish stew or Guinness pie.

The Dugout Sports Bar
Knock back affordable pints (from $10) while watching the Olympics at this cozy bar in the eastside heartland. Bonus: There’s no service charge here.

Zouk Winebar
Watch the Games at this established hot spot, one of the best places to hang out after dinner and before the night of dancing begins.

I established KnowThySelf because of my desire to truly understand myself and to help others do the same so that they can learn how to make themselves happy.

I ‘psycho-educate’ my clients so they become their own counselors. Each one of us is the expert of our own life.

When I was young, I liked to sing in foreign languages which I did not understand. I still do in the shower.

Seeing the transformation of another being is the best part of my job.

I come from a ‘victim mentality’ culture with victim-like core beliefs deeply ingrained in me. It has been a challenging and evolving journey to liberate myself, change my way of thinking and thereafter, my behavior.

The beginning was when I decided to walk out of my marriage with a few ‘toys,’ a three-year-old child, and an empty piggy bank.

The second phase occured when I was at a personal growth and development course, and to my horror, I realized I still hoped someone would rescue me and lift the load off my shoulders.

Sometimes, it’s good to be alone. I enjoy exploring alone—theatre, movies, dance, exhibitions and anything to do with the arts.

I believe kindness is the most important trait in a man.

Ghandi’s compassion, freedom, integrity and acceptance inspire me.

My most embarrassing moment was when my water bag burst at the entrance of Regent Hotel. I had to waddle over to the ladies’ room while dripping from my waterbag.

Deciding to stop playing victim and to take charge of my life was the best decision I ever made—deciding to leave my marriage and taking my child along with me.

I don’t really worry about anything, but I fear war and hatred.

My eyes are my best feature.

Ten years from now I’ll probably be sitting on the branch of a tree and laughing away with my grandchild.

I don’t think about success as I constantly strive to be the best that I can be.

My most common phrase is, “This too shall pass.”

Life is a journey and the joy is in the travelling. I am a work-in-progress and always will be.