We all know that the online world is filled with weirdos, and if you don’t believe us, clearly you’re only wading in the shallow end of the Internet pool. But if you think that those bad jokes and silly comic strips your colleague has been circulating via the office email is the extent of it, you’re in for a surprise.

With the recent advent of community-driven Internet video hosting sites—the three most popular being YouTube (www.youtube.com), Google Video (http://video.google.com) and Yahoo! Video (http://video.yahoo.com)—the nut jobs have come out of the woodwork, with some hilarious results.

We decided to brave the insanity and explore what these sites have to offer. Be warned though—you may never want to return to conventional television after checking these videos out.

1. Treading New Ground

Much like how indie Brit band The Artic Monkeys broke out because of Internet word-of-mouth, indie band OK Go shot to fame thanks to their rather, um, unique video for the track “Here It Goes Again.” Featuring the band doing—we kid you not—a series of synchronized dances on treadmills, OK Go released the video onto YouTube, resulting in the band becoming a commonly emulated cult success—and changing the way the world looked at treadmills forever.

2. Busted!

Ah, the wonders of technology! With a webcam, no matter how far away you are from your loved one, you can still say good night face-to-face. Unfortunately, this means they can also get an eye-full of the other man that accidentally walks into your room, wearing only a towel while you’re having your video conversation. Check out this brief, but hilarious video at Google Video—search for “caught.”

3. Illegal Downloading. It’s Illegal.

We’ve all been subjected to those anti-piracy advertisements that equate piracy to other heinous crimes like carjacking. These ads often overdo it so much that they unintentionally come off as more comical than anything. The guys at Awkward Pictures decided to turn those commercials onto their head, by spoofing the ads and exposing just how over-the-top and ineffective they really are.

4. Hard Time

Some things just can’t get lost in translation, no matter how much you want them to. Originally getting his start in various Japanese TV variety programs, Razor Ramon Hard Gay (more popularly known as HG) became an online phenomenon when word of his antics spread on YouTube. The premise of HG is simple: A rather flamboyant young man, dressed in a kinky leather S&M get-up, struts around the streets of Tokyo, dry humping anything (and anyone) in sight and frightening the natives with hilarious results. Pay a visit to the HG site www.hard-gay.org, which has a list of YouTube links to check out

5. Milli Vanilli Complex

There are just some people out there who don’t seem to understand how ridiculous they look when they’re lip-synching along to their favorite tunes. It only gets worse when these same people post movies of themselves online. The most popular of these is of a rather chunky young man shaking and grooving along to that infamously annoying O-Zone track “Dragostea din Tei,” better known as “that Numa Numa song” (go to Google Video and search for “Numa Numa”). The video became such a huge phenomenon that it’s actually still being ripped off by other shameless online denizens today.

Astonished by the sheer strangeness that can be found online? Well, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Online video sites are quite addictive, so don’t be surprised to find yourself browsing and searching their seemingly limitless libraries for hours—and not just for these oddities either. There are clips like stand-up comedy routines (comedian Russell Peters’ fame locally could arguably be attributed to fans sharing his skits on the sites), music videos and snippets from your favorite TV shows.

But these sites are not just for geeks. Contrary to the examples we’ve listed, Internet video sites aren’t just about silliness. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker looking for a platform and audience for your work, a blogger interested in making the jump to the latest trend of video blogging, or you simply want to impress your future employer with a video resume, the only limits to the uses for these sites is what you make of them.

Channel Changer

YouTube is arguably the most talked about Internet video site. Its popularity stems from being one of the first video hosting services to catch users’ attentions. The user-friendliness of its interface also helps—signing up is a synch, and once you’ve validated your membership, you’re ready to get your videos online. You’re allowed to upload files up to 100MB in size and ten minutes in length only, so be sure to keep it brief.

YouTube’s nearest competitor is Google Video. If you’ve got a Gmail account, you can just log in with that. If not, it’ll take a few steps before you can start uploading. Like YouTube, your video needs to be no more than 100MB in size. It may not be as popular as YouTube, but Google Video also offers cool features like the ability to legally download your favorite shows.

Even though Yahoo! Video is the least popular of the three, this certainly isn’t a reflection of its user-friendliness; it’s as easy to get into as the aforementioned hosting site, but unfortunately just isn’t as talked about. Like Google Video, if you have a Yahoo! Mail account, you can already start uploading. It’s a simple interface, which produces rather ordinary results and nothing to really set itself apart from its competitors, but if you’re not looking to do anything complicated, Yahoo!’s fine.
All three allow you to embed videos onto your blogs or websites, by copying and pasting the embed code that’s usually located next to or right under the video itself.

Biking, running, swimming or even the occasional jog—chances are that the majority of our fitness regime is made up of cardiovascular workouts. After all, a good cardio exercise is one of the easiest ways to keep fit. Recently, however, cardio’s had to share the limelight with another kind of training—weights.

Weighing the Options

If the focus on this particular kind of workout seems a little sudden, you’d be surprised to know that the movement for weight (or resistance) training began in the late ’90s when the fitness boom hit. “People became more aware of the different ways of keeping fit, especially after the government’s push for a healthier lifestyle,” says Joan Liew, a 30-year-old director with Fitness Factory. “The trend became a lot more popular around a year or so ago, when more fitness clubs started popping up,” adds Silas Rabi, a 35-year-old trainer for Fitness 360.

Unlike its aerobic counterpart—which is more concerned simply with fat burning—a weight workout is also designed to increase muscular strength and endurance, while improving muscle tone and appearance. “Weight training improves strength, and strength can improve physical performance. This leads to a greater enjoyment of recreational and leisure activities, which are not just limited to sports,” elaborates Liew. “Moderate strength will help lessen fatigue. If you’re in shape, you can go farther and feel better.”

And building up your strength isn’t the only appeal of weight workouts. “By embarking on a regular weight training program it can allow an improved sense of well-being through the physical effects of improving strength,” adds Liew. “And looking good means feeling good as well.”

The reasons for weights’ rise in popularity aren’t just superficial and recreational ones either. While trainers stress that both types of workouts are important for the body, a cardio workout alone isn’t enough to maintain muscle fitness. Conditioned muscles help promote healthier attributes such as better posture and support for your joints, and decreases your chances of sustaining injuries. This also means that, in the long run when you’re older, weight training will aid your mobility. After all, Rabi says, “Not many people know that weights are the only form of training that helps build up bone density. “

Pump It Up

Unlike cardio workouts, where all you’d need to do is slip into your running shoes or head to the pool, weight workouts obviously use a variety of equipment, which can generally be segregated into two categories—free weights and machines.

“Machines have been designed to stress every major muscle group,” explains Liew. Some types of machines include those that use weights for resistance, isokinetic machines, and pneumatic devices. “Free weights are typically barbells and dumbbells. Most resistance exercises, be it free weights or machines, use gravity to create resistance.”

It’s suggested that beginners with no prior experience with weight training start with the machines. “A machine weight exercise incorporates a guided application of variable resistance that follows a path of an elliptical, circular or kidney-bean shaped track or lever system,” explains Liew. “It would be easier for a total beginner to learn the proper technique of the particular exercise before commencing with free weights.”

Once you’ve got the feel of it, however, don’t abandon machine weights altogether. Trainers encourage that you mix up both free and machine weights in your training program, as each has its own set of advantages—free weights, for example, develop better balance, while machine weights encourage safer positioning.

There’s no hard and fast rule about how to utilize weight training to its full potential, as it’s all based on each person’s capabilities. Rabi, however, says that there’s a simple way to measure how effective the workout is for you. “As long as you can do a maximum of 15 repetitions, but are still struggling a little, that’s the ideal weight. If you find yourself being able to do the 15 reps easily, then it’s time to increase the resistance,” he explains.

Of course, with all this equipment, the question of safety usually does turn up for anyone looking to make the shift and include some weights along with their cardio. “Understandably, a lot of people have a fear of workouts that involve weights, but like cardio, weights are generally quite safe,” assures Rabi. Just like in cardio, moderation really is the key to keeping yourself safe. “Cardio and weights train the use of different energy systems and the various age groups will have their specific limitations,” adds Liew. “But they’re both very safe, as long as everything is done within your personal capabilities.”

Beefcake!

There’s a tendency to associate weight training with weight lifters and the overly muscular physique of body builders. While a nice bod is one of the aims of this type of workout, a figure that’s really bulked up may seem unattractive to some and is one of the main concerns of anyone who wants to take up the training. Liew, however, assures us that to even get to that level would really be quite unlikely. “It’s a whole different ball game,” agrees Rabi. “You’re talking about hours of commitment and an entirely different diet altogether.” In fact, he adds, it’s even more difficult for ladies in particular to beef up to Schwarzenegger proportions, due to the lack of testosterone.

At the end of it, despite a shift in popularity, trainers say that both types of workouts are equally important to your well-being, complimenting each other with what they have to offer.

Hangin' Buff

If you’re looking to add weight training into your workout regime, drop a line to either of these personal trainers:

Fitness Factory 8298-0109, [email protected]

Fitness 360 International #03-11 The Gallery Hotel Complex, 76 Robertson Quay, 6366-4588, [email protected]

With our busy lives in a concrete jungle (albeit one with lots of bouganvilleas), it’s easy to forget that we’ve got an abundance of parks right in our midst. Some are nestled in quiet corners of the island, while others are right in the city. If you think they’re nothing but jogging havens and the locale du jour for the neighborhood tai chi club, think again. Each of our parks has its own personality, so we decided to go a-trekkin’ to check out which park is best for what activity—traditional or otherwise.

Naughty in Nature

Before we proceed to give you the rundown on the best parks for a romp, be warned that if you get caught, we will not be held responsible for your embarrassment (or legal bills).

If you’ve never heard of Pearl’s Hill City Park, you’ll be forgiven. Located in a quiet part of Chinatown, this tranquil park has little to offer besides peace
and quiet ... which really is what eager young couples might be looking for. Find one of the more secluded benches, as opposed to those that face the surrounding flats (unless, of course, you’re into that sort of thing) for a little bit of hanky panky.

Also, for those of you who aren’t in the know, Mount Faber Park has had quite the rep as a great place to make-out (and sometimes to do even more). Nothing sets the mood better than the park’s romantic view of the harbor and ocean. Of course, with such a reputation Mount Faber gets busy and you might have to fend off other couples looking to have a little fun as well.

Here Comes the Bride

Couples in Singapore love to take wedding photos before their wedding day at the most peculiar places, and it is not unusual to see a bride hauling her heavy, puffy white dress up the steps of City Hall or across the lawns of the Botanic Gardens.

But nothing beats this popular wedding photo spot at East Coast Park, located right next to the East Coast Sea Sport Club ... a sewage pipe that juts out into the sea. This location may seem a little unorthodox to say the least, but brides and grooms come here for the perfect ocean backdrop. Hey, when you show your friends and relatives the photos they can’t tell if you’re on top of a sewage pipe or on board a luxury cruise liner right? Be careful though, ladies—the pipe is slippery, and you don’t want sludge on your white gown.

Dog Gone It

Dog owners who want their four-legged friends to get more exercise than a trot around the estate can head to the dog run at Bishan Park. This park features a small fenced up area for man’s best friend to run around in—leash free—and fetch, jump and chase to their hearts’ content. Be sure your K9’s on its best behavior when it socializes with its doggy neighbors and don’t forget to clean up its mess. The dog run is located at Bishan Park II, a short walk away from the Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 bus stop opposite Blk. 338, and is open from 6pm to 8pm from Mondays to Sundays, and 8am to 11am for Saturdays and Sundays.

Spa in the Park

After pampering your pet, why not also give yourself a treat at Aramsa—The Garden Spa (Bishan Park II, 1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, 6456-6556), the first spa in a park. Offering treatments like body wraps and massages, this garden spa also sports the aptly-named restaurant The Green Room, which serves up healthy spa cuisine and fresh juices indoor and alfresco. It’s open from 10am to 5pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and 10am to 7pm on Sundays and public holidays.

Get Sporty

Our parks are the closest we get to having wide open spaces. While they may not exactly be the great outdoors, they are good enough for outdoor sport. You already know about cycling and inline skating that are mainstays at East Coast Park almost every day. For rentals, you can check out Beach Cabana (East Coast Park Area C, 6344-4773), which charges $4 to $7 per hour for mountain bikes, $5 to $8 per hour for double bikes, and $7 to $10 for skates.

If you’re looking to join kayakers paddling out in the ocean, you can rent your own kayak at Kayak Sports n Beach Pub (Along East Coast Parkway Area E, Carpark E2, 9620-5672). While kayaking is not terribly strenuous (unless you are paddling against strong currents), it does give you a good workout.

When the weather’s favorable, windsurfing is a great option. You can rent whatever equipment you may need from the East Coast Sea Sport Club (1390 East Coast Parkway, 6444-0409), so long as you have the proper certification. Rates are at $30 per hour for non-members and $16 for members of the club.

But the coolest attraction for all you sports junkies is cable-skiing. An alternative to sailing out in the wide open sea, cable-skiing is great for giving it the go-around, or if you’re a little more daring, ramp jumping to show what a badass you are. For this, head down to SKI360° (1206A East Coast Parkway, 6442-7318). Rates depend on whether you go on a weekday or weekend, and vary by the hour, so you should check out their website at http://www.ski360degree.com for more details.

Back In My Day (Ho Hum)...

For history buffs of all ages out there, there are World War II sites in our parks to interest you. While these attractions are mostly for out-of-towners, they are well worth it if you don’t mind playing tourist for the day, and you will learn something interesting. So get your noses out of dusty old books and troop off to these historical sights.

Labrador Nature Reserve offers a tour that takes you through its Secret Tunnels (Labrador Park, Carpark A, Labrador Villa Rd., 6339-6833)—a maze of passages beneath the park that were used during the War by the British. Go underground for just $8 for adults and $5 for kids. Tours are from 10am to 7pm daily.

Similarly, check out the Battle Box (51 Canning Rise, 6333-0510) at Fort Canning Park, which takes you to the very bunker where the British decided to surrender to the Japanese. Tickets for this tour are at $8 for adults and $5 for kids. Operating hours are from 10am to 6pm daily.

Also at Fort Canning are cool monuments such as the memorial walls at Fort Canning Green that are adorned with simple gravestones with epitaphs to the early settlers in Singapore. These gravestones are from a Christian cemetery that lay there until 1885.

Drinks and the Beach

Sometimes, nothing beats a quiet drink. Well, nothing except a quiet drink with a great view, that is. Again, East Coast Park comes out top in this department. Aside from the ever popular BFD (#01-00, Marine Cove 1000 East Coast Parkway, 6244-4434) you should also check out The Beach Hut (Blk. B, Unit 21, 1000, Marine Cove, 6245-1932) which has the right idea with its cozy, holiday kind of vibe and a view of the beach and the sea beyond. Likewise, Irish pub Scruffy Murphy’s (Blk. 7, Marine Cove, 6449 7717) has an equally choice location along the same stretch, with a homely cottage-type feel.

All these places offer live music every week—Scruffy Murphy’s on Friday evenings, The Beach Hut from Wednesday to Saturday and BFD on weekends­—as well as booze at reasonable prices, making them the perfect spots to unwind at after a day of biking or cable skiing.

Dig In

And, East Coast Park is the park when it comes to dining too. It’s impossible not to mention the East Coast Lagoon Food Centre (1220 East Coast Parkway). Located a short walk away from SKI360°, the hawker center has become a popular staple of the park over the years, serving up favorites like satay and wanton noodles. Being by the beach gives this hawker center a breezy, laid back atmosphere, unlike the sometimes stuffy hawker centers in buildings. Getting seats can be a bit of a pain though, so come in a small group.

Alternatively, on the opposite end of SKI360° is the East Coast Seafood Centre, that includes the particularly good Fisherman’s Village (#01-06, 1204 East Coast Parkway, 6336-2228) and Jumbo Seafood (#01-07/08, 1206 East Coast Parkway, 6442-3435). There’s indoor and alfresco dining, but we recommend you take a seat outside to enjoy the sea breeze. Calling ahead is definitely advised, so you can get the table of your choice.

You could also check out Marine Cove (1000 East Coast Parkway), a collection of fast food joints, coffee houses and other eateries, such as Mango Tree Indian Coastal Restaurant (6442-8655).

Eating Out

Prefer a picnic or a barbeque instead of hawker and restaurant food? Well, there’s plenty of opportunity for that too. Perfect picnic spots include Fort Canning Green at Fort Canning Park and the area in front of Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Both are wide open spaces, so no matter how crowded they get, you’ll always have ample space.

If the picnicing seems too much like a family thing and you just want to kick back with friends, Pasir Ris Park has barbeque pits available all around the park, but be sure to book them in advance through an online form at http://www.axs.com.sg. You’ll receive a call to confirm your booking some time after you’ve sent in the form.

Animal Magnetism

If you think that the only animals loose in Singapore are reckless beasts on the roads, think again. The nature trails at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and MacRitchie Reservoir Park offer you a glimpse of monkeys, squirrels and bloody huge lizards, just to name a few.
While these creatures are awesome to see in the wild, don’t get soft and feed them, as that ruins their diet and encourages them to approach visitors instead of foraging and hunting. It’s best not to bring along any food; although keep in mind that each of these trails are lengthy ones so take some refreshment, such as a bottle of water. Trekking these trails could take up to two hours, depending on your pace.

Bird’s Eye

Hiking on nature trails is a great way to enjoy nature, but an even better way is to go up high—to the HSBC Treetop Walk at MacRitchie. A suspension bridge that sways 25 meters above the ground, this treetop canopy walk provides you with a magnificent view—especially in the mornings—of the surrounding nature reserve. We’ve got to warn you though, just getting to the bridge from the car park takes about an hour, so be prepared to devote an entire afternoon to this hike. But it’s well worth the sweat—when you’re standing in the middle of the bridge, taking in the view and enjoying a refreshing breeze unlike anything you get in the city, you’ll agree too.

The walk is open from 9am to 5pm on Tuesdays to Fridays and 8:30am to 5pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. It is is closed on Mondays (except public holidays).

Swamped

If the closest you’ve come to a swamp is watching the latest Pirates of the Caribbean movie, maybe it’s time you go and check out a real swamp for yourself. There are a couple of parks in Singapore where mangrove swamps are preserved, with an abundance of unique plant and animal life.

The mangrove swamp at Pasir Ris Park, although quite small, is interesting. Animals aren’t very common here, but there are some curious looking species of fish. And if you’re craving a little bit of quiet time, this place is excellent—the path that runs through the swamp is peppered with rest stops, including one that overlooks the Tampines River. To get to the swamp, go to Meeting Point Two, along Pasir Ris Green.

You could also swing by the Sungei Buloh Wetlands. You’re likely to find more animal life here, like water snakes, crabs and a resident family of otters, so keep a camera handy. Entry is free on weekdays; and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public and school holidays it’ll only cost you $1 (or $0.50 for children, senior citizens and students).

Sleepover

For anyone who’s ever wanted to sleep under the stars, we suggest pitching a tent at Pasir Ris Park. There are plenty of camping spots along the beach where you can fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing. Much like with barbequing in this park, you’ll have to book in advance—can’t have just anyone loitering around now, can we? To submit an application form, surf over to the National Parks Board website (http://www.nparks.gov.sg), click on the “online-services” section and select the Usage of Parks Application form. Expect a call after you’ve submitted the form.

All parked out

So, who said our parks are all the same? Keep this in mind the next time you’re staring blankly out your window at work, wondering what to do this weekend.