It's funny how we find solidarity in times like these. I've had more MRT interactions (bad and good) with commuters in the past few days than I've had in my whole life. I had some nice aunties asking me about work and family (I work admin and have 2 children in primary school: FALSE, I just have a vibrant imagination), told some strangers about my asthma problems as a child, overheard a conversation about foreign workers between two Shenton Way types. ~New Friendships~ 

Aside new friendships in real life, and as with any notable event or happening in Singapore, there'll be a flurry of social media activation: with #sgHaze trending, various pictures of fogged up skylines, people in masks posing, PSI Index updates, my mom telling me to remember to bring my inhaler, FB statuses calling for a non-work day, and other things. Sense of community in real life and on social media, well done everyone!  

As we write this, the PSI level reads 371, meaning it is in hazardous stages now. From the office window, Orchard Road looks like foggy London. Lolwhat, never. But truth, visibility is bad, the air smells rank, don't panic everyone, remember to breathe lol no. Okay okay, we make jokes a lot but do stay safe people. We will pull through and maybe next week the news headlines will be something other than the haze! Here's our Haze Care Package for all of you, comes with a playlist. 

Non haze-related but fairly interesting news: 

• World War Z is out in cinemas today, and it's pretty good.
• Rest in peace, Tony Soprano.
• Microsoft caves in to gamers, Xbox One will no longer restrict used games, no mandatory online authentication, no region locking - putting them on a level playing field with Sony's PS4. 
• Chinese telecom company Huawei unveils the Ascend P6, the world's slimmest smartphone.
• Russell Brand is a brilliant man, mocks American media on MSNBC morning show. 
• Four Tet confirms he is Burial (no, not really).
• One more week to Baybeats 2013! 
• Anchorman 2 trailer is out! We are in a glass case of emotion. 
• Electronic music legends Boards Of Canada have a new album out after a 7-year hiatus, and it sounds great!
• iPhoneographers rejoice - the revamped VSCO cam app is out, and it's free!

Playlist: 

Youth - Daughter
And if you're still breathing you're the lucky ones, 'cos most of us are heaving through corrupted lungs.

Breathe Easy - Blue
IIIIIII can't breathe easyyyyy. 

The Air That I Breathe - The Hollies 
Self explanatory.

No Sunlight - Death Cab For Cutie
And there was no sunlight, no sunlight. 

The Swimming Song - Loudon Wainwright III
This summer I might have drowned, but I held my breath and kicked my feet. 

Between Two Lungs - Florence + The Machine
Trapped between two lungs.

Smokers Outside Hospital Doors - The Editors
Now run as fast as you can, through this field of trees.

This Mess We're In - Thom Yorke & PJ Harvey
A sexy song about bleak cities.