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Freelance Copywriter & Designer living and working in Singapore. This blog is a repository of stuff I love, and love to share. You can find me too on Twitter and Flickr. Best viewed in Safari. Quips & Quotes Stay hungy. Stay foolish. Stewart Brand as quoted by Steve Jobs. I'm promiscuous when it comes to bookstores. Lewis Buzbee in The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop. Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience. This is the ideal life. Mark Twain You gotta stop wishing your wishbone where your backbone has to be. Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat Pray Love Bibliophiles & More Illustrated Blogs Really Good Food Stuff I Like Other Cool Folk Drop me a comment if you know of any good sites I should include here. Thanks! Random Books Archives Links     |
Sunday, February 21, 2010 A change is coming...
Oh wow! What a year it has been! So many things, so many moments, so many people have passed through my life.
One of the bigger changes is I'll be moving this blog to a new custom domain (with Blogger) and off my current FTP host. Haven't quite decided on the new name but I know I want it to reflect these changes and what's to come. One of the biggest involves a special someone. More on this later. This blog will be up till end July and I'll post the new url long before that. So...what's everyone been up to? # posted by purplefugue : 3:24 PM Wednesday, June 10, 2009 The Best of Times! What a year that was! Blue & gold everywhere. Packed football games and alcoholic tailgating parties. Rabid fans tearing down the goal post in the dying minutes of the WVU and Pitt game in what has always been billed as a 'backyard brawl'. Every television on campus (and I believe the state) tuned to ESPN when WVU played. It was a magical year when Don Nehlen led his team and the college to victory after victory. I remember 1988 as the best year ever for me too. That year, everything in my life fell into place and just clicked. I listened to my heart and switched majors. Ha! I knew what I wanted to do, who I was going to be and where I wanted to go. It was truly the best of times. Every now and then, I stumble on news of WVU, old college friends, the football team, and I get all tingly with memories. I guess it is true after all: once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer! 
# posted by purplefugue : 3:04 PM  Pity that Adam's gay cause he's just soooo gorgeous. Quite unfair to all us women who'd love to have a chance with him. I know... me bad. # posted by purplefugue : 12:59 PM Saturday, April 25, 2009 Update
What with the new job, this beastly hot weather (temps have neared 40C!!), and a really bad bout of flu (at least I think that's what I had or was it mycoplasma?) - I've not been online much.
For the past 2 weeks, I've had a chronic cough that's kept me up at night. It was the result of a severe congestion that affected my ears, nose and throat, along with general tiredness, a bad upset stomach, fever and body aches. Then it got so bad that I lost my voice for nearly a week. It came back last Friday but I've been coughing ever since. The coughs are particularly bad at night when I'm lying down. Bad enough for me to throw up. Finally saw my doctor again, and I've got a post-nasal drip that explains the itchy scratchy throat and coughing. Sounds sexy, right? *Eyes rolling* I'm now on some pretty serious meds that knock me out about 40 mins after I've taken them. Instead of my computer (this is the first time I've touched it in 2.5 weeks), I've been using my baby, my iPhone and twitting. 140 characters of news, comments and rants have been all I could handle while in bed. Till now. Nearly 96% better now. I also have to confess: I've not picked up a book in WEEKS! I hope to change that soon. I'm looking for a seriously fun book that's utterly without any merit, values or life lessons. Also known as trashy romance or page-turning thrillers. Recommendations welcomed. So... what's been going on in your universe? Hope everyone's well and keeping cool (I'm so jealous if cold weather is still upon you!). If you have a spare rain cloud or two, send them my way. Singapore is baking in a furnace from hell! # posted by purplefugue : 11:37 PM Tuesday, April 07, 2009 Apologies
...for being away so long. I've just started another job at a new place, this time with a little bit of a learning curve.
It's still in design but in branding and packaging - quite different from the usual stuff I've done before. Terminology, processes and requirements take a bit of getting used to. Plus, I have a new set of colleagues to get to know, names to remember, and adapt to new personalities. And this is a much larger company. Egad! Ah...such is the vagabond life of a contract employee! However, I'm hoping that this 6-month contract position (I'll be here till October) may turn into a full-time post. Crossing fingers and toes (although the latter is kinda tough when wearing sneakers)! On a lighter note - I'm off to KL again on Thursday night for the long Easter weekend. What new stuff will I find from plundering the stores there, hmmm? I'll blog if I can and give full details later. I've also been assigned by my crafty cousin at whose place I'm residing, to make an English tea for some visiting friends (from the UK, of course) this Friday. We planned the menu thus: Cream Scones with Strawberries and Clotted Cream, Cucumber (or Pate) Sandwiches, Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies (these maybe replace with store-bought) and pots of Tea. Simple, fuss-free and quite English, don't you think? And yes, I'll post some pics but only if they all turn out looking as good as they should. Have a good weekend everyone (albeit a tad bit early of a wish). UPDATE: My KL trip's cancelled. I've got the flu and am staying put this weekend. # posted by purplefugue : 2:02 PM Friday, March 20, 2009 Panic
I had my heart in mouth when it happened to me about a month back.
Thanks Flee, for the link! Labels: Geek Stuff, General # posted by purplefugue : 1:01 PM Monday, March 02, 2009 Serves Christie's and France right! They've been traded, legally or illegally, ever since. Until they landed into the collection of the late fashion designer Yves St Laurent. When they were put on auction just last month, the Chinese government stepped in to ask for their return. However, Christies and Pierre Berge (St Laurent's partner) refused. In fact, M. Berge offered to return them if China freed Tibet (which is an entirely different political argument altogether). The French court backed the sale saying China has little claim to the bronzes, since it was looted over a century ago. Hmm... I suppose if the Mona Lisa was stolen during Germany's invasion during WWII and spirited out of the country, and sold several times over the years, and then appeared on auction in about 100 years, France should just zip it because the last owner bought it legally. And Christie's would be allowed to sell it. HA! You know that that would never happen. By the way, she was stolen in 1911, and rediscovered in 1913. So it gave me great satisfaction to hear that the Chinese collector who bought it, now has no intention of paying for it. He did it as a patriotic act to stop the sale, embarrassing France and Christie's in the process. Christie's could always re-sell the bronzes but the unwanted media attention and notoriety will render them undesirable to collectors. Perhaps now they'll be returned to China. # posted by purplefugue : 10:40 PM Tuesday, February 17, 2009  Me on Flickr
I've re-discovered flickr. Thanks to the iPhone, I've been taking pictures and playing around with the fun filters available at the Apps Store. And also experimenting with my Lumix a bit more. Stop by for a look.
# posted by purplefugue : 8:00 PM Wednesday, January 21, 2009 My Mac is sick
I'm sneaking in this post at work to let you know that I'm looking after a rather sick Mac. Will be back (in a couple of days)as soon as I can get it fixed. I'm hoping it's nothing serious, and that I don't have to get a new Mac yet - holding out till end February.
# posted by purplefugue : 10:26 AM Sunday, January 18, 2009 Are you on Facebook?
I'm one of the hold outs. I know I could use it to reconnect with everyone I've ever met but I'm still not 100% sold.
At last count, there are 150 million users around the world keeping track of each others activities, uploading photos, sending pokes, making new friends; generally connecting to people they would otherwise would not be in touch with, keeping friends and family updated on their very busy lives or general networking. It all sounds so easy and fun but that has not quite made me jump out of my seat to sign up. I already have an online presence: I've got this blog (which I've been quite delinquent sometimes in updating), friends HAVE found me by googling my name, clients have found me by dropping by my website. I'm starting up my Flickr photos again (thinking of going pro), read several online magazines and newspapers, drop in as often as I can at my favourite blogs, am a member of several sites, and surf to lots more when I find interesting links. And this is just my online activities! In real life, I work a regular job, do freelance writing, try to read regularly and often, crochet (halfway to finishing a granny square blanket), sketch, beadwork, cook & bake, take photographs, hang out with friends, regularly call and email friends and family, and veg when I can. With all this on my plate, how on earth am I to find time to even BE on Facebook? It's not just a 'no time' issue - I don't see any direct benefit for me other than it might be fun. And then it'll become just another online thing I have to maintain, and a possible drag. I could be eating my words before the end of this year is out, but I'm stubbornly refusing to budge despite friends urging me to join. I've never been a 'groupie' - I did the whole Greek thing in college but never felt a true fit, joined various groups in school because I HAD to (school requirements), and didn't enjoy those either. I need ONE really good reason as to why I should be on Facebook. And until someone gives me that, I'm staying right here. Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 4:46 PM Wednesday, January 14, 2009 It's back!
The madness has started all over again.
American Idol is back. With all the bad singers, so-so singers and the really great ones. Not to mention the crazies, the disillusioned wannabes and those rude, cocky ones with non-existent talents. I love watching the first few episodes to see them all appear. Then settle down for the long haul as the chaff is slowly tossed out. This is going to be a fun ride. Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 10:58 PM Sunday, January 11, 2009 First Singapore Tattoo Convention Click on picture for a better view. What an amazing event! There were over 100 artists from China, Taiwan, Philippines, US, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Australia and Singapore, including Miami Ink's Chris Garver. There's a distinctive whine in the air the minute you enter the hall. Every other person there sports some kind of body modification art. What blew me away was the artistry of the tattooists. It's one thing to see such tattoos in magazines or online, but quite another to see the art taking shape one someone's body. These guys are fantastic illustrators whose medium is the needle and ink. And their art is gorgeous. There were also tattooists employing the more traditional techniques from Borneo and Thailand - needle, ink and hammer. MAJOR OUCH! It looks super painful. Think I'll just enjoy the art and admire it from waaaaaay over here. I was so tempted to get something - anything - the excitement and creativity were infectious. But those needles...I'd need general anaesthesia first! Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 12:20 AM Friday, January 02, 2009 New Year's in KL # posted by purplefugue : 8:45 PM Tuesday, December 30, 2008 Happy New Year!
I'll be taking a break from blogging for the next couple of days as I'm flying off to my cousin's place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia tomorrow. We'll be staying at the Mandarin Oriental for one night to catch the New Year's eve celebrations downtown including fireworks! Then it's just a few days of chill-out fun except for some shopping to catch the sales.
See you all in 2009! # posted by purplefugue : 5:39 PM Sunday, December 21, 2008 Massage
After a tension filled week, I got an appointment for a back massage to iron on various knots and kinks in my shoulder. Oh...my...goodness...! After confessing my embarrasingly low threshold of pain, the masseuse applied only 25% of her usual strength. But it was still a "sweet pain" that followed. Not only did she use her hands, she used hot stones to aid the massage effect. Oooo...
My shoulders, especially the right one, are very tight and she spend some considerable time kneading the muscles there. The pain was enough for me to tear up. Now I'm home, drinking hot green tea which is suppose to 'flush away the toxins'. I will be sore for the next few days but already the tension between my shoulder blades, is gone. By the way, did you know that other parts of the body hold a lot of tension besides the shoulders? They are the heels, calves and bum, parts we always overlook when the shoulders are screaming. Oh boy, was there pain when she tackled those areas! And yes, I'm going back. Next month. Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 1:14 AM Friday, December 19, 2008 Bad, bad, bad...
Before the holidays overwhelm (as it is, I'm already feeling the pressure of NOT having done my Christmas shopping yet!), I did a check on the books read this past year.
P A T H E T I C! As of today, I've read: Fiction: 4 (5 when I'm done with Maguire) Non-Fiction: 4 eBook (iPhone): 1 S&S (aka Started & Stopped): 3. That's barely a book a month! I'm so ashamed, mad, disappointed... Especially when I remember a not too distant past when I could devour a book in 4 days! But what with work AND freelance, I find myself reading on my trips between places, waiting for anything or anyone, lunch breaks, before bed... I admit that there have been some empty spaces, but after a day of staring at the computer, the last thing I want to do is look at more words again. But...I'm going to change this. My reading habit that is. I will read more and I will read more often. No pressure - You hear me, self? I miss the whole 'sit down with a book' moment. Those totally indulgent selfish moments when I set aside a few hours for myself, deadlines and 'must-dos' be dammed. I'd like to get my total up to 24 books in 2009, mere pittance when compared to what some other bibliophiles are consuming. Anyway, that's one of my goals for 2009. Read. And get more freelance copywriting jobs. # posted by purplefugue : 3:43 PM Saturday, December 13, 2008 Opening of ... There are 100 different flavours in 10 series with some of the most exotic flavours I've seen yet! I bought the four bars above (click on the image for a larger version). And the cheese one? It's actually Parmesan! But before you say "yuk!" - it's delicious! Some of the more unusual flavours include Cardamon with Almond and Lemongrass, Longan with Pumpkin Seed and Sichuan Pepper. What's more, these chocolates are made right here in Singapore from Belgian couvertures.  Yes, the chocolates would make great gifts especially stocking stuffers, and no! they're not expensive. One bar (slight smaller than an iPhone) is about S$10. # posted by purplefugue : 4:39 PM Monday, December 08, 2008 Preparing for Christmas... What you see there is about one-quarter of what's in the boxes. It took nearly 3.5 hours this year to get everything that should be hung, on to the tree. Only to discover my lights don't work! Grrr... Don't you hate it when that happens? Once I get new lights and have strung them up, a fully-dressed Christmas tree picture will soon follow. It's beginning to feel a bit like Christmas...despite the 32 degree Celsius weather and monsoon rains. But considering the first Christmas was in a desert, this isn't so bad. # posted by purplefugue : 2:01 AM Friday, September 26, 2008 Catch up
It's finally here - Formula One. And it's taking place in our very streets this weekend. Yawn!
Downtown, streets have been prepared and roads have been blocked. Traffic is horrendous and everyone knows to stay away from the Marina Bay area unless you are going to the race. I heard, a Grandstand ticket is about S$7,500 (comes with champagne dinner, a yacht cruise etc). Goodness, that can buy me 2.5 Macbooks! Or a trip to my sister PLUS a week's stay in NYC! I caught Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona last night. I throughly enjoyed exploring Barcelona through Allen's lens, with a lot of Gaudi's architecture thrown in. The movie was good with many funny moments where Penelope Cruz shone. And oh! Javier Badem is just so incredibly hot and sexy and gorgeous and sinful and did I say hot? If all Spanish men look like that, I'm moving to Spain. I'll finally admit it here - I have a thing for men with fuzzy faces. Not a full-on Father Christmas beard, but that well-maintained 2, 3 day stubble. It can take the sculpted look of a goat-tee, a light tuft on the chin, (which a friend calls 'crotch hair' - ACK!) or a sharply trimmed 5 o' clock shadow, 3 days gone. No, I don't think it's rough (in fact I like that scratchy feeling...hmmm) and to me, it makes for an incredibly 'can i tear the shirt off your body' guy. Haha! I'm still here, reading (juggling Four Seasons in Rome, and The Sandman Books 2 to 6) but haven't had time to post any reviews. Hope everyone's well. I'll come a-visiting soon. # posted by purplefugue : 5:42 PM Saturday, August 23, 2008 iPhone heaven...
I got to the Comcentre around 7pm and was #16 in the queue!! I thought there would be hundreds by then but 16!! Wow! My cousin joined me for a bit and a bite which helped to kill about 2 hours. I rejoined the queue at around 10pm, and that was when things got really exciting. They moved us to a spot in front of the 'glass house' - a replica of the Mac Shop in NYC. Only this was wrapped in a big white bow.
There was a band and an MC to get things pumping. The organisers gave out coffee, snacks and water. TV crew from the region's various media were filming and interviewing. By then I was almost dying of thirst (didn't dare drink too much in case I needed to pee cause getting out of there was a pain!). At the countdown, the bow was unwrapped and fireworks showered golden sparks on the first guy who got to go inside and make his first purchase. After that, the first 50 (including yours truly) entered the glass house to applause and cheers! Haha!! My friends thought I was crazy to do this. I suppose. I did promise myself last year that when the iPhone comes to Singapore, I would do to be one of the first to get it. I'm glad I did. It was a fun though exhausting experience. There isn't much I'd get into a line for, the iPhone was one of them. Another was the last Harry Potter book (2007). Tickets to a U2 concert if and when they EVER decide to play here would be another. And my iPhone? Sigh.... Labels: Geek Stuff, General # posted by purplefugue : 8:45 PM Saturday, August 09, 2008 Beijing Olympiad 08.08.08 at 08.00pm Beijing promised a spectacular and they delivered...it was breathtaking! My favourite parts? The fireworks of giant footprints in the very beginning and the lighting of the Olympic flame. Wooaahhh! What were yours? Photo from AFP # posted by purplefugue : 1:40 PM Monday, June 30, 2008 Life thus far...
Goodness! This is the end of June with just 6 months left till the end of December. The year has zipped by so fast that I'm reeling from the rush. I have a feeling that the new year will appear before I can blink twice! Anyone feeling this way?
  And this is the 2nd issue of lol, aimed at the students of SIM. Hope everyone's been well and is having a good summer, wherever you are. What have you been up to? If you're out in the sun, don't forget your sunscreen. # posted by purplefugue : 10:20 PM Wednesday, April 30, 2008 New books
The books I ordered from Amazon.com arrived today, two weekends since I ordered. Not bad for standard shipping.
1. The Reagan Diaries, edited by Douglas Brinkley 2. The Copyeditor's Handbook by Amy Einsohn 3. The Life of Elizabeth 1 by Alison Weir 4. A Passion for Books by Rob Kaplan 5. An Alphabetical Life by Wendy Werris 6. Leave Me Alone I'm Reading by Maureen Corrigan The Reagan Diaries was something I should have bought when I was at my sister's last summer - it was only $18.90 at Sam's. It's retailing at Border's here for S$60 or about USS35!! ACK!!! The Handbook is something for work especially now that I'm doing more corporate communications writing. The rest - well, because they've been on my Amazon wishlist for so long and I've not been able to find them here! And that's it for now. No more new books for the next... oh! 3 months?? Really! I'm so looking forward to this weekend. It's Labour Day tomorrow here in Singapore, and I'm taking Friday off. So that's a long 4-day weekend for me. And oh! I'm off to the ShangriLa for English tea tomorrow with some friends. A small treat to myself after the last 2 crazy months. # posted by purplefugue : 9:55 PM Saturday, April 19, 2008 Hello world!
Two crazy weeks of work and deadline are over. For now. I'm currently in the eye of a hurricane, and how long this little breather will last, I'm not sure but I'm taking full advantage of this period of lesser work.
My magazine is finally O U T! Titled lol or Living Out Loud, it's a small 20-page issue about creative people, the creative business, events and the school of the moment, all targeted at students. For the first year, we'll be publishing it as a bimonthly of 2500 copies per issue. Next year, we'll see... So far, it's gotten good response, and my boss is happy. So whew! I haven't had much time to read for pleasure. So far, I've had my nose buried in and my head crammed with corporate and government stuff for work. I've had Special Topics of Calamity Physics riding around in my bag for the last few weeks, reading a page or two whenever I have a short break. And recently I found and bought The Cloudspotter's Guide. Didn't think I'd ever find it here but there it was, on the bottom shelf at a bookstore I hardly ever visit. I've added to my book larder - stocking up for a rainy day. This evening, I went shopping at Amazon and Alibris, and bought some books, including Sixpence House which has disappeared from bookshelves here AND in Wales (Ems tried to find it when she was home there over Christmas and nothing. Imagine that, especially as she lives very near Hay-on-Wye, the location of the book!) At last, I got to use my $20 Amazon gift voucher from Tanabata. Woohoo! And finally, last weekend, my parents celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. I couldn't help much in the preparations cause of work but it was great party - good food, family and friends we haven't seen in an age. At first I wasn't too sure about celebrating 45, but as our priest said, 'why not?' And he's right. There was much to celebrate - just wish my sister and brother-in-law could have been there too. I've just been vegging this Saturday and will again tomorrow; blogging, surfing, watching TV and doing some reading. How about you? What are you up to this weekend? And if we haven't chatted in a while, how have you been? # posted by purplefugue : 7:59 PM Sunday, March 30, 2008 Steaming ahead...
I'm utterly pathetic and deserve to be flogged.
Bear with me as I try to live up to the name of this blog in real life. Two weeks of non-stop copy-writing projects and I'm near worn out. I've got another hectic week ahead after which I think I can safely draw breath. And I'm giving birth soon too. To that magazine I mentioned earlier. Publishing pains seem almost as bad as baby-popping ones. Only there are no drugs to ease this pain. Speaking of which, there's this nagging pain in my left heel. I only noticed it after my summer in the US last year. I usually go barefoot at home but now, I HAVE to wear bedroom slippers with a cushioned heel otherwise it hurts to walk! I really need to get it seen to soon. Oh, and I notice that wearing my Birkies make it worse. Anyways, if you're a new guest or a returning old friend, forgive my tardiness, lack of visits and non-appearance. Famous last words but...I'll be back! UPDATE: Bear with me folks, I'm having some publishing problems with Blogger. Silly thing won't publish FTP. Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 12:04 AM Sunday, March 16, 2008 Mosaic Music Festival 2008 How the week has flown! March is proving to be an incredibly crazy month! Not only do I have the usual stuff at work, but now I'm editor of an upcoming creative magazine. More news on that when it's published. After all this time, I'm finally getting my shot at doing something I've always dreamed of - getting published, and in a magazine I'm running! With barely enough time and energy in the past week(s) to blog, I however did find time to enjoy some music at the Mosaic Music Festival 2008. It had a stellar lineup of headline artists like Harry Connick Jr, The Roots, Raul Midon and Kurt Elling as well as indie bands like Iceland's Mum, Norway's Sondre Lerche and USA's The Bird and The Bee. I caught the last 2 mentioned bands, and have since kicked myself for missing Raul Midon who played to rave reviews including Flee's. The Bird and the Bee played fluffy, electronica pop lead by the rather excellent vocals of Inara George. I enjoyed the chill-out session but was blown away by Sondre Lerche and The Faces Down. What a songwriter! Many have heard him on the Dan In Real Life soundtrack but his other works are far better! Jazz, pop, swing, reggae-tinged rock...Sondre played them all. I think he and his band were blown away with the reception they got at their Singapore concert: screaming, whooping fans who sang along to every song. Now it's back to work Monday. I'm just counting the days till the end of the month. So far, they're looking hellish and April is still a blur. May and June is too far away to even register on my radar. # posted by purplefugue : 1:23 PM Thursday, February 14, 2008 Surviving Valentine's Day II
(I'm off to dinner and a movie tonight with some friends. Here's the original post from a Valentine past, though slightly edited and added to.)
It's that most dreaded day of the year. The one singletons try to forget exists, only to have it shoved in their faces through incessant ads on tv, newspapers and radio hawking everything guaranteed to bring on rapturous cries of joy from the female half. Jewellery, lingerie and candlelight dinners, they're all there. Not to mention bouquets of roses sprouting everywhere there is a corner. With even hotels proffering romantic (read as 'clandestine' for some) weekend getaways. Since many takers of these packages will be unwed couples lured by promises of champagne, a petal-strewn bed and late checkouts, I'm surprised that in ultra-conservative Singapore, it has not raised a tattooed eyebrow or two especially from the moral brigade. And trust me, they are a sizable force here. But I'm cool...I'm fine. As Bridget Jones would say, if I wanted roses dammit, I'd buy them myself! And on any other day when they don't cost $140 for a dozen!! In fact, while being one half of a couple is a good thing any day of the year, not being that one half on this most commercial of days, is a drag. So my suggestions to survive the day if you're un-coupled are: 1. Go rent a bunch of DVDs - I like action-packed, no brainer, testosterone-loaded blockbusters like Spaceship Troopers, Independence Day and the Alien series. Stay away from any TV, radio and newspapers. 2. Cook. Bake, roast, knead, fry or saute yourself a meal/dessert to enjoy while watching those DVDs. If all else fails, microwave some popcorn and drizzle honey over the hot pile. Yum! 3. Gather good singleton girlfriends for a dinner date at your favourite restaurant and order bottles and bottles of vino for a rollicking good time. If still walking in a straight line after that, catch a live band or head to your favourite dance hall. 4. Splurge on a box of Godiva/Royce or any expensive chocolates, and enjoy them with your favourite author of the moment at home. 5. Buy yourself something special - jewellery, a BOSE stereo set, an iPod... anything! Year before last, I splurged on a gorgeous wood and steel wind chime. It hangs outside my bedroom window now. 6. Prep yourself with a high octane power workout at the gym or relax with a yoga session. Either way, you'll release a bunch of happy hormones to float you through the night. And for those still aching over a breakup and mad as hell at that ass who dumped you... 7. Make a dinner reservation at an expensive restaurant that charges for no-shows and use your ex-boyfriend's name and credit card number. Say you're his secretary. Pfft! By the way, let me know how you spent today. I'm curious to see if any celebrate this Hallmark of holidays, or ignore it altogether. Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 5:59 PM Wednesday, February 06, 2008 Feeling super crappy...
It's Chinese New Year eve (and Super Tuesday - we're getting coverage here too!) and I'm sick! Within the span of 12 hours on Monday evening, I went from an annoying raspy sore throat to gastric flu. I barely ate yesterday (tastebuds went on strike!) but drank loads of liquids. This morning, my head feels like a water-logged football and both my ears are blocked! AND NO! I'M NOT SHOUTING - I just can't hear myself talk!
Thank goodness the office is closed, and I don't return to work till Monday but still...getting sick during the holidays, sucks! I'm passing on a dinner tonight at my aunt's who is having her usual steamboat-BBQ dinner (she's part Chinese) - I don't think people would appreciate sniffing, wheezing me to be dipping into the communal pot. But I'm off to a Pancake Party at Ems' tomorrow. I hope I have my tastebuds back by then. In about an hour (it's now 3-ish pm) nearly all shops, offices and businesses around the island will close as people return home to prepare for the reunion dinner. Those new to Singapore, will be surprised to find a very deserted Orchard Road (the shopping district) this evening with barely any traffic on the roads there. Most shops will be closed tomorrow too. Hope you like this image I found of the Singapore financial district skyline at night (click on it for a larger view).  Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 2:33 PM Sunday, January 27, 2008 Book Meme
Thanks to Iliana, I woke up Sunday morning to find that I've been tagged! After washing my face, brushing my teeth (yes, you can tell what's the first thing I do when I wake up on weekends - ack!) and fixing a cup of coffee, I sat down to play.
Which book do you irrationally cringe away from reading, despite seeing only positive reviews? Books with painful themes of sacrifice, conflict, hardships, loss, uncomfortable topics. Self-help books like The Secret which I absolutely refuse to read despite everyone and their mother telling me to. If you could bring three characters to life for a social event (afternoon tea, a night of clubbing, perhaps a world cruise), who would they be and what would the event be? Hmm...I'd love to have Thursday Next, Green Gables' Anne Shirley and Dumbledore for tea. (Borrowing shamelessly from the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde): you are told you can't die until you read the most boring novel on the planet. While this immortality is great for awhile, eventually you realise it's past time to die. Which book would you expect to get you a nice grave? Oh no!! Please don't make me try to read it again. I mean I want the nice grave and all, but honestly! It would have to be my nemesis: War & Peace. Come on, we've all been there. Which book have you pretended, or at least hinted, that you've read, when in fact you've been nowhere near it? I have some very well-intentioned aunts and friends who have insisted on lending me books, telling me how much they loved it, and that I'll love it too. I hate that cause usually it's a book I have absolutely no interest in reading, nor would I ever pick up at a bookstore. The last one was The House of Blue Mangoes by David Davidar. It sat on a shelf for like a month, before I returned it to an aunt with thanks. I mumbled something about the book and plot, stuff I got from Amazon. So please... shhh! As an addition to the last question, has there been a book that you really thought you had read, only to realise when you read a review about it/go to 'reread' it that you haven't? Which book? None really. I usually do remember what I've read. You've been appointed Book Advisor to a VIP (who's not a big reader). What's the first book you'd recommend and why? (if you feel like you'd have to know the person, go ahead of personalise the VIP) Oooh...this hints of An Uncommon Reader. So much so, that that would be the book I'd recommend. It's a short, easy read (especially so as the VIP would be a very busy person with not much time to relax) and it's about another VIP with an interesting choice books. Enough to get him/her started reading, I hope. A good fairy comes and grants you one wish: you will have perfect reading comprehension in the foreign language of your choice. Which language do you go with? Spanish, so I can read Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Pablo Neruda in their original language. Besides, it sounds awfully romantic too. A mischievous fairy comes and says that you must choose one book that you will reread once a year for the rest of your life (you can read other books as well). Which book would you pick? Some books I would re-read (and have) are part of a series (like David Eddings' Belgariad and Mallorean series with 10 books - lost count of my re-reads here) so it'd be hard to just read just that one. I'd pick Perfume - beautifully written with a touch of the bizarre. I know that the book blogging community, and its various challenges, have pushed my reading borders. What's one bookish thing you 'discovered' from book blogging (maybe a new genre, or author, or new appreciation for cover art-anything)? 'Meeting' Lesley originally from Newfoundland. That prompted my discovery of Jim DeFede's The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland when I went looking in Amazon for a book on Newfoundland. That good fairy is back for one final visit. Now, she's granting you your dream library! Describe it. Is everything leatherbound? Is it full of first edition hardcovers? Pristine trade paperbacks? Perhaps a few favourite authors have inscribed their works? Go ahead-let your imagination run free. It's a very large, bright room with a darkly polished wooden floor and scattered soft, deep pile richly coloured carpets, air-conditioned against hot muggy days but with french doors framed by white curtains that open out to a large shaded verandah, well protected from the December monsoon. There are huge overstuffed sofas and armchairs, inside and out. Potted palms soften hard corners and provide a natural screen between reading areas. The library proper has floor to ceiling teak shelves with those running ladders. Oh, and because of magic, no dust or cobwebs or bugs are ever found here. Books of all kinds fill the shelves; hardback, paperback, tradeback, fiction, non fiction, arranged by genre then author. Shelves at eye level hold first editions, some signed. There are framed pictures of favourite authors on the walls. I'd have several first editions of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, one set in a glass box, opened to the first chapter. It's not a neat room: there are stacks of books on coffee tables, side tables and some chairs, that lovely organised mess that makes a room cosy. It smells of books and printed paper, and of always fresh jasmine arranged in crystal vases scattered around the place. And of course, music is piped through cleverly hidden speakers. At night, candles glow as crickets sing outside. Bliss! I'm not sure who else to tag who would play but if you're reading this and would love to, please consider youself tagged. Now to go for a shower. # posted by purplefugue : 1:33 PM Monday, December 31, 2007 Here's to fresh beginnings...Wednesday, December 26, 2007 The book cave Now this is one clever, unusual piece of furniture that I'd love to have in my home. But I'd line it with purple though. Labels: Books, Design, General # posted by purplefugue : 9:28 PM Tuesday, December 25, 2007 Oh what fun! This has got to be the most amazing Christmas ever! After months of exams, interviews, paperwork and medical tests that started since April, G's landed his dream job!! (Some information in this post has been edited on request. I will repost it at a later date when the news is official to all.) Merry Christmas everybody! May love and happiness rule in your hearts and lives! Labels: Christmas, General, News # posted by purplefugue : 5:22 PM Monday, December 10, 2007 The music in my life
Dark Orpheus asked me in my last post what was my favourite music, artistes or bands. I don't think I have any real preference these days except I know I dislike trance, garage, electronic dance, rap and heavy metal music.
I have (and will always have) a soft spot for 80s music like Depeche Mode, Erasure, Camouflage, Communards, Queen, Sinead, Prince, U2, 10,000 Maniacs, Pink Floyd, Eurythmics, Cyndi Lauper, Johnny Hates Jazz, Terence Trent Darby, Tina Turner and the like. Back then, Depeche Mode and the Communards were perpetually in my Walkman while I tried to look cool in all black ensembles and wildly streaked hair. Oh help... I enjoy artistes like Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Angie Stone, Erykah Badu, Ray Charles, Lighthouse Family, Seal, Joss Stone, George Michael, Sting, Robbie Williams, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Kings of Convenience, Mojave 3 .... Also from Sarah McLachlan and Tori Amos to Jewel and Aimee Mann - I've always admired strong women singers/songwriters. I love Andrea Bocelli and and swoon at a cello solo by YoYo Ma. I sing along to popular Broadway musicals. And now Jazz, in all its forms - classic, acid, latin and modern. And...well...I have to confess, uh ... I like Boyzone. There, I admitted it. I've got their greatest hits and love every single song on it. That's it, I guess. For now. Everything above is subject to change without notice. # posted by purplefugue : 10:52 PM Saturday, November 03, 2007 It's back!
The Singapore Border's 30% coupon, that is! You can get download it from here. Combine that with your Borders' Preferred Card discount of 10% for a mind-blowing 40% off a book.
Well, I printed 3 for the 3 different cash register areas then headed there this evening after work. But after getting my books, I didn't fancy standing in 3 lines, so I thought I'd just try my luck to see if one cashier would let me redeem all 3 coupons. If not, I just go back to my original plan. And guess what? He did! My books totalled up to $78 but I only paid $48.30! I left hugging the bag with glee. Just like the last time, Flee was there, giving me her two cents worth! It was a deja-vu moment. My damage tonight included: Time Was Soft Here by Jeremy Mercer, The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, and The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett. However, I was tempted to splurge on the Harry Potter Box Set (UK Adult Version) - all 7 books in hardcover. Maybe a Christmas present to myself. Two more news bits: the coupons are valid till 15 November AND...there's a book warehouse sale next week. Now despite what Flee says, I'm NOT hoarding books but if you were me, wouldn't you be buying up books with discounts like that? Or at warehouse sales where you can get books for $2 to $8 per book? Of course you would. Thank you. Hear that, Flee? # posted by purplefugue : 1:23 AM Sunday, October 21, 2007 On Panties, Gays and a Nightmare or two...
1. I'm sure many of you are aware of what's happening in Myanmar: the crackdown on protesters, the arrests and unlawful detention (and many say torture!) of monks, and the continued subjugation of a people under an illegal goverment (they lost the last elections to Aung San Suu Kyi who they've put under detention). I read about 'Panties for Peace' and think it's brilliant. A quiet way of registering your protest.
2. Singapore is in the midst of a debate on whether to repeal a Penal Code law that criminalises sex between two males. It's against everything mentioned in our constitution that we're all equal. I've just signed an online petition. If you're Singaporean and reading this, and believe that we're all equal and that this law should be abolished, please sign the petition before midnight Sunday tomorrow. On an interesting note: J.K. Rowling has just outed a much loved character: Dumbledore! Yup! Yup! My sentiments exactly. 3. Now, I usually never remember my dreams. Sometimes I wonder if I even do dream. But in the last couple of weeks, I've rememberd cause they've been nightmares. Two in as many weeks. One involved fingers which in my nightmare, belonged to someone who was trying to strangle me. Her fingers were made of ash and crumbled in my mouth just as I woke up, biting my own fingers! Ok laugh! It WAS funny the next morning but I nearly freaked out when it happened! The second one involved a ghastly noise which I think, now looking back, was maybe...me snoring. I'm not sure cause I DON'T SNORE! That's my week so far. I'll post a book review tomorrow. # posted by purplefugue : 12:47 AM Sunday, October 14, 2007 A weekend bum
Short of doing a week's worth of laundry, some tidying up around the house, this weekend has been an utterly lazy one for me. It's too hot to do anymore except slowly fall asleep under the spinning fans.
Yesterday was Hari Raya Puasa, the day after Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month. Good excuse as any for a bunch of good friends to get together at Ems' house for dinner, drinks and good conversation. It was made even sweeter when Em's partner Maman and friend A, popped by to jam on their guitars. Maman is quite a well known singer here in Singapore and Malaysia. He's in the midst of producing his comeback album due out in December (fingers crossed!). I love his sound - here and here - and I think you will too. Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 3:22 PM Wednesday, October 03, 2007 Breast Cancer Month These gorgeous t-shirts are designed by Sidsel Gaustadne, a designer in Denmark, who created them for the The Danish Cancer Society. If you're visiting her lovely country, you may still be able to find them in the stores. I was lucky enough to get 2 pink ones from her Etsy shop and they're on their way to me soon. You can read more about the designs and Sidsel on her blog. # posted by purplefugue : 10:59 PM Saturday, September 29, 2007 A Friday night jaunt
After work yesterday, I met Flee who I haven't seen in an age! Well, about 4+ months. We met at Borders then ventured up to Cedele for dinner. We chatted away the evening, and caught up on each other's lives. She went shopping earlier and bought some funky Nike toe shoes. So after dinner, I dragged her to Borders for my shopping turn.
This was where I got a little devious but for all you bookaholics out there, I know you'll understand. You see, I have these online coupons for 30% off any book, valid till 4th October. Now, the coupon clearly states it's one coupon per customer but their store has 2 cashier areas - oh, wait, actually 3!: 1 in books, 1 in music at the back of the store, and 1 up front (I only went to 2...shoot!). So if you go to 3 different cashiers, you can use one at each. The best yet: if you sign up as a Borders Preferred Customer (for S$19 a year), you get a further 10% off for a whopping 40% off a book, not to mention 10% off anytime you purchase anything from the store! Omigosh! How can you NOT want to buy books? I ended up with 5 books: 1. Anthony Doerr's Four Seasons in Rome: On Twins, Insomnia, and the Biggest Funeral in the History of the World - I used one coupon on this hardcover book 2. Steve Wozniaks' I, Woz: The Autobiography of the Man Who Started the Computer Revolution - this and the next 2 books were 3 for 2. Woohoo! 3. Seth Godin's The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick) 4. Susanna Clarke's The Ladies of Grace Adieu 5. Tess Gerritsen's The Mephisto Club - my next coupon purchase. And 4th October is still some days away...and I can always print out more. But what a great end to a wonderful evening. Interesting bit of conversation with Flee just before I joined the queue at the first cashier: Flee: Have you finished the other books you've bought? Me: Nope. Flee: Then why are you buying more? Me: Why not? Flee: But aren't they a fire hazard? Me: *stunned look* ... No they're not! Flee: *laughs* Now really...who on earth would ever say books are a fire hazard?! Miss Flee...hello? Aren't your paints a fire hazard? Haha!! # posted by purplefugue : 4:06 PM Thursday, September 20, 2007 Day 4 at my new job
It's my fourth day at the new office. I'm slowly easing into this new position with a project for a coffee table book. I've come up with some good ideas and I think my boss likes them. We'll be exploring them fully next Tuesday when we all sit down to a idea/sketch brainstorm.
But so far, it's good. Nice office with 8 people in an old shophouse very near a working red-light district on the edge of Chinatown. Interesting location! Nothing sleazy about it, and quite different from what you might think. I'll have to get some pixs up online here to show you what I mean. Oh, and no worries, it's quite safe. I've been faithfully going for yoga classes although I've cut back on a couple this week just so I can settle in here first. I hope to fall into a routine of after work classes with at least one on a weekend. Speaking of which, if anyone is interested, do participate in the Global Mala Project that's happening this Saturday. The website explains it better. On that day, members at my yoga center can sign up to do 108 chants or 108 sun salutations orboth! I've put my name down for the sun salutations. Two hours! If anyone in Singapore is reading this and would like join me, drop me a comment. Participation in the project here is free! Note: I didn't make it for the sun salutations. I went for Yin the day before, got home late and woke up this morning (Saturday, 22/9) with the sniffles. God, I hope it's not the flu! # posted by purplefugue : 1:19 PM Wednesday, September 12, 2007 It's happened...
After considerable self-doubt, chasing down prospective leads that lead no where, rejection and middle of the night panic attacks, I found a job. Or I should say, it found me. A meeting for possible freelance copywriting projects led to a full time job offer! I was floored, surprised and over the moon! And I start work Monday.
That's it then; the official end of my LONG holiday that started 15 May and that will end on 14 September. Four months break. The time has been relaxing and fun. Time that I got to spend with my sister in the US, rediscover yoga and reconnect with a couple of good friends. It's now back to the 9 to 9 grind! Haha! # posted by purplefugue : 11:42 PM Sunday, September 09, 2007 A new pet? Not! This little bat is quite small and will fit in the palm of your hand (I think no longer that 10cm). It's covered in dark brown fur and has a dog-like face. I did some digging online and found out that it is a Common Fruit Bat. It just flew off after we turned off the porch light and closed the front door. Whew! Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 10:01 PM Monday, September 03, 2007 Life so far...
...I've had a couple of job interviews (one today) but nothing as yet has materialised. It's frustrating but I'm still hopeful. I knew it would take some time after I returned from my 3-month US visit. And I was determined then that I would stay positive and that I would eventually find a job. It will just take time.
...It's my birthday tomorrow but I'll be stuck behind my laptop for most of the day, revising some copy with a same day deadline. But I will be going out to celebrate with a birthday dinner later in the evening with my parents. Dinners to follow later in the week with friends. ...Yoga has been a boon. I've been taking a couple of classes a day, at least 3 times a week now: Yin, Hot Hour, Hatha, Hot Flow... I love hanging out in the lounge after the last class to sip a hot cup of wolfberry tea and chat with S who joined Pure Yoga with me. And it's been good. I've been sleeping better, feeling less stressed (although I can't quite still the worrying thoughts in my mind yet!) and yes! feeling healthy. ...I am reading although somewhat slowly these last few days. I promise to post on the books when I'm done. ...Oh, I'll be off to the Times bookfair this weekend for crazily priced books (like 3 for $10!). That's easily a 3 to 4 hour affair on a Saturday afternoon in a cavernous expo hall with tables and tables of books. Life so far? Good. # posted by purplefugue : 10:37 PM Saturday, August 25, 2007 Confessions of a yoga dropout Yesterday, I went for Yin Yoga followed by a Hot Yoga class half hour later. Yin was a perfect class for a yoga dropout like me. With no inversion or standing poses, we spent an hour in various seated poses, holding stretches for up to 2 minutes per pose. OUCH! My legs, hips, back and groin muscles were all screaming. But this class warmed me up for the Hot Yoga class which followed. Thirty-seven degrees Celsius and 60 minutes later, I was sweating buckets! Poses weren't too challenging but I was mortified at how much I've fallen behind. No matter, yoga isn't about competition with the next person. It's about finding and maintaining my own balance and practice, pushing my self just that little bit more. I've signed up for a 3 month membership during which I'll see how far I'll progress in a structured class environment. I may extend, convert to another package or cancel altogether. For now, it's just practice, practice, practice. Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 1:43 PM Tuesday, August 14, 2007 Confession of a book addict
I'm bad. I just came back from the US with 7 books and I'm now trying to read 2 books at the same time: The Jane Austen Book Club and Literacy and Longing in L.A. You'd think - no books for a while, right? I thought so too. HA!
After saying goodbye to Karen who was jetting off home to Hong Kong, I found myself helplessly drawn to Kinokuniya at Ngee Ann City. I felt the call. Well, since I was there, let's see what I can find from my list of 'must-get' books. There was nearly an hour of pleasant distractions before I settled on: Hatha Yoga Illustrated by Martin Kirk Pilates Step-by-Step by Emily Kelly A House in Corfu: A Family's Sojourn in Greece by Emma Tennant I saw The Reagan Diaries but at SGD$60 (US$39), it was ridiculously more than Amazon (US$23). D got it at a steal at Sam's Warehouse for just under USD$20!!! Ack...I should have bought it there! # posted by purplefugue : 7:48 PM Tuesday, August 07, 2007 Home again!
I'm now home and nearly dying in this heat and humidity. I know D&G are laughing their butts off at this. Ha! Wait till you both are here next time.
You know, I think I've miscounted. I was actually in the US with my sis for 82 days!! Not 77 as I have been counting down on my blog. Apologies...math fails me when I'm on holiday mode. Now that I'm back, I have to find a job. I have an interview lined up for tomorrow and a possible one on the way next week. While the positions look quite attractive, I still have my heart set on returning to the US. In fact, on the last day I was there, I had a phone interview for a position based in Memphis! It went very well indeed. Now I'm waiting to hear from their VP of marketing in late August, early September. I don't think sponsorship will be an issue with them. So I'm crossing my fingers and saying my prayers that it works out. And there's another possibility also...but I'll wait till I hear from them before saying anymore. If nothing happens, then I'll be going back next year in May to continue my search, and stay longer like 6 months. One way or the other, my career path is now turned in the direction of the States. Wish me luck! # posted by purplefugue : 5:25 PM Friday, August 03, 2007 Day 77: Memphis
"I want to flee and fly, even with a meagre $10 bill, 20 minutes of change and a bag of anxieties."
A friend shared a beautiful entry in her blog. That line above is from "One Life" and I'm recommending it to you, Dear Friend. Follow this link to the other side of the rainbow. Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 2:24 AM Thursday, August 02, 2007 Day 77: In Memoriam Just had the news from home. Murphy has passed. I petted and played with him just before I left, half expecting to see him when I returned. But Dad said that he was in a really bad shape in the last few weeks. I'll miss him so much... Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 11:18 PM Monday, July 23, 2007 Day 66: Memphis
Thirty-six hours later and I've finished it. Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows was fantastic. And don't worry, there'll be no spoilers here. I won't post my comments on this book yet.
D & G came with me as we lined up at WALMART, of all places. While I was tempted to go to a party, I just wanted to get the book and rush home to start reading. I'm sitting here, slightly bug-eyed and tired now. Suggestion: to those about to start reading book 7, I highly suggest you re-read book 6 first (unless you have it fresh in your mind). There was a lot of head scratching on my part trying to remember bits and pieces of that book to understand stuff in this last book. I'm leaving my copy of this book with D. When I get home I'll get the UK Adult version there to add to my collection. Then I'll probably start to read the whole series again, straight through. Any one else finished? Let me know what you think BUT PLEASE DON'T COMMENT ON ANY SPOILERS! Email me at kisaneATdesignindigoDOTcom. Thanks! # posted by purplefugue : 3:33 AM Friday, July 20, 2007 Day 64: Downtown Memphis
Today I've have 2 meetings with design companies in downtown Memphis. I just had one earlier with a mid-size design company and I have one more in about 30 mins. I'm now ensconced in The Blues City Pastry Shop & Coffee Bar very near Beale Street, enjoying a cold latte and a killer strawberry shortcake. It's too hot to even consider sitting outside under the trees. This is an afternoon made for a long siesta in cool comfort.
While it's been a long process of meetings and phone calls, I'm still working hard to network. My resume has been getting very favourable comments but no offers yet. So for now, I'm just plugging away, sending out resumes and arranging meetings. Tomorrow night is the launch of Harry Potter. I've registered for the party at the Barnes & Noble near D's home. Oh..some idiots have got the book, scanned and put the pages on their bittorrent site. I've had a spoiler email today. After reading the first line, I trashed it. So be careful out there if you don't want the book ruined for you. As for me, I can't wait to sink my teeth into this last tome. I hear it's about 750 pages! Anyone going to any Harry Potter parties? Labels: Books, Food, General, Travel # posted by purplefugue : 4:30 AM Wednesday, June 20, 2007 Day 36: Memphis, USA
It's been nearly a month since my last post and so much as happened. Here's a quick recap:
# posted by purplefugue : 1:00 AM Sunday, May 20, 2007 Day 5: Memphis, USA
What a trip! Five days ago, I landed in Memphis after what seemed an age of traveling.
I didn't think I'd ever get off the plane. The Tokyo - Detroit leg has got to be the worst ever!! Twelve hours non-stop of cramped legs, lousy food and unfriendly stewardesses. If hell exists, then this was purgatory. I was never more miserable in my life! I didn't get much sleep, instead I counted down the hours till I landed in Detroit. But there is a God and I arrived safely in Memphis. I'm now warmly ensconced in my own bedroom where there's a bunch of sweet-smelling wildflowers in a vase nearby. We've done much in the past 5 days: visited her colleagues at office, went to the Memphis in May BBQ festival (which is not worth going to unless you know someone who's participating, so you can get invited to their stand for samples), shared an oyster poboy at the Half Shell, went to a couple of outlets, cooked dinner for D&G tonight (the menu consisted of pork chops, squash, baked potatoes and fresh strawberries marinated with sugar and orange juice). And met with a immigration attorney. My chances look good but right now, he wants to see if there'll be any changes to the immigration law, especially to the new visa requirements. Things look bright. It's only my first weekend here but we've done so much. D has more planned for the upcoming weekends including a visit to NYC and either Alabama or Arkansas. Stay tuned... Oh...oh... books here are so cheap, compared to home. If D wasn't around me, I'd have at least 10 sitting on my bedside table right now. Haha! # posted by purplefugue : 12:07 PM Monday, May 14, 2007 17 hours till...
I'm leaving, on a jet plane....
I've not finished packing, stuff is lying all over the room and I still have some errands to run this late morning. The next time you read this blog, I'll be writing it from Memphis, severely jet-lagged. Ack! # posted by purplefugue : 11:35 AM Friday, May 11, 2007 PageOne @ Vivo
After nearly a year since it's opening, I finally made it to VivoCity and the newest book mecca in town: PageOne.
  I'm definitely going back. AFTER my US trip. # posted by purplefugue : 12:32 AM Wednesday, May 09, 2007 6 + 37 days...
I've only got to change some Singapore dollars to US dollars, pack my bags and I'm set. Oh, and try to squeeze in a tea with Ems, a Mother's Day lunch with my parents (it will double up for Father's Day too since I won't be here for that day) and a dinner with some freelancers I worked with.
My sister just called...and we're going to NYC for 5 days over the Memorial Day weekend! Yippee! We're booked at The Belvedere and have reservations at the Waldorf for Sunday Brunch. *faints* If anyone has any suggestions for places to go, great eats and things to do (I'm dragging her and G to the MoMA, Whitney, Society of Illustrators house, CooperHewitt and the Frick, and the Empire State Building)...please let me know. Oh...I'm trying to find out the name of that cafe, kiosk, stand in Central Park that sells great burgers and hotdogs. I know Martha Stewart did a segment of her show there. Help! Found it: The Shake Shack and it's in Madison Square Park. And yes! I'll be IT-ing it this holiday. My laptop, iPod, camera and phone are coming along. # posted by purplefugue : 9:51 PM Sunday, May 06, 2007 9 + 37 days
That's 9 days to go, to my super early morning flight on Northwest. Route: Singapore - Tokyo (7 hr flight) - Detroit (12 hr flight) - Memphis (2 hr flight).
Then 37 days of D & G (that's her hubby but together they sound like Dolce & Gabanna. Haha!). She's trying to plan a trip or two to places in Key West, NYC or Las Vegas. I'll be in Memphis for the tail-end of Memphis in May Festival. And D...I want to see those Peabody ducks this time. Oh yes...I want to see a tornado too! The magnolias are almost in bloom and I can't wait to smell them again. # posted by purplefugue : 1:03 PM Thursday, May 03, 2007 A much needed break
Looks like I'm all set. I'm USA-bound on 15 May. As much as I'm looking forward to my holiday and seeing my sister after nearly 3.5 years, I'm not looking forward to the 24 hour trip!! Ack! I wonder if I can get a doctor's prescription for sleeping pills. Hmmm...
I'll be in Memphis till 20 June. Wish me luck as I start the paperwork on a work visa. Not sure how long that will take, so I'll be coming back for a while, working, saving till it's approved before heading back again. Finally, finally, finally...it's happening. I've got butterfiles and I'm talking every kind, fluttering around in my stomach. Ridiculous, huh? # posted by purplefugue : 1:57 PM Sunday, April 29, 2007 Jobless in Singapore
About a month ago, I complained of the hellish week I was going through with my boss. Things got a little better, then last week it got worse again.
Well, things came to a head this past Friday. I was retrenched. I had a funny feeling the whole week. My intuition was never more accurate. Some shitty excuse was given about improving production standards and that someone with greater experience was brought in to do just that. They also admitted that getting me to do the job of 4 people was a mistake. Well, gee! You think? I was creative services, traffic, production and studio manager! There wasn't enough hours in a work day to get what I had to do, done. Request for help went unheeded. And it didn't help my CD had divaesque aspirations. While I was not surprised when it happened, it left me a bit shaken yet relieved! Shaken cause I had promised myself to stay in this job for at least 2 years (I had just 11 months more to go). Relieved cause I don't have to deal with his tirades anymore. So now, I'm on the market again. Feels strange this time as I wasn't expecting it. I'm considering running away to my sister in Memphis to spend a month there. That would be a good time to get the paperwork going on a US green card. It's something we've both talked about for yonks but I've never had the time or opportunity to really do anything serious about it. I'm taking a short break for now, to sort out my options and decide on that visit. I'm still a wee bit shaky but I will be fine come Monday. Then...full steam ahead! # posted by purplefugue : 1:11 AM Sunday, April 15, 2007 A Border's Sunday jaunt
I browsed, I read and I bought. Four books. Although it would have been 7 if I could find just one more book at the "Buy 3 Pay for 2" table. But it was not to be.
So, the ones I did buy are: 1. Neil Gaiman's The Sandman: Preludes & Nocturnes - I'm coming to his books late. After reading and hearing tons of good things about this series, I decided to make a start. 2. Ayaan Hirsi Ali's Infidel - one woman's journey to freedom and a new life. 3. Charles Palliser's Unburied - a blurb likened Palliser to Wilkie Collins and Umberto Eco. If you're a fan of both, how do you resist that? 4. Joanna Harris' Blackberry Wine - simply in anticipation of her new novel, Lollipop Shoes. I crowned it all with a smoked salmon sandwich and a lite Danish beer at the bistro next door. So which one will I start with? Hmmm...I think The Sandman tonight. # posted by purplefugue : 6:20 PM Saturday, April 07, 2007 Coming soon...
Thanks to Kim of Random Jottings, I've got another book (besides Harry Potter) to add to my countdown clock. Joanna Harris of Chocolat fame has a sequel, or in her words, a continuation due out on 1st May 2007. Look out for Lollipop Shoes then.
Spa Bliss
Wonder if Hollywood will make a sequel with Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp in it. We can but dream... # posted by purplefugue : 7:33 PM
Saturday and I was in the office at 9am. Sigh! No real work but I had to see to an installation of some rather large posters that HAD to go up today, ready for a visit by some company and client bigwigs on Monday.
I had a leisurely lunch at Arab Street, chilling out with glasses of fresh lime juice, watching tourists wander by. I noticed a growing ache between my shoulder blades that quickly became pain. I...just...wanted...to...lie...down. I packed up, paid up and left, heading home, grumbling that this tension was no thanks to my CD and his rollercoaster moods. I was thinking of a massage when I spotted this - Spa Sauvignon. It's been yonks since I went a-spaing. But a wine-themed spa with a great promotion. Oh why not? After 2 hours of being scrubbed, rinsed, slathered, wrapped, rinsed, oiled, pummeled, prodded, massaged and kneaded with some heavenly creams and oils, I floated out, drunk on bliss and a complimentary glass of Shiraz. Now THAT is a good way to end a ridiculously stressful week while preparing me for another run ahead. Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 5:40 PM Saturday, March 31, 2007 It's been a good week
I have take some days off work this past week. And would you believe it, I wasn't bugged once?
I've picked up a book and am reading again: The Interpretation of Murder. I actually have 2 others going on too: The Shipping News and My Name is Red - both of which I WILL finish. I've been sleeping soundly and waking rested. Been out shopping (did some massive damage today!), celebrated my Dad's birthday, visited family and been a total bum. Oh...and I had a piece of really good news this past Monday. My company gave out bonuses for 2006! Woohoo!! Thank you bosses! Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 2:22 AM Saturday, March 24, 2007 Chocolate's now banned!
I read this on Paris Parfait and I don't know whether to laugh or cry. D...if you're reading this, it'll be VERY long time before you get another food parcel from home.
# posted by purplefugue : 3:35 PM Friday, March 23, 2007 Hell week
I started blogging several times but I was constantly interrupted by work and sleepiness.
I think I survived the hell week from Hell! Our Nokia project wrapped up successfully and was out the door ONE day early. But one other project was going sour faster than pickling cukes! A supplier of premium gifts that I had contracted to produce some items for a client's product lauch screwed up. The premiums were NOT looking very premium. Now if that wasn't enough for me to worry over and solve, my direct boss who's also our CD aka Creative Diva was stressed to the max by several other projects. He's the total micro manager and was taking it upon himself to micro manage me and this latest hiccup! Which meant yelling and being really, really nasty in a bitchy sort of way. Arrgh!! Like I don't have enough stress! One thing led to another till I finally had no choice but to speak to a couple of people who could help. Especially after being dragged back to work last Saturday and Sunday. Creative Diva INSISTED I HAD to be there. I spent 8 hours on both days doing absolutely nothing except reading and playing games on Yahoo! This past week has been better. I'm still stressed out with that premium gift supplier, but now I don't have Creative Diva breathing down my neck every few seconds. He's stopped checking with me on every single detail. I think the powers that be finally got through to him. I've got several days next week off, and I've opted for working at home today. I'm feeling loads better and raring to go again. Meeting some friends tonight for dinner, drinks and good conversation. It's been an AGE since I had any of that. Hope everyone has a good weekend. # posted by purplefugue : 4:12 PM Friday, March 02, 2007 Missing time...
It's been an age since I last blogged. Everything has been on 'pause' for the past 2 weeks. This blog, my books, fun stuff...life! No thanks to work. With several key people away in Australia for a photo shoot, I'm the touch point for a bunch of projects and that has been driving me around the bend, over humps and several potholes. Grrr...
I'm so upset cause I missed a Borders books sale; buy 4 books, pay for 3. Any book, not a special ticketed one. And I couldn't make it! Why oh! why did they have it mid-week, not on a Friday or weekend? I'm just counting down the days till the Ides of March - when all things Nokia end. So bare with me and my sporadic entries till then. Hope everyone is well, I'll come visiting soon. # posted by purplefugue : 11:00 PM Monday, February 19, 2007 Ode to Flickr Tossing of the yu sheng, offerings at the temple, oranges, shopping for treats and other festive goodies at Chinatown, the all important reunion dinner and the mountain of tidbits available - these are all elements that are necessary for celebrating Chinese New Year here in Singapore. And except for the yu sheng, pretty much the same elsewhere too. It's Day Two of the Year of the Golden Pig - a very rare year which happens once every several decades. Gong Xi Fa Cai! # posted by purplefugue : 3:08 PM Sunday, February 18, 2007 In the news...
Malaysia is considering a ban of fast food ads.
What? No McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken or Burger King ads with images of happy families and friends chomping on burgers or tearing into chicken wings ever again? The mind boggles... Is this going to do anything to waistlines, never mind a country's bottomline? And is this a result of a granny government rather than of any campaign to educate people to eat healthy and exercise? Now what if this caught on everywhere. Can you imagine the rest of the world, void of images of golden arches or a funny old bearded man parading in living rooms day and night, or between pages of newsprint? A whole generation of kids growing up never knowing a Big Mac and fries. A possible conversation one day in the near future: Little Joey: Mummy, what is that big yellow 'M'? Mom: Oh, it's just a fast food restaurant. Little Joey: What's fast food? # posted by purplefugue : 10:45 AM Friday, February 16, 2007 The next 4 days
I have a lovely 4-day weekend thanks to Chinese New Year falling on Sunday this year. It is traditionally a 2-day holiday but now there's an extra day to celebrate on Tuesday. Woohoo! The year of the Pig is getting off to a good start, don't you think?
I'm filling it with books, a movie or two on my Mac, a dinner at my aunt's house, shopping on Amazon (shops here are closed from Saturday evening till Tuesday, can you believe it!) and pancakes. Ems, bless her heart, started this tradition a few years back when she invited a bunch of us for pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. Oh...I almost forgot to add...waking up late and sleeping in. Bliss! Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 10:27 PM Saturday, February 10, 2007 Ode to Flickr Just wanted to share some amazing images from Flickr. And a challenge: Write a poem, free verse, haiku or short short story (no more than 100 words) using the pictures here as a trigger for your imagination. Doesn't matter what, or how good or bad...just write something. And share it here, in the comments. Here's mine, using the first 4 images in the top row as my trigger: passion's purple, heart's blood spied through twinkling glass hidden behind closed doors here now then gone at sunset It's your turn... # posted by purplefugue : 6:02 PM Sunday, February 04, 2007 Did you know...
What do you typically do when you cut a finger, or scrape your knee? You reach for a plaster or some tissue to stop the bleeding, right?
Well, according to Ems who's from Wales, there's an old housewives' remedy for cuts I've NEVER heard of but apparently it works. Cobwebs! Honest to goodness spider cobwebs. Just a bit of it, patted down on the cut. The bleeding will stop, the cut will heal...fast. She swears by it now cause when she did cut herself and tried this, it really worked. Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 9:40 AM Saturday, February 03, 2007 The last book...
Finally, after what's seemed like YEARS, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be out on 21 July 2007. According to J.K Rowling, something will happen in this book that will leave us in tears. I'm crossing my fingers that it's NOT what I think it is...
Anyone fans of the series? # posted by purplefugue : 10:38 AM Sunday, January 28, 2007 Update on life so far...
I haven't updated you on what's been going on with me in the past couple of months. Life has me caught in its current and I've just been swept along, enjoying the sometimes bumpy ride.
Work is crazy. I mean, what can you expect from working in an ad agency with large global and regional clients. Remember last year June and July, when I was grumbling about the 2 near simultaneous campaigns? Well, history repeats itself again. One finishes towards the end of February and the other rolls out one week later. There is a silver lining though; Chinese New Year and the two public holidays on Feb 19 and 20. I'm looking at a 4-day weekend. Sweet respite! For now, it's just deadlines, deadlines and more deadlnes. On a sad note, something's happened in the last few months that have seen some people I thought were good friends, disappear. You see, I usually call this group of friends together for movies, parties, dinners, drinks or just to see how everyone is. Then sometime in July last year just as things were getting really crazy at work, I realised that it was always me making the first move, the first call, on MSN or SMS. And I got fed-up. So I stopped. Just to see if any of them would realise it when I went MIA. Well, it's been 6 months, and not one word from anyone. Other friends were surprised to hear this, and several said that I should get in touch with those few again. I can't. I won't. It's been too long and their utter lack of communication has just proved to me that our friendship has been rather one-sided all this time. After a missed birthday, Christmas and New Year, it's a sad truth that I've had to wake up to this year. Enough. I'm not going to chase after them and their friendship when it's so obvious they're not interested in mine. After all, it's their loss. # posted by purplefugue : 4:50 PM Saturday, January 27, 2007 My new signature scent Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 1:59 PM Saturday, January 13, 2007 Far from the maddening crowd
China has never been on my list of places to visit; there isn't anything I really want to see there. Except for the Great Wall, and now... Guilin. This region of China is like something out of a fairytale I read long ago. The tourist hoards haven't descended yet. And now it's a star in the movie The Painted Veil with Edward Norton. Click on the pictures for more.
      # posted by purplefugue : 11:05 PM Sunday, December 31, 2006 Should Auld Acquaintance...
Hope everyone's year ahead is bright and full of all things good.
And of course, world peace. Happy New Year everybody! PS...I'm waking up at 9am on New Year's Day to make breakfast brunch for family (6 of us). Oh help...! Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 10:44 PM Saturday, December 30, 2006 What a quake can do
A little red dot disappeared from the online world for a while this past Wednesday and Thursday. Fibre optic cables damaged during a Taiwan earthquake severed our link with half the world including our neighbours. For two days, most work (and for some, life) came to a halt. Connection is only just being restored but at a much slower rate. I've read that it will take nearly 3 weeks before everything returns to normal.
Makes you wonder what if all connections are utterly severed. What happens then? Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 2:26 PM Monday, December 25, 2006 And to all...
A Merry Happy Christmas! God bless us, everyone!
# posted by purplefugue : 1:23 AM Saturday, December 16, 2006 Found
The Muslim Brotherhood, Nazis and Al-Qaeda is a chilling read.
Help!
# posted by purplefugue : 4:45 PM
I want to buy an E.B. White. But which one?
1. Essays of E. B. White or 2. Here is New York I can't tell from reading the reviews on Amazon if the Essays are repeated in the other book. Or vice versa. Which one should I get? # posted by purplefugue : 12:10 AM Thursday, December 07, 2006 A new idea for a Christmas tree And I really have to get mine soon. Live Christmas trees can be bought in Singapore but they're rather expensive and last a week in this weather. There are however, some gorgeous ultra-realistic trees of various popular fir species. I'm getting one of those since my last one 'died' last Christmas. Color theme this year? Gold and crystal with dashes of red. # posted by purplefugue : 2:05 PM Friday, October 13, 2006 5 days from tomorrow...
...to my holiday! I haven't begun to pack but my heart is strapped in that plane seat (seat and tray in the upright position), waiting for take-off.
I was debating as to whether to bring my laptop or go analog. Now as this is my first real holiday in a bloody long while, I'm going without. I'll be breaking in a new Moleskine and enjoying the freedom that going IT-less brings. On another note: Indonesia has finally agreed to do something about the haze. They have agreed to ratify an agreement with ASEAN for smoke-free skies. So, there's hope yet. President Yudhyono is proving to be way better than his predecessors who just preferred to ignore the whole problem. One of them even blamed Singapore for being behind the fires! (The mind just boggles at that!) Now let's see if his government manages to prosecute any body or company for starting the fires in the first place. # posted by purplefugue : 3:10 PM Saturday, October 07, 2006 Smoke gets in all our eyes
Yup, Indonesia is at it again. Acres of forest are on fire in Sumatra and the smoke has blanketed Singapore, most of Malaysia and southern Thailand. Today was particularly bad. There's an acrid smell in the air. The PSI (Pollutant Standards Index) went up to 150 at 9pm (it's down to 140 now). That's almost midway to the 'dangerous level'. I've now got an irritated throat but it's nothing like the respiratory problems many others are experiencing.
What's so damm annoying is that the Indonesian government keeps refusing all help from its neighbours to fight the fires nor do they have the determination (or guts!) to prosecute the people who are starting them. So, I say to all who are getting sick because of the haze, send your medical bills to the Indonesian embassy in your respective countries. Their addresses are below: In Singapore 7 Chatsworth Road Singapore 249761 In Malaysia 233 Jalan Tun Razak Kuala Lumpur 50400 In Thailand 600-602 Pecthburi Road Ratchatewi, Bangkok 10400 Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 11:40 PM Wednesday, October 04, 2006 2 weeks to go... Since he's grounded, Murphy's been sulking. Ok, ok! I'm getting you a leash for walks. Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 10:06 PM Sunday, October 01, 2006 He's been found!!
Twenty minutes ago, Murphy came home. Or Dad and I went to get him from an animal lover, Mr Ong who lives nearby. He found Murphy on the Friday he went missing and has looked after him ever since.
He was putting up notices around his neighbourhood today when his son spotted Murphy's poster. He called and we confirmed his collar colour and ID tag number. After numerous other false leads during the week that had my heart in my mouth (not to mention a crank call that I reported to the police) we got him home, safe and sound. Murphy's a little thinner but I know he's happy to be home. He's been running all over the place, sniffing out his rug and barking at any dog that dares come near the gate. We're just happy he's home. I'll scold him tomorrow. :-P Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts and prayers. It was a very stressful time for myself and my parents who loved him dearly too. Murphy's travelling days are over. He's grounded! # posted by purplefugue : 6:45 PM Friday, September 29, 2006 Still no news...
I've put posters around my neighbourhood, and the other ones close by. I've also left some with security guards at several condos in the vicinity. We've gone driving around, slowing down each time we spotted a beige dog. But no such luck.
I'm sorry for not posting much in a while. Every time I think of Murphy, all kinds of horrible thoughts fill my mind and I feel awful. He's just a dog but I love him to death. I've not had much success with my reading either. So far, The Dante Club is proving an interesting read. It started with a truly grisly death, and now the characters are being introduced one by one. I think I'll take a crack at it again this weekend. # posted by purplefugue : 4:09 PM Monday, September 25, 2006 Murphy, come home! I MISS HIM!! Still no news, no sign...nothing. Sigh! Just thinking of him wandering alone out there is making me ill. I'm praying that some kind soul has found him and is looking after him. Now if that someone will just call the SPCA or AVA as we've registered Murphy with them. # posted by purplefugue : 3:22 PM Friday, September 22, 2006 Murphy's missing!
Just two days ago, I posted about Murphy. And now he's missing! This time he didn't come back from his walk. I've looked all over and he's nowhere to be found. I'm worried because of his age and today was a very hot day. Just say a prayer for him please, that he's safe and will come home soon.
# posted by purplefugue : 9:26 PM Wednesday, September 20, 2006 MurphyA rather sleepy Murphy wondering what the heck I was doing on the floor next to him. He's getting on in years and is 12 years old. He's slower, slightly deaf (although I have my doubts and think he's got selective hearing now) and takes longer naps. He still takes himself off for a walk every morning and barks like crazy for someone to open the gate after just 15 minutes. He plays in the rain (which is especially annoying when he's just had a bath!). Murphy hasn't lost his appetite, thank goodness. And he hasn't lost some of his puppy ways either. He still hops like a rabbit around me when I get home or when he wants his walk. He's all bark and no bite, and is very gentle around children. Oh, and he loves hugs...great big bear ones. Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 5:10 PM Tuesday, September 19, 2006 Duplicity
It's only words and pictures but it seems they're enough to agitate religious men's vindictiveness. Yet where are those very emotions when their 'brothers' detonate bombs in Bali, London, Egypt and now Haadyai that maim and kill innocents? Where is the clamor against the 'infidels' that have twisted their mighty religion to wreck and ruin?
The silence is deafening indeed. Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 11:02 AM Tuesday, September 12, 2006 What really happened?
I think I've come to this late: A friend sent me the link for Loose Change, a documentary that asked many question on what really happened on September 9, 2001.
If any of this is real, if even one part of it is true... I shudder to think at the extent to which people would go to realise secret agendas, that would sacrifice thousands of innocent lives. You be the judge. Note: I had no inkling that any of this was out there. NONE of the news reports of explosions in the WTC, theories of a cover-up or otherwise made it to our televisions here. Well, no surprise considering our government's close ties to the US. Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 4:13 PM Saturday, September 02, 2006 This September...
Several exciting things are happening here:
1. Singapore Biennale This is the inaugural international biennale of contemporary art. Curated by Fumio Nanjo, the event will feature 95 artists and artists collectives from over 38 countries and regions including Singapore. An interesting event took place this evening when Daniel Malone from New Zealand and 300 other people tried to levitate City Hall. it didn't budge but the spirit was in the trying. 2. International Monetary Fund & World Bank Group From the 11 to 20 September, we'll be under the microscope as over 16,000 global financial representatives from 184 countries visit for the annual meetings. The whole country is prepped for the spotlight. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that nothing stupid happens. And lastly... 3. My birthday on Monday. Instead of taking that day off, I took Friday instead as we'll be moving next week. Again. This time we're splitting into 2 groups with the creative team (6 people minus one CD who's roaming through Spain for 3 weeks) moving to a temporary 2nd floor tiny cubby-hole of an office, while the suits, finance and HR (about 14 people) will be squatting in 2 meeting rooms of our floor mates, FutureBrand. This will last for about 2 weeks till we move (again!) back to a renovated office before the end of the month. So think of me on Monday when I'll be covered with dust, packing tape, paper cuts and sneezing up a storm. Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 10:10 PM Saturday, August 19, 2006 A lovely start to a weekend!
The Agency's creative director walked into my office yesterday at 3:00pm.
CD: You know, when things are this quiet and especially a Friday, you should send people home. Me: Really? CD: Well, we work late when we're busy, so let the creatives off when we're not. Me: Cool! I'll let them know. CD: And that includes you, missy! (waving a shoelace in my direction) Me: Fantastic! (grinning like the Cheshire Cat!) After telling the creative team the news, I called Flee who's been wanting to get a dress for a friend's wedding in Europe next month. We met at Ngee Ann City for an afternoon of shopping. We went in and out of several shops while picky Flee tried on ONLY 3 dresses. *Rolling eyes* Did she buy anything? No! But I ended up buying a Picard leather satchel (and 2 pairs of shoes from a lunch time shopping jaunt). Much later, she bought 2 watercolor Moleskines but still no dress. The evening ended with a Japanese dinner of nato (fermented sticky soya beans), sea urchin, beef sukiyaki and tempura, followed by coffee and tea. It felt deliriously decadent, shopping at 4 o'clock in the afternoon while others were stuck in the office. There'll be fewer Fridays like this as work is picking up at the Agency so I'm going to make full use of my CD's mandate. Flee, if you're reading this. we WILL get you that dress before the end of the month. Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 5:50 PM Monday, August 07, 2006 Australian art Over 50,000 polystyrene balls went into this installation piece by Australian artist Nike Savvas. Entitled "Atomix - Full of Love, Full of Wonder", it's her representation of shimmering light and colors in the Australian landscape. You can see it at the New South Wales Art Gallery in Sydney. Click on the picture for a larger image. # posted by purplefugue : 4:20 PM Saturday, July 29, 2006 First social night in weeks! And it's off to Emerald Hill. This colourful neighbourhood is situated just off the main shopping belt of Orchard Road in a former Peranakan (aka Straits Chinese) enclave. Here you can find beautifully preserved million dollar homes that were once shophouses in the 1920s and 30s. At one end of Emerald Hill are bars similar to those you see here, and at the other end is Akira Restaurant where you can find the freshest seafood tempura and sashimi, owned by a petite dynamo, Min who is the perfect hostess. It was a great night of laughs, stories, gossip and plum wine with non-stop platters of delicious food arriving in our own private tatami room. Oh...do you know how you can tell if a Japanese restaurant's any good? Just check to see if it's packed with Japanese businessmen. They know where to find the best sushi for the best prices. And this place was packed with them. Note: The picture above was taken with a Nokia N70 which has an in-built 2 megapixel camera. I'm now waiting for the N73 to arrive on our shores to upgrade to a phone with a 3.2 megapixel camera. Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 12:35 AM Sunday, July 23, 2006 A good read...
Stumbled on Octogenarian, a retired journalist who has some interesting views on the current Middle East crisis, Israel and the failings of the Bush administration.
With a Nokia N70
Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 6:16 PM  A view from the 5th floor of the cineplex at the mall. Caught a late morning screening of Pirates and it was really good. It was a fun way to spend nearly 2.5 hours. Just don't worry too much about connecting the dots. Labels: Geek Stuff, General # posted by purplefugue : 2:00 AM
For a while now, I've had something niggling at the back of my mind. It was a stash of old typography magazines I've had for like...forever. I decided to see if they could be worth anything - if at all - to anyone.
After checking online, I discovered that they are either classified rare or very rare issues of Baseline. Omigosh! And I've got 10 of the earliest issues! Digging further, I found several first edition design books especially one by the guru of deconstructed type - David Carson. Hmmm...I think it's time for a crash course in selling on Ebay! Woohoo!! Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 12:51 AM Tuesday, July 18, 2006 It just came to me...
On an afternoon that just came out of the shower with golden highlights everywhere. This phrase - 'the wild, blue yonder'.
Unfortunately my horizon is rather limited these days. I'm stuck indoors, surrounded by stone, glass and wood, and about to crack my jaw with yawns. What shall I do once this madness has passed? Well, I'm planning a 5-day weekend in early August that involves Sentosa for some jazz on the beach, a spa treat or two and just relaxing with some neglected books. Care to join me? Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 5:15 PM Sunday, June 25, 2006 Wishful thinking but...
I think I would like to work in a bookstore or a cafe. Where there are no deadlines or creative types throwing tantrums. Where the biggest crisis would be running out of The Da Vinci Code when there are a hundred people demanding it, or the expresso machine breaking down. Where I won't have shooting headaches and sometimes sleepless nights because of stress. Sometimes I wish I could be doing ANYTHING other then what I'm doing now. And this week is when I wish it most fervently.
Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 5:39 PM Saturday, June 17, 2006 Robbie is coming! Now if I promise to be good, eat my veggies and exercise, please bring U2 here! Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 4:00 PM  I'll have more images especially when they are bigger and their feathers fluff up. Labels: General # posted by purplefugue : 3:11 PM |
