|
|
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 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, February 04, 2009 To my darling... Thanks for 25 wonderful years, Apple. Here's to another 25 more! Long live Mac! Woohoo! Labels: Geek Stuff, News # posted by purplefugue : 10:22 PM Monday, January 26, 2009 Look out for...
Keith Donohue's new book due out in March 2009 - Angels of Destruction. After getting totally lost in his first book The Stolen Child, I've eagerly waited his next. And now it's almost here.
# posted by purplefugue : 1:20 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 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 Thursday, November 27, 2008 A new logo for Pepsi Notice the 'grins' in the logo? It's about the enjoyment you get from drinking a Pepsi. The white gap widens for different drinks. Pepsi has taken a very space-age look with the new can design and typeface. I'm not sure if I like it...yet. # posted by purplefugue : 3:38 PM Wednesday, November 05, 2008 Barack Obama Wins! This is a red-letter day in history. Now can America rise up and stand tall again? YES, THEY CAN! Image from Yahoo! News. Labels: News # posted by purplefugue : 8:02 PM 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 Tuesday, August 19, 2008 Oh baby...! This gorgeous hunk is finally here. At 12.01am on Friday, 22 August at the ComCentre. You must be registered and have booked this time-slot. If not, visit Singtel's hello shops to add your name to the waiting list. Excuse me while I calm my racing heart...I have a date with destiny. Labels: Geek Stuff, News # posted by purplefugue : 11:30 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 Sunday, June 22, 2008 Welcome nephew...
Anthony Gerald, born Saturday, 21 June at 4pm-ish in Memphis, TN to my sister and her husband. All are doing well.
Uh...correction. Anthony is well but his parents are exhausted! My parents couldn't make it up there as Mom had a minor operation on her back, and is recovering. They'll be going in early July. I'll be there in mid-August, I think...Or whenever the baptism is suppose to be. Update: It's been an unreal 2 weeks at work with everything coming to a head on Friday when the corporate book I was project managing for that government client got rejected. No thanks to the printer who delivered 2500 copies with ink smudges and roller marks. I could shoot them! Of course everything will be re-printed at no cost to the client or us but now, the client is taking this opportunity to change the color on the cover! The circus continues on Monday. # posted by purplefugue : 3:08 PM Sunday, June 08, 2008 Calling AoGG fans!
I stumbled on a treasure trove of Anne of Green Gables videos on YouTube. Here you can catch the entire series, all 3 of them in 10 minute segments, starting with Anne of Green Gables (20 segments), Anne of Green Gables - The Sequel (23 segments) and Anne of Green Gables - The Continuing Story (15 segments).
Dig a little deeper and you'll find BBC gems: The Vicar of Dibley, Keeping Up Appearances, Fawlty Towers and Monty Python!! Woohoo!! # posted by purplefugue : 9:27 PM Wednesday, May 14, 2008 Finally, a favourite book is now a movie! No big names here except for Emma Thompson as Lady Marchmain. Taking a cue from the BBC TV series back in 1981, Brideshead is filmed at the famous Castle Howard in Yorkshire. Look out for the TV series, now available on Amazon, which stars a very young Jeremy Irons and Anthony Andrews. And oh! another forgotten author is also due for fame soon. I just read online that filming will soon start on Wuthering Heights. Natalie Portman who was suppose to star as Catherine as dropped out. No news yet on a replacement but Heathcliffe will be played by Michael Fassbender (Stelios in 300). This could be interesting. Now who would you like to play Catherine opposite him, eh? I just decided on my Catherine: Kate Beckinsale - dark-haired, beautiful, tomboy. Now to find my Heathcliffe. # posted by purplefugue : 2:30 PM Monday, May 05, 2008 Roll over Moleskines... Thanks to a good friend who hoards these beauties, I've found an alternative - Monologues. The sketchbook version has 100gsm acid-free cream sketch paper that can take washes but has no pocket on the inside back of a flexible black cover. It takes the ink of my Pilot G2s very well, with no smudges or bleed thrus.  If you're in Singapore, Monologues are available at Kinokuniya at Takashimaya, and at Popular bookstores. Sorry Moleskine... Labels: Geek Stuff, News # posted by purplefugue : 5:14 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 Wednesday, March 19, 2008 The Word from Jobs is...*faints* Labels: Geek Stuff, News # posted by purplefugue : 10:36 PM Sunday, March 02, 2008 Weekend Stuff
A few days ago, I added this post about some clever library ideas. Thanks to Aloi, I found this perfect addition to my some day perfect library - perfect for curling up with a good book
 Jim Rosenau creates functional art from old, discarded books. And he's got some really cool shelves for sale on his site. I love how he creates themes from book titles.   No news yet when Susan Hill's The Man in the Mask will finally appear on US shores and if it will have the same title. It's still absent from bookstores here. # posted by purplefugue : 4:30 PM Tuesday, February 26, 2008 Honestly!!
Would you believe it...I just got a call from someone asking if I can help his friend in the US, write a paper (6 or 7 pages, double-spaced, thank you) on classical music and how much would that be.
What? I'm NOT going to help some twit get a grade on a paper I write. What on earth was he thinking? This is not the first time - I was asked by a friend a long while back to help him write a paper for his final year thesis. I told him directly, 'No!' and he was quite miffed. This time, I said I'm a copywriter and write for corporate, retail and commercial clients. I don't write 'papers'. I sooo wanted to tell him that I won't help his friend cheat, but I bit my tongue instead. Labels: News # posted by purplefugue : 2:05 PM Saturday, February 09, 2008 Oh happy day!
Wonderful news came from Tanabata the other day. I've won a US$20 Amazon voucher in a contest she held to celebrate her 2nd blogiversary. Woohoo! I've never won anything online and now an AMAZON VOUCHER? How great is that? Arigato Nat-san.
You KNOW I'm going to buy a book or two (or three) with this. *Tapping finger to lip* Hmmm...which ones will it be? # posted by purplefugue : 1:34 PM Saturday, February 02, 2008 Go see my picture!
I stumbled on A Photo A Day from Planet Earth a couple of months ago. Lovely images from all over the world, many not your standard travel picture. I sent one in from my 2006 Down Under trip and it was selected!!! You can view The Old Tree Network there. Woohoo!
# posted by purplefugue : 1:55 AM Saturday, January 26, 2008 Be still my heart...
THE BORDERS COUPONS ARE BACK and these are the best yet. They've got one coupon with 40% off if you buy 4 or more books, and another coupon with 30% off. Now use your Borders Preferred Card and you'll get an additional 10% off!! This is it! I can now get my Harry Potter Bloomsbury Adult Hardcover box set which I saw today for $351. I have until Feb 7 so YEAH!!!
# posted by purplefugue : 12:27 AM Friday, January 11, 2008 News Flash!
One of my favourite books, The Time Traveler's Wife, is now a movie and will be out in June 2008. I had imagined several men in the role of Henry, including Viggo Mortensen, Hugh Jackman, Colin Farrell, Jonathan Rhy Meyers - choices probably based on general preference rather than role fit. But I forgot one, and he's perfect - soulful and intense, everything I imagined Henry to be. Claire was well cast too. Go see for yourself!
# posted by purplefugue : 10:42 AM 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 Sunday, December 09, 2007 A new love... Dark Orpheus introduced me to a Finnish rock group, Nightwish and their ex-lead singer Tarja Turunen back in October. Marvelous vocalist, haunting music. And I just discovered that Tarja has her own album out and it's great! Nightwish has gone on with their new vocalist Anette Olzen, and a new album, Dark Passion Play which sounds promising. Who knew I'd fall in love with symphonic rock? These guys (and girl) are GREAT! # posted by purplefugue : 4:33 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 Thursday, October 04, 2007 Book News # posted by purplefugue : 7:31 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 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 Sunday, August 12, 2007 In Memoriam: Ms Kathleen Woodford
Nothing too much has changed since I've been away. Singapore is chugging along like clockwork and family and friends are all safe and accounted for. Except for one unhappy bit of news: a couple of days ago, on National Day (9 August), my former primary school teacher, Ms Woodford passed away. The news came while we were celebrating the holiday and an anniversary at a house party. Saddened by the news, we stopped for a minute of silence and prayer.
Ms Woodford was a strict teacher. In my primary school (Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus at Opera Estate), she taught us English, Math and Science. She was also our Physical Ed teacher and in charge of school sports. She demanded a lot from us and was very vocal about it. Woe betide anyone who didn't do their homework or didn't pay attention in class. I was one of a handful who routinely got her ears twisted for not listening and who got chalk thrown at because I was talking in class. She struck fear in the rest of the student body but got grudging respect from her students. I realised much later that we were very lucky to have her. Ms Woodford was above all else, fair. She cared for her sometimes delinquent charges and she taught us well. I think those 3 years under her stern gaze held some of the most inspiring moments of my young life. It was many years later after college that I got to know her as a friend. But she was still Ms Woodford, and I was always a little apprehensive around her although now I knew her as a woman of great humour and a big heart. Sadly, it was the latter that failed her. Ms Woodford, thank you for your guidance and firm hand with a very naughty Eurasian girl. You were the one teacher whose lessons have remained with me throughout my life. Labels: News # posted by purplefugue : 11:28 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 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 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.
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, 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 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 Wednesday, December 20, 2006 News
Totally out of the blue, I just heard that we are all going to Sri Lanka next year in February! All 26 of us. Even the freelancers! Oh wow...!
More to follow. This announcement was made at our Christmas party yesterday. # posted by purplefugue : 1:18 AM Saturday, December 16, 2006 Found
The Muslim Brotherhood, Nazis and Al-Qaeda is a chilling read.
# posted by purplefugue : 4:45 PM Wednesday, November 15, 2006 News
At 3 books sold per minute for every hour that they're opened, Borders Singapore has just been named the No. 1 performing store and the biggest revenue-maker in the chain of 1,200 stores worldwide. - Todayonline.com
Wow! # posted by purplefugue : 2:07 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 Friday, February 03, 2006 She's back!
Usually at odd times during the year, I'll get an surprise phone call from an old friend (she loves doing this!). And I got one today.
Karen and I go WAY back, first meeting when we were 5 years old in kindergarden. We reconnected when we were 17, discovered our shared history on a bus ride, and have been friends ever since. She's now living in Hong Kong with her husband and two sons. Twice a year they'll visit Singapore to see her parents and the rest of her family. That's when we get together for a major gabfest. Tonight was no different. For nearly 5 hours, we caught up on each other's lives over dinner, dessert and coffee. Like a strip of paper, the months apart fold back together, and we carry on from the point where we last left off. I believe we have an amazing friendship and she's someone I'm blessed to have in my life. Note to self: 2:54AM - Next time remember to order DECAF coffee!! Labels: News # posted by purplefugue : 2:54 AM Wednesday, February 01, 2006 Must see...Paul Briggs
Stumbled across PBCB Studio and the treasure chest he has there. His blog has tons of experimental scribbles and really good links to other illustrators, many of whom work with either Pixar or Disney. Check out his studio too while you're there.
Labels: News # posted by purplefugue : 8:40 PM Thursday, January 19, 2006 At long last...  They are finally here. Or at least will be before the end of 2006. Two of my favourite US brands are opening franchise stores in Singapore and Malaysia. Now if someone can only secure the franchise rights to Victoria Secrets, women here and I dare say men, would be very happy. Labels: News # posted by purplefugue : 11:20 PM Sunday, October 02, 2005 It happened last night...again!
Bombs went off on Saturday night in Bali. Three years to the month of the last horrific car bombs that killed 202 people. This time, sucide bombers targetted holiday diners at 2 locations in Jimbaran and a restaurant in Kuta. The numbers are still coming in on the dead and injured.
I'm so angry, that once again the gentle people of Bali have been targetted by extremists with an axe to grind against the West. Watching amateur videos on tv, I just got more enraged. Damm it! If they want to blow things up...blow themselves up first, and see if that feels good before doing it to others!! These people believe that their religion promises them a place in heaven by doing such deeds or jihad. Well, the joke's on them when God drops them, kicking and screaming into Hell. Yes, I'm mad. Labels: News # posted by purplefugue : 3:31 PM Friday, July 15, 2005 On the UK and the NKF
A couple of things happened in the last couple of weeks that have made me really mad:
1. The London Bombings: This despicable act just shows how low some humans have fallen. These low-lifers use the cover of their extreme religious beliefs, sanctioned by the twisted teachings of a beautiful religion, to hurt, maim and kill innocent people. That these extremists have since been proven to be UK citizens is even more horrifying. Right about now, I feel like punching all those perverted zealots who insidiously get their followers to do their dirty work in a community and country that has given them a home, a job and a future. 2. The National Kidney Foundation in Singapore: This is an organisation that utilises public donations to provide subsidised dialysis to patients with kidney failure. It really does do a lot of good. But...after long years of rumours and lawsuits, it's been finally revealed that the CEO of the NKF HAS been earning about $600,000 a year in salary and bonuses ($25,000 a month plus 12 months bonus!). That has been a secret for a very long time. It all came out at a recent lawsuit he filed on Singapore Press Holdings for publishing a story last year on the S$990 the CEO/NKF paid for gold taps to be installed in his personal office toilet. What also came to light to the satisfaction of many who've heard these rumours for years is that he HAS been using his position to travel first class on airlines. The NKF also keeps a fleet of 8 cars of which one Mercedes Benz is reserved for the CEO's family and another which he uses at work. Can you believe the arrogance of this man when he said that he was entitled to all these perks as the CEO which the board of directors have awarded him? What CEO in this day gets all those perks, let alone a CEO of a not-for-profit organisation? He's suppose to be running a not-for-profit organisation with about 1800 people (not 3000 as they have let the public believer) depending on life-saving dialysis. What I felt was even more annoying was a board member who insisted that the $600,000 was 'peanuts'. PEANUTS!! Do you realise how that immediately cheapens the average man-in-the-street's monthly donation of $12 a month! That was a callous and insensitive remark considering that it's the PUBLIC that funds EVERYTHING that the NKF is built on and for. As of this morning, the entire board and the CEO have resigned. A new broom sweeps clean, they say. What more will be uncovered as a new team comes on board? Labels: News # posted by purplefugue : 12:40 PM |
