and these delicious, "AARGH! I WANT THIS!!" totes from Bizzie Lizzie
I'm the last one on the train it seems. So many people before me shop online like a pro...and why not.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
I am woman hear me roar
I stole this gem of a speech from the sassy savviness that is Kiat back in June, waiting for an opportunity to present itself. As an observer from afar, American politics seem to me like another wing of Hollywood studios, the political drama/dark comedy department. However, as we are all aware of Bush's bizarre sense of politics, we now wait with bated breath as a new President is crowned. As lead actors nominated for their unforgettable roles in this Presidential campaign, I would have enjoyed watching either Obby or Hillary win an Oscar. Now that they've joined forces, their star power will surely clean out the trophies. But let's rewind to that poignant moment back on June 7th when Hillary graciously bowed out:
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), the most successful female presidential candidate in history, officially ended her campaign and endorsed Obama yesterday at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC:
"Now, on a personal note when I was asked what it means to be a woman running for President, I always gave the same answer: that I was proud to be running as a woman but I was running because I thought I'd be the best President. But I am a woman, and like millions of women, I know there are still barriers and biases out there, often unconscious.
I want to build an America that respects and embraces the potential of every last one of us. I ran as a daughter who benefited from opportunities my mother never dreamed of.
I ran as a mother who worries about my daughter's future and a mother who wants to lead all children to brighter tomorrows. To build that future I see, we must make sure that women and men alike understand the struggles of their grandmothers and mothers, and that women enjoy equal opportunities, equal pay, and equal respect. Let us resolve and work toward achieving some very simple propositions: There are no acceptable limits and there are no acceptable prejudices in the twenty-first century.
(Kiat: That last sentence resonates so strongly with my beliefs it is impossible for me not to feel just a little bit sad that Hillary will not be our next President as well as America's first female President.)
You can be so proud that, from now on, it will be unremarkable for a woman to win primary state victories, unremarkable to have a woman in a close race to be our nominee, unremarkable to think that a woman can be the President of the United States. And that is truly remarkable.
To those who are disappointed that we couldnt go all the way especially the young people who put so much into this campaign it would break my heart if, in falling short of my goal, I in any way discouraged any of you from pursuing yours. Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. When you stumble, keep faith. When you're knocked down, get right back up. And never listen to anyone who says you can't or shouldn't go on.
All of you were there for me every step of the way. Being human, we are imperfect. That's why we need each other. To catch each other when we falter. To encourage each other when we lose heart. Some may lead; others may follow; but none of us can go it alone. The changes were working for are changes that we can only accomplish together. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are rights that belong to each of us as individuals. But our lives, our freedom, our happiness, are best enjoyed, best protected, and best advanced when we do work together.
As we gather here today in this historic magnificent building, the 50th woman to leave this Earth is orbiting overhead. If we can blast 50 women into space, we will someday launch a woman into the White House.
Although we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it's got about 18 million cracks in it. And the light is shining through like never before, filling us all with the hope and the sure knowledge that the path will be a little easier next time. That has always been the history of progress in America.
Think of the suffragists who gathered at Seneca Falls in 1848 and those who kept fighting until women could cast their votes. Think of the abolitionists who struggled and died to see the end of slavery. Think of the civil rights heroes and foot-soldiers who marched, protested and risked their lives to bring about the end to segregation and Jim Crow.
Because of them, I grew up taking for granted that women could vote. Because of them, my daughter grew up taking for granted that children of all colors could go to school together. Because of them, Barack Obama and I could wage a hard fought campaign for the Democratic nomination. Because of them, and because of you, children today will grow up taking for granted that an African American or a woman can yes, become President of the United States.
When that day arrives and a woman takes the oath of office as our President, we will all stand taller, proud of the values of our nation, proud that every little girl can dream and that her dreams can come true in America. And all of you will know that because of your passion and hard work you helped pave the way for that day.
(Kiat:"Why did she have to wait until her presidential-campaign-ending speech to deliver a speech of lofty and epochal proportions?")
And looking out at you today, I have never felt so blessed. The challenges that I have faced in this campaign are nothing compared to those that millions of Americans face every day in their own lives. So today, I'm going to count my blessings and keep on going. I'm going to keep doing what I was doing long before the cameras ever showed up and what I'll be doing long after they're gone: Working to give every American the same opportunities I had, and working to ensure that every child has the chance to grow up and achieve his or her God-given potential."
(Kiat rounds it off with, "I would be remiss if I didn't mention that, even as I was publicly proclaiming that would be happy with either Obama or Clinton as the nominee, I had always believed that it was a woman's time to be President, and Hillary was the right woman for the job -- strong, determined and passionate. I am disappointed that she lost, but that disappointment will last for a mere nano-second as we now look ahead to a brighter future come January 20, 2009".)
So I want to say to my supporters, when you hear people saying or think to yourself "if only" or "what if," I say, "please dont go there." Every moment wasted looking back keeps us from moving forward.
In the immortal words from Angels in America about the bittersweetness of progress which rings especially true in Hillary's could've-should've presidential run: "In this world, there is a kind of painful progress. Longing for what we've left behind, and dreaming ahead."
-->An excerpt from Kiat.net, June 8 2008. For further worldly education, please visit his website http://www.kiat.net/
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), the most successful female presidential candidate in history, officially ended her campaign and endorsed Obama yesterday at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC:
"Now, on a personal note when I was asked what it means to be a woman running for President, I always gave the same answer: that I was proud to be running as a woman but I was running because I thought I'd be the best President. But I am a woman, and like millions of women, I know there are still barriers and biases out there, often unconscious.
I want to build an America that respects and embraces the potential of every last one of us. I ran as a daughter who benefited from opportunities my mother never dreamed of.
I ran as a mother who worries about my daughter's future and a mother who wants to lead all children to brighter tomorrows. To build that future I see, we must make sure that women and men alike understand the struggles of their grandmothers and mothers, and that women enjoy equal opportunities, equal pay, and equal respect. Let us resolve and work toward achieving some very simple propositions: There are no acceptable limits and there are no acceptable prejudices in the twenty-first century.
(Kiat: That last sentence resonates so strongly with my beliefs it is impossible for me not to feel just a little bit sad that Hillary will not be our next President as well as America's first female President.)
You can be so proud that, from now on, it will be unremarkable for a woman to win primary state victories, unremarkable to have a woman in a close race to be our nominee, unremarkable to think that a woman can be the President of the United States. And that is truly remarkable.
To those who are disappointed that we couldnt go all the way especially the young people who put so much into this campaign it would break my heart if, in falling short of my goal, I in any way discouraged any of you from pursuing yours. Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. When you stumble, keep faith. When you're knocked down, get right back up. And never listen to anyone who says you can't or shouldn't go on.
All of you were there for me every step of the way. Being human, we are imperfect. That's why we need each other. To catch each other when we falter. To encourage each other when we lose heart. Some may lead; others may follow; but none of us can go it alone. The changes were working for are changes that we can only accomplish together. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are rights that belong to each of us as individuals. But our lives, our freedom, our happiness, are best enjoyed, best protected, and best advanced when we do work together.
As we gather here today in this historic magnificent building, the 50th woman to leave this Earth is orbiting overhead. If we can blast 50 women into space, we will someday launch a woman into the White House.
Although we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it's got about 18 million cracks in it. And the light is shining through like never before, filling us all with the hope and the sure knowledge that the path will be a little easier next time. That has always been the history of progress in America.
Think of the suffragists who gathered at Seneca Falls in 1848 and those who kept fighting until women could cast their votes. Think of the abolitionists who struggled and died to see the end of slavery. Think of the civil rights heroes and foot-soldiers who marched, protested and risked their lives to bring about the end to segregation and Jim Crow.
Because of them, I grew up taking for granted that women could vote. Because of them, my daughter grew up taking for granted that children of all colors could go to school together. Because of them, Barack Obama and I could wage a hard fought campaign for the Democratic nomination. Because of them, and because of you, children today will grow up taking for granted that an African American or a woman can yes, become President of the United States.
When that day arrives and a woman takes the oath of office as our President, we will all stand taller, proud of the values of our nation, proud that every little girl can dream and that her dreams can come true in America. And all of you will know that because of your passion and hard work you helped pave the way for that day.
(Kiat:"Why did she have to wait until her presidential-campaign-ending speech to deliver a speech of lofty and epochal proportions?")
And looking out at you today, I have never felt so blessed. The challenges that I have faced in this campaign are nothing compared to those that millions of Americans face every day in their own lives. So today, I'm going to count my blessings and keep on going. I'm going to keep doing what I was doing long before the cameras ever showed up and what I'll be doing long after they're gone: Working to give every American the same opportunities I had, and working to ensure that every child has the chance to grow up and achieve his or her God-given potential."
(Kiat rounds it off with, "I would be remiss if I didn't mention that, even as I was publicly proclaiming that would be happy with either Obama or Clinton as the nominee, I had always believed that it was a woman's time to be President, and Hillary was the right woman for the job -- strong, determined and passionate. I am disappointed that she lost, but that disappointment will last for a mere nano-second as we now look ahead to a brighter future come January 20, 2009".)
So I want to say to my supporters, when you hear people saying or think to yourself "if only" or "what if," I say, "please dont go there." Every moment wasted looking back keeps us from moving forward.
In the immortal words from Angels in America about the bittersweetness of progress which rings especially true in Hillary's could've-should've presidential run: "In this world, there is a kind of painful progress. Longing for what we've left behind, and dreaming ahead."
-->An excerpt from Kiat.net, June 8 2008. For further worldly education, please visit his website http://www.kiat.net/
i surf online insanely when i'm at work
Blogging’s Glass Ceiling (Blogging is a competitive sport)
Blogging has come a long way from its modest beginnings. These days, there is money to be made, fame to be earned and influence to be gained. And though women and men are creating blogs in roughly equal numbers, many women at the conference were becoming very Katie Couric about their belief that they are not taken as seriously as their male counterparts at, say, Daily Kos, a political blog site. Nor, they said, were they making much money, even though corporations seem to be making money from them.
Obabma in Berlin
Then an amazing thing happened: that incredibly large crowd listened. There were cheers and applause at the appropriate places, but you could also hear people murmuring, “Yes, yes,” as Obama spoke of tearing down walls between races and religions. When he ended his address, a woman behind me said, “He really does make you hopeful that change is possible.” Her American friend responded, “Change, hell—he has to pull us out of an abyss.” (Hallay-leuijah, i couldn't agree more. A lil less embarrassment a lil more common sense..I support Bare-ack Obabma)
(Also related to Asia1 article)
Singapore Devours First Eating Contest (Uh huh)
A small but enthusiastic Singapore crowd got its first taste of professional eating today as the sports' two titans - Takeru Kobayashi and Joey 'Jaws' Chestnut - made their debut in the city-state...The competition forms part of Singapore's bid to fashion the city-state as a more hip and attractive place to live. The event was part of the Singapore Food Festival, which sought to present "unique dining experiences with a host of interactive events", the Singapore Tourism Board said.
Miranda Kerr is a wooloomooloo woman (this is me, always concerning myself with worldly matters...)
The 25-year-old supermodel ate two plates of pasta and an order of barramundi (fish). After lunch, she headed to get a facial.
And that's all for a Monday morning news read...
Blogging has come a long way from its modest beginnings. These days, there is money to be made, fame to be earned and influence to be gained. And though women and men are creating blogs in roughly equal numbers, many women at the conference were becoming very Katie Couric about their belief that they are not taken as seriously as their male counterparts at, say, Daily Kos, a political blog site. Nor, they said, were they making much money, even though corporations seem to be making money from them.
Obabma in Berlin
Then an amazing thing happened: that incredibly large crowd listened. There were cheers and applause at the appropriate places, but you could also hear people murmuring, “Yes, yes,” as Obama spoke of tearing down walls between races and religions. When he ended his address, a woman behind me said, “He really does make you hopeful that change is possible.” Her American friend responded, “Change, hell—he has to pull us out of an abyss.” (Hallay-leuijah, i couldn't agree more. A lil less embarrassment a lil more common sense..I support Bare-ack Obabma)
(Also related to Asia1 article)
Singapore Devours First Eating Contest (Uh huh)
A small but enthusiastic Singapore crowd got its first taste of professional eating today as the sports' two titans - Takeru Kobayashi and Joey 'Jaws' Chestnut - made their debut in the city-state...The competition forms part of Singapore's bid to fashion the city-state as a more hip and attractive place to live. The event was part of the Singapore Food Festival, which sought to present "unique dining experiences with a host of interactive events", the Singapore Tourism Board said.
Miranda Kerr is a wooloomooloo woman (this is me, always concerning myself with worldly matters...)
The 25-year-old supermodel ate two plates of pasta and an order of barramundi (fish). After lunch, she headed to get a facial.
And that's all for a Monday morning news read...
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Friday Night Lights
I think I like blogging, but boy is it hard work. Random pics from another wonderful weekend.
More pictures coming...
Friday, July 25, 2008
Braces – Part 1
I'm wearing braces for the second time in my life. Once at 10 years old. And now 15 years later, i'm wearing them again because i had to choose between a dental implant or a more holistic treatment of closing the gap in my teeth.
So it's Friday and time for my 'one-week on' appointment at The OralMaxillofacial Practice. Last Thursday, I went under the knife. Dr. Winston Tan and Dr. John Loh (i had to do away with the glorification but i highly, highly rate them). They extracted an abnormal tooth in the top, uppermost gum section of my two front teeth (gross? Yes). Needless to say, I was administered general anesthesia. Apparently the surgery was complicated - they drilled into my bone to scoop the tooth out. When I finally awoke 2 hours later, thank god i didn't suffer when the anesthesia wore off...my cheeks and lips merely puffed up like a greedy chipmunk, resulting in the affectionate nickname "Gno-meee!" from my darling. It's been 9 days and I'm so grateful that the recovery has been smooth! I'm stuffing this lil basket with good stuff as a thank-you gift...
Basket - $7.50, Chocolates from Jason's and Mark's & Spencer's - $35.00, Gift card - $2.50
Great smile - *all together now* "PRICELESSSS!!"
Larie Leigh's Recommendation:
The OralMaxillofacial Practice
One Orchard Boulevard #10-04
Camden Medical Centre
Singapore 248649
Tel: 65-6737 1649
Akan Datang: Where to look for a really good orthodontist...
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Ode to Friendship
Today was the first day back at work after 6 days of sick leave. I feel recharged and reborn after a traumatic yet fulfilling (i love juxtapositions) vacation from work.
Traumatic because I endured oral surgery on Thursday, followed by teeth extraction on Saturday, rounding off the full treatment by getting hot pink braces fitted to my lower set of teeth on Tuesday.
Fulfilling because I maximized the free time to blog, shop and catch up with friends. You know the feeling of being on a roll....it was such a great adrenaline rush, one activity after the next.
As a result, I've not been able to sleep for the past two nights. My mind is brimming with thoughts to post...trouble is, I've been flat out, staying out late the past three days, leaving me with no time, NO TIME!
But back to the part of feeling fulfilled, i must proclaim that beside the many things at the top of my list, Friendship stands tall, wearing a crown and sash. I've been feeling incredibly, incredibly thankful for having developed/strengthened relationships with many people in recent weeks and months. But in the past 6 days, I've made special connections with at least 10 different people, both close and new to me. I am honored by your presence, I welcome you into my heart. And so, I leave you with this great quote by the character Carol from the movie, "As Good As It Gets",
"Come on in, and try not to ruin everything by being you." :-)
Love and peath out.
xoxoxo
Larie
(Photo on loan from still-life photographer Duncan)
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Book sale for Habitat for Humanity
Shout out to book lovers, I have 11 novels for sale @ $1.00 a piece.
My motivation is two-fold. 1) This sale is to raise funds for my colleague who will be going on a Habitat for Humanity building expedition to Manado, Indonesia from9th - 16th August. For every dollar you spend, I will match it with another dollar. In the end, this amounts to $20 (and that's just for starters on my part) 2) I simply want to let go of these books.
The titles are:
1. Naked Ambition, Corporate Animals Stripped Bare - Lawrence Basapa
2. Brick Lane - Monica Ali
3. The Promise of Happiness - Justin Cartwright
4. The Tea House on Mulberry Lane - Sharon Owens
5. Out - Natsuo Kirino
7. The Piano Teacher - Elfriede Jelinek
9. The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers - J.R.R. Tolkien
10. Christ the Lord Out of Egypt - Anne Rice
11. Weekend in Paris - Robyn Sisman
Please leave me a message if you are keen on any of these titles. Or help build a home and donate $11.00. I promise to issue you the receipt from Habitat For Humanity.
Thank you very kindly.
xoxox
Larie
Monday, July 21, 2008
Singapore is a Harmonious Country
"Singapore’s religious harmony is not something that came about by chance. It is the result of continuous efforts to nurture a harmonious society.
It's articles like this that make me feel proud of being Singaporean. And some patriotism is good for the lead-up to our nation's 43rd birthday. As much as we gripe about CPF, COE and price increases in various sectors, surely we can be thankful for (not necessarily in my order):
1. Peace of mind when we sleep at night, knowing that our police force roams the streets and keeps them safe.
2. Clean water, thanks to the extensive peace talks between Malaysia and Singapore.
3. Excellent wireless connection, thanks to Singtel and Starhub. I don't curse the internet connection anymore.
4. Affordable and convenient taxis. I'm grateful that I don't have to haggle with taxi drivers about the price of my journey, that I can just flag a cab on any street and be assured that both driver and I can speak the same lingo.
5. Convenient transport system - You win some you lose some. Hate the crowds in the MRTs but trains take me faster than a jam on the Pan Island Expressway. And the buses are equally commendable.
6. A home we can call our own. Every street and every corner is a piece of me. When I am far away from Singapore, I can still hear the little mynahs and pigeons cooing, the sighing of trees in the tropical wind, the hum of traffic....and they bring me back home. To have a national identity is something nothing can destroy.
There are many more things to be thankful about. But most of all, I enjoy the racial harmony that's accessible to anyone who's interested enough. No riots, no tensions between factions. In school, kids learn to share food with different races; everyone takes the same bus home, everyone's neighbours with one another in the 100-unit HDB flats...and the cycle of life just keeps turning that way.
Life in Singapore is really truly a pretty package.
Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said this at a tree—planting event to mark Racial Harmony Month in Singapore at the Stamford Green, Fort Canning Park on Saturday. Religious leaders from various faiths came together to plant eight Kayu Arang trees at the event, helping to turn the Stamford Green into a permanent landscape symbolising religious harmony.
Senior Minister Goh said that planting the Kayu Arang trees — known for its sturdiness — may be a simple act, but it has a deeper meaning in multiracial and multireligious Singapore. Mr Goh said it is also symbolic of Singapore’s commitment to harmony between religions.He said: "These trees, planted close to one another, reaffirm that all of us, whatever religions, have a place in Singapore. Like religious harmony, these trees will require delicate care and constant nurturing." Mr Goh said when mature, the trees will be an enduring symbol of Singapore’s peaceful co—existence and a tribute to religious harmony.
He added that Singaporeans may not wonder much about the country’s multiracial, multi religious makeup, but to a foreign visitor, it is often a surprise and even admiration, at how well Singaporeans have integrated.
Mr Goh said: "How did we achieve this? The primary reason is a fair and just government. We treat all religions with respect. We do not allow the majority to overwhelm the minority. We ensure that no one is discriminated against or disadvantaged because of his race, language or religion."
And to help promote inter-faith understanding, the country formed Inter-Religious Harmony Circles to bring together different religions through universal shared values.
In the evening, Senior Minister Goh was at his Marine Parade constituency to celebrate racial harmony with residents there. The celebrations saw residents joining their MPs and members of Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circles in a reaffirmation of racial harmony in Singapore.
There was also a talk on the importance of building friendship and trust in peacetime.
In Singapore, Racial Harmony Day is observed on July 21 to remember the racial riots of 1964."
This article is available at the following Yahoo link
*******************************************************************It's articles like this that make me feel proud of being Singaporean. And some patriotism is good for the lead-up to our nation's 43rd birthday. As much as we gripe about CPF, COE and price increases in various sectors, surely we can be thankful for (not necessarily in my order):
1. Peace of mind when we sleep at night, knowing that our police force roams the streets and keeps them safe.
2. Clean water, thanks to the extensive peace talks between Malaysia and Singapore.
3. Excellent wireless connection, thanks to Singtel and Starhub. I don't curse the internet connection anymore.
4. Affordable and convenient taxis. I'm grateful that I don't have to haggle with taxi drivers about the price of my journey, that I can just flag a cab on any street and be assured that both driver and I can speak the same lingo.
5. Convenient transport system - You win some you lose some. Hate the crowds in the MRTs but trains take me faster than a jam on the Pan Island Expressway. And the buses are equally commendable.
6. A home we can call our own. Every street and every corner is a piece of me. When I am far away from Singapore, I can still hear the little mynahs and pigeons cooing, the sighing of trees in the tropical wind, the hum of traffic....and they bring me back home. To have a national identity is something nothing can destroy.
There are many more things to be thankful about. But most of all, I enjoy the racial harmony that's accessible to anyone who's interested enough. No riots, no tensions between factions. In school, kids learn to share food with different races; everyone takes the same bus home, everyone's neighbours with one another in the 100-unit HDB flats...and the cycle of life just keeps turning that way.
Life in Singapore is really truly a pretty package.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Pictures of Sri Lanka
Our perspectives of countries differ. Sri Lanka holds such a special place in my heart because of the adventures that took me by surprise. The name in itself is symbolic of mystery and cultural romanticism.
Although the trip took place more than a year ago, I can still remember the crisp air up at World's End and images of the moving landscape as my train whizzed by little towns at sunset.
When days are hard as they sometimes will be, a hot mug of teh brings me back to my vacation in the land they once called Ceylon.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
(In)expensive jewellery
Dove necklace from My Hidden Treasure ($22.00). Brown & Green carries a couple of pieces from MHT on consignment. I like words beginning with C like Community, Consignment, Carefree, Cookie, Canada, Coochie-Coo Coo etc etc....
Gold and green - the colors of Cleopatra (another fav C word), Great Queen of the Nile. You can imagine her wearing this, only this, as she lounges on her divan waiting for Ceaser (hey hey hey, another C) to appear from behind her papyrus screen....waiting...wanting....
Well, enough of that luxurious daydream. This necklace, together with the pair of matching earrings, cost me $7.00 from a shop in Little India.
Larie Recommends:
Designs To-Day Pte Ltd
No. 83 Serangoon Rd
Tel: 6292 1641 (Open Mon- Sun)
Friday, July 18, 2008
Great inexpensive gifts for children
One of my tuition girls sweetly gave me a Forever Friends bookmark and at the first opportunity to repay the kindness, my Talk Shop radar spied me these charming bookmarks/ paperclips at NTUC Bukit Timah Plaza. I forgot their price tag but i think they cost $3.90 per piece. Check out other stationery too. There was a really cute aeroplane piece but my wallet was nearly cleaned out of change...so, anon!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Cambodia...a name that invokes mystery, adventure and memories of youth...
My trip to Cambodia in Feb 2007 was a surreal time in history. I didn't visit the killing fields nor spend 6 months learning Khmer. I strolled through quaint streets now lined with modern boutiques; walked past diners at outdoor eatries, their chopsticks picking furiously at the food-laden table, always accompanied by bottles of cold beer; browsed through stacks of musty books in 2nd hand bookstores, books in every language but mostly from the EU..German, Scandinavian, French, Italian backpackers passing through...I sat in buses that took me to Bangkok twice, teeth chattering over the potholes; and of course, rode on scooters espionage a la mode..
Let's not forget the Old Market which is the drawing attraction for tourists. What better way to spend a sultry evening sipping beers, eating spring rolls, popping into a massage parlour to ease your traveler-weary knots and then returning to another bar for more good times...finally, taking the rickshaw back to your guesthouse...
Larie Leigh's Recommendations:
Phnom Penh
Sunday Guest House & Restaurant
#97 Street 141
Tel: (855-23) 211 623, (855-12) 848 858, (855-12) 980 789
Email: heech_sundayguesthouse@hotmail.com
Price: USD $10.00/ night
Siem Reap
The King Guest House
#74 Street 141
Sangkat Veal Vong, Khan 7 Makara
Tel: (855) 11 937 132, (855) 12 722 002, (855) 23 220 512
Email: the_king742000@yahoo.co.nz
Family-run guesthouses. Clean toilet and clean sheets. That's all you need really.
Can you share with me what you love about Cambodia?
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Before sunrise, I read for comfort...
"When you wake up in the morning, Pooh," said Piglet at last, "what's the first thing you say to yourself?"
"What's for breakfast?" said Pooh. "What do you say Piglet?"
"I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?" said Piglet.
Pooh nodded thoughtfully. "It's the same thing," he said.
- adapted from A.A Milne, Winnie the Pooh.
***********************************************************
The abstract philosophy of Taoism inspires me very much. And all the more when creators of cartoons and children's story books cleverly weave their magic web with wisdom. Children receive this teachings, nurture them in the earth of their hearts and when they grow up, the roots of these stories belong to mighty trees remaining in their souls forever.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Chunky Jewellery
I love wearing colour in the form of accessories. Earrings, necklaces, brooches, belts...anything that says "Personality".
So you can imagine my delight when this cute stall, Brown & Green, opened in Dover Market. Run by the lovely Ms. Rene Chan, her shop offers an interesting mish-mash of colorfully beaded tees, girly clutches and of course, quirky. irresistible. wearable. accessories.
Her stall is an oasis in the rather old Dover neighbourhood. Her walls are framed with pretty wood ornaments from Thailand, reminiscent of funky Chatuchak market or even a thai boutique in Krabi. Trust me, you'll be besotted when you step in with anticipation, waiting for that one (..or maybe two..) special thing to grab your eye.
Brown & Green
Blk 33 Dover Road
#01-04
Opened from 11am - 5pm.
Mons- Fris* information to be confirmed
P/S: Green beaded earrings from Little India. But more about that in another post...
So you can imagine my delight when this cute stall, Brown & Green, opened in Dover Market. Run by the lovely Ms. Rene Chan, her shop offers an interesting mish-mash of colorfully beaded tees, girly clutches and of course, quirky. irresistible. wearable. accessories.
Her stall is an oasis in the rather old Dover neighbourhood. Her walls are framed with pretty wood ornaments from Thailand, reminiscent of funky Chatuchak market or even a thai boutique in Krabi. Trust me, you'll be besotted when you step in with anticipation, waiting for that one (..or maybe two..) special thing to grab your eye.
Brown & Green
Blk 33 Dover Road
#01-04
Opened from 11am - 5pm.
Mons- Fris* information to be confirmed
P/S: Green beaded earrings from Little India. But more about that in another post...
Monday, July 14, 2008
Paper Cuts and Green Laundry
Picture borrowed from the very talented Melly of Green Laundry
As a designer in Singapore, she also lends her nimble fingers to create fun cards with sneaky cheeky messages. Check her and her friends out at My Paper Cuts
Sunday, July 13, 2008
END Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes
I am reporting from the ECPAT International collateral:
What is commercial sexual exploitation of children?
1. Child Prostitution
On every continent, tens of thousands of children are exploited through prostitution. Children living in the streets in Brazil, Cambodia or Russia; "beach boys" in Sri Lanka, Jamaica or Kenya; children who have run away from home or are addicted to drugs in West Europe, Australia or North America; children trafficked from West Africa, East Europe or Central America...nearly every country has been touched to a varying degree.
2. Child Sex Tourism
It is necessary to change laws in tourist-sending countries to allow child sex abusers abroad to be brought to justice in their home countries. The tourism industry, as one of the most important players, must be educated and involved in the protection of children.
3. Child Pornography
Child pornography on the Internet is an important issue because distribution is easier, faster and cheaper than through regular means. As the Internet does not respect national boundaries, harmonised legislation as well as international police cooperation is needed to tackle the problem.
4. Trafficking of Children
Around the world, a growing number of children are being trafficked. This may be due to poverty, the AIDS epidemic, economic crises, political suppression or the increasing demands of abusers.
What is commercial sexual exploitation of children?
1. Child Prostitution
On every continent, tens of thousands of children are exploited through prostitution. Children living in the streets in Brazil, Cambodia or Russia; "beach boys" in Sri Lanka, Jamaica or Kenya; children who have run away from home or are addicted to drugs in West Europe, Australia or North America; children trafficked from West Africa, East Europe or Central America...nearly every country has been touched to a varying degree.
2. Child Sex Tourism
It is necessary to change laws in tourist-sending countries to allow child sex abusers abroad to be brought to justice in their home countries. The tourism industry, as one of the most important players, must be educated and involved in the protection of children.
3. Child Pornography
Child pornography on the Internet is an important issue because distribution is easier, faster and cheaper than through regular means. As the Internet does not respect national boundaries, harmonised legislation as well as international police cooperation is needed to tackle the problem.
4. Trafficking of Children
Around the world, a growing number of children are being trafficked. This may be due to poverty, the AIDS epidemic, economic crises, political suppression or the increasing demands of abusers.
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ECPAT is a global network of organizations and individuals working together for the elimination of Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes. It seeks to encourage the world community to ensure that children everywhere enjoy their fundamental rights free and secure from all forms of commercial sexual exploitation.
Please visit http://www.ecpat.net/ to support their cause today.
UNIFEM Singapore
About UNIFEM Singapore UNIFEM SINGAPORE was established as a society in January 1998. The organization functions as a National Committee of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), headquartered in New York. Our mission is to assist women and children in the developing countries through:
Economic Empowerment Programmes – Enable women to develop business and entrepreneurial skills to access local, national and global markets. Projects also assist women to gain access to finance, technology and information.
Governance and Leadership Programmes – Give women a voice and visibility by encouraging their leadership in decision making processes that shape their lives.
Conflict Area Programmes – Provide services for women violated during war and armed conflict. The projects also promote the role of women in peace building.
The UNIFEM Trust Fund helps to Support Actions to Eliminate Violence Against Women. The Trust supports projects in the areas including: HIV/AIDS, female infanticide, trafficking, forced prostitution, domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape.
The above excerpt is from the official UNIFEM Singapore website: http://www.unifemsingapore.org.sg/
During my internship with the organization, I came across a vast library of information about human trafficking. The stories about trafficked prostitutues, abused maids and the disregard of women's rights fueled my anger at societal pressures and the blasé attitude about such urgent issues.
Whilst girly fro frou-ness are delightful to talk about (where to eat, my shopping loot, yada yada), it's equally important to share important information about causes for human rights.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
My favourite city - KL
Quintessentially Kuala Lumpur - the KLCC towers, an iconic landmark of Malaysia.
KL....my guilty pleasure. What's so special about this urban jungle?
It's a mish-mash of local and foreign cultures. Cosmopolitan versus Conventional. The stark contrast is demonstrated everywhere. Just take a walk from your hotel down the different alleys and your senses will be assailed by this juxtaposition.
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