1 Out of 7 Billion
The world is getting smaller everyday but a lifetime is not enough to explore it. My adventure starts in Singapore.
You can scroll the shelf using ← and → keys
Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down
September 13, 2008 — 1 Comment
I can count with my fingers how many times I’ve ever worn a tie since I graduated from university (where we were required to wear one for group marketing presentations).
The dress code in my company is smart casual (well, maybe business appropriate for the office I work in) so my long sleeved shirts and slacks are fine for most days of the week.
I have to admit that I really don’t know how to wear a tie. I keep several ties in my closet though – these either given by friends or ties I purchased during overseas travel.
The last time I wore one was at a friend’s wedding in Sydney in March 2007. I managed to “get by with a little help from my friends hotel receptionist” .
Today, I shall be attending my first ever wedding in Singapore, another opportunity to test my memory after a year and a half post-”overseas training” on how to knot a tie. As I write this, I can say that I have failed miserably. Fortunately, almost everything is on the Internet. Drumroll please…
The “Four in Hand” knot.
Oh this one takes some practice. “Full Windsor”
It definitely won’t be as easy as doing a knot for these surf caps… (Taken at Bondi Beach, Sydney in March 2007)
10.30 AM — I hope I don’t strangle myself.
1:00 PM – I didn’t.
Not the most perfect knot but I look more decent.
Welcome to Beijing!
August 8, 2008 — 2 Comments
As far as I can remember, I’ve never been THAT interested in the Olympics.
I remember buying Olympic souvenirs though while living in Sydney in 2001 but that was after the games. Haha. That doesn’t really count as supporting the games, does it?
I think I can trace my lukewarm affinity to the summer games to the fact that there wasn’t much coverage in the Philippines when I was living there. There were only a few events that get shown on TV — boxing and basketball — and more often than not, the viewers would need to stay up really late and sleep in sorrow.
I’m trying to recall how I began developing an interest in the Beijing Olympics. Hmm.
1) The VISA advertisements in Golden Village cinema ? First, it was this famous Chinese hurdles champ Liu Xiang, then the one that features Jackie Chan.
Liu Xiang’s ad
2) 5566? They performed at the Asia Beatbox Championship and sang “Welcome to Beijing” which a lot of people seemed to know. I bought their album because of that song but here’s the video. I must admit I attempted to follow the Sunday variety show-inspired dance moves!
3) All the controversy surrounding the torch relay in Europe and the US? Olympics have a political angle too. So it was refreshing to see HK stars (and a few showbiz wannabees) battling it out to carry the torch.
4) Publicity generated by modern Olympic venues?
(Photo courtesy of Guo Lei/Xinhua) Bird's Nest / Beijing National Stadium. Took 5 years and US$500m (S$683m) to build. Capacity of 91,000 pax. Exterior built of steel.
National Aquatics Center or Water Cube. Cost : US$200m. It is the largest structure to be fitted with ETFE (lightweight version of teflon which allows more light penetration and heat absorption).
Interior of Water Cube. Has three swimming pools and a seating capacity of 17,000.
5) Official Olympic merchandise?
Beibei is the Fish, Jingjing is the Panda, Huanhuan is the Olympic Flame, Yingying is the Tibetan Antelope and Nini is the Swallow
I also have a copy of the official Beijing 2008 Olympic Games soundtrack. Contains 2 CDs. My favorite track is Jay Chou’s song, “Over My Shoulder” / “Qian Shan Wan Shui” (video below).
We are moments away from the Opening Ceremonies (happening 08.08.08 at 08.08pm). Directed by filmmaker Zhang Yimou. I’m sure it will be a grand spectacle that gives justice to the rich Chinese culture and heritage.
Enjoy China’s “Coming Out to the World” party!
My TV guide and DVD recorder are ready. “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (faster, higher, stronger). Let the Games begin!
Official Beijing Olympics site
Mediacorp TV Olympic coverage schedule (Singapore viewers only)
