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Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

Eyes to the Front! At Sofitel So Singapore.

Posted in Events, Music, pool party, Singapore, tagged , , , , , , , , , on July 1, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Oliver and company at Eyes to the Front threw a pretty badass (and free) party at Sofitel So Singapore last Saturday. The boutique hotel pool setting with DJ tables and skyscrapers  made for good ambience and great eye candy.

DJ Victoria

DJ Victoria

As the crowd got rowdier and drunker, my sober self was ready to move on. I even texted a friend to meet up at a different location for some grub, despite the Sofitel having delicous looking bbq available for purchase.

Then Jeck Hyde came on the decks, and well I had to text my friend “Sorry, music got really good. Can’t leave.” All of a sudden the crowd seemed friendlier.

Jeck Hyde

Jeck Hyde

Sober as I was (and I may have been the only one), I was on my feet and dancing. The icing on the cake was the National Day practice going on overhead featuring formation flying and then this lovely scene:

eyes to the front fireworksMore things are on the schedule for Eyes to the Front and it’s collection of artists. Check out their Facebook page to see what’s next.

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The Happiness Campaign

Posted in Culture, Events, Singapore, Singapore Campaigns, Stereotypes, studies and surveys, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on April 22, 2013| 3 Comments »

The other day I saw an ad on TV sponsored by StarHub, Singapore’s cable and telephone company.

There was an artsy looking woman on the screen with a ukelele trying to convince me that Singaporeans really are happy.

I wondered if this had anything to do with recent polls citing Singapore as the most emotionless country in the world and another one saying that Singaporeans didn’t experience positive emotions, basically that they are unhappy. According to the study, Singaporeans were less upbeat than people in poor or war-stricken areas like Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan and Haiti. Ouch.

Sure enough, the ad was indeed a response to the study.

There’s a whole Facebook page dedicated to proving that Singapore is actually happy. And a happiness bus that distributed free coffee outside of La Pau Sat to go with it.

So folks, this is the Singapore Happiness Campaign. You can share pictures and videos of proof that you are happy on the Facebook site in exchange for a chance to win cash and the latest mobile handsets.

The submitted photos are mostly babies and children, food and shared moments with friends. I didn’t notice any photographs of the infamous five C’s.

What does this mean for Singapore and the life satisfaction level of its residents? That indeed they are happy? That they are like everyone else in the world? That cash and mobile handsets can encourage you to participate in a social media project where you submit your very own Instagrams? Or a need to prove to the rest of the world that they are not an unhappy society?

I think it means that Singapore likes campaigns. There was the Courtesy campaign to promote a pleasant living environment filled with kind, considerate and polite Singaporeans. The Speak Good English Campaign, a movement to promote the proper use of English over Singlish in Singapore. The Speak Mandarin Campaign, to encourage the Singaporean Chinese population to speak Mandarin. Singapore’s OK Campaign, for better hygiene.

And I haven’t even mentioned the use of remade modern fairytales to warn women of declining fertility, oh my. They go on. I counted ten total government campaigns for 2012 alone off this government website.

Do they work? A 2011 study says no, they actually wear out the population.

But maybe, just maybe this happiness one will work? I’m crossing my fingers for you Singapore. Here’s to hoping that an absence of emotion doesn’t equal unhappiness, only a shyness in expressing it. It’s just too bad I missed the free coffee to go with the tagline.

Editor’s note: Although this isn’t the original commercial mentioned in the posting, you can view one of the happiness campaign videos here.

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Pilgrimage to the Royal Wedding

Posted in British History, buckingham palace, Events, Green Park, Landmark, Monarchy, Papparazi, Pilgrimage, Pomp and Circumstance, Royal Wedding, Victoria, Waiting, Wedding preparations, Will and Kate, tagged , , , , , , , , , on May 1, 2011| Leave a Comment »

The night before the Royal Wedding, the Mall and Buckingham Palace were already packed with people who had flown across the world to sleep in a tent in a foreign country’s public park along side strangers. Their dedication made me envious. I knew it was impossible to sleep in a comfortable bed AND get a glimpse of the royal couple on their wedding day. You can guess which option I chose.

The dedicated hailed from many backgrounds with the Americans making a big showing. Also making a big showing were flags and pajamas.

Pajama Party along the Mall

These ladies were making it a Girl's Night Out

Home sweet home

Having a kip. (That means nap.)

This guy offered to trade me a cupcake for a kiss. Thanks, but I'm not hungry.

Country of Georgia, represent!

Texas girls, represent!

We all know why the souvenir shop owners are smiling.

Prepared for the big day.

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Battersea Park

Posted in Art, Events, Free, Parks, Photography, Weather, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on March 10, 2011| Leave a Comment »

My first experience of Battersea Park was in July of 2009. I was in London for a day and looking for something to do. I didn’t want to go to a typical site like the Tower of London or Buckingham Palace and the weather was too nice to spend inside a museum. I was craving an authentic London activity, something that a Londoner might actually attend. I ended up at a Bastille Day celebration in Battersea Park. A party in the park to celebrate another country’s independence day? Sounds perfectly London to me. Plus there was French food, wine, sunshine and music. Sold.

Bastille Day 2009

My next run in with Battersea Park was when Husband and I were scouting potential homes. We found the most lovely place overlooking the park with loads of natural light and a rooftop terrace to die for. Husband’s commute to work would have been atrocious and there’s no way we could afford the place, but we were starstruck.

Thankfully we came to our senses before our rental bid was accepted and settled for a much more sensible but extremely nice garden flat elsewhere in London. It was still close enough for frequent visits to Battersea Park.

With the weather as great as it has been this week, I made some time to spend at Battersea Park. Many London locations tend to be swamped on sunny afternoons, but understated and overlooked Battersea park was perfect for finding solitude amongst others.

Brown Dog

Anti-vivisectionists commissioned a bronze statue of this dog as a memorial to a University College London controversy . A brown terrier was illegal dissected with questionable levels of anaesthetia in front of an audience of 60 medical students. The statue was taken down in 1910 due to political pressure. A replacement memorial was placed behind the Pump House in1985 only to be taken down in 1992. The replacement statue was put back up in 1994, but this time it was hidden away in the Woodland Walk near the Olde English Garden.  I guess it gets less notice and therefore less controversy there.

View across the Thames from Battersea Park

Peace Pagoda

I took some time to pause near the Peace Pagoda before leaving. Perfect.

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, Battersea Park hosts the Affordable Art Fair March 10-13th. Tickets run from £8 – £15. 120 galleries will be exhibiting art all under £4,000.

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Free Outdoor Movies at the Scoop until October 1st.

Posted in Events, Film, Free, Landmark, tagged , , , , , , on September 17, 2010| Leave a Comment »

When my plans for Wednesday night were canceled at the last minute, I thought to myself “Hey, I wonder when those free outdoor movies at The Scoop go on?” A quick check of my email revealed that they started that very night in just a few hours. Even better, the movie that was scheduled (Up in the Air) was something that I wanted to see.  Although it was tempting to be lazy and stay at home, I knew if I got out I would be richly rewarded.

I decided to make the More London outing a 2 fold endeavor. I would walk there and that way I would get a good bit of exercise on the way. 3 miles? I could do it! I left with an hour of time ahead of me. On the way, I realized I didn’t have any cash. Maybe I should stop by the cash machine. And oh yeah, while I’m near the Tesco Metro, maybe I should pick up a tasty beverage.

All of this meandering ate away at my walking time. At about 7:05, with 2 miles to go, I started panicking that I wouldn’t make it on time and thus hopped on the tube. Exiting at London Bridge, I made my way toward More London. I wasn’t sure what I was looking for. Luckily, the area was labeled conspicuously. I was happy to find myself amongst a nice design of water features and sleek finishes wedged between buildings that overlooked the Thames and Tower Bridge.

More London

With only 5 minutes to spare, I rushed towards the outdoor amphitheatre, had my hand stamped by a staff member, and created a seat right up front.

The Scoop - the photo blurriness is quite accurate considering my rushed dash to find a seat.

Whew, I could now enjoy my cold beverage and relax. Next time I plan on bringing a full picnic, a friend and a blanket.  The weather is getting really chilly at sunset these days. I knew autumn would come, but did it have to come so soon? Can’t we negotiate on this?

Please be seated.

I enjoyed Up In the Air. The best parts? George Clooney (yum), loved Anna Kendrick’s character (as a former 23 year old fresh college grad I could relate to her annoying naivety), and the opening song by Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. I totally forgot that their cover of Woodie Guthry’s This Land is Your Land got picked up for the opening credits. I’ve seen them jam out several times- at Austin City Limits festival in 2008, at a fundraiser for the democratic party of Tarrant County right as Obama was being elected, and at SXSW in 2010. They’ll be in London November 3rd at the Roundhouse. Go check them out. They put on a great show full of retro nostalgia, glamour and honesty. I couldn’t be happier for them for their success.

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings + lucky audience member at SXSW 2010

When the movie was over, I was treated to this lovely view of Tower Bridge.

Backdrop

Free outdoor movies at the Scoop continue every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday throughout September and begin at 19:30. Here’s a list of remaining shows.

  • Fri 17 Sept – The Bourne Ultimatum (2007, Cert 12A)
  • Wed 22 Sept – The Hurt Locker (2009, Cert 15)
  • Thur 23 Sept – North by Northwest (1959, Cert PG)
  • Fri 24 Sept – Pretty Woman (1990, Cert 15) – celebrating 20 years since its release.
  • Wed 29 Sept – Invictus (2010, Cert 12A)
  • Thur 30 Sept – Up (2009, Cert U) – non 3D version of the superb animation.
  • Fri 1 Oct – Dirty Dancing (1987, Cert 12A) + a special Dirty Dancing workshop!
“This Land Is Your Land“T

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So you mean Queen Elizabeth II isn’t a Gemini?

Posted in British History, Events, Monarchy, Pomp and Circumstance, Summer, tagged , , , , , on September 6, 2010| 1 Comment »

It was the day of the Queen’s birthday parade and Joanna and I had been up the night before drinking too many bottles of wine and playing music videos which quickly turned into singing and dancing along to music videos. Our respective significant others were out of town, her kids were at grandma’s house and it all seemed a little necessary.

She was up early the next day to get her hair did and I was off to see the Queen. Kitschy yes, but I had to do it.

I put myself on the tube and headed down towards St James Park. I spotted some slightly hungover American girls across from me, and in British tradition, did not strike up a conversation or make eye contact during the ride. As soon as we were back in the sunshine and off towards the parade, I asked them if they were headed to see the Queen and if I could join them.

None of us knew where we were going but we figured anywhere with crowds was a good bet. Unfortunately, there were more crowds than we bargained for. We tried to position ourselves for the parade but had a very difficult time finding a place where we could actually see anything. We finally wedged ourselves into a spot with a partial view and waited. Every once in a while a horse or official looking person would march by and we’d get excited, but alas it was just a teaser.

“I’d pay about 10 quid for a cup of coffee right now” I moaned to one of the American girls. “Me too” she agreed.

Finally, some action.

Pomp and Circumstance

As we balanced from one tiptoe to the next, guards on horses, foot and with instruments passed by. “There’s Camilla!” someone shouted and I looked just in time to see her and one of the princes pass by in a carriage. Finally, the moment arrived and the queen was in sight.

The moment arrives.

I couldn’t help but be disappointed that she didn’t bother to wave or smile. She just sat there like a big grump being forced to be in a parade on her birthday when all she wanted to do was sleep in and eat pancakes.

I guess I can’t blame her – except that the birthday parade isn’t actually for her birthday at all. It’s a ceremony of British infantry regiments that has been going on since the 17th century. It’s held the second Saturday in June in St James Park and celebrates the beginning of the monarchy in it’s entirety.

The Queen’s actual birthday is April 21, 1926, making her a Taurus.

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