Monday, May 14, 2007
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
what do we really lose?
Friday, October 06, 2006
clarification
For those who asked:
A soiree (swah-ray) is an evening dinner party typically thrown by people with more 0's in their bank accounts than invited guests. The one held at the Esplanade as recounted in my previous post was thrown by the Government of Singapore for the Delegates of the IMF/World Bank Meetings. It was lavish, decadent and totally indulgent. (I bet it's hard to discuss the ethics of banning protestors when you're enjoying yourself that much.)
A sari (sah-ree) on the other hand, is what an Indian lady would wear.
Conceivably, a lady could wear a sari to a soiree, but not the other way around. If she attempted the latter, that would truly be a feat. But not a fete. A fete would be why soirees are thrown.
A soiree (swah-ray) is an evening dinner party typically thrown by people with more 0's in their bank accounts than invited guests. The one held at the Esplanade as recounted in my previous post was thrown by the Government of Singapore for the Delegates of the IMF/World Bank Meetings. It was lavish, decadent and totally indulgent. (I bet it's hard to discuss the ethics of banning protestors when you're enjoying yourself that much.)
A sari (sah-ree) on the other hand, is what an Indian lady would wear.
Conceivably, a lady could wear a sari to a soiree, but not the other way around. If she attempted the latter, that would truly be a feat. But not a fete. A fete would be why soirees are thrown.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
post hiatus
(It's a double entendre. Get it? "Post" as in "after," and "post" as in an "online post." Think about it, you'll get it sooner or later.)
It's been more than a month since my last post. Which means that it's been more than a month since I started working at Radio Singapore International (official motto: We're Unheard Of! No, Seriously, We're Unheard Of.).
In the blogsphere, that's a really long hiatus. Which is rather ironic, when you consider that at RSI, one of the programmes I produce is entitled Blogwatch, which focuses on knitting techniques in 18th Century Denmark. No seriously, it's a programme that focuses on what its name tells you it focuses on.
So far, for Blogwatch, I've interviewed a rather colourful cast of characters. My favourite so far's Frank Warren of PostSecret fame. Frank's insight into the human condition is as amazing as the blog he created. Or perhaps better phrased: Frank's insight into the human condition is amazing because of the blog he created. If you've not visited PostSecret yet, you really should. And if you've not listened to my interview with Frank, or at least read the transcript, in what way do you actually still consider yourself a friend? (I'm kidding!) (Not really!)
The past six weeks have been (inhale...) fun, informative, surprising, fulfilling, motivating, sometimes nerve-wrecking, occasionally vexing, eye-opening, crazy, engaging, insightful, caffeinated, rewarding and exciting (exhale!).
The highlight of my journalistic career so far has got to be interviewing the President of the World Bank, Paul Wolfowitz, when he was in town last month for the nation-wide oral hygiene exhibition. I mean, IMF/World Bank Meetings. Ok, so maybe getting a 15-second soundbite doesn't qualify as an "interview," but hey, Paul Wolfowitz! How I managed to pluck up the guts to approach him as he strode towards me, surrounded by a bevy of muscle (one of whom, a female journalist gushed, looked a lot like Richard Gere) I still don't know (actually I do: it was free flow of Tiger Beer that night). He was initially reluctant when I pounced up on him from the shadows (it was during a soiree at the Esplanade), introduced myself and asked if I could ask him a question (boxers or briefs?). A member of his possie (Richard Gere) sensed his hesitation and placed a very firm grip on my shoulder and said, "Not right now, pal," when what he actually meant to say was, "remove that recorder from my boss's face or you'll be finding out just how extensive your company's healthcare benefits are." But Paul (yes, our relationship's on a first-name basis now) I guess saw the journalistic eagerness in my eyes (actually it was an alcohol-induced glaze) and said, "Ok, just one question," with a kind smile. So that's how I got my 15 second soundbite. It was a moment I'll probably never forget. If I ever do, the handprint on my shoulder will remind me.
The two other notable soundbites I got that night were from Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean and Minister of State for Something Ho Peng Kee.
So yeah, it's been eventful to say the least.
Tomorrow (three more minutes) will also mark the first time I fly solo on RSI. In other words, I'll be going On Air for the first time, all by myself tomorrow. Wish me luck.
It's been more than a month since my last post. Which means that it's been more than a month since I started working at Radio Singapore International (official motto: We're Unheard Of! No, Seriously, We're Unheard Of.).
In the blogsphere, that's a really long hiatus. Which is rather ironic, when you consider that at RSI, one of the programmes I produce is entitled Blogwatch, which focuses on knitting techniques in 18th Century Denmark. No seriously, it's a programme that focuses on what its name tells you it focuses on.
So far, for Blogwatch, I've interviewed a rather colourful cast of characters. My favourite so far's Frank Warren of PostSecret fame. Frank's insight into the human condition is as amazing as the blog he created. Or perhaps better phrased: Frank's insight into the human condition is amazing because of the blog he created. If you've not visited PostSecret yet, you really should. And if you've not listened to my interview with Frank, or at least read the transcript, in what way do you actually still consider yourself a friend? (I'm kidding!) (Not really!)
The past six weeks have been (inhale...) fun, informative, surprising, fulfilling, motivating, sometimes nerve-wrecking, occasionally vexing, eye-opening, crazy, engaging, insightful, caffeinated, rewarding and exciting (exhale!).
The highlight of my journalistic career so far has got to be interviewing the President of the World Bank, Paul Wolfowitz, when he was in town last month for the nation-wide oral hygiene exhibition. I mean, IMF/World Bank Meetings. Ok, so maybe getting a 15-second soundbite doesn't qualify as an "interview," but hey, Paul Wolfowitz! How I managed to pluck up the guts to approach him as he strode towards me, surrounded by a bevy of muscle (one of whom, a female journalist gushed, looked a lot like Richard Gere) I still don't know (actually I do: it was free flow of Tiger Beer that night). He was initially reluctant when I pounced up on him from the shadows (it was during a soiree at the Esplanade), introduced myself and asked if I could ask him a question (boxers or briefs?). A member of his possie (Richard Gere) sensed his hesitation and placed a very firm grip on my shoulder and said, "Not right now, pal," when what he actually meant to say was, "remove that recorder from my boss's face or you'll be finding out just how extensive your company's healthcare benefits are." But Paul (yes, our relationship's on a first-name basis now) I guess saw the journalistic eagerness in my eyes (actually it was an alcohol-induced glaze) and said, "Ok, just one question," with a kind smile. So that's how I got my 15 second soundbite. It was a moment I'll probably never forget. If I ever do, the handprint on my shoulder will remind me.
The two other notable soundbites I got that night were from Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean and Minister of State for Something Ho Peng Kee.
So yeah, it's been eventful to say the least.
Tomorrow (three more minutes) will also mark the first time I fly solo on RSI. In other words, I'll be going On Air for the first time, all by myself tomorrow. Wish me luck.
Monday, August 21, 2006
the first day of the rest of my life
Sunday, August 20, 2006
an undiscounted act of kindness
Today my faith in society was partially restored.
I was at the Popular bookstore at J8 this afternoon, shopping for some essential supplies for my first day of work tomorrow and was queueing up to pay. Nothing much really, mostly files and a couple of notebooks. After the cashier scanned all my items, she asked the standard question if I had a membership card which would entitle me to a 10% discount. No, I replied, and proceeded to count out the indicated amount to pay. Before I could hand over the cash however, the lady queueing behind me unexpectedly took out her own card, gave it to the cashier and offered to use it for my purchase. Out of surprise and modesty, I instinctively but politely declined while thanking her for her generosity. But she cheerfully insisted and in the end I relented, with much gratitude.
While the discounted amount didn't tally to more than $2, the profound impression her act of unsolicited kindness made on me restored my faith in a civic society. Her magnanimity made up for all the scowls and heavy backsides which refused to budge for the elderly on the bus and MRT I encountered today. Who needs four million orchestrated smiles when one random act of genuine kindness conveys so much more goodwill.
Now if only such acts of undiscounted kindness could indeed become more Popular.
I was at the Popular bookstore at J8 this afternoon, shopping for some essential supplies for my first day of work tomorrow and was queueing up to pay. Nothing much really, mostly files and a couple of notebooks. After the cashier scanned all my items, she asked the standard question if I had a membership card which would entitle me to a 10% discount. No, I replied, and proceeded to count out the indicated amount to pay. Before I could hand over the cash however, the lady queueing behind me unexpectedly took out her own card, gave it to the cashier and offered to use it for my purchase. Out of surprise and modesty, I instinctively but politely declined while thanking her for her generosity. But she cheerfully insisted and in the end I relented, with much gratitude.
While the discounted amount didn't tally to more than $2, the profound impression her act of unsolicited kindness made on me restored my faith in a civic society. Her magnanimity made up for all the scowls and heavy backsides which refused to budge for the elderly on the bus and MRT I encountered today. Who needs four million orchestrated smiles when one random act of genuine kindness conveys so much more goodwill.
Now if only such acts of undiscounted kindness could indeed become more Popular.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
new beginnings
Of course I didn't look as the nurse unsheathed the needle and proceeded to extract blood from my vein. I'm not a sadist. But still, the sensation of the initial epidermal puncture exploded in my brain and lingered there for what seemed like half an eternity as I literally felt the lifeblood (albeit just two mililitres of it) being drained from me. A split-second curious glimpse of the satiated vampire syringe as it lay on the table afterwards reminded me how dark, almost blackish, blood actually is.
Although I was confident that the tests would reveal me to be in relatively good shape, I couldn't help but wonder if it would also detect an abnormal amount of adrenaline in my bloodstream. Afterall, the excitement had only just started to quell. Three hours after signing my contract with MediaCorp Radio and sitting in the clinic for my pre-employment check-up, I was still incredulous that this was for real.
For those who still don't know, let me first extend to you a warm welcome back to Planet Earth. (Is there still anyone within my immediate social circle whom I haven't proclaimed this to yet?) Last week, I was offered a job with MediaCorp Radio as a Producer/Presenter for Radio Singapore International. I see the majority of you have glowing question marks hovering over your heads, so let me just direct you to the website of my new employer by way of explanation: RSI. While it's not especially prolific locally (it's more of a regional broadcaster, and it's a shortwave station), RSI does produce some rather qualified programming. Think BBC without the British accent. Yup, it's my pinkie-sticking cup of tea.
It was a very pleasant surprise too that despite being told initially that there was only one position for hire, they decided to hire both me and this other lady. She and I met during our first audition and hit it off rather well. We passed the vocal test as well as the evil written test and a week later greeted each other's surprised faces as we met back at MediaCorp for the personal interview. Last week we were both informed sperately that we were offered the position. Remarkable that both of us, who clicked so well the first time we met, ended up being hired together. And there were at least 20 other applicants, mind you.
Oh, and another pleasant surprise awaited me as I read through my contract this morning. Apparently, as a Producer/Presenter I'm classified as a - get this - "Senior Executive." So at 23, fresh out of NS, with no professional experience, I'm a "Senior Executive" with MediaCorp. Talk about ego rush man! No wonder when they took my weight at the clinic I put on a few pounds; it wasn't flab, it was the head!
So yeah, things are looking bright. I start work this coming Monday and the anxious wait for that to begin has only made this week pass unbearably slower. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have shared my joy and gratitude over the past week. Especially those of you who believed in me and encouraged me when I seriously didn't think I stood a chance for this position. My sense of good fortune in getting this job pales in comparison only to my sense of gratitude for your friendship.
Although I was confident that the tests would reveal me to be in relatively good shape, I couldn't help but wonder if it would also detect an abnormal amount of adrenaline in my bloodstream. Afterall, the excitement had only just started to quell. Three hours after signing my contract with MediaCorp Radio and sitting in the clinic for my pre-employment check-up, I was still incredulous that this was for real.
For those who still don't know, let me first extend to you a warm welcome back to Planet Earth. (Is there still anyone within my immediate social circle whom I haven't proclaimed this to yet?) Last week, I was offered a job with MediaCorp Radio as a Producer/Presenter for Radio Singapore International. I see the majority of you have glowing question marks hovering over your heads, so let me just direct you to the website of my new employer by way of explanation: RSI. While it's not especially prolific locally (it's more of a regional broadcaster, and it's a shortwave station), RSI does produce some rather qualified programming. Think BBC without the British accent. Yup, it's my pinkie-sticking cup of tea.
It was a very pleasant surprise too that despite being told initially that there was only one position for hire, they decided to hire both me and this other lady. She and I met during our first audition and hit it off rather well. We passed the vocal test as well as the evil written test and a week later greeted each other's surprised faces as we met back at MediaCorp for the personal interview. Last week we were both informed sperately that we were offered the position. Remarkable that both of us, who clicked so well the first time we met, ended up being hired together. And there were at least 20 other applicants, mind you.
Oh, and another pleasant surprise awaited me as I read through my contract this morning. Apparently, as a Producer/Presenter I'm classified as a - get this - "Senior Executive." So at 23, fresh out of NS, with no professional experience, I'm a "Senior Executive" with MediaCorp. Talk about ego rush man! No wonder when they took my weight at the clinic I put on a few pounds; it wasn't flab, it was the head!
So yeah, things are looking bright. I start work this coming Monday and the anxious wait for that to begin has only made this week pass unbearably slower. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have shared my joy and gratitude over the past week. Especially those of you who believed in me and encouraged me when I seriously didn't think I stood a chance for this position. My sense of good fortune in getting this job pales in comparison only to my sense of gratitude for your friendship.