why did you do it? The million dollar question since I resigned from Ogilvy last week. I was getting recognition for my work at Ogilvy from top dogs. I was working on glamourous global brands, launching big-budget campaigns. Well, mostly, save for the occasional letscall20bloggerstoaneventthatdoesntevenmakesense Government brief that comes my way. Moving on. Developing the big idea fell under my jurisdiction. I was part of an elite league of seasoned communicators who functioned on a beautiful system of meritocracy. I didn’t need to drop down to my knees under the managing director’s desk, so as to get a promotion. I was valued strictly based on my work. And I had the creative license to dress whatever way I wanted (yes, it’s important to me to not look like a bloody bank teller). Training doesn’t happen once every three years when some eager-to-please new boss decides knowledge is important. Training is legendary in Ogilvy. If you were lucky enough to be selected for the prestigious Ogilvy University, you would be shipped off for weeks, removed from any form of distraction – that includes pesky clients, which your immediate boss will have to deal with in your absence. Having been an alumnus of Ogilvy University, I do strongly believe no other form of employee training from anywhere else will ever match up. Needless to say, resigning from Ogilvy was the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make. So why did I do it? The entrepreneurial part of me has always wanted to run my own boutique agency (I know, it is a godawful description, but it’s not my fault incompetent self-proclaimed social media experts abuse that term just because they know how to blog) but I was comfortable. Too comfortable perhaps. The pay was respectable, the office is gorgeous, and most importantly, I had an endless supply of gourmet coffee from the superb in-house barista. The week my dad was diagnosed with a tumour in his brain was the same week I handled in my resignation letter. There are bills that need to be paid. There are responsibilities one needs to undertake, regardless of how much one dislikes her father. To put it simply, my life is not just mine anymore. GOODSTUPH*, my one-woman social influence studio, is the dream I’ve always had but failed to deliver due to my reluctance to leave my comfort zone. I needed to be pushed, and ha, the push was huge alright – 2cm in size to be precise, with a deadline. I’m known for my passion in the industry, but boy, the flame has never burned this violently ever. When you’re living your life for more than yourself, you think, feel, and work differently. Yes, my dear reader, GOODSTUPH is definitely gonna come your way. I will be doing what I’ve always been doing – digital marketing/ social media marketing/ influence marketing/ whatever you want to call it, but on my own. It’s scary no doubt, but hey, like my top-notch lobbyist of an aunt would say, “Suck it up and get with the programme”. I cannot say I’m at my happiest at this point of my life, for more reasons I will not reveal, but it comforts me to know that everything happen for a reason, and somehow, everything will work out fine in God’s hands. Really, you’re not reading this wrong. Pat Law has acknowledged God and the power of Faith on her blog for the first time. I’m obscenely vain and obsessively anal about perfection. Nothing goes out the door unless I’m guaranteed your first response would be GOODSTUPH. More news to come about GOODSTUPH in due time. P.S. Pardon how primitive my Under Construction page is. I churned it out in 30 minutes, just in the nick of time before exchanging business cards with Marc Ecko. YOU powered by Citi This exclusive invite has just came in, and I’m stoked! YOU powered by Citi is a one-of-a-kind carnival of interactive fun and entertainment, happening this weekend and I’d be there playing them games! Knowing someone who knows someone who is organising the event, I understand that each attendee of this invite-only event will be given 100 credits in their individual cards to experience the world of Citibank absolutely complimentary. And here’s more – if you’re a blogger, and you’re interested in hanging out with me at the event (yes, lets), email Ling at ling@fly.com.sg and request for an invite! HURRY! You have now, til 12 March, Friday, 1800h. Details of the event is as follow: Dates: 13 March – 14 March 2010 Venue: Civic Plaza, Ngee Ann City See you when I see you. anything also anyhow My boi, eeshaun, almost needs no introduction. A well-established artist in the region, eeshaun has the likes of 20/20 BASE, Venice Architectural Biennale 2008, adidas, Hewlett-Packard, Singapore Land Transport Authority, and nearly any other brand that is cool enough, on his colorful resume. Anything Also Anyhow is eeshaun’s second solo art exhibition (about time, brother), and it happens this Friday. Details are as follow: Date: Friday, 12 March 2010 Time: 1900h – 2130h Venue: ActuallyActually, 16A Purvis Street perch on the ceriph birdhouse For he who adores McSweeney’s, the time has come to celebrate a serious new contender – Ceriph. What began as a non-profit project between three local undergraduates who noticed the need for a space in print that plays host to beautiful words and photographs, has evolved into a compilation of poems, short fiction, pictures and non-fiction that tell quiet stories across busy cities. I’m delighted to learn of the inaugural issue which arrives this Friday, 12 March 2010, at BooksActually. The book launch details are as follow: Date: 12 March, 2010 Time: 1930h Venue: BooksActually, 86 Club Street Issue Zero retails at SGD10.00, inclusive of local postage fees. Email to purchase a copy, or swing by the humble bookstore, BooksActually. french connection embraces chatroulette Bald men. Giggly teenage girls. College jocks jerking off. The occasional pussy. You must have heard of the creepy Chatroulette! by this point, but if you have not, it is the perverse haven for the Voyeuristic, fueled by random videochats that last shorter than a guy suffering from premature ejaculation. French Connection decided to leverage on this new platform (surprise, surprise) and challenge its readers from its blog, Manifesto, to try to seduce a woman at Chatroulette, and possibly win a 250 quid voucher. The agency responsible for this badass contest is Poke London. And oh, while you must seduce a woman regardless, lesbians women are welcomed to join in the fun too. No, I’m not interested. Via: Adverblog the state of the Internet JESS3 / The State of The Internet from JESS3 on Vimeo. Quite possibly one of the best show in data visualization ever. Via: Fubiz nike sportswear brasil black pack limited release We know the color of Brazil. Screaming yellow that commands respect, triggers fear, and delivers ruthless brilliance. As a five-time international football champion, Brazil is undoubtedly one of the most feared football teams in the world. The Brazilian Yellow is not just a Pantone color from a color swatch. The Brazilian Yellow is synonymous to the Beautiful Game. With that said, it is to my pleasant surprise to learn of the most radical, if not insane, thing the Nike Sportswear design team decided to do – take the concept of what the Brazilian Yellow stands for, and turn it black. Bold, daring, and oh good lord, extremely gorgeous. The Brasil Black Pack represents the color of toughness, stemmed from the soul of the Beautiful Game played by the grand masters of the field. Embrace this twisted take on Brazil available only at Nike Wisma, Singapore, which includes: N98 Track Jacket, M65 packable jacket, Destroyer jacker, Looperwheeler AW77 hoodie and crew, Windrunner, jersey, shorts and cap. kseniya simonova’s amazing sand drawing I am speechless. This must be the most poignant performance art I’ve seen thus far. Kseniya Simonova is a Ukrainian artist who used a giant light box, dramatic music, imagination and her talent to interpret Germany’s invasion and occupation of Ukraine during WWII. Special thanks to Tania for sharing. this time Tonight the sky above Reminds me of you, love Walking through wintertime Where the stars all shine The angel on the stairs Will tell you I was there Under the front porch light On a mystery night I’ve been sitting watching life pass from the sidelines Been waiting for a dream to seep in through my blinds I wondered what might happen if I left this all behind Would the wind be at my back? Could I get you off my mind This time The neon lights in bars And headlights from the cars Have started a symphony Inside of me The things I left behind Have melted in my mind And now there’s a purity Inside of me I’ve been sitting watching life pass from the sidelines Been waiting for a dream to seep in through my blinds I wondered what might happen if I left this all behind Would the wind be at my back? Could I get you off my mind This time I’ve been sitting watching life pass from the sidelines Been waiting for a dream to seep in through my blinds I wondered what might happen if I left this all behind Would the wind be at my back? Could I get you off my mind This time extremely long lashes I love it when Advertising makes me smile. I love it more when a new media is created in an existing environment to host the creativity. I bet my last dollar the new media space was not recommended by the media agency. Advertising Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi, Canada Creative Director: Brett Channer Art Director: Basil Douglas Cowieson Copywriters: Tal Wagman, Lyranda Martin-Evans Account Directors: Kathy McLay, Yael Marantz Published: February 2010 Via: I Believe in Advertising five lives of an artist An inspiring talk by self-taught artist, Raghava KK. Born in Bangalore, India, in 1980, Raghava KK’s work has spanned genres as widely disparate as painting, sculpture, installation, film, performance, and even his own wedding. I am about to embarked on a new life in the next five days. More news to come but meanwhile, enjoy this video. acne drop crotch pants Drop crotch pants are extremely liberating, but hardly flattering on a woman, unless you’re Agyness Deyn. Acne has finally produced a pair of lovely drop crotch pants with tapered skinnies, that the average woman can wear without looking like a clown (no, clowns are NEVER attractive). Available from OAK at USD230.00. Via: NOTCOUTURE drawdio In the ideal world of Culture, art will play music and music will play art. Imagine if you could draw musical instruments on normal paper with any pencil, and then play them with your finger. Jay Silver of MIT Media Lab did just that, with Drawdio. My mouth’s still open. daily dose of balance What does balance mean to you? For me, it’s quite simple. It is about knowing that regardless of how fast I run during the day granted the near-illegal demands of my job, I have the ability to slow down and take a stroll with my loved ones without tripping over stillness. New Balance 365 is a lovely microsite released by New Balance, showcasing 365 short films that encourages the audience to think about balance. An iPhone app brings forward the experience in the form of a daily alarm clock as well. Good stuff as always, Mother. Could’ve come up with a better URL name though. Via: The Strange Attractor grand piano I turn to her each time I need to indulge in a little dose of darkness. She’s an old friend I’ve never met, from Helsinki. The Grand Piano. Her first shot. Off a TMAX300 film. Still her favourite. Still mine, Jenni. Still mine. how to report news Not quite the way they teach in film school, I don’t think, but what a brilliant way to do so, eh? imperia heaven Which country do you think of I say vodka? ?? ?? ??, I think Russia too. It’s like whisky. If it’s not from Scotland, it’s just a waste of ice cubes. Strangely enough, the premium vodkas we have been quenching our thirst with, aren’t Russian. Absolut is based in Sweden, Grey Goose hail from the Cognac region of western France, and hey, even Stolichnaya isn’t quite Russian neither – it is distilled in Russia and bottled in Latvia. You may not give a hoot about where your vodka is being bottled, but I bet vodka connoisseurs will beg to differ. With that said, I’m delighted to have discovered THE vodka that Russians themselves drink – Imperia Vodka by Russian Standard Company.  Pristine, velvety-smooth, and complex even, Imperia is the definitive era of its era. Using ultra pure soft waters from the north, a rigorous eight-times distillation process and the company’s exclusive crystal quartz filtration, Imperia is an exceptionally clear, velvety-smooth, luxurious spirit perfect for the discerning few. I tasted the first drop of luxury when Imperia kindly sponsored my blankanvas birthday bash in January. Before I go on, I should add a caveat – I’m a whisky nazi. I spell it without a “e” because I consume them only from the 5 regions of Scotland. Ok, maybe just 3. Not a big fan of the Scotch from Speyside and Campbeltown. I’m easy with blended whiskies but I think it’s absolutely distasteful and disrespectful when one mixes a single malt with green tea. There is a reason why I was once managing the Johnnie Walker and Royal Salute accounts. For me, a perpetual whisky lover, to hit back shots of vodka neat, is akin to a BMW owner switching to an Audi. Most of the vodka drinkers I know don’t do vodka shots, and I can understand why. It’s typically cutting to the throat and well, there are better ways to burn your stomach. It is hence with much surprise I found myself knocking back shots after shots of Imperia with my fellow bloggers. They weren’t lying when they said Imperia was velvety-smooth. Imperia glides down your throat so smoothly, and sets a nice, warm glow to your stomach. I was in heaven.  And I bet these bloggers were too. Lucky DK and Sheylara for winning a bottle of Imperia each. Damn. I want a bottle too. Go knock back yourself a few shots of Imperia at OverEasy. Try to do so when the STI closes low and their cheesesteak sliders go at a buck each. Trust me on this, you won’t regret it. saska diez papier series What do you look for in a travel bag? Designers Saskia and Sefan Diez went back to basics and decided to stick to only the essentials when creating their travel bag – durability, projection and being light weight. Made of Tyvek®, a synthetic paper that is extremely lightweight, the Papier bags are both water- and tear- proof, and completely recyclable. Check out the wallets too. Available here. Via: LIMITEDHYPE mini cooper clubman and pat When I first strapped myself on to the driver’s seat in the MINI Cooper Clubman, I thought I was about to take off. To Timbuktu and never to return, or something. You can’t blame me, when the interior looks like this. First introduced in 2008 as a new member in the MINI family, the MINI Cooper Clubman, in the words of Edmunds, “Keeps all the goodness of the original Cooper formula and throws in a liberal dash of practicality.” This baby expands on everything we love about the MINI Cooper, literally. I’m particularly fond of the stretched wheelbase that prevents physically well-endowed individuals from suffering from leg cramps. In my visit to Irene Ang’s home for Chinese New Year, the MINI Cooper Clubman managed to house Fly Entertainment artiste Bobby Tonelli in the backseat quite comfortably. Trust me, that fella’s big. While I have heard from fellow MINI drivers that the MINI Cooper Clubman is most definitely a smoother ride than the signature go-kart handling the MINI Cooper offers, my virginal experience with the MINI left me feeling as though I was driving a go-kart on turbo. I was burning rubber, feeling the throttle, and cutting every sharp corner I could find like the former go-kart driver Lewis Hamilton on steroids. I don’t quite get the cruise control option included as a result. Why the hell would you want to go auto-pilot with a badass like that? I mean, it’s not a Honda Jazz. The clubdoor is sexy, no? It opens on the right-hand side against the direction of travel, for a striking profile and easy access to the rear seats. I really love her ass. I really do. How she opens up from the back. You’d smile too, if you were me. The MINI Cooper Clubman and I went from one end of Singapore to another, housing my mum and relatives during the Chinese New Year mandatory house visits. The fun from driving the MINI Cooper Clubman has made the house visits a lot less painful, although I wish I hadn’t played chauffeur to my mum. She’s since been suffering from the same degree of withdrawal since I’ve returned the MINI Cooper Clubman. She likes the fact that she could snooze from Pasir Ris to Yishun on a ride that feels like a Thai massage. Last day with the MINI Cooper Clubman. For a compact wagon, the MINI Cooper Clubman wins hands down in terms of fun-ability (sue me for coining that word) and coolness. That said, it is also probably one of the more expensive cars in the class. The truth is, if you’re looking for a wagon that can house eight family members from your mother to your mother-in-law, 2 maids, a baby trolley, a golf bag and 10 bags of rice, the MINI Cooper Clubman isn’t for you. There are certainly more practical choices out in the marketplace. But being a MINI Cooper Clubman owner is telling. With a price tag at about SGD119,000 (the last time I’ve checked), and aesthetically not as ostentatious as half the cars out there with that similar price tag, a MINI Cooper Clubman owner is one who knows how to have fun, but isn’t insecure in such that he/ she needs to show it off. The MINI Cooper Clubman. The car with character. Excuse me now while I go mourn over my loss. mini cooper advertising I stumbled upon this collection of MINI Cooper advertising while searching for a way to curb with my massive withdrawal syndrome since returning the MINI Clubman to MINI Habitat on Thursday (had the gorgeous baby over the Chinese New Year on loan which I’ll speak about in another post). And now I miss the MINI Clubman more. Urgh. Gone with the wind To illustrate the speed and power. Yo-yo Definitely much more fun to play with than a yo-yo. Let there be xenon! I absolutely adore this. Oh if only our local government would approve this. MINI Cooper in a box Home pride! If my memory doesn’t fail me, this came from my former agency, TBWA\ Singapore. MINI says hi This billboard in San Francisco identifies approaching MINI drivers by using a signal from a radio chip embedded in their key fobs. How bloody cool is that?! Rip MINI’s top off When the magazine wrapper is removed, so does the roof of the MINI Cooper as well. MINI for Christmas A most recent campaign found in Amsterdam post-Christmas. Someone received a MINI, eh? Lucky bastard. Grab a MINI home Witty media placement alongside the escalator/ stairs that projects the impression that commuters are going in and out of the MINI Cooper. Via: Toxel various points of view explained with the glass What are you? I’m a cross between being an Optimist and Realist. This little chart made me smile. Hell, I might even buy me a t-shirt. Via: Online Schools aggravure In the words of the magnificent Baptiste Debombourg: The protagonist Icarus, the Mannerism of the Renaissance and the symbol of sublime power Air Force One -the plane of the American President- are the main points in this work. The combination of pathos, beauty and unnatural movement of Italian Mannerists concealing some aggression. Is it why this “Superman” flies straight down towards the earth? Here it’s used the tacker as a material and media, which plays with the contemporary agression and the profanized utility of the everyday life. This is beautiful but boy, I pity he who needs to dissemble the 35,000 staples. Via: today and tomorrow harper’s bazaar photography awards 2010 Calling all budding photographers! Here’s your chance to showcase your brilliance on the internationally renowned fashion magazine, Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore. THE BRIEF Think about fashion, art, architecture -  what do they mean to you? How do you want to excite and inspire the Harper’s BAZAAR reader? Record a fashion moment, or reference the trends of the Spring/ Summer 2010 collections. As one might say; the sky’s the limit. THE REQUIREMENTS Please submit strictly three to five digital images. The competition is open to all amateur or emerging professional photographers currently residing in Singapore and not currently working for a nationwide publication. The winner will be judged on his or her creativity, originality, effort and ability to produce work that is on par with the standards of Harper’s BAZAAR. You must shoot on location at ION Orchard (outside or inside). No heavy equipment or lighting is to be used in the mall. Photography is not permitted inside individual stores. The closing date for the competition is 5th April 2010. To find out more, click here. Good luck! back to school American school desk comprising of a wooden seat and swirly desk top, held sturdy with a metal frame. Comes with a storage space beneath the seat too. Measures 51cm (w) x 68cm (h) x 65cm (d), this piece of childhood is available at £175.00 from Pedlar. go fetch! Absolutely beautiful packaging design for a bunch of balls, by a wonderful couple of women. Stitch Design Co. comprises of two graphic designers, Courtney and Amy, who helped gave the classic and sporty Harry Barker Balls a new look. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m in love with these balls. evisu x common projects Two of my favourite brands, Evisu Jeans and Common Projects, have come together this fall, to produce a new line of mininal  soles for the understated soul. The line will consist of two styles of leather, vulcanized sneakers, using Common Projects’ trademark foil heel stamp. This is the first collaboration for Evisu since Scott Morrison has gotten on board as the new CEO and Creative Director. Both low- and hi-top sneakers are available in three colorways; Navy, White and Black. Via: Definitive Touch i think i’m turning japanese Had a blast with my colleagues for our AGM on Thursday, at Supperclub. I think my mind’s still swimming in sake. What can I say? We sure as hell know how to party. Special thanks to Irene Ang, for being such a fantastic host. The theme was I think I’m turning Japanese (after that one-hit wonder from the 80s for you little ones who don’t know), and I’d have you know my committee members worked really hard to make this happen. We even had a badass Neoprint machine brought in just for the event.  I went as a soiled underwear vending machine. I’m stoked the vending machine sold out on its thongs. And to think my customers were all females. Imagine that. Enjoy them pictures, and have a happy Lunar New Year y’all. what pastor rony tan thinks about homosexuals What Pastor Rony Tan of Lighthouse Evangelism thinks about gays and lesbians from Kenneth Tan on Vimeo. I’ll leave you to tell me how you, both my straight and gay readers, to tell me how you feel about this video. Meanwhile, I’m curious to know what the higher authority thinks. We know its not ok to make insensitive comments about Buddhism… how about homosexuals? Via: Kennethism be 2010 The premise is simple. Great ideas build great businesses. Great businesses build great communities. Great communities make the world a better place. With that in mind, RAPP presents Business Evangelism. It’s an annual exchange of ideas and knowledge in Asia. One that harnesses the power of the collective business mind. To change the way we think about business, people, and our lives. I am pleasantly surprised by the four speakers participating in this intellectual exchange. They include: Yes, seriously now. RAPP means business. The theme, interestingly, will be about the annoying, but hard-to-ignore Generation Y kid, and how one should marketing to this extremely fickle-minded consumer of tomorrow. Tickets don’t come cheap, at SGD2,461 (inclusive of 7% GST) per person, but that said, how often do we have these creative geniuses for speakers? Think about it. Seats are extremely limited, so be sure to register before 20 February 2010. Here’s a tip – check with Valli for special rates. Event details are as follow: Business Evangelism 26 February 2010 8am – 8pm Crowne Plaza Changi Airport 75 Airport Boulevard #01-01 Singapore 819664 View map I cannot wait to attend this. Hell, Imma take no-pay leave even if I have to. Haha. 108 by leon lam-hien My mate, Leon, one of the best living artists I’ve met in the world, will be staging a collective exhibition with Wayne Bregulla, at Culture Club Gallery, Hong Kong, from February 10 – March 9 2010. I have this insane idea of flying to Hong Kong just so as to catch his exhibition. We’ll see. Meanwhile, I’d recommend for you to attend this exhibition. Be prepared to be mesmerized.