You're invited! Evanescence gig

A reply

Feb 3, 2007
STINews: Covered walkways and air-con make for softies

THERE are more covered walkways at LRT stations and schools are being built in Punggol. Are we making life too comfortable? Surely, some rain and sun won't hurt, especially for the students?

A covered walkway is a small matter. But is it the tip of the iceberg? Is making life easier and more comfortable our society's goal? If so, then we are heading for disaster.

Click here to read the full story.

I refer to Mr Khoo Swee Chiow's letter, “Covered walkways and air-con make for softies” (ST, Feb 3), in which he lampooned the material comforts afforded by covered walkways and air-conditioning as the cause of our nation's youth becoming weak.

Well, isn't this a happy case of damned if you do, damned if you don't.

After championing the government to build covered linkways between housing estates and train stations and major bus stops, it seems that the commutering public is now faced with the threat of obesity, among other things.

Covered walkways and air-conditioning do not cause obesity. Such a connection is tenuous at best. Obesity is a clinical condition caused, in varying degrees, by overeating, a sedentary lifestyle, genetic and neurobiological factors, certain medications, underlying illnesses and even ethnic predispositions.

These modern conveniences remain just that, modern conveniences. It is how we use them that ultimately determines their impact on our lives and, in the case of air-conditioners, the environment. When a person has stabbed another to death with a knife, do we blame the knife or the assailant? It is up to us to use our air-conditioners judiciously and lead a responsible life.

I, for one, applaud the government's efforts in continuously improving our public infrastructure. Besides providing welcome respite from inclement weather to commuters, particularly expectant mothers and the elderly, covered walkways also make public trains and buses a more attractive method of conveyance by increasing accessibility and convenience and minimising hassle. A successful public transit system decreases road traffic congestion and reduces greenhouse gas emissions from unnecessary private car transport, which in turn alleviates global warming.

I am by no means advocating parents to encourage in their children an overly sheltered life. But creature comforts in and by themselves will not make our youth weak, not in a hyper-competitive, meritocratic society driven very much by performance and results, and where it is mandatory that all young men are subject to two years of rigorous military and physical training in National Service. A comfortable life isn't necessarily a less resilient life. A strictly regimented upbringing doesn't always make a tougher person either.

It is perfectly alright to be environmentally conscious, but it is neither accurate nor fair to demonise material comforts as the root of the world's larger problems.

tcc, the coffee connoisseur

Stuttgart Ballet: Romeo and Juliet

by Stuttgart Ballet
Germany
3 Feb 07, Sat, 8pm, Esplanade Theatre

John Cranko's Romeo and Juliet took the world by storm three decades ago. Today's updated version retains the lavish renaissance costumes and glorious sets, but adds the breathtaking virtuosity of today's finest dancers.

This presentation of Shakespeare's classic tale captures the tragic romance as well as the splendid colour and mesmerising vibrancy of Verona. Comic and eccentric characters are all part of the action that takes place in perfectly fashioned sets of the countryside, festival and street scenes.

The ballet, set to the music of Serge Prokofiev, is performed by the full company of nearly 80 dancers, including world-renowned primas, principals, soloists and full corps de ballet.

Tours by the Stuttgart Ballet were such a triumphant success that critics coined the term "The Stuttgart Ballet Miracle" (Clive Barnes, New York). World-famous choreographers like John Neumeier and Jiri Kylian started careers as dancers in Stuttgart under John Cranko.

Ride the wacky Duck!

A first in this region. The fun begins once you board the DUCK - an authentic American’s Vietnam War Hero. It is the chance of a lifetime to ride on a Military Amphibious Craft.

2-in-1 Special. Only DUCKtours offers you a combined City and Harbour tour, without the hassle of switching craft. Travelling on land and water, it's a boat on monstrous wheels!

Show-on-Wheels. More than a tour, it's a theme attraction. Expect 60 minutes of wacky fun and waddling entertainment from our Ducktainer on board. It's edutainment, thrill ride, and show on wheels - all in one!

Estee Lauder - Nutritious

Discover the 2007-2008 Fall- Winter Men Fashion Show by Louis Vuitton

Singapore Sling!

Partake of the Singapore Sling

The precise date of the origin of the world's most famous cocktail is shrouded in mystery. Some say the Singapore Sling, or sometime called the gin sling, was first mixed one hot afternoon in 1915. Others are equally certain that it was available to thirsty guests at least a decade earlier. No one, however, disputes its creator, the talented Hainanese barman Ngiam Tong Boon, nor the location of his inspiration: Raffles Hotel. So, where else should one partake of the Singapore Sling but at its birthplace, Raffles Hotel!

You're invited! MTV's The Lair

You're invited! ONE80PROJECT

Phase 3 - 28th January
OPTUS ONE80PROJECT will be roping off a section of Sydney to showcase the best it has to offer. The day will include bands, cold beers, a screening of the top 10 submissions and the announcement of the 2 winners.

Chivas presents Jazzanova Live at Café del Mar on 27 Jan

Want to see JET and KASABIAN in Sydney? You're invited!

Want to see JET and Leicester lads KASABIAN rip through their licks and chops in a Sydney street for free?

On Friday, January 26, you could be at the launch of MTV’s latest soiree The Lair: Foreplay with these two bangin’ acts playing live and free, plus an exclusive interview with My Chemical Romance and hosted by Scribe. All you got to do to be there is get your trigger-fingers dancing and put your name down for the exclusive money-can’t-buy tickets.

Clinique Superbalm Tinted Lip Treatment

Superbalm™ Lip Treats
Clinique’s candy box of colour.
For just a hint of tint plus deeply hydrating repair—four Superbalm Tinted Lip Treatments provide sheer colour, extreme care: Grape Tint, Lilac Tint, Raspberry Tint, Pink Grapefruit Tint, 0.17 fl. oz. each.

Deeply hydrating repair for lips. Instantly provides comfort, cushion. Leaves lips with a healthy, dewy finish and just a hint of tint.

Exclusively for Esplanade Youths: Backstage Tour to Esplanade's Concert Hall and Theatre!

Go on an exclusive backstage tour of Esplanade, one of the world’s busiest arts centre and walk through the halls where some of
the world’s greatest artists have performed.

Learn about the acoustic settings of the Esplanade Concert Hall and understand the flexibility of Esplanade's modern sophisticated Theatre.

20.01.07
Sat, 10.30am - 1pm

Limited places only, this offer is exclusive to Esplanade Youths.

You're invited! Café del Mar Opening Party on 19 Jan

Dolce&Gabbana Man Fashion Show Winter 2008

Zegna presents Spring Summer 2007 collections

Massimo Dutti

Zara

Pull and Bear