UNDER THE SUN
Library books on vampirism
Does the library have any books (non-fiction) on the topic of vampirism?
There are some titles available at the National Library that you may wish to read.
One of them is Real Vampires by Daniel Cohen. You can search for it using its call number Y English 398.21 COH.
Another title from the youth section was edited by Angela Cybulski and it is entitled ‘Vampires’. The call number is Y English 398.21 COH.
If you are a novice to what entails vampirism, then you should read Vampires : a beginner's guide by Teresa Moorey. Call No.: English 398.45 MOO.
You can discover in the Reference section, a book which was published by Time-Life Books called Transformations. The reference call number is R English 398.469 TRA.
A videorecording called ‘the unexplained’ is available at the library and it explores and examines the ongoing phenomenons of vampires and the influence they have had on our culture; poltergeist, either trickster ghosts who move items or the psychokinetic projections of an unstable person. There is the mystery of why people risk their own lives to save the lives of others and the strange and inexplicable phenomenon of spontaneous human combustion.
If you intend to check the availability of any title before visiting our public libraries, you may do so via the online catalogue.
A journal article by George R. Stetson on the beliefs of animistic vampirism in New England published in 1896 is available online. It was first printed in the American Anthropologist.
One of them is Real Vampires by Daniel Cohen. You can search for it using its call number Y English 398.21 COH.
Another title from the youth section was edited by Angela Cybulski and it is entitled ‘Vampires’. The call number is Y English 398.21 COH.
If you are a novice to what entails vampirism, then you should read Vampires : a beginner's guide by Teresa Moorey. Call No.: English 398.45 MOO.
You can discover in the Reference section, a book which was published by Time-Life Books called Transformations. The reference call number is R English 398.469 TRA.
A videorecording called ‘the unexplained’ is available at the library and it explores and examines the ongoing phenomenons of vampires and the influence they have had on our culture; poltergeist, either trickster ghosts who move items or the psychokinetic projections of an unstable person. There is the mystery of why people risk their own lives to save the lives of others and the strange and inexplicable phenomenon of spontaneous human combustion.
If you intend to check the availability of any title before visiting our public libraries, you may do so via the online catalogue.
A journal article by George R. Stetson on the beliefs of animistic vampirism in New England published in 1896 is available online. It was first printed in the American Anthropologist.
Why doesn't S'pore have a national costume?
I have been wondering why Singapore doesn't have a national costume? I really envy countries like Japan ( Kimono ) and Korea ( Hanbok ) that have their own national costumes. I felt that it is gives an unique personal identity to the country. I will very much like to have our own Singaporean national costume.
The search for the definitive Singapore National Costume has been long but without any finality till date. Symbols like the orchid Vanda Ms Joaquim, Merlion and even the durian were incorporated into the prototypes but there was no consensus on what is the national costume of Singapore. From the articles below, this is likely to be because Singapore does not have a homogeneous culture, but is made up of different ethnic groups.
However in the coming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Singapore from 8-15 November 2009, world leaders will be presented and dressed in a specially designed Singapore-flavour suits. More details:
A shirt tale for the Apec summit
Straits Times, 29 October 2009, 767 words, Esther Teo, (English)
Designer's hope: Leaders will want to keep attire THERE will be plenty of political and economic statements at next month's Apec meetings but the most memorable might just be the fashion one that designer Wykidd Song has planned…
...Mr Song said his inspiration for the design was inspired by things Peranakan - encompassing Chinese, Indian and Malay elements - as it represented a hybrid of Singapore's different cultures.
The flower motif - with its 21 petals representing the 21 Apec economies - was also inspired by similar patterns found on the tiles of Peranakan shophouses.
'We're a hybrid culture and this is definitely an outfit that everyone can relate to since Singapore is a blend of different races.
A photo of the Singapore-designed suits at: "www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_447748.html
Other attempts at producing the national costume can be found below in the newspapers articles extracted from the online Factiva database. Factiva can be accessed from our eresources link at:
http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/browse.aspx?browse_by=A-Z
1. Unfazed by Merlion mauling
The New Paper, 14 September 2009, 1426 words, Ho Lian-Yi, (English)
...She is Singapore 's representative at Miss Intercontinental 2009 in Belarus on 27Sep, and her national costume is also based on the iconic Merlion....
The last time a beauty queen came out in a Merlion dress, the designer and organisers got a roasting from the public.
People said it 'looked like a joke'...
2. Vanda MISS OR HIT?
Germaine Lim
872 words
13 August 2009
The New Paper
...S'poreans divided about Miss Singapore Universe's national costume
A YEAR has passed and it's time for the annual Miss Universe again. Contestants will vie for the coveted crown in the Bahamas on 23 Aug.
Following last year's public outcry over the infamous Merlion costume, all eyes are now on this year's offering.
Ms Rachel Kum, a 24-year-old brand manager, presented the national costume segment on Monday - a dark pink silk-satin and chiffon gown.
A giant Vanda Miss Joaquim, Singapore's national flower, was attached to the back.
... It is also difficult to capture Singapore's national identity, Jessica said. She said: 'Our roots are very diverse - we have so many nationalities in Singapore. To incorporate everything into one dress is difficult.' Besides, other countries have much historical background to draw upon, said designer Mr Ng. He cited China's warrior outfit as an example. He said: 'We could go with something Peranakan and ethnic. But it's difficult because the outfit cannot be too Malay.'…
3. DAMSEL IN THIS DRESS?
Jeanmarie Tan
1716 words
6 May 2007
The New Paper
...Then, there's also the question of the national dress itself - why hasn't anyone actually defined our national costume after all these years?
Mr Pang said there's 'no criteria' from the Miss Universe committee regarding national costumes 'as long as it's something that represents our culture' - but history has shown us that the three-races-in-one approach seems to be the standard blueprint to follow. … But Jeanette thinks it's 'quite presumptious' for anyone to step up and say he has designed the definitive national costume. She said: 'Ideally, it should be a joint collaboration with a government body, an events company and a respectable and experienced local designer. ...
4. ST Forum - Online Story
Why be obsessed with a multiracial costume as the National Costume?
157 words
7 May 2007
Straits Times
...we are a multi-racial society, but is there a need to include all elements into a national costume?
The US does not have a national costume, and they are not bothered by it. Why should we?
If we really have to choose a national costume or ethnic outfit for the pageant, I suggest the nyonya kebaya. Reasons: (1) The Peranankan culture is unique to Singapore (2)
The nyonya kebaya is an exquisite piece (3) It resembles the sarong kebaya of the SIA girls, which is world famous as Singaporean….
5. Not the National Day celebrations
1529 words
4 August 1991
Straits Times
...The durian costume Designer Juice Leng: "A national costume has to make a statement. Like the durian; you don't just see it, you smell it too. The fabric I have used is recycled from durian skins. I have also come up with a durian fragrance, named...
6. Trying to bottle the essence of S'pore? Who do we think we're fooling? National pride, icons can't just be dreamt up overnight
Liang Dingzinews@newstoday.com.sg
708 words
28 July 2005
TODAY (Singapore)
...Remember, some years ago, the attempt to design a wearable national costume featuring a Chinese collar, an Indian sash and a Malay sarong? That didn't take off. ..
Below are suggested titles on Singapore culture available in the libraries:
1. Culture and customs of Singapore and Malaysia
By Jaime Koh and Stephanie Ho.
Santa Barbara, Calif. : Greenwood Press, c2009.
Call No.: Y SING 305.80095957 KOH
2. Culture Shock!: a survival guide to customs and etiquette, Singapore
By Mario´n Bravo-Bhasin.
Tarrytown, N.Y. : Marshall Cavendish Corp., 2009
Call No.: SING 959.57 BRA
3. Search for Singapore dress (28.4.90) [videorecording]
Singapore Broadcasting Corporation.
Summary: The main function of this documentary is to trace the development of the orchid motif from Mr Ong Teng Cheong's conception down to the manufacture in the factory.
Call No.: RSING 391.0095957 SEA -[CUS]
If you intend to check the availability of any title before visiting our public libraries, you may do so via the online catalogue at: http://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg
We hope that the above has been useful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance.
Thank you for using the ASK! service.
However in the coming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Singapore from 8-15 November 2009, world leaders will be presented and dressed in a specially designed Singapore-flavour suits. More details:
A shirt tale for the Apec summit
Straits Times, 29 October 2009, 767 words, Esther Teo, (English)
Designer's hope: Leaders will want to keep attire THERE will be plenty of political and economic statements at next month's Apec meetings but the most memorable might just be the fashion one that designer Wykidd Song has planned…
...Mr Song said his inspiration for the design was inspired by things Peranakan - encompassing Chinese, Indian and Malay elements - as it represented a hybrid of Singapore's different cultures.
The flower motif - with its 21 petals representing the 21 Apec economies - was also inspired by similar patterns found on the tiles of Peranakan shophouses.
'We're a hybrid culture and this is definitely an outfit that everyone can relate to since Singapore is a blend of different races.
A photo of the Singapore-designed suits at: "www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_447748.html
Other attempts at producing the national costume can be found below in the newspapers articles extracted from the online Factiva database. Factiva can be accessed from our eresources link at:
http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/browse.aspx?browse_by=A-Z
1. Unfazed by Merlion mauling
The New Paper, 14 September 2009, 1426 words, Ho Lian-Yi, (English)
...She is Singapore 's representative at Miss Intercontinental 2009 in Belarus on 27Sep, and her national costume is also based on the iconic Merlion....
The last time a beauty queen came out in a Merlion dress, the designer and organisers got a roasting from the public.
People said it 'looked like a joke'...
2. Vanda MISS OR HIT?
Germaine Lim
872 words
13 August 2009
The New Paper
...S'poreans divided about Miss Singapore Universe's national costume
A YEAR has passed and it's time for the annual Miss Universe again. Contestants will vie for the coveted crown in the Bahamas on 23 Aug.
Following last year's public outcry over the infamous Merlion costume, all eyes are now on this year's offering.
Ms Rachel Kum, a 24-year-old brand manager, presented the national costume segment on Monday - a dark pink silk-satin and chiffon gown.
A giant Vanda Miss Joaquim, Singapore's national flower, was attached to the back.
... It is also difficult to capture Singapore's national identity, Jessica said. She said: 'Our roots are very diverse - we have so many nationalities in Singapore. To incorporate everything into one dress is difficult.' Besides, other countries have much historical background to draw upon, said designer Mr Ng. He cited China's warrior outfit as an example. He said: 'We could go with something Peranakan and ethnic. But it's difficult because the outfit cannot be too Malay.'…
3. DAMSEL IN THIS DRESS?
Jeanmarie Tan
1716 words
6 May 2007
The New Paper
...Then, there's also the question of the national dress itself - why hasn't anyone actually defined our national costume after all these years?
Mr Pang said there's 'no criteria' from the Miss Universe committee regarding national costumes 'as long as it's something that represents our culture' - but history has shown us that the three-races-in-one approach seems to be the standard blueprint to follow. … But Jeanette thinks it's 'quite presumptious' for anyone to step up and say he has designed the definitive national costume. She said: 'Ideally, it should be a joint collaboration with a government body, an events company and a respectable and experienced local designer. ...
4. ST Forum - Online Story
Why be obsessed with a multiracial costume as the National Costume?
157 words
7 May 2007
Straits Times
...we are a multi-racial society, but is there a need to include all elements into a national costume?
The US does not have a national costume, and they are not bothered by it. Why should we?
If we really have to choose a national costume or ethnic outfit for the pageant, I suggest the nyonya kebaya. Reasons: (1) The Peranankan culture is unique to Singapore (2)
The nyonya kebaya is an exquisite piece (3) It resembles the sarong kebaya of the SIA girls, which is world famous as Singaporean….
5. Not the National Day celebrations
1529 words
4 August 1991
Straits Times
...The durian costume Designer Juice Leng: "A national costume has to make a statement. Like the durian; you don't just see it, you smell it too. The fabric I have used is recycled from durian skins. I have also come up with a durian fragrance, named...
6. Trying to bottle the essence of S'pore? Who do we think we're fooling? National pride, icons can't just be dreamt up overnight
Liang Dingzinews@newstoday.com.sg
708 words
28 July 2005
TODAY (Singapore)
...Remember, some years ago, the attempt to design a wearable national costume featuring a Chinese collar, an Indian sash and a Malay sarong? That didn't take off. ..
Below are suggested titles on Singapore culture available in the libraries:
1. Culture and customs of Singapore and Malaysia
By Jaime Koh and Stephanie Ho.
Santa Barbara, Calif. : Greenwood Press, c2009.
Call No.: Y SING 305.80095957 KOH
2. Culture Shock!: a survival guide to customs and etiquette, Singapore
By Mario´n Bravo-Bhasin.
Tarrytown, N.Y. : Marshall Cavendish Corp., 2009
Call No.: SING 959.57 BRA
3. Search for Singapore dress (28.4.90) [videorecording]
Singapore Broadcasting Corporation.
Summary: The main function of this documentary is to trace the development of the orchid motif from Mr Ong Teng Cheong's conception down to the manufacture in the factory.
Call No.: RSING 391.0095957 SEA -[CUS]
If you intend to check the availability of any title before visiting our public libraries, you may do so via the online catalogue at: http://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg
We hope that the above has been useful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance.
Thank you for using the ASK! service.
Can instant noodles cause cancer?
Is it true that instant noodles are coated with a layer of chemicals such as wax so as to prevent the noodles from sticking? Will this chemical cause cancer in the long run?
The following news articles suggested that this belief of instant noodles being coated with a layer of wax is largely untrue.
Off his noodle!
259 words
21 September 2008
Gulf Daily News
GUDAN
English
Copyright © 2008 Gulf Daily News. Provided by Syndigate.info, an Albawaba.com Company All Rights Reserved.
In reply to 'Health professional' regarding 'cancerous noodles', 'Smart eating the key' (GDN, September 15) you may well be a health professional, but not one trained in science - a homeopath perhaps?
To address your point about cancerous noodles, please read carefully and try to understand the bigger words. Direct quote from 'Break this chain' website. "According to Snopes.com, the e-mail version of this warning dates back to 2000, but the rumour has existed for decades. Original versions warned of health problems caused by wax build-up in the stomach. It told the story of an individual who died during an operation to remove the wax layer from his stomach.
"This version seems to recognise the ridiculousness of surgery to remove a wax lining in your stomach, instead cautioning you to allow plenty of time between servings for your stomach to 'clear the wax'.
"But not to make you think that the risk is somehow lessened, this version alludes that the wax is somehow carcinogenic. Despite what this letter claims, I have not yet found anyone, other than the author of this chain, who refers to instant noodles as cancer noodles.
"An anonymously authored and haphazardly forwarded e-mail warning should never replace legitimate medical resources and your physician for health advice."
I am at a loss to understand who invents such silly things and why, but even more amazed at the people who believe it!
I'm just waiting for the Vitamin C and prawns scare to raise its incredibly deadly head!
Su Dickens
You can access the Snopes.com article as mentioned at this website: Instant Noodles Warning (www.snopes.com/food/warnings/noodles.asp
LETTER - Instant noodles go global.
1068 words
25 August 2002
Jakarta Post
JKPOST
7
English
(c) 2002 The Jakarta Post
... There are rumors, however, that consuming instant noodles especially those packaged in styrofoam might cause health problems such as a wax buildup in the stomach. However, based on various research findings by independent international institutions and laboratories, the noodle-makers claim that the styrofoam used in food packaging is safe for all types of food. ...
Leftover food can help feed the hungry
Linda Bolido
857 words
20 July 2006
Philippine Daily Inquirer
aiwphi
English
Copyright 2006 INQ7 Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved. www.inq7.net
... Speaking of malnutrition, there is an e-mail that is circulating about the danger of eating too much instant noodles. The message alleges that the wax coating used to prevent instant noodles from sticking together may cause cancer. It says people should make sure they eat instant noodles only once every three or four days to be on the safe side. ...
You can access the above news articles through the eNewspapers (Factiva.com) from the multimedia stations in the libraries with unlimited archive access.
According to CNN.com, consuming too much instant noodles may have some negative effects to one's health. A lot of fats, carbohydrates, as well as salt are present in a single serving of the noodles. Doctors have identified trans fatty acids as one of the triggers of heart disease. Aside from these, instant noodles also contains a large amount of chemicals and preservatives. You may like to read at the following website: CNN.com - Instant noodles a health hazard (edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/east/02/23/hongkong.noodles/index.html)
All the above-mentioned websites are last accessed on 10 November 2009.
We hope that the above has been useful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance.
Off his noodle!
259 words
21 September 2008
Gulf Daily News
GUDAN
English
Copyright © 2008 Gulf Daily News. Provided by Syndigate.info, an Albawaba.com Company All Rights Reserved.
In reply to 'Health professional' regarding 'cancerous noodles', 'Smart eating the key' (GDN, September 15) you may well be a health professional, but not one trained in science - a homeopath perhaps?
To address your point about cancerous noodles, please read carefully and try to understand the bigger words. Direct quote from 'Break this chain' website. "According to Snopes.com, the e-mail version of this warning dates back to 2000, but the rumour has existed for decades. Original versions warned of health problems caused by wax build-up in the stomach. It told the story of an individual who died during an operation to remove the wax layer from his stomach.
"This version seems to recognise the ridiculousness of surgery to remove a wax lining in your stomach, instead cautioning you to allow plenty of time between servings for your stomach to 'clear the wax'.
"But not to make you think that the risk is somehow lessened, this version alludes that the wax is somehow carcinogenic. Despite what this letter claims, I have not yet found anyone, other than the author of this chain, who refers to instant noodles as cancer noodles.
"An anonymously authored and haphazardly forwarded e-mail warning should never replace legitimate medical resources and your physician for health advice."
I am at a loss to understand who invents such silly things and why, but even more amazed at the people who believe it!
I'm just waiting for the Vitamin C and prawns scare to raise its incredibly deadly head!
Su Dickens
You can access the Snopes.com article as mentioned at this website: Instant Noodles Warning (www.snopes.com/food/warnings/noodles.asp
LETTER - Instant noodles go global.
1068 words
25 August 2002
Jakarta Post
JKPOST
7
English
(c) 2002 The Jakarta Post
... There are rumors, however, that consuming instant noodles especially those packaged in styrofoam might cause health problems such as a wax buildup in the stomach. However, based on various research findings by independent international institutions and laboratories, the noodle-makers claim that the styrofoam used in food packaging is safe for all types of food. ...
Leftover food can help feed the hungry
Linda Bolido
857 words
20 July 2006
Philippine Daily Inquirer
aiwphi
English
Copyright 2006 INQ7 Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved. www.inq7.net
... Speaking of malnutrition, there is an e-mail that is circulating about the danger of eating too much instant noodles. The message alleges that the wax coating used to prevent instant noodles from sticking together may cause cancer. It says people should make sure they eat instant noodles only once every three or four days to be on the safe side. ...
You can access the above news articles through the eNewspapers (Factiva.com) from the multimedia stations in the libraries with unlimited archive access.
According to CNN.com
All the above-mentioned websites are last accessed on 10 November 2009.
We hope that the above has been useful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance.