Writing samples

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A tribute to mother, for her purest of love
FarEastFlora.com® 2008 Mother’s Day collection includes refreshing new floral designs

Singapore, 11 April 2008 —If ever there is a flower that is synonymous with the meaning
of Mother's Day, it must be the delightful carnation.

Carnations, with its special significance, take centre-stage in the 2008 Mother’s Day
collection by leading flowers and gifts provider FarEastFlora.com®.

“The unassuming carnation has long been associated with Mother’s Day. Consumers
will find carnations being used in innovative ways in our collection this year,” said Ryan
Chioh, Managing Director of FarEastFlora.com®.

Complementing 12 all-time bestsellers are 11 new creations from the team at
FarEastFlora.com®. In total, customers will be able to take their pick from a range of 23
flowers, plants and gift sets for Mother’s Day.

The collection includes original floral creations such as a unique arrangement framed
by willow fashioned into a heart-shape, a carnation topiary in a sugar pot and an
arrangement in a beautiful white porcelain casserole. (See Appendix)

“Carnations are found in most of our floral arrangements, given its special affiliation with
Mother’s Day,” he added.

Carnations became associated with Mother's Day in 1908, when an advocate for the
holiday, Anna Jarvis, sent 500 white carnations to her mother's West Virginia church in
her honor. It was her late mother's favorite flower, and all the mothers at church that
day were to receive one to celebrate their dedication to their role.

She had successfully lobbied prominent businessmen and politicians to create a special
day to honor mothers, resulting in a 1914 bill recognizing Mother’s Day as a national
holiday.

History aside, the carnation flower itself exemplifies many of the wonderful qualities of
mothers. Carnations are hardy and long-lasting, like a mother’s unwavering love for her
family.

Indeed, carnations enjoy a long vase life, lasting up to 10 days in cool conditions.

FarEastFlora.com Pte Ltd
565 Thomson Road Singapore 298184
tel 6251 2323 fax 6355 0620 url www.FarEastFlora.com

There is perhaps no other flower more appropriate to represent a mother’s feminine
strength, with qualities of robustness and delicacy as epitomized in the carnation’s
hardiness and exquisitely frilled petals.

Besides carnation floral gifts, consumers can also express their love on Mother’s Day
with skin and body care products and food hampers. Containing products from the
Natural Beauty by Origins range, Crabtree & Evelyn gourmet items and fortifying tonics,
these gifts will please mothers to no end.

As Ryan puts it, “No gift is too much for our mothers, who have sacrificed so much for us
through their tireless love. Mother’s Day presents are but a small way for us to express
gratitude to the amazing woman at the heart of every family.”

The FarEastFlora.com® Mother’s Day 2008 collection will be available from 7th April to
®
10th May 2008. Orders can be placed either online at www.FarEastFlora.com or by
telephone at 6251 2323. For more information on all product offerings, please visit
www.FarEastFlora.com

About FarEastFlora.com® Pte Ltd
FarEastFlora.com® was established in 1999, as an extension of Far East Flora Pte Ltd’s
online business. As a pioneer in recognizing the Internet’s commercial potential, this
mail order arm now offers over 1000 choices in flowers, gifts and hampers to more than
140 countries. FarEastFlora.com® prides itself in providing customized gifts to meet
different customers’ needs. Other than an extensive range of flowers and gifts for all
occasions, FarEastFlora.com® specializes in floral decoration for weddings, events,
customized corporate gifting and more. For more information about all product
offerings, visit www.FarEastFlora.com.

FarEastFlora.com® is also the proud winner of ZDNet Asia's SMB of the Year 2006 and the
Singapore Service Class Award. FarEastFlora.com is also the creator of Flower Memo®, a
patent-pending innovation that displays color images on flowers, & Box of Blooms®,
which won the Singapore Packaging Star Award 2005 & AsiaStar Award 2005.

For all media enquiries, please contact:

Sarah Yong
Senior Manager
FarEastFlora.com® Pte Ltd
HP: (65) 8118 2086
Email: sarah@FarEastFlora.com


FarEastFlora.com® 2008 Mother’s Day collection
Product
Name Price Description Image
Code
Flowers
Mothers never keep us waiting for
their love, and neither should we.
UP:
Express your love eloquently with
$69.90
this unique arrangement of pink
(w/gst
roses, gerberas, eustomas and
$74.79)
Close to my maroon carnation sprays framed
MDN01
Heart by an endearing heart-shaped
SP:
ivy frame. Even a lavender
$59.90
butterfly can’t resist but flit by to
(w/gst
smell the flowers.
$64.09)
w 50cm h 30cm
(3 gerberas)

At the heart of every family is
Mum. Her tireless care and
UP:
dedication that stems from the
$59.90
purest of love is given due
(w/gst
recognition with this lovely
$64.09)
Heart-felt arrangement of two-tone
MDN02 Gratitude shocking pink carnations in a
SP:
heart-shaped box. You’ll leave
$49.90
her in no doubt about your love
(w/gst
for her too.
$53.39)
w 26cm h 45cm
(15 carnations)

A mother’s love is like a beacon
of light embracing you in good &
UP: bad times. Her loving care is a ray
$79.90 of sunshine during difficult times.
(w/gst Convey your deep appreciation
$85.49) for everything Mum has done &
Ma, You’re
MDN03 will inevitably do for you with this
My Sunshine
SP: cheerful arrangement of brilliant
$59.90 sunflowers, orange roses, burnt-
(w/gst gold gerberas and dainty yellow
$64.09) carnation sprays.
w 45cm h 30cm
(3 sunflowers)


A mother holds her children's
hands for a while, but their hearts,
UP:
forever. Tell her she holds an
$89.90
important place in your heart
(w/gst
with this glowing arrangement of
$96.19)
MDN04 Sweet sweetly-scented lilies, soft
Embrace centerpink pink roses and
SP:
carnations. Like your sweet
$69.90
embrace, this gift will touch her
(w/gst
heart in a splendid way.
$74.79)
w 50cm h 30cm
(8 carnations)

Emblems of Mother’s Day, pink
carnations are wonderful
UP:
representations of Mum’s love—
$49.90
soft and feminine, yet strong and
(w/gst
firm. This distinctive fuchsia
$53.39)
Bejewelled carnation topiary arrives in a
MDN05
Thanks white porcelain sugar jar, which
SP:
can be reused. She’ll be
$39.90
rendered speechless with your
(w/gst
sweet gesture.
$42.69)
w 12cm h 40cm
(9 carnations)

You will never forget Mum’s
cooking, for it is always prepared
from the heart. Tell her how much
UP:
you appreciate the love and
$79.90
care she gives to the family with
(w/gst
this beautiful white porcelain
Mum’s Love: $85.49)
casserole filled with delightful
MDN06 Always from
orange gerberas, yam roses and
the Heart SP:
pink carnation sprays. This
$69.90
microwave-safe casserole can
(w/gst
be reused to whip up more
$74.79)
nourishing dishes for the family!
w 26cm h 12cm
(6 roses)


Her children always come before
herself. Take this opportunity
UP: during Mother’s Day to
$79.90 demonstrate your appreciation
(w/gst of her selflessness with this gift.
$85.49) Containing two-tone orange
Blooming
MDN07 carnations, champagne roses
Gratitude
SP: and delicate yellow alstroemerias
$69.90 in a container with peach motifs,
(w/gst this arrangement will convey your
$74.79) gratitude beautifully.
w 50cm h 30cm
(9 carnations)
Pink is the color of nurturing and
compassion. This pleasing
arrangement of pink gerberas,
UP:
eustomas, shocking pink
$89.90
carnations and beautifully
(w/gst
textured fruticosa in our exclusive
$96.19)
Nurturing pink mosaic vase speaks of your
MDN08
Love appreciation for her unflagging
SP:
nurturing over the years. Mum will
$69.90
be delighted to receive such an
(w/gst
eloquent expression of your
$74.79)
appreciation!
w 28cm h 40cm
(6 carnations)

On Mother’s Day, surprise Mum
UP: with this extravagant
$89.90 arrangement of champagne
(w/gst roses, yellow carnation sprays
Purple $96.19) and eustomas in various shades
MDN09 Extravaganc of purple. A color associated with
e SP: royalty, this purple floral
$79.90 arrangement will make her feel
(w/gst like a queen on this special day!
$85.49) w 35cm h 40cm
(9 roses)


When words can’t say how much
UP:
you love your Mum, let this round
$89.90
bouquet articulate your profound
(w/gst
attachment to her. The profusion
$96.19)
Effusive of lovely maroon carnations and
MDN10
Affections pink eustomas makes this
SP:
bouquet a clear symbol of your
$69.90
effusive love for Mum!
(w/gst
w 35cm h 45cm
$74.79)
(6 carnations)

UP: For the sophisticated mother, this
$99.90 magnificent sheaf bouquet of
(w/gst scented pink lilies, light pink roses
$106.8 and deep red carnations will
Mom, I Love 9) wow her this Mother’s Day. Your
MDN11
You Mum will be the source of much
SP: envy when she receives this eye-
$79.90 catching gift!
(w/gst w 45cm h 75cm
$85.49) (3 lilies)

Serenade Mum with this
UP:
mesmerizing round bouquet of
$49.90
deep red carnations, safari sunset
(w/gst
and song of india this Mother’s
$53.39)
Crimson Day. Representing your immense
MDN12
Charm thankfulness to Mum, she’ll be
SP:
charmed by this thoughtful
$39.90
bouquet!
(w/gst
w 23cm h 24cm
$42.69)
(12 carnations)


A union of shocking pink & red
UP:
roses set amongst green
$79.90
carnations symbolizes Mum’s
(w/gst
grace, gentleness and strength.
$85.49)
Utmost This splendid aqua bouquet says
MDN13
Admiration it all! It is the perfect declaration
SP:
of your admiration for Mum on
$69.90
this special day.
(w/gst
w 35cm h 50cm
$74.79)
(8 carnations)

Shower Mum with plenty of love
UP: and kisses with this majestic
$99.90 bouquet befitting a queen like
(w/gst her. Just like what the great
$106.8 Abraham Lincoln used to say, “All
Majestic 9 that I am or ever hope to be, I
MDN14
Affections owe to my angel Mother.” She
SP: will feel oh-so-loved by such a
$89.90 pleasing sight of white Marco
(w/gst Polo lilies and pink eustomas.
$96.19) w 45cm h 50cm
(3 lilies)

UP: This pretty basket of pink roses
$69.90 and carnations will bring a smile
(w/gst to Mum! Evoking the tranquil
$74.79) beauty of countryside, this is a gift
Country
MDN15 that never goes out of style. She’ll
Blossoms
SP: also love the delicate scent of
$59.90 the pink roses! Bag measures
(w/gst l 23cm w 15cm h 16cm
$64.09) (9 roses)


This bag of flowers is one gift that
she will use again and again. As
UP: Mum uses this hand-woven rattan
$79.90 shoulder bag to do her shopping,
(w/gst you can be sure she will
$85.49) remember your thoughtfulness.
Color Me
MDN16 Comes with an enchanting
Pretty
SP: arrangement of fuchsia roses,
$69.90 radiant orange gerberas and
(w/gst tangerine carnation sprays. Bag
$74.79) measures
l 35cm w 10cm h 24cm
(8 roses)

Mum will be enthralled with this
UP:
splendid watering can,
$59.90
individually hand-painted and
(w/gst
blossoming with red roses, orange
$64.09)
Scarlet gerberas and purple carnations.
MDN17
Beauty The watering can is ideal for
SP:
watering her plants. A perfect gift
$49.90
for Mums with green fingers!
(w/gst
w 25cm h 32cm
$53.39)
(8 carnations)

Skin and Body Care
She’ll appreciate this thoughtful
gift of Origins Spot Remover®
(10ml) containing redness-
reducing salicylic acid, oregano
UP: and clove extracts. Even during
$69.90 the most humid of days, she’ll find
(w/gst her skin clear, fresh and matte as
$74.79) she uses Zero Oil® (18ml), with its
MDN18 Pristine Glow blend of winterbloom and
SP: Chinese camphor. Her dresser will
$64.90 be instantly freshened up by
(w/gst these skin enhancers that come
$69.44) with radiant roses reminiscent of
spring flowers emerging after a
long winter.
w 25cm h 15cm
(7 carnations)


Warm her heart with a gift of
Origins facial masks that helps
maintain the radiant glow in her
skin! Containing special seaweed
extracts, You’re Getting
Warmer™ Purifying Clay Mask
UP:
(50ml) helps to refresh and
$79.90
protect while deep-cleansing
(w/gst
clay clears pores of impurities.
$85.49)
Overflowing With Drink Up® Hydrating Mask
MDN19
Radiance (50ml), she keeps her skin
SP:
beautifully firm and supple.
$69.90
Containing algae extracts &
(w/gst
apricot kernel oil, it moisturizes & is
$74.79)
truly a “fountain of youth” for her
tired skin. Comes with a cheery
arrangement of warm yellow
Gerberas in a watering can.
l 35cm w 15cm h 30cm
(5 gerberas)
Plants
Kudos to the greatest woman of
our lives for the person that we
are today. Send your deepest
love with this eco-friendly gift of
UP:
ficus pumila & a naturally heart-
$69.90
shaped hoya plant with
(w/gst
gleaming gold “I Love You”
$74.79)
Garden of Flower Memo inscribed on it. A
MDN20
Love mini greenhouse garden that
SP:
sustains itself, it’s an ingenious gift
$59.90
for your busy & homeproud Mum!
(w/gst
w 19cm h 17cm
$64.09)
*Due to the seasonality of plants,
we may substitute a different
plant of equal or greater value.
Show Mum that you care with this
exquisite gift of orchids that will
flourish beautifully indoors. A vivid
UP: portrait of Mum’s strength and
$99.90 sophistication, these fuchsia
(w/gst Phalaenopsis orchids rising from
$106.8 our hand-painted planter with
Amethyst 9) gold-trimmed scalloped edges
MDN21
Grace are flanked by the Peace Lily.
SP: You’ll please her to no end with
$89.90 this gift.
(w/gst l 32cm w 25cm h 75cm
$96.19) (2 phalaenopsis)


Great Foods
Watch Mum glow on this special
day with these luxurious treats
from Crabtree & Evelyn! Tantalize
UP: her taste buds with melt-in-your-
$89.90 mouth All Butter Lemon Cookies
(w/gst (200g), All Butter Hazelnut
$96.19) Cookies (200g), soothing Organic
Cottage
MDN22 Camomile Tea (10 bags), sweet
Fancy
SP: English Flower Honey (2 x 57g) &
$84.90 Strawberry Mini Preserves (57g).
(w/gst This irresistible wicker gift basket
$90.84) comes with a dainty country
floral embellishment.
12cm w 20cm h 28cm
(6 roses)
UP:
Be in Mum’s good books forever
$144.9
with this caring gesture of
0
nourishing health and beauty
(w/gst
supplements. Arriving with an
$155.0
orange gerbera bouquet to wish
4)
Happiness & her happiness and vitality, she’ll
MDN23
Vitality be secretly pleased with these
SP:
thoughtful gifts of New Moon
$129.9
Superior Bird’s Nest with Collagen
0
(6 x 75g) and Yomeishu (700ml).
(w/gst
w 18cm h 25cm
$138.9
(6 gerberas)
9)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Odyssey of Love: FarEastFlora.com® Unveils Valentine’s Day ’08 Offerings
Selection includes perennial bestsellers and new creations lending a new eloquence to the
expression of love

Singapore, XX December 2007 – Love is not simply, love. It is not an eventuality a couple
becomes swept into, but more accurately, a personal voyage unique to each couple.

The 2008 Valentine’s Day collection by leading flowers and gifts provider
FarEastFlora.com® speaks of the various stages in love’s journey, allowing consumers to
express their loving sentiments more eloquently through floral gifts. Complementing 16
all-time bestsellers are 14 new creations from the team at FarEastFlora.com®. In total,
customers will be able to take their pick from a range of 30 bouquets and floral
arrangements specially created for Valentine’s Day 2008.

The range for Valentine’s Day 2008 represents the culmination of product development
centered on the theme of love as a special voyage.

The metaphor of an unfolding narrative journey demonstrates the more nuanced reality
of love, that of a unique combination of emotions experienced by people in various
stages of love.

This is a departure from clichéd representations and breathes new possibilities into the
act of giving flowers during Valentine’s Day. “Mainstream ideas common in our cultural
representations of love are often too narrow and stereotyped. They simply do not
reflect the many shades of meaning and emotions people in love experience,” said
Ryan Chioh, Managing Director of FarEastFlora.com®.

“Popular culture narratives of love do not in any way reflect individual stories of love.
We hope to inject subtlety into the expression of love and affection through our gifts,”
he added.

Indeed, love in reality is far more nuanced. It runs the gamut of intense physical ardor,
pragmatic partnership, selfless abandonment, dizzying infatuation and secret longing,
to name but a few.

Words do no justice to the spectrum of emotional states love brings. Truly, love is a
many-splendored thing, a journey of growing intensity and discovery of not only the
one you love, but also of oneself.


A voyage of growth, falling in love and being in love ought not to be seen as an end
destination, but an unfolding story, a beautiful play with its various acts.

This is no mere metaphor used carelessly to describe love. American psychologist
Robert Sternberg describes love as encompassing various dimensions of intimacy,
commitment and passion in his famous theoretical model. (Please see Appendix)

Depending on combination and intensities, different ‘types’ of love result, including
liking and infatuation to fatuous, passionate, companionate and consummate love.

Therefore, being in love signifies the beginning of a journey of discovering what love is. It
is not a state that one ‘falls’ into, but rather a journey of various stages full of
unexpected destinations unique to each couple.

Depending on which part of love’s journey you are at, express it with flowers from an
array of flowers in the 2008 FarEastFlora.com® Valentine’s Day collection. A tradition
from Victorian times when flowers had a vocabulary of their own, the giving of flowers
were an eloquent and sophisticated expression of affections.

Evoking the heady sweetness of puppy love, Loving Pair expresses the saccharine buzz
new lovers experience as they enter a Romantic Paradise of their own. To those who
are truly in love, the experience of Soaring Love is nothing less than A Gift from Above,
igniting a Fiery Passion that cannot be complete with sensuous Love and Kisses.

Tender Affection never leaves a couple in love, but eventually becomes an Intoxication
impossible to resist, as a Circle of Love that is blissfully complete, culminates in an
exquisite Timeless Love.

Amidst the hustle of bustle of modern living, a loving relationship however committed,
can still find its initial fervor dampened. To sustain a continued love journey, there is no
harm in stoking the fires further, with a timely reminder of Rosy Jewels, a Sentimental
Valentine or a simple Thank You, My Love to reaffirm one’s appreciation and care to
the special companion in love’s journey. (Please see Appendix for floral gift items stated in
italics)

Saying it with gifts and Flower Memo®
The company’s trademarked Flower Memo® will also make an appearance. The
bouquet, “Three Simple Words” (VN20) will have 12 roses with the words “I love you” on
each bloom. Retailing at SGD$149.90, the bouquet is another perennial favorite that
FarEastFlora.com included in its 2008 selection.

The FarEastFlora.com® Valentine’s Day 2008 collection will be available from 1st January


®
to 14th February 2008. Orders can be placed either online at www.FarEastFlora.com or
by telephone at 6251 2323. For more information on all product offerings, please visit
www.FarEastFlora.com

About FarEastFlora.com® Pte Ltd
FarEastFlora.com® was established in 1999, as an extension of Far East Flora Pte Ltd’s
online business. As a pioneer in recognizing the Internet’s commercial potential, this
mail order arm now offers over 500 choices in flowers, gifts and hampers to more than
140 countries. FarEastFlora.com® prides itself in providing customized gifts to meet
different customers’ needs. Other than an extensive range of flowers and gifts for all
occasions, FarEastFlora.com® specializes in floral decoration for weddings, events,
customized corporate gifting and more. For more information about all product
offerings, visit www.FarEastFlora.com.

FarEastFlora.com® is also the proud winner of ZDNet Asia's SMB of the Year 2006 and the
Singapore Service Class Award. FarEastFlora.com is also the creator of Flower Memo®, a
patent-pending innovation that displays color images on flowers, & Box of Blooms®,
which won the Singapore Packaging Star Award 2005 & AsiaStar Award 2005.

For all media enquiries, please contact:

Sarah Yong
Senior Manager
FarEastFlora.com® Pte Ltd
HP: (65) 8118 2086
Email: sarah@FarEastFlora.com


Appendix

Robert Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love

Robert Sternberg (born December 8, 1949) is a psychometrician and the Dean of Arts and
Sciences at Tufts University. He was formerly IBM Professor of Psychology and Education at Yale
University and the President of the American Psychological Association. He is a member of the
editorial boards of numerous journals, including American Psychologist. Sternberg has a BA from
Yale University and a PhD from Stanford University.

Source: Wikipedia

Combinations of intimacy, passion, and commitment

Intimacy Passion Commitment

Nonlove
Liking or friendship x
Infatuation or limerence x
Empty love x
Romantic love x x
Companionate love x x
Fatuous love x x
Consummate love x x x


VN01: Romantic Paradise
This prickly pair of loving
UP: $89.90 (w/gst
hedgehogs snuggles up, nose to
$96.19)
nose in their little garden of red
and pink roses. Their garden is a
SP: $79.90 (w/gst
little piece of heaven on earth! A
$85.49)
gift of this cute pair conveys how
(Save $10/
much you and your loved one
11.1%)
mean to each other.
(roses x 5)

VN02: Loving Pair
Good things come in a pair, as UP: $99.90 (w/gst
the Chinese saying goes. This $106.89)
puppy duo nestled in a bed of
pink roses and pink button poms SP: $89.90 (w/gst
embodies the perfect love $96.19)
shared between your special (Save $10/
one and you. 10%)
(roses x 6)

VN07: Soaring Love
Send her heart aflutter with this UP: $119.90 (w/gst
delicate arrangement of creamy $128.29)
roses trimmed with soft
asparagus fern and margaret SP: $99.90 (w/gst
poms. Perched atop a shapely $106.89)
vase of glass, this gift will tell her (Save $20/
how she makes your heart soar. 16.7%)
(roses x 9)

VN05: A Gift from Above
The rose must be a gift; a gift
from Heaven to show us love. Tell
UP: $129.90 (w/gst
her how precious the gift of her
$138.99)
love is with two bottles of
Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater
SP: $109.90 (w/gst
Bath Gel (250ml) & Rosewater
$117.59)
Hand & Body Lotion (250ml)
(Save $20/
snuggled in an immaculate bed
15.4%)
of shocking pink rose and pink
carnation sprays.
(roses x 3)


V09: Fiery Passion
This bouquet of red roses,
UP: $109.90 (w/gst
carnations and hypericums
$117.59)
speaks of the intense ardor you
feel for her. It evokes the fruition
SP: $99.90 (w/gst
of a fiery love from passionate
$106.89)
courtship. The vivid colors will
(Save $10/
convey the deep love shared
9.1%)
between the two of you.
(roses x 10)

VN14: Love and Kisses
Lay this bouquet of shocking pink UP: $114.90 (w/gst
& white love next to her as she $122.94)
sweetly slumbers. Like the tender
kisses you plant on her face, it will SP: $99.90 (w/gst
fill her with the warm rush of $106.89)
affection that only one person (Save $15/
can evoke – you. 13.1%)
(roses x 12)

VN23: Intoxication
UP: $124.90 (w/gst
Intoxicate your sweetheart with
$133.64)
this heady floral concoction of
pink roses, laced with pink
SP: $109.90 (w/gst
alstroemeria, Your display of
$117.59)
affection will leave her high on
(Save $15/
the spirit of love.
12%)
(roses x 15)

VN24: Circle of Love
Love is strong yet delicate. Let UP: $119.90 (w/gst
this circle of lovely red roses $128.29)
represent the completeness of
your bond with her, and serve as SP: $104.90 (w/gst
a symbol of your delicate shared $112.24)
love – one that grows with every (Save $15/
passing moment. 12.5%)
(roses x 15)


VN22: Timeless Love
Like the eternal beauty of roses,
UP: $139.90 (w/gst
your love for her is timeless.
$149.69)
Express this sentiment with our
lush arrangement of crimson
SP: $119.90 (w/gst
roses, ringed with a generous
$128.29)
sprinkling of baby’s breath. Why
(Save $20/
say more when this gesture of
14.3%)
love tells a thousand words?
(roses x 20)

VN21: Sentimental Valentine
Dedicate this elegant round
UP: $219.90 (w/gst
bouquet of crimson red &
$235.29)
centrepink roses to her this
Valentine’s Day, & she’ll know
SP: $169.90 (w/gst
how much you really appreciate
$181.79)
her. There’s no better time to
(Save $50/
show her that you’re truly
22.7%)
thankful to have her.
(roses x 40)

VN30: Rosy Jewels
Court her with this exquisite jewel
UP: $129.90 (w/gst
box. Resembling colorful gems,
$138.99)
an assortment of roses sit in cozy
clusters within our exclusive
SP: $109.90 (w/gst
wooden box trimmed with
$117.59)
decadent lilac faux fur. Go
(Save $20/
ahead; show her how dazzlingly
15.4%)
precious she is to you.
(roses x 24)

VN18: Thank You, My Love
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The Campus Observer

Alcohol: The Legal Drug
Commentary
By Steven Lim
29 August 2006

We may be familiar with scenes of youths getting drunk at clubs, but can they be said to be
alcoholic?

Although not a widespread problem, alcohol consumption amongst youths in Singapore is an
emerging problem.

In “Youth.SG”, a study by Ho Kong Chong and Jeffrey Yip, alcohol consumption was identified as
one of several “risk behaviours” that young people, being “at an age of experimentation,” would
be likely to engage in to the detriment of their health.

Although the study’s data reveals that alcohol consumption is of comparatively lesser risk than
smoking, it is worth taking a closer look, to understand the “psycho-social intricacies” behind
alcohol consumption and its effects.

The lure of alcohol

Definitions and Labels

”I drink every evening after work to wind down. Some people think I am alcoholic, but that’s really
nothing compared to what some of my other friends drink,” said Doreen Chia, a 24-year-old
advertising executive.

“I have a friend who can finish half a bottle of vodka at a go when he gets stressed. He is
probably more of an alcoholic than me, but he produces brilliant stuff at work,” she added.

What does it really mean then, to be alcoholic?

Alcoholism is a useless term when it comes to understanding the behaviour of alcohol
consumption amongst youths.

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The Campus Observer

The label is overly clinical, carrying the notion of an ailment or a disease. It imposes a blanket
conception on a behaviour which is certainly much more complex and nuanced than it seems.

There is a difference between alcohol drinking as an illness or addiction to be ‘treated’ and
alcohol dependency. How does one draw the line between the two?

A dictionary definition of ‘alcoholism’ carries the connotation of ‘disease’ and “impaired day-to-
day functioning”.

But there are people—including famous American writers Ernest Hemingway and J.D. Salinger—
who were notorious for drinking copious amounts and did not suffer any notable side effects.

And what about people who deliberately go clubbing on an empty stomach, get inebriated after
gulping several shots of vodka once the ‘Midnight Madness’ one-for-one drink promotion starts,
and then proceed to behave in a drunken manner?

As a clubber, I know these people are invariably labelled ‘alcoholic’.

Yet upon closer observation, the people who drink much greater amounts at the club are not
always so demonstrative and obviously ‘alcoholic’.

The labels ‘alcoholism’, ‘alcohol abuse’ and ‘alcohol addiction’ carry too much arbitrariness. They
may sound reasonable at first glance, but do not have any explanatory value.

Alcohol Abuse versus Alcohol Dependence

The US-based National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism makes a distinction between
alcohol abusers and alcohol-dependent individuals.

According to the NIAAA, an abuser is an individual who runs substantial risk of medical,
psychological, social and legal problems from single bouts of drinking or “the effects of persistent
high-risk alcohol use.” Meanwhile, the alcohol-dependent individual is characterized as one who
runs the same risks but also experiences “physical and psychological dependence on alcohol
that results in impaired ability to control drinking behaviour.”

This impairment in control represents the critical distinction between abuse and dependence.

Anecdotal evidence reveals that Singaporean youths are particularly susceptible to alcohol
abuse, a precursor to the more serious alcohol dependency.

This form of abuse manifests itself in the all-too-familiar, gung-ho exhortations of repeated “tahs!”
at clubs, pubs, army messes, wedding dinners and barbecue gatherings, to name but a few.

“Tah!” is Singlish for drinking in one gulp.

Abuse may also involve binge-drinking, which invariably means consuming large amounts of
alcohol continuously within a short period of time.

To get a better picture of excessive alcohol consumption that goes beyond mere bingeing and
abuse, I chatted with a mutual friend, Jason, who drinks almost daily, from his collection of duty-
free liquors.

“My favourite used to be vodka…now I do gin because it gets me there faster,” he said.

The alcohol content of vodka is 40 percent while gin has 45 percent.

When asked why he started drinking so much, Jason said, “After my girlfriend dumped me, I just
drink and drink lor.”

However, his body language revealed something more beneath the veneer of nonchalance. It


The Campus Observer

was clear that he was still troubled by the abrupt end of this particular relationship.

It may be said that Jason’s drinking behaviour is that of dependence. Others may feel that it is
merely a temporary phase – a matter of abuse that will fade away with time.

It is clear that diagnosis and labelling of drinking behaviour as ‘mild abuse’, ‘chronic abuse’ or
even ‘alcohol dependency’ is an imprecise exercise, verging on guesswork and personal
judgements.

But for sure, if Jason’s drinking behaviour continues in the long run, he may very well become
dependent on alcohol, and his daily functioning and activities could become impossible without a
swig of alcohol to keep going.

Copyright © The Campus Observer 2006


The Campus Observer

Coriander for the uninitiated
By Steven Lim
6 October 2006

Coriander is one herb that tends to evoke polemical reactions. Either you love it, or you hate it.

Once, during dinner at a hawker centre, my friend ordered oyster omelette, and asked the
stallholder to leave out the coriander sprigs.

I was surprised, to say the least. I love this herb, with its piquant aroma that does not overpower
and serves as the perfect companion to numerous local dishes.

My pal had might as well ordered the
omelette without the oysters. The
coriander was the perfect companion to
the rich and briny flavours of the oysters
and egg but for my friend, the dish was
good without “the garnish,” which he
said tasted bitter.

Is coriander nothing more than a bitter-
tasting garnish?

Its very history belies this.

Originating in the Mediterranean,
coriander has been said to be one of
the oldest spices used by mankind.
Believed to have been cultivated for
over 5,000 years, coriander fruits have
been found in Egyptian tombs.

Sanskrit texts and the Bible make
references to it as well.

In biblical times, the Hebrews used
coriander as the bitter herb in the
Passover meal.

A line in the Old Testament’s Exodus also likens “manna” to the whiteness of coriander seed -
“And the house of Israel called the name there of Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white”.

It was the Romans that helped spread this wonderful plant. Julius Caeser’s soldiers carried
coriander seeds with them, as a meat preserver and flavouring.

Meanwhile, Medieval Europeans used the spice to “mask” rotten flavours in presumably less-
than-fresh meats.

You may wonder now if I am getting confused. Is coriander an herb or a spice?

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The Campus Observer

It is both. Coriander as a spice refers to its dried seeds, which are crushed and imparts dishes
such as satay with an aromatic citrus-like flavour.

While also used in Latin America, the Caribbean, India and China, it is probably in Southeast
Asia that this plant is most appreciated.

In many of the rempahs of the Malay Archipelago, coriander seed forms an integral part of the
spice mixture, traditionally pounded into a paste with a mortar and pestle.

The leaves are served as an accompaniment to many Indo-Chinese dishes, while the roots are
much loved by the Thais.

Ugly as it may seem, the root is used to spectacular effect in Thai cuisine. Once cleaned
thoroughly, the root is used in green curry pastes, soups, marinades, stir-fries and dips.

It is amazing how the root of the same plant can impart such a different taste and aroma from the
leaves and seeds. A whiff of it transports you immediately to Thailand, to its street-side stalls
hawking barbecued chicken (gai yang), green curry and steaming hot rice noodle soups served
with fresh coriander and spring onion sprigs.

However, to the uninitiated, the coriander can be
one very misunderstood herb.

I learnt this at a recent gathering where I had
cooked gai yang, a dish consisting of chicken
pieces marinated in a combination of pungent fish
sauce, garlic and coriander root.

During the gathering, a fellow journalist came up
to me and, in an attempt to identify the herb in the
dish, asked if I had used Chinese Angelica root
(dang gui).

Needless to say, I was, again, shocked. However, on hindsight, the mystery surrounding the
coriander plant is understandable.

After all, while many of the much-loved dishes of Southeast Asia would lose its character without
this little plant, coriander has never been the lead actor in a dish. Rather, it complements, along
with the other actors of garlic, chillies, ginger, spring onions, to name but a few.

Now, what’s there not to love about coriander?

_________________________________________________________

Recipe for Steven’s variation of Thai-style grilled chicken

Ingredients:
500 grams chicken thighs
6 Coriander plants
6 garlic cloves
2cm of ginger
1 chilli padi
6 limes
Thai fish sauce
Sugar
3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Lemongrass (optional)

Finely chop 5 coriander roots, along
with the stem base, for every 500grams
of chicken. You can use more if you


The Campus Observer

wish.

Then finely chop 6 cloves of garlic, 2cm
of ginger and 1 chilli. Combine with
approximately 5 tablespoons of Thai
fish sauce, adjusting the amount to
taste. Also, add sugar according to
taste.

Add oil to the marinade as a lubricant
during the grilling process.

Next, add the juice of 6 limes to the
marinade. Adjust the amount according
to taste.

At this point, I personally like to add a
stalk of roughly chopped lemongrass to
the marinade, but this optional.

Baste chicken in the marinade and leave it in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Grill the marinated chicken at 250 degrees Celsius in a convection oven or over an open
charcoal grill.

Cook evenly on all sides and then baste the chicken pieces with the leftover marinade liquid.

Serve with sweet Thai chilli sauce and fresh sprigs of coriander.


The Campus Observer

NUSSU elects first female president
By Steven Lim
12 September 2006

The NUS Students’ Union has elected its first female president.

Tay E Teng, fourth-year Business School undergraduate, was elected as President of the
NUSSU 28th executive committee.

The sole nominee for the position of President during a council meeting held on Sep. 8, she
received an overall vote of confidence.

Tay will succeed Danny Quek, the outgoing 27th president, with running mate Donald Koh, a
third-year Industrial Design undergraduate.

Like Tay, Koh was the sole nominee for the position of Vice-President.

Endorsing Tay’s capability, Quek said, “She is able and has the heart. The gender should not
matter.”

“I had wanted her to be President. She has established very good contacts with the
administration,” said Tan Ee Yong, the outgoing Honorary Financial Secretary.

Agreeing, Lionel Wong, the incoming Honorary General Secretary, said, “I think she has a wealth
of experience to bring with her. It doesn’t matter at all if she is male or female.”

Tay is the outgoing vice-president and was a previous council representative of Business Club.
She was also one of the founding members of “Hooked!”, an online magazine.

During the 30-minute presentation, she articulated her vision for the new committee and stressed
the need to not lose sight of the union’s vision.

“The overarching principle of the Union is to serve students and uphold their welfare. Ultimately,
the aim is towards a united and relevant union which truly represents student interests,” she said.

As part of her plans to serve students better, she
aims to raise awareness and establish a stronger
union presence amongst students.

“To better engage students, I hope to get more
feedback from students, through dialogue sessions,
focus groups or surveys. We will brand ourselves
better,” she added.

Her desire to improve NUSSU’s branding stems in
part from a perceived lack of recognition from the
student body.

“The outgoing committee had done a lot, such as the

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The Campus Observer

restoration of the mid-term break. But a lot of
students take it for granted. They don’t know the
difficulties involved,” Tay said.

The mid-semester break was reduced from 7 to 5
days in 2004.

In addition, she intends for the new committee to
improve on its external branding by leveraging on
existing projects such as Funkamania. Other new
initiatives include the Tok Kok Campaign and Cuisine
Fiesta.

While acknowledging the novelty of her position as
the first female NUSSU President, she does not feel
that her gender should not be an issue at all.

“Gender does not make a difference. It’s all about
your willingness to serve. I hope to make a
difference,” she said.


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