ISSUE 69 February 14 - 20, 2014
WK69A/MCI(P)060/08/2013
ISSUE 69 February 14 - 20, 2014
F A S HI O N
JEssica Alba, PLUS uncommon luxury P12 E N T E RTA I N M E N T
Lucasfilm sandcrawler launched in sG P5 weekender giveaway
vip tickets worth 600 euro to extreme sailing P3 E N T E RTA I N M E N T
FEEL GOOD with the lego Movie Don’t miss this fun & wacky ride for the entire family
S P or t s
will becks succeed with MIAMI?
foodman i a
WEEKENDER EXCLUSIVE: MADRID FUSION 2014
WK69A/MCI(P)060/08/2013
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events
february 14 - 20, 2014
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This week’s highlights
WEEKENDER
Secrets of the FUN-TO-DO Fallen Pagoda IDEAS Until 4 May, $12; $8 for Singaporeans and PRs The capital of Tang China (618-907AD), Chang’an (present-day Xi’an), was a hub for economic and cultural exchange. Nearby lies the Famen Temple, one of the most revered Buddhist sites in China. A finger bone relic of the Buddha and magnificent Tang dynasty objects of gold, silver, ceramics, and glass were sealed within an underground crypt there. For more than 1,000 years, these treasures were forgotten until their chance discovery in 1987. Together with objects from other leading museums in Shaanxi, this exhibition is a rare showcase of Tang aesthetics and culture for the first time in Southeast Asia. Don’t miss it! Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place Clockwise from left: Tomb Guardian; Box Decorated with Lions; Hayagriva; Turtle-shaped Container; Jug with Faces
Weekender is giving away a Yuna album and an official merchandise scarf designed by her 2 Lucky winners will each receive a Yuna scarf and her album worth $40 in total! TO WIN, SIMPLY: 1. Like & share our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/weekendersgp 2. Drop us a private message with the word “Yuna”. 3. In the message, include your particulars: Name, NRIC, E-mail, Mobile No. ONLY 1 ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASE. CLOSING DATE: 20 FEB, 2014
Feng, Shi Wei Teh and the Indonesian artist collective, ruangrupa. Praxis Space, Block H, Level 1, #H101, and Project Space, Block G, Level 1, #G101 Romeo & Juliet: A Fresh Take On The Forbidden Romance 13–23 Feb, 3.30pm & 8pm, $49, $59, $69 Dubbed as the greatest love story of all time, young love has never been more beautiful yet more tragic like the story of Romeo & Juliet. Set in a modern context, witness the romance unfolds before your eyes as we take you into the world of the star crossed lovers. Tickets from Sistic. National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street, #05-01, www.sistic.com.sg
now on
Coming Soon
Check out these events over the next two weeks
Mark your calendars for these events happening in three to four weeks
Solo Exhibition By Tomoko Kashiki @ Ota Fine Arts 17 Jan– 2 Mar, Tue– Sat, 11am– 7pm; Sun, 11am–6pm, closed on Mon & PH To inaugurate their new space at Gillman Barracks, Ota Fine Arts presents a solo exhibition by Tomoko Kashiki, the artist’s debut in Singapore. Reminiscent of Heian Buddhist paintings and bijinga, traditional depictions of beautiful women, the painter’s exquisite imaginings are derived from her original “poetic sentiment and emotion”. Created through an elaborate method of painting, sanding and finely carving the surface of the panel, then repainting layer over layer, these screens open up an intimate world that suspends Kashiki’s subjects between dreams and desires. Ota Fine Arts Singapore, 7 Lock Rd, #02-13, Gillman Barracks, www.otafinearts.com/singapore FREE! Dilla Month Tribute: Beats and Beyond 14 Feb, 10pm until late The monthly series that is Beats and Beyond moves to Gem Bar this month with appearances by DJs Funk Bast*rd, William J, Marco Weibel and RAH spinning the beats of funk, hip hop, boogie, house, dub and much more. Pay tribute to the late and great hip hop producer J Dilla, by whipping out those dance moves with fellow music lovers. Gem Bar & Lounge, 10 Ann Siang Hill
WEEKENDER YUNA SCARF & ALBUM GIVEAWAY
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FREE! Salsa Night Out 15 & 16 Feb, 5.30pm-7.30pm You don’t only get to boogie in clubs. Check out this sexy introductory salsa workshop (solo or with friends) and dance the night away to groovy music and great company. Tear up that dance floor! Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay Kult x Mojoko Year of the Horse Print Mon-Fri, 11am-7pm; Sat, 1pm-8pm Kult and Singapore-based creative, Steve Lawler aka Mojoko, have released the latest installation of our Chinese New Year “year of” screenprint series, ushering in the Year of the Horse with the limited edition Mojoko “Year of the Horse” Silkscreen. Visit the website for more details. Kult3D Gallery, Emily Hill, Blk C2-5, 11 Upper Wilkie Road, store.kultmagazine.com.sg/ product/year-of-the-horse-silkscreen, Tel: 6338 1066 FREE! Art Incubator 5: WHEN WE LAST MET 7 Feb - 6 Apr, Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm (closed on Mon & PH) From When We Last Met is the culminating exhibition of Art Incubator 5. This recollective exhibition brings together work by the 2013 artists-in-residence Kent Chan, Chun Kai
G-Dragon: One of a Kind in 3D 21-23 Feb, $18 (Member), $24 (Public) Golden Village presents a unique opportunity for fans to relive G-Dragon’s One of a Kind World Tour in 2013, in 3D. From being a suave superhero in one music video to a cartoon villain in the next, G-Dragon never rests on his laurels when it comes to seeking innovative methods in expressing his musical creativity. This live documentary charts his journey across the many countries showcasing his distinctive brand of music, with backstage footage and in-depth interviews to boot. GV Bishan, GV Jurong, GV Marina Mission Foods Beach Netball Festival 2 Mar, 9am-6pm, $90/team Get ready for more fun under the sun in this year’s Mission Foods Beach Netball Festival! With four categories, namely Women Under 23 (JC, ITE & Tertiary Only), Women Open (18-35 years old), Mixed Open (18-35 years old) and Corporate Open (18-35 years old), take part with your friends and family and stand to win up to $1,000 cash. Registration now open at the website. Siloso Beach, Sentosa Island, www.netball.org.sg
Black Veil Brides
Singapore Rock Festival 5 & 6 Mar, 6.30pm, $118 (early bird), $128, $148, $198 (both nights) Rock out at the very first Singapore Rock Festival as six of the hardest and heaviest rock bands join forces for two nights, featuring the likes of Korn, Rob Zombie, Black Veil Brides and more! Tickets available at Sistic. Fort Canning Park, 70 River Valley Road, www.sistic.com.sg FREE! i Light @ Marina Bay 7-30 Mar, 7.30pm-11pm i Light Marina Bay, Asia’s first and only sustainable light art festival will return again to Singapore’s Marina Bay waterfront, showcasing innovative content, the intelligent use of lighting as well as an international line-up of creative talents. The upcoming festival will feature more than 25 innovative and environmentally sustainable light art installations from around the world that will transform the Bay into a magical space of light and colour for an unparalleled experience! Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade NUS Arts Festival 2014 - Consumed 14-29 Mar, various times and prices This year’s NUS Arts Festival offers food for thought about what we consume and what consumes us. Expect a diverse spread of offerings, exploring our favourite preoccupations from shopping and eating, to deeper searches into the nature of human motivation. Tickets from Sistic. University Cultural Centre, 50 Kent Ridge Crescent, www.nusartsfestival.com
weekender.com.sg
february 14 - 20, 2014
preview Choice event picks coming in a month or more
Bruno Mars Live In Singapore 26 Mar, time TBC, $168, $188 (standing); $128, $188, $268, $328 (seated) + $4 booking fee Grammy Award-winning superstar Bruno Mars will be bringing The Moonshine Jungle Tour to Singapore. Enjoy this one-night only performance at the Singapore Indoor Stadium and catch your favourite songs being sung live! Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, www.sportshubtix.sg
Grease @ MasterCard Theatres From 25 Apr, Tue-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 2pm & 8pm; Sun, 1pm & 5.30pm, from $60 The new multi-million dollar Grease musical will blaze into town, direct from London’s West End. This rockin’ musical production is packed with explosive energy and features a spectacular international cast, super-slick dance moves, dazzling costumes and all those unforgettable songs from the hit movie. Get your tickets at www.marinabaysands.com/ ticketing or call 6688 8826. MasterCard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue
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S P EC I A L F E A T U RE
Catch the ride of a lifetime on the seas The Extreme Sailing Series features 12 elite teams for the Singapore leg of the race, in an adventurous race to the finish The global and annual Extreme Sailing Series 2014 is quickly gaining traction at The Promontory @ Marina Bay. From Feb 21 to 23, the race prepares itself to host some of the world’s most elite sailors. Apart from Dean Barker’s Emirates Team New Zealand in the line-up, more prominent sailors have joined the event. Watch the Very Best Britain’s double Olympic gold medallist Sarah Ayton confirms her debut in the Series as Tactician on board The Wave, Muscat. This will be the first time that there will be female sailors participating in the Singapore Act and Ayton will be one of the four in the event alongside Olympic champion Pippa Wilson (GBR), who will be Trimmer on board JP Morgan BAR Racing, Olympic champion Anna Tunnicliffe (USA) on board Alinghi as Tactician, and world champion laser sailor Sophie de Turckheim (FRA), also calling tactics on Groupama Team France.
WIN A PAIR OF VIP TICKETS WORTH 600 EURO TO THE EXTREME SAILING SERIES! Weekender is giving away a pair of silver-tiered VIP tickets worth 600 Euro to the Extreme Sailing Series. The tickets entitle you to the VIP lounge (Extreme Club), including drinks and food served there. The tickets allow you to enjoy the VIP lounge (Extreme Club) on Saturday, Feb 22, from 11am to 9pm. You’ll even get to mingle with the skippers and the crew, and enjoy exceptional views of the race from the VIP lounge balcony! TO WIN, SIMPLY:
WEEKENDER
Hot on the heels of these exciting developments is Gazprom Team Russia’s announcement of their participation, bringing the line-up in Singapore to 12 teams this year. Catch the action at Marina Bay
The Russian team will be skippered by 25-year-old London 2012 and Beijing 2008 Olympic laser sailor and Russian national champion Igor Lisovenko. Local event main partner, Aberdeen Asset Management will be adding yet more buzz to the village with their Winch Challenge – a chance to test yourself against the clock and
get a feel for the speed and power needed by extreme sailors. With a 6th man place for a race on the Team Aberdeen Singapore boat up for grabs, don’t miss your chance to participate in this event of a lifetime. Everyone Is Included In addition to catching all the exhilarating sailing action, several companies and brands have also come on board to put together an assembly of activities catered to spectators, families and friends, bringing even more buzz. The best part is, it’s free! The Happy World of Haribo will feature activities for children including educational exhibits that will explain the science of sailing. Children will be able to learn how to tie various knots and also find out more about different parts of boats. There will be sampling stations throughout the Happy World of Haribo which will also include a bouncy castle, paddle boat pool, face painting booth and games stalls for an entire day of complete fun. Saturday will also see the Promontory turn into a sea of pink when Aberdeen joins forces with the Breast Cancer Foundation for a special pink day to raise awareness for the cause. The Promontory @ Marina Bay, Feb 21 to 23, 11am onwards. Visit www. extremesailingseries.com for more information.
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weekender vip tickets giveaway
t Management
Editorial Director Frank Young
events
Photo: Aberdeen Asse
Steps in the Park 5 Apr, 7.30am, $10 (including T-shirt) Take the first step towards understanding modern-day slavery and human trafficking at the inaugural Steps event – a 5km fun run/ walk. Meet like-minded people and learn how you can make a difference to the enslaved and those vulnerable to slavery. Silver Garden, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, stepsinthepark.com
JP Morgan Corporate Challenge 24 Apr, 5.30pm The JP Morgan Corporate Challenge returns for the 11th edition of the race in Singapore. It has become one of the signature events in the worldwide JP Morgan Corporate Challenge Series, which is held in 13 cities in seven countries on five continents. Registration closes on Mar 28. Esplanade Bridge, www.jpmorgan.com/cc
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1. Answer this question: Q: Where will Act 1 of the Extreme Sailing Series be held? A) The Promontory@Marina Bay B) East Coast Park 2. SMS to 9375 8706 with the message: <EXTREME> <YOUR ANSWER> <NAME> <HOME ADDRESS> <POSTAL CODE> <AGE> <GENDER> <NRIC> Closing Date: 17 Feb, 2014 Extreme Sailing Series 21 to 23 Feb, 11am onwards Singapore will host the curtain-raiser of The Extreme Sailing Series for the first time, to take place in Marina Bay. It will be open to the public from Feb 21. The Extreme Sailing Series features eight host venues spanning three continents, with 11 elite-level teams representing seven nations battling it out on the seas. For more information, visit www.extremesailingseries.com
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sports
february 14 - 20, 2014
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weekender.com.sg
POWER 9 8 SPORTS
Miami Spice Footballers who retire usually go into coaching. Not in the case of David Beckham, or Mr Posh Spice. Elliott Danker looks at his postretirement plans
Photos: Shutterstock
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t’s an interesting new era in which footballers who are larger than life become owners of franchises, rather than stick with serious football. It would seem natural for a footballer to go into coaching or management after he hangs up his boots. In the case of David Beckham, he’s decided to take up the option of owning a football club rather than moving into football management. Remember back in 2010 when he got injured just before the World Cup, and played a glorified cheerleader role on the England bench? Pundits started speculating that perhaps he was being groomed to take a coaching role, but that never happened. Instead, he seems more likely to grow his status in popular
Will Beckham succeed in his new Miami soccer franchise?
culture by owning a franchise in Miami, USA. Beckham was given an option to acquire a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise at a discounted rate of $25 million, as part of his contract when he joined the Los Angeles Galaxy. So far, the stadium has remained the key issue since it was confirmed that the MLS and Beckham were considering Miami, with the preferred choice being a 25,000-seater stadium on the waterfront. What he needs to do now is to get funding for this stadium and, if he succeeds, we should be able to see his football club in action by 2017. But Becks cannot do it alone.
Enter Lebron James Lebron James is a two-time NBA champion and four-time league MVP (Most Valuable Player) and currently stars for the Miami Heat. In James, Becks has a superstar ally to help him launch his franchise in Miami because James himself has admitted that he has grown a great interest in soccer and even his kids love watching it. James already owns a minor stake in Liverpool, having struck a deal with Fenway Sports Group in 2011. Miami is No Manchester… For Now On the same day that news emerged that David Beckham had selected Miami as the location of his planned
MLS franchise, the city’s most popular sports team was having a party. It was the opening night of the NBA season and the Miami Heat was to be presented with its championship rings from the previous season, before their match against the Chicago Bulls. Then, critics said that Miami has terrible fans as everything was strangely muted. Although the match was sold out, there were plenty of empty seats for the ceremony. Drawing reference to last season, during the NBA finals, the Heat supporters were roundly ridiculed across America when footage emerged of them desperately trying to get back in as their team staged an unlikely comeback in front of a half-empty Arena. The fans arrive late and leave early. So, it definitely isn’t the same as what Becks might be used to in Manchester, or Madrid, and it may take a lot of time to get the fans in Miami to be as passionate about football, or soccer, as in Europe – a task which he has been well aware of since his LA Galaxy days. Beckham is such a recognisable face worldwide so getting investors on board this project shouldn’t be too difficult. In terms of turning Miami into a flourishing sports city, well, I’d say that because of the appeal of Becks, all he has to do is to have a hands-on type of owner, and to show his face and be present in the community,
Lebron James has been touted as an ideal business partner
and you can be sure that his club will be successful. Catch Elliott Danker on weekdays, from 10am to 2pm, on Power 98FM.
ABOUT ELLIOTT DANKER
DJ Elliott Danker is an avid football fan, and the host of The Sporting Life and Lunch on Power 98. Though, he firmly believes he should either be given the No. 7 shirt at Old Trafford or a seat on McLaren’s roster.
By Brandon Era This fifth round of the prestigious FA Cup will see major teams take on one another to progress into the sixth round of the tournament. Although the tournament is well known to feature giant-killing, where larger and more prestigious clubs sometimes fall to minnows, this weekend’s fixtures will not showcase any of this. Nonetheless, be prepared for exciting matches that will be key indicators of the teams’ mettle in the home stretch of the league. No More Blues The big fixture on Feb 15 will most definitely be Manchester City hosting Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium. Manuel Pellegrini’s “Citizens” were the only ones who maintained a 100 per cent record at home in the league, with zero defeats, until Mourinho came along. The Portuguese masterminded a close to perfect display at the Etihad to end Manchester City’s excellent record at home in the league. Although the score line reflected a lowly 0-1 in Chelsea’s favour, it was not your typical Mourinho one-goal victory. Contrary to what people know about Mourinho’s style of play,
Hotshot Suarez is expected to bring over his fine form in the league
Losers will see Red The next huge game will fall on Feb 16, when league leaders Arsenal take on Brendan Roger’s Liverpool. It looks set to be a pulsating game of football, with redhot striker Luis Suarez ready to show why he’s the league’s top scorer. Arsene Wenger, with a questionable loan of Kim Kallstrom from Spartak Moscow, will be looking to answer a lot of questions, especially about how his team performed at Anfield in the recent drubbing they took, losing to Liverpool 5-1. As usual, Arsenal’s form comes under question, with injuries plaguing the first team and the players looking lethargic and nonplussed. This match revisits the
same fixture held just a week ago. Hopefully, it will be a more positive score line for Arsenal. A team at the top of the league, at least before the last game, should not have played the way they did. Will Arsenal surrender this year’s trophies to the other giants? Will Yaya Toure and City come out on top?
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: Seeing the Spectre of Noise
Photo A
which is to grab an early goal and defend to the T, the Chelsea that has been rejuvenated with new transfers this January window took the game to the home side and got double the amount of shots on target than the home side. Clearly, the sale of Juan Mata has not dampened Chelsea’s approach to the game. Nemanja Matic was undoubtedly crucial to the match, playing a fantastic game in front of the backline and routing talismanic playmaker Yaya Toure’s usually fluid movements. This upcoming FA Cup tie will be a good opportunity to see if Manchester City has the mettle to bounce back as they seek revenge against the Blues, once again on Etihad ground.
Gear up for the Fifth Round of the FA Cup where giant-slaying is out of the question
Photo B
BY GUINEVERE SOFER Noise in your photos. Is it evidence of paranormal presence or a poor image sensor? “Noise” is the unwanted graininess and pixelation in a photo. One photo above was taken with a phone cam, and the other with a Compact Digital Camera. Which one was taken with which and how do you know?
See Page 10 for ANSWERS.
Photos: Shutterstock
On the shoulders of giants
weekender.com.sg
february 14 - 20, 2014
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entertainment
MO V IE RE V IEW
The Lego Movie:
Fun & wacky ride for the family The Lego Movie is a pleasant surprise with a good blend of action and amusement, and is great for a pleasant outing for the entire family By Lester J Wan
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ruth be told, I was very sceptical about how good or interesting a Lego movie could be. I certainly didn’t want to waste my time in the cinema, though I thought it might prove to be a good chance to catch a nap. In the end, that was not something I had to worry about as it was a fun and wacky ride almost from start to end. After a slightly bizarre establishing scene, which seems to be a mangled or regurgitated scene from The Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter, or both [and, by the way, both Gandalf and Dumbledore make an appearance], we are introduced to Emmett, an average ordinary dude who appears to be a carbon copy [or from the same mould] as many other regular Lego characters. While not laugh-out-loud
funny, Emmett’s mannerisms, situations and aspects of his city certainly do bring a smile of amusement. A Lego Rollercoaster Soon after, we are rapidly propelled into the adventure, in which Emmett, the supposed “Chosen One” has to summon every inch of heroism he might have in his bones, to stop the diabolical Lord Business/President Business. With the movie in full 3-D, the feeling of excitement is heightened.
MO V IE RE V IEW
You might even find it hard not to dodge incoming projectiles at times! Funny or Contrived? In spite of the frenetic action and eventful plot, some aspects of the story didn’t appear too original or seemed to try a bit too hard to elicit a laugh from the audience. There were a handful of segments during which my mind started to drift off, or I got tired of
contrived humour. Nevertheless, on the whole, The Lego Movie was a good night out with a good blend of action and amusement. With an unceasing torrent of jokes and hilarious situations, some are sure to hit the mark and amuse you. Look out for a host of characters from popular culture, as well as who “The Man Upstairs” is. Catchy & Refreshing Most of the tracks on The Lego Movie: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack are by Mark Mothersbaugh, composer of various soundtracks such as 21 Jump Street (2012) and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and their sequels, as well as for TV series such
“Everything is awesome when you’re part of a team.”
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as “The Carrie Diaries” and “The Rugrats”. The Lego Movie soundtrack is highly lively and may be a tad too peachy for some to take. However, on the whole, you may find the upbeat music enjoyable. Nonetheless, if you are an emo Nemo or a sourpuss and such music is not your cup of tea, listen up for Batman’s “Untitled Self Portrait”, which is the antithesis of the rest of the soundtrack and all that is chirpy. OK, frankly, you would probably burst out laughing upon hearing it. These days, there is too much bad news and negativity. Personally, I feel The Lego Movie is a refreshing change. Even the oft-repeated theme song, “Everything is Awesome!!!” by Tegan and Sara (featuring The Lonely Island) is strangely catchy, amusing and even therapeutic. While the story and plot could be better, The Lego Movie is the best feel-good movie I’ve seen in a long while. It is also a characterinspiring movie and there are too few of these, these days. Catch it with your whole family. This movie review was possible thanks to Golden Village. The Lego Movie [G] DIRECTOR: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller STARRING: Chris Pratt, Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson and Will Ferrell, GENRE: Action, Animation, Comedy, Family RUN LENGTH: 100 min RELEASE: Feb 6
Lone Survivor: This leads to a series of frenetic shootouts, complete with viscerallyintense cinematography and bloodsplatter effects. Thus, the M18 rating.
Mark Wahlberg stars in the gripping Lone Survivor
Based on a true story, this film depicts the harrowing experience of a Navy SEAL’s escape from behind enemy lines By Brandon Era Imagine that you are deep in enemy territory. You have been sent there only to carry out a simple reconnaissance mission but things take a turn for the worse, with a disastrous outcome. Lone Survivor brings to life the reallife account of the disaster that befalls the four-man US Navy SEAL team sent on Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan. The Mission The film tells the story of four Navy SEAL operatives sent up a mountain range to positively identify a Taliban leader, suspected of taking refuge in a nearby village, ahead of a full capture or kill operation. Already facing treacherous terrain, unreliable communications uplinks and inadequate air support, the SEAL team is soon discovered by enemy forces. Hopelessly outnumbered, the foursome beat a hasty retreat.
Battleship to Battleground Director Peter Burg’s previous movie, Battleship, was promising yet lacking. Lone Survivor is a marked improvement. Still, it is essentially a typical military flick with lots of Hollywood magic sprinkled on top. The technical skill that Burg displays in depicting the various combat sequences is enough to draw you into the squad’s struggle to survive, and for any military enthusiast to salivate. Furthermore, the honest and heartwarming portrayal of friendship and brotherhood will have you rooting for the protagonists to make it despite the obvious spoiler that is the title. Adaptation, Not Exact The story is based on the book of the same title, Lone Survivor, written by Marcus Luttrell himself. Between the book and the film, there are several differing aspects. However, most viewers would probably not know or care about the differences. In the film, there are many thrills and moments of tension. Nonetheless, masterfully-executed combat scenes aside, the one-dimensional and caricature-like portrayal of the Taliban combatants does feel rather tastelessly done. I feel that Berg could have taken the time to flesh them out a bit more. Honestly, the opponents could have been a little more realistically portrayed. The imbalanced portrayal, coupled
with the cloyingly heroic overtones of the narrative, puts the film in danger of being seen as too much like blatant propaganda. Having said that, if patriotism-fuelled narratives and lurid action sequences are what you are looking for, Lone Survivor is certain to excite you. All in all, under the blanket of gunfire, a tale of true courage and the strength to fight against all odds is uncovered. Help from the most unlikely of sources is also something we can relate to in everyday life. Despite in many ways being a typical military operation movie with intense gun battles and heart-in-mouth moments, Lone Survivor’s real-life foundations add greater dimension to the story. The truth brings heartache and provocation of thought, especially when you realise how much these soldiers had gone through in the name of their cause and country. Lone Survivor is worth watching, but mostly just to brag about having seen the cool parts. This movie review was possible thanks to Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Lone Survivor [M18] DIRECTOR: STARRING: GENRE: RUN LENGTH: RELEASE:
Peter Burg Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch and Eric Bana Action, Thriller 120 min Feb 13
The Sandcrawler building in the Fusionopolis district
The Sandcrawler launched in Singapore Lucasfilm’s iconic new hub for Asia Pacific strengthens its initiatives in the film and entertainment industries in the region
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ot too long ago, in the galaxy we call our own, Lucasfilm, most famous for the Star Wars films and a host of other blockbusters, recently launched its new Sandcrawler building. The unique state-of-the-art building in the Fusionopolis district will function as the regional headquarters for Lucasfilm Singapore, The Walt
Continued on Page 12
Photo: Lester J Wan
Real escape from Afghanistan
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FOODMANIA
WORD OF MOUTH Seen and heard of the best of local Singaporean Food
february 14 - 20, 2014
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weekender.com.sg
WEEKE N D ER E X C L U S I V E
Madrid Fusion 2014: Food & culinary wizardry We witness the ingenuity and variety of the Spanish culinary scene in an exclusive invitation to Madrid Fusion 2014
Black or White Singaporean carrot cake is very different from the cream cheese frosted Western-style carrot cake. Our local carrot cake or, more accurately, radish cake is fried with eggs, preserved radish and, if you prefer, with black sweet sauce as well. Hence, the two different colours of fried carrot cake available. Carrot Cake or chai tow kway is a typical breakfast or supper food here and, for many, it would evoke comforting memories. Fried Carrot Cake This stall in Clementi used to be owned by an old hunched Chinese man, regularly seen in a straw hat and frying up a storm. Now, his son has taken over the stall but the quality is still exactly the same. The kway is soft, the white version is crispy and the black version is sweet and savoury. Be prepared to queue for at least 20 minutes. Clementi 448 Market & Food Centre, Blk 448, Clementi Ave 3, #01-45, Singapore 120448 Chey Sua Carrot Cake Having been around for more than two decades, they’ve gotten the frying down to an art. One side is fried longer for a crispier texture while the other is lightly fried for a softer, mushier feel. Toa Payoh West Market & Food Court, 127 Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #02-30, Singapore 310127 Carrot Cake (STALL 36) Chomp Chomp is not merely a tourist trap. There are a few good stalls here and if you love white carrot cake, try the one here. It is crispy and flavoured with their secret sauce. The chai tow kway here is a little unorthodox with the addition of shrimp as well. Chomp Chomp Food Centre, 20 Kensington Park Road, Stall 36, Singapore 557269 Guan Kee This stall steams its own carrot cake but admittedly the black version is much better than the white. The black version is fried until some of the smaller bits are charred and caramelised with the scent of wok hei. Changi Village Market & Food Centre, 2 Changi Village Road, #01-02, Singapore 500002
By Cheryl Chia
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hen I received the invitation for Madrid Fusion 2014, I was delighted. Later, I was flattered to find out that I was the only person from Singapore that was invited. Madrid Fusion is an international gastronomic summit held over a span of three days, with various culinary industry players involved and with global media coverage. From Jan 27 to 29, the Palacio de Congresos Juan Carlos I at Campos de las Naciones was filled with people eager to partake in the knowledge shared in the various seminars, workshops and exhibitions. Eye-Opening Experience There were various eminent speakers throughout the three-day conference,
including Mehmet Gurs (of Mikla, Turkey) who One of the sweet creations gave his two cents’ worth by Oriol Balaguer on using rural tradition in food, Have you seen purple and three Michelincauliflower? star chef Joan Roca (of El Celler de Can Roca, Spain) who spoke on what inspires and motivates him. There was much creativity and skill on display, such as when chocolatier Oriol – through a translator, of Balaguer (Oriol Balaguer, Spain) showed off course. I truly marvelled at his modern ideas by creating the ingenuity and originality desserts, while Michelin-star of the chefs and thought chef Quique Dacosta (Quique to myself, “Singapore, you Dacosta, Spain) impressed have a long way to go before with the number of dishes reaching that level.” he could create in mere Balaguer’s workshop, 20 minutes. “Restaurant Desserts, The At the summit, I eagerly Sweet Finish” struck me lapped up all the information in particular as he created
desserts that one could make at home but with some tweaks. This took it from “Oh, that’s nice.” to “Wow!” as he demonstrated an easy-tomake chocolate dessert filled with marshmallows in a cacao bean shaped mould. The result was a beautifully-shaped dessert with a red jelly glaze, topped with a sprinkle of gold leaf powder. “You could even make it any flavour you like, such as pina colada or in different colours!” Balaguer enthused. Bountiful Food Floor Apart from the seminars and workshops, the last floor of the convention hall held a large exhibition filled with stalls showcasing the best food, wine, olive oil and bread. Most of the produce
The unusual citron with octopus-like tentacles
was of Spanish origin, such as Sangria Lolea (bottled sangria), Hacienda Guzman (artisanal olive oil), Tiella de Salor (charcuterie) and Epagal SL (churros and patatas fritas - potato chips). There was also San Miguel beer, and various wine tasting booths. Fish supplier Makro also had an impressive display of fish and seafood that prompted lots of photos. There were also a few booths such as Oishii
Premium meat from a smoky grill Four-meat showcase at Smokehouse
SmokeHouse Charcoal BBQ, the D-I-Y restaurant, will definitely leave you craving for more By Brandon Era
Let’s just say that I’m not a huge fan of cooking my own food at restaurants, such as at D-I-Y grills and barbecues. I don’t particularly enjoy them because, honestly, if I wanted to cook my own food, I would do it at home. However, I was pleasantly surprised this time. Market & Eatery The SmokeHouse Charcoal BBQ, a rather spacious shop located
7 Heaven, or not? Located in the serene Adam Park, we will let you make UP your own mind about 7Adam’s concept By Brandon Era
I got off at the Botanic Gardens MRT station and took a long and winding trudge all the way to 7Adam for dinner. Located along Adam Road, inside the serene Adam Park, 7Adam looked every bit as exciting as I had imagined and I was looking forward to having my meal there after a long day. Art & Food The first things that greeted
aged and imported directly from at Great World City, was my first Japan, such as the chuck flap and in a long time eating at a D-I-Y flank steak parts. The Chateaubriand restaurant or eatery. The place was had to be the best yet most decorated beautifully, with a nice expensive cut I’ve had to date. comfortable setting and state-of-theIt cost about $46 per 100g but the art grills to go with it. meat itself was heavenly. Even for The best part had to be the someone as unskilled as myself in market. In essence, the market is the kitchen, I was able to come up where you buy with a tasty dish. everything and Although, I must admit anything you “SmokeHouse boasts that the beef probably want, and it’s premium rare cut was the reason it tasted really just like meat of Japanese good and it had nothing any supermarket, to do with my culinary where you can Wagyu beef, aged skills. buy your products and imported SmokeHouse also to go. However, directly from Japan...” serves seafood, cooked if you choose to food (such as grilled fish dine in at the and roast beef) and a restaurant, a wide assortment of drinks, ranging cover charge of $8 for lunch and $10 from Shochu to soft drinks. for dinner is applied, respectively. A Slice of Heaven With a wide range of cuts of meat, SmokeHouse boasts premium rare cut meat of Japanese Wagyu beef,
me were two statues, or should I say sculptures, by different artists. The front of the house boasted quite a big gallery, containing various artwork and pieces from all over. Now, I’m not a big fan of art but even I thought that the concept of the place was pretty cool. We were shown to our seats for the Chill-on-Deck night, which 7Adam has every Friday and Saturday. We ordered a side of Truffle Fries and Crispy ‘Goma’ Chicken to kickstart our night. The food did
SmokeHouse Charcoal BBQ, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Great World City, #01-37, Singapore 237994, Tel: 6235 2185
not take too long to arrive and the tapas menu was affordable as well. Honestly, the fries and chicken could have been served a little warmer but they still tasted nice. Lights and Music I also ordered their new signature cocktail: Element 7. It’s a cocktail that consists of vodka, lychee extract and lychee liquor, with a sparkling lemon lime finish at the end. The way it was served was really cool as well, with both the liquids suspended in the
same glass, allowing you to pour different amounts of lychee liquor and vodka to suit your taste buds. I felt that the lights were a little too dim to see what I was eating or drinking, and the music was a tad bit soft as well. There was room for improvement but overall it was quite an enjoyable night. 7Adam, 7 Adam Park, Singapore 289926, Tel: 6467 0777, open from 10am-11pm
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february 14 - 20, 2014 in my opinion, but it is up to your individual taste. There was much to choose from. Next was the world-famous Jamon Iberico. There were so many booths with chefs slicing ham off the leg; I could almost imagine an orchestra of violins playing with each motion of their hands. All of the ham slices were thin and had a layer of fat, which made them melt in the mouth – a signature trait of Jamon Iberico.
Washoku plying Japanese wares. Being a foodie, I thought I had died and gone to heaven with so many food booths at my disposal. I didn’t know where to start!
Splendid Spanish Staples Olive oil is a Spanish staple, usually paired with freshlybaked bread, and that was what I decided to check out first. Many different types of olives with different flavour profiles – much like wine – grow throughout Spain. The stronger ones are better as a salad dressing rather than consumed with bread,
Intriguing Finds The produce booths were even more outstanding. Have you ever seen a purple cauliflower before? Neither had I until Madrid Fusion. How about a citron? This is a citrus fruit shaped like an octopus with many ‘tentacles’. Simply amazing. I even saw the photo and concept of a utility belt for oysters and champagne! The server wears this belt on his hips, with oysters and a bottle of champagne. After one eats the oyster, the shell is used to drink the champagne. Does someone want to bring this into Singapore? All three days of Madrid Fusion 2014 were a remarkable experience. The insight into how excellent food is made with the freshest ingredients and the latest styles in Spain was truly invaluable. This trip was made possible by the Tourist Office of Spain.
Fresh Food at your fingertips Foodology’s new outlet has opened at URA Centre for a healthier lunch for you
trans-fat free and sugar-free diets. Set meals at Foodology Fresh start at $9.90 and diners can choose from a combination of a main course, side item or dessert and a drink. We like their Roma Tomato Soup ($4) best. It is creamy, thick and tangy and packed with flavour as a side soup.
People working in the Maxwell area, you now have a healthier alternative available apart from the usually crowded and usually oily food from the famous Maxwell Market. Located right opposite Maxwell Market in the URA Centre is Foodology Fresh. You may be familiar with its other outlet, Foodology, at Marina Bay Financial Centre. The outlet at URA Centre takes pride in offering healthier options for breakfast and lunch. Group Executive Chef Micail Chepi says, “While the concept is one that emphasises on efficiency, there is no compromise on the level of satisfaction that each dish brings. The Fresh and healthy sandwiches efficiency of the concept from Foodology Fresh means that as customers consume items faster, If you prefer a salad, try we continue to keep our the vegetarian Green Lentil commitment to serving food Salad ($7.80) or the Chicken prepared fresh daily.” Caesar Salad ($7.80) for that added crunch and serving of Taste Tested vegetables to complete your Targeted at health-savvy meal. executives working in the For a more solid vicinity, the menu caters to carbohydrate main, we loved specific dietary requirements the Curried Chicken Wrap such as gluten-free, lactose($8.50); the tender chicken free, vegetarian as well as
breast was juicy and lightly seasoned with curry powder and is also chock full of fresh vegetables, making each bite a satisfying one. Also try the Turkey & Blue Cheese Wrap ($8.80). It doesn’t have a strong scent, we promise. There is also an assortment of sandwiches available. Pastries and Desserts Apart from that, they also do a number quiches and tarts. The Truffle Mushroom Quiche ($4.80) is a shoo-in for us, filled with chunky mushrooms with a hint of truffle oil for added fragrance. Also available is Smoked Salmon & Spring Onion Quiche ($4.80), and Quiche Lorraine ($4.80). Satisfy your sweet tooth with their Pecan Walnut Tart ($5.30). The nutty and caramelised filling and the crumbly tart shell gave us a lovely end to the meal. There are also smaller desserts such as Green Tea Panna Cotta ($3.80), Tiramisu ($3.80) and an Almond Bar ($2.80). Why not get a wholesome and flavourful meal for lunch to switch things up? Foodology Fresh, 45 Maxwell Road, The URA Centre, #01-02, Singapore 069118, Tel: 6223 9724, open 8am-6pm
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FOODMANIA
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Weekender Valentine’s Day Cake Giveaway Weekender is giving away Albert Menes Sliced Pure Butter CakeS with Candied Fruit and Albert Menes Chocolate Cakes worth $22 each. Win 1 for yourself! TO WIN, SIMPLY DROP US A MESSAGE ON OUR WEEKENDERSGP FACEBOOK PAGE & ANSWER TWO QUESTIONS: 1. Name 6 natural ingredients used in making the Albert Menes Fruit Cake. 2. Where can you buy the Albert Menes Chocolate & Almond Cake from, in Singapore? 3. Include your Name, NRIC, E-mail and Mobile No. Only 1 entry per person please.
CLOSING DATE: 19 Feb 2014 Winners will be notified by E-mail.
ALBERT MENES CAKES The House of Albert Ménès is renowned for genuine artisanal or historical products that express the art of traditional French cuisine. It is now a conservatory of fine food with a range of over 350 items and 21 categories. The Provençal Gâteau de Visan with Almonds and Chocolate cake is made with almonds from Valencia and freshly churned AOC butter from Poitou-Charente. This flour-less cake is a gluten-free delicacy. The Sliced Pure Butter Cake with Candied Fruit is studded with 40 per cent succulent fruits, the finest quality macerated raisins, tart citron, aromatic candied orange peel and Amarena cherries from Provence. Soaked overnight in pure Caribbean rum, they add a honeyed zest. The Sliced Pure Butter Cake with Candied Fruit and Provençal Gâteau de Visan with Almonds and Chocolate are sold at Paragon Market Place, Jasons the Gourmet Grocer @ ION Orchard, Robinsons Orchard and Jasons the Gourmet Grocer @ Sentosa Quayside. RRP $22 each.
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
february 14 - 20, 2014
PAGE 8
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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E
Men: BE IN tip-top Making sure your body is in tip-top shape is the first order of the day. Help yourself to be stronger and healthier with these supplements
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en, don’t have the preconceived notion that you are invincible and that you don’t have to take care of yourself. There may be some components of your diet that you have missed. Men’s bodies typically require more calories than women simply because they are bigger and have more mass to support. The recommended daily calorie intake is 2,500 for men and 2,000 for women. Diet is an important part of maintaining good health and men should aim to eat a variety of foods to get all the essential nutrients their bodies need.
skin and nails healthy, as well as promotes normal cognitive function and macronutrient metabolism. Another metal needed in the system is copper. Copper helps to maintain the connective tissues, energy yielding metabolism, a normal functioning nervous system, hair and skin pigmentation, iron transport in the body and a working immune system. Try Holland & Barrett Maximum Zinc Tablets or Zinc Picolinate as a zinc supplement or Holland & Barrett Zinc with Copper to get both your zinc and copper needs in one handy supplement.
If you are undergoing treatment or medication, do check with a medical professional on the suitability of these supplements.
Holland & Barrett supplements are available at all Holland & Barrett stores, subject to item availability. Visit any Holland & Barrett store for more details on health supplements and promotions.
Healthy Oils Flaxseed oil is one of the richest, natural sources of the Omega-3 fatty acid Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA). Omega-3 fatty acids are essential components of a diet and are required for many biochemical functions. Holland & Barrett Flaxseed (Linseed) Oil Capsules and Holland & Barrett Organic What to Eat Flaxseed Oil can be good additions to your It is often recommended to base meals on diet. The latter also contains organic high starchy foods and try to eat lots of fruit and lignan flaxseed oil. vegetable. It is also important to consume Saw Palmetto is a low-growing North more fish, less saturated fat and sugar, and to American palm-like plant with berries. The reduce salt to no more than 6g a day. fruits of Saw Palmetto are enriched with Nuts, seeds and dried fruit make excellent fatty acids and phytosterols. The fat-soluble alternatives to snacks such as biscuits, crisps extract of the Saw Palmetto berry has become and chocolates, which are usually high in the leading natural health supplement for sugar, salt and fat. The amount of calories prostate health. also depends on the amount of muscle mass This extract, when used regularly, has been and fat percentage a man has. The amount shown to keep symptoms of benign prostatic of muscle mass is significantly greater than hyperplasia (BPH) in check. It also appears that of a woman because of a hormone called to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that testosterone. converts testosterone to its more active Testosterone is important in building form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). muscle mass. The higher level of Saw Palmetto also blocks DHT from testosterone in men accounts binding in the prostate. for the extra muscle needing Pumpkins and other squashes the extra protein and calorie are native to North and Central requirements. Active men in America, but have since been particular require more cultivated around the world. protein in their diet but often The seeds are primarily used indulge in a carbohydratein herbal medicine. Pumpkin heavy meal in the evenings seed oil has been shown to for dinner when they are improve bladder and urethra better off eating their protein function. It was also used with meal instead, so that muscles Saw Palmetto in two doublecan regenerate overnight. blind human studies, which For older men, the dietary showed them to effectively requirements change once reduce BPH symptoms. again to cater to different If this suits you, try adding parts of the body. Essential Holland & Barrett Saw nutrients and supplements Palmetto Capsules or Pumpkin are usually needed to prevent Seed Oil Capsules to your diet. eyesight loss, bone loss and But if you find it a hassle muscle loss. to have so many different supplements, Holland & Know Your Metals Barrett Ultra Man daily multiZinc contributes to the normal vitamin is a synergistic blend function of the immune of essential nutrients that system and also protects provides nutritional support cells from oxidative stress. for men in a convenient one-aIt also maintains normal day tablet. It contains calcium, testosterone levels in the blood Holland & Barrett Vitamin D, copper, Vitamin B, and the reproductive organs, Flaxseed (Linseed) Oil selenium and zinc. 1000mg, with Omega 3, 6 & 9 normalises vision, keeps hair,
shape
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Holland & Barrett Zinc 15mg with Copper, 120 tablets
Holland & Barrett Zinc 25mg, 100 coated caplets
Holland & Barrett Saw Palmetto 450mg, 180 rapid release capsules
Foods that Help Fish Mackerel and salmon are oily fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. If you are vegan or vegetarian, you can look for Omega-3 fatty acids in alternatives such as tofu and soy beans. Oysters Oysters and other types of seafood such as lobsters and crabs are good sources of zinc. Zinc is also found in pumpkin and squash seeds and spinach. Chicken Breast An excellent form of lean protein, it is also one of the cheapest sources of protein around. Look for boneless chicken breasts as a majority of the fat is in the skin of the chicken. Be sure to avoid unhealthy methods of cooking. Flaxseed Instead of getting them in supplement form, you can also get real flaxseeds to top off your morning muesli, for that extra boost of essential Omega-3 acid ALA.
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february 14 - 20, 2014
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tech
february 14 - 20, 2014
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Tech Bytes
S P EC I A L F E A T U RE
These bits and bytes will make you the most tech savvy
LifeProof LifeProof is an award-winning maker of protective, everyday cases for smartphones and tablets. LifeProof’s nüüd is now available for iPhone 5s. The nüüd case provides protection against water, drops, dirt and snow in a sleek, slim design – all without a screen cover. Available online or at any Epicentre or Nubox stores.
The secret to revealing the Milky Way is not with the Mayans but with your Compact Digital Camera
Capture the stars
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here is a spectacular show above us. It’s free, it’s colossal, it’s simply breath-taking. Best of all, you can capture it all for yourself. Even though you don’t need any special high-tech camera, you will need something better than a smartphone’s camera – the Compact Digital Camera. With a simple Compact Digital Camera, you can easily capture the stellar cast at night, anywhere in the world! Long Exposures Give Stars More Time to Emerge Instead of the usual duration (usually in fractions of a second) it takes to snap an ordinary daylight photo, long exposures take anywhere from 1 sec to 30 sec to capture the image. This allows more light into the camera. More light entering equates to a brighter
image. In the case of night photos, the stars and the Milky Way will begin to emerge from the dark sky, revealing much more than the eye can see. To increase the exposure, simply set the shutter speed on the camera to the longest duration. For long exposures, you’d want to set the dial to either 15 sec or 30 sec. Different models of cameras will have different buttons or dials to adjust the shutter speed but, generally, they are available in most quality Compact Digital Cameras. Push the Camera’s Sensitivity to Its Limits Increasing the ISO (the sensitivity of the sensor) in the camera also helps to capture more light from the stars. This is a convenient function to help enhance the faintest stars, but the drawback is the increased “noise” (or unwanted speckles of colour) in the image. Take a few photos with the highest ISO setting first (6400 or 12800) to see how “noisy” it is. Decrease the ISO if the “noise” is overwhelming.
Under a full moon, night can turn into day with super long exposures
Keep Still During Exposure Everyone hates tripods. I know. Realistically, no one can hold his hands still for a long exposure, so use a small tripod if you want. It costs only about $40. Personally, I don’t like carrying equipment, so I usually use a haversack or a few books on a table to prop up the Compact Digital Camera. It always works like a charm. To take the photo, I use the self-timer to avoid shaking the camera. I point the camera in the right direction, stabilise it, and then release the shutter. The self-timer will automatically take the photo. The result is a dramatic picture of the night sky teeming with twinkling stars.
Reading Weekender is Rewarding Thank you for participating, and congratulations to our winners. Look out for more upcoming giveaways! Here are the winners of the Canon PowerShot SX270 HS compact digital camera.
Weekender CANON CAMERA GIVEAWAY
Sennheiser The digital Sennheiser HDVD 800 enhances audiophiles’ listening experience when paired with Sennheiser’s high-end range of headphones. The amplifier has a fullysymmetrical signal processing that eliminates hums and distortion, and that helps users to get the most out of their headphones.
Lenovo The Lenovo Yoga 2 has an impressive 13.3-inch display. Its QHD+ super high resolution 10-finger touchscreen displays images in 3200 x 1800 resolution in a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is the highest screen resolution in the market today. The Yoga 2 Pro is also now more portable than before, at 15.5mm thin and 1.39kg, while still maintaining the four modes of laptop, stand, tent and tablet.
THE WINNERS ARE:
Paul Chan
NRIC: SXXXX664A
ANSWERS TO SPOT THE DIFFERENCE:
Muhammad Hairuddin NRIC: SXXXX561Z
Michael Gilbert NRIC: SXXXX747G
The winners will be notified by post. Terms & Conditions apply. Visit weekender.com.sg/terms.html for Terms & Conditions.
See Page 4 for question.
Guinevere Sofer reveals the secret to capturing the awesomeness of starry skies with the humble Compact Digital Camera
Nikon With improved usability for shooting both stills and movies, the Nikon COOLPIX L830 has a 34x optical zoom and 68x Dynamic Fine Zoom in a compact body. It also allows macro shooting as close as approximately 1cm. The camera sports a 16.0-megapixel BSICMOS sensor that ensures brilliant pictures even in low-light and an approximately 921k-dot variangle LCD monitor (VGA) that enables shooting from various angles. It also combats camera shake and vibration.
Photo A
Reduce the spectres of noise in your photos by using a quality Compact Digital Camera. Photo A was taken with a Compact Digital Camera. The colours are cleaner in comparison to Photo B, which displays noise and “patchiness”.
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february 14 - 20, 2014
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fashion / entertainment
february 14 - 20, 2014
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Fash Snips
Continued from Page 5
e n t e rta i n m e n t Disney Company (Southeast Asia) and ESPN Asia Pacific.
Here are stirrings in the fashion world that you would want, need and love to know about
Swarovski For Spring/Summer 2014, Swarovski pays homage to art. From tribal craftsmanship to contemporary art, this new collection is based on earthy tones and brilliant primary colours. Ethnic cultures meet artistic movements in original combinations of simple and sophisticated materials, with Swarovski’s characteristic twist of modernity and femininity.
babyGap For spring 2014, babyGap will introduce a limited edition collection featuring childhood bear, Paddington. Drawing from the original Peggy Fortnum book illustrations, Paddington Bear will star in a new gift and clothing collection for babyGap.
Nixon The Industrial Craft Collection has a smooth matte black finish with rose gold accents. This watch from Nixon is vintage-influenced and work-wear inspired. byCanary Located at the main entrance of Tangs Orchard, byCanary showcases tightly curated jewellery and designers, by former model Lum May Yee during her travels. These include an array of coveted international cult designer jewellery brands such as M.C.L by Matthew Campbell Laurenza (United States), John Hardy (Bali), Jade Jagger (London), Darsala (France), Choices by DL (Holland), Tara Moor (France), Buddha to Buddha (Holland) and Sellot (Hong Kong).
Celebrity Sighting! Hot mama Jessica Alba was spotted out and about with Zadig & Voltaire’s Spring/ Summer 2014 Love Deluxe bag made of crackled leather and embellished with wolf and shark teeth.
Uncommon luxury at a click Instead of having the same Longchamp bag, why not get uncommon luxury brands at a click? By Cheryl chia tired of seeing everyone own the same Longchamp or Chanel bag wherever you turn? That’s exactly what Yan Ling from new online portal Edluxe felt when she started the website. Edluxe, a brand name that is derived from the word play of deluxe and luxury, prides itself for sourcing its brands from emerging designers who offer unique and quality designs. Yan Ling, a fresh graduate from Singapore Management University, was inspired to start Edluxe when she encountered an emerging brand in Taiwan and wondered why brands such as that weren’t available in Singapore. The portal was officially launched this January. Stand Out from the Crowd Yan Ling says, “The idea of Edluxe kind of popped into my head when I chanced upon a Canadian emerging designer brand in Taiwan.” She adds, “I kept the idea quiet for a couple of hours, went back to my hotel and started researching local emerging brands in Taiwan and Hong Kong, and I was hooked… Well, of course the fact that I didn’t want to be seen carrying a bag that is carried by ten other people helped in the creation of the idea too.” Once Yan Ling gets wind of emerging brands, she starts poring through their Floriana Bucket Bag latest collections to see
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if they would suit her audience of the average working adult before contacting the designers. Edluxe currently carries 19 brands and is in discussion with five others. At this point, most of the brands come from Asia, which is partly due to the similarity in the fashion styles. Chosen with Care “Singapore is an attractive market for brands that want to venture out of their country. There is definitely a potential in our country due to the higher disposable income, our purchasing habits and a good mix of races and nationalities make up our population (thus brands would like to break into the Singaporean market),” says Yan Ling. The prices on Edluxe range from $60 for a watch or a bag to over $1,000. Most of the products are priced from $200 to $500. Brands that Yan Ling bring in comprise emerging designers such as Artessorio (Hong Kong), BESCHRÄNK DICH NICHT (Taiwan), Me-Dusa (Israel), Lesenvers (Italy) and Wang Meng (Singapore). Yan Ling concedes that changing the mind-set of Singaporeans would might be a daunting task as Singaporeans need to venture out of the typical shopping mall brands to invest in an emerging brand instead of established ones. Visit www.edluxe.asia for more. Model with Lesenvers Cloud Bag
Light-hearted Touch to an Efficient Machine The Sandcrawler building is so named due to its resemblance to its namesake, the vehicle of the diminutive desert-dwelling aliens known as the Jawas. The vehicle, depicted in the original Star Wars film, is a personnel and goods transporter. In the film, the Jawas also had a slightly comical nature, and perhaps that aspect injects a little lightheartedness into such a momentous occasion and functional building. The Sandcrawler building was officially launched on Jan 16. The event was graced by Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm and George Lucas himself, creator of Star Wars and founder of Lucasfilm. Invited guests included Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Leo Yip, Chairman of the Singapore Economic Development Board, and Robert Gilby, Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia). Lucasfilm & its Many Arms Lucasfilm Ltd is a whollyowned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. It is renowned for the two Star Wars trilogies, the Indiana Jones films, and a string of 1980s hit films such as Labyrinth, Willow and The Land Before Time. Lucasfilm encompasses a few divisions including Industrial Light & Magic (famous for visual effects for Star Wars and other films), Skywalker Sound (postproduction sound design), LucasArts video games and Lucasfilm Animation, of which Lucasfilm Animation Singapore opened its doors in 2005. Other former prominent divisions included Pixar Animation Studios, the computer animation film production company famous for Toy Story and Monsters Inc., that was sold to Steve Jobs in 1986 and later became a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, way before Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm. THX Ltd, the theatre sound
system, was also created by Lucasfilm. It is still used in many of the best cinemas today. Award-Winning Design The Sandcrawler building, designed by Aedas Architecture, has received a Gold Plus Greenmark certification in Singapore and has won an impressive six architectural awards including the prestigious Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award for Best New Global Design. It has a special two-part high-performance glass exterior that, in addition to energy-conservation qualities, makes it appear chrome-like yet allows natural daylight into the offices without the heat. The building includes a 100-seat theatre, state-of-theart digital production facilities and street-level retail space. No Tour One big disappointment was that there wasn’t really a tour of the building and facilities. Guests were led to a room where a video on Lucasfilm’s CGI, special effects and some of its recent work on films was screened, followed by an update on Lucasfilm and the Sandcrawler building. After that, we were led to an auditorium where guest of honour PM Lee, Kennedy and Lucas delivered their speeches. Darth Vader was also present with several Stormtroopers to set the scene and to provide photo opportunities. Apart from this, a Yoda statue was officially unveiled by PM Lee. Films to Look out For Upcoming films that Lucasfilm has worked on include the soon-to-be launched Lone Survivor, and Noah, Transformers 4 and The Avengers 2. Other recent films included Pacific Rim, GI Joe: Retaliation, Battleship, Transformers: Dark of the Moon and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. The Sandcrawler is located at 1 Fusionopolis View, Singapore 138577.
The Sandcrawler vehicle of the Jawas in Star Wars
Photo: © 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.
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weekender.com.sg
february 14 - 20, 2014
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TRAVELATION
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Mayan ruins in Machu Picchu, Peru
5 Great backpacking destinations Take the road less travelled and experience the beauty of nature and cities by travelling in the most basic way By Brandon Era While the world is rapidly urbanising, there is still a lot of beauty that remains. From majestic monuments to awe-inspiring terrain, there are many wonders still out there. Backpacking is a great way to see and experience them as you are not hindered by tour programmes or budget. Here are five great destinations you should check out before the decade is out. Peru A country rich in natural beauty and culture, Peru is a must-see destination. This South American gem boasts a geographically diverse landscape, rich in culture and heritage while brimming with adventurous options. Remember to bring a camera with a large storage space to preserve the experience of being there and witnessing all the beauty the land has to offer, from the coastal deserts to the lush jungles of the Peruvian Amazon.
Portugal If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Old World wonders of Europe but have always thought it to be too pricey, Portugal is an excellent option with culture and heritage and at more reasonable prices. For backpackers, getting from Porto down to the Algarve (the stunning coastal region on the southernmost point of Portugal) which joins up with Spain is pretty affordable, comfortable and easy. There is little hassle and you get to experience the
beauty of the land and architecture that make Portugal the Old World wonder she is. New Zealand Now widely known as Middle-Earth, thanks to the popularity of The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, New Zealand is every bit as spectacular as the movies depict them to be. With the majestic mountains and beautiful lakes, it’s a definite must-see for those who want to see and experience the beauty of nature that’s becoming rarer in the world. Thailand Most Singaporeans are familiar with Bangkok and the great bargaining opportunities she offers. But there’s a beauty to Thailand that also ranks it high as a great backpacking destination, from night markets to ornate temples to pristine beaches. Getting around can be fun and affordable. Try not to go on tours or planned trips so you see more that you want to. Enjoy the wind in your hair while getting around in a tuk-tuk. Morocco From the cliffs that face the Atlantic Ocean, to the parched sand dunes of the Sahara Desert and on top of the icy Atlas Mountains, the diversity of Morocco’s contrasting landscapes is mesmerising, to say the least. Marrakech is a great place to kick off your adventure, with a bustling city square that is brimming with activities from dawn to dusk. Street performers, vendors and even snakecharmers adorn the beautiful market, also known as Djemaa el-Fna, and offers you a perspective into a world unlike Singapore. The world is bigger and more mesmerising than you can imagine, so get off your rear and experience the beauty she has to offer in a cheap and affordable way.
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E
Further sales & discounts
in Malaysia sales and promotions happening throughout Malaysia.
Apart from the exchange rate, don’t miss out on further discounts and sales
Malaysia is the best place for Singaporeans to shop with the exchange rate, variety of options and more sales and discounts
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hopping and eating are synonymous with travelling to Malaysia. Ranked by CNN Travel 2012 as one of the world’s top four shopping destinations, Malaysia offers the best retail therapy for bargain hunters. Malaysia was also voted the second best shopping city in Asia Pacific by The Global Shoppe Index 2012. The Visit Malaysia Year 2014 celebration has begun with a prelude, ongoing now, with endless
Sales, Sales & More Sales For the past 13 years, Malaysia has organised nationwide sales that have evolved into three mega sales events, namely the 1Malaysia Grand Prix (GP) Sales, the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival and 1Malaysia Year End Sales. This time around, with the Ramadan fasting month and the Hari Raya Puasa festival, the sales are even bigger and better. For the first time, the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival will be held simultaneously with the 1Malaysia Unified Sale. In conjunction with the two sales festivals, an array of sales and promotional activities await everyone, locals and tourists alike. Among the highlights are The KL Fashion Weekend 2014, an event full of glitz and glamour, modelled after the London Fashion Weekend, and Bejewelled, an event by the nine shopping malls in the premier KL shopping precinct of BBKLCC or Bukit Bintang-KLCC area. The Buy It For Free with Credit and Debit MasterCard programme is also in play, where MasterCard holders spotted during the sales period will be rewarded. There are also sales and promotional activities during the
Ramadan month and the Hari Raya celebration will be bustling in the Ramadan bazaars and markets as well as the shopping malls.
Great Deals for Everyone Tourists from all over the world are attracted to shop in Malaysia due to the affordability, great value, convenience as well as the diversity of products and gracious hospitality. From the very old to the ultra-modern, the mundane to the unique, the simple to the exotic, the discounted to the duty-free items, tourists can shop for just about anything and everything that tickles their fancy. Every city throughout Malaysia is bustling with sales and an eclectic mix of old and new and fusion of cultures and lifestyle of its multiracial communities. Some of the famous and finest shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are Bukit Bintang Plaza, Sungei Wang Plaza, Lot 10, Pavilion, Fahrenheit, Starhill, Pavilion KL, Suria KLCC, Mid Valley Megamall, Sunway Pyramid, 1Utama, Bangsar Shopping Complex and Bangsar Village. Visit Malaysia 2014 celebrates a year-long period of non-stop sale activities and shopping extravaganza. This is the perfect time and place for the most memorable
What’s Good in Malaysia Batik Fabric Malaysian batik is a unique cloth, with which wax is used to create patterns on the cloth. Malay batik designs have flowers, leaves and trees as under Muslim law, humans and animals aren’t allowed to be on the designs. Pewter Ware Royal Selangor is the world’s largest pewter manufacturer and you can get a whole range of household items and souvenirs from them. Cheaper versions are also available in the craft shops around town. Malaysian Snacks Stock up on your favourite traditional rice cakes, candies, water chestnut cakes and sweet bean cakes while you’re there. If you’re going to Seremban, make sure you bring back some of their famous siew pau, a baked and glazed version of the char siew pau.
shopping experience with endless things to see, do, buy and enjoy. Please contact Visit Malaysia Year Secretariat at 03-8891-7000 or log on to www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my for more information or enquiries.
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