Arts
The Year Turns, Part 2
Yule I grew up with Yule, even though I never really understood anything about it. It was just another word that was heard around Christmas time. People would wish each other a merry Yuletide, and [more…]
Culture
Arts
The Curious Tale of Colonel Ellis & the Christmas Oranges
In 1908 Colonel William Verner Ellis (*) had long been retired from the British Indian Army and an adventurous & distinguished career playing “The Great Game”. His restless nature found him one grey winter’s day, [more…]
Arts
The Swaling, Part Thirty Four
Myself and Rose are before a terminal in the underground comms room of a deserted British High Commission. The other girls, Nicole and Lotus Flower, are escaping the tropical storm outside by maxing out Mr [more…]
21st Century
After The Gold Rush
I dreamed I saw the silver spaceships Lying in the yellow haze of the sun There were children crying and colours flying All around the chosen ones All in a dream, all in a dream [more…]
Arts
Marilyn: The Enduring Appeal
In 1962, Bert Stern was amongst the most celebrated photojournalists of the era. His images of Liz Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, & Brando defined the glitz & glamour of the post-war era. His schtick on fashion [more…]
Arts
A Christmas Trip to Remember
Mum, Dad, Big Brother and I were off to stay with my aunt and uncle in a small Yorkshire village for Christmas. I had passed my driving test about a year earlier and was to [more…]
Arts
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
The third Sunday of Advent – #Joy. A traditional English carol from the 16th century or earlier. © OldTrout
Arts
The Swaling, Part Thirty Three
The four of us are standing outside a storm-lashed and deserted British High Commission on Napier Road, Tanglin. It is just shy of 1am. Singapore’s Diplomatic Corps are weather trapped at the High Commissioner’s social, [more…]
Arts
Cnuteneering, Part Five
Welcome back to Cnuteneering, where the possible is made more difficult by bone headed ignorance, overenthusiasm and pointy metal things being brought together. And poor couriering. You may want to refresh your memory on the [more…]