True Colours

Afterthought:

1. A friend shared this advertisement with me earlier today.

2. I like advertisements, especially those that get you talking or those that generally leave you feeling positive about the world we live in. This is one of them. It's also one of those advertisements that really keeps you guessing till the end. How you react at the end will probably be an indication of your own values, personality and outlook.

3. The Swedish company behind this advertisement, Bjorn Borg, comes across as a socially responsible entity. I am also not sure if the brand has anything to do with the tennis star of the same name. Nevertheless, it reminds me of other positive brands like The Body Shop. Unfortunately, the company doesn't have a presence in Asia so it's really hard to tell.

Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav

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Sexist Developments

I get really hilarious stuff in my mailbox from time to time.

Two days ago, I got this from a male:


Within the next two hours, I got this from a female:


As much as the two e-mails were not part of the same chain of communication and their original sources remain unverified, I just thought the irony of the whole situation was worth capturing.

In defence of our own sexes, indeed.

Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav

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Ho To Goodyear

I asked a friend, "Why do you think Ho Ching is stepping down as chief executive of Temasek Holdings?"

My friend replied, "Because Singapore wants a Goodyear this year!"

Afterthought:

1. Ho Ching's successor is a 51 year old American known as Charles Goodyear.

2. Dedicated to my peer, Clement Tan.

Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav

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Think Happiness Revival

For some months, I have not been able to give this blog the necessary attention it required.

I was preparing for my Singapore Bar exams. I was also ending my sabbatical of 1.5 years to return to the workforce. I also wanted to use the time to reflect the way forward for this blog. For a number of reasons, I was thinking of shutting down this blog. I wanted to focus on other priorities.

Over the past few months, many loved ones have encouraged me to revive my writings on this blog. Several friends share that they find this blog a source of inspiration or information.

I have heard all of them in earnest. And so in deference to all those who care enough about this space, I have decided that I should start updating this site again.

I am now thinking about making changes to this site. If you have any ideas about changes I can effect on this space, please do share them by leaving your comments.

Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav

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NVPC Reply: Charities Selling Greeting Cards

On 3 November 2008, I asked the NVPC for a comprehensive list of charities that sell festive greeting cards to raise funds for their work. This is the reply I got. I thank the NVPC for its reply.

Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav

REPLY FROM NATIONAL VOLUNTEER & PHILANTHROPY CENTRE ON 3 NOVEMBER 2008

I am afraid we do not collate such list. Here are some of the non-profit organisations who do produce greeting cards.

Society for the Physically Disabled
Tommy Tng
Ability Enterprise
2 Peng Nguan Street
SPD Ability Centre
Singapore 168955
Tel: 6236 6360
Fax: 6222 0637
Email: tommy_tng@spd.org.sg
Website: http://www.spd.org.sg

Bizlink Centre Singapore Ltd
Carol Heng
Manager
Marketing, Business Development & PR
Blk 512 Chai Chee Lane #01-09
Bedok Industrial Estate
Singapore 249028
Tel: 6249 8160
HP: 92968228
Fax : 6446 5825
Email : carol@bizlink.org.sg
Website: http://www.bizlink.org.sg/

Very Special Arts Singapore Ltd
Ms Cynthia Poh
Project Executive
Blk 133 Bedok North Ave 3
#01-138
Singapore 460133
Tel : 6448 6275
Fax : 6441 6403
Email : cynthia@vsa.org.sg
Website: http://www.vsa.org.sg

APSN (Centre for Adults)
Ms Jennifer Lee
Corporate Communications Executive
143 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159924
Tel : 6479 6252
Fax : 6479 6272
Email : Jennifer.lee@apsn.org.sg
Website: http://www.apsn.org.sg/

Metta Welfare Association
Ms Felicia Wee
Events and Publicity Manger
Metta Building
32 Simei St 1
Singapore 529950
Tel : 6580 4688
Fax : 6580 4699
Email : feliciawee@metta.org.sg
Website: http://www.metta.org.sg/

MINDS
Sudha
800 Margaret Drive
Singapore 149310
Tel : 6479 5655 ext 229
Email: Sudha_SMEDC@minds.org.sg
Website: http://www.minds.org.sg/catalogue/product.php?cid=8

Best regards
Andrew Koh
Manager,
Online Services Development
Community Partnerships
National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre

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Charities Selling Greeting Cards

LETTER SENT TO HONORARY LEGAL ADVISER AND BOARD MEMBER OF NATIONAL VOLUNTEER & PHILANTHROPY CENTRE ON 3 NOVEMBER 2008

Every year, a number of charities in Singapore sell festive greeting cards to raise funds for their work.

Can the NVPC provide a comprehensive list of charities doing so and who members of the public can contact for possible purchases?

Ideally, the list can include prices of the cards. It will also be preferable if information can be provided about whether customisation of the cards are available for specific persons.

Also, can the NVPC clarify if such purchases from charities qualify for tax exemption purposes?

I hope the NVPC will be proactive and forthcoming with such information as it fits directly with its mission "to promote and develop volunteerism and philanthropy across all sectors and at all levels of society".

Thank you.

Happiness,
Dharmendra Yadav

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