SINGAPORE (Apr 3): We’re well into week two of all pubs and bars being closed, and perhaps this is the time to cosy up with a good book. Or, how about upping your cooking game by ordering fresh pasta to make for yourself and your family? If the Covid-19 outbreak is getting you down, we’re here to give you ideas on how to make the best of these tough times.
BOOKS
Keep calm and read on
National Library Board
https://mobileapp.nlb.gov.sg/
They say books are where you travel when you cannot leave your home. Inside the pages of a good book, you can dive into depths and soar across skies, all without ever stepping out of the door. The National Library Board (NLB) is a treasure trove of books, magazines, and resources for your enjoyment, and they’re bringing all that straight to you. With the NLB mobile app, you can catch up on world events, learn new recipes, listen to an exciting audiobook, or just curl up in your bed with a thrilling novel. All you need is an NLB membership and a phone to download the app off the Android Play Store or the Apple Store, and you’re good to go.
Here are just two of the thousands of books available to you:
Incognito By David Eagleman
Also available as an audiobook, this New York Times bestseller by renowned neuroscientist David Eagleman navigates the depths of the subconscious brain. This sparkling and provocative book asks questions such as: Why is it so difficult to keep a secret? How is it possible to get angry at yourself; who exactly is mad at whom?
If I Could Tell You Just One Thing By Richard Reed
Richard Reed built the hugely popular drinks brand, Innocent Drinks, from a smoothie stall to one of the biggest brands in Britain. He credits his success to four brilliant pieces of advice. So when Reed meets someone he admires, he asks for their best piece of advice – if they could tell him just one thing, what would it be? From Hollywood greats like Judi Dench and Richard Curtis, to entrepreneurial legends like Richard Branson and Simon Cowell, Reed has picked some of the world’s most interesting brains to give you a lesson on how to live, how to love, how to create and how to succeed.
FILM
Lose yourself in film
Netflix.com
This month, Netflix shines the spotlight on movies and TV shows made and set in Asia, from exciting thrillers to a murder mystery. Why not check these titles out?
Tigertail (April 10)
A tale of love, loss and regret. A man named Grover (played by Asian-American actor, Tzi Ma) grew up in Taiwan, but left the home he loves with a woman he did not to start a new life in the US. Years later, he looks back on his decisions in life and sees himself in his daughter Angela, as they make their way to Taiwan and learn to understand each other.
Ghost in the Shell (April 23)
This is a sequel to the insanely popular original Ghost in the Shell Japanese anime series about a post-cyberpunk world where the lines between human and robots are blurred and crossed. This original series is set in the year 2045 when, after global capitalism has defaulted, Japan’s elite Section 9 begins conducting covert cyber operations.
The Victim’s Game (April 30)
After discovering his estranged daughter’s link to mysterious murders, a forensic detective with Asperger’s syndrome risks everything to solve the case.
Hi, Bye, Mama! (available now)
When the ghost of a woman gains a second chance at life for 49 days, she reappears in front of her remarried husband and young daughter. Hijinks ensue as she tries her best to find out just how she ends up in this situation.
Nadiya’s Time to Eat (April 29)
Perhaps one of the Great British Bake-Off’s most beloved bakers, Nadiya Hussain, winner of the sixth season of the popular British cooking show, has been everywhere. Since she won, she has baked for the Queen (yes, Elizabeth II), hosted a travel food series and delighted everyone with her expressive eyebrows. On this Netflix original cooking show, Nadiya serves up delicious shortcuts, vital ingredients and fast favourites — perfect for today’s time-strapped families.
EAT
Fresh pasta at your doorstep
https://pastabar.sg/pasta-store
The Pasta Bar knows you miss your favourite Italian eatery, and that you miss going out, period. So they’ve upped the ante and are now bringing fresh, delicious, make-it-at-home pasta kits for you to get a taste of your favourites at home! Delicious, freshly made pasta can be delivered for you and your family to cook at home. Starting from $40 for two persons, with a choice of sauce and optional add-ons to complete your pasta experience, the offering means you don’t need to be a fantastic cook to whip up some delicious pasta. Visit the Pasta Bar website for more and to place orders.