Citizen Historian Updated! (July 2007)
Dear Subscribers, History Enthusiasts and Friends
We have updated Citizen Historian with six new entries for the month of July.
============
Dim Sum Dollies in the History of Singapore
Those who had caught the latest production of the Dim Sum Dollies will
agree that it resembles a mini-version of the National Day Parade (sans
march-past and fire-works and other knick-knacks). Hong Lysa happily tucks
into this delectable production and provides some “dim sum” for thought on
the way Singapore history was portrayed by the Dollies (and Hossan Leong).
http://citizenhistorian.com/2007/07/14/review-dim-sum-dollies-as-citizen-historians/
Shedding Some Light: Singapore Quarry
Going where historical documents can’t go, Kevin Lee is back with some
gorgeous photos and his thoughts on an abandoned quarry and the seemingly
abandoned road / track leading to it.
http://citizenhistorian.com/2007/07/31/shedding-some-light-singapore-quarry/
Military History
Who likes the thick and sweet flavour of Japanese curry? And who knew it
had a military origin? In “Japanese Curry and the Navy”, Fumihito Yamamoto
traces the very practical origins of this popular dish to the Japanese
military service, specifically the Navy.
http://citizenhistorian.com/2007/07/31/japanese-curry-navy/
In “Not Just a Foreigner’s War”, Edgar Liao introduces an article written
by Dr Lim Choo Hoon, on the Battle of Pasir Panjang. This battle was one
of the few instances where Malays fought during the Malayan Campaign in
1941-2, in essence fighting for and defending their homeland. Though not
addressed directly, the author does raise the question as to how
Singaporeans perceive the functions of the present-day SAF.
http://citizenhistorian.com/2007/07/31/not-just-a-foreigners-war/
The history of Singapore is usually couched in themes of vulnerability and
weakness. In “Politics of Defence Acquisitions”, Alvin Koh attempts to
present a more balanced perspective to Singapore’s position after 1965, by
examining the way the island-state went about the purchasing of Hawker
Hunters and the dilemma faced by the British.
http://citizenhistorian.com/2007/07/31/singapore-hawker-hunters/ (Part 1)
http://citizenhistorian.com/2007/07/31/singapore-hawker-hunters-2/ (Part
2)
Finally, Citizen Historian is happy to introduce Syonan Reflections, a
Singaporean ‘living history’ group. Founder Alvin Lee talks about the
trials and tribulations of starting up such a group, and ultimately, the
rewards and pay-offs. This group has been actively involved in public
education via more interactive methods, participated in the recent
HeritageFest 2007 and will be taking part in a NEXUS (the central
co-ordinating agency for National Education) on August 14. Watch for them!
http://citizenhistorian.com/2007/07/31/syonan-reflections-who-we-are/
http://citizenhistorian.com/2007/07/31/syonan-reflections-how-to-build-an-army/
=================
Call for Contributions
In view of the upcoming National Day celebrations, we will be centring the
August edition of Citizen Historian around the theme of Singapore History
and National Histories. So if you are interested in commenting or writing
on:
- Singapore’s National Day celebrations
- The recently concluded HeritageFest 2007 in Singapore
- Any other aspect of Singapore history (you really want to shout out on)
- National histories (any country / aspect) - Malaysia’s 50th anniversary
comes to mind here
Please do read our Contribution points here:
http://citizenhistorian.com/contribute
All contributions can be emailed to this address:
contact@citizenhistorian.com
We are looking to do the next update on August 28. So we’d be grateful if
your contributions could come in the week of 20-24 August.
==================
Many thanks for taking the time! We hope you enjoy reading the
contributions and we’ll welcome any comments and feedback!
Best regards
The Editorial Team, Citizen Historian