Popsters

'Hindsight is 2020' is a pun on the expression. The word, 'hindsight' refers to looking back or reflecting on the past. '20/20' refers to possessing a perfect vision. Together, the expression simply means that it is easier analysing situations in retrospect, than it is to do so in the present. Indeed, there is something about the new year that beckons one to reflect on the past year. Let us take a trip back to the year 2020 with renewed lens.

The word, love, has undergone transformation since antiquity. It was first lubhyati (Sanskrit), then leubh (Indo-European), followed by lubet (Latin), it then evolved into lufu (Old English) before it is finally called love. Love has sneaked into our language and transformed the way in which we express ourselves.

The third issue of Pop-up poster casts the spotlight on the purported fairer sex - women. Perhaps the adage, "behind every successful man, is a woman" may be familiar to you. Having said that, more women have gained greater prominence in the past century - women in most developed countries need not walk three steps behind their husbands (as outmoded Asian tradition dictates). In fact, there were many more prominent female leaders, scholars, inventors, trail blazers whose stories are just beginning to be unearthed.

Did you pull any practical jokes or pranks on your peers this April Fool’s? Or were you fooled? The first day of the month of April has acquired a notoriety as a day where folks pull practical jokes and pranks on unsuspecting fools. Nobody really knows how April Fools’ Day came about. Its existence has long puzzled historians for centuries. While the custom of pulling pranks on 1st April had been well established in Europe, it was only during the 1700s did scholars begin finding references to it.

Every first Sunday in the month of July, Singapore celebrates Youth Day. Youth is understood as the transitionary stage between childhood and adulthood. More than a mere celebration of an age group, Youth Day commemorates the inventive spirit and resilience of youths. As you stand between the liminal crossroads of childhood and adulthood, know that you are an integral part of the society for the youth of today will be the leaders of tomorrow..

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Singapore has stayed sturdy and resilient through her trials and tribulations. As we celebrate Singapore's birthday this month, let us take a look at the thing of beauty we call home. There was a time when people said that Singapore wouldn't make it, but we did.