I found one more reason to read the newspapers. Not in a speed-reading fashion, but to slowly savour what the reporter/journalist had painstakingly thought through, wrote and edited maybe a dozen times for an article to be published.

News reporting is no longer mere paragraphs of bare facts. Now, columns and reviews are peppered with refreshing descriptions, lively anecdotes and apt metaphors that are at times self-deprecating and/or sarcistic and beautifully-structured sentences that speak of much creativitiy in this modern era of journalism.

Kudos to all these talented and hardworking group of people working behind the scenes to bring us information with entertainment; and in providing good grounds for anyone who wants to improve their use of the English language and those who are keen to pursue writing as a career.

There are many such sentences which have made me stopped there and then, just to go back and read over again. Herein are 13 of these eye-stoppers and brain-musers for me, for the sake of the Thursday Thirteen series.

13 Creative Phrases From The Singapore Newspapers

1. “How do you digest 365 episodes of daily drama into one tiny word?” - June Cheong, Urban, The Straits Times

2. “But it is simply not in my DNA to be a person who rhymes with witch.” - Suzanne Sng, The Straits Times

3. “… like a cross between a Bingo session and a Formula 1 race: An energetic, fast-paced affiar facilitated by a motor-mouthed commentator.” - Mayo Martin, TODAY

4. “It appears the gravitational pull of bicycle seats on their owner’s buttocks is just too great in Singapore.” - Ravi Veloo, TODAY

5. “… not wanting another 30 minutes of my lifespan to go down the drain…” - Teo Chang Wee, The Straits Times

6. “… share listed in the Republic were the darlings of the Singapore stock market not so long ago, but now, they do not seem to have a friend in the world” “The Chinese beauty has turnd into a beast due to spiralling inflation…” - Alvin Foo, The Straits Times

7. “… a place so hauntingly badly lit it’d win the Al Gore Award for energy conservation.” - Tay Yek Keak, The Straits Times

8. “We picture the market as comprising self-sufficient individuals colliding like billiard balls - competing with one another, keeping relationships at arm’s length and free of emotions.” - [the writer's name was lost, somehow]

9. “Life is a hundrum affair punctuated by high points called shopping, and happiness consists of acquiring more things.”- Andy Ho, The Straits Times

10. “… for Singapore to continue to punch above its weight in the new economy where innovation is king.” - Lin Yanqin, TODAY

11. “From my lowly position in the above mentioned food chain - probably one step above algae, around the level of pond scum -  I have observed the mating behavior of those above me.” - Suzanne Sng, The Straits Times

12. “I was so frightened I swear I accepted 10 religions just before the first needle went in.” - Tay Yek Keak, The Straits Times

13. “… the only rich thing about our lives in the foreseeable future will probably be a cheesecake - after 7pm when it’s half-price.”- Phin Wong, TODAY

I took months to compile this list. Really a painstakingly effort as I had sold all the old newspapers to the garang guni man at the time when I decided to pen this post. Hooh, managed to complete it still!

What are some of your favourite quotes from our friendly newmen and women?