Geek Is The New Black

Breaking The GRC Stronghold

2011-05-08T04:39:00.007+08:00

So the votes have been tallied and the results are out. On 8th May 2011, Singaporeans woke up to the reality of a stronger Workers' Party; having wrested the Aljunied GRC stronghold containing 3 Ministers no less from PAP and retained their traditional bulwark of Hougang, their presence in the Parliament has strengthened from 1 seat to 6 (not including any possible NCMPs too). This is also the most number of elected Opposition seats taken up since Singapore's independence.

But the feeling of dissatisfaction is strong in the air and one wonders if PAP will take heed. They have clearly lost ground; the previous election in 2006 PAP having garnered 66.7% of the votes, only 60.14% voted for them in 2011. Two PAP heavyweight ministers, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Minister Mah Bow Tan also received poorer scores for their "report cards" this time round, having lost a significant share of votes from the previous election. These 2 constituencies were also notable for their 'wins' due to the slate of fresh candidates offered up by National Solidarity Party. For first time contestants, their share of votes gained were very credible and noteworthy.

But on a whole, what tips could the opposition parties glean from this election?

1) Consistent Messaging

The Workers' Party's communications plan was the strongest and the tightest amongst ALL the parties contesting this time round. Yes, even the PAP could take a lesson or two. Having attended their rallies and watched their videos online, every candidate knew the party's mission and ideals by heart and embodied it. Ending every speech with a consistent "Vote for the Workers' Party towards a First World Parliament", that line became synonymous with the party and in fact, the strongest rallying cry for the election.

I will not go into whether the message itself could have been better, but their consistent delivery cannot be faulted. The PAP recognised and went for the jugular by attempting to tear it apart, with MP Indranee Singh leading the pack. But Mr Low successfully rebutted every attack backed up by Ms Sylvia Lim in the press and the messaging was reinforced credibly by every candidate during the rallies. So not only did they settle on a communications message, but plans were laid for a vigorous defense and strong comebacks to what was a rather predictable PAP challenge.

2) Brand Loyalty

Workers' Party candidates also stand out by having a strong loyalty to the cause, something in which every other political party (besides PAP) suffers heavily from. In this aspect, I actually believe that WP took a leaf or two from PAP's own book!

The leader and "star appeal" from the get go has always been Mr Low Thia Kiang, flanked by the very capable and charismatic Ms Sylvia Lim and the extremely credible Mr Chen Show Mao. Mr Pritam Singh also came into his own with his steadfast delivery but overall, the strongest spotlight was trained on Mr Low and nobody else fought to detract that from him. And it worked for the voters. Mr Low came across as a strong party leader backed by strong lieutenants and the voters bought it. Having stepped out firmly into the unknown to contest for a GRC, the challenge was thrown during Nomination Day and the battle lines were drawn.

PAP tried to play a game of chicken, challenging Aljunied GRC voters if they dared sacrifice Foreign Minister George Yeo for a normal MP like Mr Low but that strategem backfired tremendously. And it went to show that voters were not impressed with titles and fancy sounding portfolios; instead a strong character coupled with integrity was what counted and WP came out the stronger winner.

The National Solidarity Party got off to a shaky start with the loss of their Principal Election Agent and older brother of party chief Goh Meng Seng. From then on, it sadly became the Nicole Seah Show, with attention within and without the party trained solely on her young shoulders with very little else coming from the rest of the party candidates. But what a marvelous job she pulled off, backing Senior Minister to the polls with only 54% of the votes garnered. This was an incredible feat made no less by the fact that she was a political newcomer. Very little was heard from party chief Mr Goh Meng Seng through out (the other Mr Goh) despite Mah Bow Tan's obvious unpopularity and SM Goh's clumsy gaffes. Previously touted star candidates or "A-team" comprising of former scholars and couple Tony Tan and Hazel Poa also failed to impress or garner much traction amongst voters.

But it could have been better. The musical chair of opposition candidates played out prior to Nomination Day did not help the cause overall with personas and egos jumping ship every so often. The Reform Party suffered the worst of this and generally arrived at Nomination Day with an air of having cobbled their candidates from anybody and everybody willing to "have a go at it". Not the sort to inspire faith in a voter from the get go if they knew that your candidate joined you just a couple of months or even weeks / days prior to the elections. The only party that stood above and away from the opposition fray with regard to "talent" was Workers' Party and they have the results to show for it. Voters like to know you are in it for the long haul and that includes your membership to the party. After all, Singaporeans like stability even when voting for change.

I think Alex Au once stated that to argue for the greater cause of "unity" was to be disloyal to the party's cause of gaining more seats and sadly, this has played out to be true. Perhaps it is the very nature of an opposition candidate that makes him or her unable to stay within a party that has a set of rules and regulations he or she can't agree with. After all isn't the hallmark of a PAP candidate one that submits to group-mandate?

I personally believe that in the months ahead, we will see loser candidates leave their current parties and join others or set up new ones.

3) Having A Media Plan

A pleasant surprise from this election was the improvement of coverage allocated to opposition parties this time round. The local press had obviously realised that they no longer had the stranglehold on news in the era of Facebook and the Internet. Unfortunately most if not all opposition were caught off-guard but how nicely the press was playing this time round and were still playing by the old rules i.e. do not trust or rely the local press to get your message out. This in a way, is a sad indictment of the trust our local citizenry has towards the press but that's a post for another time.

So aside from the traditional podium pounding speeches and the clumsy fumblings of urging supporters to "share" links and videos online, the opposition failed by and large to play to the local media, something that PAP has had the luxury of since inception. By the time various opposition figures realised this, it was rather too late into the campaign and PAP has as usual stolen a march on them.

Vivian Balakrishnan's attempted smear campaign on SDP backfired and ironically hit him in where he least expected it; via the local press. Disapproving and unforgiving opinions were published and aired in local papers for once, reflecting the louder disgust heard online and within days, the PAP camp found itself in a position of scrambling to regain lost moral high ground. But the fair play exhibited by the local press was unexpected and to be honest, unprecedented and the opposition failed to capitalise on their gains.

All that said, whether this continues to remain as a normal state of affairs remain to be seen as PAP evaluates the performance of the media under their control and whether hidden repercussions are dealt or felt with after the results are known. The loss of a GRC and a well-liked Foreign Minister is guaranteed to rattle the highest management and as history has shown, PAP is not above changing the rules or altering the playing field to suit itself.

Confessions of a Once-PAP Voter

2011-05-01T03:06:00.003+08:00

Originally posted at http://www.facebook.com/notes/nicholas-lim/confessions-of-a-once-pap-voter/210916142266133

I grew up in a PAP household. Mum worked for the PAP & was only one reporting level away from a Minister himself. I even volunteered for a couple of PAP events but was vaguely uncomfortable with something I couldn't quite put my finger on. Election periods while growing up meant losing Mum for those campaigning days where she accompanied the Minister as part of the grassroots team going door-to-door canvassing for votes. I recall one GE in particular where Cheng San GRC was The Hot Seat. Mum allowed us to stay up to watch the results come in and we all burst out in spontaneous cheering when PAP won. The just and right government had won and I was proud of my Mum for being part of that process. I didn't understand what were the consequences of a PAP-dominated parliament; these were matters best left to the adults.

Getting to know friends who stayed in Hougang were like getting to know another species of Singaporean. "What's it like living in an OPPOSITION ward?" was a question asked with much gleeful curiousity. My first glimpse of Potong Pasir disappointed slightly; I was expecting a bunch of HDB dwellers really down in the dumps, probably going about their day with snarls and grimaces. Instead it was just like any other HDB neighbourhood, just with more visible wear-and-tear around the edges. I was so glad my parents chose to live in AND vote for a PAP-led ward; I can't imagine life without lifts on every floor and a thriving neighbourhood hub with its own MRT station! Upgrading being allocated to PAP-held constituencies seemed like a logical extension of things, the way the government explained things. But then again, I couldn't vote and these were matters best left to politically-inclined individuals.

The advent of the Internet changed all that perception. Curiosity had always gotten me into trouble before (another story for another day) and one fine day, for the life of me I can't recall why now, I decided to look up political parties on the Internet. PAP's website was a natural starting point; everything was as you can expect it to be. Information was parsely doled out with the usual tidbits on how successful Singapore was and how PAP being in charge was responsible for this and how you as a Singaporean, was truly lucky to be part of this utopia we were all working towards. It further amplified my sense that if I wasn't satisfied and happy with the state of things, I wasn't a true Singaporean then.

The first opposition website I peeked into was Worker's Party. It wasn't very well fleshed out back then (this was before 2005) and a lot of it seemed statistics based or focused. I lost interest pretty quickly and looked for more.

Then I found SDP's and I was blown away. For the first time, there were questions I had always thought about vaguely & then quickly quashed as undeserving of a true Singaporean. Far from the much-demonised caricature one usually sees in the mainstream press, the figures of SDP were normal and caring Singaporeans with a difference but oh what a large one. They dared question the status quo and refuse to settle for less. They put forth in not so many words that the government should be accountable to the people, not the other way around. They fought against blind acceptance of governmental "edicts" and spoke up regarding alleviating the plight of less fortunate Singaporeans. They told me that I had rights as a citizen, rights which were summarily dismissed and taken away without my knowledge.

From then on, I started to read our local press with a much greater level of awareness and also questioned what I read. SDP updated their website with the greatest frequency and I devoured their insights and arguments with great relish. The mrbrown/mr-miyagi fiasco with TODAY (I can't recall ofhand now sorry) made me realise the government began to regard the Internet with fear. They were losing control on how information and more importantly, the truth was being disseminated and they didn't like it. The rise of socio-political portals like The Online Citizen and Temasek Review began to offer editorialised counter viewpoints to the current affairs in Singapore, albeit amateurish. But information was power and I began to feel empowered. I swore that the next time I voted, it would be with both eyes wide open.

Fast forward to 2011. The issues put forth by the Opposition are the same with one exception; the opening of the foreign labour floodgates. Cost of living in Singapore has shot up tremendously as compared to the previous decade along with housing and transport. The government's refusal to agree to a minimum wage system means the lower-income families struggle even harder just to survive and local Singaporeans across every level have to compete with an indiscriminate flood of cheaper foreign labour, loosely disguised as necessary "talent". The PAP always says that with them in charge, the years ahead will always be good. But this time round, I regard a PAP-helmed future with much trepidation.

Over the last 5 years, I have been marginalised and belittled as a Singaporean. I served my National Service with great pride but I witness stories of how locals are sidelined in favour of cheaper foreign imports. A Singaporean ten dollar doesn't go as far as it used to, even in Johor Bahru. Taking the public transport, shopping in our plentiful malls, eating in our local eateries, I have never felt the lack of our national identity more. If I were to order food, I have to be mindful to speak slowly to the China server. If I were to call regarding local services, I have to adjust myself to a Filipino accent. At work, should I be required to interact with the IT department, I have to get used to the thick India-n accent.

Today though, I had the luxury of an all-Singaporean experience at the Worker's Party rally at Bedok Stadium. A Malay family who had arrived early like me, brought spare mats and spread them out, inviting everyone to sit and share with them. During Somasundaram's rally speech, an local Indian was helpfully translating the gist of it to us fellow non-Tamil speaking folk. A Chinese uncle who had spare bottles of water offered them to us when it was 2 hours into the rally.

The irony struck me that for the first time in years, I felt connected and closer to my fellow Singaporeans at an event that is probably the most grudgingly sanctioned one by the PAP - a rally whose purpose was to TOPPLE the PAP. The outpouring of affection and camaraderie was a hundred times more genuine than any extravagant NDP parade, much less the farce that was the YOG. People all around me cheered, hooted and jeered in perfect synchronicity. Everyone were expressing their joy at hearing the opposition speak out against the silent injustices inflicted upon us by the PAP and how over the years, we were regarded less as citizens and more like statistics and figures crucial only to their ever increasing stratospheric self-awarded salaries.

So as a fellow Singaporean, the upcoming week is a crucial one. I ask that you do not take the PAP's words at blind faith; the information is out there and easily available. For those who prefer to harken back to the days of yore, I can only say this; the PAP of our parents' generation is long gone. The ministers of today are less concerned with our welfare and more interested in meeting "KPIs" and "benchmarks". Pursuing economic growth blindly is not the solution nor the answer. These are acceptable practises when it comes to work but when it comes to managing a country, a nation with our lives and our children's future at stake, it is not enough and should not be acceptable.

We have the chance to make things right. It comes only once every 5 years. Do you dare risk another half a decade with a careening PAP at the wheel?

ADDENDUM - Posted this after a friend's friend queried my stance regarding immigrants.

I have nothing against immigrants who are here to stay; I have Korean blood in me from my dad's side. Mum's family is Peranakan & I've got family in Malacca.

However I do take issue with these so-called "talents" who come here for a quick stint & easy access to a PR status with no intention of staying whatsoever. I am unhappy with a government that has no qualms in flooding our country with transient foreign workers.

The neighbourhood coffeeshops at my area have been taken over completely by PRC workers - from the kopi stall to the chicken rice to the fishball noodles to the zhar cai fan. The single malay stalls had to close down because the malay residents didn't feel comfortable having their meals there IN THEIR OWN NEIGHBOURHOOD.

I recently went shopping at Tampines Mall and nearly every shop I went into were unable to serve me in English. I can only wonder at the business logic that excludes non-mandarin speaking customers. Just because I happen to speak mandarin myself does not excuse anything.

A year ago, the firm I worked in hired a Filipino studio manager. Within 6 months, 3/4s of the original team were replaced with fellow Filipinos; a colleague close to her cited that she found it difficult to work with local designers and hence she made the switch. And they all talk incessantly of the day they get to go back to their own country and buy a house.

I have lots of expatriate friends who have come here looking for work and end up finding love, set up home and settled down. They are no less Singaporean to me than my other friends; but I do take offence at a government that refuses to implement a minimum wage and forces us locals to compete with cheaper imports who don't have to contend with the long term consequences of living here.

The Truth Behind The Bullshit

2011-04-19T14:25:00.001+08:00

Patriotism : Blood vs Country?

2010-11-26T13:24:00.003+08:00

So by now everyone in Singapore knows a little bit more on how Mas Selamat escaped the authorities and fled the country to Malaysia. Yup, his brother, sister-in-law and niece were in on it. *pause for dramatic gasp of shock*.

R e a l l y? Did it surprise anyone to know that he a) had help and b) had it from FAMILY? Well the fact that he fled dressed as a WOMAN was a cause for some hilarity but honestly, trust a terrorist to once again abuse religion in the name of his own fucked-up agenda.

But it all makes for good reading while the PAP government stumble and blush over their facetiously worded press releases and farcical Q&A in Parliament (what kind of a clown would ask if Shanmugam would ensure that women wearing the tudung would not face discrimination when it came to employment, "entering security areas" etc.?!) Note too, the breathless exhortations by various red-faced figures in the government for the people not to blame the Malay-Muslim community over the latest divulgence in the Toilet-Break case.

Well for a bunch of people who are paid multi-million dollar salaries, they sure are fucking stupid. Nobody and I mean NOBODY is blaming the Malay-Muslim community for this entire bad circus sideshow they have going on here. EVERYONE however is well aware of the monumental cock-up led by Wong Kan Seng in his previous multi-million dollar role as Home Affairs Minister (jog our memory abit, what is he NOW again?!) And everyone is sick of the blame-pushing and "cover-backside" statements (then again, how typically 'government' of them, as anyone who has done NS will attest to).

What would really surprise anyone would be if WKS had the balls to step up and say, "I fucked up, here's my resignation." If he needed help, South Korea's now ex-Defence Minister, Mr Kim Tae Young could give him some tips on how to bow out like a man and with honour. But again honestly, I wouldn't hold my breath. I'd even dare say there are better odds of Mas Selamat saying "Fuck you JI, I wanna be a normal person instead of running around wearing a tudung and planning to blow shit up."

Ok fine, my rant's over. But here's the crux of my post; why on earth did his family, his own flesh and blood help Mas Selamat, an alleged terrorist as proclaimed by the government? According to the sketchy news reports, it seemed that during his 2 day jaunt across the island from Whitney to Tampines, Mas Selamat already knew (or thought he knew) that his niece a) stayed alone and b) would be partial to assisting him further in his escape.

Assuming that his family members aren't raving lunatic terrorists, after all they all seemed to be normal Singaporeans with the niece even working as a teacher for MOE, why did they not take one look at Mas Selamat and go "OMG you're planning to blow up our neighbours and friends! I happen to LIKE Yishun MRT station! GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE!" (or something to that effect).

Or did he sell his family a different version of his side of the story? Note that while he has been locked up at Whitney all this while, presumably under the ISA act (I cbf to read up on this), he has not been charged and convicted within a proper court of law. How far would one have to go to ignore his/her conscience in order to help a loved one who is so obviously wrong in his ideals and actions? Did they consider an intervention of some kind or did they in some misguided way, believe that his incarceration was wrong in the first place? Note also that his nephew, who although did nothing of substance to assist his uncle further in his escape, was also privy to the information that Mas Selamat was taking up transvestism in his home and did nothing to alert the bungling authorities about it.

In a nutshell, do their actions hint of a deeper seated root of resentment and defiance against the government?

Opposition Parties: Reaching Out To New Citizens?

2010-09-28T17:13:00.005+08:00

Decided to just post up my comment / reply to a friend's FB where commentors were anti-new citizen for the upcoming elections.

"Distasteful as it may be, the truth is the floodgates have been opened and they are here. Whether they are here to stay long term or not, they are here NOW for the immediate future and I'd expect, curious if not eager to exercise their new voting rights.

Reaching out to them is a must. The opposition should not, must not overlook this silent bloc of voters.

Right now they may be feeling the heat from born Singaporeans; it's easy to direct anger and place the blame for the country's woes at the many feet of these new citizens and PRs. But we should not forget the original culprits (i.e. PAP) in favour for an easier target.

If PAP is the only political party offering them succor, then you can be sure they will vote PAP. The ultimate coup de grace would be to get these new citizens to vote PAP out along with every born and bred Singaporean."

That said, what would a new citizen like to hear from an opposition party that would convince him or her to switch sides? I believe everyone agrees that the average new citizen would more or less have a strong preference, if not loyalty towards the incumbent PAP. The propaganda has been carefully laid from the very first moment a prospective citizen hears about Singapore. About how Singapore has only had one political party ruling it since Independence and how it has brought Singapore to where it is today.

The many attributes that foreigners love about Singapore are also tied back to PAP; an efficient government bureacracy, political stability, safe streets and an undisrupted economy, immigration-friendly policies. The many fallacies of the PAP rule are unnoticed by prospective citizens precisely because they are new. Aside from the obvious difference being a shorter amount of time spent in Singapore, many of them are not subjected to localised policies like National Service or subjected to "mix & try" educational experiments. Having spent over a year living overseas (in Phnom Penh no less), I can definitely appreciate how attractive Singapore is as a new home destination and how it all links back to the PAP rule.

So what can an opposition party offer to tempt votes over? After all it is only human to abhor change. And we cannot assume that these new citizens who are sharing the same social spaces as born & bred Singaporeans are ignorant or deaf to the rising resentment towards their presence on this tiny island. If anything, I'd bet they view any opposition party as a threat to their long term survivability in this country, not to mention long term plans to bring over more of their family and friends.

So I would definitely advocate against any xenophobic speeches or proposed policies during the upcoming General Elections. Playing to the audience is expected but not to the extent of driving this bloc of new voters further into the trenches of the PAP side. I'm no policy maker so i can't think what would entice or attract new voters but I can definitely say what wouldn't work and anti-foreigners, anti-immigration and anti-new blood policies is not the route to take in the road ahead.

Rising Tensions & Widening Cracks - The Road Ahead To Elections

2010-09-27T22:50:00.009+08:00

I had a kinda oddball conversation with someone online recently regarding political communications and its outreach in Singapore. I mean, even the most casual of observers would notice the palpable tension in Singapore these days with the government. Just for a quick recap (and background info in case you were hiding under a rock), the litany of woes run the gamut from bread & butter issues (foreigners, floods, overcrowding in public transport, rising costs of living against lower wages) to special interests (mandatory death penalty, gay rights, soaring HDB prices).

Singaporeans by and large are unhappy and dissatisfied to the point whereby more and more are shedding the facade of politeness or even institutional fear when addressing "those in charge". This could also be attributed to the increased uptake since the last elections by Singaporeans when it comes to social networking and mobile net access. In the past when blogging or posting one's frustrations was done best from behind a PC or laptop, these days anything and everything could be posted on the fly with a 3G enabled camera phone. Point, snap and tweet.

What's also notable this time round for the upcoming elections; the number of PAP administrative flops being served up as very juicy political fodder for the opposition. Again thanks to the high penetration of Singaporeans on the internet, political farces such as the Mas Selamat break-out, Orchard Road floods, general apathy & distaste towards the YOG and many more would be dredged up in all their pixelated glory for delicious sound bites repeatedly. As they say, you can't delete anything on the internet and many PAP stalwarts would find themselves tasting shoe leather with their infamous quotes replayed over and over again.

Even the PAP's previous trump card of having the state media faithfully devoting columns and columns of fawning print to their candidates WILL backfire this time round if they execute the same old communications plan of denying or worse, censoring opposition parties fair play and coverage in the press. Again, the populace is more net savvy this time round and what's more, hungry for alternative news and information. Whereas the opposition parties were relatively new to exploiting the digital platforms during the last election, they have improved vastly this time round, having laid digital footprints and groundwork years before the PAP even started noticing how far behind they are lagging. And oh trust me lagging far behind they are, especially if the recent farce of a PAP facebook page is anything to go by.

And the comical thing about the PAP institutional mind is how much they shoot themselves in the foot when it comes to managing communications. Their corporate communications philosophy is best summed up in three words: Knee Jerk Reactions. The powers that are have an institutional habit of presuming the people to be simple digits or automatons, best managed with a regulation or law. But when faced with people willing to think out of the box (a certain toilet-prison break comes to mind), challenge the status quo with research and facts, economic factors or even Mother Nature herself, all we hear are lame sounding excuses like "we were caught off-guard" and faulting current technology and science for not being up to the task! (I have to include the Japanese answer to that for posterity though) I am pretty sure nobody will blink in surprise when the PAP unveils their updated "gag order" in a desperate attempt to ~~threaten~~ convince voters that credible information can only be gotten by the state sanctioned press.

Another telling difference for this upcoming elections would be the fact that PM Lee has had an entire first term to show what he was able to deliver for Singaporeans and so far the response from the ground is far from happy. Contrary to the often touted "66.6" number, the PAP only got 35.32% of the electoral mandate, thanks to its 'kelong'-rigged electoral boundaries leading to the Uniquely Singapore syndrome of walkovers in the polls. The Singaporean transferred deference (or preference?) to the son of the still-revered LKY might be wearing off, especially with the widely perceived lack of touch that the PM has with our people leading to murmurs that the previous administration under Goh Chok Tong may be viewed as the "good ol' days" now. The on-ground sentiment is now largely wary at the thought of "5 more years under PAP".

And so far the online efforts by SDP, SPP and RP are paying off, based on my personal perception and interaction with those politically active and inclined. Credit also has to go largely towards independent and alternative news sites like The Online Citizen and Temasek Review (formerly the WayangParty.com lol!), along with numerous blogs and forums for creating digital spaces where the airing of previously taboo or unthinkable subjects, issues or even grouses are now posted, read avidly and commented to death upon. These sites also play a crucial role in being regular soapboxes or podiums for political opposition voices to talk about their policies or reactions to crucial current affairs. (I have to admit at being a little curious though non too surprised at WP's lethargy in exploiting the same arenas or forums, given their lackluster engagement as compared to their more vocal counterparts. As a friend pointed out, it does however lend a sardonic credence to my PAP-lite theory)

But the fallacy of the Internet is that it is still at the end of the day, a fetch medium. Short of a possessing a very large media budget (which is silly given the largely free nature of the Internet!), no less amount of effort should be put into canvassing and spreading the word-of-mouth regarding a political party's ideologies and what they stand for ONLINE than say, the amount of resources poured into a walkabout. If anything, I would say the effort allocated should be even higher. After all it is so much easier to maintain constant visibility online vis-a-vis popping up in person to say hi in a wet market and homes every now and then. Efforts must be made to create and studiously maintain a wide digital network of Singaporeans on various demographic levels, especially in the face of how ineffectual the incumbent government is on this front.

And I cannot stress this enough because while it is easy to assume that most if not all Singaporeans are getting their news online now, THAT IS STILL NOT SO. Media research shows that the majority of the heartlanders, the aunties and uncles, yours and my parents are still very much traditional and conservative in getting their news feeds. Which means they are still being fed the same old government propaganda; the same old diet of PAP excuses, doomsday scenarios and threats of how terrible things would be if they aren't in-charge. it is not that they are not online; they are just unaccustomed to thinking or even considering that alternative truths or versions can be had online, contrary to the milk-sopped diet courtesy of the 133rd.

Judging by the tremendous turnout for opposition rallies during the GE2006, it is obvious that Singaporeans by and large are hungry and willing to listen to alternative voices (though whether they get to vote or not is a different matter). Translate that to the ease of reaching out and pulling in these interested audiences online and the oppositions' work is cut out for them. Provided they pick up the pace and act now to put such a huge lead behind them that the PAP has no hope of catching up.

Encounter Of The Rude Kind

2010-09-24T16:20:00.005+08:00

So my colleagues and I decided to take the train one afternoon, to a different location for lunch. We were heartily sick of the food around our area and for the heck of it, wanted to try something new.

The train at approximately 1.30pm was PACKED. Fortunately it was only 1 stop, so we just shrugged and boarded the train. There was space barely enough to accommodate the 4 of us. Conversation was mundane, with us just discussing work and what not.

The train had barely pulled out of the station when I noticed that a family consisting of a mother, her 4-5year old kid and grandmother had gotten / stood up from the seats next to the door. My colleagues were pretty absorbed in discussing work and over the clamour of the train, didn't notice the mother's rather abrupt and rude "ExCUSE me!" as she tried to angle for the door with her kid in tow.

However I did and quickly taking stock of the situation, realised that was absolutely no way for us to maneuver anyway. Anyone who takes the MRT would have at one point in time or another understand what I am talking about. You are pressed like a sardine against the door to the point when your hands are almost pinned to the side and any movement on your part had best be executed with ginger care.

I caught the mother's glaring eye over my colleague's shoulder and gave an apologetic smile and said "It's alright, we are getting off the next station." Again, perhaps due to the clamour of the train, she didn't hear me (or want to) and brayed again in an increasingly annoying nasal tone "ExCUSE me!" By now my colleagues had caught on to what was going on. The train however at this point was only at its midpoint in between stations. Given the cramped space we were in, honestly I wonder at what was going through the mind of the annoying mother!

I rolled my eyes at my colleague who was looking at me with a quizzical expression. Now amongst us 4, this colleague of mine H is not local. He's a pretty mild mannered guy from KL with a penchant for polo tees and thick black rimmed glasses. I opened my mouth to tell him, well I dunno what because at this point the annoying mother kinda lunged and tried to shove him aside in a bid to make a break for the door. All she accomplished however was that my colleague was off his balance and pushed into the surprised faces of my other 2 colleagues and instead of facing the door, she was facing all 1.79metres and 80 kilograms of a very cheesed off me (fine I need to lose weight ggrrr). Which to hear it from my colleague was a rather comical sight considering the mother was probably only 1.6m at best.

Ok so I admit it, at this point my patience which was already wearing thin thanks to the hot weather. I bent down or rather, loomed over her a little and snapped at her, "Look woman, what's your problem? We are getting off at the next stop too and the train hasn't bloody stopped! Can't you wait??"

She blinked a couple of times and trained (haha pun!) her sullen glare at me for a couple of moments before retorting "You all are standing there like statues!" to which I arched an eyebrow in a most condescending manner and replied "Well your sour face is enough to turn people into stone too!" I was surprised and mildly gratified at the titters and giggles that ensued around us.

Okok so it wasn't my proudest moment but seriously, I have had it with the increasingly packed shoving masses one finds everywhere in Singapore these days. It's a well known fact that Singaporeans by and large are not known for their social graces and coupled with a rapidly increasing population straining at the seams, you can bet that whatever little civic graces the past few courtesy campaigns have managed to inculcate are vaporizing faster than the flood waters around Bukit Timah after a storm.

So the government wants to further compound the problem by importing another 80,000 foreigners "only" from their initial target of 100,000. The cynical side of me goes "Oh yeah and how many more they gonna bring in AFTER they win the elections to make up for this necessary public relations move?"

PA's Surest Guarantee Of An Election Landslide Win

2010-09-12T22:24:00.002+08:00

So having caught snippets of that old man, LKY giving interviews of what's it like to watch his wife succumb to sickness despite the best medical care available etc. (welcome to the club old man. been there done that without the luxury of a private SQ Boeing too) and talking like his days are running out and how he fights dementia by hanging around to work (is that why our retirement's age going up? So thoughtful of him!) etc. etc. blah blah and the cynical side of me kicked in and went...

"Wow if this old conker kicks the bucket NOW, PAP's gonna sweep the election polls like hell."

I mean, it's not hard to imagine the scene into should HE die. The past few years we've had previous PAP stalwarts buy the farm and the lines of "grieving Singaporeans" forming to weep and share in the moment have been nothing but gag-and-eyeball-inducing. So imagine the frantic mania and faux hysteria everyone will be whipped into when he goes. After all this is no less than the father figure generations have been misled to solely credit for Singapore's current success.

Honestly, I see the aftermath of his death to be pretty much like what happened after Chairman Mao was declared dead. Only ours will be a whole lot neater, better processed and even with matching commemorative EZ-link cards perhaps.

I wouldn't put it past the wily old man to perform one last kamikaze mission just for his son's regime.

Are We All Becoming Pauline Hansons?

2010-09-05T01:22:00.001+08:00

Surf anywhere on the local blogosphere, forums and alternative news sites, you'd find an article or more regarding the unhappiness with foreign immigration or as the laughable misnomer by the PAP goverment calls them, "foreign talent".

The government's badly managed PR push to get Singaporeans to welcome these "necessary talent" is met with a rising tide of scorn and cynicism from a populace long assumed to be apathetic or even guileless to the self entrenched ruling parties ham-handed way of pushing unpopular policies through. For years, the smug "men in white" were able and grew accustomed to
steamrolling national initiatives (increase of GST from 5% - 7%, constant revision of public transport fares etc.) with nary a peep or murmur from the usually pliant citizens. But with the ascension of Lee Hsien Loong to the foregone conclusion of Prime Minister-ship and his opening of the floodgates *snicker to allow unrelenting streams of foreigners, particularly the ones from China and India, the administrations usual tactic of issuing positive-sounding-but-devoid-of-substantive-measures sound bites don't seem to be playing out well anymore.

The rising resentment stems from the fact that most Singaporeans have or are realising that these so-called talent are often just a convenient label for importing cheap labour for menial work. The chorus of dissent sings out that these foreign workers are taking up jobs that could and should be filled by a Singaporean. The evidence is as plain as PM Lee's pink shirt during his National Day Rally; foreigners have now taken up work in coffeeshops, retail outlets, bus captains and so many more. A fawning article by our state press helpfully points out all the other menial work currently being carried out by the so-called talent that the government claims Singapore needs in order to grow the economy and create jobs.

Way I see it, call a spade and a fish a fish. Have the balls to step up and admit that Singapore needs cheap foreign labour to take up jobs that Singaporeans have no interest in filling. Cut the crap with calling them "talent". The initial perception of an influx of well-educated and well heeled foreigners here to do some much-needed technology transfer were quickly dispelled when the first of many pei-du mamas started showing up in the press, arrested for moonlighting as "masseuse" and what not.

Next on the resentment list is the fact that these same 'talents' now strain our national infrastructure to the point where it's bursting at the seams. Other complaints point out that these new immigrants evince no interest in learning our language, leading to many a frustrated encounter in local shops and restaurants. Others point out that the practise of offering cheap citizenships to foreigners led to a bull run on the property market and more importantly, the government subsidised housing apartments. Housing prices have soared to astronomical heights. Foreign students are also offered scholarships and take up places in our local schools and universities. The list could go on and on.

The unhappy truth of course (though no one in the government would have the balls to come out and say it) is that capitalism at the end of the day wins. Many companies take advantage of the foreign-worker-to-locals quota wherever possible to hire cheaper skilled labour. All businesses exist for one reason and one reason alone - to make money. To claim otherwise is a crock of bullshit. As they say, money saved is money earned.

So are we in danger of becoming Pauline Hansons with this rising tide of hysteria over foreign workers coming in to steal our jobs, our homes, our childrens' places in schools? Pauline shot to international fame when she espoused a no-immigrants policy when she was running for elections. Her diatribe over "Asians" taking up jobs, homes and places in school now sound eerily familiar.

Truth is, I personally don't believe that the government owes its people long term job security or first priority in landing a job for that matter. It should however be responsible and oversee other factors that makes Singapore a great place to set up business in i.e. office rents, tax rebates. Instead of giving out lame handouts like GST Offset Package, set aside a real fund from which citizens can draw from to further improve themselves via training courses or the like. Grants for a worker to upgrade himself should be accessible to the individual himself, not dependent on a company. Artificially depressing wages by not implementing a minimum wage and making it so easy for a foreigner to find work here is just plain wrong.

That said, I think it sucks that I have to compete unfairly with a foreign worker for a job. But how I choose to deal with it is to make myself the best candidate possible. I do believe in being hired for my skills and knowledge, not because of my nationality. I have had to interview candidates for positions within my team or department before and the appalling examples of ill-prepared applicants are usually the local ones, whereas foreign applicants come across as earnest, hardworking and sometimes eager to please. Coupled with a "lower price tag", how can one blame local employers for choosing to hire "outside" help then?

Thanks For Making Me Believe

2010-09-05T00:36:00.001+08:00

Dedicated to that very Special Someone. Thanks for being there, for loving me the way you do, for never giving up on me.

Happy anniversary.

Following The Bible

2010-09-02T11:41:00.000+08:00

Now before you think this is going to be a preachy Christian post by me, worry not. It is a preachy historical post instead. The religious reference is important for the fact that well, modern society these days derived its moral authority from religion, which back in ye olden days provided for a mostly civilized setting for the people back then.

One of the things that infuriate me when it comes to the discourse of any issue is when the person goes into ideological mode and starts to quote the Bible as a justification for his/her very flawed beliefs. From capital punishment ("an eye for an eye") to condemnation of homosexuality, these ostrich-people (cos' they stick their head in the sand) simply parrot back that it's wrong and it says so in that oh-so-very-flawed book.

Well it says in the Bible, Deuteronomy 21:18-21, "If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him, 19 his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town. 20 They shall say to the elders, "This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a profligate and a drunkard." 21 Then all the men of his town shall stone him to death."

That is but just ONE example of the many outdated "teachings" from that book. It also says that thieves should get their right hand lopped off, if a woman loses her husband, his brother should take her in along with any surviving children, polygamy is approved of and oh by the way, so is slavery! if one was caught doing work on the Sabbath,

This next one is hilarious. Deuteronomy 22:11 says "Thou shall not wear cloth of wool and linen mixed together."

I believe that the Bible reflected the thinking of times back then and it served its purpose. But for modern day context, a lot of it is just plain wrong. As thinking and feeling humans, to blindly follow the words from a book reproduced from over 2,000 years back is not just wrong, it's intellectual abdication.

And for the fundamentalists who cherry pick and choose which "teachings" they wish to follow and which ones to rabidly espouse, evangelise and advocate, it's moral hypocrisy.

The Singapore Hotel

2010-09-01T12:03:00.000+08:00

So by now the internet and local media is abuzz with the latest National Day Rally by PM Lee Hsien Loong. The state press in its usual oh-so-North Korea style has nothing but plaudits and heavily laden praise for his speech, while the local netizens have been nothing but scornful and cynical.

Personally, my reaction (after reading the bullet points on the PMO website) was more "meh" than anything else. Uneventful as my Sunday was, I didn't wish to further bore myself by watching crap. And the next day's headlines totally justified it.

Let's see, "$9000 to be given to NSmen" reads like a good soundbite, until you realise that most of it will be locked up in CPF i.e. going back to the government anyway. Yeah sure, tell us it's for housing and crap when all along prices have been elevated beyond any reasonable levels. It's like selling rice at an over-inflated premium and then giving you a 10% voucher for it.

What else? Oh yeah, a feeble acknowledgement of how public transport is so over-crowded and how they're going to spend BILLIONS fixing the problem?! Sure, jack up transport costs and then tell us you're looking into adding trains and extending platforms. Thing is, after all these are done, how much MORE are we going to be charged, AGAIN?

One line made me snigger though. He said that if you were not able to get into the first train, be rest assured that you should be able to board the next one. What happened to that joke of a SMRT CEO saying crap like "People can board the trains, it's whether they want to" ? Did the camera pan to her reddened face in the audience? Did she even get an e-invite in the first place? ROFL.

Usual drivel on how foreign talent is here to stay and create more jobs. What's really laughable were the examples he chose to employ. The bus captain who touched lives and sparked off the flood (yeah guess what I'm gonna rant on next :P ) of sentimental letters made me laugh. Maudlin as it sounded, it really begged the question of "Is that it? Bring on the foreigners because we're going to get better bus service!" The way he talked about it, you would have thought the decades of local bus captains prior were all a sullen lot.

I could go on picking his speech apart but let me sum it up. It held N-O-T-H-I-N-G of interest to me as an ordinary citizen. No mention or acknowledgement was given towards the very real fears and dreams of Singaporeans. Nothing substantial about managing the cost of living or base wages. Not a peep about how the government realizes how certain policies may have NOT worked and are looking to address them. Not even a blush on the Orchard Road floods debacle nor an apology the very-real on the ground anti sentiment towards the recently concluded YOG. Forget about the lapse in security in the Mas Selamat or MRT vandalism cases too please. Housing costs have risen at such an astronomical rate it's laughable how young couples are able to afford one, much less consider having babies, so now we finally get a "We're looking into it" a little too late. Seriously, the list could go on and on. Instead we were treated to a rambling monologue more focused on patting himself and his gerry-rigged Cabinet on the back.

I doubt anyone was naive enough to think that our PM would have the guts or gumption to actually step up and say, "We need an open discourse. We know many of you are feeling unhappy and worried. There are bread and butter issues that bother us all. We also need a debate on the death penalty; so many developed countries have signed a moratorium on this. We also need to work towards recognising minorities in our society, racial, sexual and the disadvantaged." Was anyone actually hopeful that for once, our Prime Minister would say something that resonates? Yeah right, keep on dreaming Singapore.

While Singapore may be a great place to do business, it is a lousy place to call home. Because home is where you choose to make a stand and fight for if the need calls for it. Right now, this "country" is more like a hotel. It's run with a 5-star efficiency, with the best amenities and facilities you may ask for. Based on your means, you may live in a deluxe, suite or penthouse unit. The moment something goes wrong, you make a complaint to the management and hope they listen. You don't really have a say in how things are run or managed. Speak out and don't be surprised if security comes knocking on your door. If you don't like it and have the means, check out and book into another ~~country~~ hotel to live in.

I may rave about the good times I have in a hotel, but when it's on fire or worse, attacked by terrorists, hell if I'm going to do anything else other than grab my own stuff and run. Put out the flames and help out? That's what the management is for, man.

Living In A Cloud

2010-08-31T18:28:00.000+08:00

Without my knowing it, I have totally shifted my computing habits to one that's very much tethered to the cloud computing system.

it started with mobileme a while back. The ease of having my browser bookmarks, emails and contacts synced seamlessly and more importantly, invisibly across 3 platforms was heavensent. And without realising it, I kinda took it for granted until one day I was rushing out of the office and wanted to read more on a link I had bookmarked, during the commute to a meeting only to realise that I hadn't allowed enough time for the "sync" to go through. Boy was I peeved. And then I began to laugh at how much I had taken it for granted.

I also began using Dropbox to sync work and reference files between my work laptop and home desktop. Thumb-drive to transport files? That's so archaic! And then yesterday my brother let me know that there was the iPhone version. OMG how could I not know this?!

These days with mobile devices stepping up and performing more functions beyond the intended "making phone calls", cloud computing has really come into its own. It's really easy to get into and the convenience it supplies to a busy individual's life is unrivalled. Thing is, how much of a crutch would this slowly become without us becoming aware of it? And what's worse, what would happen when one day something goes wrong and things fail as it inevitably would and should? Can you imagine the collective global scream of horror??

Anyway, here's an awesome website, the Expedition Titanic. What's it about? Well it's a pretty well publicized attempt (yet another) to raise and/or salvage the wreck of the RMS Titanic. Yes, THAT Titanic we all know and love (or hate depending on what kind of cold-hearted creep you are).

I'm mentioning this not because I'm a Titanic fanboy (though the nature of a world-famouse shipwreck DOES have its intrigue) but because of... the website itself!

It's an awesome concept, leveraging on the nature of a dive to have a website just scroll on downwards like seemingly forever. And done rather seamlessly too. But I have to say, using it is a tad of a chore on my Magic Mouse.

When A Family Has To Plead For A Loved One's Life

2010-08-26T18:47:00.000+08:00

Yong Vui Kong's Family Plead for his Life from Lianain Films on Vimeo.

This is a damn heart-breaking video, all the more so because it's shorn of any special editing or effects. It's raw, it's real and it's happening whether we are aware or not.

To be honest, I was one of those who were initially cynical and dismissive over this anti-death penalty campaign. Or any of its predecessors for that matter. "Just another drug trafficker sentenced to die, so?" was my general attitude and one that sums up alot of Singaporeans I believe.

I was idly following the coverage that The Online Citizen provides regarding this affair when a sentence from a speech struck me.

"This is about mercy."

And yes, that's when I realised how far removed I was becoming from my own humanity. To be so innured to the thought of another fellow human being that it doesn't cause more than a moment's consideration or worse, a sneer. Is that the kind of person I have become?

To those who say that he was caught and found guilty of a crime, well let those who knows no sin cast the first stone then. If not, STFU seriously.

So yeah, if you aren't aware of this issue, do find out more and sign the petition if you can.

End rant.

OMG I'm Quoted

2010-08-22T18:59:00.000+08:00

So a facebook rant of mine got quoted in a Temasek Review article. Woot?

Copied and pasted the article here. My quoted comment in bold.

Chee Soon Juan versus Low Thia Kiang: Who is a more effective opposition leader?
August 22nd, 2010 | OPINION

During a discussion on our Facebook, a netizen compared the contrasting styles between opposition leaders Chee Soon Juan and Low Thia Kiang, claiming that the public sees the latter as a more credible politician than the former.

“Take the case of CJS vs GOV, that guy keeps barking nonstop at anything and everything that the gov do without so much of any viable solutions. what do the general public see of him now? still credible? Take the other case of LTK vs GOV, he doesn’t bark like a mad dog. he criticizes, yet gives credit where its due, what’s the general public’s perception of him?”

It is a common misperception among many Singaporeans perpetuated by PAP leaders and the state media that Chee who minced no words in his criticisms of the PAP regime is a “destructive” politician while Low who almost never does, is a “constructive” opposition.

A real opposition leader should behave like Chee – keep asking difficult questions and take the PAP to task. That’s why the PAP and the state media tried so hard to demonize and fix him.

Chee is pretty mild compared to opposition leaders in other parts of Asia. Take for example the current Chief Minister of Penang Lim Guan Eng. He was jailed for 18 months under the Sedition Act in 1995 for distributing fliers calling for the arrest of Malacca’s former Mentri Besar Thamby Chik who was implicated in the molest of a minor. Lim also took part in several protests and rallies against the Barisan government. He “barked” much louder than CSJ and did not offer any viable solutions too. Now that he’s the CM of Penang, he introduced so many reforms such as calling for open tenders in public projects and releasing the salaries of public officials online.

Another example is South Korea’s former President Kim Dae Jung who was considered a “radical” in the 1970s. He organized a number of strikes and protests against the autocratic government of President Park Chung Hee and was almost assassinated by the Korean secret police in Japan. He did not offer any alternative vision for Korea either when he was lampooning the government. After he was elected the President of Korea, he dismantled the chaebols and democratized the entire nation. Korea is now a vibrant first world democracy.

Low Thia Kiang will be considered a stooge in other Asian democracies by cuddling up to the PAP leaders instead of taking them to task. When asked by PM Lee in Parliament if Wong Kan Seng should resign over the escape of Mas Selamat, Low dared not even make a single sound.

Singaporeans are getting more and more educated and exposed. Public perception towards Chee will change slowly and gradually. That’s what we have been trying hard to do – to expose the dirty tricks of the state media, to highlight the flaws in the PAP system and to educate fellow Singaporeans on their rights as citizens of this country.

Remember what Joseph Goebbels, the head of Nazi propaganda once said:

“Repeat a lie again, again and again several times and it will become the truth to the masses.”

That’s how Chee got fixed by the Singapore media. He may not be politically savvy, but that doesn’t mean we should dismiss all his criticisms about the PAP as mere “barking.”

Addendum by Nicholas Lim:

People who see Low Thia Kiang and Chiam See Tong as “credible opposition” just because they’ve been given the rubber stamp of approval by PAP are seriously deluded and need to get their heads cleared of the cotton wool so carefully stuffed in by the mainstream press.

Over the years the so-called opposition has been watered down and diluted into 2nd and 3rd class version of PAP or “PAP Lite” if you prefer. After all, what have they been able to achieve in terms of truly opposing the government WHEN IT COUNTS?

GST went up with nary a bump when the government wanted, Mas Selamat checked out and stayed out of the country, floods are now an expected feature with a National Day award as a pat on the back, the drastic increase of foreigners, the financial and international embarrassment of the YOG, wanton increase in fares despite the overcrowding of the public transport system, the need for a proper nationwide debate on mandatory vs judicial discretion on the death penalty, hell there was even a petition in Malaysia on highly probable serious miscarriage of justice: seriously the list can go on and on and just where is the “opposition” in all of this?

Oh sure Low Thia Kiang had his 15mins of fame over the SM&C issue and then? You mean that’s all they can do? Or is the the “you only elect me to Hougang hence I only speak up on Hougang issues” tactic?

I can definitely see how the PAP continually awards their “Preferred Opposition Party” status to the ilk of the Worker’s Party and the rest. After all who needs to worry about losing elections with such “foes” around?

Who is a more credible and effective opposition leader? One who dares to challenge the PAP leaders directly and exerts pressure on them constantly or one who works hard quietly in the background to serve his constituents, but seldom question the PAP over its national policies? Please share your views with us here.

Awesome Song By A Local Diva

2010-08-13T18:57:00.000+08:00

Want to download want to download want to download want to download WANT TO DOWNLOAD!!!

New Beginnings

2010-07-07T23:30:00.000+08:00

So I officially start work at the new agency today! I'm jazzed up and raring to go. I so miss working in Singapore.

At The Gym II

2009-12-23T19:44:00.000+08:00

He first caught my attention from the corner of my eye. Blinking in disbelief, I slowly let down the weights I was carrying and subtly shifted my body to get a better look. Yup, I wasn't mistaken.

You don't get to see such a specimen even if you spend 24/7 in the gym. I shook my head in wonder at what I saw. He casually strolled across my field of sight and I got a full view from the back. He was there, almost bare and he was proud of it. I was amazed and to be honest, a little envious.

I glanced around surreptitiously and caught the knowing smile of another guy who was working out near me. He looked at The Guy, then at me and gave a quick wink. I flushed with embarrassment because I was caught looking, BUT I COULDN'T HELP IT.

Should I go up and say something? I was unsure, for all I know he could just give me the rude brush-off. But I hate going through life with "What Ifs..." running through my head and I know this would be one such example. Nervously, I licked my lips and took a swig of water for courage. I glanced over at my neighbour with what I hoped was a pleading gaze for backup but he just mischievously continued grinning at me. I was alone in this whether I liked it or not.

As I crossed the 4 or 5 steps between us, I took in a closer look at his entire physique. Having weighed close to a baby whale mere months ago, I empathised with what The Guy was working to achieve. The thought then struck me as I reached out to tap his shoulder, "Would I wanna know if that was me??"

Too late, I watched as my hand landed somewhat clumsily on his shoulder. He turned in astonishment and for a moment, I was conscious of my sweaty disheveled self. Oh gawd what the hell was I getting myself into??

"Hi..." I heard myself squeak. He growled and/or grunted in reply and stood waiting for my answer. I forced an awkward smile on my face and figured an apologetic shrug would go best with what I had to say next. Around me, I noticed detachedly that people had stopped working out to witness our exchange. Even the music in the gym seemed to pause, to lend emphasis to my next few words...

"Your g-string is showing... think you could pull up your pants?"

A Guide To Commonly Used Terms On Dating Sites

2009-09-18T18:42:00.000+08:00

Recently got back into the ~~sack~~ er... game. I was pretty baffled by all the nonsense people spout these days. If you're like me, I hope you find this to be helpful. LOL

P.S Sorry if this is offensive to anyone. It's purely tongue in cheek!

A Guide to Commonly Used Terms on "Dating" Sites

1. STRAIGHT-ACTING = Remembers to lock his wrist every once in a while. Also believes that using the term "Dude!" in conversations makes him sound "man". Can be found hanging out with "TOP".
2. GYM-BOD = Commutes between home and gym everyday.
3. BUFFED = Steroid-induced pecs and abs. Knows all sources of good protein. A dinner date with him will probably see only you eating while he helpfully tells you the amount of calories and fats in between bites.
4. NO EFFEMS/CROSS DRESSERS = Only one bitch in a relationship at a time. In this case, it's him. See "BOTTOM".
5. MSN ME = Wishes to monopolize your time online.
6. I'M NOT EASY TO GET = He is, but he believes this makes him sound less needy.
7. FUN-LOVING = I'm here for sex.
8. HANDSOME GUYS ONLY = Been told since he was 3 what a God's gift to women everywhere he ws by his doting mother. Also firmly believes he's too good for YOU.
9. JUST HERE TO MAKE FRIENDS = I'm here for sex but I'm discreet.
10. TOP = Believes that being a bottom makes him too gay. See "STRAIGHT ACTING".
11. BOTTOM = Only son / had sisters and female cousins only for company when growing up.
12. I'M NICE = Has absolutely nothing to contribute to a conversation. Be prepared to monologue by yourself.
13. I'M BAD = Believes that having sex in the living room/kitchen is the height of hedonism.
14. I AM ATTACHED = Cannot be seen in public with you.
15. I LOVE TO TRAVEL = Cabin crew.
16. IF YOU'RE NOT CUTE, DONT EVEN BOTHER = Looking for more glamour-shots type of profile to add to his Facebook / MySpace / Friendster.
17. I AM SENSITIVE, LOVING, CARING AND HONEST = Above 45years in age. Probably came out to himself after his failed 2nd marriage. Still hopes it might not be too late.
18. I GIVE GOOD MASSAGE = Orchard Towers masseur looking to do freelance on the sideline.
19. NO PIC, NO REPLY = Believes he's God's gift to gay men everywhere with a self proclaimed Simon Cowell personality.. See "HANDSOME GUYS ONLY".
20. DISCREET = Attached and looking to have one-night-stands on the side. See "I AM ATTACHED".
21. CURIOUS STRAIGHT MALE = Dead fish in bed. Be prepared to do ALL the work.
22. SWIM-BOD = Former GYM-BOD.
23.FUN-SEEKING = Disease carrier. See also "FUN-LOVING".
24. QUIET AND SOFT-SPOKEN = Closeted freak who is so paranoid at home, he believes that answering a phone call could out him. See "STRAIGHT-ACTING" and "TOP".
25. MACHO = Closeted BOTTOM.
26. HOMEBODY = Free-loading bum who's occupation has never stated anything other than "Unemployed".
27. OUT-GOING PERSONALITY = Flaming queen.
28. I DONT LIKE CASUAL SEX = Attached feller who wants a regular fuckbuddy. See also "DISCREET".
29. LOOKING FOR A SOULMATE = Late teens / early 20s who's watched Sex and the City way too many times.
30. I AM NOT HANDSOME = Definitely thinks he is but believes this makes him sound modest. See "HANDSOME GUYS ONLY".
31. I'M HANDSOME, INTELLIGENT, GORGEOUS = Purchased a makeover package recently and believes that's all that it takes.
32. SHY TYPE = See " I AM SENSITIVE, LOVING, CARING AND HONEST" and "CURIOUS STRAIGHT MALE".
33. I’M SENSIBLE = Expect to go dutch on dates. Clashes with "HOMEBODY".
34. I’M NOT JUST INTERESTED IN SEX = Utterly tired of getting rejected.
35. BISEXUAL = Dead fish in bed, but can be persuaded to give a blowjob. For like 45secs.
36. BOYTOY = Over 30s, desperate to be young again.
37. NATURE-LOVER = Doesn't have his own place, may have to do "it" in a deserted park/ under the flyover at Fort Road / East Coast public restrooms if you don't either.
38. HEALTHY INDIVIDUAL = Has every supplement product from GNC & Nature's Farm.
39. EXECUTIVE TYPE = Doesn't own a gym membership.
40. TYPICAL GUY = Totally boring on a date, fucks like a jackrabbit and falls sleep right after he ejaculates.
41. I AM SENSITIVE = Desperately seeking a relationship. Would sms you "miss you" and "love you" after the first date. Believes sex = marriage.
42. I HAVE A WONDERFUL MIND = His excuse for why he's THAT fat. See also "EXECUTIVE TYPE".
43. I AM THE LIFE OF THE PARTY = Party-scene queen. Never home on Friday, Saturday AND Sunday nights before 4am. See also "OUTGOING PERSONALITY".
44. DECENT GUY = Over 40s living with his parents, firmly believes his family still thinks he's straight.
45. I AM FUNNY = Watches sitcoms and laughs along with the laughter tracks. See "I'M NICE".
46. PURE TOP = Been discovered to have a "chocolate berry" once when he was bottom and never got over the embarassment.

My DK Is A Rocker Chick

2009-05-25T18:36:00.000+08:00

A late night / early morning stroll with my iPod inspired me when this song started playing. For some strange reason I began to think of how death knights are supposedly resurrected on the fields of battle (by the Scourge no less) and what this means overall to their lives. What happens when they meet former loved ones?

Anyway, doing back stories has always been a favourite theme of mine. Hope you enjoy this one half as much as I did making it!

For The Little Lock On The Hill

2009-05-24T18:39:00.000+08:00

I was browsing one of the warlock forums I go to, when a post by the site's moderator caught my eye.

It was a tribute to "the little lock on the hill", a personal account by another warlock player 2 years ago this day (May 24 2007).

When I first read his account, I blinked, then started tearing.

This is the post the original poster, Tanorthewarlock from US Azgalor server, made on The Warlocks Den forums.

"Well...how to start? By getting to the point i guess...my nephew who is 7 years old pasted away today. As i sit the tears have already started to roll. But i wanted to tell you of his level 11 gnome warlock on my account,also on my sever.

He has spent 4 days 7 hrs and some change playing. Alot of time to be only level 11 huh? Well, the first day we played he wanted to make a toon like mine but he wanted his to be "little like him,so he made a gnome. And i was all over him the first few hours...with,"no go over here"" no, you want to wear those pants they are better than yours" " "no, the deer dont give you experence" "why are you going to kill those level 3 kobalds again?"

To which many of his answers where, " i like hearing those guys say "you no take candle" to which he would squeel. As for the pants he just didnt like them,he kept his pants he got in the begining. Said they were his lucky pants. He said his imp liked eating the deer,to which i would be like "no...they dont eat the deer".He would see how long it took him to get thru that cave of kobalds over and over and over again.

After all my "advice" and suggestion on "spell rotations" and how to use his imp effectivly, he told me that a game should be fun and everything i told him was confusing and made his head hurt.

From that day foward i let him do whatever he wanted as long as he wanted to. He loved killing kobalds, running around trees, killing cows, and playing his lock the way he wanted to,even if uncle "tanor" didnt think it was "efficient".

He loved coming over and playing,I gave up many a kara spot so he could do his speed runs on the cave of kobalds. Becuse when it all came down to it those epics were just purple pixels on a screen and my nephews smile will forever be in my memory and the squeel when the kobald would say"you no take my candle".

So I have taken his lock(at level 11 now and forever) and parked him on a hill looking out at the starting valley in northshire.

So to my little warlock,my nephew, my little buddy, who loved his uncle as much as his uncle loved him you will always be in my heart and that smile will always be with me."

I cried when I finished reading this. I have been playing this game for 4 years and so often, oh very often I find myself getting pissed off or mad at things that really, at the end of it all shouldn't and doesn't matter.

Two years later the perspective of a sweet kid really shocked me into realising that yes, WoW IS a game and it should be fun. The little nitty gritty things shouldn't matter more than the people with whom you enjoy the game with. At the same time, it's also crucial to take the time out to show some appreciation to those whom you love around you.

All the fun crazy stuff I used to do with my warlock and which I hardly have the time to indulge in now, takes on special meaning for me from now on. It shouldn't always be the case but I'm glad I'm reminded of the importance of having fun for the sake of it.

So, in memoriam, for the little lock on the hill, thank you. I bought a red rose from Dalaran, rode out to the hill and logged out on your hill. May you always be happy wherever you are, chasing kobolds and feeding your imp deer.

/sniffles.

Eleven - A WoW Video

2009-05-18T18:35:00.000+08:00

The other half got me hooked on Lady Gaga ROFL!

I was raiding Ulduar and was thinking of doing a video showcasing some of my favourite fights. Since I had a whole new bunch of footage and this song is my favourite at the moment, I decided to have some fun with it.

Also made another video sometime back featuring a song from Moulin Rouge.

This one cracked me up particularly and I hope you have fun watching it as much as I did making it!

Journey - A WoW Video

2009-04-01T18:33:00.000+08:00

I decided to do an update (and clean-up) since I wasn't fully satisfied with my previous attempt at creating a backstory for my WoW character.

It's amazing what maintenance-induced boredom can drive one to do LOL.

Another Year Older, This Time A Lot Sadder

2008-12-18T19:30:00.000+08:00

I was reminded of the date when my staff knocked on my door with a cake at midnight. I was rather touched that they knew, remembered and cared. Spent the first 6 hours after still in the office, got home at 7am, woke up at 9. Phone was full of well-wishes.

It rang as I sat at my desk checking my mail. The family at LA misses me, I yearn for their presence like a deep knell in my heart. Struggling not cry to as I joked with them over the phone, the voice I longed for most could not, would never come to the phone again. Ringing off, I sat numb at my desk with tears in my eyes and a deep aching inside.

Boss called to say best wishes, am I headed in for the meetings, press interviews and event later? Today will be more of that I guess, well-wishing, best tidings. It's not fair to unload, that it is anything but happy, joyous or celebrative for me. But the front has to be put up, the show has to go on.

I regret not having spent the last one with her, should have just gone out for that dinner. I regret not giving her the utmost priority when I should have, now all the power and money in the world would never do that. Work achievements sound hollow now, I work nonstop to drown out the loneliness in my heart instead.

I miss you Mum. I miss what your presence in my life meant, your silent support in no matter what I did, how I did. I miss knowing that no matter how badly I failed or disappointed, your love for me never wavered and I was always your son no matter what. I miss being able to share with you as I discover more in life and basking in your pride when I did do well. I miss the unconditional love and refuge you had for me at home no matter where I travelled or the tribulations in life I meet.

I hope you know right now, that no matter where or what you are still watching over me. I hope I am making you proud and I will always strive to do so. You never gave up on me and I will never do that to myself ever.

Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to us. It was the day you gave me life. Without you I could not have been.

Biting Off More Than I Can Chew

2008-12-05T19:29:00.000+08:00

Good news or bad news? For me, I always go for the bad first. I vaguely recall reading somewhere about what it says about one's personality but for the life of me I can't recall what now.

Anyway...

This month is going to be extremely frustrating what with the over-abundance of public holidays (never thought I'd hear myself bitching about THAT!) and its consequential dearth of working days. My job has evolved to so much more than its original job scope ; last night I bitchily commented that I wanted a total job title revamp. And to my surprise, my boss readily agreed. Well let's see 2 months from now...

Everyone's going off for their holidays - I had to cancel my LA trip. Ah what the hell. But I think I'm gonna miss my family for real, for once this Christmas, especially since everyone's gonna be there while I'm stuck here. 99.5% chance I'm gonna be spending it at work with my dorky staff.

I typed an entire long rant but reading it over, I laughed and deleted the whole chunk. Truth is, I'm having hella time with my work. Yes I get home at 7am in the mornings (This whole week!) and sleep at 9, only to wake up at noon and work a couple of hours from home before heading into the office again around 3-4pm. But I find myself strangely invigorated.

Yesterday while sorting my flood of emails (the best friend is gonna laugh when he sees my sorted folders...) I came across one of those mass-CC-fyi emails, in which the totally anal-retentive control freak of director from SAFRA wrote "Just follow up with Nic and he'll tell you how to handle it". I could have taken it as yet another "arrow" but stopping for a minute, I rather take it as a measure of how much the woman is depending on me. Yay for me.

Ok enough of all that. I will manage, I will overcome, I will succeed. And the good news? I've gone down from 90kg (Yes huney I was there) to 83kg currently in the span of 3 weeks. I fucking kid you not.

All About The Brokeback

2008-10-13T18:27:00.000+08:00

Ok fine, I'm damn slow but I finally caught Brokeback Mountain on dvd, having ordered it in an insane moment on Amazon.com.

It was everything I expected (and feared) it would be when I chose not to watch it back in 2005. it was long, it had (overly) long sweeping scenery moments (damn you Ang Lee) and it made me have to reach for at least 5 Magnums before I finally finished the movie in one sitting. That and alot of restless moving to and fro for any slightest excuse, including checking my emails, calling a random Chinese restaurant for delivery (in vain) and watching movie clips on my iPod while trying not to fall asleep.

Critically acclaimed? It does prove to me that the media has its pet projects (like we don't all know that) and for what's it worth, it'sa good movie but it could have been alot better. Unless the movie was filmed on the assumption that the viewer would also be a reader of Annie Proulx's works.

In which case, load up on the silent innuendoes and artistic sweeping shots and whatever else that might / might not be occurring, leave it at the feet of "how different readers take the story is a reflection of their own personal values, attitudes, hang-ups" for your own intepretations of what's (boringly) going on.

There were at times I found myself wishing desperately for a serial killer or something to wander onto the film set and start murdering people, just to pick the pace up a little.

Why? Because as romantic as the notion of the love depicted within might seem / sound, it just doesn't apply to today's Youtube generations' of "no holds barred, responsibilities, traditions and discretions be damned".

And you can take that anyway you want to infer from me. :P

Holy Crap...

2008-08-05T18:24:00.000+08:00

Taken from the Straits Times

A MOTORCYCLIST suffered serious head injuries after his bike hit the rear of a car, which in turn, collided into two other vehicles on the Central Expressway (CTE) on Monday.

The chain collision happened on the CTE towards the Ayer Rajah Expressway, just before the Braddell Road exit, at 10.35 am.

The 61-year-old motorcyclist was rushed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where he died at 12.55 pm.

- END -

Now, before I really freak out...

My cab was there like, FIVE minutes before ok?! Cos' I reach the office at 10:45am today...

Loss

2008-06-14T18:23:00.000+08:00

Today was one hell of an exhausted day for me.

I had barely dozed off from watching an episode of Lost I had just bought on dvd, when my brother shook me awake.

"Mama just passed away," he sighed, referring to my grandmother, "Dad wants us to handle the details for Mum."

My mum had never been really close to my grandmother, hence I understood what he meant immediately. I got up and changed, gave the little furkid a hug and his walk and feed before rushing through the rest of the funeral preparations. I managed to catch my dad and had a few words before I left the house and drove down to hospital with my brother.

As expected (and much the subject for sniggering conversations) my extended family started streaming in with varied histrionics. The wake is to be held at my place and barely into the first hour I was already groaning from the constant stream of visitors.

After a harried dinner, I had my elder cousin take over for a while and headed up to take a shower and just escape from all the noise. Just before I stepped into the inviting wall of steam and water, I heard voices down the hallway. Grinning, I slipped into my shorts and walked over to my parent's bedroom.

As usual, my parents were arguing over some nitty gritty detail that my father had cocked up and had my mum riled. I went over and gave my mum a hug as they stood before the apple-white closets they had put in before the Chinese New Year.

"You ok?" I asked with an eyebrow cocked. She sighed and let herself be hugged by me. She told me that she was turning in and handle the visitors early tomorrow.

Watching her settle into bed, I went and sat beside her. She fussed with the bed covers and sank back into the pillows with a satisfied sigh.

"How was work today? Did you inform your boss of Mama's death?" my mum opened the conversation with as usual, a query into how my life was at my new job.

"Yeah it was fine. I got time off easily, it's the first time I ever had to apply for leave under such circumstances."

"You better cherish this job. If you need to go off over the next few days just go, your brother is on holidays and can be here to accompany me if I need any errands to be done. And you, better treasure me now, life is so short. My time isn't far off especially now that Mama is the first to go." Her smile took the edge of the warning in her words. But I know what she meant.

I assured her that I had things well in hand, then something struck me and I leaned forward and ghugged her again. Her hand patted my hair.

"Mum, you know I can't function if you were to go, " I said seriously, "You know the first thing Dad said to me? It was damn weird.

He said 'now that your mum is gone, I don't know how we will go on.' Odd right? Why would he say that? Mama left, not you."

There was a silent pause. I guess she must be working out why my dad said what he did. I snuggled deeper into my mum's arms. Her familiar scent, that aroma that meant I was home, safe from the world's worries and cares, permeated the room.

I never hugged my mum enough. My grandmother's passing away reminded me of the mortality of those around us, that we should not take our loved ones for granted.

My mum gave a sigh and patted my head in that loving gesture I had always known as a kid. "Boy, there is something you must know."

Dread filled me, yes there is something I was supposed to know. I thought over my dad's words in the morning. I know what it meant, but in the rush of activities preparing for...

It hit me. The loss. The truth of the past fortnight. My eyes widened in horror and my arms held my mum tighter. No, this was not right. I am not prepared. My mum was here, next to me. My eyes caught sight of the calendar on the bedside table.

But reality was reality. I felt my mum's hand rest on the nape of my neck in a reassuring manner. She wanted me to accept the facts. I am an adult now. But I didn't want to remember May 30th. I started to sob and shut my eyes to prolong seeing the truth.

I embraced my mum and felt her comforting warmth for the last time. "I love you Mum." I whispered raggedly.

I opened my eyes and the stark emptiness of my bedroom greeted me with its chilly silence. In that infinite moment between seconds, I tried to deny one last futile time, the truth.

Sitting up, I felt the loss of my mum two weeks ago all over again.

Clutching the cold sheets around me, I wept.

No Love Like A Mother's

2008-06-01T18:18:00.000+08:00

On 30th May 2008, at approximately 1839 hours, my mum left this world for a better place.

Though I have mentioned on and off to friends about my mum's battle with cancer, only an exclusive few truly knew the depths of pain and suffering that my mum went through.

Over the past couple of weeks, it was numerous trips to the hospital and late night vigils for me as I watched my mum slowly slip away.

Finally with a peaceful heart and mind my mum left in her sleep. I couldn't have asked for a better way to leave and for that, I am truly thankful to God.

Over the past weekend, I was also touched that at that lowest point in my life, the people I expected least to turn up, did and demonstrated unasked for friendship, support and encouragement.

To my NS buddies who showed, despite the fact that we went to separate units after ORD, our bonds spent outfield was enough for you to be there. I thank you all.

To my friend in Cambodia, you know who you are. For the words of encouragement and prayers, I thank you.

To my paternal uncles, aunties and cousins, your silent support, handling of thankless duties like clearing the rubbish and dirty cutlery, getting food and drinks for guests etc. and constantly watching that my family does not keel over from exhaustion and grief, I thank you.

To my aunts and cousins who were there for my mum and my family throughout the months of pain, I truly begin to understand the depths of unconditional familial bonds. I thank you.

To "long lost" friends like Alex, Adrian (Pigeon) and Millicent, my silence over the years was not a factor for you guys not turning up and your presence was a comfort. I truly appreciate it. I thank you.

To my exes, love shared wasn't love lost. Thanks for remembering my mum. I thank you.

To my other. You know the bonds that tie us together. Thanks for being there.

To my best friend, no one knows as well as you do how much my mum really means to me, as does yours to you. Through thick and thin, the joys and sorrows, the achievements and the failures, to have you there during my greatest loss is a comfort beyond compare. Thank you doesn't begin to cover it. But I thank you nonetheless.

To the countless SMSes, phone calls, MSN messages and even emails, thank you for bothering to see if I am okay, for caring despite the years of non contact.

My mum led her life with simple dignity and great personal strength. It's that legacy I hope to carry on with my life.

Deadlines

2008-03-26T18:17:00.000+08:00

So it came to be that I have 3 major deadlines this week, falling nicely on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday respectively.

These deadlines are major not because I usually don't have any, but the presentations determine my scope of work for these 3 separate accounts for the rest of the year till Mar/ April 2009.

Delivering a brand campaign strategy is not something one pulls out of his ass everyday, needless to say three at one shot. (3 guys at one shot though.. hmmm.. post stress celebration? Hahahah..)

I had a major mental block, partly due to the fact that I had 2 other smaller accounts for whom I had to dedicate my creative juices to as well. Being in the position where I am, it was pretty much expected that I lead and drive the creative processes. Most nights I went home feeling frustrated and returning to work with a heavy sense of dread.

For many days I sat at my desk a work, staring at emails clamouring for my attention and leadership. I gave non-commital answers, missed internal deadlines and basically was being the jerk-ass colleague everyone hates. I was working without direction, was incredibly sulky and just not responsive. The lack of support, emotionally, creatively, whatever-ly, was just not there and I was on the verge of blowing my brains out just to lessen the headache.

Maybe I work best when the deadline is IN MY FACE. Monday night I was hit by a sudden rush of inspiration with regards to my 3 campaigns and I sent out a flurry of emails laden with instructions and directions. I activated the various teams under my lead and sent everyone scurrying for research, background information, current situations, I created templates and workflow sheets. I dictated ideas and processes. I made firm decisions and more importantly, without knowing it, I was delegating my ass off and demanded answers, results and end-products.

I was bouncing off the walls with my burst of adrenaline and in my impatient haste to get the finished results of the orders I sent out, I even rearranged the position of my table in a better orientation within my corner of the office. Within 15 minutes I had a new desk direction and I was settled in sending out replies to emails that came in while I was offline (for 15 bloody minutes!).

"Hey wait", you might say, "Wasn't your first deadline today?". Yes it was and I delivered it with a fresh sense of confidence. The clients took in my proposal, they asked questions, I snapped my fingers and I had the relevant research in my hands. They were happy with the answers I had for them coupled with the assurance that their brand campaign will achieve results beyond their projected goals. It was only later when the client offered to buy my team lunch that I found out, their own HQ called in with news that they were delighted with the initial brand launch I conducted in January and was told to go along with whatever I am going to propose.

I can't express my sense of overwhelmed delight at hearing that. The principal who had given his blessings is no less than a CEO of an international luxury watch brand and it was both gratifying and humbling. Gee I guess he DID read the reports we send over then.

It was also during lunch that the second realisation hit me, alot of it was due to my delegation. I've always worked within very tight work-teams and most of the time, I'm used to running a one-man show. Saddled with multiple teams of people to manage, I had not given much thought to making sure MY work-load is evenly shared out and instead, I ended up biting off more than I can chew.

So I walk away from this a slightly different person than I was last week. I fully understand and grasp the silly folly I made when presented with the challenges and I'm going to make sure I loosen my anal grasp on things in future.

Gotta go now, have got 10 other things to dictate. :P

Singapore Police Force At Its Stupidest

2008-03-03T19:13:00.000+08:00

f you are living in Singapore, you would have to be in another dimension if you haven't heard by now the notorious escape of Mas Selamat Kastari, a terrorist who planned to hijack and suicide pilot an airliner into Changi Airport in 2001.

What's laughable about the entire affair is the gargantuan host of mistakes the SPF and it's "boss", the Ministry of Home Affairs made and are continuing to make ever since the local Houdini made his escape.

Here's a chuckle I came across online and shared with a whole bevy of my friends and colleagues. Even as I type this now I hear laughter from various corners of the office.

Simply put, we know this feller is a Houdini as he not only escaped from our very own Whitley Centre but a couple of other prison institutions as well. He must be damn cunning, probably cunning enough to assume a new identity already! Here are some of the possible personas he may decide to adopt.

How many can YOU spot? :P (Picture courtesy of TalkingCock.com )

Humour Cos' I'm Bored

2008-02-29T19:11:00.000+08:00

Me : hey babe, you busy flying a plane to hunt for this JI feller?

(note : he is in the airforce)

Him (without a trace of humour) : Huh, no lah. Logistically not realistic also.

Me : Oh, ok, helicopters then?

Him : No.

Me : Unmanned aircraft?

Him : No, nearby housing area not very...

Me (cutting him off) : Carrier pigeons?

Him : HAR??

Me (deadpan) : Paper aeroplane?

Him : ...

---------------------------------------------

Yeah, I can be a bully. :P

Anyway, more laughs!

---------------------------------------------

An old lady dies and goes to heaven. She's chatting with St. Peter at the Pearly Gates
when all of a sudden she hears the most awful, blood-curdling screams.

"Don't worry about that," says St. Peter, "It's only someone having the holes put into
her shoulder blades for wings."

The old lady looks a little uncomfortable but carries on with the conversation.

Ten minutes later, there are more blood-curdling screams.

"Oh my God," says the old lady, "Now what is happening?"

Not to worry," says St. Peter, "She's just having her head drilled to fit the halo."

"I can't do this," says the old lady, "I'm going to hell."

"You can't go there'" says St. Peter. "You'll be raped and sodomized."

"Maybe so," says the old lady, "but I've already got the holes for that."

=========== ========= ========= ========= ========= =====

A middle aged man bought a brand new convertible Porsche. He took off down the road
and pushed it up to 160 and was enjoying the wind blowing through his (thinning) hair.

"This is great," he thought and accelerated to an even higher speed. But when he
eventually looked in his rear-view mirror there was a Police Car behind him, blue lights
flashing.

"I can get away from him with no problem" thought the man and he floored it some
more, and flew down the road at over 210 km/h to escape being stopped.

Then he thought, what the hell am I doing? "I'm too old for this kind of thing" and
pulled over to the side of the road, and waited for the Police car to catch up with him.
The Policeman pulled in behind the Porsche and walked up on the driver's side.

"Sir, my Shift ends in five minutes and today is Friday the 13th." If you can give me a
good reason that I've never heard before as to why you were speeding, I'll let you go."

The man looked back at the Policeman and said, "Last week my wife ran off with a
Policeman and I thought you were bringing her back".

The Policeman said, "Have a nice day, sir"

=========== ========= ========= ========= ========= =====

A lady walked into a Lexus dealership just to browse. Suddenly she spotted the most
beautiful car that she had ever seen, and walked over to inspect it.

As she bent forward to feel the fine leather upholstery, an unexpected little fart
escaped her.

Embarrassed, she anxiously looked around to see if anyone had noticed and hoped a
sales person didn't pop up right now.

But, as she turned back, there, standing next to her, is a salesman.

With a pleasant smile he greeted her.

"Good day, Madame, how may we help you today?"

Trying to maintain an air of sophistication and acting as though nothing had happened,
she smiles back and asked, "Sir, what is the price of this lovely vehicle?"

Still smiling pleasantly, he replied, "Madame, I'm very sorry to say that if you farted
just by touching it, you are going to shit when you hear the price!

Oh.My.Gawd

2008-02-27T19:08:00.000+08:00

If there is any indication of how much of a failure our Singapore education system is, one of it has to be a conversation I just had with a client during a meeting.

Her : "I'm not sure if our selection of The Star (the leading English newspaper in Malaysia) is appropriate for the campaign. Would Sin Chew (The leading cheena paper) have a better reach?"

Me : "Well, the circulation is quite close, but you have to consider your target audience. Since your brand is looking to hit the English-speaking market, The Star would be a better choice, because you don't just restrict yourself to reaching out to the Chinese market only. There are the English-educated Malays and Indians you can target as well."

Her : "Oh I see... but majority of the population in Malaysia is Chinese right?"

Me : "Er... no?"

Oh My Fucking God. How on fucking earth can anyone think the majority race in MALAYSIA is ...

I was speechless for like 10 seconds and my colleague had to cover for me.

Seriously. WTF

Fuck I Hate Lazy Mondays...

2008-02-27T19:04:00.000+08:00

My organiser has revealed something totally rare for the day dated 25th February 2008. Somehow I didn't fix a meeting for this day at all. Nada. Kosong. Zero. I'm so happy and yet.. I'm bored...

Hahahaha...

My rundown of what I have done since 9am today.

9am - Lazily plugged in my laptop, went to get a mug of coffee, chatted about the weekend ("yeah I didn't do anything.. you too huh?").

9.27am - Today's stack of papers was plonked on my side table. I lazily plucked the ones I usually read (ST, IHT, BT, TODAY) and the ones I read when I'm damn bored and I want to laugh at the articles (TNP, mypaper).

10.13am - I'm done reading the papers. Made a couple of catty comments over the top of the papers in my hands and colleagues laughed dutifully. I decide to go for breakfast, diet be damned.

10.17am - I order my fishball noodles with extra fishballs. Spotted a cute blonde-haired beng sitting at the coffeeshop opposite. Gazed wistfully for a while with random thoughts like "do the curtains match the drapes?" kind.

10.34am - I walk to the UOB bank behind my office and did some personal banking. It ain't as interesting as it sounds. Cute security guard though.

10.51am - I am back in the office and I lazily call up CNN.com, BBC and People.com. I glance through some new emails and decide to KIV the lot of them. *Yawn*

11.20am - I decide to blast my latest mp3 download, Stuff Like That There by Bette Midler through my iPod wired to my PC speakers. Am so happy ever since I discovered mp3 shopping online. *Note : Should return speakers since I don't have PC anymore. Shall try the L'Oreal line on the cute IT guy.

11.23am - My mp3 finished. I give putting it on replay some serious thought.

11.24am - I decide to replay my mp3, along with my "Best of Broadway" playlist. I also decide to reply to a random work email for the heck of it.

12.01pm - I just finished clearing 7 emails that called for attention. Something about a diva-induced adrenaline rush I guess. I decide to pop downstairs to buy a glass of iced lychee to celebrate.

12.20pm - I log back to CNN.com to check the Oscar winners. Tilda Swinton won. Yay. Can't care less about the rest. Am surprised Edison Chen didn't win Best Unwilling Documentary. Read more about the disappointing Clinton slump in the polls. WTF is wrong with Americans huh?

12.40pm - I chatted with a client over the phone. Mostly alot of personal nonsense. We really clicked during our $2.5k Japanese lunch last week.

1.00pm - My colleagues are going for lunch. I decline their invitation to head downstairs and take the opportunity to indulge in some SPBIO (Secret Personal Behaviour In Office). What it is? If I tell it won't BE secret right?! Duh..

1.15pm - I log back to People.com and graciously invite their offer to vote on Celeb Hit or Miss's latest. I enjoyed voting "Miss!" on all of Fergie's and Kate Holmes' fashion disasters. I'm a harsher critic than most, hell I even panned Nicole Kidman! But at least I didn't score a dud at all when I voted for fabo Hits. My gay sense never fails me...

1.37pm - I call up the entire Dreamgirls OST on my playlist and log onto Amazon.com to check if I can order the latest DVD box sets. All not out yet. Bloody hell.

2.00pm - I blog this trashy entry.

Windows of Opportunities

2008-01-15T18:54:00.000+08:00

Amidst the busy bustle of ensuring that plans for my new account's media launch run smoothly, a phone call came through on my handphone.

It was basically a job offer for the position of marketing manager for a chain of nightlife joints here. I was midly bemused and asked where they'd gotten my contacts before and I was told that I was referred via an agency.

Which begs the question of course, don't such agencies contact you themselves so as to control the process of hiring and in the end, earn the commission?

Anyway, I was rushing for a meeting and despite my repeated tellings that I just settled into a new job, the HR Director (who was on the other end of the line) refused to take "no" for an answer. She kept insisting that it's be a "casual chat". Ok FIIIINE. I guess respect has to be afforded given her sincerity. I made an appointment for 4pm this coming Thursday and walked into my meeting 2 mins late.

Today during my first minutes of work I was mildly irritated by my senior manager. She means well but sometimes I feel she gets too bogged down in the nitty gritty and this morning was one of those examples.

Frankly I hate things like paperwork. Once a contract / quotation is signed I move on and leave the filing etc. to well, administrative colleagues lah! But here in my current job I have to share an executive with my senior manager and the poor thing has barely time to breathe for all the work she has to do, much less keep up with the paperwork.

It's not a big deal but things like that make me irritated because they crop up as an obstacle that stands in the way of my momentum of work. While she (my senior manager) droned on and on about which coloured copy of the contract goes into which file and which has to be submitted to whichever department and make sure I make a photocopy for filing under YET another system, I found myself tuning out for a moment and caught myself thinking "I wonder if that new job would be the same..."

(Speaking of insane filing and file naming system, my shared server is a thing to marvel at. At times I feel daunted trying to save a document for fear of breaching a naming convention or placing it in the wrong destination. I once counted pulling out a file 12 levels deep from the main folder. )

Anyway, it's bad I know but I really shouldn't be thinking about changing jobs at this juncture.

But I have to admit, throughout my day at work and on my way home, my mind drifted to the possibilities should I attend the interview and procure the job offered.

At this point I can pinpoint alot more "cons" as opposed to "pros" when weighing up the options. But I confess that the possibilities of a new position, a new product, a new working environment and a new industry excites me.

Overall I feel it is a bad character trait and a flaw in me. I detest the mundane, I despise routine for being routine just for the sake of it. That is one reason why I have always worked in the "vendor" or "contractor" role of a given industry, namely because I get to work with multiple accounts and variables are always changing.

So I mentally told myself, "be sensible, settle down and give this job a chance". I'll probably forgo the interview this Thursday. But my mind WILL drift from time to time (especially when the droning begins) to thinking "what if...."

Meandering Thoughts II

2007-12-12T18:53:00.000+08:00

Read the papers, both local and international. Process. Analyse. Highlight if anything relevant.

Go through department's work-in-progresses and various accounts. Deadlines. Chase. Follow up.

Account / Brand discussions. Evaluate. Propose. Set deadlines.

New account director always ends meetings with "ok, good meeting, bad meeting, waste of time?" Ha ha.

Gazing out of window. Enjoy view.

Starbucks time. The walk to the joint is always a calming experience. Inhaling the aroma of brewing coffee whenever stepping in. Frapp for the win.

Lunch time. Hustling bustling crowd. Joining the queues. "1 please, packet yes." Need fruits. Damn fiber.

3pm lull. Need a break. Log onto blog. Hence you're reading this. Hah!

Emails waiting to be answered, reports to be vetted / approved. Sigh.

Sms from friend. Dinner? Nah. Lunch? Maybe.

Sms the boyfriend. Meeting up? Maybe. Haven't had sex in months. Sigh.

Courier delivery. Client sent basket of wines and cheese. Wow. Yum. *burp*

Elusive client. Don't ya scream at me when deadline is missed bitch.

MSN beep. Some random gossip / cry for help / bitching session.

MIght have to work overtime but WoW raiding beckons. Looks like dinner is eat in.

Miss Ah Boy.

Human Rights Vs. Effing F1

2007-12-05T18:49:00.000+08:00

Read this.

"Lawyer Kala Mohan, on the other hand, echoes a long-held sceptic's view — that Singapore does not need a human rights body, for we have good laws already in place."

The sheer fucking HYPOCRISY of it... not to mention the idiocy of which ever freaking toad in CNA who wrote that piece of crap.

Why? Well, apparently I'm living in a country (not that it's any news to me) that manages to ram through a bill allowing casinos, street car drag racing (whatever), bartop dancing faster than one can imagine but when it comes to HUMAN RIGHTS, it treats it like we're talking about buying or building a say, gladiatorial bull fighting ring.

It's a "nice to have", but it might not be "Singaporean". Yes, from the way Singapore speaks of Human Rights, it's like talking about starting a bull fighting culture here. Equally relevant and important. Get it?

So what's gonna happen from here? Our bullshit Government will hem and haw about this for a while, and then quietly shelve it for the next X number of years while it plays it song and dance about having brand new gambling dens and F1 racing, distracting it's citizaens about soaring inflation and CPI rates, lessening returns of CPF, irresponsible handling of our national reserves by Temasek Holdings, lowering of minimum wages due to fucking Foreign Talent.

Oh by the way isn't it sweet irony that thanks to our beloved Foreign Talent 106 people has come down with food poisoning due to Prima Food's embrace of our government's cheap labour scheme? So much for "leavening" our population with foreign "talent". (Sorry, couldn't resist that pun).

Faded Glories

2007-12-03T18:47:00.000+08:00

The thought hit me over the weekend as I was out in Orchard, having my haircut, doing some light shopping, gaming etc.

This month would see me hitting 28. Twenty fucking eight. 11 years ago when I first dated seriously, my bf then was 28 and all his friends were teasing him for being a "cradle snatcher". Today should I date someone below 20, I'm sure I'd be termed the same.

Not that I want to. Have had enough of bottom "geenas". *shudder*

Anyway, I digress. I looked at myself in the mirror this morning prior to stepping out for work. In a fit of pique at the salon, I told my stylist to crop off everything. The last time I did this was 2002, right smack on my birthday when I had shorn off my shoulder length blonde hair. *wince*

THe effect back then was startling. My face was constantly behind a veiled of expensively maintained locks. For 2 1/2 years I hid my face from myself in a whirl of club lights, on & off stage drama and sex. Facing myself, I was gaunt from overwork as a starving dancer, I was deeply tanned and I was constantly bitchy, nasty and cold. As I looked myself in the eye seated on that barber's chair, I didn't like what I saw.

Today 5 years later, I'm alot older. Overweight and tired. I've been through really shit times in the past 2 years odd, but I've also experienced exquisite happiness. Growing up in recent times saw alot of tears, frustration, despair and fear.

Looking ahead, the immediate future is fraught with worry. Looking around me, my close friends are beset with their own problems and tribulations in life. We're all getting older and wiser. But sometimes life throws you a curveball and you fumble trying to cath it and be back in control.

Look at yourself in the mirror. 5 years from now what do you hope to see in that same but yet changed reflection?

Bummed Out

2007-11-30T18:41:00.000+08:00

Feeling totally crapped cos' my PR campaign ideas for an upcoming pitch, was shot to pieces by my boss.

He said they were good ideas, but I had overlooked / forgotten / ignored the overall campaign (Advertising + Media Buy) direction. Mine was totally off on a tangent.

Rather crushing to sit in the meeting and hear my ideas kena shot down. Not to mention embarassing, mortifying.

"You're a manager, I don't expect to hold your hand and tell you what to do. But when you tell me what you want to do, you better be sure it's backed up soundly."

My team's having low morale now. Gotta cheer them up, but not much I can do considering the pitch is in 4 hours time.

Sigh.

Meandering Thoughts

2007-11-02T17:43:00.000+08:00

As I'm typing this, my eyes are constantly drawn to a pretty stunning view of Chinatown area from my new office. Despite the rather cramped nature of my workspace, I'm simply delighting in the exuberant creative atmoshphere in my new surroundings.

No more angsty stuffy bitchy lesbians. No more dull-as-yesterday's-milk colleagues who think that mall decorations are so "happening". No more loud ah bengs haggling over the pricing of plywood structures or cheesily blaring tacky polyphonic ringtones from similarly garishly decked out handphones.

Yesterday I saw soemone in the office sporting a Harry Winston for gawd's sake! I've never been so conscious of what I wear to work before in my life hahaha...

In a rather ironic twist, my window looking out from this rather chic steel & glass building overlooks my former tacky office at People's Park Centre. Ha!

Anyway, I'm a little behind the news. I just found out that Albus Dumbledore is gay and I just stumbled across Thio Li Ann's rather passionate speech in Parliament. Good stuff. And here I was just happy that we downed Leotheras last week. (WoW reference, doesn't matter if you don't get it. I'm such a geek)

I gotta say, for all that the Alex Au and Stuart Koe tribe wanna hurl anti-homo labels at Prof. Thio, the woman has some rather compelling points. A huge positive-PR spin was done on her by ST today.

I gotta say, our SPH seems determined to paint her as a lone champion of moral rights, rather Joan of Arc-ish like, while the activitists' camp is looking rather shabby in the public eye. Alfian's email telling her to Eff-off & wanting to pee on her grave didn't help much. Stupid queen. Lol. Stick to writing plays lah.

I do wanna ask all the pro-gay activists out there though, now that the dust has settled and the battle lines are looking faded and rather out of place in the wake of the Govt going "No ass fucking for you", what's next?

It's all nice and cheery to hear cliche lines like "We've raised awareness" or "At least we get to discourse" or even lamer "we're grateful & amazed at the level of support", so what? The law hasn't changed. For all the emotional chest beating and drama, what has changed for the average gay guy in Singapore that wasn't different 6 months ago, or hell, 1 year ago?

I'm just glad I didn't bother to attend some silly rally a friend invited me to. I wouldn't have completed my tier 4 that night then hahaha...

My Take On The Repeal377a (Crap)

2007-10-10T17:38:00.000+08:00

First off, I'm gay. I'm mostly out to everyone from my family, friends, NS buddies, former church friends to some of my colleagues.

Yet I find all these call-to-actions by gay rights activists to be rather shallow and frankly, hypocritical. Why? Mainly because alot of said homosexuals aren't even out to their immediate friends and family, living their lives as normally as one can except that well, one's gay.

This little step, coming out of the closet, is something a huge majority of gay people are unwilling to do.

Now before one gets all "yeah but it's because there's a law banning gays!" let's clear things up. By law, it's not a crime to BE gay, merely a crime to well, commit said acts that make you gay. I've told a police inspector in his face before "Hey I'm gay" and he gave me a look that said "So?"

Being gay is not grounds for arrest. Screwing a non female's arse (or maybe even female, I'm not sure here) or receiving a blowjob by a non female lands you in jail etc. Ok fine. But unless you choose to commit those acts in public I don't really see how one gets arrested for it. And throughout my 12 years of being gay in this country with a rather prolific sex life has never landed me in jail before. So what's the fuss all about?

Seriously, there are bigger issues out there. "Championing" this cause is but pandering to the very skewed agendas of a very few minority, all blown up and out of context.

I can't say I trust THIS government to do the right thing and change the laws to be more non discriminatory, but I find the self righteous whingings of a group of activists who themselves, run gay bath houses that provide facilities for gay sex, to be a tad "conflict of self interest" to even want to be caught up with it.

Harry Fucking Potter & The Fucking Convenient Moments

2007-09-27T17:33:00.000+08:00

So I finally wasted 53 bucks on the last instalment of the Harry Potter series and yup, J.K Rowling did not disappoint. If the 6th book was trash, the 7th surpassed it.

Before I go on bitching about it, if you are gonna ask WHY do I read it then? Well I can't possibly bitch in the face of the mindless gormless HP fan I meet on the street if I haven't read it first right? I swear the next idiot who tells me in a simpering tone that "oh my hobbies include reading. I read Harry Potter" is gonna get a fucking roundhouse bitch-slap in the face.

J.K Rowling is not an author. She's a fucking soap opera writer. And a bad one at that. Think Days of Our fucking Lives.

Firstly, the entire series has gone to trash after Prisoner of Azkaban. Now why I say after Prisoner, cos' frankly before she hit that stupid reality tv show kinda fame, she had actually written the series up to that point. Yes Prisoner was the last book she had time to complete before she became a celebrity. So she was actually serious about writing back then.

But ever since then, she has taken her writing to a whole new level. Characters are shoved in without a thought, convenient sub plots and storylines are established within a sentence. Glaring loop holes and mis-logic are covered up because she engages in one main and I would say, only form of writing. That of the first person perspective.

Which is such a fucking cop out. Oh she needs something to have happened here but it didn't happen in the previous books! Oh never mind, if Harry doesn't know about it, the author doesn't either and hence you the reader either.

The moment of utter disgust for me came when Harry Potter found Albus Dumbledore's brother, Aberforth.

Who is none other than.. the Hog's Head barman!!! yes, the owner of the very same place that HP & gang chose to have their first meeting of the DA. And how many books it has been since... 3? 4?

And not once was there ever a hint that that was Dumbledore's brother! Cos' why? She didn't think so either! What a fucking cop out!

The rest of the book is utter trash. The whole thing about Snape being secretly in love with HP's mum and all that.. total trite and convenient bullshit. Totally.

I guess that's what you get for writing books in starbucks-like cafes and signing autographs every few mins or so to your hordes of mindless idiotic fans sitting outside watching with bated breath every time you hit a qwerty key.

I can't believe trees were actually killed for this crap. That's the biggest crime of the century to my mind.

Please Don't "Gimme More" Britney...

2007-09-11T17:29:00.000+08:00

Maaaan, whoever's doing her PR ought to be shot.

Last seen and heard about Britney - Totally rushed marriage with that lame K-Fed guy ('fess up, who here didn't go "I give them a year" when you read about the wedding?), that whole nonsense about driving without a seatbelt and her kid, the divorce, her wild partying and showing her panty-less *cough cough*, her infamous shaving of her head, getting arrested again for DUI?... now her husband's suing for more custody over the kids and all...

So which lame brain came up with the bright idea of putting her on stage looking bloated in that skimpy outfit???

Her dancing was mechanical, her dancers out-energied her like by 10 times, the song is as forgettable as a detergent ad.

Sigh.. I'm a huge Britney fan, don't get me wrong (I did 2 of her local launches here after all) but I'm just hugely disappointed.

Geeky WoW Post :P

2007-09-10T17:25:00.000+08:00

http://the4thwall.livejournal.com/10749.html

Decided to just link it because well, it's a) picture heavy and b) totally geeky lah!

Fed Up

2007-09-09T17:27:00.000+08:00

I'm just have had FUCKING it with the work politics.

The background...

I'm working in a pretty established and awesome company, doing events planning and management. I have a fantastic GM, and her dad who is the MD is prety nice too. I mean, he got a box of godiva chocs as a gift and proceeded to walk round the office feeding everyone! Lol.

But my peer, who is also the default head of the dept. , is a perfectionist bar none when it comes to work. I won't go into the little office politics she's done yet.

I engaged my best friend. Yes I can hear the choruses of "NOOOO!!!" coming from all you silent readers out there. I know the time worn cliches about "friends can't be colleagues" and all that. I still made the choice and was prepared to live with it. We both know and understand our shortcomings, he knows my temper and how I handle things and for me, I need a good friend in the office to back me up from time to time. He's creative if not derailed, hardworking if not stressed. Well, whatever.

My best friend was hired into a position I myself held 4 years back. I was prepared for him to stumble around for awhile before he eases into it. Despite him having had some background previously, I knew it was not as extensive as this one and I was prepared to make up for his shortfalls come whatever they may.

What I was NOT prepared for nor forsaw...

My fellow peer and manager, aka the Lesbian, making life hell for him. I mean, you put a perfectionist together with a scatterbrain like my best friend and all drama breaks loose. I should have forseen this right? In this case, frankly I'm being made to be the biggest fool of all.

It doesn't help that another colleague, hired into the same position as my best friend, has performed and outstripped him in every way imaginable. She's conscientious, bubbly, cheerful, initiative-driven, takes responsibility for her work, looks out for her manager (the Lesbian) and even takes the car out and drives round for events and such. Essentially, the dream executive one should have hired.

Things are coming to a head whereby reviews are pending. My GM told me expressly that my best friend goes (nobody is the office is wise to exactly HOW good friends we are) only on my say so. On the other hand the Lesbian is pushing to hire a new executive and has already started interviews!

One comment made by the Lesbian which was rather chilling, "He is pulling your peformance down".

I dread coming to work these days. Losing a big account over the weekend didn't help matters, but my boss was very reassuring and told me to overlook it, she definitely does. My position in the company is pretty much stable and I'm being tasked to plan somethig for next June.

But the tension between my best friend and the Lesbian is so palpable, get a headache just thinking about it. I know where she's coming from, she has every right to be as demanding and bitchy as she is. I can't really make a beef about setting high standards and structures. Unfortunately it's often seemed to be targeted at my best friend. And despite his constant assurances that he will do better, it's simply just not happening.

A good friend once commented "If you chose to hire your best friend, you have to face the fact that you have to fire him as well".

Transient Life

2007-07-22T17:15:00.000+08:00

Just found out that 2 people I knew previously, one an ex-colleague/dance friend and the other my ex employer, both passed away recently.

It's a huge shock. Both were in the prime of their lives. One's a star performer, up and coming and the other has been credited with founding Fridae.

It really goes to show you shouldn't take those around you for granted.

In remembrance of Ishi.

In remembrance of Robert Yeo

Missing You, Mum

2007-07-10T18:23:00.000+08:00

I remember when you used to tuck me in at night
With the teddy bear you gave me that I held so tight
I thought you were so strong you'd make it through whatever
It's so hard to accept the fact that you're gone forever

I never knew I could hurt like this
And everyday life goes on I wish
I could talk to you for awhile
Miss you but I try not to cry
As time goes by

And it's true that you've reached to a better place
Still I'd give the world just to see your face
And be right here next to you
But it's like you're gone to soon
Now the hardest thing to say is
Bye

Regret

2007-05-25T17:02:00.000+08:00

At the risk of sounding emo, I will confess to something.

I broke down and cried in the shower today.

Exhaustion from 4 days out in the f**king field, haven't eaten all day today due to the craziness of out process, frustration from things on the work front, the pain of seeing my mum go through cancer & chemo treatments, the simple happiness of seeing my Ah Boy again, the solitude of being by one's self.. everything just broke through and I cried.

The past few weeks have been tumultous. I've experienced rage, disappointment and regret both in my personal life and at work. I felt achievement for my efforts during reservist, but prior to that I nearly screamed in sheer frustration while pushing myself to my physical & mental limits. I was proud over the change in me from what I was 2 years ago, I felt ashamed for my lack of progress (regress even) in other areas.

The shock of feeling the exquisite pain (of loss?) when confronted by my ex's flat when dropping off a campmate was not something I was prepared for. He committed suicide a couple of years ago and it was surreal walking up the stairs to his flat. Don't ask me what drew me there but facing that empty well of loss at my feet, I felt regret. I went home laden with heavy thoughts and feelings. Once again I asked myself what I could have done and that blank wall of non-answers was as solid as ever.

I feel like I'm desperately grasping for resolve & strength to push on, with anything but it's so tempting to just bow down, give up and just not be.

This is not a cry for help, but then again, if I needed to, would I know how?

Shut The Fucking Hell Up Lah!

2007-04-13T16:57:00.000+08:00

Every local media is bombarding us non stop on why it's good to increase the fucking MP's salaries, we have our pathetic Teo CH's lame excuses and justifications on how the benchmarks are fair and "transparent", we have bootlickers like Irene Ng and Vivian gagging to praise their overlord to the fucking high heavens non stop, and we have the 147th describing in breathless detail on how our queeny PM "spoke in a choked and emotion-filled voice" to let us know if we don't pay his greedy cohort enough, he might be without a job?!

WHAT-FUCKING-EVER LAH!

As if we don't know it's a bloody forgone conclusion already. It was the same with the casinos (call it whatever they want, its a fucking casino at the end of the day!), it was the same with the HOTA & that poor Mr Sim's family issue, it was the same with the GST increase. IT WILL ALWAYS BE THE FUCKING SAME DEAL over and over again so shut the fuck up I don't need to hear any more about it.

But just for good ol' nostalgia's sake, here's ANOTHER exampled on how our idiotic despots have to eat their words over and over again.

"Political entrepreneurs needed for success : SM", 147th The Straits Times, 02 Nov 1994

Qute : "At the end of the day, it is $5 million more. What on earth are we arguing about?"

It was now time to abandon tradition and opt for a new method of paying ministers, he declared.

He predicted that in five to 10 years' time, the benchmark formula would have succeeded and would be accepted as conventional wisdom, just as other policies pioneered by Singapore ministers had been adopted by other countries....

....'There can be no end to this argument. I read what Walter Woon says - let's have a referendum.

"The people at large...Are they in a position to judge? Is it within their range of experience? I have been through this life and had I lived a different life in Lee & Lee, I would never have this experience.

"Because I have gone through this, I say 'do it'. I am in a position to judge.

"I say I am prepared to put my experience and my judgment against all the arguments the doubters can muster.

"In five to 10 years, when it works and Singapore has got a good government, this formula will be accepted as conventional wisdom."

---------------------------------------------------------
It's 13 fucking years later and your people are still not happy. Our elderly have to work as cleaners in public toilets, pick up cardboard and used cans to make a living, people are choosing to die on MRT tracks every other week because f your outdated conventional wisdom. You were boycotted by Australia's politicians and booed by cohorts of truly intellectual students. You are a has-been so shut the fuck up, Lee Kuan Fucking-Yew.

Fuck You, Advertising Industry.

2007-04-03T16:44:00.000+08:00

Dear Advertising Industry,

I am the new consumer, and you are wasting my time.

You've been wasting my time for many years now, and I've finally gotten tired of it; so tired that the time has come to introduce myself to you, because it is clear you have no idea who I am.
Therefore, I'd like to take a few minutes to set you straight.

I don't care about you. At all.

Occasionally, you may amuse me with your clever commercials. Once, I remember pausing at a particularly beautifully-shot magazine ad... though I can't tell you which one it was, because every day I'm bombarded by beautifully-shot magazine ads, and they've all become a blur of nothingness. And that's the reality of it for you, right there in a cozy little nutshell: advertising is just one big blur of nothingness.

Your response has been at once predictable and utterly mystifying. You believe that shoving more and more advertising at me is going to make me sit up and take notice. It's such a flawed methodology that I can't help believing you are all out-of-touch dunderheads waving your arms in a hysterical frenzy of ignorance. Just who are you targeting with your ad-heaped-upon-ad approach? Surely not me, because I gave up paying attention a long time ago. I have far too many other diversions to capture my attention.

I am the new consumer. Ten minutes of searching on the web taught me more about the product you're flogging than entire campaigns you've created over a ten-year span. Did I spend those ten minutes combing through your minutely-designed interactive Flash website? Dream on. I went to the source: the people that have already used your product, and have something to say about it. And the really real kicker? It wasn't your ads that introduced me to the product in the first place!
Someone on a blog mentioned using it, and since she and I share a lot of likes and dislikes, I figured I'd check it out.

You people make no sense to me. Are you really that entrenched, that disconnected from reality? How do you manage to convince companies that they need you and your idiotic, pointless, instantly disposable ads? If you're so elite, so godawfully cool, how is it you've managed to drift so far from the cutting edge of culture? Is it possible that you're pretty much the animated corpse of years past? A ghost of 1950, come to haunt the people of the present?

I am the new consumer. I only buy the things that matter to me, the products that speak to me. Do you want my business? I believe you do not. If you did, you would come searching for me - and you would find me. In this hyper-connected world, there is absolutely no excuse for the inability to discover and ferret out people like me, the new consumers. What excuses do you offer for failing? If I can find you when I want to, why can't you find me when you want to?

It is my opinion that you have become meaningless in today's cultural climate. You, the advertising industry, are a dinosaur past your time on earth.

Not only are you meaningless, you're far too cocky for your own good.

You waste my time, yes; but that isn't so horrible by itself. Lots of things waste my time. I waste my own time... but I do it on my own terms, because I enjoy wasting my time, and I waste my time by doing the things I like to do. On the other hand, you waste my time... and in the process, you treat me like an idiot, which only goes to show just how out of touch you really are.

I guess I'll be the one to announce it. I am far from the mindless sheep you expect me to be. I am savvy. Sophisticated. Networked. I know more about what I want than you do, and your attempts to force-feed me crap do not work. No ad you create is going to sway my opinion. I might chuckle; odds are, I won't pay any attention. Do you want to know a secret? If I'm not TiVo-ing, I'm muting when the commercials come on. And I'm not watching much TV anyway, you'll notice. There are far too many other interests for me to pursue, and television is just a mindless exercise in winding down before I go to bed. Emphasis on the mindless; I am divorced from television, and don't really care about those ads.

You don't provide me with anything. Your advertising may as well be a void to me. Do I come to you, asking about the products you're hawking? Do you really think I remember the products you hawk in the first place? Please. Give me more credit than that; I am an active consumer, and haven't a bit of passivity left in my pinkie to offer you. Feed me your lines, and I'll just puke them back up, covered in vitriol.

You are out of touch, advertising industry. You show no interest in moving on, of adapting to my needs. That is why you are failing. I am the new consumer, and if you want me, you have to engage with me. You have to come to me, and you have to do it on my terms. I am far more intelligent and informed than you, and I am in control. Until you believe that - until you own that - you are worthless.

You want me to buy things. You tell your clients that you can convince me to buy. You lie to them, and they pay you for your lies.

Products have become extraneous. This is a me-too climate, where everything looks the same and does the same thing. Your response? To promote that mentality by producing even more me-too advertising. You talk of differentiation, but you don't walk the walk. You aren't willing to break out of the me-too mold, and that is why I do not care about you. I am an individual, but you can't grasp the concept of the individual, much less the reality of the individual. When will you learn? "Lifestyle branding"? Puh-leaze. You can't even be bothered to talk to me about my lifestyle, much less provide me with anything I want. You still think showing me pictures of pretty girls wearing pretty clothes is going to make me buy a watch, or a bottle of beer, or a new pair of pants. You have never been so wrong. I'll look at the pretty girls, I promise. But when I'm done, I'm going to go and search for the pretty girl in your ad, not the product you're selling.

Bombarding doesn't work; pushing your products on everyone from trailer homes to multi-million dollar mansions is not effective. You want me? You have to come and get me, and that means a radical shift in the way you do things. Until you can admit that we are a fragmented marketplace, that we are individuals who are only interested in dealing with other individuals who share our interests and likes and dislikes, you are doomed to our hatred.

But have hope. I am the new consumer, and I am forgiving. If you can impress me, in my own arena and on my own terms, I can warm to you.
But my time is precious, and my interest is fleeting. Offering me a cup of air will get you nowhere. I demand substance for my time, and I demand it now. Not tomorrow, when you've gotten around to researching me and pegging my profile. And to make it harder - to make it more interesting - I am not going to be forthcoming with my information.

This has nothing to do with CRM. It has nothing to do with swooshing logos, or spectacular websites.

It is your job to reflect my passions, my ideals, my interests. Gone are the days when you could expect my attention, or at least trap it.
I am the new consumer, and I have become more sophisticated than you ever were. You may pretend to understand me. You may coddle me, tell me I'm beautiful and worthwhile. You may... because I will see through you in an instant, and it really won't matter to me because I will dismiss you just as quickly. Unless your approach is genuine, and genuinely aligned with my approach, you will fail utterly and miserably.

You have to work for my attention, because you know what?

I am the new consumer, and I am in the driver's seat.

Yours sincerely,
The New Consumer

At The Gym

2007-02-22T17:42:00.000+08:00

The gym that I work out at caters to alot of working professionals. That however never gave me a so called upper class feeling or whatever, I first joined that gym chain back in 2001 and to me, the higher premiums doesn't mean anything social status wise or what so ever.

But apparently some people think it's a pretty big deal. From the messy ways they use the equipment to loudly demanding service at the front counter to the snobbish attitudes over the selection of lockers, it's like as if being a gym member very hoity toity lor.

Today something classic happened in the gym.

I was just finished with my workout and I sat on the bench in the locker room, catching my breath. (Fine I'm fat and I pant slightly more now after every work out.) Now throughout the day at the gym, be it peak hour or whatever, the average profile of the gymmers are rather much the same. They fancy themselves as high flying professionals, constantly checking their Blackberries on the treadmills and discussing stock options on the gym floor, loudly comparing COE prices for their latest 2-litre cars and which gym acquaintance they saw at the last condo open house whatever. It's so trite you really wanna laugh over the silly poseur-ness of it all.

2 such typical corporate types were hamming it up at the locker room bench, loudly proclaiming to each other whatever stock market crap deal they had observed etc. Down the row of lockers I saw an Indian guy walking towards us. I really didn't give the oncoming guy much thought.

The taller of the talking pair, a Chinese guy, already dressed back in work clothes after his shower, was clutching his bag ready to leave with his wet towels in the other hand. Out of the blue he turned round and tossed the wet towels (2 of them usually, a bath and a work-out hand towel) at the Indian guy and said "Thanks mate!".

He thought the Indian guy was a cleaner! Now I really don't understand how that mistake could be made cos' firstly, he was dressed in basketball shorts and a tee shirt; cleaners in the gym have a kind of obvious polo green tee shirt and pants outfit. Secondly, well.. there is no "secondly"! He didn't resemble a cleaner in any way! Duh!!!

There was like, 5 secs of awkward silence as his conversation partner, the Indian guy and I came to the above conclusion. The sheer cheek of it!

I couldn't help it, I burst out laughing in a bwa-ha-ha-ha manner on the spot.

The Indian guy dropped the wet towels with this utter digusted look expression and said in a tone that lowered the air-conditioning by another 10 degrees, "The towel bin is that way."

I couldn't contain my laughter as the Chinese guy red-facedly scooped up the towels, inched past the indignant Indian guy and practically dashed for the bin and the way out, leaving his flummoxed friend behind in the locker room.

And they claim I'm racist. Pfft

The WHAT Industry?!?!

2007-02-14T17:38:00.000+08:00

I am not sure if I should be flattered or insulted that my colleagues dumped this in my in-tray this morning.

The title heading the document, replete with a Republic of Singapore insignia was "INVITATION TO TENDER -FOR- FOR APPOINTMENT OF CONSULTANT TO DEVELOP A SET OF ACCREDITATION STANDARDS AND ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK FOR THE LOCAL DATING INDUSTRY".

"The WHAT industry?" was my reaction.

I read on further.

"1.1 On 17 Nov 2006, the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) announced new initiatives to raise standards in the local dating industry.

1.2 As the local dating industry becomes more developed with the emergence of new players, it is timely to raise professional standards in the industry through accreditation to give singles the confidence to use services provided by private sector agencies.

1.3 This accreditation scheme will be introduced for the local dating industry in mid-2007. Accreditation standards would be applied to both dating agencies and dating practitioners. The accredited agencies will carry the Social Development Unit (SDU) Trust Mark."

Am I the only one who finds it laughable that we actually live in a country that has to depend on a set of government regulations on match making agencies for DATING?! Even if you attend a SDU event, are Singaporeans so mindless and spineless that they can't detect scams and what-not using their own common sense?! What's next? Laws regulating fucking?! Oh wait we do have some of those...

Sigh.

72 Virgins by Steve Martin

2007-02-11T17:35:00.000+08:00

This is HILARIOUS.So which one are YOU?

Virgin No. 1: Yuck.
Virgin No. 2: Ick.
Virgin No. 3: Ew.
Virgin No. 4: Ow.
Virgin No. 5: Do you like cats? I have fourteen!
Virgin No. 6: I’m Becky. I’ll be legal in two years.
Virgin No. 7: Here, I’ll just pull down your zipper. Oh, sorry!
Virgin No. 8: Can we cuddle first?
Virgin No. 9: It was a garlic-and-onion pizza. Why?
Virgin No. 10: . . . so I see Heath, and he goes, “Like, what are you doing here?,” and I go, “I’m hangin’ out,” so he goes, “Like, what?” . . .
Virgin No. 11: First you’re going to have to show me an up-to-date health certificate.
Virgin No. 12: Hurry! My parents are due home!
Virgin No. 13: Do you want the regular or the special?
Virgin No. 14: I’m eighty-four. So what?
Virgin No. 15: Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
Virgin No. 16: Even I know that’s tiny.
Virgin No. 17: “Do it”? Meaning what?
Virgin No. 18: I’m saving myself for Jesus.
Virgin No. 19: Somewhere on my body I have hidden a buffalo nickel.
Virgin No. 20: Don’t touch my hair!
Virgin No. 21: I hope you’re not going to sleep with me and then go sleep with seventy-one others.
Virgin No. 22: Do you mind if we listen to Mannheim Steamroller?
Virgin No. 23: Are you O.K. with the dog on the bed?
Virgin No. 24: Would you mind saying, “Could I see you in my office, Miss Witherspoon?”?
Virgin No. 25: Ride me! Ride me, Lucky Buck!
Virgin No. 26: You like your vanilla hot?
Virgin No. 27: Does Ookums like Snookums?
Virgin No. 28: It’s so romantic here, dead.
Virgin No. 29: Well, I’m a virgin, but my hand isn’t.
Virgin No. 30: You are in?
Virgin No. 31: Hi, cowboy. I just rode down from Brokeback Mountain.
Virgin No. 32: I’m a virgin because I’m so ugly.
Virgin No. 33: You like-ee?
Virgin No. 34: I’ll betcha you can’t get an erection. Go on, impress me. C’mon, show me. Show me, big shot.
Virgin No. 35: By the way, here in Heaven “virgin” has a slightly different meaning. It means “chatty.”
Virgin No. 36: Sure, I like you, but as a friend.
Virgin No. 37: No kissing. I save that for my boyfriend.
Virgin No. 38: I’m Zania, from the planet Xeron. My vagina is on my foot.
Virgin No. 39: It’s a lesion, and, no, I don’t know what kind.
Virgin No. 40: I’m Jewish. Why do you ask?
Virgin No. 41: Hi, I’m Becky. Oh, whoops—you again.
Virgin No. 42: I just love camping! Camping is so great! Can we go camping sometime?
Virgin No. 43: In the spirit of full disclosure, I’m a single mom.
Virgin No. 44: You like my breasts? They were my graduation gift.
Virgin No. 45: When you’re done, you should really check out how cool this ceiling is.
Virgin No. 46: I’m almost there. Just another couple of hours.
Virgin No. 47: Get your own beer, you nitwit.
Virgin No. 48: No, you’ve got it wrong. We’re in the Paradise Casino.
Virgin No. 49: I really enjoyed that. Thank you very much. Gee, it’s late.
Virgin No. 50: You make me feel like a real woman. And after this is over I’m going to find one.
Virgin No. 51: What do you mean, “move a little”?
Virgin No. 52: Not now, I’m on my BlackBerry.
Virgin No. 53: I love it when you put on your pants and leave.
Virgin No. 54: We’ve been together twenty-four hours now, and, you know, sometimes it’s O.K. to say something mildly humorous.
Virgin No. 55: That was terrible. I should have listened to the other virgins.
Virgin No. 56: I think I found it. Is that it? Oh. Is this it? Oh, this must be it. No?
Virgin No. 57: It must be hot in here, because I know it’s not me.
Virgin No. 58: Those are my testicles.
Virgin No. 59: Did you know that “virgin” is an anagram of Irving?
Virgin No. 60: First “Spamalot,” then sex.
Virgin No. 61: Great! I was hoping for circumcised.
Virgin No. 62: Was that it?
Virgin No. 63: Dang. George Clooney was being reckless on a motorcycle, but instead I got you.
Virgin No. 64: Tonight, I become a woman. But until then you can call me Bob.
Virgin No. 65: They’re called “adult diapers.” Why?
Virgin No. 66: We could do it here for free, or on a stage in Düsseldorf for money.
Virgin No. 67: I’m just Virgin No. 67 to you, right?
Virgin No. 68: Pee-yoo. Are you wearing Aramis?
Virgin No. 69: Condom, please.
Virgin No. 70: My name is Mother Teresa.
Virgin No. 71: I’m not very good at this, but let’s start with the Reverse Lotus Blossom.
Virgin No. 72: It was paradise, until you showed up

Oh My Effing GAWD

2007-02-06T17:31:00.000+08:00

This was a conversation between me and a supposedly (posing as, I suspect) industry-pro of a marketing manager for a supposedly established events management company.

Me : "I have a proposal for my client, Singapore Science Centre and they're looking to do a Festival coming March."

Her (in very auntie ah soh buying fish from market voice) : "ah yes. How much your budget?"

Me : "I don't really have those figures yet, I'm currently proposing to them."

Her : "So your event is what?"

Me : "It's a Festival being held by Singapore Science Centre."

Her : "So what kind of event har? Dinner and dance is it?"

Me : "NO, its a FEST-ival."

Her : "So where is this festival?"

Me (sarcastically) : "It's by Singapore Science Centre, where do you think it should be at?"

Her : " In town is it?"

OH MY F**KING GAWD. It should be legal to shoot stupidity like that.

The Rant Post From The Office

2007-02-05T17:25:00.000+08:00

Well, for the first time in weeks, I'm bored at work, waiting for clients to revert, waiting for emails to confirm, waiting for the clock to hit 6.00pm, waiting waiting waiting.

Yes, I'm bored. Very.

One thing that has come to mind on and off is that I seem to have fallen off the blogging bandwagon. I still take snapshots with my phone, i've taken quite a number more wth my digicam. Snapshots that upon reviewing were rather nice in their quality or composition, but frankly were too lazy to upload and share.

So here and now in the office, bereft of my own laptop with specially selected pictures (and photoshop ffs!) I shall attempt use my time effectively enough to write an entry that endeavours to be engaging and entertaining in its read.

Yeah right. You very free also hor?

Ok time for random thoughts spewing;

1) Which blinking moron actually thinks Mahatir deserves a Nobel PEACE prize? For someone so obviously antagonistic towards the West, bitterly jealous over Singapore's economic success and rather ham fisted in his oh-so-obvious overthrowing of his former deputy Anwar cos' he couldn't handle the competition (which also sparked off riots in KL), yeah I can see how he is such a paragon of virtous peace making ideals.

2) My god. I know I'm working in a rather Chinese-oriented company but even the enunciation of Shirlyn and Charlene is something most of my colleagues struggle at.

3) I had a rather weird dream last night, where I was a resident in Wisteria Lane, having to plot how best to burn Sarah Jessica Parker's house down cos' she slept with the Blonde Best Friend's friend's boyfriend and someone ended up in jail or something. Yes it's the worst mash up of SATC and Desperate Housewives ever and it only happens here in my dreams.

4) After the recent almost-meltdown I had with regard to working on the 3M pitch, I have come to the conclusion that while being initiative-driven might be an admirable quality, it's mostly a waste of time when you work for a mostly-family-run company.

5) Got an offer to buy a 1Gb thumb-drive for only S$34 bucks.

6) What's more icky than coyly cruising that cutie at a couple of tables away during your company's D&D only to find out that he isn't an undiscovered hottie from the Creatives Department or whatever but he's the cousin of your manager? Ok probably alot more but I backpedaled from making that contact faster than you can say "They're building a WHAT at Mt. Faber?!"

7) What's sexier than knowing that you put on more than 8kg cos' you haven't worked out for like a year and your former FB still finds you hot?

8) I'm becoming used to kopi-O-peng every morning. Not exactly as glamourous as a cuppa ice blended from Coffee Bean every morning but alot more decidedly economical.

9) Just when I think I might have seen/experienced all the levels of queen-dom one could ever see/experience (I did work in a cabaret for over 3 years dammit!), a new designer bemuses me by speaking pseudo-French loudly on his handphone and has to moisturise his hands like 5 times a day in the office.

10) Whatever may happen, I'm gonna spend my birthday this year out of this god-knows-we're-repressed country. I'm also not above accepting donations for this endeavour

Freaking Acronyms

2006-11-03T17:22:00.000+08:00

Ok correct me if I'm wrong but today was a revelation for me in terms of our country's love for acronyms.

I was reading an article on Singapore when I came across the name Sellapan Ramanathan, mentioned in a current affairs article.. Now as a fellow Singaporean, what does that name mean to you?

I was slightly stunned and curious. I thought "Since when did it change/ Who is this feller that the article was referring to?

Sellapan Ramananthan. Who is he?

Well, I'm ashamed to say this but that's our return-unopposed-but-supposedly-elected President of Singapore, S R Nathan.

Perhaps it's the norm for Indian/Tamil names to be shortened as such, I don't know, could someone enlighten me please? But for many of my friends, including some in NUS, nobody knew who I was talking about when I went on MSN and started asking around.

I think it's a sad day indeed and speak volumes about politics in Singapore and how apathetic my generation is, when most of us don't even know the full name of our very own (supposedly beloved, accordig to the media) President.

Another ridiculous acronym I came across, lovingly labelled by our own civil service, was APPLES. Now I don't know about you, but I like to think that a document as important as your own passport should not be cheapened and shortened to a fruit in a market, no matter what they say about an apple a day and the doctor and all that.

I could go on and on about our country's silly love for acronyms. But I'll leave it here for now. *roll eyes*

Talk To Her Uncaring Hand

2006-11-02T17:18:00.000+08:00

I'm not sure if you have heard of this recent issue, about a certain Miss Wee Shu Min, daughter of Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Wee Siew Kim, making totally insensitive, derogatory and insulting remarks about a Mr Derek Wee in her blog.

In her entry, which I won't elaborate but you can read it here.

It blew up over the local blogging community, so much so that her father was forced to make an apology that so was NOT an apology.

Frankly, I don't give a shit. If poeple took this long to realise that there ARE social elites in the country who truly look down upon them, who treat going into areas like coffeeshops and HDB estates like they are doing charity work, then they deserve the rude shock coming to them.

So why am I posting this?

'Cos during lunch I was of all things, called up by a reporter for MY reaction to this whole bunch of bullshit. Why my reaction? Well if you don't know why then I'll leave you to figure it out but I was relishing the irony of asking me. The pesty reporter was from none other than my "fave" trashy tabloid of the nation, TNP, of course.

I was mostly silent for the phone conversation after saying "Hi" and affirming I was who I was on the phone, I listened with a growing sense of deja vu as she rambled on and on about the issue. Then came the moment I was actually waiting for, which sprung to mind while her irritating whiny voice was talking.

TNP Reporter : "So what are your views on this, especially with how MP Wee referred to his daughter's behaviour?"

Me : "Frankly, I think he's a hypocrite, but then again he's a politician. Coming to think of it, I think your call's kinda hypocritical too. Now you're spoiling my lovely lunch so I'm gonna hang up. Ta!"

Geez, the fucking nerve of asking ME.

Anyway, here's a pic of that "biatch". Me wonders, does elitism have a certain "look" ? Cos' she sure resembles another pudgy complexion-challenged stumpy girl I know with pretty much the same attitude. :P Perhaps the Best Friend can shed some light. :P

Haze In Singapore

2006-11-01T17:16:00.000+08:00

Warning - Picture heavy post!

Decided to link this to my other blog instead of reproducing en bloc.

The Cask Of Amontillado

2006-10-31T17:15:00.000+08:00

If you are a fan of Edgar Allan Poe, the above picture is a very refreshing take on the classic, The Cask of Amontillado.

As a kid, I read this story and was morbidly fascinated by the idea of being walled up alive. Truth to tell, I was rather fascinated with various forms of death that were long and drawn out. The macabreness of one's realisation of the impending end yet impotency to do anything about it, sends a chill of horror and titillation down my spine. Much as we homo sapiens behave like we control the world around us, the fact is we control very little indeed. If indeed I could choose which forms of death I would not want to experience, it'd be;

1) Being buried alived.

2) Being walled up alive.

3) Drowning.

4) Suffocation.

I used to list falling from a great height amongst those but I read somewhere your neck snaps mid fall and you're most likely dead before you ever hit the ground so that eliminates its eligibility from "Long drawn out deaths I wouldn't wanna gro through" for me.

Happy Hallow's Eve.

First They Came

2006-10-02T16:11:00.000+08:00

First They Came ~ Martin Niemoller

When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.

When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.

When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.

When they came for the Jews,
I did not speak out;
I was not a Jew.

When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.

At the risk of sounding overly dramatic, it seems with recent times its easier for a state to be overrun by facism than ever. Recent events displaying the callous disregard for external sentiments and feelings not pertaining to what the Government wants sends a silent chill down one's spine if you choose to take a step back and consider it.

Fascism isn't an overnight revolution. It starts insidiously, slowly. The collection of authority and power into the hands of a select few. It stacks up over time like a pile of stones, until one wakes up one day to find a mountain of errors and "its always been this way" excuses and by then, it might be too late.

What *is* facism? According to Wikipedia, it states that "Fascism is a radical totalitarian political philosophy that combines elements of corporatism, authoritarianism, extreme nationalism, militarism, anti-anarchism, anti-communism and anti-liberalism." Another consideration of facism is that "Fascism is also typified by totalitarian attempts to impose state control over all aspects of life: political, social, cultural, and economic".

Cheem siah...

I'm not saying that we live in a facist country. We don't. But we could. The political apathy of the majority of the population attests to this. The complacency of the people to leave decisions up to the policy makers paves the way for this. An election system that sees a party largely returned to power before polling even begins & regulations favouring the incumbent allows this. The lack of credible debate and discussion avenues that affects policy BEFORE it is implemented shows this. The crackdown on dissident voices, opposing views and alternative opinions proves this.

The greatest harm often come of the greatest of intentions. It doesn't take evil men for evil deeds to happen.

The problem is, not many Singaporeans can be bothered about this. There is so much wrong about our systems in Singapore, from;

1) a judicial system that presumes guilt before proven innocence.

2) a collection of government watchdogs that claim to plan for "open-ness" but clamp down hard on any form of alternative-ness other than their own.

3) a one party government that has presided over an ever increasing income gap between the rich & the poor and is so out of touch with real life issues yet gets re-elected thanks to its monopoly on the media.

4) a standard of living that rises every day and every year but minimum wages that hasn't risen to suit.

5) an economy that sees its people working to feed the government multi-national companies that virtually controls every facet of life we partake in.

6) a National Pledge that recites "regardless of race, language or religion" but sees its government persecuting Jehovah's Witnesses, depriving the entire gay community of any form of recognition or expression and recently, even helping a foreign government persecute Falungong activists trying to drum up support for their own plight back home.

7) a government so confident of its own authoritarian rule that it even puts the facade of inviting debate on the casino issue & then steamrolled ahead with its implementation plans anyway and politely telling the World Bank & IMF that it wants it business but it'll ignore their views on allowing peaceful demonstrations outside its meetings.

The list goes on. But it gets more and more depressing if I were to write on. Did I mention that suicide rates are up too? I kid you not.

So what are we to do? The MDA's favourite tag line recently seems to be "give us solutions" (especially over that silly Mr Brown incident) but frankly, what can an average guy like me do when everywhere you turn or whichever corner you round, you are actively blocked, governed and basically conditioned against speaking out?

Pri-f**king-orities!!???

2006-09-19T16:08:00.000+08:00

Of late it seems this seems to be the buzzword - Priorities.

If anyone is following the news OUTSIDE of our state-run media, one would know of the embrassing backlash from the WB-IMF over our government's communist-like handling of the civil activists and their attendance of the Singapore 2006 meetings. The rain of criticism included chortlings of the American media, mostly along the lines of "They're barbaric, they cane people what do you expect" to downright criticism by the WB Chief, Wolfowitz himself.

But while everyone in the know have been deriding the government for their less-than-savvy management of the entire debacle, our local media truly showed themselves to be the mouthpiece of the government solely, by glossing over the international hue & cry over the affair, as well as downplaying the SDP's ongoing attempt at a protest rally & march.

These brave (but foolhardy in my opinion) souls are really trying their darndest to give Singaporeans a chance at a voice of their own, though what do they really expect the WB-IMF to do when our government doesn't even respect their own accreditation criteria really beats me.

What's even more amusing is the blatant attempt at propaganda by the media. From a crowd of over a 100 supporters the media applied for a creative license and whittled down the truth to only 20. But what else can you expect from CNA & the Strait(-Jacket) Times huh?

So it truly seems like our government's main priority at this point is to continue slathering the WB-IMF delegates with bile-inducing Eden-like facts of our (police) city-state while brave (but foolhardy?) activists sit out in the sun & rain for 4 days & 3 nights. Anything to save face, our Singapore Government is.

On the work front, I'm dealing with a Boss who puts unrealistic project goals & income over staff welfare. At times I'm really close to losing it, what with the 4A.M phone calls and emails, constant changing and restructuring of marketing efforts. Meanwhile since our supposed Finance & HR manager was fired in a fit of temper by my Boss, the little things that take care of staff to make sure things operate smoothly has got to the nuthouse.(I say supposed because he never did do what his job scope implied) From irritating facts like a lack of paper to non-existent water in the cooler and a pantry in name only to even an underlying fear that paychecks may not be cut on time to a really really staff-shortfall, I'm beginning to feel the dread of going into work these days.

So with all the wrong priorities happening all over the place, I can't help but wonder why fucking bother!!!

The SG Media Are Bloody Hypocrites

2006-09-09T16:04:00.000+08:00

Even as they happily laud the fact that Singapore has been ranked amongst the top 5 of corruption free countires around the world, the silence on their non-reporting of the recent backlash from the World Bank - IMF over our government's rough shod banning of civil activist delegates to the upcoming meetings has been D E A F E N I N G.

Joint Statement From World Bank And IMF On CSO Participation In The Annual Meetings In Singapore

The WB-IMF protesting our government's banning of accreddited NGO reps. In other words, our government thinks its standards of deciding which people to allow to attend the meetings, or not, is waaaaay better than an International body like WB-IMF.

Singapore Under Fire as World bank-IMF Protest

Yay. Now we're publicly being laughed at. way to go marketing Singapore. Wasn't it only recently that some minister was boasting and urging one united brand of Singapore? Well there you have it.

Dictatorial Singapore

Authoritative Know It All Singapore

"We Ban Ya Ass" Singapore

Those press releases or reports (compiled by AFP too, if you notice) has been out for at least a day or 2. But not a single peep from our docile media. No no cannot let Singaporeans know that we are not being as friendly or wlecoming as our government keeps brain washing us to think we should be.

All that bullshit about wanting to attract foreign talent, investors and making this a fun filled creative place. Yeah fucking-bloody "right".

Jailed ST Reporter in China

2006-08-31T16:02:00.000+08:00

Ching Cheong, acknowledged by the Straits Times as their Chief China correspondent, was jailed for 5 years today, in China on supposedly trumped up charges of espionage.

Amidst all the furore of protests and petitions drummed up by his wife, Reporters San Frontiers (Reporters Without Borders), human rights activists in the US and Hong Kong, a resounding silence resonates from the country which is his country of residence and his place of employment offers a mere mewling token protest. Given the outright glee which they handled the NKF saga, their enthusiasm for this particular affair seems quite lackadaisical I think.

But it's not really that surprisingly. A line from BBC's coverage states "The government does not allow any challenge to its authority and keeps a tight rein on the media."

Ouch. But before you think it's a slur on our supposedly fine Republic of Singapore, it's not. It of course infers to the draconian state laws of the communist People's Republic of China, long known for its persecution of freedom-loving right-wing activists and religion practitioners of dubious faiths.

But why I say "it isn't surprising" is because that simple statement is probably heartily endorsed by the Lee regime here in Singapore itself. Reading that, a recent post-election ticking off by the elder Lee definitely comes to mind. :P

Preference Vs. Racism

2006-08-29T15:21:00.000+08:00

I made this as a comment on a blog.

"I guess more than anyone else has cause to, I have gone over this whole racism crap a bazillion times.

And my main conclusion is this. No one likes rejection. No one likes being excluded. No one likes being left out of the "In" group and no one likes being told "you can't".

Before you jump to your guns, let me finish hor.

There are alot of circumstances that one can't control/influence/have much say over. However when it comes to preference vs racism, oh boy you can bet you can find more advocacy groups for either sides than you can for volunteers to help starving children in Africa!

Why's that so? 'Cos from history's precedent, you can always find holier-than-thou/ more-pious-than-art /more politically-correct-than-you or simply put, anal retentive people who have nothing better to do in their lives than to take up arms in a cause that frankly, doesn't affect their lives overwhelmingly one way or another. And I am not talking about apartheism here, that's another can of worms altogether, I'm not lumping these 2 issues together.

And what better pedestal to mount than the "you're racist" platform? It confers the accuser a cloak of morality, gives the feller the right to vent his own self-hating vitriol against a group/minority/community of people he doesn't understand. I often find that bigots are foremost amongst those to cry "racist" than anybody else. You'll find such people very much blind to the contradicting, conflicting, paradoxical actions in their very own lives too.

**Note - this thought occurred to me the other day while watching a Will & Grace episode that was digging fun at political correctness. And I thought to myself, "I think alot of people are more thick-skinned than we give them credit for and frankly, have better things to do than to raise a hue & cry over every racial/national/gender dig that someone makes. Could it be that the political correctness advocates are guiltier for harbouring truly racist/sexist/classist/ageist thoughts deep down than the average ah tan who serves his national service, enjoys a cuppa kopi with his friends and treats his non-chinese friends with real respect i.e respecting the differences without making an issue out of them?"

On a personal note, I rarely date malay guys. I have dated ONE malay guy, have had a huge crush on another. Since then, well I haven't metanother who presses my buttons quite the same. Never did a white guy nor an indian guy either. But do I have friends of those races? Definitely. Do I find excuses not to associate myself in public with them? Definitely NOT. Am I turned off by their culture? No way. But just cos' I choose not to sleep with them (and never have I uttered that, just that I haven't met one who made me want to), I'm "racist". Sometimes I wanna grab them by their Gap-labelled t-shirts' neck and show them my collection of porn. And tell me I'm racist then. :P

I'm just waiting for the day when maybe I am dating say a malay guy, and a chinese wants to make out with me and I reject him cos' he aint my type and i get the "you're racist against your own kind" type of comment or remark. Now *that* would be a hoot and sadly, in Singapore, not a very un-probable happening.