TEACHER: "George Washington not only chopped down his father's Cherry tree,
but also admitted doing it. Now do you know why his father didn't punish him?"
JONNY: "Because George still had the axe in his hand."
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SON: Daddy, have you ever been to Egypt?
FATHER: No. Why do you ask that?
SON: Well, where did you get THIS mummy then?
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TEACHER: What a pair of strange socks you are wearing, one is green and one is blue with red spots!
KIRK: Yes it's really strange. I've got another pair of the same at home.
Aug 28, 2004
Aug 22, 2004
i loved the rally. its a very inspirational rally, its a milestone. u can read all about in the newspaper, but something he said really struck me. he was talking about singaporeans conforming and only going on the tried and tested routes, but never trying anything new. he used the custom at the airport as an analogy where people queued on the 'singapore only' passports but nobody queued in the 'all passports' queue. is there something there that we didn't know? of course not. so why not be the first to step into uncharted territories? to bring the idea further, i suggest we be the first to chart into social reforms, where gays are not discriminated, where we are given equal rights, where we are not criminal just because i hold my partner's hands in public. where i can make love to him and its not illegal. if Hong Kong can do it, 12 years ago, i hardly think, singapore as a 'forward looking' country, wanting to take initiatives can't. equal rights. and i'm not even going to go into the arguments for marriage. you can go to downloads and look at 'the m word' for more info.
however notice that near the end of mr goh's term, suddenly everything is rejected for no rhyme of reason. the group PLU is rejected for some frivalous reasons : ..the registration of the proposed society is not approved under Sections 4(2)(b) and 4(2)(d) of the Societies Act.�
Sections 4(2) states: �The Registrar shall refuse to register a society if he is satisfied that (b) the society is likely to be used for unlawful purposes or for purposes prejudicial to public peace, welfare or good order in Singapore; (d) it would be contrary to the national interest for the society to be registered People Like Us has written to the ROS asking him to provide details of how he arrived at the finding that we could be for unlawful purposes, prejudicial to public peace, and contrary to the national interest.
and some talks to educate the public about us are suddenly rejected. but when mr lee took office the first thing he announced was that any talks can now be made without a licencse, so long as it doesn't touch on race nor religion. he said we should be free to express our ideas, but of course not starting a riot. while it comforted me, it also led me to think, is this all just publicity? that mr lee would be the one that is the 'new' generation leader, that he would be the one to push for the changes?
if the gay group PLU tries to get a licencse as a registered society fails again, then �Everything we have seen, passed off as "loosening up," or letting creativity reign, is nothing but a public relations exercise to (a) counter the worldwide perception of Singapore as a sterile, authoritarian, flog-happy place and (b) to hoodwink more foreign talent to come to Singapore to contribute economically.
however notice that near the end of mr goh's term, suddenly everything is rejected for no rhyme of reason. the group PLU is rejected for some frivalous reasons : ..the registration of the proposed society is not approved under Sections 4(2)(b) and 4(2)(d) of the Societies Act.�
Sections 4(2) states: �The Registrar shall refuse to register a society if he is satisfied that (b) the society is likely to be used for unlawful purposes or for purposes prejudicial to public peace, welfare or good order in Singapore; (d) it would be contrary to the national interest for the society to be registered People Like Us has written to the ROS asking him to provide details of how he arrived at the finding that we could be for unlawful purposes, prejudicial to public peace, and contrary to the national interest.
and some talks to educate the public about us are suddenly rejected. but when mr lee took office the first thing he announced was that any talks can now be made without a licencse, so long as it doesn't touch on race nor religion. he said we should be free to express our ideas, but of course not starting a riot. while it comforted me, it also led me to think, is this all just publicity? that mr lee would be the one that is the 'new' generation leader, that he would be the one to push for the changes?
if the gay group PLU tries to get a licencse as a registered society fails again, then �Everything we have seen, passed off as "loosening up," or letting creativity reign, is nothing but a public relations exercise to (a) counter the worldwide perception of Singapore as a sterile, authoritarian, flog-happy place and (b) to hoodwink more foreign talent to come to Singapore to contribute economically.
Aug 18, 2004
i cried while watching the amazing race just now. for those who didn't catch it, charla and mirna were eliminated. charla spoke when the host broke the news to them. and it was just so touching. charla said: "I just wanted to prove to the world how much I can do, and it's not easy when there's�always people thinking you can't do it and you have to work extra hard to do it�[but] you have to do it. You have to accomplish your dreams." A teary Phil told Charla, "You have an amazing spirit." sometimes people have to work doubly hard, or 3 times as hard just to prove that they can do it too and to me, how many people out there even come close to charla. her determination, her will power puts the rest of the contestant to shame, especially colin. brandon, tall handsome and hunky is humble and really nice guy, he was worried about how the mothers and the cousins would fare in africa, but colin couldn't care less and even resorted to underhand methods to get at charla and mirna. FUCK YOU COLIN, if you win you know you don't win in peace BASTARD MOTHER FUCKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU CAN GO SUCK CHRISTIE CUNT ON THE FLIGHT HOME!@$@#%$#^$%&%^UI^*%@#T$%^&$%
ok i overdid it but i really hate colin.
makes me ponder, charla is not ashamed of her 'short'comings (sorry) her physical disadvantaged, and she work twice as hard to show that she's shorter but it doesn't mean anything. i don't understand why some people are so ashamed of being gay, why some people are so apologetic about being gay. why do they have to pretend to be straight when mixing around and using all sorts of excuse when they are in the gay crowd. i am not your alpha male sorta of guy and i don't pretend to be, i am soft at times, but it doesn't mean i can't do things. i am not in the army so i don't go outfield much, but when i was in brunei i lead my team all the way and we came in 1st. i wanted people to know, just because i behave like i am gay (yes i am) doesn't mean i can't do things. doesn't mean i have to go get myself downgraded before i enter ns and serve as a clerk or a storeman. being gay doesn't mean anything. there are strong (used very loosely here) straight people and weak straight people too. i just don't see why some gay people just let themselves rot and whats the word, argh forget it.
point is i am proud of being gay. i am. full stop. i won't apologise to anybody nor will i pretend to be straight, try to convince the world i like to fuck woman. NO I DON'T. are you gonna say "you haven't tried, how would you know?" how would you know i haven't tried. i am quite sure you straight obnoxious guy out there can't imagine, but scenario. i shove my prick up yours. don't like it? me too, and i really don't like shoving it anywhere else though.
so why go on hiding. why be so afraid that people might see us and know we're gay? why are you so afraid to wear bright colours? can't straight people wear bright red shirt? orange trunks? no? only gays wear them? so by wearing them you automatically become gay? so what if people see? so? whats the big fat deal anyway? who cares? who really gives a damn? those people you meet in the streets will know you the next week you walk past them? and people who know you just sees a little flamboyant shirt, so? what goes through their mind? nothing much, momentarily 'so gay, hahah' thats it. no more. so stop being apologetic and ashamed and stand up for yourself, if you can't do it, nobody's gonna do it for you. you've seen my wonderful straight friends stand by me, accepting me for who i am, so stop deluding yourself and live in your 17th century world.
ok i overdid it but i really hate colin.
makes me ponder, charla is not ashamed of her 'short'comings (sorry) her physical disadvantaged, and she work twice as hard to show that she's shorter but it doesn't mean anything. i don't understand why some people are so ashamed of being gay, why some people are so apologetic about being gay. why do they have to pretend to be straight when mixing around and using all sorts of excuse when they are in the gay crowd. i am not your alpha male sorta of guy and i don't pretend to be, i am soft at times, but it doesn't mean i can't do things. i am not in the army so i don't go outfield much, but when i was in brunei i lead my team all the way and we came in 1st. i wanted people to know, just because i behave like i am gay (yes i am) doesn't mean i can't do things. doesn't mean i have to go get myself downgraded before i enter ns and serve as a clerk or a storeman. being gay doesn't mean anything. there are strong (used very loosely here) straight people and weak straight people too. i just don't see why some gay people just let themselves rot and whats the word, argh forget it.
point is i am proud of being gay. i am. full stop. i won't apologise to anybody nor will i pretend to be straight, try to convince the world i like to fuck woman. NO I DON'T. are you gonna say "you haven't tried, how would you know?" how would you know i haven't tried. i am quite sure you straight obnoxious guy out there can't imagine, but scenario. i shove my prick up yours. don't like it? me too, and i really don't like shoving it anywhere else though.
so why go on hiding. why be so afraid that people might see us and know we're gay? why are you so afraid to wear bright colours? can't straight people wear bright red shirt? orange trunks? no? only gays wear them? so by wearing them you automatically become gay? so what if people see? so? whats the big fat deal anyway? who cares? who really gives a damn? those people you meet in the streets will know you the next week you walk past them? and people who know you just sees a little flamboyant shirt, so? what goes through their mind? nothing much, momentarily 'so gay, hahah' thats it. no more. so stop being apologetic and ashamed and stand up for yourself, if you can't do it, nobody's gonna do it for you. you've seen my wonderful straight friends stand by me, accepting me for who i am, so stop deluding yourself and live in your 17th century world.
Aug 17, 2004
i heard the forbidden word on television today. state controlled media channel 5. they were talking about the promise the new PM made, an open and inclusive singapore where people are allowed to be different. there was this seminar of sorts in NUS political science faculty where people stated their views and then the voice over said "amids the issues of the casino, gays and lesbian issues"
a senior lecturer thinks its possible because PM Lee is considered young, at 52 he can still hold 3-4 terms, and he needs us, therefore his policy must be tailored to us. well all this is only words and more words. long as gay sex is still illegal and where we are discriminated where newspaper article can flame us one baseless issues, long as we can't get our rights, not privillege just rights, equal rights as everybody, we won't and will not be a 'open and inclusive' singapore
a senior lecturer thinks its possible because PM Lee is considered young, at 52 he can still hold 3-4 terms, and he needs us, therefore his policy must be tailored to us. well all this is only words and more words. long as gay sex is still illegal and where we are discriminated where newspaper article can flame us one baseless issues, long as we can't get our rights, not privillege just rights, equal rights as everybody, we won't and will not be a 'open and inclusive' singapore
Aug 16, 2004
one of my friend complained about mundane blog entries, entries like:
today i woke up at 531 and brushed my teeth and took mrt to work. i had lunch at 12pm lalalalalallalalala
aiyo....
but anyway. i HATE work. this is the 4th time i am repainting the classroom, because lady boss and boss sir wouldn't agree with each other. other than sitting down together and talking things out and settle on colours BOTH can agree on, they should also seriously consider taking anger management classes.
nothing much to update. he's going outfield for 4days 3nights, without hp. can't contact him. haiz.
today i woke up at 531 and brushed my teeth and took mrt to work. i had lunch at 12pm lalalalalallalalala
aiyo....
but anyway. i HATE work. this is the 4th time i am repainting the classroom, because lady boss and boss sir wouldn't agree with each other. other than sitting down together and talking things out and settle on colours BOTH can agree on, they should also seriously consider taking anger management classes.
nothing much to update. he's going outfield for 4days 3nights, without hp. can't contact him. haiz.
Aug 15, 2004
we are 6months together! yay. well its considered an achievement from where i come from. people get together and break up in matter of days and weeks. went out with him to swim, but the pool was so crowded. so we just lazed around. and guess what while washing up, i thought it would be a good idea that he bathed first while i looked after the belongings, in comes this old fat and ugly guy who keeps staring at me and motioning me to follow him to some cubicle! GROSS! then he entered one and keeps looking out at me. its really really disgusting. i was like dying for my dear to come out and get me out of this situation. YUCKS, first time i encountered something like that. not that i look good in my trunks being all ribs and nothing else. eeeeeEEEEeee. i mean honestly if he looked somewhat like julian hee, or if he is julian, then maybe. oooops.
went out to eat, eat and eat. hahaha. show you guys the present he got for me later. sooo sweeeeeeeeet. ahhhhhhhh. anyway a quote stolen from junyi's blog.
"He who goes to bed with an itchy bottom wakes up with a smelly finger."
-Jean
hahahahhahahahahahahah ROTFL
went out to eat, eat and eat. hahaha. show you guys the present he got for me later. sooo sweeeeeeeeet. ahhhhhhhh. anyway a quote stolen from junyi's blog.
"He who goes to bed with an itchy bottom wakes up with a smelly finger."
-Jean
hahahahhahahahahahahah ROTFL
Aug 10, 2004
to all those inconsiderate people who picks up some lost handphone and keeps it for yourself without even trying to contact the owner. i curse you. every single one of you. may you rot in hell for eternity and lose you sense of hearing and speech ability and thus never be able to use the handphone again in your entire life and death.
yes i lost my phone. so for all those who know me and have my number can i appeal to you guys to send me a message with your name on it (surname too and where are you from how i knew you) it sounds silly but i know like 5 pauls, 4 alvins, 3 justins and a couple of kelvins. so i have no idea who's who if you don't tell me right.
nothing much. been horribly busy. out most of the time because mommy decidedly got angry at me for no reasons and told me not to speak to her ever again. then ok, i never spoke to her for almost a week. suits herself. went out with him every single day over the extended weekend. hahaha. went to east coast to cycle, swam a bit and then met up with paul and stan for some dinner. we had black pepper crab!!!! then it was off for singapore idols
my goodness. i am not going to even cry about it here. just a small thought: i always thought singaporeans care alot about their image in public. guess not (all together now "i wonder how i wonder why yesterday you told me about a blue blue sky...." cue hands in victory sign swinging all over the place)
went through some old photos. my dear looks better a few years back, yes it is possible. i can't even give that a rating on my score board. seriously if you could ever see that coloured locks that cheeky smile, ahhhhh.
yes i lost my phone. so for all those who know me and have my number can i appeal to you guys to send me a message with your name on it (surname too and where are you from how i knew you) it sounds silly but i know like 5 pauls, 4 alvins, 3 justins and a couple of kelvins. so i have no idea who's who if you don't tell me right.
nothing much. been horribly busy. out most of the time because mommy decidedly got angry at me for no reasons and told me not to speak to her ever again. then ok, i never spoke to her for almost a week. suits herself. went out with him every single day over the extended weekend. hahaha. went to east coast to cycle, swam a bit and then met up with paul and stan for some dinner. we had black pepper crab!!!! then it was off for singapore idols
my goodness. i am not going to even cry about it here. just a small thought: i always thought singaporeans care alot about their image in public. guess not (all together now "i wonder how i wonder why yesterday you told me about a blue blue sky...." cue hands in victory sign swinging all over the place)
went through some old photos. my dear looks better a few years back, yes it is possible. i can't even give that a rating on my score board. seriously if you could ever see that coloured locks that cheeky smile, ahhhhh.
Aug 6, 2004
Aug 5, 2004
food for thought
my child has been 'turned' or 'recruited'
Almost all gay children are brought up to be straight, yet turn out otherwise. Likewise, it is doubtful that a straight child could be 'turned' gay, even if someone was trying.
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If you're older, you may be more nervous, if only because your friends have thought you're straight for longer. But really close friends may feel very proud and touched that you've chosen to tell them.
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go here to find out more
my child has been 'turned' or 'recruited'
Almost all gay children are brought up to be straight, yet turn out otherwise. Likewise, it is doubtful that a straight child could be 'turned' gay, even if someone was trying.
-----
If you're older, you may be more nervous, if only because your friends have thought you're straight for longer. But really close friends may feel very proud and touched that you've chosen to tell them.
-----
go here to find out more
don't you ever think that just because you are older than me, you are right, and just because i am younger therefore i am wrong. and don't you ever impose your thoughts on me. you know by now that i have agreed with you on most issues, even the solution to this issue, but i just can't take it down that you could ever use my age as an argument, by not discouting my age, you have already done that.
who do you think you are trying to protect? no one but yourself. you called me selfish for liberating myself and putting the burden on others. well go on and ask everybody, ask alanna, mark, siming, darrell, jeremiah, corrine, yihan, keefe, jasmin, christian and the countless other people i have told. how much burden is on them? you think the society is going to judge them just because they know i am gay? just because they have a little secret of mine to keep. you are wrong. they are more than happy to keep it because they are my close friends and they have no qualms about it. you are protecting no one but yourself. society is going to judge YOU, and you fear that. you are protecting yourself because you are afraid to be judge, that people won't take you for who you are because you are gay. wrong again.
you make youself out to be some self sacrifing matyr, that by not telling your closest friend, you are protecting her, you are not. you are lying to her. and deceit as you said it youself, is not the right thing. if your friendship is worth so much that you are willing to see her drift away, it says alot. and don't you EVER EVER say that i am selfish for liberating myself and burdening my friends because they know i am gay. don't you ever use my age against me.
you might not know this, but i might, i just might have known things you DON'T. i seen my friends die, i have seen my friends commit suicide. i have friends who are disowned by their fathers, i have friends who don't have fathers and not born with SILVER spoons and drive cars and have nothing much to fret about their daily lives. i have friends who live in 1 room flat and not a terrace house. i have friends who have next to nothing. i have seen what damage coming out can do, so don't you EVER EVER EVER discount me for my age and think i don't know.
i respect your view and no matter what compromise, me and kel will always have to give in. even if we are the majority unless the decision is to say because at the end of the day, when nothing is said, we have given in. because that one statement "it affects more than just you" that statement wins all argument. and yes you can then push your age around but i tell you, i hate that and i don't demand any apology because its pointless.
who do you think you are trying to protect? no one but yourself. you called me selfish for liberating myself and putting the burden on others. well go on and ask everybody, ask alanna, mark, siming, darrell, jeremiah, corrine, yihan, keefe, jasmin, christian and the countless other people i have told. how much burden is on them? you think the society is going to judge them just because they know i am gay? just because they have a little secret of mine to keep. you are wrong. they are more than happy to keep it because they are my close friends and they have no qualms about it. you are protecting no one but yourself. society is going to judge YOU, and you fear that. you are protecting yourself because you are afraid to be judge, that people won't take you for who you are because you are gay. wrong again.
you make youself out to be some self sacrifing matyr, that by not telling your closest friend, you are protecting her, you are not. you are lying to her. and deceit as you said it youself, is not the right thing. if your friendship is worth so much that you are willing to see her drift away, it says alot. and don't you EVER EVER say that i am selfish for liberating myself and burdening my friends because they know i am gay. don't you ever use my age against me.
you might not know this, but i might, i just might have known things you DON'T. i seen my friends die, i have seen my friends commit suicide. i have friends who are disowned by their fathers, i have friends who don't have fathers and not born with SILVER spoons and drive cars and have nothing much to fret about their daily lives. i have friends who live in 1 room flat and not a terrace house. i have friends who have next to nothing. i have seen what damage coming out can do, so don't you EVER EVER EVER discount me for my age and think i don't know.
i respect your view and no matter what compromise, me and kel will always have to give in. even if we are the majority unless the decision is to say because at the end of the day, when nothing is said, we have given in. because that one statement "it affects more than just you" that statement wins all argument. and yes you can then push your age around but i tell you, i hate that and i don't demand any apology because its pointless.
Aug 4, 2004
and i have something else to say
if you never used a mac, please keep your fucking mouth shut. just because i use the latest codec and some windows pc can't play it, its not my fucking mac fault. if you would only update your windows. so stop blaming my mac whenever you encounter some problems with your pc just like how many countless times programs have hanged and virus have killed your pc. its not my bloody problem.
if you have never ever used a mac, don't even think for once that it is lousier than yours because you DON'T KNOW, so stop complaining. it is my liking my preference. FUCK OFF.
if you never used a mac, please keep your fucking mouth shut. just because i use the latest codec and some windows pc can't play it, its not my fucking mac fault. if you would only update your windows. so stop blaming my mac whenever you encounter some problems with your pc just like how many countless times programs have hanged and virus have killed your pc. its not my bloody problem.
if you have never ever used a mac, don't even think for once that it is lousier than yours because you DON'T KNOW, so stop complaining. it is my liking my preference. FUCK OFF.
i wanted to type a long post but i don't think i have the energy to do it. don't worry it has nothing to do with him. am doing very very well with him. anyway we caught the house of flying daggers. it sucks. zilch plot. go read lunz blog on 29th july for a detailed sypnosis. 1/2 out of 5 stars only because takeshi and zhang ziyi looks so gorgeous.
going out with him later to watch the village.... oooooh. i'll come back and give a more detailed review on that. it better be as good as the return or even better.
yesyes for those who haven't already caught the return, you should really consider. its amazing, click here to find out more about the show.
----------
apple concept store would be launch soon, i won't divulge much yet but its so cool. i can't wait already.
going out with him later to watch the village.... oooooh. i'll come back and give a more detailed review on that. it better be as good as the return or even better.
yesyes for those who haven't already caught the return, you should really consider. its amazing, click here to find out more about the show.
----------
apple concept store would be launch soon, i won't divulge much yet but its so cool. i can't wait already.
i wanted to type a long post but i don't think i have the energy to do it. don't worry it has nothing to do with him. am doing very very well with him. anyway we caught the house of flying daggers. it sucks. zilch plot. go read lunz blog on 29th july for a detailed sypnosis. 1/2 out of 5 stars only because takeshi and zhang ziyi looks so gorgeous.
going out with him later to watch the village.... oooooh. i'll come back and give a more detailed review on that. it better be as good as the return or even better.
yesyes for those who haven't already caught the return, you should really consider. its amazing, click here to find out more about the show.
----------
apple concept store would be launch soon, i won't divulge much yet but its so cool. i can't wait already.
going out with him later to watch the village.... oooooh. i'll come back and give a more detailed review on that. it better be as good as the return or even better.
yesyes for those who haven't already caught the return, you should really consider. its amazing, click here to find out more about the show.
----------
apple concept store would be launch soon, i won't divulge much yet but its so cool. i can't wait already.
Aug 2, 2004
i can't believe it has taken me soooo long. but i'm falling in love with ben folds. his songs are just soo amazing, wow. yes ben folds five too.
caught the return yesterday. i won't say much but it is a must watch, you'll be left craving for it, that i am going to ask, anybody wants company to watch, if you are going to treat that is =p
caught the return yesterday. i won't say much but it is a must watch, you'll be left craving for it, that i am going to ask, anybody wants company to watch, if you are going to treat that is =p
Jul 31, 2004
i feel like such a loser. i really do. today's the homecoming carnival. wanted to go back with mark and alanna and j and him. but everything just didn't turn out the way i thought it might be all fun, go back with everyone, play some stupid games and catch up. well i did meet up n alanna and siming in the end. it was nice and all, but i have like no friends. where's all my classmates? where's mark? didn't pick up my calls, didn't reply my msg. and to make everything worse, he didn't want to meet my friends. again. i am not going to dwell into that. we've been through enough of this. i just feel so lousy and so terrible. i feel almost sick. argh
Jul 26, 2004
nothing much going on lately. missing my dear loads. going for another exercise. sigh. its going to be a tough few weeks ahead for him. so i'll try my best to be there for him.
anyway its really nice to be lugging an ibook around. people would stop right beside to tell me that's a good powerful notebook i've got. muahaha. basking in all that attention. what could be better. oh yes the new ipod is out. its cheaper,smaller with longer battery life and looks better with improved features.20gb for 548 and 40gb for 748. how incredibly cheaper compared to zen touch, at 499, its 40 grams heavier, 0.3 inch thicker, bulkier, less user friendly features, an sad rip-off of ipod designs, no wonder people say singapore is running out of creative talents.
i wonder why some people are so resistant to the invasion of the ipods. i mean 60% of all mp3 players sold in the world are ipods, including your i-can-only-store-20-songs 128mb flash player. there's isn't really anything to argue about is there. hardware mag rated ipod the best mp3 player u can buy. side by side is the iriver, which has more features but less stunning design and an awkward joystick that lets u scroll song-by-song. so from say 'all my life' to say 'you and i both', given the 5000 song storage, it would take probably a flight from here to LA, whereas the ipod does it in less that 2 seconds!
-standing ovation-
anyway its really nice to be lugging an ibook around. people would stop right beside to tell me that's a good powerful notebook i've got. muahaha. basking in all that attention. what could be better. oh yes the new ipod is out. its cheaper,smaller with longer battery life and looks better with improved features.20gb for 548 and 40gb for 748. how incredibly cheaper compared to zen touch, at 499, its 40 grams heavier, 0.3 inch thicker, bulkier, less user friendly features, an sad rip-off of ipod designs, no wonder people say singapore is running out of creative talents.
i wonder why some people are so resistant to the invasion of the ipods. i mean 60% of all mp3 players sold in the world are ipods, including your i-can-only-store-20-songs 128mb flash player. there's isn't really anything to argue about is there. hardware mag rated ipod the best mp3 player u can buy. side by side is the iriver, which has more features but less stunning design and an awkward joystick that lets u scroll song-by-song. so from say 'all my life' to say 'you and i both', given the 5000 song storage, it would take probably a flight from here to LA, whereas the ipod does it in less that 2 seconds!
-standing ovation-
Jul 22, 2004
Jul 15, 2004
ok, i am done with all my ranting for now. the issue is settling down, and i'll see what ill effects are there, then i will decide on my next course of action. actually well, its more because my boy's outfield for the past 2 days, and he's sick some more, made me so worried. he couldn't really use to phone, so couldn't contact me for like 20 over hours. wah the whole day, i just kept thinking about him. sian, so lovelorn =(
i am just so thankful i've found him. its been more than 5 months le, going to be half a year since i first know him. every day is a totally different experience. yes there was periods of well, problems, largely my fault. i am so glad that is out of the way. ahhhh lovelorn again.. okok i shall stop it. nite folks
i am just so thankful i've found him. its been more than 5 months le, going to be half a year since i first know him. every day is a totally different experience. yes there was periods of well, problems, largely my fault. i am so glad that is out of the way. ahhhh lovelorn again.. okok i shall stop it. nite folks
Jul 14, 2004
ohmygod, channel u is featuring this talkshow (fei chang tou shi yan) on the issue of chinese prostitute soliciting on the streets. its a problem that is worsening. makes me really worried whether they would actually feature one episode on gay bars and spas in the near future. well mainly because the issues of chinese prostitutes was highlighted on wanbao, sinming and newpaper i think. its really very worrying. what if they start a whole anti gay sentiment. is anybody going to do anything? can we even do anything? the age of repression is here.
in an extremely well versed and wonderful letter to TODAY:
1. Context
As a daily reader of your paper, and an occasional contributor to your forum pages, I have been consistently encouraged by your journalistic integrity. Your articles span a broad range and you do not appear to shy from controversial topics, even when incurring the ire of certain political leaders for �foreign interference� in domestic issues.
The reason for my writing is this. In the last week, Lianhe Wanbao, published by your media rival Singapore Press Holdings, published a four-part expose in which it sought to perpetuate fallacious and scientifically unsustainable myths about homosexuality, for example, that people are homosexual because they have been raped, or lack a male role model (nevermind the blatant sexism). In addition, the four-parter was largely an amateurish account of gay saunas and clubs as hideouts for illicit sexual activity. They then propose that the police raid these spots.
I do not, for one moment, doubt the freedom of Wanbao to publish such material. However, it is clear that having chosen this particular angle on the homosexual issue, SPH is not likely to print contrary material. It is thus my hope � and the hope of others (both gay and straight) who are appalled at the lack of sensitivity and accuracy of this so-called expose � that your newspaper would find within itself the courage to counterbalance this report.
You have, in the past, allowed such gay activists as Mr Alex Au a full column to express his views on the rejection of PLU�s attempt to register as a society. You have a regular column by Constance Singham that highlights blindspots in our social landscape. In a country where SPH papers have long been careful about being politically correct, your newspaper�s brave attempts at creating awareness in important issues has not gone unnoticed.
2. The issue
It is not always immediately obvious to everyone why homosexuals (and discerning heterosexuals) are as persistent and anxious about such media portrayal. This is because, as you are undoubtedly aware, the media is often a powerful influence in shaping attitudes and beliefs. This is none the more so than in Singapore where not many Singaporeans avail themselves to the various foreign papers and online resources. They trust the local media to be fair. In this instance, that trust has been broken by Wanbao.
It is important to homosexuals (and those who care about them) that we do not set back what have been significant gains in the last decade or so � the cessation of systematic police raiding of gay hang-outs (I suppose Wanbao expects homosexuals to take their sexual liaisons to their homes, which will almost certainly result in familial ostracization, and I suppose Wanbao expects that homosexuals will no longer have places where they are safe from the prying eyes of homophobes and gay-bashers) and even the acknowledgment of homosexuals in the civil service by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.
Homosexuals and their advocates understand that the road is long and arduous. It was similarly difficult for racial minorities and women to be recognized � and even then, discrimination continues. (In Singapore, the constitution does not even explicitly protect women!) But what was always critical in moving public opinion, and eventually governmental posture, was the reporting and coverage of such historic events as African-American sit-ins at public places, and the lifting of anti-obscenity laws that prevented anyone even mentioning anti-Slavery arguments.
In parts of Europe, homosexual marriage is already a given. In Massachusetts, gay marriage is now legally possible thanks to a very brave Supreme Court, and the world has not crumbled. Cambodia�s monarch has openly suggested that gay marriage is ok. Not even China has laws against same-sex relations (though not marriage.) Asian values? Ours were imported in the 1980s from no less than American scholars, and have been argued to be a perversion of true Confucian thinking.
In Singapore, the government will only move if the people do. This is why they have decided to review the ban on oral sex � because the general public was outraged by such a law, and international ridicule followed.
Homosexuals, and their allies, do not seek special rights. They do not ask for more freedom than any other person. They have not even asked for marriage rights. They are merely asking to be left alone; and not to have some intellectually-shallow reporter fueling flames of hate. If it is politically incorrect to say certain races are stupid, and that women are weaker, why is it all right to say that homosexuals are freaks of nature?
I grant you that not everyone will come to accept homosexuals as persons equally capable of love, and equally deserving of basic dignity. At the least, they should tolerate gay men and women, and not confuse their own ignorance for fear and hate.
3. The proposal
What I ask, in my personal capacity, but representing, I believe, many others, is that you will consider publishing an article, or a series, painting a more positive light of homosexuals in Singapore. You will not find a paucity of homosexuals who are extremely intelligent, successful and even (as previous Straits Times articles pointed out) well-to-do. Every sector of society has its seedier elements. It would be hypocritical not to admit that even heterosexuals have their sojourns to Bali for sexual gratification, and the equivalent of gay saunas exit. The only reason why such activity becomes a reason for enforcing a homosexual dragnet is purely because those people like others of their own sex.
This is a matter that must concern all of us � homosexual or not. Clamping down on the private choices of individuals is always a bad thing because if the government believes that basic human rights can be denied without good reason, there is nothing to stop other incursions on our everyday life. As a newspaper required to apply for permits and licenses, you will understand this better than most.
I do not expect that you will lead a campaign for gay rights (although that would be great.) I do not even expect a one-sided article glorifying the right of homosexuals (although that would also be nice.) All I would ask is that you publish a balanced, neutral article that would sincerely provoke some real thinking. There is no shortage of literature on this subject, which can be concisely and simply presented. For once, replace the empty rhetorical hatred with some intellectual exposition and factual analysis.
I will understand if you do not feel that this is something you are able to do. Indeed, I write this in a somewhat delusionally optimistic state. But I would urge you to consider this. Not because it may be economically beneficial, or interesting or newsworthy, but because it would be right.
---------------
my coach is just inspirational isn't he. i couldn't have said it better myself.
1. Context
As a daily reader of your paper, and an occasional contributor to your forum pages, I have been consistently encouraged by your journalistic integrity. Your articles span a broad range and you do not appear to shy from controversial topics, even when incurring the ire of certain political leaders for �foreign interference� in domestic issues.
The reason for my writing is this. In the last week, Lianhe Wanbao, published by your media rival Singapore Press Holdings, published a four-part expose in which it sought to perpetuate fallacious and scientifically unsustainable myths about homosexuality, for example, that people are homosexual because they have been raped, or lack a male role model (nevermind the blatant sexism). In addition, the four-parter was largely an amateurish account of gay saunas and clubs as hideouts for illicit sexual activity. They then propose that the police raid these spots.
I do not, for one moment, doubt the freedom of Wanbao to publish such material. However, it is clear that having chosen this particular angle on the homosexual issue, SPH is not likely to print contrary material. It is thus my hope � and the hope of others (both gay and straight) who are appalled at the lack of sensitivity and accuracy of this so-called expose � that your newspaper would find within itself the courage to counterbalance this report.
You have, in the past, allowed such gay activists as Mr Alex Au a full column to express his views on the rejection of PLU�s attempt to register as a society. You have a regular column by Constance Singham that highlights blindspots in our social landscape. In a country where SPH papers have long been careful about being politically correct, your newspaper�s brave attempts at creating awareness in important issues has not gone unnoticed.
2. The issue
It is not always immediately obvious to everyone why homosexuals (and discerning heterosexuals) are as persistent and anxious about such media portrayal. This is because, as you are undoubtedly aware, the media is often a powerful influence in shaping attitudes and beliefs. This is none the more so than in Singapore where not many Singaporeans avail themselves to the various foreign papers and online resources. They trust the local media to be fair. In this instance, that trust has been broken by Wanbao.
It is important to homosexuals (and those who care about them) that we do not set back what have been significant gains in the last decade or so � the cessation of systematic police raiding of gay hang-outs (I suppose Wanbao expects homosexuals to take their sexual liaisons to their homes, which will almost certainly result in familial ostracization, and I suppose Wanbao expects that homosexuals will no longer have places where they are safe from the prying eyes of homophobes and gay-bashers) and even the acknowledgment of homosexuals in the civil service by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.
Homosexuals and their advocates understand that the road is long and arduous. It was similarly difficult for racial minorities and women to be recognized � and even then, discrimination continues. (In Singapore, the constitution does not even explicitly protect women!) But what was always critical in moving public opinion, and eventually governmental posture, was the reporting and coverage of such historic events as African-American sit-ins at public places, and the lifting of anti-obscenity laws that prevented anyone even mentioning anti-Slavery arguments.
In parts of Europe, homosexual marriage is already a given. In Massachusetts, gay marriage is now legally possible thanks to a very brave Supreme Court, and the world has not crumbled. Cambodia�s monarch has openly suggested that gay marriage is ok. Not even China has laws against same-sex relations (though not marriage.) Asian values? Ours were imported in the 1980s from no less than American scholars, and have been argued to be a perversion of true Confucian thinking.
In Singapore, the government will only move if the people do. This is why they have decided to review the ban on oral sex � because the general public was outraged by such a law, and international ridicule followed.
Homosexuals, and their allies, do not seek special rights. They do not ask for more freedom than any other person. They have not even asked for marriage rights. They are merely asking to be left alone; and not to have some intellectually-shallow reporter fueling flames of hate. If it is politically incorrect to say certain races are stupid, and that women are weaker, why is it all right to say that homosexuals are freaks of nature?
I grant you that not everyone will come to accept homosexuals as persons equally capable of love, and equally deserving of basic dignity. At the least, they should tolerate gay men and women, and not confuse their own ignorance for fear and hate.
3. The proposal
What I ask, in my personal capacity, but representing, I believe, many others, is that you will consider publishing an article, or a series, painting a more positive light of homosexuals in Singapore. You will not find a paucity of homosexuals who are extremely intelligent, successful and even (as previous Straits Times articles pointed out) well-to-do. Every sector of society has its seedier elements. It would be hypocritical not to admit that even heterosexuals have their sojourns to Bali for sexual gratification, and the equivalent of gay saunas exit. The only reason why such activity becomes a reason for enforcing a homosexual dragnet is purely because those people like others of their own sex.
This is a matter that must concern all of us � homosexual or not. Clamping down on the private choices of individuals is always a bad thing because if the government believes that basic human rights can be denied without good reason, there is nothing to stop other incursions on our everyday life. As a newspaper required to apply for permits and licenses, you will understand this better than most.
I do not expect that you will lead a campaign for gay rights (although that would be great.) I do not even expect a one-sided article glorifying the right of homosexuals (although that would also be nice.) All I would ask is that you publish a balanced, neutral article that would sincerely provoke some real thinking. There is no shortage of literature on this subject, which can be concisely and simply presented. For once, replace the empty rhetorical hatred with some intellectual exposition and factual analysis.
I will understand if you do not feel that this is something you are able to do. Indeed, I write this in a somewhat delusionally optimistic state. But I would urge you to consider this. Not because it may be economically beneficial, or interesting or newsworthy, but because it would be right.
---------------
my coach is just inspirational isn't he. i couldn't have said it better myself.
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