Monday, August 28, 2006

there's something about ..... zoe tay vs SPH part II

Last year, I did a blog on Zoe Tay vs SPH Part I , and I thought it's a good time to do Part II now.

The case surrounded an article published by SPH with regards to Zoe Tay's endorsement deals which implied that she has lied to the general public about her sexual ignorance. As usual, SPH is represented by Senior Counsel Davinder Singh. Zoe Tay's representing Counsel is not named as it wasn't necessary.

Davinder Singh (DS): Oh.. it's you again. Why you like to sue SPH every year?

Zoe Tay (ZT): because SPH like to write untrue articles about me.

DS: We will know whether they are true or not soon. What is your understanding of the product you are endorsing now.

ZT: It's a supplement for beautiful skin. I have been using it for a long time.

DS: So you just pop it into your mouth and you will have beautiful skin?

ZT: something like that.

DS: Do you chew?

ZT: No. I swallow.

DS: Other than this supplement, what else you swallow in your daily life?

ZT: Water. Sometime Bak Chor Mee and Mee Siam. But I always say Mai Harm.

DS: Have you swallow any bodily fluid from your husband before?

ZT: Honour, I object that question, it's invading my privacy.

Honour: You have to answer the question. It's a key question to the case. Please answer it.

ZT: Yes. When he kiss me after drinking lots of water, sometimes I swallow his saliva.

DS: So, you do swallow after a sexy act with your husband.

ZT: I mean...

DS: Just answer yes or no.

ZT: If you mean...

DS: Just answer yes or no.

ZT: Yes.

DS: So you agree that "swallow" has a sexual innuendo in the advertisement.

ZT: It wasn't to me. I don't see anything wrong with it.

DS: The question is not whether you see anything wrong with it. The question is whether other people who saw the advertisment will think there is a sexual innuendo in the advertisment. Do you think your advertisment will led people to think that way?

ZT: If they have a filthy mind, I'm sure they would.

DS: So you agreed that the advertisment did have that kind of sexual innuendo.

ZT: No. I don't agree.

DS: If you don't agree, then why is there a need to emphasise on "swallow", is there any other way you can consume a tablet?

ZT: Ok lah... you win lah... I don't want to discuss this anymore.

DS: One last question.... which stall got sell Mee Siam with Harm?

Thursday, August 24, 2006

there's something about ..... rivalry

Like the saying goes.... if you can't beat them, Join Them.


Apple Computer announced it would pay Singapore-listed Creative Technology 100 million dollars to settle a dispute over patented technology used in iPod and Nano MP3 players.

The deal ended a budding legal battle that began earlier this month after Creative was awarded what it referred to as a "Zen patent" on technology used to select and sort songs in its Zen MP3 player.

Creative went to US court, and the US International Trade Commission, to accuse Apple of infringing on its patent by using the technology in iPod and Nano players.

"Creative is very fortunate to have been granted this early patent," Apple chief executive Steve Jobs said in a statement. "This settlement resolves all of our differences with Creative, including the five lawsuits currently pending between the companies, and removes the uncertainty and distraction of prolonged litigation."

Apple would pay Creative 100 million dollars for a license to use the technology and would be able to recover some of the money if Creative licensed the patent to others, according to the companies.

Under the terms of the settlement, Creative, an Apple rival in the MP3 player market, would also begin marketing its own line of iPod accessories as part of Apple's "Made for iPod" program.

"We're very pleased to have reached an amicable settlement with Apple and to have opened up significant new opportunities for Creative," said Creative chairman and CEO Sim Wong Hoo.
"Apple has built a huge ecosystem for its iPod and with our upcoming participation in the Made for iPod program we are very excited about this new market opportunity."

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

there's something about ..... youth

I can't help it...

"YOUTH CHALLENGE'S FOUNDER CHALLENGED BY YOUTH"

************************

Today I had a sms "conversation" with a buddy on this piece of news. He used to be a volunteer there.

me: wah... 13k a month.. like cannot see what they do here.

buddy: hello... they now do UN projects liao ok... they see singapore no up liao.

me: wah... singapore youth not challenging enuff issit...

buddy: no... they go other countries to con other youth....

********************

anyway... read the article and discover certain information...

The founder was in the mist of a Crisis Management conference in Malacca when he was interrupted about this crisis back home. I must say... he managed the Crisis quite well.

When ask about allegations that he ran Youth Challenge like a "one-man show" like T.T Durai.... He replied "I'M THE FOUNDER."

Now I know. When face with Crisis... deal with it with arrogance.

*********************

The founder revealed that he's paid ABOUT 13k a month. He said "I can't remember exactly as I don't update my bank book all the time".

Hmmmm.... come to think of it.... I have never update my bank book. The bank always send me a statement.

**********************

13k a month. Last year they raised 400k of donations. Plus 100k of reserve. His pay p.a over the total fund is a astonishing 31%

Monday, August 21, 2006

there's something about ..... national day rally (updated)

I have watched the Rally since a young age. I remembered the LKY's days when he flashed alot of charts and graphs. I remembered his last Rally where I thought it was really poignant.

I have watch GCT's first rally all the way to his last rally. How he has changed the tone of the rally to include humour.

I have also watch PM Lee's first rally. Veli long. Veli Sian. But since last year, he has improved the whole rally concepts to include some humour plus videos.

It was expected days before his rally that he would mention about Blogging, Mr Brown and Bah Chor Mee.

And the anticipation of those mention was high. He encouraged and recognised the impact of Blogging. He listed talkingcock.com as a funny website, some funny and some not so funny, according to him.

He mentioned about Mr Brown, even mention his real name. He said that what Mr Brown said was wrong and the Government has the right to rebuke him.

He mentioned Bah Chor Mee. He implied that should podcast be used for political reasons, then the PAP may have to engage JACK NEO to do a podcast on "MEE SIAM MAI HARM".

eerrrr ......... PM Lee..... can tell me which stall you patronise.....


Check out the lastest Podcast from Mr Brown

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

there's something about ..... life story

Caught the Channel 5 program "Life Story" on Tuesday night.

They feature the life of Abigail Chay. That aesthetic-challenged looking woMAN who acted in Under One roof. I have always thought that this woman looks like a man and now I know that he was a man before.

Her story was really poignant, and you really feel sorry for her.

Interestingly, TCS found a guy that acted as Abigail of her early days as a man. My god... TCS is really good when it comes to such things. That guy looks like Abigail's twin brother. I feel sorry for him too.

Later part of the show, Abigail acted herself. Of course, she couldn't act to save her life. It's tough not to notice her acting while trying to feel sorry for her.
I was told by my wife that her mother was that granny in that famous Macdonald advertisement that says "带 你 出 来,很 麻烦。" And throughout the show, the actress acting Abigail's mother was so convincing, it was heart-wrenching. Even more so when you have a visual image of the mother.

Saturday, August 12, 2006

there's something about ..... veil of secrecy


Got this from "resting places".

Photographer : Say Cheese...........


"That's me in front of the famous monument" says one

"err... which one?"

Thursday, August 10, 2006

there's something about ..... eric khoo's movies


reviews taken from offical website... except the last one
"One can only hope for more discoveries like Eric Khoo"Howard Feinstein, Timeout Magazine

"A vibrant punchy, sometimes moving street film. The characters are memorable, the sense of place pungent and colourful"Michael Wilmington, The Chicago Tribune

"For an idea of the good things that may be in store for Singapore's nascent film industry, check out Eric Khoo's Mee Pok Man. This well-crafted story about a prostitute and slow-witted noodle seller packs a big wallop. This film rates three and a half morbid twists out of four."AsiaWeek Magazine

"It has to be seen to be believed."Whang Yee Ling, 8 Days

"A tragic love story which lays bare the desolation and alienation lying just beneath the sheen of Singapore's economic success story. Unpretentious and honest cinematic fare, Mee Pok Man, an excellent film provides rich and satisfying food for thought."Michael Wouthwill, The New Paper

"Mee Pok Man is the best piece of local film in too long a time. More importantly, it holds that quality cinema is truly a possibility in Singapore."Corinne Kerk, Business Times

"This is one of the worse movie ever made in Singapore's history alongside "Tiger's whip". With full anticipation of the movie given rave reviews, I was not only dissappointed by the quality of the movie but I felt nauseous at the same time. It was really really bad. It makes me feel that I can also become a good director but I realised I do not have a billion dollar wealth to support me. Avoid this movie at all cost" moomooman, cowdunk.blogspot.com



Reviews taken from official website ..... except the last one

"Writer/director Eric Khoo and co-writer Wong Kim Hoh have come up with a cerebral solution to the intractable problem of making a Hallmark movie.The result is Khoo’s most heartfelt and heartwarming movie to date. It is also the most sophisticated piece of film-making to emerge from the Republic’s budding film scene.The way Khoo has marshaled his technical skills in the service of more characterization and story marks a new stage in his development.Be With Me is an emotional maturation. His tender regard, especially evident in the old shopkeeper’s story, takes his storytelling to the necessary next level.The movie’s title is a simple plea. Be With Me. You will be rewarded if you answer its call." The Straits Times – Ong Sor Fern

"Slowly – ever so slowly – individual characters are introduced to viewers, who are then called upon to piece the diverse cinematic puzzle together. Just as the camera likes to linger lovingly on human faces and inanimate objects alike, so too the screenplay, penned by Khoo and Wong Kim Hoh, is a study in verbal economy, with barely a word or two uttered by many of the principal characters. Most of the narrative comes in the form of subtitled text from Chan’s manuscript.This minimalist approach works because we are left to focus on feelings and emotions rather than dialogue. Meanwhile, Singapore is presented as a city bereft of its usual bustle and sheen, with many scenes taking place in simple homes, empty corridors and quiet streets.After wowing the audience at Cannes and winning distribution deals in Europe, Be With Me is compelling proof that a Singapore film can successfully stand up to scrutiny from a sophisticated international art house crowd. Thanks to Khoo’s fine cinematic eye, it fully deserves to do the same over here." The Business Times – Geoffrey Eu

"One small, lovely film from Singapore made human communication its explicit subject – Eric Khoo’s “Be With Me”….. When I mentioned “Be With Me” at the beginning of this piece, I did so with a conviction that it deserves wide distribution, and will find an appreciative audience. Almost silent and mysteriously disjointed at first, the film comes together into something that’s as accessible as it is beautiful." The Wall Street Journal – Joe Morgenstern

"I was in tears by the end, which is fairly rare." The New York Times – Manohla Dargis

"Finally, a piece of art from Eric Khoo. This is by far his best work of only 3 films. It's both arty and touching. The true story of Theresa Chan makes you want to know more about her. To get the real person to act herself is even more the credible this already is. While "Meebokman" is a junk, "12 storey" an entertaining film, "Be with me" really shows Eric Khoo's flair in film-making. I'm totally impressed." moomooman, cowdunk.blogspot.com

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

there's something about ..... patriotism

There is at least 6 groups of patriotism in Singapore:

The lowest level: Take the opportunity of the public holiday to travel overseas (therefore save on 1 annual leave)

No. 5: Take the day off to go shopping and totally miss out on NDP parade on TV. National Day Sales more important mah.

No. 4: Go to NDP parade LIVE. These people care as much about National Day as the festival mood that comes from it. They may not even watch NDP on TV if not for the free tickets. Not to mention the goody bag.

No. 3: Those who bought NDP tickets via ebay to attend NDP live. Kudos to them. The goody bag must be good.

No.2: Those who watch NDP on TV without fail every year. I mean... for something so boring.... and they have a choice not to watch it and they do... this is patriotism.

AT NO. 1: And I think NO ONE CAN BEAT ME.... rent 2 movies MADE in SINGAPORE BY SINGAPOREAN from Videoezy on the eve of National Day!!!!

Saturday, August 05, 2006

there's something about ..... celebration II

Couple of posts ago... I mentioned about celebrating nation building.

Hooray again!!! Within 1 week to National Day... LTA announces more celebration plans by increasing Toll for CTE, PIE and ECP. Of which CTE Kenna the most.

WONDERFUL!!!!!!

After declaring their success of the evening ERP along CTE, this increment must suggest that it's not that successful afterall.

But while I'm at it... Why not extend the ERP till 12mn. That way.. should I ever need to go back from a late dinner (refer to my earlier post), I wouldn't get stuck in the CTE for 1 hour.

A thought struck me recently.

While our first Prime Minister is the MP of the prestigious estate in Tanjong Pagar, our second PM oversee the next prestigious estate in East Coast.....

...our third PM oversee ANG MO KIO??!!!

At least give Redhill or Queenstown or Bishan mah....

Friday, August 04, 2006

there's something about ..... opportunist

Just realised my wife is an opportunist. She hide behind this blur-blur and non-strategist facade so well that I fell into the trap.

You see, my visit to my in-laws (only on Sunday) follow quite closely with Singapore's way of managing car population. I set myself quotas.

The quotas at this point, now and ever, is ONCE A WEEK ..... at the MAXIMUM. In fact, I'm toying with the idea of setting the unit for this quota from trips per week to no. of hours per week as I realised the stay over at the in-laws in that 1 time per week has dragged on for too long.

Recently, my in-laws has a sibling coming over from mainland China to stay here for 2 weeks. This is the first time this sibling has visited them and they have never met each other. (long story)

This sibling is already in his 70s. I supposed this visit is to fulfill a life-long wish of seeing next of kin in another part of the world.

And this might also be their last meeting.

And so I thought there might be a farewell gathering of sort last Sunday to coincide with my usual visit as they are scheduled to leave Singapore on Thursday (yesterday).

However... nothing was organised. Not that I really care.

On Monday night, I was having a casual conversation with my wife.... while playing my game. To me, that was a way to add more time to the short hours that I have for myself. So I like to multi-task.

So while engrossing on my game, ALL I MADE WAS A VERY VERY VERY CASUAL REMARK.....

The remark was "We should have a farewell dinner organised for them".

And while I was still engrossing on my game, the next thing I know was she was making phonecalls to my in-laws telling them we should have a dinner on WEDNESDAY NIGHT before their departure.

I jumped round!!!!! But she was facing strategically away from me.

And I knew the damage is done.

What I meant was... "we should have organised something for them over the weekend but now it's already over... it's a pity". I didn't meant we should organise something on the weekday night just before their departure.

Ultimate!!!

Lesson learned: NEVER..... NEVER..... multitask while having a converation with your wife.

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

there's something about ..... cruelty

I captured this on my camera... over the weekend.

The organiser has a cruel sense of humour. It's disgusting to the core... but I loved it.

I pity those people in the video. Especially that aunty in the middle in the blue blouse. She is so clueless.

there's something about ..... fried chicken

Wah biang. My second chicken post in the last 1 month.

I went to KFC over the weekend to try their new Chicken Chop. And they really take their name literally. They chop so much off the meat that whatever they serve you is probably slightly bigger that the chicken patty of their burger.

The verdict: It's too small, too unfullfilling, too saltish.... I wouldn't go back again for the chop.

This post however is not about the chicken chop. It's about the experience.

I love KFC. Just like I love Singapore. But I really do.

I'm a big fan of their original recipe and I wouldn't eat their crispy version if I have a choice. No choice... don't say Crispy.... chicken chop also eat. But the original recipe is always much smaller in size. I reckon I need to eat about 4 to 5 in order to feel totally satisfied.

Because of that, I will always request that they don't give me the chicken wings. And they will usually replace it with either the breast meat or the bony piece. It's almost like an unspoken rule. People who request to change the drumstick or wings, just give them the bigger meat.

The logic is simple. People who come to KFC loves to eat chicken. If they love to eat chicken, they love every part of the chicken. Whatever you give them, they will love it. So it's never about the chicken. Then it must be the portion.

They have never never failed me. never. except Saturday.

And it's even more unusual when it was the supervisor serving me.

How did they fail me?

I asked for a 3-piece meal together with the chicken chop of course. My 3 piece meal consist of the breast meat, the drum stick and the wing. To me.... this is the biggest sin ever.

The drum stick and the wing??!?!? The combined size which is equivalent to 3 french fries add together!!

So I ask the supervisor to have the chicken wing changed.

At this point, I overhead her conversation with another colleague of hers and I realised this supervisor came from China. I was shocked. I was shocked because this was the first time I was served by a mainland chinese. And she is the supervisor??! Are these "foreign talent" snatching jobs from locals? That issue aside. This is not the reason for this post.

And so she return to me with my request of changing the chicken wing to something else.

The new combination: Chicken breast, drum stick..... and drum stick!!