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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Let's Go Media: Moe Alkaff brings funny to Cambodia

Let's Go Media: Moe Alkaff brings funny to Cambodia

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Singapore's Fun Pack Song - we need to sing for a goodie bag

While you’re all fussing about a silly Fun Pack song, COE prices are going up, under your nose, and is reported on xinmsn news too – look near the bottom of other news listings….  Wakey wakey people ….

Just for a bit of fun, here are the lyrics to the Fun Pack Song.  Feel free to re-write the lyrics.  Lets see if you can do better than the lyricist himself.
I have tagged another blogger, below, who’s write up I thought was really good, please see it below too. 
Yes, I’m being lazy but the fact is that so many people have blogged and commented that I really don’t need to say much.  I leave you to read, decide and let me have your input.
Personally, I am just not surprised by this at all.  Our Singapore songs have always been on the naff side and an insult to our intelligence, so need I say more.

"The Fun Pack Song (sung to the tune of Bad Romance)
Oh o o o o o o o o 
Time for the fun pack song 
Oh o o o o o o o o 
We like the fun pack song
Let's start with the bag 
That's right, grab your bag 
It's the fun pack bag 
Attack the fun pack
(REPEAT)
Hold up your flag, don't you forget 
You can wave it if you feel like it 
Let's wave the flag 
Wave wave wave 
Let's wave the flag 
Take out your light stick, it's two of a kind 
It's interactive, means you can join 
Just pretend 
Oh oh oh... It's a disco
(SPOKEN)
You know that I want you 
And you know that I need you 
I want a wet, wet tissue
I want Newater and I want a cold drink 
You and me, let's share a bit 
I want a biscuit and I want a sweet 
You and me, let's share this treat
Kopi-O o o o o o o o o 
Time for the fun pack song 
Kopi-O o o o o o o o o 
We like the fun pack song
Let's start with the bag 
That's right, grab your bag 
It's the fun pack bag 
Attack the fun pack
I want Newater and I want a cold drink 
You and me, let's share a bit 
I want a biscuit and I want a sweet 
You and me, let's share this treat
Kopi-O o o o o o o o o 
Time for the fun pack song 
Kopi-O o o o o o o o o 
We like the fun pack song
Let's start with the bag 
That's right, grab your bag 
It's the fun pack bag 
Attack the fun pack!"


Read the Report on xinmsn news :
http://news.xin.msn.com/en/singapore/article_control.aspx?cp-documentid=5017088

http://news.xin.msn.com/en/singapore/article_control.aspx?cp-documentid=5016700

Comments from Blogger Anonymous X
http://anonymousxwrites.blogspot.com/2011/07/haresh-sharma-of-fun-pack-song-not.html
WEDNESDAY, JULY 06, 2011
Labels: event, news, song, youtube
Haresh Sharma. Yes, you must be wondering what kind of person he is. He must be a man without fear. Just awe at the audacity of 'modifying' Lady Gaga song, Bad Romance to suit the National Day Parade celebration this year with the monstrous piece called, "Fun Pack Song". 

National Library Singapore has this info on Haresh Sharma:
Haresh Sharma is the Resident Playwright of The Necessary Stage, Singapore. A critically-acclaimed playwright, he has written more than 40 short and full-length plays that have been staged in Singapore as well as abroad like Berlin, Birmingham, and London. He is the winner of the Singapore Literature Prize in 1993 for Still Building. In 1997, he was conferred the Young Artist Award by the National Arts Council for his literary contribution.

Career as a full-time writer
Upon graduation from NUS in 1990, Sharma began his tenure as Resident Playwright of TNS, a position he still holds till today. He was also the first full-time staff of the theatre company. On average, he writes three to four plays a year for TNS' main season of plays. This is excluding plays he writes for TNS' youth festivals and school programmes.

Sharma's plays have been critically acclaimed. In 1993, he was conferred the Singapore Literature Prize (Merit) for his play, Still Building. The published collection of the same title also won him a National Book Development Council of Singapore (NBDCS) Book Prize (Commendation) in 1996. Still Building was chosen to represent Singapore at the 1992 Cairo International Festival of Experimental Theatre and in Glasgow, Scotland for Mayfest 1994. It was also staged in London's Albany Theatre that year.

Sharma has been presented fellowships and grants by the British Council, the United States Information Service and Asia-Europe Foundation. In 1994, he won a Shell/National Arts Council Scholarship to pursue Master of Arts (Playwriting) at the University of Birmingham. Returning in Singapore in 1995, he continued his residency at TNS. Sharma received the NAC Young Artist Award for theatre in 1997.

Sharma also plays an active role in sharing his playwriting experience and talents with young artists. He has written plays for school assemblies, participated in mentor schemes, run theatre workshops and tutors in the Theatre Studies Department at the National University of Singapore. He has received commissions to write plays. For instance, the Ministry of Health commissioned the play Off Centre, a play he wrote about mental illness, and Revelations was commissioned by the NAC. In addition, his plays have been studied locally and internationally, for instance at McMaster University, Ontario, Canada. In 2006, in an effort to introduce more local literature into the GCE O-level literature syllabus, the Ministry of Education selected Off Centre as an O-level literature text - the first Singaporean play to become an O-level text.

Apart from writing, Sharma is also an adjunct tutor for the Theatre Studies course at the National University of Singapore.


Impressive, really! Which even makes it incredible how he allowed the Fun Pack Song to be part of the parade, yes?

Introducing the daredevil, Haresh Sharma (the clip is of that from last year Singapore Arts Festival):

Oh,  PS,  There is one consolation, the official NDP song is a little more decent and bearable, check it out at the official NDP site :

http://www.ndp.org.sg/#/landing

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

One of those days

My eyes were wide open, as I sat opposite my client, body erect and stiff.  I looked like I was listening intently, which pleased my client no end.  I always aim to make an impression. Pay attention, its the best way to show your respect to your client.

Bless her, she talked some more, and more, and more ... and patiently, I sat.   I nodded accommodatingly, and smiled appropriately, my timing impeccable.
Every so often, I would add a little "yes" followed by a jerky nod.  My body facing her and my eyes focussed on her forehead.  Yes, yes, so appropriate.  I can be good at body language.  My back was stiff from being so straight and arched. My feet neatly and elegantly crossed at the ankles.
Perhaps pressed together a little too tightly.

My lovely client pressed on, telling me in detail what her company requirements are and how we have to follow their schedule.  And so I keep nodding, smiling and saying the right thing periodically "of course", "we do our best".   Rehearsed words that people who deal with people use daily, with affirmation and conviction.  It is our job to be convincing.

Its been an agonising 45 mins now and the conversation, has taken a different trail.  She's now talking about her children.  How did we get there... I dont know myself, the conversation just got naturally deviated, and that's ok too.  In any other circumstance, I would not have minded at all, but not today. My eyes were really wide by this time, and she told me that I had really big eyes, I smiled weakly at her and thanked her ...

Eventually, after 57 1/2 minutes, we said our goodbyes, with me promising something and her promising another.
Calmly, and in a professional manner I walked out of the office, one assured purposeful step at a time.  By now, I am immensely worried that I might not get a taxi quickly.

As I got out of the lift, I walked with the biggest longest strides, even a professional 6ft tall long distance walker would not have been able to beat me, to the taxi stand.  Suddenly, I became quite holy as I saw a taxi waiting in the rank ..."Thank you God!! I believe!!!" heaving a sigh .

Then the taxi driver started to ramble, oh lord (getting holy again),  this time however, I didnt need to pay attention, well, couldnt actually, my mind wandered and I began to sweat.   The air conditioning in the taxi was on, but I was sweating, I guess that's a good thing considering...
We were 5 minutes away from home, and I already had my money ready for the driver, and paid him even before he managed to stop.  Nearly threw the money at him as I hurried out of his taxi, poor guy.   I shouted back "keep the change".  He must have thought I was a nutter, there was only 10 cents change....

I ran up the stairs faster than the HULK with his hair on fire, and hurled myself down on the toilet in one fleeting move ...  just in time, phew ... have you ever held your urge to pee for over an hour???
Its not funny ... now I have to figure out what my meeting was all about ... as you may well have guessed, I wasnt paying attention.... sigh...

Are you hearing me or listening to me??? What??


Listening describes an intentional activity. When you are listening, you are actively trying to hear something.
In contrast, hearing is something that happens without any intentional effort. You can hear something even when you don't want to hear it and don't try to hear it.
Hearing a function of the physical and listening a function of the mind.

Many a time, we hear but dont listen.  We hear sounds being emitted from someone's mouth and we think we know what they are saying, but we really listened to what the other person said, why was there a miscommunication?  Why did we misunderstand?
Or did we misunderstand? and we are reacting because we really listened and didnt like what we heard. The utterer of the words, just assumed that as usual no one really pays attention, and relieved himself of his feelings, hoping to cause an effect to the listener.
Have I managed to confuse you?

I didnt mean to cause confusion, just to get you to listen ;-)
Have you noticed that many a time, people response to each in non coherent ways - to find examples, check out social networks on the internet.  It may be to do with the fact that many different races, speakers are all trying to communicate to each other in one language medium; and some people dont have a good grasp of that language.  It can be quite amusing to see what people are saying to each other and how they response to each other. On many occassions I had to laugh to myself, it was that funny.  What is remarkable however, is the patience and forgiving nature of the co-respondent.  People make allowances for each other and politely respond, even if they are confused by the less able speaker.  
People are wonderful on the whole and very generous dont you think.

However, there are instances, when emotion gets in the way and then listening takes a different path.  When we are emotionally wound up about something and we discuss it with someone, we usually dont hear their words, let alone listen properly.  We usually are governed by our own feelings and we only hear what we want to hear.  During such times, we do not listen.  It is a shame, for thats' how create more hurt for ourselves and for others.

On the other hand, why is it that we sometimes, chose to listen to negativity.  Are we masochistic in a small way?  When the biatch or ape said that we look fat, why did we chose to listen, when it was obviously malicious. Why did we hurt?  Or correctly, why did we allow such vile words hurt us? Perhaps they had touched a weak spot.  And we all certainly have that weak spot dont we.
But we mustnt let words injure our soul ... they are only words, utterances of different pitch and tone, coming out of another human.  That's all.

The human is a wonderous being, with weaknesses and strengths, lets build on our strengths and not let our weakness rule.
Do Be aware of what the utterer is saying ...  they may just be malicious or they may an ulterior motive but dont misconstrue the words of the well intentioned souls who mean you no harm.  Listen carefully, dont just hear, with listening, you may learn to differentiate the good and well meaning from the harmful and nasty.

The choice to listen is always ours, no one else's.  Listening is a strength, use it wisely, but use it.


Another time, we will talk about choice of words, if you want to read it that is ;-)


How to know when your man is not in love with you

Some gals just dont know when its time to dump the man or maybe they're afraid to be on their own.  Whatever, here are some signs to help you decide if he's the right man for you or not.
Bear in mind, that I am not a glutton for punishment and that I am lazy and appreciate a man who appreciates me.  Also that I am bossy when it comes to men... its in my genes, and I cant help that.
Thus, this is a personal opinion, and you should take it as such.

1.  When he takes you out on a date, and brings his guy friends with him too. So the night ends up with total guy talk and rude insinuations, and lots of gutter language, while you sit around in a corner, smiling like the sweet muppet that you are.... dump the man!

2.  When he calls you once a month and thinks that's too obsessive.... errrr.... really and you think that's ok ... girl you need help.

3.  When he sends you dirty jokes and thinks you'll appreciate them....   are you one of the guys??

4.  When he thinks, you should work for a living, never mind, that you want to work anyway; its the fact that he insists that you work that's wrong.

5.  When he thinks that a woman's place is in the home - 24/7/365 - errr.... doing what at home exactly???

6.  When he praisses you everytime you cook but doesnt bother to help with the washing up.  Worse still is when he doesnt praise your cooking but expects you to do the cooking on a daily basis....  that's my pet hate!!

7.  When he thinks maids are a waste of money and that you both can do without one and then lets you do all the cooking, washing, cleaning ... etc... girl, you have just been demoted to maid!!

8.  When he likes going dutch because he says that he likes women to feel independent ... so you are going out with him why?????

9.  When he tells you to go out to buy more make up and perfume!  Errrr.... confusing message that one ... is he trying to tell you that you look better with make up or that you're ugly without make up???  And what's that with the perfume, most men, buy you perfume as a gift (though they cant choose the right one), it spells danger if he asks you to go out and get your own - check your b/o please ... talk to a bff ok

10.  When he has to go out every weekend clubbing because he says he has to network but wont take you with him ...  girl, what do you think he's up to ?

11.  When he takes alot of photos of himself and hardly any of you...  methinks he's in love with himself

12.  When he buys things for himself and never buys you anything, no even a telephone top up card ... gosh he really has you  on his mind huh...

13.  When he goes on holidays on his own or with friends and hardly ever goes with you, except when you moan and scream at him, and then it takes him months to find a cheap enough holiday package ... mmmmmmm

14.  When you cant remember the last time he bought you a little something for no reason what so ever ...  keep thinking ... when??

15.  When a man is afraid of his mom or loves his mom too much ...  hello lady, you will be the third lamp post ... get out quick

16.  When on a date together, you're both too busy texting on your handphones to other people, and havent said much to each in the last hour...  and you thought that was sharing ... I think that spells : N O T H I N G I N C O M M O N

17.  When holding hands in public is "embarrassing" ...  ok mama, take your hand outta that relationship and find a guy who truly is proud to be seen with you.

18.  When you suggest going for a stroll, he starts to moan and says he'd rather go out to the kopitiam or the pub and that you should join him ...  message here is: he does not want alone time with you.

19.  When you talk about marriage, he says he's too young, you're too young, he wants to have enough money first, he needs job security, he's not ready, children scare him, he likes being a bachelor, his mama says he's not ready, his friends think he's not ready ... the list goes on and on and on ... stop pestering the man and go out in the market and find another fish will you then see if he can handle that ;-)

20.  When he talks about marriage, you have panic attacks and start to perspire; you cant imagine being old with him,  you wonder if you're missing out on life, you want to change the subject,  you cant imagine having his children,  you think that he would be domineering and you would lose control of your life ... ahhhhaaa,  you have doubts too ... then dont rush in to marriage, just play a wait and see game with him. If he waits then he's not so bad but if he cant then arent you better off anyway.  ;-)



Tuesday, July 5, 2011

How do you know when he loves you

Everyone woman I know on this planet wants to know this.
Let me be your guru, and show you how to read the signs.

1.  When you're ill >  he brings you to the doctor or goes gets you medicine from the pharmacist, or the traditional chinese medicine practitioner, or the bomoh, or the witch doctor - risking suspicious looks from the practitioner when he asks for something for period pains.

2.  When you're feeling low >  he listens to you moaning and behaving like a spoilt brat then goes out and buys you a chocolate bar and a smoothie shake because it's your favourite thing. Never mind, if you fancied a muffin with double cream latte, accept that he was at least thinking of you and wanted to please you.

3.  When you just want to go out without him >  he gives you and your bffs a lift and picks all of you at the end of the night... marry him if he waits in the carpark all night

4.  When he lets you have lie in all day, keeps the curtains shut, and switches off the phone and then asks if you're rested when you finally get up at noon... > no, he didnt know you had an appointment in the morning, he really was wanting you to rest.  Forgive him ... he is only a man.

5.  When you're stressed out at work, and confide him about your clients, he listens intently all the while.  But then when he meets your client, he gives him/her a dirty look and is almost rude to them.  Never mind that, he is only acting in your interest.  Who asked you to tell him so much.

6.  When its your non-birthday, he takes you out somewhere special for no reason, except to be with you.  Never mind, that he did not warn you and now you have to cancel your appointment with your friend to  go to that concert that you'd been telling him about for the last 6 months. He means well.

7.  He calls you every hour on the hour - to see if you're ok -  he really does want to know if you're ok. ... Yes, its obsessive but isnt it better than a guy who doesnt call you at all.

8.  He sends you hugs and kisses on FB all the time and makes remarks on your status, even though he's just sat next to you.... everyone go:  aaahhhhhhhh

9.  When you dont have any make up on, he still looks at you lovingly and says that you're gorgeous... and you thought he was mad.

10.  When you argue, and you're in the wrong, and he still comes back and hugs you anyway.  He's just made you queen ;-) appreciate that he loves you girl

11.  When he sits through a chic flick, which he absolutely abhors, but he's happy to do so because it means he can share it with you.  Yup yup, he's in love ;-)

12.  When after many years of marriage or dating, he still goes shopping with you, even though he hates shopping... thank your lucky stars

13.  When you're older with skin not so supple, and hair not so lush, and he is still proud to hold your hand in public; hey, he really really does love you

14.  When you're making a donkey of yourself at a party, because you've had one too many vodkas, he still thinks you're funny, laughs at your jokes and then takes you home.  That's husband material, dont let go ;-)

15.  When you gain afew pounds, about 2 sizes bigger, and he makes an out of the blue comment like, you look good from the back you know ....   he's here for life ;-)

16.  When you should be exercising but feel lazy and he comes back with a comment like: "are you ill babe? or you just dont feel motivated?"  .... he's a lover honey

17.  When you go out on your own with your girlies, and dont back till 3am, all tipsy and lovely, he still wants to make love to you ... then mama, why not ... you know he's besotted, even if you smell of cigarettes and whiskey.

18.  When you spent all your salary on that designer bag and now dont have a penny even to take you to work, yet he still gives you money to tide you over till the end of the month and doesnt ask you for it back ... oh ya , that's one good man and yes, if you didnt know, that does show he cares.

19.  If he puts up with your family, cultural differences and even your senile aunt and crazy mates, and doesnt complain ... come on then what do you think? Elementary conclusion here ladies

20.  Finally, if he tells you that he would like to watch his favourite sport on telly over the weekend, he's really asking for permission and your blessing...  girl he isnt taking you for granted ... get it... now go get him.


Now, arent the signs that he loves you obvious.  See, its easy ;-) You know he loves you, what are you going to do about it ;-)

Materialistic

All that you want in life is the simple pleasures but to get that buddy, you will simply need to succumb to pressure.  You know the usual sayings, nothing comes easy, life is hard, hard work pays off, etc... etc... All these are enough to put you off for sure.  Why cant things be a little tedious?, less stressful, less ominous? why ?  oh why?
 - Because the sky's so high and you may not get married in July
 - Because life's like that
 - Because Matrix does not exist and you're stuck in this rut
 - Because no one knows the real answer
 - Because that's why!!

Sometimes, you lay back and think... I want to be a millionaire ... why?
 - Because you want Manolos, Jimmy Choos, and Versacci
 - Because you want a Porche, BMW and a Merc
 - Because you want a Villa in Spain and a duplex in Vegas
 - Because you want a maid, a chauffeur and a personal trainer
 - Because you think you know that all this will make you happy
 - Because you know you want people to look to you and treat you well
 - Because the world you were born into tell you this is how to think

And then, sanity hits you smack in the heart, and you realise, that you are not alone in this world and that you should be doing more to help others ...  but frankly you dont know how to do that either.  You dont know how to make yourself a millionaire and you dont know how to benefit society.  Here comes the depression.  So what to do???

Your problem is huge.  But at least you are now aware.  This is your awakening.  Now you know who you are , what is what ... and that my friend is a start.  Now you learn. Now you are born.
It's not just about possession, or giving to the needy... no not at all.  It's about YOU!  Learning to understand YOU. When you know what you are, who you are and what you really want to do in life.  Then you are at the start, a new beginning of your good life - your path to happiness.

It is only when you are aware, that you can be happy.  And when you are truly happy, you become, naturally truly lucky ...  that's the secret.
Do not measure, your happiness in dollars and cents, measure it in smiles and laughter.  You will be surprised, pleasantly surprised.

You are special, know that, love that.  And you are loved.  And that should be enough for you and me.
;-)
Have a great life