Just came back to KL last night, immediately after work.
As it happened, I have a friend from KL who is in Singapore at the moment. He asked me out for dinner, which obviously I couldn't go. This was the second time it happened. The stars are not in our favour, it seemed. Sorry about that, Ry!
Something good that happened yesterday was my one-week leave in October is approved! Yay! I applied for the leave a month ago, as I planned to go to Taiwan with some friends then. And no, Nyk is not coming along, even though I would really really love him to.
Initially, it didn't seem likely that the leave would get approved. My manager and I had a little tiff over it, as apparently I am that important in the office and my absence would cause the company to collapse ... not!
So yeah, I am mighty pleased that it has finally been approved.
Let's see. Movies wise, I managed to catch Jay Chou's directorial debut Secret. I would give credit where it is due, and Jay has managed to come up with a commendable performance and story of young love with a surprising twist in the end. Anthony Wong who played his father was excellent and who had most of the witty lines.
The girl who played his girlfriend was great as well. She managed to capture the complexities of her character who has to keep a secret from Jay. Overall, a saccharine sweet movie for the romantics and the young at heart. And I love it because of that, even though Nyk wasn't there to hold my hand during the movie.
The weekend is here again, so have a good one, my friends!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Indignation 2007
From 1st till 15th August, Singapore has its own version of Pride. Of course in this Asian and conservative society, there won't be a march or party like what we see abroad. It's not even called Pride either, but IndigNation, so-called because it's National Day is in August. The activities are more subdued, like exhibitions, talks, poetry, film, outdoor and social events.
For the full program, please click here.
However, some of the programs were cancelled because the authorities didn't allow them. The first program to kickstart the festival, which was supposed to be a photo exhibition showing same sex kissing, was axed because the authorities didn't approve the license.
Honestly, I don't see how that is a influence to society. I mean, people who would go see the exhibition would definitely be either from the gay community or people who appreciate art, whom I assumed are open minded and be there for art's sake.
It's like preaching to the converted. It's not like the organisers are forcing thoseprudes and Christian fundamentalist people who don't want to see it, to see it. So why the hoohah?
Last year, the authorities banned an exhibition showing people sitting on the loo, shitting. The pictures mostly show from above the waist, nothing explicit. The point they were trying to say was that everyone does it, a cop, mother, student, lecturer, politicians, etc. They were in police uniform, school uniform, etc which showed who they were.
The point was to demonstrate that we're all the same, that we are all fundamentally human. The reason given for the exhibition being banned, if I remember correctly, was that some of the pictures shown were insulting to the police and students, as the latter was underage.
Erm ... does that mean they don't go to the loo? How is something insulting when it is something everybody does? Obviously it was a lame excuse to stop the exhibition.
As everyone knows, the moment you ban something, everyone knows. The best publicity is when is something is banned. Recall all those banned movies in Malaysia. The effect was that curiosity was piqued in the public and hence, everybody wants to watch said banned movie.
Anyway, this year's Indignation was held together with Adlus's 8th anniversary celebration. Adlus is a GBLT sports-oriented group.
One of the programs planned is the Pink Run this Saturday, where a group of people run in the Botanic Gardens dressed in pink. After the run, there is to be a picnic. Participation is opened to all.
Botanic Gardens is a public park where anybody can stroll, jog and picnic. I was there earlier this year for a morning jog.
Even this two harmless activities have been banned. I know, WTF right?
The run needed an application to be made to the park authorities. They didn't approve. Thus we can deduce that wearing pink while running alone or two is OK, but as a group of 20 people is not?
Someone pointed out that, the Singapore flag is red and white. If you mix the two together, what do you get?
Now, surely a picnic in a public park doesn't require a permission, right? So none was made. Even so, a letter from National Parks Board (NPB) was sent to Mr Alex Au (who they assumed is the organiser for the picnic), stating that the picnic is deemed to be an "organised gathering" held by an "interest group to politicise (its) cause" can not be held on the grounds of the gardens.
First of all, that was never the intention. I didn't know picnics are now political activities. The National Parks Board has read to much into it. It was supposed to be just a picnic, and that's that.
This is outright discrimination.
What if a group of heteros, all dressed in red, decided to have a picnic? Would they be stopped from doing so? Surely not.
But if a group of gays were doing that, it is not allowed.
With what the NPB did, it sure changes your perception of Singapore, doesn't it? I don't think Malaysian authorities will care so much. In this instance, their "tidak apa" (apathetic) attitude is better.
Other events that were cancelled were a talk by a Canadian law professor, Prof Douglas Sanders, on “Sexual orientation in international law - the case of Asia.”
A talk about his life, Rev. Troy Perry, the founder of the Metropolitan Community Church, which now boasts 250 congregations around 23 countries, with a combined congregation of tens of thousands was also not allowed. Troy was supposed to be speaking on the Gay Christian witness in the modern world, and what it means to start a new church that is affirming, accepting and supportive of GLBT individuals and the role that MCC plays in modern America.
However, Safehaven (the organiser) was contacted one week before the event by the police and immigration saying that the event needed a PELU license and a professional visit pass. Applications have since been submitted, pending approval. If approval is denied, a by-invitation event will still be held, with Rev. Troy Perry in attendance. It will start with a short worship session, followed by a reading of his book "Troy Perry, Pastor and Prophet". He will be available after the session for individual questions.
Anyway, I am going to take part in a treasure hunt this Saturday, organised by Adlus. Something to unwind after my exam yesterday! Woohoo! Finally it's over.
For the full program, please click here.
However, some of the programs were cancelled because the authorities didn't allow them. The first program to kickstart the festival, which was supposed to be a photo exhibition showing same sex kissing, was axed because the authorities didn't approve the license.
Honestly, I don't see how that is a influence to society. I mean, people who would go see the exhibition would definitely be either from the gay community or people who appreciate art, whom I assumed are open minded and be there for art's sake.
It's like preaching to the converted. It's not like the organisers are forcing those
Last year, the authorities banned an exhibition showing people sitting on the loo, shitting. The pictures mostly show from above the waist, nothing explicit. The point they were trying to say was that everyone does it, a cop, mother, student, lecturer, politicians, etc. They were in police uniform, school uniform, etc which showed who they were.
The point was to demonstrate that we're all the same, that we are all fundamentally human. The reason given for the exhibition being banned, if I remember correctly, was that some of the pictures shown were insulting to the police and students, as the latter was underage.
Erm ... does that mean they don't go to the loo? How is something insulting when it is something everybody does? Obviously it was a lame excuse to stop the exhibition.
As everyone knows, the moment you ban something, everyone knows. The best publicity is when is something is banned. Recall all those banned movies in Malaysia. The effect was that curiosity was piqued in the public and hence, everybody wants to watch said banned movie.
Anyway, this year's Indignation was held together with Adlus's 8th anniversary celebration. Adlus is a GBLT sports-oriented group.
One of the programs planned is the Pink Run this Saturday, where a group of people run in the Botanic Gardens dressed in pink. After the run, there is to be a picnic. Participation is opened to all.
Botanic Gardens is a public park where anybody can stroll, jog and picnic. I was there earlier this year for a morning jog.
Even this two harmless activities have been banned. I know, WTF right?
The run needed an application to be made to the park authorities. They didn't approve. Thus we can deduce that wearing pink while running alone or two is OK, but as a group of 20 people is not?
Someone pointed out that, the Singapore flag is red and white. If you mix the two together, what do you get?
Now, surely a picnic in a public park doesn't require a permission, right? So none was made. Even so, a letter from National Parks Board (NPB) was sent to Mr Alex Au (who they assumed is the organiser for the picnic), stating that the picnic is deemed to be an "organised gathering" held by an "interest group to politicise (its) cause" can not be held on the grounds of the gardens.
First of all, that was never the intention. I didn't know picnics are now political activities. The National Parks Board has read to much into it. It was supposed to be just a picnic, and that's that.
This is outright discrimination.
What if a group of heteros, all dressed in red, decided to have a picnic? Would they be stopped from doing so? Surely not.
But if a group of gays were doing that, it is not allowed.
With what the NPB did, it sure changes your perception of Singapore, doesn't it? I don't think Malaysian authorities will care so much. In this instance, their "tidak apa" (apathetic) attitude is better.
Other events that were cancelled were a talk by a Canadian law professor, Prof Douglas Sanders, on “Sexual orientation in international law - the case of Asia.”
A talk about his life, Rev. Troy Perry, the founder of the Metropolitan Community Church, which now boasts 250 congregations around 23 countries, with a combined congregation of tens of thousands was also not allowed. Troy was supposed to be speaking on the Gay Christian witness in the modern world, and what it means to start a new church that is affirming, accepting and supportive of GLBT individuals and the role that MCC plays in modern America.
However, Safehaven (the organiser) was contacted one week before the event by the police and immigration saying that the event needed a PELU license and a professional visit pass. Applications have since been submitted, pending approval. If approval is denied, a by-invitation event will still be held, with Rev. Troy Perry in attendance. It will start with a short worship session, followed by a reading of his book "Troy Perry, Pastor and Prophet". He will be available after the session for individual questions.
Anyway, I am going to take part in a treasure hunt this Saturday, organised by Adlus. Something to unwind after my exam yesterday! Woohoo! Finally it's over.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Monday blues killer
Obviously, I am in no mood or inspiration to blog at the moment, so here's something funny to cheer you guys up.
Original lyrics to Ain't No Other Man (Christina Aguilera):
Hey......!!!!
Do your thang honey!
(Verse: 1)
I could feel it from the start,
Couldn't stand to be apart.
Something ‘bout you caught my eye,
Something moved me deep inside
Don't know what you did boy but you had it and i've been hooked ever since.
(Hook)
I told my mother, my brother, my sister and my friends
Told the others, my lovers, both past and present tense.
That everytime I see you everything starts making sense.
Do your thang honey!
(Chorus)
Ain't no other man, can stand up next to you
Ain't no other man on the planet does what you do
(what you do!)
You're the kind of guy, a girl finds in a blue moon. (hey)
You got soul (yeah), you got class (ohh). You got style, you bad ass
Oh Yeah!
Ain't no other man it's true (all right)
Ain't no other man but you.
(Verse: 2)
Never thought I'd be alright. No, no, no!
‘Til you came and changed my life. Yeah, yeah, yeah!
What was cloudy now is clear! Yeah, yeah!
Your the light that I needed
You got what I want boy and I want it
So keep on giving it up!
(Hook)
Tell your mother, your brother, your sister, and your friends.
Tell the others, your lovers, better not be present tense.
Cause I want everyone to know that you are mine and no one else's!
Ooooh,oh oh!
(Chorus)
Ain't no other man, can stand up next to you (to you yeah)
Ain't no other man (ain't no other man) on the planet does what you do (do)
You're the kind of guy, a girl finds (girl finds) in a blue moon.
You got soul (soul), you got class (class).
You got style, with your bad ass
yeah yeah yeah!
Ain't no other man it's true
Ain't no other man but you.
(Bridge)
Break it down now!
Ain't no other, ain't, ain't no other, (other)!!
Ain't no other, ain't, ain't no other (LOVER)!
Ain't no other, I, I, I need no other!
Ain't no other man but you!
Ohhhh!
You are there when I’m a mess
Talked me down from every ledge
Give me strength boy you’re the best
You’re the only one who’s ever passed every test
(Chorus)
Ain't no other man (woo), can stand (yeh) up next to you (next to you)
Ain't no other man on the planet does what you do. oh..
You're the kind of guy, a girl finds in a blue moon.
You got soul (yeah), you got class (yeah)
You got style, with your bad ass - oh yeah!
Ain't no other man it's true (oooh)
Ain't no other man but you.
(Chorus)
And now I'm telling you so ain’t no other man but you
Hey!!!!!!!!
Ain't no other man, can stand up next to you,,
Ain't no other man on the planet does what you do
(what you do).
You're the kind of guy, a girl finds in a blue moon.
Baby, baby, baby Oooh!!!!!
You got soul (yeah), you got class (ohh).
You got style, with your bad ass
Don't you know!
Ain't no other man it's true
Ain't no other man but you.
Best part - anal with a man, it's true - Lance Bass, Clay Aiken, dunno who's the third guy and Katie's other half! LOL
Original lyrics to Ain't No Other Man (Christina Aguilera):
Hey......!!!!
Do your thang honey!
(Verse: 1)
I could feel it from the start,
Couldn't stand to be apart.
Something ‘bout you caught my eye,
Something moved me deep inside
Don't know what you did boy but you had it and i've been hooked ever since.
(Hook)
I told my mother, my brother, my sister and my friends
Told the others, my lovers, both past and present tense.
That everytime I see you everything starts making sense.
Do your thang honey!
(Chorus)
Ain't no other man, can stand up next to you
Ain't no other man on the planet does what you do
(what you do!)
You're the kind of guy, a girl finds in a blue moon. (hey)
You got soul (yeah), you got class (ohh). You got style, you bad ass
Oh Yeah!
Ain't no other man it's true (all right)
Ain't no other man but you.
(Verse: 2)
Never thought I'd be alright. No, no, no!
‘Til you came and changed my life. Yeah, yeah, yeah!
What was cloudy now is clear! Yeah, yeah!
Your the light that I needed
You got what I want boy and I want it
So keep on giving it up!
(Hook)
Tell your mother, your brother, your sister, and your friends.
Tell the others, your lovers, better not be present tense.
Cause I want everyone to know that you are mine and no one else's!
Ooooh,oh oh!
(Chorus)
Ain't no other man, can stand up next to you (to you yeah)
Ain't no other man (ain't no other man) on the planet does what you do (do)
You're the kind of guy, a girl finds (girl finds) in a blue moon.
You got soul (soul), you got class (class).
You got style, with your bad ass
yeah yeah yeah!
Ain't no other man it's true
Ain't no other man but you.
(Bridge)
Break it down now!
Ain't no other, ain't, ain't no other, (other)!!
Ain't no other, ain't, ain't no other (LOVER)!
Ain't no other, I, I, I need no other!
Ain't no other man but you!
Ohhhh!
You are there when I’m a mess
Talked me down from every ledge
Give me strength boy you’re the best
You’re the only one who’s ever passed every test
(Chorus)
Ain't no other man (woo), can stand (yeh) up next to you (next to you)
Ain't no other man on the planet does what you do. oh..
You're the kind of guy, a girl finds in a blue moon.
You got soul (yeah), you got class (yeah)
You got style, with your bad ass - oh yeah!
Ain't no other man it's true (oooh)
Ain't no other man but you.
(Chorus)
And now I'm telling you so ain’t no other man but you
Hey!!!!!!!!
Ain't no other man, can stand up next to you,,
Ain't no other man on the planet does what you do
(what you do).
You're the kind of guy, a girl finds in a blue moon.
Baby, baby, baby Oooh!!!!!
You got soul (yeah), you got class (ohh).
You got style, with your bad ass
Don't you know!
Ain't no other man it's true
Ain't no other man but you.
Best part - anal with a man, it's true - Lance Bass, Clay Aiken, dunno who's the third guy and Katie's other half! LOL
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