The Massage Industry in Singapore and Sex

I read with interest the recent report, Can We Have Sex Too? published in the Singapore tabloid newspaper, The New Paper (TNP). The 'We' here refers to the clients of certified massage therapists. I bold certified because if they are not certified, then there must be something else that the therapist can offer to complement his/her half-bucket* service, Isn't it? Turn the classified pages of some local publications in Singapore and you can see how many people are offering massage services nowadays. Besides telling you the various types of massage they can do, the advertisements are usually accompanied with suggestive photos. If you see photos of beautiful women, they are seducing the men to cum, oophs, I mean come and enjoy the massage. If you see photos of muscular men (sometimes without the face and only close up of chest and abs), they are for the You-Know-Who.*

According to the report, certified massage therapists, both females and males are lamenting that their Singaporean clients are requesting for additional services from them. A female masseur interviewed told TNP that from her 8-years experience, foreigners are likely the genuine customers. Of course, I believe that there are exception too: foreign men are still men after all. In their countries, advertisments for sex do not have to be disguised under the pretext of 'massage' - sex means sex.

My empahty goes to those certified massage therapists who are harassed by their clients. With the defacing of the massage industry by unqualified masseurs who use their mouth more than their hands, the image of genuine therapists is tarnished. Clients seem to care more if a therapist can provide sex service rather than his/her relevant qualification. Just when you think that a therapist worries if a client will make a sexual request, a client may worry too if his therapist is willing to go the extra mile. That worried client was me. It happened two years ago when I had a complimentary massage at a grand looking massage parlor at Orchard Road, Singapore. That was my second massage of my life. After shower, I lay topless on a cushioned massage table covered with a towel below my waist. Beneath, I wore a short provided by the parlor. The massage therapist was a foreign woman. After some rubbing on my upper body, she chatted with me. I started to feel uncomfortable when her hands were massaging up and down my thigh. At one point, I felt that her strong hands were almost knocking against my balls. I confessed that I was worried if she is going to give me a happy ending. But I was not at one of those massage parlors at Gelyang or Joo Chiat*, I was at Orchard Paragon enjoying my complimentary visit from Citibank! How can a 'Pei Du Ma Ma' (A social term referring to women from Mainland China who came to Singapore to work while their children study here) sneaked into a reputable parlor in Orchard Road? When she finally said it was done, I knew that It was a false alarm.

My experience tells me that in a trade which the clients go almost full monty and the therapists' hands are exploring their body, it is hard not to think of sex especially if the therapist looks desirable, females and males alike. I think not all certified massage therapists are noble in their trade. I believe there are some who are certified but also provide extra services.

Whether massage therapists or escorts, money can entice them to step out for their profession and dance in the moonlight.

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

*half-bucket- a colloquial to mean half-qualified; not completely capable

* You-Know-Who - an unspeakable alias for the Dark Lord, Voldemort in the Harry Potter's series. In my article, I used the term as an insinuation for gay men.

* Geylang/Joo Chiat - Geylang is a red light district in Singapore while Joo Chiat is progressively becoming one.

Looking Good for Jesus? Singapore Says No!

When America wants Singapore to look good for Jesus, some Catholics in Singapore said 'No!" The minority who prefer to be the plain Janes and Joes protested against the American's calling with their slogan: Thou shall not be vain!

I think I have ridculed enough of my fellow countrymen.

'Looking Good for Jesus' is a brand for a range of cosmetics and accessories from American company, Blue Q. The comestics range has since been removed from the shelves of British-retailor, Topshop in Singapore following complaints that the products are disrespectful.
Look at these products and you will know probably guess what has caused the uproar.










Like all other gods of the various religions, Jesus, too, is an untouchable name. Any association with THAT name must not be percevied as blasphemous in nature. Otherwise, you will be condemned by the Churches before even God judges you. If you are deemed to have committed the gravest sin, you might be stoned to death or burned on the stake. Blue Q didn't give a shit about it. Beside the 'Looking Good for Jesus' brand, 'Wash Away your Sins' is another brand associated with Christianity. If you think that Blue Q is anti-Christ, check out their website. Every concept of their product is very refreshing although their humor can be quite off the hook to some people.

To those who complained to Wing Tai Holding which operates the Topshop outlets, I have to say this, "Relax lah..." The 'Looking Good for Jesus' products are not sex toys; they are regular items that we use. The only difference is that these products are printed with cartoons of Jesus with some women and some interesting choice of words.

It's a pity that the 'Looking Good for Jesus' range is not available in Sydney. I wouldn't mind getting tight with Christ by purchasing a tube of the hand and body cream. And mind you, I'm a guy.

Relax lah!
-------------------------------
More Readings:

The Straits Times report
USAToday report
BBC News report

My First Christmas in Sydney - Alone

It's the night of Christmas Eve.

Every year at this time, I am at home with my family in Singapore. Dad will put up our Christmas tree two weeks before Christmas. This year, I don't think he does. I am the spirit of the family and the reason for the decoration. I let them down this year because I have selfishily flown to Sydney two weeks ago to start a relationship with my Aussie boyfriend (with their blessing). Mum called to wish me Merry Christmas but I didn't ask about the Christmas tree.

Do I feel homesick? Yes but not too strongly. Sydney is my second home now. However, I do feel a bit sad this holiday season. My boyfriend is not with me tonight and many nights to come. He has flown to Perth to be with his family. I learn that such tradition is the western thing. My U.S. and Candanian friends are all going home for Christmas. That's probably why the song 'I'll be Home for Christmas" is written. After Christmas with family, he will be away on a business trip. All in all, I am left alone in a big house for two long weeks. I am going to miss my boyfriend very much.

I have a friend in Sydney but she will be spending Christmas with her family from Indonesia. Luckily, I am blessed with great friends around the world who chat with me on MSN. Because of the time difference, when one friend log outs, the chat is continued by another who logs in. When everyone logs out, I return to my writing like now (Sydney time, 11:56pm) with my iTune radio playing a Christmas song I never heard of in Singapore - I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by Gayla Peevey

Well, I am not exactly being left in a lurch by my boyfriend. He is too sweet for negligence. He bought me some thoughtful gifts. Among which are two latest novels by best-selling Australian authors, "The Persimmon Tree" by Bryce Courtenay and "Anthony and Cleopatra" by Colleen McCullough. But he didn't want me to be cooped up at home all days reading while he is away. He suprised me with gift cards so that I could go shopping when I am bored. His thoughtfullness and generousity made me shed tears of joy.

So far I am suriving happily since his 3 days absence. Although there are books to read and shopping to induge in during the Boxing Day and New Year sale, nothing replaces having my boyfriend next to me now. I will be waiting patiently at home in Sydney for his return. Meanwhile, it's time for bed on a silent and holy night.

The Dame of the Parliament - Eunice Olsen

Eunice Olsen

When I received this eMailer, I was seduced more by the model than the phone. She took center stage of the advertisement. Instinctively, I see her first than the phone in term of prominence. Is this a marketing flop then? I don't think so. She is as chic as the new MotoroRazer V8 luxury edition looks. Her sultry glance tempted me like the sinister snake in the Garden of Eden. In fact, too intimidating for a gay man to bear. If you ogle, I mean admire at the advertisment longer, you could probably see some resemblances in her to Thai pop diva, Tata Young and Hollywood starlet, Angelina Jolie.

To my overseas readers, you probably think that she is just another celebrity in Singapore. In a way, she is. She is a model, actress, TV host and a musician. But she is more. Eunice Olsen, as grandiose as her name sounds to her portfolio, is also a non-elected Member of Parliament (NMP) of the Republic of Singapore. If you google her, she wears many faces in public: the plain jane next door, the NMP in power suit and the glamourous girl in the limelight.

I have never followed her news since her foray into public attention after bagging the title of Miss Singapore Universe in 2000. Over the years, she has used her fame for good cause to promote volunteerism and humanitarian works. Is she an opportunist? Sure she is. But that's how I perceive a modern woman to be. She not only colorizes her life with her resume, she only injects some refreshing vibes to our Parliament. Way to go, girl!

Taxi Touting in Singapore. Tourists Beware

It is my civil duty to educate foreign readers on the increased cases of taxi toutings in Singapore. I have never met an unethical cabby before and hence, I was fuming mad at the article, "Money talks, so cabbies keep touting" (ST, 21 Oct). Atlhough there are female cabbies on the roads nowaday, the cabbies whom The Sunday Times exposed are all males.

I never have the luck to meet these rouge cabbies, or else I will not hesitate to lecture them before reporting to the Land Transport Authority (LTA). They wouldn't target me primarily because I don't look like a tourist to them. I assure you these cabbies can tell whether you can be conned or not. After all, they are the bua-ya* on four wheels driving around (not everywhere) to prey on tourists or vulnerable passengers such as the drunkened. Notice that I deliberately bracket 'not everywhere' because they only drive to pick up areas that are lucrative. This is, however, not the issue that pissed me off. As long as they charge fair prices to passengers, they are free to choose where they wanna be.

It was reported that one cabby charged the Sunday Times team SGD25 to go from Clarke Quay to HarbourFront, a SGD6 trip normally. Some crafty cabbies were unrepentant and boasted that they could easily charge ignorant tourists between SGD50 to SGD100 per trip. SHAME ON THEM! By quoting a flat rate and not by the meter, cabbies are able to recover their taxi rentals and diesel costs for the day in fewer trips i.e. they can now take home a fatter monthly earning. Good for them. But having more money by ripping off tourists is both unprofessional and harmful to the image of Singapore.

I had encountered taxi toutings in Johor Bahru (JB), Bangkok and even at Heathrow Airport, London. I remember the incident at JB when a cabby quoted me an exorbitant fare. I board the cab nevertheless as I was trapped in a heavy downpour without an umbrella. I did not return to JB again. Although taxi toutings are common in most countries, including HongKong, Taipei, China and New York, such occurrences in Singapore are shocking to me. Cabbies caught touting or overcharging in Singapore can be fined up to SGD500 and suspended, or terminated if they get enough demerit points. How could a generally law-abiding population flaunts the laws in a country where citizens are tammed to just follow laws? The flag-down fare was increased by SGD0.10 to SGD2.50 (inclusive of 1st km or less) in July 2006. Many grumbled about the fare hike but I still see long queues at taxi stands. So are cabbies just greedy or the crowded taxi stands were illusions?

Policing by the LTA inspectors alone will not curb touting activities because the veteran cabbies will play hide-and-seek with them. LTA can consider the following suggestions:

• Educate family members of cabbies on ethical driving through Taxi Operators' Association;


• Increase awareness of taxi toutings to tourists at the airports and tourist information counters;


• Terminate licences of cabbies guilty of touting and barred them from driving for other taxi companies

With the above measures in place, the co-operation of the passengers can then facilitate the effectiveness of stamping down on taxi touting in Singapore. As a rule of thumb, report all toutings to LTA. As a tourist, you could help us build a friendlier holiday destination; as a citizen, please help to protect Singapore's image as a tourist-friendly country. If taxi toutings on the streets are not eradicated, these money-faced cabbies are going to make their presence more visible at Changi Airport (Hopefully, there aren't any there now).

My last advice to tourists: always ensure that the taxi meters are on. Know what are the standard fares. Do your math. If you suspect that you have been conned, ask for a taxi receipt when you pay. With that receipt, report to LTA. Dont let these drivers take you for a ride just because you are a tourist. Don't let them cheat the money that you could use to buy something else with. You're on a holiday.

* bua-ya - a Malay word to mean crocodile. In this context, it refers to people who prey on others.

Give me the Green Card but Spare me the Gun

Another young man snapped and took law in his own hand. 20-year old, Tyler Peterson (inset: left) stormed into a Duplex in Crandon, North Wisconsin and killed 6 teenagers in a rampant shooting. This happened on Sunday - a day after my friends had advised me against relocation to the U.S. Their reason being the Land of Freedom is unsafe.

A failed attempt to reconcile with his old girlfriend invited mockery from guests who were present at that house for a pizza party during the school's reunion weekend. He was called a "worthless pig." This enraged Peterson to retrieve the AR-15 rifle from his car outside and marched into the house firing 30 rounds that killed everyone except one who is critically injured. Hours later, he was found dead after fleeing the crime scene when the Swat team nailed him. Whether he shot himself or died in an exchange of gunfire with the armed police, the authority is not revealing yet. Peterson's killing raised many eyebrows: how could a sheriff's deputy and a part-time police officer possibly commit such heinous crime? Who could have guessed that a 'non-trouble maker' as his good friend described him would become a bersek gunman? Can you tell from his photo that the cherubic face smiling at you is capable of killing? I can't. News leaked that apparently he did not undergo psychological screening piror to his acceptance as a law enforcement officer.

This brings me back to my friends' comment. In a country where gun control is luke warm, It is better to get a good insurance scheme than to worry when will I be gunned down. According to handgunlaw.us, most States allow gun ownership provided that the applicants satisfy the minimum age requirement of which varies from States to States (inset: left). Most States require the applicants to be at least 18 or 21; only Missouri has the exception - 23.

The Wisconsin's tragedy is the 2nd rampant shooting after the VirginiaTech massacre on April 16, 2007. 23-year old Korean, Seung-Hui Cho killed 33 people at the campus before shooting himself. This marked one of the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history. The minimum age to apply for Carrying Concealed Weapons (CCW) for private citizens in Virginia is 21 which Cho is eligible for. Although Wisconsin is denied the right to CCW, Peterson, is however, a qualified law enforcement officer. Sadly the case.

Reported by Reuters and quoted sources from National Rifle Association (NRA), an estimated 34 percent of the citizens in the United States owns firearms and 200 million firearms are in private hands. Considering that private resales of guns is largely unregulated and that the U.S. popluation to be 300 million, it is highly possible that in the most densely populated State such as New Jersey, 6 households out of 10 are likely to own a gun.

Singapore has no history of rampant shootings. Primarily, possession of firearms by citizens is a criminal offence that warrants caning and imprisonment. The terrors that struck the heartland so far were cases of soldiers who went missing with rifles and bullets. The first case was in 1984 and another happened recently last month. Singaporeans at large are either too tame or too sane to commit massacre. I can safely generalise that 99.9 percent of the population is capable of shooting from water guns; the 0.01 percent may be potential gunmen but they have a 99.9 percent chance of not finding a gun in the first place. So what's my take - Singapore or U.S?

Give me the Green Card but spare me the gun.

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

Wisconsin gunman Tyler Peterson 'snapped over rebuff by ex-girlfriend' - Times Online


Bananation Condolences to the families and vicitim of Virginia Tech Massacre.

Is Mocca.com Targeting Gay Consumers in its Latest TV Ad?

The first time I saw this TV commercial (TVC), my jaw dropped. A bodybuilder in his zebra stripes underwear was flaunting his biceps, triceps, pecs... and his armpits too. Thank God that he shaved.

This is the third TVC of Mocca.com, a website for online classifieds and community. It's first two TVCs though suggestive are not repulsive; this one is simply cheap taste. Without doubt, flashing of muscles and bulge on prime time is going to capture a lot of eyeballs. But not every tantalizing endeavor can be an Abercrombie's success. If the TVC's intention is to create an awareness of Mocca among gays by serving us 'beefcake', its marketing department failed terribly. Here are some views posted in the forum of a local gay site:

"How can they think of such a gross act that simply has not much taste?"

Posted by member, C1/1.

"And the worst is the beefcake...its kinda repulsive for me to digest."

Posted by member, Blaze.

"Some of my friends are freaked out by the bodybuilder."

Posted by member, Drenched.

"Quite gross the way he introduced the rooms/kitchen. Pretty awkward for a family commercial like this."

Posted by member, Topaz.

Of course, there are some gays who are blinded by muscles and delight themselves in the TVC. I love bodybuilders but I am a discerning admirer. Most gays have good taste in appreciating creativity. If we want eye candies, we know where to look for them.

iPods are making noise in New York

Finally. New Yorkers have proven that I am not a grumpy Singaporean who complains renlentlessly against loud music on public transportation.

Yahoo! News reported that a passenger silently fumed (most of us do) as the man seated beside him on the plane blasted techno music on his iPod at full volume. When I wrote about noise level in the subway ('Testing mobie ring tones in the train. What's wrong with People?' & 'Chipmunks singing in the train'), they were incident relating to communters playing music aloud from their mobile phones. For a music from somebody's headphones to be audible to the surrounding people, it must be on its highest volume. There was a lady who requested an iPod-user on the NY's subway to lower the volume, only to her dismay that she was ignored. I can understand the iPod-user's insensitivity to the fellow communters, but how can one be insensitive to their own eardrums? The only logical answer is that their headphones are working fine but not their ears. And that probably explains why they are oblivious to the loud music that their neighbors are hearing.

iPod-users have their 5-minutes of fame on the NY's subway too. Some are either practising hard for the American Idols and singing along their playlist, while others are talking excessively loud with their ear buds on like in a political rally. Such scenes are not uncommon in Singapore's train. Once, I saw a karaoke crooner on the train who sang with such fervor that with a little bit of imagination, I could be picturing her as Beyonce from the movie, Dreamgirls. I find such clownlike performance amusing and thus entertaining. However, loud speakers who thought that they are at Hyde Park are simply irritating.

I can't reprimand communters who risk hearing impairment to share music with me but I am crossed at those who blatantly share their music on the train without the use of headphones. For Pete's sake, I don't like your 'sexy back'; I like 'It's oh so quiet' by Bjork. So keep your favorite to yourself because it is likey that they are not ours.

Some may think that I am too unforgiving in embracing music on the go. But is music the only noise level in the train? Just to name a few - teenagers' giggles, office gossips and aunties and uncles yelling in dialects over their Jurassic mobile phones. When the train is already a rojak* of commotion, we don't have to add in chilli.

*Rojak - a Malay word to mean mix. It is also a fruit and vegetable salad dish commonly found in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Survey result - Is Homosexuality Offensive to You?

A month ago, I set up a survey to target the heterosexuals to find out if homosexuality is offensive to them, and publicised it in the Straits Times online forum. The survey questions are derived from the furore over legalising gay sex in Singapore.

The survey was hosted free at formsite.com and has a limit of 10 responses. To receive new responses, the storage has to be emptied. Otherwise, incoming responses were rejected. From the email notifications I received from formsite, a bulk of the responses were unfortunately rejected. I am left with 20 responses. Here are the results:

Are you a heterosexual male or female?

Single male - 60%
Married male - 10%
Single female - 20%
Married female - 0%
Married male with kids - 10%
Married female with kids - 0%

Do you know any homosexuals on a personal level?
Yes, my friends - 60%
Yes, my colleagues - 5%
Yes, my relatives - 5%
Yes, my family members - 10%
No - 20%

Decriminalization of section s377A will have harmful social consequences.
Strongly Agree - 20%
Agree - 0%
Neutral - 5%
Disagree - 10%
Strongly disagree - 65%

Homosexuals carry higher risk of STD and AIDS virus transmission.
Strongly Agree - 15%
Agree - 5%
Neutral - 10%
Disagree - 15%
Strongly disagree - 55%

Homosexuals lead promiscuous and hedonistic lifestyle.
Strongly Agree - 10%
Agree - 5%
Neutral - 0%
Disagree - 25%
Strongly disagree - 60%

Safe sex education will be more effective if we stop victimising homosexuals.
Strongly Agree - 65%
Agree - 5%
Neutral - 10%
Disagree - 15%
Strongly disagree - 5%

Do you have a religion?
Yes - 90%
No - 5%
I'm an atheist - 5%

Is homosexuality offensive to you?
Yes - 10%
No - 90%

Comment
"I know some homosexuals and I do accept them as friends. Now, when it comes to morality that is another matter."

Her survey results:

Are you a heterosexual male or female?
Single female

Do you know any homosexuals on a personal level?
Yes, my friends

Please choose the best answer for each of the following questions.
Decriminalization of section s377A will have harmful social consequences:Strongly Agree
Homosexuals carry higher risk of STD and AIDS virus transmission:Strongly Agree
Homosexuals lead promiscuous and hedonistic lifestyle:Strongly Agree
Safe sex education will be more effective if we stop victimising homosexuals:Disagree

Do you have a religion?
Yes

Is homosexuality offensive to you?
Yes

Comment
"They are a group of pity disoriented people. They need care and love and not condemnation."

His survey results:

Are you a heterosexual male or female?
Married male

Do you know any homosexuals on a personal level?
Yes, my friends

Please choose the best answer for each of the following questions.
Decriminalization of section s377A will have harmful social consequences:Agree
Homosexuals carry higher risk of STD and AIDS virus transmission:Strongly Agree
Homosexuals lead promiscuous and hedonistic lifestyle:Agree
Safe sex education will be more effective if we stop victimising homosexuals:Strongly Disagree

Do you have a religion?
Yes

Is homosexuality offensive to you?
No


Comment
"Im a Christian & my view is that homosexuality, adultery, incest, free love & rape are all regarded as sins (sexual immorality). But, I don't condemn the sinners who need to be counseled & encouraged to repent. However, human beings are not perfect, they will continue to sin even among those who are highly educated & have the intellectual capacity to know, understand & differentaite what is morally right & what is not. The best solution is not to make them feel that they are 'crimnals' but to show them love & understanding to help them stay away from those sins. Alternatively, 'secular' rules or laws can be enacted to contain the 'activites' to within certain acceptable legal boundary. the Bible says everyone on eartn is born sinful except Jesus Christ who was God-incarnate."

His survey results:

Are you a heterosexual male or female?
Married male with kids

Do you know any homosexuals on a personal level?
No

Please choose the best answer for each of the following questions.
Decriminalization of section s377A will have harmful social consequences: Neutral
Homosexuals carry higher risk of STD and AIDS virus transmission: Netural
Homosexuals lead promiscuous and hedonistic lifestyle:Disagree
Safe sex education will be more effective if we stop victimising homosexuals: Disagree

Do you have a religion?
Yes

Is homosexuality offensive to you?
No

Conclusion

The size of the survey may be small but it still provides Bananation with a view that most people do not find homosexuality offensive.

This group is made up of single heterosexual men and women who have gay friends. They strongly disagree that gay men are promiscuous and that we carry a higher risk of STD/HIV virus transmission. They do not see how legalising gay sex will harm the society and strongly agree that safe sex education will be more effective if homosexuals are not victimised.

Bearing in mind that this group has a religion, Bananation believes that the strong voices against homosexuals and their legal status come from staunch religious individual or groups. They are unlikely to form friendship with gays and thus lack a true understanding of gays.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Related readings:

Letter to Forum Editor: Issue of homosexuality

Mel White in Singapore

Do homosexuals destroy cities?

Can Singapore be a liberalised society?

WWE Wrestlers Storming into Singapore

You saw them fondling each other's muscles on TV. You imagine that you were part of their histronics in the ring. But when the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Superstars performed in Singapore 3 years ago, you missed an orgy of orgling - live.

If you are a die-hard WWEdiot, don't let this chance slips you by again. The larger-than-life wrestlers are back to the Lion City for a one-night performance on 28 July, 2007 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

A check at Sistic which sells the tickets, the SGD45.00 (Cat 6) tickets are sold out. The other SGD45.00 (Cat 5) and the next cheapest ticket SGD65.00 (Cat 4) are still available. If you have a liking for diamonds, get the SGD350.00 Diamond ticket (Cat 1). Whether you are seated at NSEW, the Diamond seats offer you a spectacular view of the Superstars.

For more choices of tickets, visit Sistic. Before you decide if this year's Superstars are your choices of candies, here are the stars scheduled to perform at the [Smack Dowm Summer Slam Tour 2007] in Singapore:

Driving to Jail

First, it was Paris Hilton. Then it was our own Christopher Lee. Both sentenced to jail for offences related to reckless driving. Was Christopher's case untimely? Bananation has only one word to say to Lee - "suay" (a Hokkien term to mean unlucky).

The 26- year old heiress to the Hilton Hotel fortune violated her probation and knowingly drove with a suspended licence. By June 5, Hiltion will have to report to a women's jail in suburban Lynwood or face 90-days behind bar, double the sentence she received. Lee, 35, an A-list actor with Mediacorp was convicted on a hit-and-run reckless driving. Lee's fate is still unknown as he will be appealing the 4-weeks jail sentence. If he fails, he will be reprising his role as a jailbird in the movie [The Best Bet] (left inset).

Lee is not the first Mediacorp celebrity to be charged with reckless driving, but he is the first to be slapped with jail term. 2 Indian riders were thrown off the motocycle after a collision with Lee's black Mercede-Benz. The fact that he desserted the injured after the accident is a selfish act that disregards the life and death of others. Have a police officer not apphrended him as he fled the scene, we would still be deceived by the veneer of his public charisma when in fact, guilt lures behind the mask.

If Paris, an AAA-list celebrity is going to jail, why not Lee, whose offence is more serious to warrant a jail term? Lee's sentence is a calculated judgement which rides on the publicity of Hilton's case in sending a strong signal to our celebrities: don't think that you will be treated differently because of who you are; if you flaut the laws, you pay the price accordingly. Ex-TV host, Benedict Goh, is probably keeping his fingers crossed on his judgement day. The 37-years old hunk from the 1994 Manhunt competition was charged for alleged drink-driving and lying to the police on May 9. However, one contributor to forum (ST, May 12) was flummoxed why Goh went scot free 3 years ago for the same alledged offence? FYI, Paris was sentenced on May 4.

If Lee, an ah-ge (an established male actor) goes to jail, other A-listers will think twice about driving while inebriated.

The basic rule applies: alcohol, taxis or jail.

Homozila.
Do Homosexuals Destroy Cities?

On the issue of homosexuality in Singapore, many have aired their views. Differences are expected because we live in a socially diversified ecosystem. Differences are also to be respected, albeit with arguments. Be assertive but not aggressive.

Last week, 2 persons wrote to The Straits Times against the decriminalization of gay sex law, Section 377A - Johanthan Cheng Hern Sinn's letter, "MM's comments have me and family worried." on May 1 and Yvonne C.L Lee's article, "Decriminalising homosexual acts would be an error." on May 4. I am upset over the former but am very concern about the latter. Yvonne is an Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore. With all the hullabaloos against decriminalising s377A, I wonder how much the pro-s377A community knows about homosexuals who live among them. Hopefully, not from hearsay.

To understand us, first let me define [homophobia]. I pick the key words that explain the term across 4 online dictionaries and string them to form a concise definition:

An irrational fear of, aversion to, prejudice or
discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals.

Any form of phobia has a specific object or situation which causes the fear. So excuse us. What makes homosexuals or homosexuality so scary from heterosexuals or heterosexuality? Friends and colleagues enjoy my company; family and relatives call me a responisble son. Some pro-s377A may argue that for Pete's sake, these people are nice to me because they didn't know I am gay. They could be right but I can attest for everyone who knows me that they will never forsake me in the name of homophobia. That is, however, not the point that I am making. In the same context that leopards never change their spots, I am still the Mr Nice regardless of my sexual orientation and so do other gay men. Sadly, the cold fact remains that our positive sides are overshadowed once the pro-s377A know we are homosexuals. We are judged by what they didn't see.

I can understand the concern of the pro-s377A community on the extension of homosexual rights to other aspects of our lifestyle should gay sex be legalised. However, I strongly disagree that it will pose a threat to our society morals and public health. To those who see homosexuals as thorns in the flesh, let us know what are your problems with us and we will see if we agree with you.

The recent media frenzy has defocused the pro-s377A, homosexuals and gay-friendly citizen from the essence of s377A. Le'ts recap the stand of the Law Society of Singapore on this issue:

"The majority of the Council considered that the retention of s.377A in its present form cannot be justified. This does not entail any view that homosexuality is morally acceptable, but follows instead from the separation of law and morals and the philosophy that the criminal law’s proper function is to protect others from harm by punishing harmful conduct. Private consensual homosexual conduct between adults does not cause harm recogniseable by the criminal law. Thus, regardless of one’s personal view of the morality or otherwise of such conduct, it should not be made a criminal offence."

Reinforcing on the Council's assertion that criminal laws protect others from harm by punishing harmful conduct, who are we protecting consensual homosexual sex from? Our sons, brothers, boyfriends, fiances, husbands, fathers or grandfathers?

Whether gay gene exists or not, people do not become homosexuals overnight. As we all know, the development of homosexual inclination is the by-product of several complicated factors over a period of time. Homosexuals are already homosexuals. This may sound duh to you but it is the bigger picture that the pro-s377A miss. With or without s377A, homosexuals will continue to have sex with one another in their rooms. Liberalising gay sex will never infect the heterosexual heartland: we have no interest in breaking up families or brainwash straight people to be gay. If there is already a homosexual(s) living in your family, we can't infect them further. Even when gay sex is legalised, it does not mean rice bowls will be broken. Homosexuals are already working in many private and civil servcies, and the straight workers still have their jobs. To say that alternative media and entertainment will be mainstreamed into the society after decriminalisation of s377A is akin to living in a stone age. If homosexuals in Singapore have to look up to MDA on approving what are approriate for our consumption, we would already be the frogs in the well and manipulated by the conservatives and fundamentalists. To complicate the issue, the pro-s377A still think that they are justified in claiming sex between men carries a higher risk of HIV infection than sex between men and women in Singapore. Tell me that I misinterpreted these data from the Ministry of Health from 1985 to 2006. If MSM (men who have sex with men) are percieved to be lethal carriers of HIV virus, victimising homosexuals under s377A creates a bottleneck in the combat against AIDS and other sexual transmitted diseases. When homosexuals stay in the dark, safe sex education will only see a shimmer at the end of its tunnel.

When we preach that Singapore is a multiracial, multicultural and multireligious society, we must also advocate harmony among the various diversified communities in our country. All the crossfire in the debate over social consequences of decentralising gay sex will only turn the deaf ears of the pro-377A to our outcrys - homosexuals are not godzillas that destory cities.

Letters to Forum Editor: Issue of Homosexuality

I am upset over forum contributor, Mr Jonathan Cheng Hern Sinn's letter "MM's comments have me and family worried." (ST, May 1).

I shall not deliver a harangue to dispel Mr Cheng's homophobia. That will only invite lampoons from the like-minded community. Instead, allow me to share my story.

I had dated girls in the past; today, I am a homosexual man in a long distance relationship with an American. If we generalise that "homosexuals lead a promiscuous and hedonistic lifestyle", I must be an outcast in my community. You won't find me at gay pubs, saunas and chatrooms; surfing pornography is the only activity that makes me bohemian. You can interview my close friends (straight and gay), and they will tell you how much I live like you and me. I do not cruise for sex. I go to the gym or catch up with friends after work. I stay at home most weekends to read books, watch DVDs or play the piano. I do have my indulgence in shopping - not on fashion but on books and music. When time and finances allow, I travel to meet my boyfriend, overseas friends, or on my own. I take care of my aged parents well and pay my bills on time. Bearing in my mind that I am a homosexual, do any of these activities appear immoral to you? Anyone can be promiscuous and hedonistic - male, female, gay or straight. Let be broad-minded and not hurt anyone by our own views. I am not the only homosexual who leads a responsible and healthy lifesytle. We can't see air but it exists.

Next, I would like to share my view on the decriminalization of Section 377A. Unavoidably, I have to cite Mr Cheng's again. He said in his letter:

"Singapore today faces the challenge of a declining birth rate and families are breaking down at the same time. To legalise homosexuality will compound these problems, given that homosexual couples do not reproduce."

His statement raises my eyebrows. Everyone knows that homosexuals are unable to make babies between them. More of us means lesser of the heterosexuals, which may contribute to lesser babies. We can't help it. If the doctors that Mentor Minister, Lee Kuan Yew consulted have advised that homosexuals are genetically born, medical professionals would agree that it is wiser to focus on heterosexual couples to increase birth rate. I do agree that liberalising gay sex law may throw in new problems to the society. However, for Mr Cheng to remark that "we do not make it easier to be a homosexual by legalising their activities", he has detracted from the sincerity of his concern for the issue. What will Singapore - our home, our country, benefit by making the life of homosexual citizens difficult? Even if Section 377A is successfully repealed, being a homosexual is still not easy for many. Our challenges are more than the ordinary can embrace.

Singapore is a wholesome country. Let's not forget that we homosexuals help in building it too.

*************************
More views by netizens on Mr Cheng's letter

A Trip into my Head - A step forward, a giant leap backwards

Can Singapore be a Liberalised Society?

If Singapore is fast in becoming a developed country, why are we still at snail-pace towards a liberalised society? The grotesque photograph on the left provides me the answer.

The 2007 anti-smoking advertisement (left) which aired on TV at prime time last week caused a stir among some viewers, calling the image too scary and disturbing to kids. Health Promotion Board said it would review the complaints. If the noise makers prevail, the objective of nailing the health message to more people will be significantly dampened. (Read a public's letter to ST Forum, titled "Children the very group who need to see 'shocking' anti-smoking ads")

I want Singapore to be liberalised but when we made those kind of noises, we are sending a message to the Government that Singaporeans are not ready for new norms. Whether it is violence, sex, alternative lifestyles or whatever unorthodox trends, I am irked at the fact that we act like mental retards who are incapable of protecting ourselves from these invasion of new ideologies, and need an external party, such as the Government, to shield us from the so-called bad influences. If I were wrong of such perception, tell me then why the fuss over a creative advertisement that is intended to curb smoking? The Government has always balanced itself between placation and adamance in managing what is acceptable to our society; the noise makers in Singapore make their job much easier.

The issue of a 4m-tall painting of a nude woman by Beijing artist, Chen Xi, cited an example where the authority was adamant on its rule that "nude or erotic artworks cannot be displayed in venues easily accessed to the general public, including children and youths." The painting was therefore prohibited for display at the atrium of the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Arts (Mica) building where the main exhibition organized by SooBin Art Gallery was held at its ground floor. It was, however, not banned at the gallery premises. The reason given was that Mica, being the building's landlord has to comply with Media Development Authority's guidelines. The Government may be oblivious of its ambivalent attitude towards promoting arts in Singapore, but other critics have not. Since they did not ban it totally but allowed the painting to be displayed at an appropriate location, it's hard to point finger at anybody because such a move was deemed to have relaxed the society by shifting away from censorship to classification.

While Chen Xi's work was lucky to be displayed in Singapore, local famous photographer, Leslie Kee's photography book "Super Stars" have to look for greener pasture online and in Hong Kong, where the promotional exhibition of the book was held (left). Despite the book's charity cause to the vicitm of 2004 Tsunami, it was banned for sales at local bookstores. The authority aruged that "It contains numerous pictures of Asian personalities in full nudity with pubic hair and genitals clearly visible".

In both cases, the authority's restriction of access to nude or erotic artworks was across the board - meaning Singaporeans at large. It doesn't matter whether we are above 21 or below. The authority has decided for us that such materials are not suitable for our state of mind. Why do we need them to tell us what are good for our intellectual or visual consumption? They should downplay its role as the mother hen and let's her chicks roam freely.

Following Chen Xi's incident, The Straits Times ran 2 full spread of an article on the greatest nude masterpieces with photographs of the male and female genitals in its full glory. Isn't it ironical that the 4m-tall painting of a nude woman is excluded at its exhibition premise at mica building, but more are made available in the form of still images at the convenience of our home? Should parents censor the newspapers daily and remove undesirable pages from their kids? In the unfortunate case of the talented Leslie Kee, so what if pubic hair or full frontals were shown among his works? Priced at USD$300, I'm sure bookstore owners will take extra measure to protect their "Super Stars". The books will definitely be shrink-wrapped and displayed behind the staff counter with no browsing allowed (even upon request.) If the display of male pubic hair is of concern to the authority, we should also ban showering naked at the open area in the changing rooms of all swimming pools? Otherwise, young boys will be exposed to not just pubic hairs but penises and more of the same sex.

The authority is protecting us from pornographic materials which ridiculously, the "Super Stars" photography book is associated with. If pubic hair or genital is considered pornographic, we are all walking pornography in our shower room. The label 'pornographic' in Leslie Kee's artworks is a smoke screen for the homosexual innuendo projected by the naked male super stars, a lifestyle that the Government has never been in favor of promoting. The media also sings the same tune in its concerted effort to tarnish the image of our gay community. Anyway, the crux of the issue here is how does one judge if nudity is pornographic or artistic? Can't arts and pornography co-exist? Are erotic arts pornographic? I was at the Sex Museum in New York last Summer and on its first floor, the exhibition was about Japanese erotic arts. Will the authority allow such exhibition in Singapore? Does the authority perceive the illustration of the various sex positions in Kamasutra as pornographic? In my opinion, whether nudity is regarded as arts or pornography depends on how it is marketed and how the consumers think. If I insist on an argument, bodybuilding magazines have a stronger homosexual innuendo than "Super Stars". Afterall, semi-naked, muscular guys with big pecs and guns are the objects of lust for many gay men. Bodybuilders are no better than male strippers flexing on stages, and God knows how many men at the bodybuilding shows are there in the name of sports and not for the muscles candies. Get my point?

Last week, I met up with my boyfriend and his co-workers from the US and Australia. A few of them told me that there was nothing much to do in Singapore - translated into a less polite way, we are boring. For the past 2 weeks, there had been extensive reports in the newspapers written with a clear objective to sell Singapore to foreigners. We may have all the edges over most countries, especially in area of safety, but we are still far from the big cities like New York and London, which the government is trying to emulate. The plain fact is that to emulate the success of these cities, we need to look beyond its economical and infrastructural development and start liberating our people in other intangible areas like freedom of speech, freedom of press and freedom of lifestyles. Before we even get close to become the eastern Big Apple or Big Ben, we should first try to emulate Hong Kong first. Like Singapore, the population is predominatly Chinese but it is not at all conservative - both the citizens and their government. I saw gay and straight porn magazines for sale on the street and at conventional or GLBT bookstores. The community even published their gay porn magazines and have offices in Hong Kong. Singapore will forever be an orthodox society if the Government continue to think that we can never accept such deviation from a "clean" image (devoid of pornography or alternative entertainment) which we have uphold for 42 years. I am not saying that we should become the 'sex in the city. However, we should be on par with developed countries in relaxing rules on adult entertainment. This could be another source of revenues for Singapore besides cigarettes.

In the CNN interview on 11th Demeber 1998, our then Senior Minister, Lee Kuan Yew was quoted as saying this in reply to an unnamed gay caller:

"Well, it's not a matter which I can decide or any government can decide. It's a question of what a society considers acceptable. And as you know, Singaporeans are by and large a very conservative, orthodox society, a very, I would say, completely different from, say, the United States and I don't think an aggressive gay rights movment would help. But what we are doing as a government is to leave people to live their own lives so long as they don't impinge on other people. I mean, we don't harass anybody".

This was a diplomatic answer and I totally agree that our society plays an active part than the government in the gay matters. However, the Government should take a bold step and adopt the similiar approach to that of the casino's issue: Singaporeans aired their objection against the building of a casino but the Government still went ahead. In the same way, the authority should also allow sale of "Super Stars" and other books alike locally. If alternative lifestyle fiction or non-fiction books are available here under the category of "Gender Studies", why can't it exemption be extended to gay lifestyle magazines like "Gay Times", "Instinct", "Out", "Advocate" etc? Does it mean that books with all words and no photos, pictures or graphics are not viewed as promoting alternative lifestyles or pornographic in nature?

Attracting foreign talents or tourists to Singapore also means attracting gay men and women, who are highly talented and professionally gifted. Since the Government has already allowed gay men to work in the public services, it is time to revamp Singapore into a fun and liberalised society to attract professionals at large, gay or straight. The authority should start relooking into relaxing rules in such areas:

1) Allow exotic dancers or strippers, male or female to mingle with the crowds and not just restrict them on the stage. However, house rule is no sex on the premise.

2) Allow stores that sell all adult merchandises, gay or straight, inclusive of porns and sex toys.

3) Allow porn industry with regulations on employment of actors and models. An example would be a Federal compliance statement like this:

"All persons that appear in any visual depiction contained on this site were eighteen years of age or older at the time said depictions were created. All sexually explicit images on this site are being published pursuant to 18 USC 2257."

4) Allow gay parties and parades.

Surely the above move will shock the world and Singaporeans. We are an affluent, educated and civilised nation. It is not hard to push liberalisation to the majority who are already imbibed with western ideologies. As for the minority who are adverse to change, their hullabaloos, if any, will soon die a natural death just like the casino case. With people travelling places, the comparison between Singapore with other liberalised countries is inevitable. Relaxing its regulation and guidelines on censorship will not only make the locals happy but will also change the foreigners' impression of Singapore from 'boring' to 'Xciting'.

Inferiority Complex, countries have it too.

Singapore will soon be known as an island of beaches and not skyscrapers if our sand issue with Indonesia continues to receive wide coverage in The Straits Times. Don't take my words literally; it is just a metaphor to best describe the deep fried news of Indonesia's abrupt ban on sand export to Singapore.

I don't play any sort of politics. This blog is not meant to comment on the political agendas behind the sand issue but to reflect on the emotional well-being of a nation and its people. Whether it is an issue with Indonesia, Malaysia or Thailand, these developing countries are in need of cure for their inferiority complex.

"Shu Da Zhao Feng" the Chinese idiom which means prominence invites attention. Singapore is the "Da (Big) Shu (Tree)" which draws envy from developing countries as the rich kid on the block. 2007 marks the 42nd year of Singapore independence from Malaysia. We are now one of the most affluent country in the world. Our internationally renowned 'Kiasuism' is the driving force that keeps the country and its citizens on the forefront of local and global competitions. The little funky red dot is fun to tourists and safe to investors. Our effectiveness and efficiency in building the nation have become the centre of criticisim as an arrogant lion city.

12 years ago, I was perceived to be weak and incapable among colleagues before I proved them wrong that my small frame and geekiness had nothing to do with my work performance. When my capabilities were endorsed by the CEO, they changed their impression of me to arrogant. I did not bother and continued to shine in my work. Singapore was just like me then - small on the map but big success in the real world.

"There was a time when people said that Singapore won't make it, but we did."

The first verse of the lyrics from the National Day's song echoes the sentiment of our government during Singapore's founding days. Singapore is a peace loving and diplomatic country. We do more than we talk and that's why our progress is remarkable. I'm sure that before we become who we are today, we must be envious of other developed countries at one point or another. Instead of engaging in empty talks and day dreamings, we learn from the developed countries and move ourselves up the ladder to become one. Mind games and tricks do not build a country; excuses do not eliminate poverty and corruption among its citizens. Any claim made against a country must be genuine and supported by transparency. Any country that creates smokes without fire to stifle the growth of other countries, especially those around them, is tarnishing its image to the world. Countries that are still catching up with developed countries should channel their time in political wayangs to rethink on a faster way to run the race. Their government should be upright in character, embrace the spirit of the 300 Spartan warriors, and adopt the Nike tagline "Just Do it!".

Today I am no longer skinny but muscular. My body didn't change by looking at other muscular men. I started with a positive mindset that I could build my body to look like theirs. Next, I developed a strong determination to execute my goal. Then, I excercised strict discipline to follow through my workout schedules. Lastly, I remained patient to see my growth. Oh, I kept junk foods at bay too. After 4 years, I gained 12 kg of mass.

Singapore has promising psychologists but they can't counsel countries that are insecure about themselves.

The Importance of Being Highly Educated

Everywhere I go, I see foreigners. The most distinctive group being Caucasians. Once spotted mostly in financial and tourists districts, angmohs* are invading our neighborhood today. Every other day, I meet Koreans and Caucasians at my neighborhood's supermarket. 20 years from now, it will not be surprising to see other nationalities living among our community when the population of Singapore is projected to grow from 4 million to 6.4 million.

In the recent Budget Debate 2007, the Ministry of Manpower is allowing companies greater access to skilled foreigners on the S-Pass scheme. S-Pass holders are foreign mid-level workers who earn at least $1,800 a month for their professional, specialist or technical skills. I hope the US will practise the same for its H-1B Visa holders but I don't see it quite possible in the near future. Singapore, however, has several valid reasons to do so. Singapore is ranked one of the lowest in the world in Total Fertility Rate (TFR). With a greying population and less babies produced, more job openings will be left unfilled. Over the next 5 years, more than 450,000 new jobs will be created but there are not enough locals to fill them. Beside encouraging workers to retire later and women to return to workforce, the next plausible solution is importing talents from overseas.

I welcome foreigners to my country because I like a rich blend of cultures and languages. I am not worried that having more S-Pass holders will threaten the job of PMETS (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) like myself. I hope Americans too will embrace foreigners into the US workforce without fear of being replaced. The key, whether as an American or a Singaporean, is to stay employable.

My job hunting last summer in the US received luke warm response. I am a Diploma holder and used to earn more than $1,800 per month. By Singapore standard, I should quality for a S-Pass work permit; by the US standard, I need a Degree or some special skills such as nursing. I used to think that with a Diploma and a skill in web design, it isn't necessary for me to pursue a Degree. After out of job for 4 months, I see it otherwise. Although I am surviving on freelance design projects, I don't see myself becoming a web designer in the US like Annabel Chong. Mind you, she has a Degree too. At 34, I am now planning to do a part time Degree course to compete locally and internationally.

When I went for interviews in the past, some employers asked me what were my strengths and weaknesses. In restropect, those were just routine questions without any impact on their decision to recruit me eventually. The minute I was shortlisted for the interviews, my qualification and work experience would have already impressed them. If you read recruitment ads that say 'Management Trainees needed. Degree in any discipline. No experience required', they are saying that education is more important than experience, not discounting the fact that trainees are assumed to be greenhorns. Ever wonder why some big, established organizations require a Diploma graduate to be an Administrative Assistant? They are saying that the candidate must have a qualification that matches their corporate image. The same goes for Statutory Boards which only recruit Degree holders as office executives, whereas private sectors deem Diploma holders as sufficient. This is a micro-view of our soceity at large where education means an entry qualification rather than a performance-based qualification. Potential employers won't even consider our strengths as valuable unless they see that we have the right educational level to perform the job. On the same note, employers won't consider an over-qualified candidate, stereotyping such group as desperate job seekers who will leave for greener pastures when available.

I am glad that the Parliament has indentified that it is not just the low-level workers who have survival problems, mid-level workers are also in peril. After 11 years in the entertainment industry, I got sick of the circle and decided to walk out of my comfort zone. Initially, I applied for senior positions in various industries but none responded. Then I downgraded to junior positions with a pay cut in mind. None responded too. The Government advises Singaporeans not to be choosy about jobs, but employers are choosy too. When I put myself on lelong*, it doesn't mean I will get a buyer. Employers want a candidate that is neither under nor over qualified.

I have made up my mind to take up a part-time Degree course and at the same time, find a full time job to accumulate work experience. Maybe a MBA and a PhD later, even if it means that I will be 45-year old by then. Meanwhile, I continue my job hunting. Wish me good luck. Ciao.

*Angmoh - a colloquial referring to Caucasians
*Lelong - a Malay word meaning 'sale'.

I dedicate my blog today to friends in the United States, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Toronto and Bangkok.

If I were to write down a list of my friends, it won't surprise me that they are shrinking in number. Believe it or not, all my local friends are married. We used to hang out regularly in our early twenties; now, they hang out with their wives and kids. My closest girlfriend whom used to be single is also dating recently.

Seem like these friends suddenly become undatable after their marriage, huh? Not exactly. They are still there in my life, just not quite there. I believe that they will be around if I needed them and when I'm fine, they will cross my path once a while. Likewise, I also play my part in the similiar way. Bingo. The fact that I am aware of the situation but do nothing to bridge the friendshp that has drifted apart, points me to a problem which I'm a part of it. If I have done something about it in the past, my local friends will probably not diminish in number. With each passing year, it gets harder to keep in touch until one day, I started singing "If all my friends have forgotten half their promises, they're not unkind just hard to find" and believing in the words. I gave up on emailing, calling or SMSing. There is a book that says of men becoming progressively grumpy when they get older. I guess I am already there earlier than I should.

You may slap my face and question me this: if local friends are hard to keep in touch, isn't it harder for overseas friends? I have to slap myself too because it is definitely harder.

I am amazed at how I manage my long disance friendship over the years despite the geographical difference. I sort of concluded that 'EXPECTATION' is the key culprit that cripples my chance of preserving my friendship locally. The saying that "the closer we are to someone, the higher our expectation is from that person" is true to my case, except that I'm comparing with the closeness of distance and not just heart. In the same light, the reverse is true for oveseas friends.

We keep in touch by emails or MSN, whichever is convenient to them. I only get to meet them when they travel to Singapore for business or holiday, which happens only once in a blue moon. If you don't believe that a healhty, cross-country friendship can develop from such brief moments, I'm going to make you rethink.

My New Yorker's friend offered me to crush in with him and his roommate in his Manhattan's apartment. That gesture saves me from the expensive hotel stay. My friends from Hongkong and Bangkok showed me the best of foods, shoppings and entertainment when I visited. The most mentionable friend is of course, my Filippino American friend from New Hampshire, United States. He took 3 days leave from work and drove me around the town and to Boston. On my first day of arrival at the Manchester bus station, he was there to fetch me to the motel and assisted me with my check-in. His parents even invited me to their home for a traditional Filippino dinner. I'm lucky to know these kind and generous people. With a lower expectation from a long distance friendship, it is so much easier for me to keep the communication going. There is a Chinese saying that "When a thing is rare, it gets more treasurable". Whenever I meet these friends, I feel like one of those folks under the HDB* void-deck catching up with one another on the good, old days.

Bring me my black coffee.

Listen to James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend" @ myspace.com

Glossary
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*HDB - a type of high-rise apartment built by the Government for the citizens. Commonly known as HDB flats, they are the most occupied apartments for Singaporeans.