Word of good buys can go a far way, well despite the financial situation of the store actually offering the bargains. Borders UK and it’s current owners and joint administrators are currently working with the company’s management in order to attempt to sell the business as a going concern. Much of Border’s UK operations are winding down as well, and they are no longer accepting orders and transactions through its website. All stores are still open with sales up to 30% all books whilst the financial position of the Company is currently being assessed.

Borders (UK) Limited has 45 stores, 36 trading as Borders and 9 as Books Etc across the UK. They always have this typical trademark style in their stores which I always adore- a humongous store layout with all books unwrapped for browsing, just like a library with lots of browsing/seating areas often with a cafe always nearby. “Borrowing” a book home, well means of course involves purchasing it, but hey there are no due dates right?

It is just sad that they have to go, it will leave a big hole in the retail scene particularly in the small city of Cambridge. Since my visit to the store yesterday, apparently business is real good with about a third of the books already wiped out from the store. Had a chat there with the staff who were really grateful to the mass of people expressing concern on the financial situation of the company. They are all as lost in the state of things now with hope of finding a buyer for the chain of store and saving the franchise here. There is no word of the financial state of Borders in the US or back home in Singapore, but I think the situation is not as bleak as it is here, well or that I know of from home?

Vote Earth! On Saturday 28 March 2009 8:30PM local time, wherever you live on planet earth, your light switch is your vote to climate change.

This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour. Saturday, March 28, 8:30-9:30pm.

It had been sometime since I last wrote an entry in here. I am starting to think that maybe Facebook or Twitter may be taking over the possible hassle of blogs. But I do not think we will see the death of the blog, particularly this one as well. You may see me more relatively active on Facebook now, as I personally find it quite a neat way to keep in touch with your friends on the masses when abroad or those who do not read my blog without the need of personal emails which might give the wrong intentions otherwise.

Services like twitter are cool, though I do not use them personally despite pressure from many for me to join, I think such services are just there to satisfy the exhibitionism need of the modern wired generation. So as as shred web developer I worked with once told me: “There was Friendster, Myspace, Youtube, Multiply, now Facebook, you can’t go wrong satisfying the age of exhibitionism now on the web”. And that seems to be true, with an explosion of social networking sites saturating the web like never seen before, came the first Facebook elections, opposition online campaigns in Malaysia to various online scandals in China we see today.

Like it or not, with so much power to reach out the masses on the net now comes great responsibility- one must practice restraint. I once read chirpily on an article on the Straits Times on people who tweet or use the notorious “what are you doing now” field on Facebook as if they’ve hard wired their chain of thought right into the internet- everything from brushing your teeth in the morning to even voicing opinions or secrets that may possibility sow discord among people.

I was once asked in an interview about the compel-lance of one to blog or voice out to the world, just like you know, whether do bloggers for example see blogging as an activity only when there is a time for it or one which have to be fueled like feeding an addiction. I guess it all boils down to restraint.

Restraint is a skill I guess needs to be nurtured not only to protect the privacy of others but yours as well including your rights. Technologically wise, it’s just to easy to snap and upload any content instantly. Psychologically-wise, I guess there is still much work to be done. I recalled being asked on razor TV once on the need of self-moderation as a blogger, personally I guess it just boils down to the nature and the stand of your blog and intended audiences and your ability to handle the consequences beyond your actions. So say, if you are writing a political blog, so be it only if you can make your stand, justify them accordingly and prepare for the flak which follows. The same goes for blogs of other nature such as those requiring critique or reviews. The funny thing is that words are mighty as it is and interpretations only lie in the eyes of the interpreter. Taking Obama’s latest remark on the Jay Leno show few days ago, obviously he wasn’t making a direct comparison of his bowling score with the special Olympics, but many do not think otherwise.

Just as the saying goes “empty vessels make the loudest noise”. I ponder whether such sayings are very much applicable on the internet age now.

Got a email from the NYAA office on Sunday with regards to some rather good news (and as confirmed with a snail-mail letter few days ago), I am awarded the NYAA gold award! After 2 long months of waiting anxiously after the interview, finally, I can come to rest with the news of the award! I’ve made it!

The National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) is a prestigious award as accredited as an international award by the The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards. There are bronze and silver categories in which younger students and youths alike can start and move on to higher levels, undertaking for challenges which each passing “DIY” goals through various sections (5 in the gold). The Gold standard is the highest one can achieve in the program.

Looking back, I’ve came a very long way in the award, almost 3 years in fact. I never saw the public-spirited side of me clear enough if I never took up the challenges of the award and the good it did to people all around me, whether it’s a simple thing such as helping out in charity events, fund-raising, selling flags, to overseas community trips involving teaching children in rural areas to cleaning up old folks home in Medan Indonesia. These activities left me the deepest impression of the award and it will definitely be a way of life for a long time to come.

Besides inculcating discipline to accomplish all sections on time, it is the “DIY” factor and the openness of the award which I found rather commendable- it made the award a supplementary to daily activities- one which requires planning, responsibility and yet being so flexible for youths to undertake it from all walks of life. For me, the award is really a “do or miss” thing, considering that this year is the last year I am able to qualify for it. I am glad I got it.

The awards presentation will be held in early October, with the awards given out by President S R Nathan and accompanied by Mr Mah Bow Tan, Minister for National Development and Chairman NYAA Advisory Board during the whole ceremony.

Will be looking forward to it!

The Singapore Blog Awards prize presentation was on tonight. Held within the private confines of the Asian civilization museum, the place is one nice neat fortress which I always zip by, but never had the opportunity to explore, till tonight. Upon reaching there, a marshal, well, all decked in the Omy’s iconic colour of pink, directed us bloggers up to the 2nd floor where the event is held. It’s in one of the function rooms with a balcony access with a neat view of the the CBD skyline, a rather nice setting indeed.

The organizers were rather good in keeping the results secret till tonight, though there we some tell-tale signs of who won by the arrangement of the names on the guest registration list. Nevertheless, as promised, there was a scrumptious buffet spread- the food quality was excellent with reference to catered food, the fish and chicken chunks were superb. The event took an open room concept which allowed all the guests to mingle and network freely before the event commencement at around 8pm.

Asian civilization museum

The event grounds

Singapore’s best design!

Met many new acquaintances including Pamela Wildheart, Ding An the director of the Kallang roar movie. Jack Neo, and guest judges Kelvin Tong, Man Shu Sam, Kup Jian Hong were there as well. Got to meet Bryan from Bryan’s Angel’s who popped by the event as well. Saw Samantha as well as few other bloggers (greatest apologizes if I didn’t get your name nor list you here) which we chatted for a while. Got interviewed by Razor.TV who were there interviewing bloggers, there was another one too by the OMY crew (Singapore Press holdings), SPH print, as well as My paper reporters who are there. Man there were so many things to do and I was out of namecards even before the event ended!

The award categories were listed one by one with all the award winners announced in each category with each passing go. I was awarded the Best Design award and unexpectedly, the Popular Choice award as well. Wow doubles!!

Besides receiving countless blinding camera flashes, winners will also get an array of gadget prizes which for my part is a laptop and phone, I will be looking forward to selling and donating part of the proceeds to the President’s Challenge Charity. Winners will receive on top an award certificate and a rather adorable tripod trophy crafted by Artist, poet, author, linguist and philosopher, Tan Swie Hian himself. The trophy itself is rather unique unlike a conventional one, many exclaimed it to look like a mini bowl/cup which could actually serve a practical purpose (well not that I am actually going to test it).

With the exception of Tan Swie Hian’s engraved name on itself, the thing I noticed is that there are no personalized names on the trophy which could prove a challenge accounting for in the future. After some feedback, to any layman, the trophy may look like any decorative cup, but I guess beauty, (like art) will lie in the eyes of the beholder. Including me, this trophy will have a true meaning to any of the award winners there tonight.

If you were to followup my past articles on virtual map (aka the peeps who run the streetdirectory.com web portal) being shut down by the SLA Singapore Land authority after breaching copyrights, only to be revived back online only to be left without it’s maps after being denied it’s appeal to get back up into operations. Got a tip of from Virtual Map PR recently that the website is back now online with its maps! Ya! no more messing around trying to make the dumb and ridged SLA maps services work for me.

The site is now owning by the company which created JobsDB, so it’s not owned by virtual map anymore, but 10 of the senior staff previously from virtual map had joined the present website team. Dissecting the site, the interface is largely the same, so no revamp of the current site design, only with the functionality of the maps back online and running. In fact it’s even better than before with dragable maps just like in google earth. Dominated throughout the site are still litters of google ad-sense advertisements which always seem to crowd and over-saturate all the pages you visit there. I will recommend a google adsense ad-blocker (firefox has few good add-ons) when visiting this site if you do not want to accidentally click on the very deceiving well-placed ads.

For those looking for directions via public transport, you are not in for anything new either- SMRT bus services are still not included in the Bus search, but the SBS and MRT ones are still good.

Now time to get finding some places!

Just as September is brining Singtel how on the heels with the first Formula one night race, looks like we are seeing a trend here here the release of the iPhone on your sunny shores (and India) in September as well. Yes you heard it right Singapore, September is the month to get it officially and legally through SingTel.

There are rumors that an estimated ten thousand iPhones will be imported into Singapore for the deal, and there may be a change with Apple’s tight policy of monopolizing only on selected carrers, so as told by Apple’s chief operating officer Tim Cook- Speaking at the Goldman Sachs Investment Symposium on the iPhone not being beholden to the one-carrier strategy used so far, even if it makes the most sense from a business standpoint. More freedom to Mac lovers?

Given that, there may be a degree of variation from country to country, so don’t be expecting the iPhone 3G to be available to M1 or Starhub telcos as of yet, it’s so far exclusive to Singtel and possibility with the phone locked to ST networks just like how AT&T had been doing it. A first to Singapore as for now? With that, there is no official word whether the phone will be available in Singapore unlocked for other telcos, though Singtel is the only official carrier to sell and distribute the phone here as of now. Its widely expected that by the time it gets out here, the iPhone will be a revised version, presumably utilizing the new 3G chipset to keep up with the competition and local network speeds here in Asia.

So Singaporeans do what you always do your country proud for, its a national sport! Start queuing up (and setting up camp) for the iPhone 3G at the Singtel comm center now!

External info links:
Review of the Apple 3G phone | Blending your iPhone 3G for starters

Whee! Shaun Chng.com has been selected in the judging round as the top 10 blogs in the competition for the Best blog design category! The voting round will open very soon the end of this month (around 30th June). I will be needing all of your support, yup you all my beloved my visitors to see the site well into the voting period! We can do this!

I will update all my site links for voting when the period opens, you won’t miss it then, so do check back and vote away!

Barack Obama, have a lock on the Democratic presidential nomination. As things are looking up for their party, it’s time the wounds are healed between the party’s favorite candidates as Clinton maneuvers for the Vice President slot.

As quoted by Obama speaking in a packed sports arena:

Let be another chance for the 1st US lady president, this will be a founding moment for the Blacks in the US history. And will Martin Luther King, Jr will be proud.

Well there had been quite alot in the news of the new cross-border pump rules for Singaporean vehicles up north, let be those from Thailand similarly not able to pump subsidized petrol 50km from the borders. I remembered it being almost implemented and mentioned last few weeks only to be rumored to be scrapped, but revived again in today’s Straits Times. As with every new rule introduced, there will be bound to be flak and comments.

If you are to consider this new rule just another in the bag similar to those cross-border water issues of the past or let be fighting over rocks and islands on the South China sea, well that is open for anyone’s deduction, especially if you can see that coming (will cigarettes be next?). Notably official remarks on the issue from our side had been rather quiet as well.

Just as you can hear those petrol station bosses on the fringe of the 50km radius dancing with glee, with that comes many talk about it in town as well, let be coffee shop talk. You also can’t deny the possible social, geographical zoning and monetary implications of this already topic, especially with Singapore long standing 3/4 tank rule seeming rather irrelevant now as well.

This is to very much of dismay to those who work across or run businesses across the causeway as well. My dad recently told me how some of his Singapore-based friends who set up businesses and factories just across the border expressing deep dissatisfaction of the rules making life more difficult for them, given the already high prices of petrol.

The question looming in their heads right now is them questioning the recognition of their investment efforts in Johor itself (even I will give it some thought if I were in their shoes). There are also a handful of Malaysians I know as well who are affected by it, having own Singapore registered cars as well. So it’s not just a matter of who’s driving it, but where the car came from? Or will that be a possible area of exploitation? As ultimately, won’t it the owners/citizens themselves who are open for local tax related exemptions/issues?

Whatever the implications, just as how we respect any policies of the north, we should not take lightly the possible social implications involved.

Hadn’t been following in depth much on current issues, except the headlines lately, being tied down at work, tomorrow is my last day as a official “sai-kang” staff in SP so things are starting to pick p the pace again.

Looking at the recent front page headlines of the Straits Times since last week with nothing but death and destruction featured day to day, it’s not like we’ve already got enough of the typhoon and earthquakes already. This is also of course with the exception of noting the good intentions and relief efforts from few countries, but otherwise a breeding ground for international “IOUs” and opportunistic donors to take the limelight on the media. Maybe I should avoid the local papers in the meantime till our press cools down and divert their attention to something more less depressing, like maybe 2 countries fighting over a lighthouse island for starters?

Laughingly are also are the criticisms to Yao Ming’s relatively minute contribution of $50,000 to his country’s earthquake relief fund, cited as “an amount given which has no significant effect to his bank account (of $55 million)”. Given China notorious for their mostly not so socially conscious people, it simply paints the fact that even a basketball star like him can think that the people in own country are not deserving of a generous donation? Well it seems like a big smack in the back for China with the Olympics around the corner.

Oh yea other news, David won in this 7th season of American idol, which David? well go watch it then!

Thats all I have for the “news” part. Now back to typing out the southern ridge park connector article I’ve been working on since the last 2 days after uploading all the photos yesterday, it will be a 3 page special we can see up by the weekend in the shiny new running routes page as well, if everything goes as planned.

I won’t consider myself a veteran flag seller, since I’ve started my work as a flag day volunteer few years ago in aid for various VWOs such as the Singapore cancer society, heart foundation, St Lukes hospital, Viriya and the President’s Challenge just to name afew. Since then, I’ve bagged close to about 100 of flagday hours, so I guess my experience learnt from my own experiences here will prove useful for anyone starting or beginning to sell flags as a public volunteer or with your designation school flag day. Shared here are some pointers and tips:

Do your homework
Know and be well versed the beneficiary and deeds, this is very useful not only in getting yourself out a fix when asked but will increase the chances of a higher donation.

Collectors rights
Of all the flagday’s I’ve done, nobody had ever asked me for my collection permit. However, have you collector’s permit with you at all times, it contains many useful information such as your beneficiary addresses and contact details in case any member of public were to ask you for it, with reasons ranging from verification to providing a big direct donation of their own. Collection canvas/polyester bags will normally have a pouch allowing you to hold your flags as well as your permit, do bring a small pouch or bag just in case your organization uses metal tins, where you will unable to store your items together.

Best collection time
Most flag days will usually last during office hours, let be whether it’s held on a weekday or weekend, therefore it’s usually impossible to do collections past dinner time, which usually won’t be required either as the general crowd for most areas usually peak only in the day.

City offices area on weekdays: 8-9am (morning rush hour) & 11am-2pm (lunch time, includes Raffles, Shelton way, etc)
Shopping areas on weekdays: 11am-1pm (lunchtime) & 5pm-7pm (shopping/dinner crowd)
Weekends: From 11am onwards to end of dinner crowds (7pm)

Remember, work smart, not hard, other than the times stated above, that is usually the “dead period” where you will either get a dip in donations or meet alot of people who had already donated. Its is usually advised to rest in between these periods. Relax, take a break, it’s completely OK and give it your best again when the peak crowds surges again during the meal or “knocking off” crowds.

Flag selling sales techniques

• There will always be a short awkward period when the donor takes the time to reach into their bags/purse or look for change, take this time to tell them about the beneficiary as well as how their money will be well spend in helping others, the chances of a higher donation will come 90% of the time.
• Smile always at them when asking for donations, with the exception of a few, they will usually smile back with a kind gesture even if they don’t donate. This little humane things can make your flagday experience more enjoyable.
• If you happen to sell flags at a public spot near a convenience (7/11, cheers, etc) store, stand by it’s exit as people will normally drop off their change in hand for you. Standing by entrances also gives you some air-conditioning as well, which wells alot in comfort on a hot day.
• Smile and thank donors who already have a flag day sticker/donated there is a 50%/50% chance they may turn back and drop off few dollars into your tin again.
• Give the sticker first – This is a technique I learned from one elder veteran fund raiser, give the flag day stickers like free gifts without any strings attached (i.e just say “we are having our flag day, free sticker for you!”) thats all, then the donations will usually come as people feel obligated to do so. Do so sincerely with a smile or people might feel exploited. Likewise, children will usually be thrilled by this. Only do this if you have a surplus of stickers though.

Ok that is all I think I have to share with respect to selling flags in Singapore, hope the information prove useful or provide a more realistic insight of what to expect in yours, especially if you are doing your first!

Singapore is well known globally as the best place in the world to start a business, let be the transparent procedures and the ease of registering one. The availability of government grants and funding are also one of the reasons why startups these days can flourish so easily without much financial limitations as well.

Caught up with an old colleague over casual coffee yesterday. Apparently he has links with several government agencies and an authorised disburser of the Media Development Authority’s (MDA) Interactive Digital Media (IDM) Microfunding scheme, as well as firms from the private sector looking to fund promising startups up with grants valued (no cap, no minimum, no maximum) based on the startup, so I think I will let you all into this if this fits your shoes.

Though not exactly much, but personally I think this is a very promising “bandwagon” for anyone in Singapore with great ideas, but limited financially. I’ve seen startups fall even before their first birthday, so I believe this is very promising for such small businesses to pull through and surviving this critical year. He also told me of a firm recently granted $50,000 for their startup despite how bleak their idea was, but it pulled through as well.

The procedures for the grant are simple as well- both Singaporeans and foreigners are all welcomed and you will get funding upon approval of your business plan. No company is required if you are a Singaporean, otherwise you need to be a registered company in Singapore with a minimum 30% local shareholding.

So if you are a startup looking to launch a business in the Interactive Digital Media field, let be a new interactive webportal (even basic ones like hardwarezone, to facebook or even ultra-high bandwidth sites such as youtube) or even launching a physical product (e.g gadgets, telecommunications, community orientated gizmos, etc) or a Polytechnic/University student looking to sell your ideas/final year projects as a startup company in Singapore, feel free to drop me a contact and I will furnish you more details on the grant.

This could just be the start of many great things to come.

This is some quite dated news, but since most guys who gone through NS in Singapore will more or less be a Safra member, so I will just share it here. They sent me a letter early this year telling me to renew my membership, so as with most club memberships or magazines, when you never respond or send a renewal notice, it will be assumed that you do not wish to continue on with the subscription anymore, which I did as I will not be in Singapore so often this year.

But to my dismay upon receiving my NS pay for my IPPT award last month, the pay got a chunk of the pay deducted for no apparent reason. I searched around their site for any possible subscriptions or memberships they signed up for (knowing our NS system is give you $100, take back $99) but there wasn’t anything I was signed up for. I called up the NS.sg pay department about the issue and they told me that they acknowledged the deduction for my Safra membership this year (which I didn’t apply or renew either) and they will follow up and refer the case to Safra membership department.

So Safra followed followed on that and called me up about 2 days later telling me about the issue. Ironically too, they choose to renew my membership right after their 5% membership fees hike. But I didn’t told them I wanted to carry on, so they should not assume and act on it. Then they placed the blame me, saying that I allowed them to make auto deductions. I mean who knows whether they’ve checked or know about the automatic renewal thing when we registered almost more than 5 years ago while still serving as an NSF? Should not just assume and just quietly do their takings. That is not the way to do business taking membership deductions without people’s approval.

They agreed in the end to give a refund only when I write in personally to them on it, oh the hassle. NS.sg should have an online facility to allow users to manage all their subscriptions, like the pioneer, NCO/officer clubs as well as Safra memberships from there. Man will they see a big drop in memberships when that comes up!

Following up on the recent lawsuits, unfortunately Virtual Map streetdirectory.com had been denied leave to appeal, so as stated in this press release.

Yup Streetdirectory.com is coming back up online, here is the official press release, thanks to Glenn from Virtual Map public relations for sending this in.

The previous SP flag day together with the Viriya community service ones were a blast this month. If you would like to help out as a volunteer and make a difference to the lives of the least fortunate by fund raising, here are the upcoming flag days in Singapore from April 2008 (today) to December 2008.

Here are more or less all the flag days for rest of the year, courtesy of my time and effort spent checking and compiling them with details from my sources, community clubs as well as contacting the few regular flag day organizations and providers in Singapore. I’ve only added number contact and links to their website, omitting their full emails here (replace [at] with the proper @) to protect them against spam bots. Feel free to contact them directly and check out their websites to know more about each organization and their supporting causes as well.

Do note that I’ve not added those by organized by our educational institutions, such as those by the various universities (NUS, NTU etc) and polytechnics as these flagdays are ultimately catered mainly to their students. Though they do open out to public volunteers, they have very limited spare slots, please check with the universities or polytechnics directly for those dates.

Do let me know if I’ve missed out any flag days, mistakes or if you want yours to be included as well.

Held this morning at the Victoria Junior College, the dialogue session saw a panel of key personnel such as Mr Jacques Rogge (President IOC), Mr Sergey Bubka (Chairman, YOG Coordination Commission) and Mr Ng Ser Miang. Security was relatively tight with police presence, as hinted by the police vans and cars parked around. The gathering saw “top” students from all walks of youth as representatives from various educational institutions in one big melting pot- namely tertiary institutions, primary schools, ITE, polytechnics and JCs to raise questions for the dialogue.

The morning started with a brainstorming session in groups to think of any points or ideas we had not thought of, from the perspective from the host, athlete, volunteer, performer to even the spectators point of view, now that really brought things into perspective!

Points brain storming session

The packed auditorium

The panel

The dialogue session lasted roughly 60 minutes, the time limit only allowed a handful of questions to be addressed though it will be more beneficial if more time were actually allocated. The dialogue also saw questions posted by SMS as moderated by the VJC principal on stage (who was rather unnaturally on the edge of his seat throughout). The press and media were everywhere, if it was not DSLRs, video cameras, it’s all notebooks and tape recorders all aimed at the panel.

Few Interesting points includes addressing controversial questions of “Singapore’s athlete imports”, the ability of people in Singapore to recognize and appreciate unconventional sports such as beach wrestling and stunt BMX (as laughingly, not many people in Singapore actually know of these sports) to even the route the torch runner will take around Singapore. Few commendable points includes how can we see this YOG as a possible benchmark for subsequent YOGs to come and the chances of this event bringing us closer to hosting our very own Olympics.

Everything looks promising and was addressed in a rather professional manner with some occasional quirks and laughs. The event ended round noon with a reception. Everything all looks set for the event come 2010!

Been trying to get onto streetdirectory.com for directions around town lately, but apparently they had ceased operations after losing suit against the Singapore Land Authority. Besides considering PARF cash rebates for motorists now, guess this one is another one up for private car ownership. Regular directory nerds will get all lost taking public transport now on LOL. Or wait there are still such things called paperback street directories as well too…

Only time will tell when these other sites will go as well. Source straitstimes.com.

Today is the MCYS carnival of opportunities event day held at Henderson Secondary itself. It consisted of an array of events held in a big tent pitched right in the middle of the school field. Inside was an array of game stores (dart, mini basket ball, typical carnival games), self help booths (such as recycled paper weaving, St John, etc and food stores.

The event is called carnival of opportunities as it’s also a job fair with quite a few employers there as well to offer jobs and places for seekers. Was down in the morning to help out with the parent’s teacher’s association (PTA) booth, where mum was there for the day as well. We had lots of ummm, fried food such as Japanese seaweed chicken, wings, fries and chicken nuggets all going in packs for a dollar each. Not excalyt good for us athletic believes. Money raised goes out to help needy students in the school’s pocket money fund on top of funding the and running for such events by the PTA itself. The town council mayor was there as the VIP as well a few distinguished guest of honor.

There were lots of performances by the CDC line dancing club and singers, who were not bad I say, there were free balloon sculptures as well lessons and lectures on employment on top of the job fairs (where I heard many people got jobs too at the event itself). The event ended round 5pm with a gathering of the helpers and with the principal for a closure and ARR for the event, of course with plans up for a bowling gathering at Safra Mt Faber next week!

Yesterday evening we got the exclusive first hand screening of 4titude production’s “August 29″ in Cathay Cineleisure’s mini private theater. The 30 minute video is largely made by the aim to raise AIDS awareness in Singapore and brought forward by stories from the personal experiences the actors came to know as well, all made possible by Health Promotion Board of Singapore who sponsored a bulk of the production.

All these are part of the “open your heart” awareness campaign initiated by youth volunteers to understand more of AIDS patients as well not to discriminate against them:

29 August is rather well made and professionally done, way better than the impression people have on stereotypical health awareness videos (like those typical “don’t anyhow poke poke ah!” AIDS/HIV educational video). This one is actually a love story of a couple with one party, the girl “dying” and her last wish of her life to be with her love (Lawrence) after she found out that she had contracted AIDS from another party. Not a bad clip overall and I would recommend anyone to catch it for the cause, the arts you say it! Find out how the story unfolds at Orchard Cineleisure Foyer from 28th March to 30th March. You can also check out these few important time slots on 28th March 2008- 5pm, and for 30th March 2008- 2pm & 3pm.

The premiere trailer clip was posted on Youtube as reassured by the production crew who were there at the event as well. Here is the trailer:

You can view the subsequent trailer here as well.

All these was made possible by 4titude productions and their crew there, National Health Promotion Board and the gathering organized by the kind souls, Ming and Scott of Nuffnang.

Today is the Singapore Cancer Society flag day! If you are around Orchard, especially the Plaza Singapura area you will definitely can’t miss us- We were prowling all available corners and exits so we can get into so nobody can run from donating wahhahaha!

All for a good cause of course! I was down as a public volunteer for the day as they are always open for external people on top of the strong secondary school groups there for the day as well. This flag day is part of my usual planned line of community service events for the month. Sad, few of my usual community service kakis were working and unavailable that day, so it’s very much a one man army (and show duh!).

For the record, never in my life had I said the word “cancer” so many times in a day! “Donate to the Singapore Cancer Society?”

The strange thing was that only 2 full plys of stickers were provided for each collection bag and you cannot have more due to shortages, so in other words you are quite out of luck when you are out of ‘em which I did by mid day, and in Singapore with the exception of few noticeable occasions, it’s weird if you do not give a sticker for donations. Nevertheless came back with say, about an odd $60 or so for my half day collection- the bag was rather heavy by then so it was quite difficult to bring around, but it beats those one-use bulky donation cans which on the contrary is actually more “sticker friendly” than the bag.

Next week I will be at sister’s secondary (Henderson) helping out at their MCYS fund raising carnival. Choong community service before undergrad enrollment!

Good Friday! And it’s a long weekend too! Those going up to M’sia, remember to head up wayy before today or you will be caught in tons of jams prior the long weekend. And look happy easter Sunday is around the corner as well! Now where are those stuffed chocolate bunnys…

Do your bid for charity, here are some charity events coming up for the rest of the month so do volunteer for a good cause as well. I will most probably be going for those listed here, so do bug me if you are interested! SP community service regulars, please bug me through my mobile for more details, especially for the President’s challenge one.

March 22nd 2008

April 5th 2008

April 10th 2008

Wishing everybody there celebrating Chinese New Year today a very happy CNY 2008 and the Lunar new year of the Rat! It’s the time of the year where you not only get to stuff yourself silly with bak kua, pineapple tarts or turning orange from all those excessive mandarin oranges, it’s also a period to meet up and catch up with everyone, let be some of my distant relatives who I only get to meet “officially” like once a year.

I believe everyone’s all stuffed with their reunion dinner, let be in a restaurant or at home with your family, relatives or friends. I had mine with my family yesterday and will be having another at my grandparents where all my relatives and cousins will be meeting up.

The rat year is also my Chinese Zodiac year as well too. And yea so ya… all the ratty goodness for all!

Happy New Year 2008! Many happy returns! Wishing you all the best in health and success in all endeavors for the new year!

Last but not least, here is a video I’ve shot from the segment of the night’s fireworks at the Marina Bay Front, near one Fullerton, enjoy!

For those who had been tuning into 91.3FM 5pm Married Man Show, and wondering about the rumors and news of the show terminating, the show is still on! Only that the crew: Rod, Andre & Audrey will be out on a 2 week holiday from boss.

Labeled as the “largest record setting Kana plucked ever” by Rod, talking about crying wolf! In place, the show will still be continued by in-house part-time DJs. Well, at least that will put Singapore 2 weeks free from of og-gee married madness. Till then, “Lawyer DJ” Elliott Danker will be there to cover the evening show.

Heres the “Kana plucked part”:

Happy Deepavali to all Hindus celebrating the occasion today. It’s a public holiday and a much needed breather from school today. At least tomorrow’s friday! TGIF!

Got this urgent appeal from Dr Saba Iqbal from the Down Syndrome Association Singapore, it’s regarding the need for volunteers on Saturday 29th December 2007, get your family, friends, relatives! Do drop DSA a line if you happen to be free that day to help out for a good cause!

DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION FLAG DAY 2007 29 DECEMBER 2007

Greetings from Down Syndrome Association (Singapore)!

On behalf of persons with Down syndrome and their families, I am appealing to your youth group/union/club for your support by assisting us in selling flags on our Flag Day to be held on Saturday, 29 December 2007.

Down Syndrome Association (Singapore) [DSA] is a self-funding, non-profit, voluntary welfare organization that looks after the needs of people with Down syndrome in Singapore. We are totally dependent on institutions, organisations and kind volunteers such as yourself, to raise funds through our events such as the Flag Day.

We need to raise $800,000 this year in order to continue serving the needs of the children and adults with Down syndrome and their families. The DSA Flag Day serves as an important platform for DSA to raise much-needed funds and we hope to be able to raise at least S$135,000 through this event.

As you may have realised, this year, our Flag Day falls during the school holiday period. We are therefore facing much difficulty finding volunteers because Secondary Schools are unable to lend us a hand. However, we are hoping that your gracious support will contribute to the success of our Flag Day and ultimately provide us with the funds necessary to address the growing needs and concerns of persons with Down syndrome and their families.

Please find attached the Flag Day Reply Form for your reference. I would appreciate it interested members of your group/union/club could fill up the attached form and email/fax it to us by Monday, 12 November 2007.

In the meantime, should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact my colleague, Miss Lavannya Elangovan at Tel: 62783907 ext13, Fax: 62783908 or email: lavannya@downsyndrome-singapore.org

Yours sincerely

Dr Saba Iqbal
Executive Director
Down Syndrome Association (Singapore)

Download flag day application/donation form from Shaunchng.com (thank you for all your aid and support! – Event expired, link has been taken down). Kindly complete the form and Email or fax it to DSA before 12 November 2007.

In the light of the Mid Autumn festival going on now, noticeably would be the array of nicely made lights and translucent lantern display on along Chinatown and the Singapore river by the River Walk (specifically opposite the Clark Quay on the Central Shopping Center side). Personally in the light of the rather high standards and taste we people have now in the age of special effects, light an magic, lasers, wide theater screens and booming stage speakers to name a few, I would see myself to spoilt an extent of not even turning an eye to these primitive lantern displays.

However, upon looking closer and paying attention to details, you will notice that there is more to just lanterns but a whole array of Chinese traditions and history which paints to what we are today – Our almost long lost traditions and culture revived in the heart of the Singapore River.

Overview

Dolphin Display

Introductory signage

After all these are the bread & butter, the very basics which ties us down to our cultural roots in this age of bustle given globalisation and rapid westernization. Given the exceptional traditional or culturist, I see that most modern generations these days won’t find street wayangs and puppet shows as irresistible as their Xbox of Playstation, contrary to that by our grandparents who always never cease to amaze them of how boring they can be.

In that limelight, it undeniable that such street performances are slowly dying, given resistance from the young to take on from their parents, slowing finding these props locked off the hands of aged-seasoned veteran hands, and only luminated by museum displays spotlights contrary to that of the stage glory days.

However, it’s still hearting to know that steps are still taken by the current community to showcase the traditions, given this Singapore River display for instance. And do lanterns now had kept up with the times – I remembered going all around for lantern social gatherings with my parents when I was a young kid, then theres always those large group night lantern walks in the night through neighborhoods with our lanterns. Most kids will have the traditional candle lit paper lanterns while those who prefer the edge will have the battery operated ones with the occasional music to boot. Lanterns these days not only have light, sound and blinking LEDs, they even have moving parts, wings and fans driven by motors! Now that’s cultural technology!

Check out the displays at the Chinese garden as well, the display is definately a must see and is supplementary to that along the Singapore river. After all, no matter how thin these lanterns can be physically, deep inside is a rock solid tradition which only time can tell, will stand up to the elements and the test of time.