Alice Cheong in Wonderland

If life is short, would we treasure time, and stop being such superficial political creatures? Would our culture on obedience, ranks and money change? Would we be less self-centered when faced with family and strangers? Would we spend less time in front of the television and game console? What would one do?

What if tomorrow we happen to be the less than 2% statistic? What regrets will one have? When life is cut short, we often lament that life shortchanged us. But, how often have we been shortchanging ourselves, and waste a lifetime away in the spirit of working for a better future?

This is a call for all working adults who had a life (played computer games) when they were still studying, and all students who are interested in the gaming or game developments.

Let me start with the working adults. Do you remember the game Pong? Maybe you are younger than the pong days. What about Pac-Man? Donkey Kong? Mario? Those were the days… So nostalgic… Monochrome computer days. The green dot pixel display. Games loaded from floppy disks, of size in kilobytes. Harddisk were of size in tens of Megabyte. Programming were done in Assembly language or Basic language. Ops… you have a rough guage of my age.

I still remember that some of the games were available on PC, while others were commonly available in arcade or specialized game console. Super Mario was one of my favorite, but I didn’t have the game console, and so could only played it in the holidays at my relative’s home. Those were the days…

Now, you got your chance to have a glimpse of 30 years of gaming culture in the up-coming single (1 concert, only) concert - Video Games Live, the first Southeast Asian appearance at your door-step in Singapore Indoor Stadium (on 19 Jun 2009, starting at 8pm of duration 2.5hrs). Booking is available through SISTIC. Don’t say that I didn’t mention that it is only a single concert, and that it has been the most successful video game concert in the world.

Now, for students who are interested in the gaming or game developments, there isn’t any better chance to experience the entire 30 years of gaming culture than this concert. You can see the development of games from dot display, to crude visual graphics, to the current realistic computer graphics which you can mistaken as real-life. 30 years of development does a great difference to game developments. Err… maybe you want to pause playing Final Fantasy or Warcraft for a while, and make the concert booking. Just kidding, you are reading my blog at the moment, and there is no pause.

There is the details of the concert (Booking is available through SISTIC):

Video Games Live
Date: 19 Jun 2009 Friday 8pm
Duration: Approximately 2.5hrs (Pre-show festival from 6pm onwards)
Interval: Approximately 20 mins
Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium
Ticket pricing(excluding booking fee): S$115, S$85, S$70, S$55
Discount: 10% discount available for local student
Official Website: http://www.vgl-sea.com/
Articles/Bloglinks: CNET Asia, Sheylara, Precious-Living

I was reading the Straits Times, and is appalled that Singapore actually does license hotels at locations away from the airport to charge accommodation at hourly-rate, apparently with no mention of restriction to only transit passengers. What!? Are we a sleazy city country?

Hourly-rate accommodation (also commonly known as transit accommodation), which is a feature usually at airports, is commonly meant to provide the weary transit passengers with a comfortable private resting area.

However, it is often a different scenario when hourly-rate accommodation is provided at locations away from airport. In the heartlands, and especially within the legally provided red-light district, it’s role is often as a very budget private room for purchased sex. Yes, it is so budget that the hourly rate starts from below the starting charge for a taxi booking made within CBD after work ($10.30)*, to around the cost of an adult ez-link card ($15).

So, with the ease that one can find budget hourly-rated hotel rooms, my view is that we are in effect silently practicing the line of thought that we are just being an open society, where we assume that people are responsible. Sex, regardless of whether being purchased or not (mistress?), is a private issue, and is just a human need (and will not be legally punishable, if it does not contravene any laws).

Sigh… Temptation does not mix well with responsibility. So, now I know that there is another temptation that exists in Singapore. That is in addition to betting, be it with Singapore Pools or our future Casinos. Sounds like writing 此地无银三百两.

* ($3+$3.50+$2.80+$1=$10.30) $3.00 CBD charge, $3.50 Booking charge at peak hour, $2.80 Flag down charge, $1.00 35% peak hour charge on flag down.

Frankly speaking, reading about the court in St. Paul, Minnesota authorising electroshock treatment as therapy for certain mental illness on a certain person, brings about repulsion. Shouldn’t such treatment be conducted on voluntary basis?

So, what is this electroshock treatment? It is usually termed as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which is medically approved for depression treatment. This treatment uses electricity to induce seizure on a patient which is under general anesthesia. Medically, it is touted to be a safe and effective method.

Short term memory lost, and difficulties remember events from the time during and around the ECT treatment to confusion immediately after treatment is benignly termed as adverse effects.

Quoting ST, “‘It’s not torture,’ said Dr William McDonald, a psychiatry professor at Emory University who chairs an American Psychiatric Association committee on ECT.”

Two questions for all the advocates of forced treatment: Would they be willing to be forced to undergoing this safe treatment in a double-blinded study? Yes? No? Do the scientific community understood when and what makes the treatment works and when it doesn’t? If no, why should the court orders a person to take the risk of a treatment which may not work on him or her?

The EOGM is over, and reins of AWARE has been handed back to the old guards. However, the AWARE affair is far from over.

A number of issues are in hand.

1) The $90k spent in 5 weeks by the ousted exco is over the $20k upper limit of what the exco is authorised to spend in a month. This issue will have to be solved and accounted for. In NGO, every cents count.

2) The influx of roughly 3k new members, where some are unfamiliar with AWARE. How are these 3k new members going to be integrated into AWARE? Many have abilities, and are willing to contribute. How is AWARE going to tap into their expertise?

3) There is 761 members who voted against the old guards. How is AWARE going to engage them? Will them lay hibernating, and perhaps strike again in future? Will they actively makes life difficult for AWARE to carried out activities? Or will they contribute in their own way to AWARE?

With the take-over and ousting, trust was lost. and 2 camps are formed, where each camp is united. The old guards got back their association, and perhaps the other camp can consider setting up their own association too. The 2 camps obviously have different ideas on association management, public relations, democracy, and target group of people their will like to assist.

Even before the AWARE saga which captured the attention of many is closed (yes, there is still an EOGM on this Sat 2nd May with registration starting at 12pm and meeting from 2pm to 5pm, and the venue has been changed to EXPO Hall 2 #01-01 Suntec Exhibition Hall 402), the H1N1 flu has hit Mexico, and is warned by WHO (World Health Organization) as unstoppable. We will soon become very familar with the word “H1N1″.

Currently, through we are in the early stage of an outbreak, containment is already too late. This virus has been lab confirmed in 6 countries (Canada 2 cases, Israel 2 cases, New Zealand 11 cases, Spain 2 cases, UK 2 cases, USA 64 cases)* within the last 4 days, in addition to Mexico (26 confirmed cases)*.

However, if these news sound scary, please tamper your fear by reading this guardian.co.uk article on “A vaccine needed for bad statistics”. Things are not that bad, yet.

* Statistics as on 28 Apr 2009.

Hi Readers,

I was contacted by a person from the pro old guards group. The following letter is requested to be published.

“Hi all, www.we-are-aware.sg is a site set up by the old guards of AWARE.

There seems to be lot of support in cyberspace, but we don’t know how many of those voices will be attending the EGM.

It would be great if all of you who are intending to come to the EGM and supporting the old guards could register on www.we-are-aware.sg, so that we can keep you informed of what to expect at the EGM, dos and don’ts/ etc. It will also help us plan and organise the logistics for the day, and to make sure that the event goes as smoothly as can be expected under these circumstances.

From our viewpoint, what is really at stake is the space for a diversity of views in our cosmopolitan, pluralistic, multiracial, multireligious and multicultural society. The continuance of an all-inclusive and secular AWARE depends on YOUR VOTE.

We hope that you will make the time to attend the EGM and vote for the old Guards.”

From my own personal viewpoint, the choice is yours.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan commented on the AWARE saga. He offered 3 advices - to not just AWARE, but all Singaporeans. Quoting ST article,

“ONE: religion should be kept above the fray of petty politics.
TWO: do not let one issue hijack the agenda and polarise Singapore.
THREE: A rainbow coalition is vital for any group here to make meaningful change.”

Maybe, ST might want to make a clarification statement soon on the third point? There is new meaning to “rainbow coalition”.

Interestingly, parallel to the timing of the AWARE saga, a group in USA is gathering a “rainbow coalition” of activist. They had produced a 60-second video which is anti-gay. Visit the group (National Organization for Marriage) site to view the video. (No, I am not going you the link, as watching the video MIGHT be influencing. And comments providing the link to only the video will be removed.)

At the same time, another group (Human Rights Campaign) exposes the first group’s Ad as fake. “Right-wing group does not have truth on its side, so it hires actors to spew lies; Audition reel uncovered online.” Click here to view the rebuttal and watch the recorded argument between the 2 groups.

I guess, they shows us a parallel and more advance scenario of what can happen with the current AWARE saga.

Will a “FAITH” based society emerged or will an “inclusive” society emerged? I see no end to this mess. The status quo has been upset and the society is fragmented. The ends now justify the means. We move forward, but to where?

Quotes from Channelnewsasia:

New Exco

“According to the new exco, all the online chatter about the issue is taking focus away from the real work they want to do. They said it is extremely distracting and they just want to concentrate on achieving their objectives.”

Old Guard members

“But the Old Guard members in AWARE said what has happened with the group is a threat to Singapore’s pluralistic society.

A statement just released on Friday said the Old Guard members are glad that the “truth is finally out” – that the new AWARE exco members had a “planned takeover… guided by a feminist mentor”.

It added that “this cannot be the way forward for Singapore”, which “cannot have people acting like moral vigilante running around and taking over established organisations”.

The Old Guard, in a statement read by member Margaret Thomas on Friday evening, also challenged Dr Thio Su Mien, who has said she is the “feminist mentor” to the new exco, to form her own organisation to offer her points of view.

They also said the challenge should have been “done properly” by writing in to AWARE or by inviting the organisation to discuss the programmes.”

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Lim Hwee Hua

“Separately, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Lim Hwee Hua is of the view that the AWARE saga is not a national dispute and should not upset the balance and tenor of Singapore’s open, tolerant and secular society.

In an email response to Channel NewsAsia, Mrs Lim said the dispute in AWARE is an internal matter, something which the members themselves would have to address.

She stressed that AWARE members should not allow these disagreements to become a vehicle for contentious, divisive views to be pushed aggressively.

Mrs Lim, who is also Second Minister for Finance and Transport, said this would polarise society and have a very adverse effect on Singapore’s social fabric.”

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean

“Also asked about his take on the issue is Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean who stressed the need for all interest groups in Singapore to put their points of view across in a tolerant way and not force their views on others.

Mr Teo did not touch on the specifics, but said that Singaporeans need to learn to live with others who have different views.”

The questions have been answered.

1. The key leader lawyer Thio Su Mien has revealed herself.
2. The internal liaising person which contacted Josie Lau is Claire Nazir. (Is Josie Lau’s statement an “arrow”?)
3. The reason behind the take-over is due to signs of pro-homosexual.
4. (Updated 25 Apr 2009: Old guard members counter allegations of a pro-gay stance)
5. (Updated 29 Apr 2009: MOE reply on AWARE’s Sexuality Education Program in School)
   

Point 1: Quoting Straits Times,

“SENIOR lawyer Thio Su Mien on Thursday revealed the key role she played in bringing about the change of leadership at the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware).

Appearing at a press conference called at short notice by some of the association’s new leaders, she said she was alarmed to discover that Aware had lost sight of its original purpose and become pro-lesbian and pro-homosexual.”

…

“Disturbed by what she saw as signs that it was promoting lesbianism and homosexuality, she began urging women she knew to challenge Aware’s attempts to redefine marriage and families.”

Point 2: Quoting the press conference by Thio Su Mien,

Josie Lau explains how Dr Thio helped get her involved:

“Let me share with you my story. I’ve been married to the family for 20 yrs. We meet occasionally once or twice a year, during Christmas and Chinese New Year. And she has been nagging me for the last 15, 20 years, asking “are you doing something in the public, contributing back to the community?”

…

“And when the opportunity came and she (Dr Thio) asked would you like to serve or join Aware, she said I’ll put you in touch with somebody. It was Claire Nazir who called me and she was looking for somebody to assist her in the area of marketing and that’s my area of expertise. And as it turned out, honestly, I did not join Aware thinking that there will definitely be a new exco. I just know that I’m joining aware & if I stand for election and got elected, this is the area where I think I can contribute.”

Point 3: In the press conference, lawyer Thio SM’s comments are as follows:

(1) ON AWARE’S SEXUALITY PROGRAMME

‘I started thinking, ‘Hey, parents, you better know what’s happening,’ she said. ‘I talked to parents. I said: You better do something about this, otherwise your daughter will come back and say, ‘Mum, I want to marry my girlfriend. Or your son will say: ‘Dad, I want to marry my boyfriend.”

These parents were flabbergasted, she said, adding that such sexuality education was taking place in the United States and Europe and was not new.

‘What is happening in society is that we are redefining marriage, we are redefining families,’ she said.

‘So I’m a concerned citizen and if people are so ignorant, I think I want to teach them.’

(2) AN ENTIRE GENERATION OF LESBIANS?

‘And this is something which should concern parents in Singapore. Are we going to have an entire generation of lesbians?’

Insisting that she was not anti-homosexual, she said: ‘I have nothing against lesbians or homosexuals personally. On a personal front, I’ve ministered, I’ve counselled them.

‘They are in pain. And very often from families where you have abusive fathers, they do things with their daughters and the daughters revolt, rebel against society.

‘We understand this is what it’s all about.’

(3) REFOCUSING ON ORIGINAL PURPOSE OF AWARE

‘I find to my dismay that Aware seems to be only very interested in lesbianism and the advancement of homosexuality, which is a man’s issue,’ she said. ‘Can we re-focus on the excellent objectives of Aware? Go back to its original purpose for it being an NGO?’ she asked.

Point 4: Quoting ST article “Old guard members counter allegations of a pro-gay stance”

AWARE’S old guard yesterday rejected the new leaders’ accusation that the association had become pro-lesbian and pro-homosexual. This was their response to the allegations made on Thursday.

PROMOTED A LESBIAN MOVIE

Aware sponsored the screening of the lesbian-themed movie, Spider Lilies, at its charity gala two years ago.

Former Aware president Constance Singam, 72: ‘Over the years some of the movies we have screened include Singapore Dreaming, Mrs Henderson Presents, The Soong Sisters, Summer Snow and Paradise Road.

We exercise our judgment. Earlier this year an Israeli Film, Seed Of Summer, was offered to us but we turned it down because the subject matter was sensitive and controversial - it dealt with military service and lesbianism.

Spider Lilies was about the relationship between a tattoo artist and a Web camera woman. One of my exco members - a mother of three boys - told me the two protagonists’ sexuality was secondary. It was a film about love, companionship and longing.’

HAD A MEN’S WORKSHOP

Aware invited Mr Bert Bjarland, a Finnish gender activist, to hold a workshop.

Male associate member Tan Wah Kiat, 37: ‘Bert Bjarland had spent 20 years working with men’s groups in Finland and wanted this issue tackled in Aware. His workshop helped men to recognise that there are many different masculinities.

We do not want to live in a box where men are supposed to be all macho, rough and aggressive; and women, soft, meek and domesticated.

I used to be a jock, and that is one of my biggest regrets. Joining Aware, I learnt the value of being soft and sensitive. I’ve been happily married for seven years. It really helps to build family and personal relationships.’

WANTS TO LET MEN VOTE

Former Aware president Dana Lam, 57: ‘We have been discussing this in Aware for years. We are a bit divided over this.

We women have been saying that decisions - public, personal, family - cannot be made by only men; that they have to be made jointly with men. If we walk the talk, then we have to give men the right to vote.

On the other hand, some of us feel we are not that ready to admit a male voice in the organisation. We are still debating this, and debate is healthy.’

MOTHER’S DAY 2006

Aware held an event featuring lesbian-friendly mothers and lesbian daughters talking about themselves.

Aware member Corinna Lim: ‘We had mothers with lesbian daughters coming together to share their pain and issues in a very supportive environment.

It was done in a loving way. How could they say it was bad when they didn’t even attend the forum? To me, that was love. The bond between a mother and child is precious, no matter what the circumstances.’

INVITED GAY ACTIVIST ALEX AU

Former Aware president Tan Joo Hymn, 38: ‘This forum, Playing It Safe: Keeping HIV At Bay, was organised because statistics showed that cases of women contracting Aids had shot up in Singapore.

Mr Au was one of four people at the forum; the others were a doctor, a representative from Action For Aids and then Aware president Braema Mathi.’

REACHING OUT TO TRANSVESTITES

Former Aware president Constance Singam, 72. ‘I’ve never talked about reaching out to transvestites in any newsletter.

Last year, I gave a talk to a lesbian audience and they asked me very tough questions and demanded to know why Aware was not fighting for their rights. I told them we were inclusive, but we could not lobby exclusively for lesbians.

The fact is, Aware represents all women. I told them we are also fighting for them when we fight for issues like equality, the right to personal choices and sexuality.’

WONG KIM HOH

Point 5: Quoting from MOE website,

“6 The schools that engaged AWARE found that the content and messages of the sessions conducted were appropriate for their students and adhered to guidelines to respect the values of different religious groups. The schools did not receive any negative feedback from students who attended the workshops and talks or their parents.

7 In particular, MOE has also not received any complaint from parents or Dr Thio Su Mien, who was reported to have made specific claims about sexuality education in our schools. MOE has contacted Dr Thio Su Mien to seek clarifications and facts to substantiate her claims.”