Something to do during Chinese New Year

Lee Amizadai - Timeline Photos:



"I heard a really awful story the other day. When CNY rolls around, some old folk who live alone in the Chai Chee estate get dressed in their finest, in anticipation of family visitations.... but nobody comes. I visualise old men and women sitting alone in their flats, alternating between hope and resignation, waiting for a knock on the door that never happens. And then as the sky dims, they change out of their CNY clothing and go to bed. The horrible thing is that it's a dark and depressing reality for some people in a time that should be everything but. So Wally and I are dropping by on Friday, 20 Feb to say hi to some of the people who have been identified as living alone and in need of some CNY cheer. Feel free to join us, and invite other people to come along (share this pic, or refer them to the event page below). I really need to get that picture out of my head and make a different reality. I may not be that auntie or uncle's family, but I can certainly act like they are my grandma or grandpa!

Chai Chee CNY Blessings"

Looking for Extras in Late April, Early May

A message I received:

"Hello! Can help me spread a message!! :) We're looking for background extras for the upcoming 20th Century Fox hollywood production, an action-thriller movie "Agent 47" shoot!

[ BACKGROUND EXTRAS ]
Full day shoot, $150

28th April, Monday
Role: Tourists & Staff
6 - 60 yrs old
Asians, Pan-Asians & Caucasians
- required to bring [Not too bright colours] backpacks and handbags.

29th April, Tuesday
Role: Passerbys
6 - 60 yrs old
Asians, Pan-Asians & Caucasians

30th April, Wednesday
Role: Hotel Guests & Hotel Security
20 - 50 yrs old
Asians, Pan-Asians & Caucasians

3rd May, Saturday
Role: Working Adults
20 - 50 yrs old
Asians, Pan-Asians & Caucasians
- required to come in work attire

4th May, Sunday
Role: Working Adult & Tourists
Age: 20 - 50 yrs old
Asians, Pan-Asians & Caucasians
- required to come in work attire

6th & 7th May (overnight shoot)
Role: Travelers
6 - 60 yrs old
Asians, Pan-Asians & Caucasians
- required to bring [Not too bright colours] large suitcase, carry on case (can be wheels), normal handbag / backpack, passport so basically as if you're going to be travelling abroad.

If interested, email to audition@hellocreatives.sg and title your email (Agent 47, Background Extras). Include your name, age, recent photo, contact details, availability and for which roles. You may apply for more than one role.

Thank you!!
Thank you! Full day shoot, $150 :)
Agent 47 (2014) - IMDb
This is d IMDB of d movie if you're curious. ^^;;
Can earn money and be famous! ^^;;
Just helping to spread a message."

Amusing Lunch Actually survey

Views on dating in Singapore Survey
(all answers are binary, mutually choices unless otherwise stated)

1. Are you comfortable kissing on the first date?

2. Would you go to bed with someone on your first date?

3. Would you go on dates with another person if you are already attached to someone?

4. Would you mind dating someone who is not a virgin?

5. Would you prefer your date/potential partner to be sexually experienced?

6. Do you want to have children after marriage?

7. Are you for or against abortion?

8. Are you in favour of living together before marriage i.e. cohabitation?

9. Would you travel and share a room with someone that you’ve just met?

10. What do you think of married people going on dates? Do you think married people can date others?

11. Do you want to know your date’s views on sex, marriage and children?

12. What is the one thing that you most want to know about your potential partner before you date him/her?

a) nationality/race
b) looks
c) personality
d) educational level
e) religion
f) financial background/status
g) attitudes towards sex, marriage and children
Other (please specify)

13. On a scale of 1 (least important) to 5 (most important), how important to you is the financial status of someone you wish to date?

14. When considering dating someone, which is more important...sexual compatibility or financial security?

Keep The Pigeonhole Alive

"The Pigeonhole opened its doors on Duxton Road in March 2011. Over the past 20 months, we've supported the arts and civil society in Singapore by hosting events, exhibitions, gigs, and talks. We've also made friends with amazing musicians, artists, volunteers, geeks, and many more...

Now, because of issues with rental, we have to close down. Our last day will be Saturday 29 December 2012...

We started this fundraising campaign because we - and many of our friends and customers - really don't want us to close down. We don't have the funds to carry on in a new location, but we really want to continue to support the arts and civil society in Singapore."

There're no perks (I would've liked to have graffiti-ed something on the wall in their new premises) but go ahead and give anyway!

(also I'm helping organise an event that will take place there in late December, which hopefully will not be their last event. Watch this space [and others] for more details soon!)

Turn to 400 - The Fighting Fantasy documentary film

"Fighting Fantasy was born 30 years ago, Ian Livingstone & Steve Jackson started a role playing phenomenon. This film tells their story."

I don't qualify for this study, but you might

"We always felt as if every show was the most important thing in the world, but knew if we bombed, we'd live." - Raymond Joseph Teller, Fury Letter written to Brian Brushwood

***

STI/HIV/AIDS Risks Related to Heterosexual Behaviours of Singaporean Men: Survey Phase

Dear sir,

We are pleased to invite you to participate in this on-line research survey study on sexual behaviours of Singaporean men who pay for sex and/or who have casual sex with women. The Principal Investigator of the study is Associate Professor Wong Mee Lian from the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore (NUS) and Co-Investigators are Ms. Mandy Govender and Mr. Chan Lit Fai.

HIV infections are increasing in cases associated with commercial sex and casual sex. A recent study by Health Promotion Board found that 20% of men in Singapore had engaged in casual sex in the past year, a statistic that shows that casual sex is becoming more common in Singapore. The purpose of the survey is to find out the HIV and STI risk behaviors and the health-seeking practices of men who use Internet to seek sex with women. This online study will help us design better health education programmes to promote awareness of the potential epidemic and to encourage safer sex practices.

A similar survey is currently being conducted at the brothels and entertainment outlets throughout Singapore. If you have already filled up the survey before, please do not take this survey again. You must also be within the age range of 21-70 years old in order to participate in this survey.

The survey is anonymous and all information entered will be kept strictly confidential. No identifying information will be collected other than your email address, which will be deleted once it has been sent to an independent third party to process your compensation (details stated below).
If you are interested to participate in this study, please read the participation information sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1DgmdDck0D_Ie1_SlUB2LAZBPj__7e-Z-YSm6Col9szE

Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary. The survey period is from 11th June 2012 to 31st December 2012.

As compensation for your time and participation in the survey, you will receive $15 worth of credit from http://www.liveoffcoupon.com/ that you can use to purchase any items from the website.
Thank you very much.

o Yes, I agree to participate, https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Singapore_HSM
o No, I don’t wish to participate, https://www.surveymonkey.com/optout.aspx

Best Wishes
A/Prof Wong Mee Lian
Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health


I like this question, doubtless inserted at the request of IRB:

9. What is the compensation for any injury?
No injury is expected as this study involves only a survey.

Conversations About Singaporeans' Career Aspirations

"School is learning things you don't want to know, surrounded by people you wish you didn't know, while working toward a future you don't know will ever come." - Dave Kellett

***

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SINGAPOREANS' CAREER ASPIRATIONS

"INTRODUCTIONS
Hi! We're a multi-disciplinary research unit within the Public Service Division <www.psd.gov.sg>. We're embarking on a project to learn more about Singaporeans' career aspirations, and we would love to hear your stories and experiences behind your career journey and life aspirations. Hence we are inviting you for participation and input to our learning journey.

WHAT OUR CONVERSATIONS ARE LIKE
We typically like to spend around 1.5 hours to chat with individuals or couples who fit the profiles listed below. These sessions are face-to-face, there will be about 3-4 people from our team, and preferably at the comfort of your home or office (or anywhere that you prefer and is conducive). Based on past experience, we found that the session would be more comfortable and enjoyable for participants when done in a manner more like casual friendly chat, hence no worries about having to go through a stiff/boring survey interview! Participants will also be compensated with shopping vouchers worth S$80 in appreciation of their time.

ABOUT YOUR CONFIDENTIALITY
Rest assured that all your personal information will guarded with the utmost confidentiality. We will also be recording our conversation and taking a few pictures only for the purposes of note-taking and internal reference, if you're okay with it and with your permission of course. And if you prefer to remain anonymous for the project, we will respect your wishes too. All information will be kept confidential for the purpose of this research, and there will be a confidential agreement to be signed by both you and us before we start the session.

HOW TO SIGN UP
Please take a moment to have a look at the profiles below, and fill the form further below if you fit the bill and would like to participate. Alternatively, pass this on to your friends/family who you think might be interested (and you can badger him/her for 'commission' after that!). CONTACT Upon completion of this short questionaire, we will contact you via phone or email for a quick chat and to coordinate an interview venue and timing. We aim to hold these sessions over the period between 10 to 22 Sept (Mon-Fri). If you have any questions, please contact Jason Leow at or 9229 4308, or Leon Voon at or 9229 4105.

Thank you so much in advance for your interest in participating in this project! We're really looking forward to hearing your stories. :)

Profiles
Please select which profile fits you best. If you feel none of the profiles fit, please fill in the text box under "Other". The examples stated are meant for illustration purposes only, so variations in degree can be accepted. :)

1. Someone who dropped out of university to pursue their own alternative career path
2. Success story of someone who only went through primary / secondary school.
3. Career hopper (e.g. changed jobs every year for past 10 years)
4. Global careerist (who held jobs in different companies in different continents)
5. Self-employed entrepreneur with successful business
6. Career part-timers / career free-lancers
7. Radical mid-career switcher (e.g. corporate bank CEO to non-profit NGO director)
8. Highly educated but chose not to have no career (e.g. long-term volunteer doctor)
9. Radically alternative career (e.g. professional psychic)
10. PhD holder
11. Stayed in 1 job for almost whole lifetime
12. Singaporean now working in Singapore but was schooled overseas all of his/her childhood
13. Someone who can go university but stop at polytechnic
14. JC student who went to polytechnic instead of university
15. People who pursued careers outside of what they were trained in while in university (e.g. engineers who became teacher)
16. Scholarship holder
17. Working adult who was home-schooled all his childhood
18. Current polytechnic student who owns a business
19. Low-income university student
20. Mid-/Retiring adult who is life-long learner, e.g. had 2 bachelor degrees, a MA and PhD, and still going for certifiable courses
21. Someone who intentionally denied promotion for personal / life / aspirational reasons
22. Someone who is happily (or unhappily) settled for second-best career option (e.g. couldn't to be doctor so went on to be nurse)
23. Career Counsellors / Life coach
24. Recruitment Firm / Head-hunter
Other:


(I don't actually know - or know that I know, at any rate - anyone involved in this)

Launch of VOICES CLEAR AND TRUE: NEW SINGAPORE PLAYS VOLUME 1

Update: All tickets to the event have been given out!

Launch of VOICES CLEAR AND TRUE: NEW SINGAPORE PLAYS VOLUME 1

+ REGISTRATION REQUIRED. TO REGISTER:

• Send an email titled “Voices Clear and True launch – I want to go!” and include full name and mobile number in the email body to contact@checkpoint-theatre.org.
• Alternatively, send a text message to 9040 4675 in this format: “VOICES LAUNCH! Name: [Full Name] Email: [Email Address] No. of pax: [Number of people attending]”.
• Registration Deadline: by 11.59pm on Thu, 16 Aug 2012.
• Admission is free and by prior registration only.
• Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

--

As part of Checkpoint Theatre's 10th anniversary celebrations, we're launching our inaugural book publication, “Voices Clear and True: New Singapore Plays Volume 1”!

This is the first volume in a series of play collections published by Checkpoint Theatre that showcase the exciting work of a new generation of the following Singapore playwrights: Christine Chong, Kenneth Chong, Lucas Ho, Dan Koh, Cheryl Lee, Laremy Lee, Faith Ng and Shiv Tandan.

Their plays were written under the mentorship of acclaimed dramatist Huzir Sulaiman, Checkpoint Theatre’s Joint Artistic Director, and produced by Singapore theatre companies.

The plays are by turns lyrical and hilarious, and are marked by their intellectual rigour, emotional honesty, and refined technique. These plays are evidence of the burgeoning renaissance in Singapore playwriting.

The collection of critically-acclaimed plays includes wo(men) and The Good, the Bad, and the Sholay, which were both nominated for Best Original Script in the Straits Times Life! Theatre Awards.

“Voices Clear and True: New Singapore Plays Volume 1” is edited by Huzir Sulaiman, Lucas Ho and Laremy Lee, and includes an introduction by Huzir Sulaiman.

--

“Voices Clear and True contest – Let me win!”

Join our contest as part of the lead-up to the launch!

Answer these two questions correctly in order to win attractive prizes:
1. Out of the eight plays in Voices Clear and True: New Singapore Plays Volume 1, how many plays were nominated for Best Original Script at the ST Life! Theatre Awards?

2. Based on your answer in (1), what are the full names of the plays and the playwrights nominated for Best Original Script at the ST Life! Theatre Awards?

Send an email titled “Voices Clear and True contest – Let me win!” that includes your answers, their full name and mobile number in the email body to contact@checkpoint-theatre.org by 11.59pm on Mon, 13 Aug 2012.

Two lucky winners will each walk away with the following prizes:
• Two invites to the book launch; and
• One copy of the book signed by all the playwrights.

(Terms and conditions at http://fb.me/1eax8t3y8)

Humanist of the Year 2012

"The important thing in science is not so much to obtain new facts as to discover new ways of thinking about them." - Sir William Bragg

***



The Humanist Society (Singapore) presents the Humanist of the Year award for 2012 to Mr Alex Au Waipang (above). This award is given to Singapore humanists who have made an positive impact on the society at large, locally and internationally. It is established in 2011 and its first recipient is local author Catherine Lim.

This year, the event will be held at

Singapore Council of Women's Organisations,
Training Room 2 & 3
96 Waterloo St 187967
23 June, 2012
3PM to 6PM
Entry fee is $10 for members, $12 for non-members.

To register, you can
1) Email us at info@humanist.org.sg
2) RSVP on Facebook
3) RSVP on Meetup

At the same time, the Humanist Society is celebrating the WORLD HUMANIST DAY. This Day is celebrated annually on June 21 as a way to spread information-and combat misinformation-about the positive aspects of humanism as a philosophical life stance and means to affect change in the world. (Source: http://www.secularseasons.org/june/world_humanist.html)

ABOUT ALEX AU

Born in 1952, Mr Au is a prominent social commentator and gay activist in Singapore. His personal blog, Yawning Bread, is founded in 1996 and is renowned today as a treasure stove of sharp, witty analyses. To the local gay community, Mr Au is highly respected for his relentless fight against the discrimination they face in a socially conservative society. He is one of the founders of People Like Us, a local gay equality lobby group formed in 1993. In addition, Mr Au has conducted talks, appeared on television and hit the ground running as a photographer and interviewer. He is a vocal defender of Singapore's secularism and an outspoken critic of religious extremism, pseudo-scientific institutions and creationism.

In recognition of his courageous efforts to improve the human condition, the Humanist Society (Singapore) honours Mr Au with the Humanist of the Year award for 2012.

After the award, members of the Society will be heading out for drinks. You are most welcome to join us.

Plug: Lampposts and Bikinis- What Statistics are Hiding from you

I will be giving a talk on Sunday, 30th October under the aegis of the Humanist Society (Singapore) entitled "Lampposts and Bikinis- What Statistics are Hiding from you"

Here is the publicity material:

"Can regular chocolate consumption reduce your risk of heart disease by a third? Do crime rates increase during full moons? How do you explain the fact that in 90% of bar fights where someone was killed, the person who started the fight was the one who died?

As Mark Twain once said, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics”.

Statistics are appealing because they seem to present the facts concisely and persuasively. However, they can also be used to mislead. They can be used to misrepresent reality, to exaggerate or sensationalize, or oversimplify.

Gabriel, an economic graduate by training, will wander into the wild world of statistics and provide a primer on statistical reasoning. Common statistical misunderstandings and mistakes will be exposed! Statistical abuse will be uncovered!

Armed with your newfound knowledge, you will get a go at spotting statistical fallacies in the wild (and find out what bikinis and/or lampposts might have to do with statistics in the process!)"

Logistical details:

Time: Sunday, October 30 · 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: onepeople.sg, Harmony Room 1, 381 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh S319758. Map: http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_5897/travel_site_40318/ (alternative map)

Miscellaneous notes: *Contributions of $4 (HSS members)/ $6 (non-members) will be collected to cover the cost of the venue and light refreshments*

To RSVP: Facebook event / Meetup.com page

(this post has been post-dated)

Seen: "Buddhist Mysterious Liquid"

"If mankind minus one were of one opinion, then mankind is no more justified in silencing the one than the one - if he had the power - would be justified in silencing mankind." - John Stuart Mill

***

I was walking around Bukit Purmei and encountered a very interesting product.

The shopkeeper asked me why I was taking a picture of it, so I told him I was going to send the picture to my friends in case they wanted to buy it:


(for some reason I forgot to add this photo I took until Christmas)

"Zhu Ge Kong Ming Sdn Bhd

1. Change of luck: When someone feels that luck is not on his side, such as failure to strike a lottery, no payment received after completing a project, reprimands from his boss despite having done a good job, wallet being pickpocketted or lost of ATM cards and etc. To dispel the bad luck, all he needs to do is merely add some "Buddhist Mysterious Liquid" into clean water and wash from head toe.

2. Interpersonal relationship: Frequent use of the Liquid will enhance your relationship with other people because the mysterious Liquid has an effect of stimulating your mental power. The refreshing and natural fragrance of the Liquid will make you feel energised and joyful so that your relationship with colleagues and friends will be given a major boost. This also will invariably enhance your business prospect.

3. Washing a new car: A newly bought car will usually goes through a flower bath ritual for smooth operation. And now, you can use this "Buddhist Mysterious Liquid" to bring about the same kind of effect. Pour a bottle of Liquid into a pail and mix with clean water, then wipe the body of the car all over with it for safe journey.

4. Washing hands/face: The "Buddhist Mysterious Liquid" can also be used for washing your face and hands, especially when you feel that you are out of luck. Using the liquid to wash your face and hands has the effect of changing your fate, and you are bound to feel especially calm and spirited after using it.

5. It is advisable to use the Liquid together with the "Buddhist Purifying Oil" for enhanced effect so that your wishes will come true.

Beware of Imitations"

This product can be purchased at a shop on the ground floor of Block 109 Bukit Purmei Road, Singapore 090109 (map and directions) for only S$2.50 per bottle (maybe I should've gotten one myself...)


The website is: << Zhu Ge Kong Ming Online >>, which has more information on the "Buddhist Mysterious Liquid":

"The Buddhist Mysterious Liquid is yet another wonderful product painstakingly formulated by Master Miao Da after Zhu Ge Kong Ming's Buddhist Purifying Oil. It has the capability to help assemble wealth and heavenly protection. It is extracted from seven kinds of rare and precious flowers as well as citron, and is blended successfully with Master Miao Da's sacred power.

As the liquid is made of seven kinds of rare and precious flowers as well as citron, it has a captivating natural aroma. When you are taking a bath, you need only to pour a bottle of liquid into the bath tub, wash your entire body from head to toe, and you are set to experience the marvelous effect of good luck."

And this is only one of the products in the product family, as:

"Zhu Ge Kong Ming Sdn Bhd understands the worried feeling of those who has little luck on them. So, within this two, three years, Metaphysicist Miao Da had studied meticulously to innovate 3 sets of offering items for altering luck. These items are "Buddhist Mysterious Liquid", "Repayment Incense Paper" and "Treasure Vault of Civil and Warrior Gods of Wealth". They were launched to the market on three different stages and are well received by mass consumers.

Now, in order to solve the worries of people with little luck once and for all, and by popular demand, Zhu Ge Kong Ming Sdn Bhd specially packed the 3 items into a set series for convenient sake.

In another word, you need only to buy a prepacked set series to possess 2 Buddhist Mysterious Liquid, 2 boxes of Repayment Incense Paper and 1 packet of Treasure Vault of Civil and Warrior Gods of Wealth. This set series is also known as "3 in 1 Method of Altering Luck". "

Of course, with such a popular product one needs to beware of Imitations:


"This is the magazine printed by impudent Lin-Qian-Bo and Hua-Xin-Hang concerning pirated Huan-Zhai-Jun. They are thieves and yet they turn thing the other way round arguing that theirs is the genuine one. They are low, dirty and mean. They are even fiercer than a wolfhound"


"Impudent company; The impudent Lin-Qian-Bo and Hua-Xin-Hang have no escape for their wrong doing.; PIRATED PRODUCT"


"The pirated businessman who is more impudent than a rapist
This act of the lowest mean shows that he is more impudent than a thief who had raped a woman but still impudently shouting that she is his wife...

May be Lin-Quan-Bo thought that he pirated the product to sell in Hong Kong without the notice of Malaysia people. But one thing he forgot is, Master Miao Da is not only well known in Malaysia but all over the world. Master Miao Da has many followers around the world and besides, with such advanced communication system, there is nothing you can hide."

For those who want to buy old RI PE clothing

An email that found its way to my mailbox:


Dear all

The aunty who has been running our old bookshop (Year 5-6 section) needs to clear all her stock as she is closing shop and many of us are helping her to
minimize her losses by buying her stationery.

Today in my conversation with her, I asked her what items specific to RI she has to clear. She told me that she has more than 100 plus Raffles PE shorts
(new ones with Raffles logo not the short MBT ones )and 100 plus Raffles T-shirts (loose cut size 40—44)which no one outside RI will want to buy. She says old students used to like the loose cut ones and used to tell her they like to sleep in it. But nowadays the students buy the tight fit ones so she cannot sell them. I gather that her losses will be significant.

She says she would appreciate it if we tell any old students or present students who want to buy them. If you are on Facebook with former students it might be helpful to inform them that she has to clear out by mid November. Or perhaps you may want a pair of Raffles shorts or T-shirt for yourself! (Hey, we are a brand name, after all!)

Thanks

My Daily Contribution to the Arts (Temp wanted)

Indian temps wanted for Indian cultural event, 12-19 June.

Leave a comment with your email or send me a message for details!

Raising money for diabetes research

"Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons." - Woody Allen

***

My brother in law is raising money for Diabetes UK by riding from London to Paris. I have donated £49.99, which leaves him £475 (and 1 penny) short:

Conrad Chua is fundraising for Diabetes UK

"Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

This year, I have decided to cycle further than I have ever done in my life while wearing more lycra than is generally acceptable in polite company to raise money for Diabetes UK.

Contrary to popular belief, diabetes is not a lifestyle choice for many people who have it through genetic reasons. I personally know people who successfully manage their diabetes condition through hard work and courage. Their stories have inspired me to cycle from London to Paris in support of Diabetes UK.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it's the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now."

About Diabetes UK: Diabetes UK is the leading charity working for people with diabetes, funding research and helping people live with the condition. Its mission is to improve the lives of people with diabetes and to work towards a future without diabetes.

RI/RJC alumni particulars harvesting

A message I got on FB:

"If you know of RI/RJC alumni who are interested in receiving updates on RI and alumni news, kindly direct them to the following RI Announcement page: http://www.ri.edu.sg/main/announcementdetail/?id=81, where they can access a link to update their contact information and particulars."

More directly, the link is to a Google Spreadsheet here.

Darwin Day Celebration 2011

"How is it possible to find meaning in a finite world, given my waist and shirt size?" - Woody Allen

***

Darwin Day Celebration 2011

Charles Darwin remains a towering figure of scientific thought today. It is thus fitting that as humanists we celebrate Darwin’s birthday on the 12th of February. Darwin Day is a celebration of the great man’s work in biology but more than that it is a celebration of the power of rational thought, a core belief that all humanists share.

The Humanist Society (Singapore) is proud to have three distinguished speakers join us in our Darwin Day celebrations, especially Historian of Science and Darwin expert Dr John van Wyhe who will speak on why Darwin gave up on Christianity. In keeping with the Darwin theme, we will serve refreshments associated with Darwin’s life and work.

WHERE AND WHEN

Saturday, Feb 12, 2011; 3-6pm
at OnePeople.sg
381, Toa Payoh Lorong 1
Singapore 319758
(Next to Braddell MRT)

Map: http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_5897/travel_site_40318/

Parking available around the vicinity.

Please RSVP via email (info@humanist.org.sg) by 10 Feb OR rsvp via facebook (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=177897285578870)

Fee: $10 (members of HSS); $15 (non-members) It is now $10 for non-members and $8 for members. Refreshments provided.

To sign up as a member of the Humanist Society (Singapore), please go to www.humanist.org.sg and follow the link in the 'Become a member' side box.

SPEAKERS AND TOPICS

1) Why Darwin really gave up Christianity

By Dr John van Wyhe
Description: Charles Darwin’s religious beliefs have long been discussed. But most of what is commonly believed about Darwin and his views of religion is misleading or just false. This talk will reveal the true story of Darwin’s faith.

Speaker: Dr John van Wyhe is a historian of science at NUSand a Bye Fellow at Christ’s College, Universityof Cambridge, who specializes in the life and work of Charles Darwin. Dr van Wyhe has published six books, numerous articles and is the Director of Darwin Online (http://darwin-online.org.uk/) the world's most widely used resource on Charles Darwin. He lectures on Darwin and evolution around the world.

Read more about Dr John van Wyhe at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_van_Wyhe

2) What makes a scientific truth

By Dr Mathia Lee

Description: This talk will be about how science is practiced in the real world and how it shapes truth as we believe it.

Speaker: Dr Mathia Lee got her PhD studying how embryos develop at the molecular level. She has since gone on to do research in public health. The longer she stays a scientist, the less she believes in truth.

3) Of Insect French-Ticklers and Sex Bombs: The Role of Sexual Selection in Evolution

by Ang Yuchen

Description:The physical differences between men and women are few in number: body hair, breast development, musculature, and of course the primary sexual organs. Not so, however, in the animal kingdom. Take the male black scavenger fly, who has evolved large French tickler-like brushes on its abdomen to stimulate females during courtship. Or consider the male syllid polychaete worm, who fires off autonomous ‘mini-mes’ that find and swarm with other similar projectiles, exploding in a glorious orgy of sperm and eggs. These and countless other morphological adaptations are the result of sexual selection pressures. Alongside viability selection, aka survival of the fittest, sexual selection is being realised as an important evolutionary force, one that may drive the majority of speciation. In this talk, Yuchen Ang will introduce us to the science of sexual selection, show some stirring insect pornography, and offer exploratory remarks on the human male fixation with all things weenie-shaped.

Speaker: Yuchen is halfway into his PhD candidature at NUS, in the field of evolutionary biology. His research interest is in sexual selection, particularly how it has influenced the evolution of morphology between sexes. In between trekking into remote areas with a net in search of field samples, he spends the majority of his time staring into the tiny world of entomology via a microscope.

Vigil for Salman Taseer (in Singapore), Sunday 23rd January

(Via the Singapore Humanist Meetup)

An SHM member, Ali Zaidi, is holding a candlelight virgil for Salman Taseer, the assassinated governor of the Pakistani province of Punjab. Details:

Candlelight Virgil for Salman Taseer

23 January, Sunday
About 5-7pm (timing to be confirmed again)
Botanic Gardens
Open to public, to all races and religions
Contact: Ali Zaidi at taqi-zaidi@hotmail.com

**Salman's oldest daughter, Sara, will be coming to the virgil. Another daughter, Shehrbano, also wrote a commentary on the New York Times about her father's death.

What is it about:
Salman was shot by his own bodyguard on January 4th, 2011. In the months before his death, Salman had angered religious extremists in Pakistan because he challenged the blasphamy law in Pakistan. He defended a Christian woman from from an impoverished family was convicted of blasphemy and was handed down death sentence. This created an uproar in a society driven by extreme religious fervor and religious scholars issued edicts calling for his assassination.

Ali wishes to pay homage to a man that upheld the highest standards of human rights, was a paladin of secularism in a country where the very word has a derogatory term. He hopes to get people from diverse ethnic, religious and national backgrounds to come forward to pay a tribute in the most solemn way possible. If you are interested, please join us this Sunday evening.


Addendum: Belated update (sent at 1:05 pm on Sunday)

"The candlelight virgil for Salman Taseer at Botanic Gardens is unconfirmed. I have not been able contact Ali Zaidi and he has some problems getting a police permit for the virgil. For those who are planning to attend the virgil, do not come down to Botanic Gardens this evening. We are sorry for the sudden turnaround. "

Migrant Experience: A Photo Exhibition

"Some editors are failed writers, but so are most writers" - T. S. Eliot

***

(this post has been post-dated by 48 hours)

Migrant Experience: A Photo Exhibition
A Project by Bukit Batok Hostel
18-19 Dec 2010, Bukit Batok Community Library

Migrant Experience, a photo exhibition by the boys of Bukit Batok Hostel will open on December 18 2010 at Bukit Batok Community Library.

Every Sunday, migrant workers from all over Singapore gather at Little India. While most Singaporeans spend this day elsewhere resting and relaxing with family and friends, the streets of Little India are crowded with bustling and vibrant activity.

18 Dec is International Migrants’ Day, an occasion that commemorates the contributions of migrant workers to societies and economies in many countries in the world today. On this meaningful day, we present Migrant Experience, a photo exhibition that takes a closer look at how migrant workers spend their free time in a home away from home, bringing sights and sounds otherwise often overlooked closer to ordinary Singaporeans

Migrant Experience showcases forty photographs taken by some twenty boys aged 17-20 from Bukit Batok Hostel, a residential programme for young male probationers.

The exhibition is part of a service-learning project organized by a team of student-teachers from the National Institute of Education (NIE). It started off as a workshop in basic photography skills, as a way to equip and empower the boys with a useful skill.

We came to realize the power of photography to reveal one’s unique perspective of the world, and its ability to capture social truths. Thus, we envisioned Migrant Experience, which provides a worthy avenue for the boys’ work, and also raises awareness about migrant workers, an integral but largely undervalued group in our society.

check out our website for more details: migrantexperience.wordpress.com

Raffles Stands with Jairus

Dear Raffles Alumnus,

As you might already have heard or read from the papers, Jairus Ang Jun Heng from the Class of 2009 and former boys' captain of the school's Canoeing team was attacked by a gang of robbers while on his way home from Kallang MRT station on 29th May at around midnight. Jairus sustained many injuries and had to undergo many operations.

Six weeks on, most of his wounds have healed and he has been discharged. However, his four fingers were amputated. Despite the physical and emotional pain, Jairus remains a fighter- staying positive and refusing to give up on his dreams.

The school has launched a Fund, open to contributions from the school community, to help his family with the medical bills and cost of future therapy and treatment. Cash and cheque contributions are welcome. Please address cheques to “Raffles Institution” with “Funds for Jairus” on the back, and mail it in to the school. For cash donations, please walk in to drop off your donation at the Student Affairs Centre at Blk D of Raffles Institution (Yr 5-6 campus) anytime between 8 am to 5.30 pm.

Over and above financial support, the Fund is a token of the school's undivided support for a fellow Rafflesian during these difficult times. Let us stand with Jairus and his family, so they may know that they are not alone in the long journey to recovery that lies ahead.

Thank you very much for your kind attention and generous support. For more information, please contact Canoeing Teacher Mentor, Mr Koh Say Yong at sayyong.koh@ri.edu.sg or Girls' Canoeing Captain 2008-09, Ms Quek Xin Er at quek_xin_er@yahoo.com.

Regards,
Raffles Alumni Portal Administrator
Raffles Institution
One Raffles Institution Lane
Singapore 575954


On my suggestion, they hve also set up a Paypal account:

"Good news! our school recently set up a PayPal payment facility. Our registered email address with PayPal is peggy.lee@ri.edu.sg. So if you have a Paypal account, you can make a donation to "Fund for Jairus""

Talk on Bond Breaking (28th August)

"Few people think more than two or three times a year; I have made an international reputation for myself by thinking once or twice a week." - George Bernard Shaw

***

Through email:


Hello,

I am Ailian and I am a bondbreaker. I worked at MAS for a year. Since then, my career has brought me to places such as investment banking at Goldman Sachs and an extremely cool social investing gig.

I have received quite a few requests over the years from scholars who want advice on bondbreaking. As you can imagine, bondbreaking is a topic I am very passionate about. When I first considered breaking my bond, I remember being very frustrated, angry, sad, cheated by the system, confused, and scared. I also remember really wishing there were people - former bondbreakers - I could talk to about this major life-changing decision I was trying to make. So having been there, I've responded to just about every request for advice from wannabe bondbreakers. It means a lot to me to pay it forward. This is my idea of public service. (Try explaining that to the PSC.)

It has recently occurred to me that I can do more than just advise people one-off. Also, there must be many more wannabe bondbreakers out there that I can help. So I am trying out a new project. I'm going to give a 90-minute session on bondbreaking. I will also run it as a mini fundraising event.

What this talk is about:
I will share my bondbreaking story and my career progression since then. I will talk about your options if you are unhappy with being bonded. I will share some advice on how to search and apply for jobs.
I will share my perspective on careers. You will get plenty of time to ask your questions, so please come armed with questions.
(Note: this talk is NOT about how you can fund your bondbreaking. This talk is also NOT about persuading you to break your bond. I have never regretted my decision, but to break or not is entirely your decision.)

Date: Aug 28 (Sat), 4.00pm - 5.30pm
Location: TBD (probably somewhere in the northeast of SG)
Cost: $20 / person
All proceeds go to Charity: Water (minus fees for booking a location).

This talk will happen if I get sufficient response. I will do it if at least 5 people sign up and will cap it at 10 people. Feel free to fwd to friends who might be interested.

To RSVP, email me at straightlinedep@gmail.com by Aug 20 (Fri) with your name, email, scholarship board and graduation year. All info will be kept entirely confidential. :)

Best,
Ailian