YOG 2010 Cheer - IT IS NOT A REFLECTION OF OUR YOUTH!!



This song/cheer or whatever they wanna call it, has single-handedly made us a laughing stock among the youth of the world. Does this really reflect the Singapore youth? Is this the kind of standard of creativity we have in Singapore. After spending millions of dollars on Arts Festival, Youth Day Celebrations, Street Festivals, etc...... is this the best we can come out with??

Maybe I need some enlightenment from the marketing or selection team of the YOG. Which part of this video is gonna motivate the youth? Which part of this video reflects the creativity, spontaneity and talents of our REAL youth? Who the hell is heading the YOG marketing team. Are they volunteers also?

I got a feeling that the marketing team are the same people who did the SHENG SIONG tv advert..... (the one where aunties and uncles dab their chest twice and point their fingers at you...) WTF!!!!!

One thing for sure is, this is the same problem that most corporate companies are facing. They refuse to listen to the focus group that matters. Decision makers decide on what they think is right for them, but not for the occasion, situation, passion or perception.

The synchronized dancing with the 'fire-ball' thingy..... what the hell was that all about??!! Do they really think that our youth are still into the 'fire-ball' games, videos and characters?? Do they actually know what our youths are doing or achieving right now?? Or are they (the marketing team) doing all these based on their own experiences??

Whatever it is....... this cheer/song is a total embarassment. I think I speak for those who have worn the nations colours for such events. This video is demoralizing and a total embarassment to our youth's talents and creativity. I know at least a dozen young people who are capable of producing a better melody, song, beat....... and more than a dozen more who can choreograph a better cheer.


This is a much better video...... at least the youth can relate to and have fun with it.

Back in the Day.....




Last nights gig on the catamaran was mediocre. Nothing great happening, it was just like a 'passing-cloud'.... something that I do to pass time. What's great about it was, it was like a small reunion among the 'staffers'. Yes it is.

Last night's event was emceed by Justin Mission, backed by his DJ Patrick, and I came in to 'rock-the-boat' (so cliche right!) Well, it was actually a 21st birthday party of a rich-kid. Daddy rented a catamaran for the whole day for her close friends, they got Justin to emcee and me to do the party set. I know what you thinking....... Birthday party of a 21-yr old, for about 30 pax on a catamaran with Justin Mission as emcee??!! Apparently, Daddy didn't spare anything for his only daughter. He wanted the best of the best on her 21st birthday party. Oh, I forgot to mention. There was also an acoustic band, who had to stop after 2 songs during their last set. The band had to make way for........... Yours truly. (ok, I'm an asshole) Not really, maybe I look better than 3 of them.

Anyway, it was fun for us, coz, after so many years, Justin, Najee and myself found ourself together again doing what we use to do many years ago during the mobile disco days. And for the record, nothing much has change since the 'golden days'. Justin's DJ, Patrick, is still one of the best mobile jock to have supported any emcee. As for Justin, some people would argue that the bald-headed-crazy-muthafarker overcharge his services. If you are one of the most sort-after emcees in the region, would you start charging such amount? Furthermore, he works very hard for himself to command the respect and adoration from the corporate people. Nothing wrong with that. If you notice I keep swearing and cursing Justin in this post, it is because that's how we communicate to each other all these while...... since 15 yrs ago or maybe more. That's like, since the Victor Khoo days.

In all, we had a good time despite the ignorants of the birthday girl's friends. For the record, I was engaged to strictly play HOUSE (as requested by the birthday girl). As you would have guessed, that didn't happen. Then again, for a 2-hr gig at $1.2k......... it's all good.

Now, need to get new kicks.

Just got a phonecall.......... it says,

"Please stop what you're doing!! It's ruining our business!! You don't belong here!!"

Err........ what?? What did I do? Selling cheap stuff? Why can't I do that? I have all the products, they're in good condition. What am I gonna do with them? Keep? I have to eat and survive and feed my family. Why are you people stopping me? Are you gonna feed me and my family? Do you have those stuff to sell? NO. Do you know how to sell those stuff? NO. Did you try selling those stuff? NO. Do you want to sell those stuff? NO.

"Then, why can't I do all that??"

Everybody wants to have and sell the hottest product - Pioneer CDJ2000. Go sell la. What about those DJs who deserve their own console according to their budget? Why should we deprive them of such needs? First you people talk about wanting to do for the DJ scene, then, you people overcharge and lie about lots of things just to make a few bucks. Contradicting??

Why do you think that I'm a threat? I may not even last a full year. I'm may just be passing by. These 'lelong' exercise is not gonna make me a millionaire. So, just chillax and let others breathe for a couple of minutes. I'll be gone before you know it.

And by the way, please pay back what you owe. You're a bad paymaster.

CRAZY SALE 'Firmware Update' Version 1.2

Oh well, due to unexpected response and overwhelming request, I had to give away more crazy-deals for the 'underground' DJ scene. 'Underground' because I found out that there are many out there looking for tools to satisfy their music-needs. Mostly don't want to go 'there' anymore and wanting to see something fresh. Thats really refreshing to here.

I guess most of them bedroom-jocks prefer buying from 'real' people, 'real' jocks. I'm glad to have shared my knowledge and experience especially to these people whom I called CRAZY farkers.......... One of them is called Jay, from the Gurkha Contingent.

Jay came to the showroom to see and learnt a thing or two about DJ-ing and it's equipments. We had a good 15mins talk about the art of DJ-ing, then I went to introduce to him the DNS3500. 5 mins into the product intro, Jay stopped me and told me to pack the CD players, and a DNX1500 mixer. SHIT!! I thought he was kidding. I packed the whole console and helped him to the cab.

The moral of the story.......... 'regardless of race, language or religion; so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our SHIETTTTTT!!!!!!!!

And btw, today this lil' girl Vannesa bought the DNS3700 console with DNX300 and DNHP700. Watchout for this girl. I'll make sure she's ready for the bigger console by National Day. (I didn't say which year ah!)

After 10 years of working under the former head honchos of LeisureWorks, Ardan Peddell and Heather Seow, recently I left to explore and conquer my own pastures. Together with me, I brought the experience and knowledge that I gained during my stint with them.

Recently, I had an opportunity to be part of a research team which consists of audio engineers from all over Asia, acoustic engineers, club installers, DJs and magazine critics, comparing, researching some DJ audio products. Actually, there were few other products that we were testing on but one particular product really stood out and attracted the attention of the panel of researchers. Since it was an independant research team, we had the freedom to talk and write about the truth without having any obligation to suck on anyone's balls. At least that was what I was told as the law in that country says so!!

So, here it is....... the comparison between Denon DJ's DNX1700 and Pioneer's DJM800 – internationally-acclaimed club mixer, and the choice of DJs (at least 50%) all over the world. The other 50% are shared by Allen & Heath, Rane, Denon DJ, Ecler, Vestax and many other brands.

I've summarize the findings to make it 'idiot-proof' and easy-to-understand for the masses.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (apart from being a standard DJ mixer)

• The DNX1700 is without a doubt the most versatile and best-sounding 4-channel, fully digital DJ mixer on the planet today.

• World's first professional DJ mixer with Audiophile 32-Bit DAC output. (DAC – Digital-Analog-convertor)

• USB Midi Interface :Controls any DJ software with mapping capabilities on a PC/MAC.

• 24Bit 94kHz USB 2.0 Audio Interface (Soundcard) 4 in/out (Stereo)

• 2 independant Effectors with 12 FX available for each sending channel (EFX Send 1 and 2) EFX includes Echo Loop, Phaser, Beatbreaker

• 3.5 inch TFT colour display with animated easy navigation

• Tradiotional High performance Denon rugged construction with Studio quality components and specifications (Made In Japan)

Other notable points.....

• Matrix input assignments for Line/Phono and selectable USB Audio, Digital Input

• Discrete FET Phono Preamp, discrete Mic circuit, discrete headphone amp

• Independant 3-Band isolator EQ with kills (High-Mid-Low)

• 2-way EFX parameter filter (LPF/HPF)

• 60mm CP studio quality Alps K-Type channel faders and 45mm tension adjustable cross fader, FLEX FADER.

• Dual layer control (Midi and Normal Audio)

• 2 Mic Input with Ducking level control

• Dual Power transformer construction for best possible audio specifications (Digital/Analog sections)

• Extensive Utility menu to customize user settings

• Preset Import/Export function my USB memory device (transport ur user setting to another X1700 mixer)

• Limiter ON/OFF function with adjustable threshold (this fucntion is a favourite for club installers)

FAQ/ Frequently Ask Questions .........

• Is the internal firmware upgradable? Yes, from a thumb drive. Enhacements will be made based on user feedbacks, and release on the web.

• What platforms does it support for USB audio? Windows XP SP2/Vista (ASIO driver provided), Mac OSX 10.5.7

• Will there be an optional rotary knob kit available? There no plans for rotary knob at this time.

• Can I use MIDI capable software? Yes, standard MIDI mapable applications.

COMPETITOR Model (explained) – PIONEER DJM800

• No internal Soundcard

• No USB Midi for DJ software control

• Only 1 FX bank

• No colour display

• No Limiter function

• No Matrix source switching

• No Audio/Midi layer function

• 3-positioned channel contour (Denon DJ has a very detailed VR)

• 45mm channel faders (Denon's 60mm Alps K-series faders and FLEX FADER)

• No channel reverse

• No A/B crossfader cut-adjustment

• No 44.1kHZ Digital Output

• 24 Bit output DAC (Denon – 32 Bit output DAC)

• No EQ kill, No EQ ring illumination

• No headphone EQ

• No dual CUE mode (Solo/Mixed)

• No USB preset data saving

• No Utility Mode

In Summary

With all the advantages and disadvantages between the 2 DJ mixers, it is not in any way that the Pioneer DJM800 is a bad mixer, nor the Denon DJ DNX1700 is an over-the-top mixer. Personally, I don't think that the DNX1700 will take over the club-mixer market. It all depends on each individual club's set-up, concept, genre of music and most importantly, the DJ's preference or knowledge of his or her trade. Just look at the Denon DJ's DNS3700 media player. It has already proven to be the better product than the Pioneer CDJ1000 series and equivalent to the over-priced CDJ2000. Yet, it has remain an outcast for most club DJs. Why?? How about going back to basics. The basics of marketing, product introduction and training to the end-users.

DNS3500 and DNX1500 in action. This whole set is going at SGD$1098 (incl. headphones). Check them out at .............

Embrace Showroom
2 Kallang Pudding Rd
Mactech Industrial Bldg.
#06-14, Singapore
Tel : +65 92990246

*viewing by appointments only........

X'mas came early....??



Don't worry, I'm not opening another DJ shop........ Look at me as another AliBaba or Robin Hood...... furthermore, why deprive them of owning a DJ set?? Whether you can or can't mix, that's really subjective to the listener. In fact, if we're lucky.... we might just find another talent. C'mon..... be positive!! I'm not a competitor. Like I said in FACEBOOK recently......

"DJ-ing is like SEX - Everybody wants to do it, everybody knows how to do it, everybody thinks they're better than anybody and Everbody has something to brag how they did it....!! I rather be the one selling the condoms."

Maybe next month, I'll do promos on handphones....... or Apple stuffs. Watchout......

The above is the 'supposedly' multi-racial music video for the Singapore pavilion at the World Expo. Even the pavilion is shaped like a music box. The message from the Singapore pavilion is to showcase the 'other-side' of Singapore's sub-culture, which is music and arts.

However, I have to agree with some of the netizens regarding the video. This is like telling 'some people'....... YOU FARKERS CAN WIN ALL THE SINGING COMPETITIONS AND SUCH, WE ARE STILL CALLING THE SHOTS, AND CONTROLLING THE BUSINESS. So, there you go.... more singing competition not to find better talents but help the Telco's, broadcasters and in-betweens, becoming instant billionaires. Vote some more la.....

On a different note, I would love to see Wicked Aura Batucada, Kumar, Jive Talking, street performers/artistes and struggling musicians in a 'real-music-video'..... something upbeat, and not sorrowful, emotional melodies. No disrespect to JJ, Steph and Tanya, I'm sure they deserved the accreditation. In fact, I was a fan of Tanya Chua until she traded her cowboy boots with the stilletos.

It would be fun to see a Filipino band singing a Mandarin song at the Pavilion. Then, the pavilion guides and Singapore representatives are all represented by staff from Shanghai and Beijing. No wonder I got stranded at San Fran airport for suspicion of holding a Singapore passport. Apparently, they claimed that I don't look 'Singaporean' to hold that passport.

Btw, to all those involved in the setting up and construction of the Singapore pavilion....... "Job well done!!" - you know who you are.

Is this happening to you.....??


The social networking site Facebook puts its users abreast of the activities of their contacts, but also can be a poison for relationships and, as revealed in a recent study, is increasing jealousy and tensions between their supporters.

According to the department of psychology at the Canadian University of Guelph, Facebook may lead to serious situations of jealousy with his continuous flow of information about what we do, who are friends and what photos appear.

After all, who would not ever wonder why a former boyfriend or girlfriend is among contacts of your partner? Or who is that blond or blond-appearing in a very friendly attitude in the photos of our husband or our wife?

"Facebook allows access to information that would otherwise not agree and this information often lacks context," he told Efe Amy Muise, one of the managers of the study at the University of Guelph.

The social network "is exposing more people to triggers of jealousy," he added.

The study, conducted among several hundred students of which a third were women, showed that social networking site Facebook can lure us into a spiral of distrust.

Thus, a banal comment on the profile of our partner made by a contact of the opposite sex can lead to suspicion and closely monitor their Facebook page ... only to find more information feel even more suspicious and jealous.

"Feelings of insecurity about your partner may cause behaviors inquisitive and Facebook is easy access to this information," said Muise.

In many cases, the "spy" can not even control what appears on their profile or can not quickly enough.

If an ex-boyfriend writes a comment on our wall or label us a photo, it may take some time before we realize it ... enough for your partner first and see what a fight erupts.

Muise says that psychologists and sociologists are beginning to understand how social networks affect personal relationships and cites the case of a woman who discovered that her boyfriend had broken up with her because she changed her Facebook status to "single."

After all, the Internet social networks are a relatively new phenomenon that still somehow we are adjusting.

Although today is already more than 250 million members, social networking site Facebook, for example, was until just three years ago a business network confined to the U.S. academic community.

Today, almost everyone we know are members of the network, including current and past our spouses, our bosses and coworkers and sometimes even our parents.

And so we continue to belong to the club at all costs, even if some masochism in seeing how our virtual cake groom sends his ex for his birthday.

"Facebook has become pervasive, especially among the age group of our study," said Muise. "Therefore, having a presence on the network can be an important aspect of our social life"

"The social networking site Facebook environment normalizes share information about us and access information from others, including our partners. And do not belong to the group may seem socially very risky," he added.

From a different perspective, if your partner would rather spent time with Facebook than yourself, chances are.....

1. you are now un-attractive
2. you are becoming a boring companion
3. Facebook is far more exciting than a human being
4. the computer don't give attitude
5. you don't give enough compliments than other Facebook users
6. Facebook is there 24hrs
7. you don't respond enough to your partner

In other words, don't blame your partner for turning to Facebook. First take a look at yourself and deliberate. Especially when you have more failed relationships than your partner.