the2ndrule Issue 35
the2ndrule
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Jan 2003 email edition
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web edition: http://the2ndrule.com
Contents
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0. Edit
1. Instant Cafe Radio Episode 13 [Koh Beng Liang]
2. FIN. [Nicholas Liu]
3. "it's just a damn t-shirt" - interview with Hooked Clothings [Shannon Low]
4. Joboy Kit [Shannon Low]
5. Non dimenticar [Daren Shiau]
6. Bearbricks are Dangerous! Series 3 [Shannon Low]
7. Last Parade [Loo Zihan]
8. parental guidance advised [Michelle Low]
Edit
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Stalin: "A single death is a tragedy, a million deaths is a statistic."
And four deaths is...?
At some psychological level the four girls must have accepted that risk of death at sea. This is something that comes with the profession, something accepted, like the burnt weekends, the regimentation, that unreasonable increase in insurance premiums. What they probably did not expect was to die in the line of duty. But then again they probably died in their sleep, saving them that fictional flash of life in front of their eyes, that hopeless gasping for air. At least we hope so.
They are the unintentional victims of the greater political manoeuvres, literally wrong place, wrong time. The television snippets of their funerals tug at our tragedy-tuned heartstrings. Yet no-one forced them to be there. Greater tragedies occur, regularly, to those who have no choice but to do their service to the country. What if we televised the funeral of every 18-year-old suicide? Or published every death or serious injury from "human error"? Are these the hidden costs in the Mindef budget?
I have utmost respect for these girls and their families, they have given the ultimate sacrifice to the nation. What I am saying is that perhaps we should reconsider the cost of protecting our economic and political sanctity. Our military is glibly portrayed (in that expensive branding exercise that is "Army 21") as a deterrent force, a force of last resort, a decisive force.
What decision has the military made on terrorism? No matter how many fanatics get arrested, there will always remain that residue of fear. It takes but one elusive to set off a bomb. A modern army equipped with infrared goggles cannot fight an enemy it cannot see. It is laughably ironic that the white paper reports show that the detainees had innovatively combined doctrine from the Al-Qaeda training manuals with what they had learnt in their own NS military training. Thus, indirectly, our military has sponsored terrorism.
What deterrence has the military provided against the force of rumour and rhetoric? Aren't foreign newspapers afraid that we might send an airstrike on their offices? Why is it that the buildup of close relations through the years with our friends across the border can disintegrate so easily? I shudder to think what slurs could be put in the mouths of our actresses. We cannot seriously believe that we could carry off, in the long run, a Rambo-style Israeli strategy. Besides, we do not have animosity dating back to the bronze age.
Consistently the risks to our security have been viewed as external, to the point that even those arrested in the name of internal security are said to be puppets of external demons. It is as our population is too docile to produce our own dissidents. (Were not our nation builders originally dissidents?). It is always us-against-the-world. We tend to forget that relatively recently, there was no "us". The breeding of a seige mentality is not helpful as it neither allows the building of good ties with neighbours, nor is it a good basis for our own cohesion. The recent events have built a new surge of patriotism, but before we drink from that groundswell of nationalistic pride, perhaps we should be careful about angrily waving these paper agreements and talking emotionally about sovereignty. The best military in the world cannot defeat a recession. If we are truly concerned about the economy, we have to work together, as partners, build strong ties, and explore opportunities together.
Let us not let those sacrifices be in vain.
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This tragic issue is dedicated to:
Mary Hansen of Stereolab
Maurice Gibbs of The Bee Gees
Joe Strummer of The Clash
Rick Husband, William McCool, Michael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla, David Brown, Laurel Clark and Ilan Ramon, crew of Space Shuttle Columbia
1SG Seah Ai Leng, 1SG Heng Sock Ling, 2SG Chua Bee Lin, CPL Goh Hui Ling, crew of RSS Courageous
---
Please send your comments, suggestions and contributions to:
editor@the2ndrule.com
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2ndrule team : Koh Beng Liang, Shannon Low, Benety Goh, Russell Chan, Alfian Bin Sa'at, Jason Tong, Judith H
Contributors : Nicholas Liu, Daren Shiau, Loo Zihan, Michelle Low
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Instant Cafe Radio Episode 13
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This episode is dedicated to those who have dedicated their lives to music. You will rock on forever. In our hearts.
http://the2ndrule.com/issues/issue35/instantcafe.html
- Selection and mix by Koh Beng Liang
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SHENG BEI
A new work, commissioned for the Huayi Festival by The Esplanade Theatres on the Bay. Choreographed and performed by the newly-formed dance group Ah Hock and Peng Yu.
6-8 Feb 2003, 2 performances daily 8pm and 9.30pm
Waterfront - Forecourt (facing the Padang)
Free admission
check out: http://www.ahhockandpengyu.org
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FIN.
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I.
smell the fire: this
is pitch-song. fastitocalon drowns
in a bowl of fire: his
own sweet smell betrays him.
II.
she is the sort born too late.
an earlier age would offer more
to rage against: cf. the burning of bras
cf. the raping of locks
and oh, oh the joys
of picketing the makers of whale-bone corsets.
III.
I eat the flesh and skin and eyes
of fish sadly unschooled
out of their bass natures.
I take inventory:
sockets, rami, branchial arches
muscle, cartilage, pectoral
fin
pelvic, dorsal, anal, caudal
fin fin fin fin fin fin
fin
flesh and skin and eyes.
IV.
fastitocalon passes
water passes fire passes
wind and notes and burns in schools:
you can hear it
but is it keening or siren-song? fastitocalon
drowns in fire.
V.
It is failing of school system! Come, we have
beautiful time. Collon is make crisp and bright,
for your benefit:
Harmony! Artistic! Providence!
Do try our Nippon.
VI.
But during the above speech the play fades, overtaken by dark and music.
FIN.
- Nicholas Liu
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On Saturday night, June 15, 2002, I stopped at Jay's Diner: an original 1950s outdoor diner the size of a walk-in closet with about eight stools curved around it. I sat down with my back to traffic and ordered a double chili cheeseburger. To my left an obese gentleman bit into a hamburger. Addressing no one in particular, he announced that he had just ordered a hamburger instead of a hot dog for the very first time since he began eating dinner here in 1950. Glancing at the only two options on the menu I inquired why after so many years he had changed his mind. He thought for a moment and said, "I don't know."
- Greg Marcks, director of 11:14
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"it's just a damn t-shirt" - interview with Hooked Clothings
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the2ndrule talks to Alex @ Hooked Clothings, a Singapore t-shirt label bringing funky design and social discourse to the streets on walking canvases.
t2r: Tell us about the new shop you opened at Far East Level One.
Alex: Far East is our first retail shop since our inception more than a year ago. With this shop we hope to get closer to our client base, to be accessible as well as to have a ready platform where we can get feedback from the people who look and wear our tees.
t2r: What, if any, were the difficulties you faced?
Alex: We do not have background in business - we are designers (graphics, interior). So of course on top of finding designs that work on t-shirts, we have to learn how to manage a business. To get the capital for the biz and shop, we had to pool our financial resources together - leaving us with not much day to day. But we are not complaining, we love doing what we do.
t2r: Tell us about yourself. Why did you choose fashion?
Alex: I am a design graduate from NAFA. after graduating, I worked in a post-production and design house. it was only middle of last year that I decided to start Hooked Clothings. I thought it would be cool to see my designs on t-shirts. Plus when I was in school I learnt silk screen printing from some friends. My first few collections were hand-printed by me at home. That was a good learning experience.
t2r: Could a person own too many t-shirts?
Alex: Never. T-shirts are great. You can wear it anywhere and almost everywhere. It's like a second skin.
t2r: How do you think t-shirt design plays a role in political discourse?
Alex: Without people being aware, the t-shirt is a great tool for social and political discourse. I can basically put anything, any message, any design on a t-shirt. My designs reflect my thoughts about icons, people, issues....... And people who buy these designs may buy it cos they think it looks cool, or even that they agree with the statement that I make. By wearing my t-shirts out, they spread the message and my toughts around. It's a walking billboard.
t2r: What is your message to the young people out there?
Alex: Just believe in yourself. You can do anything you want when you put your mind to it. And as for that t-shirt you love - it's just a damn t-shirt................. Word
http://the2ndrule.com/issues/issue35/alextees.html
- Shannon Low
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Check out the latest designs at their new shop!
Hooked Clothings
14 Scotts Road
Far East Plaza #01-30
Singapore 228213
Tel: 6341 9175
http://www.hookedclothings.com/
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Joboy Kit
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Introducing... Joboy kit! Create your own Joboy, and then make him some friends! Fully posable and customisable!
Contest: Make your own Joboy and send it in (jpg) to editor@the2ndrule.com to win a limited edition Joboy poster!
download your Joboy kit now!:
photoshop version : http://the2ndrule.com/issues/issue35/joboy/joboykit01.psd
jpg version : http://the2ndrule.com/issues/issue35/joboy/joboykit01.jpg
- Shannon Low
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If so many spam offers weren't totally bogus, Hotmail users would be incredibly well-endowed, slim people with plenty of hair who make big money working at home when they aren't having great sex provoked by free porn and herbal Viagra.
- Wired News 9 Jan 2003
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Non dimenticar
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Singapore and Malaysia were featured on The Amazing Race today. I wanted to call you immediately but forgot the international dialling code for Ipoh and couldn't remember where I put that hotel note pad where you scribbled it on. It was only later that I realised it may not have been telecast at the same time where you are. At Central Station, the train was bound for "Singapura". Is that how you refer to Singapore too? One thing that annoyed me about today's episode was when the commentator introduced the fountain at Suntec City. He said that this was a fountain "which water locals belief will bring good luck and fortune". So now people will think that Singapore is a backwater village in the middle of the South China Sea or Indochina or China or whatever. Anyway, we know what we think of these good luck charms right, Becky? I remember the snake show in Bangkok the last time I saw you two years ago. We were told that a touch of the serpent would bring a lifetime of wealth and you asked "Then why does the snake keeper still have to work as a snake keeper?" Ha ha. I'll always remember that. Vito and Jill, the American couple, got eliminated in today's Singapore leg. As they were rushing to the pit stop at Mount Faber, Jill said something unforgettable to Vito which sounded more like a warning for his heart than a traffic caution: "Baby, be careful driving on the wrong side of the road".
- Daren Shiau
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BEIJING - Remorse was the last thing on Gao Yang's mind after stabbing his English teacher 40 times with a fruit knife. Defiant to the end, the 16-year-old left a note after his shocking act in Shandong last September that said: "I owe the world nothing."
- Straits Times, 12 Jan 2003
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Bearbricks are Dangerous! Series 3
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Bearbricks create a monster!
http://the2ndrule.com/issues/issue35/bb3.html
- Shannon Low
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"I don't see the Brooklyn Bridge or the Statue of Liberty as the real targets. At the end of the day people would be angry if you blew up the Statue of Liberty, but it's not frightening."
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Last Parade
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lets pretend
we are camouflaged action superheroes.
Their ample annual coverage
an advertisement for chiseled cheekbones
stony stares
same-styled bristled buzzcuts
body squared to the front
stomachs in, chest out.
Plastic legs shoulder width apart.
A public display of their self assured, sizable manhood
Customer satisfaction guaranteed.
we pretend
Her blanketed night sky is concealing
expressions of non expression.
Tensingly untensed facial muscles.
She aids us in our quest for tactical defense.
Her winking eyes
Tempting an exodic retrograde into anonymity.
We wriggle our minefield treading toes within paraded boots,
An absurd act of defiance.
they pretend.
That by casting us into eurhythmics performing,
ethics preaching wax figurines.
We would be lesser beings.
At least in their eyes.
So that they can pat each other on their backs,
relishing in comforted knowledge.
Shutting our windows into their souls in peaceful deception,
enjoying the recession into guiltless sleep.
I pretend.
Our arms are so close
that the hairs on the back of our forearms
are speaking to each other on electrostatic terms.
Dead cells questioning each other,
perplexed
as to why their living counterparts refuse to register
each others presence?
But what do dead cells know?
They are but a shadow of what they use to be,
clinging on to living pores,
desperately dreading the imminent prospect of shedding,
and existing as an individual.
A whole part
instead of part of a whole.
- Loo Zihan
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Yang tinggi ke kanan, yang rendah ke kiri, dalam satu barisan, Paras! Dari kanan, angka satu dua bilang! Nombor ganjil satu langkah ke hadapan, nombor genap satu langkah ke belakang, Gerak! Orang yang di sebelah kanan diam. Nombor ganjil ke kanan, nombor genap ke kiri, barisan ke kanan dan ke kiri Pusing! Jadikan tiga barisan, Cepat Jalan!
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parental guidance advised
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boy don't stick your hand out of the window
so dangerous
never use your commonsense
lorry pass by chop it off then you know
ya chop it off
like my neighbour lah
one arm man
we all so scared of him
you think i bluff you ah
no hand how to eat how to work how to live
so ugly nobody want to marry you
boy
put your hand inside
now
you stupid boy
you still dowan to listen?
i slap you then you know
give you one tight slap then you'll learn to behave yourself
nowsadays you children are so rebellious
in my time
you think i dare behave like you
one ear in one ear out
pretend not to hear
you think i don't know is it?
ha? what did you say?
you stupid boy
how can you be so rude to your mother?
you want me to slap you?
dowan?
then you better shut up and listen to me
my mother ah
tell you one time don't listen
okay she keep quiet
wait and see
tell you one more time still don't listen
kena slap until got red marks
rub hot chilli in the mouth
use belt and beat
beat till you all blueblack
cry? cry lor
who ask you not to listen?
i tell you
your generation dam lucky
you don't have to go through all that
boy what are you doing
why are you sticking your head out
you want to end up like chicken rice chicken is it
stupid boy
i said
put it inside
boy
listen to me
boy
what are you doing
boy
boy
BOY
BOY
BOY
- Michelle Low
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Dear Daddy,
I write you in spite of years of silence.
You've cleaned up, found Jesus, things are good or so I hear.
This bottle of Steven's awakens ancient feelings.
Like father, stepfather, the son is drowning in the flood.
- Weezer, "Say It Ain't So"
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* 2ndrule t-shirts *
Non-uniform of the guerilla army. Now available at S$20 each.
Sizes: Girls (28,30), Boys (40,42)
http://the2ndrule.com/issues/issue24/2rtshirt.html
Please send your orders to editor@the2ndrule.com
FIN. (c) 2003 Nicholas Liu
Non dimenticar (c) 2003 Daren Shiau
Last Parade (c) 2003 Loo Zihan
parental guidance advised (c) 2003 Michelle Low
