Zoo

Wass all the big fuss about?

The Case for Youareben

I have been asked many times by my friends why did I choose to start a blog with someone who does not see eye to eye with me on most issues. These people were worried that our friendship might be further in doubt as we write articles with extrem polarity. Well, all these worries were definitely unfounded, and I shall take this opportunity to explain why Youareben is worth a read despite the difference in styles of the two editors.

We first met in 1996 and were bus stop buddies for almost four years. The friendship developed was long lasting, and even though we went to different JCs to pursue our high school education, we still kept in contact. However, I was astonished when I was not informed of my co-editor's mobile number change in 2002 and I only found out that he had done so when I tried to call him to wish him luck for his JCC in Brunei. Nonetheless, we hit it off again before we enrol in NUS and became the best of friends again.

During our college days, we often have heated discussion on almost every topic, from love clubs, elections, entertainment, KTV, to soccer, FM, and topics you wouldn't want to know. It is amazing that we were able to keep our cool after all the insults thrown to each other.

In early 2007, the idea of starting a blog to document out thought was mooted. We saw it as an avenue for us to vent our anger in the virtual world, something that we do not have the balls to do so in the real world, surely. Unfortunately, the blog degenerated into a Youtube affilate and was inactive for almost a year, until late 2007, when we decided to make a comeback. The rest, as they always say, is history.

Youareben has provided an alternative style to the overly crowed and contaminated blogosphere. Our promise to all of you is, as long as our laptops are working, we will pump in our thoughts at least once every month, and it will never, ever become a Youtube affilate again.

BATIGOL!!!

Who's your Daddy?

Hi Fans,

I shall begin this post with a warm hug to everyone (jia ds). Well, 2 weeks has passed since my previous post and I want to let all of you know that I miss all you people dearly. Apart from all the fun that I had for the past fortnight, I also enjoyed staying away from the torment of writing for this blog....

Jokes aside, I would like to congratulate Senator Barack Obama on winning the US Presidential Election and I am sure that he will be a better president than John McCain.

Batigol.

Here's a better name: Wing and Paul Mini Solo Concert Live 2008

Apart from the die hards, who in the right mind would spend $46 (Sing Dollars mind you) on a Beyond Next Stage T- shirt made from cotton? ( heard mayday sold theirs for $18)

Well, I would. Nah, I'm not that crazy. Money can be better spent elsewhere. like .....herm thats for another day.

Anyway, lesson learnt. Never go for a concert with a bagload of expectations. It would turn out disappointing any. I am giving my rating from the start this time round. Beyond Next Stage Live 2008 (starring Paul and Wing) scored a..................................... heartwrenching and frustrating 5 out of a possible 10.

Why it went well (5):

1. Performing classic songs like Wo Shi Fen Nu, Bu Zai You Yu, Hai Kuo Tian Kong and Hui Se Gui Ji ( and especially Jin Shu Kuang Ren and Zhen De Ai Ni);

2. Great performance from Wing's drummer from Japan (Frankie) who looked like he was on marijuana everytime he went solo with the drum set;

3. Fans singing along with the classics and shouting together at the right moments. (FAN ORK KEI FAN GAO LA!) [translated as 'eh go home and sleep la, u suck'];

4. Hearing a man old enough to be my dad shout 'KWONG FAI SOI YUET!' about 7 times whenever Wing and Paul ask for dedication and requests from the audience;

5. Seeing Paul in action live for the first time (roughly about the size of an adult lizard from where we were seated).

Why it was terok (5):

1. Singing in mandarin - I cringed in disgust everytime they did (overheard in audience: WHY SING DAI DEI IN MANDARIN!);

2. Bulk of the concert was made up of solo performances rather than the two performing together (bluff people money leh);

3. Performing songs from their solo albums rather than the familiar ones by Beyond that we have grown so attached to;

4. Getting cut out of pictures unintentionally (or intentionally ) and being branded as 'Passerby A';

5. Not allowed to bring in lens, and being taken as a fool by security personnel.

Maybe Leong Boon Hock (Liang Wen Fu ) could engage the audience better. Looking forward to the next concert on 29 Nov. Till then.

PS: My fellow editor will be flying in straight from Taiwan within the next two days. Special bulletin and exclusive interview from the horse's mouth to follow.

陣陷魂不滅　劍圍盡忠義

勇跡留青史　褒貶由誰定

血花飄桃紅　闖將誰能擋

家毀堪傷仇　志決成大業

殘存亦沒路　兵敗如山倒

where in the world is dawnson hew?

Official Statement

Hi Fans,
I will not be in town for the coming fortnight and I will not be responsible for any posts that are published during this period of time.


Please do contact my co-editor if you wish to clarify on my whereabouts. Fan mails will be strictly ignored.


Batigol.

chee chong fun and gai fun lor




























(just to push the wu hu post down)

点解

Selamat Hari Raya

The editors of Youareben would like to wish all our Muslim readers a happy Hari Raya and also to all Singaporeans a happy holiday.


-The Editors-

A Vision of Persistence

I have seen you many times, Mr Jeyaratnam, or may I affectionately call you Mr JBJ. I have seen you on the streets, waving your book and party newsletter in front of me. The last time I saw you in person was almost two years ago.

Even until the day you fell, never once did you give up.

It is a sad day for all Singaporeans. Look beyond the exhilaration of Formula One. Singapore has just lost one of her most hardworking sons.

Even though I do not believe in what you preach, I express my heartfelt admiration for your persistence in what you believe in.

Thank you for everything, Mr JBJ.

Rest in peace, The Hatchet Man of Singapore.

靓绝五台山

Is that really him?

Actually, the focus is not on the geek but the lady on his right. She was one of the most beautiful female artistes in HK back in her heydays. I remember her pretty face clearly from 大时代 and 大话西游. But now she is no longer 大 (in terms of popularity, mind you)

According to reports, she became mentally disturbed after a visit to Singapore when she was violated by a '娱乐圈大哥' from HK. Without posting her recent picture and scaring my dearest fans, you can see her 衰样 here. My deepest sympathy to Ms Lam.

Just to sum up what she had been through. From what I understand, two of her beaus committed suicide. An old and ugly retired lawyer promised to take care of her last year. But in fact, it was just a media stance to make himself famous. Without looking into the mirror, he had even stated that she was 'old and ugly' in front of her. And now, she is abandoned and taken as a joke in HK.

What is in store for this tragic figure? I hope someone will save her from her plight soon.

杰出国民

I was never a fan of F1. Even now, I'm not convinced even though the race is right smack at the Little Red Dot.

But somehow as I watched on, I found the night view of Singapore looking so much nicer while the cars are battling out in the race.

The Old Parliament House, Esplanade and even the highways filled being nosy drivers looking down at the race. I just wonder why Singaporeans always brag about their visits to this city in old Europe and that town in USA when they have something closer home they should be bragging about.

Not all pastures are greener on the other side.

By the way, 24th Singapore French Film Festival will be starting on 3 Oct. If keen, please contact your fat editor( I am not referring to Alex Man). Cheers.

- Your Fat Editor-