The Morning Jam - Power 98

(Editor’s note: I’ve just noticed how everything I’ve posted this year has been rather… er… yellow).

No it’s not some sort of innuendo - it’s just something that broke out on the air today. Shareen and I finally agree on something… we both detest FAT egg noodles. Especially in fish-ball noodles! 

Upon reflection though, Shareen realised that she does have exceptions to her disdain of this particular strain of noodle - she will miss it Hokkien mee.

I say, it’s collateral damage that must be accepted.

But what started out to be a fun little discussion on the air, then took on a bigger dimension when I posted it on my status on Facebook. There were even some serious health issues brought up about these noodles (someone is now on a lifetime of drugs because of eating them everyday - seriously).

And I just thought this would make a great T-Shirt slogan!

I’m going to look for somebody to make custom Ts for this one. We won’t be making any money from this I don’t think but it’d be funny to see how it turns out eh?

What do you think about this initial design?

Hi there! This is my first blog entry for the year, and yes, it’s going to be a little philosophical (or as Shareen would say - boring).

This year, I was at home for once to welcome the new year. It was because I had had my new year’s eve countdown engagement cancelled. Not having a gig on that one peak night was actually VERY frustrating - it’s like the 13th month bonus in the emceeing world. But not having a show to do meant that I was able to enjoy the company of a few good friends.

We turned on the TV at about a minute before midnight, watched the countdown and fireworks, unanimously agreed how bad the countdown show always managed to be, and then went back to Guitar Hero World Tour, wine and cheese.

And while all this happened… I also managed to make some money trading forex. All of which I would not have been able to do if I HAD a show that night.

I have been on occasion praised for and on others, accused of, being an opportunist.

Let me tell you, it is a badge I wear with PRIDE. And I would invite more people to join the club! Be open to the possibilities that are being offered to you. Look upon that great cheeseboard of fate and say, hell I’ll try that dried up date with this smelly fermented goat’s milk product… (which for the record is DE-LISH!)

Despite all the gloom that has been forecast for the year, I truly believe that 2009 will present a GREAT many opportunities to all of us. But many will miss them completely, because they weren’t looking out for them.

My wish for you this year - is that you recognize the amazing abundance of opportunity all around you.

Happy New Year!

It brings a tear to the eye…

But I really have to give her props for keeping at it. She is absolute proof that showbiz is more about perseverance than talent. In a way, that’s good news for us.

It’s been a while since I posted anything. And I wish it was something funny… But I think this is worth supporting. This is basically what I posted on Facebook as well, so I apologise if you have already read this…..

I got a call yesterday from a friend who sounded like she’d been calling just about everyone she knew. It turns out she had. And the reason she was in such a hurry was that she was literally racing against time…

A friend of hers is dying. And in some way, you have probably known him or at least his work. I’ve attached copied the details of the press release below…

———————

Michael Stanton, a consummate pianist, has been living and performing in Asia for the last eleven years. He’s performed with some of the top names in Asian jazz including Singapore’s “King of Swing” Jeremy Monteiro, Malaysian jazz drumming legend Lewis Pragasam, Jazz saxophonist Greg Lyons, percussionist Steve Thornton. He’s also played with local jazz legends Louis Soliano, Tama Goh, Paul Ponnodurai & Ernesto Valerio. Not to mention local jazz divas Jacintha, Marina Xavier, Claressa Monteiro, Anne Weerapass and Alemay Fernandez to name a few.

Michael’s career before coming to Asia is long and illustrious. He’s come a long way from his early years in Compton, California recording and performing with a stellar list of International superstars like Stevie Wonder Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Phyllis Hyman, Chaka Khan, Natalie Cole and Freddie Hubbard. He’s also an accomplished songwriter and producer having penned more than a few hits for Motown Records, Electra Records and Orion pictures. And he was also the original keyboard player on Stevie Wonder’s Songs In The Key of Life album released in 1977.
Michael first came to Singapore in 1997 when he was invited by his longtime friend, fellow musician and Compton native, Christy Smith who is the original bass player for Harry’s resident band Chromazone. He then went on to perform at the very popular Somerset Jazz Bar at the former Westin Stamford Hotel and decided to make Singapore his home. He’s been part of in-house bands at Harry’s Boat Quay, Swing@Cuppage Terrace, Raffles Hotel, Jazz@Southbridge and QuaruBar@Dempsey Hill.

Michael is suffering from a debilitating terminal illness that has weakened him very suddenly. Michael has touched so many people with his love for life and left a lasting impression through his music.

The Concert of Life for Michael Stanton hopes to raise funds to help cover his medical expenses and send him safely home to his family.

The Concert of Life will feature performances by his friends and fellow musicians 10 pc Jazz orchestra Omniform headed by saxophonist Greg Lyons, Ireson fronted by pianist Alina Ramirez, The Alemay Fernandez band and The Jackson Twinz and friends. Also featuring a host of local artistes and musicians.

The Concert of Life will be held at Harry’s @ Boat Quay started at 4pm this Sun 7/12/08

A minimun donation SGD$30.00 at the door for 1 drink and a great show.

We were chatting about the “Secret Santa” today when an idea crept into my head. And it was pure evil. (Mind you, it does not mean that I am evil, it just means that I have evil ideas - which fortunately I don’t act on… often).

Imagine if you were the boss of a company. You announce shortly before the Christmas season that there is going to be a very special Secret Santa promotion that you have decided to give a single $10,000 gift to someone in the company. That’s right, one person will receive a very nice bonus, just because.

But only on one condition… whoever received the bonus must never mention it to anyone else otherwise they forfeit it.

Then, on the appointed day, you DO NOT give anyone the money, but you DO send out an email to congratulate the unknown individual saying things like “you know who you are”.

Then sit back and watch human nature tear the group apart.

(Editor’s note: This is not supposed to be a recommendation in any way, it was just a freaky idea that popped into my head and it should therefore be treated as such).

This image was released prior to election day.

Organisers said it’s intended to remind US voters to: “Let the issues be the issue” instead of letting race get in the way.

I think I like McCain better black though :)

Listen for how the guys (in my opinion) are trying to let themselves get caught by dropping a few “wrong” names. The comments on the video are not my own. What do you think?

Some of you may be reading this after hearing about it on the show. Other’s may be on our RSS feed, so you would have seen this come up way earlier. Either way, it’s completely true.

Friday, 31st October, will be Hossan’s last day on our show.

I won’t go too much into the specifics here, but essentially it’s so that he can focus more on his passion - theatre. He’ll probably tell you more. Either on the show or here.

Both Shareen and I wish him all the best. I thought this would be a great place for you to send him your wishes.

This is really one of my favourite jokes. And I told it on the air, even though in off-air testing it wasn’t quite hitting the mark. I promised to put it on the blog, so here it is…

Man: “Doctor, doctor, I think I have a hearing problem”

Doctor: “Can you describe the symptoms?”

Man: “Well, it’s a show about a dysfunctional family. There’s Homer the father and Bart and Lisa are his kids…”

 

Well… whaddaya think?