[About this blog] Inspired by local soccer player Mike Lim during my rookie reporter days at Singapore Polytechnic, I set up this blog in August 2002. I feel that blogging is a novel platform to document interesting facets of my life and my thoughts on certain issues. [Email blogger] ephraim@singnet.com.sg

Saturday, April 22, 2006

[Finally the time has come]
It's going to be May 6. And yes, it's getting pretty hot in the elections battle.

But firstly, the photos that I promised.

Here's one. This was taken during the visit by Aljunied MPs Dr Ong Seh Hong and Yeo Guat Kwang.



And another of Minister of State for Finance and Transport Mrs Lim Hwee Hua during a dialogue on Progress Package.



It's no surprise. Some two weeks before the announcement we already know the date. I should have placed a bet with people. Just kidding.

It's going to be very interesting seeing the general elections unfold before my eyes. The nomination process. The voting process. The counting process. And the announcement of the winners.

And rest assured, my life will pretty be back to square one after May 6. Whether or not I will be busy depends on how the Hougang residents vote. You determine if I slog it out for the next year on just slack for one whole year - all in the hands of the residents.

I won't comment on anything political lest I get called up for tea. Or worse still, I have to get my blog registered with the Ministry of Communications and the Arts. That's what I call working within a set of guidelines.

Until next Thursday when I don my white on white ensemble.

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

[I love dragonboat]
Been spending my Saturdays training and learning the ropes of dragonboating.

And just Monday, I was informed that I would be in the oragnising committee for the NorthEast Dragonboating competition. More details in July.

Then week after week, the team rows and rows. Learning the method of rowing, the paddles up position and basic postures.

The team consists seconday school boys and university girls. And one working youth who may be going to enrol in university soon.



I must say the Bedok Reservoir is going to be hip in the next few months. Now all it needs is a food and beverage outlet by the water.



Adding to all that hard work is a new tan and a little muscle.

Sunday, April 09, 2006

[Indian New Year in Hougang]
My first event. Or can be considered co-event.

Planning for the big day was done some two weeks ago. And I'm pretty happy with the results.

Firstly, it's because we had a "special guest". And he was no other than Education Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam himself.



And secondly, it is because lots of media came.

There were close to 300 participants that night.

And other than food, there were dance performances and singing items - and I didn't understand any at all. But heck.



I enjoyed it. But the Senior Minister's visit was better because more carrots were dangled.

In fact, Senior Minister himself hinted that nomination day would fall after 22 April and that the elections would be called within the next four to six weeks.

So that's pretty good news for everyone - can take my off, can clear my leave and I can go for a holiday!

Saturday, April 08, 2006

[Counting down the weeks]
You hear it in the news. You hear it on people's lips. But many still do not know the date.

Insiders know that.

I have been working long hour days and this week is a particularly exciting and busy one.

Other than having dialogues, a milestone is the success of my third press release - finally media turned up. And not just one. I managed to get The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao, Channel NewsAsia and Tamil Murasu down. Plus, it is also my first ever event since taking over the committee from my Assistant Constituency Manager.

The turnout was pretty good. Photos soon.

Tomorrow, I'll be handling the media again for Senior Minister's second visit to Hougang. And that will have even more media coming down.

So full story tomorrow. Stay tuned.