So you want to be a female celebrity?

In the past couple of years I’ve had the opportunity to get to know many female “celebrities.” (I put that word in quotes because whether or not someone can truly be a celebrity in a place as small as Singapore is up for debate). I’ve witnessed some common behavior that I think will be useful for any female that would like to pursue the dream of being a Singapore star. A dream I also like to dub, “How to be worshipped while being broke.”

I proudly present…

So you want to be a female celebrity? Here are some guidelines that you must follow to project true celebrity status.

1. Never be seen taking public transport. Riding a bus or subway train is for everyone else who isn’t you.
2. When people ask what you’re working on, you’re either filming, in post-production, or about to start a new project. If you tell them the truth that you’re not working, your career is as good as dead.
3. You must bring a stylist, assistant, manager, and friend to any photo shoots or filming. Important people travel with an entourage. So what if they don’t actually do anything. You pay them for their company, not for services.
4. When you talk to the press, you tell them you don’t have a boyfriend because guys are scared to approach you and you’re hopelessly waiting for Mr. Right. If your current boyfriend ever wants to be seen in public with you, dump him; he will make you lose fans.
5. Choose your media personality: either a wholesome girl-next-door or a misunderstood bad girl / tomboy who is secretly a wholesome girl-next-door. In real life you’re most likely just boring.
6. Only go to a party where you’re getting paid to attend or getting something free. And leave as soon as possible, even if it’s fun. It’s not cool to stand there and be seen having a good time.
7. Emphasize how busy and stressful your life is. You deserve sympathy – after all for 20 minutes of acting you spend 4 hours sitting around doing nothing while they get the camera and scene ready.
8. You know all those people operating the camera and sound equipment? Don’t talk to them – not glam! You’re only supposed to talk to your co-stars and director.
9. Always give the illusion of wealth. You live at home because you are a filial daughter, not because you can’t afford to move out.
10. Sunglasses are not a fashion accessory; they are a permanent attachment on your face. After all, if you didn’t wear sunglasses people might actually be able to look you in the eye. Gasp!

Singapore rentals lower than in many major cities

From Straits Times – July 22, 2007

“By Zakir Hussain

THE current surge in rentals will not impede Singapore’s bid to attract global talent, Manpower Minister Ng Eng Hen said yesterday.

Responding to questions from reporters, he noted that rates here were lower than those in many other international cities: ‘The numbers suggest that rentals as an overall percentage of cost may not be prohibitive at this level.

‘The truth is, in absolute numbers we are still less than many other city states. We want to make sure we are reasonable and where we can, we’ll help.’

In the second quarter of this year, average prime rents in Raffles Place, for instance, hit $13.10 per sq ft.

This compares with $17.80 psf for rents in Hong Kong’s Central district.

In a speech earlier to some 400 Singaporeans studying overseas, he said rising property prices were a proxy ofinvestors’ confidence in Singapore over the long term.

Home and office rentals, particularly in the central area, have hit an all-time high in recent weeks, prompting the Government to roll out steps to cool the property sector, including releasing more land.

These include a plot of land next to Newton MRT station, which will be developed as temporary office space, he noted.

‘More of these particular projects will come on,’ he said, adding that there should be no lack of supply in the long term, especially when the Marina Bay Financial Centre is ready in 2010.

Earlier this month, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew cautioned that rising property prices and rents had to be kept in check, as Singapore would otherwise lose its competitiveness.

Dr Ng said yesterday that high housing rentals were confined to prime areas: ‘In terms of overall supply across Singapore, there isn’t a shortage. The shortage is in certain areas – whether you want to live in (districts) 9, 10, 11 or certain other areas. That must be true for Singaporeans too.

‘We have to let some market forces dictate. But I also think there are opportunities, near MRT stations or where transport is more amenable, or certain nicer areas you haven’t looked at.’

Overall, Singapore remained competitive. And referring to rentals, he said the Government will ‘keep a close eye on that’.

Agreeing with Dr Ng’s point about competitiveness, shipbroker Adrian Chong, 24, said: ‘Singapore still has an edge as it’s the most developed city in this part of the world, and rentals are not as high as those in New York, London or Tokyo.’”

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What I find amusing is the quote at the end.  Shipbroker Adrian Chong, all of 24 years old, telling us that Singapore is competitive because rentals are not as high as those in New York, London or Tokyo.  Why is this guy being quoted and what the heck does he know about property?  Let’s ask him whether he thinks Microsoft is a fair buy at 31 dollars while we’re at it.

WordPress Facebook application

Very cool – there is a Facebook application that integrates with your WordPress blog.  It will display the latest 5 entries on your profile along with recent comments.

Quite handy.

I don’t know how Friendster and Myspace are going to survive against Facebook.