Wednesday, March 26, 2014

I feel a connection with hopeful people

My Paper, Wednesday, March 26, 2014, Page A9, Lifestyle, Opinion
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/emnd/fvxen/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2014-03-26
Source Website: http://mypaper.sg/opinion/i-feel-connection-hopeful-people-20140326
By Daniel Yun, myp@sph.com.sg, mypaper, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Published on Mar 26, 2014
 

WHILE THERE'S LIFE, THERE'S HOPE:
PHOTO: WHILE THERE'S LIFE, THERE'S HOPE: A giant mural, featuring the missing Malaysia Airlines flight, on the grounds of a school in Manila.
PHOTO: AFP
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-CvdzteucApsK9fuaaA81nUzXNJTKWFknOv4OOHPAUFaISVYgiJg3ouISLBwlLhpOODj31j6ZVHJAslBG-mMC6Nx6ywl_pswUkpPQejxBr7db0IEutXIeqHjSMRLeUhirECVPjmF25A/s1600/MY_20140326_OPINION26A_P_202849-1.jpg
http://mypaper.sg/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/20140326/MY_20140326_OPINION26A_P_202849.jpg
http://mypaper.sg/opinion/i-feel-connection-hopeful-people-20140326


ON MARCH 7, Mr Liu Qiang, 40, took a bus from Singapore, where he had worked for the last four years, to Kuala Lumpur to take a flight to Beijing, then a train to his hometown in Shangdong province.

This year, he did not return home for Chinese New Year. He stayed back in Singapore to earn extra in overtime pay. He was flying from Kuala Lumpur because it is cheaper than flying from Singapore.

His wife, Madam Nan Kaifen, 40, waited for him at a Jining train station. "I waited all night, and, now, I'm still waiting," Madam Nan said on day 12 of her ordeal. On the first day, there was a ring tone when she dialled his mobile number repeatedly.

Mr Liu's father said: "He must come back to stay in this new house that he built."

He was referring to the newly renovated house paid for with his wages earned in Singapore.

Asked on day 13 if she thought her husband was alive, Madam Nan replied: "I have hope."

While I am writing this article, relatives of passengers on the missing plane, MH370, were told of its fate after 17 days.

The media said, at last, there was "closure for those living on hope", although many questions remained. In the past weeks, seeing images of loved ones waiting in hotels, I pondered over this thing called hope.

We all know of a time when hope is the only thing we can hold on to. Some people refuse to hope because it means risking huge disappointment and, hence, immense pain.

Some people stay hopeful despite themselves, going with the flow of their emotions. And then there are some people who consciously choose to believe, to wish and to hope.

What do we think of these people? Have they lost touch with reality? Or are they the personification of what hope really is? A mindful determination, a resolve and courage to ask for something against the odds.

Having faith.

A clinical professor of orthopaedic surgery wrote in Time magazine how his cancer patient, with barely any unaffected brain left, woke up to say goodbye to his wife and three kids for five minutes. What woke this patient was simply his mind, forcing its way through a broken brain, a father's final act to comfort his family.

The mind is a uniquely personal domain of thoughts, dreams and countless other things, like will, faith and hope. These fine things are as real as rocks and water but weightless and invisible.

Material science shies from these things. An article in The New York Times told of a patient with metastatic cancer who was in constant and extreme pain. Her daughter's wedding was arranged in the intensive care unit so that she could be a part of it.

For the entire day of the wedding, nurses and doctors were amazed that she did not need any pain medication. After the wedding, her life was prolonged.

I am not sure if hopeful people are born or made. But I love them. I seek them out. To be with them.

Because they are behind the magnificence of the world we live in. Because being hopeful is being brave. To have hope is to be strong. It is more than being positive, or being optimistic.

Most times, it is something bigger than oneself, extending beyond personal wants and needs, involving the interests and well-being of loved ones, or a bigger cause.

Every time I see someone hoping when others have given up hope, hoping in the face of hopelessness, I feel a connection.

I understand. Not fully. But I know how it must feel. It can be lonely. With a tint of despair.

By Daniel Yun, myp@sph.com.sg, mypaper, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Published on Mar 26, 2014
The writer is a film-maker and life coach. He blogs at danielyunhx.com


Until tomorrow, have a peaceful night.
Thousands of people have written messages of support on a wall at a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur, for passengers on board the missing Malaysia Airlines plane.
PHOTO: Thousands of people have written messages of support on a wall at a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur, for passengers on board the missing Malaysia Airlines plane.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhY3a6WdfBAx_47zBV-r29FWM5XcY_yZtOF6q4QQXq1WiRIe-LpI6kQ79SFTrU86_IrJkjZfpxJU3A4G_24orCqK76BwUlV6y0rlp89n6eHpkmNRCV-mdT3xnSLrFFrd6S3HK8-Yx-z6s/s1600/article-2581488-1C4EA2BD00000578-741_634x387.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/15/article-2581488-1C4EA2BD00000578-741_634x387.jpg
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2581488/It-WAS-hijacked-Malaysian-official-says-CONCLUSIVE-jet-carrying-239-hijacked-35-000-ft-individual-group-significant-flying-experience.htm


那一年， 我们默默耕耘，是时候尽苦甘来。(nà yī nián, wǒ ​men mò​ mò gēng yún, shì shí ​hou jìn kǔ ​gān lái) - That year, we silently toil, it is time to eliminate the hardship and enjoy the fruits.
PHOTO: 那一年， 我们默默耕耘，是时候苦尽甘来。 - That year, we silently toil, it is time to eliminate the hardship and enjoy the fruits. 
nà yī nián, wǒ ​men mò​ mò gēng yún, shì shí ​hou kǔ jìn ​gān lái

红灯暖不了我的心 - Infarad lamp is unable to warm my heart
hóng ​dēng nuǎn bù ​liǎo wǒ dí xīn

有谁来听我 听我诉说 - Who will listen to me, listen to me speaking
yǒu shéi lái tīng wǒ  tīng wǒ wǒ sù​ shuō

心里的喜怒哀乐 - the emotions of my heart (happiness, anger, sorrow and joy)
xīn ​li dí xǐ ​nù​' āi ​lè

我为你祈祷 - I pray for you
wǒ wèi nǐ qí​ dǎo

爱心永不移 - Enduring love (unmovable)
ài​ xīn yǒng ​bù yí

如果有一天，我们再在一起，一定要牵紧彼此的手，永不放开。- if one day, we are together again, we must hold tightly each other's hand, and never let go.
Rú guǒ yǒu yī tiān, wǒ men zài zài yī qǐ, yī dìng yào qiān jǐn bǐ cǐ de shǒu, yǒng bù fàng kāi.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxKkoaFT9KSSt8FTwh6gQ0CqQ4V3aPAFEE99Jl_3sMpxJOGd-PqVjNnkaRQJhDW9TJN9E7baJTdlOWq079jZiwPHso2edqJSbyd2gkE21JdAl3u35G-7KuU1Mat-Q9QCMJ4pSAp6udhB4/s1600/1-100QGF228.jpg
http://www.sedou.cn/uploadfiles/2013/0114/1-100QGF228.jpg
http://www.sedou.cn/Qingchun/html/6255.html#x-image-9
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2013/05/wu-yu-feng-na-ge-ren-jiu-shi-wo-that.html



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Monday, March 24, 2014

How chocolate can be good for your heart

My Paper, Monday, March 21, 2014, Page A17, Lifestyle
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/emnd/fvxen/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2014-03-21
Source Website: http://mypaper.sg/lifestyle/how-chocolate-can-be-good-your-heart-20140321
By mypaper, BBC, Published on Mar 21, 2014


CHOC-FULL OF GOODNESS
PHOTO: CHOC-FULL OF GOODNESS: Cocoa beans contain flavanols, an anti-inflammatory compound that is good for the heart. The US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute plans a big trial of a chocolate pill for heart disease.
PHOTO: AFP
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPLla_nIaJWQ7yyn4VaJMHrqfdUSJE9vV6BG6ciigtqkpk-qROQ-KnwFzsxzWUpoW_BNi0eQ8C5aWNUJqV8LxjqMOCg2Z-a9UiFyFyls1O6Rqncuglbje54PKPQAPuDA7tnrMQkp96gE/s1600/How+chocolate+can+be+good+for+your+heart.jpg
My Paper, Monday, March 21, 2014, Page A17, Lifestyle


BACTERIA in our stomach ferment chocolate into anti-inflammatory compounds that are good for the heart, say scientists.

The Louisiana State University team told the American Chemical Society meeting that their lab work had revealed this finding.

Gut microbes such as Bifidobacterium feast on the chocolate and release beneficial polyphenolic compounds.


Chocolate May Be Good for Your Heart
PHOTO: Chocolate May Be Good for Your Heart
Scientists from the University of Cambridge have studied seven studies involving 100,000 people. Five of those studies demonstrated a link between eating chocolate and heart health. Two did not.
Picture from post  by Debbie Ray August 29, 2011 6:57 AM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8UON9EcqdMZ4ekWrr-Y0H2oHfdST2J3L7sF3u3YZT6ESGOGHy1Hzo7TEsBnU6KI6nluRlWomyxS35-qVe0JmIm2BhDJ65vizQiU0wUwF73ePe9JXlYaYxwbNVBgc-WgxpWr9QNWTPY8/s1600/95914207.jpg
http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/999ktdy.com/files/2011/08/95914207.jpg
http://999ktdy.com/chocolate-may-be-good-for-your-heart/


The scientists believe adding fruit to chocolate could boost the fermentation.

Dr John Finley and his team tested cocoa powder, but say solid dark chocolate contains the same polyphenolic or antioxidant compounds.

Meanwhile, the US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute plans a big trial of a chocolate pill for heart disease.

It is teaming up with chocolate manufacturer Mars, which has patented a way to extract a specific type of these beneficial compounds - flavanols - from cocoa in high concentration and put it in capsules.


Scientists are working to unlock the genetic code of the cocoa tree, the source of chocolate.
PHOTO: Scientists are working to unlock the genetic code of the cocoa tree, the source of chocolate. They believe they can boost the levels of compounds known as flavonols in the beans. Flavonols have been found in recent research to improve blood pressure and have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.
Photo: ALAMY
Posted by Richard Gray, Science Correspondent, 9:00AM GMT 14 Nov 2010
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocRTp5hkLH_ZUwxbWEzkDK33v8zqm3x1xfhAJI-huOqEwHAz-MNvIefgxTvMBaOJjKgkmZVU-iLTY-AfM8Vcq2hZT9fKEg_GlIGT3BjnZLIIDsfVUvtQRnnLNqKpuYg0r4qS8dvB8XfY/s1600/cocoa_fruits_1761197b.jpg
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01761/cocoa_fruits_1761197b.jpg
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddrinknews/8131391/Cocoa-genome-will-lead-to-chocolate-that-can-improve-your-health.html


Dr JoAnn Mason, who will be leading the trial, said: "You're not going to get these protective flavanols in most of the candy on the market. Cocoa flavanols are often destroyed by the processing."

The idea of the study was to see whether there are health benefits from chocolate's ingredients, minus the sugar and fat, she said.

The 18,000 participants that they hope to recruit will get dummy pills or two capsules a day of cocoa flavanols for four years, and neither they nor the study leaders will know who is taking what during the study.


Chocolate is More Than Brain Food!
PHOTO: Chocolate is More Than Brain Food!
From the Desk of Ron White, memory speaker
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh49cSKQ0_JAnQsRgUgkEJnAxtp4PTmQOIZoaeEPqGwLXX9ABVrNACo3jmS8tyiFL50h_SttR545KIDFAgDBpAwP6dLpb-i4YgJgL_yKICD5jSsglScY3L2jHLmOyLad78VEy3EjEhsWk/s1600/Chocolate.gif
http://brainathlete.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Chocolate.gif
http://brainathlete.com/chocolate-brain-food/


Mr Christopher Allen of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) said: "Though flavanols are found in dark chocolate, this doesn't mean we can reach for a chocolate bar and think we're helping our hearts. Flavanols are often destroyed by processing and by the time a chocolate bar lands on the supermarket shelf it will also contain added extras, such as sugar and fat."

He said that though chocolate could be enjoyed as a treat, it was not good to eat it in large quantities.


Jessica Alba Eating Chocolate Cake
PHOTO: Jessica Alba Eating Chocolate Cake
Chocolate could be enjoyed as a treat but it is not good to eat it in large quantities.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSA_cPz63BBoylvDCKK1FoIfcQB4s9csJwRO3m2oZBeJsjufWCN1arhmP_uO-FwYfpfFoeXVCh4IajqFpT1mrlmKnLg-fR0L8Git1muU74MVreWE-adFpajmghKHlZI6fVeND1ruJ2WU/s1600/Jessica-Alba-Eating-Chocolate-Cake-85394.jpg
http://www.freakingnews.com/pictures/85000/Jessica-Alba-Eating-Chocolate-Cake-85394.jpg
http://www.freakingnews.com/Jessica-Alba-Eating-Chocolate-Cake-Pics-95321.asp


"Eating lots of sugary and fatty foods can lead to obesity and Type 2 diabetes, which are major risk factors for heart attacks and strokes," he said.

A diet rich in fruit and vegetables, combined with an active lifestyle, is the best way to keep your heart healthy, the BHF advises.

By mypaper, BBC, Published on Mar 21, 2014


Main health effects of chocolate
PHOTO: Main health effects of chocolate
Picture is from wikimedia
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojZz7yG6FlnKZe55WpHhR_GdwDU1k9HixG5-7JJRoRa26P697LErEMoCQnjsHGpcltR6T2lDslghAerA0eb3SrnAIEGW4SPDmVUyFb9BARnCQWJRCdrQUTlpYEuCpbqGBWi9tzZWJ_0s/s1600/Main_health_effects_of_chocolate.svg.png
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ae/Main_health_effects_of_chocolate.svg/1092px-Main_health_effects_of_chocolate.svg.png
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Main_health_effects_of_chocolate.svg
 


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Saturday, March 22, 2014

Going dutch on first date a no-no

PHOTO: Acing that first date can be a tricky affair, especially when one is nervous and unsure of what to expect.
Picture posted by The Guardian on Tuesday 29 May 2012 19.59 BST
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8RWRxjz93fnLzpk972YfCfBuT6o2HYKRYjPG4c_lNOJ7fx3XF3HWwDhrlp9Blp0USSXYQvMIesp5Lc0VRvw6HultxGkY3wv3zbd2Gp717xQJa-KJmcK2zRdh2BHztHA9HQiblhA6FcQ/s1600/Young-couple-talking-008.jpg
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/About/General/2012/5/29/1338306331486/Young-couple-talking-008.jpg
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2012/may/29/the-rules-women-hunting-husbands


My Paper gets tips from image consultant Suzenne Zheng, founder and master trainer at First Impressions Image International, ahead of Saturday's Singles Forum, which is organised by the Social Development Network.

Why are first impressions important? Isn't it unfair to judge a person based on his appearance?
It should be (based on) more than the person's appearance. We all think that it is unfair to judge, but the problem is that we all do.

Research in psychology has found that you tend to make an impression on somebody in less than 30 seconds. It makes sense that, in these 30 seconds, when you are presenting yourself to the world, you present the best (side of yourself).

Tests show that it takes a further 20 encounters for someone to change their opinion of you.


First impressions: In 30 seconds, when you are presenting yourself to the world, you present the best (side of yourself).
PHOTO: First impressions: In 30 seconds, when you are presenting yourself to the world, you present the best (side of yourself).
Picture from Heisenberg's photo album posted on November 2013
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkjkrwvJGp5MPJd5zDXXqdQA0QLDDS9Ljp385Ir98fm3nJF6blJick65wfMRUAHpJs26QgAE0Sl_DTcRTdSGEcWZ89GE41RBFMWLOeelKxviPEshTnbg-yEJnCqhhDkWqlnR11PTNc9c/s1600/jvFKT3KYbW6Lv.jpg
http://i4.minus.com/jvFKT3KYbW6Lv.jpg
http://expletiveadded.minus.com/i/vFKT3KYbW6Lv


Conventional dating wisdom says guys should be the one who is more proactive. Is this true?
The girl can make the first move too. A lot of guys need to be pushed. If a girl calls a guy up for coffee a week after the first date, it's a form of encouragement for him.


The girl can make the first move too. A lot of guys need to be pushed. If a girl calls a guy up for coffee a week after the first date, it's a form of encouragement for him.
PHOTO: The girl can make the first move too. A lot of guys need to be pushed. If a girl calls a guy up for coffee a week after the first date, it's a form of encouragement for him.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdYbngtfw5p2WAseCz6fOBqczmusrJe1N2XsSt5QtYk1IL-R0X0qBhyphenhyphen-DGDW-vMTpOHmaVtf-_ao6k6BQhXgs0ioWhigugfYAkXfXvDVMf4kH0FxpYtfyTDnwJnBmdGP7CpM3ai1PU5g/s1600/137577__1380167894.jpg
http://articles.stclassifieds.sg/upload/article/137577__1380167894.jpg
http://articles.stclassifieds.sg/entertainment-food-and-beverage/going-dutch-on-first-date-a-no-no/a/137577?utm_campaign=ST701EDM_20140322&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=EDM&utm_content=STClassifieds


In this modern age, why not split the bill for a meal on the first date?
A girl must never allow a guy to go dutch on the first date. It doesn't matter which century we live in, chivalry must (not die).

For a marriage to work, a man must still be a man, and a woman must still be a woman. For example, you don't expect a couple to split the cost of a washing machine for their family home.


The pretty reckless going to hell. A man must still be a man, and a woman must still be a woman. <br>Picture posted by by letterskilled (Taylor Momsen's new album) on 22 January 2014
PHOTO: The pretty reckless going to hell. A man must still be a man, and a woman must still be a woman.
Picture posted by by letterskilled (Taylor Momsen's new album) on 22 January 2014
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOX4rPv_qmMzzWZFLwDCIafMkXtDX7UqCRewMVvG2AkDUjrPQP_6nIzRJJmTuI3WFBtfe3y0y3-7flWw7wjl6PrJSb3pe0feKgrkDrVh02k6mtz6T_-ct82quPPkcHz7qdPr9AAcMqdqI/s1600/zpLUEST-2.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/zpLUEST.jpg
http://imgur.com/gallery/6HO2y


Talking to a date can be pretty daunting. What topics should one talk about on the first date?
You must be able to strike up a conversation (with your date).

You don't have to know everything, but you should be up to date with what's current. For example, the news headlines of the day, popular movies that people are talking about and songs that people are currently listening to.


You should be up to date with what's current, but do not have to know everything.<br>Picture from Heisenberg's photo album posted on November 2013
PHOTO: You should be up to date with what's current, but do not have to know everything.
Picture from Heisenberg's photo album posted on November 2013
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI45IHlKq3gm-gxBwcwLXQwmOpUc_q5vdqUls-4cUATvwYZtgmOK-_F3HFVm6NsxV6kAEao2gqvoBNcKCbEK71ZY7QNhp0dCmLzsnnK7iWySAf3jn2JZESzWHp81SnkYljPpkBFjhdM2w/s1600/iBnnmpvKV50Dq.jpg
http://i4.minus.com/iBnnmpvKV50Dq.jpg
http://expletiveadded.minus.com/i/BnnmpvKV50Dq


Will women carrying branded bags on dates scare guys away?
In other countries, say, China, the guy may think that the girl is hard to maintain (should she carry a branded bag to a date).

In Singapore, guys don't think of it the same way. Most of us work and earn our own keep. If you want a branded bag, the guy expects you to be able to pay for it yourself.


In Singapore, guys don't think of it the same way. Most of us work and earn our own keep. If you want a branded bag, the guy expects you to be able to pay for it yourself.
PHOTO: In Singapore, guys don't think of it the same way. Most of us work and earn our own keep. If you want a branded bag, the guy expects you to be able to pay for it yourself.
Picture from post by Lopa Mohanty on May 31, 2013 at 9:02
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAEE-2uzld2s_ua29gcmDWrT7GHQ6QPtJgA3RFIdCwsEXmSxNsVtO3GGn0vHP_P_6DRqx8Mon-Zs1vC3oJifNt3ubJO2N-9iRBvZMlVUDHtIta64vNMIVR5Rm72p4ASoaE-OdtZpIx18/s1600/01Julianne-Moore_Bulgari_Joka-P3.jpg
http://www.fashionlady.in/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/01Julianne-Moore_Bulgari_Joka-P3.jpg
http://www.fashionlady.in/10-most-expensive-handbag-brands-in-the-world/1238


He may give you branded gifts if he can afford it. But don't expect such things from the start.

By Gwendolyn Ng, mypaper, September 26, 2013


Tell me that you love me
PHOTO: Tell me that you love me
Summer Break Tour album by Heisenberg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhFqsrtcYvAY96xGMYGKgB3mw_FReTB41mMpJZ8YyKbbeNoM5sBYcB5-hCEVfjPMb8KGcJo6NP7dUpbj_MD_n95GdwoxIu0Bjm35VGb-7AzJ4AzScrC_JhTg3LDuYCNmWbU_LGDVkmB0/s1600/Heisenberg-1.jpg
http://expletiveadded.minus.com/mR1A5dgQTIYSE



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Friday, March 21, 2014

Preen, pose, pay

My Paper, Wednesday, March 19, 2014, Page A3, News, Top Stories
From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/emnd/fvxen/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2014-03-19
Source Website: http://mypaper.sg/top-stories/preen-pose-pay-20140319
By Jalelah Abu Baker, jalmsab@sph.com.sg, mypaper, Published on Mar 19, 2014


SAY CHEESY
PHOTO: SAY CHEESY: A photographer taking pictures of a model in lingerie. The average age of amateur models used to be 17 or 18 years old, but now teens as young as 14 and 15 are getting involved - and taken advantage of.
PHOTO: THE NEW PAPER
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWfMt7P9VL7vFdYx2diSxX_mVTZBK0HK-kcUJTV0LjAzkwvYWxloxZRhyphenhyphenRXudN_pIxtgZ_KI5KFKXPyEvYUlkkH5J0-tN9bVKnjECrB5qQ93Jxy1Dw9JvyiqcvovVYpiKtSukMowAP9g/s1600/MY_20140319_JAPHOTO_P_194262-1.jpg
http://mypaper.sg/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/20140319/MY_20140319_JAPHOTO_P_194262.jpg
http://mypaper.sg/top-stories/preen-pose-pay-20140319


SHE preens and poses in a bikini at a budget hotel as a photographer clicks away, guiding her towards seductive poses, sometimes touching her to adjust her clothes.

She is just 14 years old, but for that one hour of her time, she may get paid anywhere between $30 and $500.

This is an increasingly common scenario as more young girls do paid-shoot modelling, a small but growing industry which sees girls getting paid to be photographed by hobbyists.


An increasingly common scenario as more young girls do paid-shoot modelling, a small but growing industry which sees girls getting paid to be photographed by hobbyists.<br>http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-
PHOTO: An increasingly common scenario as more young girls do paid-shoot modelling, a small but growing industry which sees girls getting paid to be photographed by hobbyists.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqhAL6JnKEfateQNTj-qkmh464MQv3hEYemFtc73FjisLHgMH4FepWk-n_U15A0Y4Y-2sHqtRRm1pBdX6Q8M2Pcm_xhSRebhDybaGhN4AmztCukke0ZY3K3mO-WCBpQ1cPE-mpK1t8Wk/s1600/tiffany_6___splash_by_barelight-d4boake.jpg
http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/275/a/3/tiffany_6___splash_by_barelight-d4boake.jpg
http://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=831442


But a darker side to this trend is emerging as the girls get younger - and more vulnerable - and find themselves paying a higher price than the few dollars they receive.

Sometimes, these teens get molested, or face lewd suggestions from photographers, according to industry professionals who are increasingly hearing of such cases.

Typically, amateur photographers claiming an interest in building up their portfolio offer to pay the girls for their shoots, approaching them through social media.

The average age used to be 17 or 18 years old, but now teens as young as 14 and 15 are getting involved, said Mr Brian Seah who started the Photographic Society of Singapore page on Facebook, which has over 7,000 members.

"They usually just want the money for shopping. They want to buy new shoes, clothes, bags, and it's easy money," he said.

Dr Carol Balhetchet, director of youth services at the Singapore Children's Society, said that these teens are attracted to the fast cash, and being glorified as models.

"They may feel that someone thinks that they are sexy, beautiful," she said.

But the unregulated photography industry here, which Mr Seah said has grown "exponentially", has given rise to hobbyists who prey on these girls.

Ms Fiona Keisha Lee, who runs a modelling agency, said: "These photographers always first say it's a fashion shoot. Then, they will ask 'Are you okay with bikini, lingerie?', 'Are you okay with a hotel?'"

These "hawk photographers" try to be alone with the model. Then they may ask the girls to reveal more, or touch them inappropriately while adjusting their clothes.

One model told Mr Seah recently that she was grabbed and kissed on the forehead by a photographer, after he asked her to pose with her bra unhooked.

And in a case last year that went viral, a girl claimed a photographer told her she had to masturbate in order to give the kind of expressions that he wanted to shoot.

Ms Lee said that in many cases the girls do not leave or protest because "they are inexperienced, and they feel it's part of their job, that this is what models do".

Their trouble often does not end there. About 10 times a month, Mr Seah gets private Facebook messages from girls in trouble when, just two years ago, he would get such messages once a month.

The most common complaint? Their photos were uploaded to sex forums.

"They are afraid to go to the police because they are afraid it will spoil their reputation," said Mr Seah.

He suggested a regulatory framework for the industry, while Ms Lee urged young girls to do prior checks on the reputation of photographers on online forums.

She said: "These girls must remember that doing nude shoots or sexual favours will not get anyone into the industry, period. No decent clients will ever request that."

By Jalelah Abu Baker, jalmsab@sph.com.sg, mypaper, Published on Mar 19, 2014


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