Hommie, I am only to give you one.

‘It is as real as it gets on television! No sugar coating added’

Drama serials and comedies glaze them with a sugar coating making everything look easy breezy. 16 and Pregnant does no such thing; it gives you an inside look on how these young people, still in their teens cope with them. Or do they?

16 & Pregnant - Ep 1, Maci

The first episode. Heavy stuff huh? There is just so much to take in!

I am still reeling from:

How she informed her parents about her pregnancy. Like come on! Through a text message?!

Going for a ride on a Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) in her 8^th month of pregnancy?!

All this shows just how young both their mindsets are.

It was evident from the start that Maci would face scrutiny from people around her. Even her own friends had so many questions and started forming impressions about her throughout the episode. Though she shrugs it off, it is obvious she is affected by what they say. Would you be able to take such scrutiny?

16 & Pregnant - Ep 1, Maci and friends

After Bentley was born, it seemed that everything would be just fine. Before, it seems like she was still in a daze that she was pregnant. Something she said rang deep within me:

“I do not plan to be hard ass on Bentley. He can play the flute and I will still be happy.”

“It is cool to have your own place.”

Having a kid still has not hit her!

16 & Pregnant - Ep 1, Maci and Bentley

One of the strongest impressions I got is how the parents of Maci and Ryan were so supportive of their children. I personally think many parents would have thrown out or disowned their children if it should happen. It is not easy for any parent to accept, understand and support such a situation. Maci’s dad even provided her a part-time job while her mum took care of Bentley when Maci was at school and Ryan was at work. They did not need to do it but they still did.

Being pregnant at 16 and the consequences you have to bear. I hate to use the word ‘consequences’ for childbirth is a celebration of life. But consider this, how much of your youth are you sacrificing and how much faster you are made to grow up?

16 & Pregnant - Ep 1, Maci and Bentley

In Maci’s case, she had to grow up quickly after Bentley was born. In the process, one of the things she felt was the lost of freedom to hang with her friends whenever she wants to. After going to college, she had joined a dance team but because of Bentley, decided to pull out. For Maci, there are just more important things like Bentley instead of dance. Maci is shown to be committed throughout, growing and learning through it all. However, she is still a child herself and hopefully things turn out for the better in the future.

Ryan throughout was a total douche bag!  He was so insensitive and constantly running away to the local pub, the gym etc. He even once left Bentley on the sofa when he got bored of him. Now tell me peeps, who leaves a baby lying on the sofa, just waiting to fall off? He even got Maci, while she was heavily pregnant to get out of the car to check the tyres. Can’t this guy see how tough it is for her?!

In retrospective, Maci might have created the problems for herself by not communicating with Ryan and letting each problem build up. Things might have turned out differently if she did not bottle up her opinions and give sway to Ryan’s mood swings and wants.

There is a reason I can think of why Ryan did what he did. Fear. There seem to be much fear in him. For the future and how he was going to bear the responsibility in raising his son. However, I do not think it is a good enough excuse. You have a child now mister. You face it with him and your partner. Not run away at the first sign of trouble. Everyone, including both their parents are so supportive and he had no need to feel this fear with that much people at the side rooting them on.

16 & Pregnant - Ep 1, Maci and Ryan

A few questions for everyone to ponder about:

1)       What did you think of Ryan’s attitude throughout the episode?

2)       Do you think it was right for Maci to abandon the ring and leave it on the table?

3)       What did you think of Maci’s decision to stay with Ryan even when there is no more love in the relationship and the only thing they have in common is Bentley?

4)       What would you have done differently you were Maci and Ryan?

Waiting to hear from everyone and comments on the episode!

Much love,

xoxo

Denise

Disclaimer

Thanks for sharing your comments, views and opinions. This is a forum for us to talk openly about the reality of teen pregnancy and related topics. As our young generation, you are encouraged to learn and be empowered with knowledge to think for yourself.

MTV is an entertainment company and this is a social initiative to engage you in open discussions about teen pregnancies. The comments, opinions and views exchanged on this forum are personal to the contributors and do not in any way replace the advice provided by professionals skilled in the respective fields and issues. You should not rely on comments, opinions or views exchanged on this forum and should always seek professional counsel for any issue or problem.

Any further contact between any contributor via emails, discussion forums, online chats etc is their own responsibility and MTV takes no responsibility for the communications or actions of others beyond this blog. MTV takes no responsibility nor endorses the content found on the featured websites below.

Useful Links

The websites below offer sex-related information, assistance in unplanned pregnancies, and professional counseling leads. Talk, learn and think for yourself. Don’t act in ignorance.

Sex, etc

http://www.sexetc.org/

Focus on the Family

http://www.family.org.sg/default.aspx?cat=51

Pertapis

http://www.pertapis.org.sg/

Ramakrishna Mission

http://www.ramakrishna.org.sg/

BABES

SMS 8111 3535

http://www.babes.org.sg/

MTV and its representatives take no responsibility whatsoever for any information found on other websites accessed via mentioned links and resources page.

ASK DR ANN TAN

If you have a health related enquiry, leave your question behind on the forum.

From now till January, Dr Ann Tan, gynaecologist and obstetrician, will be available to give you the medical facts of teen pregnancy.

Please note that all comments on this blog are subject to moderation.

Star Wars T-shirt: Urban Regeneration Project

Gamers and gadget geeks are not exactly the most fashionable folks around Jeans and t-shirts would be the standard uniform, and a pair of beat-up Chuck Taylors would round out the look. However, geek shirts — tees emblazoned with in-jokes and visual gags on games, gadgets, and sci-fi/fantasy titles, are gaining a following outside of geek circles.

Some of my favorite shirts are video game shirts produced by online gaming comics. Penny Arcade and VG Cats are two of the most popular lines, and I love them for two reasons: 1) they are genuinely funny even for non-gamers; and 2) they feature not just the games but also the web comic characters, so you get the best of both worlds. I am particularly fond of the ones about Final Fantasy VII, as I am almost embarrassingly in love with the title and will purchase anything with its logo emblazoned in it.

But my absolute favorite shirts are from Star Wars fandom. Most — if not all, of these designs are unofficial art by fans, and many refer to famous lines and situations in the iconic movie franchise. The best thing about these Star Wars shirts is that the jokes are understood by any person who has seen the movies (and that would be about 2/3rds of the general population).

Some of these shirts are visually stunning and most are incredibly witty, and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who needs one in their current wardrobe.

a screenshot from the video

The video is all kinds of wacky. I was freaked out when I first saw it – more because of her freakishly protruding spine than anything else, even more so than a whole list of other freaky things in the video, for example: the hot Russian mafia, her exploding flaming nipple gun, spasming fingers and Silent-Hill-like dancers.

And naturally, because of the whole freakishness of it, I am totally addicted to it. Haven’t seen it? Oh but you must:

“Walk, walk, fashion baby, work it – move that bitch crazy”

P.S. She’ll be re-releasing her Fame album, under Fame Monster, with 8 new tracks on it, including this one.

So which other celebrities have braved McQueen lately?

Him: "ZIS WOMAN - she SCARES me." (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for NARS)

Honestly, if I saw Daphne Guinness here at this NARS event, I’d probably have the same stunned/petrified expression Mr. Founder and Creative Director Francois Nars has on his face. It’s not just the cocoony 12-inch heels. It’s the neckpiece, the EYES, the powdery pale complexion. She’d make for an exquisitely fashionable female phantom with man-eating shoes.

Need a close-up?

daphne guiness (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for NARS)

According to Wiki, Daphne is

prominent in the fashion world as a style icon, journalist and noted collector of Haute couture. She has an interest in the use of armour in fashion.

Ah, now that explains it. The shoes will be a great armour against, um, short people. It ensures you are a good 12 inches taller than they are. You learn something new every day.

But no doubt about it, Lady Gaga still wins hands-down when it comes to The Crazy. She owns the crazy. Remember the MTV VMAs this year? Who could forget the VMAs this year?

Just in case you have, here’s something she’s worn recently to refresh your memory:

(Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for MOCA)

There. Memory: refreshed.

Ok now for all you normal-loving folks out there, here is something much more pleasing to the eye – Drew Barrymore in Alexander McQueen, and looking lovely:

(Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

I love the black detailing – crazy intricate; I’d wear this dress in a heartbeat:

Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Last I read, Alexander McQueen is considering auctioning off the alien shoes in his runway show, or giving them away to socialites, I guess. So – not for the masses. And seriously, how do you even walk in them? You’d become an objet d’art just like the shoes, rooted to the ground.

But, still endlessly fascinating to look at – almost as fascinating as Drew’s two-tone hair:

(Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

I was so distracted by the dress that I didn’t even notice her hair. See? The power of McQueen.

Muse (Photo: www.muse.mu)

Continuing with our barrage of concert news, LAMC Productions just released the ticketing details for Muse in February!

MUSE – BIG NIGHT OUT 2010
Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Time: 8pm
Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium
Tickets: S$168, $148, $S128, S$98 (Not inclusive of booking fees)

Tickets go on sale November 16 through www.sistic.com.sg

The Killers (Photo by: Jeff Gentner/Getty Images)

It’s official! The Killers are heading our way come January 24, 2010!

Am not going to waste any idle chat talking about the greatness of The Killers. Let’s cut to the chase for the gig details.

The Killers – Live in Singapore
Date: January 24, 2010
Time: 8pm
Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium
Tickets: SGD $88, $128, $148, $168 (Not inclusive of booking fees)

Tickets available from www.sistic.com.sg from November 23 onwards.

PS: For the record, I am super broke! Just blew my check on Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Cat Power and Green Day. Not sure how I am going fund for The Killers and Muse (February 3). Shall I wait on top of the ramp together with the other girls, ala William Miller in Almost Famous? Watch this space.

I think the Tord Boontje-designed HP Mini, with ‘an exclusive HP Mini Imprint 3D finish with beautiful flora that weaves delicately around endangered animals, creating a mystical, layered effect‘ is indeed pretty:

HP Mini by Studio Tord Boontje

Close up of the HP Mini

Every time I whipped it out of my bag, my girlfriends would chorus obligingly, ‘Oooh so pretty!’

Then: ‘Where did you buy it?’

Me: ‘I didn’t buy it.’

Them: ‘You got it for FREE?!’

Me: (considering fibbing just to see the jealousy flare in their eyes…) ‘Yea-uh..No. I’m supposed to do a review on it. But so far the only solid thing I can say about it is..IT’S REALLY PRETTY.’

See? Pretty.

Including its grey felt case, that will not protect it in case you drop it on the floor, but it is aesthetically pleasing, so…you get to decide which matters more. Plus, they are all made of recycled materials, and even soy-based ink (for the keys, I guess?). Extra points for being environmentally-friendly!

Tord Boontje studied industrial design – but whose studio now delves into other forms of design as well. They have long sought ‘a delicate marriage of design with emotion’ – which I think, in this case, totally hit its mark with the HP Mini. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard someone squeal over a netbook.

The OS was your typical Windows (this one came with Windows 7) – it just froze up a little when I plugged in a scriptwriting software and ran like 10 other windows at the same time, but I think to be fair, most other laptops would too. Still, it booted up quickly and fulfilled all of my basic web surfing requirements.

Girls like flowers right? Yeah, probably.

This special collab also comes with an endlessly customizable wallpaper to fulfil all your fickle-minded needs. Yes. Tired of the little white birdy? No problem, here’s a deer. A penguin. A bunny. A squirrel. A gorrilla. An elephant. – etc. Etc. You can have a different endangered animal on your screen every day.

It’s still handbag-sized definitely, but not handbag-weight – it says .5kg, but somehow it feels more like a full kg to me. When carried in your hands, it feels light – but once it’s in your bag, you really start to feel it weighing you down, so I guess that’s my only grouse. I stopped carrying my old laptop to school because it was an hour half journey, and another back – 3 hours of carrying a rock around is not my idea of fun. So while this 11″ netbook is definitely still much lighter than my 13″ Acer, on days where I know I will be running around much and need my hands free, I will probably still be leaving it at home.

However, the Dad did comment: ‘SO LIGHT ALREADY! If you want it any lighter then just use paper and pen!…’

Ah, but this is a man who doesn’t need to take public transport daily, so I refuse to stand corrected.

Verdict: Function, check. Form: Great, especially if happy pastoral images are your thing. You can spend a lot of time many a boring lecture staring at the design on your laptop, with its 3D animals and all.

I wish it came in a cool black-silver colour though, then I think it would be perfect for me. And it just needs to lose a little bit of weight. Then, perfection!

P. S. Both Starhub stores in Singapore (where this laptop is sold exclusively) and HP have started an initiative in which S$10 (US$7.20) will be donated to the Singapore Zoo with every Netbook sold (up to a cap of S$30,000 (US$21,604.49). This money will go to the conservation and breeding efforts for one animal species. You can vote for the endangered animal to be saved here!

But I was a good girl. I grew up in a bubble, and words like ’sex’, ‘pregnancy’, ‘abortion’ and ‘contraception’ had never crossed my mind back then. Sure, we learned a thing or two in Biology class, but I had more ‘pertinent’ concerns – like the bulbous pimple on my nose.

Last week, I had the opportunity to sit in on a dialogue that discussed relevant issues on teenage pregnancy in conjunction with MTV’s new reality show, 16 and Pregnant. Two reasons why I agreed to cover the event – 1. They told me Denise Keller was the moderator (yay!), 2. I don’t have cable and wanted to go for the screening.

Denise giving an introduction on 16 and Pregnant.

We had a panel of professionals present;  Dr. Sundardas, Vice-President of Singapore Planned Parenthood Association, Dr Ann Tan, Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and President of Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations, Ms Nadia,  Head Counsellor at 4PM, Dr. Martha Lee,  a sexologist (woo!) and a life coach, Denise Keller as Youth Task Ambassador, and Wi Nie (me), the blogger. (silence)

Okay, fine, I wasn’t part of the panel, but I sat with them at the table, so that ought to count for something.

The panel present for the discussion.

As ignorant as some of us may choose to be, teenage pregnancy is a serious issue, and with this documentary, MTV is playing its part in showing teens the reality of what being pregnant at such a young age is like so they can be empowered with the relevant knowledge.

This is where my thoughts come in, ‘Teenagers can never think for themselves. They think that they’re thinking for themselves, but at the end of the day, they’re just rebellious, and rarely far-sighted.’ And I’m not even being judgmental.

Looking back, I was indignant about some of the choices I made in life because I really thought I knew better. Then again, this is how most teenagers behave, it comes with the hormones. So take my 23-year-old thoughts with a pinch of ‘meh’, cause I admit there are some teens who can be far more mature than their peers.

(L to R): Dr. Martha, Dr. Sundardas and Miss Nadia.

So, we were at The Screening Room last Thursday, and I must say, some of the conversations that were going on were pretty interesting. For instance, Dr. Martha mentioned that in Singapore, despite the efforts to provide a sound sex education, teens are not taught the positive aspects of sex, which is not to say that any adult would condone teenagers having sex, but merely to be honest and truly open about the issue.

And so I thought, why not?

We lay out the cards, and ask them (teens) to think about what sex is, why they want to do it, truths about contraception, and the consequences of their actions. Could it be that their teen minds know that we are not being honest, and so they’ve decided to explore on their own?

And assuming we’re too late, and the girl gets pregnant, what are the subsequent ways to deal with this matter that can involve family support?

Maci with her friends.

Fortunately for Maci, the girl in our first episode of 16 and Pregnant, she received a great deal of support from her friends and family, and even her boyfriend’s family, when she decided to have her baby. The going was good until the baby was born, and by then her boyfriend was hardly around to help care for the infant. Maci was juggling with her studies and work in order to support their baby.

The funny bit with the boyfriend was that he showed his ’support’ by having the baby’s name tattooed to his body.

Maci's boyfriend tattoed 'Bentley' on his body.

Having the baby meant that nobody really got hurt, but what if one decides to abort it? Nadia was kind enough to share with us that she had a case where a teen girl got drunk on purpose so that she could have her boyfriend kick and punch her stomach till she suffered a miscarriage. Imagine the horror on everyone’s faces when we heard that.

Other myths of abortion methods that were also mentioned at the table were herbal stuff, pills, and pineapples. And these do not work, so don’t try them at home, kids. Interestingly, Dr. Ann shared an irony with us that at the age of 16 in Singapore, the act of termination does not require the consent of a parent, however, if she decides to have the baby (in which an epidural will be needed), consent would be required to administer the epidural.

(L to R): Denise, Dr. Ann, reporter from The Straits Times.

On the topic of kids relating to parents, Dr. Sundardas said that parents need to provide due care to their children by giving them freedom on the condition that they (the teens) share with their parents the type of friends they hang out with, which is not a bad trade-off if you ask me.

However, there’s also the possibility that a parent might ban their teens from befriending a certain someone, which could result in a disastrous scenario of all bets being called off. And this is only what I think, cause both parents and teens may have different perceptions on what constitutes a ‘good’ friend.

Given the discussions on the various aspects of teenage pregnancy, one thing that’s certain is the urgency and seriousness of dealing with this matter. It’s a collective effort that does not absolve in a matter of days, weeks or months, but years, in order to cultivate an understanding of the causes and available solutions.

16 and Pregnant will certainly be an eye-opener to teens and others as well. Remember to catch its premiere on Sunday, 22nd November 2009 at 11am (SG/HK), 12pm (MY).

Also, we’re inviting you and your friends to share your thoughts on this blog platform after every episode. Denise Keller, MTV VJ and Youth Task Force Ambassador will be blogging on this very blog and she will also respond to any comments. So start posting your comments!

The collections will be sold at Parco’s spanking-new departmental store opening at Millenia Walk next April – which is great because I’ve fallen in love with Ownmuse:

Ownmuse’s collection featured a lot of pretty cut-outs like the above – though the competition comprised only mini, capsule collections, about 5 pieces each – it was enough to make me feel like snapping them all up already.

I like it ‘cos the cut-outs are totally on-trend, aren’t random and vaguely unflattering, unlike some of Herve Leger or Alexander Wang’s creations on the runway for Spring ‘10. They’re pretty. Reminds me of the paper-cutting activities we used to do in…kindergarten. Where a roomful of 5-year-olds are allowed to wield scissors at the same time – how did we all make it out with all our fingers intact?

Anyway, there were others that caught my eye, but unfortunately those designs didn’t make the cut into the top 3. Some random quirkier ones:

Sundays featured completely kooky animal headgear. I LOVE IT.

The entire ensemble on him : bull horns, cherry-picking basket-bag, mid-calf socks, tight bermudas.  Even the model  looked vaguely amused at what he was wearing. Definitely not what you’ll find on a typical guy here. Or anywhere else.

But of course our natural reaction to it was: SO CUTE!!!

It’ll be perfect for the times when…you need a camouflage if you happen to be in um, Australia, running away from…uh, terrorists and you need to blend in among the cows. Yeah.

I like the colours in this collection. By MAE PANG

By L'ile Aux Ashby

Look at her glorious blond mane! The tribal necklaces are fab – but they’re so huge they can double up as breast plates. Wonder how much it weighs?

Tribal

I just needed to point out his INSANELY POUTY LIPS:

By ForInSaneHuman, a collection inspired by 'Asylum'.

Extremely apt names because their collection mostly featured straitjacket-like pieces. Personally, it looked kinda futuristic to me – like a post-apocalyptic boys’ school uniform.

Debby and I, and looking strangely pleased with my bow.

And who walked away with the title of fashion designer of the year?

Michelle Wong with La Belle. Sorry for the blurriness!

Her designs featured mostly really sleek lines, simple cuts and super flowy stuff I’d never wear because I’d look like Mary-Kate Olsen on one of her hobo-like days – I’m just way too short for it.

Looking forward to seeing these in-stores! Yay for more Asian fashion (:

Buzzcocks (L-R): Steve Diggle, Danny Farrant and Pete Shelley (Photo by: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

June 4, 1976. Teenagers Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto invited the Sex Pistols to play at Manchester’s Lesser Free Trade Hall. The gig went on to be one of the most influential gigs of all time. Among the 40-odd strong audience were the future of punk and rock ‘n’ roll who, inspired by Johnny Rotten and co., went on to form bands and influenced a whole lot of modern bands in the years to come. And the attendees in question? Morrissey, who went on to form The Smiths. Mark E. Smith, who formed The Fall. Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook formed Joy Division. Tony Wilson, who was there with his wife Lindsay Reade, went on to form Factory Records, opened Haçienda and was the impresario responsible for the whole “Madchester” rave era of New Order, Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses, James, The Charlatans, to name a few.

Depicted by films such as 24 Hour Party People and Control, the cultural and musical impact of “Madchester” simply refuses to budge from the spotlight because of its rich lineage. And it just makes such a damn good story that bears repeating. Can you imagine if Shelley and Devoto didn’t organize the gig? Other than kickstarting the “Madchester” music tree because of the gig they organized, Shelley and Devoto also formed Buzzcocks, one of the most seminal bands to emerge from the punk explosion of ‘77. Their three-chord punk anthems of adolescence and teenage love, as immortalized in songs such as “Orgasm Addict” and “What Do I Get,” became the blueprint for the later generations of punk rock such as Green Day.

Buzzcocks circa 2009 (Photo by: Ian Rook/www.buzzcocks.com)

In 1992, Buzzcocks made their first foray into Singapore with a blistering set at the Singapore Labour Foundation Auditorium. Our very own Stompin’ Ground and The Oddfellows did the supporting honors. Says Patrick Chng, founder of The Oddfellows who’s now running Walk On Music, of the gig, “I believe it was May 7, 1992 because the band was having a little birthday celebration for Steve Diggle backstage. Stompin’ Ground and The Oddfellows were the support acts. We came on after Stompin’ Ground and while we were waiting our turn, I bumped into Pete Shelley backstage. Got the band to autograph my Buzzcocks CD. They were one of the biggest influences in the early days of The Oddfellows along with The Undertones, REM and The Replacements so it was really nice to have met my heroes.”

Now 17 years later, Buzzcocks, with original members Pete Shelley (vocals) and Steve Diggle (guitar) and new additions Chris Remington (bass) and Danny Farrant (drums), are coming back in town to kick out the jams. It would be YOUR honor to be able catch them live and watch and learn how punk rock is really being done. To quote filmmaker Jim Jarmusch in the 2005 documentary Punk: Attitude that’s directed by Don Letts, “People get too complacent. And the fight against that complacency is punk rock.” You wouldn’t want to get complacent now, do you?

Abuse The Youth (Photo: www.myspace.com/abusetheyouth)

The opening acts for the Singapore leg this time are Abuse The Youth from Thailand and ETC, who are based in Singapore. Abuse The Youth have been diligently returning to the Lion City for the past couple of years and have recently released their debut album, Under Skin, on Mind The Gap Records (check out their single, “Way Out“). And make not mistake. The trio are fast and furious, as propelled by the female drummer, Ju. Now she may be diminutive in size, but the girl is a mammoth beast on the kit and an absolute delight to watch live.

And for those familiar with the history of the Singapore local scene, ETC is no stranger. Fronted by Ben Harrison, the “psycho-pop” outfit has always done their own thing. I used to drum for the band (ETC is one of those bands who has a revolving line-up over the years) and it was a great rock ‘n’ roll boot camp where I learnt all about Richard Hell, Suicide, Neu!, Sonic Youth, etc. If it’s any person who knows their punk, Harrison would be one of them.

Gig details as follows:

BUZZCOCKS – Live In Singapore
Date: November 27, 2009
Time: 6:30pm – 10:30pm
Venue: Zirca
Supporting acts: Abuse The Youth (Thailand) and ETC (Singapore)
Tickets: $39 (early bird), $49 (prior to show day), $55 (at-the-door). Prices exclude booking fees. Tickets are available at Tickets.com.