Travelling, Marriage, Piracy

No blog for the week, as I was in Jakarta. Yes, they have internet access in the hotel room. Just that I was using dial-up and not in the mood to blog when I am there.

Was talking to someone about lifestyles in Singapore. He asked me how old I am, and whether I am married. When my reply about Singapore's increasing marriage age, and decreasing birth rate, he seem perplexed. And when I said that I might not want to get married and most likely not want to procreate, I think it is an idea that he never thought of before.

I explained that this happens in many cities in the world, where stressful working environment, coupled with high-standard of living has made many people focus more on their selfish enjoyment of the money that they have earned.

He explained that their "concept" of the "meaning of life" is to get married, procreate, and fulfil their duties as a child and parent. And the lower the education, the earlier the marriage.

And that being a "selfish" person in focusing on own enjoyment, he likened it to being an "employee" mindset and not "entrepreneurial".

I fail to see the link being a "boss" and being a "parent"

Oh, he is a Buddist, by the way.



And the idea that a copy of an original movie DVD can be retailing for S$0.90 a piece is mind boggling. And it converted me into a great supporter of "piracy".

Although I agree that it does not profit the original makers of the movie, I also agree that they are charging too much for an original movie. Even for software and music.

On the other hand, it is because of these cheap DVDs that I am willing to pay money to buy a movie that is not a well-known blockbuster. That I am willing to pay S$0.90 for some silly British slap-stick comedy. If it were the price of an original movie DVD, I think I would have paid for it as well, thus benefiting the non-Hollywood blockbusters.

I don't know, if I were to pay like S$0.50 to download a song I like, I guess I am very willing to pay for it, but not S$19 for an album, and S$10 for a single.

I know the concept that piracy is not good for the original owner, but the cries of my wallet is closer to my heart.

Just like at work now, I am facing the same problem. We found "pirated" goods (hardware, mind you, not a simple software that can be copied) being sold, and it impacts our business. So now I understand how it feels to be a victim of piracy.

How will I counter this ? Most probably our own retail pricing will drop, (hurray for the consumers), but other than that ? I don't know for now, will let you know once we have figured it out...

Cars and Citizenship

Someone in a car forum posted a question :

Why are Chevrolet cars sold in Singapore considered American ? It is , afterall, rebadged of Korean-made Daewoo cars.

And why is Volvo, Saab, Opel and Mazda not considered American as well ? Since they are owned by either GM or Ford.

Ok. 2 questions and not 1..... It triggered me to a thought of citizenship, especially in Singapore, where we have lots of foreigners. What defines citizenship ? What are roots ?

And what is uniquely Singaporean ?
Am I still a Chinese ? If I am Singaporean, why must I learn Mandarin and the Chinese language ? So my roots are still from China ?

So what define the citizenship of the car ? Where it was made ? Who made it ?
What would you consider a car that is :
- thought of and designed by a German who lives in Korea,
- crystalized in a design file, residing on a computer assembled in Malaysia,
- emailed to his colleagues from Italy who lives in Thailand,
- has engine made in and shipped from Australia,
- has suspension parts made in France,
- fitted with rims and tyres made in Japan
- assembled in a factory by Thai workers in Thailand
- and sold by a company that orignates from America ?

What about an electronic company that is :
- founded by a man born in Taiwan
- who registered the company and brand name in America
- has products designed in Taiwan
- manufactured in China

Is this brand a Taiwanese brand, or American brand ?

With globalization and what nots, does it matter any more ? Is country or brand more important ? Or where the beginnings ? Roots ? What roots ?

Casino ?

Was reading today's newspaper and again, someone touched on the topic of building or not building a casino in Singapore...

This issue is discussed many times... But then, here is my 1 cent worth.

Casino and Morals ? What is the link ? Is there a link ?
Gambling is bad ?
Gambling is immoral ?

What the heck ?
If you open Casino, everyone will be addicted ? And everyone will go into debt ?
Now we need a Casino Credit Ratings to qualify to enter the casino ?

I know of many people addicted and spending loads of cash in 4D and Toto and Horse Racing.. So why is Singapore Pools still around ?

Why hasn't Singaporeans become gamblers already ?

In the first place, does having a casino really help our economy ? Bring in tourists ?

I am not against having casino, I am not promoting it. I also question whether the reason for bringing this up in the first place. But what do I know about economy and politics.

Oh, and if you sit in my car, you will notice a box of tissue "First World Hotel, Genting Highlands".. Speaks tons.. And no, I haven't been to Genting for the past 8 years.

What has happened to Singaporeans and self control. Is nothing about personal responsibility anymore ? Everything is about regulations and government control ?

This will lead to more bitching....
I think that is enough for one day.
Till I bitch again....

Another Day at Work

Had to endure through a Sales presentation this morning. My manager tasked one of the new sales guy to give a presentation. Life was hell for him for the last 3 months. Being a pawn in the office political game...

Not going to bore everyone with the details, but this is not the first game my manager has played. I wager it is not the last. Man, things I have to endure to earn a decent day's pay...

Had to console and have a heart-to-heart talk with the poor guy, who has sort of given up. Did it over coffee at West Coast Park in the middle of the afternoon...

Yeah yeah, "Lucky sales people" you might envy... But alas, life of a sales person is exactly like a bed of roses.. Looks nice from far, but you wouldn't like to be rolling in it - For every stalk of rose, there are 10 thorns under it...

Back home after dinner and completed my series of Band of Brothers series DVD. Yes, I am slow, I know. Kind of reminds me of some part of my own experiences back in NS days... And most parts of my reservist...

Speaking of which, I just have a few more to go.. wooo hooo..

Bored.. Bored

Life is getting boring....
At least for these few weeks ; Just don't feel like working.

Yes, work. This is something I have to do to feed myself. Sometimes I like it, sometimes I don't. And on days that I don't, I usually will just leave the office and go somewhere to relax..

For today, I will try something new. Make myself an online scrap book for my thoughts and my life.

Have tried to write a book, but just never seem to be able to get down to it. Will start off very soon, putting my childhood and current life in here, for anyone willing to read.

Hope you all enjoy it.