Yesterday was a very enjoyable day, even though I didn't really do much.
I guess it is not about what I do, but rather who I was with and really enjoying company. Even though the things we did were rather common and nothing really exciting or unsual, it was a day of peace and satisfaction.
But, I have to say it was really tough looking for a cookie-monster. Yes, the blue furry guy in Sesame Street. I just can't find the one that I wanted. The one with longer fur. All the ones I found were from Fisher-Price. They don't look like the actual thing. Either they don't have fur, or it is the velvety-type.
Damn, have to look harder this week.
On the working front, it looks like another series of time-wasting presentations in the coming weeks. Also, I am getting irritated by my manager's habit of trying to argue with almost every statement that I said. I guess one of these days, my irritated face is going to get me into trouble...
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Life of a Porn Clerk
Hey, boring Saturday. Found this to be amusing. Enjoy !
1. Beth's First Law of Tag Replenishment:
Of any ten tags you need to put away, nine of them will be in front of the big creepy guy who won't move.
Ali's Corollary:
Of these nine, at least five will require you to bend or crouch in such a way that your head is right in front of his groin.
.... (snipped) ....
There are way more bisexuals in the world than you think. I know there are way more than you think, because there are way more than I thought, and I'm bisexual. People who've finally gotten rid of all their inhibitions in that regard rent all over the Kinsey scale - there are a few 50/50 renters, but more people just seem to throw in what suits them. It still freaks out many of my fellow clerks when people do that. "Weird. That guy rented three gay videos and two straight," comes up a lot. I usually gently mention that there are more than two options in the world, but they tend to just give me blank looks. Oh, well - most of them are still in college. They'll learn.
.... (snipped) ....
But I digress. We actually hardly ever turn people gay or even bi. The clerks at our all-porn branch have noticed a fairly strict progression, because their porn is broken up by far more than gay and straight. According to them, the most likely Porn Drift path for a straight male goes from all lesbian to straight sex (some guys are so freaked out about seeing another guy's penis that straight sex videos are called "gay male" in some circles) to she-male. We keep the she-male stuff in the straight section - straight guys don't want to go to the gay section for their chicks with dicks videos, and for the most part gay men don't rent them.
(I have been given two interesting explanations as to why straight guys like women with penises. The first is that men don't believe that women like or want sex as much as they do. A chick with a penis, then, is a woman who has a full, hearty, male sex drive and must want sex as much as he does. The second one is almost touching to me: Vaginas are mysterious, and penises are by comparison fairly straightforward and easy to satisfy. A guy knows what to do with a penis, so if a woman has one he can be sure he knows how to satisfy her.)
I am actually sort of heartened by Porn Drift. I like seeing concrete evidence that sexuality is a more fluid thing than people like to admit, and I like seeing people stop worrying about what they're supposed to be turned on by and just go with what they like. I feel like the more people stop trying to fit themselves into rigid little boxes, the more they'll be able to cut people slack when they fit into a different box, or don't fit into a box at all.
So depending on your point of view, we're either helping people to open up to a new understanding of themselves and others, or we're helping to turn previously normal people into depraved freakos.
What else is new?
1. Beth's First Law of Tag Replenishment:
Of any ten tags you need to put away, nine of them will be in front of the big creepy guy who won't move.
Ali's Corollary:
Of these nine, at least five will require you to bend or crouch in such a way that your head is right in front of his groin.
.... (snipped) ....
There are way more bisexuals in the world than you think. I know there are way more than you think, because there are way more than I thought, and I'm bisexual. People who've finally gotten rid of all their inhibitions in that regard rent all over the Kinsey scale - there are a few 50/50 renters, but more people just seem to throw in what suits them. It still freaks out many of my fellow clerks when people do that. "Weird. That guy rented three gay videos and two straight," comes up a lot. I usually gently mention that there are more than two options in the world, but they tend to just give me blank looks. Oh, well - most of them are still in college. They'll learn.
.... (snipped) ....
But I digress. We actually hardly ever turn people gay or even bi. The clerks at our all-porn branch have noticed a fairly strict progression, because their porn is broken up by far more than gay and straight. According to them, the most likely Porn Drift path for a straight male goes from all lesbian to straight sex (some guys are so freaked out about seeing another guy's penis that straight sex videos are called "gay male" in some circles) to she-male. We keep the she-male stuff in the straight section - straight guys don't want to go to the gay section for their chicks with dicks videos, and for the most part gay men don't rent them.
(I have been given two interesting explanations as to why straight guys like women with penises. The first is that men don't believe that women like or want sex as much as they do. A chick with a penis, then, is a woman who has a full, hearty, male sex drive and must want sex as much as he does. The second one is almost touching to me: Vaginas are mysterious, and penises are by comparison fairly straightforward and easy to satisfy. A guy knows what to do with a penis, so if a woman has one he can be sure he knows how to satisfy her.)
I am actually sort of heartened by Porn Drift. I like seeing concrete evidence that sexuality is a more fluid thing than people like to admit, and I like seeing people stop worrying about what they're supposed to be turned on by and just go with what they like. I feel like the more people stop trying to fit themselves into rigid little boxes, the more they'll be able to cut people slack when they fit into a different box, or don't fit into a box at all.
So depending on your point of view, we're either helping people to open up to a new understanding of themselves and others, or we're helping to turn previously normal people into depraved freakos.
What else is new?
Our Wonderful Transport System
Singapore has a world class public transport system. We also have a world class fleece-money-from-people system.
We must be one of the top users of "pre-paid" systems in the world. I mean, almost everything.
Granted, you have some systems that are pre-paid in many countries. Like mobile phone calling cards. That is because you actually save some money when using pre-paid services.
But here, nooooo....
Hmm. Lets see. HDB and URA parking are done by a coupon system. You pay before you use. And I don't mean it is similar to those parking meters in other countries. In those system, you actually park your car first, then you pay for how long you intend to leave it there. Or those parking in shopping centres, where you collect a ticket upon entry, and pay the appropriate amount when you leave. Now that is a reasonable transaction.
Our parking coupons are bought days, weeks or even months ahead. If you lose it, its your own fault. If it is destroy, it is your own fault. If you tear the tabs wrongly, its is your own fault. What kind of "savings" are we talking about ? Nothing. What benefits for paying in advance ? Nothing.
And yet, when they decided to raise the parking rates from 90 cents per hour to $1 per hour. What happens to the pre-paid 90-cents coupons ? You can't use it. You have to "top-up" and buy new coupons ! I mean, the SALE has already taken place. It is a done deal.
Recent trip to Malaysia showed that our neighbour has definitely caught on very fast to our efficient government in collecting money. They took down parking meters and now sell parking coupons, just like Singapore. Wow. I think pretty soon, having a holiday trip into Malaysia will be very much just like Singapore.
Now, "top-up" is something that is very common to Singaporeans. I mean, if we have to pay for goods/services AFTER we use them, we find it amusing. We tan-dio (earned).
And how about Cashcard ? Since when is CASH itself not acceptable ? Ask our dear National Library. Cashcard is supposed to be treated like cash. You have to take care of it. Make sure it doesn't get stolen, etc ,etc. If you lose it, it is as good as losing cash.
Yeah, sure. So where is the "Choice" ? ERP uses cash cards. Many parking uses cash cards. Without it, you are just inconvenienced. Look at other road users abroad. Even our neighbouring malaysia, has lanes for "pre-paid" and "cash only" users. No doubt the pre-paid "Touch-n-Go" has no discount, but it provides convenience for users who choose to use them, providing a faster lane, without having to wait too long in queue. There is choice.
I recently drove through an ERP gantry without a cashcard. Why ? Because I don't usually drive through the PIE towards Changi at the peak hour. When I see that it was in operation, I had no time to slot in my cash card. Results ? $10 admin charge, and $1 for the fare.
Everything is about penalty. We prepay way before we use the services, forgoing bank interests (even if it is pathetic) and other benefits, yet we suffer heavy penalty for not being smart enough to use the system in their weird way.
Take the EZ-Link card on Buses. How many people have innocently forgot to tap at the exit and thus had full-fare being deducted ? I mean, excuse me for spending my whole life getting used to not need to tap at the exit. Now, you change the system and it suddenly becomes my fault ?
Oh, you can claim the fare back if you forgot. Yeah, spend more money writing in, going to their office to fill in forms, wait for hours to get a refund of 60-cents ? It just makes it not economical to appeal. So smart. What is the results ? People can't be bothered to seek refund.
So who wins ? It is never about the consumer or the good of the people. It is always about making it easier to fleece money off us.
Welcome to our wonderful world of Singapore.
We must be one of the top users of "pre-paid" systems in the world. I mean, almost everything.
Granted, you have some systems that are pre-paid in many countries. Like mobile phone calling cards. That is because you actually save some money when using pre-paid services.
But here, nooooo....
Hmm. Lets see. HDB and URA parking are done by a coupon system. You pay before you use. And I don't mean it is similar to those parking meters in other countries. In those system, you actually park your car first, then you pay for how long you intend to leave it there. Or those parking in shopping centres, where you collect a ticket upon entry, and pay the appropriate amount when you leave. Now that is a reasonable transaction.
Our parking coupons are bought days, weeks or even months ahead. If you lose it, its your own fault. If it is destroy, it is your own fault. If you tear the tabs wrongly, its is your own fault. What kind of "savings" are we talking about ? Nothing. What benefits for paying in advance ? Nothing.
And yet, when they decided to raise the parking rates from 90 cents per hour to $1 per hour. What happens to the pre-paid 90-cents coupons ? You can't use it. You have to "top-up" and buy new coupons ! I mean, the SALE has already taken place. It is a done deal.
Recent trip to Malaysia showed that our neighbour has definitely caught on very fast to our efficient government in collecting money. They took down parking meters and now sell parking coupons, just like Singapore. Wow. I think pretty soon, having a holiday trip into Malaysia will be very much just like Singapore.
Now, "top-up" is something that is very common to Singaporeans. I mean, if we have to pay for goods/services AFTER we use them, we find it amusing. We tan-dio (earned).
And how about Cashcard ? Since when is CASH itself not acceptable ? Ask our dear National Library. Cashcard is supposed to be treated like cash. You have to take care of it. Make sure it doesn't get stolen, etc ,etc. If you lose it, it is as good as losing cash.
Yeah, sure. So where is the "Choice" ? ERP uses cash cards. Many parking uses cash cards. Without it, you are just inconvenienced. Look at other road users abroad. Even our neighbouring malaysia, has lanes for "pre-paid" and "cash only" users. No doubt the pre-paid "Touch-n-Go" has no discount, but it provides convenience for users who choose to use them, providing a faster lane, without having to wait too long in queue. There is choice.
I recently drove through an ERP gantry without a cashcard. Why ? Because I don't usually drive through the PIE towards Changi at the peak hour. When I see that it was in operation, I had no time to slot in my cash card. Results ? $10 admin charge, and $1 for the fare.
Everything is about penalty. We prepay way before we use the services, forgoing bank interests (even if it is pathetic) and other benefits, yet we suffer heavy penalty for not being smart enough to use the system in their weird way.
Take the EZ-Link card on Buses. How many people have innocently forgot to tap at the exit and thus had full-fare being deducted ? I mean, excuse me for spending my whole life getting used to not need to tap at the exit. Now, you change the system and it suddenly becomes my fault ?
Oh, you can claim the fare back if you forgot. Yeah, spend more money writing in, going to their office to fill in forms, wait for hours to get a refund of 60-cents ? It just makes it not economical to appeal. So smart. What is the results ? People can't be bothered to seek refund.
So who wins ? It is never about the consumer or the good of the people. It is always about making it easier to fleece money off us.
Welcome to our wonderful world of Singapore.
Freedom of Press, or lack there-of
When recently, Rapporteurs Sans Frontieres published their 2004 Press Freedom Index, Singapore ranked #147 out of 167 countries. Well, that is hardly surprising.
What is surprising is the "defence" that our ministers made.
When questioned by opposition MP Steve Chia, our dear minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, Lee Boon Yang mentioned :
[Straits Times, Nov 18, 2004]
Singapore was ranked the second most global country in the 2004 A.T. Kearney Globalisation Index, which ranks countries on economic integration, technological connectivity, personal contact and political engagement.
......
What is surprising is the "defence" that our ministers made.
When questioned by opposition MP Steve Chia, our dear minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, Lee Boon Yang mentioned :
[Straits Times, Nov 18, 2004]
Singapore was ranked the second most global country in the 2004 A.T. Kearney Globalisation Index, which ranks countries on economic integration, technological connectivity, personal contact and political engagement.
......
Singapore also emerged as the best governed city in another survey of 33 major cities, by Jones Lang LaSalle, based on aspects of governance such as integrity, stability and efficiency, he added.
'These two surveys reflect high international regard for Singapore as a cosmopolitan city on the global stage,' Dr Lee said.
So, in effect, Press freedom doesn't matter, because we rank high in other surveys. But somewhere at the end of the article, I read this :
'Our media has a tremendously important role in this national effort by rallying Singaporeans to do the things which matter most to Singapore.
This is certainly more important than... to gain the favours of international ranking associations.'
Erm, so ? If rankings given by others are not important, why use them as defence in the first place ? Isn't that hypocritical ?
Also, the mention that our press operates in a different model :
Singapore's media model was different, he said.
'Our model is that of a free and responsible press whose role is to report news accurately and objectively to Singaporeans.'
The media here also served as a platform for diverse views and to reflect the debate on national issues.
Ermm.. You mean press in other countries, specifically those in countries that rank higher than us, are operating in a different model ? One that is aimed at inaccuracy and non-objectivity ?
Also, other countries do not have racial, terrorism, disease and morality issues ??? :
The model had evolved out of Singapore's special circumstances, he said.
It had enabled the media here to strengthen the resilience of Singaporeans in the face of intense economic competition, terrorism threats, infectious diseases and social ills.
What a whole load of rubbish. We are the only country in the world that has different races ? We are the only country in the world that faces terrorism ? Only Singaporeans ahve infectious diseases ? On, and only Singaporeans are immoral. Only Singaporeans are affected by Casinos and gambling. Only Singaporeans are affected by AIDS, or homosexuality, and pornography.
Then today, in Today, an article that says we are ranked higher than Malaysia in another press freedom survey, this time by a think-tank in Washington :
S’pore above M’sia in media ranking
Singapore's media is "somewhat freer" than it was before, according to Freedom House, a Washington-based independent think-tank. The city-state was ranked 135 out of 193 countries in the annual global Press Freedom Index. "Singapore's press is somewhat freer than in past years … Although editorials and news coverage generally reflect Government policies, newspapers are increasingly carrying letters, columns and editorials critical of Government policies," said the survey, without indicating Singapore's ranking the year before. Singapore ranked above Malaysia (154), Laos and Vietnam (both 179), and Myanmar (190). The Philippines led the South-east Asian nations at 75th place, followed by Thailand (88), Indonesia (117) and Cambodia (127). North Korea was deemed to have the world's worst press freedom. The Freedom House survey comes in the wake of a similar index by Paris-based Reporters Sans Frontieres, which placed Singapore at 147th out of 167 countries.
Why this highlight ? Because we were ranked behind Malaysia in the RSF report ? And we cannot lose out to our neighbour, Malaysia. And we are not concerned about rankings ?
That is the most ironic thing to say. We are most concern with rankings, from food to children's results, from cleanest toilets to best value-added schools.
Hmm.. we are slaves, we have no brains on our own. Everything that our holy leaders say is gospel. They must be true.
An Ex Lawyer-wannabe
When I was very young, I had wanted to be a lawyer. I don't know why, but probably watching Hong Kong drama serials gave me the idea. Watching scenes of lawyers cross-examining witnesses, asking formidable questions.
Also, the fact that I like to argue contributed. Sometimes, I just like to play devil's advocate and argue for the sake of arguing, even if I do not agree with it myself. This helps me in being to see from other points of views. I am sure this is useful in many areas of my life in future.
Dream shattered when my father told me that being a lawyer in Singapore is useless. Can't win any case against the government, or any case that is likely to affect policies. Not much class-action cases. Not much sensational criminal-trials here. There is going to be only 1 David Marshall. That I will most probably end up handling divorce cases or property transactions.
Just happened to bump into a blog of a Lawyer Wannabe. What can I say, humourous and observant young man. All the best to him.
Also, the fact that I like to argue contributed. Sometimes, I just like to play devil's advocate and argue for the sake of arguing, even if I do not agree with it myself. This helps me in being to see from other points of views. I am sure this is useful in many areas of my life in future.
Dream shattered when my father told me that being a lawyer in Singapore is useless. Can't win any case against the government, or any case that is likely to affect policies. Not much class-action cases. Not much sensational criminal-trials here. There is going to be only 1 David Marshall. That I will most probably end up handling divorce cases or property transactions.
Just happened to bump into a blog of a Lawyer Wannabe. What can I say, humourous and observant young man. All the best to him.
Friday, November 26, 2004
Casino Revisited
Just read on our esteemed Straits Times forum pages about people lobbying against having casino.
Mainly 2 groups of people : (1) Religious , (2) Conservatives Pro Family
I can, kind of, understand the conservative part. That people will get addicted to gambling, and tend to beat wife and children more often, etc, etc. Like drug addicts, who can't control themselves. So let's not give them an additional avenue of addiction.
The religious groups (usually Christian and Catholic) will hijack many issues. This is is not spared. That gambling is sinful, thus Singapore should not do it.
Before there is a chance to see whether :
(1) Is the casino really going to help our economy ?
(2) Are there going to be more family problems ?
(3) Can the government make good use of the Casino without the much problems ?
We have the voices of "idealism" lobbying against it.
I mean, this issue is not as simple as "allowing murder to be legal". There are cases of Casino being successful, and there are cases where they failed.
So why impose your religious views onto others ? If you are that great, and gambling is a sin, just tell your followers not to go ! Why not start lobbying against 4D and Toto !
Heck, why don't our Islamic friends lobby against having Alcohol served in Singapore. Afterall, it is proven to have so much problems. And Islam prohibits, so please, start lobbying about the bad things of Wine and Alcohol and ban them from Singapore. Help the rest of the non-Islamic people.
Sorry you have to read all these hateful messages. Not a good day in the office. Getting more sick of some people. I don't know why I can't just look the otherway and pretend I don't know anything about it.
I mean, it is like pretending not to notice that there is a screaming child in the National Library. You can chosee not to do anything to the kid, but the ear-piercing scream still physically damages your ear-drums and it still irritates you.
Mainly 2 groups of people : (1) Religious , (2) Conservatives Pro Family
I can, kind of, understand the conservative part. That people will get addicted to gambling, and tend to beat wife and children more often, etc, etc. Like drug addicts, who can't control themselves. So let's not give them an additional avenue of addiction.
The religious groups (usually Christian and Catholic) will hijack many issues. This is is not spared. That gambling is sinful, thus Singapore should not do it.
Before there is a chance to see whether :
(1) Is the casino really going to help our economy ?
(2) Are there going to be more family problems ?
(3) Can the government make good use of the Casino without the much problems ?
We have the voices of "idealism" lobbying against it.
I mean, this issue is not as simple as "allowing murder to be legal". There are cases of Casino being successful, and there are cases where they failed.
So why impose your religious views onto others ? If you are that great, and gambling is a sin, just tell your followers not to go ! Why not start lobbying against 4D and Toto !
Heck, why don't our Islamic friends lobby against having Alcohol served in Singapore. Afterall, it is proven to have so much problems. And Islam prohibits, so please, start lobbying about the bad things of Wine and Alcohol and ban them from Singapore. Help the rest of the non-Islamic people.
Sorry you have to read all these hateful messages. Not a good day in the office. Getting more sick of some people. I don't know why I can't just look the otherway and pretend I don't know anything about it.
I mean, it is like pretending not to notice that there is a screaming child in the National Library. You can chosee not to do anything to the kid, but the ear-piercing scream still physically damages your ear-drums and it still irritates you.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
The Moon is bigger in other countries
This started out as a cynical comment to people who always praises things abroad.
Then I pulled this as a joke to a couple of friends. My reasoning is that Singapore is near the equator, and other countries further will see the moon larger.
They almost bought it..
But I was only slightly wrong.
You see, it is a well known illusion that the moon appears larger near the horizon.
But since you can't see the horizon at all in Singapore, you always see the "smaller" moon.
When you are overseas, away from a city, and look from a mountain or from the beach, you can most probably catch the moon when it is at its "largest", near the horizon.
Then I pulled this as a joke to a couple of friends. My reasoning is that Singapore is near the equator, and other countries further will see the moon larger.
They almost bought it..
But I was only slightly wrong.
You see, it is a well known illusion that the moon appears larger near the horizon.
But since you can't see the horizon at all in Singapore, you always see the "smaller" moon.
When you are overseas, away from a city, and look from a mountain or from the beach, you can most probably catch the moon when it is at its "largest", near the horizon.
You have done well for PSLE. Here is $1,000
Just heard, that my manager promised his daughter $1,000 if she get good grades in her PSLE.
Wow.. I mean, $1,000 (yes, I didn't type wrongly. One Thousand Singapore Dollars).
Then he said he spent $1,400 to get a puppy for the daughter as a present.
A few things crossed my mind :
(1) Wow. That is a lot of money
(2) What kind of values he is putting to his daughters ?
I shall not talk about how much money it is, and how envious other kids will be when they hear this.
What I want to talk about is what values or impression it inculcates in his daughters.
The message I get is that doing well in your studies is worth $xxx. What about the basic value of knowledge itself ? How do you measure it in dollars and cents ? How about the basic attitude of learning. Now it is for the sake of getting rewards, nothing to do with learning being a enjoyable process of self improvement ? (Think of the recent government compaign to get older workers to "relearn".)
So what will she learn at this young age ?
That next time, if daddy cannot afford to give me $10,000 as reward for doing well in my A-Levels, I should not do it ?
That if daddy cannot afford to give me pocket money anymore, even though I am 21 years old and working now, I do not need to take care of daddy and mummy anymore, because it is a negative cash flow to me ?
If my friend give me expensive birthday presents, he/she is my good friend. Otherwise, not worth keeping ?
What the parents value, they will translate it down to their children. I know without money, it is almost impossible to live. But, do you have to use money as a lure everytime ? Is everything about reward and punishment, just like Singapore?
How about "You should treat others nicely because you should." and not "because it might pay dividend in the future." ?
Sad world I am in ...
Oh, and her score of 251 points, was 3 points higher than mine. Wow. She is a genius.
And judging by how his daughters treat their hamsters, I will bet that in 6 months' time, the puppy will be another "child" for their maid to take care of. Especially after they have to clear the shit for a few days.
Wow.. I mean, $1,000 (yes, I didn't type wrongly. One Thousand Singapore Dollars).
Then he said he spent $1,400 to get a puppy for the daughter as a present.
A few things crossed my mind :
(1) Wow. That is a lot of money
(2) What kind of values he is putting to his daughters ?
I shall not talk about how much money it is, and how envious other kids will be when they hear this.
What I want to talk about is what values or impression it inculcates in his daughters.
The message I get is that doing well in your studies is worth $xxx. What about the basic value of knowledge itself ? How do you measure it in dollars and cents ? How about the basic attitude of learning. Now it is for the sake of getting rewards, nothing to do with learning being a enjoyable process of self improvement ? (Think of the recent government compaign to get older workers to "relearn".)
So what will she learn at this young age ?
That next time, if daddy cannot afford to give me $10,000 as reward for doing well in my A-Levels, I should not do it ?
That if daddy cannot afford to give me pocket money anymore, even though I am 21 years old and working now, I do not need to take care of daddy and mummy anymore, because it is a negative cash flow to me ?
If my friend give me expensive birthday presents, he/she is my good friend. Otherwise, not worth keeping ?
What the parents value, they will translate it down to their children. I know without money, it is almost impossible to live. But, do you have to use money as a lure everytime ? Is everything about reward and punishment, just like Singapore?
How about "You should treat others nicely because you should." and not "because it might pay dividend in the future." ?
Sad world I am in ...
Oh, and her score of 251 points, was 3 points higher than mine. Wow. She is a genius.
And judging by how his daughters treat their hamsters, I will bet that in 6 months' time, the puppy will be another "child" for their maid to take care of. Especially after they have to clear the shit for a few days.
It's my birthday, spend money on me
After reading an article from Yawning Bread entitled It's my birthday, spend money on me.
I sort of agree. It is not that I am stingy, but I feel many times, many people simply "forget" the others with either lower income, or more commitments, or those who simply do not want to spend money to socialize and get to know friends better.
I mean, you throw birthday parties for your kids, or a house warming party, and sooner or later, you will hear some gossips about the "Mr. Tan so ngeow one, give such cheap presents" , or that "Mrs. Lee, aiyoh recycle her unwanted presents"...
Just one of the reasons why nowadays, an invitation to someone's wedding is called "Red Bomb". Why ? I mean, a wedding is supposed to be a happy occassion for everyone. But it has become some sort of economic measure. "I have to give ang bao proportionately to the price of the restaurant." And wedding couples count money they collect from ang baos to see if they recouped their losses or not.
Whatever happened to a simple wedding to pronouce your love, if you do not have the money to splurge on a big party ?
I am not pointing fingers only at materialistic-capitalistic culture. The Chinese, Indians, all have elaborate weddings and parent's talk about "face", about making it grandier than any of their relatives' wedding.
All these kind of turned me off festivals like Christmas and functions like weddings.
Maybe because I know that I will not be having any weddings, thus I will not "earn back" whatever I spent on my friends. All the jokes of "if give only $50 ang bao, put him at the table near the toilet" are not helping.
And I remembered an episode in "Sex and the City". One of Carrie's friend refused to pay Carrie for a pair of expensive shoes that was lost at her house, saying she will not pay for Carrie's extravagent lifestyle. Carrie than complaint about Singles paying for the lifestyle of the Married. Other people "pay" for the wedding, other people pay for children's baby shower, birthday, graduation, etc etc.
So the question becomes, why do we have to pay for your decisions to have many children, when I am trying to avoid having children of my own ?
And how do I avoid spending all these money that I am not willing to spend, and yet maintain a sincere friendship with you ? Do I have to buy these friendship with money ?
Call me a dolt, but I still can't figure out how one's birthday is meaningful to anyone but oneself, and why anybody else should "celebrate" this day. But obviously, if someone takes the day off on account of "celebrating his birthday", some kind of party must be in the works. After all, it's difficult to imagine him spending the day in solitary meditation.
I sort of agree. It is not that I am stingy, but I feel many times, many people simply "forget" the others with either lower income, or more commitments, or those who simply do not want to spend money to socialize and get to know friends better.
I mean, you throw birthday parties for your kids, or a house warming party, and sooner or later, you will hear some gossips about the "Mr. Tan so ngeow one, give such cheap presents" , or that "Mrs. Lee, aiyoh recycle her unwanted presents"...
Just one of the reasons why nowadays, an invitation to someone's wedding is called "Red Bomb". Why ? I mean, a wedding is supposed to be a happy occassion for everyone. But it has become some sort of economic measure. "I have to give ang bao proportionately to the price of the restaurant." And wedding couples count money they collect from ang baos to see if they recouped their losses or not.
Whatever happened to a simple wedding to pronouce your love, if you do not have the money to splurge on a big party ?
I am not pointing fingers only at materialistic-capitalistic culture. The Chinese, Indians, all have elaborate weddings and parent's talk about "face", about making it grandier than any of their relatives' wedding.
All these kind of turned me off festivals like Christmas and functions like weddings.
Maybe because I know that I will not be having any weddings, thus I will not "earn back" whatever I spent on my friends. All the jokes of "if give only $50 ang bao, put him at the table near the toilet" are not helping.
And I remembered an episode in "Sex and the City". One of Carrie's friend refused to pay Carrie for a pair of expensive shoes that was lost at her house, saying she will not pay for Carrie's extravagent lifestyle. Carrie than complaint about Singles paying for the lifestyle of the Married. Other people "pay" for the wedding, other people pay for children's baby shower, birthday, graduation, etc etc.
So the question becomes, why do we have to pay for your decisions to have many children, when I am trying to avoid having children of my own ?
And how do I avoid spending all these money that I am not willing to spend, and yet maintain a sincere friendship with you ? Do I have to buy these friendship with money ?
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
OCP - The Future is here
Remember Robocop ? The company that built it , OCP. The corporation that is present in almost all walks of life, controlling even some government functions.
Well, since I was doing some car research, below is a list of who owns what in the global car industry :
Brands under General Motors :
GMC - 100%
Chevrolet - 100%
Opel - 100%
Holden - 100%
Saab - 100%
Cadillac - 100%
Buick - 100%
Pontiac - 100%
Vauxhall - 100%
Daewoo - 45%
Hummber - 100%
Saturn - 100%
Affiliates of GM :
GM-Fiat - 50%
Fuji Heavy Industries - 20%
Suzuki - 20%
Other Services :
Finances
-------
Brands Under Ford Motors :
Ford
Lincoln
Mercury
Mazda
Aston Martin
Jaguar
Volvo
Land Rover
Other Services :
Ford Credit
Hertz
-------
Brands Under Volkswagen Group :
VolksWagen (VW Group)
Skoda
Bentley
Bugatti
Audi (Audi Group)
Lamborghini
Seat
-------
Brands Under Toyota Motors :
Toyota
Lexus
Daihatsu
Hino (Look at our SBS buses)
Collaborations with :
PSA Peugeot Citroen
Other Business :
Housing
Marine
Biotechnology & Afforestation
-------
Other "Alliances", "Startegic Partners" and Mergers
DaimlerChrysler + Mitsubishi
Kia = Hyundai
Mini = BMW
Peugeot + Citroen
A friend of mine also point out that Mitsubishi is more like OCP than any of the car companies. They have "subsidiaries" handling everything from mechanical components to Patriot missles, traditional steel industry to nuclear technology, home consumer products to industrial robots and machines.
And if you look at consumer products (Detergents, Shampoo), you will also find a few companies owning more than 80% of the brands in the market. Food and tidbit industries as well. Just go to their web sites to find out more. Companies like P&G, Nestle, Unilever, etc.
Oh well, I am waiting for the day of Robocop, where police forces are outsourced to OCP....
Well, since I was doing some car research, below is a list of who owns what in the global car industry :
Brands under General Motors :
GMC - 100%
Chevrolet - 100%
Opel - 100%
Holden - 100%
Saab - 100%
Cadillac - 100%
Buick - 100%
Pontiac - 100%
Vauxhall - 100%
Daewoo - 45%
Hummber - 100%
Saturn - 100%
Affiliates of GM :
GM-Fiat - 50%
Fuji Heavy Industries - 20%
Suzuki - 20%
Other Services :
Finances
-------
Brands Under Ford Motors :
Ford
Lincoln
Mercury
Mazda
Aston Martin
Jaguar
Volvo
Land Rover
Other Services :
Ford Credit
Hertz
-------
Brands Under Volkswagen Group :
VolksWagen (VW Group)
Skoda
Bentley
Bugatti
Audi (Audi Group)
Lamborghini
Seat
-------
Brands Under Toyota Motors :
Toyota
Lexus
Daihatsu
Hino (Look at our SBS buses)
Collaborations with :
PSA Peugeot Citroen
Other Business :
Housing
Marine
Biotechnology & Afforestation
-------
Other "Alliances", "Startegic Partners" and Mergers
DaimlerChrysler + Mitsubishi
Kia = Hyundai
Mini = BMW
Peugeot + Citroen
A friend of mine also point out that Mitsubishi is more like OCP than any of the car companies. They have "subsidiaries" handling everything from mechanical components to Patriot missles, traditional steel industry to nuclear technology, home consumer products to industrial robots and machines.
And if you look at consumer products (Detergents, Shampoo), you will also find a few companies owning more than 80% of the brands in the market. Food and tidbit industries as well. Just go to their web sites to find out more. Companies like P&G, Nestle, Unilever, etc.
Oh well, I am waiting for the day of Robocop, where police forces are outsourced to OCP....
Funny Army gribes
Hey, as a male Singapore Citizen, I have gone through the entire National Service and still serving the Reservist.
Just found a funny website full of humourous writers and Army stuff.
Excerpt :
The Verdict:
Well, I was like going to ORD already, but I heard that I was not guilty for losing the scabbard. DyS4 is nice enough to tell the RSM in charge of the guard room (I think was for CCO), and once the CCO RSM found out, he gave EVERY RP who were on duty that day (I think excluding the sergeant lah, but if he gana, too bad, I ORD LOH) 1-2 extras.
Yes, I have finally dealt justice to the deserving RPs. It's just suay you lose lim beh's scabbard - I am the Statement I/C plus lao jiao signaller - wahaha.
Ah no, you will not hear about my army stories.. Well, at least not now.. hahaha
Just found a funny website full of humourous writers and Army stuff.
Excerpt :
The Verdict:
Well, I was like going to ORD already, but I heard that I was not guilty for losing the scabbard. DyS4 is nice enough to tell the RSM in charge of the guard room (I think was for CCO), and once the CCO RSM found out, he gave EVERY RP who were on duty that day (I think excluding the sergeant lah, but if he gana, too bad, I ORD LOH) 1-2 extras.
Yes, I have finally dealt justice to the deserving RPs. It's just suay you lose lim beh's scabbard - I am the Statement I/C plus lao jiao signaller - wahaha.
Ah no, you will not hear about my army stories.. Well, at least not now.. hahaha
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Remove Resonator
On Sunday, went for a gathering of my "car club" to see how they perform a certain operation on their cars. Removing the resonator.
Resonator is a "little" box in your car that keeps the air intake silent. You know how noisy air travels through a tube when being sucked in ? The resonator takes care of that. Of course, it reduces the amount of air-flow at the same time, thus making your car engine less responsive.
So they organized a meeting in a carpark and proceeded to teach and help one another on how to take it out.
My car is just beside the green car.
And of course, the resonator :
I might do it one day, but for now, I would like my car to be as quiet as possible. I prefer comfort to power.
Resonator is a "little" box in your car that keeps the air intake silent. You know how noisy air travels through a tube when being sucked in ? The resonator takes care of that. Of course, it reduces the amount of air-flow at the same time, thus making your car engine less responsive.
So they organized a meeting in a carpark and proceeded to teach and help one another on how to take it out.
My car is just beside the green car.
And of course, the resonator :
I might do it one day, but for now, I would like my car to be as quiet as possible. I prefer comfort to power.
Monday, November 22, 2004
Customer Service in Singapore
Recent hot topic again in our ST Forums. Discussion about the poor service levels of our retail and front-line workers. There are 2 camps, basically :
(1) The ones that blame the service-staff for treating "amg-moh" better than locals.
(2) The ones that blame customers themselves for being "high and mighty", unfriendly and not being responsive to the greetings of service-staff and putting them off.
And today, I read another view, that due to cost cutting, employers are employing foreigners who cannot speak proper English, thus lowering the standard. Ok. Let me try to quote a few lines :
In their foolish attempt to cut costs, they employ foreigners who are cheap with no sense of connection to this country.
Huh ? So what has loyalty got to do with customer service ? They are here to do a job. So what if you employ a loyal Singaporean. Is he/she going do be a better service-oriented staff just because he is working in homeland ?
Anyway, we are all the hype of "outsourcing". So what is wrong with employing foreigners with no connection to Singapore ?
On the other hand, Singaporeans do not like to be in the service industry. Why ? Because they will be looked down upon by fellow Singaporeans. And god-forbid I be seen as a waiter.. Ooooh. So mahlu !
My take on this matter ? Sinply the government's fault. No, don't laugh, really.
All the while, our focus is Productivity, Efficiency, Hardworking. No where is social gracefulness part of what we teach our young. So we become impatient with people who are slow and hinders our productivity. We do not waste time with courtesy. And every second is money to us.
Only in recent years, the government sees that social graces are important. That the arts and culture are just as complementary to social development as academic results and financial knowledge.
So what does our government do ? Spend millions of dollars on the "durian" and call it a day. It doesn't matter that their policies are contradicting. It doesn't matter that you can't put OB markers on "arts". And it doesn't matter that things do not get changed overnight.
So what are we to do about it ? (1) Wait for society to develop and change by themselves. (2) Wait for the government to do something about it. (3) Do our own part and try to perpetuate a more graceful society.
(1) The ones that blame the service-staff for treating "amg-moh" better than locals.
(2) The ones that blame customers themselves for being "high and mighty", unfriendly and not being responsive to the greetings of service-staff and putting them off.
And today, I read another view, that due to cost cutting, employers are employing foreigners who cannot speak proper English, thus lowering the standard. Ok. Let me try to quote a few lines :
In their foolish attempt to cut costs, they employ foreigners who are cheap with no sense of connection to this country.
Huh ? So what has loyalty got to do with customer service ? They are here to do a job. So what if you employ a loyal Singaporean. Is he/she going do be a better service-oriented staff just because he is working in homeland ?
Anyway, we are all the hype of "outsourcing". So what is wrong with employing foreigners with no connection to Singapore ?
If we are to be a tourist hub, I think visitors will come to Singapore from many countries besides China.
And English is an international language, not Mandarin.
Well, it is in the employer's interest to get staff who can communicate with customers. And if customers are put off by the poor English, I am sure they will feel the pinch in their revenue.On the other hand, Singaporeans do not like to be in the service industry. Why ? Because they will be looked down upon by fellow Singaporeans. And god-forbid I be seen as a waiter.. Ooooh. So mahlu !
My take on this matter ? Sinply the government's fault. No, don't laugh, really.
All the while, our focus is Productivity, Efficiency, Hardworking. No where is social gracefulness part of what we teach our young. So we become impatient with people who are slow and hinders our productivity. We do not waste time with courtesy. And every second is money to us.
Only in recent years, the government sees that social graces are important. That the arts and culture are just as complementary to social development as academic results and financial knowledge.
So what does our government do ? Spend millions of dollars on the "durian" and call it a day. It doesn't matter that their policies are contradicting. It doesn't matter that you can't put OB markers on "arts". And it doesn't matter that things do not get changed overnight.
So what are we to do about it ? (1) Wait for society to develop and change by themselves. (2) Wait for the government to do something about it. (3) Do our own part and try to perpetuate a more graceful society.
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Down Memory Lane
Was having dinner with my family last night in a street food stall in Malaysia - Kulai, Johor. My grandparents used to own a shop and a house there. The land has now been developed into flatted shops and apartments. I am sure my family and relatives made some money out of the land.
But what I remembered was the row of shop house. It was about 10 meters in front of the front door of the main house. I can remember the house very well because I had stayed there many times in my childhood. But the shop house was only a distant memory. It was burnt down in 1981.
In 1981, I was only 9 years old. My family was living in a flat in Holland Village. One night, I received a phone call for my dad, from my 1st Aunt (who lives in that house). My dad then told us that there was a fire spread from one of the shops and is spreading.
My father and mother then took a few fire-extinguishers from our house, loaded it up the car and drove to Malaysia. I was left alone in the house with my baby brother.
What I heard was that they took about 45 minutes to reach 1 mile away from the fire. Main road was blocked by the police, and traffic piled up. So my parents walked 1 mile to reach the house. By then, the whole row of shops were in fire, with the firemen battling it. My parents ran to the house. With our relatives, they started to spray water all over the front yard, and the roof. Until the police evacuated the whole neighbourhood. They left. Returned the next day, and all the houses were intact. The row of shop houses then became a piece of wasteland, for about 10 years.
What I can remember about those shops, were very little. What I can remember about the house is still in my memories. This was where I spent many years having fun with fire-crackers during Chinese New Year. This was where I bathed with well-water in the open. This was were I learnt how to plant vegetables, and pluck papayas. This was where I used toilets that had no sewage system. This was where .....
But what I remembered was the row of shop house. It was about 10 meters in front of the front door of the main house. I can remember the house very well because I had stayed there many times in my childhood. But the shop house was only a distant memory. It was burnt down in 1981.
In 1981, I was only 9 years old. My family was living in a flat in Holland Village. One night, I received a phone call for my dad, from my 1st Aunt (who lives in that house). My dad then told us that there was a fire spread from one of the shops and is spreading.
My father and mother then took a few fire-extinguishers from our house, loaded it up the car and drove to Malaysia. I was left alone in the house with my baby brother.
What I heard was that they took about 45 minutes to reach 1 mile away from the fire. Main road was blocked by the police, and traffic piled up. So my parents walked 1 mile to reach the house. By then, the whole row of shops were in fire, with the firemen battling it. My parents ran to the house. With our relatives, they started to spray water all over the front yard, and the roof. Until the police evacuated the whole neighbourhood. They left. Returned the next day, and all the houses were intact. The row of shop houses then became a piece of wasteland, for about 10 years.
What I can remember about those shops, were very little. What I can remember about the house is still in my memories. This was where I spent many years having fun with fire-crackers during Chinese New Year. This was where I bathed with well-water in the open. This was were I learnt how to plant vegetables, and pluck papayas. This was where I used toilets that had no sewage system. This was where .....
Back from Malaysia
Oh Hello ! I am back safe and sound. Not to worry.
Ha ha ha. Not a single episode for the 8 hours I was in Malaysia.
I brought my grandmother, father and mother in. At the Tuas checkpoint, my father and grandmother needed the toilets. So I stopped after the customs, to let them go. This reminded me of a episode I had about 3 years back.
That was a weekend, went over to JB for dinner with a group of friends. 5 of us in a car. After the dinner, we were on the way back via Tuas checkpoint as well. Then some of us needed to use the toilet as well. So my friend asked the customers officer, where the toilet is.
Then, a civilian-dressed officer told us to park at a corner, and brought us to the toilet. My friends were happy chatting while I looked around. I did not notice any toilet signs. After about 50 meters, I noticed a sign that says "CNB ->". I thnk I was the only guy who noticed it.
After we were inside the office, we were told to go to the toilet. I was already very suspicious, while my friends were still chatting, until they see a uniformed officer in the toilet, giving out bottles.
Yes, urine test ! I am sure the officer must have been happy when we needed to go to the loo. 5 more "volunteers" to meet their daily random check quota ?
My friends were bitching at how can they do such a thing. And I will remember, try to not use their toilets while driving through official checkpoints.
Ha ha ha. Not a single episode for the 8 hours I was in Malaysia.
I brought my grandmother, father and mother in. At the Tuas checkpoint, my father and grandmother needed the toilets. So I stopped after the customs, to let them go. This reminded me of a episode I had about 3 years back.
That was a weekend, went over to JB for dinner with a group of friends. 5 of us in a car. After the dinner, we were on the way back via Tuas checkpoint as well. Then some of us needed to use the toilet as well. So my friend asked the customers officer, where the toilet is.
Then, a civilian-dressed officer told us to park at a corner, and brought us to the toilet. My friends were happy chatting while I looked around. I did not notice any toilet signs. After about 50 meters, I noticed a sign that says "CNB ->". I thnk I was the only guy who noticed it.
After we were inside the office, we were told to go to the toilet. I was already very suspicious, while my friends were still chatting, until they see a uniformed officer in the toilet, giving out bottles.
Yes, urine test ! I am sure the officer must have been happy when we needed to go to the loo. 5 more "volunteers" to meet their daily random check quota ?
My friends were bitching at how can they do such a thing. And I will remember, try to not use their toilets while driving through official checkpoints.
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Malaysia is horrible...
Today's Straits Times Newspaper : (I really hate this cut and paste thing. Hyperlinking it will not work.)
Nov 19, 2004
Car stolen despite alarm, locks
By Maria Almenoar
FREQUENT travellers to Malaysia, the Neo family, had heard of cars getting stolen there, so they loaded their multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with a high-end alarm system and immobiliser costing $500, and two $50 steering wheel locks.
Still, burglars drove their Toyota Estima away from a Malacca hotel carpark on Sunday night, right past four security guards.
The family had parked the seven-seater, which they bought five months ago, in a well-lit area metres from A'Famosa Resort's reception desk and directly below the balcony of their second-floor room.
Said Mrs R. Neo, 44, a housewife, who had driven up with her 47-year-old businessman husband and 13-year-old daughter: 'We didn't hear a sound, although our car alarm is supposed to sound if someone breaks in.
'We couldn't believe it was gone.'
The hotel's operations manager, Ms Pauline Chua, said the family had made a complaint to the hotel and a report at the police station in Sungei Ampat.
The police here do not have records of how many Singaporeans have their cars stolen while in Malaysia, but the top three car insurers in town said the number is small but growing.
NTUC Income, which insures 40 per cent of the cars here, said 126 of its policyholders had theirs taken in 2002, compared to 56 in 2001.
A spokesman added that 78 were stolen last year, possibly because fewer people drove to Malaysia due to Sars and the owners being more careful.
AIG's American Home Assurance (Singapore) said it had 22 such cases last year, more than in previous years, but declined to give figures. AXA said it had eight cases in 2002 and five in 2001.
Among the cars most at risk are luxury four-door sedans, MPVs and coupes. Experts here said thieves do not set off car alarms because they tow the car away or hoist it onto a carrier, disabling the alarm in a secluded area.
As a surveillance video in A'Famosa's carpark shows Mrs Neo's car being driven away, they suggested the thieves copied the remote-key system.
Said a senior trainer at BMW distributor Performance Motors, Mr Shahjahan Shahul Hameed: 'A person hiding about 10m away can electronically copy the signal as you lock your car.'
One company here, SQ Image, claims it has a has a high-tech system that alerts owners through a hand-held remote of any movement within an 800m radius of their vehicle. It costs $1,200.
The Neo family, however, believe their best bet is to stop driving to Malaysia.
'If we ever go up, it'll be by coach or train,' said Mrs Neo.
I guess, the impression on us Singaporeans is that Malaysia is a terrible place to drive into. That Malaysians are all targetting Singaporeans and their cars.
I am going to Malaysia tomorrow, bringing my grandmother and father to visit relatives. My aunt called yesterday to tell me not to drive in, since my car is new, and that there are people robbing Singapore Cars. That she heard someone's car was hijacked in Malaysia.
Then, my other uncle called and left a voice mail. Most probably wanting to tell me the same thing.
I mean, really, media sensationalism at work. I still remembered a case last year, where a couple was involved in a traffic accident, saying how this truck just bumped into them and apparently attacked them for no reason.
Few days later, in a very small section of the papers, the other side of the story was apparent. That the Singaporean couple didn't have very good driving manners and agitated the truck driver.
Granted, I don't support road rage, justified or not. But the "Singaporean Attitude" is still the root cause of many tussles and heartache. I have loads to tell about Singaporean drivers on Singapore roads, but I am drifting.
Facts are :
(1) Many Malaysians lose their cars to hijacking and robbing too. These people target money, not nationality. Read Malaysian newspapers for a more balanced viewpoint.
(2) Thousands of Singapore cars go across the causeway everyday. (Last I checked, about 5000 Singapore cars per day). And we hear of 1 or 2 horror stories in the newspaper per month.
(3) Being robbed is a risk everywhere. Last I checked, there are still murders and robbery in Singapore too, you know.
Well, I will pray that tomorrow, my car and myself will make it back without any injuries.....
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Nov 19, 2004
Car stolen despite alarm, locks
By Maria Almenoar
FREQUENT travellers to Malaysia, the Neo family, had heard of cars getting stolen there, so they loaded their multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with a high-end alarm system and immobiliser costing $500, and two $50 steering wheel locks.
Still, burglars drove their Toyota Estima away from a Malacca hotel carpark on Sunday night, right past four security guards.
The family had parked the seven-seater, which they bought five months ago, in a well-lit area metres from A'Famosa Resort's reception desk and directly below the balcony of their second-floor room.
Said Mrs R. Neo, 44, a housewife, who had driven up with her 47-year-old businessman husband and 13-year-old daughter: 'We didn't hear a sound, although our car alarm is supposed to sound if someone breaks in.
'We couldn't believe it was gone.'
The hotel's operations manager, Ms Pauline Chua, said the family had made a complaint to the hotel and a report at the police station in Sungei Ampat.
The police here do not have records of how many Singaporeans have their cars stolen while in Malaysia, but the top three car insurers in town said the number is small but growing.
NTUC Income, which insures 40 per cent of the cars here, said 126 of its policyholders had theirs taken in 2002, compared to 56 in 2001.
A spokesman added that 78 were stolen last year, possibly because fewer people drove to Malaysia due to Sars and the owners being more careful.
AIG's American Home Assurance (Singapore) said it had 22 such cases last year, more than in previous years, but declined to give figures. AXA said it had eight cases in 2002 and five in 2001.
Among the cars most at risk are luxury four-door sedans, MPVs and coupes. Experts here said thieves do not set off car alarms because they tow the car away or hoist it onto a carrier, disabling the alarm in a secluded area.
As a surveillance video in A'Famosa's carpark shows Mrs Neo's car being driven away, they suggested the thieves copied the remote-key system.
Said a senior trainer at BMW distributor Performance Motors, Mr Shahjahan Shahul Hameed: 'A person hiding about 10m away can electronically copy the signal as you lock your car.'
One company here, SQ Image, claims it has a has a high-tech system that alerts owners through a hand-held remote of any movement within an 800m radius of their vehicle. It costs $1,200.
The Neo family, however, believe their best bet is to stop driving to Malaysia.
'If we ever go up, it'll be by coach or train,' said Mrs Neo.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I guess, the impression on us Singaporeans is that Malaysia is a terrible place to drive into. That Malaysians are all targetting Singaporeans and their cars.
I am going to Malaysia tomorrow, bringing my grandmother and father to visit relatives. My aunt called yesterday to tell me not to drive in, since my car is new, and that there are people robbing Singapore Cars. That she heard someone's car was hijacked in Malaysia.
Then, my other uncle called and left a voice mail. Most probably wanting to tell me the same thing.
I mean, really, media sensationalism at work. I still remembered a case last year, where a couple was involved in a traffic accident, saying how this truck just bumped into them and apparently attacked them for no reason.
Few days later, in a very small section of the papers, the other side of the story was apparent. That the Singaporean couple didn't have very good driving manners and agitated the truck driver.
Granted, I don't support road rage, justified or not. But the "Singaporean Attitude" is still the root cause of many tussles and heartache. I have loads to tell about Singaporean drivers on Singapore roads, but I am drifting.
Facts are :
(1) Many Malaysians lose their cars to hijacking and robbing too. These people target money, not nationality. Read Malaysian newspapers for a more balanced viewpoint.
(2) Thousands of Singapore cars go across the causeway everyday. (Last I checked, about 5000 Singapore cars per day). And we hear of 1 or 2 horror stories in the newspaper per month.
(3) Being robbed is a risk everywhere. Last I checked, there are still murders and robbery in Singapore too, you know.
Well, I will pray that tomorrow, my car and myself will make it back without any injuries.....
Friday, November 19, 2004
Bad things happen when I am in Ubi...
First time I went down Ubi to meet friends for coffee and then dinner, I hit smack into the worst traffic in Singapore I have experienced - covered about 3km in 45 Minutes !
Yesterday morning, went there again and had extended coffee break with my friend. He picked me up, parked his car at his office, and we walked to the nearby coffeeshop for coffee.
When we are back sometime for lunch, intending to drive out, lo and behold :
Apparently, the security team is not a bunch of idles who simply take their pay and sleep the whole day. They have notice that my friend has been coming in every morning, park the car, and goes to the building opposite. (His boss should pay the bunch of security guards to keep track of his stuff who are "eating snake".. haha)
And yesterday, they must have noticed that he went over and did not come back, and thought that he is just trying to take advantage of the free parking. Thus the wheel clamp.
Took a good 20 minutes to convince them that he is working in the building, and to get the clamp removed.
Then we head out for lunch at SingPost Central building, and I had to use the street directory, even though he has been there for lunch many times... *knock head*
Yesterday morning, went there again and had extended coffee break with my friend. He picked me up, parked his car at his office, and we walked to the nearby coffeeshop for coffee.
When we are back sometime for lunch, intending to drive out, lo and behold :
Apparently, the security team is not a bunch of idles who simply take their pay and sleep the whole day. They have notice that my friend has been coming in every morning, park the car, and goes to the building opposite. (His boss should pay the bunch of security guards to keep track of his stuff who are "eating snake".. haha)
And yesterday, they must have noticed that he went over and did not come back, and thought that he is just trying to take advantage of the free parking. Thus the wheel clamp.
Took a good 20 minutes to convince them that he is working in the building, and to get the clamp removed.
Then we head out for lunch at SingPost Central building, and I had to use the street directory, even though he has been there for lunch many times... *knock head*
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Reading newspapers in toilet is hazardous to my health
Saw this letter from a reader to our Streats newspaper, dated 16 November 2004.
I can't find the online archive, so I will type out the entire letter.
----- Begin Quote -----
Too many carpark systems
I have become somewhat confused by the many different parking systems found in carparks.
There is the ERP system, which requires a motorist to insert the cashcard into the IU reader before entering the carpark.
Another requires the driver to slot his cash card into the reader at the carpark entrance, and the third requires the driver to insert the cashcard at the exit point.
Then we still have the old system, which requires the driver to press a button for a ticket.
The different systems can confuse some motorists.
- Ishwar Mahtani
----- End Quote -----
I don't believe this. This is why reading local papers in the toilet gives me constipation.
Firstly, I am appalled at the apparent stupidity of the motorist to be easily confused by the different system, obviously with different costs and managed by different companies.
It is akin to complaining that different building have different elevator buttons. Some lifts have the "Door Open" button at the top, some at the bottom. Some have it on the left, some on the right. So confusing right ?
Also like complaining about why some doors that are "Push" to open, and some doors are "Pull" to open, and some are automatic doors. why not have all doors automatics ? Otherwise, it is confusing and people may bang into doors that need to be manually opened, thinking they are all automatic.
Right. Too easily confused by the various parking systems ? Look at the driver in front ! Or just look around for the instructions ! Open your eyes and observe. If you want to standardize all parking system, pay for it !
Why not complain that different speed limits on different roads are confusing ? Standardize ! Drive at 60km/h in all roads of Singapore !
Wow, I feel a personal complaint coming up. Why HDB and URA parking cannot standardize the parking time ? Why some carparks have free parking after 5, some after 10.30 and some are never free ? Why some carparks are free during Sundays and public holidays, and some are not ? It is confusing and cost me some hefty fines ! They should standardize all carparks !
Oh, and secondly, I am amazed that this letter even got published, as one of my friend said. Either the editor concurs, or we really do not have any more intellectual letters from our fellow Singaporeans ?
Have we become so pampered that any slight deviation and we are at loss of what to do ? Have we become Lemmings ?
I can't find the online archive, so I will type out the entire letter.
----- Begin Quote -----
Too many carpark systems
I have become somewhat confused by the many different parking systems found in carparks.
There is the ERP system, which requires a motorist to insert the cashcard into the IU reader before entering the carpark.
Another requires the driver to slot his cash card into the reader at the carpark entrance, and the third requires the driver to insert the cashcard at the exit point.
Then we still have the old system, which requires the driver to press a button for a ticket.
The different systems can confuse some motorists.
- Ishwar Mahtani
----- End Quote -----
I don't believe this. This is why reading local papers in the toilet gives me constipation.
Firstly, I am appalled at the apparent stupidity of the motorist to be easily confused by the different system, obviously with different costs and managed by different companies.
It is akin to complaining that different building have different elevator buttons. Some lifts have the "Door Open" button at the top, some at the bottom. Some have it on the left, some on the right. So confusing right ?
Also like complaining about why some doors that are "Push" to open, and some doors are "Pull" to open, and some are automatic doors. why not have all doors automatics ? Otherwise, it is confusing and people may bang into doors that need to be manually opened, thinking they are all automatic.
Right. Too easily confused by the various parking systems ? Look at the driver in front ! Or just look around for the instructions ! Open your eyes and observe. If you want to standardize all parking system, pay for it !
Why not complain that different speed limits on different roads are confusing ? Standardize ! Drive at 60km/h in all roads of Singapore !
Wow, I feel a personal complaint coming up. Why HDB and URA parking cannot standardize the parking time ? Why some carparks have free parking after 5, some after 10.30 and some are never free ? Why some carparks are free during Sundays and public holidays, and some are not ? It is confusing and cost me some hefty fines ! They should standardize all carparks !
Oh, and secondly, I am amazed that this letter even got published, as one of my friend said. Either the editor concurs, or we really do not have any more intellectual letters from our fellow Singaporeans ?
Have we become so pampered that any slight deviation and we are at loss of what to do ? Have we become Lemmings ?
End of the World ?
Read a reader's letter to Straits Times today. I will copy the article here, as the link requires you to be registered (yes, on the net, your identity is gold, everybody wants your contact and email address to send you spam)
----- Begin Quote -----
Time to inculcate values of thrift, modesty in children
I REFER to the article, 'Teetering on the brink of bankruptcy' (ST, Oct 31).
Credit-card debts and bankruptcies have reached record levels in Singapore. In Britain, many have been driven to suicide because of credit-card debts.
The number of supplementary cards that a main cardholder can have is unlimited. Out of about 3.7 million credit cards, about one million are supplementary cards. I understand that our ratio of supplementary to main cards is one of the highest in the world.
When we were young, our parents and the Post Office Savings Bank gave us piggy banks to encourage thrift. Now, the young get supplementary cards.
As a society, are we not encouraging spending and credit, instead of thrift, when so many Singaporeans give supplementary credit cards to their dependants?
One can just walk along Orchard Road and apply for credit cards from seven banks, which would give one credit of 14 times one's monthly income.
No wonder more than 30,000 people in Singapore owe more than $20,000 on their credit cards. Three out of four have rolled over their debt during the last 12 months.
The loosening of credit policies - like no down payment for car purchases, and repayment of up to 10 years - is good for the economy but bad for the tens of thousands who have difficulty servicing their debts, and their families. Likewise a casino, which will undoubtedly be good for the economy and tourism but bad for those addicted to gambling.
Maybe our only salvation lies in inculcating the values of thrift, modesty and less materialism in our children.
Leong Sze Hian----- End Quote -----
In our quest for economic success, often it is measured by easily identified assets. One who owns a big house, an expensive car, CEO of a big company, club memberships, credit cards, gold cards, platinum cards, diamonds, Mont Blanc, LV, Prada, Mercedes, District 9, Bose....
Who knows about the economic success of the mult-millionaire living next door, wearing causal T-shirt and jeans, prefer to have coffee sessions at local kopitiam, and drives a cheap and practical car, but have lots of cash in the bank and other investments ?
Who can measure, by one glance, the value of having a group of friends that you can let your hair down without being looked down; of a loving and fulfilling life without marriage and children; of being free from the stress of work; of leading a life that is "happy and gay"; (to quote a friend) of a Berk A stock certificate.
When it comes to things that are not so easy to measure by one glance, comparison becomes difficult to do. As human nature tends to take the easy way out, material assets become the ruler.
How do all these stack into my tiny pea brain ?
On the one hand, trends like these makes it harder work for social creatures like me to get some decent respect from others. (At least, I am comforted to know that I do have a big bunch of great friends, from all walks of lives, so are really sincere to me and accepts me for who I am, not what I try to show the world to be.) It also makes it hard to control material urges.
On the other hand, I also swim comfort that the more of my peers falling into the rat-race and money trap, the better off I will be, behind the curtains. The better the odds of me achieving financial independence, and getting a fulfilling life.
But alas, materialism is addictive, just like cigarettes. I am glad I am only a social smoker, not an addict. The same luck that somewhere in me, I am just socially materialistic. I can only hope, and try very hard, that as time goes, I do not get addicted to any of them.
----- Begin Quote -----
Time to inculcate values of thrift, modesty in children
I REFER to the article, 'Teetering on the brink of bankruptcy' (ST, Oct 31).
Credit-card debts and bankruptcies have reached record levels in Singapore. In Britain, many have been driven to suicide because of credit-card debts.
When a credit counselling service was launched recently in Singapore, it was deluged with calls. According to Monetary Authority of Singapore guidelines, only those who earn $30,000 or more a year can apply for a credit card.
However, some banks will give one a credit card even if one does not have any income. One need only make an 'unsecured' credit-card application after putting in a fixed deposit of $10,000.
The number of supplementary cards that a main cardholder can have is unlimited. Out of about 3.7 million credit cards, about one million are supplementary cards. I understand that our ratio of supplementary to main cards is one of the highest in the world.
When we were young, our parents and the Post Office Savings Bank gave us piggy banks to encourage thrift. Now, the young get supplementary cards.
As a society, are we not encouraging spending and credit, instead of thrift, when so many Singaporeans give supplementary credit cards to their dependants?
One can just walk along Orchard Road and apply for credit cards from seven banks, which would give one credit of 14 times one's monthly income.
No wonder more than 30,000 people in Singapore owe more than $20,000 on their credit cards. Three out of four have rolled over their debt during the last 12 months.
The loosening of credit policies - like no down payment for car purchases, and repayment of up to 10 years - is good for the economy but bad for the tens of thousands who have difficulty servicing their debts, and their families. Likewise a casino, which will undoubtedly be good for the economy and tourism but bad for those addicted to gambling.
Maybe our only salvation lies in inculcating the values of thrift, modesty and less materialism in our children.
Leong Sze Hian
In our quest for economic success, often it is measured by easily identified assets. One who owns a big house, an expensive car, CEO of a big company, club memberships, credit cards, gold cards, platinum cards, diamonds, Mont Blanc, LV, Prada, Mercedes, District 9, Bose....
Who knows about the economic success of the mult-millionaire living next door, wearing causal T-shirt and jeans, prefer to have coffee sessions at local kopitiam, and drives a cheap and practical car, but have lots of cash in the bank and other investments ?
Who can measure, by one glance, the value of having a group of friends that you can let your hair down without being looked down; of a loving and fulfilling life without marriage and children; of being free from the stress of work; of leading a life that is "happy and gay"; (to quote a friend) of a Berk A stock certificate.
When it comes to things that are not so easy to measure by one glance, comparison becomes difficult to do. As human nature tends to take the easy way out, material assets become the ruler.
How do all these stack into my tiny pea brain ?
On the one hand, trends like these makes it harder work for social creatures like me to get some decent respect from others. (At least, I am comforted to know that I do have a big bunch of great friends, from all walks of lives, so are really sincere to me and accepts me for who I am, not what I try to show the world to be.) It also makes it hard to control material urges.
On the other hand, I also swim comfort that the more of my peers falling into the rat-race and money trap, the better off I will be, behind the curtains. The better the odds of me achieving financial independence, and getting a fulfilling life.
But alas, materialism is addictive, just like cigarettes. I am glad I am only a social smoker, not an addict. The same luck that somewhere in me, I am just socially materialistic. I can only hope, and try very hard, that as time goes, I do not get addicted to any of them.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Lawsuit
Heard recently that my previous employer has filed a lawsuit against my previous customer, in the Philippines.
Guess I should not disclose too much information, thus only those close to me will know who I am talking about, and over what incident.
Feel so bad for my customer and lucky that I left my previous employer early.
My previous manager was asked to be a witness by the defence. Thank goodness I am not involved. Hate to be tangled in the mess that I escaped.
Guess I should not disclose too much information, thus only those close to me will know who I am talking about, and over what incident.
Feel so bad for my customer and lucky that I left my previous employer early.
My previous manager was asked to be a witness by the defence. Thank goodness I am not involved. Hate to be tangled in the mess that I escaped.
My Childhood - Part 2
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
We had to shift out of Clementi because the area was developing. We haven’t got a house yet. So we had to put up at my aunt’s house. My two aunts (my father’s younger sisters,) lived together in a three-room flat in Queenstown, Buller Terrace. At that time, I was about 4 years old and was just big enough to be running about and climbing atop everything, irritating everyone. I was always opening and searching either cupboards or drawers, or on top to tables acting Superman. My father then decided to chain me in my playpen. My leg was chained to one corner of the playpen so that I couldn’t get out. I had all my toys in the pen with me, but I wasn’t really enjoying.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Monday, November 15, 2004
My Childhood - Part 1
Well, nothing to post at the moment, so I will just put whatever I have written a long time ago. My life story. Already from these few paragrahs, you can see that I am a weakling, and a target for bullies. I was, still am, a wimp...
As far as I can remember, I was about 3 to 4 years old, playing around my neighbourhood in Clementi. I remember riding a baby tricycle round and round my house, which was in the middle of a row of house. That time, Clementi was still undeveloped and the houses were all in rows of about 20 houses. The houses were all connected without gaps.
I still remember riding out the front door one afternoon, go around the row to the back door, knocking very loudly. My grandmother, who was there to baby sit me, was preparing dinner. She hurriedly came to open the door. When she saw that it was only me, I gave her a smile and rode into the kitchen, carried the tricycle across the living room and out through the front door again, very silently.
"Knock ! Knock ! Knock !"
My grandmother walked over to open the door again, and when she saw it was me, she told me not to disturb her. Again, I carried to tricycle to the front door and again I rode to the back door and knocked. This time instead of opening the door, she lectured me, in dialect for she doesn't speak Mandarin well, for disturbing her when she had so much housework to do. Well, I had no choice but to find somewhere else to play.
On another occasion, I was riding around my neighbourhood when I saw a stray dog. I wasn't bothered by it and I was not bothering it, but it came to bother me. The dog ran after me. Ok, so it ran after my tricycle. But as I was young, and small, and scared, it seemed like a big dog chasing me. I shouted at it, hoping it would go away. I screamed, hoping it disliked high-pitched voice. It sure did, for it came after me even faster. I was screaming and screaming and then I stopped... I cried. I cried for help...
And another fine day, I was riding around my neighbourhood again when two bigger boys came over and asked me to lend them my bike. As I was afraid that he won’t return it to me, I refused and tried to ride away. However, the two of them stopped me and pulled me out of my bike and rode in it. Not being able to do anything, I ran home and told my grandmother, half crying.
She brought me back to the spot where I was robbed, but the two boys weren’t there anymore. We spend hours looking for them and my bike. (Ok, so it was only 15 minutes, but it did seemed like hours.) I was pretty sad by the loss. A few days later, however, my father spotted my bike abandoned a few blocks away. He happened to see it when driving past. Boy, was I glad to have it back. From that day on, I had a short stick with the bike, just in case anyone tries to rob me again.
Despite some of these bad experiences, my childhood days were those of happiness and worth remembering. My parents were both working, which was why my grandmother was babysitting me. My mother was a planning officer with an electronics company, Thomson. My father was a businessman, though I couldn’t figure out what business he was in and where his office was. All the time, it seemed like his office was at home. He also travels a lot.
I still remember one evening, the day before he was to leave for Brunei for a few days. His flight was in the next morning, but he was still not home at 11pm. At that time, my house did not have a phone. I forgot why. It could also be that the phone was out of order. Anyway, my mother and I walked to the public phone at the end of the street. Halfway along, many stray dogs came barking at us. I was scared. My mother picked me up and carried me to the phone. I knew at that time she was also afraid of those dogs too. After a few phone calls, she found my father at one of his friend’s house. Again, she carried my all the way back home, the stray dogs following. Later that night, my father came back at about 1 midnight. By then, my mother has already packed most of his things for him. He prepared his business materials for the trip.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
As far as I can remember, I was about 3 to 4 years old, playing around my neighbourhood in Clementi. I remember riding a baby tricycle round and round my house, which was in the middle of a row of house. That time, Clementi was still undeveloped and the houses were all in rows of about 20 houses. The houses were all connected without gaps.
I still remember riding out the front door one afternoon, go around the row to the back door, knocking very loudly. My grandmother, who was there to baby sit me, was preparing dinner. She hurriedly came to open the door. When she saw that it was only me, I gave her a smile and rode into the kitchen, carried the tricycle across the living room and out through the front door again, very silently.
"Knock ! Knock ! Knock !"
My grandmother walked over to open the door again, and when she saw it was me, she told me not to disturb her. Again, I carried to tricycle to the front door and again I rode to the back door and knocked. This time instead of opening the door, she lectured me, in dialect for she doesn't speak Mandarin well, for disturbing her when she had so much housework to do. Well, I had no choice but to find somewhere else to play.
On another occasion, I was riding around my neighbourhood when I saw a stray dog. I wasn't bothered by it and I was not bothering it, but it came to bother me. The dog ran after me. Ok, so it ran after my tricycle. But as I was young, and small, and scared, it seemed like a big dog chasing me. I shouted at it, hoping it would go away. I screamed, hoping it disliked high-pitched voice. It sure did, for it came after me even faster. I was screaming and screaming and then I stopped... I cried. I cried for help...
And another fine day, I was riding around my neighbourhood again when two bigger boys came over and asked me to lend them my bike. As I was afraid that he won’t return it to me, I refused and tried to ride away. However, the two of them stopped me and pulled me out of my bike and rode in it. Not being able to do anything, I ran home and told my grandmother, half crying.
She brought me back to the spot where I was robbed, but the two boys weren’t there anymore. We spend hours looking for them and my bike. (Ok, so it was only 15 minutes, but it did seemed like hours.) I was pretty sad by the loss. A few days later, however, my father spotted my bike abandoned a few blocks away. He happened to see it when driving past. Boy, was I glad to have it back. From that day on, I had a short stick with the bike, just in case anyone tries to rob me again.
Despite some of these bad experiences, my childhood days were those of happiness and worth remembering. My parents were both working, which was why my grandmother was babysitting me. My mother was a planning officer with an electronics company, Thomson. My father was a businessman, though I couldn’t figure out what business he was in and where his office was. All the time, it seemed like his office was at home. He also travels a lot.
I still remember one evening, the day before he was to leave for Brunei for a few days. His flight was in the next morning, but he was still not home at 11pm. At that time, my house did not have a phone. I forgot why. It could also be that the phone was out of order. Anyway, my mother and I walked to the public phone at the end of the street. Halfway along, many stray dogs came barking at us. I was scared. My mother picked me up and carried me to the phone. I knew at that time she was also afraid of those dogs too. After a few phone calls, she found my father at one of his friend’s house. Again, she carried my all the way back home, the stray dogs following. Later that night, my father came back at about 1 midnight. By then, my mother has already packed most of his things for him. He prepared his business materials for the trip.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Award from My Company
Got my 5-year service award from my company. 1 gold medal worth $150, and $200 cash.
I got it when my HR considered my previous length of service before I resigned last year, and proposed to my big big boss. It felt nice that there are people in my company who appreciates me for my work and my contributions.
It felt nice on the one hand, and a little strange on the other. Strange that in this day and economy, I can still stay in a company for more than 5 years. And it is not a stat. board or GLC.
This nagging question will always be on my mind : "Will I be able to adapt to another company, and make it there ? Or will I end up in this company forever." I have tried once to move on to a competitor, but they stink. And when there was an opportunity to come back to my current company, I took it.
Will I have what it takes to succeed elsewhere ? Am I too attached to this company, that every one I go to will stink ?
I don't know the answers. But for now, the pay is good, I will take it.
I got it when my HR considered my previous length of service before I resigned last year, and proposed to my big big boss. It felt nice that there are people in my company who appreciates me for my work and my contributions.
It felt nice on the one hand, and a little strange on the other. Strange that in this day and economy, I can still stay in a company for more than 5 years. And it is not a stat. board or GLC.
This nagging question will always be on my mind : "Will I be able to adapt to another company, and make it there ? Or will I end up in this company forever." I have tried once to move on to a competitor, but they stink. And when there was an opportunity to come back to my current company, I took it.
Will I have what it takes to succeed elsewhere ? Am I too attached to this company, that every one I go to will stink ?
I don't know the answers. But for now, the pay is good, I will take it.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Another Day at Work III
Oh, the guy I mentioned who was "tekan" by my boss.. The one where I consoled him at McDonalds ? (See Post : Another Day at Work II)
I regretted doing that. Honestly. So did many of my colleagues.
He basically did not have the attitude to learn. Just wanted to enjoy the perks of not needing to stay in office all the time.
Today, he came into office in casual wear. And no, we do _not_ have Casual Friday practise. Then he went out, supposedly to visit customers.. In Casual dress ??!! Some people just cannot behave properly, how to have automony ?
Basic sales skills also haven't picked up yet. Not only lazy, do not have the attitude to learn, yet wants to abuse priviledges. Ought to be shot.
Oh, and my manager ? Uses company products to barter trade for a Canon DV recorder, so that he can take video during his US of A holiday trips with family...
Some people just so thick-skinned. Nowadays, everytime he has something new, we will think whether he got it for free or not. Bad, very bad... (of us, I mean, to think that way)
I regretted doing that. Honestly. So did many of my colleagues.
He basically did not have the attitude to learn. Just wanted to enjoy the perks of not needing to stay in office all the time.
Today, he came into office in casual wear. And no, we do _not_ have Casual Friday practise. Then he went out, supposedly to visit customers.. In Casual dress ??!! Some people just cannot behave properly, how to have automony ?
Basic sales skills also haven't picked up yet. Not only lazy, do not have the attitude to learn, yet wants to abuse priviledges. Ought to be shot.
Oh, and my manager ? Uses company products to barter trade for a Canon DV recorder, so that he can take video during his US of A holiday trips with family...
Some people just so thick-skinned. Nowadays, everytime he has something new, we will think whether he got it for free or not. Bad, very bad... (of us, I mean, to think that way)
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
My Brushes with the Law
Just got news that another friend of mine is going to jail soon. Terrible. Well, couple love with credit card, and he has to pay for someone else's spending habits. Choked up so too much, and touched company's money.
Love is blind. Love makes someone stupid. It blocks logic, and inhibits financial quotient (hey, can I claim credit on that term ? FQ.. hmmm).
Know another friend, who was a young secret society member, and participated in killings before. Detained by ISD and has no criminal record. Now a father, and hardworking man who started his own company and is doing relatively well at the moment.
Those are my closest brush with the law and criminals.
Those and my "near arrest" for "breaking and entering" a public swimming pool. To enjoy the quiet view. Detained at the station for about 5 hours before allowed to leave. And the officer obviously thought I entered to steal money or food from the pathetic canteen.
So little serenity in Singapore that I had to break into a closed pool to enjoy the moonlight and get away from the buzz.
No, I was not raped in jail, and still have not been there. Intends to keep it that way.
Love is blind. Love makes someone stupid. It blocks logic, and inhibits financial quotient (hey, can I claim credit on that term ? FQ.. hmmm).
Know another friend, who was a young secret society member, and participated in killings before. Detained by ISD and has no criminal record. Now a father, and hardworking man who started his own company and is doing relatively well at the moment.
Those are my closest brush with the law and criminals.
Those and my "near arrest" for "breaking and entering" a public swimming pool. To enjoy the quiet view. Detained at the station for about 5 hours before allowed to leave. And the officer obviously thought I entered to steal money or food from the pathetic canteen.
So little serenity in Singapore that I had to break into a closed pool to enjoy the moonlight and get away from the buzz.
No, I was not raped in jail, and still have not been there. Intends to keep it that way.
Cisco Vs Police
Yesterday, another robbery took place. Maybank at Upper Bukit Timah.
Robber was carrying a fake gun, and took a hostage. Cisco guard fired 2 shots, and wounded the suspect.
Times must be bad...
I remembered a few years back, another armed robbery took place in another bank in Singapore. Cisco guard proved themselves worthy, so far.
I can hardly say the same for our Police force though.
Recently, a case of drunken foreigners were rowdy and police were called in.
Ended up having the whole gang attacking the officers, and 1 was wounded. Eyewitness accounts saw the other officers were "blurr" and even ran away.
Is Singapore so safe, that our own Police officers cannot even handle a gang fight ? Even a group of 10 vs 4 officers ?
The joke of it was after the gang beat up the poor NS officer, they sat back down to continue their merrymaking session, while the officers had to call for back up and didn't know what to do until a senior officer reached the scene.
A while back, while 2 officers were checking up on 2 young men, suspected drug abusers, one of them managed to grab an officer's sidearm, and shot the officer in the leg before running away.
Robber was carrying a fake gun, and took a hostage. Cisco guard fired 2 shots, and wounded the suspect.
Times must be bad...
I remembered a few years back, another armed robbery took place in another bank in Singapore. Cisco guard proved themselves worthy, so far.
I can hardly say the same for our Police force though.
Recently, a case of drunken foreigners were rowdy and police were called in.
Ended up having the whole gang attacking the officers, and 1 was wounded. Eyewitness accounts saw the other officers were "blurr" and even ran away.
Is Singapore so safe, that our own Police officers cannot even handle a gang fight ? Even a group of 10 vs 4 officers ?
The joke of it was after the gang beat up the poor NS officer, they sat back down to continue their merrymaking session, while the officers had to call for back up and didn't know what to do until a senior officer reached the scene.
A while back, while 2 officers were checking up on 2 young men, suspected drug abusers, one of them managed to grab an officer's sidearm, and shot the officer in the leg before running away.
Platinum Cards
Overheard at a local restaurant. 2 young (no more than 30 I would guess), hip looking guys were trying to get attention of a waitress, who was obviously busy. After the not-so-patient waitress took their orders and walked to the kitchen, one of the guy commented to his friend, "Wah, why, think I cannot afford ah ? I got Black Gold card you know..."
Very tempted to get my bunch of friends around to all put our "Black Gold" cards on the table and say "Why ? Black Gold card , who don't have ?"
Alas, decency in me always prevail. One day, I swear, one day I will let my inner devil rule.
Oh, and recently I received an invitation from a prestigious, not-so-local bank to apply for a Platinum card. Should I feel honoured that I have hit an income level that attracts attention, or should I feel down that at this income level, I still do not feel very rich...
Or was I plainly mistaken, and that the Platinum card invitation is , in my own words, "who don't have ?"
Very tempted to get my bunch of friends around to all put our "Black Gold" cards on the table and say "Why ? Black Gold card , who don't have ?"
Alas, decency in me always prevail. One day, I swear, one day I will let my inner devil rule.
Oh, and recently I received an invitation from a prestigious, not-so-local bank to apply for a Platinum card. Should I feel honoured that I have hit an income level that attracts attention, or should I feel down that at this income level, I still do not feel very rich...
Or was I plainly mistaken, and that the Platinum card invitation is , in my own words, "who don't have ?"
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Be Good, or Else...
Overhead a mother telling her daughter to be good, or else "the garang-guni man later take you away".
This led me to recall all the various "scare-tactics" that were used by parents. Policemen & Ah-bu-neh-neh are the 2 most commonly used.
No wonder so many of us grow up to be law-abiding racists.
But I can vividly recall a mother using a very original variations to scare her kid.
Instead of the usual "If you are not good, Policeman will catch you", she told her kid
"Don't anyhow run ah ! Later Ah-bu-neh-neh catch mummy, then you have no more mummy ah !"
Wow. The fear of losing his mother is definitely scarier than being kidnapped..
This led me to recall all the various "scare-tactics" that were used by parents. Policemen & Ah-bu-neh-neh are the 2 most commonly used.
No wonder so many of us grow up to be law-abiding racists.
But I can vividly recall a mother using a very original variations to scare her kid.
Instead of the usual "If you are not good, Policeman will catch you", she told her kid
"Don't anyhow run ah ! Later Ah-bu-neh-neh catch mummy, then you have no more mummy ah !"
Wow. The fear of losing his mother is definitely scarier than being kidnapped..
Saturday, November 06, 2004
My Car Hung on Me
My Car Hung on Me
No, I am not going to cut and paste the whole article here. But I will just cut the juicy parts :
While driving my car along Nicoll Highway one day, the dashboard controls suddenly lit up and the car's engine died. All this happened while the car was going about 70kph. It was a horrifying experience, as I had no control over the steering wheel. Fortunately I avoided an accident.
And quite a few years back, I remember an article about a Thailand Finance Minister (could be another minister, I am not 100% sure) whose brand new BMW went dead on him. He was trapped in the rear seat. Driver couldn't do anything and was locked in the car as well. Bodyguards have to break through bullet-proof windows to rescue the poor minister who was trapped for more than 1 hour.
Having used computers, and being trained in IT and embedded systems before, we all know the scary thing about digital controls. They can die without symptoms. Unlike analog or mechanical devices.
Horror stories in my mind run amok :
What if my anti-theft car immobilizer suddenly activates and kills the engine when I am travelling at 90km/h on the highway ?
What if my anti-theft wheel locking device suddenly activates and locks all 4 of my wheels when I am speeding down the North-South-Highway in Malaysia ?
What if the ABS fails and causes the entire braking system to malfunction without warning ?
And those cars with all electronic throttle control suddenly fails and get stuck at "pedal to the metal" settings ?
At least, statistically, I can confort myself that the driving skills of myself or other drivers on the road will most probably kill me first, before any of the scenario above happens to me.
Thank god for wonderful people around to make my life safe.
No, I am not going to cut and paste the whole article here. But I will just cut the juicy parts :
While driving my car along Nicoll Highway one day, the dashboard controls suddenly lit up and the car's engine died. All this happened while the car was going about 70kph. It was a horrifying experience, as I had no control over the steering wheel. Fortunately I avoided an accident.
And quite a few years back, I remember an article about a Thailand Finance Minister (could be another minister, I am not 100% sure) whose brand new BMW went dead on him. He was trapped in the rear seat. Driver couldn't do anything and was locked in the car as well. Bodyguards have to break through bullet-proof windows to rescue the poor minister who was trapped for more than 1 hour.
Having used computers, and being trained in IT and embedded systems before, we all know the scary thing about digital controls. They can die without symptoms. Unlike analog or mechanical devices.
Horror stories in my mind run amok :
What if my anti-theft car immobilizer suddenly activates and kills the engine when I am travelling at 90km/h on the highway ?
What if my anti-theft wheel locking device suddenly activates and locks all 4 of my wheels when I am speeding down the North-South-Highway in Malaysia ?
What if the ABS fails and causes the entire braking system to malfunction without warning ?
And those cars with all electronic throttle control suddenly fails and get stuck at "pedal to the metal" settings ?
At least, statistically, I can confort myself that the driving skills of myself or other drivers on the road will most probably kill me first, before any of the scenario above happens to me.
Thank god for wonderful people around to make my life safe.
Bitchy Me.
Read the following in today's Straits Times :
Have a Class 2(A) motorbike licence
Nov 6, 2004Have a Class 2(A) motorbike licence I REFER to the letter, 'Charge m-cyclists for manslaughter' (ST, Oct 9), by Mr Alan Lee Guok Ann. First, we must not forget that the learner rider is not required to carry a pillion rider during the riding test for a motorbike licence. So, how could one expect the rider, after getting his licence, to be skilful enough and confident in carrying a pillion rider on the road?
To prevent more fatal accidents, I would suggest that the following changes be made:
Have a Class 2(A) motorbike licence
Nov 6, 2004Have a Class 2(A) motorbike licence I REFER to the letter, 'Charge m-cyclists for manslaughter' (ST, Oct 9), by Mr Alan Lee Guok Ann. First, we must not forget that the learner rider is not required to carry a pillion rider during the riding test for a motorbike licence. So, how could one expect the rider, after getting his licence, to be skilful enough and confident in carrying a pillion rider on the road?
To prevent more fatal accidents, I would suggest that the following changes be made:
- Issue a new Class 2(A) motorbike licence for those who plan to carry a pillion rider.
- Have the learner rider pass the test carrying a pillion rider in order to qualify for the new licence.
- Prohibit Class 2(A) riders from carrying a pregnant woman or child below the age of 18.
- Prohibit existing Class 2 licence-holders from carrying a pillion rider.
Chia Chin Liang
-------
Wow ! Profound !
Hey, let me see, when I took my Class 3 driving license, I am not allowed to have passengers in the car. So it is me, and my instructor. So after I pass my driving test, how can I be expected to drive a car with more than 1 passenger on board ?
I will not be able to handle the extra load. I will not be able to know at what speed to make a turn, because the extra weight will affect the turning characteristics of the car. Worse, stopping distance will be longer ! How can I be expected to know all that ?
I would suggest :
- Have a new Class 3(B) and 3(C) license, since 3(A) is already used for people who do not want to drive a manual stick-shift.
- Class 3(B) will have additional 3 rear seat passengers on board, so that the driver knows how to handle the vehicle with so many people.
- Class 3(B) will be for those drivers who plan to carry more passengers on board. Those who do not intend to carry passengers, will take class 3 only.
- Class 3(C) will be similar to class 3(B) , except it is for those who intend to drive only Automatic Transmission cars.
- Class 3(C) are for those who intend to carry passengers, otherwise, they will take Class 3(A) only.
Oh, hey, I forgot about cargo. Hmm.. Lets have 2 more classes of license..
Hey, how about those who wants to drive SUV ? They are taller, wider, and easier to topple compared to sedan cars. How about a Class 3.5 for them ?
Finally, a day of godly peace
Past few months, everytime I washed my car, it rained in the afternoon... These few weeks of rainy monsoon season was worse. It was sunny when I started washing my car. When I completed, it was already drizzling.
Today, smack in the middle of the rainy season, it was a really sunny Saturday. I washed my car, and it looks like the weather will hold.. I guess, at least till midnight. Then technically, it was one day without rain.
"Why bother to wash your car when it is raining everyday ?" someone asked me. Well, first of all , it is still quite new, so I guess I have to do my part in building a foundation of wax to protect the car. Secondly, road grime and rust sticks on and eats into the paint and bodywork if I do not wash it off weekly. And finally, (perhaps the most important factor) I am a new car owner, so the excitement is stil quite there.
Maybe 6 months later, I will not even bother to wash it myself, not to mention waxing it.
Today, smack in the middle of the rainy season, it was a really sunny Saturday. I washed my car, and it looks like the weather will hold.. I guess, at least till midnight. Then technically, it was one day without rain.
"Why bother to wash your car when it is raining everyday ?" someone asked me. Well, first of all , it is still quite new, so I guess I have to do my part in building a foundation of wax to protect the car. Secondly, road grime and rust sticks on and eats into the paint and bodywork if I do not wash it off weekly. And finally, (perhaps the most important factor) I am a new car owner, so the excitement is stil quite there.
Maybe 6 months later, I will not even bother to wash it myself, not to mention waxing it.
Another Day at Work II
Oh, last week was a busy week. Had meetings every day.. And I really mean from 9 to 6 everyday.
Haha.. well, business plans for Y2005 is just tip of the ice-berg. Most of the time, meetings are to masturbate someone's ego.. (If you do not know whose ego I am referring to, read my blog more often.)
Not only that, on occasion, some constructive ideas pop up here and there. However, this time, he has pissed many of us off - Few of us got "arrowed" to do some "special projects", while he is having a holiday with his family in the US of A.
Sometimes, I think I am not paid enough to live with the shit that I have at work. But at least, I recognize that I have some perks...
Oh well, just another week that was wasted, and I don't have enough time to do my actual work..
Haha.. well, business plans for Y2005 is just tip of the ice-berg. Most of the time, meetings are to masturbate someone's ego.. (If you do not know whose ego I am referring to, read my blog more often.)
Not only that, on occasion, some constructive ideas pop up here and there. However, this time, he has pissed many of us off - Few of us got "arrowed" to do some "special projects", while he is having a holiday with his family in the US of A.
Sometimes, I think I am not paid enough to live with the shit that I have at work. But at least, I recognize that I have some perks...
Oh well, just another week that was wasted, and I don't have enough time to do my actual work..
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Speed Kills
"Speed Kills" ... so says numerous signboards along the roads that I drive everyday.
Is speed really such a demon ? Maybe. Unskilled drivers, or drivers who are just overconfident of their skills are more dangerous. Oh, and according to some informal surveys, 80% of drivers say they are above average... :)
So, with this mantra in mind, sometime late last year and this year, more speed traps have been setup all over Singapore.
And lets see some interesting statistics.
Update : 8 Nov.
Hmm... seems like I just deleted something.. And couldn't get it back..
I will try to reconstruct what I have written :
The statistics shows that while the number of motorists caught speeding increased by about 37%, actual injuries due to speeding has dropped by about 7%.
So either :
(1) Increase in speed traps drove the rise in fines, but number of actual speeding motorists stays the same all these while, thus no sharp rise in number of injuries
(2) Speeding all these while is not that bad ? I mean, with all the media hype about speed traps, and so many people being caught, injuries drop by mere 7% , which could be just a simple fluctuation.
Is speed really such a demon ? Maybe. Unskilled drivers, or drivers who are just overconfident of their skills are more dangerous. Oh, and according to some informal surveys, 80% of drivers say they are above average... :)
So, with this mantra in mind, sometime late last year and this year, more speed traps have been setup all over Singapore.
And lets see some interesting statistics.
Update : 8 Nov.
Hmm... seems like I just deleted something.. And couldn't get it back..
I will try to reconstruct what I have written :
The statistics shows that while the number of motorists caught speeding increased by about 37%, actual injuries due to speeding has dropped by about 7%.
So either :
(1) Increase in speed traps drove the rise in fines, but number of actual speeding motorists stays the same all these while, thus no sharp rise in number of injuries
(2) Speeding all these while is not that bad ? I mean, with all the media hype about speed traps, and so many people being caught, injuries drop by mere 7% , which could be just a simple fluctuation.
Power of Kids
Oh, a little backgrounder on my manager before the story. He is late 30s, married with 3 daughters. Eldest just completed her PSLE. The rest about 2 to 3 years younger. My manager's office has always been very messy. And when I mean messy, I mean cups with dried tea leaves that are months old ; Unread magazines with papers piled like a mountain on his table. No one leaves their office in this state for long.. well, maybe except him.
And he entertains guests and customers in his office. The shame of sitting in the same room.. The horror I have to endure..
So story goes that over the last weekend, he brought his wife, 3 daughters, and a other kids who are the daughters' friends. On the pretext of having an "educational tour" of our office.
So there you have, no less than 6 kids running around on a Saturday morning (oh, we lucky bastards have been having 5-day work week all along). When his wife enters the office, she commented about the messy state, and tried guessed how many months of neglect it showed. Proudly, he joked that it has not been tidied since he moved into that office (That was like, since Christmas last year.)
And one of the boys shouted out loud, "Uncle, your place like pig's sty !"... To which another kid ran over and said in Mandarin "Then Auntie, you are the mother pig lor !"...
And today, the office was much neater.... much much neater.. And I think we can expect no more educational tour for a while..
And he entertains guests and customers in his office. The shame of sitting in the same room.. The horror I have to endure..
So story goes that over the last weekend, he brought his wife, 3 daughters, and a other kids who are the daughters' friends. On the pretext of having an "educational tour" of our office.
So there you have, no less than 6 kids running around on a Saturday morning (oh, we lucky bastards have been having 5-day work week all along). When his wife enters the office, she commented about the messy state, and tried guessed how many months of neglect it showed. Proudly, he joked that it has not been tidied since he moved into that office (That was like, since Christmas last year.)
And one of the boys shouted out loud, "Uncle, your place like pig's sty !"... To which another kid ran over and said in Mandarin "Then Auntie, you are the mother pig lor !"...
And today, the office was much neater.... much much neater.. And I think we can expect no more educational tour for a while..
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