Albert Einsetin once said "In a healthy nation there is a kind of dramatic balance between the will of the people and the government, which prevents its degeneration into tyranny." while Winston Churchill, as quoted "We must beware of trying to build a society in which nobody counts for anything except a politician or an official..."
Made the decision on the fly and bought a plane tix back so that I can vote this time round. Yup, a very very expensive spur of the moment. Still, I like to know I am doing my little bit, not that the govt should care at all since firstly they had told me so "kindly" back in 2006 that overseas residents NEED NOT VOTE (which set off a chain of emails with me assserting my damn right) and secondly, I shouldnt have been born under their "STOP AT TWO" policy which thankfully my mum had the great sense to ignore, but paid the price of a hefty FINE to the govt.
Friends kept asking me, "Oh couldnt you just stroll to the embassy to vote?" First correction, we only have a consular in HK, not embassy. Secondly, I really didnt see the need for all the hassle to register myself with MHA and the consular - considering it was always walkover with little competition, and I didnt want to spoil my vote and ruin my privilege. Factoring the fact that I moved every darn year didnt help either.
So come this election, oh wow! If I could click a 'Like' for Nicole a thousand times, I prob would. She has validated my earlier post that Age does not equate to Maturity and vice versa. Here, a 24yr old is speaking with more passion and sincerity than what the 27yr old could ever hope to achieve. It didnt come as a surprise that Nicole Seah's FB page was my major reading delight during my week off to Phuket. It was so refreshing to be so involved in the elections for a change, with my iphone wifi stretching all the way to the beach waters with compliments by the resort. Seriously, this has got to be the most fun holiday ever!
Never underestimate the power of social media. The "voices" that would otherwise had been shunned and selectively silenced (discarded) by mainstream traditional media is having an alternate channel to get its messages out! FB has effectively brought the massive news and updates to me at my fingerstips in split seconds and the viral effect it has on people is amazing! Our ears are not longer stuffed, and eyes no longer partially veiled. Our slumbering complacency towards local politics is awakening, thanks to the nature of social media.
Unlike the past elections where "official" articles by the dominant party were a complete drone or written to either befuddle or bore its audience, at least this time round, I know what the alternate parties are championing for. ( I kinda think opposition is a wrong term to use since it depends on which side of the fence you are sitting on. Alternative parties is more apt)
In the midst of bubbling excitement and at the height of a possible "Change", it is easy for us to get lost and carried away at this possible "page turning" moment. Thus despite our fervent desire to change the course of our country's policies, we still need to keep our head firmly attached to our shoulders. It is IMPERATIVE that we do not just to vote a change, but rather, we should vote for the RIGHT change.
I remember someone "challenged" me if I am with the ruling party, or the other side? My immediate response to him was "My loyalty is with the country, not the ruling party who is suppose to serve the people." Then the D*#@k Head went on to lament everything about Singapore with all the supposed "funny" nicknames for Singapore like "Stinkapore" etc. To be honest, I am offended. I am offended at the notion that someone can be as ignorant at over thirties to be mocking his own nation. I retorted back that I have seen many protest in various countries. Every nation has its shares of pissed off citizens but they know the difference between targeting the ruling parties, and NOT the country. They still have the pride of being associated as the citizen of the country. So what is so wrong with some Singaporeans that they feel that have a need to trash the country as a whole? Take for example, I have watched on TV, seen on the streets the Hk citizens verbal bashing Donald Tsang, calling him a bootlicker, and various derogatory names. However they stopped at him. They do not insult themselves by hurling insults to HK itself. They are still proud to be a HongKonger. And that, I hold them in respect because they can see the underlying difference. So to those who only know how to make wisecracks about Singapore, just stop it and grow up, and learn to channel your disgruntles at the right source.
The best thing about Facebook is that it links up everyone and we get an insight to the current mood and insights of the people and friends. No, it's not "Noise" as described by some minister. It is the very voices that had been ignored for a long time coming.
Reading my facebook updates today, I didnt know if I should feel indignant or laughable that a senior minister would attempt such a sore and impotent sarcasm on Nicole being the "sole" voice of the party; that she was basically speaking for the other dudes campaigning with her. Without a doubt, the comment doesnt sit well with many supporters simply because it was uncalled for. Is that the kind of "clean fight" that GCT had "requested for" just not very few days ago? Plus the fact that the old dude still don't get it - that Nicole is stepping up speaking for the PEOPLE, not for the party. Could I rightly say that what Nicole has achieved with her supporters to date is what PAP would have wished Ms Tin Pei Ling could have done but had failed rather spectacularly? Instead, what GCT said (adding to Ms Tin's continuous downhill performance with the media) has only seemingly served to alienate the people further, pushing those on the fences to the other side.
Many current policies or decisions do not sit well with us. For years, and mind you, great long years the people have been either lapping up everything that was thrown to us to gradually having things stuff down our throat whether we want to or not. THAT, is the reason why people are resentful. THAT, is the reason why people are questioning the current system. THAT, is the reason why there are strong voices calling out for a change, any change in fact.
I have never, and seriously, never been a fan of any of the alternate parties in the past. No offence to their supporters but I have no false illusions with Mr Chee after he went on his angry rants and hunger strike. No seriously, hunger strike, an aborted one I might add? Then fleeing away and giving negative interviews with foreign press? To me, that is cowardly betrayal. That's a new low for someone as educated as he was. So no, I am afraid I would never cast my vote for the likes of him.
Then came Nicole, like a fresh wind of change. Refreshing and Inspiring. Inspiring not for what she has done, but rather that she had the courage to stand up for what many had cursed with their muttered breadth but lack the courage to voice out. Refreshing because we finally have someone who seemingly could articulate the needs of the poorer strata of people needing a young loud voice.
I have read through almost all of the comments left on Nicole's page. Mostly are encouragement, support and some are suggestions. Some are good, some are too radical that would be detrimental to our state economy. The most interesting to observe from the sidelines is that: What Ms Tin Pei Ling has Strikingly Failed, but which Nicole Seah has Succeded (with much poise and confidence) is the connection with alot of people (judging from the over 25k and still growing likes status). They view Nicole as one would have viewed the Joan of Arc, the spark of hope and pure courage, the courage to speak up to stir the change.
There here are many issues, factors and problems. Some are definitely the govt's doing, but to be fair, some are a result of our people's greed for making a quick buck.
The extreme rants are always about ERP, GST, and even taxation. Ok, here is where I draw the line. To lament about taxation (and bringing max profit) to the govt is alittle on the overkill side. Singapore is afterall one of the few developed countries with lowest personal tax rates, comparable to country like HK. Every country needs a tax system to run, to finance any fiscal policies. I do object however to any govt agency rewarding themselves with a big fat bonus with the surplus of taxes.
Secondly, GST. A sore contention with many. Many people blamed our current PM. I wouldnt, because it wasnt him alone that introduced the GST scheme to begin with. It was under the PM before him. So shouldnt we target the chap who introduced and saw this GST through in the first place if it comes to finger pointing? In HK, I rem vividly the GST idea was scraped and swept under the carpet after a loud wave of protest from its people. Ours went ahead regardless. I read somewhere in FB that people thought GCT was good because GST was only 3%. Wake up your idea kiddo. Even if GCT is still in power, the GST rate would still inflate to the current 7% because the party doesnt work by one person, it is a collective agreement. It just happened that the current PM bear the brunt of hatred because the rate had to be hiked up during his term. I am not sure if GST is the best way to move ahead but it is not avoidable for a country like ours. Even a resource rich countries like Norway and Australia also imposed a hefty consumption VAT tax, even more than ours.
I suppose once GST is in place, it is impractical and also honestly unfeasible to call for only certain food produce such as staples to be excluded from GST. Unless you know a way out to do the complex book keeping and accounts audit, I honestly cannot fathom how much work it will be to try to do micro managing of GST. I remember when I was working in the cosmetic MNC then, and I was trying to input the the different permutations of cost price vs retail price for the different "promotions" with "different shades and packages" and to match the inventory was a utter nightmare. The system couldnt handle such micro managing and everything had to be done on "exception" rule basis. With that experience, I can understand the rejection of calls to exclude staples from GST. How do you deal with the thousand of complexities and possibilities with different sources? How do companies report on GST returns esp food sellers that may buy a mixture of non staple etc? So no matter how noble the idea is, it would be disaster in the making to try to to have GST on selective food, despite the well meaning concept for the poor.
However, what can be excluded should be broader categories isnt it? For example, slap GST on luxury items, on lifestyle goods, on the dual evils of cig & booze for all I care. However can we exclude medical bills, and food across board from GST? Restaurants, hotels and bigger food chain can slap some tax, call it something else but basically, the spenders who can spend can foot the tax bill. The people who like to splurge on travels or expensive gadgets (that's me included here) or those die hard branded names groupies can pick up the tab on consumption tax simply because these are luxury, not essentials.
Then rising cost of medical fee. I am fortunate not to be gravely sick yet, and so I cannot comment on how expensive the cost is. All I know that is that while Singapore GP are very much more affordable than other developed countries like Australia ( ave min A$80) and Hong Kong (ave min HK$300 just consultation) from personal experience, I think its not going to be cheap being sick long term in Singapore, unless you are going to die straight away. I read an article about Minister Yeo' sending his son to the states for treatment of leukemia. Why didnt he stay on in Singapore to have his son treated if we have truly have the first class medical team? Why stay in the states 9 months with the whole family accordingly to the article, and not trust the team here to do the job? Does that mean the govt should finance every singapore child to the same medical authority in the states too since we should follow the lead examples of our leader?
No, dont get me wrong. I am not begrudging the rich. Afterall, why do so many young singaporeans undergo university education? It's precisely to lead a better and improved lifestyle = getting rich. If the person gained his or her wealth by their own merit, we are not in a position to trash the rich people. They too had to toil to get where they are. Perhaps they are luckier, they caught a break. However, the issue at hand is not about people getting rich, but people getting too rich and forgetting the poor.
The ministers argument for higher pay is to justify the cause of keeping them honest from corruption. I am not a kid with idealistic belief that anyone will work for a miserable pay in this modern days. However I question when is enough is enough? At what point and how much will it take to keep our ministers straight? To keep on par with private sector? The private sector CEO does not owe the citizens of Singapore a damn thing. They got on board the private sector and is only accountable to their shareholders and the profit of the company. Their job is SOLELY to generate revenue. They do not need to take the moral high grounds so long as they stay on the right boundary of the law. They are not responsible nor accountable for the plights of the poorer people because it is NOT their job. However our ministers are. Every penny they take for themselves, they are depriving another citizen of that penny. Our ministers seem to portray the mindset that "Oh I generate this revenue so presumably it is ok to take a big chunk because if it wasnt for us, there wont be this money." However, the ministers must have missed the memo that indicated that they are elected to SERVE the people, and the people's cause. Not their own personal cause.
A CEO can get voted out when they perform badly or when they screw up. However our ministers are afforded the luxury of a shield that prevents us from booting out individuals who are below par, who screw up and choose to possibly hide below the coat tail of other more capable ministers. By sacking a minister is too vulnerable to the stability of the country perhaps? It will be like exposing the cracks of the team, so it is better to stick to the known failures than risk having the whole ship overturned?
When I ask "when is enough is enough?" Are our ministers suffering at the current pay? As far as I am aware, almost all of them are staying in private landed houses, some with guards stationed. I didnt know till my friend kindly drove me to Holland and Nassim etc to see these big houses. So the current pay cannot maintain the lifestyle of maids, private cars and landed housing, and private travels? Are ANY OF THE KIDS of the ministers being deprived of any education based on their current pay? In fact to my best knowledge, many of them graduated overseas. So their pay is not enough to pay for the overseas living expenses? So my question is, what is so insufficient about the current pay that requires such a hefty increment while the normal average citizen is surviving on average $3-5k, which encompasses all current and future cost of buying a simple roof over our head, saving up for medical fee for sickness, saving up for medical fee for parents' sickness, saving up for living expenses, saving up for unexpected incidental cost, saving up for our education upgrades, saving up for increasing transport cost, saving up for marriage, saving up for kids. So Mr Minister, if you expect us to survive on $3-5k (for the better educated), why canx you maintain your lifestyle on a high pay but not as high as the one you had proposed against the wishes of the people?
Also, the most troubling issue is that while the ministers are patting themselves with a job well done, and thus rewarding themselves with a larger than necessary pay rise to keep corruption at bay, it results with the unintended consequence of insulating our ministers from the afflictions and disquietness of the citizens who felt squeezed or marginalised. Ask any ministers the troubles of the working crowd being squashed in the train at peak hour, he will assure you that it is running at optimal. yes, the train may be running at optimal speed with optimal load, but what had happened to the QUALITY of the ride? What happened to the qualitative measures, and let's not just harp on the quantitative measure.
As the living cost and public transport increases, it is only natural the working crowd wants to see a relative increase in their pay. In terms of tpt, what about the poorer aged citizens? Can we find a recourse for them like rather than just giving them discounted rides during non peak, how about a monthly concession pass for the old and poor who still have to travel around to work (thus not able to limit their travel to only non peak). Would that not be plausible, if we discount the fact of a smaller profit margin? In HK, we have an option of minibus, where it takes you via certain routes and everyone has a seat. It is fast and efficient and ran privately at a low cost. Why it cannot be implemented in Singapore instead of forcing everyone to the train and public buses is beyond me since the train system is already bursting at its seams. I rem when I started working, there used to be private buses I can hop on to from the east to the city area. The fare is fixed regardless at which part of the journey you get off. I didnt care because it sure beat the hell out of squeezing with the crowd on the train, and it was faster. However that stopped because LTA said it wasnt allowed and so it was back to the hassle of swapping bus-train-bus. Such inefficient use of my time. So much for the productivity talk.
In HK, they recently passed a new law. Where they put an immediate stop to mainlander mothers delivering their child in HK. Basically the overload of the mainlanders was putting a huge strain on the resources, and creating a shortage of space for the HK citizens. Based on the pleas from the mothers and the local doctors, the govt basically closed the gap and gave priority to its people. Even mainlanders who married Hk husbands do not get priority. The mainlanders and foreigners can still go to private care but you shell out the money. Also, the daily rate between foreigners and citizens is like heaven and earth...a big big big difference. And guess what, I 'm a foreigner here and I am not complaining because I UNDERSTAND the need for the citizens to get priority. Does our ruling party understand that?
The feel in Singapore and Hong Kong is also very different despite the fact that both countries have a huge influx of foreigners working in the city. However there is a fundamental difference. The country HK seem to protect its citizens, the blue collar more. If I am not mistaken, when I had applied to work, I rem my company had to justify why they couldnt hire a local and that the service industry is solely reserved for the local citizens, unless they can show prove they need a foreign staff to speak foreign tongue to serve the clients or a rare skillset combination. Still, majority of the service industry are hiring locals. Even with the HUGE INFLUX of mainland tourist, the stores are still dishing out sales who is a Hong Konger, instead of adopting the cheap option of hiring a mainlander. Of course the companies are also bounded by the law but it was a win win situation because the people in order to preserve their jobs, also force to upgrade their language skills. I love walking into HK stores because I know I am dealing with a local. Back in Singapore, I couldnt believe the number of foreigners hoarding the low level jobs that should and could be filled by a local. It was even more sickening that I am forced to talk in the language of the staff they hired, rather than the other way round which is a norm for other countries.
On the point of linguistic skills at dining spots, I rem recently when my mum came to visit and we were booked in for a restaurant. As we sat down, there was a 10secs of "quite discussion" amongst 3 servers and the manager because they were trying to deserve which staff to send to our table. Initially they had a local who speaks smattering but relatively understood English as they overheard my husband and I talking at the reception. As we strolled in, they overheard my mum and I speaking in Mandarin, and so they quickly signaled to another waitress. As we sat down, we started to chat in cantonese and hokkien and the waitress was a little confused, and waved to another colleague, to which I overheard them saying "Dont worry they can speak mandarin". I looked and and told the lady they can speak cantonese if they like. To her relief, she waved the other serving staff away. To me, this is Customer oriented SERVICE well deserving of praise, where they anticipate the needs of the customer, to make them feel welcome. In return, I try to allay their uneasiness with a foreign tongue by speaking in a common mainstream language that is comfortable to the staff. In contrast when I was back in Singapore at Dempsey road, what greeted me was a steady stream of only Maninlanders and Filippino serving staff at the famous crab dining establishment. Except for the receptionist and the one collecting the bill, I was forced to speak to the mainlander in Mandarin to describe a simple sauce I wanted. A sauce that could be easily told to any local staff, even at coffee shop. It felt strange that the discomfort lies with me, the customer rather than the foreign staff who didnt seem overly concern that he didnt understand me.
I rem a talk by PM, taking pride that in the manufacturing sector, 2/3 of the managerial positions are filled up by Singaporeans and the lower skills by the foreigners. Is that assuring? Yes, on my level where I have a degree, I am fine. However, think about those who are not academically inclined. Let's face it, not everyone is Issac Newton or Albert E. Not Everyone can graduate with a degree. So my question is, what will happen to the lesser educated citizens whose jobs are quickly taken up by cheaper labors from elsewhere. I agree with the General saying that "most singaporeans" will not take up low level job. YES, by choice if my education level allows me to pursue a more cushy job. However, what about those who doesnt have a luxury of choice? Why should they be penalised by their own country just because they may not be bright in schools academically? So where should these people turn to?
I used to joke with my friends that the stark contrast between HK service industry and SG is the AGE and Nationality. The people in HK retail tend to be filled with young - middle ages locals but in Singapore, if they are not youngsters on part time jobs, I end up with all the aunties and old uncles locals, BUT mostly I get Mainlanders and Filippinos. It's almost depressing visually really. I wont even bother to describe my horrific train ride experience, where I see more mainlanders in the train than I do in HK trains. An irony considering the proximity of China to HK vs Singapore.
Then I wonder, how is it that HK people do not seem to begrudge the foreigners (like myself) as much as the SG do? It is all about the perceived notion of job preservation, whether the govt are looking out for the locals first. The foreigners tend to have to pay more for rentals (benefit the local), no foreigners are fighting with the locals for local housing, hospitals are more expensive for foreigners, certain sectors of the industries are reserved for locals...so comparatively, the locals do not feel threatened as those in SG where the incoming people are overrunning the city with their own culture, (bad) habits, refusing to integrate, and worse, I have heard with my own ears, belittling the very country that is feeding them. I was even more aghast and indignant when there are people who comes up to me and assumed that Singapore is part of China (like HK). The fact that Wiki- LEAKS had disclosed a top official quoting him that he didnt mind Singapore being assimilated with China being splashed all over Sydney Morning herald was a worrying dismal for me. Was it a sign that we can no longer trust the people in charge to hold its fort?
I am not against all Foreign Talents. I believe some are of merit and worthy to stay in Singapore. I have even know of expat who lived and worked so long here, and intergrated so well that he has decided to forgo his UK passport for ours, simply because "Why the bloody hell do I want to keep the passport if I am never going to live back there in the wet damp cold again?" was the reply to me. I have known of foreigners living in Singapore who has vested more interest and commitment than some Singaporeans themselves have. It is no doubt a norm that we have citizens who crave for a better life elsewhere, while there are others who find a comfortable spot for themselves here in Singapore. However, what we are aghast is perhaps the wide door in discriminant policies then which seemingly allow all levels of undesirable characters to work here in Singapore, at the expense of low and possibly middle level skilled Singaporeans. And what's more, I take issues with people who only come here to milk the system and then leave. I am offended by non-locals who cluster amongst themselves privately speaking in their own tongue excluding Singaporeans unless it benefit them someway, offended by their refusal to speak our lingo and language, am offended at the prolific spread of their bad manners (talking loudly and spitting being the major offences), ill society and cultural habits, but most of all, am offended at their crime of blatantly critisng and belittlinig us the people and the country itself. They mock the locals, while having no qualms of hogging onto a job that a local can and should have, well apart from the hooker and niteclub jobs of course really is debatable.
I have alot more to go on but I think most people get the drift.
I am looking forward to my flight back, even if it is costing me a cool Hk$4000 just to vote on that paper, to cross a box. A very significant box.. I suppose it's a well deserved ticket since I havent had derived so much entertainment from a election year for some time now.
I know my loyalty started to waver the very day LKY passed the baton to someone who had the cheek to mislabel people like us as quitters, with a wife who had the audacity to back a disgraced former NKF exe quoting "his pay is peanuts" when it is multiple folds above the normal pay of an average citizen. There is a saying, you can tell a man by the company he keeps. If his wife can sprout such a classic perplexing line as such, what other thoughts do they harbor is something I wonder aloud? Should I believe for a second it was an impulsive thought and that the notion had not taken root much longer? Yeah, like caterpillars would grow wings overnight huh...Just Like I need to support what I say with concrete proof, what proof have been shown to me that some of those people no longer hold such haughty views? While I may hold utmost respect for the pioneer PAP team who did afterall go against the odds to develop this country, the same cannot be said about the current team who had many times fumbled along the way from the escaped convict to the over spending of the YOG which honestly speaking, wasnt even worthy of a mention in other countries apart a small column.
Even if the alternating parties do not win, I hope it will be at least a neck to neck fight in order to send a strong message to the ruling party and keep them realistic about the "voices" of the people. I can only hope the various oppositions will get its act together and form a strong coalition rather than the current numerous dispersed contenders, thus not taken quite as seriously by the ruling parties.
In a personal observation, Singapore is still a state city, a fact remains that we are TOO SMALL to have so many fractions of alternative parties. Perhaps why they are always being "mocked" and jibed at and taken lightly.. Even a country as large as States has "Democrats vs Republicans", and Australia with "Labors vs Liberals and the third The Greens". So in Singapore, the varying parties have to unite. At most we can only have 2 alternate parties. Worker Party being a strong credible party to begin with. We just need another voice to balance and give weight to the fight. Remember the wise Chinese Story, where the brothers were told to band together with the simple illustration of a chopsticks. One or few are easily breakable but when band together, they form an unbreakable force. May the force be with the party that has the most interest of its people at heart.
PS: I have a FB flash about this great article. Read "it Begins with Political Apathy"
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Cringing at Tin Pei Ling's Video
Anyone else saw this video below by PAP candidate Tin Pei Ling?
I was curious about all the backlash on her and so I finally took the time to watch the short introduction clip without any pre-conceived notion or judgement. I even thought maybe the public may have been too critical of her age...I mean...PAP wont have taken such a leap of faith to nominate someone non credible right....?
Well... WRONG! Truly, she bombed big time. The video sounded utterly scripted and cliche that it gives me goosebumps. It has the signature of an amateur written all over it. The whole clip sounded like a student writing 1000word unpolished essay on self introduction, or was running for college student council. And worse, she said "Give me a chance to grow and learn" WHY should I be paying you $12K to grow and learn? Why dont you complete learning and growing BEFORE you join politics?
And also, the biggest problem is also from your opening speech, TPL grew up ALL her life in Singapore.Precisely you have never lived/ experience another country to explore and undergo the merits and failing of another country to benefit Singapore. You will be looking at everything from a tinted glasses, like a frog from a shallow well thinking the well is the world. Your horizons and exposure are limited, and narrowed into a one track mind, bearing the risk of believing whatever your mentors tell you to be the gospel truth without the resources, or ability to counter propose something else. Simply because you are not worldly enough in this competitive global world we live in today. You are brought up in a nanny state, expecting your nanny to still hold your hands as you prance around in your little white frock, thinking naively that the people will see you instrumental in helping shape the nation. Even I with more years than you, more exposure than you would not say Ïf you work hard, you will do well." Life is not a bed of roses missy. You can slog all your life and will not do well. Tell the granny pushing the cart collecting paper cardboard. She came as a worker, slog her whole life and still slogging, is she LIVING WELL? You ignorant, presumptuous girl. THIS is precisely why no one believe you. Not because of your Kate Space, but you have said NOTHING to convince us that you know what is in store, apart from LAP OF LUXURY.
I can say this because I was brought up in the Era, where I sincerely believed once that Singapore was the best, and that I shared the same ideals as she did. Singapore is still good but not good enough. We can be better. I did my humbling share of social volunteer work too, and once too thought that the sun shines out of Singapore arse if I can put it this way. I had once felt that our govt did everything for the people in the best way it can. Then, I grab a chance and left Sg reluctantly then in my late twenties to work and lived abroad and my perspective changed. No, I do not think other country are running their country better. I certainly do not care for some other countries who run policies in fear of their rating and popularity votes when hard choices should be made. And yet No, I DEFINITELY do not think that we are that great either because I have seen and experienced better and worse things than my country had to offer. I started to think why we couldnt do something as good as this in sg, and if we do, will it work given the different culture and mindset of our nation, and the non existence of natural resources etc. So in terms of perspective, I grew up.
Living overseas does not make me better, it made me more involved in questioning the way things can be done or is being done in Singapore now. There are things I will defend my govt in choices they made but there are also some I strongly disagreed with. So in short, that means TPL need that too, not necessarily a stint abroad though that will be good, but rather she need more years to grow and form her own thinking, and question why people has so much disgruntles and grievances, to go in depth into our socio-economic issues. I mean come on, even MM Lee was able to help form this nation from almost nothing because he himself had the beneficial exposure then from another country and felt that was a good thing to bring into Singapore. He was able to learn and pick up merits of another place to impart into Singapore.
TPL isnt stupid and being 27yr, I will not discredit her for her passion and zest and dreams everyone at that youthful age has. I am not saying she is NOT a good candidate., I am saying she is NOT ready to be a running candidate because she lacks the composure and ability to react appropriately.
So that is why I say "Oh bugger off!" I believe she is sincere, a studious worker ant who follow orders in a highly hierarchical order, but she is clearly not a leader material,lacking the charisma, and experience sorely needed to be entrusted with our nation. Seeing you stomp your feet in the 2nd video totally discredit you from commanding any respect from me. Try imagine Hilary clinton getting away with that in her congress session....that will be like a breath of fresh air. Or try imagining the Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher doing that too! Lol!
I look in a candidate whom I believe can stand on his or her own 2 feet in time of crises, where judicious judgement are required. Tin Pei Ling looked like some political personnel wannabe - whom I seriously doubt who can be trusted to rise to the occasion when the day calls for it. She comes across as someone who will be LOOKING TO SOMEONE ELSE TO HELP HER instead.
Her whole persona is summed up by just 2 adjectives- IMMATURE & INEXPERIENCED who garners ABSOLUTELY NO confidence from at least 90% of the population excluding your family and friends. Young age does not equate to Immaturity and vice versa. I have met very intelligent, witty, charismatic and mature lady who drew people to her at a tender age of 18yr, who TALK MORE sense than TPL. What we need now is fielding candidates that will be perceived, or rather grow into a strong dependable Banyan Tree, and what we do not need is Ms Potential Lalang.
This is the kind of material that our government is moulding for the hold the helm of Singapore in 10years? If so, I may see the day I will be forced to pack my bag and say goodbye because the govt is FORCING me to accept someone I think who is TOO ill qualified to enter full-on into politics. Is our politics OVERLY stable such than a wet behind the ears pup can think to take on the world? "
In western countries, anyone worth their salt will gracefully pull out of the running in the midst of all the controversy and overwhelmingly ONE-SIDED DISLIKE for the candidate. It is only common sense. If TPL does withdraw and run again next round after gaining more life experiences, I actually would think she would earn more respect for her maturity than she does now. Backing down now does not mean she is admitting the floating accusations, or that the party is wrong. It merely indicates that she is WILLING to listen to the nation, and truly mean her words about serving people (in many other ways). Forcing her way on only serves to further discredit her.
Any party that strongly pushes for an unloved candidate into being MP regardless of the loud protests from its citizens; only smack of pure arrogance, disregard for public concerns and opinions, and
is this party truly listening to the voices of people? PAP, Are you trying to tell me that this 27 year is AS GOOD as the 45 yr old female candidate (from Std chart bank) you roll out? YOU ARE SO KIDDING ME AND SLAPPING YOUR OWN FACE. It's like comparing chalk and cheese and forcing me to acknowledge both are one of the same thing.
While the people may have entrusted the current party to guide this country, but why is the same party we voted in depriving the same people who had put them there of our choice NOT to have some young inexperienced gal into the ruling party? I thought the whole point of election was to HEAR THE PEOPLE VOICES, and SERVE US THE PEOPLE?!!! Why does it seem as if now the party is RULING OVER US? Yeah sure we are a controlled Democratic society where we have a right to vote, but where are OUR RIGHTS to VOTE HER OUT? Fielding her with someone senior may be a sure win strategy but that only further proves that you didnt have the confidence in her to win in some other areas. If you didnt trust her to stand her ground, then dont field her in the first place. She may be a potential to be a good MP in the FUTURE, but she needs more years in the training. Are we all that desperate that the govt cannot even scout another better qualified candidates? Has everyone that is good and suitable fled Singapore, or are the good ones no longer malleable to be bend and shape to suit what is the collective mindset in place?
I was curious about all the backlash on her and so I finally took the time to watch the short introduction clip without any pre-conceived notion or judgement. I even thought maybe the public may have been too critical of her age...I mean...PAP wont have taken such a leap of faith to nominate someone non credible right....?
Well... WRONG! Truly, she bombed big time. The video sounded utterly scripted and cliche that it gives me goosebumps. It has the signature of an amateur written all over it. The whole clip sounded like a student writing 1000word unpolished essay on self introduction, or was running for college student council. And worse, she said "Give me a chance to grow and learn" WHY should I be paying you $12K to grow and learn? Why dont you complete learning and growing BEFORE you join politics?
And also, the biggest problem is also from your opening speech, TPL grew up ALL her life in Singapore.Precisely you have never lived/ experience another country to explore and undergo the merits and failing of another country to benefit Singapore. You will be looking at everything from a tinted glasses, like a frog from a shallow well thinking the well is the world. Your horizons and exposure are limited, and narrowed into a one track mind, bearing the risk of believing whatever your mentors tell you to be the gospel truth without the resources, or ability to counter propose something else. Simply because you are not worldly enough in this competitive global world we live in today. You are brought up in a nanny state, expecting your nanny to still hold your hands as you prance around in your little white frock, thinking naively that the people will see you instrumental in helping shape the nation. Even I with more years than you, more exposure than you would not say Ïf you work hard, you will do well." Life is not a bed of roses missy. You can slog all your life and will not do well. Tell the granny pushing the cart collecting paper cardboard. She came as a worker, slog her whole life and still slogging, is she LIVING WELL? You ignorant, presumptuous girl. THIS is precisely why no one believe you. Not because of your Kate Space, but you have said NOTHING to convince us that you know what is in store, apart from LAP OF LUXURY.
I can say this because I was brought up in the Era, where I sincerely believed once that Singapore was the best, and that I shared the same ideals as she did. Singapore is still good but not good enough. We can be better. I did my humbling share of social volunteer work too, and once too thought that the sun shines out of Singapore arse if I can put it this way. I had once felt that our govt did everything for the people in the best way it can. Then, I grab a chance and left Sg reluctantly then in my late twenties to work and lived abroad and my perspective changed. No, I do not think other country are running their country better. I certainly do not care for some other countries who run policies in fear of their rating and popularity votes when hard choices should be made. And yet No, I DEFINITELY do not think that we are that great either because I have seen and experienced better and worse things than my country had to offer. I started to think why we couldnt do something as good as this in sg, and if we do, will it work given the different culture and mindset of our nation, and the non existence of natural resources etc. So in terms of perspective, I grew up.
Living overseas does not make me better, it made me more involved in questioning the way things can be done or is being done in Singapore now. There are things I will defend my govt in choices they made but there are also some I strongly disagreed with. So in short, that means TPL need that too, not necessarily a stint abroad though that will be good, but rather she need more years to grow and form her own thinking, and question why people has so much disgruntles and grievances, to go in depth into our socio-economic issues. I mean come on, even MM Lee was able to help form this nation from almost nothing because he himself had the beneficial exposure then from another country and felt that was a good thing to bring into Singapore. He was able to learn and pick up merits of another place to impart into Singapore.
TPL isnt stupid and being 27yr, I will not discredit her for her passion and zest and dreams everyone at that youthful age has. I am not saying she is NOT a good candidate., I am saying she is NOT ready to be a running candidate because she lacks the composure and ability to react appropriately.
So that is why I say "Oh bugger off!" I believe she is sincere, a studious worker ant who follow orders in a highly hierarchical order, but she is clearly not a leader material,lacking the charisma, and experience sorely needed to be entrusted with our nation. Seeing you stomp your feet in the 2nd video totally discredit you from commanding any respect from me. Try imagine Hilary clinton getting away with that in her congress session....that will be like a breath of fresh air. Or try imagining the Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher doing that too! Lol!
I look in a candidate whom I believe can stand on his or her own 2 feet in time of crises, where judicious judgement are required. Tin Pei Ling looked like some political personnel wannabe - whom I seriously doubt who can be trusted to rise to the occasion when the day calls for it. She comes across as someone who will be LOOKING TO SOMEONE ELSE TO HELP HER instead.
Her whole persona is summed up by just 2 adjectives- IMMATURE & INEXPERIENCED who garners ABSOLUTELY NO confidence from at least 90% of the population excluding your family and friends. Young age does not equate to Immaturity and vice versa. I have met very intelligent, witty, charismatic and mature lady who drew people to her at a tender age of 18yr, who TALK MORE sense than TPL. What we need now is fielding candidates that will be perceived, or rather grow into a strong dependable Banyan Tree, and what we do not need is Ms Potential Lalang.
This is the kind of material that our government is moulding for the hold the helm of Singapore in 10years? If so, I may see the day I will be forced to pack my bag and say goodbye because the govt is FORCING me to accept someone I think who is TOO ill qualified to enter full-on into politics. Is our politics OVERLY stable such than a wet behind the ears pup can think to take on the world? "
In western countries, anyone worth their salt will gracefully pull out of the running in the midst of all the controversy and overwhelmingly ONE-SIDED DISLIKE for the candidate. It is only common sense. If TPL does withdraw and run again next round after gaining more life experiences, I actually would think she would earn more respect for her maturity than she does now. Backing down now does not mean she is admitting the floating accusations, or that the party is wrong. It merely indicates that she is WILLING to listen to the nation, and truly mean her words about serving people (in many other ways). Forcing her way on only serves to further discredit her.
Any party that strongly pushes for an unloved candidate into being MP regardless of the loud protests from its citizens; only smack of pure arrogance, disregard for public concerns and opinions, and
is this party truly listening to the voices of people? PAP, Are you trying to tell me that this 27 year is AS GOOD as the 45 yr old female candidate (from Std chart bank) you roll out? YOU ARE SO KIDDING ME AND SLAPPING YOUR OWN FACE. It's like comparing chalk and cheese and forcing me to acknowledge both are one of the same thing.
While the people may have entrusted the current party to guide this country, but why is the same party we voted in depriving the same people who had put them there of our choice NOT to have some young inexperienced gal into the ruling party? I thought the whole point of election was to HEAR THE PEOPLE VOICES, and SERVE US THE PEOPLE?!!! Why does it seem as if now the party is RULING OVER US? Yeah sure we are a controlled Democratic society where we have a right to vote, but where are OUR RIGHTS to VOTE HER OUT? Fielding her with someone senior may be a sure win strategy but that only further proves that you didnt have the confidence in her to win in some other areas. If you didnt trust her to stand her ground, then dont field her in the first place. She may be a potential to be a good MP in the FUTURE, but she needs more years in the training. Are we all that desperate that the govt cannot even scout another better qualified candidates? Has everyone that is good and suitable fled Singapore, or are the good ones no longer malleable to be bend and shape to suit what is the collective mindset in place?
Friday, March 25, 2011
Local Sg News: A ridiculous call to "warn off" heartlanders to Holland Village.
OMG! OMG! Did you by any chance get to listen to this Samantha airhead going on air, blasting fellow Singapore heartlanders for being too uncultured to go to Holland Village?!!!! Unbelieveable!
http://soundcloud.com/radio913/the-married-men-samanthas
To begin with, her English sounds terrible, not the worst Singlish but nonetheless smack of local accent. Should other people mock her "fake" wannabe accent while she had her short airtime to blast other people's dressing, which she in turn associate with "Low Class" and "Not Cultured"? Why does she have such a superficial mentality?
To begin with, talking loudly is more of bad manners than culture. Talking loudly may be a culture in China, but if u want to critic such behavior in Singapore, its simply refered to as inconsiderate bad manners. Dressing down is also not associated with "Low Class". Have u seen how some celebs been dressing in states? Even worse than some locals I have seen. If Lady Gaga with her outlandish outfit happened to be in HV, will Samantha dearest please go up to her and ask her to leave immediately since her dressing are too provacatively low-class and trashy.
So what exactly are the "crimes" of the locals hanging out at HV by your illogical standard? A bad hairdo? T-shirts and flip-flops? Incidentally, someone ought to correct you. "Slippers" are by definition generally meant for indoor footwear, while we know you meant to say flip flops/ sandals/ thongs. So can I mock you as "lowly educated" as such by your own yardstick of measurement?
Advocating wearing appropriate clothings to appropriate functions is fine but not in the unconstructive, unsubstantiated way Samantha had presented her points please. Seriously, do u expect someone to dress up with makeup and all just to stroll to HV Cold Storage or dine at the over-priced- bad service causal fare Horfun place? Give me a break. Where is the reasoning? There is no context at all. Did someone forget to mention to her that Holland Village is a public place free for all, and the location isnt a restaurant or indoor venue where dress code and approperiate "rules" must be observed?
Samantha must have assumed the higher proportion of expats hanging out @ HV to equate to her natural "Ah-tas" assumption of the area being more posh and cultured? To begin with, how on earth would she know the so-called "better dressers" are definitely Holland villagers? Do they wear a tag or a sign over their neck declaring where they live? For all she know, the better-dressers might actually be someone living further away and the more causal dressed are the "accused" low-class people. Seriously...is Samantha only hanging out in the pubs surrounded by pretentious people with the same idea as she? How sad...
While I do concede that on most days, the general people who throng the cafes and shops @HV are generally friendlier than some other heartland malls (with lesser maninlanders to be talking loudly into my ears to start off), yet people here do not dress anymore differently than say Siglap or Tampines Mall or AMK, or as she claimed "high class". She sounded stupid from the first 10 secs she opened her mouth. My friend commented that she is one of those youths just shooting off her mouth and there is a growing sentiment that more youths are becoming like that... I dont know if its true. I can only say I hope not.
I love one comment left on the website for her.
"A drop of Yakult has more culture than her."
That's a true blue insult, with much appreciated cultured wit and humor.
http://soundcloud.com/radio913/the-married-men-samanthas
To begin with, her English sounds terrible, not the worst Singlish but nonetheless smack of local accent. Should other people mock her "fake" wannabe accent while she had her short airtime to blast other people's dressing, which she in turn associate with "Low Class" and "Not Cultured"? Why does she have such a superficial mentality?
To begin with, talking loudly is more of bad manners than culture. Talking loudly may be a culture in China, but if u want to critic such behavior in Singapore, its simply refered to as inconsiderate bad manners. Dressing down is also not associated with "Low Class". Have u seen how some celebs been dressing in states? Even worse than some locals I have seen. If Lady Gaga with her outlandish outfit happened to be in HV, will Samantha dearest please go up to her and ask her to leave immediately since her dressing are too provacatively low-class and trashy.
So what exactly are the "crimes" of the locals hanging out at HV by your illogical standard? A bad hairdo? T-shirts and flip-flops? Incidentally, someone ought to correct you. "Slippers" are by definition generally meant for indoor footwear, while we know you meant to say flip flops/ sandals/ thongs. So can I mock you as "lowly educated" as such by your own yardstick of measurement?
Advocating wearing appropriate clothings to appropriate functions is fine but not in the unconstructive, unsubstantiated way Samantha had presented her points please. Seriously, do u expect someone to dress up with makeup and all just to stroll to HV Cold Storage or dine at the over-priced- bad service causal fare Horfun place? Give me a break. Where is the reasoning? There is no context at all. Did someone forget to mention to her that Holland Village is a public place free for all, and the location isnt a restaurant or indoor venue where dress code and approperiate "rules" must be observed?
Samantha must have assumed the higher proportion of expats hanging out @ HV to equate to her natural "Ah-tas" assumption of the area being more posh and cultured? To begin with, how on earth would she know the so-called "better dressers" are definitely Holland villagers? Do they wear a tag or a sign over their neck declaring where they live? For all she know, the better-dressers might actually be someone living further away and the more causal dressed are the "accused" low-class people. Seriously...is Samantha only hanging out in the pubs surrounded by pretentious people with the same idea as she? How sad...
While I do concede that on most days, the general people who throng the cafes and shops @HV are generally friendlier than some other heartland malls (with lesser maninlanders to be talking loudly into my ears to start off), yet people here do not dress anymore differently than say Siglap or Tampines Mall or AMK, or as she claimed "high class". She sounded stupid from the first 10 secs she opened her mouth. My friend commented that she is one of those youths just shooting off her mouth and there is a growing sentiment that more youths are becoming like that... I dont know if its true. I can only say I hope not.
I love one comment left on the website for her.
"A drop of Yakult has more culture than her."
That's a true blue insult, with much appreciated cultured wit and humor.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Afterthought after Japanese Tsunami and Earthquake
The throng of expats rushing to leave Japan due to the nuclear incident comes as no surprise. Who isnt fearful of impending potential death?
I applaud my friend's decision to stay on in Japan despite the incident and assured us that things isnt as seemingly bad as it appeared where she is in Saitama. She remarked that it was more stressful to cope with the concerned well intended requests for her to head back to Singapore, than actually being in the midst of all the "action" in Japan.
Seeing the people wanting to leave, with people wailing in despair at the airport etc, it brings to mind one important thought. If Singapore was to face any major calamity, how many of the existing population of almost 5million people, consisting of estimated 36% foreigners will react to the situation? Assuming the 36% of foreigners will also rush to leave the small island, what is left is about 64% of local citizens and perm residents (which are again of foreign birth); out of which assuming 1/4 will choose to leave as well. We dont really have alot of people left remaining do we?
In the midst of calamity, will we also have our own version of 50 selfless self sacrificial heroes? Japan being a homogeneous populated country with a "samurai heritage" and where a common identity & culture is grounded upon, it is easily understandable their sense of patriotism to guard the well being of the rest of the nation. Singapore, a small island of many identities without a single identity to fall back on, can we count on the hope for our own "band of brothers" to depend on in the dire straits moments?
I remember a friends's husband use to hate going back to NSmen reservist because he thought it was an utter waste of time and pointless exercises. This was before all the debate of the sudden influx of mainlanders or Foreign Talent into Singapore. His reason was simply in the sign of first trouble, he would be fleeing the country. Why on earth should he be wasting his time on training to protect the country? So it leaves me pondering even more, how many more will stay to help the community if many thinks like him? How will the world react to Singaporeans fleeing their own soil instead of staying to defend or protect it?
While the expats leaving Japan are returning home without guilt or sense of betrayal, how will Singaporeans who say survive from running to a host country as a second class citizen- will feel if their own country was wiped out? Will there be a sense of sorrow? A sense of guilt? Or a tinge of loss and sadness? A sense of I could have done more perhaps?
I watched the Japanese news and it was interestingly that all the old folks are urging the younger families with kids esp, to head for safety while the older folks are willing to stay behind to aid the ailing old people in homes etc. I suppose they wish for the younger generation to survive the crisis and pass on their Japanese heritage and culture.
However if Singapore is wiped out, what heritage and culture that is unique to us do we pass on? I couldnt think of any in particular that belongs to us. Speaking as a chinese, we have mainly lost our dialect "mother tongue", not to mention we even have a new Chinese generation struggling to speak and write mandarin. Whatever Chinese tradition remaining (I can barely think of anything more than a handful even) is even barely passed down from our parents no thanks to the hectic work schedule, heavy western influences and idolism, or the parents' upbringing of "dont do anything but study" due to the intensively pressuring rat-race/ paper chase.
Despite whatever people may think of the war crimes Japanese had committed back then, or the criticism about the eccentricity of Japanese culture or the protective nature of their country against foreigners, the modern Japan has definitely shown the world a thing or two about their self-sacrificial values, unity and calmness of nation on the whole in face of adversity.
Ignorant people round the world who are rushing to snatch up salt or seaweed to "prolong" their lives, take a leaf from people of the rising sun, who has truly shown us the light to a enviable nation where the community come together as one in face of calamity. Even a Japanese dog has something to teach us about not leaving its companion behind...
I applaud my friend's decision to stay on in Japan despite the incident and assured us that things isnt as seemingly bad as it appeared where she is in Saitama. She remarked that it was more stressful to cope with the concerned well intended requests for her to head back to Singapore, than actually being in the midst of all the "action" in Japan.
Seeing the people wanting to leave, with people wailing in despair at the airport etc, it brings to mind one important thought. If Singapore was to face any major calamity, how many of the existing population of almost 5million people, consisting of estimated 36% foreigners will react to the situation? Assuming the 36% of foreigners will also rush to leave the small island, what is left is about 64% of local citizens and perm residents (which are again of foreign birth); out of which assuming 1/4 will choose to leave as well. We dont really have alot of people left remaining do we?
In the midst of calamity, will we also have our own version of 50 selfless self sacrificial heroes? Japan being a homogeneous populated country with a "samurai heritage" and where a common identity & culture is grounded upon, it is easily understandable their sense of patriotism to guard the well being of the rest of the nation. Singapore, a small island of many identities without a single identity to fall back on, can we count on the hope for our own "band of brothers" to depend on in the dire straits moments?
I remember a friends's husband use to hate going back to NSmen reservist because he thought it was an utter waste of time and pointless exercises. This was before all the debate of the sudden influx of mainlanders or Foreign Talent into Singapore. His reason was simply in the sign of first trouble, he would be fleeing the country. Why on earth should he be wasting his time on training to protect the country? So it leaves me pondering even more, how many more will stay to help the community if many thinks like him? How will the world react to Singaporeans fleeing their own soil instead of staying to defend or protect it?
While the expats leaving Japan are returning home without guilt or sense of betrayal, how will Singaporeans who say survive from running to a host country as a second class citizen- will feel if their own country was wiped out? Will there be a sense of sorrow? A sense of guilt? Or a tinge of loss and sadness? A sense of I could have done more perhaps?
I watched the Japanese news and it was interestingly that all the old folks are urging the younger families with kids esp, to head for safety while the older folks are willing to stay behind to aid the ailing old people in homes etc. I suppose they wish for the younger generation to survive the crisis and pass on their Japanese heritage and culture.
However if Singapore is wiped out, what heritage and culture that is unique to us do we pass on? I couldnt think of any in particular that belongs to us. Speaking as a chinese, we have mainly lost our dialect "mother tongue", not to mention we even have a new Chinese generation struggling to speak and write mandarin. Whatever Chinese tradition remaining (I can barely think of anything more than a handful even) is even barely passed down from our parents no thanks to the hectic work schedule, heavy western influences and idolism, or the parents' upbringing of "dont do anything but study" due to the intensively pressuring rat-race/ paper chase.
Despite whatever people may think of the war crimes Japanese had committed back then, or the criticism about the eccentricity of Japanese culture or the protective nature of their country against foreigners, the modern Japan has definitely shown the world a thing or two about their self-sacrificial values, unity and calmness of nation on the whole in face of adversity.
Ignorant people round the world who are rushing to snatch up salt or seaweed to "prolong" their lives, take a leaf from people of the rising sun, who has truly shown us the light to a enviable nation where the community come together as one in face of calamity. Even a Japanese dog has something to teach us about not leaving its companion behind...
Local SG News: Chinese national "not terribly frightened" after cabby’s death
SINGAPORE: A Chinese national on trial for the murder of a taxi driver, told the High Court on Wednesday he was "not terribly frightened" when he tried to remove evidence after allegedly killing the man.
Wang Wenfeng, 32, had originally claimed that he was very frightened after the alleged murder of taxi driver Yuen Swee Hong, 58, in April 2009 following a botched robbery attempt.
Wang then allegedly dumped the body on a hill.
When questioning Wang, Deputy Public Prosecutor Eugene Lee noted that Wang, despite being frightened, was still able to wipe off blood from the taxi and even snipped off wires from a card reader to avoid being detected.
Wang said he was "not terribly frightened".
He had wanted to look for the taxi’s Global Positioning System (GPS) machine but mistook the card reader for it.
He later demanded S$150,000 from Mr Yuen’s wife as ransom.
DPP Lee asked Wang about his intention for bringing a knife out that day.
In response, Wang said: "To commit robbery, you have to bring a knife don’t tell me you want me to bring a banana?"
*****************************************************
When I read the end of the article of the Chinese National murdering a local Sg cab driver, my reaction was "Unremorseful Arrogant China Prick!!" Dont waste taxpayer money on jailtime and free repatriation flight home. Just hang this unremorseful bastard!
Ok, I'm just feeling mean today.
Wang Wenfeng, 32, had originally claimed that he was very frightened after the alleged murder of taxi driver Yuen Swee Hong, 58, in April 2009 following a botched robbery attempt.
Wang then allegedly dumped the body on a hill.
When questioning Wang, Deputy Public Prosecutor Eugene Lee noted that Wang, despite being frightened, was still able to wipe off blood from the taxi and even snipped off wires from a card reader to avoid being detected.
Wang said he was "not terribly frightened".
He had wanted to look for the taxi’s Global Positioning System (GPS) machine but mistook the card reader for it.
He later demanded S$150,000 from Mr Yuen’s wife as ransom.
DPP Lee asked Wang about his intention for bringing a knife out that day.
In response, Wang said: "To commit robbery, you have to bring a knife don’t tell me you want me to bring a banana?"
*****************************************************
When I read the end of the article of the Chinese National murdering a local Sg cab driver, my reaction was "Unremorseful Arrogant China Prick!!" Dont waste taxpayer money on jailtime and free repatriation flight home. Just hang this unremorseful bastard!
Ok, I'm just feeling mean today.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Mum was pleasantly surprised that unlike some strange Singaporeans who like to linger or deliberately would not get up from tables; Hk people do NOT hog the table after finishing the meal at small dining spots. There is a level of social consideration in this country to finish the meal, pay and leave. Will Singapore ever attain such social grace?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Bye Bye Gourmet...
Was just getting ready to go after paying for my groceries when I was stunned by a poster, annoucing the closure of Gourmet Supermarket at the end of 27th Feb. Located at Lee Gardens for so long, I felt a little loss to see it go since it was a handy spot to pick up my dry provisions being next to my bus stop. Not to mention they are the other supermarket that carries a decently priced Australian Baby pork ribs without burning a hole in my pocket which City Super and 360 tends to inflict on me.
I was really sorry to see them go....:( I asked the fresh meat guy where will they move to and they said he will be dispatched to TASTE located at Hopewell center at Wanchai. What a hassle....unlikely I will go there.
Out of curiousity, I asked someone what was replacing the supermarket. Perhaps another supermarket?
To my horror, I was told that the whole huge basement will be taken over by LV. Yes that French luxury brand that has less-than-exciting designs that has a lot of excited mainlanders and the richie rich going goo goo ga ga just because its a tag, a tag that says "I have more cents-than-sense". (I am not being a sour grape. I can afford LV but just choose NOT to because its ridiculously overpriced for Loud
mediocre designs. )
The reason for my horror is that they already monopolise a large store area on level 1, after recently ousting cova resturant and deli cafe out of the first floor. And now they are invading the basement as well?
I prob could "cope" better if someone tell me the shop space is taken over by Broadway or Fortress..but ANOTHER LV? Why dont LV just do what they can afford to do, buy over or build a completely NEW BUILDING complete with their bags, ready to buy, cafe, shoes etc and leave other hot spots to serve the public better? Afterall, I am pretty sure even if LV flagship store is located in Sha Tin, tons of people will still flock there simply because it is LV and no other reasons required....
First I.T has ousted starbucks and Jade restaurant out of Hysan street and then L.V has ousted supermarket out.... So what, the rest of us dont have to eat and only need to starve but decked in expensive (and sometimes ) ugly clothes/ bags/ shoes....
This only shows that Asia is boomin...really booming.... hope it doesnt get ahead of itself again and crashes and burn...
I was really sorry to see them go....:( I asked the fresh meat guy where will they move to and they said he will be dispatched to TASTE located at Hopewell center at Wanchai. What a hassle....unlikely I will go there.
Out of curiousity, I asked someone what was replacing the supermarket. Perhaps another supermarket?
To my horror, I was told that the whole huge basement will be taken over by LV. Yes that French luxury brand that has less-than-exciting designs that has a lot of excited mainlanders and the richie rich going goo goo ga ga just because its a tag, a tag that says "I have more cents-than-sense". (I am not being a sour grape. I can afford LV but just choose NOT to because its ridiculously overpriced for Loud
mediocre designs. )
The reason for my horror is that they already monopolise a large store area on level 1, after recently ousting cova resturant and deli cafe out of the first floor. And now they are invading the basement as well?
I prob could "cope" better if someone tell me the shop space is taken over by Broadway or Fortress..but ANOTHER LV? Why dont LV just do what they can afford to do, buy over or build a completely NEW BUILDING complete with their bags, ready to buy, cafe, shoes etc and leave other hot spots to serve the public better? Afterall, I am pretty sure even if LV flagship store is located in Sha Tin, tons of people will still flock there simply because it is LV and no other reasons required....
First I.T has ousted starbucks and Jade restaurant out of Hysan street and then L.V has ousted supermarket out.... So what, the rest of us dont have to eat and only need to starve but decked in expensive (and sometimes ) ugly clothes/ bags/ shoes....
This only shows that Asia is boomin...really booming.... hope it doesnt get ahead of itself again and crashes and burn...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
I miss my baby!!!
I miss my brother's doggy terribly!! He is such a munja king and he trods after me almost everywhere and the level of excitment he shoer on me everytime i come back is an incredible feeling. The affection and unconditional love..though I am pretty sure he adores me because I am his playmate:)
I think we must be super lucky to get a dog that barely barks. In the 9 months we had him, he had only perhaps only barked 3 times, once because I forgot that I was holding on to his toy at a height he couldnt reach, and the second time when he saw my hubby for the first time. He growled at my hubby and refused the treat from him even being a glutton baby he was. I laughed and told my brother at least there is hope that baby will "protect" the house from strangers after all :)
Most of the time, my baby just make cute noises that doesnt even sound anything like a dog but more like a baby. He loves his cleaniness as much as we do and he even fold the diaper to cover his poo poo. Initially we thought it was an accident, but we soon realise that he really deliberately cover his poo poo and push it to a far corner. And when his dloor diaper is full, he will grab the paper and bring it to the door, expecting us to change it. I have never seen such a hygience loving dog before and endears himself to me even more!!!
I dunno if he realised I have left. My mum said when I am out with my friend, he would just stay quiet but regardless how late I return, he would start banging on the door expecting me to let him out so that he can frolick all over me and have me scratch his neck. he would nestle himself comfortably on my lap and just look at me with his big adoring eyes... And when i woke in the morn, he would only give me 2 mins before he starts to whimper for my attention. My mum said he doesnt do that with her or my brother. This little fellow knows who dotes him alot:) I honestly canx wait to go home and cuddle him again.
Oh how i miss my baby!!
I think we must be super lucky to get a dog that barely barks. In the 9 months we had him, he had only perhaps only barked 3 times, once because I forgot that I was holding on to his toy at a height he couldnt reach, and the second time when he saw my hubby for the first time. He growled at my hubby and refused the treat from him even being a glutton baby he was. I laughed and told my brother at least there is hope that baby will "protect" the house from strangers after all :)
Most of the time, my baby just make cute noises that doesnt even sound anything like a dog but more like a baby. He loves his cleaniness as much as we do and he even fold the diaper to cover his poo poo. Initially we thought it was an accident, but we soon realise that he really deliberately cover his poo poo and push it to a far corner. And when his dloor diaper is full, he will grab the paper and bring it to the door, expecting us to change it. I have never seen such a hygience loving dog before and endears himself to me even more!!!
I dunno if he realised I have left. My mum said when I am out with my friend, he would just stay quiet but regardless how late I return, he would start banging on the door expecting me to let him out so that he can frolick all over me and have me scratch his neck. he would nestle himself comfortably on my lap and just look at me with his big adoring eyes... And when i woke in the morn, he would only give me 2 mins before he starts to whimper for my attention. My mum said he doesnt do that with her or my brother. This little fellow knows who dotes him alot:) I honestly canx wait to go home and cuddle him again.
Oh how i miss my baby!!
I must have been super exhausted from my trip. Fell asleep at 9pm and woke up at 10am this morning. Had tried staying up as late as I could to spend time with my partner but my eyes were literally hurting too much to try. I couldnt talk much even if I wanted too with my sudden husky voice from weeks of talking and laughing..
My very sweet partner of course baked a banana cake for me for valentine but ended with a burnt crust due to his full concentration on his games. Well at least he did more than me. I didnt even prepare a thing and he got me a lovely small red ruby necklace he had secretly bought in India. I told him I didnt get him anything and he gave me a proud smile, declaring that he knew he was the romantic one betwen the two of us. I grinned with an agreeing nod. However he said he had misplaced the Valentine card he bought and I laughed saying it will pop up someday....just like the birthday card that magically appeared 2 years after he had he bought it:)
The weather in HK had turned chilly again. While I miss the glorious sun and blue skies in sg, still this cool weather is definitely a welcoming change from the humidity in Singapore. I swear that I could see the drastic change and dramatic improvement in my skin condition when I got back. The weather in singapore is really a curse for oily skin like mine. So glad that HK stay has done wonders to my skin:)
My very sweet partner of course baked a banana cake for me for valentine but ended with a burnt crust due to his full concentration on his games. Well at least he did more than me. I didnt even prepare a thing and he got me a lovely small red ruby necklace he had secretly bought in India. I told him I didnt get him anything and he gave me a proud smile, declaring that he knew he was the romantic one betwen the two of us. I grinned with an agreeing nod. However he said he had misplaced the Valentine card he bought and I laughed saying it will pop up someday....just like the birthday card that magically appeared 2 years after he had he bought it:)
The weather in HK had turned chilly again. While I miss the glorious sun and blue skies in sg, still this cool weather is definitely a welcoming change from the humidity in Singapore. I swear that I could see the drastic change and dramatic improvement in my skin condition when I got back. The weather in singapore is really a curse for oily skin like mine. So glad that HK stay has done wonders to my skin:)
Monday, February 14, 2011
Another year passed...
When one is having a ball, time seem to zoom pass at break neck speed. Before I knew it, my 3 weeks holiday in Singapore was over. Blink of an eye, I had to board the flight today and fly back home.
During the stay, some friends asked me if I missed Singpore. My honest answer simple. The country? No, not really dude. It's not the same country that I remembered. The friends and loved ones living here, well yes, damn much actually.
Each previous trip back to sg is always a mixture of joy, longing and at times a tinge of regret when I didnt get to meet up with all the beautiful people I had wanted to meet. Likewise, this trip was no different since my schedule was pretty much full and had instances of last min changes. So it was even more regrettable that I didnt see those frens that had returned shortly for Chinese New Year from abroad.
Yet, there were many highlights and happy memorable momens this trip back. Most of all, I have confirmed my hidden suspicions that I am a spectacular "Kinect and Wii" Retard.... I bombed sooo badly that I was pretty much of an entertainment to my frens while having my first go at the games that I was surprised their neighbors didnt knock on our door for the screams and boisterious endless laughings. I thought Kinect was hard having to find your way with nothing but air, but Wii wasnt any easier! I was soooo bad that my fren said he never saw scenes in the games for Epic loser.... :) Thankfully, as we dragged more mums and dads into the game, I really didnt fare too badly though one of the daddy was marvellous! It was hilarious seeing the 2 very excited daughters cheering on separately for their own mummy and daddy! It was the absolute faith and belief that their parents are champions that is so endearing, esp from big cheeks who sees her daddy as her absolute idol!
Little Di Di was even more adorable, when he woke finally to see his daddy playing, he looked scared and whimpered everytime the on screen character fell off or got hit by the log. It was almost he thot his own daddy was in the TV. Such a cute boy and boy has he grown since our last gathering!!
Little Big Cheek is simply the most well behaved and adorable little gal. Amongst all my frens with kids, she is the singularly the only one that my partner and myself adored the most and missed. It probably had something to do with the fact she came and attended our wedding when she was just 5-6 months old and was a perfect angel without a single cry throughtout my big day! Plus it is equally endearing that she doesnt mind me carrying her and she is just so bright and cheery! Her mummy says she is a terror but in the short spate of few hours spent with her, she is Waaaaaaaaaaaaaay way more behaved compared to the tons of brats I have the ill luck of encountering in Singapore streets and dining spots. She gets excited but she doesnt screech or throw hissy fits! I simply love the way she look up to her daddy and proudly show me her accomplishment of writing her own name. I have to credit my gf and her hubby for being the kind of parents that raises great behaving kids! Then again, it is a relief that most of my gfs had such obedient genes in their kids.
As we rock the house down with our uncontrollable laughs, it was amazing to see my gf' 3 year old boy sleeping thru most of the whole din! He was soooo cute and his sleepin posture had me laughing the min I step into the house, being greeted by his fatty "pat pat":)
As I sat on the flight back and reflected on the week, the best part was catching up with people who are very dear to me, and bonding, making new memories that will last a lifetime. I shared a couple of drinks with E and told her that life has been kind to me. I have a small handful of dear frens since Junior College but esp her, that I am thankful for in life.
As one gets older, and women who tends to form their own families and start to give less attention to their old friends, I am lucky that I have her in my life, and that our friendship has also strengthen over time for the similar beliefs, values, experiences in life we share. Life has taken us both for a long complicated ride but we both arrived at our own pace, to find our pocket of joy.
I stayed over at her place and as the 3 of us chilled out together including her hubby, we laughed about those days we used to live together from uni dorm to those days we started work, and how every little things like lights, furniture would remind us of the good old semi-single days. She was just telling me how she didnt want to throw away the broken lamp and the orange couch which was part of the whole memory.
As we stood at her backyard, looking across her neighbor's flat, we started laughing as we recalled the poor hen pecked husband living opposite who had to squat and wash his wife's panties and bra openly. It was a back yard where many heartaches, heart secrets, self doubts, confidences were spilled and taken away by the breeze that caress us nitely. It was a good spot to bring back memories of the good and sad times. My partner called me the next mornin and started laughing, asking what was I up so early at 9am. From our past historical track record, he had expected us to chat thru the nite till bright early morning. Both of us gals started to chuckle at the truth of my husband's words:)
All in all a super good trip and even a super good flight back. Cathay serves good choc cakes on their biz flight...but their laksa definitely need to improve :)
During the stay, some friends asked me if I missed Singpore. My honest answer simple. The country? No, not really dude. It's not the same country that I remembered. The friends and loved ones living here, well yes, damn much actually.
Each previous trip back to sg is always a mixture of joy, longing and at times a tinge of regret when I didnt get to meet up with all the beautiful people I had wanted to meet. Likewise, this trip was no different since my schedule was pretty much full and had instances of last min changes. So it was even more regrettable that I didnt see those frens that had returned shortly for Chinese New Year from abroad.
Yet, there were many highlights and happy memorable momens this trip back. Most of all, I have confirmed my hidden suspicions that I am a spectacular "Kinect and Wii" Retard.... I bombed sooo badly that I was pretty much of an entertainment to my frens while having my first go at the games that I was surprised their neighbors didnt knock on our door for the screams and boisterious endless laughings. I thought Kinect was hard having to find your way with nothing but air, but Wii wasnt any easier! I was soooo bad that my fren said he never saw scenes in the games for Epic loser.... :) Thankfully, as we dragged more mums and dads into the game, I really didnt fare too badly though one of the daddy was marvellous! It was hilarious seeing the 2 very excited daughters cheering on separately for their own mummy and daddy! It was the absolute faith and belief that their parents are champions that is so endearing, esp from big cheeks who sees her daddy as her absolute idol!
Little Di Di was even more adorable, when he woke finally to see his daddy playing, he looked scared and whimpered everytime the on screen character fell off or got hit by the log. It was almost he thot his own daddy was in the TV. Such a cute boy and boy has he grown since our last gathering!!
As we rock the house down with our uncontrollable laughs, it was amazing to see my gf' 3 year old boy sleeping thru most of the whole din! He was soooo cute and his sleepin posture had me laughing the min I step into the house, being greeted by his fatty "pat pat":)
As I sat on the flight back and reflected on the week, the best part was catching up with people who are very dear to me, and bonding, making new memories that will last a lifetime. I shared a couple of drinks with E and told her that life has been kind to me. I have a small handful of dear frens since Junior College but esp her, that I am thankful for in life.
As one gets older, and women who tends to form their own families and start to give less attention to their old friends, I am lucky that I have her in my life, and that our friendship has also strengthen over time for the similar beliefs, values, experiences in life we share. Life has taken us both for a long complicated ride but we both arrived at our own pace, to find our pocket of joy.
I stayed over at her place and as the 3 of us chilled out together including her hubby, we laughed about those days we used to live together from uni dorm to those days we started work, and how every little things like lights, furniture would remind us of the good old semi-single days. She was just telling me how she didnt want to throw away the broken lamp and the orange couch which was part of the whole memory.
As we stood at her backyard, looking across her neighbor's flat, we started laughing as we recalled the poor hen pecked husband living opposite who had to squat and wash his wife's panties and bra openly. It was a back yard where many heartaches, heart secrets, self doubts, confidences were spilled and taken away by the breeze that caress us nitely. It was a good spot to bring back memories of the good and sad times. My partner called me the next mornin and started laughing, asking what was I up so early at 9am. From our past historical track record, he had expected us to chat thru the nite till bright early morning. Both of us gals started to chuckle at the truth of my husband's words:)
All in all a super good trip and even a super good flight back. Cathay serves good choc cakes on their biz flight...but their laksa definitely need to improve :)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Kudos to Singapore food establishments that ban kids!
I dont care what the leaders of the state might say about being more "pro-family", I really dont relish a nice intimate dinner time with a bunch of ill-disciplined kids.
Some parents want to bitch about some food chain adopting such polices. Fine I get it, you feel discriminated against, but what about us who have to hunt high and low for a dining spot that can get away from kids? Just because you canx doesnt mean we have to share your plight too right?
I mean there must be hundreds of other eateries out there in Singapore that allow kids, so why must they be such insistent to assume that as parents, they have a free pass to go everywhere and anywhere with their children in tow. Just like you may like some time off from your kids (if u are a full time houseparent), so what is wrong with granting the rest of us a little breather and space? Granted that NOT all kids are bad, still, I have yet to witness a kid below 6year old that doesnt cry, whine, run around or scream at some point in time for an over hour long dinner.
Seriously, you are entitled to you chaotic all warm fuzzy children filled life, but so are we entitled to some peace and quiet. Afterall, part of my tax do go into subsidising your child tax deduction. So is it really that selfish for us to seek a quite spot without kids during meal time for those private dining moments?
I am not begrudging parents for wanting to spend more time with your kid at every available opportunity, but I do begrudge those parents who spend so much time with kids but FAIL to teach them manners esp in public places, and in turn becomes a liability and dread to others. So considering it as such, why do you want to deprive us of a little request for "childless" space? Perhaps some parents are indignant about this post and feel that people like me are uncompassionate and selfish, however I can say the same about such parents by the same logic.
Having separate dining section? Have you realise how some kids are annoyingly loud or irritating just to get attention or trying to call the shots to hapless parents? I love those that gives a good smack to the hand but I really groan in dismay at those all cuddling "Oh My princess hush hush" parents, while the child was still screaming blue murder. . I wont be surprised if not because most parents are already immune to the loud boisterous noise. Immensed in the cloistered world of their own, most parents probably couldnt understand ( or choose not to, or too tired to) what ticks non parents off.
I would even gamely vote for one long haul flight/route without kids below 6years old. Wouldnt that be heavenly? No more crying babies to disturb those long overnight flight, no more irritating 5years kicking your seat from behind constantly (with parents ignoring that mischief). or children screaming for things..how heavenly would that be if we get our way!
I rem having to dine out with a good friend and she brought her 6yr son along. She belongs to the set of Bohemian "do not enforce rules" modern parenting and it was horrifying, not to mention embarrassing to have her son running amok almost colliding with the serving staff several times, yelling for attention, screaming blue murder over a wrong icecream, disturbing other tables by grabbing their food or playing with their ipad. It was painful to watch and I was not in a position to yank her son in place though I did hint to his dad "that not everyone likes kids interrupting their conversation no matter how cute the parents may think it is" His defense was "oh I will see the expression of other people to see if they mind." Obviously his observation power wasnt very good since he couldnt detect my disagreement with his child raising tactics.
Even if you are my friends, it doesnt mean I have to adore your kids. Sorry, I just dont like noisy kids. However if they can quietly sit in a corner and read their book, that sits fine with me.
So there, now that I have said my peace about children, let's applaud these dining establishment on banning kids altogther! Yipeeee! The next task in hand, to get SINGAPOREANS to DRESS APPROPRIATELY and NICELY for dining spots. Stop turning up in T-shirt and sandals thinking that is being smart causal. Go refresh yourself in dressing etiquette please.
Article source
1. Gunther’s Modern French Cuisine – 36 Purvis Street, #01-03, Tel: 63388955
This restaurant states in its website that it observes a “no children under the age of 7 policy at the restaurant.”
2. Kuriya Penthouse, 181 Orchard Rd, Orchard Central 12-02, Tel: 6509 4222
This Japanese restaurant do not accept child diners under 6 years old, except on Sundays and public holidays.
3. SANTI Restaurant, 10 Bayfront Avenue #L2-03, Casino Level 2, Marina Bay Sands Singapore, Tel: 6688 8501
The Spanish restaurant requests that guests do not bring children below 10 years old to the restaurant on its website.
4. Eight Cafe and Bar, 8 Bukit Pasoh Road, Tel: 6220 4513
The restaurant will be introducing the no-child policy at the end of this month. Its owner Bill Ho, 34, tells customers that the restaurant is not suitable for young children as it does not have chairs to seat babies. However, he does make exceptions for customers who arrive at his doorstep with children. For Mr. Ho, the new policy to bar children below 10 years of age is part of the outlet’s marketing strategy: ‘Most of our customers are young executives who do not want to be disrupted by crying children. It is a haven for young adults.’
5. University Club, at the National University of Singapore
Serving modern European and Asian fare, this eatery run by the owners of Prive Group, has adopted a no-child policy as well.
Some parents want to bitch about some food chain adopting such polices. Fine I get it, you feel discriminated against, but what about us who have to hunt high and low for a dining spot that can get away from kids? Just because you canx doesnt mean we have to share your plight too right?
I mean there must be hundreds of other eateries out there in Singapore that allow kids, so why must they be such insistent to assume that as parents, they have a free pass to go everywhere and anywhere with their children in tow. Just like you may like some time off from your kids (if u are a full time houseparent), so what is wrong with granting the rest of us a little breather and space? Granted that NOT all kids are bad, still, I have yet to witness a kid below 6year old that doesnt cry, whine, run around or scream at some point in time for an over hour long dinner.
Seriously, you are entitled to you chaotic all warm fuzzy children filled life, but so are we entitled to some peace and quiet. Afterall, part of my tax do go into subsidising your child tax deduction. So is it really that selfish for us to seek a quite spot without kids during meal time for those private dining moments?
I am not begrudging parents for wanting to spend more time with your kid at every available opportunity, but I do begrudge those parents who spend so much time with kids but FAIL to teach them manners esp in public places, and in turn becomes a liability and dread to others. So considering it as such, why do you want to deprive us of a little request for "childless" space? Perhaps some parents are indignant about this post and feel that people like me are uncompassionate and selfish, however I can say the same about such parents by the same logic.
Having separate dining section? Have you realise how some kids are annoyingly loud or irritating just to get attention or trying to call the shots to hapless parents? I love those that gives a good smack to the hand but I really groan in dismay at those all cuddling "Oh My princess hush hush" parents, while the child was still screaming blue murder. . I wont be surprised if not because most parents are already immune to the loud boisterous noise. Immensed in the cloistered world of their own, most parents probably couldnt understand ( or choose not to, or too tired to) what ticks non parents off.
I would even gamely vote for one long haul flight/route without kids below 6years old. Wouldnt that be heavenly? No more crying babies to disturb those long overnight flight, no more irritating 5years kicking your seat from behind constantly (with parents ignoring that mischief). or children screaming for things..how heavenly would that be if we get our way!
I rem having to dine out with a good friend and she brought her 6yr son along. She belongs to the set of Bohemian "do not enforce rules" modern parenting and it was horrifying, not to mention embarrassing to have her son running amok almost colliding with the serving staff several times, yelling for attention, screaming blue murder over a wrong icecream, disturbing other tables by grabbing their food or playing with their ipad. It was painful to watch and I was not in a position to yank her son in place though I did hint to his dad "that not everyone likes kids interrupting their conversation no matter how cute the parents may think it is" His defense was "oh I will see the expression of other people to see if they mind." Obviously his observation power wasnt very good since he couldnt detect my disagreement with his child raising tactics.
Even if you are my friends, it doesnt mean I have to adore your kids. Sorry, I just dont like noisy kids. However if they can quietly sit in a corner and read their book, that sits fine with me.
So there, now that I have said my peace about children, let's applaud these dining establishment on banning kids altogther! Yipeeee! The next task in hand, to get SINGAPOREANS to DRESS APPROPRIATELY and NICELY for dining spots. Stop turning up in T-shirt and sandals thinking that is being smart causal. Go refresh yourself in dressing etiquette please.
Article source
1. Gunther’s Modern French Cuisine – 36 Purvis Street, #01-03, Tel: 63388955
This restaurant states in its website that it observes a “no children under the age of 7 policy at the restaurant.”
2. Kuriya Penthouse, 181 Orchard Rd, Orchard Central 12-02, Tel: 6509 4222
This Japanese restaurant do not accept child diners under 6 years old, except on Sundays and public holidays.
3. SANTI Restaurant, 10 Bayfront Avenue #L2-03, Casino Level 2, Marina Bay Sands Singapore, Tel: 6688 8501
The Spanish restaurant requests that guests do not bring children below 10 years old to the restaurant on its website.
4. Eight Cafe and Bar, 8 Bukit Pasoh Road, Tel: 6220 4513
The restaurant will be introducing the no-child policy at the end of this month. Its owner Bill Ho, 34, tells customers that the restaurant is not suitable for young children as it does not have chairs to seat babies. However, he does make exceptions for customers who arrive at his doorstep with children. For Mr. Ho, the new policy to bar children below 10 years of age is part of the outlet’s marketing strategy: ‘Most of our customers are young executives who do not want to be disrupted by crying children. It is a haven for young adults.’
5. University Club, at the National University of Singapore
Serving modern European and Asian fare, this eatery run by the owners of Prive Group, has adopted a no-child policy as well.
Beauty: Eyes Make up remover
Ever since my eye specialist recommended this product - Novartis Lid care to me, I have not looked back since for the last 6 years. I would not go anywhere without this if I have any intention to use eye make up. I dont understand why ladies will shelf out big dole for inefficient "branded" eye make up remover when this cheap product readily available at all pharmacy/ drug store does the job better and more thoroughly!
What this product does is that it washes away all foreign particles (eg: eye liner, mascara, eye shadow colors, oily lids) that clings to the root of your eye lashes, and at times caught underneath your eyelid due to the oil secretion from our eye lids.
I tend to have a more active oil gland around my eyes than others so I went to see an eye specialist. He showed me a picture of my oil globules blown up and it's not pretty! So he recommended me to "wash" my eyes regularly with Novartis lid care till the oil clinging to my undereyelid is gone.
I was impressed at how effective it was. I will be using expensive eye makeup remover, but they could never be used to clean under the lids. So when I use the Novartis lid care, I would still find traces of eye makeup on the wipes despite having washed off "visible" eye makeup! So never again, will I not use this as the one and only step to wipe off my eye makeup!
My gf used to have eye infection frequently. Her eyes will swell or turn red like a bunny. She doesnt use much eye makeup and her doctor couldnt tell what triggers it. I told her to give lidcare a try and voila, her "infection" attack decreases significantly. Apparently, she has this nasty habbit of rubbing her eyes with her hands when she is tired, so we can only guess she prob has oily lids like me and the trapped impurities irritated her eyes when she rubbed them.
While this is a super good product to remove ALL traces of eye makeup, do note that some people may experience a little eye dryness or eye lid dryness if used everyday depending on your skin type. I would recommend to use a drop of eye drop (disposable sort) as a followup or apply a little eye cream if its the outer lid that feels dry. Otherwise most people wont feel much difference.
In Hk, you can only get the sterile wipes in Mannings or chinese drug stores but in Singapore and Australia, you can get the actual bottle size in Guardian or Watsons.
If u use eye makeup, you really must have this!
UPDATE OCT 2012
I went back to Singapore recently and they no longer sell the bottle version, just the prepacked 20piece box version as like HK.
I tend to have a more active oil gland around my eyes than others so I went to see an eye specialist. He showed me a picture of my oil globules blown up and it's not pretty! So he recommended me to "wash" my eyes regularly with Novartis lid care till the oil clinging to my undereyelid is gone.
I was impressed at how effective it was. I will be using expensive eye makeup remover, but they could never be used to clean under the lids. So when I use the Novartis lid care, I would still find traces of eye makeup on the wipes despite having washed off "visible" eye makeup! So never again, will I not use this as the one and only step to wipe off my eye makeup!
My gf used to have eye infection frequently. Her eyes will swell or turn red like a bunny. She doesnt use much eye makeup and her doctor couldnt tell what triggers it. I told her to give lidcare a try and voila, her "infection" attack decreases significantly. Apparently, she has this nasty habbit of rubbing her eyes with her hands when she is tired, so we can only guess she prob has oily lids like me and the trapped impurities irritated her eyes when she rubbed them.
While this is a super good product to remove ALL traces of eye makeup, do note that some people may experience a little eye dryness or eye lid dryness if used everyday depending on your skin type. I would recommend to use a drop of eye drop (disposable sort) as a followup or apply a little eye cream if its the outer lid that feels dry. Otherwise most people wont feel much difference.
In Hk, you can only get the sterile wipes in Mannings or chinese drug stores but in Singapore and Australia, you can get the actual bottle size in Guardian or Watsons.
If u use eye makeup, you really must have this!
UPDATE OCT 2012
I went back to Singapore recently and they no longer sell the bottle version, just the prepacked 20piece box version as like HK.
Beauty: Skin Ceuticals - Hydrating B5 gel
I just have to blog about this beauty serum that I have been using for 3 months now.
When it comes to facial products, I find myself often skeptical about claims, thus limiting my buys to certain brands. Even so, I am constantly out to try other products that comes strongly recommended. I have absolutely no brand loyalty when it comes to beauty products unless it works consistently to the expected performance.
I have found myself a brand new best friend - Hydrating B5 Gel by Skin Ceuticals. (website)
I had seen this being sold in a GP clinic when I was waiting for my India travel jabs. So my interest was aroused when I saw this again in one of the store where I get my facial wash.
I asked the girl if it was any good and if she had tried it herself. While I generally carries a known distrust for sales (in any industry) in general, but since this girl doesnt earn commission, and neither does she represent a specific brand, so I am more inclined to take her word since she had recommended a rather good face wash for me previously. She told me Skin ceuticals is a good brand and their serums are really good, esp with my concerns about constant flaking skin around the edges of my mouth and certain parts of my face during winter.
I could use La mer which works for me but it tends to be too rich at times and it will cause minor out break if I use it over long period of time. So I thought, what the heck, I shall try this hydrating gel. The worst I can do if it doesnt work on my face, is to swap it into a leg moisturer instead.
To my surprise, upon first application, my face looks and feels hydrated. The gel was instantly absorbed in split seconds, and I couldnt feel any "extra" or sticky layer on my face. It instantly refreshes the taut feeling I have had for weeks. After application, your skin feels smooth. While it is recommended to use their own brand of moisturer, I still have my own moisturer cream which seem to absorb pretty well into my face too. I didnt have any "extra skin" barrier feeling at all. No scent, no side effects ( with my sensitive skin), and no disgusting greasy feeling. The best thing is that this product actually works as it claimed!
Ever since I started with this gel, I never have had another flaking dry skin problem on my face or corners of mouth ever again! It truly is amazing. Just a few drops per day and it work wonders. It is worth every penny of the price and I have never ever been so converted in my life! No matter what products I have had used previously, I always have something non-glowing to pick on or bitch about, but this product is practically flawless to date, if I put aside the steep price of course.
So ladies (and gentlemen), if u have dry skin problems such as taut or flaky bits, or just trying to brave the winter cold without look too shitty, go out and try this product. It will be a life saver!
When it comes to facial products, I find myself often skeptical about claims, thus limiting my buys to certain brands. Even so, I am constantly out to try other products that comes strongly recommended. I have absolutely no brand loyalty when it comes to beauty products unless it works consistently to the expected performance.
I had seen this being sold in a GP clinic when I was waiting for my India travel jabs. So my interest was aroused when I saw this again in one of the store where I get my facial wash.
I asked the girl if it was any good and if she had tried it herself. While I generally carries a known distrust for sales (in any industry) in general, but since this girl doesnt earn commission, and neither does she represent a specific brand, so I am more inclined to take her word since she had recommended a rather good face wash for me previously. She told me Skin ceuticals is a good brand and their serums are really good, esp with my concerns about constant flaking skin around the edges of my mouth and certain parts of my face during winter.
I could use La mer which works for me but it tends to be too rich at times and it will cause minor out break if I use it over long period of time. So I thought, what the heck, I shall try this hydrating gel. The worst I can do if it doesnt work on my face, is to swap it into a leg moisturer instead.
To my surprise, upon first application, my face looks and feels hydrated. The gel was instantly absorbed in split seconds, and I couldnt feel any "extra" or sticky layer on my face. It instantly refreshes the taut feeling I have had for weeks. After application, your skin feels smooth. While it is recommended to use their own brand of moisturer, I still have my own moisturer cream which seem to absorb pretty well into my face too. I didnt have any "extra skin" barrier feeling at all. No scent, no side effects ( with my sensitive skin), and no disgusting greasy feeling. The best thing is that this product actually works as it claimed!
Ever since I started with this gel, I never have had another flaking dry skin problem on my face or corners of mouth ever again! It truly is amazing. Just a few drops per day and it work wonders. It is worth every penny of the price and I have never ever been so converted in my life! No matter what products I have had used previously, I always have something non-glowing to pick on or bitch about, but this product is practically flawless to date, if I put aside the steep price of course.
So ladies (and gentlemen), if u have dry skin problems such as taut or flaky bits, or just trying to brave the winter cold without look too shitty, go out and try this product. It will be a life saver!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Back to December
Been so busy the last few months that I wasnt in the frame of mind to blog. Went to India in Decemember and back. It wasnt as out there as I was mentally prepared for, but neither is it really that spectacular that borders on mind boogling. It was ok, seen this, experience this and time to go. It wasnt really an eye opener or anything. In fact, it was just another one of those enjoyable but tiring trip due to the super bad "rule-less" traffic congestion.
Next thing I know, its time to prepare a trip back to sg for Chinese New Year next week. Looking forward to playing with my brother's dog again.
As for what's playing in my ipod apart from Korean pop, a song by Taylor Swift, I really like this. Back to December. It's a song, an apology song. Check it out.
[DL]: Back to Dec
I’m so glad you made time to see me
How’s life, tell me how’s your family
I haven’t seen them in a while
You’ve been good, busier than ever
Small talk, work and the weather
Your guard is up and I know why
Because the last time you saw me
Is still burning in the back of your mind
You gave me roses and I left them there to die
[Chorus]
So this is me swallowing my pride
Standing in front of you saying I'm sorry for that night
And I go back to December all the time.
It turns out freedom ain’t nothing but missing you
Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine
I go back to December turn around and make it all right
I go back to December all the time.
These days I haven’t been sleeping
Staying up late playing back myself leaving
When your birthday passed and I didn’t call
Then I think about summer
All the beautiful times I watched you laughing from the passenger side
And realized I loved you in the fall
And then the cold came and the dark days
When fear crept into my mind
You gave me all your love
And all I gave you was goodbye
Chorus]
So this is me swallowing my pride
Standing in front of you saying I’m sorry for that night
And I go back to December all the time.
It turns out freedom ain’t nothing but missing you
Wishing I realized what I had when you were mine
I go back to December turn around and change my own mind
I go back to December all the time.
I miss your texting, your sweet smiles.
So good to me, so right
And how you held me in your arms that September night
The first time you ever saw me cry
Maybe this is wishful thinking
Probably mindless dreaming
If we loved again I swear I’d love you right
I’d go back in time and change it but I can’t
So if the chain is in your door I understand
[Chorus]
But this is me swallowing my pride standing in front of you saying I'm sorry for that night
And I go back to December
It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you
Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine
I'd go back to December turn around and make it all right
I'd go back to December turn around and change my own mind
I go back to December all the time
All the time
Next thing I know, its time to prepare a trip back to sg for Chinese New Year next week. Looking forward to playing with my brother's dog again.
As for what's playing in my ipod apart from Korean pop, a song by Taylor Swift, I really like this. Back to December. It's a song, an apology song. Check it out.
[DL]: Back to Dec
I’m so glad you made time to see me
How’s life, tell me how’s your family
I haven’t seen them in a while
You’ve been good, busier than ever
Small talk, work and the weather
Your guard is up and I know why
Because the last time you saw me
Is still burning in the back of your mind
You gave me roses and I left them there to die
[Chorus]
So this is me swallowing my pride
Standing in front of you saying I'm sorry for that night
And I go back to December all the time.
It turns out freedom ain’t nothing but missing you
Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine
I go back to December turn around and make it all right
I go back to December all the time.
These days I haven’t been sleeping
Staying up late playing back myself leaving
When your birthday passed and I didn’t call
Then I think about summer
All the beautiful times I watched you laughing from the passenger side
And realized I loved you in the fall
And then the cold came and the dark days
When fear crept into my mind
You gave me all your love
And all I gave you was goodbye
Chorus]
So this is me swallowing my pride
Standing in front of you saying I’m sorry for that night
And I go back to December all the time.
It turns out freedom ain’t nothing but missing you
Wishing I realized what I had when you were mine
I go back to December turn around and change my own mind
I go back to December all the time.
I miss your texting, your sweet smiles.
So good to me, so right
And how you held me in your arms that September night
The first time you ever saw me cry
Maybe this is wishful thinking
Probably mindless dreaming
If we loved again I swear I’d love you right
I’d go back in time and change it but I can’t
So if the chain is in your door I understand
[Chorus]
But this is me swallowing my pride standing in front of you saying I'm sorry for that night
And I go back to December
It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you
Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine
I'd go back to December turn around and make it all right
I'd go back to December turn around and change my own mind
I go back to December all the time
All the time
Monday, December 20, 2010
Afterthought after coming back from Singapore
I grew up in SIngapore, thinking that I was living in a perfect land with infrastructure and surroundings way more advance and better than any other Asia countries. This was especially reinforced when I went travelling with my parents to countries like China, or when I went visiting my cousins living in Malaysia. The "my country is really great" notion stayed with me till I was 15years old, that was when I had my first stint of ëxperiencing life out of Singapore with my homestay and exchange programe in Japan, Sapporo which started to introduce a better environment than what I had. I realised then that there are better countries out there, a more considerate societies that I had grew up in. Still, I didnt fully digest what I had been exposed to. I only know that there are countries better than mine.
As I matured and wisen up, and made more trips to other neighbouring countries, it broaden my horizons and open up my eyes and mind. I realised that pretty infrastructure is nothing more than a shallow surface, it is the society and people that matters more. Poorer countries may not booast of number one airports, ports or top countries to do business in, but they have beautiful sceneries to compensate for, their people are better natured, warmer, and less materialistic contrasting greatly to what many Singaporean has become and that is starting to chill my bones. So in short, my country may have richen in monetary value, but the soul of my nation has certainly gone poorer, under the pretext of "better life", with the constant chase of material wealth cheapening its core values.
Dismal aside about the pace of changing landscape, it's a little disconcerting about the attitudes and behaviour of the general youth today in Singapore. I went back recently on a short trip and open the papers, are expensive premium brands ads splashing all over the newspaper, or 24years old girl proudly decked in luxury foreign brandwears and bags, denouncing the long held concept and values of saving for rainy days, and her sole belief that money is for spending and she has no qualms about spending every penny on brands that I had not heard of or dream of splurging on. Her spendthrift values were further reinforced by parents who bought her Mercedes CLK sport car or whatever accorded names that are as alien to me as the complete range of botanical plants in the world.
There is really nothing wrong with indulging oneself if u are living within one's means. But call me conservative but earning a meagre SG$2400 does not support the "spend it all because it makes me happy' notion. Sadly, she is not alone. I am sure many of the youth today are shunning hard work, saving up for rainy days and only eager to shine in limelight without working hard for it.
I rem a story I read when I was a little girl. A story about the ant and a grasshopper. Where the grasshopper would mock the stupidity of the ant for working all day to store food and grain, instead of singing and dancing in the sun. Comes winter, the ant are warm and snug with plenty of food to last thru the cold, while the regretful grasshopper died alone with much remorse. I used to question the logic of the story, as to who will be THAT STUPID not to prepare for rainy days, to just see the good times and enjoy every moment with no thoughts of possible bad times? I think in modern days, this wise old story is coming back to haunt out current youth.
As I sat down for tea with one of my fren still living in Singapore, she confessed that Singapore is changing so much that even it is too fast for her that she find it hard to cope with all these changes. She misses the familiarity and some old spots that have been demolished, only to have another cold building in its place.
My friend drove me through town and I saw this school of art. Nobody seem to know what it is about, nobody cares, and what's more, the building is so non spectacular and I think it is really ugly. The architects has no concept of landscape harmony. Sitting down the road is SJI - converted museum, and further down Raffles hotel. Instead of retaining the colonial flavour that is a reminder of the historical value of the place, we have brainless architects that is slowly stripping the area of its beauty with a literal concrete jungle. By that, I meant a visually non appealing concrete building overflowing with hanging green plants to try to look wannabe-green building. I asked everyone in the car, which do they think look nicer? The ugly piece of shit SMU and school of art, or the former SJI boys school building and the Raffles hotel? The votes were no brainer. The colonial designed themes won hands down. Question is, who approved all these "modern" buildings smacked right in town, designs with no soul nor any linkage to the rich history of the area? Stupid stupid stupid. An opportunity to showcase any architectural talents is obviously lost on these people.
As I walked around local shops, eating at Joo Chiat local haunts, a feeling of resentment wells up as I am served by only China people. I stepped into 7-11, and 3 out of 3 staff are mainlanders working there. I went to Dempsey Long beach, and I was served by either only Mainlanders who barely could speak a word of English, or by Filippinos. The only local was the one collecting money. I went to coffeeshop in Changi village, I got another bunch of Mainlanders. I went to a Japanese restuarant and only 1 in 6 were was local, with 2 Japanese staff. Japanese staff I can understand, but what happen to the other half? I went to Mandarin Gallery to Thai restaurant, I was served by a bunch of people who again didnt look or sound local. I hopped over to Jones the Grocer opposite, was served by 2 chinese guys with an American accent and mannerism (prob by products of international schools). So question is, what are happening to the local people? Dont they have to work anymore or everyone is too busy becoming their own bosses, or busy buying parangs to chop up one another?
I went to the public toilets and I was disgusted. In East coast beach, the minute I opened the main toilet door, the smell hit me soooo bad that I backed away immediately. All thoughts of peeing vanished as the pungent smell assaulted my senses. How on earth can local people stand that? I havent smell a smelly toilet for years since I left Singapore. In Singapore malls like Takashimaya, the toilets still stink though not as much as that in east coast beach. There is a sickly smell masked by the disinfectant. In Hong Kong malls, I never ever had that problem. In HK, I never had to push open the door in fear of some disgusting toilet habits greeting me, nor have used sanitary pads discarded all over the place except inside the bin like people in singapore do. In Singapore, you never know what filth is lurking behind those doors. Its a utter disgrace and yet after 40over years, this awful toilet habits still have not improve one bit. Why?
When I was leaving Singapore to come back to Hong Kong, I decided to do a quick visit to the loo. Singaporeans after washing their hands, wet the sink area all over and fling the wet water from their hands all over without a second thought. Then I saw this little Japanese girl, maybe about 10-12yrs old. She washed her hand and dried her hands with tissue. She paused. I could sense her confusion. I didnt know what she was pondering on. Then she tip toed and grab a few more tissues, and she wiped the sink dry. When the local woman next to her wet the sink as she was drying the sink, the little girl just take more tissue to dry the sink area. Her mum, also a Japanese let her do it because it is a POLITE NATIONAL HABIT IN JAPAN that you clean up after yourself when u wet the damn toilet sink. The local cleaner didnt give a shit if the pads were spilling from the top of the bin to the ground, or that a tourist is drying up the sink for her. I felt embarrassed for my own country, that a Japanese little girl had to show us what is the correct behaviour even in a public toilet. And my god, this was in Changi airport.
Should it be sad that I felt more at home now in Hong Kong? That there are more things I like here especially in the service industry ? I no longer think very favorably of my own country. Not that I hate it, more it is more like a sign of frustration that we were once good but we lost that vision and now we are just mediocre, or worse, lagging behind in our social and basic etiquettes despite our annual bragging of GDP growth or toppin surveys rankings. What is the point of being number one in so many other things but we have forgotten how to behave as a civilised nation, that is if I can still call it my country and not an island known as China-town?
If going by Wikileaks published in Australia's SMH, with the leaks of some top officials thinking its great for SG to be assimilated by China, and if that day do happens, if we do get assimilated, then I think that will be the day that I will finally stop holding my red passport with any last shred of loyalty and pride.
As I matured and wisen up, and made more trips to other neighbouring countries, it broaden my horizons and open up my eyes and mind. I realised that pretty infrastructure is nothing more than a shallow surface, it is the society and people that matters more. Poorer countries may not booast of number one airports, ports or top countries to do business in, but they have beautiful sceneries to compensate for, their people are better natured, warmer, and less materialistic contrasting greatly to what many Singaporean has become and that is starting to chill my bones. So in short, my country may have richen in monetary value, but the soul of my nation has certainly gone poorer, under the pretext of "better life", with the constant chase of material wealth cheapening its core values.
Dismal aside about the pace of changing landscape, it's a little disconcerting about the attitudes and behaviour of the general youth today in Singapore. I went back recently on a short trip and open the papers, are expensive premium brands ads splashing all over the newspaper, or 24years old girl proudly decked in luxury foreign brandwears and bags, denouncing the long held concept and values of saving for rainy days, and her sole belief that money is for spending and she has no qualms about spending every penny on brands that I had not heard of or dream of splurging on. Her spendthrift values were further reinforced by parents who bought her Mercedes CLK sport car or whatever accorded names that are as alien to me as the complete range of botanical plants in the world.
There is really nothing wrong with indulging oneself if u are living within one's means. But call me conservative but earning a meagre SG$2400 does not support the "spend it all because it makes me happy' notion. Sadly, she is not alone. I am sure many of the youth today are shunning hard work, saving up for rainy days and only eager to shine in limelight without working hard for it.
I rem a story I read when I was a little girl. A story about the ant and a grasshopper. Where the grasshopper would mock the stupidity of the ant for working all day to store food and grain, instead of singing and dancing in the sun. Comes winter, the ant are warm and snug with plenty of food to last thru the cold, while the regretful grasshopper died alone with much remorse. I used to question the logic of the story, as to who will be THAT STUPID not to prepare for rainy days, to just see the good times and enjoy every moment with no thoughts of possible bad times? I think in modern days, this wise old story is coming back to haunt out current youth.
As I sat down for tea with one of my fren still living in Singapore, she confessed that Singapore is changing so much that even it is too fast for her that she find it hard to cope with all these changes. She misses the familiarity and some old spots that have been demolished, only to have another cold building in its place.
My friend drove me through town and I saw this school of art. Nobody seem to know what it is about, nobody cares, and what's more, the building is so non spectacular and I think it is really ugly. The architects has no concept of landscape harmony. Sitting down the road is SJI - converted museum, and further down Raffles hotel. Instead of retaining the colonial flavour that is a reminder of the historical value of the place, we have brainless architects that is slowly stripping the area of its beauty with a literal concrete jungle. By that, I meant a visually non appealing concrete building overflowing with hanging green plants to try to look wannabe-green building. I asked everyone in the car, which do they think look nicer? The ugly piece of shit SMU and school of art, or the former SJI boys school building and the Raffles hotel? The votes were no brainer. The colonial designed themes won hands down. Question is, who approved all these "modern" buildings smacked right in town, designs with no soul nor any linkage to the rich history of the area? Stupid stupid stupid. An opportunity to showcase any architectural talents is obviously lost on these people.
As I walked around local shops, eating at Joo Chiat local haunts, a feeling of resentment wells up as I am served by only China people. I stepped into 7-11, and 3 out of 3 staff are mainlanders working there. I went to Dempsey Long beach, and I was served by either only Mainlanders who barely could speak a word of English, or by Filippinos. The only local was the one collecting money. I went to coffeeshop in Changi village, I got another bunch of Mainlanders. I went to a Japanese restuarant and only 1 in 6 were was local, with 2 Japanese staff. Japanese staff I can understand, but what happen to the other half? I went to Mandarin Gallery to Thai restaurant, I was served by a bunch of people who again didnt look or sound local. I hopped over to Jones the Grocer opposite, was served by 2 chinese guys with an American accent and mannerism (prob by products of international schools). So question is, what are happening to the local people? Dont they have to work anymore or everyone is too busy becoming their own bosses, or busy buying parangs to chop up one another?
I went to the public toilets and I was disgusted. In East coast beach, the minute I opened the main toilet door, the smell hit me soooo bad that I backed away immediately. All thoughts of peeing vanished as the pungent smell assaulted my senses. How on earth can local people stand that? I havent smell a smelly toilet for years since I left Singapore. In Singapore malls like Takashimaya, the toilets still stink though not as much as that in east coast beach. There is a sickly smell masked by the disinfectant. In Hong Kong malls, I never ever had that problem. In HK, I never had to push open the door in fear of some disgusting toilet habits greeting me, nor have used sanitary pads discarded all over the place except inside the bin like people in singapore do. In Singapore, you never know what filth is lurking behind those doors. Its a utter disgrace and yet after 40over years, this awful toilet habits still have not improve one bit. Why?
When I was leaving Singapore to come back to Hong Kong, I decided to do a quick visit to the loo. Singaporeans after washing their hands, wet the sink area all over and fling the wet water from their hands all over without a second thought. Then I saw this little Japanese girl, maybe about 10-12yrs old. She washed her hand and dried her hands with tissue. She paused. I could sense her confusion. I didnt know what she was pondering on. Then she tip toed and grab a few more tissues, and she wiped the sink dry. When the local woman next to her wet the sink as she was drying the sink, the little girl just take more tissue to dry the sink area. Her mum, also a Japanese let her do it because it is a POLITE NATIONAL HABIT IN JAPAN that you clean up after yourself when u wet the damn toilet sink. The local cleaner didnt give a shit if the pads were spilling from the top of the bin to the ground, or that a tourist is drying up the sink for her. I felt embarrassed for my own country, that a Japanese little girl had to show us what is the correct behaviour even in a public toilet. And my god, this was in Changi airport.
Should it be sad that I felt more at home now in Hong Kong? That there are more things I like here especially in the service industry ? I no longer think very favorably of my own country. Not that I hate it, more it is more like a sign of frustration that we were once good but we lost that vision and now we are just mediocre, or worse, lagging behind in our social and basic etiquettes despite our annual bragging of GDP growth or toppin surveys rankings. What is the point of being number one in so many other things but we have forgotten how to behave as a civilised nation, that is if I can still call it my country and not an island known as China-town?
If going by Wikileaks published in Australia's SMH, with the leaks of some top officials thinking its great for SG to be assimilated by China, and if that day do happens, if we do get assimilated, then I think that will be the day that I will finally stop holding my red passport with any last shred of loyalty and pride.
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