There seems to be a push towards mentorism in the current political regime in Singapore. Mr Lee Kuan Yew retired from the political limelight (sort of) in 1990 and became Senior Minister taking on a more "consultancy" role with Mr Goh Chok Tong at the helm of the People's Action Party. After his retirement in 2004, he took on the post of Senior Minister and our dear SM Lee become Minister Mentor (a post specially created for him).
It looks as though the older generation still feels the need to "tutor" our new leaders. It's almost as if the entire cabinet is still tied to "mommy's apron strings". I mean, they're so unwilling to let the children grow up and move on. When is this going to stop? Really.
Now, Dr Tony Tan, has made a similar announcement in that he's going to retire from politics but continue to "play a mentor role" (Straits Times, March 26 2006). I'm sure that our younger generation of politicans are more than capable of running the country but I guess it's really hard to let go. Kinda like parenting. It's not easy when a parent finds that the child has grown and is ready to move out. No matter how old you get, parents will still and always treat the child as one. It's the bond that makes us special and different from other animals.
Of course not everybody would agree with all the policies of the current government but seriously, do we actually have an opposition that's worthy of taking the seat of power? Singaporeans are always outwardly complaining about the government but inwardly, they don't do anything. Most are ready to criticize without thought but honestly speaking, without the PAP, would Singapore truely be where it is today?
I'm not pro-PAP but until such a time where there's a better political party that can run our country putting the nation's interests first and not political agenda, I'd stick with the PAP for now.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Camera phones and the 25th century
Lets see...what will happen when 3G mobile telephony takes over the current 2-2.5G? Everyone's gonna have a phone with a camera built-in. It's the natural progression of things issn't it?
But then again, 2G may not be totally phased out. After all, there are still sensitive installations such as military camps that prohibit the use of mobile devices with built-in cameras. Makes you feel a little like James Bond doesn't it?
Trying to sneak a miniature camera into somewhere. Those fellas at MGM never even thought about a mobile telephone with video capabilities. Neither did the producers of Star Trek. They had video conferencing alright but it's usually between two captains stuck on the bridge of their ships.
We've gone beyond the 25th century with regards to this aspect.
But then again, 2G may not be totally phased out. After all, there are still sensitive installations such as military camps that prohibit the use of mobile devices with built-in cameras. Makes you feel a little like James Bond doesn't it?
Trying to sneak a miniature camera into somewhere. Those fellas at MGM never even thought about a mobile telephone with video capabilities. Neither did the producers of Star Trek. They had video conferencing alright but it's usually between two captains stuck on the bridge of their ships.
We've gone beyond the 25th century with regards to this aspect.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Sporty citizens
So we won the gold medal for women's table tennis at the 2006 commonwealth games.
But who really won at the women's table tennis? The top competing teams were dominated by players of Asian (and to be more precise, Chinese) decent. Of course, it being the commonwealth games means that besides england, every other country is basically a migrant country with few or no true "locals".
To what extent would a person be considered "from" a country? Or rather, what qualifications would it take for a person to represent the nation that they're representing? Would citizenship be enough?
It's hard to say and the debate's been going for quite some time here. Trouble is, with globalization, everyone's migrating to where-ever they feel that there are greener pastures. It's almost like as if we've gone full circle and have become nomadic again.
We started as hunter gatherers like a billion years ago without any technology and now that we've "arrived" technology-wise, we've become hunter/gatherers again. What is happening to the world? But I digress...
Of course I should be congratulating the winners for a fantastic effort and all the hard work that they've put in. Yet I can't help but keep thinking, would we be here if not for our foreign talent which we've welcomed with open arms?
After all, if she (or they) had remained in her (or their) home country, success might not have come as easily and the rewards that she's(or they've) reaped here so far wouldn't be as lavish had she(or they) remained behind.
Well, whatever the outcome, with Singapore being such a global city, I can only say that I'm proud of our achievements.
Well done Team Singapore!
But who really won at the women's table tennis? The top competing teams were dominated by players of Asian (and to be more precise, Chinese) decent. Of course, it being the commonwealth games means that besides england, every other country is basically a migrant country with few or no true "locals".
To what extent would a person be considered "from" a country? Or rather, what qualifications would it take for a person to represent the nation that they're representing? Would citizenship be enough?
It's hard to say and the debate's been going for quite some time here. Trouble is, with globalization, everyone's migrating to where-ever they feel that there are greener pastures. It's almost like as if we've gone full circle and have become nomadic again.
We started as hunter gatherers like a billion years ago without any technology and now that we've "arrived" technology-wise, we've become hunter/gatherers again. What is happening to the world? But I digress...
Of course I should be congratulating the winners for a fantastic effort and all the hard work that they've put in. Yet I can't help but keep thinking, would we be here if not for our foreign talent which we've welcomed with open arms?
After all, if she (or they) had remained in her (or their) home country, success might not have come as easily and the rewards that she's(or they've) reaped here so far wouldn't be as lavish had she(or they) remained behind.
Well, whatever the outcome, with Singapore being such a global city, I can only say that I'm proud of our achievements.
Well done Team Singapore!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Phone contracts
I've got so many concurrent phone contracts running that it's not even funny.
The problem with buying new phones these days is that you keep signing whatever contracts they shove at you. It all started with the purchase of a motorola phone back in 2003...I signed on a 24 month contract and a year later, i purchased a nokia which put me on another 2 years...
After that, it's all a haze. Now, all I know is that the contract will go on till 2007 march...geez.
The problem with buying new phones these days is that you keep signing whatever contracts they shove at you. It all started with the purchase of a motorola phone back in 2003...I signed on a 24 month contract and a year later, i purchased a nokia which put me on another 2 years...
After that, it's all a haze. Now, all I know is that the contract will go on till 2007 march...geez.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Tammy wannabes
Read in the paper that there are a couple of Tammy wannabes out there now.
I wonder. Maybe doing a search for "Bukit Batok" and "Airport" might turn up something. But then again, why bother? I prefer the real McCoy.
It's been a hectic week. I wonder why. So many jobs yet the money's not rolling in. Perhaps it has something to do with me not asking for it when it's due. Ah well.
We just love expos. The IT fair ended today and I ended up buying 2 19" LCDs although 1 of them is not for me.
Managed to get a pretty decent bargain though. Philips going for S$459...
Went to the Civil Service Club today. Obviously, the people that go there are not all that civilised. I guess most of the people that've gone there so far are the general public cause it's still open house. Can't wait till they start the club proper and limit to members and guests only. At least then, I can get a bowling lane and can go about knocking down pins without having to make a booking first.
I wonder. Maybe doing a search for "Bukit Batok" and "Airport" might turn up something. But then again, why bother? I prefer the real McCoy.
It's been a hectic week. I wonder why. So many jobs yet the money's not rolling in. Perhaps it has something to do with me not asking for it when it's due. Ah well.
We just love expos. The IT fair ended today and I ended up buying 2 19" LCDs although 1 of them is not for me.
Managed to get a pretty decent bargain though. Philips going for S$459...
Went to the Civil Service Club today. Obviously, the people that go there are not all that civilised. I guess most of the people that've gone there so far are the general public cause it's still open house. Can't wait till they start the club proper and limit to members and guests only. At least then, I can get a bowling lane and can go about knocking down pins without having to make a booking first.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Bus Stops...
I sometimes wonder if LTA works with MOE as well as the local public bus companies.
If ever there was a dangerous school entrance/bus stop/zebra crossing, it'd be the one that's right in front of the main gates to Bukit Timah Primary School (BTPS).
Lets see...
The bus stop sits near the crest of a hill and at the crest of the hill is the zebra crossing and main gates of the school.
Every day, without fail, doting parents would indiscriminately park their cars inches or even on the zebra crossing. Take into account that the road is a single-lane, dual carriageway.
Didn't they forsee this problem when they designed the school? It makes it all the more dangerous when there's a bus in the bus stop (which incidentally does not have a bay) thus forcing vehicles into oncoming traffic.
At the same time, parents who decide that in a housing estate, u-turns are legal anywhere and everywhere, make them without so much as looking to see if the road is clear.
I've had a couple of close calls from these idiots in the past but still, LTA, MOE and whomever else doesn't seem concerned at all (at least enough to do anything about it).
I guess nothing short of an accident's gonna make them budge.
If ever there was a dangerous school entrance/bus stop/zebra crossing, it'd be the one that's right in front of the main gates to Bukit Timah Primary School (BTPS).
Lets see...
The bus stop sits near the crest of a hill and at the crest of the hill is the zebra crossing and main gates of the school.
Every day, without fail, doting parents would indiscriminately park their cars inches or even on the zebra crossing. Take into account that the road is a single-lane, dual carriageway.
Didn't they forsee this problem when they designed the school? It makes it all the more dangerous when there's a bus in the bus stop (which incidentally does not have a bay) thus forcing vehicles into oncoming traffic.
At the same time, parents who decide that in a housing estate, u-turns are legal anywhere and everywhere, make them without so much as looking to see if the road is clear.
I've had a couple of close calls from these idiots in the past but still, LTA, MOE and whomever else doesn't seem concerned at all (at least enough to do anything about it).
I guess nothing short of an accident's gonna make them budge.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Ownership
Did you realise that you don't really own any of the big ticket items in Singapore?
Take for example, a car. It costs you an arm and a leg, and most probably you'd be in debt for a lone time to have one. But you never really own it.
You get the car, you have to get permission to own the car in the form of a COE.
This "COE" allows you to have the car for 10 years. After which, if you intend of continue owning it, you'll have to pay again for permission.
Of course, should you decide to keep the car for more than 10 years, you'd have to pay an increased road tax and you don't get any of the taxes that you paid when you first bought the car back at all.
So do you really own the car?
I doubt so.
Housing is about the same. For the 75% of us that live in public housing, we lease the house, paying rent and at the end of 99 years, have to return it to the government.
Says a lot about what we pay for doesn't it? It seems that we're spending more time paying "rent" than anything else. We're just tenants in this country.
Take for example, a car. It costs you an arm and a leg, and most probably you'd be in debt for a lone time to have one. But you never really own it.
You get the car, you have to get permission to own the car in the form of a COE.
This "COE" allows you to have the car for 10 years. After which, if you intend of continue owning it, you'll have to pay again for permission.
Of course, should you decide to keep the car for more than 10 years, you'd have to pay an increased road tax and you don't get any of the taxes that you paid when you first bought the car back at all.
So do you really own the car?
I doubt so.
Housing is about the same. For the 75% of us that live in public housing, we lease the house, paying rent and at the end of 99 years, have to return it to the government.
Says a lot about what we pay for doesn't it? It seems that we're spending more time paying "rent" than anything else. We're just tenants in this country.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
We the citizens...
Our economy is First world.
We are socially Third world.
Who can we blame?
Garment lah! Who else?
In Singapore, the garment is introducing "means testing" for special needs children.
What does that mean?
If you're a special needs person in Singapore, the garment is trying to say, "You have to take care of yourself just like everyone else (with the exception of the very poor).
We're not going to help you unless you're able-bodied and poor. If your family can support you, there's no reason why the garment should bother. This especially if you're a special needs person. In other words, be a burden to your family, not the garment.
Afterall, does the garment think long-term for people with special needs and their families? What about health insurance (the inability to get insured), health-costs, living expenses if he's dependent? Issn't the financial burden on the family already enough?
Shouldn't the income be pegged higher? Say $8K (which incidentally is the same for housing subsidies)?
After all, $8,000 is when the garment feels that people no longer need subsidies and can afford to go private. What determining factor did they use when they pegged means testing for special needs/early intervention programmes at $2500?
Did they consult anyone?
We are socially Third world.
Who can we blame?
Garment lah! Who else?
In Singapore, the garment is introducing "means testing" for special needs children.
What does that mean?
If you're a special needs person in Singapore, the garment is trying to say, "You have to take care of yourself just like everyone else (with the exception of the very poor).
We're not going to help you unless you're able-bodied and poor. If your family can support you, there's no reason why the garment should bother. This especially if you're a special needs person. In other words, be a burden to your family, not the garment.
Afterall, does the garment think long-term for people with special needs and their families? What about health insurance (the inability to get insured), health-costs, living expenses if he's dependent? Issn't the financial burden on the family already enough?
Shouldn't the income be pegged higher? Say $8K (which incidentally is the same for housing subsidies)?
After all, $8,000 is when the garment feels that people no longer need subsidies and can afford to go private. What determining factor did they use when they pegged means testing for special needs/early intervention programmes at $2500?
Did they consult anyone?
If it ain't broke (cont'd)
So came friday, 3 March 2006 and the final day for me to renew my road tax without having to fork out additional money for penalties. It again dawned bright and clear like a spring morning in the northern latitudes.
I made my way happily back to Viacom again optimistic that I can finally get it done. There were 3 of us in the room. 1 dude was already at the counter but it took the lady half an hour to get his road tax done. She was still trying to figure out the "system". The next dude took another 20 minutes. By the time it got to me, I happily shoved the renewal notice and certificate of insurance through the receiving tray (much like I'm trying to pawn something) along with my POSBank card.
She began by looking at the renewal notice. Then pointed at the date to me and said, "Your this one ah...cannot use NETS to pay. Oni cash or cheque."
I was stunned.
She shoved everything back through without a word.
I snatched it without a word.
I stomped out fuming...as if the day before's experience wasn't bad enough.
Well, a head's gonna roll.
I made my way happily back to Viacom again optimistic that I can finally get it done. There were 3 of us in the room. 1 dude was already at the counter but it took the lady half an hour to get his road tax done. She was still trying to figure out the "system". The next dude took another 20 minutes. By the time it got to me, I happily shoved the renewal notice and certificate of insurance through the receiving tray (much like I'm trying to pawn something) along with my POSBank card.
She began by looking at the renewal notice. Then pointed at the date to me and said, "Your this one ah...cannot use NETS to pay. Oni cash or cheque."
I was stunned.
She shoved everything back through without a word.
I snatched it without a word.
I stomped out fuming...as if the day before's experience wasn't bad enough.
Well, a head's gonna roll.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
If it ain't broke...
LTA's upper management are probably the biggest bunch of unmitigated scoundrels around.
They're the ones that make the decisions and the lower level staff have to pay for some of their more poorly made/idiotic ones.
Here's why:
"ANNOUNCEMENT ON PENALTY FEE WAIVER
As we stopped collecting road tax from 24 to 27 Feb 06 to facilitate the launch of e-Services@ONE.MOTORING, LTA shall waive penalty fees for road tax expiring between 24 Feb and 4 Mar if renewal is made by 4 Mar 06. Renewal may be made at authorised road tax collection centres. However, please ensure that your motor insurance is valid at all times." taken from One Motoring website.
Now, sufficed to say, that my road tax had the unfortunate expiry date of 3 March. So unbeknown to me, I trotted merrily down to Viacom @ Bt Batok to renew it. That was on 27 Feb...monday. I saw the sign stating that road tax would not be collected till 28 Feb. So.."Okay" I thought, seems reasonable that they're expecting some downtime.
As I was on my deathbed on tuesday and wednesday, I couldn't make it down to get it renewed. Thursday however, dawned bright and promised to be frightfully spring-like day with not a cloud in the sky. I trotted back down again slightly before lunchtime to beat the lunch crowd.
Unfortunately, there was already a large crowd of 20 or so. At first, I thought it wouldn't take more than 2-3 minutes per person to renew the thing so I took a number and waited...and waited...
and waited...
Half an hour had past and still, the queue number hadn't budged. Well, I didn't have the luxury of waiting all afternoon since I had a shoot to attend to. So I gave up my queue number after half and hour's wait.
I got most of the shooting done for the afternoon with the exeption of the IMM one which didn't really had any particular timing set. So I managed to pursuade Sheerin to wait while I went for a second attempt at renewing my road tax since I was in the Bt Batok vacinity.
I took a queue number again and this time, after waiting for an hour, the queue moved 4 numbers...well, if this was the speed at which she was doing it, I'd say that I'd be waiting till 8pm to get it done. The counter lady came up to me and looked at my renewal notice...she then said that I could still do it tomorrow (3rd March) without facing penalty.
So I decided that I wouldn't subject the poor Sheerin to the exasperating wait any more, and proceeded to IMM for the shoot.
End of part 1...
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Sick and nothing's helping
It's the kind of low-grade fever that refuses to go away. After seeing the doctor (who is incidentally a locum), I took the prescribed medication only to suffer from palpitations, shortness of breath and accelerated heartbeats.
Bad enough that when one is sick, the best cure is usually lots of rest, with all the symptoms of taking the medication, sleep/rest seems to be out of the question. If ever I needed to stay awake, I know what combination of medication to take. Although I might be stoned for an hour or two.
My mouth feels like sandpaper and my extremities are so numb that I cut myself without feeling any pain. It's kinda weird not to have any feeling at all. That coupled with 2½ days of continuous photography is not helping much.
Oh well...I guess if there ever was a bad week in my entire life, this would be it.
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