In a few hours time, I'll be in Langkawi. It will be Izzati's first flight and our 2nd trip there after our honeymoon. She's barely past 1 and she's already flying. I was 16 before I first flew in an airplane to Jakarta. Boy, was I excited back then.
The last time we were there, we had quite a good time but didn't really know how to spend our time meaningfully. We didn't do much planning ahead and did things on the fly. Now, we are much better prepared for the trip and with my parents and sister coming along, it will be easier for us with Izzati in tow.
This is probably my shortest entry as I am leaving in an hours' time. So, au revoir.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Thursday, December 04, 2008
The round that shook us all
The bullet does not have eyes.
Heard that a thousand times but it never really meant much to me. Not until the events of recent days. Yeap, I'm referring to the murder of Ms Lo Hwei Yen in Mumbai - a victim of international terrorism. By now, many, if not all Singaporeans would have read or heard about the incident.
For the longest time, we have all stood by and watched as terror attacks unfolded around the world. World Trade Center, Madrid, London and Bali have all experienced these first-hand and no Singaporean was ever fatally caught in the crossfire. Until now. We can't deny the fact all this while, we feel detached from the realities of such attacks as few of us had experienced it first hand. When I first read the news 2 days ago, my immediate reaction was one of sympathy to the family of the deceased.
I'm not going to tarnish the memories of the innocent deceased such as Ms Lo by saying they deserved it, because they didn't. No one deserved it. No one deserves to spend their last moments staring down the barrel of an AK-47 alone and terrified, away from loved ones. No one deserves to go without the chance for a proper goodbye. As I read the papers these past few days, I felt the grief felt by those left behind - directly feeling the repercussions of that shot. When I saw the husband's press conference, my heart went out to him - I felt his pain. As deep as his grief, there are still many more who are worse off than him in this aftermath.
I can't fathom how the 10 attackers went ahead with their plan. Dismissing any notion of humanity, bereft of any sense of remorse and devoid of any compassion, they went into Mumbai to face their destiny - one which is misguided by the carrots dangled before them. Jihad was the buzz word. It was their way of justifying the murder of hundreds. The words of the Prophet - taken way out of context - was their salvation. But to me, there is no Jihad. Theirs was a political goal from the onset. Hiding behind the cloak that is Islam,they launched the attacks, in the name of Allah - or so they say.
As much as I empathise with the troubles many Muslims around the world face, what with the atrocities committed in Israel, the violation of sovereignty in Afghanistan and Iraq , there can be no justification for such acts of terror. Using the words of the Prophet PBUH, all taken in the wrong context to suit their skewed mentality and crooked political aims, they use jihad as the unifying call to arms for all Muslim to resort to terrorism. Personally, I don't buy that. Oppression? What Oppression? The way I see it, there is no religious justification for attacks on civilian targets no matter what they say.
To me, it's all political. Taleban in Afghanistan, Hamas in Palestine, Abu Sayyaf in Philippines, Lashkar-E-Taiba in Pakistan, JI in SEA and Al-Qaeda everywhere else are not religious entities who are fighting oppression, they are political entities with a greater aim than just jihad. In any case, Jihad doesn't have to be a military struggle. The reality of it is that there is probably nowhere in the world right now where Jihad is really justified.
To those who lost loved ones, I can only send my condolences and only some words of sympathy. For those amongst us who are not directly affected, it's a warning that has really hit home. The question to be asked is probably, would we want to sacrifice the peace and harmony we have here in order to realise our political aims?
Heard that a thousand times but it never really meant much to me. Not until the events of recent days. Yeap, I'm referring to the murder of Ms Lo Hwei Yen in Mumbai - a victim of international terrorism. By now, many, if not all Singaporeans would have read or heard about the incident.
For the longest time, we have all stood by and watched as terror attacks unfolded around the world. World Trade Center, Madrid, London and Bali have all experienced these first-hand and no Singaporean was ever fatally caught in the crossfire. Until now. We can't deny the fact all this while, we feel detached from the realities of such attacks as few of us had experienced it first hand. When I first read the news 2 days ago, my immediate reaction was one of sympathy to the family of the deceased.
I'm not going to tarnish the memories of the innocent deceased such as Ms Lo by saying they deserved it, because they didn't. No one deserved it. No one deserves to spend their last moments staring down the barrel of an AK-47 alone and terrified, away from loved ones. No one deserves to go without the chance for a proper goodbye. As I read the papers these past few days, I felt the grief felt by those left behind - directly feeling the repercussions of that shot. When I saw the husband's press conference, my heart went out to him - I felt his pain. As deep as his grief, there are still many more who are worse off than him in this aftermath.
I can't fathom how the 10 attackers went ahead with their plan. Dismissing any notion of humanity, bereft of any sense of remorse and devoid of any compassion, they went into Mumbai to face their destiny - one which is misguided by the carrots dangled before them. Jihad was the buzz word. It was their way of justifying the murder of hundreds. The words of the Prophet - taken way out of context - was their salvation. But to me, there is no Jihad. Theirs was a political goal from the onset. Hiding behind the cloak that is Islam,they launched the attacks, in the name of Allah - or so they say.
As much as I empathise with the troubles many Muslims around the world face, what with the atrocities committed in Israel, the violation of sovereignty in Afghanistan and Iraq , there can be no justification for such acts of terror. Using the words of the Prophet PBUH, all taken in the wrong context to suit their skewed mentality and crooked political aims, they use jihad as the unifying call to arms for all Muslim to resort to terrorism. Personally, I don't buy that. Oppression? What Oppression? The way I see it, there is no religious justification for attacks on civilian targets no matter what they say.
To me, it's all political. Taleban in Afghanistan, Hamas in Palestine, Abu Sayyaf in Philippines, Lashkar-E-Taiba in Pakistan, JI in SEA and Al-Qaeda everywhere else are not religious entities who are fighting oppression, they are political entities with a greater aim than just jihad. In any case, Jihad doesn't have to be a military struggle. The reality of it is that there is probably nowhere in the world right now where Jihad is really justified.
To those who lost loved ones, I can only send my condolences and only some words of sympathy. For those amongst us who are not directly affected, it's a warning that has really hit home. The question to be asked is probably, would we want to sacrifice the peace and harmony we have here in order to realise our political aims?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Going toe to toe.....
I guess everyone has read or heard about the guy who went toe to toe with the white tiger and never came back. Why he went into the tiger enclosure in full view of all those visitors and tourists no one may ever know. Speculation abounds on his mental well-being and his motivations. A million question can be raised on what happened that fateful day, none of which could be conclusively answered.
At the very least, to the people who really mattered, his family, there was closure in the video which the deceased's sisters saw. They now know that it was no accident and there was no foul play involved. They also know now how much his family meant to him. What was clear from the video was this - he took a walk on the wild side, went for a dip and got scared and panicked when the tiger came up to him to say hello and invite him to play.
I recall a scene from an old black and white movie from the P. Ramlee era with the immortal line - kalau harimau tu ngap, saya tinggal ngep.
Like what Mr T always say - Pity the fool.
The one thing that struck a chord in me is the deceased's love for his family and his family's realisation that they meant the world to him. While he has gone, the ones left behind are left with a million what ifs. It's something that happens everywhere. We all take the people who matters most for granted sometimes and by the time we realise how much they meant to us, they're no longer there.
Sometimes, we talk to our family members with utmost disdain - that's me with my BILs - even if we don't mean it when they annoy us. We use their possessions without asking first and when we do ask for permission, it's sounds more like an expectation rather than a request. We use their stuff without any hint of responsibility and deny culpability when the things we used are damaged or in need of repairs. We talk down to our other half and to our young siblings. And we make no apologies for it.
Blame it on familiarity. Blame it on the safety net. Blame it familial ties. Blame it on the comfort zone. Blame it on everything but ourselves. We take things for granted. We demand that the car keys be handed over rather than asking for it with the slightest hint of politeness. When we do get the keys, there's no gratitude. We use our sibling's bike or MP3 player and we make no apologies if we happen to puncture a tyre or skidded and damaged the bike or damaged the MP3 player by dropping it in water.
As family, we expect to be forgiven and the misdeed brushed over. We expect our brother to give us the car key on demand, our sister to forget the big scratch on her MP3 player we borrowed, our father to pay for the damage we caused to the bike/car when we used it and we expect them not to bear grudges against us. But at the same time we cry foul if they damaged one of our possessions or demand that we hand over our possessions for them to borrow. We cry foul when our younger siblings disrespect us but we forget that we disrespected them too.
Honestly, I'm guilty of some of the above at some point or another. I'm not proud of it but I'll admit it. I'm no angel, I have disrespected my wife online (on these blogs no less), I have talked down my sister before and I have borrowed (more like demand) my family members' belongings for my own personal use.
Still, at the end of the day, our family would still forgive and accept us. But if we still find ourselves at the end of snide remarks such as Go get yourself a car or Are you really that poor to own an MP3 player, then we probably are still stepping on their toes.
At the very least, to the people who really mattered, his family, there was closure in the video which the deceased's sisters saw. They now know that it was no accident and there was no foul play involved. They also know now how much his family meant to him. What was clear from the video was this - he took a walk on the wild side, went for a dip and got scared and panicked when the tiger came up to him to say hello and invite him to play.
I recall a scene from an old black and white movie from the P. Ramlee era with the immortal line - kalau harimau tu ngap, saya tinggal ngep.
Like what Mr T always say - Pity the fool.
The one thing that struck a chord in me is the deceased's love for his family and his family's realisation that they meant the world to him. While he has gone, the ones left behind are left with a million what ifs. It's something that happens everywhere. We all take the people who matters most for granted sometimes and by the time we realise how much they meant to us, they're no longer there.
Sometimes, we talk to our family members with utmost disdain - that's me with my BILs - even if we don't mean it when they annoy us. We use their possessions without asking first and when we do ask for permission, it's sounds more like an expectation rather than a request. We use their stuff without any hint of responsibility and deny culpability when the things we used are damaged or in need of repairs. We talk down to our other half and to our young siblings. And we make no apologies for it.
Blame it on familiarity. Blame it on the safety net. Blame it familial ties. Blame it on the comfort zone. Blame it on everything but ourselves. We take things for granted. We demand that the car keys be handed over rather than asking for it with the slightest hint of politeness. When we do get the keys, there's no gratitude. We use our sibling's bike or MP3 player and we make no apologies if we happen to puncture a tyre or skidded and damaged the bike or damaged the MP3 player by dropping it in water.
As family, we expect to be forgiven and the misdeed brushed over. We expect our brother to give us the car key on demand, our sister to forget the big scratch on her MP3 player we borrowed, our father to pay for the damage we caused to the bike/car when we used it and we expect them not to bear grudges against us. But at the same time we cry foul if they damaged one of our possessions or demand that we hand over our possessions for them to borrow. We cry foul when our younger siblings disrespect us but we forget that we disrespected them too.
Honestly, I'm guilty of some of the above at some point or another. I'm not proud of it but I'll admit it. I'm no angel, I have disrespected my wife online (on these blogs no less), I have talked down my sister before and I have borrowed (more like demand) my family members' belongings for my own personal use.
Still, at the end of the day, our family would still forgive and accept us. But if we still find ourselves at the end of snide remarks such as Go get yourself a car or Are you really that poor to own an MP3 player, then we probably are still stepping on their toes.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Of hope and fear
Yeay!!!! Obama Won!!!
Wait a minute, I have no idea why I am rejoicing. The word on the street was one of optimism with stock markets the world over rallying at the news. Personally, as with many Singaporeans, I have no idea? what they were politicking about. Though many rooted for Obama, I doubt they knew what Obama's political allegiance was, much less his ideals. Was he a Democrat or Republican? Heck I don't even know one from the other.
Still, any idiot could have done better than the prick they now call Mr President. 8 years in charge with practically nothing to show for. The initial support GWB received in the wake of Sept 11 precipitated quickly and any sympathy garnered then quickly turned into disdain at the unilateralism and heavy handed approach. One suspects that in spite of his failings, he could have well worn that smug look at the dinner table, winking at his dad, probably saying, "Dad, I may not have achieved much but I got Saddam for you!".
Yeah, he got Saddam but look at the devastation he left behind. Iraq, in spite of Saddam's dictatorship and iron fist, was rather peaceful; just look at it now. GWB, to me, is like the Sheriff of the cowboy towns of the Wild West. He wades into a standoff with guns blazing and leaves behind a trail of destruction. When the smoke clears, you can see him sitting in a corner with that smug look on his face, thinking - "Hey, I got him didn't I?"
At least we all know Obama's not that much of a cowboy.
A little close to home, I read in the papers the other day about the stepfather who was jailed for child abuse all because he caned his stepson 100 times for incessant lying. In all honesty, I was shocked. Not at the number of times the boy was caned but the fact that he got jailed for it. My initial reaction was one of disbelief. Caned a 100 times? C'mon, many of us have gone through worse punishment than that; some of us had to endure inch thick leather belts complete with buckles. I had fresh red chilli smeared on my mouth for lying to my mom - and let me tell you the lingering aftertaste was enough to remind me from lying again.
I mean news such as this would play on the back of every parent who has to instill some form of discipline in their children. The parent would always be thinking if corporal punishment would lead to allegations of child abuse. We have to look at the physique of the child, the circumstances that led to corporal punishment and the gravity of the offence. It seems that corporal punishment is frowned upon more than ever. Gone were the days when the school rascals would get public caning - many parents won't allow their children to go through such punishment in school. Now, it seems that even the parents are not allowed to cane their children. Teachers are taught to look out for signs of child abuse such as cane marks on the children. However, upon reflection, I do agree that caning 100 times may be a bit excessive.
Personally, I believe that corporal punishment is a punishment that has to remain, even if it exists only as a threat. While children cannot be allowed to live in a climate of fear, there has to be an element of fear which will stop them from doing an act. Where discipline was once based on fear, parents have had to deal wiith ever more inquisitive children who not only defy them but question them. Where the standard answer of children in the face of an instruction use to be OK or Yes Mom/Dad/Sir, that has given way to but why.
Given the choice I couldn't resort to caning or belting by child. However, if she did step out of line I would. It all boils down to control. In order to have control over your children, you have to have control over yourself first. My guess is that was where the parent who was jailed failed. The lines that separate disciplinary measures and child abuse gets blurrier every minute we lose control of ourselves
Wait a minute, I have no idea why I am rejoicing. The word on the street was one of optimism with stock markets the world over rallying at the news. Personally, as with many Singaporeans, I have no idea? what they were politicking about. Though many rooted for Obama, I doubt they knew what Obama's political allegiance was, much less his ideals. Was he a Democrat or Republican? Heck I don't even know one from the other.
Still, any idiot could have done better than the prick they now call Mr President. 8 years in charge with practically nothing to show for. The initial support GWB received in the wake of Sept 11 precipitated quickly and any sympathy garnered then quickly turned into disdain at the unilateralism and heavy handed approach. One suspects that in spite of his failings, he could have well worn that smug look at the dinner table, winking at his dad, probably saying, "Dad, I may not have achieved much but I got Saddam for you!".
Yeah, he got Saddam but look at the devastation he left behind. Iraq, in spite of Saddam's dictatorship and iron fist, was rather peaceful; just look at it now. GWB, to me, is like the Sheriff of the cowboy towns of the Wild West. He wades into a standoff with guns blazing and leaves behind a trail of destruction. When the smoke clears, you can see him sitting in a corner with that smug look on his face, thinking - "Hey, I got him didn't I?"
At least we all know Obama's not that much of a cowboy.
A little close to home, I read in the papers the other day about the stepfather who was jailed for child abuse all because he caned his stepson 100 times for incessant lying. In all honesty, I was shocked. Not at the number of times the boy was caned but the fact that he got jailed for it. My initial reaction was one of disbelief. Caned a 100 times? C'mon, many of us have gone through worse punishment than that; some of us had to endure inch thick leather belts complete with buckles. I had fresh red chilli smeared on my mouth for lying to my mom - and let me tell you the lingering aftertaste was enough to remind me from lying again.
I mean news such as this would play on the back of every parent who has to instill some form of discipline in their children. The parent would always be thinking if corporal punishment would lead to allegations of child abuse. We have to look at the physique of the child, the circumstances that led to corporal punishment and the gravity of the offence. It seems that corporal punishment is frowned upon more than ever. Gone were the days when the school rascals would get public caning - many parents won't allow their children to go through such punishment in school. Now, it seems that even the parents are not allowed to cane their children. Teachers are taught to look out for signs of child abuse such as cane marks on the children. However, upon reflection, I do agree that caning 100 times may be a bit excessive.
Personally, I believe that corporal punishment is a punishment that has to remain, even if it exists only as a threat. While children cannot be allowed to live in a climate of fear, there has to be an element of fear which will stop them from doing an act. Where discipline was once based on fear, parents have had to deal wiith ever more inquisitive children who not only defy them but question them. Where the standard answer of children in the face of an instruction use to be OK or Yes Mom/Dad/Sir, that has given way to but why.
Given the choice I couldn't resort to caning or belting by child. However, if she did step out of line I would. It all boils down to control. In order to have control over your children, you have to have control over yourself first. My guess is that was where the parent who was jailed failed. The lines that separate disciplinary measures and child abuse gets blurrier every minute we lose control of ourselves
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
My disappointment
Such a depressing headline - I know. I'm feeling it. There are a few things on my mind which are eating away at me, just that somehow, letting it all out will hurt those around me. Funny especially coming from someone who normally speaks his mind with a callous disregard towards the feelings of others.
As some of you, my avid fans (just who am I kidding), can attest to, my dislike for some people (read: brother/sister-in-law) is almost legendary. Legendary enough to rival the fabled tales of Hercules, Achilles, Bonnie and Clyde, Billy the Kid and maybe, just maybe, Maradona. For those who happen to read this blog and are starting to feel queasy or starting to think, "Oh, here he goes again, blabbering about his family.", now's the perfect time to click the NEXT or CLOSE button before you read something that you didn't intend to or worse, badmouth me behind my back.. Yeap, I know it's going to ruffle feathers and hurt the feelings of a certain someone - my wife. This time, I felt I just have to let it loose. Been keeping it in for far too long.
Well, my princess celebrated her 1st birthday a month ago. As mentioned in one of my previous blogs, my wife and I meant for it to be a low-key affair. That meant no fancy parties or celebrations and definitely no cakes. She wouldn't have understood the significance of it anyway. In fact, minus the customary visit from our parents, some close friends and 2 of my wife's relatives, no one else came to our house during the whole of Aidilfitri, but that's a story for another day. What I found most disappointing was the lack of any gifts for her, with the exception of the gifts from my immediate family and both of us. Why does it bother me so much? Of course it does!!! Her uncles and aunts didn't even come to our house to see her on her birthday.
OK. Granted that it was in the first week of Aidilfitri plus the fact that it was exam period. Surely, a niece's birthday is worth remembering and worth taking the effort to see her. In the end, neither of her uncles (read: my brother-in-law) or aunties (read: sis-in-law) called to arrange to visit her, much less actually came over. Actually, her not receiving any gifts from my wife's side of the family wouldn't have been that noticeable if they had made an effort to celebrate it. Nothing. And to think that my wife had always made it a point to call her nieces and nephews on their birthdays and to buy presents for them.
I spoke to my wife about it and, truthfully, I know she was heartbroken by the acts, or lack thereof of her own brothers. Throwback 13 months and the same thing played out. Neither of her brothers called to ask how she was and to check up on her when she gave birth to our darling princess. They only came over to see her a few weeks later. You may ask, since I dislike them so much, why am I feeling disappointed?
The simple reason being, my disappointment is because I pity my wife for having such siblings and I pity my princess for having to call them uncles when she learns how to address them. Yes, I do ask myself why do I bother to seek for their forgiveness each and every Aidilfitri knowing full well that I may never give them the respect as elders. I can't say for sure if I have or can ever forgive them for making my wife feel the way she feels whenever we broach this subject.
Call me a hypocrite but that's never going to change how I interface with them. Outwardly, I may look like I'm showing them some level of respect. Deep down inside, there's nothing there but disdain. As much as I would love to give them a piece of my mind, I won't, even if it's only because I do not want my wife or my parents-in-law as the rope in a tug-of-war. My wife knows my stand on this. This exactly the reason why I refuse to go to their homes, unless there is a valid reason for me to do so.
Honestly, I'm not bothered by the lack of gifts. A simple visit to wish my princess happy birthday or even an attempt to make such an arrangement would have sufficed. I guess we, as a family, are not worth the effort to some.
As some of you, my avid fans (just who am I kidding), can attest to, my dislike for some people (read: brother/sister-in-law) is almost legendary. Legendary enough to rival the fabled tales of Hercules, Achilles, Bonnie and Clyde, Billy the Kid and maybe, just maybe, Maradona. For those who happen to read this blog and are starting to feel queasy or starting to think, "Oh, here he goes again, blabbering about his family.", now's the perfect time to click the NEXT or CLOSE button before you read something that you didn't intend to or worse, badmouth me behind my back.. Yeap, I know it's going to ruffle feathers and hurt the feelings of a certain someone - my wife. This time, I felt I just have to let it loose. Been keeping it in for far too long.
Well, my princess celebrated her 1st birthday a month ago. As mentioned in one of my previous blogs, my wife and I meant for it to be a low-key affair. That meant no fancy parties or celebrations and definitely no cakes. She wouldn't have understood the significance of it anyway. In fact, minus the customary visit from our parents, some close friends and 2 of my wife's relatives, no one else came to our house during the whole of Aidilfitri, but that's a story for another day. What I found most disappointing was the lack of any gifts for her, with the exception of the gifts from my immediate family and both of us. Why does it bother me so much? Of course it does!!! Her uncles and aunts didn't even come to our house to see her on her birthday.
OK. Granted that it was in the first week of Aidilfitri plus the fact that it was exam period. Surely, a niece's birthday is worth remembering and worth taking the effort to see her. In the end, neither of her uncles (read: my brother-in-law) or aunties (read: sis-in-law) called to arrange to visit her, much less actually came over. Actually, her not receiving any gifts from my wife's side of the family wouldn't have been that noticeable if they had made an effort to celebrate it. Nothing. And to think that my wife had always made it a point to call her nieces and nephews on their birthdays and to buy presents for them.
I spoke to my wife about it and, truthfully, I know she was heartbroken by the acts, or lack thereof of her own brothers. Throwback 13 months and the same thing played out. Neither of her brothers called to ask how she was and to check up on her when she gave birth to our darling princess. They only came over to see her a few weeks later. You may ask, since I dislike them so much, why am I feeling disappointed?
The simple reason being, my disappointment is because I pity my wife for having such siblings and I pity my princess for having to call them uncles when she learns how to address them. Yes, I do ask myself why do I bother to seek for their forgiveness each and every Aidilfitri knowing full well that I may never give them the respect as elders. I can't say for sure if I have or can ever forgive them for making my wife feel the way she feels whenever we broach this subject.
Call me a hypocrite but that's never going to change how I interface with them. Outwardly, I may look like I'm showing them some level of respect. Deep down inside, there's nothing there but disdain. As much as I would love to give them a piece of my mind, I won't, even if it's only because I do not want my wife or my parents-in-law as the rope in a tug-of-war. My wife knows my stand on this. This exactly the reason why I refuse to go to their homes, unless there is a valid reason for me to do so.
Honestly, I'm not bothered by the lack of gifts. A simple visit to wish my princess happy birthday or even an attempt to make such an arrangement would have sufficed. I guess we, as a family, are not worth the effort to some.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
An ANALysis of Singaporeans.......
Singapore is a FINE city. Uniquely Singapore.
Yeah, we've seen the adverts and some of us has, as tacky as they are, bought the t-shirts too. There are things we're all proud to have achieved as a nation like having the world's best airport or the world's best port. I think, especially after reading the papers 2 days ago, we can pride ourselves at being the most anal in the world. Pardon my language.
Where else in the world could someone be fined for falling asleep in a public park? I can't think of any. OK, granted that I haven't been to many parts of the world and haven't ventured further than Java, East Malaysia and the Malaysia-Thai border, it still borders on the ludicrous that one could be fined for sleeping in a public park.
My eyes almost popped out at that headline and upon further reading, I felt compassion for the sleeper and utter disgust at the park ranger. I just can't fathom how someone falling asleep at a park bench while taking refuge from the rain can be deemed as a nuisance or even a hazard to other park users. Have you seen the number of dogs running around unleashed and the psychopaths who call themselves cyclists darting around in the very same parks?
I mean, c'mon, I'd have no qualms with summons being issued against inconsiderate park users such as those who practically set up a temporary home complete with cordons in a public park. I'd be smirking at the fellow who let his dog run unleashed and pee and poo all over the park without cleaning up after it. The defining issue is being inconsiderate. I think many Singaporeans fail in the respect and they do so miserably.
I'm not even going to talk about road users. I've practically given up hope of having peaceful drive where I don't have to maintain a vigilant eye on every corner. I'm referring to the recently publicised issue of returning your plates after eating at the local foodcourts. Something as simple as that but we all find it hard to do. Personally, I try to make it a point to clear my table, not for the next patron, but to ease the load on the cleaners, who more often than not, are senior citizens. Most tmes, I'm greeted with a great big smile and a nice thank you when they accept my used utensils at the clearing point. Gratitute, no doubt, that they have one less table to clear.
Almost all the local guys go through NS and no one dares leave behind his food tray unless they want to get left behind during book-out day. It's such a simple thing yet we just can't do it. Just this afternoon during lunch with the wife at one of the many foodcourts, I saw just how many people conveniently walk away from their tables without even attempting to clear their table. Is it because they are wearing business attire and cleaning up is beneath them that makes them act that way?
Honestly, if the nice old lady didn't come to my table to cart away my crockery at the time when I was stacking them up, I'd have done it myself. the fact that she said thank you to me for helping her stacking up my utensils to make it easier for her to carry it away speaks volumes of her character and just makes the inconsiderate act of many patrons. What is it about us Singaporeans that we can't do something as basic as this?
Is it the rat race that makes us so self-centered and so self-enamoured that we consider the basics of courtesy an being considerate beneath us? I mean most of us don't have maids to clean up and we don't expect our parents to clean up after us, but yet, we expect the elderly cleaners at the foodcourts to do the same for us. The best part of it all, many of us even ignores the cleaners after clearing up the table for us without even a hint of gratitude for giving us a cleaner place to eat, much less a smile and a thank you.
Try asking your mother to wipe the table clean before you eat and you might just get a stare so deep, your stomach churns. Go and complain to your father when your mother gives you that stare and he might just throw you out of the house.
Now, all we need is another campaign. I'm sure it will work just as well as how the courtesy campaign worked for us.
PS: Wave as a thank you doesn't mean you wave only your middle finger.
Yeah, we've seen the adverts and some of us has, as tacky as they are, bought the t-shirts too. There are things we're all proud to have achieved as a nation like having the world's best airport or the world's best port. I think, especially after reading the papers 2 days ago, we can pride ourselves at being the most anal in the world. Pardon my language.
Where else in the world could someone be fined for falling asleep in a public park? I can't think of any. OK, granted that I haven't been to many parts of the world and haven't ventured further than Java, East Malaysia and the Malaysia-Thai border, it still borders on the ludicrous that one could be fined for sleeping in a public park.
My eyes almost popped out at that headline and upon further reading, I felt compassion for the sleeper and utter disgust at the park ranger. I just can't fathom how someone falling asleep at a park bench while taking refuge from the rain can be deemed as a nuisance or even a hazard to other park users. Have you seen the number of dogs running around unleashed and the psychopaths who call themselves cyclists darting around in the very same parks?
I mean, c'mon, I'd have no qualms with summons being issued against inconsiderate park users such as those who practically set up a temporary home complete with cordons in a public park. I'd be smirking at the fellow who let his dog run unleashed and pee and poo all over the park without cleaning up after it. The defining issue is being inconsiderate. I think many Singaporeans fail in the respect and they do so miserably.
I'm not even going to talk about road users. I've practically given up hope of having peaceful drive where I don't have to maintain a vigilant eye on every corner. I'm referring to the recently publicised issue of returning your plates after eating at the local foodcourts. Something as simple as that but we all find it hard to do. Personally, I try to make it a point to clear my table, not for the next patron, but to ease the load on the cleaners, who more often than not, are senior citizens. Most tmes, I'm greeted with a great big smile and a nice thank you when they accept my used utensils at the clearing point. Gratitute, no doubt, that they have one less table to clear.
Almost all the local guys go through NS and no one dares leave behind his food tray unless they want to get left behind during book-out day. It's such a simple thing yet we just can't do it. Just this afternoon during lunch with the wife at one of the many foodcourts, I saw just how many people conveniently walk away from their tables without even attempting to clear their table. Is it because they are wearing business attire and cleaning up is beneath them that makes them act that way?
Honestly, if the nice old lady didn't come to my table to cart away my crockery at the time when I was stacking them up, I'd have done it myself. the fact that she said thank you to me for helping her stacking up my utensils to make it easier for her to carry it away speaks volumes of her character and just makes the inconsiderate act of many patrons. What is it about us Singaporeans that we can't do something as basic as this?
Is it the rat race that makes us so self-centered and so self-enamoured that we consider the basics of courtesy an being considerate beneath us? I mean most of us don't have maids to clean up and we don't expect our parents to clean up after us, but yet, we expect the elderly cleaners at the foodcourts to do the same for us. The best part of it all, many of us even ignores the cleaners after clearing up the table for us without even a hint of gratitude for giving us a cleaner place to eat, much less a smile and a thank you.
Try asking your mother to wipe the table clean before you eat and you might just get a stare so deep, your stomach churns. Go and complain to your father when your mother gives you that stare and he might just throw you out of the house.
Now, all we need is another campaign. I'm sure it will work just as well as how the courtesy campaign worked for us.
PS: Wave as a thank you doesn't mean you wave only your middle finger.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Hoping for calm
Here comes the bear...
Haven't you heard? Technically, we are in a recession. The first time we've had a technical recession since 2002. That came off the back of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. In fact it's been a long-time coming. Something we've always known was gonna be here, a matter of when, not if. I'm no financial analyst, neither am I a stock market savvy person, but the signs were here more than a year ago when the world economy hit a speed bump and oil prices started escalating to record prices.
Back then, I kinda had a feeling that a recession is gonna hit us soon. Now that it's here, the word on the street is that depression may set in. If it ever get's that bad, then we'll all be in for a rough ride. Should I be worried? With all the talk of recession and depression ala 1930's, who wouldn't be? In an instant, life savings could be wiped out, bankruptcies and joblessness. Still I retain a little bit of optimism, in spite of all the turmoil swirling around us. While we are still being buffeted from the worst of the storm, and while I expect that it won't be long before it smacks us right in the face, I believe, it's not the end of the world.
Right now, while I do fear what the future may hold, I have faith that it will get better. It's only a matter of time. The only problem for many of us is that we suffer losses we think are too great for us to bear. Then when the fear sets in and panic starts, our hopes turn into desperation. Honestly, I won't be surprised to read of suicides when the economy don't rebound as quickly or takes a turn for the worse. I can only pray that none of my friends come to that.
I for one will hold on steadfastly to my shares....I mean beliefs that it will get better.....I hope...
Speaking of hope, fear, panic and the erosion of confidence, I can't understand the attitude of some Singaporeans. Case in point, the middle-class folks living in Serangoon Gardens.
First of all, if the people living in Serangoon Gardens and other landed properties are middle-class, does that makes 70% of Singaporeans who live in HDBs low-class? Where does that put the Condo owners and those who are renting and not owning their own flats? Or is it the fact that they live on landed property that makes them more sophisticated than the rest of us and gives them the right to be snooty and snobbish. C'mon, you all breathe the same polluted air I do, and don't you dare call me low-class!!!
Secondly, what's the hullabaloo about the foreign worker dormitories being set up in Serangoon Gardens? I can't begin to understand the resistance to the dormitory being setup there. Security? C'mon, since when did Singapore become an exclusive society and why pigeon-hole the foreigners as a security threat? Are we really that better than them?
Lastly, have the folks at Serangoon Gardens forgotten who we, Singaporeans, really are? We were, if I am to be honest, are just a bunch of immigrants flocking to this little red in search of a better life for ourselves and a better future for our children. Off the 5.8 million people who call Singapore home, one would be hard-pressed to find anyone who can trace their lineage back to the original inhabitants of Singapore - all the back to when Raffles landed here.
Save for the few, we all can trace our ancestors to lands as far away as Indonesia, Arabia, India and Mainland China to mention a few. We all fought for our stake in this land over the decades, why deny the hopeful newcomers their chance at a better life? You won't live forever and your children may even go off to other countries and stay there.
Personally, I think it's all to do with our fear of the unknown and uncertain. When the unknown and uncertain gets forced upon us, the erosion of our faith and our beliefs starts. And when hope turns to despair, fear and panic sets in. My guess, is, that's what's gripping the world and to a certain extent, Serangoon Garden folks.
Haven't you heard? Technically, we are in a recession. The first time we've had a technical recession since 2002. That came off the back of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. In fact it's been a long-time coming. Something we've always known was gonna be here, a matter of when, not if. I'm no financial analyst, neither am I a stock market savvy person, but the signs were here more than a year ago when the world economy hit a speed bump and oil prices started escalating to record prices.
Back then, I kinda had a feeling that a recession is gonna hit us soon. Now that it's here, the word on the street is that depression may set in. If it ever get's that bad, then we'll all be in for a rough ride. Should I be worried? With all the talk of recession and depression ala 1930's, who wouldn't be? In an instant, life savings could be wiped out, bankruptcies and joblessness. Still I retain a little bit of optimism, in spite of all the turmoil swirling around us. While we are still being buffeted from the worst of the storm, and while I expect that it won't be long before it smacks us right in the face, I believe, it's not the end of the world.
Right now, while I do fear what the future may hold, I have faith that it will get better. It's only a matter of time. The only problem for many of us is that we suffer losses we think are too great for us to bear. Then when the fear sets in and panic starts, our hopes turn into desperation. Honestly, I won't be surprised to read of suicides when the economy don't rebound as quickly or takes a turn for the worse. I can only pray that none of my friends come to that.
I for one will hold on steadfastly to my shares....I mean beliefs that it will get better.....I hope...
Speaking of hope, fear, panic and the erosion of confidence, I can't understand the attitude of some Singaporeans. Case in point, the middle-class folks living in Serangoon Gardens.
First of all, if the people living in Serangoon Gardens and other landed properties are middle-class, does that makes 70% of Singaporeans who live in HDBs low-class? Where does that put the Condo owners and those who are renting and not owning their own flats? Or is it the fact that they live on landed property that makes them more sophisticated than the rest of us and gives them the right to be snooty and snobbish. C'mon, you all breathe the same polluted air I do, and don't you dare call me low-class!!!
Secondly, what's the hullabaloo about the foreign worker dormitories being set up in Serangoon Gardens? I can't begin to understand the resistance to the dormitory being setup there. Security? C'mon, since when did Singapore become an exclusive society and why pigeon-hole the foreigners as a security threat? Are we really that better than them?
Lastly, have the folks at Serangoon Gardens forgotten who we, Singaporeans, really are? We were, if I am to be honest, are just a bunch of immigrants flocking to this little red in search of a better life for ourselves and a better future for our children. Off the 5.8 million people who call Singapore home, one would be hard-pressed to find anyone who can trace their lineage back to the original inhabitants of Singapore - all the back to when Raffles landed here.
Save for the few, we all can trace our ancestors to lands as far away as Indonesia, Arabia, India and Mainland China to mention a few. We all fought for our stake in this land over the decades, why deny the hopeful newcomers their chance at a better life? You won't live forever and your children may even go off to other countries and stay there.
Personally, I think it's all to do with our fear of the unknown and uncertain. When the unknown and uncertain gets forced upon us, the erosion of our faith and our beliefs starts. And when hope turns to despair, fear and panic sets in. My guess, is, that's what's gripping the world and to a certain extent, Serangoon Garden folks.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
The Hari Raya and the day she turned 1
Yeah, I know, it's 2 days late. It's her special day. A year to the day I first laid my eyes on her, heard her cries, cradled her in my arms and kissed her on her forehead. Not a day went by without me uttering praises to Him for His gift to us.
Blessed? That's really a mild understatement.
This year's Aidilfitri was a more meaningful and blissful affair for me as compared to the debacle that was last year. We managed to dress up nicely as a family and went about the visiting with the rest of the family. I joked with my wife about setting Izza a target for her "collection" money. As we both took leave on Thursday and Friday, it offered us more time and a less hectic schedule for our visits. We visited those relatives we didn't see last year and some were pleasantly surprised that there's now 3 of us. Obviously, no one told them about our bundle of joy.
Went back to my wife's Mak Andak place in Ayer Hitam on Friday. The planned trip was to start at 9am but we only left Singapore at 11. This was, as usual, through no fault of ours. We only reached Ayer Hitam at 1.30pm and didn't even make it to Kluang to her Mak Long's place as she was out. Glad we went on a weekday though. Travelling to Ayer Hitam and Kluang to visit 2 houses only doesn't seem to be a good plan for a weekend - half a day gone with only 2 houses covered. Not god for me - as the driver, and not good for Izza - for her collection.
Wifey had wanted us to just stay home on Sunday and have a quiet time to ourselves, though that would be a big ask of Izza - she just can't keep still nowadays, especially after 4 days of almost non-stop house visiting. Yeah, we were tired, more so our little princess. Still, I decided to go ahead with the initial plan, which was to meet up with my family and continue visiting relatives. I did make a promise to my wife that whatever it is and no matter whose house was next on the agenda, we'd cut our day at 5pm. This would give us some downtime with her, not to mention some rest as we were working on Monday.
The previous 4 days of action probably took a lot out of her. She slept in the car from 3.30pm and only woke up at home at 7pm. In between, some extended family members dropped by to see the birthday girl only to be disappointed to find out that she's asleep.Oh, and in the midst playing on our bed, just before she slept, she somehow managed to lose her footing and slipped of our platform bed and fell on the carpeted floor. Needless to say, tears were shed but she showed no ill-effects after that. Surprisingly, she fell asleep at 10.30pm again - that's how tired she was.
Although we didn't get to celebrate her birthday, not that we were planning to hold a party or anything of that sort, we did take some time to buy a new toy for her yesterday during lunch. Well, she loved her new toy, judging by her reactions. And there's more courtesy from her uncle and aunt and her grandparents.
Blessed? That's really a mild understatement.
This year's Aidilfitri was a more meaningful and blissful affair for me as compared to the debacle that was last year. We managed to dress up nicely as a family and went about the visiting with the rest of the family. I joked with my wife about setting Izza a target for her "collection" money. As we both took leave on Thursday and Friday, it offered us more time and a less hectic schedule for our visits. We visited those relatives we didn't see last year and some were pleasantly surprised that there's now 3 of us. Obviously, no one told them about our bundle of joy.
Went back to my wife's Mak Andak place in Ayer Hitam on Friday. The planned trip was to start at 9am but we only left Singapore at 11. This was, as usual, through no fault of ours. We only reached Ayer Hitam at 1.30pm and didn't even make it to Kluang to her Mak Long's place as she was out. Glad we went on a weekday though. Travelling to Ayer Hitam and Kluang to visit 2 houses only doesn't seem to be a good plan for a weekend - half a day gone with only 2 houses covered. Not god for me - as the driver, and not good for Izza - for her collection.
Wifey had wanted us to just stay home on Sunday and have a quiet time to ourselves, though that would be a big ask of Izza - she just can't keep still nowadays, especially after 4 days of almost non-stop house visiting. Yeah, we were tired, more so our little princess. Still, I decided to go ahead with the initial plan, which was to meet up with my family and continue visiting relatives. I did make a promise to my wife that whatever it is and no matter whose house was next on the agenda, we'd cut our day at 5pm. This would give us some downtime with her, not to mention some rest as we were working on Monday.
The previous 4 days of action probably took a lot out of her. She slept in the car from 3.30pm and only woke up at home at 7pm. In between, some extended family members dropped by to see the birthday girl only to be disappointed to find out that she's asleep.Oh, and in the midst playing on our bed, just before she slept, she somehow managed to lose her footing and slipped of our platform bed and fell on the carpeted floor. Needless to say, tears were shed but she showed no ill-effects after that. Surprisingly, she fell asleep at 10.30pm again - that's how tired she was.
Although we didn't get to celebrate her birthday, not that we were planning to hold a party or anything of that sort, we did take some time to buy a new toy for her yesterday during lunch. Well, she loved her new toy, judging by her reactions. And there's more courtesy from her uncle and aunt and her grandparents.
Friday, September 26, 2008
That Aidilfitri Conundrum
We're a few days away from the big day. No, not the first ever Formula 1 night race. I'm referring to Aidilfitri. Well, the race is exciting in some ways but it can never be as exciting as celebrating Aidilfirti.....
For goodness sake, I'm gushing like 11-year old who can't stop thinking about duit collection. Lest, I forget, I'm 31 now and Aidilfitri has not been the same for me since I finished school. In fact, I don't remember receiving any green packets since I was 18. Even if I was offered, I'd kindly decline it from my elderly relatives, some of whom I hardly recognise, let alone know their names. When we were younger, Ramadhan was always about how many days of fasting we could manage and Syawal was definitely about how much moolah we could generate.
I could still remember being teased and taunted by my Muslim classmates if and when I skipped a day of fasting. The pressure was on us kids to maintain our inner strength by fasting.....oh, who am I kidding. It's all about avoiding the teasing and the taunting. Even if we could not fast the whole day, we'd try to keep up appearances just to look that we were indeed fasting by staying away from the canteen during recess. Plus the fact that constant reminders from our closer relatives that the kids who do not fast don't get to celebrate Aidilfitri - meaning no moolah. We did our fasting - but for all the wrong reasons.
Where it was once uncool not to be fasting, it seems to be even more uncool nowadays to be fasting. Too often have I seen young kids, barely out of their teens, walking hand-in-hand with their special one, cigarette in one hand, soft drink in the other hand. Just when I try to reason that probably the girl couldn't fast because of her period, the boy takes a long drag on his ciggie and gulps down the drink as soon as he exhales. Sometimes I ask myself, do these kid know they don't get to celebrate Aidilfitri if they don't fast?
The real meaning of Aidilfitri has been obscured by the excesses of today's youth. Where Aidilfitri was a supposed to be a celebration for the successful completion of fasting - an abstinence from our vice and excesses - it has become a commercial celebration for some, replete with the showcasing of new clothes and accesories, they may not wear again for another year. Then again, who am I to comment on it? I just hope my daughter doesn't fall into that spiral.
Another gripe I have about Aidilfitri, and this is played out year by year, is the question of where to go and when to go. No!!! Not the Bazaar in Geylang. I meant the destinations of the eve of Aidilfitri and the day itself - and I'm referring to which parents' house first on each day. Every year, the same question gets asked and the same conundrum strikes again. It's a conundrum that bugs and irks me all the same everytime. And almost without fail at least one of us ends up feeling like crap.
Every couple has their own way of dealing with this sticky issue. Sadly, after 5 years, we have yet to reach an agreeable plan we both can stick to every year. The only break was last Aidilfitri when she just gave birth and this issue didn't crop up - though a much bigger one played out in the end. I mean, me being the eldest son and her being the youngest and only daughter makes it just that bit harder to decide where our priority should lie. For me, it's clear that since I'm the eldest son, we should spend more time at my parent's place. For her, since she's the youngest and the only daughter, she is expected to help out her parents.
Blame it on filial piety. We both got our own set of parents and there's no denying that our individual sense of filial piety are at odds with each other. While we try to be fair to each other, that Holy Grail of of any relationshop - the common ground - is much harder to reach than anyone thought. Well, good luck to me then to find that common ground.
For goodness sake, I'm gushing like 11-year old who can't stop thinking about duit collection. Lest, I forget, I'm 31 now and Aidilfitri has not been the same for me since I finished school. In fact, I don't remember receiving any green packets since I was 18. Even if I was offered, I'd kindly decline it from my elderly relatives, some of whom I hardly recognise, let alone know their names. When we were younger, Ramadhan was always about how many days of fasting we could manage and Syawal was definitely about how much moolah we could generate.
I could still remember being teased and taunted by my Muslim classmates if and when I skipped a day of fasting. The pressure was on us kids to maintain our inner strength by fasting.....oh, who am I kidding. It's all about avoiding the teasing and the taunting. Even if we could not fast the whole day, we'd try to keep up appearances just to look that we were indeed fasting by staying away from the canteen during recess. Plus the fact that constant reminders from our closer relatives that the kids who do not fast don't get to celebrate Aidilfitri - meaning no moolah. We did our fasting - but for all the wrong reasons.
Where it was once uncool not to be fasting, it seems to be even more uncool nowadays to be fasting. Too often have I seen young kids, barely out of their teens, walking hand-in-hand with their special one, cigarette in one hand, soft drink in the other hand. Just when I try to reason that probably the girl couldn't fast because of her period, the boy takes a long drag on his ciggie and gulps down the drink as soon as he exhales. Sometimes I ask myself, do these kid know they don't get to celebrate Aidilfitri if they don't fast?
The real meaning of Aidilfitri has been obscured by the excesses of today's youth. Where Aidilfitri was a supposed to be a celebration for the successful completion of fasting - an abstinence from our vice and excesses - it has become a commercial celebration for some, replete with the showcasing of new clothes and accesories, they may not wear again for another year. Then again, who am I to comment on it? I just hope my daughter doesn't fall into that spiral.
Another gripe I have about Aidilfitri, and this is played out year by year, is the question of where to go and when to go. No!!! Not the Bazaar in Geylang. I meant the destinations of the eve of Aidilfitri and the day itself - and I'm referring to which parents' house first on each day. Every year, the same question gets asked and the same conundrum strikes again. It's a conundrum that bugs and irks me all the same everytime. And almost without fail at least one of us ends up feeling like crap.
Every couple has their own way of dealing with this sticky issue. Sadly, after 5 years, we have yet to reach an agreeable plan we both can stick to every year. The only break was last Aidilfitri when she just gave birth and this issue didn't crop up - though a much bigger one played out in the end. I mean, me being the eldest son and her being the youngest and only daughter makes it just that bit harder to decide where our priority should lie. For me, it's clear that since I'm the eldest son, we should spend more time at my parent's place. For her, since she's the youngest and the only daughter, she is expected to help out her parents.
Blame it on filial piety. We both got our own set of parents and there's no denying that our individual sense of filial piety are at odds with each other. While we try to be fair to each other, that Holy Grail of of any relationshop - the common ground - is much harder to reach than anyone thought. Well, good luck to me then to find that common ground.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Racing through....
Ladies and Gentlemen, rev your engines!!!!
Yeap! Formula 1 weekend is finally here. Wait!!! Why am I getting excited??
Honestly, I've always thought that it was a waste of time to attend a motorsport event in person. I mean, why go to the races when you can probably only watch the part of the race where you are at while missing the action at other sections. Plus, the sky-high prices for the pit garage grandstand tickets are enough to put most people, bar the die-hards and the uber rich. I've always told myself that I would stay away from the Marina Bay area cos the crowds would probably be too much for me. In any case, I won't know who's in the lead at the races and all I'll get is just a ringing sensation in my ears and glazed eyes from watching the cars zoom by. So, come this weekend, you're more likely to find me trawling through the narrow walkways of the Ramadan Bazaar at Geylang Serai.
Speaking of which, I have yet to go there this year. That is, in itself, a record of sorts. I have always made it a point to soak up the atmosphere there, not to mention the sights, sounds and, urgh, smells of sweat and smoke. This year, however, I have put that off till the very last weekend of Ramadan. Not that I have lost the spirit for festivities, rather, it's the presence of my daughter that puts me off going there. The small walkways and the claustrophobic surroundings can freak an adult out, more so, a baby. On one hand, I wanted to expose her to the bazaar but on the other hand, I'm concerned for her safety; not to mention wanting to avoid having to go through one of her cranky periods. Still, I have to make my way there this weekend. I still have some last minute stuff to buy, a new carpet being high on the agenda.
On the topic of new stuff, there are those amongst us who think nothing of changing furniture or personal accessories on a whim, especially with Aidilfitri being around the corner. There a some families who'd change furniture just because there is a small chip on the wooden sofa or a scratch on the metal coffee table. Personally, I can neeither identify with that nor can I keep up with them. It's almost engrained in our culture that we must keep up with the times. Quoting a famous line from an old Malay Movie, 'Orang ada rumah baru, dia mahu rumah , baru. Orang ada radio baru, dia mahu radio baru. Orang ada kreta baru, dia mahu kreta baru". In short, "I want what they got".
Funny. This line has been said countless times in many a rerun. No doubt meant as a poke in our cultural ribs, it has yet to bring about a meaning that resonates in our community - prudence. At times, we put undue pressure on ourselves not to be seen as outdated, we sometimes overspend and live beyond our means. It's no surprise that there many amongst our community who live in debt. So what if it's old? If it ain't broke, dun fix it. I'l readily admit that at some points in my life, in my pursuit of acceptance, I was dragged into this mindset of trying to keep up. Thanks to my financial controller, read: wife, that has been kept in check. Else, I'd be just another name in the OA's list.
Where there was once a tingling feeling everytime I saw a new gadget launched, it's now just a numbed feeling. Why? Simply because, most of my wants has been vetoed so many times, I've practically given up hope of ever attaining them. Thanks dear, for enforcing a sense of prudence in me..
Yeap! Formula 1 weekend is finally here. Wait!!! Why am I getting excited??
Honestly, I've always thought that it was a waste of time to attend a motorsport event in person. I mean, why go to the races when you can probably only watch the part of the race where you are at while missing the action at other sections. Plus, the sky-high prices for the pit garage grandstand tickets are enough to put most people, bar the die-hards and the uber rich. I've always told myself that I would stay away from the Marina Bay area cos the crowds would probably be too much for me. In any case, I won't know who's in the lead at the races and all I'll get is just a ringing sensation in my ears and glazed eyes from watching the cars zoom by. So, come this weekend, you're more likely to find me trawling through the narrow walkways of the Ramadan Bazaar at Geylang Serai.
Speaking of which, I have yet to go there this year. That is, in itself, a record of sorts. I have always made it a point to soak up the atmosphere there, not to mention the sights, sounds and, urgh, smells of sweat and smoke. This year, however, I have put that off till the very last weekend of Ramadan. Not that I have lost the spirit for festivities, rather, it's the presence of my daughter that puts me off going there. The small walkways and the claustrophobic surroundings can freak an adult out, more so, a baby. On one hand, I wanted to expose her to the bazaar but on the other hand, I'm concerned for her safety; not to mention wanting to avoid having to go through one of her cranky periods. Still, I have to make my way there this weekend. I still have some last minute stuff to buy, a new carpet being high on the agenda.
On the topic of new stuff, there are those amongst us who think nothing of changing furniture or personal accessories on a whim, especially with Aidilfitri being around the corner. There a some families who'd change furniture just because there is a small chip on the wooden sofa or a scratch on the metal coffee table. Personally, I can neeither identify with that nor can I keep up with them. It's almost engrained in our culture that we must keep up with the times. Quoting a famous line from an old Malay Movie, 'Orang ada rumah baru, dia mahu rumah , baru. Orang ada radio baru, dia mahu radio baru. Orang ada kreta baru, dia mahu kreta baru". In short, "I want what they got".
Funny. This line has been said countless times in many a rerun. No doubt meant as a poke in our cultural ribs, it has yet to bring about a meaning that resonates in our community - prudence. At times, we put undue pressure on ourselves not to be seen as outdated, we sometimes overspend and live beyond our means. It's no surprise that there many amongst our community who live in debt. So what if it's old? If it ain't broke, dun fix it. I'l readily admit that at some points in my life, in my pursuit of acceptance, I was dragged into this mindset of trying to keep up. Thanks to my financial controller, read: wife, that has been kept in check. Else, I'd be just another name in the OA's list.
Where there was once a tingling feeling everytime I saw a new gadget launched, it's now just a numbed feeling. Why? Simply because, most of my wants has been vetoed so many times, I've practically given up hope of ever attaining them. Thanks dear, for enforcing a sense of prudence in me..
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Friends.............
My blog has undergone through so many resuscitation, it should have been dead and buried by now. As it is, there is still a pulse, just barely. The last time I blabbered about something, it was about the National Day Rally. A month ago.
Since then, we all have gone through some rough times, in terms of the global economic outlook that it makes the Asian Financial Crisis of 1998 look easy. Not since the Great Depression in the 30s has there been so much turmoil in the financial markets around the world. Havoc. Recession looms larger then we might think at some point. Things are looking up in the last few days with the US government vowing not to allow the market to slip into freefall being a welcome respite.
From a global issue to more personal issue.
My wife has always commented how lucky I am to have a big pool of friends. I used to think so myself. There were some points in my life where there wasn't just enough time to devote to a particular group of friends for an extended period. I mean, one weekend would be with a group, another weekend with a different group. What I came to realise was that, I never really had a group of friends whom I have stuck with from the day I had friends. Even now, I don't have a specific group whom I meet up with regularly.
I mean, yeah, I know lots of people and seldom would I be out and about without meeting a familiar face. However, familiarity does not equate to a close bond. Most of the people I know are acquaintances more than friends. People whom have entered my life at some point, for some fleeting moment and left as soon as they appeared. Those that I call friends are those who, at the very least, have my number on their mobile, or have me on Multiply or Friendster. Other than the occasional 'hi's and 'bye's, or the occasional, 'Hey bro, you free? I need your help.', I almost never get the 'Hey bro, you free? Let's meetup for coffee' kind of message/call.
Not that I am complaining. I mean, I'm happier spending time with my baby rather than to spend time with friends who call me out only when they need my help. My wife is different. She is not as sociable and not as friendly as I am. Unlike me, she can't strike up a conversation with someone she barely knows. She does, however, have 2 groups of friends whom she meets up with on a fairly regular basis. 2 friends from her secondary school and 4 from her workplace whom she is especially close to. of her 4 friends from her workplace, 1 is married, while the other 3 are still single. Of the 3 singletons, 1 of them seem to be drifting away, while the other 2 maintains close contact with her.
Having met her workplace friends quite often, I have grown to know them personally. The friend who is married is now mother of three and a full-time housewife. My wife and her 2 friends have always seen the married one as the luckiest. Loving husband, 3 lovely kids, a nice flat and a car. What more could a woman ask for, right?? Recently, it seems, that their marriage is on the rocks and heading towards divorce. Vaguely, I know that the husband has found another woman. Surprising, very surprising indeed. He's always seemed like a faithful husband. He's not that handsome and neither is he filthy rich. So it came as a surprise to us all.
It's very sad to hear of this development, seeing how she has stopped working to become a fulltime housewife and devoting herself to him and their family, only to have that devotion betrayed by his infidelity. Personally, the D-word did cross my mind at some points in my life, especially when I thought that our relationship had broken down irretrievably. I mean, I admit that there were times when I thought I could no longer live with her or her family members. However, at no point did I ever consider having another woman.
Invariably, just when we thought life could not be any better, it takes a plunge downhill. And when it seems there can be no light at the end of that dark tunnel, a tiny ray of light peeks through. I have never doubted our individual strengths as human beings, and the wonders the body can do when the mind is focused. Thus, I'm sure my wife's friend would come out of this stronger and a better person. I do pray for her happiness as well as her other friends'.
The same goes to my friends, whoever and wherever they may be. I'm always there for them. Be it a loan, help with their car or just a listening ear when you think you've reached the lowest ebb of your life, I'll help where I can..........even if you don't intend to ask me out for a drink anytime soon.
Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!
Since then, we all have gone through some rough times, in terms of the global economic outlook that it makes the Asian Financial Crisis of 1998 look easy. Not since the Great Depression in the 30s has there been so much turmoil in the financial markets around the world. Havoc. Recession looms larger then we might think at some point. Things are looking up in the last few days with the US government vowing not to allow the market to slip into freefall being a welcome respite.
From a global issue to more personal issue.
My wife has always commented how lucky I am to have a big pool of friends. I used to think so myself. There were some points in my life where there wasn't just enough time to devote to a particular group of friends for an extended period. I mean, one weekend would be with a group, another weekend with a different group. What I came to realise was that, I never really had a group of friends whom I have stuck with from the day I had friends. Even now, I don't have a specific group whom I meet up with regularly.
I mean, yeah, I know lots of people and seldom would I be out and about without meeting a familiar face. However, familiarity does not equate to a close bond. Most of the people I know are acquaintances more than friends. People whom have entered my life at some point, for some fleeting moment and left as soon as they appeared. Those that I call friends are those who, at the very least, have my number on their mobile, or have me on Multiply or Friendster. Other than the occasional 'hi's and 'bye's, or the occasional, 'Hey bro, you free? I need your help.', I almost never get the 'Hey bro, you free? Let's meetup for coffee' kind of message/call.
Not that I am complaining. I mean, I'm happier spending time with my baby rather than to spend time with friends who call me out only when they need my help. My wife is different. She is not as sociable and not as friendly as I am. Unlike me, she can't strike up a conversation with someone she barely knows. She does, however, have 2 groups of friends whom she meets up with on a fairly regular basis. 2 friends from her secondary school and 4 from her workplace whom she is especially close to. of her 4 friends from her workplace, 1 is married, while the other 3 are still single. Of the 3 singletons, 1 of them seem to be drifting away, while the other 2 maintains close contact with her.
Having met her workplace friends quite often, I have grown to know them personally. The friend who is married is now mother of three and a full-time housewife. My wife and her 2 friends have always seen the married one as the luckiest. Loving husband, 3 lovely kids, a nice flat and a car. What more could a woman ask for, right?? Recently, it seems, that their marriage is on the rocks and heading towards divorce. Vaguely, I know that the husband has found another woman. Surprising, very surprising indeed. He's always seemed like a faithful husband. He's not that handsome and neither is he filthy rich. So it came as a surprise to us all.
It's very sad to hear of this development, seeing how she has stopped working to become a fulltime housewife and devoting herself to him and their family, only to have that devotion betrayed by his infidelity. Personally, the D-word did cross my mind at some points in my life, especially when I thought that our relationship had broken down irretrievably. I mean, I admit that there were times when I thought I could no longer live with her or her family members. However, at no point did I ever consider having another woman.
Invariably, just when we thought life could not be any better, it takes a plunge downhill. And when it seems there can be no light at the end of that dark tunnel, a tiny ray of light peeks through. I have never doubted our individual strengths as human beings, and the wonders the body can do when the mind is focused. Thus, I'm sure my wife's friend would come out of this stronger and a better person. I do pray for her happiness as well as her other friends'.
The same goes to my friends, whoever and wherever they may be. I'm always there for them. Be it a loan, help with their car or just a listening ear when you think you've reached the lowest ebb of your life, I'll help where I can..........even if you don't intend to ask me out for a drink anytime soon.
Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
That speech.............
I guess the big news this past day or so has been the PM's speech at the National Day Rally. Admittedly, I have never been one to watch the Rally on TV, often preferring other programs, or playing games on my PC if there are no other more interesting shows. Since I started working, that changed. I, as do many Singaporeans, wait with bated breath, all the while hoping for more handouts and goodies to be announced.
We Singaporeans are a strange bunch. We clap our hands at the announcements made by the PM on the various plans they have in place for us. We nod our heads in apparent agreement at the slides and the graphs, trying to make sense of the facts and figures being put before us and yet, at the same time, we dismiss the policies being put forth as money politics from the government. I admit, I'm one of them. I'm happy at the measures that affect me and my family directly (extended maternity leave, more child-care leave, more child-care centers and more subsidy for them). However, I cringe when it is put to us that in fact we are saving more than we think with all the policies already in place.
While I agree that the reduction in road tax covers the increase in ERP, more for some than for others, they are 2 totally different things. Road-tax is paid yearly or half-yearly. Many car owners, set aside a part of their AWS or bonus for this purpose. As such we don't feel the savings when we do pay the road tax. But any increase in ERP is immediately felt as we pay as we use.
Then again, personally, I feel that if one gripes too much about the increasing ERP, it probably means he or she shouldn't be driving especially if the $100 or so increase in ERP really does affect his monthly budget. Yes, I'm unhappy about the ERP increase, but I'm not changing my driving habits just so that I could save $0.50 here and $0.20 there. Heck, I'm not about to skip a "McHappy Meal" like Hitler does and neither would I switch to a BMX any time in future.
Enough griping from me for now. It won't changed the fact that we, as consumers will always be at the mercy of the producers. It's all politics.
Talking about politics, the stories coming out from across the causeway is really making me have a good laugh. Where else would you get religion, politics and sleaze all rolled into one soap opera for the masses? All the talk of reformasi reform if you'd prefer is thoroughly overshadowed by charges of sodomy. 10 years on since the last sodomy charge levelled against Anwar Ibrahim, nothing much has changed. Personally, I find it hard to believe that a 23 year old man can succumb and allow himself to be sodomised by a 61 year old man. I mean it does take some force, if indeed the act did take place, to strip a young physically able man down without his consent and make him bend over, especially if the one doing the forcing is 61 years old. Anwar must have been working out real good.
For all the talk of change by the Malaysian government to appease the populace, nothing has really improved. Really. What change is there when the traffic cops on the north south highway still ask for RM50 to settle what they claimed was speeding by predominanly Singapore cars? More on that at another time. There are more important things in life and I think one of them is that Izzati needs a younger sibling........
We Singaporeans are a strange bunch. We clap our hands at the announcements made by the PM on the various plans they have in place for us. We nod our heads in apparent agreement at the slides and the graphs, trying to make sense of the facts and figures being put before us and yet, at the same time, we dismiss the policies being put forth as money politics from the government. I admit, I'm one of them. I'm happy at the measures that affect me and my family directly (extended maternity leave, more child-care leave, more child-care centers and more subsidy for them). However, I cringe when it is put to us that in fact we are saving more than we think with all the policies already in place.
While I agree that the reduction in road tax covers the increase in ERP, more for some than for others, they are 2 totally different things. Road-tax is paid yearly or half-yearly. Many car owners, set aside a part of their AWS or bonus for this purpose. As such we don't feel the savings when we do pay the road tax. But any increase in ERP is immediately felt as we pay as we use.
Then again, personally, I feel that if one gripes too much about the increasing ERP, it probably means he or she shouldn't be driving especially if the $100 or so increase in ERP really does affect his monthly budget. Yes, I'm unhappy about the ERP increase, but I'm not changing my driving habits just so that I could save $0.50 here and $0.20 there. Heck, I'm not about to skip a "McHappy Meal" like Hitler does and neither would I switch to a BMX any time in future.
Enough griping from me for now. It won't changed the fact that we, as consumers will always be at the mercy of the producers. It's all politics.
Talking about politics, the stories coming out from across the causeway is really making me have a good laugh. Where else would you get religion, politics and sleaze all rolled into one soap opera for the masses? All the talk of reformasi reform if you'd prefer is thoroughly overshadowed by charges of sodomy. 10 years on since the last sodomy charge levelled against Anwar Ibrahim, nothing much has changed. Personally, I find it hard to believe that a 23 year old man can succumb and allow himself to be sodomised by a 61 year old man. I mean it does take some force, if indeed the act did take place, to strip a young physically able man down without his consent and make him bend over, especially if the one doing the forcing is 61 years old. Anwar must have been working out real good.
For all the talk of change by the Malaysian government to appease the populace, nothing has really improved. Really. What change is there when the traffic cops on the north south highway still ask for RM50 to settle what they claimed was speeding by predominanly Singapore cars? More on that at another time. There are more important things in life and I think one of them is that Izzati needs a younger sibling........
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The resuscitation
CLEAR!!!!
TEEEEEEETTTTT !!! Flatline.....
That's how my blog is right now. Barely alive. No thanks to my PC which died on me. Oh well, luckily I know CPR. Been 2 months since I rambled - too long for my imaginary loyal fanbase.
In that 2 months, my PC died a horrible death (power supply failed on me and I had to look for the authorised distributor to get it replaced, since it's a custom PC), I celebrated my 5th wedding anniversary and prices all around us shows no signs of abating. Another long rant from me about ever-increasing prices, maybe.
My princess is now 9 mths old, getting more and more cheeky, not to mention more and more active. She's crawling all over the place - no more letting her out of our sight for more than 2 minutes. The fact that she likes to taste things she can touch and hold necessitates this. If it's something that she can grab, it definitely is worth a bite. Give her the teether toys we bought for her and 30 second later, she'd off to find something else more interesting. So far, she has been doing well, apart from that week during our anniversary when she had her first real illness. That bronchitis really took a lot out of her and she lost a bit of weight as a result. She's doing fine now though.
On a separate note, I read with incredulity the words of our Finance Minister, on his views about increasing our pay to fight off inflation. The words NO PAY HIKE really struck a chord, or should I say nerve, with many Singaporeans. Another report also mentioned that the average Singaporean earns $4000 monthly and is well-equipped to handle the current inflation. Instead of raising salaries, the only way to stave of inflation is through continuous upgrading of our skills so as to command a higher pay.
You know, I agree on the last point. To get an increment, we have to prove to our employers that we are productive and add value to them. In order to do so, we need to keep ourselves relevant. However, to upgrade our skills to command a better pay, we first need to pay to enrol in such improvement classes. I think many of those who are in need of upgrading are already living hand-to-mouth leaving precious little for upgrading courses. In order to avoid the vicious price-wage cycle, the government left us in a different cycle - the upgrading vs necessity expenditures. Money not enough?
Like many of us, I wish I am just an average Singaporean. However, going by the reports mentioned, I'm a long way off the $4000 monthly average. It doesn't look like I'll get there anytime soon. Plus, by the time I do get there, the average might have risen to $8000 monthly. Anyway, how the heck did they arrive at $4000?? Did they include the ministerial pay?? I'm sure the ministers are baying for blood now that the PM has donated his increment and expects them to do the same, I mean who could accept a denial of few hundred thousand more a month???
So, if anyone knows someone who as a few thousand spare which they have no use for and would like to give away, do let me know. I may not be needy, but hell, I'm sure in need of it.
TEEEEEEETTTTT !!! Flatline.....
That's how my blog is right now. Barely alive. No thanks to my PC which died on me. Oh well, luckily I know CPR. Been 2 months since I rambled - too long for my imaginary loyal fanbase.
In that 2 months, my PC died a horrible death (power supply failed on me and I had to look for the authorised distributor to get it replaced, since it's a custom PC), I celebrated my 5th wedding anniversary and prices all around us shows no signs of abating. Another long rant from me about ever-increasing prices, maybe.
My princess is now 9 mths old, getting more and more cheeky, not to mention more and more active. She's crawling all over the place - no more letting her out of our sight for more than 2 minutes. The fact that she likes to taste things she can touch and hold necessitates this. If it's something that she can grab, it definitely is worth a bite. Give her the teether toys we bought for her and 30 second later, she'd off to find something else more interesting. So far, she has been doing well, apart from that week during our anniversary when she had her first real illness. That bronchitis really took a lot out of her and she lost a bit of weight as a result. She's doing fine now though.
On a separate note, I read with incredulity the words of our Finance Minister, on his views about increasing our pay to fight off inflation. The words NO PAY HIKE really struck a chord, or should I say nerve, with many Singaporeans. Another report also mentioned that the average Singaporean earns $4000 monthly and is well-equipped to handle the current inflation. Instead of raising salaries, the only way to stave of inflation is through continuous upgrading of our skills so as to command a higher pay.
You know, I agree on the last point. To get an increment, we have to prove to our employers that we are productive and add value to them. In order to do so, we need to keep ourselves relevant. However, to upgrade our skills to command a better pay, we first need to pay to enrol in such improvement classes. I think many of those who are in need of upgrading are already living hand-to-mouth leaving precious little for upgrading courses. In order to avoid the vicious price-wage cycle, the government left us in a different cycle - the upgrading vs necessity expenditures. Money not enough?
Like many of us, I wish I am just an average Singaporean. However, going by the reports mentioned, I'm a long way off the $4000 monthly average. It doesn't look like I'll get there anytime soon. Plus, by the time I do get there, the average might have risen to $8000 monthly. Anyway, how the heck did they arrive at $4000?? Did they include the ministerial pay?? I'm sure the ministers are baying for blood now that the PM has donated his increment and expects them to do the same, I mean who could accept a denial of few hundred thousand more a month???
So, if anyone knows someone who as a few thousand spare which they have no use for and would like to give away, do let me know. I may not be needy, but hell, I'm sure in need of it.
Monday, June 02, 2008
That tug-of-war
It's hard being a parent nowadays. We have to ensure that our children grow up just right, else, we'll be seen as a failure. The one question that always comes up when gossiping about that mischievious boy or that uncouth girl is "Who's child is that?". Sad as it may be, that's where we look at when seeing a child misbehave.
It's hard to see a family where only one parent works and the other stays at home to look after the kids, unless of course, the one working also has a side job as an artiste - the singing/acting kind. Personally, I would love to stay home and look after my girl full time, but wifey wouldn't allow it. So, day after day, I find myself trudging to work, trying to make an honest living.
As with many families where both husband and wife are working, we found ourselves grappling with the question of where to send Izza while we worked. Having a maid was out of the question for us as that would mean entrusting the care of our precious to someone we barely know. In wifey's word, I'd rather stop working than hire a maid. So, it was either her mom or mine. Therein, lies the dillemma.
As parents, we want the best for our daughter. As filial son and daughter, we try not to disappoint our parents. The problem is in striking that balance. How many days at my mom's and how many days at her mom's? What about weekends? Would it be fair? At the center of this tug-of-war is the child, oblivious to what's happening. In my example, we agreed on 4 weekdays at my mom's and 1 at her mom's. Unfair? Try reading my early posts and you'll know why.
That arrangement was torn to shred when my dad-in-law complained that they got too little time with her that in time to come, my daughter wouldn't recognise them. Personally, I thought it was not such a bad thing if that were to really happen, but sparing athought for my wife I relented after a long period of consideration. A reeaaallllyyyyy long period of consideration. My point here is that even though the decisions we make as objectively as possible are for our child's own good, we still have to bear in mind the feelings of the other family members, most notably the grandparents.
I mean, I'm lucky that my mom and her mom get along. Izaa would have really long arms by now if they didn't as she'd be stuck in the middle of a really long tug-of-war with no clear winners and neither side wanting to give in. It would be made worse if either was calculative and starts to take into account the extra milliseconds the other patrty gets to spend with Izza. I mean I can't get it why some grandparents act the way they do. I know they love their grandkids, but can't they understand that the child is not their grnadkid alone.
Even if they think that the other family don't look after the child as well as they think they do, there is no need for them to start denying or limiting access to the child for the other family. Having seen this first hand, I pity such parents who are caught in the middle of over-bearing gandparents. I guess, the parents themselves have to be strong and explain clearly to the grandparents the rational of their decisions and not leave the grandparents to second guess. Any changes should be made known to both sides so that there is no misunderstanding, else the grandparents would start calculating the milliseconds.
I know it's hard. It could be overly straining trying to please everyone. The problem is we can't please everyone. The only thing we can do is to make them understand.
It's hard to see a family where only one parent works and the other stays at home to look after the kids, unless of course, the one working also has a side job as an artiste - the singing/acting kind. Personally, I would love to stay home and look after my girl full time, but wifey wouldn't allow it. So, day after day, I find myself trudging to work, trying to make an honest living.
As with many families where both husband and wife are working, we found ourselves grappling with the question of where to send Izza while we worked. Having a maid was out of the question for us as that would mean entrusting the care of our precious to someone we barely know. In wifey's word, I'd rather stop working than hire a maid. So, it was either her mom or mine. Therein, lies the dillemma.
As parents, we want the best for our daughter. As filial son and daughter, we try not to disappoint our parents. The problem is in striking that balance. How many days at my mom's and how many days at her mom's? What about weekends? Would it be fair? At the center of this tug-of-war is the child, oblivious to what's happening. In my example, we agreed on 4 weekdays at my mom's and 1 at her mom's. Unfair? Try reading my early posts and you'll know why.
That arrangement was torn to shred when my dad-in-law complained that they got too little time with her that in time to come, my daughter wouldn't recognise them. Personally, I thought it was not such a bad thing if that were to really happen, but sparing athought for my wife I relented after a long period of consideration. A reeaaallllyyyyy long period of consideration. My point here is that even though the decisions we make as objectively as possible are for our child's own good, we still have to bear in mind the feelings of the other family members, most notably the grandparents.
I mean, I'm lucky that my mom and her mom get along. Izaa would have really long arms by now if they didn't as she'd be stuck in the middle of a really long tug-of-war with no clear winners and neither side wanting to give in. It would be made worse if either was calculative and starts to take into account the extra milliseconds the other patrty gets to spend with Izza. I mean I can't get it why some grandparents act the way they do. I know they love their grandkids, but can't they understand that the child is not their grnadkid alone.
Even if they think that the other family don't look after the child as well as they think they do, there is no need for them to start denying or limiting access to the child for the other family. Having seen this first hand, I pity such parents who are caught in the middle of over-bearing gandparents. I guess, the parents themselves have to be strong and explain clearly to the grandparents the rational of their decisions and not leave the grandparents to second guess. Any changes should be made known to both sides so that there is no misunderstanding, else the grandparents would start calculating the milliseconds.
I know it's hard. It could be overly straining trying to please everyone. The problem is we can't please everyone. The only thing we can do is to make them understand.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Can I say that?
For the longest time, my wife and my sister has been saying that I'm too long-winded and have that tendency to go on and on with my blogs. It's akin to reading a school textbook on a weekend one might say, takes too much of one's time. Then again, I didn't read my textbooks even during the weekdays in my early pre-university days.
I do have to admit that they could be really long, but what can I say, I got a lot of things on my mind. So much to say but it just doesn't come out in normal conversations. I mean who'd want to hear your opinions about third world issues or the rising cost of living when sipping that cup of latte or slurping that ice blended drink at the cafe during one of oh-so-rare time you get to spend with friends or loved ones. We'd all much rather catch up on some gossip and finding out what our present company at that time are up to.
It here that I could really express myself and really say what I want. It's here that I get to compose my thoughts and pen them down with little worry over repercussions or a sound bite from an acidic tongue. There were far too many times, in the midst of trying to make my point, that I somehow managed to say the wrong things and end up hurting the one I was talking to. Somehow, I feel safe here, in the knowledge that whoever the post, or rant, was directed to would get that subtle hint without it coming out the wrong way, I hope.
I have to admit that there were some sly digs, and some dirty linen being washed in public. Thinking back, it's not really the wisest thing to do. Granted that the people I'm throwing mud at don't really know what a URL or what the WWW is. Which means they won't be reading this. Either way, anyone who's been reading my early posts would know that my dislike for my "other" family is understated. Still, sometimes, I can't help it, in spite of dearest's protestations.
Finding a balance is never easy. In fact, it's next to impossible to please everyone. Someone's gotta get the short end of the stick. Personally, I think I've been giving myself the short end of the stick on a regular basis. There were a lot of times when I have backed down from whatever decision that I have made earlier. Call me spineless, but I think backing down doesn't mean I'm in a losing situation all the time. At the very least, I manage to avert another long argument by saying, "Yes dear", "I leave it to you to decide" or "Up to you, honey".
I guess, one thing I've learnt these past few years is that you can't please everyone, but you could please the one who means the most in your life, even if comes at your expense. Plus, I've always believed that love depends a lot on sacrifices you make for one another.
I do have to admit that they could be really long, but what can I say, I got a lot of things on my mind. So much to say but it just doesn't come out in normal conversations. I mean who'd want to hear your opinions about third world issues or the rising cost of living when sipping that cup of latte or slurping that ice blended drink at the cafe during one of oh-so-rare time you get to spend with friends or loved ones. We'd all much rather catch up on some gossip and finding out what our present company at that time are up to.
It here that I could really express myself and really say what I want. It's here that I get to compose my thoughts and pen them down with little worry over repercussions or a sound bite from an acidic tongue. There were far too many times, in the midst of trying to make my point, that I somehow managed to say the wrong things and end up hurting the one I was talking to. Somehow, I feel safe here, in the knowledge that whoever the post, or rant, was directed to would get that subtle hint without it coming out the wrong way, I hope.
I have to admit that there were some sly digs, and some dirty linen being washed in public. Thinking back, it's not really the wisest thing to do. Granted that the people I'm throwing mud at don't really know what a URL or what the WWW is. Which means they won't be reading this. Either way, anyone who's been reading my early posts would know that my dislike for my "other" family is understated. Still, sometimes, I can't help it, in spite of dearest's protestations.
Finding a balance is never easy. In fact, it's next to impossible to please everyone. Someone's gotta get the short end of the stick. Personally, I think I've been giving myself the short end of the stick on a regular basis. There were a lot of times when I have backed down from whatever decision that I have made earlier. Call me spineless, but I think backing down doesn't mean I'm in a losing situation all the time. At the very least, I manage to avert another long argument by saying, "Yes dear", "I leave it to you to decide" or "Up to you, honey".
I guess, one thing I've learnt these past few years is that you can't please everyone, but you could please the one who means the most in your life, even if comes at your expense. Plus, I've always believed that love depends a lot on sacrifices you make for one another.
Friday, May 30, 2008
That petrol subsidy
It's sad isn't it when the very people you put your trust in betrays that trust?
How else would you term the Myanmar government saying that the people could eat frogs and fish to survive? It's really strange coming from the rulers who have lived the high life while the people they are supposed to be ruling are suffering. Haven't you heard? Myanmar has a new capital, Naypidaw, in place of Yangon. If not for the typhoon, and Ban Ki Mun's visit to Myanmar, one would have thought that the Generals themselves lived in wooden huts. But no! They are staying at grand palaces freshly minted while millions of people are starving. Try putting yourselves in your people's shoes Than Shwe!!!
OK enough politics.
Are you kidding....I ain't done yet!
The recent banning of petrol sales to foreign vehicles are bound to hit our neighbours up north. No matter how much they deny, they can never run away that they depend a lot on us Singaporeans for their livelihood. Banning the sale of petrol is akin to biting the hand that feeds you. Granted that the Malaysian Federal budget is far more than what we Singaporeans spend, you can't help but sympathise with the seafood restaurants and the many food stalls that make up the landscape whose businesses who are sure to suffer.
Think about it. If Singaporeans are unable to fill up petrol while they shop and dine, then what's the point of going there in the first place? Part of the attraction of going to JB is not just the cheaper goods, it's also the cheap petrol. Taking away one will definitely make it less appealing for us to go there. Add in the appaling crime rates, a definite turn off is obvious. I don't see the need to go to JB for seafood an having to go through that terrible jam at the checkpoint but not able to top up my petrol.
I'm not surprised that there is an uproar within their ranks, concerned at the impact it might have, both economically and socially. Knowing the Malaysians, this ruling may not even be implemented in the long run especially with the implication it might have for the "little people". Thinking about it, the ban does not apply to motorcycles as they "spared a thought for the little people". I just wonder how the guys with bikes more powerful than many cars we have on our roads could qualify as little people when their bikes cost more than the homes of many Malaysians. Makes sense?
Well, much of what the Malaysians do doesn't make sense to me anyway. Personally, if they don't want us to benefit from their subsidies, so be it. The way I see it, if we Singaporeans have to resort to subsidised Malaysian petrol, we might as well don't have a car in the first place.
Ok I'm done mouthing off.....thanks for reading....heheheh
How else would you term the Myanmar government saying that the people could eat frogs and fish to survive? It's really strange coming from the rulers who have lived the high life while the people they are supposed to be ruling are suffering. Haven't you heard? Myanmar has a new capital, Naypidaw, in place of Yangon. If not for the typhoon, and Ban Ki Mun's visit to Myanmar, one would have thought that the Generals themselves lived in wooden huts. But no! They are staying at grand palaces freshly minted while millions of people are starving. Try putting yourselves in your people's shoes Than Shwe!!!
OK enough politics.
Are you kidding....I ain't done yet!
The recent banning of petrol sales to foreign vehicles are bound to hit our neighbours up north. No matter how much they deny, they can never run away that they depend a lot on us Singaporeans for their livelihood. Banning the sale of petrol is akin to biting the hand that feeds you. Granted that the Malaysian Federal budget is far more than what we Singaporeans spend, you can't help but sympathise with the seafood restaurants and the many food stalls that make up the landscape whose businesses who are sure to suffer.
Think about it. If Singaporeans are unable to fill up petrol while they shop and dine, then what's the point of going there in the first place? Part of the attraction of going to JB is not just the cheaper goods, it's also the cheap petrol. Taking away one will definitely make it less appealing for us to go there. Add in the appaling crime rates, a definite turn off is obvious. I don't see the need to go to JB for seafood an having to go through that terrible jam at the checkpoint but not able to top up my petrol.
I'm not surprised that there is an uproar within their ranks, concerned at the impact it might have, both economically and socially. Knowing the Malaysians, this ruling may not even be implemented in the long run especially with the implication it might have for the "little people". Thinking about it, the ban does not apply to motorcycles as they "spared a thought for the little people". I just wonder how the guys with bikes more powerful than many cars we have on our roads could qualify as little people when their bikes cost more than the homes of many Malaysians. Makes sense?
Well, much of what the Malaysians do doesn't make sense to me anyway. Personally, if they don't want us to benefit from their subsidies, so be it. The way I see it, if we Singaporeans have to resort to subsidised Malaysian petrol, we might as well don't have a car in the first place.
Ok I'm done mouthing off.....thanks for reading....heheheh
Monday, May 26, 2008
Is there a solution??
Was reading the papers just now. Something just tickled me. DPM Wong Kan Seng highlighted in Parliament the various disciplinary measures taken against those whose lapses enabled Mas Selamat to escape and wreaked untold discomfort to many of us Singaporeans.
The superintendent got sacked and his deputy was given the permanent order to hentak kaki and got demoted at the same time. Unfortunate for these 2 fellows, but someone's gotta pay. It's all good that something is done to prevent such escapes, but one has to ask, was the sacking of the superintendent enough? What I'm really asking is why, despite the calls from some quarters for more accountability, is Wong Kan Seng not the head to roll? The answer put forward was removing Wong Kan Seng would not have solved any problems. Really?
I doubt that Sir Alex Ferguson would still be manager of Manchester United if they were relegated to the Championship. Put it this way, while I'm not one who'd go out to lead a call for Wong Kan Seng to be removed, or any minister for that matter, I'd have thought that someone in the Cabinet be held responsible or even offered to resign over this whole fiasco. Not only has the populace been affected, the country's squeaky clean image has been tarnished.
I guess someone in the Cabinet would have been sacked had Mas Selamat sent a postcard from some remote location like Ungkaya Pukan in the Southern Philippines or Sawahlunto in Sumatra to the PM, Sm or MM saying, "Wish you were here!!!"
Something else in the papers recently also had me thinking - MM Lee, in response to calls from some people to provide subsidies, said that Singaporeans would always be asking for more even when a lot has been done by the Government to reduce the impact of rising costs. I have to agree that a lot has been done, but is it enough? The price of petrol has been jumping so much that it makes the ERS a distant memory. The price of rice has steadily climbed that the GST rebates seem like a pittance. The utilities bill tariffs has gone up but the growth bonus doesn't seem like it's as much as the Government makes it out to be.
In fact, MM Lee said providing subsidies is not the solution to the problem of rising costs. We, Singaporeans, need to work harder ad smarter to make Singapore a more dynamic place so that Singapore is always at the forefront. Hmmmmm....I've seen to have read that somewhere before. Oh, sacking Wong Kan Seng isn't the answer to the problem. I feel that in order to Singapore to remain competitive globally, Singapore needs to be investing a lot in the one resource we have - Singaporeans.
What's the use of investing globally when the needs of the average Singaporeans are, while not exactly neglected, not being addressed fully. What's the point of having trillions in our reserves if the people are having to worry constantly if they can remain debt-free, due to all the price hikes? C'mon Lee, show me the money!!
On another note, 2 close friends of mine, Iswandy and Isnani, are about to become a first time parents. Congrats bro and sis, welcome to the club!!
The superintendent got sacked and his deputy was given the permanent order to hentak kaki and got demoted at the same time. Unfortunate for these 2 fellows, but someone's gotta pay. It's all good that something is done to prevent such escapes, but one has to ask, was the sacking of the superintendent enough? What I'm really asking is why, despite the calls from some quarters for more accountability, is Wong Kan Seng not the head to roll? The answer put forward was removing Wong Kan Seng would not have solved any problems. Really?
I doubt that Sir Alex Ferguson would still be manager of Manchester United if they were relegated to the Championship. Put it this way, while I'm not one who'd go out to lead a call for Wong Kan Seng to be removed, or any minister for that matter, I'd have thought that someone in the Cabinet be held responsible or even offered to resign over this whole fiasco. Not only has the populace been affected, the country's squeaky clean image has been tarnished.
I guess someone in the Cabinet would have been sacked had Mas Selamat sent a postcard from some remote location like Ungkaya Pukan in the Southern Philippines or Sawahlunto in Sumatra to the PM, Sm or MM saying, "Wish you were here!!!"
Something else in the papers recently also had me thinking - MM Lee, in response to calls from some people to provide subsidies, said that Singaporeans would always be asking for more even when a lot has been done by the Government to reduce the impact of rising costs. I have to agree that a lot has been done, but is it enough? The price of petrol has been jumping so much that it makes the ERS a distant memory. The price of rice has steadily climbed that the GST rebates seem like a pittance. The utilities bill tariffs has gone up but the growth bonus doesn't seem like it's as much as the Government makes it out to be.
In fact, MM Lee said providing subsidies is not the solution to the problem of rising costs. We, Singaporeans, need to work harder ad smarter to make Singapore a more dynamic place so that Singapore is always at the forefront. Hmmmmm....I've seen to have read that somewhere before. Oh, sacking Wong Kan Seng isn't the answer to the problem. I feel that in order to Singapore to remain competitive globally, Singapore needs to be investing a lot in the one resource we have - Singaporeans.
What's the use of investing globally when the needs of the average Singaporeans are, while not exactly neglected, not being addressed fully. What's the point of having trillions in our reserves if the people are having to worry constantly if they can remain debt-free, due to all the price hikes? C'mon Lee, show me the money!!
On another note, 2 close friends of mine, Iswandy and Isnani, are about to become a first time parents. Congrats bro and sis, welcome to the club!!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Some rocky questions...
It's been a turbulent past couple of weeks hasn't it?? Typhoon Nargis swept through the Irrawady Delta and inundated the whole area wiping villages off the maps, killing whole families and leaving those alive clutching at what little strands of hope they may have. Sichuan was rocked at it's foundations by a big one and the same scenario played itself out in a matter of days. Last count: 55000 dead in Sichuan and God knows how many in Myanmar, considering the efficiency of the military government in accepting aid.
It really peeves me that the government could come up with the dumbest of reasons to not accept aid. Pride?? I say it's sheer stupidity. How could anyone put a price on the lives that are affected? Instead of accepting whatever aid that is made available, they managed to alienate themselves by refusing aid when it's practically at their doorstep. Maybe it's a Myanmar thing, just as it is a Singaporean thing to keep asking for more handouts from our government when we are so privileged. At least the Chinese, while being selective in accepting aid, did not reject aid outright, and in doing so, deserves the sympathy of the world.
The hot topic today is the judgement of the International Court of Justice on the sovereignty of Pedra Branca. As patriotic as I am, I just can't fathom all the hullaballoo with regards to rocky outcrop the size of a football field. My first question is, is it really worth all that trouble to go to the ICJ and argue about that rock? While I agree that if it's part of our island, we should defend and ensure no one encroaches on our territory. But that piece of rock was 40 nautical miles away. All this talk about sovereignty is good, but it's overkill to go to the ICJ for that piece of rock.
At the same time I can't understand the Malaysians. I mean if you left a flower pot at the void deck for a few years and don't claim it even after someone comes along and plants a chilli plant and tends to it for a few years more, what right have you to that tree or the flower pot for that matter. Does the flower pot mean that much to you in the first place for you to leave it at the void deck for years? I mean, Pedra Branca is in the middle of nowhere and no one in the right mind would even want to live that faraway. If there was gold or better still, oil there, heck, I'd send in the Commandos, if necessary, should the Malaysians even come close. But seriously, I doubt even Mahathir would want to live there.
Oh and talking about oil.......
I am getting worried at the ever climbing, nope, make that soaring price of oil. Last I heard, it's scratching $135 per barrel. Everyone knows that oil is just about the most precious commodity in the world now. For all the talk about green technology, nothing is close to replacing oil as the lifeline of the world. Not just it's economy. The increase in the price of oil results in the increase in everything else - which is what's happening right now. Food prices jumped, utility bills jumped, petrol pump prices jumped - twice in a matter of days.......and so am I.
If this goes on, I might have to learn how to drive like the Flintstones and start eating grass. What I'm saying is many of us have read about the Great Depression of the 1930s but were lucky enough not to have experienced it, if we're not careful, we might just go through something like it.
Oh and by the way, if you were at the moon or just came out from under your shell, Manchester United are the Champions of England and Europe!!!
It really peeves me that the government could come up with the dumbest of reasons to not accept aid. Pride?? I say it's sheer stupidity. How could anyone put a price on the lives that are affected? Instead of accepting whatever aid that is made available, they managed to alienate themselves by refusing aid when it's practically at their doorstep. Maybe it's a Myanmar thing, just as it is a Singaporean thing to keep asking for more handouts from our government when we are so privileged. At least the Chinese, while being selective in accepting aid, did not reject aid outright, and in doing so, deserves the sympathy of the world.
The hot topic today is the judgement of the International Court of Justice on the sovereignty of Pedra Branca. As patriotic as I am, I just can't fathom all the hullaballoo with regards to rocky outcrop the size of a football field. My first question is, is it really worth all that trouble to go to the ICJ and argue about that rock? While I agree that if it's part of our island, we should defend and ensure no one encroaches on our territory. But that piece of rock was 40 nautical miles away. All this talk about sovereignty is good, but it's overkill to go to the ICJ for that piece of rock.
At the same time I can't understand the Malaysians. I mean if you left a flower pot at the void deck for a few years and don't claim it even after someone comes along and plants a chilli plant and tends to it for a few years more, what right have you to that tree or the flower pot for that matter. Does the flower pot mean that much to you in the first place for you to leave it at the void deck for years? I mean, Pedra Branca is in the middle of nowhere and no one in the right mind would even want to live that faraway. If there was gold or better still, oil there, heck, I'd send in the Commandos, if necessary, should the Malaysians even come close. But seriously, I doubt even Mahathir would want to live there.
Oh and talking about oil.......
I am getting worried at the ever climbing, nope, make that soaring price of oil. Last I heard, it's scratching $135 per barrel. Everyone knows that oil is just about the most precious commodity in the world now. For all the talk about green technology, nothing is close to replacing oil as the lifeline of the world. Not just it's economy. The increase in the price of oil results in the increase in everything else - which is what's happening right now. Food prices jumped, utility bills jumped, petrol pump prices jumped - twice in a matter of days.......and so am I.
If this goes on, I might have to learn how to drive like the Flintstones and start eating grass. What I'm saying is many of us have read about the Great Depression of the 1930s but were lucky enough not to have experienced it, if we're not careful, we might just go through something like it.
Oh and by the way, if you were at the moon or just came out from under your shell, Manchester United are the Champions of England and Europe!!!
Monday, May 05, 2008
A Trip to Redang - a year in the making
We finally went to Redang Island - well not exactly, we went to Lang Tengah, which is just beside Redang itself. Had actually planned to go to Laguna Redang but was told it was fully booked. So was Berjaya. In the end, after souring the net we decided on D'Coconut Lagoon Resort on Lang Tengah. It's quite a decent resort as we were to find out later.
I started my leave on Tuesday, April 29th in anticipation of the need to service our car prior to the long drive up north. Izzati was left in the care of my parents whom we were to meet up in KL on 2nd May. We decided against bringing her to Redang as she was still too small and it was the right decision too seeing how we had to board the boats at Merang jetty.
So, we left home at 12 midnite, went for supper at Al-Ameen's at Bt Timah and left Singapore at 1am. The drive up north to KL was uneventful with only an overturned truck to gawk at on the way there. Had short stop at Seremban for a petrol top up as well as to stretch out the legs and we proceeeded on to Sungai Besi and bypasssed KL and went round to Cheras before linking back up to the Karak Highway.
That drive on the Karak Highway and the East Coast Highway is even scarier than the drive up the old Mersing road. Not only was it raining heavily on the road before Genting Highlands, it was foggy all the way after that.We had another half-hour stop at Temerloh for our Subuh Prayers and some much needed coffee. That was 6am. We still had 5 hours and roughly 400km to go before we reached Merang.
We barely made it to Merang 1115 hours and the boat was waiting for us at the jetty, we din have time to walk around and really see what was there. Just sort of jumped into the boat and off we went to the island paradise. Took us 1hr plus to get there and the sights that awaited us was breathtaking. Just look at the photos and you'll know what I mean. We skipped the snorkelling on the 1st day and that was justified cos the snorkeling would have sapped what little energy I'd have left after the long drive.
Quite honestly, the island was as laid back as one would get. There was no TV in the room though you did get Astro on the TV at the lounge area. Internet access was RM15 for 30 min access. A can of Coke set you back by RM5 and my wife had 3 cans. The water in the rooms was not drinkable though there was plenty of potable water available at the lounge.
We only went snorkeling on the second day. Was not as enjoyable as I would have liked as the currents were too strong and I spent more time pushing/pulling my wife back to the boat than I did looking at the marine life. Not that either of us could see much without any contact lenses on. If the views under water were less spectacular, the views on land were super. Been a long while since we felt that find powdery sand between our toes and crystal clear waters to frolic in
We had little complaint for our trip to Redang, though we wished we had more time to snoop around KualaTerengganu for some handicraft to be brought back. What little we did get was bought from the many little stalls that lined Merang jetty.
Check out the photo albums......heheheh
I started my leave on Tuesday, April 29th in anticipation of the need to service our car prior to the long drive up north. Izzati was left in the care of my parents whom we were to meet up in KL on 2nd May. We decided against bringing her to Redang as she was still too small and it was the right decision too seeing how we had to board the boats at Merang jetty.
So, we left home at 12 midnite, went for supper at Al-Ameen's at Bt Timah and left Singapore at 1am. The drive up north to KL was uneventful with only an overturned truck to gawk at on the way there. Had short stop at Seremban for a petrol top up as well as to stretch out the legs and we proceeeded on to Sungai Besi and bypasssed KL and went round to Cheras before linking back up to the Karak Highway.
That drive on the Karak Highway and the East Coast Highway is even scarier than the drive up the old Mersing road. Not only was it raining heavily on the road before Genting Highlands, it was foggy all the way after that.We had another half-hour stop at Temerloh for our Subuh Prayers and some much needed coffee. That was 6am. We still had 5 hours and roughly 400km to go before we reached Merang.
We barely made it to Merang 1115 hours and the boat was waiting for us at the jetty, we din have time to walk around and really see what was there. Just sort of jumped into the boat and off we went to the island paradise. Took us 1hr plus to get there and the sights that awaited us was breathtaking. Just look at the photos and you'll know what I mean. We skipped the snorkelling on the 1st day and that was justified cos the snorkeling would have sapped what little energy I'd have left after the long drive.
Quite honestly, the island was as laid back as one would get. There was no TV in the room though you did get Astro on the TV at the lounge area. Internet access was RM15 for 30 min access. A can of Coke set you back by RM5 and my wife had 3 cans. The water in the rooms was not drinkable though there was plenty of potable water available at the lounge.
We only went snorkeling on the second day. Was not as enjoyable as I would have liked as the currents were too strong and I spent more time pushing/pulling my wife back to the boat than I did looking at the marine life. Not that either of us could see much without any contact lenses on. If the views under water were less spectacular, the views on land were super. Been a long while since we felt that find powdery sand between our toes and crystal clear waters to frolic in
We had little complaint for our trip to Redang, though we wished we had more time to snoop around KualaTerengganu for some handicraft to be brought back. What little we did get was bought from the many little stalls that lined Merang jetty.
Check out the photo albums......heheheh
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
A big girl now
How time flies....Still feels like it was only yesterday that I first held you in my arms. That first time I heard your cries, tears immediately welled in my eyes. No words could ever describe the pride and joy I felt at that moment. It's all about her now, I remember telling myself back then.
Watching you grow over the months, hearing you cry whenever you wanted to be fed and needing some attention never fails to bring a spring in my steps, wanting to make sure that your every need is catered for. It's still about her now, till sometimes Mama and Papa feel we've been neglecting each other for you. That, I think, is a sacrifice we are both prepared for.
As time passes, I've noticed your penchant for the outdoors, be it in the mall or out in a park. You always had this thing for a trip to anywhere, as long as there is something new for you to feast your eyes on. Your tantrums at night always has Mama and Papa on our toes as we try our best to get you to sleep, even with you screaming into our ears.
At 6 months, you have learnt to pout your lips whenever I whips out my camera, never failing to give me a nice shot to snap. You have learnt to roll over and over almost to the edge of our bed. So much so, that we have to line the edge of our bed with pillows so that you'll have enough space to practice rolling safely.
I know there are more to come from you. I'm waiting with wide open arms for whatever that may come from you, cos, baby, you are my pride and joy.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Can we be happy?
It's difficult living in Singapore. There are too many people here. There are too many vehicles on the road. Prices are perpetually on an upward trend while salaries dun seem to be reacting correspondingly. Gripes can be heard everywhere from Holland Rd to Geylang. This year alone, petrol prices jumped 4 times. In the same vein, so am I
Heard on the radio that there's a contest of sorts to find The Happiest Person in Singapore. The general consensus is that Singaporeans are a very sad bunch, we all seem to look at the glass half empty, instead of half full. Personally, I think it's true. Many of us just want an easy life - that's the Singaporean dream. That explains the long queues in 4D shops whenever there's a big prize at stake. Heck, I've even seen a pakcik with a songkok and batik printed shirt in one of the lines, hopefully clinging on to that ticket.
It doesn't help that probably 70% of us don't earn more than $3.5K a month. With ever-escalating prices everywhere, increase in GST, increases in utilities bill, many Singaporeans are, in effect, living hand-to-mouth. Whatever we earn at the end of the month goes towards paying bills with little left over for luxuries. With so many worries on our minds, mostly financial, can we ever be happy?
It all depends on what one expects of their lives. While there are those amongst us who would be happy with a 5-figure savings account, there are many more who wouldn't be happy till they see a 7-figure number in their accounts. It's easier said than done to be happy, when our minds are weighted down by incessant worrying. That said, we all could do with a step back and take a deep breath, just to see how lucky we are that we don't have to dodge stray bullets and 500-pound bombs exploding meters away from us.
A few days ago, my wife was looking through this site and saw a few posts with regards to the few amongst the muslims who tarnish the name of our religion by openly eating non-halal food and chugging down alcohols. I think my friends post about the malay girl who bought fishballs was by far the funniest. I mean, it's common sense when someone highlights to you that it's not permissible for you to eat it, then you should refrain from eating it. Heck, even my vegetarian colleagues would avoid eating at places where there are no vegetarian food, much less eat something with even a hint of animal derivatives in it. And they don't even have a "halal" certification to assuage their fears of the food being permissible. We do yet we ignore.
I admit that I'm far from being a good muslim. However, I stay away from non-halal food, and I definitely stay away from alcohol. Once, I was one of those who hung around coffee shops till the wee hours with my bike gang. There were those amongst us who drank. While it did make me uneasy, I hung around - for friendship. After a while though, I decided that I didn't want to lead that kind of lifestyle - the Mat lifestyle. So, I began to stay away, detaching myself from the group.
I reasoned that even though I do not drink, being around them and keeping quiet about it means I'm condoning them. I knew that I'm in no position to lecture them or advice them. I know that the sense of companionship and belonging to a certain clique may seem worth it to some, but to me, I wouldn't want to be in that position where I am morally in conflict with myself. Thus, rather than be privy to their party, I kept away.
Think of it this way, in any court of law, if you are privy to a robbery or an act of terrorism being planned and you kept quiet about it because those planning it are lifelong friends, you are as equally culpable. Case in point, the guy who did not report to the police when he saw the friend with his rifle in a Geylang hotel. He's charged and subsequently convicted. The same goes for us. Knowing a fellow muslim drinks and us doing nothing about it makes us equally culpable.
Yeah, I know I may have brickbats coming my way with the "lu punya kubur lu jaga, gua punya kubur gua jaga" jibes but me keeping my mouth shut means I'm condoning the actions of some of my friends. Thus, here I say it with the hope that when I go to the grave, I go with a clear conscience
Heard on the radio that there's a contest of sorts to find The Happiest Person in Singapore. The general consensus is that Singaporeans are a very sad bunch, we all seem to look at the glass half empty, instead of half full. Personally, I think it's true. Many of us just want an easy life - that's the Singaporean dream. That explains the long queues in 4D shops whenever there's a big prize at stake. Heck, I've even seen a pakcik with a songkok and batik printed shirt in one of the lines, hopefully clinging on to that ticket.
It doesn't help that probably 70% of us don't earn more than $3.5K a month. With ever-escalating prices everywhere, increase in GST, increases in utilities bill, many Singaporeans are, in effect, living hand-to-mouth. Whatever we earn at the end of the month goes towards paying bills with little left over for luxuries. With so many worries on our minds, mostly financial, can we ever be happy?
It all depends on what one expects of their lives. While there are those amongst us who would be happy with a 5-figure savings account, there are many more who wouldn't be happy till they see a 7-figure number in their accounts. It's easier said than done to be happy, when our minds are weighted down by incessant worrying. That said, we all could do with a step back and take a deep breath, just to see how lucky we are that we don't have to dodge stray bullets and 500-pound bombs exploding meters away from us.
A few days ago, my wife was looking through this site and saw a few posts with regards to the few amongst the muslims who tarnish the name of our religion by openly eating non-halal food and chugging down alcohols. I think my friends post about the malay girl who bought fishballs was by far the funniest. I mean, it's common sense when someone highlights to you that it's not permissible for you to eat it, then you should refrain from eating it. Heck, even my vegetarian colleagues would avoid eating at places where there are no vegetarian food, much less eat something with even a hint of animal derivatives in it. And they don't even have a "halal" certification to assuage their fears of the food being permissible. We do yet we ignore.
I admit that I'm far from being a good muslim. However, I stay away from non-halal food, and I definitely stay away from alcohol. Once, I was one of those who hung around coffee shops till the wee hours with my bike gang. There were those amongst us who drank. While it did make me uneasy, I hung around - for friendship. After a while though, I decided that I didn't want to lead that kind of lifestyle - the Mat lifestyle. So, I began to stay away, detaching myself from the group.
I reasoned that even though I do not drink, being around them and keeping quiet about it means I'm condoning them. I knew that I'm in no position to lecture them or advice them. I know that the sense of companionship and belonging to a certain clique may seem worth it to some, but to me, I wouldn't want to be in that position where I am morally in conflict with myself. Thus, rather than be privy to their party, I kept away.
Think of it this way, in any court of law, if you are privy to a robbery or an act of terrorism being planned and you kept quiet about it because those planning it are lifelong friends, you are as equally culpable. Case in point, the guy who did not report to the police when he saw the friend with his rifle in a Geylang hotel. He's charged and subsequently convicted. The same goes for us. Knowing a fellow muslim drinks and us doing nothing about it makes us equally culpable.
Yeah, I know I may have brickbats coming my way with the "lu punya kubur lu jaga, gua punya kubur gua jaga" jibes but me keeping my mouth shut means I'm condoning the actions of some of my friends. Thus, here I say it with the hope that when I go to the grave, I go with a clear conscience
Friday, March 07, 2008
That BIG news
Yeap, time to wipe off the dust off this page. Been a month or so since I last rant. It's March and it's been raining like it's December all over again these last few days. While it's cooler, I don't really enjoy the rain. Almost everyone prefers an overcast sky. Not too hot, not too wet, just nice.
Princess just turned 5 months 2 days ago and how she has grown. I know this is the point where some people start thinking, "Oh no, another over-enthusiastic parent". Truth is, no parent can ever stop enthusing about their own kid. I'm no different. I amaze myself at how, between the 2 of us (my wife and I), lucky we are to have a really cute girl. There I go again. Seriously, though, I could almost jump for joy everytime someone passes by Izza's stroller, takes a peek and comments, "She's really beautiful".
Enough about her for now though.
The news now (kinda stale though) is about the disappearance of Mas Selamat Kastari. I know there have been various reports with regards to this, and we have yet to include the various rumours and speculations currently making its rounds in Singapore. The question that keeps being asked is where is he. Kind of a dumb question, but all the major newspapers were carrying that headline a few days ago. I mean, if anyone, besides Mas Selamat himself, could answer that, I'm sure the authorities would have swooped in on him. Why ask where he is when we all know where he went.
A toilet break.......
Yeah, I know. Lame. I can't help it. I really find it hard to fathom how a country that posesses one of the lowest crime rates in the world, one that has an efficient government and a diligent law enofrcement agency could fall for such a dumb trick. "Sir, I need a toilet break". Those were probably the last words anyone in a blue uniform has heard from him since. I experienced this trick almost first hand when I was serving National Service. A soldier went AWOL and returned to the camp reeeaaalllyyyy late. He was charged the next day and was sent to the lockup in the guardhouse while waiting to be charged. He told the Regimental Police (RP) guard that he needed a toilet break and promptly climbed out the unsecured ventilation window, clambered over the back gate and disappeared. He wasn't caught till a few years later when I left NS.
I mean if a dumbass soldier who went AWOL can manage to escape through that method, I would have thought that that avenue of escape would have been denied to such a high profile detainee at such a high security establishment such as the ISD. I really pity whoever it was who let his guard down so as to allow a high profile detainiee such as Mas Selamat Kastari escape. I mean, the RP Sergeant who was on duty during the soldier's escape only managed to escape a heavy punishment because it was not a really big issue in the wider context, one can only imagine the fate that awaits that unlucky soul who let this happen if the commision's inquiry to this event concluded that it was personal negligence that caused it.
One thing I am happy for is that his escape did not coincide with my NS unit's callup. I know for sure we would have been activated to assist in this operations, seeing how my unit was involved as 3rd tier backup during the IMF/World Bank Meeting. Like they did not have enough security then.
To Mas Selamat, thanks for bringing life to our mostly sedate lives and good luck trying to escape the dragnet. May you be caught sooner rather than later so thay the jams in the Woodlands Checkpoint do not last for much longer.
Princess just turned 5 months 2 days ago and how she has grown. I know this is the point where some people start thinking, "Oh no, another over-enthusiastic parent". Truth is, no parent can ever stop enthusing about their own kid. I'm no different. I amaze myself at how, between the 2 of us (my wife and I), lucky we are to have a really cute girl. There I go again. Seriously, though, I could almost jump for joy everytime someone passes by Izza's stroller, takes a peek and comments, "She's really beautiful".
Enough about her for now though.
The news now (kinda stale though) is about the disappearance of Mas Selamat Kastari. I know there have been various reports with regards to this, and we have yet to include the various rumours and speculations currently making its rounds in Singapore. The question that keeps being asked is where is he. Kind of a dumb question, but all the major newspapers were carrying that headline a few days ago. I mean, if anyone, besides Mas Selamat himself, could answer that, I'm sure the authorities would have swooped in on him. Why ask where he is when we all know where he went.
A toilet break.......
Yeah, I know. Lame. I can't help it. I really find it hard to fathom how a country that posesses one of the lowest crime rates in the world, one that has an efficient government and a diligent law enofrcement agency could fall for such a dumb trick. "Sir, I need a toilet break". Those were probably the last words anyone in a blue uniform has heard from him since. I experienced this trick almost first hand when I was serving National Service. A soldier went AWOL and returned to the camp reeeaaalllyyyy late. He was charged the next day and was sent to the lockup in the guardhouse while waiting to be charged. He told the Regimental Police (RP) guard that he needed a toilet break and promptly climbed out the unsecured ventilation window, clambered over the back gate and disappeared. He wasn't caught till a few years later when I left NS.
I mean if a dumbass soldier who went AWOL can manage to escape through that method, I would have thought that that avenue of escape would have been denied to such a high profile detainee at such a high security establishment such as the ISD. I really pity whoever it was who let his guard down so as to allow a high profile detainiee such as Mas Selamat Kastari escape. I mean, the RP Sergeant who was on duty during the soldier's escape only managed to escape a heavy punishment because it was not a really big issue in the wider context, one can only imagine the fate that awaits that unlucky soul who let this happen if the commision's inquiry to this event concluded that it was personal negligence that caused it.
One thing I am happy for is that his escape did not coincide with my NS unit's callup. I know for sure we would have been activated to assist in this operations, seeing how my unit was involved as 3rd tier backup during the IMF/World Bank Meeting. Like they did not have enough security then.
To Mas Selamat, thanks for bringing life to our mostly sedate lives and good luck trying to escape the dragnet. May you be caught sooner rather than later so thay the jams in the Woodlands Checkpoint do not last for much longer.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
My latest rant!
It's CNY tomorrow and I'm still at the office, holding the fort. It's only fair that the Chinese staff get to celebrate their new year, just I had my celebrations for Hari Raya. It seems like eons ago since I last said something here. A lot has happened since the turn of the year, and by all accounts, everything seems to be turning out fine.
My princess has started smiling and laughing already. However, having turned 4 months yesterday, she has still to learn how to roll over. More often than not, she just lies on her back staring at me or her mama waiting for something to happen. Doesn't seem to be a proactive baby lah - more a reactive one thus far. Either way, I can't get enough of her toothless grin. Talking about babies, had a comical conversation with a friend whose son was born within days of Izza, where we joked about bethroting our kids. It's nothing more than just a comical conversation, but I am intrigued at that thought.
For sure I won't do that to my daughter, I'd rather let fate and her own heart take care of that. I mean thinking about it, I'm not sure how I would react at being told, "Son, this is your future wife". It's a good thing that such practices are practically unheard-of in our society though it may still be prevalent in some social backwaters in a bid to preserve one family's social status, at the same time avoiding that social status barrier. It would be side-splitting to hear the son reply to that proclaimation with, "Thanks Dad, she's pretty, but I'm in love with a guy".
Date released a few days back showed that the population of Singapore is nearly 4.6million. of that at least 3 million are residents with the rest being foreign talent. It just amazes me how many people are cramped almost sardine-like in Singapore. I mean, have you seen the human traffic at the MRT stations during peak hours? Yeah, we could probably flatten Bukit Timah and Mt Faber and use that soil for further reclamation to further expand Singapore but would that alleviate the crunch that takes place every rush hour. I doubt so. While it is imperative that we remain competitive and in doing so, having to boost our dwindling population, does it have to be at the cost of the comfort of the residents?
Put it this way, the last time I took the MRT I almost puked in the train from all the "aroma" that was swirling around the already-stale air. I mean, you put in the un-deodorised people together with the hundreds of foreign workers rushing to get to Little India and you know you got a weapon of mass destruction right there. For me that was enough, don't these people practice basic hygiene? I got off the train and waited for a less crowded one. That's not the end of it. We have yet to account for all those ungracious locals who think they own the damn train. Soon, I swore off public transportation.
The recent announcement of the expansion of the MRT services coupled with expanded bus services might be able to alleviate these issues - not including the ungracious Singaporean. The numerous courtesy campaigns doesn't seem to work on these people. Talking about that recent announcement, what it means basically is, you can own a car, but I'm gonna penalise you hard if you drive into town and add to the congestion. Some may think it's poor planning. I think it was a superb strategic move by the Government.
Here's how it works.
First they, increase the number of COEs. This in turns lowers the price of the COE, making it more affordable to own a car. Then, they flood the market with China-made cars, as with everything that comes from China, cheap but not necessarily good. Then, they relaxed car-financing rules. Now, those 3 moves automatically allowed those who previously couldn't afford a car, to suddenly be able to own and operate one.
As the car population grew and the congestion became worse, they are able to justify increasing the ERP charges and adding more gantries. To sweeten the deal, the ARF is reduced by 10%, which translates to roughly $1500 for a Corolla and probably $5000 for a Merc or Beemer. The ERP raise is almost 50% and it is a recurring charge, while the ARF is only a 1-time charge at the point of purchase. Well, do the maths.
Can't you see? First we are all drawn towards cheaper car prices and, once we are saddled with 10-yr loans for our cars, we are slapped with the ERP raise and more gantries. To the average Singaporean, who is living their dream of owning a car, it is sucking us dry. To the Government, it's ka-ching.......
PS: I just wonder what great package the Government is going to come up with for the next election to make us forget the ERP raise.
My princess has started smiling and laughing already. However, having turned 4 months yesterday, she has still to learn how to roll over. More often than not, she just lies on her back staring at me or her mama waiting for something to happen. Doesn't seem to be a proactive baby lah - more a reactive one thus far. Either way, I can't get enough of her toothless grin. Talking about babies, had a comical conversation with a friend whose son was born within days of Izza, where we joked about bethroting our kids. It's nothing more than just a comical conversation, but I am intrigued at that thought.
For sure I won't do that to my daughter, I'd rather let fate and her own heart take care of that. I mean thinking about it, I'm not sure how I would react at being told, "Son, this is your future wife". It's a good thing that such practices are practically unheard-of in our society though it may still be prevalent in some social backwaters in a bid to preserve one family's social status, at the same time avoiding that social status barrier. It would be side-splitting to hear the son reply to that proclaimation with, "Thanks Dad, she's pretty, but I'm in love with a guy".
Date released a few days back showed that the population of Singapore is nearly 4.6million. of that at least 3 million are residents with the rest being foreign talent. It just amazes me how many people are cramped almost sardine-like in Singapore. I mean, have you seen the human traffic at the MRT stations during peak hours? Yeah, we could probably flatten Bukit Timah and Mt Faber and use that soil for further reclamation to further expand Singapore but would that alleviate the crunch that takes place every rush hour. I doubt so. While it is imperative that we remain competitive and in doing so, having to boost our dwindling population, does it have to be at the cost of the comfort of the residents?
Put it this way, the last time I took the MRT I almost puked in the train from all the "aroma" that was swirling around the already-stale air. I mean, you put in the un-deodorised people together with the hundreds of foreign workers rushing to get to Little India and you know you got a weapon of mass destruction right there. For me that was enough, don't these people practice basic hygiene? I got off the train and waited for a less crowded one. That's not the end of it. We have yet to account for all those ungracious locals who think they own the damn train. Soon, I swore off public transportation.
The recent announcement of the expansion of the MRT services coupled with expanded bus services might be able to alleviate these issues - not including the ungracious Singaporean. The numerous courtesy campaigns doesn't seem to work on these people. Talking about that recent announcement, what it means basically is, you can own a car, but I'm gonna penalise you hard if you drive into town and add to the congestion. Some may think it's poor planning. I think it was a superb strategic move by the Government.
Here's how it works.
First they, increase the number of COEs. This in turns lowers the price of the COE, making it more affordable to own a car. Then, they flood the market with China-made cars, as with everything that comes from China, cheap but not necessarily good. Then, they relaxed car-financing rules. Now, those 3 moves automatically allowed those who previously couldn't afford a car, to suddenly be able to own and operate one.
As the car population grew and the congestion became worse, they are able to justify increasing the ERP charges and adding more gantries. To sweeten the deal, the ARF is reduced by 10%, which translates to roughly $1500 for a Corolla and probably $5000 for a Merc or Beemer. The ERP raise is almost 50% and it is a recurring charge, while the ARF is only a 1-time charge at the point of purchase. Well, do the maths.
Can't you see? First we are all drawn towards cheaper car prices and, once we are saddled with 10-yr loans for our cars, we are slapped with the ERP raise and more gantries. To the average Singaporean, who is living their dream of owning a car, it is sucking us dry. To the Government, it's ka-ching.......
PS: I just wonder what great package the Government is going to come up with for the next election to make us forget the ERP raise.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
First day of 2008.....364 more to go.....
No countdowns, no happy-merrying. Just a sombre me, a half-awake wifey and a sound asleep baby on the bed as the clock struck 12 on 1st January 08. That's in stark contrast to the way we celebrated 06 and 07.
06 was spent under some trees along Marina Promenade arguing while waiting for the fireworks followed by some shed tears with promises to start afresh. 07 was spent somewhere in the vicinity with a much happier outlook also catching fireworks. This year, it's just the 3 of us dozing off with no fanfare whatsoever.
Not that it means nothing to us, just that the expanding family has brought about different perspectives to both of us. No longer are we thinking only for ourselves, we've got Izza around to keep us in check. Not that she scolds us or anything, I'll spank her if she does, just that her mere presence reminds us constantly of the things that are more important.
Some of my friends have started their A-Z of their hopes for 2008 after my last post which included an A-Z of my previous year. That's great for them, I just hope that now they have it in words, they would work harder and not forget what they have hoped and aimed for. I don't think it'd be a problem for them though seeing how they review almost every action they take.
Which is the reason why I don't put down my hopes and dreams in ink somewhere. For me, my hopes and dreams are fluid. They are not cast in stone or ink. I mean, at a certain point in time, I may have an affinity towards something but over the course of the year, that affinity may change. While it's good to have something to work towards through the year, it may be a burden as we get closer to the end of the year.
Having set a target at the start of the year, we'd be forced to review those targets at the end of the year and, inevitably, we end up focusing on the failures, trying to disect it, understand what went wrong and try to make good the following year. Thus, instead of focusing on our achievements and important milestones, we peg ourselves back to review the what-ifs, what-nots and what could or should have been.
I've had enough of having to work towards a set target in the office that I do not want to live my personal life the same way I live my professional life. For me, life is too precious and fragile to be judged by the failures of the lofty targets we may have set for ourselves and certainly not worth the heartache of reviewing the failures of what we did not achieve compared to what we did achieved. Between having to disect my failure to lose weight and to see Izza gain weight or reach a certain height, I'd choose the latter anytime.
I'd rather see myself as a success over the year by focusing on the achievements of me and my family than to see myself as an abject failure by poring over the variables which contributed to the failures. At the end of the day, it's how you want to see yourself in the mirror......
06 was spent under some trees along Marina Promenade arguing while waiting for the fireworks followed by some shed tears with promises to start afresh. 07 was spent somewhere in the vicinity with a much happier outlook also catching fireworks. This year, it's just the 3 of us dozing off with no fanfare whatsoever.
Not that it means nothing to us, just that the expanding family has brought about different perspectives to both of us. No longer are we thinking only for ourselves, we've got Izza around to keep us in check. Not that she scolds us or anything, I'll spank her if she does, just that her mere presence reminds us constantly of the things that are more important.
Some of my friends have started their A-Z of their hopes for 2008 after my last post which included an A-Z of my previous year. That's great for them, I just hope that now they have it in words, they would work harder and not forget what they have hoped and aimed for. I don't think it'd be a problem for them though seeing how they review almost every action they take.
Which is the reason why I don't put down my hopes and dreams in ink somewhere. For me, my hopes and dreams are fluid. They are not cast in stone or ink. I mean, at a certain point in time, I may have an affinity towards something but over the course of the year, that affinity may change. While it's good to have something to work towards through the year, it may be a burden as we get closer to the end of the year.
Having set a target at the start of the year, we'd be forced to review those targets at the end of the year and, inevitably, we end up focusing on the failures, trying to disect it, understand what went wrong and try to make good the following year. Thus, instead of focusing on our achievements and important milestones, we peg ourselves back to review the what-ifs, what-nots and what could or should have been.
I've had enough of having to work towards a set target in the office that I do not want to live my personal life the same way I live my professional life. For me, life is too precious and fragile to be judged by the failures of the lofty targets we may have set for ourselves and certainly not worth the heartache of reviewing the failures of what we did not achieve compared to what we did achieved. Between having to disect my failure to lose weight and to see Izza gain weight or reach a certain height, I'd choose the latter anytime.
I'd rather see myself as a success over the year by focusing on the achievements of me and my family than to see myself as an abject failure by poring over the variables which contributed to the failures. At the end of the day, it's how you want to see yourself in the mirror......
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