Eating on trains?

Just food for thought.

Since Singapore relies totally on Manpower, wouldn't Singaporeans have a tendency to overwork? Other countries rich in oil and other natural resource and their govts could rely on commodities as an extra source of revenue, wouldn't it mean that their governments, assuming they have the same expenditure per capita, would need to tax less on the people to fund their projects(ie infrastructure etc).

So is working in Singapore advantageous or not? I couldn't find the welfare state ranking by countries but i'm quite sure Singapore is far from being one?

Anyway, i read an interesting newspaper report.

Recently, SMRT have imposed stricter rules and regulations with regards to eating/drinking on trains. They have even fined a lady for taking a sip of water.

Wow... they even promised to raise the "inspection frequency", meaning more train conductors will be making their rounds, trying to catch hungry ghosts. A hefty fine could be imposed.

HAH! I bet this is a total deterrent measure. Trying to get the attention of the public through the use of mass media? I suppose it's a campaign to stop irresponsible commuters who eat/drink and end up dirtying the place. That's right, something must be done to the irresponsible commuters.

I fully appreciate the efforts of SMRT, because this would keep the trains cleaner and thus a better travelling experience for other commuters. LOL

How about this: I think that minors should not be fined. They should be sent for CWO(duty in train), which will in turn keep the trains EVEN CLEANER. I think that adults should be fined, because they are role models and kids often look up to them.

I think that this authoritarian system set up is very unfair to certain groups of people.

They are precisely the ones who occupy our "PRIORITY SEATS"

Yes, the handicapped, the pregnant ladies, the oldies, and whatever. They have special needs and we have made concession for them, running this whole Phua Chua Kang Campaign on how we should give up our seats BLAHBLAH.

So, shouldn't people with special needs be excused too? Like the aged who need to drink water to swallow his medicine? Or someone who has gastritis and needs to consume something immediately?

This is fully debatable, because if it is explicitly said that "Oh, but we do allow people with special needs to eat or drink", it would then lead to another set of problems. People who do not have a handicap act like they have one and start abusing this privillege.

I am very sure, that all the criticism that SMRT have received did the train operators unjust.

The conductors who make their rounds would surely know how to practise his discretion as to who should be spared and who should not be.

Even though the newspaper reports may have portrayed SMRT's stance to be very strict, i strongly believe that the rules can still be bent and the conductors would then use his own judgement to tell whether or not a commuter is lying(about having special needs) or not.

Did u know, Japan's railway allows eating and drinking?

Did u know, that food stands are set up INSIDE THE PLATFORM or even inside the train?

I'm really not sure about the cleaniness of the trains but i suppose the long journey wastes a lot of time and hence japanese, being super kiasu people, merge their travelling and breakfast to save time.

Time is money.

I don't know how Singapore can do such a thing and neither am i using japan's subway system to critisise Singapore's but i just added it to wow people who didn't know.

Conclusion - conductors will still be lenient in some GENUINE cases but will come down harshly on idiots who persistently eat on trains.

DUH, Singaporeans are so afraid of being fined.

This is definitely a deterrent tool

Women, man, wooooooman

I refer to the following article:

http://todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC090704-0000084/More-women-to-be-in-politics

More women to be in politics

Lim Hwee Hua hopes for 30% of MPs to be women, one day

Oh...So, Lim Hwee Hwa wants more women in politics!

If i didn't hear it wrongly, i also heard PM lee hsien loong backing MP Lim, also hoping for more women in politics.

When i first heard it, i was like this

WTF?

Be patient, i'm gonna explain why.

The first thought that came to my mind was that women in politics...hmm. What's the opportunity cost? Them pursing a highly demanding career that has often been seen as men's job? What does it mean? Does it mean giving up your 'family career'??

Let's start with Mrs Lim Hwee Hua herself. I think she's an excellent example. She is an outstanding minster herself; she's a minister in Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for Transport. Most importantly, what impressed me most was that she has a son and two daughters. Totally a role model. Totally the kinds of women Singapore are looking for.

I was quick to mutter to myself...WTF, doesn't women in politics mean more career minded women? Singapore is already facing a damn low fertility rate and by the year 2065, 1 in 2 Singaporeans will not have a descendant. So what's happening? If they want women to take part in an active role in politics, or to hold major leadership positions, wouldn't that mean that there'll be lesser mothers out there, or that women choose to give birth only to ONE CHILD because of the heavy career commitment out there? Wouldn't it affect our workforce in the long run? Or does it mean we need more migrants + women in politics? I know we chinese are migrants ourselves and that the malays must hate us decades ago. But look at us, aren't we living harmoniously now? I totally have nothing against women leaders you know, but it just made me think more. How is Singapore going to manage its limited manpower in the next decade or so. What is the emphasis for us now? I don't think the baby bonus helps a lot. What is a $3000 cash bonus when a woman can earn $10000 a month. Getting laid off(of course the govt tells companies to take a proper stance against pregnant mothers) is priceless compared with the $3000 bonus. And the dollar for dollar thing.

So what's the main point. More babies, yet working mothers. High flying mothers.

HEY, NOW WE MEN MUST TAKE CARE OF THE BABIES!

I'm not complaining. But since there's a shift in the expectations of women, wouldn't that mean today's dad would play a different role too? Women are now equally capable of being the breadwinner. Women of today will demand that the father breastfeed pay more attention to roles women used to play! Hey that's me! The babies can't be neglected. They are our future leaders.

So why didn't Lee Hsien Loong say something like... WE WANT TO SEE MORE DADS SPENDING TIME AT HOME TAKING CARE OF THE BABIES. OR IN SOME CASES THE DAD BEING THE NEW MUM, THE MUM BEING THE NEW DAD. In a traditional and conservative society, where norms are more accepted than otherwise, i feel that I will be totally weirded out and feel "ashamed" if Harng-Yi, the author here, becomes the new mum. I am still the traditional old ah pek who believes that i should work. Of course, i don't mind taking up 50% of the baby chore duties. 51% of me would be too much. I have this inner male ego in me i think. I just don't wanna feel useless you see. If i don't bring the bread home, i will feel like i've let my family down.

The inspiration of this post came as i was sitting on the bus. A young man sitting beside me offered his seat to his female friend. Then i thought...women....seat...

PARLIAMENT!

Neh not really, but i'm gonna start on another story.

Why should males give up seats to the female. Are the females any much weaker in carrying their own weight? Or is it just a tactic to win the pretty girl over? I would understand if it's the latter but the former!

Wth!

If women keep insisting that they want their rights, then do something about it!

For instance, when i'm standing, offer your seats to me! Am i any much weaker in carrying my own weight? Or is it a tactic to win me over? I would understand if it's the latter HAHA!

03July2009

2100 SQ 227 Melbourne.

That's just what it's about.

Joanna will then take the domestic flight to Canberra, where she will pursue her 4 or 5 years Business course at ANU(Australian National University).

Today marks the goodbye that separates us. At least it does so physically!

Who says it's difficult.

It's not.

Let's do it!

MRT seats

Sleeping? Don't pretend! Give up your seats to the needy!

Sounds familiar? Yes... it's Phua Chu Kang talking to you on SBS buses! (and MRTs)

So....when we occupy our seats, we should constantly keep our needy radar activated. If not, your face will appear on stomp.

So, we must give up our seats to the Pregnant ladies, Old People, the handicapped, and people with babies.

Hey, do you realise that those 4 categories of people merely belong to the bigger definition of NEEDY!?

It has ever occurred to me that a really shagged person who had a super bad day at work is equally capable and eligible for the NEEDY seat.

Or a sick young man who doesn't look quite sick but is quite sick deep down inside.

Or an emo young girl who got scolded by her teachers at school and somehow needed to sit down?

Or a sportsman who just played the game of his life and is now super shagged?

I honestly believe that people who NEED the seat should deserve it, and those stupid pregnant ladies and old folks and whoever should give up their seats to these young man!

Looks are just soo deceiving..

NOW TELL ME, if you're super super shagged and you just simply needed a seat, DONTCHA THINK THAT THE OLD PEOPLE SHOULD GIVE THEIR SEATS TO YOU? Of course not....the whole bus load of people will stare at you. It's so awkward. This whole campaign about giving up your seats to the 4 groups of people.... i feel that more attention should be given to the OTHER GROUPS of people.

I really hope there's a NEEDY-METER and can detect people who sincerely NEED IT!

Come on, give the seat to deserving asses

11am

I let it all out but i achieved nothing.

Maybe i won some sympathy and support.

Yes, the trip to the room was all worthwhile.

Got what i wanted.

“Compelling reason will never convince blinding emotion.”

Ethos failed = Use Pathos

Hexic

So this is what i've been doing these few days

Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you represents determinism; the way you play it is free will.

This house believes that Project Work in A Levels syllabus should be scrutinised.

This house belives that the inclusion of Project Work in the A Levels syllabus should be discussed.

This post explains why.

These are the reasons why Project work should be abolished.

1. Project work results can never be fair. (Like how MJ2009 had a distinction rate of 95.5%. I am definitely not questioning the abilities of MJC students nor am i saying it is supposed to be inferior to certain JCs that did not do as well. I am merely pointing to an odd trend. Off tangent one. One that illustrates that life is indeed unfair and uncertain.)

2. It is an emotional traumatic experience for those who worked harder but didn't score. 

3. Emotional scars demoralise students who put in hard work; students may not find the motivation to work harder anymore, for fear that the system may betray his/her effort.

4. People who got good grades but didn't work for it may develop this tendency to become lazy knowing that it's easy to achieve without hard work. Bad working ethics may thus develop and will become a workmate-hazzard.

5. It may also dampen a future-adult's enthusiasm for group work for fears that it may backfire once more.

These are the reasons why Project work is effective.

1. The content syllabus that the SEAB offers are too narrow. Presentation and report writing skills are always required in the realistic world of business. 

2. Project work helps a student prepare for cruelties that exist in the world. Life is never a bed or roses and it is never fair. To prepare a student from young is crucial. 

3. Project work is a close-to-realistic model of work life. A student who graduates with 8As but with no knowledge of the system is an ineffective worker. 

4. Very often, it's the product that matters, not the process.

Thus i conclude in saying that there are always fluctuations in one's life, certainties and uncertainties. What's more important is that the A Level results is a learning process, not a destination. When you're done with the A Levels you're only 1/4 done with your life. 

It's not the end.

Neville out

Seriously ah, gary neville should stop playing for Manutd. Because everytime he plays Central Defence, utd will leak some stupid goal. Look at his command in the Aston Villa game. Had to be moved to the side in the second half.

Then look at his shitty movement against Porto. Wth. Port scored such an impt away goal.

2nd leg...have to win. zzzzzzzzzz

Softball

Met up with the senior softballers today. Must say, i do miss the times. Times when we used to always LAN after trainings. I bet that was what motivated them to come down for training HAHA.

Anyway... we met, and what else could we do???

Left 4 Dead...is seroiusly a good game. First person game play. Something like CS. Only difference is that it's humans vs zombies. Take turns to adopt either roles. 

And yes....

Left 4 Dead is a really addictive game.

Never offend anyone. 1 or 2 or 10 years down the road, they may get back at you..

Survey you

So i'm working as a part time surveyor now.

Good morning/afternoon/evening, my name is __________ and i am from Beacon Consulting. As part of the library's continuous efforts to improve service levels to customers, Could you spare approximately 10 minutes to share with us your opinions on the Public Library's services? 

This short interview is for research purposes only and your responses and identity will be kept in the strictest confidence.

OMG WHAT A MOUTHFUL.

This is totally not gonna get your target audiences to do your survey.

Hence, i created a friendlier approach.

"Eh, i am doing some survey euu can spend 5-10minutes help mi? I beg euu"

"Ok sure"

YESSSS SUCCESS!

Wahahaha...

Anyway....I've learnt quite a few things about approaching people and different groups of people in society.

The malays are friendlier than chinese.

The indians are always gracious

The chinese are the worst.

To be honest....if someone stops me for a survey or try to promote something i'd just say no..LOL

I'm such an asshole and i'm a chinese.

Yep...apart from this...

Fierce looking people can actually turn out to be nice.

While friendly looking people are actually ones u want to avoid.

I've also encountered assholes out there who run away halfway while doing a survey.

I'm not generalising but there are 2 certain people who did it.

One is a china young woman.

Another is a 6 year old kid.

SHAME

Anyway.... I think surveying people is quite interesting.

I've built up my courage in approaching people. And etc :)

SO, DO U HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A SURVEYOR!!!!!

It's seriously time to wake up.

I bought my own chance.

Now do it.

F***

What the tooT....

I just realised that my predictions are a little too good. 

I mean...come on..

I did the paper and i knew what shit i'm gonna get

Let me revise

Phy D/E

Chem C/D

Maths A/B/C

Econs A/B/C

EFF LAHHHHH OMG I'M FREAKING STRESSED UP NOW

If i get CDEC i'll be the NTU number 2

If i get ACDA I'll be VJC Number 1 HAHA. Number one to scream some bulgarity at Mrs Chan.

Alevels

Phy D/E

Chem B/C

Maths A/B

Econs A/B

GP D/E

My Projected grades.....just hoping there'll be some miracle for phy via moderation.

And hope the rest turns out well!

ABDA is really an OK result for me. But not really... omg....

Anxiety is making me talk nonsense these days... and making me blur...and....haiz