In Memory Of A Good Man

Ladies and gents, there is something I feel quite strongly about. Many of us know that President Ong was not given a state funeral. 

Still, there's no reason why we should not give this amazing statesman his due recognition, and hold him up as a shining example of a man of principle who knows what it means to be the President of Singapore. 

In that light, with no expectation or obligation, I'd be wearing an orchid on the 8th of February. Anyone who is open to it, is welcome to join me. Feel free to spread the word.

Was in Thailand but found a florist with a sprig of orchids. RIP Mr Ong. 

There Was A Time...

There was a time when the leaders of Singapore were clear about what their job was, and the words of the pledge meant something to them.

There was a time, when from the people, by the people, for the people means that the elected leaders also have the responsibility that comes with the power of leadership, and it was a burden as much as it was a privilege.

There was a time, when the words being a leader means someone who stands up for the people he is a leader for. He leads by example, and in return, the people gave loyalty, and privileges to he or she who is the leader. The pirate chief gets double share, the CEO gets a bigger salary package and even the person who fronts the team in class gets extra points for additional responsibility.

The sword of leadership cuts both ways.

Many times, people have said, "Actions speak louder than words." And after the words being spoken during the election, the actions are sadly less than forthcoming.

Public transport in Singapore has been the talk of town for a while now. But frankly, it's just the most recent of a symptom of a worrying trend that has been going on for a while.

I have never asked for much from any government. I ask nothing from it, neither do I give it much credence. Unlike many of my peers who expect the powers that be to coddle and pamper me, and then fault them for everything including the mysterious losing of one sock in the washing machine, all I ask for is simple. Maintain stability and just make sure that the economic playing field is flat.

But that's not happening is it? Because right now, actions seem to be saying, "we're in change. Now suck it up because you have to."

Kudoes to Another Singaporean Entrepreneur

Congrats XT, on starting your online clothing store!

She carries a really nice line for ladies. Nothing for the men, but hey, she's ALMOST SOLD OUT and it's only the second day. Gives you an idea of how nice her stuff is ya?

(click on the picture to go to the shop. If not, click ME)

No, Edmund will NOT model anything from the store. Yes, even if it's his birthday. We're helping XT, remember guys?

A lot of people talk about starting their own business, but hardly any actually take that step forward. So here's what little I can do, to make your store a success.

So cheers XT, make it happen and congratulations on taking a huge step forward.

PS. Apparently if you quote my blog, you gals can get 10% off. Hey, take the remainder and buy me teh tarik. I don't mind.

An Analogy For Singapore's Education System

Once upon a time, there were 3 birds. Yes, Avians. Get your minds out of the gutter dammit. They were Ostrich, Duck and Eagle. Now these 3 are really good friends and they wanted to really excel in their lives.

And since all 3 of them believe in the power education, they decided to enroll into the world's most prestigous Bird School, at the world-class Jurong Bird Park in the fair city of Singapore.

Now there were 3 compulsary courses in BS, because they insisted that you be given a well rounded education. Swimming, Running and Flying. This (or so the prospectus reads) gives an excellent grounding for the bird in you to meet all the challenges of your life. Master air, land and sea, and really let your potential shine through!

The 3 friends are obviously really excited when they entered the school and were looking forward to "let their potential shine through". They're set up for life, provided of course they ace their modules.

First was a class in swimming. Duck excelled at it. Ostrich managed to struggle through, mostly by sheer strength of her hind legs. Eagle, now poor eagle nearly drowned in the pool. He was reprimanded and brought to the side and told that he's not trying hard enough, and that he really needs to buck up if he's to make it.

Next, was running. Ostrich tore ahead in the course. Eagle managed to bungle through, barely. But poor duck. With his feet so wonderful for swimming, he he was brought in for disciplinary action because he just can't make it on land. And after all his webbed feet are cut and bleeding for trying his best.

The last and final chapter, was flying. Eagle soared. Finally, something he's good at. Duck did pretty alright. Now ostrich, ostrich LOOKED like she was flying on land, but he's just not taking off, no matter how hard she tried. She flunked that class. Big time.

All in all, the 3 friends after 2 years in the system come to the conclusion that they really aren't all rounded students, and pretty much sucked at the majority of things that the school believed to be important. On average, each of them had a barely passing grade from school.

All 3 of them eventually were stuck in dead-end jobs that used NONE of the knowledge they gained from their all round education, and felt pretty shitty about themselves till the end of their days.

The moral of this story? You decide.