Club 30's "Kill the Boredom Demon" Jive Pad 155th Edition
-
Originally posted by the Bear:
the NSwhatever thing? it was a scam which backfired to hell..
most people didn't know about it until everyone started to tell everyone who was willing to listen to go claim their due...
and most found out the last few days...the gabrament says they're "giving out $Xmillion dollars" and puts it so in the books.. but since a few people know, the actual amount given out is way way lower than $Xmillion.. what happens to the rest?
so being part of the scam they probably didn't print enough vouchers... i mean what was so hard about just mailing them to all who are eligible instead of making them go click on something in the internet..
which begs the question of those who are left out.. like the few in my unit who were totally illiterate... my unit was the first to go "paperless" so they called us back for a briefing on a saturday morning... the CO was generally gloating and telling us we'd get SMS and email and whatnot.. when one of the illiterate hokkien peng put up his hand and said in hokkien: "ah sir, what are you talking about?" because the guy didn't understand a single word the CO was saying.. much less emails and e-call-ups..
thks to mrs seveneleven i got my $100 -
Actually I really marvel at those people who can survive in Singapore without speaking/reading English.
I have a Malaysian acquaintance who is like that . Have to rely on people to translate for them.
Best part is they are running their own car workshop.
-
they'll tell you la... cos old day soldier all in paperwork era... records bo liao or buang alrdy... bla bla bla.. this is the SAF...
-
Originally posted by elindra:
Actually I really marvel at those people who can survive in Singapore without speaking/reading English.
I have a Malaysian acquaintance who is like that . Have to rely on people to translate for them.
Best part is they are running their own car workshop.
Reminds me of the old days... There was 1 uncle place a table at Woodlands Centre when the old customs was still in full use... Writing white card for ppl... was it 50 cents or $1... -
Oh wow..... I just got an email from SAFRA.
Now they tell me that the address I had input was invalid.
Which cannot be the case, because just now the operator on the SAFRA hotline double-checked my address which they had on their records..... which was totally correct.
They're getting hell from me.
-
i think they're just making it up as they go along
-
This article made me shake my head:
I can agree that inflation has eroded away a good part of the average person's purchasing power, but a lot of the problems faced by the writer and her friends can be explained by poor financial prudence. For example, to quote the article:
At a dinner party last week, a friend renowned for her wardrobe of designer outfits and Louboutin heels asked how I was getting home. A criminal lawyer, she earns upwards of £120,000.
‘Do you want to share a taxi?’ I asked hopefully. ‘No, I’ll take the Tube,’ she said. ‘These shoes cost £370 — it was either them or taxis.’
*slaps forehead*
-
-
Okay, I've called SAFRA hotline again.
I gave the operator my address, and she confirmed that it was correct. Then -whoops- she said that there had been a glitch or something, and the unit number in my address was '#00-00'.
Here's the thing - I live in landed property (my in-laws), so I left the unit number blank, simply because there is no unit number. So how the hell did #00-00 appear? And even if it did, they could just send out the mail, and SingPost could very easily deliver it!
Whatever the case, I had to resubmit my address again, through the NS45 website. ANd I would have to wait an additional four weeks!
What, they really hate me for something, is it? They really hated the fact that in my capacity as a combat medic specialist, I have saved many of our brothers and sons from death and injury over the years?
Bugger it. Two more in-camps and I'm through serving this nation.
-
Originally posted by fudgester:
This article made me shake my head:
I can agree that inflation has eroded away a good part of the average person's purchasing power, but a lot of the problems faced by the writer and her friends can be explained by poor financial prudence. For example, to quote the article:
At a dinner party last week, a friend renowned for her wardrobe of designer outfits and Louboutin heels asked how I was getting home. A criminal lawyer, she earns upwards of £120,000.
‘Do you want to share a taxi?’ I asked hopefully. ‘No, I’ll take the Tube,’ she said. ‘These shoes cost £370 — it was either them or taxis.’
*slaps forehead*
...think i'm also guilty of that...sometimes -
Oh 2601, u take econs rite?
Got time we come out jiak dinner? something I wanna ask about...
-
Sure...about subsidies?
In other news...
Five Reasons Not to Travel to Singapore: This South East Asian Country is One to Avoid
When I first moved to Bangkok,Thailand I needed to do a visa run (leave Thailand to get a new visa, then come back) and a friend recommended Singapore. I'd never been to Singapore, heard it had good English bookstores and, with a two hour flight from Thailand it was convenient, so I booked a trip. But, two days after arriving in this 'island state', I couldn't wait to leave Singapore and, since then, I've never been back. In fact, if you're thinking of traveling to Singapore on business or vacation, these five big reasons might make you think, like I do, Singapore is definitely a country to avoid.
1. Singapore Is The World's Most Boring Country - One of the smallest countries on the planet, Singapore has little to do to keep you entertained. Sure, if you like shopping malls, or sitting in restaurants, Singapore has many of them. But other than tacky Sentosa Island with its Universal Studios Theme Park, there's little else to do except shop and eat.
Half the fun of being in Asia is its lively streets, smells, sounds, street nightlife, food stalls and cities that never sleep. Singapore, on the other hand, is one of the world's most sterile countries, with all the outdoor food in 'hawker areas' (dull, compared to Bangkok), and with none of the street life of most Asian cities. After being in Bangkok, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, I felt like I was sleepwalking in Singapore - it really was that dull. After my second day in Singapore, and a 'city tour' that took all of three hours, I was so bored I booked a flight back to Bangkok two days early as I couldn't stomach one more day in the world's most boring country. Singapore is a country to avoid.
2. Singapore Is Expensive - Compared to most other Asian countries, Singapore is expensive. With things like taxis, hotels, shopping and eating on a par with America, I saw no point in visiting an Asian country, then spending as much as I would in America, if not more. For cheap yet amazing places to travel in Asia, avoid Singapore completely, and try Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh - basically anywhere but Singapore.
3. Everything in Singapore Is Regulated - A society gone mad with rules, you hardly dare breath in Singapore, in case you do something that's against the law. Chewing gum is against the law and bubble gum and chewing gum are not allowed to be sold in the country. Forgetting to flush the toilet could get you a fine of $500, if you're a gay man and discovered kissing another man you could end up receiving a jail sentence, and don't forget people are still caned in Singapore for some crimes, including that really serious one of chewing gum.
4. Singaporean Culture is Conformist - In other Asian countries like South Korea, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia, the culture of the country is fascinating as, with less rules, citizens are free to experiment with ideas. In Singapore, due to the restrictive laws, the Singaporean art scene practically non-existent. Not surprising really as, if you stifle a people's creativity and imagination as the Singaporean government does, then people are socialized to conform and think within the box and not outside it. Not a catalyst for great artwork, literature or any other cultural experimentation.
5. Singapore Is One of the World's Most Censored Countries - Censorship in Singapore is rampant. Political, racial, sexual and religious issues are frequently censored, with most TV programs, movies, magazines and newspapers censored by the Singaporean government. Movies have scenes cut from them, certain books are not allowed to be sold, some music can't be played, cable TV has some shows banned, and newspapers and magazines have to be careful what they publish in case the government shuts them down.
Many people think Singapore's intense censorship is to keep the People's Action Party in power, which is done by stopping political dissention and discussion. But, to a tourist or business person thinking of visiting Singapore, why would you want to give your hard-earned money to a country that practices that much censorship and control over its citizens?
The final straw for me though, as a writer, was to hear about the arrest of British journalist Alan Shandrake. Shandrake, who lives in both the UK and Malaysia, was arrested during a book signing in Singapore because of his book "Once a Jolly Hangman: Singapore's Justice in the Dock", a critique about Singapore's legal system. Now stuck in Singapore awaiting trial, Shandrake will probably be found guilty, if Singapore's censorship court cases in the past are anything to go by, and could receive a fine and a jail term. All for criticizing a long-outdated legal system and one which has the world's highest per capita rate of executions.
As a writer, and as someone who travels around Asia often, for the above five reasons plus many others, Singapore is the last place in the world I would ever go back to. Censored, conformist, bogged down with rules, and the dullest place on the planet - Singapore? You can keep it.
*******
I think she should stop surfing SC here...
-
Originally posted by SBS2601D:
Sure...about subsidies?
In other news...
Five Reasons Not to Travel to Singapore: This South East Asian Country is One to Avoid
When I first moved to Bangkok,Thailand I needed to do a visa run (leave Thailand to get a new visa, then come back) and a friend recommended Singapore. I'd never been to Singapore, heard it had good English bookstores and, with a two hour flight from Thailand it was convenient, so I booked a trip. But, two days after arriving in this 'island state', I couldn't wait to leave Singapore and, since then, I've never been back. In fact, if you're thinking of traveling to Singapore on business or vacation, these five big reasons might make you think, like I do, Singapore is definitely a country to avoid.
1. Singapore Is The World's Most Boring Country - One of the smallest countries on the planet, Singapore has little to do to keep you entertained. Sure, if you like shopping malls, or sitting in restaurants, Singapore has many of them. But other than tacky Sentosa Island with its Universal Studios Theme Park, there's little else to do except shop and eat.
Half the fun of being in Asia is its lively streets, smells, sounds, street nightlife, food stalls and cities that never sleep. Singapore, on the other hand, is one of the world's most sterile countries, with all the outdoor food in 'hawker areas' (dull, compared to Bangkok), and with none of the street life of most Asian cities. After being in Bangkok, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, I felt like I was sleepwalking in Singapore - it really was that dull. After my second day in Singapore, and a 'city tour' that took all of three hours, I was so bored I booked a flight back to Bangkok two days early as I couldn't stomach one more day in the world's most boring country. Singapore is a country to avoid.
2. Singapore Is Expensive - Compared to most other Asian countries, Singapore is expensive. With things like taxis, hotels, shopping and eating on a par with America, I saw no point in visiting an Asian country, then spending as much as I would in America, if not more. For cheap yet amazing places to travel in Asia, avoid Singapore completely, and try Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh - basically anywhere but Singapore.
3. Everything in Singapore Is Regulated - A society gone mad with rules, you hardly dare breath in Singapore, in case you do something that's against the law. Chewing gum is against the law and bubble gum and chewing gum are not allowed to be sold in the country. Forgetting to flush the toilet could get you a fine of $500, if you're a gay man and discovered kissing another man you could end up receiving a jail sentence, and don't forget people are still caned in Singapore for some crimes, including that really serious one of chewing gum.
4. Singaporean Culture is Conformist - In other Asian countries like South Korea, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia, the culture of the country is fascinating as, with less rules, citizens are free to experiment with ideas. In Singapore, due to the restrictive laws, the Singaporean art scene practically non-existent. Not surprising really as, if you stifle a people's creativity and imagination as the Singaporean government does, then people are socialized to conform and think within the box and not outside it. Not a catalyst for great artwork, literature or any other cultural experimentation.
5. Singapore Is One of the World's Most Censored Countries - Censorship in Singapore is rampant. Political, racial, sexual and religious issues are frequently censored, with most TV programs, movies, magazines and newspapers censored by the Singaporean government. Movies have scenes cut from them, certain books are not allowed to be sold, some music can't be played, cable TV has some shows banned, and newspapers and magazines have to be careful what they publish in case the government shuts them down.
Many people think Singapore's intense censorship is to keep the People's Action Party in power, which is done by stopping political dissention and discussion. But, to a tourist or business person thinking of visiting Singapore, why would you want to give your hard-earned money to a country that practices that much censorship and control over its citizens?
The final straw for me though, as a writer, was to hear about the arrest of British journalist Alan Shandrake. Shandrake, who lives in both the UK and Malaysia, was arrested during a book signing in Singapore because of his book "Once a Jolly Hangman: Singapore's Justice in the Dock", a critique about Singapore's legal system. Now stuck in Singapore awaiting trial, Shandrake will probably be found guilty, if Singapore's censorship court cases in the past are anything to go by, and could receive a fine and a jail term. All for criticizing a long-outdated legal system and one which has the world's highest per capita rate of executions.
As a writer, and as someone who travels around Asia often, for the above five reasons plus many others, Singapore is the last place in the world I would ever go back to. Censored, conformist, bogged down with rules, and the dullest place on the planet - Singapore? You can keep it.
*******
I think she should stop surfing SC here...
Sibei fake review siaSeriously u can tell all those from a 2 day trip to Singapore!?!?
-
and 2601, no not on subsidise so no worries...
-
Originally posted by ^Acid^ aka s|aO^eH~:
Sibei fake review siaSeriously u can tell all those from a 2 day trip to Singapore!?!?
no 2 is absolutely true!!!! -
Originally posted by cassie:
no 2 is absolutely true!!!!
ok fine, u can tell point 2 from 2 days stay... but the majority blasting abt censorship and government in point 3 4 5 is bull...True it maybe, U cant tell those in 2 days stay in Singapore...
Which brings to the point of the whole article... is it abt "tourist venue review" or is it something else...
-
1. Singapore Is The World's Most Boring Country
Will agree that Singapore can be pretty boring. But try going to North Korea and see how exciting it is there.
2. Singapore Is Expensive
Will agree it's expensive. But I was in Melbourne last year, and a simple meal there costs AUD$8, and a even a can of Coke cost AUD$2.
Hell, I didn't even want to have breakfast at the hotel, for that would have set me back AUD$18/pax/day. FS and I ended up buying croissants and bagels from Coles for breakfast.
3. Everything in Singapore Is Regulated
Sure, some regulations here are dumb. But at least I don't have to worry about things like getting shot dead in school by a madman. Or having a bunch of madmen claim that to protect my child from an armed madman, I have to arm someone else.
Besides, chewing gum is not against the law. Selling it is. The writer should get her facts right.
4. Singaporean Culture is Conformist
I will say that the conformist culture is more a product of our education system than the law. And before anyone talks about the Sticker Lady, let me just say that she's a vandal who defaced public property. You do the same to my front door, and I'll stick your head up your own rear end.
5. Singapore Is One of the World's Most Censored Countries
Yeah, our censorship sucks, but it ain't the worst, or even among the worst. Else, we wouldn't even be able to read her article.
-
Boring? Only if you don't venture out of the mall areas.
Expensive? Agreed - compared to the rest of Asia. Accomodation here is probably on par with New York in prices.
Regulated? Yeah, but those things you listed are blatant exaggerations.
Conformist? Again, look harder.
Highly-censored? How does that even affect your short visit? Tourism enriches people with families to feed, not just The Man. We're not commies, dumbass.
-
Morning... Eh got NUS scholar commit suicide n died at UTown?
-
Originally posted by sbst275:
Morning…
Eh got NUS scholar commit suicide n died at UTown?
morning....somebody just vandalised the cenotaph at the Esplanade :x -
Originally posted by SevenEleven:
morning....somebody just vandalised the cenotaph at the Esplanade :xFrom EDMW:
Sadly, there are people who do not see the problem with this.
-
Originally posted by fudgester:
These are deeds of a coward. He don't even have the balls to hold up his graffitti on a placard on 1st May legally -
1. Singapore Is The World's Most Boring Country
Most Boring? Really? I think being small have its advantages.
You don't have to travel far to the mall or cinema or clubs.
You don't have to travel far to restaurants. Sports facilities are easily accessible and so are the museums, theaters for the arts etc.
You don't have to worry about your safety going out late with your friends and family. Maybe it's boring because there is no excitement of the chance of being robbed/murdered/raped. If so, that I agree.
If you're talking about being with nature, there are also many accessible parks and reserves you can go to. Hobby groups etc are also accessible and easy to meet up . The local library is well-stocked and again very accessible. Maybe the writer can define 'fun'.
It's interesting to note that the writer travelled all the way to Singapore to see a similar street life as Bangkok -_-" Kuala Lumpur is exactly the same as Singapore except chance of being robbed/murdered/raped is very high. Seriously from what it sounds like to me, the writer is expecting all Asian cities to be the same.
2. Singapore Is Expensive
Compared to most other Asian countries, Yes. But if you talk about hawker food and food prices. Talking $ to $ value based on income, it is still acceptable. I'm talking about a comparison with the income and prices in Malaysia without bringing in the exchange rate.
Taxis are way cheaper than America. Food is way cheaper than America and even the Hotels are cheaper! With the same $ value you get a much better hotel room here. Btw Bangkok hotel rates are on par with Singapore. Why is she not bitching about it? Of course shopping is more expensive than America. Americans are marketing their brands as a premium product here in Asia. Of course it is more expensive.
3. Everything in Singapore Is Regulated
I think for 2 days and she feels stifled coz of this is total bull.
And FYR, chewing gum is not against the law. You just cannot buy or sell it here legally.
4. Singaporean Culture is Conformist
Again she can find that out in 2 days? Total BS. The scene here is changing and definitely not conformist.
5. Singapore Is One of the World's Most Censored Countries
I think she should just talk about censorship in other Asian countries too. We're not the most heavily censored. Plus in just 2 days?? How does that affect her stay???
-
Originally posted by fudgester:
omfg.
this is a really heinous thing to do...
and the comments on edmw made me even sadder.
-
The people who saw no problem are missing the point.
Vandalizing a war memorial is really no different from vandalizing the grave of someone's grandfather.
Does anyone here still remember what these jerks did?