tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88655034304325634442024-03-14T05:17:15.754-07:00This is my island in the sun, SingaporeWe are small(714km2), urban compact(5.31 mil), mostly hot(highest 36C) and flat(highest 164m); no more than a little red dot on the world map. Still, this is home truly.Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-44808536431622629942013-08-16T02:45:00.000-07:002013-08-16T02:45:42.150-07:00Almost killed one foreign talent<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Two evenings ago, I visited the company’s doctor at Ang Mo
Kio central after work, holding back a throbbing headache, muscle aches and a
tad of fever for the day. Physical examination showed nothing serious, perhaps
an onset of flu. I was prescribed paracetamol 500mg, told to rest and drink
lots of fluid. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was getting dark as I lumbered out of AMK central 2
car park. I had to turn left onto AMK Ave 8, keep right and then turn right at
traffic junction onto AMK Ave 5. The car on my right, some distance away,
signalled left to turn into the car park I was exiting. His main lights were
off, only his signal light goes tick-tock. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What I did not see was a cyclist ahead of this car. I
inched forward to turn left, momentarily stunned to have this projectile
whizzed by. I must have missed this flying object by a whisker. I collected
myself and ask what I can tell this guy to keep him safe. I picked up speed,
lowered my side window, drew alongside him and shouted: “you need lights”. He was
cycling a hybrid road bike with no lights, at a frantic speed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He shot back. It’s daylight! I dipped my eyes, read the
time off my digital clock and shouted back: “It’s past 7pm”. We then disengage,
he turning left and I turn right. He appeared to be a man in his mid-30s; white
caucasian. In the past 3 years, the average number of cyclist fatalities in
Singapore stand at 18, way too high. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is totally daft not to have both front and rear
lights on a bicycle when cycling on main vehicular roads come dusk. May luck continue
to be on his side and if he does not change, I wonder what he is going to say
on his epitaph. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-90922540054262970172013-06-21T03:55:00.002-07:002013-06-21T03:55:38.319-07:00Whistle blowing, possible solution to road rage <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was reported in the
local news that every four days, there is an officially reported case of road
rage in Singapore. There must be many cases which go unreported as well, typically
accompanied by expletives and finger pointing (middle being the favourite),
short of physical blows. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On this small footprint of 710 sq metres, there are
about a million vehicles, inclusive of 606,280 private cars. In 2010, there
were 63 cases of road rage. Fast forward 2 years, we registered 97 cases. Why
so high? Maybe it is because motor vehicles are so expensively personal that
the natural reflex is to flex one’s muscles. That’s exactly what a berserk motorist
did recently when he went up to victim vehicle, use back of his right hand and I
quote: “rap the front windscreen” as reported in ST 8Jun13. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thankfully, the victim
locked himself in his car. Whatever, the windscreen cracked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The road bully, with
violent track record, was promptly sent to jail for a week. If you, like me,
have a short fuse to begin with (although one’s own children and aging have a
positive effect on growing fuse length rather quickly), I may possibly have the
solution for you before you land up in hot soup. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As a standard procedure, I
always have with me a whistle and a small torch whenever I travel overseas. For
the Wife, it’s her small alarm clock. Never mind now that smart phone has torch
and alarm features. We are all creatures of habit. Just the other day, I asked
my cyclist buddy if he brought along his camera for a Kodak moment. He whipped
out his iPhone and I felt so silly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The whistle would accompany
me during the day when I am on the move. The idea is to have ability to draw
attention when needed. My torch sits next to my bed, never my hand phone. I am
not a great fan of electronic-magnetic-current, real or imagined, doing a slow
cook on whatever limited grey cells left. In case of any light related
emergency, I have vision, ready on hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfyBjccP48WvCKPsaHcv60Il76RQfAsjKvjZEUvgF3KL92nWnp_qcuLwG7xeTYDF8fW6nXKuCzo0wuHy0I89LZdWbNevhTNaAIfT1CdW15cIu7Mfq43ywB9w91_fSRO-qszNuhznud90/s1600/Whistle01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfyBjccP48WvCKPsaHcv60Il76RQfAsjKvjZEUvgF3KL92nWnp_qcuLwG7xeTYDF8fW6nXKuCzo0wuHy0I89LZdWbNevhTNaAIfT1CdW15cIu7Mfq43ywB9w91_fSRO-qszNuhznud90/s1600/Whistle01.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-SG; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This is my 1<sup>st</sup>
generation whistle. I believe it is the same type carried by our old Police
Force. When blown, it gives a hollow sound. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Several years ago, we were
in a queue, waiting to get past immigration at Taipei International Airport.
Taiwanese are orderly and courteous. Along came this man, a tour guide, waving
a flag high. He barged in, ahead of the queue, merrily directed his group of
passengers to jump queue thinking the rest behind will be too civilised to
object. True enough, all kept quiet, maybe shocked to say anything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A local Taiwanese raised
his voice and shouted: páiduì. I was a few places behind and immediately joined
in unison. They were oblivious, not caring a s@!% while a few of us were tenors
in harmony by then. It did not work because this was a bunch of tourists from
mainland China. The guy who shouted Páiduì up the ante, drew out a whistle and
man, he blew. I was tempted to pull out my thingy too until the Wife gave a
stabbing glare that read: “don’t you ever pull out that whistle of yours”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blowing a whistle in an
airport must be the most delightful method to draw attention. Before long, a
policeman came and asked about. By this time, the tour guide retreated,
instructing his guests to join at back of queue. So it was that a humble
whistle saved the day, putting a check on unacceptable behaviour. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Following that incident, I
upgraded my whistle to a slicker version with a less hollow sound. It was fine
but still sounded timid. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">About 1 year ago, I chanced
upon someone who bought a whistle at National Geographic store at Vivocity
(exited since then). I was curious and took a close look at the packaging. It
reads: “Extremely efficient and easy to blow with a superior clear loud blast. It’s
multi-coloured with an attractive lanyard”. The real clinger for me was the
phrase “EXCEEDS 120dB. Do not whistle directly into a person’s ear”. At 120dB, it’s
about the sound of an ambulance siren or at a loud rock concert. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Based on
specifications and for someone with a minor hearing impairment, this is my perfect
whistle short of an air-horn. It’s rubbery based, rust proof, maintenance free,
made in Canada. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I bought 10 pieces, gave
most away to my daughter’s friends (ladies only) studying abroad. It makes for
a great personal safety companion because the pitch will scare the s*&$ of
anyone who tries to be funny. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-SG; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This is my ultimate
whistle, guarantee to draw attention. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Several months ago, on our
way back to Singapore from Hǎikǒu, Hainan, a handful of passengers tried to cut
queue, getting into the plane. Instinctively, I shouted: páiduì. Sheepishly
they backed off and I missed putting my new found weapon to use. The Wife smiled,
nodded approvingly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another reason why I needed
to upgrade my whistle is that I have to drive pass Aljunied Rd/Lorong 22,
Geylang on work days. Food is
wonderfully good there including 24 hour “tau huey” at Lorong 24A. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The traffic eco-system
there is chaotic and stressful. You have pedestrians who attempt to cross roads
even when signal is not in their favour. Pedestrians who are caught on middle
island of roads. You have cyclists who salmon-ed against normal traffic flow.
It is also common to have cyclists glued to handphones talking, cycling one
handed. And, yes reckless e-bikes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you happen to spot a
motorist in Geylang area in the evening with what looks like a pacifier in the mouth, it is quite likely to be me. Car
honks pale in comparison to my new found whistle. Here, no one cares a hoot
about car toots. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So back to the issue of
road rage, what can you do to curtail that temptation of throwing a punch when
your ego is challenged and possibly bruised whilst driving? Here is my step-by-step
recipe to stay out of trouble. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Go
get yourself a FOX40 whistle, under $10. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Give
away the colourful lanyard.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Give
whistle a wash using water and vinegar.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Place
whistle in your car, preferably a spot readily within reach.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Every time you feel you
need to scold or swear at an idiotic motorist, stuff that thingy into your
mouth and blow till your heart’s content. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Imagine or use whatever
expletives you like; no worries. All will be safely translated to one tone. If
you are absolutely disgusted, simply blow hard and loud, preferably holding on
to that whistle so no fingers are pointed in the wrong direction. Just remember
to lower your side window and try not to blow in the direction of the Wife! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-14643284481379185492013-05-24T07:03:00.002-07:002013-05-24T07:03:44.280-07:00Bicycles will be here to stay<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The humble bicycle was
invented 200 years ago. The modern automobile was invented in 1885, 70 years
later. By 1960, Singapore had 268,000 bicycles and 63,000 cars and 19,000
motorbikes (quoted from The Evolution of cycling in Singapore by Koh Puay Ping
and Wong Yiik Diew) . In the 1970s, bicycle usage started to decline as both
car and motorbike ownership shot up. Walking, cycling and public transport became
second class compared to private cars. Soon cycling tracks were removed to make
way for roads. By 1981, the Government stopped registering bicycles altogether.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sales of bicycles enjoyed
double digit growth in the past 5 years. If we take into consideration
including bicycles owned by foreign workers, it is conceivable there is at
least half a million bicycles island wide. As part of the National Cycling
Plan, 7 HDB selected towns will enjoy a network of 50 km intra-town off-road
cycling paths. Such short-trips may include cycling to the market, school, bus
exchange or cycling the first mile to catch the MRT. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When it comes to cycling
between towns or into CBD, the challenge of off-road paths, tracks is more
daunting in space constraint SG. Thanks to NParks years of building park
connector networks, strategically positioned here and there, the opportunity to
link these existing 210 km of PCN into our heartland cycling paths is happening.
It is projected that Park Connector Network will be extended to cover 360 km by
2020 (Designing our city: planning for a sustainable SG by URA). The “icing on
the cake” includes a 150 km round-island-route. We have not even discussed
developing the North-South Rail Corridor of over 25 km of contiguous distance. So,
yes there is no turning back as bicycles will be here to stay. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cyclists in Singapore
continue to be a sandwiched class; between motorists and pedestrians.
Pedestrians want cyclists to be on the roads, not pavements, and motorists want
cyclists “out of their way”. The common gripe of most motorists (having to pay
road-tax and high COE) is that cyclists don’t belong because they pay next to
nothing! Hence this tension continues unabated, exacerbated each time there is near
miss or an accident involving motorists and bicycles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Likewise, when a cyclist
pedals on pavement, he risks chastised by pedestrians who think they owned all
walk ways. In addition, cyclists may be fined for a “traffic violation” cycling
on pavements although the authority always applies a “light touch”
implementation on this matter. Increasingly, more towns are reforming to be
more cycling friendly, be it on dedicated cycling paths or shared paths in the
form of park connectors introduced through NParks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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* <span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">The reality on the ground is as follows (again by Koh Puay Ping and Wong Yiik Diew)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuT8jhVPkqhkil-VmSg1NRnH4Bo3dVm6u3xlpGTWcQrOb0YsYdjyeuDYYa1T4VNhR8lFlri_ewkjTEB4CwB4XvsmizJp56sm9A1N-a15JBVQYU1nILvckxvgpWAUCtVSoYpWihp4uzXKk/s1600/KW01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuT8jhVPkqhkil-VmSg1NRnH4Bo3dVm6u3xlpGTWcQrOb0YsYdjyeuDYYa1T4VNhR8lFlri_ewkjTEB4CwB4XvsmizJp56sm9A1N-a15JBVQYU1nILvckxvgpWAUCtVSoYpWihp4uzXKk/s1600/KW01.JPG" height="126" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">* So there is hope still that pavements can be shared
without being territorial as is the case for most park connectors. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7PTiVLkoT-qaPn66TTCd4B7F7aUlBDOm4Wj-JZl2ri4oqG4WqF_KeldtEQaSmGS0EilQL7y6HtH-a6alg3c_ukhf1KgfqMenxlkkXWkD3TQ_TsssOj-8Fb2xnNfiZphXhBHOMRFcJO4/s1600/kw02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7PTiVLkoT-qaPn66TTCd4B7F7aUlBDOm4Wj-JZl2ri4oqG4WqF_KeldtEQaSmGS0EilQL7y6HtH-a6alg3c_ukhf1KgfqMenxlkkXWkD3TQ_TsssOj-8Fb2xnNfiZphXhBHOMRFcJO4/s1600/kw02.JPG" height="120" width="320" /></a></div>
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* <span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In this urban jungle, temper flares especially when user
exhibits bad behaviour. Extracted from STOMP</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgGMmnHd0It5Y0H4iQWBpfUgmeMcDv-Y7Z_1EJprxssZ3R4mC9OsZD2z9sJUK8m0mHvObWn51TUHAtJzCnesOnwW7a0L04oJN8Fz3wRG79UX64Qp2A3L_yg8csnAQfYXs8crkULqhSQs/s1600/KW03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgGMmnHd0It5Y0H4iQWBpfUgmeMcDv-Y7Z_1EJprxssZ3R4mC9OsZD2z9sJUK8m0mHvObWn51TUHAtJzCnesOnwW7a0L04oJN8Fz3wRG79UX64Qp2A3L_yg8csnAQfYXs8crkULqhSQs/s1600/KW03.JPG" height="316" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What then is a cyclist in Singapore and should he/she be
a perennial rub on the other users, be it on road or pavement? Hopefully, you
will understand we need to co-exist as bicycles will feature more in the years
to come. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cyclists come in many forms. As a photo is worth a
thousand works, I will show you that cyclists are ordinary people trying to get
from point A to point B safely in the most time efficient manner. And yes, some
depend on this humble invention for work purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here, I must qualify that I am not referring to those
“men or women in spandex”, typically week end warriors, charged on high octane
on a cardio work out. The law of physics exempts no one and the faster they go,
the higher their risk. I will also exclude some
(minority) uncouth, including foreign workers, who have absolutely no regard
for other users; be it motorists or pedestrians. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Clearly on our roads, the most vulnerable include
motorcyclists and cyclists. Speed kills and last year alone, there were 169
road deaths. The more vulnerable
cyclists suffered average of 18 deaths over three years as was reported in
parliament in Sep12. I have not come across any documented fatalities of
pedestrians/cyclists combination on pavements, other than some reported bruises,
falls or shouting contests. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So how do we stack against other cosmopolitan cities
including New York and London? At 18 cyclist deaths, we fare poorly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvP75e2SwyR1engcGT_COPZc4gQ_ILjtrf81rga4RUjuhsVgmmkO0ovmEeqz_rvxlzzYZC09rfZWlXVnXhlFLcIIE_K4582-0UB95OUGjfETxmJQVfZaYAPIXLmbc0zLGhIYVejYF3IzQ/s1600/Cycle-work12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvP75e2SwyR1engcGT_COPZc4gQ_ILjtrf81rga4RUjuhsVgmmkO0ovmEeqz_rvxlzzYZC09rfZWlXVnXhlFLcIIE_K4582-0UB95OUGjfETxmJQVfZaYAPIXLmbc0zLGhIYVejYF3IzQ/s1600/Cycle-work12.JPG" height="145" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If we use London as another comparison, 18 cyclist deaths
are equally appalling. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you refer to Straits Times 16 May, 2013 B1 by
Christopher Tan, our Traffic Police issued 83,735 summons in first quarter of
2013 for traffic violation, up from 68,176 for same quarter last year. Speeding
alone accounted for 64,628 tickets, up from 46,654 last year; an astronomical
38% jump. This first quarter of 2013, we clocked 54 road deaths, compared to
49 last year. At this rate, we will revisit the dark ages of over 200 road
deaths per year and a 28% increase in fatality rate over 2012! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The extrapolated fatality number of cyclists is correspondingly
grim. First quarter saw 5 cyclist deaths (including 2 young boys) and 1
hit-and-run case. </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">The latest victim was an expat roadie who dashed into a stationary lorry along Changi coastal road. He was dead right whilst the lorry awfully wrong.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We claim to be first world, but our behaviour makes misery out
of hundreds of related parties from these unfortunate victims.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So please remember, spare a thought before you step hard
on your gas pedal. That split moment of madness can only bring grief to the
slow and vulnerable. What are we to do? Whatever? Bicycles will be here to
stay. Enjoy the photos. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">* Here’s a mum cycling outside Wheelock place with a child, probably after kindergarten class. She is sensible, cycling on pavement and waiting for light to turn green.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">* Here is a worker, picking up litter. He has got all his tools loaded on his bicycle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">* Here is another worker pedalling his “cargo bike” collecting litter in the city, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">along </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Singapore river. </span></div>
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often in my neighbourhood, cycling to work. She is waiting to cross traffic
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team, waiting for air; not gas. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmhWUCHe7-PQGkpxJ3aeZLaA-iGD3l3X4MmegRHFXiqYba2YwLHKpQewKxCdAJH5u-TdxGiY0iwJtw8pJKPV-zLv5EiXQ_nTcKTZcGEyxylS-2ZUNkunKVro2_foDba5my5hIO6cH9n4/s1600/Cycle-work05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmhWUCHe7-PQGkpxJ3aeZLaA-iGD3l3X4MmegRHFXiqYba2YwLHKpQewKxCdAJH5u-TdxGiY0iwJtw8pJKPV-zLv5EiXQ_nTcKTZcGEyxylS-2ZUNkunKVro2_foDba5my5hIO6cH9n4/s1600/Cycle-work05.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-SG; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-SG; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-SG; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">* Dad coaching the next
generation cyclist.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1qShhCtJgrkVgUAawzST9oX8kj9sG0rsFLzEZrpGLoSqnHgPYYDICJgRqgtXz6NB2Ufyg39dghxlD12l7YGW9EVS_S0jKpZow_eYRpMkdAYwu58EbD8eHI3yaK8iEaLz9GXgndFNN10/s1600/Cycle-work09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1qShhCtJgrkVgUAawzST9oX8kj9sG0rsFLzEZrpGLoSqnHgPYYDICJgRqgtXz6NB2Ufyg39dghxlD12l7YGW9EVS_S0jKpZow_eYRpMkdAYwu58EbD8eHI3yaK8iEaLz9GXgndFNN10/s1600/Cycle-work09.JPG" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-SG; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-SG; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-SG; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">* A mum cycling home
after dropping kid at school.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJT2QRght82Vk6Sw0BkasnFb3olyXggLGue9rQDIh3RqDMG-70nUSWCqBgpLYHHoTzgjNHThLE7vZ-QyVtgqVCIJqe5OMW_agLwwVTVhW7M2FxmHu2ZusXv_TK7lDHfcsSwRgQIQpFgtg/s1600/Cycle-work10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJT2QRght82Vk6Sw0BkasnFb3olyXggLGue9rQDIh3RqDMG-70nUSWCqBgpLYHHoTzgjNHThLE7vZ-QyVtgqVCIJqe5OMW_agLwwVTVhW7M2FxmHu2ZusXv_TK7lDHfcsSwRgQIQpFgtg/s1600/Cycle-work10.JPG" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-SG; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-SG; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-SG; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">* Photo of a cyclist at
-25 degree C in Harbin, China. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIobp6buwXPWHg5mDraldC92mShyphenhyphen8XZJXrpJ9gU6ALKLYpKDb9Oab3xxrw09fXIbAfLSauW7tYtIMAWy72inzMPoEU9JB6lowqq_pDYVk4dU5pOlm5uVnwygZd5E3hg4YQ-4hzSwkXok/s1600/Cycle-work14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIobp6buwXPWHg5mDraldC92mShyphenhyphen8XZJXrpJ9gU6ALKLYpKDb9Oab3xxrw09fXIbAfLSauW7tYtIMAWy72inzMPoEU9JB6lowqq_pDYVk4dU5pOlm5uVnwygZd5E3hg4YQ-4hzSwkXok/s1600/Cycle-work14.JPG" height="280" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">* Elderly man probably on his way home after his
kopi fix at nearby market.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">* Multi-modal commute to address both the first and
last miles. No real estate needed at both ends of train stations. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Extracted from Tern.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuT0FyrxmUfQM8Ap5lEZV0zRPH5fhaU5yNphf9S_PkpLYiCZEBIjJ4fTw3aynfDLYpHOjefgv-f7nia03jw9Tyiw2W9uETGE18p-4bBbIw-Q0CERGoUZAgA3ZpDOFDF6SIDWVEQV-BRY/s1600/MRT-ride1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuT0FyrxmUfQM8Ap5lEZV0zRPH5fhaU5yNphf9S_PkpLYiCZEBIjJ4fTw3aynfDLYpHOjefgv-f7nia03jw9Tyiw2W9uETGE18p-4bBbIw-Q0CERGoUZAgA3ZpDOFDF6SIDWVEQV-BRY/s1600/MRT-ride1.JPG" height="234" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-SG; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-SG; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">* Err..that’s my foldie
and stomach on our local MRT. It was a good emission-free day, 42 train stops,
24 km of first and last miles, 3 errands and lots of Vit D. </span></div>
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<br />Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-48501942150574218972013-04-19T00:45:00.001-07:002013-04-20T19:09:58.352-07:00Dialects, mandarin and hanyu pinyin<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There I was giving a safety
briefing to 12 CEOs before we set off on our discovering Singapore on bicycle
tour a few months back. I highlighted several points of interest along the
Western Adventure park connector. For the uninitiated, you may like to know we
have 210 km of park connectors where you can walk, roller blade, cycle safely. Refer
to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/docs/diy_guide/WAPCN_cycling_trail.pdf">http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/docs/diy_guide/WAPCN_cycling_trail.pdf</a>
for Western adventure route, a circuitous route of 23 km. Do visit <a href="http://www.nparks.gov.sg/">www.nparks.gov.sg</a> for all other park
connectors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Points of interest within Western
Adventure include </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "MS Gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic";">小桂林</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (Little Guilin, China),
Wallace Centre, farmlands of Sungei Tengah, heartlands of Choa Chu Kang, Bt
Panjang, Pang Sua park connector and finally the rustic, narrow, undulating
turns within Zhenghua park. The last section of Zhenghua is high-octane stuff,
exhilarating for those looking for an adrenalin fix. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As an aside, this year is the
centenary of Alfred Russel Wallace death. He spent eight years travelling New
Guinea and the Malay Archipelago, including Singapore. Without him, it can be
argued that maybe Darwin would not have surfaced. The centre is located about 8
mins walk from Diary Farm carpark. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Back to the topic of
dialects, I have always thought “Pang Sua” park connector in Hokkien (one of
several dialects) to be “releasing sand” as in “Pang” (release) and “Sua”
(sand). A learned CEO from public sector corrected me at that briefing saying
it should be “Fragrant Hill”; as in “phang suah” pronounced in a particular
intonation and valid across several dialects. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So momentarily, I had my tail
between my legs. If it’s “fragrant hill”, so be it. I quickly moved on to
another point of interest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That same week end, I just
had that burning desire to get to the bottom of this after being publicly bruised.
I was not completely convinced it is “fragrant hill” in Hokkien. So I googled
and lo behold “fragrant hill” turns out to be a common name for many popular
places in the world. But I could not find any reference of “fragrant hill” to
Singapore, only fragrant hotel! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In terms of intonation in Hokkien, “Pang” or
“Phang” could well be “fragrant or release”. I asked around and someone more suitably
qualified in Hokkien said. If it is “fragrant” then maybe “Phang” is more
accurate; I felt vindicated. Likewise in mum’s native Teochew, “Phang” would be
more acceptable than “Pang” for “fragrant”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then again in Mandarin, the
unifying language for all dialects, “fragrant” is </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "MS Gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic";">香 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";">and pronounced Xiāng; nowhere near “Pang”.
And if it is “Phang”, then there is no hanyu pinyin equivalent. Going by “Pang”,
there will be 4 intonations to the same word. So which to pick? The 4<sup>th</sup>
tone would read as Pàng (</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "MS Gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Tahoma;">胖</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"> as in fat!). </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As a digression, using Chinese
hieroglyphs to explain Chinese characters is logical on most occasions. In
this instance, the character<b> </b></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "MS Gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic";">胖</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"> (fat)</span><span style="font-family: "MS Gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";">consists of two parts, left and a right
representation; </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "MS Gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Tahoma;">月</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";">(moon) and </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "MS Gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Tahoma;">半</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";">(half). Take a half-moon or full-moon and you still get a rotund
figure! </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let us move on to “Sua”
(hill or sand). In both Hokkien and Teochew, “Sua” is good enough for both
“hill” or “sand”. In Pinyin, we will be hard pressed for “Sua”. It would be as
if two words instead. In Mandarin, hill would have been </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "MS Gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic";">山</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "MS Gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic";">,</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"> pronounced as Shān in the 1<sup>st</sup>
tone. Sand would have been </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "MS Gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family: Tahoma;">沙</span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";">, pronounced as Shā,
also 1<sup>st</sup> tone. Likewise </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: MingLiU;">杀</span></b><b><span style="font-family: MingLiU; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: MingLiU;"> (kill), </span></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";">shares
the same tone as sand. Then again, “Shan and Sha” is nowhere near “Sua”! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";">It is, therefore, not surprising to have standard Mandarin Chinese
as a unifying mechanism to get all dialects onto same page. Thanks to Hanyu
Pinyin, good standard pronunciation is achievable. Of course, there is still
the complexity of same tone for different words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpn18-BcDTtyq_aXh6si7O3yKu8AJMuiNq5Iy3vCJg7J7Y274SXoZEO257pLk_eDi-NCdulTOVk8HPTp8i0JdzD0lPsekKFVb1NaH7A-zn9B33cS1rrnH40rVEVE8lAdsMHfiupA_6LZM/s1600/Pangsua.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpn18-BcDTtyq_aXh6si7O3yKu8AJMuiNq5Iy3vCJg7J7Y274SXoZEO257pLk_eDi-NCdulTOVk8HPTp8i0JdzD0lPsekKFVb1NaH7A-zn9B33cS1rrnH40rVEVE8lAdsMHfiupA_6LZM/s1600/Pangsua.JPG" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Extracted from e-guide</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";">I then went back to the
e-guide from NParks on URL provided. It said “Pang Sua” means “weighing sand”
in Hokkien. In the early 1900s, there were lorries transporting sand all over
the island. Lorries suspected of carrying more than stipulated weight were
escorted to this location for a weight test. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";">So it’s back to the drawing board with the word “Pang”. I again asked
around both native and hybrid Hokkien. No one can explain “Pang” as “weighing”.
A smart Teochew said maybe it is “Pong” which then evolves to “Pang”! “Pong” is
colloquial and our guess is that it came from the British ‘pound’ (as in weight
pound). Anyway, we are still none the wiser. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I went back to NParks. It
drew a blank. I am told it’s now escalated to National Heritage Board awaiting
their response. At this rate, they are scratching themselves bald on one side. I
will, for now, accept “Pang Sua” to be “releasing sand” and NOT “weighing sand”
or for that matter “fragrant hill”. If a lorry is overweight, then sand has to
be “released” to bring it down to stipulated weight. So I am satisfied to have
“Pang Sua” as “releasing sand” as long as it is not “Pang Sai” (defecate). We
will leave that for another day <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So while it is true that
hanyu pinyin (romanised alphabets) is great for learning Mandarin, there is
another argument that it conflicts with learning English. Take for example, the
word “bang”. There are at least 25 different words in Chinese across four
intonations. In doubt, google translate is good! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-34380160738966345592013-03-26T06:46:00.000-07:002013-03-26T06:46:58.552-07:00Are Singaporeans still relegated on home ground?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For all CNY (Chinese New Year) festive
breaks, I always stayed home. When most activities come to a standstill, it's a
great time to catch up with family members, relatives, friends and those with
stories to tell. It's a time to listen in, discuss, debate and argue to seek out
gems. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This year needs no
provocation. The consistent rumbling was with the Population White Paper.
Instead of white, it was bloodied. The 66 pages, feature rich with explanations
and statistics, were completely obliterated by people fixated with this magic
6.9 mil population, crystal balling 18 years down the road. Most people have to
navel gaze, concern with the immediate and now, be it housing, transportation,
healthcare, child care and yes, jobs. I am merely going to focus on jobs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the PME (professionals, managers and executives) space, I learned people are job displaced at a younger age, often times by non citizens. Just
weeks ago, I persuaded a friend to be interviewed for a CIO (Chief Information
Officer) position with a foreign MNC </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(Multi National
Corporation)</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">. He said this: "Most will position
younger folks and this is truly the biggest challenge for many middle age
professionals. Such jobs have been going to foreign talent and our country men
are seriously at the losing end. This Chinese New Year alone, I came across a
number of friends and relatives in such situations".</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Last May 2012, I wrote a
piece entitled “three stories, same tale”. This same person gave me one story
back then. Within weeks after being hired, his foreigner boss forwarded some
CVs of fresh graduates from France with "highly recommended" ratings.
So what would you do if you were in his shoes? To keep his own job, he did the
“politically right thing”; hired some fresh French legs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">At one CNY dinner, I was seated
next to a well-regarded lady banker who retired early. She was overseas
trained, tertiary educated at London School of Economics, worked in London, came home and then rose to a senior
position in a local bank. She witnessed the sea of change in the banking sector
in the past 15 years. In her words, our own chaps were "hollowed
out", posted overseas for experience but never make it back to shore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Why?
Whilst they were away, their positions were back-filled with many from abroad. Bring
in one bright chap and half the village presents itself as brilliant too! <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And it comes as no surprise
that “birds of same feather, flock together”.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This same person tells me
that on weekends or long weekends, the banking sector these days would empty
out by early evenings, thanks to pubs and low-cost carriers. Assembly in pubs
is now classified as good work-life balance. Thanks to low-cost carriers, we
now have a segment of people having their families rooted outside Singapore,
4-5 hours away. I personally met a Brit working for a local telco
company in Singapore with family based in Perth. One of my staff relocated his
family back to India, citing high cost of living here. While such arrangement
is not for every family, with LCC, it becomes viable. So here is another category
of mostly white-collar PMEs with virtually no chance of planting next
generation Singaporeans here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Turn the clock back 12
years. Western talent back then in the local banking sector was “flavour of the
month”. Starting from foreign talent CEO, it cascaded down to many levels
including many technical positions. After 50 years of
computerization and a good head-start with National Computer Board, I am
baffled we cannot produce CIOs for the banking sector? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some of our brightest were
schooled in top notched universities in the US and UK. We use the same western
computers, the same programming languages, the same databases, the same working
language (English) and probably the same banking solutions. Yet none could cut
it. I thought we short changed ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do allow me to cite a more
recent example. As part of global grooming/training, a large IT MNC seconded a
European lady to head the Singapore office displacing a local incumbent. I am
told there is at least one other local who could cut it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Of course, one can argue
this is a global company. </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Then again, w</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">hat special skills, technical or otherwise,
is she able to bring to the table? What local knowledge does she possess? What
new know how can she bring to her local team?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In another situation, I got
to know the head of Asia Pacific of an MNC with operations in Singapore for many
years. The company has significant presence including manufacturing, R&D
and marketing. After years of operating here, the role of local MD (Managing
Director) vacillated between foreign and local talents and eventually disappeared.
Given the present local sentiment, there is recognition that having a qualified
local face is good for the company. As part of HP Alumni, I was asked if there
are suitable candidates within our flock. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was put in touched with a
HR director for details. He is from the Netherlands. We corresponded and sometime
later, another person popped up. A newly recruited Brit, put in charge of talent
scouting for Asia Pac. His last posting was in the Middle East. I scratched my
head (got to be careful not to do so on same spot!) and ask myself aloud. Could such positions be filled by locals
(Singaporeans and PR)? I mean those who lived here for some time and probably
have better understanding of the landscape here and of neighbouring countries. What
special skills do they possess? What knowhow can be transferred? What domestic knowledge
do they possess to manage these jobs? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All the same, I tried to be
useful seeking someone from within our flock to be more than mere
'mascot'! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This story came from a school
mate who already made his money. He would be classified in the super league. Even he
lamented saying the super rich we attract do not understand our culture. He was
pissed with another neighbour from afar in a high-end condo. Apparently, both
were entangled in a parking incident where many fingers were shown and things
nearly came to a blow. He said: “these new migrants have no respect for our bumiputras".
Then, he added. Maybe the Malaysians are smarter than us since day one! Then he
checked himself and said no, no. He then advocates every foreigner working in
Singapore should be given a booklet that spells out our local norms. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This reminded me of a
simple encounter with an overseas neighbour two years back. In measured tone, I
pointed out to this bloke who plunged into our communal swimming pool without a
wash. It was no surprise he talked back with a stiff upper lip. I smiled,
pointed out specific clause from a prominent notice next to the pool. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Saving best for last, there is hope still. The
most heartening story came from a HR Director of a large educational
institution. She promises a level playing field for Singaporeans, PR and overseas talents. She said: “I came from
Malaysia, my husband from Hong Kong. We met in the UK as students. We got
married, worked in HK and had our first child in Hong Kong. After some time, by
choice, we relocated to work in Singapore. My children grew up, went to local
schools. My boy chipped in, served the nation. We too were migrants. While I do
have many relatives in different parts of the world, I now call this place home”.
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She summed up her mantra succinctly
saying: “All things equal, if we are not willing to take care of our Singaporeans first and then
our PRs second, then which country will?” Putting one’s citizens first is
nothing new. Upon graduation in 1979, I was offered a two year London posting
with ICL, UK. Coincidentally, Margaret Thatcher came into power that same year.
I was booted out of UK without working a day. Trust the Brits to be gracious.
They paid me one month salary; no hard feelings. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I had wanted my piece to
end here. However, I am cheered to add this extension, contributed by a Dr X in
childcare. Ironically, it took a foreign talent to prick a local to wake up, stand
up, and speak up if something is amiss. She offered this famous quote and I
like it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">First they came for the
Socialists, and I did not speak out--</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">
Because I was not a Socialist.</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 3pt 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out--</span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br />
<i>Because I was not a Trade Unionist.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 3pt 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out--</span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br />
<i>Because I was not a Jew.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 3pt 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Then they came for me--and there was no one left to speak for me.</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Martin Niemöller (1892-1984)</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-28207066060727398792013-02-01T02:36:00.000-08:002013-02-02T20:37:22.942-08:00Of golf balls, pebbles, sand and beer<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Chinese New Year comes round the corner, I am feeling all fidgety, looking forward to having my daughter back for the festive season. She already missed 3 consecutive Chinese New Years. When you are an empty nester, you learn to count the days using the Chinese character </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">正 </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(zheng, thanks to google translate)</span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">consisting of 5 strokes to strike off the week days. Weekends are led, so it's easier! My domestic boss keeps me quite distracted; be it plants, flowers, laundry, fruit vendor, shopping, gym and yes, photo taking. Both my kids are away so having 1 back for CNY is half a bonus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, having a weekly chat over Skype sure beats writing snail mail of yester-years. I know an empty-nested friend on WhatsApp. He gets 20 photos from his daughter seeing snow for the first time. I get 3 photos from my son, also on WhatsApp! After two years, he is fatigued with snow, snow and more snow. He is now hardly excited about the cold. It's amazing how technology has changed our connections and how fast information gets from one point to the end of the globe in seconds.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2191yadaxDufUkcG8nWHJKhQsdCbvvzVAryvY70LToLJo6C4pX5EwNxHGtTghlBI89sKebT553348d0H5G781g0dP5RpZ_aSKwQiOSmRIptIMAB90lA4vBkjw4TEQXDbtf2sn3uFUn8/s1600/Bristol02-Jan13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2191yadaxDufUkcG8nWHJKhQsdCbvvzVAryvY70LToLJo6C4pX5EwNxHGtTghlBI89sKebT553348d0H5G781g0dP5RpZ_aSKwQiOSmRIptIMAB90lA4vBkjw4TEQXDbtf2sn3uFUn8/s1600/Bristol02-Jan13.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">UK suffered one of the worst winters in years. Railway lines were cut off in varies cities. Who wants to take photos when it is this cold?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue Light', 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.59375px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by the great Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, although he never lived to see his creation finished in 1864.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue Light', 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.59375px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">I read tech-savvy Thaksin uses Skype and various social media applications, including WhatsApp </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">and Line on multiple smart phones</span><span style="line-height: 22px;">, to keep in touch with the leaders of the Pheu Thai Party. SMS is passe. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So back to the purpose of this story as we approach CNY. I read this piece weeks ago. I hope you like it too and please reward yourself with a beer after reading. <b><span style="color: #212121;">干杯</span> </b><span style="color: #212121;">Gānbēi. </span>Here are 2 photos from my daughter before the article.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DG2J4_5rMTyQrOTDdGBvH3duXVFLuXs973WMAMmOVnTyC7u0hSmNmJTkNzFTi4vZEuUig9Us7BkFXX0OethekB6tNeWvKcdp_5k8O_2qGQGfFUq-_i7ytgRTNYlrzoByENTM6MMD_cw/s1600/Tall-ship01-Jan13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DG2J4_5rMTyQrOTDdGBvH3duXVFLuXs973WMAMmOVnTyC7u0hSmNmJTkNzFTi4vZEuUig9Us7BkFXX0OethekB6tNeWvKcdp_5k8O_2qGQGfFUq-_i7ytgRTNYlrzoByENTM6MMD_cw/s1600/Tall-ship01-Jan13.JPG" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I cannot put into words why I am fascinated with ships. Perhaps it all started when Dad brought both JJ and I on that naval ship docked in the harbour</span>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mom may not like it because of the sun. But after slapping on a lot of sunblock, even after 7 days of Canary islands sunshine, I am still white and pasty!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">That's a long way down. 60 m to be precise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dad, I think you should try ship life. Another Tall ship comes by Singapore. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The professor stood before his philosophy class with some items including a huge empty translucent jar. He proceeded to fill it with golf balls to the top. He then asked his students if it was full. Everyone nodded. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He then picked up a box of pebbles and started pouring into the jar. His students shook their heads. He shook the vessel a couple of times and the pebbles roll into the open gaps between the golf balls. He then asked his students yet again. And all concurred it's full. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, he lifted a box of sand and poured into the jar. The class gawked in total silence. The sand filled up, he gave a few shakes and again asked his students. By this time, his students were feeling restless. All the same, it was a unanimous yes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From under his table, he pulled out two cans of beer and promptly poured the entire content into the jar. By this time, all his students were laughing thinking what a nut this Prof is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As laughter subsided, the Professor said: "I want you to recognize this jar to represent your life. The golf balls are the important things--- your family, your children, your health, your friends and your passions. If everything else was lost and only the golf balls remain, your life would still be fill. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your home, your car, maybe your bicycle! And as for the sand, it is everything else....the small stuff." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you proceed to pour in the sand first into the jar, there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend your time and energy on the small stuff, there will be no room left for things which matter more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness, he added. Spend time with your parents, your children. Visit your grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. And my favourite is "there will always be time to clean the house or re-pot the plants!" Take care of the golf balls first and set priorities. The rest is simply sand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One brave student raised his hand and asked: "Prof, I don't get it. What's up with the beer?". The professor smiled and said: "I am glad you asked. The beer just shows that no matter how full your life may be, there is always room for a couple of beers with a friend". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please don't tell you spouse you are heading to the golf course this CNY to purchase 'golf balls to fill your jar'. Especially so when you are needed to chauffeur your family or visit your relatives. Worst still, drive to the golf course and have a couple of beer with your friends. Happy Chinese New Year. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 11.197916984558105px; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rules for Happiness: something to do, someone to love, something to hope for.” ― Immanuel Kant</span></span></div>
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Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-90473287689631015802013-01-05T05:00:00.002-08:002013-01-05T05:00:38.520-08:00On-road cycling more dangerous than skydiving <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">On the evening of 18Nov12, Sunday at a remote
round-about along Tanjong Rhu, I almost ran into a heavy chunk of metal, a white
taxi. Instead of tailing full-circle behind my bicycle, the taxi driver took a
short cut and drove in front of me. Fortunately, I was not riding fast or
furious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Strangely, he stopped a short distance away then
after. I rode alongside and tabbed on his side screen. He was oblivious,
fiddling with his hand phone. I said: “Can you have some respect for a cyclist.
You cut into my path”. He said: “I saw you what!” I replied: “What you did was
wrong” and he waved me on saying “I have no time for you”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Well, I had time for him. Thanks to an old smart
phone, I took a photo of his cab. He shot out yelling and I scoot off using the park
connector, a safe haven from motorised vehicles. If I have to pull him by the
ears to a court hearing, I would. Given our zero tolerance on road bullies, I reported
and left this in the good hands of our traffic police.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPezPA26FdySeUVJ8dj8EN_jmRZGvdm31yWwzljkZ44k0tci0ntD207dAQX1_Hucl3nzbr3jWLE0rhMnGKnzjS88MdB6NghGs-uZcGi1he6XOfK-25H4Yz5CDddMibzOBZu_TCqaYLdEk/s1600/Merc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPezPA26FdySeUVJ8dj8EN_jmRZGvdm31yWwzljkZ44k0tci0ntD207dAQX1_Hucl3nzbr3jWLE0rhMnGKnzjS88MdB6NghGs-uZcGi1he6XOfK-25H4Yz5CDddMibzOBZu_TCqaYLdEk/s1600/Merc.JPG" height="124" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Assoc Prof
Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim on 10Sep12 in Parliament said: “The number of cyclist
fatalities averaged 18 per year over the same period from 2008 to 2011.
Cyclists were found to be at least partly at fault for about half of these
accidents. Since the beginning of this year, there have been 11 cyclist
fatalities”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">It is no joy to read: “Cyclists were found to be at
least partly at fault for about half of these accidents”. A bicycle or, for
that matter, a motorcycle is most vulnerable on the road in relation to a motor
vehicle. The de facto engagement rule on roads must be that the fast and
well-protected keep a look out for the slow and less-protected. In any accident
between a motor vehicle and 2-wheelers, the latter are always worst off, never
mind who is at fault. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">In a study done in the UK by David Spiegelhalter, a
professor of risk assessment at university of Cambridge compared 4 modes of
movements and its associated risk. He used the term “micromort”, defined as one
in a million chance of sudden death. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">The distance travelled per micromort is 15 miles for
walking; 20 miles for cycling; 6 miles for motorcycle and 250 miles for motor
vehicle. It is, therefore, not surprising that motorcycles are riskiest and
that cyclists in the UK fare slightly better than pedestrians. The stat showed
motor vehicles to be 12.5 times better off than cyclists comes as no surprise.
It’s glaring but true that speed on two wheels makes motor cyclists awfully
vulnerable at 42 time’s worst off than motorists. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">According to a US skydiving site quoted by Prof
Spiegelhalter, there were 20 fatalities recorded in 2010 over 3 million jumps. This
works out to be 6.7 micromorts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">There are an ESTIMATED 25,000 recreational on-road cyclists
in Singapore and assume they ALL take 1.5 trips per week for 42 weeks (take
away rain and vacation). This works out to be 1,575,000 cycling trips. Assume recreational
cyclist fatalities as 60% of the overall 18 fatalities per year. This works out
to be 10.8 fatalities and translate to 6.8 micromorts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">The remaining 40%
fatalities attributed to foreign-workers, intra-town travel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Using these ball park numbers, on-road recreational
cycling (6.8 micromorts) in Singapore is a tad worst than skydiving (6.7
micromorts) in the US!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Mangled bike following fatal road accident Courtesy:
http://sg.news.yahoo.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">The month before parliamentary debate on this
matter, the most horrific cycling accident involved a lorry hitting 3 cyclists
one after another along Loyang Avenue on a Saturday morning at 6:50am. The
first two riders escaped with injuries. The last rider, a banker of 48 years
old with a pregnant wife and a young child, died on the spot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">In the past months, it appeared accidents involving
cyclists and motor vehicles last year have been expedited to be dealt with. Early
last year, a hit-and-run driver, while under driving suspension, ran over a 58
year man. He died on the spot. It was recorded that the culprit stopped his van
farther ahead, walked back to the accident scene before getting back to his vehicle
and drove off. Thankfully, there were witnesses. He was eventually caught,
sentenced to six months imprisonment and banned from driving for seven years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Here is something to cheer about in justice
delivered. In a drink driving case, the driver knocked down and killed a
retiree cyclist. He was initially fined and banned from driving for 4 years. Culprit
pointed out that an extremely broad tree obscured his view in that accident.
Mercilessly, that tree was cut down! Latest development is that prosecutors lodge
appeal with the High Court to enhance his sentence to six-month jail including an
8 yr driving ban. We will see what happens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">So back to the scene, 500 metres away from my run in
with a premier taxi. A cyclist of 46 years old died from a hit-and-run that
same evening. It was also at a round-about. Within a short 4 hour island-wide
search, the police manage to locate vehicle and subsequently arrested the
culprit, a 36 year driver. He is out on bail. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Meanwhile, there are no changes to our vehicular
roads except for the usual signs posted on lamp posts to remind motorists to watch
out for recreational cyclists. The emphasis seems to be on off-road cycling as
stated in parliament recently. Summary include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">“LTA has taken active steps to facilitate cycling as
a mode of transport, starting with a $43 million pilot programme in 2009 to
construct dedicated cycling paths in 5 selected HDB towns – Tampines, Pasir
Ris, Taman Jurong, Sembawang and Yishun. Now it is extended to include Bedok
and Changi-Simei. LTA have provided 6.4 km of dedicated cycling paths in the
first 5 cycling towns. By 2014, this will increase to well over 50 km in our
HDB towns. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">These cycling paths are dedicated off-road paths,
allowing segregating cyclists from on-road vehicles. These are generally
planned to cater to short intra-town cycling trips, for example to key
amenities and transport nodes like MRT stations and bus interchanges”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">As for on-road cycling, next to nothing changed.
Priority is given to off-road cycling despite calls for the authority to do
more for on-road cycling. The common argument is that in land scared SG, adding
a dedicated lane takes up precious land space. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Conversely it is deemed that an “unprotected cycling
lane” implemented by some countries (eg UK, US) is considered less safe. So
meanwhile nothing changed and on-road cyclists are left to fend for themselves.
Doing nothing is not an option and doing something can only save lives, especially for on-road cyclists. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">The “otherness” of cyclists makes them stand out,
and that helps drivers cement their negative conclusions. This is also why
sentiments like “taxi drivers are awful” and “Jersey drivers are terrible” are
common, but you do not often hear someone say “all drivers suck”. </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Quoted from “Why you hate cyclists” by Jim Saksa. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-82998479015332733322012-12-01T22:53:00.000-08:002012-12-01T22:53:05.127-08:00I dropped that tissue, so what!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks to an educated driver, it
gave me an opportunity to pen this piece. Usually at year’s end, I like to summarise
the happy occasions, count our blessings in the year and to share the good
stuff. This year, I am doing the opposite, share the ‘ugly’ and count on the silent
majority to help turn things around to make for a happy year. The important
work of moving the world forward does not wait to be done by perfect men (<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">George
Eliot).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some weeks back late in the night,
I was behind a car at traffic junction waiting for light to change in my
favour. A hand popped out, low behold a piece of tissue gently sailed onto the
road. Instinctively, I honked a few times. The Wife rolled her eyes, quite used
to my upping the ante. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The car in front turned, and then
stopped. I pulled alongside. The driver rolled down his side window and
shouted: “what you want!” I took a breath then said calmly: “I saw you throw a
piece of tissue paper back there”. This cool dude replied: “I did not throw. I
dropped that piece of tissue” and then inch forward, scoot off. My wind screen
almost misted instantly from that nonchalant respond. I revved up, kept my line
of sight shouting to my navigator to“take it down, take it down”! I meant the car number. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So it is that this episode became
the 9<sup>th</sup> incident for the year 2012 in which I reported to the
National Environment Agency on littering by motorists. We pride ourselves as a
First World Country. Unfortunately, we are still governed by Third World social
behaviours. I take no pleasure in reporting such cases and I am no hammer looking
for nails to pound! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do not know about you but I am simply
fed up with litter bugs, and as the new Chairman of Keep Singapore Clean
Version 2, Liak (Group CEO for Alexandra Health System) puts it aptly: “We are
not a clean city but rather a cleaned city because of an army of cleaners”. Why can’t we take a little effort and
responsibility to do what’s right by keeping clean in the first place? For
years, we had this keep Singapore Clean and Green campaign. While we manage to
be more green than clean, even frequented green places are usually not so
clean; try East Coast park after a week-end.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently, we revisited the issue
of returning our utensils after a meal, starting at hawker centres. This is in
line with keeping Singapore clean and cultivating a good habit in the interest
of public health. Why is it so difficult to get people these days to return
their utensils after a meal so it makes for a more pleasant eating
experience? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even Cecilia reminded us in ST
Forum of the good old days at Hewlett-Packard cafeteria. We were all required
to return our utensils, meal trays after each meal onto a moving conveyor belt
into the kitchen. It helps keep the place clean with minimal manpower.
Likewise, all National Service blokes did the same years ago. You ate off a
metal tray, then walk towards a collection point and deposit the empty tray on
a tiered trolley. So why is it so difficult to return our trays after a meal? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to Keep Singapore Clean
Movement V2,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Reality today is:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· Singapore is a cleaned city, not a
clean city</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· 1st world infrastructure, 3rd world behaviour</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· Litters at HDB lift landings,
neighbours quarrel over dirty corridors, dirty town centres</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· Beautiful parks, litters everywhere,
piles of rubbish</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· Public toilets that we hesitate to use</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· Dirty tables in coffee shop, hawker
centres, we share food with birds! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· HFMD, dengue, food poisoning, SARS,
Pandemic?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· Army of 70,000 cleaners</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· 2-3 rounds of cleaning a day</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>And the population can be classified into the good, the bad and the
ugly:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The good (6 out of 10)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· The majority</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· 60% plus. Over 3 million</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· Considerate people. Never litter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bad (3-4 out of 10)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· The minority 30% plus, nearly 2
million inconsiderate, poorly brought up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· Litter when convenient. "Accidentally" drop litters</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ugly (3-4 out of 100), our
nightmare</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· Tiny minority.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· Litter wilfully. Create mess
everywhere</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>And the solution should be:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· Concerted effort by the good majority</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· People, private, public partnership</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· Make littering, dirty habits, as
unacceptable as queue jumping.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
· The good to act, the bad to behave and
the ugly to be punished. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In any good public policy, the
following three pillars must work in tandem for it to be effective.</div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;">Education
(an ongoing process)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;">Infrastructure
(are there adequate rubbish bins)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;">Legislation
(as last resort to bring offender to task)</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As part of enforcement to address
our pathetic situation, various penalties were changed recently by NEA. As an
example, first time litter bug is fine $500 instead of $300. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Strangely, that prompted a Mr
Chua to write in with the title: “Tougher laws work only if they are
enforceable realistically” to ST Forum on 22Nov12. He questioned whether a
foreign worker from a Third World country is familiar with our culture and
whether he can afford to pay revised penalty of $500. He further questioned why
the punitive fines instead of trying to craft more creative ways to promote
clean public spaces and discourage bad health habits. Why should we mollycoddle
litter bugs, especially recalcitrant ones, in the first place? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bad will be addressed by
ongoing education hopefully to modify behaviour. And as for the miniscule ugly,
I am glad for more bites than barks (including compulsory work order and community service) because their uncouth behaviours are to the
detriment of the silent majority. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Was it not Edmund Burke 1929-1797
(statesman, author, orator, political theorist and philosopher) who said: “All
it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” So please help do
the right thing when you see something amiss; act with a smile to make a
difference. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-87965982010552130832012-11-02T02:27:00.000-07:002012-11-02T02:27:13.351-07:00Change we can, timing matters<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In the past 46 years, the
dress code of the ruling party has been white-on-white on National Day. Thanks
to a gentleman by the name of Ronald Seow who wrote in to the ST forum page last
August 2011 suggesting “One people, one dress code, please”, this year’s National
Day is a refreshing combination of red and white. One rotund politician came in
light red (almost pink) chequered shape, prompting my son to exclaim: “dad,
that looks like a walking picnic mat”. That was rude, I barked. Some appeared
off-white. A handful stayed on well-tested white-on-white code.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our national mascot, in a
complete red T-shirt, received the loudest applause, beaming ear to ear,
gunning two thumbs up. His presence was a sigh of relief to many despite
rumblings from multitude of ill chatters in cyberspace leading up to National
Day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was asked the same
question multiple times prior to 9Aug. Has he passed on? I guess humans love gossips.
My standard response is simply: "our practice has always been never to
flinch or hide from any news". Someday, it will come to pass and we will know
as sure as the sun will rise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We were watching the parade
on TV and I witnessed the joy of my guests, especially the older ones, when LKY
told measured steps toward his seat. They cheered, clapped as if on parade. A
family friend sheepishly told me she cancelled her overseas trip just to ‘see
for herself’ that LKY appears. All said, I guess he can only be as well as can
be for a man almost 90 yrs. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When PM appeared in a
stunning short-sleeve shirt of more red than white, it signals change is
possible. It is a celebratory shirt, chic and suitable for any happy occasion. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Several years back, I wrote
(in capacity as private citizen) to then President Nathan to consider wearing
something ‘more comfortable’ and in line with the festivity of our National Day
Parade. Furthermore, why not have his wife seated next to him to enjoy the
proceedings. Everyone attending the national day parade is seated next to
somebody and the President is all on his own! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For those of us who have
been around a bit, you may have recalled the late President Ong Teng Cheong and
his many batik shirts. Back then, these were ostentatiously worn on special
occasions and some considered ‘national costumes’ standing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Gradually, these
disappeared completely and we are back to wearing Western based suit. Having to
wear a suit in our hot, humid climate with a silly tie is close to walking into
a bikram yoga class fully clothed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Apparently, my request to
the President was referred to MINDEF. Some weeks later, an officer wrote back
with a terse no. As parade organiser, they had the final say. So to this day, the
President continues to suffer in that suit whilst the whole of Singapore
celebrate in mostly red and white short sleeves. Looks like this practice is fossilized. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let me jump into another
story of change. This must have been more than six years ago. There were these
distasteful ‘$1,000 fine’ signs at five underpasses along Singapore river. You
are not supposed to cycle through these thoroughfares, each wide enough to take
one MRT train and more. Often times, cyclists would simply cycle through, never
mind the signs. Because of such explicit signs, pedestrians are more inclined
to glare and reprimand cyclists resulting in tense situations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I wrote to one agency thinking they were in
charge. Instead, it ricocheted twice before another Government agency grudgingly
replied. They said no flatly to remove these ‘fines signs’. As it was not exactly
a life threatening matter, I did not want to sweat the small stuff and let the
matter rest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Earlier this year, I was
invited to the opening of Bishun-AMK park by NParks. During the break, I was cajoled
forward to engage PM in small talk. Somehow, the conversation drifted to my
peeve of six years ago. PM, I said: "the most scenic tourist route today
along the Singapore river on a bicycle can set you back by $10,000". Why
so, he asked? I related the details, he gave a suggestion and we all had a good
laugh. I subsequently wrote “<a href="http://hometruly.blogspot.sg/2012/04/humourously-serious.html">Humourously
Serious</a>” on my blog. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The relevant agency picked
up this story and contacted me. We dialogued. They remain adamant in not
explicitly allowing cycle through. However, after several months of huff-and-puff,
those ‘$1,000 fine signs’ were finally removed. But the ‘cross out’ cycling
signs remain. So I would argue that change is possible, timing matters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Onto my final story on
change, two weeks back, I was in the Old Parliament house listening to Quek
Leng Joo, MD for CDL, presentation on his photo exhibition entitled “Flora
Exotica”. He donated 18 photos for sale and raised $150,000 for charity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The rare treat was his
“black-and-white” photos of The Malaysian railway network (Keretapi Tanah
Melayu) which ceased operation in Singapore on 30 June 2011 after 80 years
service. It took him all of 8 months and was nearly run down by a train. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was first seated at the
fourth row and as usual the first row was empty. The organizer waved to us to
move forward so the place does not look sparse. Several of us rumbled forward
and to my right was an audit partner in one of the big 4. There was an empty
seat to my left followed by Professor Karpal Singh. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Towards the end of the
presentation, I turned to the empty seat on my left and notice a small plaque. Under
dim light conditions, I could still make up the name “Lee Kuan Yew”.
Instinctively, I shifted my butt, turn around to read whose seat I took. It
read Toh Chin Chye. So I turned to this gentleman on my right and said “LKY seat
is empty”. He shot back readily: “why do you think it’s empty?” Trust an
auditor to ask you a question when you needed an answer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As we were about to leave</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">, I
jumped into LKY empty seat, stretched out, enjoyed the leather and muttered:
“thank goodness for change”, our new Parliament house is now next door. It was
momentarily surreal. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As a student over
thirty six years ago, I visited Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument located in
the English county of Wiltshire. All these huge towering blocks of stone were
accessible and visitors were even allowed to touch them. Today, the site is
rightly cordoned off to minimise damage. So, I guess it is a matter of time
before our historic front bench in Old Parliament house will be cordoned off
as well. So what are you waiting for? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-80055931255726797612012-10-05T03:51:00.000-07:002012-10-05T03:51:43.872-07:00A new migrant may well appear<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">Some years ago, while
working in a hospital, I was informed by a nursing staff that a Ms Juliana
asked to see me in the ward. Visiting patients (friends and relatives) comes
with the turf. When I walked into the 4 bedder ward, I saw a familiar face, a
lady with long hair in bed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She looked gaunt with
exhaustion, a face turned ashen. From her livid lips, she appeared next to death’s
door. I was shocked. She whispered and said she was down with dengue fever.
There is no medicine for dengue and while most victims recover, some do succumb
to dengue haemorrhagic fever which can be fatal. Fortunately, she recovered
although it took months to get back to her usual self. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dengue fever is an illness
caused by infection with a virus transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. There are
four types of this virus (serotypes 1 to 4) which can infect you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dengue fever and dengue
haemorrhagic fever (a more severe form) are the most common mosquito-borne
viral diseases in the world. In Singapore, dengue fever has been endemic since
the 1960s. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In 2005/06, my daughter
visited Kerala, India twice as part of school community involvement programme.
Back then, I first learn of chikungunya virus, also carried by mosquitoes. The
symptoms are similar to dengue although in some serious cases, complication of
encephalitis (swelling, inflammation of the brain) sets in, a dangerous situation.
Chikungunya is fairly common in parts of India. As parents, you can imagine our
anxiety. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The first outbreak of chikungunya
in Asia occurred in Bangkok, Thailand, in 1958. Since then, outbreaks have been
reported in Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, the Philippines, and
Indonesia. In 2007, 10 imported cases were reported to Singapore’s Ministry of
Health. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On January 14, 2008, a
local case of chikungunya infection was detected through the general
practitioners’ laboratory-based surveillance system. A total of 2,626 people
who resided or worked within a 150-m radius of the index case-patient’s address
were screened for chikungunya infection. The consequences of chikungunya are
equally dreadful as is dengue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2687008/">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2687008/</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Last month, the US experience
the highest resurgence of West Nile disease, another virus passed on to humans
from mosquitoes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Originally from Africa,
West Nile virus first appeared in Queens, New York in 1999. Crows were dying in
large numbers. It took weeks before officials found out the culprit. This virus lives in birds. Mosquitoes biting
infected birds are themselves infected. This virus is then passed on to humans
when these pesky mosquitoes draw blood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As of September 4, 2012, 48
states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or
mosquitoes. A total of 1,993 cases of West Nile virus disease in people,
including 87 deaths, have been reported to CDC. That’s a high mortality rate of
4.3%, much higher than dengue or chikungunya. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Like dengue fever or chikungunya,
there is also no drug or vaccine to counter West Nile virus. The best we can do
is to prevent mosquitoes from infecting us in the first place; never mind what
kind of mosquitoes. This calls for vigilance especially in minimising breeding
sites, be it in flower pots, pails and all vessels containing stagnant water.
For the privileged few living on landed properties, your roof gulleys are the usual
culprits for mosquito breeding.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.dengue.gov.sg/">http://www.dengue.gov.sg</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In the case of the West Nile,
the key culprits were infected birds in the first place. It begs the question
whether West Nile will eventually find its way to Singapore. After all, we are
a natural </span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">refueling</span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> stop-over for many migratory birds. Furthermore, we are a
city state with a history of imported chikungunya and deadly SARS before. Who knows? An unwanted migrant may well surface.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm">http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-west-nile-virus-outbreaks-may-get-worse-as-planet-gets-hotter-20120910,0,4629323.story">http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-west-nile-virus-outbreaks-may-get-worse-as-planet-gets-hotter-20120910,0,4629323.story</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Meanwhile, it is the stupid
culex mosquito that is keeping me awake; better known as the common house
mosquito. While not considered as much of a threat to our health as the Aedes
mosquitoes, it is still an irritant we can do without. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Side
Notes:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No thanks to the Indons,
the current haze makes it impossible to sleep without air-con. So while it is
mosquito-free nights on air-con, their haze creates another set of hazards;
respiratory associated problems. So now I am tearing from the haze and high electricity
bill. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><a href="http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/2012/10/01/web-site-tracks-mosquito-borne-diseases-spread-globally-by-air-travel/" title="Permanent Link to Web Site Tracks Mosquito-Borne Diseases Spread Globally by Air Travel"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Web Site Tracks
Mosquito-Borne Diseases Spread Globally by Air Travel</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">By <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8865503430432563444"><span style="color: #19437c;">Larry Greenemeier</span></a> | October
1, 2012</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> </span><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; padding: 0cm;">| <a href="http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/2012/10/01/web-site-tracks-mosquito-borne-diseases-spread-globally-by-air-travel/#respond" title="Comment on Web Site Tracks Mosquito-Borne Diseases Spread Globally by Air Travel"><span style="color: #19437c; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t"
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title=""Comment on Web Site Tracks Mosquito-Borne Diseases Spread Globally by Air Travel""
style='width:8.4pt;height:7.8pt' o:button="t">
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\jokkwang.han\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.gif"
o:href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/assets/img/icon_comment_small.gif"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img alt="Comments" border="0" height="10" src="file:///C:/Users/jokkwang.han/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif" v:shapes="_x0000_i1025" width="11" /><!--[endif]--></span><span style="border: none; color: #19437c; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="border: none;">1</span></span></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 9.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">The emergence of international air
travel in the 20th century enabled an unprecedented spread of ideas, cultures
and communication. Unfortunately, modern aviation has also proved an effective
means of spreading diseases. Air travel didn’t introduce worldwide pandemics,
of course, but with <a href="http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/apl/aviation_forecasts/aerospace_forecasts/2012-2032/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #19437c;">tens of millions of scheduled
international flights annually and hundreds of millions of passengers</span></a> en
route from high-risk areas, health officials are often hard pressed to pinpoint
the source and cause of an international outbreak……<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">The first step when using the VBD-AIR
tool is to input the name of the airport to be investigated, the month in
question and the disease to be tracked—current choices are all <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=anatomy-of-an-outbreak" target="_blank"><span style="color: #19437c;">mosquito-borne</span></a> and
include <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=outsmarting-dengue-fever" target="_blank"><span style="color: #19437c;">dengue</span></a>, <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode.cfm?id=bird-malaria-moves-north-12-09-24" target="_blank"><span style="color: #19437c;">malaria</span></a>, <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=turning-yellow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #19437c;">yellow fever</span></a> and <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=exotic-diseases-warmer-climate-us-gain" target="_blank"><span style="color: #19437c;">chikungunya</span></a>. …….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/2012/10/01/web-site-tracks-mosquito-borne-diseases-spread-globally-by-air-travel/?WT_mc_id=SA_CAT_TECH_20121002">http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/2012/10/01/web-site-tracks-mosquito-borne-diseases-spread-globally-by-air-travel/?WT_mc_id=SA_CAT_TECH_20121002</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">H-P's CEO Strategy: From
Platt to Whitman <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A 6-min revisit on all past
chiefs. Can Hewlett-Packard be turned around? Dan Gallagher joins Markets Hub
with a look at the revolving CEO door at H-P and how different strategies
worked out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://live.wsj.com/video/h-ps-ceo-strategy-platt-whitman/6F8E8061-D383-41AF-83F2-5E5027963120.html">http://live.wsj.com/video/h-ps-ceo-strategy-platt-whitman/6F8E8061-D383-41AF-83F2-5E5027963120.html</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-23819706773973524532012-09-01T06:02:00.000-07:002012-09-01T06:02:56.243-07:00The bicycle that rocked Singapore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On
December 7, 1941 the Japanese landed on the North Eastern coast of Kota Bahru,
Malaysia. Within two months, Peninsular Malaysia fell. On February 8, 1942, they
crossed the causeway and seven days later, Singapore surrendered.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bicycles
played a critical role in the Japanese advance down the Malayan Peninsula.
Japanese Army planners adopted the bicycle as their main mode of transport. Most
Japanese soldiers were issued bicycles. Strapped to the bicycle would be the
soldier's personal equipment and food rations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On
bicycles, the Japanese troops moved rapidly down the main roads of the Malay
Peninsula and outflanked the Allied Forces defending the main roads by riding
through rubber estate roads and tracks to surprise them from the rear. On their
bicycles the Japanese were also able to move faster than the withdrawing Allied
Forces. (</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.s1942.org.sg/s1942/bukit_chandu/directory_bicycles.htm">http://www.s1942.org.sg/s1942/bukit_chandu/directory_bicycles.htm</a>)
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr
Rajoo recalls bicycles being widely used as mode of transport during the
Japanese reign. So much so that even after the Japanese surrender, Rajoo and
the other villagers working in the Sembawang Shipyard used bicycles as means of
transport to travel to work. (</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.hsse.nie.edu.sg/staff/blackburn/IndianmaleJapaneseOccupation.doc"><span style="color: #1122cc;">Title of essay : Reminiscences of
the Japanese Occupation</span></a> ). Today, the humble bicycle is still the preferred mode of transport
for shipyard workers at Sembawang. </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">70 years on, it is again the
humble bicycle that comes back to haunt us! Never has so much being achieved (in
terms of publicity) by 26 bicycles. </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The story was first picked
up by Zaobao. Then after, </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">cyberspace and netizens brought this matter
to a standstill and all bicycles are now cold-storaged. </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shortly following the Zaobao
news, a friend who works in China went ballistic, sent me a brilliant CSI
investigative piece by a SG netizen posted on forums.hardwarezone.com.sg. It has since been removed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #141414; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><a href="http://singaporenewsalternative.blogspot.sg/2012/07/tnp-reporter-tries-to-track-down-nparks.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f1c232; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">TNP reporter tries to track down NParks brompton bike whistleblower</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTPQn0IH4f9f_GXN419mhi2Yoz5619lbX3WdmGIKLUk7LBC1vTQk0E60A" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t"
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alt="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTPQn0IH4f9f_GXN419mhi2Yoz5619lbX3WdmGIKLUk7LBC1vTQk0E60A"
style='width:94.8pt;height:61.8pt;visibility:visible' o:button="t">
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\jokkwang.han\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"
o:title="ANd9GcTPQn0IH4f9f_GXN419mhi2Yoz5619lbX3WdmGIKLUk7LBC1vTQk0E60A"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img alt="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTPQn0IH4f9f_GXN419mhi2Yoz5619lbX3WdmGIKLUk7LBC1vTQk0E60A" border="0" height="82" src="file:///C:/Users/jokkwang.han/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_7" width="126" /><!--[endif]--></span></a><b><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Hardwarezone Forum, 18 Jul 2012</span></b><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br />
This is abit irritating. The story is not about me, that why i tell them to
focus on the actual story instead. <a href="http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/eat-drink-man-woman-16/extra-csi-attempt-nparks-brompton-procurement-process-ended-up-dodgy-winning-bidder-%5Bextra%5D-3815454.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;">EXTRA CSI Attempt -nParks Brompton
procurement process ended up with a dodgy winning bidder? [Extra]</span></a><br />
Also, i were got so stupid... give them everything now, then next time how i
going to continue do any future undercover CSI works to expose other sagas and
keep check on the authorities?</span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">It purported argued there could
be wrong doing in the bicycles being awarded to a specific supplier. He/she
painstakingly piece together relationships of officer-in-charge of project to
various parties associated with supplier. It was an intriguing detective work,
piece together from Facebook threads. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While I understand that the
rules of engagement in this tender were followed, details surfaced cause much
unhappiness to Singaporeans. For example, why was tender opened only for 4 work
days? Why award when there was only 1 bidder with 2 options? Why did agency not
extend the deadline to encourage more bids? And yes, why are civil servants spending
$2,200 for a bicycle? Minister Khaw wrote on his blog to assert that while
equipment is appropriate for the type of work, he expressed displeasure that
the procurement process could have been better executed. After all, value for
money is always an important consideration when it comes to spending tax
payers’ money. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Meanwhile, it was a field
day with netizens running on two tracks. One questioning the Government’s
procurement process, the other questioning why such an expensive bicycle?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Overnight, it appeared most Singaporeans seem to have an opinion on this matter. For days, the
radio, TV, Internet and all newspapers went into over drive. One vendor even
took advantage as Singaporeans learn a new word: “foldable bicycle”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There was a conspicuous advertisement on a Saturday for a military specification full foldable bicycle,
listed at $2099, going for $630. I checked the website and the specs were
impressive. I alerted my cycling buddies. One was game and we visited what
looked like a “hole in the wall” unit in an industrial estate, 2 hours passed
opening time. It was frenzy feed on site; many lugged away big boxes on
cash-and-carry. I was surprised to find my elder brother there too, eyeing this
good buy. I examined the assembled bike like a hawk and listened in on a
conversation between a silver fox and his companion. While parts appeared
original, I was not comfortable with the quality and finishing. I backed off.
My friend, a lady rider, decided to buy. So it was with my brother. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That same afternoon, my
brother, after assembling the bike, called to inform me he is returning the
bike immediately and prayed for a full refund. The invoice looked dubious. The more he assembled, the
more disillusioned he became. Parts don’t fit well, quality was suspect. I
alerted my friend whose poor husband, in the process of assembling, felt
likewise. She called the vendor. No one picked up her call! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She marched down to
location the following day with her husband and after some hassle, vendor
reluctantly refunded her fully. So it is that what is cheap is not necessarily
good or genuine and what is good is not necessarily cheap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Khaw took an extra step,
walked the talk by taking a field trip to satisfy himself that such an equipment
is indeed necessary. He again concluded that the foldable bicycle is the right
choice. Meanwhile internal scrutiny uncovered “some form of bias” and the
officer-in-charge is suspended from duty. Khaw blogged for the 2<sup>nd</sup>
time and as we all know it, the case is now in the hands of CPIB.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Only time will tell if
there was any wrong doing on the part of the officer. Some one’s livelihood and
future is put on hold. We must be fair to the officer to assume he is innocent
unless proven otherwise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shortly after this incident,
DPM in Parliament, raise the bigger picture of government procurement in the
light of audit lapses in multiple agencies. While he proclaimed the present
system as sound, he suggested fine-tuning as well. So now we have another few
agencies belly-aching over
Auditor-General Office audit results on procurement of Herman Miller chairs. Soon,
we may run the risk of the civil service not buying anything for months! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As a cyclist in the past 6
years on a foldie and knowing most actors in this unfortunate episode, I feel
sorry for NParks. I interact with their officers across a spectrum of “green
related matters”, park connectors included. Most have fire-in-their-belly in
their professional domain. They are courteous, no air, working like beavers in
the background to transform and upkeep our limited green space. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The supervisor, under
suspension, is someone passionate about cycling as an alternative mode of
transport, walks the talk by cycling to/from work. To have to inspect 200km of
park connectors and more distance in the pipeline, including remote nooks and
corners, a foldable bicycle is a good choice augmented by public transport of
MRT and buses. This is a much greener option compared to the past and cheaper
in the long run. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So now onto why spend $2,200
for a foldable bicycle? Here’s my take. Price range for foldable bicycles vary
a lot, much like full bikes. You can buy one low-end for $200 and a top-end
model can set you back $8,000. There is even a Youtube video that teaches you
how to assemble a US$20,000 road bicycle. Ultimately, specifications and
requirements drive the price. From what I know of the specifications cum
requirements for NParks project, paying $2,200 is not unreasonable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I do not agree to thumb down others with a “poorer thy neighbour” mindset. That is, since I
do not own a $2,000 bike, how dare you spend $2,000 of </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">tax payers’ </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">money? There
is no one answer that will satisfy everybody. Hopefully, in going back to fundamentals,
we stand a better chance of a more satisfactory answer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Buying a reliable bicycle
is not simply picking off-the-shelf, cash-and-carry. It is also about service and other related
considerations. For example, warranty period, availability and price of spare parts,
servicing cost, weight, portability and track record. I requested my bike
shop for some pointers (I moderated these), and I hope the following will serve you well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I do not know what’s going
to happen to those quarantined foldable bicycles. If these are up for auction
eventually, I hope for a good buy. It shall be my first British bicycle and you should know that brand. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Declaration: I possess two
pre-owned foldable bicycles. One (Dahon Hammerhead S$2,200) for park connectors,
minor roads and pavements (when necessary to stay alive!). I am retro-fitting
the second (Dahon Jetstream S$1600) to handle dirt track and rough terrain. The
26 km of contiguous distance of the Rail Corridor, after rail tracks are removed, is calling me! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Six steps you want to consider before committing to a foldable
bike:</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">STEP 1: DECIDE HOW YOU RIDE</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">The first step in choosing your folding
bicycle is to <b>decide what type of riding</b> you’ll be doing. How
often and where you plan to ride. Look at various brands and model that fit
your purpose: recreational, commuting, urban riding, trekking, weekend
centuries, touring … Is having a good ride more important or the
ability to push your folded bikes? Is that suspension worth that extra money
if your ride is just at PCNs and pavements? <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR WHEEL SIZE</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Today folding bikes come with different wheel
diameters: 14″, 16″, 20″, 22″, 24″, 26″. <b>Wheel size will affect
the ride characteristics and portability of your bike</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Another very important question you want to
ask will be <b>availability of inner tubes and tire replacement.</b> Sure
that 17 inch or 18 inch or 24 inch wheel size may look cool BUT if you cannot
get hold of spares or replacements, you are going to pay lot
more in down time and costs to get spares. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Also <b>confirm that the rims used have the
correct ETRTO numbers that fit available tire</b>. Wrong fittings can mean
your tire may come off while you are attempting a sharp
cornering. Any wheel too small (Smaller than 14 inch) goes against sound
bicycle geometry and this can mean the bike is unstable or tends to topple
over. You do not want to be carried off on a stretcher
after a ride.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">STEP 3: CHOOSE YOUR COMPONENTS &
FRAME DESIGN</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Aluminum,
Cromoly steel or Hi Tensile steel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">No rust -> Rust when metal is exposed ->
will rust<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Carrying 11kg is equivalent to 2 bags of rice.
Anything above that weight category is not great for commuting especially if it
involves going up/down overhead bridges and intermodal transport.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">If humidity is high and bicycle is going to be knocked about - opt for
Aluminum to overcome the issue of rust. A simple multi-speed Derailier
system with folding joints that come with manufacturer track record and
guarantee makes sense. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Folding joints must be easy to fold and unfold,
made of durable design for repetitive locking and unlocking<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">An important factor that affects the price considerably: <b>consider
what level of performance you’ll need from your components</b>. The better the
components, the better your bike will ride. And better components also mean
improved durability and lighter weight but will cost more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">STEP 4: CHECK OUT THE EXPERIENCE AND
TRACK RECORD OF YOUR BIKE DEALER AND THE BIKE MODEL </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Operating a bicycle needs ongoing
maintenance, servicing and support! Derailiers need servicing from time to
time, hubs and bottom brackets need greasing and damage components will require
<b>experienced mechanics, proper tools and chemicals</b> to ensure that
your bicycle is safe and serviceable to ride. Many bikeshops open and close
within 2 years due to unrenewed lease or being unsustainable. <b>Are
they opened on days and have operating hours that allows you to get spares,
timely support and also stock good range of accessories?</b> You are not
just buying a bike, you are buying a service too! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">STEP 5: WARRANTY SUPPORT</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Recalls can occur with bicycles (same as cars).
Does the brand have a reputation of being responsible? What is
the <b>number of years</b> the brand offers? Is the bike shop you are
buying the bike from has been around for a period? What is the <b>scope
of coverage</b>? Buy with peace of mind<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">STEP 6: RESEARCH, VISIT SHOPS</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Do your homework</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"> and check out
neutral websites and reviews rather than forums hosted by shops or
manufacturers as they will tend to be biased for their own brand. <b>There
is no need to hurry</b>, a reputable shop should have a <b>good
range of bicycles for you to test-ride.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">So Ride Safe – Buy Safe!</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-12309765810364234882012-08-08T04:04:00.000-07:002012-08-08T04:04:37.729-07:00Medicine needs healing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Staying alive is expensive
with modern medicine. Post Japan Disaster Charity ride in April11, my friend
Francis called to tell me he is treating the major sponsors to dinner. He
already donated 50 grand. What more do I deserve? When asked why, he said:
"so that it may make future charity events a little easier on you".
So 12 of us were treated to a sumptuous dinner of Thai food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Post charity ride, I was lethargic.
<span style="text-transform: uppercase;">A </span>mild, lingering fever and a
little soreness on my right ear bothered me for a few days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With the impending long
week end of Labour Day, I took no chances, paid a visit to my company's doctor.
There was no fever and he concluded I may have a slight ear infection. So I was
put on erythromycin, a standard antibiotic, and paracetamol for suspected ear
infection. This is medicine 101 type prescription. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Despite medication, I felt
lousy, slept a lot with a lingering roller-coaster fever. Come 2May11, the wife
cooked a sumptuous abalone wanton mee for my son's 21<sup>st</sup>. We celebrated
together with his twin sister in UK, via Skype. By 4pm, I threw up everything;
prescribed antibiotic acted up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The following day, I
consulted a doc friend. He did base line checks, drew blood, to rule out dengue
or any parasitic disease. Nothing showed and that was good. Two days on, I
still felt at sea and again visited the company doc, a different person.
Another type of antibiotic was prescribed. While my fever was kept at bay, I was
still not my usual self. My doc friend subsequently fast tracked me to an ENT specialist
in private practice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Latter took a close examination,
said it's an inner ear viral infection (nothing changed) and immediately put me
on acyclovir, a powerful antiviral drug. In the next 2 weeks, I felt my ear
eaten up by creepy-crawly insects; crusted skin, flaking and then finally drying
up. My hearing was impaired and my balance compromised. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My dizziness persisted. At
each visit, the specialist would nudge me, ever so gently, to consider
undergoing an MRI on the ear to rule out any remote chance of a tumour. I finally
yielded. An MRI experience is most daunting. I rather draw blood a 100 times.
Visualise your head strapped still, push into a washing machine (without
water), no movement allowed, and clicking sounds torment you all over in this claustrophobic
capsule. A few millions gray cells must have died. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The results, according to my
radiologist, look normal except for a one liner observation. When I asked the
ENT specialist on that remark, he promptly suggested consulting a neurologist. Though
not my money, I said no. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While recuperating at home,
vertigo kicked in, the world went into a tail spin just a day before my driving
holiday up to Penang. It was so bad I eventually checked into hospital; slept
through 2 days on drip. The specialist suggested staying another day which I
turn down flatly; not over my dead body. A foreign talent nurse inflicted some
much unnecessary pain when changing drips (that's another story). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I waddled out of hospital with
vestibular (the inner ear organ responsible for balance and spatial perception)
imbalance from nerve damage. My lingering fever was gone, so was the pain in my
right ear but spatial disorientation took over. I would knock off objects. My
judgement of depth and distance was poor. I tried driving and it was hopeless. Eye,
brain, movement coordination suffered a lag and judging speed was difficult. So,
I hang up my number plate, took the MRT and bus to and from work for one month.
It was all good before Christmas arrived early for SMRT with 2 massive break
downs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To put myself at ease over
MRI observation, my public service network recommended a neurologist. I eventually
consulted the head of neurology in a large public hospital. I showed him my written
summary and MRI result. He asked a couple of questions, viewed some images,
examined my ear and then pronounced: “you just recovered from shingles” (you
must google in case it hits you!). It’s unfortunate some nerves in the ear were
damaged, causing hearing impairment and imbalance. Lucky you, he said. If shingles
hit your eye socket, going blind is conceivable. So I guess I am better off hearing
less, seeing more! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He went on to comment that
the negative one liner is not even something he would document or discussed,
given my age. The profile of my brain is
no cause for alarm. He stopped short of criticizing
the MRI procedure as unnecessary. To him, it is game's over, nerve damaged and
hearing belongs to another discipline. So, he referred me to the ENT specialist,
a few doors away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">From hearing test, it was
confirmed by the ENT specialist that there was a slight damage. There is
nothing more to add, good luck. So I ask the doc if acupuncture is useful. He
was non committal. What about my imbalance I ask the doc? Oh, it will go away
through time. Damn it, it's far from going away, I mumbled to myself. Is there
anything I can do to take away the dizziness (this term vestibular was not even
in my vocabulary then)? Instead, he gave an open appointment to see him anytime
I feel something is amiss. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With each passing day, I
felt a little better. I force myself back to cycling, crashed into pedestrian
barrier once but persisted. On the suggestion of Cecilia who works for KTPH, I
visited the geriatric rehabilitation centre, ahead of schedule! It was good education to learn that imbalance
is a common problem with the not so young. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In rehabilitation, the
promise is: no practice, no gain. I was taught a regime of exercises, if you
like, to retrain the eye-brain and skeletal coordination. My physiotherapist
was horrified to learn I cycle despite my condition. As it turns out, she is an
avid cyclist. So she added gently: “cycle with care and please do more!”.
Apparently, cycling (because one needs to balance) is excellent exercise for imbalance.
If you can tolerate roller-coaster rides, better still. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">According to my therapist,
old people are more prone to be inflicted with vertigo or other forms of vestibular
imbalance. Most adopt a sedentary lifestyle, lapse into depression, never to
recover. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here is a pool of medical knowledge
with no medication, no cuts, no removal, nothing glamorous; only sheer
discipline to practice, practice and then practice to recover. Rehabilitation
centre is managed by physiotherapists, not doctors. There is barely any skin in
this game; a 45 min therapy cost under $40. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So as is often the case
with the elderly, especially hypochondriac, it is “lokun bo yao, bay ho”!
(roughly translated from Hokkien ‘doctor, without medicine, how to recover?’). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Are you then surprised to
learn that private sector healthcare cost 2 to 2.5 times of public healthcare
cost for similar procedures including up-selling? As medicine gets more
sub-specialised, every square inch of our body is potentially attended to by a
different specialist. Combined that with a more enlighten and litigious society,
it’s gun powder in kegs in the years to come. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To maintain healthcare cost,
medicine has to get back to basics, take a holistic view by having well-rounded
GPs as family physicians. I was unfortunate to have 2 different GPs diagnose my
condition. If it had been the same GP doctor, I stood a better chance of an
accurate diagnosis. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When it came to the ENT
specialist, my condition was already full-blown shingles and reflecting back,
the MRI procedure, I guess, is part of the circus of modern medicine. An
experienced family GP would have detected my early stage shingles, prescribed
acyclovir and spared me the agony of a long and debilitating post recovery. Now
my kids are screaming: "dad, why is the TV so loud!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Think about this: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“With every additional
medical procedure or test ordered, there lies a fresh possibility of error” so
said the associate chief of neurosurgery at Grady Memorial Hospital Sanjay
Gupta. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-51704771478117237472012-07-06T07:42:00.000-07:002012-07-06T07:42:33.264-07:00In search of happiness in the land of the thunder dragon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I made a promise to my
daughter that we would go trekking in India or somewhere remote since she was
15 years. She was charmed with India after having served twice in her school’s
CIP programme. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Now that she completed university,
it is opportune time. Then, Tiger mum (aka The Wife) appeared and asked: “Don’t
you folks want to learn how to live happy?” So our 7 day trek in Nepal was
torpedoed. We compromised, settled for several treks in search of happiness in
the land of the thunder dragon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As many of you may know, Bhutan
takes pride in this Gross Happiness Index formula to measure happiness of its
people. According to this index, they are supposedly the happiest people on
earth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Here in Singapore, every
other person seems to be testy, ever ready with an opinion on just about anything.
The latest include whether to cull or caress our wild boars. I remembered years
ago, Priscilla, a tamed sow boar, resides at Chew Jawa, Pulau Ubin. She simply enjoys
being tickled on its belly! But these are WILD. NParks have gone that extra
mile to explain the rationale to cull. We need to act before someone gets seriously
hurt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bhutan physical size is 350
km by 150km. It’s 70% forest with 8% arable land. The terrain is hilly and
mountainous with some peaks over 7,500 metres. The population is 700,000 and
literacy is under 60%. Hydropower contributes about 60% revenue (sold to India),
25% tourism and a mixed bag of small inconsequential sectors. Life expectancy
is below 66 years. In tourism, their emphasis is low volume, high value. The
local currency is in Bhutanese Ngultrum and is interchangeable at par with the
Indian Rupee. English is widely spoken and our guide Dorji speaks perfect
English; thanks to many overseas teachers from India and Canada during his
schooling years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There is no direct flight
to Bhutan from Singapore (akan datang, September 2012). As such, we overnighted
in Bangkok, crawled out of bed at 3:00am, chauffeured to the airport and arrived
3 hrs ahead of flight time. Talk about kiasuism on the part of the agent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There is only 1
international airport located at Paro and Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, is 50 km
away. The only operating airline is Druk Air, state owned with a few A319
Airbus, powered by A320 engines. In the words of my guide, Druk Air pilots are
well trained to sneak in and out without radar assist; all things visual. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our flight was delayed 2
hours because of massive clouds. We circled twice before landing. We took
pictures of the plane, runway and, of course, with the lovely poster of the 5<sup>th</sup>
King and Queen. Her Highness is stunningly pretty with mesmerizing eyes, 10
years his junior. My spirit was momentarily uplifted, good start to have a
pretty Queen and an educated, happy King. (they were wedded last Oct11). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Immigration was a breeze. We
took over an hour of meandering about to get to Thimphu followed by some
sightseeing. By the time I turned in bed past 10pm; I was totally concussed for
the day. Just before blissful sleep set in, Tiger mum shook me vigorously and
said: “honey, the lights went off”. Can you blah, blah, blah... Whilst my spirit
was willing, my flesh was dead and I mumbled that she should just go sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Apparently, she had not
showered and the ensuing ruckus must have awakened all the dogs in the
neighbourhood. Mercifully, the lights came back 40 minutes later. Otherwise, I would
have been eaten in comatose state. Thank God, the day ended on a happy note. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On the second day, I notice
vehicular traffic was sparse. Apparently, private vehicles are taken “off road”
every Tuesday leaving all to depend on public transport of buses and taxis.
Taxis also have to take a day off once a week based on even or odd number
plate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Smoking is not allowed anywhere
except in private homes. There is no “over the counter” tobacco sales and the natural
substitute is “doma”; beetle nut chewed with a piece of leaf and mixture of
gooey lime. Bhutanese loves to chew this all day long. Not so long ago, we too
chewed “doma”, especially with the elderly. Marijuana (considered wild weed) is
everywhere. I collected some, crushed it, but there is no aroma of any sort. I
was told by Dorji it has to be roasted for efficacy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Without tobacco, we would
have 16% of more unhappy 18-29 years in Singapore. Without private vehicles for
a day, we would be screaming murder! So, why are they happier than us when more
affairs are regulated?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Theirs is probably a state
of “resilient poor”. Most of them have roofs over their heads, plant vegetables
for sustenance living. Some better off own fowls and animals. But life is very
hard. Getting to school may require walking 1.5 hrs from one ridge to another
and then another 1.5 hrs to get home. Planting rice is back breaking and
climate dependent; at best, two crops a year. Produce, commodities are barely
enough for domestic consumption. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In urban Singapore, our very
poor are likely “unhappy poor”. All our edible items are imported. Without
money as exchange tokens, one simply cannot bring food to the table. We don’t
have the land to rear chickens or tend to cows. At best, we grow some
vegetables along the corridor or balcony. While therapeutic, the yield is never
enough to feed the family <span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(I experimented). </span>So our poor generally have to depend on state hand
outs and from well-wishers. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Over time, our very poor
may be conditioned as “handout happy”, trapped in a vicious cycle.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">From Thimphu, we travelled
to Punakha, our second stop. On the way, we visited Chimi Lhakhang – The Temple
of Fertility, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman. <span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Getting there was quite an
adventure as we criss-crossed over paddy fields. Couples who visit the temple are blessed by a
replication of the iron bow and arrows of Drukpa Kuenley, his scriptures and
the phallus, which is the symbolic representation of fertility. It’s rather an
unusual place with phallic symbols all over. Wife and I were tickled pink,
happy to redirect all good intended blessings to our daughter. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Besides the temple of
fertility, we visited the Queen’s Village at Talo. It’s was a winding, uphill
climb of over an hour. The village is essentially a monastery of sort for boys
entering monkhood. There must have been more than a hundred of them of various
ages; each holding a piece of paper (a few lines of script) and scribbling
repeatedly in a huge garden in the sun. Some of them were blowing their “long
horns”, similar to those in Switzerland. Some gawked as we obviously looked alien. I
cannot say they looked happy or otherwise. Most looked beyond their age,
exposed to the harsh elements. What would become of them as they grow up? What
would they do for a living? There are no easy answers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We walked down the village,
came across a farmer no more than 5 feet, hunched, carrying a huge basket on
his back and holding an old fashion ‘changkol’ in one hand. We bowed, and my
guide exchanged a few words. As he proceeded downhill, my guide turned to us
and asked if we mind giving the old man a lift down to Punakha. Of course not,
we said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In our exchange in the van,
we learn the farmer’s home is next to the Queen’s village. He grows some
vegetables and fruits. He owns another small plot of land near valley of
Punakha for growing rice. He was on his way to the market in Punakha to sell
his basket of peaches. <span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For him, it would have been
a 3 hr walk downhill. On the van, it took 45 mins. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Upon arrival at our hotel,
we bought some peaches from him. He was insistent in not charging us. We flatly
refused and paid him fully. After pushing to and fro, he reluctantly accepted
our payment. Recently, I read Michael Lewis Princeton University's 2012
Baccalaureate Remarks and the issue of “luck” popped up. Extract reads:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"But you must sense its
arbitrary aspect: you are the lucky few. Lucky in your parents, lucky in your
country, lucky that a place like Princeton exists that can take
in lucky people, introduce them to other lucky people, and increase their
chances of becoming even luckier.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It begs the question? Are
we the lucky people in Singapore or are they the lucky ShangriLa, the size of
Switzerland? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On the penultimate day, we made
our way to Tiger’s Nest (a prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site and temple
complex, located in the cliff side of the upper Paro valley, Bhutan. A temple
complex was first built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave where
Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three months in the 8th
century. Padmasambhava is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan), a must
visit place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A return journey to the
peak at 3,120 m takes 5 hrs. It sure makes Pengkang Hill, SAFTI a walk in the
park. Tiger mum, smiling ear to ear, outsourced a horse to take her to the top
(one way only). We minions, including Dorji, soldiered on stoically on foot.
She was initially terrified with the horse but soon got into rhythm as the
animal trotted uphill. Half way through, another party with a few horses
overtook us. One disgruntled horse, overtook us, kicked Tiger mum in the shin as
if telling her to get off the horse. We could only snigger as we were so out of
breath! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I left Bhutan 1.5 kilo
lighter after all the hard trekking, feeling satisfied to tick off another item
in my bucket list. <span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When the wife consolidated
all travel bills, I felt only half happy. And she is less happy too, having to
nurse a bruise.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Side note<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">
</span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">I replayed backwards to
reflect on my formative years. Poor as I was, somehow I remembered more “happy
than unhappy days” and asked why? I suspect my surroundings played a major part
in keeping me upbeat. I had nature’s 3Ss on my side…the sun, sea and sand. Then
again, maybe mum’s reminder that in the school of hard knocks, the harder you work,
the luckier you get. Supposedly good luck makes for a happier person. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">My fantastic guide Dorji is
likely to visit SG in Sep/Oct. He is superb and understands good service after
having worked in high-end Aman for over 10 years. I intend to get him to give a
presentation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
</div>Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-53557235480925070752012-06-02T20:25:00.000-07:002012-06-02T20:25:33.930-07:00Many roads lead to Rome<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I grew up
cycling to school. Before long, my school was relocated to a neighbouring island
because Shell built a refinery next door. With the change, getting to school took
awhile. I first had to cycle to a jetty, lock my bike, take a sampan (a small
rowing wooden boat) across a 150m water-gap, walked a long bridge and then another
15 minutes to get to school. Muscle-assist commute edged for life! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It was
documented in 1854 that (Alfred Wallace notes) back then, the population can
expect at least 1 fatality from tiger attacks every day. The last tiger was
shot along Old Choa Chu Kang Road on 26 Oct, 1930. Fast forward to modern
Singapore and we have over 1 million vehicles on our roads. Now the situation
is such: mǎ lù rú hǔ kǒu (roughly translated, roads are like tiger's mouth). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It’s not
the roads but the 1 million “tigers” on the prowl that is scary. A handful gets
pissed, and then drives like a maniac endangering other road users. Then there
are those who obliviously steam-rolled over cyclists on roads (at least 4 in
the past 12 months). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Still,
motor vehicles are indispensable. In land scarce Singapore, buses, MRT and
taxis form a large part of public commute. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">But when
it comes to private vehicles, the situation becomes emotionally complex. Every
citizen in an effluent society would invariably aspire to own their own wheels,
cost notwithstanding. Our present mechanisms (COE, ERP) to control car
population (another COE tweak on 30May12), while working, have to step up to
keep abreast of changing circumstances. One possible game changer is based on the
principle of "use more, pay more"; consumption based. This concept is
not new and I am hopeful various supporting technologies will form an equitable solution soon. Political will to implement is another story. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">While we
cannot curtail insatiable appetite to own cars, we can make it expensive
to USE a private vehicle, calibrated to time of travel. Last Saturday, I almost
had a seizure paying $9 for parking over an hour at Four Seasons Hotel. For the rest of the day, I hitched 2 free rides, took the MRT and it
was all good. I still maintain our MRT cabins are usually freezing cold. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">With sky
high COEs, it creates potential resentment as the scheme (unintentionally) “sided”
the rich as they can afford, whatever the price. Concurrently, it hits SMEs
negatively to those who may have to acquire new commercial vehicles as part of
conducting business. It is a dilemma and goes to show public policy has to keep in tandem with changing circumstances. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Last week
end, I was with a senior civil servant. He knows I am pro-bicycle. He nudged me
to be openly "anti-car". He argued that only then will bicycles gain
currency. I asserted that cars will be here to stay and we cannot wish for them
to disappear anytime soon. While traffic management is complex, I believe that continuous improvements in existing schemes coupled with better defined pricing mechanisms,
we can curtail the USE of cars especially during peak hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I argued
that we should not wait for cars to be taken off roads before we act on other
options. Instead, we should start immediately, recognise and embrace an
eco-system comprising of multiple pathways including the present (MRT, buses,
taxis, private vehicles and motorcycles) AND encouraging other options (be it bicycles, e-bikes, walking). <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Meanwhile,
continuing efforts to tighten the noose around private cars (be it higher car
park charges, COE, ERP and fewer car parks in town) will go some way to help reshape travel behaviour.
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Where
possible, a can of paint here and there to allocate bicycle lanes should be implemented. Doing so, we generate awareness, heighten alertness and signal motorists
that cyclists do have equal right to use the roads. For now, not a single drop
of paint is use for this purpose; only tainted red blood from mangled cyclists every few months. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Whether
we like it or not, many of our transient and foreign workers are already cycling
to work (eg shipyard workers at Sembawang, Changi, Tuas), expats down to
business district and some of my civil service friends do cycle to work despite
today’s limitations. We are blessed to have 200 km of park connectors, our
pavements are wide (increasingly redesigned to accommodate both pedestrians and
cyclists in various towns) and our lesser-vehicle roads are safe. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We should
encourage, promote and support cycling as one of multiple pathways to commute to
work. Increasingly, cycling is gaining traction in most </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">forward looking cities</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">.
We must not stand still; suffer from analysis paralysis (as Thatcher would put it), twiddle our thumbs and wait for a “perfect solution” of mere MRTs and buses. We
should start now, let it evolve and through time, what is availably good can
only get better. Sometimes, we are too hush on ourselves, searching and researching for one "silver bullet"!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Furthermore,
we have many more good things lined up in the years to come as we add on the Rail
Corridor and the Round-Island-Route. These will further extend and enhance our
cycling networks making most places accessible by wheels.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Last
September, I discovered this hybrid mode on transport using foldable bicycles in
London; another pathway. It addresses both the first mile (getting to the train station) and the
last mile (from disembarkation point to final destination). I was pleasantly
surprised that one is allowed to bring on board a foldable bicycle onto the London
underground at any time of day. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The big-do is that it takes up no real estate. Cyclists rides to train station, folds
the bike, hops onboard, alight and rides to destination point, folds the bike
and tugs it under a table. Voila! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our local
practice purely addresses the first mile (ride to the train station), park your
bicycle (takes up real estate, bloody messy and is a graveyard of unclaimed
bikes) and risk theft. Then after, it assumes you walk to your final
destination after you alight. If your final destination is afar, you need a
second bike (pray it's not stolen!) and then another part of parking lot at your work place.
In short, it doesn’t work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Understandably,
our priority now is to get our train system running reliably once again.
Furthermore, a common gripe amongst commuters is that our trains are already
too packed. So to completely copy the London model will be a difficult sell. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Instead, we
should be bold enough to create our own version; fine-tune boarding time. The morning MRT peak hours
are from 7:30am to 9:00am. I would argue (from past field observations) to
allow foldables on board MRT from start of day operation until 7:30am. Then after, we
impose a "black out" period which disallows boarding from 7:30am to
9:00am. After 9:00am, we can again allow foldables on board. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Surely the Brits
are not stupid or are we unimaginative? Presently, one is allowed to carry foldables on board MRT after 9:30am. It's another way of saying we do allow, but you still cannot make it to work on time! For now, </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> there are no
restrictions of foldables on board MRT on weekends. It's good. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A more recent
option is that of an eco-friendly e-bike or a pedal-assist bike. This is
gaining popularity in many places. It's another mode of transport which we
should keep an open mind and evaluate. Locally, these are quite prevalent especially within
intra-town. Surely, some do behave like a*sho@%s. The following article talks about e-bikes and its promise. That’s
another long story…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Battery-Swapping for Electric
Bikes & Scooters</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=battery-swapping-for-electric-bikes-2012-05" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=battery-swapping-for-electric-bikes-2012-05</span></a></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>In
conclusion</b>, while we figure out ways to manage car population, we should
expeditiously explore other avenues to make for a greener journey and a less
congested city where only cars seemingly have right of way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">FTR: I am
both a motorist and a recreational cyclist. I ride the MRT frequently and take the
bus once a while. Oh yes, I walk too. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Other Information<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.6pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Los Angeles Lives by Car, but Learns to Embrace
Bikes </span></b><span style="color: grey; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">By <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/n/adam_nagourney/index.html?inline=nyt-per" target="_blank" title="More Articles by Adam Nagourney"><span style="color: #004276;">ADAM NAGOURNEY</span></a></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“The
popularity of cycling is totally surging,” said Jennifer Klausner, the
executive director of the <a href="http://la-bike.org/" target="_blank" title="Web site."><span style="color: #004276;">Los Angeles County Bicycle
Coalition</span></a>. “What I see is more and more people than ever before on
bicycles, at all hours of the day and night. It’s taken a while for the city to
catch up.” <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.6pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Joel
Epstein, a mass transit advocate, said traffic here had led him to use his
bicycle more often. “L.A. is a very complicated kind of place,” Mr. Epstein
said. “A lot of people are going to commute by car forever. <b>But I think
bikes are a piece of the puzzle, just like mass transit is and just like
walking is.</b>” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.6pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In Austin, A Street
Festival Offers A Vision of Modern City Planning </span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">By David Wogan</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Modern
city design calls for less emphasis on the car, and more on walking, cycling,
use of green spaces, and safety. The car-centric model isn’t cutting it any
more. But modernizing the urban core takes a lot of time, money, and political
will – an annular eclipse of public policy”. </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Why
there is an urgent need for local cyclists to have a voice?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Cyclists unfortunately do not
have a voice on our roads. Read on. On 26 May 2012, a lorry driver steam-rolled
and killed a cyclist along Changi Coast Road. A medical doctor was recently
sentenced to 4 weeks jail and banned from driving for 5 years for running into
2 cyclists (1 died). He scoots off only to return to try retrieve his number
plate.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Last December, a 41 year-old
sales director was knocked down in a hit-and-run situation along Changi Coast
Road. He survived with a fractured spine and two cracks in his pelvis. It is
going to be a long recovery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May 19, 2011, Ms Kirsten Koh was cycling home with her
best friend and house mate Orla along Mandai Road when a collision with a
lorry, changed her life forever. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ms Koh fractured both ankles and femurs. Her pelvis was shattered. Her left
shoulder, fibula and shin bones were broken. The doctors told her parents to
prepare for the worst. She went on to have 19 operations totaling more than 80
hours, needed 5 litres of blood transfusions and 60 stitches. She was
bed-ridden for 2 1/2 months. Recently, she completed walking 42km at the
Sundown marathon. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_788992.html"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_788992.html</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-40222402713781106992012-05-09T05:20:00.000-07:002012-05-09T05:20:06.890-07:00Three stories, same tale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Recently,
I watched Iron Lady and this brought me back to 1979, the year I graduated.
After going through multiple loops of IQ tests, interviews I was offered a job
with ICL (Intl Computers Ltd), UK. My thoughts back then was to work in London
for a few years. I remembered the offer came by telegram. I was all excited,
shipped my things to London and was ready to head home for a break before
returning to work. Within 2 weeks of my offer, ICL withdrew, thanks to Margaret Thatcher. I must add ICL was gracious to compensate me 1 month salary. Welcome to citizens
first!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Margaret
Thatcher came into power at about the most turbulent time post WWII, having to
fight militant unions, unemployment and the IRA. As a student, I remembered
bizarre strikes such as bakery, rail, postmen, policemen, firemen, buses, coal
miners. She fought tooth and nail in many quarters and subsequently brought on
a much stronger UK. During her watch, she was almost killed by a bomb plot on the last night at the Conservative Party conference in
Brighton. She fought a principled, but expensive, war with the Argentineans
over Falkland, thousands of miles away from home. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">At home in
late Apr12, a well respected don, Dr Tan Khee Giap suggested giving
Singaporeans "first bite of the cherry" in jobs. <span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-SG; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">The
resounding message from the Government right now is Singaporeans come first.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Let me
relate 3 stories I heard in the past 16 months. Story 1 was related to me by an ICT
Singaporean honcho early last year. This person lamented that for a huge ICT
project in SG, the person taking notes (minutes of meetings) is a foreigner. So
I asked, "don't you have a say?" Unfortunately not, my HQ is in the West.
I subsequently gathered their project director went through several iterations of
Westerner, ABC, then Westerner and last I heard a local. I am not sure if the foreign
scriber is still there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Story 2 smacks
colonialism. This person I chatted with worked for a
smallish European company specialising in ERP domain. He is the only Singaporean
director amongst a dozen European directors. He is the company's "poster
boy", propped upwards whenever there is a large Government project. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">According
to him, his fellow European directors simply do not have a clue on how business
is conducted here; have no local network or ground information. Furthermore,
all were on expat terms. How they continue to remain business viable is
questionable. His own boss apparently instructed not to be "disturbed" whenever
he goes on leave. On the other hand, this local chap is required to be
"voice contactable" on his vacation days. Last I heard, he held his
own, moved on to a more level playing field; good for him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Story 3
involves a large French company. Within weeks of hiring this local person at
management level, his foreign boss forwarded some CVs of fresh graduates from
France with a "highly recommended" rating. So what would you do if
you were in his shoes? To keep his job, he had no choice but to do the “politically
right thing”, hire a few foreign talents. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">A recent story is one of a German ICT management staff, seconded to Singapore, trying to help
bring across a secretary support person. I don’t know if his barber is coming
too! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-SG; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Based
on these anecdotal cases, I am not entirely surprise such practice takes place in
the ICT segment. </span>Unlike professionals such as doctors, lawyers or finance with
unique skills, ICT has hardly any entry barrier. Anyone with some resemblance
of ICT related training can land on our shores, stay to work, subject to basic
scrutiny. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Fast
forward 33 years and history repeats itself in the UK. It is in technical
recession, exchange rate at the lowest for decades and Europe is groping in the
dark, reluctant to take the austerity route. Meanwhile, my kid, followed my footsteps,
is bent on seeking for a job in London upon graduation this year. It's humbling
when you send out hundreds of emails and a handful replied. However, the
rigour of going through tests, case studies, interviews is still invaluable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">I
continue to cheer her on knowing "what don't kill you makes for a better
man, woman included". Presently, it may be easier to strike lottery than
landing a job in the UK. Understandably, locals come first again! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">We are a
migrant society, highly tolerant and conditioned to accept and embrace change. All
things equal, we need to take care and grow our own timber as well. <span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-SG; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">We
owe no apologies. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">FTR: I am
"colour agnostic", having 8 nationalities in my work team, including
Singaporeans. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-40811823469043050162012-04-03T22:01:00.000-07:002012-04-03T22:01:04.297-07:00Humourously serious<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Two
weeks ago,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>I was invited by NParks
to attend the re-opening of Bishan park. I was keen to attend because it was
closed for 2 years for a major transformation from concrete canals to a
beautifully re-created river, ponds and many other interesting amenities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> <o:p></o:p></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Spanning
37 hectares on one side, you can head down to the river, stroll along the
water's edge and enjoy the vast biodiversity; fishes, turtles, dragonflies,
waterhen and a handful of majestic purple herons. Across busy Marymount Road,
you are spoiled for another 27 hectares of green amenities. There are two huge
thematic playgrounds, science at work cleansing water and above all, one of my
many favourite cycling haunts across the two parks kept intact. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">It
would be great to have 2 underpasses for seamless access from one side to the
other without having to dismount and cross at traffic-junctions. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">The
night before, I was all excited; prep my bicycle to go green the following day.
Come morning, I cycled to Dakota station, took my foldie onboard the train,
alighted at Bishan station and pedalled my way to the opening ceremony site. It
was crowded and security was tight. PM was the GOH. I was pleasantly surprised
to have Poo Kiong, NParks as my host. PM spoke amidst a noisy background and I
had to strain my ears trying to figure out what he said. We are still a long
way from being courteous to just shut up and listen whenever someone is making
a speech. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">After
the opening ceremony, PK led me to follow PM’s entourage as we made our way to
the water edge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recycle Hill, the
highest point, looks awesome from a distance. Soon, we back tracked, pass the
dog run area and adjourned for a break in a cozy, outdoor restaurant. With all
the trees and lush, it was temperature cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">I
settled for water and before long, the CEO of NParks walked me forward to meet
PM. There were just 3 of us. Poon introduced me as an avid cyclist. PM stooped,
with his hands extended, gripping both handlebars of an imaginary road bike. I
explained I am not the Saturday, 'man in lycra’ road cyclist but rather a Sunday
recreational cyclist. My group cycles on NParks park connectors, side roads and
an occasional pavement when squeezed (to stay alive!). He immediately put one
finger to his lips and went....shush, then laughed. Staying alive is paramount,
I protested. Vehicular roads in Singapore are not safe and most motorists,
especially taxi-drivers, do not think we belong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">I
lauded NParks for doing a good job connecting the island through the concept of
park connectors. Today, there is already 150km of PCN. Soon, it will be more
exciting with the Round-Island-Route of 150km and another 26km along the Rail Corridor
(the old railway tracks). By then, a visitor can enjoy a 3 day cycle inclusive
of 2 nights along this route. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Somehow,
the conversation drifted to my peeve of 5 years. PM, I said: "the most
scenic tourist route today along the Singapore river on a bicycle can set you back
by $10,000". Why so, he asked? We have to go through 5 underpasses from
Alexandra Road to the Esplanade. At each underpass, there is a sign that reads
"NO RIDING Fine $1,000 Please push your bicycle across the
underpass". “Is it because it is too narrow”, he asked? I replied saying it
is big enough to take a moving MRT train on each side, save for the underpass
at Anderson Bridge. Cyclists, both young and old, loafed to dismount and push
unless safety is compromised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">I
cited the busiest corridor fronting the Marina Bay as "bicycle
friendly" (sign reads: ‘cyclists please slow down and give way to
pedestrians’), thanks to Benson Phuah, CEO Esplanade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">He
pause momentarily, then asked: "how much are you prepared to pay to go
through these underpasses". A dollar, I said. Better still, free for
senior citizens; I am getting there. We roared. Bicycle ERP soon? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">I
lamented that while our infrastructure, events (eg F1, Flyer, IRs, PCNs) are
wonderful and crowd drawing, some of our messages are old fashion and out of
step. He nodded, and then said: "maybe you should write to the forum page,
Straits Times; reception could be better there!”. We laughed. Poon smiled;
bùshì wǒ de wèntí (not his portfolio).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those
senior civil servants within earshot steamed! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">PM
was ‘belly’ good in his element. With so much laughter, I felt totally
oxygenated, cycled home then after. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-11615800258974822722011-08-06T02:41:00.000-07:002011-08-06T02:41:07.636-07:00Shikata ga nai<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";">Following the Japanese earthquake, tsunami on 9 March, 2011, a generous friend took out $50,000 as seed money and suggested I organize a Charity bicycle ride to rally HPA members and Singaporeans to support the Japanese people. We took on an ambitious target of $200,000 with less than a month to organize.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";">A day before the ride, I was despondent, stuck at $130,000 collection for over a week. At 2pm, one fairy godmother, who wished to remain anonymous, came along and cheered me with a $50,000 cheque. This was then broadcasted and an hour later, one godfather underwrote to top up to $200,000. Eventually, we overshot slightly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";">Several parties came forward to chip in, be it ambulance, logistical support, private companies and manpower from NParks. We did not spend a dime on anything. Even the banners were re-cycled stuff. Every dollar raised went to the Japanese Disaster 2011 fund through the Singapore Red Cross Society. We had about 40 cyclists and 20 odd walkers. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";">Through my Japanese friend, we thought it would be befitting to invite the Japanese ambassador to grace this event. We also contacted a local Japanese radio channel and some Japanese related advertising agencies. The idea was to attract Japanese in Singapore to step forward, participate alongside us. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";">Unfortunately, this was not to be. The reply from the Japanese embassy was totally alien to me. We invited, waited with bated breath and then this:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";">“Thank you for your heartfelt concerns of the recent earthquake in Japan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sorry for this rather late reply. We deeply appreciate your generous intentions and enthusiasm in organizing the Charity Bicycle Ride to raise money to help those affected by the disaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";">After much consideration and discussion, it is with great regret that we have to decline your kind invitation, as it would not be suitable for the Embassy of Japan to make association with charity events due to the fact that Japan is the country that receives the donations and relief support”. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";">I was bemused. Later on, I found out that the word ‘charity’ caused lots of discomfort. We had always used this word in our previous charity drives. Apparently, it became awkward for a rich nation to accept charity!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";">About his time, a BBC commentator had this to say about wealthy Japan. He said: “If Japan gets knocked down by a vehicle, it is likely to reject any ambulance that comes along. It will instead call for it’s own ambulance”. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";">So I asked my Japanese friend his interpretation on this matter. He had this to say:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";">“It is very difficult to say anything about Japanese embassy but I give you some example for you to grasp Japanese embassy way of thinking.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";">When I was introduce Secretary of Japanese Association to Japanese ambassador (</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";">last one), I was requested to submit resume before I visited. When I was invited my senior Japanese friend to have lunch with Singapore Ambassador to Japan </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";">in Tokyo, I was not requested anything before hand.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";">So my personal opinion is Japanese ambassador is behave like tycoon while Singapore ambassador is like sales director of Singapore. You can find who is more working for the nation and citizens. I am very sorry about Japanese embassy reaction”. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";">My Japanese friend felt sheepish. Then again, Meira Chand wrote a very good piece following disaster in Straits Times and had this to say: “Japanese society is structured, among other things, upon the element of shame. Loss of face is a dishonour that is hard to bear on any level”. She went on to say: “Shikata ga nai, it cannot be helped…” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";">I wish all Japanese to be more upbeat with the word Gambatte. It’s more uplifting, positive and rousing. In Google translate, Shikata ga nai is roughly translated as “NO CHOICE”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif";">Oh yes, my generous friend who gave $50,000 from his own pocket had a choice, moved by the repeated scenes on TV of that catastrophic tsunami that hit Japan. May the souls of 15,000 victims rest in peace and may our Singapore ambassadors around the world continue to be sales directors of our little red dot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">P/S: In all, the Singapore Red Cross collected about $34 million. Most of this money will be spent in building/reconstruction of infrastructure which have more meaningful values. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div></div>Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-69038924377742623852011-07-20T08:15:00.000-07:002011-07-20T08:15:43.575-07:00First world marred by third<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The day before I was to go on a driving holiday up to Penang, I was flat out on my back. Everything I took simply got thrown out of my stomach. The world was a spin and I checked into hospital; stayed 2 days. It was a severe inner ear infection and vertigo kicked in. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Upon discharge, I was not able to drive. Judgement of positioning, depth and distance were impaired, likewise hearing on my right. In short, spatial orientation is off and has to be recalibrated. I broke a tall glass in restaurant, chipped a cup or two and almost tip over a road side barrier riding my bicycle! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The experience is a nagging tipsy feeling and rehab is a good option. It’s a science called vestibular therapy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">It </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">works by having you perform motions that are intended to make you dizzy while at the same time making you focus on your body position. Three receptors are at play for an able body person-vestibular system (inner ear balance), ocular (eyesight) and lastly our skeletal, muscular movements. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">So post medical leave, I went back to work using our public transport system, largely on trains, buses and occasional taxi rides. It’s no big deal as my formative years were walking, cycling, sampan, ferry boat to school. After three weeks of public commute, I would rate our transport system as first world. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Understandably, some parts of Singapore (North-South line, Jurong East-City) are congested on trains during peak hours. These are best addressed by frequencies and capacities (supply vs demand) or even pricing differentiation to ‘incentivise’ early birds to work. Conversely, ‘disincentive’ of more expensive fare during peak period, much like vehicular ERP to spread the load. I imagine latter to be highly unpopular. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">It helps that my home is only a 3 minute walk to the train station. I take a train, switch over to another and then a feeder bus to work. In all, it’s 50 mins compare to 30 mins of driving. You get to read, go about doing eye rehab exercises or simply people watching on trains. It’s therapeutic. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Alighting from train, I have the option of 2 feeder buses to work and a spoilt choice of 4 feeder buses on my way back to the train station. The connection from train station to bus stop is sheltered. Our bus captains are generally patient. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Most buses are ‘handicapped friendly’, allocating a generous slot, good for 2 wheelchairs. In the 3 weeks, I did not witness any one on wheelchairs. It can be argued that the same slot is a wonderful place to park one’s foldable bicycle, a practice that’s allowed only after 9:30am. Our buses are clean, air-conditioned, armed to it’s teeth with ‘stop buzzers’ all over including a ‘low buzzer’ for those on wheelchairs. There's no reason for alighting one too many stops. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">I only wish our bus captains are better trained especially when accelerating and decelerating. The anal ones tend to jerk and it’s most unpleasant when standing or trying to alight. With the double-deckers, the hissing sounds emitted (from hydraulics) are quite annoying. Thus far, I have not experience bus captain ‘skipping bus stop’ despite congestion at peak hour.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">Our trains are clean, frequent and reliable. I feel it puzzling that in the tropics, our trains are grossly cold at most times. The ‘reserve seats’ for elderly, handicapped are respected. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">As for our citizen drivers, we have some way to go. One morning, the sky opened, pouring buckets once I alighted at my destination. The bus stop to overhead bridge is sheltered, likewise the overhead bridge itself. Upon stepping down the overhead bridge, the walk way to my office building is also sheltered. Dry so far; I did not have to use my umbrella! So I trotted along the sheltered walkway. A huge private car zoomed past, hit a puddle of water and I was spilled wet up to my knees. I could only shout the b*!&% word (I meant bastard, not bitch). The next vehicle was a double-decker. The bus captain had more sympathy. He actually moved at a measured speed without spitting on me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">If only more of our heart ware are in place, we would be first world, first class. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-52113562335905006732011-05-20T03:29:00.000-07:002011-05-20T03:29:42.416-07:00Blowing in the wind<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I was taught many folk songs whilst in upper secondary school by Shanta Abisheganaden. I remembered songs such as Red River Valley, Oh Shenandoah, 500 miles and of course Blowing in the wind. Post GE, the departures of GCT and LKY from cabinet echoes the lyrics of BITW: 'the answer my friend is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind'. There were too many why and too few why not.<br />
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So I went back to history to try to make sense of some of these <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-SG; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-SG;">tumultuous</span> changes over GE and how democracy evolved through the years. Aljunied GRC started off as a tough touch-and-go situation. GY maximised the use of new media to reach out especially to Gen Y. Arguably, new media worked in favour of the opposition at the speed of light. It is said that 'bad news' travels 13 more times than good news. So we should not be surprised by it's viral effect, be it TPL or Yammy in cyberspace. <br />
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While GCT said SG is going to be in trouble if we lose GY, he is mostly correct. But the counter-argument by LTK of 'why have elections when one cannot lose' sat well with the disenchanted. When LKY came in with this 'live to repent' if one chooses the opposing side, it backfired big-time. I remembered a posting on FB immediately after this Gen Y voted. This person said: 'this is demockracy. I just voted. Do I have to repent for next 5 years?'.<br />
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So it came to being that Aljunied GRC was reduced to a 'good man who came to a bad end'; Boethius (c. 480-524) in the Middle Ages. In 524, he was charged with disloyalty and sentenced to death. While awaiting execution, he wrote 'The Consolation of Philosophy', one of the most widely read book back then. In a dialogue between Boethius and Lady Philosophy, who appeared in his cell, he poured out his soul and asked: "If God is, whence come evil things?" She comforted him that from limited perspective of humans, God works in mysterious ways. <br />
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In a more recent book "The Belief Instinct", Jesse Bering put it succinctly by saying: "Life isn't unfair. It isn't fair either. It just is". <br />
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If we fast forward to the Age of Enlightenment, we have the British Philosopher Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) who mirrored the laws of human society as would Isaac Newton in the laws of motion and gravity. He spoke of a community that submits to the absolute authority, maybe a king or legislature, and that power is unquestioned. According to him, to be free of chaos, people must put themselves in a sort of prison of their own construction and he warns: "life can be nasty, brutish and short, said over the English Civil War". Of course, he had the King on his side. <br />
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The Enlightment period is also a time when thinkers tried to explore and discover better ways to organise society. Hence John Locke (1632-1704) propounded the social contract theory where people gain safety and security for themselves and their property by surrendering some of their rights to government. The government in turn must respect certain rights of its people, preserves the rights to life, liberty and punishes citizens who violate the rights of others. This resembles the roots of modern elected government. <br />
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Interesting enough, another character Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) came along before the French Revolution with these famous contradictory words: "Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains". He argued that people are basically good and that institutions of society corrupted them over the centuries! So 'shaking the box', said GY, post GE may be a good thing. <br />
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So it has been 300 years on as society continues to evolve. Most societies lived under an elected government, whatever its imperfection. The recent GE opened the eyes of the population as more than 90% locals enjoyed the constitutional right to vote the party of their choice. <br />
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The aftershock of Aljunied GRC jolted many Singaporeans with some asking for GY to return into parliament, government, the President and be the 'voice of the people'. The die is cast, no replay, no play, play (horsing around) and sadly all the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put Humpty Dumoty together again. <br />
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Some years back, the late Samuel Huntington from Harvard once compared our political system against the Taiwanese. He opined that the Taiwanese political system will survive because it is democratic. Conversely, he thought the Singapore political system will be hard to survive beyond LKY. The buzz and energy generated from the recent GE showed otherwise. That there is already vitality and vibrancy with LKY 'well and alive' bode well for SG. <br />
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As Winston Churchill once said: "Democracy can be an exasperating, messy system, the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time". <br />
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For me, I am still a virgin voter, deprive of my constitutional right as a result of a last-minute walk over!<br />
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All the same, we should be proud that our election process is clean, civilised and safe and that the man on the street has the the freedom of choice every 5 years.<br />
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</div>Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865503430432563444.post-34142045480794914052011-04-25T04:47:00.000-07:002011-04-25T04:47:37.862-07:00If we are not willing to engage, then who?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">It was reported in ST that increasingly, we now have "masked commuters" (wearing those blinkers used on planes) on MRT taking up reserved seats meant for elderly, pregnant ladies and infants. Interestingly, no commuter would act to interrupt commuter's slumber when the seat is really needed for the above. So we end up taking pictures, post these in cyberspace with the view to shame them. I am doubtful. <br />
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Last Sat, I took a swim in a shared pool. My temperature went up 2 degrees when I witnessed a foreigner jumped in without taking a wash. I turn around, and said: 'excuse me, you really should take a wash' before entering pool. I left it as that.<br />
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When I completed my laps, I got out of the pool and notice another person about to wade in. I interrupted him most gently by saying: Excuse me. You need to first wash before entering the pool. You must be kidding, he exclaimed. I pointed to the 'instructions board', reiterated that it is part of standard swimming procedures. Then he tried to be funny saying: 'are you sure all these people wash before entering?'. I said I don't know but I sure DID. He got the message. <br />
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P/S: Foreigners or otherwise, I would have exactly the same conversation. </div>Jok Kwanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17394003035534371671noreply@blogger.com0