Something to ponder upon which is closer to us in our heartlands; particularly in reference to our HDB apartments or government flats - the lifts or the elevators.
The lift is a fascinating place - more than just a means of transport from the first floor to higher grounds - a place where people meet or interact; a place where akwardness sometimes transends. But over the years it seems this square or rectangular space has been taken for granted that many of its features seem to be overlooked.
How many of you noticed the changes to the lift in HDB flats over the last decade?
Do you remember seeing the notice of caught with your pants down in the lift, vandalising the sacred space that has served many residents over the years going into the decades?
Yes, I'm talking about the sign that indicates a fine if caught urinating in the lift; since the ban of chewing gum effectively ended the problem of faulty buttons.
Yes, the sign is still there. Does this mean that the problem of urine in the lifts is still evident or in existance?
It is part of the sacred space as implemented from probably in the late 70s or early 80s, where hygene was a big issue. Awareness of good hygene and the common public property act were at the height of concern. Cameras and ammonia(urine) detectors are reportedly installed to nab offenders. That is education per say to the masses. Off their heads! they say. Wow what education and effective at that it was.
So much so that urine or even the sniff of it was treated as lost gold or a legend - a thing of the past (not) forgotten.
I stumbled upon urine, yes,urine in the lifts of my apartment block the other day and the day before and the day before that! I was nevertheless shocked. Urine in the lift in this modern day! What an outrage. No it wasn't orange juice or teh-o.
How was I so sure? Because the stench of ammonia got me dizzy by the time I got to the 4th floor.
Something must be done. The perpertrator should be castrated and dealt with. Then that was where it hit me! What if the offender is not a homo sapien? Not of human species? Can the measures in place be able to prosecute the offender. Wouldn't it be a stir in the news and zines? It would definately create an uproar among animal lovers and their best friends! For sure.
Persecute the best friend then you might say. Well, that sounds about rite as the latter has definately a higher so called intelligence that they have control over their best friends. Not! The rascal did it not me.
The argument is that if the better half is that more intelligent then the vandalism woukdn't have occured, would it?
It's really funny how the authorities go to educate these better halves. I have seen of flyers or notices in lifts for the better halves to be responsible owner and clean up after the animals.
Makes you wonder who is more human.
Be responsible. Put the owner to sleep. Just a thought.
8.15.2006
8.09.2006
National Day Songs, Idols?
Today marks the nation's 41st birthday. It holds memories of such patriotism; of wat makes us the dear sons of our country - not that i am a buff of sorts for what the nation has gone through for the last 40 so years; let alone remember historical moments and their dates.
But it is a day that holds dear to me for other reasons.
But this day is special; it was the day that spelled the end of the National Stadium - the last parade to be held there - that has held many memories for me.
But the issue today was not of the parade but of the SINGING competition aired on national television - the Idol series - spurned by the American Idol series.
It comes to question whether we do really need an Idol - a Singing Idol or icon to be associated with a country? Well, it seems important judging by the number of SMSs the programme has received. Mind you - the cost of sending a vote via mobile cost a staggering 50 cents per vote.
I am not much of a supporter or a buff for the series - more of a passing. Because it seems it is not a singing competition; more of a popularity contest. Well, I am not saying that all the contestants cannot sing, only a handful are worthy competitors. I am more for the antics of the auditions - you can't get enough of them can you?
Of course the nation's antics are less violent and more civil than our American latter's but nevertheless it was interesting to see the auditioners' hype and all. The songs, the reactions etc...
Most interestingly, most (well from the given depictions and cut versions on the programme) the auditioners chose songs that were mainstream and can i say rather difficult to sing at times and hence painfully endearing to listen to. I am not much of a singer not m i a good listener but clearly it does not take a dick to know that song choices are important and some songs are difficult.
On this day, it just struck me, and i w0nder why none of them sang one of our national day songs. Hell, the nation comes up with new ones every year. Some of our songs are quite easy to sing and are indeed pleasant. Is it to shameful to sing our local songs or are they just for the occasion. It is not as if we are singing the national anthem and making a mockery of the national anthem. It would be nice and laughable to see anyone who genuinely makes a mess of the national anthem though.
What I am advocating is allowing people to sing our national day songs anytime, because i am sure it is not an offense. Or is it? Better check... it doesn't pay to assume; not here though.
Give that man a national song. Coz we have a vision for tomorrow....
But it is a day that holds dear to me for other reasons.
But this day is special; it was the day that spelled the end of the National Stadium - the last parade to be held there - that has held many memories for me.
But the issue today was not of the parade but of the SINGING competition aired on national television - the Idol series - spurned by the American Idol series.
It comes to question whether we do really need an Idol - a Singing Idol or icon to be associated with a country? Well, it seems important judging by the number of SMSs the programme has received. Mind you - the cost of sending a vote via mobile cost a staggering 50 cents per vote.
I am not much of a supporter or a buff for the series - more of a passing. Because it seems it is not a singing competition; more of a popularity contest. Well, I am not saying that all the contestants cannot sing, only a handful are worthy competitors. I am more for the antics of the auditions - you can't get enough of them can you?
Of course the nation's antics are less violent and more civil than our American latter's but nevertheless it was interesting to see the auditioners' hype and all. The songs, the reactions etc...
Most interestingly, most (well from the given depictions and cut versions on the programme) the auditioners chose songs that were mainstream and can i say rather difficult to sing at times and hence painfully endearing to listen to. I am not much of a singer not m i a good listener but clearly it does not take a dick to know that song choices are important and some songs are difficult.
On this day, it just struck me, and i w0nder why none of them sang one of our national day songs. Hell, the nation comes up with new ones every year. Some of our songs are quite easy to sing and are indeed pleasant. Is it to shameful to sing our local songs or are they just for the occasion. It is not as if we are singing the national anthem and making a mockery of the national anthem. It would be nice and laughable to see anyone who genuinely makes a mess of the national anthem though.
What I am advocating is allowing people to sing our national day songs anytime, because i am sure it is not an offense. Or is it? Better check... it doesn't pay to assume; not here though.
Give that man a national song. Coz we have a vision for tomorrow....
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