rank is just something u wear on ur sleeve or shoulder.
It is authority that counts; authority that stems from capability, accountability, responsibility.
Dedicated to fellow NSFs out there, do not be afraid to stand up and speak out when you feel something is wrong or can be done in a better way, even if it means to point out your superior's mistake. He/she is only your superior as the Lord has charged him/her with higher responsibilities. But if he/she cannot discharge it to the best of ability, he/she answers to the Lord just like you and me. Where else do the powers of Men come from if not from the Lord himself?
Some people may be trained to be your superiors. But training is one thing, and actual on-the-ground capability is another diff story. I totally respect Officers who can think & act on the ground as much as they can plan and discuss from their swivel seats and air-con offices.
But as for those who commission smartly as officers in No.1 but thats the last time you see them hold themselves steady, thats a sad little story. There are those who will shake and tremble during crunch time. Whose balls will be in their throats when they have to make millisecond decisions. Not everyone can think on their feet, some are better off condemned to their swivel chairs and air-con offices, contained within a cubicle, churning our reports, emails, powerpoints. At least you can't really hate them that way, even better if you don't hear from them.
Do not be afraid to do the right thing, say the right thing. For if you remain silent amidst the unjust, illogical environment and let the vicious cycle carry on to your understudies, you are doing a whole generation injustice, and you are just another hapless tool, helpless pawn of the Organisation. You are just as blind to reality as the System.
But of course not every section of the Organisation actually allows or encourages free speech. Be prudent and watch your steps. Do whatever you can in the capacity that allows. Even a little bit counts toward alot eventually. One less signature needed, one less form to be filled, one less level of bureaucracy, will eventually do alot for generations to come. Do not think little of yourself, as no one but yourself may put you down, and every man & woman is made equal in the eyes of the Lord.
It must be hard up there, having to supervise and oversee so much and plan so much. But when you have little of an inkling what really happens on the ground, ithink you've lost the plot. Then it's about high-time some self-evaluation needs to be done. It must be tough i guess, once you go wrong and ur plans go a little awry, you have to put up with so many tiny voices speaking behind you, so many disliking you.
Yeah it must be tough to be an Officer, cos perhaps there is just so much expected of you in so many farcical ways. Give me any day, i would still choose to be a Specialist and take real pride in all my work.
Salute the rank, respect the Man.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Thursday, November 10, 2005
The Ugly Singaporean...On the Bus
I've always wanted to write about this. I guess if i really swipe out a notepad and jot down evry nuance of these ugly Singaporean psyches everytime i see one, i would really have a long list.
Unfortunately, i do not really have the habit of carrying a notepad around, and usually it takes some time for me to internalise it, then only when it happens to me In-The-Face a few more times would i really be incensed enough to bear a grudge or even write about it.
Ok back to the story, i just wanna make the point that the Ugly Singaporean is everywhere to be seen, no matter where you look, no matter where you hide. Yes i believe it exists in almost evryone of us, including myself, i ain't really that kinda self-righteous prick.
I guess i will just note down a few facets of the Ugly Singaporean from time to time, perhaps then when i look back at these entries of mine, i can also remind myself never to commit those crimes again.
On a quiet day on the way back home after a hard day's work, you fail to get a seat on the bus, but that's ok. Somehow i have taken a preference to standing on bus trips. I get to observe more stuff, noting how people bahave in a typical social environment. In Singapore, it's almost like the famous Elevator Syndrome takes on a whole new dimensionin Singapore. The claustrophobic and I-only-want-to-be-so-close-to-you-for-the-trip atmosphere seems extended to the whole bus in Singapore. Everyone behaves like a stranger to each other on the bus.
It's almost as if it would be more interesting to figure out the lousy english some numbskulls used to carve love declarations on the back of the backseats, or just jacking in to your Ipod, mobile, fiddling with ur hp and pretending to sms, almost as if all these were more enriching and interesting than to give a simple smile to an oft-seen neighbour (and by neighbour i mean someone who lives in the neighbourhood, not just in ur same HDB block). Hell, almost everyone's a stranger on the bus unless the person beside you is ur partner whom you're trying to do hanky with at the back of the bus.
Then there's the act-deaf, act-blind attitude that some bus commuters have.Bendy buses are good inventions, but it somehow doesn't really matter in Singapore. Not because there are just too many people packed on this island, but because some of us have this devil-may-care attitude; how many times have you witnessed people playing dumb when the bus driver is already hollering at people to move to the rear of the bus in all national languages! Some people just pretend not to be able to see the space behind, continue hanging around near the door and chat with their frenz, if alone pretend to sms or make a call. Some of these people are either really deaf/blind or just being singaporean.
Some just want to be the first to get down and so stick to the door for dear life. I wonder if the authorities should come up with a concession fare for this minority since they give up their seats so willingly. Oh no i'm wrong, there is this group of people within this minority that is even more power....they nestle in strategic seats close to the door the whole journey, then when it gets to a popular stop where they expect almost the whole bus will alight, they get up and squirm their way all the way to the door just so as to be the first to alight. Some are so kanjiong they get up from their treasured seats one stop earlier. No dunt be mistaken that they have heeded the public campaign to alight one stop earlier and walk the rest of the journey to keep fit. SIngaporeans will have none of that shit and most will claim the obesity situation isn't as bad as compared to Western countries(erm, you mean sunny Singapore is not Western? hmm...) No way hosey, these people (mostly aunties, i note) actually strategically plan their seats to be near the door, spring up a stop earlier and gives the next seat-conqueror a real dirt look, just to make sure they are the first to alight.
I am darned sure all this planning could be put to better use by Singaporeans in other areas. I mean look at how some of us chope seats at hawker centers and food courts and you will understand our quick thinking, reflexes, innovativity and ingenuity.
Sometimes i note with disgust how some aunties try to beat the system by flashing their ez-link like 4 stops ahead of their stop, just to save those few cents, then justify to the driver that GST and bus ticket prices have gone up, even throw in arguments like the air-con was hot or that she(ok by now u shld realise my main issue is with aunties) didnt get a seat so she could pay less. Well the system has caught up by adjusting the reader to only read cards during stops at bus stops, but it isnt foolproof, especially given this calibre of Singaporean aunties. I really ain't surprised that the authorities are taking a serious look at fare-cheating cases.
Imean i really think we should be more than thankful for such a world-class inter-linked transport system that many other countries are envious of. We really shouldn't abuse it and try to cheat the system. I know sometimes we all have the craving to break a law or two and escape being found. But sometimes these culprits with baskets of veg in hand are obviously exploiting the system left,right,center and intend to do so for the rest of their lives . They are either trying to bankrupt the bus company or their conscience.
To all these kanjiong spider aunties, i only have one thing to say to them. In a very Army lingo, we should just give each of these aunites a spider. Apologise to those who dunt und the saying, but i must refrain from expletives lest i face an angry horde of aunties on my next bus trip.
I've always wanted to write about this. I guess if i really swipe out a notepad and jot down evry nuance of these ugly Singaporean psyches everytime i see one, i would really have a long list.
Unfortunately, i do not really have the habit of carrying a notepad around, and usually it takes some time for me to internalise it, then only when it happens to me In-The-Face a few more times would i really be incensed enough to bear a grudge or even write about it.
Ok back to the story, i just wanna make the point that the Ugly Singaporean is everywhere to be seen, no matter where you look, no matter where you hide. Yes i believe it exists in almost evryone of us, including myself, i ain't really that kinda self-righteous prick.
I guess i will just note down a few facets of the Ugly Singaporean from time to time, perhaps then when i look back at these entries of mine, i can also remind myself never to commit those crimes again.
On a quiet day on the way back home after a hard day's work, you fail to get a seat on the bus, but that's ok. Somehow i have taken a preference to standing on bus trips. I get to observe more stuff, noting how people bahave in a typical social environment. In Singapore, it's almost like the famous Elevator Syndrome takes on a whole new dimensionin Singapore. The claustrophobic and I-only-want-to-be-so-close-to-you-for-the-trip atmosphere seems extended to the whole bus in Singapore. Everyone behaves like a stranger to each other on the bus.
It's almost as if it would be more interesting to figure out the lousy english some numbskulls used to carve love declarations on the back of the backseats, or just jacking in to your Ipod, mobile, fiddling with ur hp and pretending to sms, almost as if all these were more enriching and interesting than to give a simple smile to an oft-seen neighbour (and by neighbour i mean someone who lives in the neighbourhood, not just in ur same HDB block). Hell, almost everyone's a stranger on the bus unless the person beside you is ur partner whom you're trying to do hanky with at the back of the bus.
Then there's the act-deaf, act-blind attitude that some bus commuters have.Bendy buses are good inventions, but it somehow doesn't really matter in Singapore. Not because there are just too many people packed on this island, but because some of us have this devil-may-care attitude; how many times have you witnessed people playing dumb when the bus driver is already hollering at people to move to the rear of the bus in all national languages! Some people just pretend not to be able to see the space behind, continue hanging around near the door and chat with their frenz, if alone pretend to sms or make a call. Some of these people are either really deaf/blind or just being singaporean.
Some just want to be the first to get down and so stick to the door for dear life. I wonder if the authorities should come up with a concession fare for this minority since they give up their seats so willingly. Oh no i'm wrong, there is this group of people within this minority that is even more power....they nestle in strategic seats close to the door the whole journey, then when it gets to a popular stop where they expect almost the whole bus will alight, they get up and squirm their way all the way to the door just so as to be the first to alight. Some are so kanjiong they get up from their treasured seats one stop earlier. No dunt be mistaken that they have heeded the public campaign to alight one stop earlier and walk the rest of the journey to keep fit. SIngaporeans will have none of that shit and most will claim the obesity situation isn't as bad as compared to Western countries(erm, you mean sunny Singapore is not Western? hmm...) No way hosey, these people (mostly aunties, i note) actually strategically plan their seats to be near the door, spring up a stop earlier and gives the next seat-conqueror a real dirt look, just to make sure they are the first to alight.
I am darned sure all this planning could be put to better use by Singaporeans in other areas. I mean look at how some of us chope seats at hawker centers and food courts and you will understand our quick thinking, reflexes, innovativity and ingenuity.
Sometimes i note with disgust how some aunties try to beat the system by flashing their ez-link like 4 stops ahead of their stop, just to save those few cents, then justify to the driver that GST and bus ticket prices have gone up, even throw in arguments like the air-con was hot or that she(ok by now u shld realise my main issue is with aunties) didnt get a seat so she could pay less. Well the system has caught up by adjusting the reader to only read cards during stops at bus stops, but it isnt foolproof, especially given this calibre of Singaporean aunties. I really ain't surprised that the authorities are taking a serious look at fare-cheating cases.
Imean i really think we should be more than thankful for such a world-class inter-linked transport system that many other countries are envious of. We really shouldn't abuse it and try to cheat the system. I know sometimes we all have the craving to break a law or two and escape being found. But sometimes these culprits with baskets of veg in hand are obviously exploiting the system left,right,center and intend to do so for the rest of their lives . They are either trying to bankrupt the bus company or their conscience.
To all these kanjiong spider aunties, i only have one thing to say to them. In a very Army lingo, we should just give each of these aunites a spider. Apologise to those who dunt und the saying, but i must refrain from expletives lest i face an angry horde of aunties on my next bus trip.
Monday, November 07, 2005
To those of my frenz out there who actually read my blog for another dose of my warped take on everyday events or just for the latest update of my life, i must apologise if my last entry sounded rude or totally out of character.
Well, the last entry wasn't meant for you dear frenz out there but for some prankster youths who have invaded my blog for unsavoury reasons.
But nvm, for those who were actually concerned enough to call (actually only Weeseng!), i thank you for your concern. For those who are just as eager to find out wassup with me, i shall try to explain briefly.
Well you see, for those who know me, you will understand that i still volunteer my services almost weekly for a Movement that i have great passion for, at least for the past ten years. However, in the course of my work, my way of doing things & some of the mistakes i have made along the way have provoked some angsty youth who seem to think that all the problems they faced at their CCA stemmed from me ONLY.
So they have launched a long-lasting hate campaign against me, which has recently culminated in prank phone calls & the unwanted invasion into my blog.
But it's ok, i may not seem a very religious person, but in times of need i always turn to the Lord for advice and help. And there is this one line in the Bible that particularly appeals to me now "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do". And that is one of the main reason why i am swallowing my pride and letting them hurl whatever they have at me.
I only hope that with the coming of age, they will one day understand my difficult position and why i had to do things in a certain manner in lieu of the fact that i was charged with the development, enrichment & discipline of 30 odd youths at any one time. Hopefully they can one day look back at this angst part of their lives and laugh it off, tpuzzled why they were such angry youths at that time.
I wnet through a similar patch, hating my CCA leaders, some of my peers, some of my teachers, classmates, even my family. But those angsty days are over. I was a hot-blooded teenager then who struggled to grasp with the realities of life and the pressure of the education system. But i have matured over the years and i thank God that i have the chance to return to my beloved secondary school and make amends to former schoolmates, teachers, and even a system that ultimately guaranteed my good future. I hope everyone gets a chance like me to make amends in life. It is hard i know, and i am very blessed to be able to do so, i know.
So yeah friend, if you're worried bout me, dunt worry, the issue has largely been compartmentalised and put away. I have consulted a few of my closest friends on this matter and have already decided on the best course of action; Forgive and Forget, unless the situation worsens.
I'm alright, just slowly walking on and recovering from another painful lesson in life from which i shall seek to grow and mature.
Well, the last entry wasn't meant for you dear frenz out there but for some prankster youths who have invaded my blog for unsavoury reasons.
But nvm, for those who were actually concerned enough to call (actually only Weeseng!), i thank you for your concern. For those who are just as eager to find out wassup with me, i shall try to explain briefly.
Well you see, for those who know me, you will understand that i still volunteer my services almost weekly for a Movement that i have great passion for, at least for the past ten years. However, in the course of my work, my way of doing things & some of the mistakes i have made along the way have provoked some angsty youth who seem to think that all the problems they faced at their CCA stemmed from me ONLY.
So they have launched a long-lasting hate campaign against me, which has recently culminated in prank phone calls & the unwanted invasion into my blog.
But it's ok, i may not seem a very religious person, but in times of need i always turn to the Lord for advice and help. And there is this one line in the Bible that particularly appeals to me now "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do". And that is one of the main reason why i am swallowing my pride and letting them hurl whatever they have at me.
I only hope that with the coming of age, they will one day understand my difficult position and why i had to do things in a certain manner in lieu of the fact that i was charged with the development, enrichment & discipline of 30 odd youths at any one time. Hopefully they can one day look back at this angst part of their lives and laugh it off, tpuzzled why they were such angry youths at that time.
I wnet through a similar patch, hating my CCA leaders, some of my peers, some of my teachers, classmates, even my family. But those angsty days are over. I was a hot-blooded teenager then who struggled to grasp with the realities of life and the pressure of the education system. But i have matured over the years and i thank God that i have the chance to return to my beloved secondary school and make amends to former schoolmates, teachers, and even a system that ultimately guaranteed my good future. I hope everyone gets a chance like me to make amends in life. It is hard i know, and i am very blessed to be able to do so, i know.
So yeah friend, if you're worried bout me, dunt worry, the issue has largely been compartmentalised and put away. I have consulted a few of my closest friends on this matter and have already decided on the best course of action; Forgive and Forget, unless the situation worsens.
I'm alright, just slowly walking on and recovering from another painful lesson in life from which i shall seek to grow and mature.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
To all those out there who seem to have a grudge with me and find some kind of pleasure in harassing me and invading my privacy, i am sorry to tell you that i am a much stronger character than perhaps all of you combined.
It is my duty also to inform you that if you continue your personal attacks and firebranding online or through any other form of media, in a way that may prove defamatory or threatening to me as an individual, i may be left with no choice but to take serious action.
It will definitely be the last of my choices to have to resort to serious action, but i reserve that course of action, so be warned.
I hope you do think seriously about your future before you continue your acts of folly online that will not bring about a resolution favourable to you. Even if you do not care much about your future, do spare a thought for your parents, your family and your teachers who have so much hope in you and your future.
I hope to keep this internal and once again advise you to resolve your personal unhappiness through more constructive and civilised ways that call for more than prank calls, online rantings and invasion of privacy. I am sure 12 years of high-quality education has taught you more constructive ways of resolving dispute than the ones stated above.
I may have made mistakes and am sorry for them. I hope you have a chance to realise them like i do and be able to do something constructive and personal about it rather than to just spiral down the path of self-destruction like you are now.
I have spoken, and so be warned.
It is my duty also to inform you that if you continue your personal attacks and firebranding online or through any other form of media, in a way that may prove defamatory or threatening to me as an individual, i may be left with no choice but to take serious action.
It will definitely be the last of my choices to have to resort to serious action, but i reserve that course of action, so be warned.
I hope you do think seriously about your future before you continue your acts of folly online that will not bring about a resolution favourable to you. Even if you do not care much about your future, do spare a thought for your parents, your family and your teachers who have so much hope in you and your future.
I hope to keep this internal and once again advise you to resolve your personal unhappiness through more constructive and civilised ways that call for more than prank calls, online rantings and invasion of privacy. I am sure 12 years of high-quality education has taught you more constructive ways of resolving dispute than the ones stated above.
I may have made mistakes and am sorry for them. I hope you have a chance to realise them like i do and be able to do something constructive and personal about it rather than to just spiral down the path of self-destruction like you are now.
I have spoken, and so be warned.
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