Tenacious Teos

In today's Straits Times article (March 28, 2007), Defense Minister Teo Chee Hean has weighed in and argued why he and his colleagues deserve a pay hike from the current paltry pay of S$1.2 Million.

That depends on getting good people to come into the government and making sure that we pay them reasonably well. If we don't do that, in the long term, the government will slowly crumple and collapse...corruption will set in and we will become like many other countries and face the problems that many other countries face."

Hmmm... Is that a threat that our PAP ministers will inevitably become corrupted unless paid "reasonably well"?

As pointed up by Ms. Vanessa Teo in FORUM, we should be reminded that four other countries have been ranked less corrupted than Singapore, according to TI 2006 Corruption Perceptions Index.

Citizen Teo then question, "Does it mean that the salaries of New Zealand ministers should be many times higher than those of Singapore ministers?" I don't think Minster Teo would be happy with that rebuttal. :p

Anyway, I really do look forward to more spurious arguments in the coming issues of my favorite daily.

Elite Girl Episode 28

Elite Girl Episode 29

Extra Reads: Zyberzitizen

First-Class

Guys and gals, it's official. According to the Straits Times (March 23, 2007), a new class of Singaporeans have emerged as victims of globalization, with "salaries well below the benchmark".

World-renowned, internationally respected and globally esteemed first-class Prime Minister Brigadier General Lee Hsien Long presented "an urgent problem" in the Administrative Dinner last night. Meticulously, he built up his agenda and concluded convincingly that "besides Civil Service salaries, we are also reviewing salaries for the political, judicial and statutory appointment holders."

Initially, I wanted to highlight the various statements made by our dear revered PM of how competent our government is...

...
The Government has pursued sound policies to create an environment that is secure, competitive and pro-growth.
...
As a result, Singapore has established a good brand name, and enhanced its reputation for sound government and an excellent public service.
...
We did well across all indicators, but especially in the measure of governance, such as the quality of the civil service, the effectiveness of government policies, and the lack of corruption.

Singaporeans also know that when we run into problems, be it Sars or dengue fever or terrorism, they can feel protected and safe because somehow, the ministers and civil servants will figure a way out, and work day and night to keep the situation in Singapore under control.
...

But soon, I realized that this entry would be tediously protracted with quotes of how immensely wonderful our leaders are.

So I decided to count the number of times the pet phrase "First-Class" was used in our outstanding Prime Minister's speech.
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It totalled a magical SEVEN times.

Food Frenzy

Maybe I should get a life.
Especially when food has officially morphed into my main motivation.

The final Chinese New Year related feast in 2007:
An annual tradition among all the neighbours in Leith Park.
Question: What happens when you do not communicate with your sister regularly?
Answer: Two cakes for my dad's Birthday.

Durian cake and Mango Ice-cream cake.

Of course, this mugging pig wouldn't be satisfied until he tries the 3-in-1 restaurant at St. James Powerstation, The Station Kitchen!
Cooking over charcoal at CHARCOAL. Indeed, I concede that the name is rather literal and uninspiring.

This kimchi is spicily kick ass.

Ironically, when I eat McDonald's, I attempt to eat healthy.

Overtly Obsequious

Here are some of our Top Ten favourite things Singapore Members of Parliament said about the 2007 budget:

10. Ms Irene Ng (Tampines GRC): “incredibly generous”

9. Mr Hri Kumar (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC): “Comprehensive and forward-looking”

8. Dr Ahmad Mohammed Magad (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC): “Inclusive and a landmark budget”

7. Madam Ho Geok Choo (West Coast GRC): “(Workfare is) Pragmatic, innovative and exemplary”

6. Mr Wee Siew Kim (Ang Mo Kio GRC): called Budget 2007 “generous” and “forward-looking”

5. Dr Amy Khor (Hong Kah GRC): “Good intentioned” and “Made in Heaven”

4. Mr Ong Ah Heng (Nee Soon Central): Said that the generosity of the recent budget is possible under the stewardship of the ruling People’s Action Party.

3. Mr Inderjit Singh (Ang Mo Kio GRC): “This is one of the best, if not the best budgets, I have seen.” and “Wonderful”

2. Ms Lee Bee Wah (Ang Mo Kio GRC): “Pang sai ka che jamban” (Want to take a dump then look for toilet).

And the Number One position goes to (drum roll please):

1. Dr Fatimah Lateef (Marine Parade GRC): “Let me share with her that nowhere else in the world can you get a Budget which includes love and compassion in abundance as this one.”

Originally from mrbrown.com

ANUS Arts

4 tests and 1 project down.
Yes, including the stupid Cell Biology Test in which I mistook the 2 hr test as 1 hr!
Agad, only God can help save me from the blurness.

With 3 more quiz/test and 2 projects to go, it'll soon be the... *gulp*

So on a brighter note, before things get inexplicably dark...
The NUS ARTS Festival is here again!
(That's assuming you know that it is actually in the second year running.)
Anyone interested in the following programmes?

Press Play 2007 by Electronic Music Lab (EML)
Friday, 16 March 2007, UCC Theatre Green Room, 8pm
Tickets at $10 (excluding SISTIC Fee) from SISTIC

EML’s Press Play 2007 is a performance that blends both live and recorded electronic music with abstract and animated visuals for a multi-faceted experience. Artists from the Electronic Music Lab will perform their own self-produced creations, ranging from atmospheric ambient pieces to smooth chillout and even full-on dance tracks using keyboard synthesizers, computers, acoustic instruments and handheld game consoles.

Under the artistic direction of Ben Ang, Press Play seeks to challenge traditional views on music creation and performance!

Smoke Your Way Through! – Coffee Connoisseur
Sat, 17 Mar, 3pm to 6pm, UCC Theatre Green Room
3-hr Workshop at $10 per person
Learn all about coffee in this sure-to-perk-you-up interactive session. From the different types of beans to coffee appreciation through its sensory aspects, what better way to spend your Saturday afternoon! Let coffee maestro Alun Evans of Merdeka Coffee bring out that barista in you.

Royston Tan Showcase - Royston’s Shorts (2006, Singapore) and DIY (2005)
[Approx 130 min / PG]
Saturday, 17 March 2007, UCC Courtyard
FREE Admission
This compilation of short films by Royston Tan traces the creative journey of one of the most promising talents from Asia.

Smoke Your Way Through! – Turntablism & More
Sat, 24 Mar, 3pm to 6pm, UCC Dance Studio
3-hr Workshop at $10 per person
Always wonder what goes behind the DJ console in a club? There is more than just scratching and mixing. Grab some skills from award-winning DJ KoFlow, who has represented Singapore at the Asia Heineken Thirst, together with his musical collective.