Is Singapore a gracious society?

October 3rd, 2009 by ruth

Do you think Singapore can ever be a gracious society? Even with fines and all kinds of campaigns, I still see people sitting on the Special Reserved Seats in the MRT and sleeping away. Either they are pretending to sleep, so they need not get up for those who really need the seat, or they are plain IDIOTS!

I see pregnant women, old folks, mother with a very young child standing with the crowd in the MRT. But yet, ILLITERATES will not give up their seats. They pretend by looking away, snoozing off, some hidden behind sunglasses or the newspaper.

Once, I took the MRT from Jurong East. I sat next to a primary school boy who was seated at the special seat. An old lady came in, the boy didn’t move his butt at all. I had to give up my seat for her and stood all the way to Woodlands, all the time glaring and cursing at that stupid boy. If only I had the courage to scold that boy and asked him which school was he studying so I could write to his principal and shamed him.

Do we as civilians have the right to order these dim-witted people to give up their seats for those who truly need it? There should be an MRT Marshall in every cabin, creates employment and also collect revenue to impose a fine on these people for inconsideration.

Commuters are still rushing into the train even before others can get out of the train. Will they die if they don’t have a seat to sit? Must they push their way in before others?

So do you think, Singaporeans are gracious? Perhaps, only 2 out of every 10 people. We may have all the education, knowlege, wealth but we still live like animals!

Semporna

October 2nd, 2009 by ruth

Fishermen who get up at 4am to go to work. I took this photo at 6am. Was already so bright. Taken off Sabah, between Indonesia and Philippines sea

Semporna photos

October 2nd, 2009 by ruth

The kids do this everyday. Having fun and not having to be in school.

My Student, Jin Khai

August 8th, 2009 by ruth

Today, supposed to be a long weekend for National Day. But, the teachers came back to teach students in MusicTEC.

All wasn’t a waste after all, I am very pleased with Hiak Jin Khai’s attitude towards learning a new song “Moonlight Melody”. He diligently tried both hands in smaller sections. Even gave me color pencils to code the similar sections. And he completed the songs within the lesson time. Am so happy with his achievement and positive attitude. Rewarded him with a nice, big sticker of Spain National Flag. He requested for UK flag sticker or Liverpool, LOL! Told him Real Madrid and Barcelona is better than Liverpool.

Will record his playing and upload for all to hear after his recording of the song at the next lesson.

Bajau people in Semporna, Sabah

July 13th, 2009 by ruth

These are some photos I took when I went out on a boat for 4 days taking of these people who live their lives in simplicity and so contented. They’re so carefree, fish, cook, make boats and sunbath. The kids don’t have to go to school, they swim, play and help around in the house.

What is the Electronic world going to be in the 22nd Century? Part 2

April 5th, 2009 by ruth

Another doom for the Electronic World!

When Apple computers first came to Singapore in the early 80’s, they were expensive but long lasting. I had the Apple IIe, IIGS, Power PC, iBook and the iMac G3 Sapphire and they all lasted for almost 5 years. Used it till couldn’t upgrade the OS.

But now, Apple products can’t last for more than 3 years. Why is it that the Apple warranty can only be purchased for 3 years? Will probably die in the 3rd year.

In the past 4 years, I have had to buy a iMac G5, Powerbook G4 and the Macmini, none of these lasted more than 2 years. With every purchase, I had to bring it to the mortuary & columbarium in Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, only to bring home a silver box urn (hard drive) :-(

Their technicians, also trained together with the Nokia technicians, can only comment “Logic Board died”. There’s no logic behind this, how can it be? Is the computer manufactured in China?

I have always been an Apple Evangelist/Lover but looks like I will move over to the “Dark Side” of the PC World. The Apples may be creatively and beautifully created externally but internally, it broke my heart!

So to all Macusers, be forewarn….the Apples these days are quite rotten, they don’t live long!

With all the advanced technology, cheaper products and high labor charge, the electronic goods in this century are inferior to the products in the past. Back then, goods could last for almost 10 years. If they broke down, not very educated technicians could still repair them even at cheaper labor cost. But now, we have educated (eat snake) technicians who charged exhorbitantly only to diagnose but hide their stupidity by stating “beyond repair” , ”the logic board died, it’s cheaper to buy a new computer than to repair”.

My verdict…the electronice goods in the 22nd century will probably last not more than a month. Hence..this leads to global warming because products have to be discarded at a faster pace!

Rotten apples after 3 years!

Rotten apples after 3 years!

Deadly Macmini

Deadly Macmini

What is the Electronic world going to be in the 22nd Century?

April 5th, 2009 by ruth

I find that the products in the 21st century are of inferior quality. Is it manufactured in China? Or is it meant to be made with a life shelf of less than 3 years?

2 Nokia phones have been sent for repair within the 2 years of contract. Technician probably trained in Timbuktu….couldn’t detect the problem. So could only quote the famous tag line “Beyond Repair”.

Several Software problems. Friends also had problems with it!

Several Software problems. Friends also had problems with it!

Wrote an email to complain to Nokia(S), but no reply from them. Arrogance or Ashamed??!!

Forever Hung GPS

Forever Hung GPS

The Customer Service starts at 11am but there’s a long queue everyday from 10:40am. Doesn’t this tell you that Nokia products have defects?

N-gage that died in engagement.

N-gage that died in engagement.

My final verdict is not to use Nokia phones anymore!

Sentosa Flowers and Fruit

March 7th, 2009 by ruth

Here’s a photo that I took at the Sentosa Flower Show 2009. A strange looking fruit!!

I wonder what this fruit taste like

I wonder what this fruit taste like

Red and Hot Chillies

February 27th, 2009 by ruth

One reason, I think, why the South American are so rhythmical in their music (Samba Music) could be because of the spicy food they eat!

After eating all that chilli, they jump around. Some starting beating the percussion instruments and so the history of Samba music begins.  ha! ha!

To Daniel Heng, my student, so if you want to post a trading card picture on your blog….you have to show the connection between the card and music.!!

So, I hope you enjoy the macro shot of my chillies

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MusicTEC Center Students

February 27th, 2009 by ruth

A big welcome to all our students. Do have fun blogging, telling us stories about yourself outside of the music classroom. Your pictures, music and video.

May you also learn a thing or two about your teachers in this pod.musictec.