Cries for better TV programmes

Did I hear cries for better quality programmes on local TV? Why should that be when great qualities were promised when SBC was privatised? How could that be when greater programmes were promised when the two stations were merged? These people must be joking. I mean the viewers. Haven't they heard of the fascinating and popular super talents and superstars, even kiddy idols that were drawing the crowds of mummies and kindergarten children glued to the programmes? And we have all the TV awards programmes of the past being rerun for the viewers to enjoy their second or third viewing of the Price of Peace, or what, sorry can't remember any of them. And for those who want better quality programmes, they can go to MobTV, with the likes of I yoyo or programmes starring Zoe Tay and Li Nanxing, our equivalent of international movie stars. Those who can afford can pay a little more for cable tv too. I think Singaporeans are spoilt for choice for quality programmes. And Ling Pek Ling of MDA has said that with such a wide variety of good programmes and competition, there is no need for satellite TVs. After flipping through some of the Taiwanese comedies from some Jacky something and our famous, who's that Jack Neo's side kick, and Gurmit Singh, and the gang, Singaporeans are all laughing in stitches everyday. It is a laughing paradise. Only problem with me is that my perception of beauty and good look has changed quite dramatically. A little confession. The only programmes I watch are the news programmes. The rest, can be quite provocative to the mind. Never want to have nightmares.

What is the Singapore Brand?

Many people crow about the Singapore Brand. I am also proud of this brand. To me it means trustworthiness, reliability and peace of mind. Foreigners have this respect when they come to Singapore to do business or to do whatever. They know that this is a safe place, things are proper and orderly and predictable. The last thing they want to know is being cheated. That things don't work as expected. Now, with some of the negative publicity we are getting, we are hearing Singaporeans happily throwing around the word 'caveat emptor.' Now what does that mean? It means that one has to be careful when in Singapore or when dealing with Singaporeans. And if you are cheated, it is your own problem because you never open your eyes. Has Singapore or the Singapore Brand degenerate to this level when the trustworthiness and reliability are now not a given? And Singaporeans are happily going about it as if it is just the natural course of things to be in Singapore. Actually I should have posted this under the topic, Signs of Decline.

blair unhappy with media

Blair is unhappy with the Media and his criticism is summarised in the 5 areas below. 1. Scandal or controversy beats ordinary reporting hands down. 2. Attacking motive is far more potent than attacking judgment. 3. The fear of missing out means today's media, more than ever before, hunts in a pack. 4. The new technique is commentary on the news being as, if not more important, than the news itself. 5. This, in turn, leads tothe confusion of news and commentary. And the Media's reply: 1. Responsibility for spin, cronyism, sofa government and the fatal misjudgment over Iraq lies with Mr Blair and his government. 2. We hope nothing will ever come of any attempts to place the press under any kind of statutory regulation. The British press is all the things Mr Blair says it is. But it must remain free to be both awful and, on its day, magnificent. Fortunately our media are free from Blair's accusation. Our media does not do anything that Blair accused the British media of.

Declare income to receive workfare bonus

'Singaporeans eligible for the Workfare Bonus Scheme(WBS) must declare their income by June 30 in order to receive their second and final portion of the bonus, said the Ministrhy of Manpower yesterday.' Anyone declaring?

Labour force survey or means testing?

I just completed the survey online and it still took me more than half an hour to complete it. But that is not the main issue. What I find disgusting are the questions. They are intrusive to the privacy and confidentiality of a person. It is as good as a means testing. With the data asked, there is no longer any need for means testing. They want to know how many TVs you owned and what type. Are they going to start a manufacturing plant for TVs? Luckily it stopped short of asking how many marbles I have. But they already know the answer. Two of course. And how many trips I made to Batam? Another lucky question they never asked. How much do we value our privacy and how much can the ministry be allowed to ask in the name of a national survey? Unfortunately, the game is that they can ask anything if they want to. And the law says that you must comply or else.