This will be my last post! Thank you all for putting up with me and even taking the time to share your comments =)This week I will be discussing how mass media has changed the earth that we are all living on..
Let's first think of the television. For many, it is a source of entertainment, for others, news or even information like on the Discovery Channel. Not only do most of the households in Singapore have the Singapore based channels, they also have the SCV channels. I know for a fact that I really am not willing to live without a television. I have learnt plenty from the various channels and been entertained by them.
In the past, without the television, news can only be transmitted on the radio or through letters. The news is constantly lagging, and one cannot exactly check if the news is real or not. Now, not only can we get the news from the various news channels (CNN, BBC, channelnewsasia)at quick time, there is no lag; and if any one is unsure about what is happening, they can simply log on the internet to check if the information is true.
I remember that when the twin towers in the United States world trade centre had planes flying straight into them, it was happening in the morning of US, but back in Singapore at about 10-11pm, I was watching on the news the live footage of what was going on. In fact, I remember thinking to myself, "Is this another movie they're doing?"
If we did not have the television then or now, what do you think could have happened? Would the world be seeing what is going on exactly today? Many would still be in the dark of the sufferings of others in the other parts of the world, and many will still be living in their own circles.
... then there's the internet and its work in the world today.
At the mere age of seven, I got my first email address. That was the "beginning of age" for me with the computer. The computer is now my source of information, news and communication. I know for a fact that I now can't live without my computer, because without it, I would find it really inconvenient to reach people that I love or research for my school projects.
The internet has great search engines like google, yahoo and msn which helps one to find out information all over the world. I have seen advertisements, news and all sorts of things on the internet. There is skype, which helps me to communicate and talk with friends overseas and locally for free! The internet has become a tool for me to communicate and learn about products, people and things of the world. Without the internet, I believe I will still be very much protected, and would have lost contact with many of my friends and family who have moved overseas.
I don't know about you, but I certainly can't imagine life without a , computer or internet. What about you?
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Multi-racial, perhaps not.
In the recent months, there have been various breaking news all over the world. For the US, the downfall of Lehman brothers and for the rest of the world, their stocks which have turned worthless over just a span of a few days.
No doubt these news affect Singapore, but in our local newspapers, a prominent debate that has been going on. There has been an ongoing tussle between the Singapore government and the Serangoon Gardens residents regarding the issue of building foreign dorms there, since the controversy of terrible living conditions these overseas/foreign workers have had to endure. That however resulted in the government giving the green light, and the residents being displeased.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/376578/1/.html
http://theonlinecitizen.com/2008/09/serangoon-gardens-foreign-attitudes/
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_285769.html
One thought that came to my mind when I read the articles was:
I thought Singapore was a multi-racial country that took pride in accepting different cultures and embracing them. This is definitely not a very loving act that these Serangoon Gardens residents have done to them.
I was taking the taxi that day, and the taxi driver started to talk to me about this whole issue. He told me that these workers "work like hell, digging, drilling, breathing in those terrible smoke, perhaps going deaf in the process of doing work. But you know what? They only get paid $16 AT MOST a day." Frankly, I was rather shocked to hear the very measly amount they get paid for their work. I really wonder how they find the motivation to work, or even find means and ways to leave their country to find work in Singapore, because he also told me that they take three to four years to pay off their debts to their agents.
With these added knowledge from the rather eventful cab ride, as he was turning to my house, I saw many of these foreign workers working hard and crazily in the rain, and I must admit, my heart went out to them. I felt bad for the way they were being treated by Singaporeans who claim to be multi-racial, yet clearly not showing any form of understanding towards these men, who are human beings as themselves.
I don't deny that every time I walk to the bus stop and pass the houses where there are foreign workers working or living at, I walk just a little bit faster because I fear what they may do. I don't deny that when I see them on buses I sometimes in my mean moments blame them for the way the bus smells. I don't deny that there are times when I drive and I see them cycling or walking on the roads I get pissed and horn at them.
But when I reflect and think of how life is for them in India, or Bangladesh, or even the other countries they come from, I am perhaps, smelly and somewhat scary to them. For example, in India, I know that they walk on roads like nobody's business and it is that culture they have brought along with them to Singapore.
Maybe, just maybe, it would be good for us, as Singaporeans to reflect and truly live up to our name and pride of being a multi-racial country that is willing to try to embrace other cultures, and accept them, wherever they may come from.
Singapore, let's check our attitudes together!
No doubt these news affect Singapore, but in our local newspapers, a prominent debate that has been going on. There has been an ongoing tussle between the Singapore government and the Serangoon Gardens residents regarding the issue of building foreign dorms there, since the controversy of terrible living conditions these overseas/foreign workers have had to endure. That however resulted in the government giving the green light, and the residents being displeased.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/376578/1/.html
http://theonlinecitizen.com/2008/09/serangoon-gardens-foreign-attitudes/
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_285769.html
One thought that came to my mind when I read the articles was:
I thought Singapore was a multi-racial country that took pride in accepting different cultures and embracing them. This is definitely not a very loving act that these Serangoon Gardens residents have done to them.
I was taking the taxi that day, and the taxi driver started to talk to me about this whole issue. He told me that these workers "work like hell, digging, drilling, breathing in those terrible smoke, perhaps going deaf in the process of doing work. But you know what? They only get paid $16 AT MOST a day." Frankly, I was rather shocked to hear the very measly amount they get paid for their work. I really wonder how they find the motivation to work, or even find means and ways to leave their country to find work in Singapore, because he also told me that they take three to four years to pay off their debts to their agents.
With these added knowledge from the rather eventful cab ride, as he was turning to my house, I saw many of these foreign workers working hard and crazily in the rain, and I must admit, my heart went out to them. I felt bad for the way they were being treated by Singaporeans who claim to be multi-racial, yet clearly not showing any form of understanding towards these men, who are human beings as themselves.
I don't deny that every time I walk to the bus stop and pass the houses where there are foreign workers working or living at, I walk just a little bit faster because I fear what they may do. I don't deny that when I see them on buses I sometimes in my mean moments blame them for the way the bus smells. I don't deny that there are times when I drive and I see them cycling or walking on the roads I get pissed and horn at them.
But when I reflect and think of how life is for them in India, or Bangladesh, or even the other countries they come from, I am perhaps, smelly and somewhat scary to them. For example, in India, I know that they walk on roads like nobody's business and it is that culture they have brought along with them to Singapore.
Maybe, just maybe, it would be good for us, as Singaporeans to reflect and truly live up to our name and pride of being a multi-racial country that is willing to try to embrace other cultures, and accept them, wherever they may come from.
Singapore, let's check our attitudes together!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Circus track, or just bad Ferrari teamwork?
Singapore held her very first Formula 1 (F1) race exactly one week ago from 26th September to 28th September 2008. It was certainly quite an event. It sprung many surprises, that left the spectators wanting more...
Here's a little summary of the interesting event that happened that night: (Please don't mind the language, I couldn't find a proper english one..)
What you have just witnessed from the three video clips really DID happen, and as you can see, Felipe Massa of Ferrari, the very man whom every one thought would emerge champion came in 13th place.
The saddest part of the whole thing was, it was not exactly his fault. You see, behind every F1 driver's success is their mechanical crew. They as one united team are expected to work together very quickly (5-10 seconds), for a successful change and hopefully, victory in every race. You didn't know that? Well, just let me tell you more about how the pit works then.
In every race, the entire crew are basically racing against time together. The pit members each have their specialised roles in which they know full well of, had much practice, and are well aware of. However, even with much practice, it requires a lot of awareness and sensitivity to one another in order that the time taken to change tires, refill the petrol tank, check other parts of the car, etc, is minimized; so that the team can have hopes of emerging as champions.
What you witnessed in the videos posted shows how the Ferrari mechanic team failed to communicate clearly, and failed miserably in their race. The man who was still refilling his tank was not ready to let him go, but the go ahead sign was given by the in charge, and off Massa went, sending his team mate flying to mid-air for a couple of seconds; and his car, stuck with the petrol pump-tube. This led to the entire crew's shock and disbelief at their failure, and it took them seconds to realise what had happened before they dashed towards Massa who had to stop to wait for them to remove the stuck pump-tube.
Classic moments of miscommunication we were able to witness, and learn from; and hopefully Ferrari and the other teams can learn from the grave mistake which led to Massa, who was slated to win and dominate the race, coming in almost the last in the entire race. Perhaps the Ferrari team and work on communication cues and even have exercises that practice their awareness; or perhaps, just hang out more outside of training to build up even more rapport, so that everyone can understand each other without saying a word, sort of like having a connection that doesn't need words or actions - these would definitely have helped the Ferrari team.
Here's a little summary of the interesting event that happened that night: (Please don't mind the language, I couldn't find a proper english one..)
What you have just witnessed from the three video clips really DID happen, and as you can see, Felipe Massa of Ferrari, the very man whom every one thought would emerge champion came in 13th place.
The saddest part of the whole thing was, it was not exactly his fault. You see, behind every F1 driver's success is their mechanical crew. They as one united team are expected to work together very quickly (5-10 seconds), for a successful change and hopefully, victory in every race. You didn't know that? Well, just let me tell you more about how the pit works then.
In every race, the entire crew are basically racing against time together. The pit members each have their specialised roles in which they know full well of, had much practice, and are well aware of. However, even with much practice, it requires a lot of awareness and sensitivity to one another in order that the time taken to change tires, refill the petrol tank, check other parts of the car, etc, is minimized; so that the team can have hopes of emerging as champions.
What you witnessed in the videos posted shows how the Ferrari mechanic team failed to communicate clearly, and failed miserably in their race. The man who was still refilling his tank was not ready to let him go, but the go ahead sign was given by the in charge, and off Massa went, sending his team mate flying to mid-air for a couple of seconds; and his car, stuck with the petrol pump-tube. This led to the entire crew's shock and disbelief at their failure, and it took them seconds to realise what had happened before they dashed towards Massa who had to stop to wait for them to remove the stuck pump-tube.
Classic moments of miscommunication we were able to witness, and learn from; and hopefully Ferrari and the other teams can learn from the grave mistake which led to Massa, who was slated to win and dominate the race, coming in almost the last in the entire race. Perhaps the Ferrari team and work on communication cues and even have exercises that practice their awareness; or perhaps, just hang out more outside of training to build up even more rapport, so that everyone can understand each other without saying a word, sort of like having a connection that doesn't need words or actions - these would definitely have helped the Ferrari team.
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