August Update

Here is a real treat. An actual quote in the newspaper from a Singapore t.v. star. Here is the explanatory note on the quote: “On how he makes light of a drink-driving incident which got him a $4,500 fine, six weeks in prison and a three-year driving ban.” Here is actual thing that he said, “When I jump into a cab sometimes, the driver will ask me why I’m not driving. I’ll say: “Uncle, you forget already, ah? Where can drive? Still got two more years, leh.””

That is textbook Singlish. The difference that this guy knows proper (my description) English—the first part of the quote and Singlish—the second part of that thing. We hear this all the time and I know that there are a very large majority who do not know that what they are speaking is not, in fact, understandable English. This is what we are dealing with with Siena. She often says, “Why not fit?” She didn’t even use grammar like that when she was 1 and a half! She has also said, on occasion, “Off the light.” UGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!

An article in the newspaper talked of the etiquette campaign in China aimed at “eradicating bad manners” before the Olympics. The Commission in charge is named, “Office of Capital Spiritual Civilization Construction Commission.” Here are some of the things they are advising: 1) visiting neighbors in pajamas and slippers is out; 2) recommends dark colored socks and never white socks with black leather shoes; 3) there should not be more than three color groups in your clothing; 4) no spitting; 5) no public displays of affection; 6) feet should be in the shape of a V or Y when standing (HOW do they normally stand?!); 7) do not ask foreigners for their age, martial status, income, past experiences, addresses, personal-life details, religious beliefs and political ideologies!!!—I do wonder what in the world people would say to each other, but that is what China says not to do!; and 8) spectators should cheer all teams. “Accept that a victory or loss is temporary, whereas the impression of the culture inside a sports venue last forever.”

I have been in Singapore too long because I think this is a good little book that should be given out to everyone in the world. Ok, point 7 is not in my ideal book, but the rest is. Speaking of instructions on proper living, the Prime Minister gives a National Day address—a State of the Union type thing—every year. He does it in Malay, Mandarin and English. This year he told of the new payments for pensioners and others to help offset the inflation increase (7% this year or so) and talked of some of the changes in maternity benefits and all others kinds of incentives for people to have more kids (and get married). He told men that they should do more to help raise their children—like changing the diapers. Really, he said that men should change babies’ diapers! I do not disagree with him, but there is no doubt that Singapore deserves its reputation as “the Nanny state”!

I have figured out that even though people will not move out of your way when walking, will cut in line (often, but not always), etc. they do hold the elevator door open button every time someone gets on or off as a courtesy. Also, the elevator doors close so fast here that they are always making sure that you don’t lose a limb.

The cabs are still crazy unpredictable—preferring to sit for an hour with no business and waiting for a call—where they get an extra S$2.00! One even pulled up to get me today and then (before I got my hand on the door) pulled away. I assume this was a call that was received instead of just a Candid Camera joke.

We had a great trip to Japan for 9 days and it was HOT! And Humid! The people are lovely, the entire place is as neat and clean as Disneyland, they speak English very well and the trains are fast, spotless and PERFECTLY timed. Don’t worry—700 photos to follow soon.

I need to wrap this up and send it out, but I have one more thing. I think I mentioned in an earlier e-mail how many times it seems in Rotary and other places that there are groups looking to do “charity” and not enough takers—like when the disabled workers training program said that they could just not get people to respond—after hearing that same complaint about it from three different groups with different targets I really have the impression that there are mechanisms learned from other places in place to assist those in need and now there are just not as many people in need of the service as the “do-gooders” had hoped. Interesting phenomenon.

On a similar note, the Rotary Club of which I am a member is involved in many Entrepreneur awards and training and so on. Many of the programs that were started by Rotary and others to do anything like that—either for small business or youth entrepreneurs or social entrepreneurs, etc.—strive to get a program into place and then the government—if it agrees with what they want to push and inculcate—will take over the program. This is excellent in that then it is pretty much guaranteed funding, has some office to administer the program, etc. Each of the founding organizations gets to stay involved, so it’s not like they don’t get any more recognition or anything. BUT, how weird is it that when we meet to discuss the parameters of a new project we are always considering what it needs to be like in order for it to fit with that the government wants so that they can eventually take it over??! It’s a fabulous business/politics/economics case study for me and I am glad I am only visiting it.

Faith