Sunday, December 12, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
On diversity, xenophobia and nationalism
Look at the boardroom of any regional companies - or the regional office of any global companies. The chance is that you'll see a diverse board members. From functional perspective, for obvious reason, and from nationality perspective as well.
But look at just the levels below them. The chance is that, it's not that diverse anymore.
The Indian mob rules a certain function after the new board member was appointed - he's evidently an Indian. The Thais have built their own little kingdom, while the Koreans are not far behind.
Ah, this must be an Asian thing - one might think.
But it seems the Aussies and even the Europeans want to play a part too. Seriously, I have now tripled my German and French vocabulary (from one word to three words).
So is this nationalism? Or people just being xenophobic? Or is this diversity in its true meaning beyond the common stereotypes - like diverse point of views?
But look at just the levels below them. The chance is that, it's not that diverse anymore.
The Indian mob rules a certain function after the new board member was appointed - he's evidently an Indian. The Thais have built their own little kingdom, while the Koreans are not far behind.
Ah, this must be an Asian thing - one might think.
But it seems the Aussies and even the Europeans want to play a part too. Seriously, I have now tripled my German and French vocabulary (from one word to three words).
So is this nationalism? Or people just being xenophobic? Or is this diversity in its true meaning beyond the common stereotypes - like diverse point of views?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
On obese, being religious and smoking
A recent study found that religious people smoked less.
It also found that religious people were fatter. The effect was large - religious people were 50-60% more likely to be obese.
The study lead put the findings as: ".... We don't really know if there is something about religious participation that leads to obesity, or if it's the other way around, and that heavier people might seek out religious and spiritual experiences because of things like stigmatization."
I smoke and am, uhm, slightly overweight *wink*. Is it time to be more religious or should I workout more seriously?
It also found that religious people were fatter. The effect was large - religious people were 50-60% more likely to be obese.
The study lead put the findings as: ".... We don't really know if there is something about religious participation that leads to obesity, or if it's the other way around, and that heavier people might seek out religious and spiritual experiences because of things like stigmatization."
I smoke and am, uhm, slightly overweight *wink*. Is it time to be more religious or should I workout more seriously?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Hard evidence 4 u 2 c b4 u 8 2nite
Another real-life example of the Singlish-ness we have to live with… This is part of an email (yes email, not text message) that I received recently…
“jus 2b sure... u r aware tt u r on 4 2nite's gm ya?”
“jus 2b sure... u r aware tt u r on 4 2nite's gm ya?”
Monday, September 28, 2009
Lor is so over Lah
My neighbor at work was having an argument with another Singaporean. They talked very loudly, but one thing stood out from their word battle, which I unfortunately couldn't escape - the word "lor".
It was so consistent, that every sentence - yes, every single sentence - ended with lor!
That's when I realized that Malaysian "lah" is nothing compared to Singaporean "lor" - from the perspective of annoyance.
What to do? Everyone like that, lor!
It was so consistent, that every sentence - yes, every single sentence - ended with lor!
That's when I realized that Malaysian "lah" is nothing compared to Singaporean "lor" - from the perspective of annoyance.
What to do? Everyone like that, lor!
A prelude
I used to blog on Bleu, until last July when I didn't feel like writing any longer (and that came after a long break as well). I got attached to other media, that writing with some thoughts seems no longer relevant.
Yeah, this blog, if I'm ever able to continue, will be some thoughtless writings. Short enough that I can ping from anywhere.
It's everyone else's fault.
Says politicians and world leaders most of the time.
Since my wife's always right.
Since it's so natural to blame anything but ourselves.
It's everyone else's fault. Since I'm usually right anyway.
Yeah, this blog, if I'm ever able to continue, will be some thoughtless writings. Short enough that I can ping from anywhere.
It's everyone else's fault.
Says politicians and world leaders most of the time.
Since my wife's always right.
Since it's so natural to blame anything but ourselves.
It's everyone else's fault. Since I'm usually right anyway.
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