Be Heard Be Seen

Net A Fish Game At Tampines Mart

2009-07-22T08:06:00.005+08:00

Fishing-Game-Machine2, originally uploaded by stomponli.

When you or your child are playing this Net A Fish game at Tampines Mart, ask the rules of redeeming the winnings before playing. There are about 3 shops having this game but some have tickets as winning tokens but some just use the fish you caught as winning tokens.

Saw a young girl (probably Primary Sch girl) who accumulated her winnings and wanted to redeem her winnings. The store owner said she trying to lie to her and the young girl was wondering what happened? She told the young girl that she cannot accumulate her winnings but can only redeem what is won within the same day. Fact is, such rules are not written or stipulated on the game console itself! The other issue is why said the young girl trying to lie to her?

I'm sure the young girl has no intention of lying. I asked her and she told me that the other shop (with tickets as winning tokens) allowed accumulation of winnings to redeem the prizes.

So be careful when playing such game at Tampines Mart - ask about the rules before playing.

Flyers Flyers Everywhere

2009-04-28T08:47:00.004+08:00

Almost every towns have this problems with flyers and yet our Town Councils are not taking stern action against them. I'm talking about those who paste their flyers on the walls, pillars, traffic light post, etc...

All these are at Tampines Blk.384;

Even I have complained to Tampines Town Council, all they tell me is they can't do anything as I've to give them hard evidence like video taping the one who paste it. What can I say? If the authority can change the law on cycling on footpath, why not on these act. Their contact numbers are on the flyers, what evidence do the authority still need?

All the Town Council did was to get the cleaner to clear up the mess and then next time our conservancy fees will increase...

Video Taken On : 24 Jun 2008

Tampines Zone Signboard

2009-04-17T08:20:00.006+08:00

Frankly I wonder what purpose does it serves? If I'm a resident, I'm not bother about what zone I'm staying - The Block Number and Street Name is all I need. Same goes to the visitors to my house. Really when you are driving, you only need to search for first the Road or Street Name, then the Block Number. Who bothers about the Zone? Why waste money on such signboard???

Moreover, the way the signboard is made - personally I feel is awful. The design looks like a Chinese tombstone in a way, don't you think so? Even my friends to my house said so too.

Do Not Waste Food

2009-04-15T08:12:00.003+08:00

If you are one of those that never finish up whatever you are eating, think twice again after watching the following video. 25,000 people around the World died of hunger Each Day, why are you wasting food then?

A Must Watch Video;

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

Littering In Lift

2009-03-02T09:05:00.008+08:00

This is becoming a common sight in my HDB Block lift. I wonder why some people choose to litter in the lift where the common dustbin is just outside the lift? Are these litterbugs intentionally or challenging the law? I hope that HDB will install CCTV and start to fine and issue CWO to all these litterbugs. Use the fines to offset our conservancy fees would be better!

Photo taken on : 11 Apr 2008, 9.09pm
Location : Block 384 Tampines St.32 lift

Vandalised With Flyers All Over

2009-02-26T07:24:00.004+08:00

Above photos taken on 16 and 30 May 2008

I hope that the Tampines Town Council and our MPs will take a serious view on those who vandalised common property area of HDB with flyers. These ppl stick their flyers with glue to the wall at the lift lobby, void deck, etc. and it's difficult to remove such flyers without leaving any stain behind.

On most occasions after a complaint to the TTC, their contractors will removed the flyers but no action has been taken against the one who is responsible for the flyers even the phone number or name is on the flyers for the TC to contact. The Tampines Town Council told me that I need to provide them with positive evidence so that the TC can take action against them. I wonder why the TC themselves cannot think of ways to solve this problem since their names and phone numbers are on the flyers and the number of flyers are over the town speak volume that it's not a prank by a third party. Is there still a need for other positive evidence???

Who would like to go home to see his/her block vandalised with all such flyers? Pls start to fine them and use the money collected from the fine to subsidise our conservancy fees.

Lighted Cigarette In Lift

2009-02-24T09:49:00.015+08:00

I have caught this old man carrying a lighted cigarette in the lift umpteen times and have warned him not to do so the third time now. I do not understand why he refused to co-operate by not bringing his lighted cigarette or smoke in the lift. Can't he finished smoking his cigarette at home before going into the lift?

If it's one or twice, I could have just tell him not to do so. But after so many times, he refused to listen...this will be the last chance for him. For those that know this man, pls kindly warn him not to bring his lighted cigarette (or smoke) into the lift or lift lobby.

The next time I catch him doing so again, I'll definitely make a report to the relevant authority.

Above shows he just came out of the lift at Blk.384 Tampines St.32 with a lighted cigarette. When he saw me, he quickly hid his cigarette behind but that cannot escape from my eyes and nose.

Date and Time of Video Taken : 23 Feb 2009 (Mon), 5.42pm

Chair On Parapet

2009-02-17T09:38:00.003+08:00

This plastic chair was used to hold the rug for drying on the second floor of this Blk.357 Tampines St.33 (just opp. East Spring Pri Sch). Though it's on low floor, objects like this is not safe to be put on the parapet. If it drops, it may hit someone especially if there is any toddlers or infacts out of the clinic below. We won't know the impact until injury is done. This was taken on 23 Apr 2008, 12.52pm

The chair was still there even the rug was removed the next day on 24 Apr 2008, 12.10pm. Hope the owner can be more considerate in future.

Auto Toilet Flush

2009-02-16T09:26:00.004+08:00

I hate such auto toilet flush if they are adjusted too sensitive. Some slight movements away from the sensor, it starts to flush even though I'm not done with my 'business'.

Vandalism At Pasir Ris Mangrove Forest

2009-02-10T09:05:00.002+08:00

I wonder why people like to vandalise public property like this one at Pasir Ris Mangrove Forest shed;

I hope the punishment for vandalism can be increased and enforcement increased. People who vandalise are really a public nuisance.

Go Smoke Free Campaign

2009-01-14T09:25:00.005+08:00

Our Go Smoke Free Campaign started on 1 Jan 2009, and this is a much awaited campaign for many non-smokers like me. This campaign was widely publicised on TV and papers;

Credit : Singapore Press Holding

Can the campaign really succeed or it's just another campaign down the road? Just like we already have No Smoking in lift for many many years and yet many people still smoke in the lift or carry their lighted cigarettes into the lift. What can we do then?

On the 1st of Jan 2009, I saw the No Smoking In This Lift Lobby pasted on my lift level in Tampines Blk.384;

The problem is why throw the backing paper for the sticker on the floor instead into the rubbish chute which is just a few steps away?

4 days (on 5 Jan 2009) after the sticker was pasted, take a look at the condition;

It started peeling off in less than a week! Why? Why? Poor sticker quality? The sticker was not pasted properly? Someone vandalised? I'm not sure...all I know it's not a good job done and follow up.

It's a waste of money, time and effort if such a campaign is just simply executed and no proper follow up is done and no enforcement is executed. I still see some delivery people still smoke in the lift lobby. What can the residents do if someone still smoke or carry a lighted cigarette in the lift lobby? What can you do if they ignore your request to stop it?

Bird Feeding At Block 53 Marine Terrace

2009-01-05T10:07:00.007+08:00

You can see this man throwing down food for the birds from his HDB unit at Block 53 Marine Terrace.

He was later joined in by the taxi driver.

This seems to be a daily affair as the taxi driver seems to known the exact time and spot to feed the birds. The NPP (Marine Parade Neighbourhood Police Post or Centre) is just a few blocks away and I hope they can be on the look out for such littering offence and by the way, is feeding of stray birds legal in Singapore?

The birds shit are all over the cars top at this carpark and I pity those people who hang their clothes out to dry at this block. Their clothing may have bird shtis too!

Date and Time of Video : 24 Dec 2008, 1.49pm

Bus Stop That Faces Inside

2008-11-27T09:18:00.006+08:00

This one is located at Simei Road. Understand that there is another one at Pasir Ris that is also faces inside, or maybe there are more...why some of the bus stops are built in this way? Why no authority notices it and is it meant to be like that? I'm not sure, what about you?

More & More Assault Cases

2008-11-18T08:46:00.010+08:00

Don't you think there are more and more assault cases in Singapore nowadays? What's going on? Are we like going back to the olden times when there were secret societies?

Credit : Weekend Today

The above reported on 23 Feb 2008 of Weekend Today.

Credit : Today

The above reported on 26 Feb 2008 of Today paper.

Maybe the police should restore foot patrol to deter such cases from happening.

Tray Returning Saga

2008-10-16T08:12:00.036+08:00

This is part of the transcript of our PM Lee Hsien Loong's National Day Rally 2008 Speech;

"Clear tables and return food trays – we need to improve. We are trying to inculcate this habit. I don’t understand. Every national service man knows exactly what to do in his cookhouse. Maybe we need more reservists training. But at Suntec City, no reservists, no NSmen, it’s going to take time to change the mindset because the mindset is I go to the food courts to eat and not to clean tables. So I got a letter recently from somebody, a lady, an email, talking exactly about this, about how we should make Singapore a more happy place to live. And she mentioned this. She said “Actually we should feel quite embarrassed to leave our dirty plates and dirty tables for the next diner. In my Mum’s house, after eating we will clear our plates and clean the table. This is a good habit we should adopt outside the home”. Then she went on to add, “Oh yes, most importantly, no fines, no fines. Dishing out fines hurts relationships and no good image for PAP Government.” So I thank her for her good wishes. We shall try and find some ways before thinking about fines."

This is probably what spark off the Tray Returning Saga! First let me tell you - I don't return the tray, crockery and cutlery at the food court or hawker centre. Before I tell you why I don't bother to return the tray and crockery or cutlery, let's see what happen to all these trays, crockery and cutlery after the customers used them.

The following are what I observed and aware of in one of the largest food court chain outlets;

1. The auntie or uncle cleaners will take the trays and wipe it with their only cloth they are holding, and return the trays to the stalls. The trays are not wash (not so sure if they are wash at all on a monthly or weekly basis).

2. The crockery and cutlery are put in the rectangular collection bin with leftover food and bones and rubbish cleared. Crockery and cutlery are separated. The cutlery are washed by the employed washers from the food court management. The crockery are washed by the stall holders themselves. This was told by me by this food court management when I wanted to rent a stall.

3. The food court management will engage a cleaning company to provide them with all these cleaning aunties and uncles to clear the tables, trays, crockery and cutlery. The food court management charge each individual stall holders about S$200 or S$300 or more per month depending on the size of the stall, for this clearing service even the stall is a take-away stall with no trays, crockery and cutlery provided.

4. Those cleaning aunties and uncles are paid only about S$600 per month. What other fringe benefits do they have??? Now they even have to compete with those 'foreign talents' from China to keep this job. These cleaning aunties and uncles are employed to do just this job and not the dish washing in the washing bay.

5. In most food court and hawker centres, there are no tray, crockery and cutlery returning point. Even if there is, it's meant for the cleaner use and not for the customers to use. You don't even notice it if you are not the cleaner!

OK, now I tell you why I don't bother to return the tray, etc...This is only a S$600 (about) per month job and the cleaning aunties and uncles are happy to have this job. Even if we clear our trays and crockery and cutlery, do you think the food court management will not charge the stall holders this clearing fees? Only the aunties and uncles will loose their jobs! Don't bother about the so called 'guarantee' that they will not loose their jobs - there is no iron rice bowl!

1. There is no trays and crockery and cutlery returning points for customers in most food courts and hawker centres. The management itself does not encourage such act too, else why no returning points for such items? The returning points mainly are for the cleaners use and not customers use, so it's difficult to identify them. Moreover, how many such returning points are there in one food court or hawker centre? One may have to walk from one end to the other end.

2. If the trays are not wash at all, then by returning them all to the same point - it will make the trays even much more dirtier. Are the cleaners going to wipe them again with the same old cloth and then just return it to the stall for us to use again? Imagine some of diners even put their cutlery on these trays after buying their food...

3. Are there washing points besides the returning points for the customers to wash their hands?

4. I usually leave the tray at the next empty table after I carried my food to the table. I've seen one diner trying to find where is the tray returning point to return the tray, and when he was back at his table, he found his food had been cleared by the cleaners.

5. More aunties and uncles will loose their jobs if all of us start to return our trays, crockery and cutlery.

I really couldn't find any good reasons to return the trays, crockery and cutlery at least at this moment. Tray returning has nothing to do with gracious or not. But the following is definitely NOT Gracious;

1. Students hogging the tables and studying at food courts (see Terminal 3,2 or 1 now) and fast food outlets.

2. Parents allowing their kids to cycle and kick scooter, or round about in the neighbourhood food court.

3. Hogging of seats at crowded food court after finishing their meals.

The above are some of the DEFINITELY NOT GRACIOUS acts by our locals. Why are these issues not address? Maybe PM Lee can include these in the next National Day Rally.

Sometimes I wonder if it is right to spend so much money, time and effort on such a campaign "Goodness Gracious Me". The number of posters, stickers and hanging mobiles printed...See this poster below requesting the diners to return their dirty tray.

For me, I will not eat with my plate or bowl on the tray as I've mentioned, the trays are not washed. So how to return the 'dirty' tray? If they are 'dirty', then these 'dirty' trays are from the stall holders! Most likely this campaign is targeted at those lone diners (office workers) who usually leave their plates and bowls on the tray while eating.

This campaign is organised by Straits Times and Kopitiam Foodcourt. For a start, they are carrying out this campaign at 5 of their outlets;

The media also mentioned that the campaign will be extended to other hawker centres or fast food centres under the Singapore Kindness Movement. I really wonder what has returning tray got to do with Graciousness and Kindness. My family and I have our meals at the food courts and hawker centres at least 6 to 7 times a week and frankly we don't find this tray returning a big issue at all. In fact, we hate to see those students hogging the seats at fast food outlets, and some food courts especially those at Changi Airport. Are these students revising and doing their homework at the food court and fast food outlets gracious?

People who do not return their trays are not ungracious but because the current eating outlets do not have the 'mechanism' for the diners to return their trays, crockery and cutlery. Don't blame the diners for everything like making a mess on the table;

Credit : Above all - The Straits Times

Come on, not all diners intentionally mess up the table for fun. There may be occasional spill on the table due to carelessness. There may be bones, prawn shells, etc on the table due to our type of local food. Of course there may be some used tissue papers too. Are there different bins for the diners to clear all these so called 'mess'?

Below is the video of the Kopitiam Food Court at the Terminal 3 where the campaign is carried out. Frankly it's difficult to identify where is the tray returning point unless you bother to walk round the food court to find it or you are a regular there. Are you able to spot it at first glance? How many tray returning points are there? Are there signs to tell you so? Are there wash point besides it for you to wash your hands after returning the dirty trays, crockery and cutlery?

Let's be gracious, don't blame the diners!

Our National Pride

2008-08-28T08:11:00.007+08:00

One day I surfed upon a share forum - not for share infos and tips but something on nostalgia. I am surprised to find this article probably in one of our local media from its reader on 'National Pride'.

Like what was mentioned, what is left from our 3 National Pride - National Library, National Theatre and National Museum? Probably on the National Museum is left....and to me, all the 3 above are more of a National Pride than winning the Silver Medal in the Beijing Olympic 2008.

Now here is the article by Mr. Michael Loh;

Credit : Mccool at forum.shareinvestor.com

Cut Down On Our Town Newsletters

2008-08-26T07:36:00.006+08:00

I do not understand why I received 3 different newsletters - SPRING, Tampines Tempo and Tampines Changkat in July 2008! One is already too many (started off with Tampines Tempo), then followed by SPRING and now Tampines Changkat.

Frankly I do not bother to read any of these and I wonder how many households really bother to read it? They are of much better quality than our newspaper (of course) and in full color too. All 3 newsletters paper are quite thick and especially the Tampines Changkat quality is very good. Personally I find these very wasteful and much cost have been spent on printing these newsletters. Maybe the respective organisations can consider using online media instead of print media. Although some like the SPRING by the North East Community Development Council is a bi-monthly issue, it will be much better to consider cutting down on the use of paper. The Tampines Changkat has a portal but use it to archive the print media instead of replacing it - I find it weird...

If we have BYOBD on every Wednesday to cut down the use of plastic bags, we should also cut down on the use of paper too. I am not suggesting to use recycled paper for the newsletter as the recycled paper price now may still be higher than new paper. Moreover, a recycling mill may consume more fossil fuels than a paper mill.

To give you an idea how much energy is used to produce new paper, below shows how much energy is conserved by using recycled paper instead of new paper;

CONSERVING through recycling:
A ton of paper made from recycled fibers instead of virgin fibers conserves:
- 7,000 gallons of water
- 17-31 trees
- 4,000 KWh of electricity
- 60 pounds of air pollutants
Source : Energy Kid's Page

Come on, let's GO GREEN! Cut down on Global Warming.

Smallest U-Turn

2008-07-10T07:55:00.002+08:00

I wonder if the one who designed the carpark or the one who painted the U-Turn sign on the floor, meant it? Which driver can really manage such a small U-Turn? This is the carpark in Katong Shopping Centre.

Price Of Chicken Feet

2008-07-01T08:56:00.005+08:00

Those that do not shop for food may not realise how prices have gone up recently. Blame it on high inflation cost and the increased in petrol prices.

Before the school holidays in June, one packet of chicken feet cost only $1 to $1.10 (about 10 or 11 pcs). Now one packet of chicken feet costs $.160 (9 pcs only)! Chicken Feet is not even a delicacy. The prices have gone up by 45% to 60% in just less than 2 months. Not forgetting other prices like pork, vegetables, rice, etc... all have also gone up.

Not A Good Place For Tour Bus Business

2008-06-02T11:00:00.007+08:00

This is a common scene along the Beach Road from the Golden Mile Complex to Golden Mile Tower where all those Tour Buses or Coaches operate. As you can see, the tour bus operator get men to stop traffic at all lanes and let their buses reverse in. I can't blame them for doing so but the relevant authority should allocate a better place for them to do their business instead of this place.

If the Turf City is not a good place for the reason given then, is Beach Road a better place than that? For drivers along Beach Road there, how many more years must we wait before this problem can be resolved? Must we again wait for a fatal accident to occur as those ppl for stop the traffic are not trained to do so or neither are they authorisd to do so.

Video and Photo Taken On : 19 Oct 2007, 5.00pm

Vandalised Wall In Tampines

2008-05-21T08:07:00.002+08:00

I spotted this wall was vandalised with some pinky substance (I really don't know what's that) on Sunday morning. On the floor from Blk 383 to Blk.382, I could also find same pinky substance all over the floor. At Blk.382, the partitioned wall bottom was also vandalised.

Below is the wall that was badly vandalised (between Blk.384 and Blk.383). This was repainted by the cleaner on Tuesday (20 May 2008).

Below shows the bottom wall of Blk.382 was also vandalised;

Photo taken on : 18 May 2008 (Sunday), 7.56am

More Sticky Ads In Tampines

2008-05-07T09:10:00.002+08:00

I refer to my previous post here.

The situation has not improved as Tampines Town Council wanted to take a soft approach by "We are currently monitoring and advising the accused to refrain from such practices. If they fail to comply to our advice, appropriate action will be taken against them."

Below is another new ad pasted on the Blk.384 Lift wall (Photo taken on 21 Apr 2008, 12.29pm);

Here is another one pasted on the same Blk.384 LIft Wall (Photo taken on 2 May 2008, 11.50am);

See how unsightly after these ads are removed;

Now even the Traffic Light Post at Tampines Mart T-Junction is vandalised;

Since the Tampines Town Council is not seeking my suggestion to take a stern action against the offenders by calling them up to remove their ads personally immediately and imposing a heavy fine on them, I have no choice but to seek the opinion and help of Mr.Mah B.T. (MP for Tampines). The town council should also publicise it on media when they catch the first few offenders so that will deter the rest from following.

I hope town council will not increase our conservancy fees saying that our estate and block are dirty and more funds are needed to clean them up. In fact, most residents do not dirty or vandalise our own area and most are committed by others who do not reside in our estate.

I've already sent an email to Mr.Mah and TTC on 7 May 2008 regarding this issue.

3 To 4 Months To Build A Short Linkway In Tampines

2008-04-22T07:23:00.007+08:00

I'm wondering why it takes 3 to 4 months to build such a short linkway from Tampines Blk.384 Street 32 to the Bus-Stop outside Ngee Ann Secondary School. It started last month in March 2008 and the expected completion date is Jun 2008. Though the project title didn't specify that it's a sheltered linkway to be built, but I suspect so. Even if it's a sheltered linkway, it's also rather too long a period (1/4 to 1/3 of a year). I remember the erection of ERP gantry at Fort Rd seems to be faster!

If the project drag for too long, there may be a danger of mosquitoes breeding. Also it cause inconvenience to the residents there. Imagine just not too long, the re-roofing job, the painting of MSCP, then then barrier free linkway, and now... In fact there was a linkway already from Blk.384 to bus-stop but without shelter.

So why does it take so long to build a short linkway? Even if including the power cable for lights installation...

Video and Photo taken on : 19 Apr 2008

Recording A 13hrs TV Series Program

2008-04-21T10:48:00.003+08:00

As I like to watch HK TV drama series "Hong Kong Criminal Files" on Channel 8, but the show starts rather late - 11pm. So I wanted to program it on my recorder and asked my wife what time does the show end. So check the Today newspaper and told me NOON!

I looked at her in dismayed and said "12pm, Noon?" - 13hrs??? She showed me her copy of the Today paper;

Luckily it's just a printing error on 15 Apr 2008(Tues) copy...

Burning On Table At Void Deck

2008-04-17T10:21:00.005+08:00

Someone must have set something burning on this table at the void deck. When I reached there, no one was around and I guessed they must have just left after setting the fire. This is a very irresponsible act to public property.

I suggest the Tampines NPC can step up more frequent patrol here at Blk.381/382 Void Deck Tampines St.32. There are usually groups of neighbourhood secondary school students and motorbike 'gangs' gathering around this table. Very often the table will be littered and sometimes the riders even parked their bikes at the void deck.

Video Taken On : 15 Apr 2008 (Tues) 6.16pm

Sticky Ad In Lift

2008-04-16T08:22:00.004+08:00

Like what I've posted previously;
Stick No Bill

Now they are even pasting it in the lift and I think it's really over the board;

The above is inside the lift of Tampines St.32.

My suggestion to Tampines Town Council is to get their estate officer to take photos of such notices and call the numbers on these ad. Get the person responsible for the ads to remove all these ads themselves and issue them with a fine as this is consider as Vandalising Public Property. Probably the TTC and RC should work closely on this issue as in Pasir Ris. Once an ad has been spotted on the wall, the RC member will take photo of it and start contacting the number on the ad to locate the person responsible.

I will send an email to the Tampines Town Council and see how they can resolve this problem. Getting the cleaner to remove it is not solving the problem.

Photo taken on : 14 Apr 2008, 6.44pm

Note : Tampines Town Council replied on 21 Apr 2008 - "We are currently monitoring and advising the accused to refrain from such practices. If they fail to comply to our advice, appropriate action will be taken against them."

My opinion is that will this deter other people from sticking ads on the wall of HDB? Let's see.

A Dressing Experience At Tampines Polyclinic

2008-04-10T10:49:00.005+08:00

When I brought my son to Tampines Polyclinic for changing of dressing for his toe on 2 Apr 2008 (Wed, 3pm), I'm impressed by the nurse who took about 15 minutes to clean and change a new dressing.

But my happiness was short-lived. My son told me that he needed to see the doctor in another room so that the doctor can review the wound on his toe. That means the doctor need to remove the dressing that the nurse took 15 minutes to dress it up!

I'm wondering why didn't the nurse ask the doctor to check the wound before she change the dressing???

After the doctor has checked it, he told my son to return back to the treatment room to get it 'dressed' again... This time, another nurse did the dressing for him but a much simpler one - just like a plaster!

And she told us that there is no need for such a big and complicated dressing like the 1st one. So why the initial procedure to get it dressed and only to have it removed in less than 10 minutes?

And the Polyclinic charged us $3.00 for the dressing though the consultation for my son is $4.50... wait review also must charged $4.50 for consultation?

'Sun Burn' In SingPost HQ

2008-04-08T12:43:00.004+08:00

I'm wondering why Singapore Post Limited (HQ) or Singapore Post Centre at Eunos Road is using these extremely bright and hot spotlights at the lobby (ground floor). These spotlights (some pair, some in 4s) are shinning on people who are queuing up.

If you are under these spotlights, it takes less than 1 minute and you will be perspiring. Try it if you don't believe. Aesthetic aside please, probably energy saving white lights (cooler) are much better for everyone. If the lights are making people perspiring and uncomfortable, why the need for aesthetic appeal?

No Cycling Sign

2008-03-28T07:56:00.002+08:00

Saw the above No Cycling Sign near the Carpark C of the Pasir Ris Park before entering the Boardwalk.

Shouldn't the Red Stripe be above the White Cyclist? Not too sure...or shouldn't it be something like the below;

Later in the park, saw another sign - No Fishing Sign;

This one, the Red Stripe is over the fish!

Photo taken on : 26 Mar 2008

Old Woman Against Traffic Flow

2008-03-25T08:42:00.002+08:00

This woman is seen pushing her cart full of paper box along Beach Road against traffic flow. You can see her doing it during the early evening (around 5pm to 6pm) from Concourse to Golden Mile Theatre at Beach Road.

Some passer-by had told her about the danger but she just carry on doing it. The footpath there are also not much better as it's usually parked with motorbikes and full of ups and downs the kerb too.

So watch out when you drive along there during the early evening time!

Stick No Bill

2008-03-19T07:58:00.003+08:00

You see it everywhere especially at HDB blocks. Now they don't even paste it at the ground floor lift lobby, but at every floor. Pity the cleaner who have to remove it every time they paste it.

The act of it is already wrong, but if they use masking tape - it's still ok and easy to remove;

Hate those to paste it using glue;

It's difficult to remove and it will leave a mark on the wall like this;

Maybe the Town Council and RC should work together on this. Whenever someone paste such advertisement, the Town Council or RC member should call them up (since there are phone numbers on it) and ask them to come down immediately to remove it and fine them. If they refuse to come down, then the Town Council can report them since vandalism is an offence.

Dig, Pick And Spit

2008-03-17T08:53:00.004+08:00

How do you feel if you are sitting besides a person who dig and pick his teeth and then spit on the floor besides you? I've encountered such a man at the foodcourt at Tampines Mart on Sunday 16 March 2008.

Video taken at around : 6.06pm

Playground Became Jamground

2008-03-11T11:28:00.008+08:00

The newly opened Playground @ Bigsplash was jammed with traffic on last Sunday 9 Mar 2008 at around 6.30pm to 7.00pm. Let's take a look at what causes such jam inside the new Playground.

1. Cars parked at non-designated lots
Many cars are parked at non-designated lots near the zebra crossing and mini roundabout as shown in the above video. No lots or cannot be bother to look for one - to them is maybe it's ok to park anywhere they liked. Maybe the management should set up wheel clamp sign and start wheel clamping these vehicles that caused inconveniences to other users.

2. The Auto ERP style parking turned Semi-Auto caused jammed
When cars going out, the ERP styled parking system supposed to be auto sensing but somehow, it turned Semi-Auto on Sunday requiring driver to slot in their Cashcard to the reader in order to Exit.

3. Driver outside waiting for empty lot
As if the jam inside the Playground is not bad enough, this driver was waiting for an empty lot just outside the exit of the Playground causing an obstruction to free flow of traffic outside.

Sometimes I wonder why all these drivers why can't they be more considerate?

Above video taken on : 9 Mar 2008 around 6.30pm to 6.45pm

What's The Price Difference

2008-03-07T08:05:00.003+08:00

Whenever I'm shopping at Shop n Save, I need to do mental calculation to see if I meet the target of $15 (or multiples of $15). I find it a real hassle. The purpose is that for every $15 purchased, you will get a 'stamp'. When you collect 12 'stamps' (that means $180 in a month) in a month, you can exchange for a $9 voucher (about 5% rebate).

Sometimes I wonder if I'm really 'shop and save'? One day, I happened to check on the price of this Owl brand Kopi-O Siew Dai coffee. This is what I found out when I made a comparison when there is no offer for both supermarkets - Shop n Save and NTUC;

Price of Owl brand Kopi-O Siew Dai:

Shop n Save : $4.35

Photo taken on : 26 Feb 2008 at Tampines Mart Shop n Save

NTUC : $3.80

Photo taken on : 24 Feb 2008 at West Plaza Pasir Ris NTUC

Price Difference : $0.55

So the next time I shop at Shop n Save, I better take note of which item to buy. It's good to check the price difference on items that we buy frequently, I think.

Beware Of That Bamboo Stick

2008-03-05T07:09:00.003+08:00

When you are walking below a flat, beware of those bamboo stick hanging above. This is especially so if you choose to walk below the laundry hanging area of the flat.

One day when I was at the kitchen, I saw something dropped down (at least 6 floor and above) and seconds later heard a loud 'thug' sound. I thought someone jumped down but luckily it was just a bamboo stick. But that bamboo stick will kill someone too if it hit that person!

So don't think that it will not happen...just be careful!

Photo taken on : 13 Feb 2008

Value For Money Bread

2008-03-04T09:10:00.002+08:00

Since the GST gone up from 5% to 7% last year in 2007, the cost of living is getting higher and higher. What's worst, even the price of a loaf of bread has gone up tremendously too.

I used to take Gardenia or Sunshine bread in the past, but since it has gone up to $1.75, I've switch to Sunny1 after reading the recommendation from the newspaper.

The taste, texture are just as good. The number of slices are even more and what's best it cost only $1.30! Don't you think it's value for money?

Big Incense Container

2008-02-27T08:31:00.004+08:00

Has Town Council approved this big incense container to be placed at the loading/unloading lot here? Or has our place here been designated as 'Official Incense Burning Area'? I'm not sure, anyway I have sent an email to the TC today regarding this issue.

Someone placed this big incense container here at the loading/unloading lot at Blk.384 Tampines St.32 yesterday around 3pm+.

Came night time around 10.45pm to 11.15pm, my wife spotted the burnt ashes flying into our house. Luckily my wife spotted it on time and quickly closed all our windows facing there.

Imagine those on the lower floors - how badly they are affected. What about those who are unaware of it and already sleeping with their windows opened? Moreover, the funeral is actually not from this few blocks but at a few blocks away.

Why didn't they place it near to them? That's why I'm wondering has our area become 'Official Incense Burning Area'?

Hope to hear from the Tampines Town Council on this issue.

Note : 4 Mar 2008, TTC replied that they have "taken appropriate action for this incident".

Birds At Work

2008-02-26T07:16:00.003+08:00

You find them at food centre or coffee shop. Whenever someone finished their food, they started to flock together and have a go at what you have left over. Shown in the video is the coffee shop at the Bedok Ind Park E.

What's worst will be those that not aware of the birds and left their just bought food on the table and buy drink. When they are back with their drinks, they find their food are being eaten by the birds.

Sometimes this problem started with customers or stall holders feeding the birds. Then later the birds started coming to look for food on the table...

You may find another similar report here on STOMP.

Many Stall Holders Are Shifting Out

2008-02-22T10:38:00.005+08:00

Take a look at this Kopitiam food court at Tampines Mart! The Snack stall, Pao stall, Keow Chap stall, Western Food stall, Yong Tau Fu stall, Tonic soup stall are have shifted out of this food court immediately after the Chinese New Year in Feb 2008.

A check with the remaining stall holders why is this happening, most said that it's probably due to the increase in rental. Those choose to stay find it hard to survive or breakeven without passing the rent increase to the consumers. Thus a price increase or quantity reduction is inevitable. Finally the Chicken Rice stall had no choice but to increase 30 cents (now $3.30).

All this started since last year when Kopitiam introduced the Kopitiam card cashless payment method. See my previous post here. The 10% discount given to blue card holders are to be absorbed by the stall holder themselves so stall holder at that time started increasing their prices. Some increased as much as 50cents.

Just a few months later, now with the rent increase - how you expect the stall holders who have increased their prices not too long ago, to increase their pricing again? So many choose to leave...

So what is the real reason for so many stall holders choose to leave? Rent increase or what? I don't know either...What am I left to eat now? The whole food court is much quieter and business have dropped tremendously especially during weekdays lunch time. Even with new stall moving in, the pricing will increase again!

Principal Reply To No Parking Sign In School

2008-02-21T13:01:00.006+08:00

Credit : STOMP

The vendor of the delivery vehicle parked at the 'No Parking' zone in the school on Feb 14 and has been identified. A warning had been issued to all vendors to refrain from parking there. The school has also taken steps to ensure traffic safety in its school.

Below is the East Spring Primary School reply on Feb 21 2008;

"We appreciate Mr Yew's feedback and would like to assure him that the school will step up its monitoring of its adherence to the 'No Parking' sign.

"The school has taken steps to enhance traffic safety in the school, and ensure that unauthorised parking incidents do not happen again," said Principal David Teo.

"Waiting areas have also been designated for parents and pupils, who have been requested to remain at these areas during peak traffic hours.

"The school has identified the vendor who contravened the 'No Parking' sign and has issued a warning to them to refrain from doing so in future.

"In addition, the school has reminded the pupils on road safety and specifically told them to be mindful and watchful of vehicles coming into the school compound and to use the designated walkways in the school," he said.

"We will continue to educate our pupils on road safety awareness and give high priority in making the school environment safe for our pupils and their parents.

"We also thank Mr Yew for his concern for the safety and well- being of the school community," said Mr Teo.

The above are in response to my previous post.

Obstacles Full Or Barrier Free Country?

2008-02-18T10:42:00.010+08:00

Look at the following articles on Barrier Free access in Singapore;
- S$40 Million Fund For Barrier-Free Access
- DESIGNING FOR BARRIER-FREE ACCESS – AN OVERVIEW
- Accessibility for Seniors: Barrier-Free Society

In the past few years, we have been reading about making our country Barrier Free access as our population is aging. Sounds good and caring too but...just take a look at this Berseh Food Centre located at Jalan Besar.

This food centre is surrounded by 1 main road and 2 side roads. It is difficult to access to the food centre via the side roads as there are cars parked at the side of the roads.

There is a barrier free access at this food centre but there is no signboard pointing users to this side of the food centre to use this access. Unless you are a regular there, you will not know of it until you walk round the food centre.

Below shows the Barrier Free Access;

Everything seems fine until here.

To prevent cyclists and motorcyclists from using the footpath, 'obstacles 1' are placed at one end of the pedestrian crossing at the food centre;

Alongside to obstacle 1, is obstacle 2 shown below;

If building all these 'obstacles' are to deter cyclists and motorcyclists from using the footpath - I guess the authority is penalising the disabled instead of the wrong doers.

I really do not understand why build a barrier free access slope for the disabled at one side, and the other sides - obstacles are placed? I suggest the one who plan for the barrier free access at such public places, please visit the place using wheel chair to see if it's really 'barrier free'!

Photos and Videos taken on : 16 Feb 2008

Burning Incense Outside The Given Bin

2008-02-15T08:32:00.002+08:00

Every year on the Ninth day of the Chinese New Year, the Hokkiens will 'Bai Tian Gong' - a day of gratitude for their ancestors’ relive, if I'm not wrong. As such, burning of incense is probably done during midnight on the Eight day of the CNY.

Some people still don't bother to use the incense bin given to them (as shown in the photo) and simply burned them on the floor. When wind started blowing, the burnt or burning ashes will fly into the homes of the flat dwellers nearby.

As usual, I've forgotten when is the actual date of the offering as I'm not a Hokkien and didn't close my windows. There were burnt ashes all over my hall's floor and sofas. Luckily those still burning ashes did not land on my sofas, else my house will be on fire.

- The Town Council and RC could have put up notices at the lift lobby notice board to inform resdients of the date of this burning of incense and advice residents to close their windows especially during the night.
- Those who are burning incense, should do it in the given bins.

Photo taken on : 15 Feb 2008.

No Parking Sign In School

2008-02-14T13:04:00.005+08:00

Credits : STOMP

The above photos show the lorry YJ5115X parked at the No Parking site at East Spring Primary School today.

This is not the first time that delivery vehicles are parked in front of the No Parking sign at East Spring Primary School. The purpose of the No Parking sign is to ensure the safety of students as there might be students standing at the stairways or near the railings.

The Operation Manager and Security Guard are told of regarding those drivers that parked their vehicles there. All they did was just to ask them to remove their vehicles. When no one raise the issue of No Parking there, the drivers are left to park there just like the attached photos. The security guard post and the General Office are just near by to this No Parking site and yet no one seems to bother.
Even teachers walking past don't seem to do anything about it.

I wonder how safe are our students in school. Must we wait till accidents occurred before we take precautions? In fact, there was once a delivery truck almost hit a student while reversing to park his vehicle there for unloading and in another instance, one van almost hit another parent who was standing at the railing.

Will the school authority kindly comment and ensure that safety is observed at all times. Are there appropriate Loading and Unloading Bays in school? Why ain't these drivers informed of where to park by the security guards when they enter the school?

That Fish In HDB Lift

2008-02-13T07:55:00.000+08:00

For those who have taken the HDB Lift before, you will be familiar with that 'Fish Signature' or rather the signature that resembles that of a fish shape on the lift Certificate Of Maintenance;

Surprisingly I'm still able to find this Certificate Of Maintenance with the 'Fish Signature' on it at Sengkang MSCP (the one besides the Chinese Temple). I wonder whose signature is that?

In the past, HDB issued this Certificates of Maintenance to the respective Town Councils for display in the HDB lifts. Since Apr 2005, under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management (Lift And Building Maintenance) Regulations 2005, the Certificate of Maintenance is no longer required to be displayed in lift. So we are seeing less and less of this 'Fish Signature'.

With the new regulation, Town Council display other information related to the lift and its maintenance;

Read here for more detail on Certificate Of Maintenance.

Ape Is Better Off In Singapore

2008-02-12T12:52:00.000+08:00

Credit : Singapore Press Holdings, MediaCorps Press.

I wonder the day I die, will there be 400 people sending me off, not to mention 4000 people? Ah Meng, an ape in the Singapore Zoo, for a very long time died on 8 Feb 2008 (second day of Chinese New Year) morning. She was 48 years (human age about 95 years old) and died of old age. Her children and grandchildren are still with the Singapore Zoo.

Exercise Bike Parking

2008-01-28T09:48:00.000+08:00

Does one need to park his/her Exercise Bike at the public bicycle lot? Found this one chained and padlock to the bicycle lot at Blk.382 Tampines St.32.

Photo Taken On : 25 Jan 2008 (Fri), 12.14pm

Rubbish Dumped Near Bus Stop

2008-01-25T08:48:00.000+08:00

Photo taken on : 24 Jan 2008, 5.01pm;

Photo taken on : 14 Jan 2008, 5.21pm;

Photo taken on : 16 May 2007, 4.56pm;

Everyday you may find bags of rubbish dumped at the road side near this Beach Road Bus Stop just outside the St.John Headquarter. Are there better ways to dispose of such rubbish? It's so unsightly especially is just besides a bus stop.

Fire Hydrant At Shopping Mall

2008-01-24T09:04:00.000+08:00

The above fire hydrant was found near the Central Mall. I wonder why the seat with a potted plant was placed so near to the fire hydrant. Though this may be movable, but in case of fire, there will be a time delay caused by moving of this obstruction. If it's an offence to park near a fire hydrant, what about this? Would it be good if there is not obstruction to the fire hydrant?

Photo taken on : 31 Dec 2007, 2.01pm

HDB Lift Decorator

2008-01-16T07:54:00.000+08:00

Maybe we misunderstood their intention...they probably think they are the HDB Lift Decorator instead of littering the lift;

Some even think that by covering the 'No Smoking' icon, they can smoke in the lift;

Like what was stated on the Today's paper dated 6 December 2007;

Right, when can we 'Dump our Third World Habits'? Is Singapore a First World Country with Third World Habits??? Some are taking Littering in the lift as a Hobby or Sport;

Credit : Today, MediaCorp Press

Come on, the Rubbish Bin is just located at the lift lobby (outside the lift) and even if it's not there, you have one at your home. There is no reason to litter in the lift! Be considerate, be gracious!

Photos taken in Jan 2008.

Link : See what blogger Chun See said about Littering.

No Littering Sign

2008-01-11T10:32:00.000+08:00

How many variants of No Littering signs are there in Singapore? Many I guess...but this one stands out from the rest;

The above photo taken on 22 Sep 2007.

What's so special about the above sign? Well the sign shows the person littering over his/her shoulder! The above poster is from Kampong Glam Beach Road Residents' Committtee.

See some of the common No Littering signs;

What Is A Handicapped Lot?

2008-01-10T14:02:00.000+08:00

What is a Handicapped Lot for? I don't have to reply and you know who is it for and what is it for. But how often we see people who are physically able (not handicapped) taking up the Handicapped Lot. Why? If you ask them, they will reply "If a handicapped come along, I will give this lot to them". But does that mean they can park there???

The above photo shows the contractor's vehicle occupying the Handicapped Lot at Tampines Blk.383, while the workers are working on the floor tiles. But does the vehicle need to be parked at the Handicapped Lot?

Date and Time of Photo Taken : 17 Nov 207 (Sat), 9.24am

Note : Another misuse of Handicapped Lot (from Mr.Brown blog).

Why Edusave Merit Bursary So Troublesome?

2008-01-07T10:35:00.001+08:00

While I appreciate the good intent of this award given out by the Government to lower income families students but after so many years, the process of giving out is still 'making things difficult' for the recipients. Let's examine the whole process;

1. The 1st Letter received.

As you can see from the envelope, this letter is from the MOE (Ministry of Education) and I can understand since they are the one with your school results.

Now take a look at the first letter;

As it said the bursary is jointly sponsored by Edusave Endowment Fund, North East CDC and Tampines East Citizens' Consultative Committee. So 3 'parties' are involved! Pls note the date of this letter : 22 Nov 2007.

Attached together with this letter is your application form. Below shows the Acknowlegment slip;

My points;
- This letter was received on 26 Nov 2007 though some received it on 24 Nov 2007. As stated, one must apply by 3 Dec 2007, so there is only 1 week to do so. If the recipients' family are not in Singapore (or maybe low income shouldn't go for tour afterall...) during that week, they would have miss the chance.

- The acknowledgement states "Supporting income documents must be submitted upon request". For the past few years, the CC here didn't ask for the pay slip as they already have it in their records. This year, the CC wanted it and the recipients have no choice but to make a trip back home and made a copy for them. I wonder why can't they just state "Bring along your pay slip" instead of "upon request" so that it will not cause any inconveniences to the applicants. A number of applicants (those who are not first timers) were turned away to get their pay slips before submission.

2. The 2nd letter received.

So is this letter from PA or CC? Let's take a look at the letter itself;

OK, it's from Tampines East Citizens' Consultative Committee...meaning...I don't know What is this? What's a CCC? It's stated the Adviser is Mr.Mah Bow Tan. Refer to the 1st letter, it's one of the 3 sponsors. Maybe this Tampines East CCC consists of the RC Zone 7/8. I'm not sure, it's too complicated and confusing.

- Anyway, this letter is addressed to the recipient of the award and the letter just state that "...and confirmation of your seating with this letter". It didn't state that the organiser will keep this letter for reference.

This is the 2nd time that when the Tampnes RC Zone 8 organised the event, they will keep the letter that is NOT addressed to them! I don't understand why even though the last time I have pointed out to their committee that there is no need to keep letters NOT addressed to them, they still continued doing so.

However when the Zone 7 RC organised it, they don't keep it for reference but will returned it to the recipients. If they wish to keep it, then they should state it clearly in the letter so that the recipients can photocopy it for their keeping.

- I'm aware that the number of recipients amount to 1 to 2 hundred or more, but pls if the seats are enough and numbered correctly for the recipients, there is no need to ask the recipients to start queuing up as early as 7.10pm;

In fact, I've asked one of the RC Zone 8 committee members why they asked the students to start queuing so early where the MP is only coming about 7.30pm. They replied that Mr.Mah 'is coming now' and I took a look at my watch - 7.11pm.

And now it's about 7.22pm and the students are still queuing and waiting, and Mr.Mah is still not here yet.

When I asked further, the committee said "Ask Chairman! Ask chairman!". Another member said "If don't asked the students to queue up now, very difficult to find them. They are all over the place".
- My point is why asked them to start coming at 6.30pm so early. All are staying nearby only. Try to gather 1oo to 200 ppl sitting down for 45 minutes without anything to do...don't you feel boring and feel like walking about? Reduce the 'Holding Time'.

Finally Mr.Mah arrived at about 7.25pm;

So is there a need to start queuing so early if the chairs are numbered in series. Don't you feel bored if you were to sit there waiting since 6.30pm (for 40 mins) and then started to queue for another 15 minutes? Moreover, the arrangement of the seats where the students were, made it impossible for them to view or enjoy the performance on stage.

3. In Summary.
Just like someone who wrote to the press not too long ago questioning what has the MOE Bursary or Scholarship award got to do with the RC or CC? I agreed that it will be easier for the MOE Edusave Bursary or Scholarship award to be given in the recipients' own school by the Principal.

This will solve lots of unnecessary problems and time for all parties concerned since the MPs are always on a very tight schedule. Just like this year, the award was held together with the Tampines RC Zone 8 block party and the award recipients reached home about 8pm onwards. In the past, the award was held in the afternoon and on Saturday but this year is on Sunday night where the next day is a schooling day.

Back to the Basics - if the award is to motivate the students to continue perform better, giving the award in their own school by the principal already served the purpose. There is no need to involve so many parties.

Moreover I wonder if one is unable to attend the award ceremony due to unforeseen circumstances, will they mail the cheque to the recipients or 'confiscate' the cheque? Any idea?

Another Edusave Award incident...here.

Invisible Road In Building

2008-01-04T16:01:00.000+08:00

The above video and photos show the Drop Off point road at The Central.

More and more such 'invisible' roads are built in shopping centres and buildings. To make it 'merge' with the design of the buildings, such roads are usually not obvious to the shoppers or pedestrians, especially the elderly and children.

Remember the 5 years old boy that was dead when the truck hit him at that 'invisible' road between Eastpoint and the Simei MRT Station...I don't wish to see another such incident happen again. Or do we need more of such incidents before we act on it???

Frankly I prefer Safety First than anything else, especially nowadays there are more and more reckless drivers and handphone driving or drunk driving, etc.

Video Taken On : 31 Dec 2007

Why Out And Up?

2008-01-03T08:16:00.000+08:00

I think there is some wrong 'labeling' at this Multi-Storey Carpark (MSCP) at Blk.384A Tampines St.32. I've previously posted about the 'MSCP Repating 1'.

Once you enter this MSCP, turn left and you will see 'UP' and 'OUT'. The 'OUT' leads to Basement or Deck B. Previously it was 'DOWN' and I don't know why after I've commented on the 'ugly paintwork', it has changed to 'OUT' instead?

Previously;

Now;

Now when you wanted to leave this Basement or Deck B, you see an 'UP' sign instead of 'OUT'! Frankly, this should be 'OUT' and not 'UP' as this lead immediately to the EXIT of this MSCP.

Photo taken in Dec 2007.

Pigeon Feeding At Kampong Glam

2007-12-26T08:28:00.001+08:00

Is it an offence to feed stray pigeons in Singapore? Under the AVA (Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore) Animals and Birds (Pigeons) Rule;

Rule 10 states that "No person shall feed stray pigeons in any premises or public place".

Offences : Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with Rule 10 shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500.

The above video shows that the people there have been feeding the stray pigeons thus resulted in such a blg flock of pigeons daily. I'm surprised that this is just located besides the Kampong Glam Neighbourhood Police Post.

I'm even more surprised when I went into that Kampong Glam NPP on 24 Dec 2007 4.54pm and feedback to the SSG officer on desk duty, and he said he was not aware of the pigeons besides his NPP. Though this is not under their purview as mentioned by the SSG on duty, but it's not difficult for them to feedback to the relevant authority and have it under check since it's just besides their post. Only upon my insistence, the officer offer to feedback to the relevant authority.

So besides it's an offence to do so, what so bad about feeding of stray pigeons?

1. The droppings of pigeons pose a health threat to the people.

2. Pigeon droppings contain uric acid that actually eats into the surface it drops on. Painted surfaces, canvas awnings, signs and other similar surfaces pose the most risk.

3. This is the most important : Dried bird droppings can contain many fungal and viral diseases. Histoplasmosis, Encephalitis, Meningitis, St. Louis Encephalitis, and Salmonella are just a few of the common viral and bacterial diseases that have been associated with bird droppings.

Remember the Salmonella Disease happended recently in Singapore : Prima Deli and Sentosa Golf Club case as reported in the media.

So don't think that by feeding the stray pigeons, you are been kind to them. In fact you are doing the community a disservice and by doing so, you are making the pigeons to loose its ability to hunt for food in the wild.

The above video and photo were taken on : 24 Dec 2007 (Mon), 4.54pm

Civilian Carpark

2007-12-21T15:17:00.000+08:00

When I saw this signboard at the Simei Road near the ITE College East (opp Expo), I thought there was an army camp nearby. The use of 'Civilian Carpark' seems to refer to an army camp nearby and maybe having an army activity. If it's for the public to park at the ITE campus carpark, I wonder why use the word 'Civilian' ? So is there an army camp or army activity in it? I'm not sure..any idea?

The video / photo was taken on 21 Nov 2007 and the signboard was around for some weeks. Besides this signboard, there were a few more similar signboards at other places near to that ITE. These signboards have now been removed.

Dark Carpark

2007-11-30T00:35:00.000+08:00

This photo is untouched and you can see how dark is this carpark;

And this is how it looks after I brightened it using software;

This HDB Multistorey Carpark is at Blk.384A Tampines St.32. The Level B (Basement) is very dark even in the day especially when the weather is bad or raining. Previously I have feedback to the Town Council and they turned on a couple of safety lights and the condition improved. But that was last year and only for a couple of months. After the electricity tariffs went up, the safety lights never turned on again. It will turn on as scheduled like 7pm to 7am daily. Even on very dark day, the lights will not turn on and it's very difficult to drive and park your vehicle in such darkness.

The safety lights are at Level A1 only.

See this video below;

Date and Time Video Taken : 12 Nov 2007 (Mon) at 6.31pm

Essential Maintenance Notice

2007-11-27T10:15:00.001+08:00

The above was the old Essential Maintenance Unit notice board put up on top of both lifts at every level of each HDB Board in my area.

It's kind of no fuss but light background with bold dark letterings where 'even the blind can see' type. People with poor eyesights preferred dark letterings over light colored background for easy reading.

Recently they changed it to;

I must admit in general it looks very nice over the old one. The Town Council logo and the block number - a separate piece and very large one, why? Both lifts can share one piece by putting it in the center and there's no need to have it both on each lift.

Now the important one - the notice board itself. The yellow letterings are on dark background (dark green) are smaller and the Toll Free Telephone Number itself are in Red (dark colored) and make it difficult to see from a distance and in the dark (early morning). The Town Council should consider when there is a black out or in the early morning and late evening or bad weather, it's difficult to see the number.

Since the new board is smaller in size than the previous one, the 4 holes left behind by the old notice board are just simply plastered up and you can see the 4 white patches. Does it look nice after this upgrading?

I don't know why use light color letterings over dark background? It is ok for art, but for important notices - it shouldn't. It's difficult to read.

Does this upgrading pieces serve any improvement in services or benefits the residents? I'm not too sure, but I still find it difficult to see the EMU numbers.

Car Wash Bay

2007-11-23T07:37:00.000+08:00

1. When will the Car Wash Bay start operating?

The above Car Wash Bay was recently built at Blk.384A Tampines St.32 MSCP. It was 'completed' about 2 months or more.

Now the tap is still not installed and there is no water either. How to wash car at the bay? I wonder how long do they need to install the tap?

Now that the Car Wash Bay is still not operating yet and we don't know when it will start operating; the residents also cannot park their cars there! Or they are allowed to park there until it's operating...anyway the only sign there is this;

2. Why build the Car Wash Bay on lower level?

This Car Wash Bay is located at Level B2 which is second level. A Car Wash Bay for 2 cars can accomodate 3 car lots.

Most people wash their cars on weekends and weekdays, the Car Wash Bay is seldom utilise. Even on weekends, how many people can wash their cars in a day. Some people take 2 to 3 hours to wash, clean and wax their car. So the Car Wash Bay is only serving a minority group of car owners.

In that case, why not build the Car Wash Bay at the top level of the MSCP? Most people will benefit as 3 more lots will be free at the lower level. For the minority who wish to wash their cars (unless they wash their cars daily), it's not too difficult to drive to the top level where it's brighter and easier for the car to dry.

Now take a look at the top level of this MSCP;

It was taken at 6.53am in the early morning on 14 Nov 2007 (Wed). Don't you think it's better to have the Car Wash Bay built on the top level instead?

The building of the Car Wash Bay is to benefit the residents/car owners so why built in on the lower level and inconvenience more residents/car owners? By having it at the top level, it will benefit more people!

Repair And Redecoration Of MSCP

2007-11-21T07:43:00.000+08:00

This is the new evening ERP gantry built off Ophir Road flyover joining ECP towards Airport. It took about 1 month to build it only. Pretty fast.

Not too long, I heard from a TV program that Tampines new town was the first town to have pre-cast flat back then. It took about 33 days to built a block of flat! Really fast!

When the contractor pasted this poster at my MSCP (Multi-Storey Carpark) at Blk.384A Tampines, I bewildered;

Why it takes 4 months to Repair and Redecorate the MSCP? Frankly, mainly repainting work is to be done. The contractor only took less than a month to repaint our whole block of flats but the carpark....

They started painted for first 2 weeks, then stopped for about another 2 to 3 weeks. And now they continued with just a few workers. I wonder why it takes One Third of a Year to do such repainting job? Why HDB or Town Council approve to such a long period?

2007-11-19T09:04:00.000+08:00

We see them at the Bus Stops, Bus and Taxis, now...

I'm surprised to see ads appearing at this Ticket Dispensing machine at the Geylang East Swimming Pool. What a way to advertise! So what's next?

Road Closure

2007-11-13T09:26:00.000+08:00

Have you notice that there are getting more and more Road Closure along ECP Service Road and that Changi Coast Road in this year? When you are driving along the ECP (from airport towards the city), you will see such Notices on your left. It's like doing 'Speed Reading' while you drive. You have to watch out for traffic and at the same time, take note of the Road Closure Notices;

Do you know that it's difficult to take note of the 3 important infos : Date, Time and Road Name of that notice.

I wonder is there a better place to host such events like this, so that there won't be so many Road Closure;

Bench Facing Fence

2007-11-12T10:48:00.000+08:00

I'm wondering why all these new benches are put surrounding Ngee Ann Secondary School facing it's fence? Seems like the Chinese saying 'Face the wall and repent on your mistakes' but in this case Face the Fence haha.

Frankly whether facing the fence or the blocks (Tampines Block 38x to 39x) are the same; where is there to see. Moreover in the day time, it's too hot to sit there. Raining days, needless to say - who will sit there. During night time, what to see?

It's been there for maybe a couple of months, and I hardly see any residents making use of these benches. I would rather the grass patch be leveled so that the kids can play football there instead of at the void deck. Another white elephant? I'm not sure...

Date of Photo : 11 Nov 2007

Tuition Flyers

2007-11-07T08:13:00.000+08:00

Such flyers are common in HDB estate. The most common types are Real Estate, Tuition, Babysit, and recently Lost Dogs.

This tuition flyer really caught my attention!

"Home Tution" and "10 yrs full time tutor for ..." - look at these sentences. I wonder who needs tuition?

The other issue is I don't like these flyers to be pasted at public property. The glue they used is not easy to remove and usually when the cleaners tear it off, it will still leave some 'marks'.

Personally I feel, if they paste it for one day (using scotch tape) and remove it themselves - it's fine. But most of them just simply paste their flyers all over the void deck and leave them there forever. The RC and the Town Council should work hand in hand to contact them via their contact number on their flyers, to ask them to remove it personally immediately. That's what the Pasir Ris RC members did many years back - kudos!

Cashless Payment

2007-11-07T00:53:00.000+08:00

Cashless Payment, I mean payment by card instead of cash. This foodcourt Kopitiam had introduced this Cashless Dining card system in most of her outlets quite sometime back. Only recently, it was introduced at my neighbourhood foodcourt at Tampines Mart.

The 1st day it was introduced at my neighbourhood foodcourt, I was very happy because my Blue Card entitles me to 10% discount on food and drinks purchased. But my happiness was short lived. Some stalls had increased their food prices or those that didn't, have their quantities reduced...

Some foodstalls have increased their prices from 10 cents to as high as 50 cents since the introduction of this card system. I'm not too sure if the price increase is due to the card discount or the 7% GST not too long ago...

I thought they are not going to increase their drinks prices since it's about 1 mth after they have launched their card system here at Tampines Mart. But I was totally wrong, on 1st of Nov they increased their drinks prices too!

My morning Kopi-O Siew Dai paper cup takeaway cost me 10 cents more from that day.

See the receipts above - it was 80 cents previously and then it's 90 cents for the same cup of Kopi-O Siew Dai. Also the other soft drinks (can type) also have their prices adjusted up too - from $1.20 to $1.50 (increased by 30 cents).

My goodness, no increase in value added and a 30 cents increased in price! The same can of drinks cost about 66 cents to 76 cents at the Shop & Save Supermarket. If you ask the foodcourt drink stall for another empty cup with ice, it costs you 20 cents!

Wonder all these drinks price increased are for the making of the card system and the employment of 1 person to mend the top-up card booth?

So there is another foodcourt at the DownTown East at Pasir Ris that uses a similar card system. Yes, I'm talking about the Funkey card;

Let's compare the price of a can of the same softdrink;

So they charged me $1.40 but no 10% discount, only 4 points for the card.

Now such card system benefit who more - the customers or the owners? Your guess is as good as mine...

Vandalised Wall

2007-11-06T00:11:00.000+08:00

Who the hell will carry around a spray can and walk about vandalising the wall? Not many, yet there are some who like doing so. My block has just been repainted a couple of months only, and now someone left behind his/her 'signature work'.

What the town council or HDB will do is just simply repaint the part of the wall and case close. How I wish the town council or HDB can install CCTV to deter such vandalism. Those caught maybe will have to pay for one month conservancy fees for the residents of the whole block haha! It's time to remind these vandals the act of Michael Fay - what's the price to pay for vandalism!

Date and Time Photo Taken : 27 Oct 2007, 1.28pm

Crossing Behind A Reversing Truck

2007-11-03T03:23:00.000+08:00

Wonder why some people like to cross behind a moving reversing truck or vehicle? It's dangerous as the driver may not be able to see the person behind. It's better to wait a while or go by another safer way.

Singnet Roadshow

2007-10-31T10:21:00.000+08:00

This is the 'empty booth' of Singnet Broadband Roadshow at Giant Hypermarket on 20 October 2007, 12.35pm. By 'Empty booth' I mean I couldn't find any sales staffs or promoters at the booth and it was the 2nd day of the Roadshow.

I saw the group of the sales staffs earlier at the food court but I didn't expect that all of them were having lunch together. I thought that there will be at least a couple of them still at the booth but...

Maybe I shouldn't expect the same standard of service at Roadshow in heartland town area...but the price of product is the same leh...

Date and Time Photo Taken : 20 Oct 2007, 12.35pm

HDB Multi Storey Carpark Repainting 1

2007-10-31T10:04:00.000+08:00

I'm surprised to see this is the completed work of a commercial painter for the Tampines Block 384A Multi Storey Carpark. Looks more like a job of a student. I'm expected a stencil to be used in such job since it's not just a one time painting but....

Date and Time of Photos Taken : 7 Oct 2007, 6.15pm

Below follow-up post on 27 Nov 2007;

Saw the workers removed the wordings sometime back, and yesterday 26 Nov 20007 they repainted the words with stencils;

An improvement over the previous one though, but personally I find the alphabets are too close together especially the 'UT' of the 'OUT'. Don't you think so?

Disappearing Act

2007-10-25T08:55:00.000+08:00

These pedestrians choose to do their "Disappearing Acts" at this Beach Road (just outside the Golden Cinema Building). The pedestrian crossing and overhead bridge is not too far away, but they choose to cross here.

To the drivers driving on the other side, they may get a shock when they see pedestrians suddenly pop out of the bushes!

Loading and Unloading Lot

2007-10-24T09:38:00.000+08:00

What is the HDB Loading and Unloading Lot for? For the normal cars to park "free of charge" and to their convenience instead of loading and unloading purposes?

Here we can see that the Loading and Unloading lots are empty and yet the truck choose to load up at the non designated lot. I've seen before a truck that was too high and reversed to the same place and hit the balcony of the second floor unit. Some cement chipped off at that time, and luckily not much damage done. Anyway, it's convenient to them but inconvenient to the residents walking past there.

Pls note that the weather is fine and not even raining at all.

Both photos taken on : 26 Sep 2007, 10.44am and 11.31am respectively.