More ways to "Chope"

 
Recently, there has been much discussion and debate about the uniquely Singaporean behavior of "chopping" seats at Food Court and Hawker Centres. "Chope" is a term used in Singapore to mean seat is taken, It is a simple, unwritten rule. Simple because you simply place a packet of tissue paper on the seat you want to reserve. I must say I've never done that myself. Ddoes that make me less Singaporean, I wonder? Whenever a discussion is generated in Forums you get lots people expressing unhappiness about such encounter. I am of the view that the people who does that isn't selfish even if they appear to be so. I mean we all know how crowded the popular Food Courts are during peak hours, especially at lunch time. Now if you don't do the "Chope" thing before you buy your food you'd be walking around or standing carrying your food tray for awhile. So this is an invention out of necessity. Nothing to be ashamed of. 

"Chope" is also used in the context of reserving something or booking the services of someone. One thing for sure is that when demand is more than supply the "kiasu" Singaporean is likely to "Chope"!

Here is a funny video of a victim of "Choppin". No not in Singapore but a foreign country USA. Maybe some of us can learn a thing or two here. Enjoy!

Headache - Finding a Seat

Definition of “chope”

A Gem among election candidates

By now I am sure most of us would have come to know the name Nicole Seah, a young 24 year old candidate of the National Solidarity Party standing for the election in Marine Parade GRC up against PAP team led by Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. She is now the second most popular Singapore politician online after Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. To date she had amassed close to 31000 fans. I am not going to compare her with PAP candidate Ting Pei Ling as many have done online. I simply think she is a Gem among all the election candidates. In my younger days I used to listen in awe the speeches made by Minister Mentor, then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. Never would I have thought being moved in the same way listening to a young girl her age. No one would think that she's just another pretty face. I am so very impressed with her sincerity, maturity and conviction in this undertaking. She handles reporter's question like a seasoned politician. Her parents are so blessed to have a daughter like her. They ought to be proud and so too Singapore.

All the best Nicole and may God bless you!

Grandma sunning baby with Jaundice

I was on my way to my usual Sunday morning Tai Chi class at Clementi Community Club when I caught sight of this lady sunning her grandchild at the foot of a HDB flat nearby. It was 9.30am and out in the open. I was concerned that baby may be over exposed to the sunlight, so have I to kaypoh (singlish for busybody) as I always am. I casually remarked "baby having Jaundice huh?". And then I asked the lady if she may be over-exposing baby avoiding sounding too intrusive. She replied that because of overcast sky earlier in the morning the sun wasn't shinning.

It common practice among many Singaporeans to sun baby with Jaundice. In fact our elders recommends a little morning sun helps keep Jaundice away; and that what we did for our daughter when she was a baby. We took care to exposed only very short duration in early morning sun that shine through the window. I read with great surprise when I goggled on this subject to find on SingHealth website (http://www.singhealth.com.sg/PatientCare/ConditionsAndTreatments/Pages/Jaundice%28Baby%29.aspx) that such a practice is NOT recommended.

What's your experience with your children?

The way to eat Teochew Muay (Porridge)

I've had these two picture in my file for quite some time. It captures the way the common folks used to eat their Teochew Porridge. Remember that these are mostly the working class as YG have mentioned in his blog http://ivyidaong4.blogspot.com/ and Teochew Muay was something that's most affordable to them. It's not such a common sight nowadays. You can say they are a dying breed. If my memory serves me right, my father told me that in the 50's each bowl of porridge cost just two cents.

Lao Teochew way of eating Teochew Porridge

A popular place for economical Teochew Porridge

Tailor Wax Philosophical

I was passing some HDB shops at Commonwelth Crescent when I came upon this notice stuck outside a tailor shop. The English part is an odd translation from the Chinese verse but I am sure readers should have no difficulties understanding it. Mr tailor certainly have some sense of humour haha..

One arm motorcyclist on Pan Island Expressway

Picture taken by my passenger

I was driving along the PIE when I spotted this motorcyclist riding with one arm. His other arm is rested behind his back. Who does he think he is, "One Arm Morotcyclist"? like the "One Arm Swordsman" in the movies with superhuman skills. I can't understand motorcyclists mentality really. Most of them do not care about their own safety. Having motorcyclist weaving dangerously between motorcars is a daily encounter on the roads. They are always trying to get ahead. I drive a double cab van and because of the extra long body visibility of these small vehicles is compromised. I have witnessed so many close shaves by these careless motorcyclist and came across quite a few casualties in my 29 years of driving. I wish motorcyclists are more safety conscious take greater care while on the road, both for their own sake and those of other road users.