Check on it

I believe this is only happening in Singapore - Changi Airport. Have you ever seen police staff "cat walking" on buses to check on suspicious stuff? I must say it is hilarious, albeit they are performing extra security for our country.

The style of walking among the police force differed greatly. Some walked slouching, while others paced confidently. Some was very focused to detect possibly dangerous items on the bus and refused to looked at the passengers. For the less-diffident ones, they smiled at the passengers before they did the routine check. The length of the "catwalk" also varied. The diligent ones would walked to the end of the aisle of the bus for the full check. Others would do a quick turn at the centre of the bus for a shorter parade.

Of course, the idea of having the police force to do the additional check on buses is to deter terrorists from possible acts of destruction. I hope I do not sound offensive. I have my fair share of fun sizing up the members to walk away with the best model for the day. Now who's complaining of the slight delay in travelling to airport?

Flip Flop

Was on the hunt for a new pair of flip flop today. Well, I must say I get hooked on to the light sandals nowadays, especially after having to wear fully-covered shoes to office.

Case in point: According to the newspaper source, the favourite weekend style of Singaporeans includes sandals all the way from dining to shopping - Up to half of the men who strolled past flashy Gucci and Louis Vuitton boutiques were in Bermuda shorts, and either sandals or loafers.

Now why do people get addicted to this rubber or plastic-looking sandals? I can offer a couple of reasons:

- Easy to slip on (when one needs to pick up grocery nearby)
- Ease to remove (when one engages in frolicking seaside fun)
- Prices are affordable
- Come in different colors and designs
- Relaxing to wear
- Ladies enjoy parading their pretty painted toes

Incidentally, I stumbled upon a song on flip flop, so enjoy. I think I’ll take a nap now.

Raindrops Falling On My Head

Accepted a friend's dinner invitation last Saturday. In total, five of us were invited to fine dining at a lavish Indian restaurant. Somehow, I find the notion of fine dining exorbitant during this economic downturn.

So how bad is it? My friends and I have been shopping this week, out of necessity. I didn't see as many buyers at the malls we visited. Even the most popular travel fair saw a drop in visitors last weekend, a favourite pastime of Singaporeans. I think it will be a while before the economy picks up.

Restaurant business has fallen considerably. Only fast food and hawker centres selling economical or affordable set meals could draw the discerning customers. I also expect some restaurants to fold up. Even STB (Singapore Tourism Board) has tried to make up for the loss of travellers by extending free tickets to our sightseeing spots to the locals.

I think we would bounce back. Like the past recessions, the resilient Singaporeans would always find ways to be happy. And I don't believe the economy will recover in 2010 as the experts have forecasted. Guess there's one song that we could find hope now, that is, "Don't worry be happy".