// Do we have a choice? //

As one walks around the shopping malls in Singapore, one realizes that choices are stifling. Just like the nondescript HDB flats that fills up this island-nation, shopping malls are literally popping up everywhere, so much so that accompanying each MRT station, almost instinctively, one can smell a shopping mall.
This is definitely not exaggerating as bakeries such as “BreadTalk”, “Prima Deli”, “Four leaves” or “Delifrance” are always situated near the entrance of the mall. Delve further in, and without even opening one’s eyes, any self-respecting Singaporean can rant out to you which will be the shops inside: Giordano, Bossini, Bata, Watson’s, Metro, John Little, Kiddy Palace, Popular, Mini Toons, Kopitiam, Courts, Best Denki, Comics connection, TS, Sembawang, M1, Singtel, Mac, KFC, Pizza Hut, Timezone, Ya Kun, Mos, Yoshinoya…etc.
Want high-end stuff? Orchard Road is the best answer.
Want a different shopping experience? Try Bugis St, Holland V, Chinatown or even Little India.
Unlike other countries that offer much more entertainment choices, it is truly pathetic to see hordes of Singaporeans spending their precious weekends at those ubiquitous shopping malls.
If Singaporeans like we can’t even tell the difference between your East Point from West Mall, your Causeway Point from Compass Point, or even VivoCity from Marina Square, how can anyone claim that Singapore is a shopping paradise?
Truthfully, Singapore has the potential to be one. But, surely, something has to be done.

// A consumer-centered world //

Recent events made me realise that the world is REALLY becoming more consumer-centered. Contrary to popular belief “Consumer is King”, more and more consumers are falling into the trap of the commercial world. Is it because consumers are make out to be easy preys?
Going by the rising complaints received by CASE, I believe it to be so. There are in fact many other unreported cases, which I think, are unreported due to the fear of “losing face” or simply because many people have accepted this as a way of life.
Sometimes, I seriously think that people in the same industry has impeccable camaraderie, despite the fact that the job they do may be vastly different. That is how two or more companies can work together hand-in-hand to squeeze money out of consumers.
To beat the GST hike, a month ago, my parents decided to buy a new refrigerator. Most of the time, I just roll my eyes when the sales people address all males buyer-to-be as “boss” in Chinese and all females buyer-to-be as “miss” in Chinese.
No offense to the salespeople, after all they are simply doing their job to promote the stuff and most of them do not even have a good idea of how reliable the stuff is. So you can’t blame them when your newly-bought appliance spoils.
Well, it just so happened that ice formed in our new refrigerator…in the wrong place.
Ice miraculously formed in the bottom tier of our three-tiered giant, resulting the need for vegetables to be thawed before cooking.
Luckily, the warranty was still available so a maintenance man was called in.
Now, the middle-aged male owners are known as “uncles” while middle-aged females are known as “aunties”. If you run out of luck and encounter an inexperienced person, just brace yourself for the worst. Most likely, he will check your appliance and maintains that nothing is wrong with it. It is no big deal having ice forming on your veggies…plus, many people trust the brand, says the repairman.

I still remember, some time ago, there was this “Go the Extra Mile for Service”.
Oh please. Most people do not even budge an inch, let alone a mile!
Rather than focusing on better service, I think honesty will do.
How many consumers have fallen into the trap of “failing to read the miniscule printed words hidden at the extreme bottom of advertisements” and hence needing to pay than what the ad was supposed to offer?
How many letters proclaiming, “You have won a prize”, were received by people who have never purchased anything from the sender?
How many times have consumers been “coerced” by retailers to buy extra accessories for their gadgets that were supposedly to have “__% discount”?
The truth is, consumers have been exploited unknowingly by retailers.

// nothing goes right //

As I knew my ez link card would be expiring on 30 June, I went to check out a transitlink office. The person said I could only change my card after 30 June. Ok.
So I went to the control office at an MRT station, since there is no transitlink office at that particular station.
The person told me that I can only get a refund at any transitlink office on weekdays.
So in order to go to my destination, I had to buy a standard ticket.
Then at that MRT station, I decided to try my luck and asked the lady at the transitlink office.
She processed my request right away.
But thing is, I already bought a standard ticket for the return trip!
So I told myself, no sweat, u just refund it at the machine.
Oh my. who knows, I pressed wrongly and the machine only returned me my $1 deposit! my fare just got gobbled up by the machine.
Argh.
But at that time, I wasn't that that upset cuz I signed up for M1 broadband service.
Turn out it didn't work! the salesperson fooled me by saying WIN ME is supported.
I called up the technical side, which told me its not supported.
well well.

then I also failed my BTT! Lynette passed!
that is my fault cuz I didn't study.
Oh man. I shouldn't have slacked all day at home.
Ended up, I register to retake while Lynette register for FTT.
Haiz.

Another thing.
My phone's PC suite does not support WIN ME too.
Haiz. Must I upgrade to WIN XP???

Btw, I went for medical check up today. I almost lost my way and almost lost my receipt.

Really running into a bout of bad luck recently...