Earlier quoted context omitted.
For a while there was a solution involving “hoop” bins with clear plastic bags so you could see what was inside them. But recent terror attacks (which used knives and vehicles, not bins) prompted their removal again.
Wait, that doesn't make any sense. If the see-through bins solved a problem, why would they be removed when a different problem appears? They're independent problems, removing the bins when they're not involved in the new kind of attacks seems just random.
The cost of keeping Singapore squeaky clean
111–120 of 138 posts
Re: The cost of keeping Singapore squeaky clean
#112Singapore is an interesting case study how a well-run government that restricts a lot of freedoms can work remarkably well. I wonder if this model is sustainable long term.
> Singapore is an interesting case study how a well-run government that restricts a lot of freedoms can work remarkably well. I wonder if this model is sustainable long term. To me it sounds like the worst kind of dystopia possible. The wrong mix of medieval and futuristic: you get flogged or killed for silly things, the economy is effectively feudal, and if you are ever somewhat happy about something (wow! no mosqui…
Re: The cost of keeping Singapore squeaky clean
#113In London, the “war on litter bins” (removal of litter bins from train stations and central areas, supposedly to prevent them being misused by terrorists) has created a culture of simply leaving litter on the floor or in the street because there are no bins to put it in. Perhaps that’s ok in busy central locations where a street cleaner will be along shortly to pick it up, but the problem is that people are now accus…
The bin removal was actually prompted by a period when the IRA would put bombs into bins in train stations etc., see eg https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrington_bomb_attacks So not a completely idiotic policy.
Re: The cost of keeping Singapore squeaky clean
#114After working there, I briefly tried to get a full time job there but ended up accepting a job in the US. Singapore rocks!
Re: The cost of keeping Singapore squeaky clean
#115Earlier quoted context omitted.
I had one metallic straw in a fancy cocktail bar. The rest were plastic. Not to say, that I get a plastic cup full of ice with a plastic straw when I order a green tea, which comes in a can and is already ice cold. For the litter I see the most: part of plastic bags and Dasani water bottles. I hope the change in trash management, recycling and maybe trash separation does not only start with the rich people here, but…
Metallic straw? Like, reusable? Fairly sure that wouldn't fly anywhere else, I mean, even plastic straws are individually packaged right now due to hygiene considerations. Disposable plastic > poorly cleaned reusables.
Re: The cost of keeping Singapore squeaky clean
#116Coming back from it, it looks to me as one of the most boring places on earth. Everything is indeed crazy clean and it reinforce to the fact that it looks as a place with no soul.
There is almost nothing to do beside working, going to the Casino or the mall. People like Singapore because it is clean and everyone speaks English
Re: The cost of keeping Singapore squeaky clean
#117Earlier quoted context omitted.
But...but freedom. It's aggravating to see how many Americans think individual freedom should absolutely and automatically trump every other concern.
I lived in Singapore for six years and then San Francisco for almost six years now, but seriously, I don’t feel US is any more “free” in any tangible ways. Maybe there are more “freedom” defined by laws in US but certainly not something that normal people will miss in daily lives. Also over focusing on “individual” freedom apparently won’t always align with the interest of the entire society and could eventually brin…
Re: The cost of keeping Singapore squeaky clean
#118Earlier quoted context omitted.
But...but freedom. It's aggravating to see how many Americans think individual freedom should absolutely and automatically trump every other concern.
It's aggravating to see how many people regardless of nationality would willingly trade away their freedom for some temporary gain and encourage others to do likewise. The next government can lay off all the litter picker-uppers but you won't get your freedom back in return.
Re: The cost of keeping Singapore squeaky clean
#119Earlier quoted context omitted.
I had one metallic straw in a fancy cocktail bar. The rest were plastic. Not to say, that I get a plastic cup full of ice with a plastic straw when I order a green tea, which comes in a can and is already ice cold. For the litter I see the most: part of plastic bags and Dasani water bottles. I hope the change in trash management, recycling and maybe trash separation does not only start with the rich people here, but…
Metallic straw? Like, reusable? Fairly sure that wouldn't fly anywhere else, I mean, even plastic straws are individually packaged right now due to hygiene considerations. Disposable plastic > poorly cleaned reusables.
I ate a lot of it and never, ever got sick.
Here's my golden rule from which I never deviate:
Make sure that you see how they cook the food on premises
It needs to be well visited, preferably by locals
As I said I never got sick (or even felt slight discomfort) and I had a number of memorable meals under such conditions.Would a western health inspector tolerate the setup? Hell; no!
But, so what?
Sure, you can stick to the hotel restaurant of The Intercontinental in Bangkok, but you'll be hardly any safer than eating on a wobbly table in some small soi in the area.
But man, will you be missing out...
Re: The cost of keeping Singapore squeaky clean
#120Earlier quoted context omitted.
> Singapore is an interesting case study how a well-run government that restricts a lot of freedoms can work remarkably well. I wonder if this model is sustainable long term. To me it sounds like the worst kind of dystopia possible. The wrong mix of medieval and futuristic: you get flogged or killed for silly things, the economy is effectively feudal, and if you are ever somewhat happy about something (wow! no mosqui…
"Disneyland with the death penalty" is how William Burroughs phrased it
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disneyland_with_the_Death_Pena...