Random National Day gripes

First, I finally watched the Japanese ad from which our National Day video was copied. I was more astounded by the ethics of it all than the lack of creativity and originality exhibited by the creators of the N Day thing. Copying and localising the entire concept??

Of course it is not the first time anyone has copied and localised a concept. Not so many years ago, a movie that, I am told, was a copy of an acclaimed foreign film was lauded.

Come on, blatant copying is just not on, okay? Especially in 'creative' industries.

As for the rest of the video, the newspaper uncle taking part in the vertical marathon is okay but is that bit about the couple some kind of overt message for people to get on with it and start dating?? Anyway, shoe-giving is not entirely original either. I've seen it in K drama...

I guess most of us are/were watching THE SPECTACLE (it's still going on now as I type this; so big scale, just like Curse of the Golden Flowers; almost expect Jay Chou to emerge from the crowd singing a song, ha ha). Why is it that I'm not really inspired by or excited about our best medal hopes for the Olympics... but I do hope our sailors do creditably...

Okay, let me not be such a spoilsport.

I have a big National Day tribute for the foreign talent who are such an important part of our healthcare sector. My family and I have been direct and indirect beneficiaries of their excellent care. Bouquets especially to the Filipino nurses. And of course to the Singaporean ones as well, who also do a great job. We know it's so tough to be a nurse, and Nurses' Day came and went recently without much fanfare. But what would our hospitals be without them?

Cheers, Singapore.

picture source

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