The only time I've been down the Champs-Elysees was some 18 years ago and unless the place has changed that much, the only similarity I can think of that it bears with Orchard Road is the heavy traffic. How can Orchard Road compare with 'la plus belle avenue du monde' ('the most beautiful avenue in the world' - don't be too impressed; I don't know French at all - cut and past only, lah)? Frankly, Orchard Road does not even come near the historical, political and social significance of the Champs-Elysees. Click and see for yourself what I mean.
It seems to me that we sometimes have this habit of celebrating Singapore in such a way that we make it bigger than it is. This Champs-Elysees thing is but one example of that. In today's newspapers, we have the promise of a Universal Studios theme park 'significantly bigger' (words quoted from the ST report) than the LA one. Sorry for being such a wet blanket, but somehow, the idea doesn't excite me (even though I enjoyed the one in Osaka). Neither do those artist's impressions of the to-be-developed 'attractions' at the aptly-named Marina Bay. It's like we are trying to be something we aren't, if you know what I mean. I would prefer something that brings out the heart and soul of Singapore, whatever that may be...
What's more, we are also 'celebrating' the 'world first for Singapore stem cell team'. First, let's remind ourselves that this 'Singapore stem cell team' is Singapore-based, not Singaporean. Second, both TODAY and the ST stated that this 'major breakthrough comes at a time when American scientists are caught in a debate about the need for new human embryonic stem cell lines to do research.' Of course this puts us steps ahead of those American researchers but why are they held back? Because of the 'ethical dilemmas' surrounding this research (mentioned in TODAY but not in ST). In other words, we leapfrogged over others because we did not get caught up in the 'ethical dilemmas'. If you ask me, this is not something to be celebrated. If there are 'ethical dilemmas', shouldn't we be dealing with them too? Then, we are reminded in TODAY that the CEO of the company that created these embryonic stem cells was on the Dolly the sheep team. But was Dolly a success or failure?
Anyhow, there was also this article in TODAY about storing your babies' cord blood. This procedure wasn't so easily available when I had the boy. The doctor who was pioneering it (think he might have been the only one doing it then) said that he was going to be away on my expected delivery date and that anyway, they would have to make special arrangements because at that time, they only did it in two hospitals and mine wasn't one of them. Looks like there are more facilities for it now. It's an idea to consider, those of you who are going to have babies. Store and use (or donate) your own stem cells. No need to create any embryonic or whatever other types.
Celebrate Life...
Comments
dee
of course, the reason why they managed to get the stem cell team is, like you say, cos "we did not get caught up in the 'ethical dilemmas'". sigh... lets just hope that there will be sufficient control to minimise abuse.
dee
I agree that Orchard Road looks good when decorated. However, on an ordinary day, it looks, as you say, Fuzzoo, characterless.
I thought we often complain that people are courteous to foreigners but rude to locals...
As for the stem cells, there are regulations but we are still more 'liberal' than other countries overall. It's a reason why we managed to attract researchers.
On the stem cell issue. I must admit I am quite ignorant about the 'ethical dilemma' until I saw an episode of The Practice. Unfortunately, I fear that many Sporeans are like me.
I don't think there was much publicity given to the ethical dilemmas here but quite a lot more on the scientific 'promises' and economic benefits of developing the biomedical industry.