Show your pride!

The national flag I hung is of a thinner material and slightly bigger than the old one. The government has allowed Singaporeans to fly the flag for 2 months (Jul - Sept) instead of the usual 1 month. And to fit in with their proposed "hipper image", the govt has also allowed flags to be flown from cars, worn on bodies and painted on walls at home. That explains the unprecedented sightings of cars with a cute national flag jutting out from the roof.

Here are some droll comments from IS Magazine's "42 Reasons Why We Love Singapore":

• The fact that our island is small. That way, we can go to 10 parties in one night.

• The perennial state of good news. With the local media reporting only the good stuff, it's as if nothing bad ever happens. And after a while, you find yourself believing in it.

• Our ambition. We always aspire to outdo ourselves - every time.

• How there's air-conditioning everywhere. If there wasn't, no one would bother working or moving.

• Our currency. The fact that when we cross the bridge to the other side, we're twice as rich.

• Our long-suffering patience. We queue for hours if we think it's worth our time.

• The education system. It may seem unforgiving - but it's so competitive that by the time the kids here complete tertiary education, they can face anything - nightmarish jobs, hellish bosses, crazy deadlines and everything else.
  

• Our penchant for acronyms. It's funny to keep foreigners guessing what MRT, PAP, AWOL, MC, BS, NS and MPH means.

• Flip flops and shorts. Hey they're the national dress. Who needs high fashion?

• Our resourcefulness. Just look at how we "chope" seats in crowded hawker centres by using packs of tissue paper.

• Our Minister Mentor LKY. You'll never know what he's going to say next.