Thursday, October 4, 2007
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
New Aggregator The Singapore Daily
After the demise of IS, another aggregator blog has appeared - The Singapore Daily. Got "ChioBu" some more. Innovative. Maybe we can finally get an online citizen tabloid heheh. Reading EDMW is getting really tedious.
I'm still stuck in a project, don't think we can meet the deadline. Isn't that how it is always... Will try and write something as soon as I can.
I'm still stuck in a project, don't think we can meet the deadline. Isn't that how it is always... Will try and write something as soon as I can.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
My Thoughts On The National Day Rally Speech 2007
I'll leave the praises to the official mouthpieces. Here are my thoughts on some of the changes announced by the PM, and some things I feel the he should have addressed.
Increasing Cost Of Living
One glaring issue that he did not address was the problem of increased cost of living. I was very surprised that he chose to avoid this topic as it is one of the main reasons why the aging population and the less well off are having problems (so much for million dollar salaries). I believe one often overlooked reason why our cost of living has gone up so much recently is our foreign talent and immigration policy. Like Beijing and many other rapidly growing cities straining under the weight of increased population, the influx of foreigners have a direct impact of on the demand and hence the cost of limited resources. One obvious example is the transportation system. Without land to build wider roads and more flyovers, our roads are struggling to cope with the increasing number of cars, buses and taxis needed to move people around. The effect? Bus fares, taxi charges, train ticket prices, ERP gantry charges all go up, typically to cover the costs of tackling increased demand.
Widening Rich Poor Divide
Although the PM has announced a 4th university to bolster opportunities to climb out of the poverty trap, it is a poor substitute for much needed assistance for the less fortunate/well off. Not everybody is made for academic exellence, and adding more degree holders to the workforce could have the net effect of pulling down salaries for this group of workers.
CPF Changes
Adding an extra 1% will not be enough to tackle the cost of living after retirement. Moreover, the majority of our CPF is locked in our houses and will not earn interest. If you have used your CPF to sevice your housing loan and have subsequently sold the property you will know who has to pay for that CPF interest lost while it was locked in the loan. You. And if you can't afford to pay back the interest lost, the amount is written off so effectively you did not earn ANY interest on your CPF, none.
Retirement Age
Increasing the retirement age is not the magic bullet to tackle an aging population. The people who will probably benefit most from this are mainly company executives, managers, doctors, lawyers, accountants etc. That is, the people who are least likely in need of help during old age. The remaining majority of the aged might likely find themselves working for very little pay doing something they might not be interested in. Life is fast approaching the end and the last thing I want to do is something that I am not interested in.
Compulsory Annuity
I don't like to be forced into buying anything and I am aghast that the PM is forcing Singaporeans to buy a financial product from private businesses. These products are sold by private insurance companies for profit and I don't like being forced to enrich the CEO's and Board of Directors of these companies. Some people might like the idea while others might not. But if you make it compulsory that means the people that don't like the idea don't matter. What happened to education and providing options? If I've made it this far in life I probably deserve the right to choose how I spend my money for my remaining years.
Political and Individual Freedom
We have not progressed much in this area since day one and the PM has continued to not live up to his promises made during his inaugural speech as a PM. Freedom gained from the British and Malaysia have been replaced with subtle oppression in the name of national security and economic progress. A recent example here, and what some observers say about our version of democracy.
All in all, it seems to be business as usual in the City of Possibilities.
Increasing Cost Of Living
One glaring issue that he did not address was the problem of increased cost of living. I was very surprised that he chose to avoid this topic as it is one of the main reasons why the aging population and the less well off are having problems (so much for million dollar salaries). I believe one often overlooked reason why our cost of living has gone up so much recently is our foreign talent and immigration policy. Like Beijing and many other rapidly growing cities straining under the weight of increased population, the influx of foreigners have a direct impact of on the demand and hence the cost of limited resources. One obvious example is the transportation system. Without land to build wider roads and more flyovers, our roads are struggling to cope with the increasing number of cars, buses and taxis needed to move people around. The effect? Bus fares, taxi charges, train ticket prices, ERP gantry charges all go up, typically to cover the costs of tackling increased demand.
Widening Rich Poor Divide
Although the PM has announced a 4th university to bolster opportunities to climb out of the poverty trap, it is a poor substitute for much needed assistance for the less fortunate/well off. Not everybody is made for academic exellence, and adding more degree holders to the workforce could have the net effect of pulling down salaries for this group of workers.
CPF Changes
Adding an extra 1% will not be enough to tackle the cost of living after retirement. Moreover, the majority of our CPF is locked in our houses and will not earn interest. If you have used your CPF to sevice your housing loan and have subsequently sold the property you will know who has to pay for that CPF interest lost while it was locked in the loan. You. And if you can't afford to pay back the interest lost, the amount is written off so effectively you did not earn ANY interest on your CPF, none.
Retirement Age
Increasing the retirement age is not the magic bullet to tackle an aging population. The people who will probably benefit most from this are mainly company executives, managers, doctors, lawyers, accountants etc. That is, the people who are least likely in need of help during old age. The remaining majority of the aged might likely find themselves working for very little pay doing something they might not be interested in. Life is fast approaching the end and the last thing I want to do is something that I am not interested in.
Compulsory Annuity
I don't like to be forced into buying anything and I am aghast that the PM is forcing Singaporeans to buy a financial product from private businesses. These products are sold by private insurance companies for profit and I don't like being forced to enrich the CEO's and Board of Directors of these companies. Some people might like the idea while others might not. But if you make it compulsory that means the people that don't like the idea don't matter. What happened to education and providing options? If I've made it this far in life I probably deserve the right to choose how I spend my money for my remaining years.
Political and Individual Freedom
We have not progressed much in this area since day one and the PM has continued to not live up to his promises made during his inaugural speech as a PM. Freedom gained from the British and Malaysia have been replaced with subtle oppression in the name of national security and economic progress. A recent example here, and what some observers say about our version of democracy.
All in all, it seems to be business as usual in the City of Possibilities.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Rock Still Rulez
I think this is a good article about being middle aged. I had a good laugh, I especially like this bit about music:
Hurhur...
And if you listen very hard
The tune will come to you at last.
When all is one and one is all
To be a rock and not to roll.
Young people get genuinely offended when reminded of the cruel fact that, musically, they well and truly missed the party. It must be hard to have your era defined by Duran Duran or Oasis or the Arctic Monkeys. One ought to avoid being too smug about this. Feign an interest. Don’t, whatever you do, make the mistake of introducing them to your playlist. They will discover it for themselves. The only interesting musical development of the past 25 years is hip-hop. Engage with it, it has moments of brilliance. But don’t play it in the car with the windows wound down.
Hurhur...
And if you listen very hard
The tune will come to you at last.
When all is one and one is all
To be a rock and not to roll.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Hunting Kids To Save A Few?
Amidst the uproar from the fledgling anime community in response to ODEX's attempt to extort money from kids downloading fansubs aka RIAA a couple years back, I can't help but feel that Big Brother is being used to crush the very children its suppose to protect.
This probably sums up the feelings of everybody whose been following the saga.
Why did a judge see fit to force ISP's to release the names of customers on the basis of ODEX's accusations? Who is benefiting and who is being hurt? Instead of sending Cease and Desist letters to these kids, ODEX has gone straight for the bank by demanding money from children.
Aren't laws enacted to protect the weak? Why are we hunting down our children to keep a company, who is obviously struggling to keep up with the times, afloat?
Big Brother watches, but to hunt children just for the sake of a few? Aren't we going a little too far this time?
This probably sums up the feelings of everybody whose been following the saga.
Why did a judge see fit to force ISP's to release the names of customers on the basis of ODEX's accusations? Who is benefiting and who is being hurt? Instead of sending Cease and Desist letters to these kids, ODEX has gone straight for the bank by demanding money from children.
Aren't laws enacted to protect the weak? Why are we hunting down our children to keep a company, who is obviously struggling to keep up with the times, afloat?
Big Brother watches, but to hunt children just for the sake of a few? Aren't we going a little too far this time?
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Singapore 42nd National Day Parade
While we are told to marvel at the grandeur and extravaganza of the coming show put up to mark our separation and reluctant independence, I wonder how much of precious money and resources were consumed to build from scratch a floating platform and spectator stands at the Marina Bay. Aaron says that such rituals are probably necessary in our context and he is probably right. If you look at other more advance countries you will notice that National Day is usually observed privately . Singapore counts itself amongst countries like North Korea and China that celebrates National Day in opulent spectacle bordering on farcical excess. The colourful costumes, precision exercises and dance, military show, all serve to engineer and postulate the perception life, identity, cohesion and strength into an otherwise fragile nation state.
The day when we see no need for such parades is the day we should truly celebrate.
The master when it comes to parades, North Korea
The day when we see no need for such parades is the day we should truly celebrate.
The master when it comes to parades, North Korea
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Young PAP Nicholas Lazarus Rails On Gays
Like I said to Aaron, views like these should never be buried! 35 year old (no, really!) Nicholas Lazarus, a young People's Action Party member, has some pretty strong views on gays. Just in case the charming post is removed, let's put it up for posterity. C'mon Nicky boy, be proud of what you are! Years from now, you'll thank us cos your kids can read about what daddy is really like!
On 28th July, Nicholas Lazarus wrote on the YPAP blog:
http://youngpapblog.blogspot.com/2007/07/alternative-vision-for-singapore-and-i.html
Saturday, 28 July 2007
The Alternative Vision for Singapore (and I mean Alternative!)
Posted by Nicholas Lazarus at 12:06 PM
More goodies from Nicky boy on 29th July as he spewed more froth when flamed for his piece:
http://youngpapblog.blogspot.com/2007/07/alternative-vision-for-singapore-and-i.html#comment-5099478162576716430
Nicholas Lazarus said...
Leaving aside my religious views on this matter, I am against any change of law/policy on homosexuals because:
1. They threaten the social fabric of the nation. Their ways represent an alternative for which we should not accept as being mainstream.
2. They cannot procreate and thus cannot produce offspring for our nation.
3. They cannot serve as soldiers because instead of serving alongside our men in green, they are more keen to sodomise them.
I do not accept the notion that homosexuals are "creative" and thus we need homosexuals to make our nation more "creative". There is no evidence to suggest that homosexuals are any more or less creative than heterosexuals.
If an analysis is done, they seem to bring more problems than benefits.
29 July 2007 17:17
I can't wait to hear his religious views!
On 28th July, Nicholas Lazarus wrote on the YPAP blog:
http://youngpapblog.blogspot.com/2007/07/alternative-vision-for-singapore-and-i.html
Saturday, 28 July 2007
The Alternative Vision for Singapore (and I mean Alternative!)
Posted by Nicholas Lazarus at 12:06 PM
With all this talk about legalizing homosexual acts, I was just pondering what would happen if such acts were indeed legalized.
Imagine men walking hand in hand with other men down Orchard Road, kissing, fondling and making out.
For that matter, imagine all that taking place on the MRT.
Instead of teachers dealing with boy-girl relationships, teachers would have to deal with boy-boy relationships.
Then, you might have the homosexuals all over Asia descending upon Singapore to flaunt what they cannot in their own countries.
Something to think about for the future of Singapore.
More goodies from Nicky boy on 29th July as he spewed more froth when flamed for his piece:
http://youngpapblog.blogspot.com/2007/07/alternative-vision-for-singapore-and-i.html#comment-5099478162576716430
Nicholas Lazarus said...
Leaving aside my religious views on this matter, I am against any change of law/policy on homosexuals because:
1. They threaten the social fabric of the nation. Their ways represent an alternative for which we should not accept as being mainstream.
2. They cannot procreate and thus cannot produce offspring for our nation.
3. They cannot serve as soldiers because instead of serving alongside our men in green, they are more keen to sodomise them.
I do not accept the notion that homosexuals are "creative" and thus we need homosexuals to make our nation more "creative". There is no evidence to suggest that homosexuals are any more or less creative than heterosexuals.
If an analysis is done, they seem to bring more problems than benefits.
29 July 2007 17:17
I can't wait to hear his religious views!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
More Starhub Woes
Further signs of Starhub struggling to manage its overspending on acquiring the rights to broadast the English Primier League. ESPN Starsports (ESS), the sports channel that has been broadcasting premier league matches on Starhub's cable network, has failed to reach an agreement on fees this season. ESS obviously decided that it will not overpay for Starhub's mistake.
Analysts had earier predicted that bids for the rights to broadcast the EPL from ESS, Singtel and Starhub would top S$150m. However, Starhub shocked everyone when it won the competition with a whopping S$246m bid. Starhub has apparently been struggling since to try and recoup from its miscalculation. Much to the ire of its subscribers, it raised cable charges by $4 across the board, then hammered its sports channel customers by almost doubling rates from $15 to $25 a month. Starhub probably tried to do the same to the fees it charges ESS. Like many unhappy customers who reportedly cancelled their sports subscription subsequently, ESS chose not to bow to Starhub's demands. So now Starhub will either have to spend more money to broadcast the games on its own, or find someone else willing to cough up the money to buy the games off its shoulders. There are unconfirmed news of a Dubai group considering a deal.
In addition to the EPL fiasco, Starhub has also failed in its attempts to launch the I-mode network here and is still struggling to penetrate landed property households. Will we see Starhub CEO stepping down soon? Looking at things, a golden handshake for its CEO might be the best thing for Starhub going forward.
Analysts had earier predicted that bids for the rights to broadcast the EPL from ESS, Singtel and Starhub would top S$150m. However, Starhub shocked everyone when it won the competition with a whopping S$246m bid. Starhub has apparently been struggling since to try and recoup from its miscalculation. Much to the ire of its subscribers, it raised cable charges by $4 across the board, then hammered its sports channel customers by almost doubling rates from $15 to $25 a month. Starhub probably tried to do the same to the fees it charges ESS. Like many unhappy customers who reportedly cancelled their sports subscription subsequently, ESS chose not to bow to Starhub's demands. So now Starhub will either have to spend more money to broadcast the games on its own, or find someone else willing to cough up the money to buy the games off its shoulders. There are unconfirmed news of a Dubai group considering a deal.
In addition to the EPL fiasco, Starhub has also failed in its attempts to launch the I-mode network here and is still struggling to penetrate landed property households. Will we see Starhub CEO stepping down soon? Looking at things, a golden handshake for its CEO might be the best thing for Starhub going forward.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Game Over For Checkers
What would happen if two of the best checkers players in the world met and both played the perfect game of their lifes? A draw, according to scientists. After 13 years and 500,995,484,682,338,672,639 moves later, 50 computers have come to the conclusion that a perfect game of checkers cannot be won or lost but will inevitably end in a draw. Scientists say that this is proof that the best player can't count on executing a cunning move to win, but can only hope not to make a mistake to lose a game.Wednesday, July 4, 2007
How The Internet Has Changed Me
Then: I read Sports, Home News, World News, Life Section, Finance Section (in order)
Now: I read Sports, World News
Then: I watch CNA before I sleep in bed
Now: I watch Taiwanese variety on Channel U before I sleep in bed
Then: I know Ministers by their full name
Now: I refer to Ministers by their acronyms
Then: MIW is what you use when you go overseas
Now: MIW is a swear word
Then: I like porn
Now: I'm tired of porn
What about you?
Now: I read Sports, World News
Then: I watch CNA before I sleep in bed
Now: I watch Taiwanese variety on Channel U before I sleep in bed
Then: I know Ministers by their full name
Now: I refer to Ministers by their acronyms
Then: MIW is what you use when you go overseas
Now: MIW is a swear word
Then: I like porn
Now: I'm tired of porn
What about you?
Monday, July 2, 2007
Marrying Venus
Aaron Ng tries to tackle a question from a friend - when does one know if its time to marry someone. Is there such a thing as being too early, or too late?The best answer is - there's no good or bad time to get married (if you ignore the fact about one's biological clock). You will KNOW in your heart if you've met someone you want to spend the rest of your life with. Marriage is not logical. Trying to rationalise it is like trying to understand women. (Insert exemption clauses... Note to self: check personal accident insurance.)
If you have doubts about marrying someone, then he/she is obviously not the ONE. Yup, I believe in the ONE theory. Its the only logical explanation for someone making such an irrational decision, marrying someone.
I'd better stop here or else I'll be sleeping in the living room tonight!
So my answer - if you have to think, don't do it!
Friday, June 22, 2007
退后 Step Back
I think 周杰倫 Chou Jie Lun aka Jay Chou is one of the few Chinese singers that has actively and successfully incorporated Chinese musical elements into contemporary popular Chinese songs. From the Er Hu to traditional normadic and even religious melodies, he has frequently managed to weave complex tapestries of music, one that I feel is especially relevant to the modern Chinese pop culture. And when it comes to love songs, nothing beats one that is written in Mandarin (ok, I might be a little biased =). One of my favourites from 周董 is 退后 Step Back. I've tried to translate the lyrics in a way that best retains the "Mandarin-ness".
退后
曲：周杰倫
詞：宋健彰
Step Back
Music: Jay Chou
Lyrics: Devon Song
天空灰得像哭过
离开你以后並沒有更自由
酸酸的空氣,嗅出我们的距离
一幕锥心的结局,像呼吸般无法停息
The sky, so gray, like it just cried
Leaving you did not bring more freedom
The soured air, smells of our distance
The heart wrenching end, like breathing, unstopping
抽屉泛黄的日记
榨乾了回憶
那笑容是夏季
你我的过去被順時針的忘记
缺氧过后的爱情
粗心的眼泪是多余
In the drawer, a yellowed diary
Pressed dried, our memories
That smile, like summer
Our past, with passing time, forgotten
A love that lacked oxygen
Careless tears are unnecessary
我知道你我都没有错
只是忘了怎么退后
信誓旦旦给了承诺
却被时间扑了空
I know you and I were not at fault
It's just we forgot how to step back
Promises given, begetting sincerity
But time plowed their emptiness
我知道我们都没有错
只是放手会比较好过
最美的爱情回忆里待續
I know you and I were not at fault
It's just that letting go would be better
The most beautiful love can only continue in memories
退后
曲：周杰倫
詞：宋健彰
Step Back
Music: Jay Chou
Lyrics: Devon Song
天空灰得像哭过
离开你以后並沒有更自由
酸酸的空氣,嗅出我们的距离
一幕锥心的结局,像呼吸般无法停息
The sky, so gray, like it just cried
Leaving you did not bring more freedom
The soured air, smells of our distance
The heart wrenching end, like breathing, unstopping
抽屉泛黄的日记
榨乾了回憶
那笑容是夏季
你我的过去被順時針的忘记
缺氧过后的爱情
粗心的眼泪是多余
In the drawer, a yellowed diary
Pressed dried, our memories
That smile, like summer
Our past, with passing time, forgotten
A love that lacked oxygen
Careless tears are unnecessary
我知道你我都没有错
只是忘了怎么退后
信誓旦旦给了承诺
却被时间扑了空
I know you and I were not at fault
It's just we forgot how to step back
Promises given, begetting sincerity
But time plowed their emptiness
我知道我们都没有错
只是放手会比较好过
最美的爱情回忆里待續
I know you and I were not at fault
It's just that letting go would be better
The most beautiful love can only continue in memories
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Spidey's Web Unravelled
Although Peter Parker might have been the first to create an "advanced adhesive compound" that allowed him to swing from building to building, researchers in UCR have found a way to synthetically produce dragline silk, the web spun by black widow spiders, which is incredibly strong and extensible. Not only will it allow someone to hang upside down from a ceiling, its properties can be used to make lightweight super strong body armour, micro sutures and even a new line of high-tech Nike Spidey sportswear.
Coincidently, the research was funded by the US Army (think dragline stormtrooper exoskeleton), which goes to show again that the best inventions usually come from the worst of intentions.
Coincidently, the research was funded by the US Army (think dragline stormtrooper exoskeleton), which goes to show again that the best inventions usually come from the worst of intentions.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Nicola Tesla
Although the transfer of electricity through the air has been mooted for over a hundred years, a team from MIT has successfully demonstrated the theory by lighting up a 60W bulb 2 metres away without the use of wires. This is pretty exciting stuff. Don't just think about charging mobile devices wirelessly. Imagine what this means when we improve the efficiency of harvesting solar energy and are able to receive electricity from orbiting solar panels in space. (cue Samsung jingle...)Remember the scientist Nicola Tesla who sold Hugh Jackman the huge electrical device in the movie The Prestige? Nicola Tesla was a physicist in the 19th century (no, he was not a rock singer =D), and he was the first person to propose the "transmission of electrical energy without wires". The movement of energy through space/matter that may or may not be conductors of electricity was subsequently named the Tesla effect in honor of Nicola Tesla. However, he died without realising his dream when a failed attempt to transfer energy wirelessly at the Wardenclyffe Tower in New York bankrupted him.
Tesla (middle) with Einstein (left)So here's to Nicola Tesla, mocked by his peers at his time, reduced to an mad scientist in a movie. You were right. And your legacy might still change the lifes of every person on this planet.
BBC: Wireless energy promise powers up
Anywho, I do like the song by Tesla. The guitar solo just rocks, hell yeah! =)
"Love Song" by Tesla
So you think that it's over Say your love has finally reached the end
Anytime you call Night or day I'll be right there for you
If you need a friend
Yeah Love is all around you
Love is knocking outside the
door
Waitin' for you Is this love made just for two
Keep an open heart and you'll find love again
I know you'll find love again
It's gonna take a little time
Time is sure to mend your broken heart
Don't you even worry Pretty darlin'
I know you'll find love again
Love will find a way
Darlin' Love is gonna find a way
Find it's way back to you
Love will find a way
So look around
Open your eyes
Love is gonna find a way
Love is gonna
Love is gonna find a way
Love will find a way
Love's gonna find a way
Back to you Yeah
I know
I know
I know
I know
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Average Singaporeans Getting The Shortest Straw?
If this is true, I really wonder what our Ministers and policy makers are smoking to believe that they are making the average Singaporeans' life better...
Future not so rosy for working-class S'poreans
Jun 04, 2007
The Straits Times
MANY Singaporeans must be celebrating at the moment, with the buoyant economy, high employment, higher salaries and, for private home owners, skyrocketing property prices and 'en bloc' frenzy.
However, is the current state of the economy and future as rosy as it appears for most working-class Singaporeans?
According to data published in a report on the wealthiest cities in the world by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) on March 11, Singapore ranks 36th out of 70 cities based on gross domestic product (GDP) in 2005.
A look at the rankings will reveal that, apart from Singapore, all the cities in the bottom half are in Second and Third World countries.
Singapore's GDP of US$129 million (S$197 million) pales beside other Asian cities such as Tokyo (US$1.19 billion), Hong Kong (US$244 million), Seoul (US$218 million) and Shanghai (US$139 million). In fact, we are only slightly ahead of Mumbai (US$123 million).
These?rankings are arrived at by using purchasing-power- parity exchange rates.
However, unlike Singapore, our Asian counterparts in Hong Kong seem to have more to look forward to. The projections for city wealth in the year 2020 show that Hong Kong is likely to rise to 14th position, while Singapore is likely to decline to 40th.
The study (taking into consideration deduction of taxes and social-security contributions) reveals that net salaries in Asian cities such as Tokyo, Dubai, Seoul?and Taipei will surpass Singapore.
However, these sobering statistics apply only to the average Singaporean citizen. The top bracket of earners in professions such as medicine, law, banking and, of course, within the ranks of the Government, will earn as much, if not more, than some of their counterparts worldwide.
What do these figures tell Singaporeans? We can conclude that even though we pay a relatively low rate of?personal income tax, the net amount of wages we take home leaves us in the bottom half of the 70 cities in the PWC report.
Edmund Khoo Kim Hock
Future not so rosy for working-class S'poreans
Jun 04, 2007
The Straits Times
MANY Singaporeans must be celebrating at the moment, with the buoyant economy, high employment, higher salaries and, for private home owners, skyrocketing property prices and 'en bloc' frenzy.
However, is the current state of the economy and future as rosy as it appears for most working-class Singaporeans?
According to data published in a report on the wealthiest cities in the world by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) on March 11, Singapore ranks 36th out of 70 cities based on gross domestic product (GDP) in 2005.
A look at the rankings will reveal that, apart from Singapore, all the cities in the bottom half are in Second and Third World countries.
Singapore's GDP of US$129 million (S$197 million) pales beside other Asian cities such as Tokyo (US$1.19 billion), Hong Kong (US$244 million), Seoul (US$218 million) and Shanghai (US$139 million). In fact, we are only slightly ahead of Mumbai (US$123 million).
These?rankings are arrived at by using purchasing-power- parity exchange rates.
However, unlike Singapore, our Asian counterparts in Hong Kong seem to have more to look forward to. The projections for city wealth in the year 2020 show that Hong Kong is likely to rise to 14th position, while Singapore is likely to decline to 40th.
The study (taking into consideration deduction of taxes and social-security contributions) reveals that net salaries in Asian cities such as Tokyo, Dubai, Seoul?and Taipei will surpass Singapore.
However, these sobering statistics apply only to the average Singaporean citizen. The top bracket of earners in professions such as medicine, law, banking and, of course, within the ranks of the Government, will earn as much, if not more, than some of their counterparts worldwide.
What do these figures tell Singaporeans? We can conclude that even though we pay a relatively low rate of?personal income tax, the net amount of wages we take home leaves us in the bottom half of the 70 cities in the PWC report.
Edmund Khoo Kim Hock
Monday, June 4, 2007
Cooking Up a Storm
Seems like the guys at the Online Citizen are inviting people to join them as they try to serve up a main course by opening a can of worms from the Auditor General's office. Let's hope they do find something other than the "forgone rental" that they have highlighted.
Good luck guys, and watch out when the lightning strikes.
Good luck guys, and watch out when the lightning strikes.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Can't Buy Me Love
Really, isn't UNSW decision to close another case of "throwing money at a problem only to have it bite you in the ass"?
People don't agree with tax policy - throw money at them
Economic unsustainable in the LT - throw money into the system by building a casino
Population declining - throw money at couples
Population still declining - throw money at foreigners
People might not vote for you - throw money at people
Hmmm... do I see a pattern?
On another note, did anyone's hair on their backs stand like mine when they read this?
SAF given new powers to deal with changed security landscape
So now the army can arrest people during peace time just because the Defense Minister says so? Hmmm, what's this steep slope doing here next to me....
People don't agree with tax policy - throw money at them
Economic unsustainable in the LT - throw money into the system by building a casino
Population declining - throw money at couples
Population still declining - throw money at foreigners
People might not vote for you - throw money at people
Hmmm... do I see a pattern?
On another note, did anyone's hair on their backs stand like mine when they read this?
SAF given new powers to deal with changed security landscape
So now the army can arrest people during peace time just because the Defense Minister says so? Hmmm, what's this steep slope doing here next to me....
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Bacardi Absolut Carlsberg
So a couple of local celebrities' brush with the law for drink driving have stirred up media interest on the supposed prevalence of drink driving in Singapore. I think many drivers insist on driving even after they have downed a couple of beers, is that they feel they are still sober and are able to handle a car. However, breathalyzer tests measure Blood Alcohol Content, it does not measure a person's level of intoxication. This varies from person to person depending on one's alcohol tolerance. So even if you feel perfectly fine after 3 glasses of red wine after dinner, you can still fail a breathalyzer test. (makes you wonder how anyone can drive in France or Germany because all they drink is wine and beer!)
Like all tests that rely on a proxies (ie. your breath), externalities affecting the proxy can have significant effects on the measurement of the target metric (your BAC). One of the most common sources of error in breathalyzer measurement is testing too early. When the body is absorbing alcohol, the distribution of alcohol in the body is not uniform. It can take 45 minutes to more than 2 hours after drinking for the distribution to be uniform. During this time, some parts of the body will have higher blood alcohol content then others. During peak absorption, arterial BAC, which is what breathalyzers measure, can be as much as 60% higher than venous BAC. So taking a breathalyzer test before alcohol absorption is complete will tend to overstate your BAC. Whereas blood tests, usually done by drawing venous blood, will measure a lower BAC during peak absorption.
Another common source of error is mouth alcohol. Because breathalyzers assume that the breath sample is alveolar air (from the lungs), it will not compensate for breath mixed with alcohol from the mouth, throat or stomach. A tiny amount of alcohol from these areas can have a significant impact on breathalyzer readings. It may take 15-30 minutes for alcohol in the mouth to dissipate through the normal rinsing effects of saliva. Even then, it might not fully wash away alcohol trapped in dentures or gums (caused by periodental diseases). This is probably where a cup of Chinese tea might help wash mouth alcohol away. (Unfortunately, it does not lower one's BAC)
Even belching or burping will get you in trouble. Eructation causes liquids and gas from the stomach (including alcohol) to rise up into the soft tissue of the esophagus and oral cavity, where it will stay until it is dissipated. So if you happen to burp just before blowing into the breathalyzer, better rinse your mouth thoroughly and drink some Chinese tea!
Finally, you may also be incorrectly penalised by breathalyzers if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as Acid Reflux. This is when the stomach valve becomes herniated, allowing alcohol to rise and permeat the esophagus and mouth, where it is then exhaled into the breathalyzer.
So, if you drink, don't drive. If you are sober and really have to drive, protect yourselves from our ever zealous authorities, take the necessary precautions to ensure breathalyzers do not overstate your BAC.
Like all tests that rely on a proxies (ie. your breath), externalities affecting the proxy can have significant effects on the measurement of the target metric (your BAC). One of the most common sources of error in breathalyzer measurement is testing too early. When the body is absorbing alcohol, the distribution of alcohol in the body is not uniform. It can take 45 minutes to more than 2 hours after drinking for the distribution to be uniform. During this time, some parts of the body will have higher blood alcohol content then others. During peak absorption, arterial BAC, which is what breathalyzers measure, can be as much as 60% higher than venous BAC. So taking a breathalyzer test before alcohol absorption is complete will tend to overstate your BAC. Whereas blood tests, usually done by drawing venous blood, will measure a lower BAC during peak absorption.
Another common source of error is mouth alcohol. Because breathalyzers assume that the breath sample is alveolar air (from the lungs), it will not compensate for breath mixed with alcohol from the mouth, throat or stomach. A tiny amount of alcohol from these areas can have a significant impact on breathalyzer readings. It may take 15-30 minutes for alcohol in the mouth to dissipate through the normal rinsing effects of saliva. Even then, it might not fully wash away alcohol trapped in dentures or gums (caused by periodental diseases). This is probably where a cup of Chinese tea might help wash mouth alcohol away. (Unfortunately, it does not lower one's BAC)
Even belching or burping will get you in trouble. Eructation causes liquids and gas from the stomach (including alcohol) to rise up into the soft tissue of the esophagus and oral cavity, where it will stay until it is dissipated. So if you happen to burp just before blowing into the breathalyzer, better rinse your mouth thoroughly and drink some Chinese tea!
Finally, you may also be incorrectly penalised by breathalyzers if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as Acid Reflux. This is when the stomach valve becomes herniated, allowing alcohol to rise and permeat the esophagus and mouth, where it is then exhaled into the breathalyzer.
So, if you drink, don't drive. If you are sober and really have to drive, protect yourselves from our ever zealous authorities, take the necessary precautions to ensure breathalyzers do not overstate your BAC.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Attack of the Peasants
Reading Wayne's article on peasant resistance, I immediately thought of Vivocity. I was there recently and I noticed the lifts and toilets there were in very bad shape. Unusual for a place that has just opened a few months. Are these the signs of independent/private subversion? When Vivocity opened there was a deluge of complaints in Sammyboy about the place, mainly due to the fact that Vivocity is owned by the government's property arm Mapletree Investments. Even our tightly controlled press got onto the bandwagon (subconscious twitch of press conscience?) by reporting on confusing signs, dirty wadding pool water, low shopper traffic on weekdays etc. More CCTVs to come?
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Singapore Relents To Sign Extradition Treaty
This article was first published in Singapore Angle.
Singapore has finally relented and agreed to an Extradition Treaty with Indonesia Singapore Singapore
Addendum:
A few readers in Singapore Angle saw my article as implicit support for harboring "dirty money". My reply:
I personally do not support harboring convicted white collar criminals. My intent was to discuss why, in my mind, PAP took so long to sign the treaty. Our relationship with Indonesia was never very good since Suharto's fall and the subsequent riots. One Indon president actually taunted us with the "little red dot in a sea of green" remark. It was only until the sand ban and its potential impact on PAP's plans for growth that it was forced to act. In addition to trying to gain something in return by throwing other issues onto the table (PAP is fond of what it calls a "win-win" agreement), I believe PAP had to also ensure due diligence by being certain IF and HOW MUCH dirty money is stashed in Singapore (not an easy task) and IF SO, would the key institutions involved be able to withstand any repercussions. I believe all these led to the delays.
In terms of risking the plans in being a financial hub in not addressing the accusations of harboring questionable money, we only need to look at Switzerland.
So how much money would create such angst in the Yudhoyono government and cause the PAP government to risk bilateral ties? A look at the top 7 most wanted Indonesian white collar criminals that are currently on the run might provide some indication:
- Eddy Tanzil: Sentenced to 20 yrs. Embezzled $620 million from state-owned Bank Bapindo. Escaped and is now believed to be living in
- Bambang Sutrisno: Former VP of defunct Bank Surya. Sentenced to life for embezzling Rp1.5 trillion. Now apparently living in Singapore.
- Andrian Kiki Ariawan: Former president director of defunct Bank Surya. Sentenced to life for embezzling Rp1.5 trillion. Now apparently living in Singapore .
- Samadikun Hartono: Former president director of defunct Bank Modern. Sentenced to 4 yrs for embezzling Rp169 billion. Whereabouts unknown.
- Sudjiono Timan: Former president director of state-owned investment company PT Bahana Pembinaan Usaha
- Maria Pauline Lumowa: Boss of PT Gramarindo Mega
- Irawan Salim: Former president director of Bank Global, suspected of embezzling Rp830 billion. Rumored to have fled to Singapore,
Source: Paras
For a country that has been ravaged by corruption for so long, who knows how much of Indonesian money that has flowed into
- Foreigners' share of total caveats lodged for private properties in
- A third of
Not only are trillions of rupiah involved (1trillion Rp is about S$170m), Indon President Yudhoyono’s political survival depends heavily on his ability to tackle corruption in
Moral and ethical assertions aside, when would it be not in
Addendum:
A few readers in Singapore Angle saw my article as implicit support for harboring "dirty money". My reply:
I personally do not support harboring convicted white collar criminals. My intent was to discuss why, in my mind, PAP took so long to sign the treaty. Our relationship with Indonesia was never very good since Suharto's fall and the subsequent riots. One Indon president actually taunted us with the "little red dot in a sea of green" remark. It was only until the sand ban and its potential impact on PAP's plans for growth that it was forced to act. In addition to trying to gain something in return by throwing other issues onto the table (PAP is fond of what it calls a "win-win" agreement), I believe PAP had to also ensure due diligence by being certain IF and HOW MUCH dirty money is stashed in Singapore (not an easy task) and IF SO, would the key institutions involved be able to withstand any repercussions. I believe all these led to the delays.
In terms of risking the plans in being a financial hub in not addressing the accusations of harboring questionable money, we only need to look at Switzerland.
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