Thursday 30 August 2012

Poop ride



This eco-friendly poop-powered motorcycle can travel as far as 300km on a tank filled with animal waste.

According to a report in The Straits Times, this Japanese vehicle is billed as the world's first waste-powered vehicle, the three-wheeler has a toilet in place of regular seat and a huge paper roll at the back.

Mr Kenji Fujita, a company spokesperson, told reporters that the bio-gas it uses as fuel is not made from human waste but from live-stock waste and sewage.

With this vehicle, they also hope to raise awareness among customers about their green campaign through the development of environmentally friendly products such as water-saving shower-heads and water-saving toilets.


PS:
Do you want a poop ride?
Maybe they will come with one that use human waste and sewage soon.
By than, everyone will be using poop ride...hehe.

Trishaw peddler's selfless donation to poor students



STOMPer Ash feels that we can all learn from this humble man, Bai Fang Li, a selfless trishaw peddler who donated his earnings to help poor students continue with their studies.

Ash, who sent in the photos, said:

"A lesson to be learnt."

Bai Fang Li was a trishaw peddler who donated a total of 350,000 yuan (S$70,000) to support needy children who were too poor to go to school.

For almost 20 years, to save up for his donations, Bai Fang Li worked hard operating his trishaw every day.

His devotion started in 1987 when he was 74 years old. In 2005, he passed away at the age of 93.


PS:
How many of us can be like him?
Donating life savings to help others.
But one should help within one's means.
Or else one will end up needing help.

Wednesday 29 August 2012

Taxi flips onto side outside SIM




STOMPer Nic shot a video of this taxi being righted outside SIM after it had flipped onto its side.

The STOMPer wrote:

"I recorded a video of the LTA tow truck 'rescuing' a flipped taxi.

"The incident took place outside SIM on Friday Aug 24."


PS:
I wonder how did this cabby got into this state?
Road users must really be more careful on the road.
No point getting into stupid situation and get STOMPed.


Money Premier League?


Recently had an English family of 3 as passengers.
They are regular tourists to Singapore.
We started chatting about soccer.
The father is a die hard fan of Bristol Rovers.
A team in English League 2.
The son is a fan of Liverpool.
But he is currently a trainee at Arsenal's kids team.

So I asked him why he supported a League 2 team.
He said that he supported the team since childhood.
He also said that nowadays, the Premier League is not like last time.
Now it should be call Money Premier League.
Cos now majority of the players play for the highest bidders.
Now, not many players play for the love of the club.
And also the tickets had become very expensive.

Actually, I agreed with him.
I no longer want to watch it.
The league had become too money faced.
And I think its rare for players will play for 1 club from start to end of his career.
Its really sad...

Tuesday 28 August 2012

Four-vehicle pile-up causes traffic jam on SLE



A pile-up involving four vehicles caused a traffic jam along the Seletar Expressway (SLE) at about 6.55am today (Aug 28).

STOMPer Sean, who took a photo of the accident, said:

"I was heading out of the BKE, and onto the SLE heading towards the CTE (Central Expressway), when I saw this accident at around 6.55am this morning (Aug 28).

"There was a traffic jam when I went on the SLE,

"There were a total of four vehicles involved in accident -- a lorry, a taxi and two buses.

"Luckily, no one was hurt."


PS:
Luckily no one hurt.
But road users should really be more careful on the road.
Better be safe than be sorry.

Cabby bashed in broad daylight



A taxi driver who managed to avoid colliding with a motorcycle ended up being bashed up, 
allegedly by the biker and his pillion rider.
The incident took place on Sunday afternoon, 
near the junction of Guillemard Road and Lorong 20 Geylang.
A witness said the motorcyclist and the pillion rider had used their helmets to hit the taxi driver.
A male motorcyclist and a female pillion rider were arrested, said the police.
Read the full report in The New Paper on Tuesday (Aug 28).


PS:
No matter how angry, never do harm to others.
It only made you looked bad.
Why are people so short temper nowadays?

Monday 27 August 2012

'S'pore's youngest grandma' lavishes $500k on younger man, but he leaves her



A businesswoman, 38, known as 'the youngest grandmother', lavished $500,000 on a man five years her junior during their two-year relationship only to have him leave her after she fell pregnant.

STOMPer Christy wrote in regarding the news report:

"Singapore's 'grandmother' was cheated by a young boyfriend.

"You may have seen this report in the newspapers, and be wary of getting a younger boyfriend.

"The gentleman is doing signage for an advertising display company.

"Warning: Please don't ever ever judge a very nice book by its cover."

According to the news report in the Chinese papers, the businesswoman was in a relationship with a man five years her junior and in the course of their two-year relationship, she lavished $500,000 in luxury goods, a car and holidays on him.

The woman is known as the 'youngest grandmother' as she got married at 16 years old, had a daughter at 17, and her daughter followed in her footsteps and gave birth at 18 years old.

The divorcee then got to know this man two years ago and they started living together. Before they had been together for a year, they discussed marriage. However, when she got pregnant, their relationship soured.

She also said he beat her and that he was suspicious and would tail her or call her to check on her whereabouts from time to time. The man, 33, however said that whenever they fought, it was her who started the physical abuse and each time he would be left with either scratches, bites or be kicked.

Previously, the police were also called in by the man when the couple had a dispute and fought in their car on Aug 19.


PS:
Well, a business woman yet so native?
She only have herself to blame.
She should know that money can't buy love.

Guys drink alcohol in public -- and one of them even pees at taxi stand



STOMPer Ameer was annoyed to see these guys consuming alcohol openly in public outside Liang Court at about 9am yesterday (Aug 26). He said one of the guys even urinated at the nearby taxi stand.

Said the STOMPer:

"While I at Liang Court at about 9am yesterday, there were five guys drinking alcohol outside the building in public.

"I then noticed one of the guys urinating at the nearby taxi stand, leaving a stain on the ground.

"I informed the building security to have a look, but the security officer was unable to take action because the act was committed in public and not in the building."


PS:
No cabbies involved.
But taxi stand got involved lah.
Poor taxi stand.

Sunday 26 August 2012

Massive 20-min jam at Joo Chiat, all because of driver who parked in yellow box



STOMPer Teo was on a bus headed towards Parkway Parade. However, when the buses had to make a turn at Koon Seng Road, a car parked illegally blocked the bus for 20 minutes that in turn caused a massive jam.

Said Teo:

"Inconsiderate car-parking causes massive jam.

"At around 7.40 pm on August 24, I was taking the bus service 33, wanting to go to Parkway Parade from Dakota MRT station.

"However, after Koon Seng Road the bus needed to turn.

"Yet there was a red car parked in what was clearly marked as a yellow box (no parking zone), and blocked the bus from turning.

"Because of this, the bus driver sounded his horn many times but the driver did not show up.

"This caused a massive jam along both sides of the road.

"After around 20 minutes, an LTA officer finally came, and the problem was resolved."

STOMPer Owo added:

"Regarding the 20 minute jam at Joo Chiat Road.

"I was there too. The driver didn't want to reverse because apparently it is against the rules for bus drivers and he 'didn't want to lose his job'.

"When the LTA officer came, he told the driver that it was okay to reverse and attempt the turn again.

"So the driver did so."


PS:
As far as I know bus 33 don't go Parkway Parade.
But this is not part of this news.
They should call TP down.
Let this car driver know what he did wrong.

Taxi takes hit on rear bumper in Raffles Ave accident



A taxi suffered damage to its rear bumper after it was involved in an accident with a white car along Raffles Avenue yesterday, reports a STOMPer.

The STOMPer wrote:

"Spotted along Raffles Avenue at around 8.30pm on Aug 25.

"Thankfully, it seems like no one was injured."


PS:
From the looks of it, the behind car is wrong.
But what's the full story?
Only they know.
Lucky no one injury is the good news.

Singapore Members of Parliament should be full-time?


Singapore Members of Parliament should be full-time?
My answer is yes.
Why?
Or else how they have enough time to help the people in their ward.

With their almost $16K per month pay, its more than enough for them to be MP full-time.
But how many of them are full-timers?
Only a few.
Those that hold Government offices should also get someone to help them in the ward matters.
But those don't hold any Government offices should do their job as to serve the people in their ward.
They shouldn't hold any other jobs or directorships other than from Government offices.

There are so many people that require their help.
Some need to be source out.
If MPs don't walk around, how he/she know?

If you are so keen in other business or jobs (other than Government), than don't be MP.
If you feel that $16K per month pay is not enough for you to be full-time MP, than don't be one.
We need full-time MP to improve and help the people in the ward.


Friday 24 August 2012

Car and taxi collide along Upper Serangoon Road



A Toyota and a taxi collided at a road junction along Upper Serangoon Road at about 11pm last night (Aug 23). The impact of the crash had been sufficient to cause the car's airbags to deploy.

The STOMPer wrote:

"This accident occurred at the junction of Upper Serangoon Road and Potong Pasir/Wan Tho Avenue.

"The airbags in the Toyota Altis were deployed."


PS:
This road too straight and big, thus alot of road users like to speed here.
Whose fault for this accident, I can't figure out from the photos.
So can only hope that either one of them got car camera.

Taxi passenger disgusted by messy and oil-stained boot of cab that needs a wash



STOMPer Azleen was surprised that a taxi driver assisted her when she flagged his cab, but was appalled to see that his boot was dirty and messy. He also told her she had too many items and could not fit all inside his boot.

Said the STOMPer:

"So surprised on such a rare occasion a taxi driver will come out to help me with my purchases.

"However this driver told me I had too many things.

"When he opened the back of his cab, it was filled with old newspapers and oil bottles and all the papers are oil-stained.

"He told me I had to put some of my things in front, and my mum, three kids, including one infant are already seated inside the cab.

"The appearance of his cab is already so filthy, I needn't say more about the inside.

"It's so dusty and we dirtied our hands when we opened and closed the door.

"We alighted from this taxi about 3pm on Aug 23 in Yishun."


PS:
STOMPer can choose not to take the cab.
So why take?
So you can STOMP? :P

Thursday 23 August 2012

Praise for cabby...Mr Selvam



A taxi driver, named Mr Selvam, has been commended by STOMPer Az for going out of his way to return a mobile phone to his friend after he had dropped it in the cab.

The STOMPer wrote:

"My friends were visiting Singapore and one of them left his cellphone in a taxi.

"The taxi driver, Mr Selvam, called me -- as my number was the last dialed number on the phone -- and asked for our current location so that he may pass the phone to us.

"We offered to go to his place but instead, he went out of his way to drive from Serangoon to the restaurant we were at in Orchard late at night to return the phone to my friend.

"My friend tried to offer him a reward but he refused it, saying that this was a good deed 'from one human being to the other'.

"Needless to say, my friends are going back home with one more excellent memory of Singapore."


PS:
There are always good and bad people around.
Same for the people.
Its your own luck.
You lucky, meet a good one.
If not, good luck to you.

Taxi collision causes traffic jam along ECP




Two taxis were involved in an accident along the East Coast Parkway (ECP) and caused a jam on the expressway earlier today (Aug 23), reports STOMPer si jun.

The STOMPer wrote:

"I was travelling along the ECP, heading towards the AYE (Ayer-Raja Expressway), just now and came across this accident site.

"This was near the Fort Road exit.

"My worker took a photo of the accident as we drove past it.

"I didn't see anyone who was injured and there was no ambulance around.

"There seemed to be glass pieces on the road as well.

"A combination of this, as well as the road works nearby caused an awful jam on the expressway!"


PS:
Looks like today got alot of accidents.
Luckily no death.
Nowadays, road users are getting more reckless.
Try to clam down when driving.

SMRT Taxis gets S$3.1m grant to operate wheelchair accessible taxis



SINGAPORE - Taxi operator SMRT will be awarded a S$3.1 million grant to operate 30 taxis that can accommodate larger and high-back motorised wheelchairs used by persons with disabilities and the elderly.

The first batch of 15 wheelchair accessible taxis is expected to be on the road by March 2013, before the phasing out of the existing London Cabs.

The full fleet of 30 will be operational by August next year.

In May this year, the Ministry of Community Development Youth and Sports (MCYS) had invited taxi operators to apply for the Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Grant.

Three operators submitted proposals.

An evaluation panel chaired by the MCYS, and comprising representatives from the public, people and private sectors, assessed the applications.

Operators were assessed on criteria such as the ability of the vehicles to accommodate different types of wheelchairs and service standards. For examples, the required booking time and availability for booking by wheelchair users, pricing of the fare, as well as the grant sought to operate the fleet of taxis. 

CHANNEL NEWSASIA


PS:
Won't it be better that if all taxis are big enough to let the wheelchair in?
Thus there will be lesser reasons for cabbies to refuse picking ip them.

Wednesday 22 August 2012

Cabby lucky to avoid cyclist



A cyclist beat a red light outside Tampines North Community Club, narrowly missing a taxi before colliding with a motorcycle. Watch the action unfold in this video sent in by STOMPer Keith.

The STOMPer wrote:

"The young cyclist was obviously riding across the road when the pedestrian traffic light was red.

"He narrowly avoided an impact with the Comfort Taxi but he hit a slow moving motorcycle on the other side of the road.

"Luckily it was not serious and everyone was safe.

"A lesson learnt for all young cyclists using the road, be safe and not sorry."


PS:
This taxi uncle really lucky to avoid this reckless cyclist.
This cyclist was really asking for trouble.
The poor motorist wasn't lucky to avoid it.
Luckily got video proof.

SHD599, did you caused the accident at ECP?


Today met a cabby, SHD599 recklessly cut into my lane.
He had a passenger with him.
Looks like he mis judged his overtaking distance.
Luckily no accident because of it.

To this uncle,
You like to pay few thousands to yr company, don't get me involve.
You like to take a break, don't get me involve.
So did you caused the morning accident at ECP?
I don't know, cos I already got out of ECP.
If its really you, this is your karma.
If its not you, rushing also don't get you clear of the jam.
Is it really worth it for driving this way?

Tuesday 21 August 2012

Kids get to choose...the taxi



One day, I was queuing at a taxi stand.
I was the 2nd cab.taxi
Next I saw a lady and a small kid opened the taxi infront.
But the kid just refused to get in.
And kid started to cry loudly.
The kid refused to get into the cab.
So the lady came to my cab.
She than assured the kid that my cab was not dark.
Kid also abit don't want to get in.
Than the lady decided just carried the kid in.
Strange...after they got in, the kid stopped crying.
The lady also told me the kid was afraid of the dark.

So I guess nowadays, parents with kid...the kids made the dicision about taking taxi.

Monday 20 August 2012

Cute! This clever kitty shows you how to go places on a budget



STOMPer Felineest was amused by the sight of this cat resting on the roof of a parked taxi.

The STOMPer wrote:

"These pictures were taken at Bukit Batok East Avenue 3.

"This cat was standing near the advert signboard that reads 'Smart Choice.

"The cat has made a smart choice by travelling on the roof of this taxi as it has no money to pay for the fare.

"Anyway this friendly cat seems prepared to pay 'feline currency' if the cabby were to demand fare for the ride."


PS:
Maybe this should be call 'kitty ride' too.

Lower demand for taxis over Hari Raya long weekend



By Lai Ling | Posted: 20 August 2012 2002 hrs

SINGAPORE: Cabbies said the demand for taxis was lower on Monday than over the weekend, despite it being a public holiday for Hari Raya.

Some cabbies said passenger volume was up 10 per cent on Sunday.

A taxi stand at Tampines Mall usually sees long queues but at around 12.30pm on Monday, there were only a handful of people.

Those at the taxis stands in the Orchard Road area also did not have to wait long for a taxi.

A taxi driver said: "Today's not so good, maybe later on."

A passenger said: "You see many taxis and no people in line. I mean, taxis are coming in, very good. And traffic is also good."

On the whole, cabbies said their earnings over the long weekend was down some 10 per cent compared to other weekends.

- CNA/ck


PS:
Overall quite a slow weekend.
But not really a lousy one as long you work.

Sunday 19 August 2012

NEL...too proud to learn a lesson?



Another major breakdown on Singapore's train system on 17Aug2012.
But the strange thing was everything were a mess even though this was not the 1st time.
Though it is for NEL operator, SBS Transit.
With so much news fact finding on the 1st major breakdown, they should had drawn on the lesson.
Were they too proud or simply don't care?
Why can't they just active the bus services earlier?
Since they can't confirm if they can fix the problem fast, they might as well start the backup plan. 
Its so simple yet these highly paid management can't even take action fast enough?
And to think that they might be highly educated too?

马国搭德士被敲竹杠遭掳走 狮城男跳车逃命



不满被敲竹杠,狮城男与马国德士司机争执后,
车门半开还来不及下车,就被强行载走,搞到他被迫跳车“逃命”。
事发时,他的女友已经先一步下车,还拍下德士车牌的照片,
相信此举也激怒司机,继而上演了飞车“掳人”的一幕。
这起事故是于上周末,发生在马国吉隆坡。狮城情侣吓出一身冷汗,
女友回国后投函本地著名新闻网站的《言论版》公开恐怕经历,提醒国人要小心。
- 司机竟掉头追 诅咒狮城情侣
完整报道请看2012.08.19的《联合晚报》。


PS:
To Chris Reed, you really need to open your eyes, brains and heart to see.
No need to go far, just cross the causeway only.
The above news happened in KL.

Taxi uncle irked by fellow cabby who 'dumps' cab at pick-up point



STOMPer Huntampking Cabby was irked by the behaviour of this fellow cabby, who decided to abandon his taxi at a taxi pick-up point right in front of him, barring his exit.

The STOMPer wrote:

"At a quarter to 9pm on Aug 18, I sent a passenger to Anson Road, International Plaza.

"After he alighted, I decided to leave the driveway as there were no passengers in the taxi stand.
"When I drove forward, I found this red taxi parked in the lot in such a way that it obstructed my exit.

"The driver was nowhere to be found.

"I just wonder how come there are Singaporeans that behave in this manner!

"How can the authorities or the taxi company accept this kind of irresponsible behavior!

"Something should be done to discourage this black sheep for tanishing the reputation of our taxi fleets."


PS:
STOMPer cabby got every right to complain about the other cabby.
The transcab cabby should at least park properly.
Not block the other cabby from continuing doing his drive.

Did football originate in China?




Post too long to paste.
Looks like soccer might be originate from China.
Most likely back than, not easy to get in....

S'pore cabbies not the worst lot



Letter to long to paste.
Thank you MS Chew Hui Min for speaking up!

Selamat Hari Raya


I like to wish Selamat Hari Raya to all Muslim!

Friday 17 August 2012

Letters on cabbies to newspaper



MY WIFE and I were at Great World City on Sunday when we witnessed a heartwarming scene of a taxi driver helping his passenger by carrying her sleeping baby out of his taxi,
and putting the child gently in a pram.
The taxi was an SMRT Chevrolet taxi with the number SHD6200L.
Clarence Ngian




From Magdelene Sim 
I write this in praise of a taxi driver who is a reminder of the good in our society.

One recent morning, I boarded Mr Mong Kok Chong's taxi (SHC 2897E) and accidentally left behind my Gucci cardholder containing my staff pass, EZ-Link card and name cards.

I was aware of this only two hours later, when he called my secretary. He subsequently emailed me to inform me of the same.

As I was tied up at the moment, I asked my secretary to liaise with him, to ask for his assistance in returning my cardholder.

In the evening, I received an SMS from Mr Mong. He had passed his taxi to his relief driver in Sembawang and was taking the MRT to Raffles Place to return my cardholder.

I called him to offer to pay for a taxi for his journey but he declined.

When I met him at Raffles Place Station, he turned down my small token of compensation for his transport cost, time and effort. He darted past the barriers and left.

I was humbled and touched by his honesty and kindness. Mr Mong certainly went beyond his call of duty.




From Loh Kim Chye 
Recently, shortly after boarding an SMRT cab, its driver asked me to fill up a survey form on his service standard and driving efficiency.

The journey was not even halfway through when he asked if I had completed the survey.

I did so, and ticked all the questions in favour of the driver. But I thought that a driver should ask his passenger to do the survey only after the cab has reached its destination.

In fact, SMRT should not give out the survey in hard copy form but, instead, put a notice in the cab to request passengers to give feedback online.

In case the passenger may not remember the licence plate number, and has no receipt to refer to, the driver could give out a Post-it note bearing this and, if need be, the driver's name.

If the passenger is not IT-savvy, a hotline number could be provided.




From Tan Teck Kim 
With our society ageing, train and bus services are becoming less sufficient for the needs of people with walking difficulties due to the distance from their blocks in public housing estates.

Taxis are not frequently available along side roads and, at times, even when dialling for one in estates that are some distance away from the city centre.

With taxi companies constantly upgrading their fleets, could they consider permitting senior taxi drivers to rent older taxis at a special rate, to operate in designated estates and district codes?

This would enhance mobility for the aged and handicapped within their estates or nearby, for example, in Hougang, Sengkang and Punggol, or Simei, Tampines and Pasir Ris.

Taxi companies could operate site offices in the estates for these on-call feeder or intra-estate taxi services.

It would also provide an income opportunity to the seniors driving the taxis, who would not be permitted to ferry passengers out of the estates unless for personal and family use, if usage is properly reported and recorded with the company.


PS:
Some letters about cabbies.
So good and some not that good.

Injured cyclist left lying on road after accident in Jurong



A STOMPer spotted this cyclist lying prone on the road next to his mangled bicycle at an accident scene at Jurong Central Road.

The STOMPer wrote:
"On Aug 16 at about 11pm, I was sending a passenger to Jurong via the PIE.

"I noted from a digital notice board that there was heavy traffic before Eng Neo.

"I left the highway at Bukit Timah.

"After my passengers alighted at Toh Guan, I headed on to Woodlands via Jurong Central Road where I saw this bicycle involved in accident with a white car.

"Cyclist was lying on the middle of the road with his mangled bicycle a metre away.

"I did not see any police or ambulance there yet to give assistance.

"There were many onlookers there."

"I drove on so as not to cause a build-up of traffic.

"On my way I heard from a radio announcement that there was also a serious accident on SLE near the Mandai exit. Mandai road was  closed.

"All this happened  just before midnight one day before Chong Yuen Festival. Even though I am not superstitious, it seems a little unusual to me!"


PS:
All road users should be more careful.
We are not the only users on the road.

Thursday 16 August 2012

These robbers chose messed with the wrong people



Mr Choong Chee Wah, a Malaysian with Singapore permanent residency, had stopped at a petrol kiosk for a toilet break in Johor Bahru, only to have his Singaporean wife attacked by a man armed with a knife.

The Choongs were heading to Desaru with friends for a National Day fun trip and the group agreed to meet up at the Shell petrol station immediately after clearing the Malaysian immigration checkpoint at about 6am.

As the couple went into respective toilets, Mr Choong Chee Wah 56, heard his wife scream. As he rushed into the toilet, he saw a man pointing a knife at his wife's neck.

Mr Choong subdued the robber, holding him down with his "tiger's claws" grip on his neck, till the man begged for mercy.

Mr Choong said he taught martial arts in England when he was doing his Masters, and that he had invented Choong-Kwan-Do, which is a combination of tai-chi, taekwondo, hapkido (Korean martial arts) and Shaolin gongfu.




A Washington state woman who has studied martial arts for nearly two decades said she fought off two teenage boys who accosted her while she was jogging.
Priscilla Dang, 23, of Vancouver said she was jogging on the path along Padden Parkway June 14 when a teenage boy on a bicycle distracted her to allow a second teenager to swat her on the buttocks, The Columbian in Vancouver reported Monday.
"I hate when men think they can do that stuff," said Dang, who said she regularly studies Wushu martial arts. "There was no question."
Dang said she threw the boy to the ground and demanded an apology, which he offered, but the other boy called her a derogatory term and she struck him, leading him to get off his bicycle and attempt to punch her.
The jogger said the teenager pulled out a knife when he was unable to land a punch and she blocked his weapon with the bicycle until a passerby spotted the confrontation and called 911.
Sheriff's deputies arrested Josiah Sullivan, 18, who allegedly slapped Dang's buttocks, on suspicion of misdemeanour fourth-degree assault.
Deputies referred charges of displaying a dangerous weapon against the second teen, a 16-year-old boy whose name was not released.


PS:
These robbers chose messed with the wrong people.
Really can't judge a book by its cover.
Lucky these victims escaped unhurt.
No matter, all should be more alert of their surroundings and people.

Bill Gates now into toilet business



PS:
Good of him wanting to find a solution for the poor.
Seriously, how many very rich people will do things for the poor.


A passenger from Luxembourg



That day got a current booking to go airport.
If not wrong, radio was talking about foreigners in Singapore.
So the passenger said that his country also have the same problem.
So I asked him which country he is from.
He said Luxembourg.
I heard before, its a landlocked country in Europe.
It have quite alot similarities with Singapore.

He said that if we think 1/3 is alot, theirs is 1/2.
He said most of their service people there are from other European countries.
Thus their elder citizens are quite pissed that they don't really speak their language.

Every country will have its pro and con.
There is no perfect country around.
So if you are looking for one, good luck to you.
Learn to be contend and you will live happier.

Wednesday 15 August 2012

Blood type might be a clue to heart disease risk



DALLAS - Here's another reason to know your blood type - it might be a clue to your risk of heart disease.

People who have blood types A, B, or AB have a slightly higher risk of heart disease compared to those with type O, the most common kind, according to research released yesterday.

Those who know they are at higher risk may be more motivated to make changes to lower their chances of heart disease, said Dr Lu Qi, senior author of the study from Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.

"We cannot change blood type but we can change lifestyle," said Dr Lu, who led a study released last year that showed blood type may affect stroke risk.

The new study involved about 90,000 men and women in two observational health studies that cover more than 20 years. Combined, 4,070 people developed heart disease. The researchers considered age and other factors like diet, drinking, family history of heart attacks that could contribute to heart disease.

The increased risk for type A was 8 per cent; type B, 11 per cent; and type AB, 20 per cent.

While the study did not examine how blood type may affect heart disease risk, it noted that research has shown some characteristics of different types may be a factor. For instance, some research suggests that blood types might affect cholesterol levels or the risk of developing blood clots.

The findings were published in the American Heart Association journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology.

A doctor not involved in the study cautioned that the increased risk for non-O blood types is modest, and that other risk factors like smoking have a bigger impact.

"Most of things that are this modest, most of the time they don't meaningfully change how you'd think about your risk overall," said Dr Amit Khera, director of the Preventive Cardiology Program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

"This shouldn't cause much alarm for most of the population," he added.

No matter what blood type, Harvard's Dr Lu said everyone should pay attention to risk factors they can change, including smoking, weight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and a sedentary lifestyle.

Type O is the most common blood type, followed by A, B and AB. About 45 percent of whites, 51 per cent of blacks, 57 per cent of Hispanics and 40 per cent of Asians have blood type O, according to the American Red Cross.

Type A: 40 per cent of whites, 26 per cent of blacks, 31 per cent of Hispanics and 28 per cent of Asians.

Type B: 11 per cent of whites, 19 per cent of blacks, 10 per cent of Hispanics and 25 per cent of Asians.

Type AB: 4 per cent of white and blacks, 2 per cent of Hispanics and 7 per cent of Asians. AP


PS:
How true, I don't know.
I do know that one must look at their diet and lifestyle.
But when one will die, is another thing.

Pandas coming to town!



 
SINGAPORE - Giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia will be arriving in Singapore next month, but the public will only be able to see them in December.

Wildlife Reserves Singapore said the pandas will be housed at the Yangtze River zone in its upcoming attraction River Safari.

In the interim, they will be quarantined for a month and will take some time to get familiar with their new home.

The pandas will be taking a Singapore Airlines cargo flight out of China on September 6 and are expected to reach Changi Airport at 8.20am.

They will be transported in special crates that offer ventilation and adequate space to move.

The pair are on a 10-year loan from China to Singapore, to foster good ties. CHANNEL NEWSASIA


PS:
Finally, the pandas are coming to town.
Are our zoo able to help reproduce new pandas?
I really hope we be able to see panda baby soon!

Air bags are not mandatory for now



Taxi companies will nevertheless be encouraged to consider optional safety features in new cabs: Minister
by Sumita Sreedharan 

SINGAPORE - Taxi companies will be encouraged to consider vehicle models with optional safety features such as air bags when they register new taxis.

Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew said this in a written reply on Monday to a question by Ang Mo Kio GRC Member of Parliament Ang Hin Kee.

For the time being, however, air bags will not be a mandatory safety feature for new taxis, as Mr Lui noted the "significant technical and cost hurdles" in retrofitting taxis with air bags.

Mr Ang had tabled a parliamentary question on whether the Land Transport Authority (LTA) would consider making it mandatory for all taxi operators to equip their new taxis with air bags.

Mr Ang also asked if the authority is "assessing whether similar additions can be made for existing fleets".

In his response, Mr Lui reiterated that, while seat belts are mandatory for all motor vehicles - including taxis - that are registered for use here, air bags are not, because they "serve only to supplement seat belts in enhancing the safety of vehicle occupants in the event of a collision".

He added: "If seat belts are used properly, the injury risks would have already been greatly reduced. There are also significant technical and cost hurdles in retrofitting existing vehicles, including taxis, with air bags."

The issue of airbags in taxis surfaced in May after a high-profile accident on Rochor Road involving a Ferrari and a taxi.

Following a report by TODAY about how many taxis here are not equipped with air bags - despite the fact that taxi drivers spend most part of a day in their vehicles - several parties, including the Automobile Association of Singapore, called for the authorities to do more by possibly mandating seat belts and air bags as standard requirements in all vehicles.

When contacted, Mr Ang, who is also an adviser for the National Taxi Association (NTA), said that the LTA has given him the reassurance that "seat belts are more critical".

The authority also told him that studies have shown that seat belts are an adequate safety measure.

"The NTA feels that, since we have been given this reassurance, we will not be pursuing the matter further," said Mr Ang.

Expressing his personal view, Public Transport Council Chairman Gerard Ee told TODAY: "They have a point that seat belts are adequate protection but I would like to see air bags for the drivers ... as they spend so much time in their vehicles", while "passengers are there only for short distances and seat belts should be adequate".


PS:
Since refitting is not visible, than new vehicles should be fitted.
Since Mr Ee and Mr Ang agreed that airbag is good, than fight for it.
I hope you all don't just do the talking.

Tuesday 14 August 2012

Car's bumper taken off in accident along the PIE



STOMPer Dave saw the aftermath of an accident along the Pan Island Expressway

Said the STOMPer:

"This accident along the PIE happened near the Toa Payoh exit towards Changi happened around 4.15pm today.

"Hope no one was injured...do not tailgate!"


PS:
Don't know if the Comfort cab was involved or not. 
 But his right side rear bumper was damaged.

Courtroom drama in Singapore's Parliament?



I wonder if any1 also find this drama funny?
But I do.
Trained lawyer vs law lecturer +1.
The whole exchange was like a courtroom drama.
Or rather childish talking by both sides.
Can't all of you debate like reasonable adults?

Monday 13 August 2012

Significant increase in 'sham marriages'



by Imelda Saad Aziz 
 
SINGAPORE - There were 12 cases of 'sham marriages' or marriages of convenience in the first half of this year, compared to just four or five annually over the past five years.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Mr S Iswaran, revealed the figures today as the Immigration (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament.

The bill seeks to safeguard the country's security and border integrity, as well as maintain law and order.

One of the changes was to criminalise marriages between couples who seek to obtain citizenship or residency status in Singapore.

Currently, there is no specific law against such 'sham marriages'.

Mr Iswaran, who is also Second Minister for Home Affairs, said there's a "significant rise" of such cases, which is "symptomatic of a larger trend".

Those found guilty could now face fines of up to S$10,000 and a jail term of up to 10 years.

The prosecution though has to take into account if one party in the marriage had received or offered gratification.

Some MPs questioned if this condition is too narrow.

Mr Iswaran said: "We are creating a new criminal offence. We want to be careful about it. So we thought it would be prudent to not just have subjective criteria but also an objective test to ensure that when action is indeed taken, there are good grounds to proceed."

He said if there is no objective test, then in effect, all marriages could potentially be subjected to investigation.

While the government will take a tough stance, Mr Iswaran said to prevent malicious complaints, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority will conduct thorough background checks before launching full investigations. This is to protect genuine marriages.

Other changes include allowing authorities to collect more detailed information on people even before they reach Singapore, requiring operators of gazetted checkpoints such as privately-owned marinas to provide and fund specific security facilities, and imposing a good conduct condition on the re-entry permits issued to Permanent Residents.

Mr Iswaran said immigration policies must be responsive to socio-economic circumstances and needs.

He added it entails choices and trade-offs in society. The aim, he said, is to have a sustainable population strategy that strengthens social cohesion, ensures a good living environment and maintains the country's economic vitality. CHANNEL NEWSASIA


PS:
The number is much bigger than they think.
And this has been going on for so many years.
Finally...some1 is taking action.

Spelling boo-boos: Northpoint is in 'Cingapura' and where's 'Dragonfly Bridg'?



STOMPer Den rokiah came across a spelling error for 'Singapore' while surfing the internet, while STOMPer Joan3996 spotted a missing letter 'e' on a signboard in the Gardens by the Bay.

Said STOMPer Den rokiah, who spotted an address listing in which 'Singapore' was spelt with a 'C' instead of an 'S':

"I came across this while surfing the internet.

"Can it get any worse?"

Said STOMPer Joan3996:

"Gardens by the Bay spelling blunder.

"Spelling error spotted at Gardens by the Bay. Missing 'e'!"


PS:
Not again.
Really wonder what these marketing people are doing.
Don't they check?
Or they are just plain lazy.
Only know how to talk big.

Car overturns after accident with 3 taxis and a motorcycle at Yishun



A car which was involved in an accident with three taxis near Yishun MRT Station was left overturned at a road junction.

STOMPer Guofeng, who took photos of the accident, said:

"This car overturned after being involved in an accident at around 11.30pm to midnight. The accident involved four taxis, a motorcycle and the black overturned saloon."

STOMPer Jia Yan, who was also at the scene, said:

"This happened at around 12 midnight on a Sunday outside North Point.

"The crash was really loud.

"I did not exactly see the accident but this was the state of things around 12:32am "

In response to a query from STOMP, a spokesperson for the Police said:

"Police received a call yesterday at about 11.32pm informing us of a road traffic accident along Yishun avenue 2.

"Upon police arrival, it was established that an accident involving three taxis and a car had occurred at the said location.

"The driver and the passenger of the car were conveyed to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.

"Police investigations are ongoing."


PS:
Luckily no 1 die.
Hope those injured will recover soon.
Drunk driving is really dangerous.

Sunday 12 August 2012

Toy Bear's 'Operation Market Garden'



Ad team had air-dropped hundreds of parachute-wearing bears with pro-human rights messages into country

STOCKHOLM - Belarus' top security agency - the KGB - has summoned a Swedish ad team for questioning after the group air-dropped hundreds of parachute-wearing teddy bears that carried pro-human rights messages onto the soil of the authoritarian ex-Soviet state. The agency threatens the Swedes with fines or even jail time if they don't show up in 10 days.

The July 4 teddy bear drop by Studio Total infuriated Belarus' autocratic President Alexander Lukashenko, who fired two generals over it. It also may have added stress to already deteriorating diplomatic relations between Stockholm and Minsk. Earlier this month, Belarus effectively expelled Sweden's ambassador and ordered the Nordic state to close its embassy.

The summons, signed by an investigator named P. Tsernavsky and posted on the KGB's website Saturday, says the agency is investigating the "criminal case'' of the ad group's ``illegal crossing'' into Belarusian airspace. The KGB said it wants the Swedes to participate in its ``investigative actions'' so it can clarify the role each person played and help it decide how to deal with two Belarusian men accused of aiding the Swedes.

One of the Belarusian suspects, a journalism student, was arrested after he posted photos of the teddy bears on his personal website; the other is a real estate agent who is said to have offered the Swedes an apartment when they visited Belarus some time before the stunt.

If the Swedes don't show up within 10 days, the agency said they could face a fine or ``correctional work for up to two years, or imprisonment for up to six months.''

Studio Total co-founder Thomas Mazetti, who piloted the plane in the teddy bear drop, said he received the summons via email, and that it demands he and two colleagues appear.

It's "a bit cute and tragic at the same time,'' he said. "They just expect us to show up just because they say so.''

Mazetti told The Associated Press that the group wants legal advice before deciding what to do, and that the team members would likely demand guarantees that they would not be detained if they showed up. ``We have nothing against helping them in their investigation to clarify just how we did it,'' he said.

Lukashenko has ruled Belarus, a nation of 10 million, since 1994, repressing opposition groups and independent news media while preserving a quasi-Soviet economy with about 80 percent of industry in state hands. He has earned the nickname in the West of "Europe's last dictator.''

Swedish-Belarusian relations have soured even more in the weeks since the teddy bear drop.

Earlier this month, Belarus said it would not allow the Nordic country's ambassador to Minsk to return to his mission. The Swedes reciprocated by barring entry to the new Belarusian ambassador to Stockholm and asking two junior Belarusian diplomats to leave the country. Lukashenko's regime then ordered the Swedish embassy in Minsk to close.

The United States and the European Union have expressed strong support for Sweden in the dispute.

Swedish authorities have said Belarus is angry over Stockholm's promotion of human rights. Although the teddy bear incident has not been cited as a reason for the embassy closure or the barring of Sweden's envoy, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt has said it probably added to Lukashenko's growing irritation with Stockholm. - AP


PS:
Let this be a lesson.
Please respect others even you might hate their guts.
Don't misuse 'freedom' as an excuse.
Now things got out of hand.
And the poor innocence might had got into troubles.
And trouble makers won't care. 
Really childish!

Vietnam airline fined for unauthorised in-flight bikini dance





Low-cost carrier VietJet Air was fined $1,244 for hosting an unauthorised in-flight dance by a beauty pageant contestants dressed in bikinis.

Vietnam's aviation authorities fined the airline for first gaining permission for the Hawaiian-themed dance to celebrate its maiden flight between Ho Chi Minh City and the tourist hub of Nha Trang, reported the Tuoi Tre newspaper.

The three-minute danced was performed by five contestants of the pageant on Aug 3, while passengers recorded the the show on their mobile phones and later posted the videos online.

Chief inspector of the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam, Nguyen Trong Thang, was quoted as saying that the airline "violated local aviation regulations".

The incident created a stir in conservative Vietnam after photographs and video clips of the dance spread online.


PS:
The authorities don't know that 'Hawaiian-themed' mean?
Guess most people will know that the dress code will be beach wear.
Or rather bikini for the females.