MoMo Post

Ancient Aliens The Series By History Channel

2011-09-17T13:30:00.011+08:00

[01] Pilot - Ancient Aliens: Chariots, Gods & Beyond - March 8, 2009
The pilot presents the views of author Erich von Däniken who theorized that advanced beings from another world visited primitive humans, gave them the knowledge of the solar system, concepts of engineering and mathematics, and became the basis for their religions and cultures as he claims are evidenced by ancient monuments such as the Nazca Lines, the Pyramids of Giza and the Moai statues of Easter Island.

[02] Season 1 Episode 1 - The Evidence - April 20, 2010
This episode suggests that aliens made contact with primitive humans, and cites as evidence, Indian Sanskrit texts that are suggested to describe flying machines called Vimanas; Egyptian megaliths that are said to show precision cutting work thought to be too advanced for the time; and Jewish Zohar writings that are said to describe a "manna machine" similar to chlorella algae processing of today.

[03] Season 1 Episode 2 - The Visitors - April 27, 2010
The episode proposes that alien visitations have occurred around the globe, and cites as evidence, claims that the Dogon people were given galactic knowledge by a star god; the Hopi and Zuni celebrations of Kachinas (or "gods from the sky") that are symbolized with headdress that are said to resemble modern space helmets; and that the Chinese Huangdi was a Han leader who came to Earth on a yellow dragon which is suggested to have been a metaphor for a spaceship.

[04] Season 1 Episode 3 - The Mission - May 4, 2010
This episode posits that extraterrestrials have a mission plan for Earth and mankind, and cites as evidence, Sumerian tablets that allegedly describe the Anunnaki as a race of creatures that came to Earth to mine gold; the purpose of cattle mutilations; the mile-long "band of holes" near Pisco, Peru; Egyptian hieroglyphs that are said to depict hybrid creatures that are part man/part animal; and crystal skulls and crop circles that are said to contain messages from aliens.

[05] Season 1 Episode 4 - Closer Encounters - May 18, 2010
This episode suggests that alien encounters have been documented in various historical texts, citing as evidence, the 13th century book Otia Imperialia which describes an incident in Bristol, England ascribed to UFOs; the log entries of Christopher Columbus that report lights in the sky; stories of cigar-shaped craft allegedly seen over Europe during the Black Plague; and Medieval art that supposedly depicts disc-shaped objects floating in the heavens.

[06] Season 1 Episode 5 - The Return - May 25, 2010
This episode proposes that aliens have contacted man as recently as the 20th century, citing examples such as the Battle of Los Angeles and the Roswell UFO Incident. It also looks at the modern SETI project and speculates what would happen if aliens answered back; what protocols exist to determine who would speak on behalf of mankind, and how we would communicate.

[07] Season 2 Episode 1 - Mysterious Places - October 28, 2010
This episode examines locations around the Earth that are proposed "hot spots" of UFO activity; such as the Bermuda Triangle; Mexico's "Zone of Silence" an area of land said to naturally disrupt radio signals; the portal-like structure at Peru's Puerta de Hayu Marka; and the curious rock formations of the Markawasi Plateau.

[08] Season 2 Episode 2 - Gods and Aliens - November 4, 2010
This episode looks at legends about powerful gods and fearsome monsters that are said to have similarities between them even though these legends are found in different cultures separated by vast distances, and this episode also suggests that these legends may be eyewitness accounts of alien visitations. Also discussed are tales of gods interacting with humans, imparting wisdom and technology and impregnating women to create demigods who are supposedly the offspring of human/alien unions.

[09] Season 2 Episode 3 - Underwater Worlds - November 11, 2010
This episode suggests that various underwater structures and ruins said to have been found around the globe may have been used by extraterrestrials; such as the temple ruins found under Lake Titicaca in Peru; the geometric structures of Yonaguni off the coast of Japan, and ancient Indian texts that allegedly describe other sunken cities yet to be discovered.

[10] Season 2 Episode 4 - Underground Aliens - November 18, 2010
This episode hypothesizes that various underground places may have been extraterrestrial lairs; such as a lost cave in Ecuador said to hold metal tablets containing alien knowledge; the underground city of Derinkuyu in Turkey; Native American legends of "inner-earth" beings; and rumors of a secret U.S. Military-base supposedly built alongside aliens inside the Archuleta Mesa near Dulce, New Mexico.

[11] Season 2 Episode 5 - Aliens and the Third Reich - November 25, 2010
This episode speculates that Nazi Germany had experimented with advanced alien technology and built flying machines; such as the Haunebu and the Die Glocke (The Bell); and rumors that some of this technology may have made its way to the United States and helped jump start the Apollo program.

[12] Season 2 Episode 6 - Alien Tech - December 2, 2010
This episode proposes that some advanced weapon technologies currently in development, such as laser and sonic weapons, are rediscovered technologies used by advanced beings in the past. Also discussed are theories that aliens provided gravity manipulation devices to help man construct colossal stone structures around the world.

[13] Season 2 Episode 7 - Angels and Aliens - December 9, 2010
This episode looks at various stories of angelic visitations that to some ancient astronaut theorists read more like alien encounters than divine appearances, and suggests they are not supernatural beings, but visitors from distant planets.

[14] Season 2 Episode 8 - Unexplained Structures - December 16, 2010
This episode suggests that various sites around the world; such as Göbekli Tepe in Turkey; the Incan ruins of Sacsayhuamán in Peru; the Carnac stones of France; and Zorats Karer in Armenia, show construction techniques and mathematical concepts that were not believed to have been known at the time, and that this knowledge was gained from alien visitors.

[15] Season 2 Episode 9 - Alien Devastations - December 23, 2010
This episode surmises that aliens may have caused various disasters, as depicted in the Bible and other texts, or even tried to warn man of them; such as Noah of the Great Flood. Also proposed is that some disasters ushered changes in human evolution and that our leaps in technology over the centuries were achieved with alien help.

[16] Season 2 Episode 10 - Alien Contacts - December 30, 2010
This episode proposes that extraterrestrials may have contacted various humans throughout history, such as Moses and Joan of Arc, to help guide and inspire them to achieve great things; or to pass on important messages for humanity; such as a supposed binary message given to a UFO-contactee during the 1980 Rendlesham Forest incident who believes it is the coordinates to a mythical island called Hy-Brazil.

[17] Season 3 Episode 1 - Aliens and the Old West - July 28, 2011
Opening with clips from the 2011 film Cowboys & Aliens, this episode looks at American Old West legends that may have involved ET contact, such as the Aurora, Texas UFO incident where a local cemetery claims to hold a body from an 1897 UFO crash; Native American legends surrounding the Serpent mound in Adams County, Ohio; reports of a Thunderbird that periodically emerged from California's Elizabeth Lake, and a story of ranchers shooting at "metallic birds" near Tombstone, Arizona.

[18] Season 3 Episode 2 - Aliens and Monsters - August 4, 2011
This episode examines modern-day genetic engineering, cloning and hybridization technology, and suggests that such technology could have been used by ancient aliens in the past to manipulate mankind and the environment. Also theorized are that the legends of creatures, such as the Chimera and Hydra, and humanoids, such as the Minotaur and Medusa, may have been encounters with beings created through alien animal/human hybrid experimentation.

[19] Season 3 Episode 3 - Aliens and Sacred Places - August 11, 2011
This episode suggests that some of mankind's most sacred places, such as Jerusalem's Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock; the Kaaba stone at the Islam shrine at Mecca; the temples of the Ajanta Caves in India; the churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia that are carved out of rock; and the ancient city of Baalbek in Lebanon which was allegedly built with a "landing pad" of monolithic rock, were points of contact by alien beings.

[20] Season 3 Episode 4 - Aliens and Temples of Gold - August 18, 2011
This episode suggests that aliens came to Earth to mine gold. Examined are the legends of cities of gold such as El Dorado and Paititi; Lake Puray in Peru where UFO sightings may be linked to gold beneath the lake; the gold-creating device called the Philosopher's Stone; the Hall of Records beneath the Great Sphinx of Giza, (suggested to be a repository of ancient knowledge); a Medieval church in the French village of Rennes-le-Château that may hold the secrets of alchemy; and Scotland's Rosslyn Chapel where a helix-shaped pillar, (suggested to represent DNA), may be the hiding place of the Holy Grail.

[21] Season 3 Episode 5 - Aliens and Mysterious Rituals - August 25, 2011
This episode proposes that various ancient sites and the rituals performed there, such as at the Mayan temple of El Castillo, Chichen Itza; the Celtic Beltane Festival; the ceremonies of the Kayapo people of Brazil; coronation ceremonies and the symbolic meanings of thrones, crowns and scepters; Native American and Shamanistic chants and prayers; and the ritual of the Catholic Mass, were not to praise mythical gods, but to reenact contact and communication with alien beings.

[22] Season 3 Episode 6 - Aliens and Ancient Engineers - September 1, 2011
This episode suggests that several ancient sites were built with help from aliens. Examples given are the ruins of Ollantaytambo in Peru, (an Inca city believed built atop a far older and more advanced-built fortress); the pyramids of Teotihuacan in Mexico, (which use heat and radiation shielding Mica in their engineering); the temples of Vijayanagara in India, (suggested to have been designed to tap into cosmic energy); the temples of Karnak in Egypt, (which show symmetrical and precision sculpting believed unobtainable by primitive hand tools); and the ancient ruins on Malta, (whose designs seems to have incorporated an acoustic energy technology).

[23] Season 3 Episode 7 - Aliens, Plagues and Epidemics - September 8, 2011
This episode suggests that some plagues and diseases were brought on by pathogens of extraterrestrial origin. Examples given are sudden pandemics such as the Spanish Influenza, the Plague of Athens, the Justinian Plague and the Black Plague, which were accompanied by reports of unusual celestial phenomena, and the appearance of strange creatures and objects in the sky; ancient carvings of figures dressed in what are suggested to be hazmat suits; unexplained illnesses that have appeared after meteor impacts, NASA experiments with bacteria and extremophiles that can survive in the extreme conditions of space; and the recent appearance of unusual medical conditions such as Morgellons Disease.

[24] Season 3 Episode 8 - Aliens and Lost Worlds - September 15, 2011
This episode suggests that various past civilizations were ruled by otherworldly beings. Examined are carvings in the Mayan city of Copán that are suggested to depict kings dressed in spacesuits; the Greek and Persian temples of Nemrud Dagi in Turkey, constructed by King Antiochus who some believe had advanced knowledge of astronomy and access to "magical" technology; the Nazca people of Peru who elongated their skulls to possibly mimic beings they encountered; the Moai statues of Easter Island that may have been erected with anti-gravity technology, and the Garden of Eden which may have been an alien laboratory for the creation of mankind.

[25] Season 3 Episode 9 - Aliens and Deadly Weapons - September 22, 2011
This episode suggests that the development of various weapons throughout history may have been guided by aliens. Examined are ancient legends that speak of fire and the secrets of metalworking as gifts from the gods; stories of divine weapons such as the sword Excalibur as possibly given its power from an alien source; the mystery of Greek fire, a gift from angels for the Byzantines; the development of the complicated chemistry involved in gun powder by the ancient Chinese; the writings of the ancient Hindu Mahabharata that speaks of high tech weapons such as guided missiles, beam weapons and nuclear devices used by the gods; and the Cambodian tales of Preah Pisnulok who wielded a blazing sword reminiscent of the science-fictional lightsaber.

[26] Season 3 Episode 10 - Aliens and Evil Places - September 28, 2011
This episode examines various places on Earth that are associated with evil and death, and suggests that they may have otherworldly connections, such as being dumping grounds for dangerous alien waste material or containing portals to other realms. Featured are Japan's Aokigahara "Suicide Forest" near Mt. Fuji, where countless people have gone to die; Russia's remote Mt. Otorten "Mountain of Death" where in 1959, nine hikers were found burned and mutilated by an undetermined cause; Australia's Black Mountain (Kalkajaka) where people have mysteriously disappeared in the area, and the "Valley of the Dead" at Yakutia, Russia, where unexplained deaths and illnesses are attributed to a possible underground alien base.

[27] Season 3 Episode 11 - Aliens and The Founding Fathers - October 5, 2011
This episode suggests that some of the alleged secret messages and symbolism surrounding the founding of the United States have connections to extraterrestrials.

[28] Season 3 Episode 12 - Aliens and Deadly Cults - October 12, 2011
This episode examines various cults around the world that have committed horrific acts of violence, murder and suicide, and suggests that some may have been influenced by aliens with a sinister agenda.

[29] Season 3 Episode 13 - Aliens and the Secret Code - October 19, 2011
This episode theorizes that various megalithic structures around the world contain hidden messages in their architecture that connect their creation to otherworldly visitors.

[30] Season 3 Episode 14 - Aliens and Aliens and the Undead - October 26, 2011
This episode discusses the possibility of life after death, the beliefs associated with it in various cultures and raises the question of whether certain rituals can be attributed to ancient aliens.

[31] Season 3 Episode 15 - Aliens, Gods and Heroes - November 16, 2011
This episode looks into various legends about gods and heroes and surmises that the existence of such beings was not only possible, but that they were also beings of extraterrestrial origin.

[32] Season 3 Episode 16 - Aliens and the Creation of Man - November 23, 2011
This episode asks why humans are so different from other lifeforms on Earth, and delves into the ideas that unexplained advances in human evolution were the work of interstellar beings.

It has been a long time..

2011-01-15T13:31:00.002+08:00

Since I made my last post... Been really busy lately, guess more than lately.. Haha.. Happy to see that visitorship still growing despite not posting any new stuff here.

I'll try to post more here..

My Version of WorldCup 2010

2010-06-26T18:32:00.003+08:00

Today is the first match of the Round of 16. Will this all come true?

Firestorm victims launch suit against Singapore Power

2010-06-21T09:13:00.002+08:00

Victims of Australia's deadly 2009 firestorm have launched legal action against a Singapore power firm alleging poorly-maintained electrical wires sparked the blaze, reports said on Saturday.

Lawyers representing almost 600 people lodged a class action in Victoria's Supreme Court against Singapore Power for allegedly failing to maintain an ageing line, which fell and started the Feb 7 fire at Kilmore East.

It was the deadliest blaze of 'Black Saturday', Australia's worst natural disaster, claiming 119 of the 173 lives lost. Legal firm Maurice Blackburn said the suit could be worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

They have heard strong evidence at the Royal Commission (into the fires) that Singapore Power could have taken a number of steps to prevent the devastating Kilmore East-Kinglake bushfire. The electricity distribution companies are commercial enterprises that have a responsibility to ensure that public safety is not compromised simply in order to keep costs down. Singapore Power's failures have had very tragic consequences.

The action currently has 598 plaintiffs but could grow to as many as 1,300, including people who lost family members in the fire, suffered physical injuries and lost property, or had ongoing psychological damage, The Age said. It will allege Singapore Power failed to fit a A$10 (S$12) anti-vibration device to guard against metal fatigue and that the circuit-breaker system was not adequate for a dry, windy, fire-prone area.

The 1.1km single-strand line, one of the longest in Victoria, was only checked every five years and rust and wire deterioration could not be detected by ground crews, the case will also claim. Unusually for an Australian civil case, Maurice Blackburn has asked that it be decided by a jury instead of a judge. The Black Saturday fires rushed into small communities with little warning, killing 173 residents as they sheltered in their homes, or fled in cars. Entire towns were razed, reducing more than 2,000 homes to ash.

Woodlands Waterfront

2010-06-21T00:06:00.002+08:00

The northern region of Singapore now has a new leisure destination - Woodlands Waterfront (Former RMN Barracks). The park was designed with community-based events in mind & phase 1 opened up three hectares of the Woodlands Waterfront.

Here's the photo I took for my short 30min first visit to the park...

6 Jun 2010 - Woodlands Waterfront

Although only one-third of the park area has been opened, URA said that the main features are already in place. One is a playground that's not just for children. Youths can also seek thrills at the two-storey Skywalk and crawl through the playground's tree pods.

The waterfront park, which overlooks the Straits of Johor, will also feature a refurbished 400-metre jetty - a reminder that the park used to be occupied by warehouses. The remaining six hectares of the Woodlands Waterfront will be opened by the end of the year, with features like the Catilevered Promenade, nature area, trails and green spaces.

When fully completed, the Woodlands Waterfront will be linked to the nearby Admiralty Park and the park connector along Woodlands Centre Road and Admiralty West. The Woodlands Waterfront will also add on to 1.5km of the 150km-Round Island Route, which allows seamless strolling, jogging or cycling around Singapore.

Miss My Micro Machines Collection

2010-06-20T23:39:00.003+08:00

Sometime back, Melvin bought this set of toy car for Jotham & I was there thinking of my Micro Machines Collection already. Don't know when, don't know how & don't know why all my Micro Machines suddenly went missing. The chances of finding them again is zero as they are all off the shelf of all toys store. For now, only eBay sells it.

Micro Machines: The Original Scale Miniatures (called either "Micro Machines" or simply "Micros") were a line of toys originally made by Galoob (now part of Hasbro) in the mid 1980s and throughout the 1990s. Galoob licensed the idea behind Micro Machines from Clem Heeden, a toy inventor from Wisconsin. Micro Machines were tiny scale component style "playsets" and vehicles that were slightly larger than N scale.

For afew years, Micro Machines was the largest selling toy car line in the US with total Micro Machine sales exceeding the total $ sales of the combined sales of Hot Wheels, Matchbox and Majorette the next top selling lines. Micro Machines had a well-known advertising campaign in the 1980s involving fast-talker John Moschitta, Jr. who would speak very fast in their TV commercials, ending each one with the slogan "If it doesn't say Micro machines, it's not the real thing".

Here's a quick recap...

Xiao Huang's New Friends - The Chinchilla

2010-06-20T22:54:00.006+08:00

Xiao Huang recently just made 2 new Chinchilla friends. We name them Xiao Hei & Xiao Hui for the time being as we are not the owner. They will be under our care till end of the year when Jully's Sister, Tina, new place is ready. They have been here for a week or so & its really fun taking care of them. Think they will make great picture with my 50mm f1.8 Prime.

Observed their behavior for afew days & the sound they make caught my attention. Wonder if they are not used to or don't like what's going on in their new environment. Hope they will like their new home for the months ahead.

Chinchillas are crepuscular rodents, slightly larger and more robust than ground squirrels, and are native to the Andes mountains in South America. Along with their relatives, viscachas, they comprise the family Chinchillidae.

The animal whose name literally means "little Chincha" is named after the Chincha people of the Andes, who once wore its dense, velvet-like fur. By the end of the 19th century, chinchillas had become quite rare due to hunting for their fur. Most chinchillas currently used by the fur industry for clothing and other accessories are farm-raised.

The chinchilla is often used as an animal model in researching the auditory system, because the chinchilla's range of hearing (20 Hz to 30 kHz) and cochlear size is close to that of a human, and the chinchilla cochlea is fairly easy to access.

Home Improvement Projects 3 - The Pink Walk-in-Wardrobe

2010-06-20T21:56:00.002+08:00

Home Improvement Projects 1 & 2 - Knobs & Celling Fan

2010-06-20T21:50:00.002+08:00

Evolution of Cinema Tickets

2010-06-20T16:18:00.005+08:00

The history of film spans over a hundred years, from the latter part of the 19th century to the present day and beyond. Motion pictures developed gradually from a carnival novelty to one of the most important tools of communication and entertainment, and mass media in the 20th century. Motion picture films have had a substantial impact on the arts, technology, and politics.

Whereas the first moving picture patrons fled the sight of a flickering black-and-white train approaching them in the Lumiere brother's Paris theater in the late 19th century, early 21st century audiences will soon be lured to theaters with the promise of a new cinema revolution.

As cinema revolution takes place, movie tickets or stubs also went through its own revolution. The earlier ticket stubs don't have the names of most of the movies because back then theaters just printed bulk tickets without much customization. Starting around 80s, the theaters with the more advanced ticketing systems have the name of the theater and later movie title.

Though they do it electronically nowadays, having to be able to go through the evolution together really mean alot. Do you still keep them? While electronically printed tickets do seem to fade over the years, this hand written one don't.

Singapore on US Human Trafficking Watchlist

2010-06-19T12:18:00.003+08:00

The United States has put Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam on a human trafficking watch list, accusing them of failing to prevent women from being forced into prostitution. The move opens the way for the United States to cut off some civilian assistance, although it usually functions as a symbolic means to pressure countries to take action.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who has made women's and children's rights a signature issue, called human trafficking a 'terrible crime' as she presented the State Department's annual report. 'All of us have a responsibility to bring this practice to an end,' she said. The report estimated that 12.3 million people were the victims of trafficking in 2009-2010, although it said there has been progress in the past decade.

Explaining the downgrade for Singapore, the report said that some women from China, the Philippines and Thailand are tricked into coming to the city-state with promises of legitimate employment and coerced into the sex trade. The report said that while Singapore launched 'some significant new steps' against trafficking, there were no 'quantifiable indicators' that the government was identifying more victims or prosecuting more culprits.

Shopping for new car? Hold on

2010-06-19T12:00:00.003+08:00

Folk shopping for a car in recent months must be in despair. Prices of new cars have skyrocketed, rising by about $20,000 in just two months, before softening last month. The increases follow spikes in Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums, which came on the back of a drastic reduction in COE supply. The current quota is 40% smaller than last year's.

The bad news for car buyers does not stop there. The next quota, to be announced in August, will, in all likelihood, experience a further shrinkage. This is because motorists are likely to hold on to their cars due to the sharp rise in prices. Those who sell will probably see their cars end up in the secondhand market instead of being scrapped or exported.

Going by estimates based on deregistrations in the first three months of this year, the monthly quota for August could dip to 3900 from about 4250 now. That means COE premiums should continue to head upwards, leading to even fewer deregistrations in the second half of the year.

Right now, this downward spiral in supply and upward spiral in prices will seem quite frightening to anyone in the market for a new car. Will it ever end? Will the trend ever reverse? More pertinently, how much higher will COE premiums go?

COE premiums do not rise continuously. There will be corrections. We have seen two rounds since things began heating up in April's second tender and last month's first. The open category, which hit $49,000 during the first tender in April, has dropped to $39,000. But while there is intermittent respite, premiums will be on the uptrend. There are fears that premiums will reach $100,000, which happened in 1994.

However, the $100,000 premium, which was for cars above 2,000cc, was largely the work of speculators. When anti-speculative measures were introduced, premiums plunged overnight. If not $100,000, then how far can COE premiums climb today? The highest premium on record for a 1,600cc car was about $62,000 in 1997. The ceiling for a big-car COE is not much higher, at around $75,000, also reached in 1997.

These two categories of cars are the mainstay of most buyers, so it is safe to assume that their peak COE premiums are what the market is willing to bear in the best of circumstances. However, times have changed profoundly since the 1990s. Also, the oversupply of COEs in recent years gave rise to an "oversold" market. In the words of a dealership executive, "everyone who wanted a car has already bought one".

The car population here ballooned by 30% in the past five years, and 85% of passenger cars on the road are less than five years old. With lofty COE premiums, new-car sales have slowed to a crawl in recent months. They will start to pick up when consumers become accustomed to the new rates. The norm for COE premiums in the immediate future is likely to be $25,000-$30,000 for cars up to 1,600cc, and $30,000-$40,000 for cars with bigger engines. Motor traders reckon that the premiums could reach $50,000 by early next year and, perhaps, $60,000 by the later part of next year. These are long-shot projections, though, and should be taken with a pinch of salt.

Bear in mind that the COE supply crunch should reverse in about two to three years' time, when the cohort of cars between four and five years of age become too old to be sold on the secondary market here and have to be scrapped or exported. This cohort is sizeable, at about 200,000 units.

The bottom line: If you are not in a hurry to buy a new car, hold on till 2013. However, if you absolutely need one soon, you might just have to bite the bullet, or you could shop for a used car.

Choked drains caused massive flooding in Orchard

2010-06-19T11:35:00.003+08:00

Singapore's national water agency, PUB, has said the flood in parts of Orchard Road on Wednesday was caused by choked drains underneath roads in the area.

With no typhoon hovering over the island city state, suspected that the rains were brought by the southwest monsoon. The two-hour downpour registered 100 mm of rain & the amount of rainfall is higher than the average and incidents like this happen rarely.

At a news conference on Thursday, PUB explained that thorough investigations done by its officers found that debris was found trapped inside the culvert of Stamford Canal. It said the heavy downpour caused debris to build up and get trapped in a drain near Delfi Orchard. The culvert of Stamford Canal diverts water from Nassim and Cuscaden Road into two sections of Stamford Canal, which runs along Orchard Road.

The heavy build-up of debris partially trapped in the culvert caused the rainwater to be diverted to only one of two canals running beneath Orchard Road. And this caused water in the canal to overflow into Orchard Road.

PUB said the drain's capacity is adequate as it has handled previous rains of similar intensity. It will be stepping up the frequency of maintenance inspections of critical closed drains. It will also increase its maintenance inspections to monthly checks. Currently, it inspects drains every three to six months.

PUB will also install more litter traps along Stamford Canal to prevent the build-up of debris, and more water-level sensors along Stamford Canal to enable closer monitoring of unusual peaks and dips in water levels.

Overseas Chinese top the world at 45 million

2010-06-19T11:15:00.003+08:00

The number of overseas Chinese has reached 45 million, becoming the world's largest overseas group, according to the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council cited in Guangzhou Daily.

Many of the new emigrants are choosing to live in Europe. When asked about attitudes towards citizens moving abroad, Overseas Chinese Affairs Office said that with the precondition of legality, they respect their right and choice, protect their legitimate rights abroad, and will guide them to assimilate with local society, to make due economic contributions.

Hope they are as hardworking as our grandparents.

Caught with gun at AMK

2010-06-19T02:25:00.000+08:00

An unemployed man came into possession of a semi-automatic pistol when his friend, who was about to be arrested for drug offences, gave it to him a decade ago. But despite the possible consequences, Low Hua Choon kept the pistol and in July last year, he took the Colt M1991A1 which contained five rounds of ammunition, on a run to sell smuggled contraband cigarettes.

These details emerged 2 weeks back when the 41-year-old was convicted in a district court. He faces a jail term of between five and 20 years and at least six strokes of the cane under the Arms Offences Act. The court heard he was arrested at the junction of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 and Avenue 8 on July 27 last year.

Singapore Customs officers, who intercepted Low on a cigarette delivery run, searched his lorry and found the pistol and 13 boxes (650 cartons) of contraband cigarettes. He would have been paid $30 for each box of cigarettes he delivered. Lucky the Customs Officer didn't treat it as a toy and start testing it. Anyway... it's a rare event.

Graffiti vandal breaches security at MRT depot

2010-06-19T02:17:00.000+08:00

This train, spray-painted with garish graffiti, plied its route for an unknown period of time, in full view of commuters. The vandal, a 33-year-old Swiss national, has been arrested.

An MRT train parked in a depot was hit with garish graffiti in what amounted to a serious security breach in a restricted area here. The vandal apparently sneaked into the sprawling depot at Changi, despite an array of barriers, including fences topped with barbed wire. Once inside, he spray-painted elaborate graffiti on one side of a train, across one carriage.

Is there a pubic petition for us to vote and support this graffiti artist so that he don't have to get penalized? I like his work. But having crawled over so many barriers to get to the train, SMRT must do something about it. It would be better to have proper walkway to the berthed trains so that artists in future can paint safely. Haha.. Kidding only.

Counter terrorism experts describe this as a "low-cost" lesson. Lucky he didn't intend to install any bomb. SMRT has stepped up security at all its depots. It is also working closely with the authorities to strengthen security at its perimeters, including additional surveillance and intrusion detection systems.

The train carriages have been scrubbed clean, but a video clip on YouTube showed the vandalised train filled with elaborate graffiti. The 27-second clip continues to attract eyeballs, as well as calls to plug the loopholes in security.

East Coast and Changi beaches reopen

2010-06-07T02:09:00.003+08:00

The beaches at East Coast and Changi will be reopened for water contact activities, according to a written statement issued by the National Environment Agency (NEA) on last Friday.

The agency said that the water conditions at these coastal areas have returned to normal although some small tar balls might still be appearing along the shoreline.

Contact with the tar balls will not cause any harm and can be removed with soap and water.

Over 7km of beach and rock bunds along the east coast were affected by an oil slick after about 2500 tonnes of crude spilled from a tanker damaged in a collision in the Singapore Strait slipped out of a floating cordon.

Members of the public can contact the NEA 24-hour call centre at 1800-CALL NEA (2255632) if they have any queries.

Recall raises questions about promotional glasses

2010-06-07T02:06:00.000+08:00

McDonald's recalls 12M 'Shrek' glasses over cadmium, raising questions about similar products

A recall of 12 million cadmium-tainted "Shrek" drinking glasses sold by McDonald's raises questions about the safety of millions of similar cheap promotional products that have been sitting in Americans' kitchen cabinets for years.

Only glasses produced for the latest "Shrek" movie are included in the voluntary recall announced Friday by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, but they were made by a company that McDonald's has worked with for 15 years. And many other companies make similar glassware with cartoon characters or other designs baked in.

How to Read Road Signs

2010-05-28T01:58:00.001+08:00

Carrying any porn to Australian?

2010-05-27T01:23:00.002+08:00

Visitors to Australia now have another question to answer in addition to declaring whether they are carrying any firearms, weapons or illicit drugs. Are they bringing in any pornography?

The additional query was introduced in September 2009. This was designed to pick up prohibited items such as child pornography at the border. But the Australian Sex Party described it as a “monstrous invasion of people’s privacy” which would leave the laptops and mobile phones of anyone entering the country open to scrutiny.

“If you and your partner have filmed or photographed yourselves making love in an exotic destination or even taking a bath, you will have to answer ‘Yes’ to the question or you will be breaking the law,” president Fiona Patten said.

The change means that travellers must declare X-rated erotic material that is legal in Australia and potentially have these items examined by Customs officers. Customs said many items of pornography were legitimately bought, possessed and viewed and these items would be returned to the passenger. But offensive material containing child pornography, bestiality, explicit sexual violence and graphic degradation needed to be detected.

“The inclusion of the question on the passenger card is intended to give a traveller the opportunity to declare adult material if they are uncertain as to whether their material would be deemed prohibited,” a Customs statement said. “Declaring the goods will minimise any action that would be considered against someone possessing such goods, unless it involves child pornography.”

Organic food is a 'waste of money'?

2010-05-27T01:05:00.003+08:00

Do you believe in Organic? For me, I don't really believe that organic food hold much more nutritions as compared to commerically farmed produce. But definitely the pesticides and chemical fertilizer used in commercial farming cannot be beneficial to our bodies! But I do support organic farming for its role in sustaining the environment. Sometimes I wonder if the huge price difference is primarily due to the exorbitant cost of getting the farmland certified organic.

Consumers who opt for organic foods often believe they are improving their health but there is currently no strong evidence that organics bring nutrition-related health benefits, a new research review finds.

A 'disappointingly small' number of well-designed studies have looked at whether organic foods may have health benefits beyond their conventional counterparts, according to the review by researchers with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Health in Britain. Moreover, they found, what studies have been done have largely focused on short-term effects of organic eating - mainly antioxidant activity in the body - rather than longer-term health outcomes.

Most of the antioxidant studies failed to find differences between organic and conventional diets. The review, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, adds to findings reported last year by the same research team.

In that study, the researchers combed through 162 articles published in the scientific literature over the last 50 years, and found no evidence that organic and conventional foods differ significantly in their nutrient content. For the current review, the researchers were able to find only 12 published studies that met their criteria for evaluating the health effects of organic foods.

'A surprising and important finding of this review is the extremely limited nature of the evidence base on this subject, both in terms of the number and quality of studies,' wrote Dr Alan Dangour and his colleagues. Of the 12 studies the researchers identified, 6 were short-term clinical trials that looked at whether specific organic foods changed markers of antioxidant activity in participants' blood.

While questions remain as to whether organic foods have any extra nutritional value, people buy organic for a number of other reasons as well. Organic foods are made without the use of conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, antibiotics or hormones - which could potentially reap benefits for people's health and the environment. The current review, Dr Dangour and his colleagues point out, did not look for studies on the possible health benefits of reduced exposure to those substances nor did it address the environmental impact of organic food production.

Philips Carnival 2010

2010-05-27T00:22:00.004+08:00

Philips Carnival Sale is here again & its organised for 3 days for the first time! So mark your calendar & get ready to snap up your electronic goods. Although most of the items are reconditioned set, but its still a great buy with warrenty.

Date : 28 - 30 May 2010
Time : 9am - 6pm
Venue : 620A Toa Payoh Lor 1

Short of cash? No worries.. 0% insterest free installment plan are available. Parking is available at designated areas in & around the vicinity on a first-come-first-served basis.

AD Wedding Photos & Instant Photography

2010-05-26T23:29:00.004+08:00

AD Morning by Unique Colours

AD Evening by Unique Colours

AD Instant Print

Evening Banquet Highlights

2010-05-26T23:28:00.001+08:00

Sony Alpha NEX Product Launch

2010-05-26T23:17:00.002+08:00

Did you receive the email about the launch of Sony Alpha latest product NEX 3 & NEX 5on Jun 2 at Giraffe @ Istana Park?

The mail was sent out due to a system glitch! So sad.. I'm not invited for the launch.

Junk Food Night @ Whampoa

2010-05-17T02:10:00.003+08:00

Jetstar to launch long-haul budget flights

2010-05-17T01:36:00.004+08:00

First of all, will you ever consider taking budget airlines for flights that's more than 5 hours? Having to stuck in the crampy restricted space really put me off. Not to mention when you have a big size traveller siting right next to you.

New budget service is expected to commence from Singapore's Changi airport late this year. Jetstar, the low-cost offshoot of Australian flag-carrier Qantas will launch long-haul flights from Singapore to Australia, North Asia and Europe to tap on growing demand. This is a good news for travellers here who prefer long-haul flights that are easy on their wallets.

Being a tourist hub, Singapore has a “strong appetite” for low-cost long-haul services, and Jetstar is expecting travellers here to be “really responsive” with their new destinations as they are stepping up to cater to the demand.

Media players are gaining popularity in Singapore

2010-05-17T00:40:00.005+08:00

While it may be relatively new in Singapore, the sale of media players & downloaded movies has been going on in countries like China for a while.

Media players are gaining popularity as they allow various types of multimedia files that can normally be played only on computers to be played on a TV set. The prices of media players range from as little as $55 to as much as $400. The pricier ones come with a built-in hard disk to store the multimedia files, which include videos, music and photos. Those without a built-in hard disk require a portable hard disk or USB flash drive that contains the multimedia files.

Some shops at Sim Lim Square are filling the hard disk with hundreds of pirated movies for free to customers whom bought media players with Hard disk from them. For those who only bought the media players, you can pass them your portable hard disk to be filled. Some shop willing to provide free while some charged $3 per title.

This is the carrot being dangled by some vendors at Sim Lim Square to customers who buy media players from them. Sounds like a great deal, but the problem is what these vendors are doing is illegal. It's equivalent to selling pirated movies.

Nowadays, there's a new media players which will access its pre-encoded hosted sites to download the movie for viewing like YouTube, rather than accessing local storage for movies. Its more "Clean" but still illegal.

Sellers of media players who offer copies of movies in the media players or hard disks without permission from rights holders may be infringing copyright. When a customer asks for movies to be loaded, he is authorising the infringement and would be exposed to civil action as well. You have been warned!

Piracy = IT Terrorist?

2010-05-16T23:58:00.004+08:00

From Sim Lim to Heartland Malls to Shop houses, its a scene which I've not came across for a really long long time. Are they still around? With many online forum, P2P & bittorrent site for your daily hunger, why would one still risk to visit them?

According to Business Software Alliance, which has a base in Singapore, software piracy cost technology companies more than US$50 billion (S$68.9 billion) around the world last year, with Asia-Pacific region accounting for the largest share of losses at US$16.5 billion.

Despite some successes in the fight to protect intellectual property rights, 43% of software used in computers worldwide in 2009 was pirated, compared to 41% the year before. The deluge of counterfeits was largely due to the growth of the personal computer market in Brazil, India and China.

Bangladesh was the Asian country with the highest software piracy rate, followed by Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Vietnam, with China and India also among the most prominent culprits. Ex-Soviet state Georgia was the world’s top software pirate, with 95% of all software used in the country deemed illegal. It was followed by Zimbabwe, with 92%, Bangladesh with 91% and Moldova with 91%.

NDP2010 App for 3G phones on 1 June

2010-05-16T23:45:00.003+08:00

A free National Day Parade (NDP) application for iPhone and Android devices will be available from June 1. The NDP executive committee hopes to leverage on the popularity of 3G phones to reach out to more Singaporeans, especially younger people, and encourage social interaction.

The main highlight is an augmented reality feature, which will identify any landmark around the Padang when a user points the phone camera at it. The app will display the image on the smartphone’s screen, overlaid with information about the landmark. It will also let users look up related information about the site.

Using the app, users can also access the latest NDP news, get ticket-application details, and access content on the official NDP website, as well as its Twitter account and Facebook group. Closer to National Day, it will provide information on, and directions to, the NDP and heartland celebrations.

Of the three million smartphone users here, 60 per cent use the iPhone and 5 per cent use an Android device. The NDP’s communications and multimedia committee hopes the app will reach out to all iPhone and Android device users.

The app can be downloaded from June at www.ndp.org.sg/onthego

Apply for NDP 2010 Tickets

2010-05-16T01:56:00.001+08:00

Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents can starts applying for this year's National Day Parade (NDP) tickets from 15 May to 24 May, 2010. They can apply through phone, Short Message Service (SMS), SAM, AXS stations and the NDP website (www.ndp.org.sg).

Applicants can choose to apply for tickets to the Preview on 31 July, 2010 or to the NDP on 9 August, 2010. Tickets will be allocated through an electronic ballot which will be carried out after the application process. Applicants can choose to apply for either 2, 4 or 6 tickets. Chances of obtaining tickets will be higher if applicants ballot for less tickets.

There is no limit to the number of applications that each NRIC holder can submit. However, only the latest application will be entered for the e-balloting on 26 May, 2010. Those without access to the Internet can also apply through the NDP website via CitizenConnect Centres. The location of SAM, AXS stations and CitizenConnect Centres can be found on www.singpost.com.sg, www.axs.com.sg and www.ecitizen.gov.sg respectively.

Successful applicants will be notified from between June 8 and 17 via the contact numbers they provided. They can subsequently collect their tickets at HDB Hub (at Toa Payoh) Basement 1, Bedok Room from June 19 to 28 between 9am and 9pm daily.

Here's a Step-by-step guide on application for NDP 2010 tickets:

Via SMS
Step 1:Go to 'Write/Create Message' under message function.
Step 2: Key in 'NDP' and send it to 8388 4388 to start the application process.
Step 3: A SMS message will be sent to you shortly.
Step 4: Follow the instructions prompted in the replied message.
The SMS application is free.
Internet messaging will not be applicable.

Via Telephone
Step 1: For Preview on Sat, 31 Jul 2010, dial 1900-112-4551.
For NDP on Monday, 9 Aug 2010, dial 1900-112-4559.
Step 2: Follow the instructions prompted during the call.
You will hear a confirmation of your application at the end of the call.

Internet/AXS/SAM
Step 1: Log on to NDP website (www.ndp.org.sg) or any, AXS, SAM station. Alternatively, you can visit CitizenConnect Centres for free internet services.
Step 2: Fill in all the fields as prompted on the screen.
Step 3: Submit the application form.

Earth may be too hot by 2300

2010-05-14T02:44:00.005+08:00

Climate change could make much of the world too hot for human habitation within just 3 centuries, researchers showed. And the only way to save the earth is to either expedite the R&D for clean / green energy or to move human race backwards, back to basic.

Scientists from Australia's University of New South Wales and Purdue University in the United States found that rising temperatures in some places could mean humans would be unable to adapt or survive. It would begin to occur with global-mean warming of about 7 degrees Celsius (13 Fahrenheit), calling the habitability of some regions into question. With 11-12 degrees Celsius warming, such regions would spread to encompass the majority of the human population as currently distributed.

Researcher Professor Steven Sherwood said there was no chance of the earth heating up to 7 degrees this century, but there was a serious risk that the continued burning of fossil fuels could create the problem by 2300. The study - which examined climate change over a longer period than most other research - looked at the 'heat stress' produced by combining the impact of rising temperatures and increased humidity.

Dr Sherwood said climate change research had been 'short-sighted' not to probe the long-term consequences of the impact of greenhouse gases blamed for global warming. There's not much we can do about climate change over the next two decades but there's still a lot we can do about the longer term changes.

In a commentary on the paper, published in the US-based Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Australian National University academics said climate change would not stop in 2100. And under realistic scenarios out to 2300, we may be faced with temperature increases of 12 degrees Celsius or even more. If this happens, our current worries about sea level rise, occasional heatwaves and bushfires, biodiversity loss and agricultural difficulties will pale into insignificance beside a major threat - as much as half the currently inhabited globe may simply become too hot for people to live there.

Murano Glass - The Art of Venice, Italy

2010-05-13T23:06:00.004+08:00

Italy Murano Glass. Something that I would go crazy for when I was at Venice. Although I've a few there, but the nicest one was the one I got it at Milan.

Murano glass has been a famous product of the Venetian island of Murano for centuries. Located off the shore of Venice, Italy, Murano was a commercial port as far back as the 7th century. By the 10th century it had become a well-known city of trade. Today Murano remains a destination for tourists and art and jewellery lovers alike.

It is believed that glassmaking in Murano originated from 9th century Rome, with significant Asian and Muslim influences, as Venice was a major trading port. Murano’s reputation as a centre for glassmaking was born when the Venetian Republic, fearing fire and destruction to the city’s mostly wooden buildings, ordered glassmakers to move their foundries to Murano in 1291. Murano glass is still interwoven with Venetian glass.

Murano's glassmakers were soon the island’s most prominent citizens. By the 14th century, glassmakers were allowed to wear swords, enjoyed immunity from prosecution by the Venetian state and found their daughters married into Venice’s most affluent families. However glassmakers were not allowed to leave the Republic. Many craftsmen took this risk and set up glass furnaces in surrounding cities and as far afield as England and the Netherlands.

By the end of the 16th century, three thousand of Murano island's seven thousand inhabitants were involved in some way in the glassmaking industry.

Murano’s glassmakers held a monopoly on quality glassmaking for centuries, developing or refining many technologies including crystalline glass, enamelled glass (smalto), glass with threads of gold (aventurine), multicoloured glass (millefiori), milk glass (lattimo), and imitation gemstones made of glass. Today, the artisans of Murano are still employing these century-old techniques, crafting everything from contemporary art glass and glass figurines to Murano glass chandeliers and wine stoppers.

Today, Murano is home to a vast number of factories and a few individual artist studios making all manner of glass objects from mass marketed stemware to original sculpture. The Museo Vetrario or Glass Museum in the Palazzo Giustinian, which holds displays on the history of glassmaking as well as glass samples ranging from Egyptian times through the present day.

MBS Tour & Mothers Day Celebration - 8 May 10

2010-05-13T01:17:00.004+08:00

Time really fly.. Its has been almost a week since Mothers Day. Where have you been & how you celebrated Mothers Day? For me, we went to the newly open but problematic MBS for a short tour. Really looking forward to their Grand Opening this June, as the place is still so empty yet dusty with all the construction on going.

Than we had Korean Charcoal BBQ dinner at Jang Shou, Esplanade. The food is not bad, but not fantastic too. Its expensive but they make sure everyone walks out filled to the brim. The thing that I like about Korean food is the unlimited refill of side dishes.

NPNT, here's the photos taken that day. Enjoy..

8 May 2010 - MBS Tour & Mothers Day Celebration

Moon & Venus closest together on 16 May 10

2010-05-07T02:34:00.004+08:00

On Sunday 16 May 2010, from 7.37pm to 8.05pm, you will get the chance to see Venus closing in to the Moon just below the thin crescent. This astronomy event only happen once every 10 years & its call "月掩金星".

We lucky people here together with those in Malaysia, Hong Kong & GuangZhou China get to see it. The next time it occur again will be in 2023. The process will start at 7.37pm where you can see Venus slowly closing the Moon & reaches the Moon thin crescent at 8.01pm.

Any stars watcher / photographer going to catch this?

Suddenly, I Miss Taiwan So Much..

2010-05-07T02:08:00.002+08:00

After listening to this song. Knowing that the JetStar 1 for 1 promotion for Taiwan has totally sold out, I'm even more sad.. :(

Great Singapore Sale kicks off on 28 May

2010-05-06T01:32:00.002+08:00

It’s time to indulge as the Great Singapore Sale is back, and the whole island is abuzz with tempting offers, enticing rewards, exciting events and fun experiences! This year's Great Singapore Sale (GSS) will kick off on May 28 all through to July 25.

Guys.. Remember to watch your pocket ya, else no more money left for the blink blink gadget during the June PC Show.

Experience the fun and excitement at the official launch event of this year’s Great Singapore Sale on Saturday, 29 May 2010. Tourist, will be treated to a host of exclusive privileges ranging from retail, dining and sightseeing to beauty and wellness with the Tourist Privileges Card.

For those night owl, you can indulge in late night shopping, dining and entertainment at these participating malls, and shop to your heart’s desire! But they are not 24hrs.

For more info, latest updates & the best deal in town, please visit http://www.greatsingaporesale.com.sg.

CPF contribution to be raised by 1% this year

2010-05-06T01:17:00.003+08:00

For those who are servicing their housing loan, you will be disappointed as the 1% is not going to the Ordinary Account (OA).

The employer's contribution to the CPF, a national pension fund, will go up by one per cent to 15.5%. This will bring the overall contribution rate to 35.5%. 7 years since the CPF was cut during the SARS crisis and after weathering one of the worst global downturns, workers can now look forward to more savings for their retirement.

The government has decided to increase the CPF contribution by employers this year by 1% & the restoration will be done in two steps. 0.5% from September, paid into the Medisave Account and another 0.5% from March next year, paid into the Special Account. No top ups going to the Ordinary Account as it's deemed enough to meet current housing needs.

Luncheon Meat Leaf Bun

2010-05-04T08:40:00.004+08:00

Does this reminds you of the food found in the tuckshop when we were still in primary school? Hot Luncheon Meat Leaf Bun with some chilli.. Yum Yum..

Ingredients
• 1 Pack of Leaf Bun (Usually 10pcs per pack)
• Luncheon Meat (Pork)
• Lettuce
• Chilli (Optional)

Instructions
1. Cut Luncheon Meat into Semi-Circle shape of about 5mm thick.
2. Pan fried the Luncheon Meat till crispy.
3. Microwave the Leaf Bun at High for 30s to 35s.
4. Insert the crispy Luncheon Meat together with some Lettuce into Leaf Bun & add Chilli.

Singapore's Most Expensive Carpark - MBS

2010-05-04T01:35:00.005+08:00

It's home to Singapore's newest casino, convention centre and hotel. And as some unhappy drivers have pointed out, it's also home to Singapore's most expensive carpark.

Recently, Marina Bay Sands (MBS), which operates the 800 lot Sands Expo and Convention Centre carpark, has since revised its charges. The new fees are $8 for the first hour, and $2 for every hour after that. Parking is also capped at $28 for a 24 hour period.

Previously, parking was at $8 an hour from 7am to midnight. Overnight parking was charged at a flat fee of $8. This had some Singaporeans crying foul over its parking charges. But MBS has declined to comment on why they revised their fees and whether the fee cap existed before the revision.

At Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), from 7am to 7pm on weekdays, parking costs $6 for the first hour and $2 for every hour after that. Carpark charges are capped at $20 for every 24 hours parked there. Punters at the RWS casino can also choose to use their membership points accumulated to waive carpark fees. Hotel guests at RWS also get their carpark charges waived.

Punters at the MBS casino do not enjoy such an option. However, MBS hotel guests have their parking capped at $15. Drivers are advised to carpool or take public transport, as car park spaces were limited in their first phase of operations.

EaseComm Gathering @ Ministry of Steak - 30 Apr 2010

2010-05-03T00:44:00.003+08:00

Ministry of Steak (MOS). Tucked away along the row of shophouses at Serangoon Gardens (Near Chomp Chomp), this is a place where people love it as much as they hate it. The ambiance was good and the restaurant looked chic & modern. But was disappointed by the portion of the food & their service. Taste wise, Astons is as good as them, so therefore nothing fantastic. Sad that Astons had moved out of Chomp Chomp since 22 Apr.

30 Apr 2010 - EaseComm Gathering @ Ministry of Steak

Marital Status of Prospective Spouse

2010-04-30T00:58:00.003+08:00

Starting May 1, 2010, you can now search for the marital status of a prospective spouse using a free online search service provided by the The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS). The service will provide the same information of marriage records as the existing paid search service including the names and partially masked NRIC numbers of both married parties and the date of marriage.

Previously, users could only obtain information by paying $35 for a hard copy of an online search outcome made in the Register of Muslim marriages or Register of Civil marriages. Now You will have the option of a free online search (without a hard copy of the search outcome), or a paid search service which will provide both online and hardcopy information at $35.

The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) says the free online service is available to SingPass users and to organisations. The number of free searches will be limited to two per person over a 12-month period. You can access the eService by the following URL.

• Logging onto Registry of Marriages website at http://www.rom.gov.sg and select "Search for Marriage Records" from the "Services" menu.
• Logging onto Registry of Muslim Marriages website at http://www.romm.gov.sg and select "Search for Marriage Records" from the "Services" menu.

Singapore not renewing water agreement with Malaysia

2010-04-28T09:18:00.003+08:00

Singapore will not need to renew one water agreement with Malaysia which expires next year. That's because Singapore has ramped up with local water supply with new reservoirs, NEWater and desalinated water.

Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim said Singapore will build a second desalination plant over the next few years to ensure reliability in water supply. As the production of NEWater and desalinated water are independent of rainfall, they can be used to supplement water stocks in an extended dry spell like the one experienced in February this year, which was the driest February on record.

Waterborn fees will be go up soon? Now we are drinking "Up Market" water ya..

ERP rates to be increase by 20-100%

2010-04-28T09:02:00.002+08:00

For those who contributed by paying high COEs, here's a big THANK YOU from LTA.

It will be costlier to use the roads as ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) rates for four gantries are set to increase from 20-100%.

From May 3 onwards, motorists have to pay $3 instead of $2.50 when passing the two gantries at ECP (Fort Road) and KPE slip road to ECP during 8.30-9.30am. This is an increase of 20%.

Motorists passing through the two ERP gantries at PIE Adam Road and Mount Pleasant will have to fork out $2 from 8-8.30am (for Adam Road) and 8.30-9am (for Mount Pleasant), a rise of 100% and 33% respectively.

However, rates at two gantries will be reduced.

Passing through the CTE gantry that is north of Braddell Road will be cheaper. The rate from 7.30-8am has been decreased from $2.50 to $2, a reduction of 20%.

The westbound PIE gantry before Eunos Link will be free-of-charge from 7-7.30am.

ERP rates are usually revised when the Land Transport Authority completes its quarterly review of traffic conditions on EPR-priced roads and expressways. The next ERP review will take place in May for the June school holidays.

Formula Drift Singapore 2010 - 25 Apr 2010

2010-04-28T02:07:00.003+08:00

Had a great day at the Formula Drift last weekend all thanks to Lester & Andy. Although we went late, but just in time to catch the Round of 16 to Final 4 & Final 4 Showdown. After checking out the official photos, I feel that we really miss out alot of "Nice Stuff".

25 Apr 2010 - Formula Drift Singapore 2010

Drifting refers to a driving technique where the driver intentionally slides a car sideways through turns while still maintaining control over the direction of the vehicle. Drifting used to be an illegal street racing event, with racers using public roads as drifting locations, only forming into a professional-level contest about 10 years ago.

Powered by Nissan, Formula Drift originated from the US and was brought into the Singapore motorsports scene in 2008. Its has since attracted participants from around the region to as far as New Zealand. In official drifting tournaments, drivers are judged by angle, line taken, as well as speed.

For more drifting action, please visit their website @ http://www.formuladrift.com.sg.

A Day & Night Around Marina Bay Precinct

2010-04-28T01:52:00.003+08:00

A Night Around Marina Bay

A Day Around Marina Bay

The night before the opening & the day after the opening of the Helix Bridge, that sole purpose was to link up the Marina Bay precinct, from Esplanade to the Marina Bay Sands.

How some Chinese learn English

2010-04-23T01:02:00.001+08:00

Your new SOP item

2010-04-23T00:17:00.001+08:00

Every modern soldier now needs one - a notebook computer. Modern recruit of the Singapore Armed Forces undergoing basic military training (BMT) now gets one, along with his green fatigues, helmet and boots.

At the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC), recruits go online to learn how to assemble and handle their rifle, throw a grenade, carry out first aid and clear battle obstacles before going outfield to get hands-on experience.

About 2,600 enlistees were issued laptop computers in last December at the start of their BMT. The recruits returned the devices to the training centres after they graduated last week.

The online tutorials have replaced some lectures in the training shed or classroom, used now instead for discussions of current affairs and national education. Soldiers learn the how-tos of the practical skills in their bunks through BMTC's online platform Learnet. Questions can be directed to their commanders through a live messaging system.

Aside from familiarising themselves with military skills, recruits have to post their thoughts and reflections about their BMT experience at least once a week.

Learnet lets recruits carry out 'self-learning' of lessons such as weapon handling, individual field craft, first aid and training safety. It complements existing training methods like field training and classroom-based lectures conducted by BMTC. The Learnet system provides the recruits easy access to learning resources, and is part of the improvements made to the BMT system to enhance the recruit's overall training experience.

Equipping men with laptops is part of the SAF's modernisation drive to harness technology in the training of today's cohort. SAF had to engage troops intellectually and emotionally as they are now more educated, intelligent and inquisitive. This is an important part of the third-generation SAF where they focus on training thinking soldiers.

In the initial weeks, some had even figured out a way to get in touch with friends on the mainland through e-mail and social networking sites. But the social networking sites and e-mail were later blocked.

Can laptop shoot or stab? But giving it a good throw at the enemy can give them baluku I guess. Also, I wonder how much if someone were to sign 1206 for this lappy?

Jurong Bird Park on a Weekday - 21 Apr 2010

2010-04-22T11:02:00.001+08:00

21 Apr 2010 - A Day @ Jurong Bird Park

Lyrids Meteor Shower peak on 22 Apr 2010

2010-04-21T01:39:00.005+08:00

Anyone who enjoys watching the sky for "shooting stars" will have an opportunity to observe the oldest and most reliable meteor display over the next several days, the April Lyrids.

The best time to watch will be for a night or two around the peak, April 22. These meteors are among the oldest known, with ancient records of them dating back nearly 27 centuries. The Chinese records show that "stars fell like rain" during the meteor shower of 687BC.

The peak of the Lyrids meteor shower will be visible from late night of April 22 to just before dawn of April 23 (SG Time). The meteors will be radiating out from the constellation of Lyra on the northeastern sky. During its peak, the shower can reach about 10 per hour with outbursts of up to about 100 meteors per hour.

But in recent times, the Lyrids have generally been weak while still providing enjoyment to observers. According to meteorshowersonline, the Lyrids generally begin on April 16 and last until April 26. So if you missed the peak, you can still catch it on April 23 to 26. But if you miss this, you will have to wait till May 5 for the Aquarids Meteor Shower.

Anyone wanna join me on this quest?

Did Moses Crosses The Red Sea or Reed Sea?

2010-04-20T00:51:00.008+08:00

The Crossing the Red Sea is the Biblical account of the escape of the Israelites from the pursuing Egyptians. It marks the point at which the Israelites leave Egypt and enter into their wilderness wanderings.

With reference to my earlier post on "Discovery of the Pharaoh's chariot", did Moses really part the Red Sea or the Reed Sea aka Sea of Reed (Swamp)? Was this event a true miracle? After much research on this, I've finally found the answer. This is a quest to find out the truth & not to question the creditability of the Bible.

Moses had spend 40 years in the desert, studying the terrain & climatic conditions. He knew that during low tide, when the water of the sea had receded, there will be a swampy land bridge which he could lead the Israelites across. He also knew that when low tide couple with strong winds so strong that its seems like splitting the waters apart exposing the land bridge. He also knew how long this is going to last. With all the geography knowledge he had in this area, its not hard to cross the Reed Sea.

Why its Reed Sea & not Red Sea? This was a mistranslation of the original text. According to the Hebrew Exodus it actually said Sea of Reed - A Swampy Path, which is in current day Gulf of Aquaba, that is linked to the Red Sea.

The striking of the water of the sea with his rod by Moses had no cause and effect connection with the actual parting of the sea. It was merely a sign or divine intimation that it was the time of the ebb tide and that the Israelites should hasten to cross. When the Egyptians that follows them reached the middle of the sea, the high tide returned and the rising water quickly engulfed them.

Protest or Publicity Stunt?

2010-04-20T00:15:00.002+08:00

A group of people dressed in white were spotted on the overhead bridge along CTE near St. Andrews Junior College, bearing a 'NO ERP' message on placards. Is this a Protest or Publicity Stunt?

If this is a protest I will be proud of these people. At last someone is highlighting the pain of ERP on our behalf. Or they are sending us a message that LTA is soon going to charge ERP on CTE on Sunday?

Looking at the picture again, I guess its just a Discovery Channel's publicity stunt which say on Sunday, there's no ERP, The World is Just Awesome! Oh Yes..! So now the worlds knows that we need to pay & pay to use the road except on Sunday. Haha..

A Family Trip to Tibet - 1 Apr 2010

2010-04-19T02:40:00.005+08:00

1 Apr 2010 - Tibet

Just 2 days after my parents got back from Qinghai, strong quake of magnitude 6.9 killed about 300 people in the mountainous Tibetan Plateau in southwest China and left more than 8000 injured as houses, schools and offices collapsed.

The Tibetan plateau is regularly shaken by earthquakes, but casualties are usually minimal because so few people live there. Many residents of the remote area was left without shelter in temperatures that hover near freezing. The quake was centred in the mountains that divide Qinghai province from the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Lets enjoy the view of Tibet through my parents eyes..

TGPS Gathering @ Beaulieu House - 10 Apr 2010

2010-04-19T02:20:00.002+08:00

Its really great to see everyone once in a while in such a gathering. The friendship we had built up back than really lasted for many many years. And I hope that this special bond we had will continue to flourish. This time, other than our form teacher, Mr Lopez, Mr Sow our principal back than also joined us at the gathering. Lucky he never brought his cane along :D

When did we graduated from TGPS? Its 1992! It has been 18 good years already! Really looking forward to our next gathering. Till than, take care everyone.

10 Apr 2010 - TGPS Gathering @ Beaulieu House Sembawang Park

When the tree falls all the monkeys will scatter

2010-04-19T01:39:00.000+08:00

Singapore funnyman Mark Lee intends to set up his own production company, Huang Production Pte Ltd, in January next year after his contract with disgraced director Jack Neo's firm, J Team Productions, expires at the end of 2010

Lee's revelation comes amidst rumours that J Team Productions may dissolve after company founder Neo's affair with 22 year old model Wendy Chong was exposed. J Team exists only in name after the incident.

Lee pointed out that it was not the artistes who were abandoning Neo, but the other way round. Like abandoned orphans, they were told to fend for themselves once their contract expires, hence his decision to start his own firm. He will not be terminating his contract early but prefers to leave gracefully when it expires. He added that he will not poach talents from J Team Productions as well.

Maybe Mark has been waiting for this excuse for very long liao.

License needed to fish in Longkang (Drain)

2010-04-19T01:37:00.000+08:00

Leisure anglers may soon have to pay for a license before they can drop their line and bait into Singapore waters.

Local fishing groups such as the Sport Fishing Association of Singapore (SFAS) and the Gamefish and Aquatic Rehabilitation Society (GARS) are working with national water agency PUB to come up with a licensing scheme for fishing.

A statement from PUB said that by controlling the number of anglers, it is hoped that the ecosystem will not be affected while sustaining sport fishing as a popular recreational activity

So now nature's fish also belongs to the government also. Next time when you are taking a stroll at the waterways, don't be surprise to see vigilant Cisco Task Force ready to summon any leisure anglers.

SBS Bus 51 rams into bus stop at Eunos Link

2010-04-17T19:29:00.003+08:00

The accident happened at about noon on today. According to victims, everything came and went in a flash.

The driver couldn't control his brakes and engine. The bus was speeding away and it hit three cars ahead. The passengers were screaming. And a few of them rushed forward to tell the bus driver to stop the bus, but he couldn't stop the bus. Passengers said the bus then travelled for another hundred metres before crashing into the ceiling of a bus stop at Eunos Link.

15 of the victims, including the driver, were sent to Changi General Hospital, while the other 6, who are children, were sent to KKH. SBS Transit has apologised for the incident. It has sent representatives to the hospitals to assist the injured and is helping police in their investigations.

Singaporeans answering the call of NZ

2010-04-17T18:34:00.003+08:00

Some updates to my previous post on "Lets go New Zealand and be FT".

The campaign launched by New Zealand to get Singaporeans to move there to work, study or live has struck a chord here.

The drive, a pilot project that will eventually be extended to other countries, has seen nearly 4500 Singaporeans register their interest in applying for a work or study visa, or permanent residency, since it was launched in January.

This makes up 78% of worldwide inquiries received by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) between Jan 15 and March 1.

Are you one of them?

News Blackout on SDP’s Economic Forum

2010-04-17T18:00:00.003+08:00

The Singapore media has imposed a complete news blackout on the economic forum hosted by the Singapore Democratic Party in March. Instead, the Straits Times ran an article on the spat between SDP’s Secretary-General Dr Chee Soon Juan and opposition leader Mr Chiam See Tong which purportedly happened 17 years ago.

During the public forum held in March, SDP leaders took turns to address the economic concerns of Singaporeans such as the issue of foreign workers, income inequality and falling productivity. SDP’s Assistant Secretary John Tan also spoke at length of the problem of the “non-transparency and the non-accountability of the GIC and Temasek.”

He proposed prohibiting government leaders and their from assuming positions of control at the two corporations and presented the Norwegian model of managing a sovereign wealth fund which is well-managed, transparent and democratic.

GIC and Temasek have under intense public scrutiny of late for losing billions of dollars of the nation’s reserves in failed overseas investments. There is no opposition in Parliament to hold the ruling party accountable. Neither are there any Singaporeans who dare to criticize their leaders publicly out of fear of be sued for defamation.

Dr Chee ended the forum by reminding the audience that the “SDP’s plan was not a populist one where everything is provided for free by the state and that citizens had to shoulder their share of financial responsibility in order that the system is not unduly burdened by debt.”

For more, click on the following SDP link.

Couple sneak into Marina Bay Sands' SkyPark

2010-04-17T17:16:00.002+08:00

A Caucasian man and an Asian woman, managed to enter the restricted Marina Bay Sands construction site, climbing a combination of stairs and ladders, then traversing several makeshift structures to reach the structure's summit - the SkyPark.

What lengths would you go to for a spot in the latest season of the Amazing Race Asia? For a couple who recorded their journey to the top of the yet-to-be-opened Marina Bay Sands (MBS) integrated resort, its more than 57 storeys and 200m above ground literally.

The footage of their mini-adventure - which was filmed for the audition of the Amazing Race Asia, the Asian edition of the popular reality television series - was posted last week on Stomp.

Other than donning a white helmet and fluorescent vest each, the pair did not appear to have been using any safety equipment. They embrace and share a kiss, with the man even carrying the woman while standing mere steps away from the waist-high scaffold at the SkyPark platform’s edge.

MBS said that the couple had not sought official permission from the management before their stunt & a contractor brought the couple on site without authorisation. The contractor has since been removed from the project & terminated their services.

'Marrying' a celeb in the other world

2010-04-17T16:46:00.004+08:00

For only S$10.25, one can marry off a dead family member or friend to a celebrity.

As its Qing Ming festival (Chinese All Souls Day) now, a creative businessman in China has come out with a replica marriage certificate for the afterworld, endorsed by the 'United Nations'.

For only 50 yuan (S$10.25), one can marry off a dead family member or friend to a celebrity. A copy of the replica marriage certificate, containing names, particulars and photos of the couple, would be issued. The certificate will then be burnt to the departed "bride" or "bridegroom".

According to Chutian Metro Daily, the document was seized from a stall selling paper replicas for the dead in Hubei. It was among other paraphernalia including bungalows, cars, mistresses, personal doctors and nurses, displayed at the stall. The daily's reporter observed that the stall had prepared a list of "celebrity brides" for their customers. Among them were Maggie Cheung Man-yuk, Jolin Tsai, Lady Gaga and Britney Spears.

China Industry and Commerce Law enforcement officer said the stall was raided for intellectual property infringement.

Folding Plug H 264 (Three Pin Plug)

2010-04-16T23:49:00.000+08:00

This is really cool, Jonas, any lobang to import this to Singapore?

Good luck to those yet to hold wedding banquet

2010-04-14T22:00:00.005+08:00

Legalise robbers on the loose. Now, either you pay or face the music. Will the video or photo montage shown at the next wedding celebration you attend still be accompanied by popular love songs? Perhaps not, if the newlyweds decide against paying for the use of the music. Lucky mine is over.

In a sure sign that copyright owners of commercial music - lyricists, composers, producers, and songwriters are hunting down infringements, Recording Industry Performance Singapore (Rips) and Music Publishers (Singapore) (MPS) held an educational talk for wedding photographers and videographers last week.

Their message: Pay for the copyrighted work or use royalty-free music. Otherwise, face criminal or civil action.

In January, Rips - which represents about 90 per cent of record labels here - introduced a new licensing scheme under which wedding videographers and photographers have to pay $2,000 for the unlimited use of copyrighted work for a year. Rips, which administers the scheme on behalf of 14 record companies, said it was set up to make it simple to obtain a licence. So far, it has not taken any enforcement action against anyone yet.

MPS is following suit. The cost of its licence will be announced by the end of next month and is not expected to be higher than Rips'. But that is not all. If any video is to be uploaded online, a different licence is needed from Rips and the Composers and Authors Society of Singapore (Compass). This follows MediaCorp's report last December that Compass has - since the beginning of last year - been clamping down on the illegal use of copyrighted music at weddings.

What this means, said some in the profession, is that customers may have to pay more eventually. According to most cinematographer, the price of music has not been factored into current industry rates. However, videographers and photographers are already supposed to seek the approval of the relevant record label and publisher when using copyrighted songs. Most have not been doing so.

Couples who put together their own photo and video montages will still need to get a licence from the relevant record label and publisher for use of copyrighted material. This would, in all probability, set them back at least a few hundred dollars. Some videographers said they are waiting for MPS to finalise the cost of its licence before deciding whether or not to pay for a licence and if they want to "distribute" the costs to couples.

The alternative is to use royalty-free material, which cost about $80 per song. The general view is that freelancers, who typically charge lower rates and work on less than 20 weddings a year, will be less able to offset the licence costs. They could either try to avoid paying, or end up with their business badly affected.

During the two-hour session on last Monday night held at the Ocean Butterfly studios, attendees threw a barrage of questions at Rips and MPS representatives. Chief among their concerns: How can they convince customers that any hike in their fees is due to licensing costs? While they supported the new scheme, many said they were confused by the different licences needed, and suggested being allowed to pay on a "per-song" basis. Rips and MPS said that would be more costly but they would bring this up for discussion with their stakeholders.

DJ Rozz walked out of her own radio show

2010-04-14T21:49:00.004+08:00

Drama unfolds on Day 2 of The Shan, Rozz & Ris show: Furious over her co-host Ris Low, Rozz walked out midway of her own radio show.

It appears that they have achieved exactly what their boss had set them out to do - "spice up the evening show". Barely two days into the newly set-up Shan, Rozz & Ris show, and drama unfolded, when Rozz stomped off her own radio show, seemingly furious over her co-host, Ris Low.

It seemed like Ris not only showed up two hours late on her first day [citing the slip-up over military time 1600hrs as 6pm], she also ended her shift two hours earlier on her second day. Too much of a coincidence you think?

The brouhaha, as heard over the airwaves, started off with Rozz talking about "I know people think that I shouldn't let emotions get in the way of work but I'm just like that" and "I've decided to leave the show because at least the angry one is not here."

Apparently, before she made her sudden exit, Rozz had sounded rather unhappy when she spoke about Ris's comment to reporters [on her 1st day at work] of her seemingly frostiness toward the ex-beauty queen.

According to Shan, who told his listeners that all efforts to reach Rozz through phonecalls and text messages were unsuccessful. During the "Muttons to Midnight Show" hosted by Justin and Vernon, the radio DJs were also heard discussing about the drama and spoke about Rozz sending a text message to her boss, requesting for a transfer.

At this moment, Ris is hotter than all the Miss Singapore combined. Never seen a Miss Singapore appear on newspaper like every other day. But she is more funny than beauty.

Oh Yes!! COE prices hit fresh highs

2010-04-14T21:02:00.003+08:00

Some car dealer calls it a tsunami, another describes it as the point of no return. Not sure if this is a good news, but for now, I think it is.

These best sum up sentiments, after COE prices hit fresh highs on last Wednesday in the first bidding tender since a reduction in COE supply kicked in. The biggest increase was in the big-car category, where the premium jumped S$9,412 to S$45,501. The COE for small cars meanwhile rose S$5,612 to S$34,001. The premiums for both categories hit fresh highs that were last seen some 8 to 10 years ago.

To put the figures in perspective, the COE for small cars was about S$5,000 about one year ago. Now, it is 7 times more. For big cars, the COE is now 9 times more than what it was a year ago. In the Open Category, where the COEs can be used for any vehicle type but end up usually for cars, the premium climbed S$6,999 to S$49,000 on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the COEs for commercial vehicles rose S$3,621 to S$36,511. For motorcycles, the new premium was S$21 higher at S$1,221.

Though dealers and buyers were braced for the prices to head north, they were still shocked and concerned. Now the world knows that a virtual paper is more expensive than a car in Singapore.

S.H.E to headline Circle Line's opening

2010-04-14T20:55:00.002+08:00

Eleven new stations will be opened this weekend, adding to the five currently open at Marymount, Bishan, Lorong Chuan, Serangoon and Bartley. The region's biggest girl group S.H.E will lend their star power to the opening of the Circle Line's Stadium Station this Saturday. The 11 are Tai Seng, MacPherson, Paya Lebar, Dakota, Mountbatten, Stadium, Nicoll Highway, Promenade, Esplanade, Bras Basah and Dhoby Ghaut.

The trio of Selina, Hebe and Ella will make an appearance at Stadium Station, a short distance from the Singapore Indoor Stadium where they will hold their S.H.E is the One concert. SMRT has also invited Aunty Lucy, the persona made famous by Y.E.S.933 deejay Dennis Chew, to the Esplanade Station the following Saturday.

• Catch S.H.E at these events: SMRT Circle Line opening 17 Apr, 1pm, Stadium Station
• S.H.E is the One World Tour Concert - Singapore 2010 17 Apr, 8pm, Singapore Indoor Stadium
• S.H.E is the One Singapore "Thank You" Party 18 Apr, 5pm, Plaza Singapura

No short trips to Bangkok for a good while

2010-04-14T20:51:00.002+08:00

Tensions remained high on the bloodstained streets of Bangkok after the country's worst political violence in almost two decades left 21 dead and over 800 injured. Protest leaders have promised to maintain their campaign until the government dissolves parliament and calls fresh elections despite the deaths of 17 civilians and 4 soldiers in last Saturday's clashes.

The Red Shirt protesters, supporters of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, maintain they want Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to step down and leave the country.

On last Sunday evening, Reds gathered to mourn the loss of their comrades at the city's Democracy Monument - the scene of a fierce battle on Saturday - where grieving relatives led a procession holding gold-framed pictures of the dead. They were followed by weeping men carrying caskets, a couple containing bodies draped with Thai flags and flowers.

It is the latest chapter in years of turmoil pitting the ruling elite against the mainly poor and rural Reds, who say the government is illegitimate as it came to power in 2008 after a court ousted Thaksin's allies from power. Saturday's violence erupted when troops tried to clear one of two sites in the centre of the capital occupied by the protesters for the past month.

Soldiers fired in the air and used tear gas while the Reds responded by hurling rocks. As the clashes intensified gunshots echoed around the city and both sides accused the other of using live ammunition. Emergency services said two protesters were killed by gunshot wounds to the head. The army later retreated, calling for a truce with the demonstrators, who were holding five soldiers hostage.

The government said an investigation had been launched into the violence and that negotiations were under way to bring about a resolution to the stand-off without further unrest. The protesters called on the country's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej to intervene to prevent further bloodshed. Tensions briefly escalated again late Sunday as around 200 Reds drove motorcycles to a nearby bridge, on apparently unfounded rumours that the army was approaching.

Thai flags, red roses and incense sticks were placed on pools of blood where protesters were killed or wounded in the Khaosan Road backpacker district, a few yards from a number of ruined cars with their windows smashed in.

Civilians take over fitness training at SAF

2010-04-14T20:46:00.005+08:00

The days of the much-feared physical training instructor (PTI) of the Singapore Armed Forces are numbered.

The taskmaster in a white singlet who puts every chrome dome through punishing physical training will be replaced by civilians, as physical training throughout the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is outsourced to commercial fitness outfits.

The PTIs, known as fitness specialists in the SAF, will be replaced by the end of next year. First its the UCI (Unarmed Combat Instructor), now the PTI. Which one will be the next to go? So, will the new PT consist of Body Combat, Spinning, Body Pump, & even Dynamic Yoga?

Does it mean that RT & IPT will be conducted by them too? If that's the case, can we go to their outlet for PT instead of the camp?

Gelato Here, Gelato There, Gelato Everywhere!

2010-04-14T05:37:00.004+08:00

Gelato is Italy’s version of ice cream, with three major differences.

First, gelato has significantly less butterfat than ice cream's typical 18 and 26 percent. however, less fat does not mean less taste. With the lower butterfat content, gelato is less solidly frozen than ice cream and melts in the mouth faster. Therefore, we taste the gelato’s full flavor immediately.

Second, gelato has a much higher density than ice cream. Ice cream is produced by mixing cream, milk and sugar, then adding air. Manufacturers add air to ice cream because it nearly doubles the quantity of their product. But, it cuts their quality in half. No air is added to gelato. The result is a higher quality dessert with a richer, creamier taste.

Third, gelato is served slightly warmer than ice cream. While both gelato and ice cream are served well below the freezing temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit, gelato is served 10 to 15 degrees warmer than ice cream. Because it is less solidly frozen, gelato’s taste is further enhanced as it melts in the mouth.

Three centuries ago, northern and southern Italy created two separate and distinct gelato recipes. In the north, the people of Dolomite made gelato with fresh milk, cream and sugar. In Sicily, the southern Italians used a predominantly water-based gelato with fresh fruit.

The Flooding Siren @ Venice

2010-04-14T00:56:00.006+08:00

On our second night at Venice, the siren suddenly went off around 9pm left alot of occupant worried & wondering. We have been told about the flooding siren & the temporary pavement setup throughout San Marco indicate that there may be flooding that few days. I waited till 10.30pm & I saw water slowly flowing in from the main street. Hope the stalls & shops outside is well prepared.

According to the hotel reception, the sea levels in the romantic Adriatic lagoon city can rise 5ft above normal whenever there's heavy rain or high winds or both. Venice's flooding is no laughing matter. The sea is rising, the city is sinking, and the damage to its historic buildings, bridges and artworks is becoming increasingly apparent. Green algae now grows on the porous brickwork of many of the 14th and 15th century palaces along the Grand Canal because the flooding sea frequently tops the building's waterproof stone foundations.

Being the lowest point in Venice, St Mark's Square used to be flooded about 10 times a year. But now water covers it 100 times a year. After decades of debate and study, the Italian government finally approved a $3 billion project to build 79 enormous hinged gates to separate Venice and its lagoon from the Adriatic Sea.

Sakura~ Sakura~ Cherry Blossom in Italy

2010-04-13T22:38:00.008+08:00

Not far away from Padua's train station, there's a beautiful place call Giardini all'Arena. At the western part of the park, there's a fountain & around it, is where we found all the Sakura. No need to travel to Japan, can see it here. The cherry petals falls as the wind gently blows. Although the petals is not as red as the one seen in Japan, but still its very nice!!

A Cherry Blossom is the name for the flower of cherry trees known as Sakura. Cherry Blossoms are indigenous to many Asian states including Japan, Korea, China, but Japan has a wide variety of cherry blossoms (sakura); well over 200 cultivars can be found there.

Every year the Japanese Meteorological Agency and the public track the sakura zensen (cherry-blossom front) as it moves northward up the archipelago with the approach of warmer weather via nightly forecasts following the weather segment of news programs. The blossoming begins in Okinawa in January and typically reaches Kyoto and Tokyo at the end of March or the beginning of April. It proceeds into areas at the higher altitudes and northward, arriving in Hokkaidō a few weeks later. Japanese pay close attention to these forecasts and turn out in large numbers at parks, shrines, and temples with family and friends to hold flower-viewing parties. Hanami festivals celebrate the beauty of the cherry blossom and for many are a chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful view.

The Gladiators @ Colosseum

2010-04-13T03:39:00.008+08:00

Travellers to the Colosseum, please read!

As we exit the Colosseum, there's afew guys suited as Gladiators taking photos with the tourist. We though if its not expensive, we can take a shot with them too. Upon asking, we were told that there's no fix price but base on tips.

So, we agreed & started the photo taking session. In total, we took 3 shots & not very well taken tho. Before we could take out a small tips of EUR$5, they actually asked for EUR$20. What the heck!! This is extortion, daylight robbery!!

When I look through the pictures I took of those guys before the extortion, I can see where the EUR$20 is coming from. Haha. Just a few shot & they earn EUR$20. This is really good & quick money sia.

You have been warned.

His Holiness Pope Benedict's Super Fans

2010-04-11T04:36:00.005+08:00

We are really luck that we got the chance to see the Pope up close during the Pope's General Audience at Saint Peter's Square. We are sited at the first roll & just right behind us was a group from the US. Before the audience starts, they were practicing a song that they are going to sing when their group are being addressed. I must say that they really sings well. Mic did a recording of it & will try to upload when I'm free.

As the Pope enters, the entire group suddenly switch into Super Fans mode like of those Hard Rock, Pop Band concert. "Papa.. Papa.." is what they are all calling out, so I assume they are calling the Pope. In order to catch the Pope's attention, the lady in pink stripe even T-Loan a baby, makes her way to the front, hugging it with her right hand & at the same time holding a banner with her left hand. She told us that this is kind of like a once in a lifetime event for them. Did a search on the internet & there is really a "The Benedict XVI Fan Club" on Facebook.

Although I'm not yet a Catholic, the love of the people for the Holiness, the grandness of their basilica, let me feels that Catholic is not just a religion.

Locks of Love aka Love Padlocks

2010-04-11T03:52:00.005+08:00

This is a romantic one... So far had not seen this lock wave spreading into Singapore yet. If not Jonas will be super rich by now.

In Rome, Florence, Pisa, Stresa & Venice, we notices that as long as there's a bridge, you are bound to find lots & lots of locks. Didn't know what's its for until we did a search on the internet. Its called the Locks of Love.

Locks of love are the padlocks fixed by loving couples, on to a fence or a pole or metallic chain/string alongside some wall etc at a public place, to symbolize their eternal love. A couple would hang a padlock after inscribing their name or initials on it and throw the key away so that their love is locked forever. Some couple use two inter-twined locks, each lock bearing their name/initials. Besides lovers, often family members and close friends also put such locks at these places, to lock their relationship forever.

In Italy the love padlock enthusiasm came first to Rome because of a romantic rite mentioned in two novels by Federico Moccia, Tre Metri sopra il Cielo (Three meters above the sky) and Ho Voglia di Te (I Desire You). Later a popular film was also made based on these romantic novels which accelerated the fad of lovelocks in Italy.

As per the story, a young man trying to win heart of a girl, tells her that there is a tradition of putting a padlock in an old bridge in Rome, and tossing the key in the river makes their love last forever. This started a new trend and couples began putting their locks onto a street lamp on Ponte Milvio. Soon there were more locks than the lamp post could handle. The authorities initially tried to stop this practice but later relented and have now placed special chains for the locks to prevent damaging the lighting pole of the bridge.

Politicians who tried to solve the problem were being accused anti-love!

Jonas, maybe we can partner to come up with some designer locks for lovers. Oversea market got demand & when the "love" spread to Singapore, we will be rich :D

Milano Malpensa Airport's Bodies Offices

2010-04-11T03:21:00.005+08:00

As we were leaving the lovely Italy at Milano Malpensa Airport, I happen to notice this disturbing label while taking the lift. Do they really have "Bodies Offices" here in Malpensa Airport third floor?

Kind of puzzled. But After taking a closer look, what its referring to is the "Government Bodies Offices". Haha..

For a few seconds, I really though that there's really a bodies office here that maybe ship dead bodies out of the city. Milan is the only city that we saw military officer in battle order following the local police wherever they go. Other touristy city like Rome, Florence & Pisa also don't have.

Italy Honeymoon Trip - 20 Mar 2010

2010-04-10T06:41:00.010+08:00

21 Mar 2010 - Italy Day 1 - Singapore > Dubai > Rome

22 Mar 2010 - Italy Day 2 - Rome

23 Mar 2010 - Italy Day 3 - Rome

24 Mar 2010 - Italy Day 4 - Rome > Vatican

25 Mar 2010 - Italy Day 5 - Rome > Assisi

26 Mar 2010 - Italy Day 6 - Assisi > Florence

27 Mar 2010 - Italy Day 7 - Florence > Leccio

28 Mar 2010 - Italy Day 8 - Florence > Pisa

29 Mar 2010 - Italy Day 9 - Florence > Venice

30 Mar 2010 - Italy Day 10 - Venice > Padua

31 Mar 2010 - Italy Day 11 - Venice > Stresa

1 Apr 2010 - Italy Day 12 - Stresa > Milan

2 Apr 2010 - Italy Day 13 - Milan

3 Apr 2010 - Italy Day 14 - Milan > Dubai > Singapore

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Hope you enjoyed Italy
through our Momo eyes.

Italy Here I Come...

2010-03-20T02:04:00.003+08:00

Momo Wedding - Morning Photos Highlights

2010-03-16T20:14:00.011+08:00

Momo Wedding - Morning Express Highlights

2010-03-16T20:13:00.003+08:00

Something from My Wedding Blog

2010-03-16T17:03:00.006+08:00

Betrothal and Bed Setting

Indoor Studio Album

Outdoor Macau Album

Wedding Album Layout

Grand Park Governor's Suite

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Genie Cho Singapore Live @ Dragonfly

2010-03-16T17:00:00.002+08:00

Genie Zhou Live @ Dragonfly

2010-03-16T16:49:00.000+08:00

Miki & Agnes, thanks for the great weekend, really enjoy myself to the max. You both take care ya, & Agnes, bon voyage for your upcoming Taiwan trip.

Genie Zhou Live @ Dragonfly

KL scraps unpopular fuel scheme

2010-03-16T13:06:00.000+08:00

The Malaysian government has scrapped its plan to introduce a two-tiered fuel scheme that would have rationed subsidies and ended them altogether for some drivers, following negative feedback from the public.

Domestic Trade, Co-operative and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that the government nixed the planned subsidy restructuring as it did not want to implement an important policy that did not have the people's support. Some analysts suggested that the move may mean that polls are imminent in the important East Malaysian state of Sarawak.

The government had wanted to introduce a management system for the fuel subsidy, as it felt the subsidy did not fully benefit the intended target groups and that even owners of foreign-registered vehicles were enjoying it. The plan, originally set to be implemented on May 1, was to introduce a tiered pricing system for petrol, depending on engine capacity, while foreigners would have to pay the market price.

Last December, the government announced that foreign registered vehicles would be allowed to pump only a maximum of 20 litres of fuel at petrol stations within a 50km radius of the border.

Sentosa Theme Park opens March 18

2010-03-07T12:24:00.003+08:00

Resorts World Sentosa will open the gates of the Universal Studios Singapore theme park on March 18 at 8.28am.

Ticket sales for the soft opening phase will begin at 9 am on March 10 and on March 13, the park's first guests will be team members of Resorts World Sentosa, who will be the first to enjoy Universal Studios Singapore with their families.

As it's still during the theme park's preview phase, there will be limited tickets and certain attractions may be temporarily unavailable as Universal Studios Singapore continues its technical and creative adjustments.

A news release from Resorts World Sentosa said ticket prices will therefore be partially rebated by shopping and dining vouchers valid for use at Universal Studios Singapore.

Tickets for the preview phase must be purchased online at http://www.rwsentosa.com, or via phone bookings at +65 6577 8899. Tickets can also be purchased for future dates only at the ticket booths from 9am to 6pm daily at Universal Studios Singapore.

In need for a good laugh?

2010-03-07T12:13:00.002+08:00

Calling all Ex-Diablo Players...

2010-03-07T10:41:00.001+08:00

MacRitchie to Bukit Timah Trekking - 27 Feb 2010

2010-03-04T11:13:00.001+08:00

Yes!! We did it! In 4hrs 30min over a distance of about 20km. Lucky for us, it was not raining & the weather was cool until mid day. Hope everyone enjoyed our little trekking trip & looking forward to our next in april.

27 Feb 2010 - MacRitchie to Bukit Timah Trekking

MacRitchie
We took the Pink route from MacRitchie (the starting point), than take the Blue/Orange route to the Tree Top Walk & continue back on Pink route to Bukit Timah.

Bukit Timah
After crossing the BKE via Rife Range Flyover, we continue on Rife Range road, cut into the Belukar Track towards higher land & cut into Catchment Path to Catchment Hut. Than we took the Green route to the Summit Hut. Than, all the way down!

Members of this trekking trip : Yanwei, Meiyan, Jeffrey, Riki & Myself

Surveying the Grand Ballroom Deco

2010-03-02T10:07:00.004+08:00

Surveying the Grand Ballroom Deco

Lou Hei after IPPT

2010-02-28T20:21:00.006+08:00

What's more rewarding other than a good meal after IPPT? Last year we had porridge buffet, this year, we Lou Hei at Hans.

Since today is the last day of CNY, I hereby wishes everyone a great year ahead. No worries of retrenchment, No worries of not meeting month ends, Everyday pocket full of money to spend, Everyday waking up feeling healthier, happier & younger like Benjamin Button.

NATAS Travel 2010

2010-02-22T01:19:00.002+08:00

Your dream holiday awaits you! Yes, NATAS (National Association of Travel Agents Singapore) Fair is back this February.

Essential Information
Fair Dates : 26 - 28 February 2010 (Fri - Sun)
Opening Hours : 10am – 10pm
Admission Fee : Adults: S$4.00 / Children below 12yrs Free
Location : Singapore Expo, Halls 4 & 5
Official URL : http://www.natastravelfair.travel

Come and discover inspiring holiday moments; be it an adventure, an exotic getaway or a romantic escapade, NATAS Travel 2010 brings the world to you in one convenient place. Opportunities abound with the vast selection of choices and visitors can indulge in their passion for new discoveries in travels, cruises, cultures, adventures, shopping and culinary delights at the fair.

A short & simply getaway keeps you healthy!

Zoo on a Weekday - 26 Jan 2010

2010-02-20T17:39:00.003+08:00

26 Jan 2010 - Zoo on a Weekday

Chingay Parade 2010 @ F1 Pit Building

2010-02-20T15:53:00.006+08:00

There is no historical record of how the word “Chingay” originated. But records show that as early as the 19 th century, Chingay appeared in South East Asia, beginning in Penang . The word was coined from its phonetic Hokkien equivalent, which means “the art of costume and masquerade”. It alluded to a Chinese styled decorated miniature stage or float borne on the shoulders of performers. This miniature stage depicts an important historical scene. It was probably the beginning of the manual float. During New Year processions in old China , such floats were carried through the streets on men's shoulders while dancers, jugglers and magicians entertained the crowds. Huge animals, both real and mythical took part in the processions, which were essentially religious in nature and aimed at honouring deities at the beginning of each new year.

The evolution of Chingay is synonymous with the growth of Singapore . As Singapore learns to remake itself in the new millennium, greater self-expression in social and cultural creativity and innovation are encouraged. It is timely for Chingay to remake itself to reflect our cosmopolitan Singapore society and to have a wider appeal of our new generation of Singaporeans.

Buy your tickets from 1st August 2009 through SISTIC website, SISTIC Hotline @ 63485555, SISTIC Authorized Agents islandwide and Singapore Pools Outlets (Category 2 tickets only on 20 February 2010). For thoes who drive, check out the Road Closure arrangement too.

Barang Barang Closes

2010-02-20T15:30:00.003+08:00

Surprisingly they lasted so long. Selling low/mid grade furniture at super premium prices. Its surprise me that they can survive until today. I'm not being mean, but this is how I feel.

Falling sales and high costs have sent furniture retailer Barang Barang to the wall and forced it to shut its shops here and in Malaysia. The chain's approximately 50 employees will likely be laid off although some will be retained temporarily to handle the remaining furniture.

The shock announcement came in a statement to the Singapore Exchange from listed door-maker KLW Holdings, which owns a 71 per cent stake in Barang Barang. It said weak consumer demand coupled with high rental and marketing costs had brought the chain to its knees.

KLW has placed the furniture chain under liquidation to repay creditors, including landlords, suppliers and customers owed refunds.

Its six local stores - at Central Mall, Plaza Singapura, Singapore Post Centre, Marina Square, the International Furniture Centre and Autohub@Senoko - and two in Malaysia have been closed since Wednesday.

Parked beside a monster

2010-02-20T10:15:00.002+08:00

My car is so small beside this monster..

- Posted from my iPhone

Movie Marathon on CNY Day 3

2010-02-17T17:35:00.003+08:00

Two great action pack movie in a single day! That's how I spent my CNY Day 3. Not forgetting the tea from Koi Cafe too.

Percy Jackson And The Lightning Thief
Trouble-prone teen Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of school but that's the least of his problems. The gods of Mount Olympus and other assorted monsters seem to have walked out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology texts and into his life and they're not happy. Zeus' lightning bolt has been stolen and Percy is the prime suspect. Now, Percy and his friends must embark on a cross-country adventure to catch the true thief, save Percy's mother, and unravel a mystery more powerful than the gods themselves. http://www.percyjacksonthemovie.com

True Legend
So Chan (Vincent Chiu) was a wealthy man obsessed with kung-fu who fell from grace after he and his family became the victims of conspiracies. Eventually, he rises from his compromised state as a beggar and transforms himself into a martial arts master, patriot and folk hero, honoured as the "King of Beggars". http://www.yuenwooping-truelegend.com

CNY Day 2 - 15 Feb 2010

2010-02-17T14:13:00.001+08:00

15 Feb 2010 - CNY Day 2

CNY Day 1 - 14 Feb 2010

2010-02-17T13:59:00.001+08:00

14 Feb 2010 - CNY Day 1

Reunion Dinner @ Long Beach - 13 Feb 2010

2010-02-17T13:24:00.003+08:00

13 Feb 2010 - Reunion Dinner @ Long Beach

When restaurant operation is in a mass, the customers is in advantage!

CNY @ Chinatown

2010-02-17T11:46:00.005+08:00

CNY @ Chinatown

Chinatown is still the best place to be to enjoy the atmosphere of CNY celebration.

CNY @ Bishan

2010-02-17T11:46:00.004+08:00

CNY @ Bishan

By far the worst CNY Basamalum ever... Its Big & Spacious yet Very Empty. What really happen here at Bishan?