Monday, July 31, 2006
News
"Hungry Ghost" Month Deals Double Blow To Asian Business
Businesses may be hit by a doulbe whammy this year due to an oddity in the Chinese lunar calendar that results in two "seventh" months.
Courts Adopting A Softer Touch
Singapore's courts, renowned for their tough laws and strict sentencing, have been showing a softer, more humane, touch when dealing with young Singaporeans who break the law.
Singapore Expresses Shock Over Civilian Casualties In Qana
Singapore expressed shock at the death of civilians in the Lebanese town of Qana following an Israeli attack yesterday, the deadliest since the conflict started on July 12.
Falun Gong Pair To Face Trial For Illegal Singapore Assembly
Singapore Is Hong Kong's Mirror In Launching GST
Singapore collects 5% GST, but still have a cost-of-living that is lower than Hong Kong's.
Opinion
Inabilities Of Singapore Drivers
Our "it's only about me" mindset cuts to the very root of the problem and is the core of our failure to behave like the mature adults we think we are.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
News
Where Are All The Cabs?
With more taxis now, it's not a supply issue. Blame it on varioius factors from uneven demand to, yes, errant cabbies.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
News
Opinion
Friday, July 28, 2006
News
Singapore To Ban Outdoor Protests At IMF Meeting
Singapore will not allow outdoor demonstrations during the upcoming annual meeting of the IMF and World Bank, but will set up an indoor venue for registered civil groups, the police chief of staff announced Friday.
More Buzz At Marina Bay With New Developments
A Divorce In Singapore
With many American universities starting or contemplating international partnerships in which full degrees are offered abroad, the Hopkins-Singapore divorce raises some questions.
Opinion
Thursday, July 27, 2006
News
Good Times To Make Goodwill Gestures, Singapore Told
Singapore, build bridges of friendship with Malaysia. This is the advice of Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore, Datuk N. Parameswaran, in the wake of the failed bridge talks.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
News
Limited Evacuation At MRT Station After Fogging Triggers Smoke Alarms
New Service Guidelines For Public Bus Services, Fines If They Contravene Them
PTC Chairman Says Timing Of New Service Standards For Buses Not Linked To Fare Issue
It's "Jetstar" As Asian, Australian Carriers Integrate Brands
Post-Moterm On NEL Disruption
It should not happen again,s aid the Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport after the 11-hour disruption on the North-east Line.
Opinion
Please Let Us Be Responsible For Our Own Lives!
Everyone agreed that the barrier should be removed, and let the people take responsibilities for their own lives.
Behind The Disruption...
In a transport mini-crisis that affected thousands of commuters, the two major players' fingerpointing and lack of cooperation was unacceptable.
Why The Foreign Media Matters To Singapore
When citizens refuse to roll over and play dead every time the government cracks its whip, the world must be kept informed.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
News
Biometric Passport Will Be Introduced In Singapore On Aug 15
SMRT's Decision To Raise Fares Draws Mixed Reactions From Public
Some say a small increse is justified but others questioned the decision, especially if the company is not making any losses.
Singapore Police: Different Laws For Different People
Singapore Lawyer: Falung Gong's Case Is Unusual
Power Cale Fault Sparks Shutdown Of 4 NEL Stations
Return Of The Two-Room Flat
Some 20 years after the Housing and Development Board stopped building two-room flats, the greying population and some struggling households have prompted a rethink.
Johns Hopkins Begins Severing Ties With A*STAR
If one of the premier institutions in the biomedical sciences has a falling out, will this set a precedent and trigger an exodus of institutions wanting out of their relationships with Singapore?
Opinion
Division Of John Hopkins Singapore Vs A*Star - Who Loses?
The key performance indicators set by A*Star for DJHS was not entirely reasonable.
How Good Or Bad Is The GIC's Performance? (Hint: It's A Trick Question.)
Why Pay To Use Ez-Link Card In School?
Why should pupils pay to use the ez-link card in school?
Monday, July 24, 2006
News
NEL Train Services From Dhoby Ghaut To HarbourFront Halted
HarbourFront, Outram Park, Chinatown and Clarke Quay MRT stations have been closed due to an electrical problem with caused a train to stall just after Outram Park station.
SMRT Plans Fare Hikes For Its Bus, MRT, LRT Services
The SMRT Corporation says its total operating costs have ballooned by 20% this year because of the increase in diesel prices.
Batam A Dumping Ground For Singapore's Used Jalopies
It is an open secret that the local police, the Navy, the Army and the customs office are behind the smuggling of the used cars from Singapore into Batam.
No Fireworks, Just Traffic Lights
Micro, not national, issues rule in student forum with young MPs.
Opinion
Why The Straits Times' Subliminal Messages Are A Publicity Stunt
Traffic Light Poles Painted To Prevent More Corosion
It usually takes several days to replace traffic lights, so as a precautionary measure, the contractor painted the traffic light poles to prevent them from corroding further.
Technology
Sunday, July 23, 2006
News
Exit Levy: More Bane Than Boon For Johor?
The RM20 exit levy on foreign cars, expected to come into effect next month to defray petrol and fuel subsidies, could be a double-edged sword. The losers will be Malaysians and the economy on this side of the Causeway.
Opinion
Singapore Government Bought Off By The Chinese Communist Regime
By helping China to persecute Falun Gong practitioners in Singapore for economic trade, Singapore has lost its reputation as a democratic country.
The MSM Grows Nervous
Far safer, and far more intelligent, to turn to "alternative media" to get an informed, reasoned view. And that's why the local MSM is worried.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
News
Asean Asked To Emulate EU Openess
The Malaysian Investors Association Saturday called on the Asean countries to emulate the openess practised by the European Union for better economic and technical cooperation.
Taiwan: Singapore Government Should Preserve Chinese Image
Hong Kong MP: Singapore's Democracy Is Fake
YTL To Submit Proposal On Bullet Train Soon
"If we can successfully negotiate with the Malaysian government, then we will have a chat with Singapore. I do not see any negative sign signal from Singapore on this project."
No Police Action On Mr Brown Protestors
In a statement issued on Friday, the police said: "In response to media queries, the police would like to inform that we have looked into the 'mr brown' incident and noted that there was no breach of public order or inconveniences caused to MRT commuters or member of public." While the police would "take no further action at this time," the statement added that it would "like to remind the public that it is unlawful to assemble without a permit to demonstrate support or to publicise a cause or campaign."
Lee Hsien Yang Steps Down From SingTel
The Cab Conundrum
Will fare hikes help or hurt cabbies? Is there any other way to help commuters?
Opinion
The Government Should Let The Hotel Open A Bak Chor Mee Stall
demacrating the boundaries of mainstream and citizen journalism.
Friday, July 21, 2006
News
Opinion
Narrow-Minded Singaporeans And How Insidious It Really Might Be
We must see them for what they are, not simply "narrow-minded" but also largely responsible for the civil and political situation in Singapore.
Singapore: Not Really A Free Country
I don't see what cartoons of Christ have to do with Sedition, but I do know authoritarianism when I see it.
CPF Board Sticks To Risk-Free Singapore Government Bonds
Not all members have similar appetites for risk and many would not be prepared to accept losses when markets perform poorly.
Why Patients Conveyed To Nearest Hospital
The arrival of patients at the nearest hospital with the appropriate facilities can make all the difference between life and death in an emergency. We can also redeploy our ambulances faster to attend to subsequent calls, which is critical and helps save more lives.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
News
Blogger Severely Warned For Christ Cartoons
A Singaporean blogger received a stern warning but escaped possible imprisonment after posting cartoons mocking Jesus Christ on his online journal, police have said.
Washington D.C. Falungong Members Requests Singapore To Repeal Arrests
Falungong Members In San Francisco Requested Singapore To Repeal Arrests
Free NDP Tickets Fetch Premium Prices Online
In what is fast becoming an annual affair, the online touting of tickets for this year's National Day Parade has begun in earnest — barely three weeks after the holders got their hands on the passes.
Malaysia Says Open To High-Speed Train To Singapore
"We are open to the idea," Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told reporters. "We are also requesting other companies to submit their proposals."
Opinion
The Mythic Creature Known As The Conservative Singaporean
CBD Parking Pains
Motorcycle parking spaces seem to be vanishing.
Serious Flaw In Four-Million-Smiles Ad
Bus Rationalisation Done To Benefit Commuters
Care was taken in past bus-rationalisation exercises to ensure that the majority of commuters benefit in terms of travel times, convenience and cost and that the minority who are affected have alternative services.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
News
Opinion
Bak Chor Mee Versus Bak Kut Teh Episode
The negative feedback may chase away all his foreign dignitaries for good.
Wearing Same Clothes In Singapore Is Illegal
Singapore's ambigous laws are like sharp knives on top of citizen's head, which cannot be avoided. Whoever the government does not like can be easily dealt with.
Pupils At Stadium Waited 4 Hours To Be Dismissed
How CPF Board Can Pay Higher Interest Rates
Would the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board consider placing members' funds with the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) to improve the interest rates?
Why Happiness Must Matter To Governments
Sound government policies based ont he 'science of happiness' can make one happy village.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
News
Tsang Hails Singapore Style But SAR Will Go Its Own Way
From Bishan To Paya Lebar Station In 17 Min
Despite delays caused by Nicoll Highway accident, Circle Line is on track for completion by 2010.
Opinion
Monday, July 17, 2006
News
GST Hurted Singapore For More Than 10 Years
New Faces In WP CEC
New blod has been infused into the Workers' Party, with seven new faces — most of them in their 30s — elected into its Central Executive Committee.
Opinion
Need To Tamper Compassion With A Dose Of Reality
It makes no sense for us to allow Chinese nationals to use their sons and daughters as work permits in Singapore.
What Is Age? Or What Is Old?
With the length of time one is required to pursue an education to be highly skilled or specialised in a profession, to fade away at 55 is just not justifiable.
It's Not About The Causeway
Time to tread carefully, as a political battle royale is brewing in Malaysia.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
News
Singapore To Allow Girls To Join Boy Scout Groups
Supporters 'welcomed the opportunity,' but others have their doubts, and have called the situation 'regrettable.'
Save Our Buses, Please
Direct bus routes are re-routed to avoid overlap with trains, but commuters say MRT isn't always faster.
Opinion
A New Asian Utopia In Singapore
4 Letters Reveal All The Truth?
Nothing was mentioned or revealed about the sale of sand agreement and the discussions regarding the use of airspace.
Singapore, Malaysia, Dr M - Happy Happy Can?
The recent release of the classified correspondence between Dr M.'s admin and Singapore's government was an eye-opener and also confirmatory of Malaysian and Singaporean politicians inability to negotiate effectively.
Entertainment
Saturday, July 15, 2006
News
Cruel Lift hogs
Sick woman rushed to ambulance on ground floor. Ugly Singaporeans squeeze in and make it stop on their floors.
Singapore Muzzles Blogger 'Mr Brown'
Stricter rules apply to mainstream media than to 'internet chatter', says minister.
Great Photo-Shoots In JB
Like many Singaporeans, Jessica Chen and Henry Tan decided to have their photo-shoot in Johor because there were more choices and they were getting value for money, but they never expected it to be so much fun.
Opinion
Mahathir's Dilemna - Spilling Of The Beans!
The Two Faces Of Chee Soon Juan
When The Puppet Speaks To The Master
If you're a senior editor who cares about the long-term health of the newspaper and Singapore's politics generally, this can't be a sensible position to be in. You must find a way to tell the top tier of the political elite so.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Ramblings
Our Money Not As Good As Tiger Beer's Money
When Tiger Beer pay one whole bunch of money to MediaCorp to pay for the production or acquisition of a specific television programme, MediaCorp will announce at the beginning and at the end of the television programme that, in case you didn't know, Tiger Beer is sponsoring your viewing entertainment pleasure, and It's Time for Tiger Beer.
But when Singaporeans pay MDA (Media Development Authority) which pay MediaCorp for the production or acquisition of television programmes — through the television licensing scheme — MediaCorp does not acknowledge anything on-air. Not even a single line of credits at the end of the programme. (Instead, we get to see which hair salon is doing the actresses' hair. And It's Time for Tiger Beer.)
Isn't that some sort of discrepancy? I sure feel shortchanged. So I asked MediaCorp's feedback unit about this.
And MediaCorp played "tai-chi", and pushed the issue to MDA: "To your point about on-air acknowledgement of MDA in the genres that it subsidizes, you may want to broach this with MDA. From our understanding, the MDA is not so much interested in branding itself — unlike commercial entities — but in ensuring that the "Public Service" programmes are broadcast for social cohesiveness/nation building purposes."
My take on MediaCorp's reply? We don't need to acknowledge, because MDA never forced us to. Tiger Beer can choose not to advertise and be a sponsor, so we better give them some advertisement time. You TV viewers are forced to pay your licensing fee, so we need not give you any "advertisement" time.
I just hope that someone out there within MediaCorp and MDA is keeping track on where all these TV licensing money is going, and whether all these money is effective.
News
Setting The Record Straight For Malaysians: Why Crooked Bridge Project Was Aborted
The government has declassified several confidential documents and extracts to allow Malaysians to understand why the bridge project to Singapore was aborted.
'I Have No Interest In Sand'
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar has denied having interest in companies selling sand that could benefit from the offer to sell sand to Singapore.
Survey: Public Trust In Charities Hit By NKF Scandal
The porportion of people who donated money for cuases last year fell to 89 per cent, from 97 per cent in the same survey in 2004, said the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre.
Opinion
Singapore's Finest
Singapore Police Force. Yup, I've dealt with them and I've been always impressed. Not only do they handle Big cases, but also they treat Small cases seriously.
The Singaporean Flag
It's sad that people like me could not identify myself with our national flag.
Entertainment
'I Not Stupid Too' Disappointing Sequel To Biting Social Commentary
"I Not Stupid Too" is as boring and stale as the topdown culture Jack Neo so craftily ridiculed in the first installment.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
News
Rentals At Marina Bay Sands To Exceed Orchard Road's
It will cost more to rent a shop space at the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort than it currently does at Orchard Road, said a Sands senior executive yesterday.
Opinion
TODAY's First And Last Word On Mr Brown's Case
Singaporeans, Retirement & Old Age
What Is The Next Step?
The real issue here is not about costs of living. It is about power and the ways to keep it.
Fastest Way To Lose The People's Confidence
Singaporeans will lose confidence in the Garmen even faster if the Garmen anyhow issue lau pok "robust" replies.
To Believe In What We Hear Or See
The impression created ow is a very high-up authority that talked down to the people and will not hesitate to brush aside any dissenting voice.
Singaproeans The Most Unhappy Lot In Asia?
Just go on a holiday and invariably, you'll find it's the Singaporeans who are complaining.
What Is Being Singaporean? Why Don't I Feel Singaporean?
Why do I not care if Singapore lives or dies tomorrow?
Tell The Truth, But Not The Gotchas
Issues Churning At NUS Business School
I get the impression that Prof Earley thinks that he can spend the school's funds as he sees fit and then justify it later.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
News
Government Has Duty To Respond To Unjustified Comments: Minister
"If [Mr Brown] had posted the same comment on his blog, we'll treat it as part of the internet chatter and we would have just let it be! But he didn't post it — he wrote it and publish it in a mainstream newspaper! That's the difference!"
Express Yourself
In a state where protests are rare, a columnist inspired a small band of Singaporeans to take to the streets.
Botanical Gardens Fully Opens It Doors To Visitors After Four Years
The "soft opening" will concide with the opening of a food court named "Taman Serasi Food Garden."
Opinion
Let Mr Brown Speak
We did not see any evidence of an open society.
Some Insights Into GIC
Tony Tan says that more than half of GIC employees are professionals. I just wonder how many of these professionals might or might not actually have any relevant experience.
Majulah Singapura
Sacking a newspaper columnist for pointing to some social problems makes the government look more like Mahathir, Suharto, and their other deranged old neighbors every day.
MDA Visit
[MDA] agreed with me that Singapore's press media is going nowhere with such harsh treatment of its journalists, especially those who represent the neutral or anti-establishment view.
Singaore And The Gahmen
I pray my son and grandson won't have to see all the ugly shadows on this fair soil we call home.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Ramblings
Yesterday, I e-mailed MediaCorp asking why there is no on-air acknowledgment when television programme is being funded (entirely or partially) by our money via the television licensing scheme. MediaCorp replied to me this morning, but I don't quite understand the reply, so I e-mailed back, seeking for clarifications.
I'll report back when I understand what MediaCorp is trying to say.
News
Singapore's 'Martyr,' Chee Soon Juan
"You don't vote out a dictatorship. And bascially that's what Singapore is, albeit a very sophisticated one. It's not possible for us to effect change just through the ballot box. They've got control of everything else around us."
Singapore's Lee Says GIC Has Earned Average 9.5% Over 25 Years
The Government of Singapore Investment Corp., which manages more than $100 billion of the city-state's reserves, has earned an average 9.5 percent a year since its inception in 1981, Chairman Lee Kuan Yew said.
Silent Protest In Subway For Muzzled Blogger
So Mum Can Stay Hired
Incentives, changes in law proposed to keep pregnant employees from losing their jobs.
Opinion
Sir... This Product Is Very Good For You!!!
Be Careful Now. You Wouldn't Want To Be Caught Flying The State Flag For An Extra Day, Would You?
Just let the flags be displayed and be flown without all these barriers and 'trial periods'.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Ramblings
Do We (And Our Money) Exist In Mediacorp's Eyes?
I've send the following e-mail feedback to feedback@mediacorp.com.sg ...
I've noticed that when a television programme's production or acquisition cost is being funded entirely or partially by a business or an organization, the name of the sponsor is being acknowledged with a few second's spot before and after the television programme.
However, when a television programme's production or acquisition cost is being funded entirely or partially by monies collected via television license, this fact is never acknowledged on-air.
Why is there such a discrepancy? Is MediaCorp taking money collected via the television licensing scheme for granted?
Thanks. I hope to hear from you soon.
Heng-Cheong
News
SMRT Taxi's New Fares Same As ComfortDelgro's
One Tough Cookie
Eunice Olsen is a beauty with a purpose. The former Miss Singapore Universe and Nominated Member of Parliament, who last week received Singapore's Youth Award, uses her multitude of talents to help society.
Falling Back On Autopilot
In a changed world that now competes on free-flowing ideas, Singapore's tradition of choosing the best scholars to run an over-regulated nation is increasingly being questioned.
KL Govt Not Aware Of Temasek Plan To Raise AirAsia Stake
Singapore Lifts Entry Ban On Two Malaysian Activists
Two prominent Malaysian activists barred from entering Singapre for nearly two decades because they protested against the 1987 detention of 22 alleged Marxists, have had the restrictions lifted.
Opinion
On The Management Of Dissent
It may be useful to examine the case of the suspension of mr brown's column by Today from the point of view of how the PAP government manages dissent.
Singaporeans Are Not Fed, Up With Non-Partisianism
As Regards TODAY
Following the events of last week and many many long discussions between brown and myself, today I told TODAY that I quit.
Brown-Out II: Bloggers Solidarity, Mr Brown Posterity
Constructive Debate?
Was there a constructive debate? I think everyone will find this part missing. It was a talk down approach. No need further discussion. Mr Brown had touched on something unacceptable, crossed the OB line. Out you go.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
News
Supporters Of Suspended Singaporeans Blogger Hold Silent Protest
Supporters of a Singaporean blogger have gathered at a busy subway station for a silent protest at the suspension of his weekly newspaper column after the government criticised his latest satirical piece about high living costs.
A Series Of Mysterious Events Caused By Li Nanqing's Singapore Visit
Govt To De-Classify Some Official Documents
Mainstream Media Has A Role In Ensuring Quality Of Debate: Dr Balakrishnan
Saturday, July 8, 2006
News
Singapore Calls For Payback
Singapore Airlines yesterday called on the Australian government to honour a "csst-iron commitment" to open its skies to Singapore after it agreed to drop most restrictions on the number of flights on the route between Australia and Britain.
YTL's High-Speed Train Should End At JB, Say Johorians
Johorians have called on YTL Corporation Bhd to revise its fast-train proposal connecting Kuala Lumpur and Singapore as they are ocnvinced there will be obstacles coming from the republic.
Singapore: America's Next College Town
College education — it's one of America's growing exports.
Opinion
Is Stomp 'Citizen Journalism'?
STOMP, like the rest of ST, is edited by professional ST journalists, not ordinary citizens.
When Bloggers Enter MSM, Part 3
The biggest losers this past week are the mainstream mass media.
Friday, July 7, 2006
News
Culture Of Fear
As double ghost month loom sominously, we look at Singapore's very own phobias.
A Singapore Jeweler's Nightmare Scenario
Singapore's financial system vulnerable to money laundering.
With Due Respect, The Mandarin Is 'Wrong'
PTC, NWC hit back at Ngiam's suggestion that they should pack their bags.
Opinion
Entertainment
Thursday, July 6, 2006
News
Internet Advisory Panel Says Class Licence Also Applies To Blogs
Singapore's National Internet Advisory Committee says it does not see the need to update the Class Licence Scheme to address any concerns about undesirable content on blogs. This is because the licnce already applies to blogs the same way it does to all websites.
No Talks On Singapore-Malaysia High-Speed Rail Link: Transport Minister
There have not been any discussions between Singapore and Malaysia on YTL Corporation Berhad's proposal to build a high-speed rail link between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. A Singapore Transport Ministry spokesperson said this in an e-mail response.
Singapore's Sentosa Seeks Monaco Glitz
Turning Singapore's southern island of Sentosa into Asia's glitziest address could be quite a challenge.
Brain Drain: Singapore Drawing Researchers From U.S.
Lured by billions of dollars in government investment, brand new research equipment and facilities, and the opportunity to conduct research unfettered by social politics, biotech researchers are increasingly seting up shop in Singapore.
Singapore's ICA Invites Malaysian Frequent Travellers To Apply For Cards
Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has invited Malaysian frequent visitors to the republic to apply for its Immigration Automated Clearance System access card.
Opinion
Singaproe Straits Times Playijng A Dangerous Game
If the Singapore Straits Times' abrupt intrusion into a mainly Umno internal political stoush between Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Abdullah Ahmad Badawi reflects the thinking or the silent approval of the Singaporean government, then this would represent a first where the Singapore government has felt it necessary to vicariously join an internal squabble of a Malaysian political party. And it is a 'first' that has strayed, nay, deliberately stepped into dangerious territory.
When Bloggers Enter MSM, Part 2
While this regulatory distinction between mainstream and alternative media seems clear-cut, there remain some question marks over the government's position.
Brown Suspended
If you think this whole affair is really about managing the internet, think again. I think their game has not even started.
Mr Brown Saga
We should not have any more fantasies about PAP rule, least "Open Society" under its charge.
TODAY Browns Mr Brown
Light touch online = Heavy touch offline?
The Mr Brown Saga Of The Other
I'd rather have a Singapore with politics than no Singapore when apathy has run amok in our people.
The Inutility Of Speaking Truth Unto Power
Only power speaks to power.
Mr Bhavani (And The Government) Should Stop Treating Us Like Kids
A Frightening Day For Journalists In Singapore
This reflects the frightening climate of fear under which media professionals in Singapore have to work.
Regarding TODAY
I have been informed that TODAY has suspended my column.
ICA Reviewing Process For Changing Of Address
Correction Tape Frowned Upon But No Penalty
While the use of correction fluid/tape is discouraged for the reasons given, pupils who use correction fluid/tape will not be penalised for it.
Entertainment
Crazy Horse Ready To Change Colour
Eng Wah is reviewing the content and marketing methods of the show to reach out to its main target audience of high-end tourists, which make up eight out of every 10 patrons.
Wednesday, July 5, 2006
News
JB Drawing Singapore Brides
Singaoreans not only flock to Johor for shopping and food, but also for bridal packages.
Bullet To Singapore: From KL In 90 Minutes
Imagine zipping in a bullet train from the KL Sentral station into the heart of Singapore in 90 minutes flat. That is something that will become a reality if tycoon Tan Sri Francis Yeoh's plan to build and operate such a train service at a cost of up to RM8 billion takes off.
Opinion
Farewell To My Capitol
Let's take a minute or two to remember the grand old dame of Singapore cinemas — the Capitol.
Bridge: Malaysia Has Been Outfoxed
Singapore was very clever and waited for the project to mature and then pounced on Malaysia with quid pro quo demand for airspace and sand in return to agreeing to a straight bridge.
Warts And All
If we can't be patient with ourselves, no one's going to stick around till the end.
Going Down The Malaysia Road?
Would Singapore go down this road, conceiving of a project because there is money to be made?
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Ramblings
First Taxi Fare Increment In 12 Years? BS, CNA!
If you read or watch Channel NewsAsia, you might come away with the impression that ComfortDelgo is "making its first fare adjustment in 12 years."
Bull!
Taxi surcharges have undergone increment in the past 12 years. Surcharges hours have increased in the past 12 years. Booking fees have increased in the past 12 years. Fares per kilometers have increased in the past 12 years.
Shame on Channel NewsAsia.
Singapore Press Holdings' newspapers, as well as Today newspaper, correctly reported that it is the flag-down fare that hasn't been increased for the past 12 years. But then, that's not exactly true, because ComfortDelgro's Mercedes taxi had increased its flag-down fare just last year.
And now, some links from ComfortDelgro's web site...
15 October 1999: CBD surcharge increased from $1.50 to $2.
15 March 2000: AIrport surcharge increased from $3 to $5.
9 May 2000: 10 cents for every 240m thereafter or less up to 10 km to 10 cents every 225m thereafter or less up to 10km. 10 cents every 225m thereafter or less after 10km to 10 cents every 200m thereafter or less after 10km. CBD surcharge hours increased.
7 July 2005: Comfort, CityCab and Yellow-Top Cab will charge staggered late-night surchage rates from 11.30pm. Prime time booking charges will be increased to $4. Advance booking fees for CityCab will be "realigned" to $5.20. Mercedes taxis' street-hail fare raised to $2.60.
News
SMRT Taxi, Premier Taxi Plan To Revise Fares
A day after ComfortDelgro said it would increase taxi fares due to the spike in fuel prices, two other operators confirmed they would do the same.
YTL In Talks For Rail Link Between Kuala Lumpur And Singapore
YTL Corp., which owns the railway from Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the capital city, said it's in talks for a rail link to Singapore which may produce an agreement in two years.
Opinion
Scenic Bridge Benefits Not For Us
You know why no one has informed the Malaysian public of the benefits of the crooked bridge? Because there are none for the public, they're only for the cronies.
Second Link Still An Obstacle To Crooked Bridge
The bridge at the Second Link is not high enough for anything but small watercrafts.
Bridge Mistake Becomes More Costly
The total cost for abandoning the bridge works out to be a massive RM1.16 billion. That is, of course, more than the cost of the bridge.
Analyzing Mr Brown's Original Article
When Bloggers Enter MSM
The government will decide if you are a partisan player in politicis based on its incredible x-ray vision and other superhuman powers, and treat you accordingly.
End Maternity Charade
Why not make maternity benefits payable regardless of the stage of pregnancy at which dismissal takes place, for reasons other than indiscipline and poor performance?
Monday, July 3, 2006
News
Singapore Call Centres Pay Thrice More As Wages Than Desi Firms
A survey by a recruitment firm in Singapore showed that call centres in the island republic were recruting employees at a faster pace than the regional average, and high wages did not seem to pose a deterrence.
ComfortDelGro Raises Taxi Fares
Taxi fares will go up from next Monday.
Government Has Nothing To Hide, Says Syed Hamid
"If there is anything else that needs to be disclosed from time to time, we will disclose everything."
Housing Loans Eating Up Funds For Retirement
Thousands of older Singapoeans risk running low on retirement savings because they have spent too much on housing.
Opinion
O Bhavani
What has really changed in ten years plus of Singapore's progress? What has changed? Nothing. Simply nothing.
Always Read The Fine Print When Taking Up A Job
In other words, we pay market rate, but we want you to work harder, and longer than a normal job requires. Thanks! But no thanks.
What's Wrong Being Bloggers Anonymous?
Singing A Different Tune
Despite all talk to the contrary, the PAP has yet to make any real change in it domestic policies regarding lift upgrading works.
This Just In: Stupid People Exist!
Sounds like you're just upset that you can't "control" Mr Brown like you do with all your lackeys and goons at the Shitty Times.
Technology
Sunday, July 2, 2006
News
Singapore Plans To Ease Air Services To Boost Growth At Changi
Singapore plans to further liberalize air services agreements with China, India and countries within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to preserve the city-state's status as a hub.
Opinion
Open Door To Vice And Heartbreak
A series of high-profile passion killings in recent months invovling fiercely materialistic women from China and local married men has highlighted a growing social problem in Singapore.
Saturday, July 1, 2006
News
Dr M Suggests Govt Declasify Documents On Bridge Talks
Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad Saturday suggested that the government declassify documents relating to talks between Malaysia and Singapore on the aborted bridge project. This would enable Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar to provide documented proof to substantiate his claims that Malaysia, in its pursuit to build a new bridge to Singapore, did not offer the sale of sand to the republic and use of Johor airspace by the Singapore airforce planes, he said in a statement.
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Singapore Detains 5 More Terrorist Suspects, Releases 5 Others
Changi's 'Other' Terminal
The new Budget Terminal that opened in March offers a study in contrast. It features a functional, no-frills, utilitarian design that caters specifically to low-cost carriers.