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Colleagues in office talks about election today. Many wishful of a holiday. Coffeeshop uncles also talk about election when I went to ta-pao my dinner just now. My mum also told me election coming while having dinner with the TV news on. Seems like Singapore is very much intune to this coming election! What is the real reason for the much enthusiasm? Does citizen very eager to make their voices known? But which direction? I mean normally people who wants to oppose or highlight something will look forward to EOGM and elections. I dont understand why the hugh enthusiasms as most people will still vote the incumbent into power(My opinion). Or will this time be a different outcome?

Singapore's inflation hits 2-year high Date : 23 February 2011 1327 hrs (SST) URL : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1112491/1/.html SINGAPORE: Singapore's inflation in January rose to its highest level since December 2008. Data released on Wednesday by the Department of Statistics (DOS) showed that the consumer price index (CPI) rose by 5.5 per cent on-year. This is higher than the 4.8 per cent forecast by economists and compared to the 4.6 per cent on-year rise in December last year. Standard Chartered Bank economist Alvin Liew said that this is "unlikely to be the peak inflation reading for Singapore". Mr Liew added that with the "Chinese New Year in February, Singapore may yet to see inflation rise even higher towards the six per cent year-on-year mark." Higher costs in transport, housing and food led to the price hike last month. The cost of transport increased by 18.4 per cent due to higher car and petrol prices. Housing cost rose by 5.3 per cent following higher accommodation costs and electricity tariffs. DOS said excluding housing, the consumer price index went up by a lower 5.3 per cent. Meanwhile, compared to the previous month, CPI in January rose by 1.6 per cent due to higher costs of transport, housing and food. Housing cost rose by 2.7 per cent on-month due mainly to higher service & conservancy charges as rebates for these were given in December last year but not in January this year. Food prices crept up by 0.9 per cent arising from more expensive prepared meals, fresh seafood and vegetables. Excluding housing, the consumer price index was 1.3 per cent higher from the previous month. DOS said the 'core inflation' measure tracked by the Monetary Authority of Singapore was 0.0 per cent in January on a month-on-month basis. On a year-on-year basis, MAS' core inflation measure eased to 2.0 per cent, from 2.1 per cent in December last year. - CNA/fa

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1112491/1/.html

Just thinking, 2nd cars prices follows the current COE price, so even if the car is $10K COE, price will still be jacked up accordingly to match new car prices. So, is it more worth it to buy new car, where u pay for the high COE, but at least your car have the paper value (COE rebate) or is it more worth it to buy a 2nd hand car where u pay a premium for the car but the actual paper value (COE rebate) is very little? Anyone havs done his math can explain why buy new is better or buy 2nd hand is better? Thanks

It is the people living in this country that wanted a taste of the good life - meaning that they wanted to own a car. So, the Government adjusted its original demand and supply focus, when COE was implemented. In order to continue making these people happy, and yet, control the number of cars, the ERP was implemented. But, all these failed to curb the appetite for cars and therefore, the Government has to take this action of reducing COEs. Let's all look at the current road conditions - it is often very jammed at specific times of the working day. A lot of people should not be driving and pushing the demand for more car parks. Many ordinary managers and executives or lower levels should just use the public transport. But, of course, the MRT and buses today are equally packed. The reason is due to the increased in population size and the transportation infrastructure has not caught up with the increase in population. Therefore, demand for cars continue to increase as frustration over public transport drive more people to the excuse to own cars. Well, understanding the dynamics behind is better than asking the Government to change the COE policy. Don't let our roads become a huge carpark. http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC10...COE-prices-jump

THE last bidding for certificates of entitlement (COEs) ended with little relief for car buyers as premiums breached the $70,000 mark. Category B COE, used for cars above 1,600cc, cost $72,001 apiece. This was a 15.2 per cent increase from the last bidding two weeks ago. The only time Cat B premium crossed the $70,000 mark was 13 years ago - from July to October 1997. The open category, mainly used for cars, saw the biggest increase of 17.3 per cent. An Open Cat COE now costs $76,102. There was a little relief for budget car buyers. The premium for Cat A COE dropped to $46,129, a 3 per cent decrease. Premiums for commercial vehicles also ended higher at $33,501. Motorcycle premiums dropped to $1,551. Readers have expressed shock at the increase in prices. One user commented that for the price of a COE, she could buy a BMW in other countries. Premium car buyers unaffected But despite COE prices forming a larger part of car prices today, premium car buyers are still unaffected. Mr Joel Chang, executive director of Munich Automobiles, said that buyers of premium cars like BMW M are still not put off by the high prices. Munich Automobiles is the official distributor for BMW M cars. December 2nd bidding Category COE price Cars (1600CC & below) & taxis $46,129 Cars (above 1,600CC) $72,001 Commercial vehicles $33,501 Motorcycles $1,551 Open category $76,102 A BMW M3 costs around $350,000 with COE. Said Mr Chang: "Our customers have been quite anxious to get hold of their cars because they know the premiums are going to increase further." Small volume players like them are unlikely to be affected, he said. Sales have been strong for the operator of the first M showroom in the world since they opened five months ago, with more than 50 M cars sold. Added Mr Chang: "COE prices will go up further with the impending decrease in supply of COEs expected in February." Source http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/...222-254201.html

Come come, want to see u r which category

Well, was wondering if anyone of you bros out here are addicted to the game High Noon on iPhone.. It's crazily addictive! Any pros here with tips to share?? Haha!

There are so many threads about the high COE and so many MCFers is complaining. There are equally about the same number of people complaining with the thunder bolt policies. However I did some serious thinking about housing, cars, living expenses in our country. Older generation do benefit however younger generation just to have to live with it. No matter the amount of complaining will do any help and just have to look yourself in the mirror why that you took the wrong career path 10 years ago. Many of the older folks (40s and above) which are the so called the pioneers in our country and had seen how Singapore grow. In the early days (1990) when housing are cheap, these group had already bought their housing and as the time flies, many of the older generation had been able to profit from the appreciating value of their property hence about to keep up with the economy. Like in my family (dad in the 60s) had been able to "profit" for the flat he had purchased and since my family had paid the flat in full last year, we are debt full and currently have assets of about $500,000. But in terms of cashing out and upgrading ourselves, we simply cannot play around with our only roof over our heads. But on the other hand, the flat had to be return back to the government, we are in a lost whether to do so to enjoy the fruits of the commercial decision if that the property climb again for the next 20 years or to suffer in silence if that we make the wrong decision. I happen to know a family during 1997 and had purchased a condo at the lowest and had benefit in paper value too. However the previous owner of the condo is suffering as during then when he purchased that flat taking a bank loan, evaluation dropped and he do not have the funding to top up the oustanding. I am holding back to purchasing a flat as during in 2004 when the COE is high, I bought a car. Stucked with it and unable to benefit the low COE released until early this year. Looking at those drivers driving around changing car one after another makes my eyes grow green but it was my mistake to sign on the dotted line in 2004. During then, without a car is without a job. If that we vote down the current policies maker now, we will stand a chance losing our asset in paper value hence not many will dare to go for the unknown. I am caught inbetween this as I am yet to be a flat owner so if that property market crash, then I were to come in with the pen to sign on the dotted line. However as we have an aging population therefore a larger group in the 40s~60s comparing with the younger generation 20s~30s. Therefore not much of us will be dare to take up the challenges ahead. Just look at the older people in your office, how many of them dare to step out from their office to start a new career and all they want is stability. Basically not much of us are able to take up the major challenges unless that we have the additional cash flow (Do you agree the rich becomes richer, poor becomes poorer). So for the people whom had made it, they have no worries and in general, they like the current system. And as for me, I believe that the income gap is still "managable" as asset from the old can pass to the younger ones (comparing with Russia you will know what is really the different between rich & poor). BUT, not forgetting we are rank one of the highest in "average Singapore Household debts". See link below. http://aussgworldpolitics.wordpress.com/20...pap-leadership/ Eariler years, many couples tied the knot at 25M/23F and using this normal prastice now, it is not possible for marriage therefore explains the aging population. For example, 25M/23F with combine income of $6000 tie the knot now do not even have $60,000 CPF savings and HDB cost about $300,000 at far end of Singapore. For the average male after serving 2 years & continue his studies and joined the work force (1year) earning $30000 per annual. CPF will have

I was expressing my interest in an STi for jaunts up north, to Sepang and as well as for touring Peninsular Malaysia in general. But some of my colleagues (performance car drivers among them) said that TC cannot sustain cruising for high speeds for long duration. Is this true? I mean, I'm sure this applies for running at close to max speed and at max boost but how about reasonable speeds like about 160-180km/h? nowhere near top speed. In any case, there's plenty of air being forced into the radiator and whatnot at that kind of speed. not to mention the huge air scoop on the bonnet. I know an STi is not the perfect car for touring, but the question is, why can't it do the job? Or are my colleagues mistaken? I intend to mod it a bit when I get mine, nothing too extreme, maybe 400+bhp will be more than enuff. I'm not gunning for monster drag car. besides, tires are expensive

i nv photoshop hor! anybody wan to buy? lolol.

Hi bros, am enquiring on behalf of a buddy who is driving a 2nd swift sport(2007), he has been complaining of high F/C of around 9.5 per L, and I quote from him 'My RPM when I'm driving at between 90-110 is 3500-4000 rpm' Now I'm quite a new driver myself but I do know that those RPM figures are ridiculous if travelling at cruise speed of 90-110. What could be the problem with his ride? Any advise is greatly appreciated.

http://www.mr2oc.com/showthread.php?t=405727 Look at this thread. The person decide to port his compressor housing and he did all the rendering and flow simulation. WOW!! I wonder how many of us here actually have the skills to do that?

These cars are wasting lots of resources and produces far more pollution than normal cars. Our crude oil reserves are reducing everyday and there is nothing we can do to replace them. Thus these cars should be taxed heavily on top of the road tax to deter people from driving these cars. Its also a good way for gahment to make more money. Something like 50K a year of pollution for WRX and EVOs, for exotic cars can increase to 500K or 1 million a year pollution.

Hi guys,got a very serious problem.My car suddenly has high fuel consumption,used to travel 40km before my needle reach 3/4 mark,now only 7.1km and it reached 3/4 marking.Btw,make and model is mazda 2 '04 model.Pls advice.

took public transport to work today because forgot to pump petrol yesterday oh boy the experience was HORRIBLE! - mad rush to enter the train - had to stand all the way for 1hr+ - squeezy over-crowded train - aircon was working but wasn't strong enough to cool the entire cabin - bus took 10 minutes to arrive - seats at the bus stop were dirty - too many people at the bus stop, had to wait under the sun - paid $3 to reach work from home after this experience i finally understand why people are willing to pay above their means to afford and own a car our govt has been taking action to curb private transport all the time but after today's experience, i really think our govt should also start looking into public transport or maybe they are only taking action against private transport because they've never taken public transport themselves!

today almost kanna blinded by the high-beam light of one van on the road today. Singapore road is brightly lighted up by street light i wonder y pple still turn on their high-beam when driving

I just walked around Leng Kee last week and was looking at (yes, my current fav) the renaultsport Megane. Also saw the brand new citroen DS3. Based on what the sales people told me: DS3 OMV = 22K. Since basic cost = OMV + Custom (OMV X 0.2) + GST of 7% of (OMV+Custom) + ARF (same as OMV) + $140 registration + COE... the math is like this: DS3 22K+4.4K+1.848+22K+140+32K = 82,388 <--- Basic Cost. Pre Launch Pricing was 89,999 So the AD only earns like $7,611??? Renault RS250 OMV = 29K 29K+5.8K+2,436+29K+140+42,810 = 109,186 <--- Basic Cost. Pre Launch Pricing is 145,888 So the AD earns like $36,702??? $7,611 vs $36,702 is ridiculous. Left a bad taste in my mouth... Love the car, but the pricing is really stupid. No wonder Renaults sell so "well" in Singapore. It will depreciate like a gold bar dropping into the ocean. Really a shame. But the weird thing is, their margin is only 11K on the outgoing renault sedan. So that's quite good value. If the renault megane RS were $120K and they earn 11K... I'd have a new car on the driveway before Christmas.

1.6 VTi (M) $78,800 1.6 VTi (A) $79,800 1.8 VTi-S (M) $82,600 1.8 VTi-S (A) $83,800 2.0 Si (M) $86,200 2.0 Si Sunroof (A) $90,900

2 admit phantom accident Two men pretended to be hurt so that scam mastermind could claim insurance money By Khushwant Singh (ST 14 Aug 2010) TWO men who pretended to be victims in a four- vehicle traffic accident in return for $200 to $500 never saw the money. Instead Lim Jit Meng, 47, and Foo Tze Chiang, 41, are now facing up to 2 1/2 years in jail and a fine. The mastermind behind the scam, Ong Ai Peng, had planned to claim $9,355.05 on each of them in personal injury insurance claims from India International Insurance (III). Both men pleaded guilty yesterday to insurance fraud committed between July and September 2008. Foo's mother, Lim Mui Fong, 65, another phantom victim, had her guilty plea rejected when she said she had no idea what she had been involved in. According to court documents, Ong, 48, had approached her at a coffee shop on July 15 after he heard there had been a traffic accident involving a taxi and three other vehicles in Sembawang Road. ________________________________________________________________________________ ________ Yet another unscrupulous act by individuals which would continue to drive up our car insurance premiums! Hope that justice be served accordingly and that a clear signal be sent to "would be" scums thinking of siphoning money from innocent people. Let this too be a lesson for insurance companies. They should thoroughly investigate each case before becoming overly eager to pay up and send the bill to the innocent! :angry: Kudos to III ! Can't say much for our local insurance giant though !

This lawyer appear in the media in few occasions, and seem like he enjoy the spotlight so much so that it is now over his head... kena left, right, centre from the judge, especially the recent molest case http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/S...ory_554227.html

Yesterday almost hit Malaysian lorry. Travelling at 60, he was parked behind yet another stationary veh so he had to cut into second lane to get out. He turned abit, and I had no intention of stopping, so I flashed high beam. He continued turning out instead! I had to e brake and stopped half a metre in front of him. His lorry was adjacent then, and he showed me the 'what you want' look and hand sign. I doubt he would be pondering on the incident, but I do. Does high beam by any chance mean I'm giving way to you in Malaysia or other countries?

dear all i believe that we have seen and heard of wrx,evo, type r all got stopped by LTA for checking of exhaust sounds that surpass the legal sound limit. but how often u see a ferrari,porsche,lambo or even a harley that got stopped by lta for the same thing??? r they suggesting that since u pay high $$$ for yr veh/bikes that u r entitled to a loud stock exhaust system?? where have the fairness went??

any recommendation ? regards