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By Elena Chong A man who stole a total of eight iPads worth $6,824 from the Police Technology Department was jailed for three months on Monday. Yap Bao Fa, 27, was working as a senior support officer in the Singapore Police Force when he stole from the headquarters at Irrawaddy Road . He admitted to three counts of theft involving four iPads between Aug 16 and Sept 10 last year. The remaining four charges were taken into consideration. The court heard that he was authorised to access the secure metal cabinet at the Police Technology Department where new Apple iPads were stored. He had to scan his staff card and key a password into the Key Management System to open the "key press'' to retrieve the keys. When a number of iPads were found missing from the cabinet on Sept 10, a check of the access log records of the "key press'' showed that Yap had accessed it to get the key to the cabinet a number of times. Three iPads worth $2,559 were recovered. He could have been jailed for up to seven years and fined on each charge. http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/...rtment-20130715

Who here is in the same situation?

This is abit strange. Normally tyre air pressure will reduce over time. And I have this normal situation for a long time But lately, i realise my air pressure didn't get reduced. Its the same air pressure for close to 2 months already. Is there something wrong? The front 2 tyres are experiencing the above strange situation. The air pressure is always the same. No lose of pressure. The back 2 tyres are losing air pressure, but at a little rate. Much too little, compared to before. My tyre is 205/45/16

This One SP famous! Celebrate every 25 Dec

Man Rescues Drowning Family Who Then Leave While He Drowns http://www.chinasmack.com/2012/stories/man...-he-drowns.html

Neber under-estimate the anger of a woman..... http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp...1202240/1/.html

This guy hugged a woman from behind while she was withdrawing $$$ from ATM. Unfortunately for him, there were a bunch of off duty Gurkhas outside. The woman is apparently the wife of a Gurkha 大胆色郎 非礼警员妻 　　少妇在油站提款，半裸色狼突从背后熊抱她，色狼被逮拒捕，情绪激动发狂，两名警员和7名辜加警员联手，才将他制服。 　　这起事故发生在昨天下午5时45分左右，地点是阿裕尼上段，靠近惹兰慕利雅交界处的一个加油站。 　　据了解，事发时，一名20多岁少妇，正在加油站内的便利商店使用提款机，一名31岁的新加坡籍印族男子，突然从背后环抱她，吓得少妇惊慌失色，大声尖叫。 　　目击者说，少妇当下生气质问该色狼，色狼欲离开便利商店，刚巧站在外面的一名休班辜加警员，见少妇看似在哭泣地追出来，发现情况不对劲，立即阻止色狼离开。 　　色狼被逮后，还企图逃脱，结果其他休班辜加警员见状，立即伸出援手。 　　本报读者邓先生（45岁，厨师）说，两名警员随后赶到现场欲押色狼上车时，色狼极力反抗。 　　色狼的身材非常高大、壮硕，需要两名警员和四名辜加警员，才能够制服。 　　警方发言人受询时时表示，一名30多岁男子因涉及这起非礼案被捕，调查在进行中。 　　据悉，受害的少妇来自尼泊尔，丈夫是辜加警员，居住在事发地点附近的宿舍。 　　详情请参阅3月19日的《新明日报》。

For me the word is diarrhea I had to use google to confirm the spelling.

Low fertility rate, no in-migration will lead to S'pore's population decline SINGAPORE: Singapore's resident population will decline and become extremely aged if the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is extremely low and if there is no in-migration. This is according to a landmark study on future population growth and change for Singapore published on Wednesday by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS). The study produced four population scenarios based on varying TFR and immigration levels. The study said with TFR at 1.24 births per woman and zero net migration, Singapore's population will decline to 3.03 million in 2050. With 30,000 migrants added annually, the population projection is 4.89 million in 2050. And with 60,000 migrants added annually, the population projection is 6.76 million in 2050. The study also looked at a situation where TFR can be raised to 1.85 births per woman by 2025 with no new immigration. With such a scenario, the study said population size can still only hit 3.37 million in 2050. The ratio of working people (between the ages of 15-64) to the elderly will also decrease. For instance, with low fertility and 30,000 new residents a year, the ratio drops from 8.6 in 2005, to 2.7 in 2050. A key conclusion obtained from the study is that without immigration, the total population will decline, even if Singapore's total fertility rate rises from the current 1.15 to 1.85. The number of working people available to support each elderly person is also set to drop in all the scenarios. However, Dr Yap Mui Teng, who is a senior research fellow at Institute of Policy Studies, said immigration can reduce the dependency burden. Dr Yap said: "Under the scenario with higher net migration, there will be more people of working ages to support each elderly, compared to the scenario with low migration or scenarios with zero net migration." Amid growing concerns from the ground about overcrowding and stiffer competition from foreign labour, some asked if population growth is absolutely necessary and how much is enough. Associate Professor Paulin-Tay Straughan from the National University of Singapore said it is important for the government to determine how much population growth is needed to ensure a balance between a vibrant economy and the social health of society. She said: "That's why these projections are so important. For us to understand how the projections are made, so that as a community together, we agree that these are the opportunity costs we're willing to accept because we all want to strive for this quality of life." The government had earlier said it does not target a specific population size. The study also projected that there will be fewer young people in Singapore if fertility rate remains low. The number of young people under 14 years of age will go down by more than half from 699,000 in 2005 to 274,400 by 2050.

Dont Get S c r e w e d A good housing agent should have all the relevant information you need at their fingertips - but are they telling all? Wed, Sep 21, 2011 Home & Decor By Stella Thng Buying or selling a home is one of the most expensive, complicated events in your life, no thanks to the ever-changing government regulations. Whether it's your eligibility for a loan or the bewildering range of seller's stamp duties depending on your occupation period, it can all snowball into one huge headache. So, most of us shell out good (commission) money for a property agent hoping to tap into their expertise to buy that dream ?home at a bargain or sell your property at a premium. Housing agents might have the industry knowledge to help you make a good deal, but be aware of what they're not telling you, too. 1. The HDB does not require you to engage a property agent Many first-time home-buyers do not know this. When adjunct lecturer Tang Xueling bought her first HDB flat a decade ago with her husband, they didn't have an agent and the seller's became theirs by default, picking up an easy commission. They had no idea then that if they were willing to handle the paperwork themselves, they wouldn't even need to pay for an agent. "Since Jan 1, 2011, agents may only collect a commissionfrom one party even if he represents both. This prevents any conflict of interest," says Kelvin Fong, a top-ranking group district director at PropNex, who leads over 1,200 real estate agents. Generally, it is not difficult for buyers to represent themselves as long as they work closely with the seller's agent to prepare all the necessary documents. But sellers who want to cut out the middleman may find it more daunting. They have to market the property, screen enquiries and organise viewings. Even if you make a successful sale, there's the complicated paperwork and various deadlines to deal with. Marcia Lai, director of Faith Property Network, an associate company of international real estate company Re/max, explains: "Many sellers may lack the technical know-how, especially about the new HDB regulations introduced recently." This may delay the completion of the transaction and affect the hand-over date. For some sellers, saving that few thousand dollars in commission is not worth the hassle. What about buying a resale private property? Since buyers do not have to pay commission, your agent will collect a co-broking commission from the seller's agent. You get someone looking out for your interest, so why not? 2. It's better to sign with an exclusive agent (but only if he's the real deal) Exclusive contracts last three months and the commission for selling a HDB or private property is usually one to two per cent of the selling price. Marcia says that sellers usually fare better when they work with a trusted exclusive agent. As he will handle all enquiries, he is in a better position to secure the highest possible price. "When too many agents are marketing the same unit, some may try to close the deal quickly by persuading you to grab the first offer instead of waiting for a better price," she says. According to Kelvin, an exclusive agent should provide all forms of media exposure such as classified newspaper ads, online or by printing brochures. He should also be part of a network of agents who help each other by finding the right buyers for their clients' property, and be open to co-broke with other agents who can fetch a good price. If you suspect that your agent is not performing, ask to see proof of his marketing efforts. You can break the contract if he can't back up his promises. To weed out rogue agents and protect buyers and sellers, the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) implemented new guidelines which came into effect from August 1, 2011, with eight templates for contracts that agents must use for the sale, purchase or lease of properties. CEA also spelled out the proper use of these forms as well as commission clauses, disclosure requirements and co-broking clauses. 3. Your property may be used as a 'showflat' Should sellers go with an agent who claims to specialise in your area? His experience may come in handy, but he is probably also marketing several units in the neighbourhood - and they're all your competitors. In the worst-case scenario, your home may be used as a "showflat" as homeowner YS Liang discovered. "Weekend after weekend, our agent would bring a stream of people to speed-visit our apartment, leaving within minutes. She didn't even try to promote our apartment. It felt like we were just one of the many tour stops for her clients," he complains. According to Kelvin, other agents could also make use of your agent's listings. "If your pricing is on the high side, these agents may use your home to convince their buyers why they should buy another apartment." To counter this, Kelvin says it is crucial for your agent to offer a current market analysis before putting up your home for sale. "This helps you price your property correctly and realistically." 4. An experienced agent can help with your financial planning Your property has appreciated but until you sell it, you're just sitting on paper gain. "Property is the biggest asset for most Singaporeans, so you should leverage on it to create more wealth. The problem is that many agents keep asking the seller to sell, but do not help to plan what you can do with the profits," laments Kelvin. His suggestion? Cash out and use part of the profits as downpayment for a new home. Invest the rest in another property to collect rent. Buyers can borrow up to 80 per cent of the price of their first private residential property, and 60 per cent for the second. Kelvin points out that there is no such cap for commercial properties as long as you meet the bank's loan criteria. 5. There's little your agent can do once the deal is done You've excitedly moved into your new crib, only to realise that the air-con isn't working and the plumbing is choked. Can your agent negotiate with the seller to pay for the repairs? Sorry, his hands are tied. Once you put down the one per cent option fee to hold down a private property, you have to accept its condition as it is when you move in - faulty air-con, choked toilet and all. Get around this by asking your agent to include a final inspection clause in the option-to-buy letter. HDB flat buyers automatically enjoy this safety net. "There is a final inspection of the property two days before the completion of all HDB transactions. If the air-con is faulty, you can request the seller to repair it," says Kelvin. What happens if your seller backs out of the sale and refuses to return your deposit? Marcia shares an example that happened to her friend. During the second appointment at HDB, he learned that the seller had not paid his monthly instalments and Town Council fees for over a year, and the transaction could not be completed. "Although my friend offered to clear the Town Council arrears, the seller changed his mind and said he'd rather let the HDB repossess his home. He had also spent the $5,000 deposit and blatantly said he was too broke to ?pay back the money," recalls Marcia. Unfortunately, agents do not have the authority to check on a seller's records with the HDB or the Town Council, which might help to flag such potential high-risk cases. Often, they are as much a victim of the unscrupulous seller as the buyer is. In this case, both the seller's and buyer's agents could not collect any commission as the sale did not go through. Your agent's role is purely as a middleman to facilitate the transaction. Once all the paperwork is processed, his job is done. Having said that, "A responsible property agent must help his buyer look out for all potential risks and not just think of making a quick commission. If your buyer is unhappy, the problem will come back to you," advocates Kelvin. Whether you hire an agent or not, property investment is an expensive business, so always do your own research. Buyers can check out recently transacted prices of HDB and private properties at www.hdb.gov.sg or ura.gov.sg before setting their budget or selling price. Visit the unit at different times of the day and observe the neighbourhood. If possible, speak with the neighbours to get a better feel of whether you and your family will fit in. It is also a good chance to find out if your seller has a dubious past. Be Informed Still game to go agent-less? Pick up tips at the "Resale Seminar for Buyers and Sellers" organised by the HDB. It costs $25 per person and sessions are conducted in English, Chinese and Malay. The next English session is on September 3 at HDB Hub. Register online at the HDB website, at HDB Hub or any HDB branch office

Hey Doc, Rachel and I have been dating for about two years. We party and have a merry time, but whenever we have an argument like all couples do, she always seems to have the upper hand. We are both extremely prideful, but I will admit usually within an hour or so that I was wrong or that at least her point has merit. When she is wrong though, it’s an entirely different matter. In her mind she’s never wrong and she will never admit it if she is. She acts as if I know nothing whatsoever and that not agreeing with her makes me an idiot. Sometimes in these situations I will back down just to avoid a seemingly pointless argument over something that will never happen again. Bad Motor Scooter ============== But the reason I’m writing is because I have hit a problem that is going to recur. Rachel can’t drive. I have a scooter and she drives it in a very sloppy manner, such as stopping too late and driving too fast. Driving is one of those things that people get very offended by when they are called on their lack of skill. What’s not making it any better is that I took the responsible measure of not allowing Rachel to drive anymore until she listened to me for three minutes and at least promised that she would try to take it to heart. Naturally, she’s never wrong and won’t listen to whatever words of wisdom I have to offer when it was me who taught her to drive in the first place. I can usually get her to stop being mad at me by ignoring her for a few days or grovelling for a few hours, but this is not how I want our relationship to be anymore. Doc, how can I get Rachel to treat me as an equal? Denny - who is sick and tired because she’s never wrong Doc Love’s Answer Hi Denny, First of all, let me straighten you out on something. All couples don’t argue. Ninety percent of couples argue. Ten percent of all couples sit down calmly and discuss things rationally. And, ironically, they have the healthiest relationships. 6 More Deadly Sins To Go You tell me that both you and Rachel are prideful. But like my cousin Rabbi Love says: “Pride is a fault, not a virtue.” Neither one of you should have so much pride. Why do either you or Rachel cling to pride in a supposedly loving relationship? Now, if Rachel is never wrong, are you really telling me that you want to live with her for the next 50 years? You want to actually be with a person forever who will never admit that she’s wrong? Can you imagine what that is going to do to your Interest Level? Lots of luck, Denny. You’re going to need it, because you'll be trapped. She’s A Hard-Headed Woman But the more disturbing point is this: You’ve already been going with this girl for two whole years -- two whole years full of arguments and Mexican standoffs. If you had my program and used it, you would have gotten rid of Rachel after five or six dates. Denny, you’re not going to change this woman now. What you see is what you get. As Elvis Presley once said: “Well, a hard-headed woman, a soft-hearted man, been the cause of trouble ever since the world began.” And like my Uncle Jethro Love says: “Elvis was right.” You’re doing all the compromising here, pal. Rachel only does what is good for her. She never thinks about what is good for the relationship. Like the great Doctor Freud once said: “This woman has a psychological problem. Unless she’s in control, she will never be happy.” And she’s not ever going to really be happy -- she just wants to be in control, because if she gave in, you would love her more and she would be happier. But she’s too stupid to see that. Like my cousin Fast Eddie Love from East L.A. says: “Your girlfriend is an idiot.” She’s Driving On Her Highway The sloppy driving issue is not really the big problem here, buddy -- it’s actually trivial. What you don’t understand is that the really big problem is going to recur, which is that Rachel is never going to give in. You’re going to be married to her until you’re 85 years old and any time a disagreement pops up it’s going to have to be her way or the highway. That’s the problem here. And it’s a very tough one because it pollutes this woman’s entire personality. If Rachel drives poorly, why not just tell her that she can’t use your vehicle again? Not everyone gets offended when you call him or her on his or her lack of driving skill -- only your girlfriend does. So don’t project and don’t rationalize the fact that Rachel is a jerk. And why are you lecturing her? You just told me that she never listens to you. Are you nuts or something? A Leopard Can’t Change Her Spots Face reality. Your girlfriend is intransigent. She will never change. And you shouldn’t have wasted two years with her. Why did it take you two whole years to figure this out? You should have had my program, and, like I said, in five or six weeks you would have been out of there. Instead of ignoring Rachel for a few days, you should tell her to get lost for a month. Say to her: “Get back to me in a month if you’re not going to learn to compromise. If you have to win all the arguments, I don’t want to be with you.” Denny, you’ve been a wimp in this relationship, and that’s why Rachel is steamrolling over you. When you say that you have to grovel, right there you’re admitting that you’re a wuss. How can you train Rachel to treat you as an equal? She’ll treat you as an equal as soon as you get rid of her. Of course then she’ll be gone for good. Remember, guys: if a woman never compromises, she will make you miserable over the long haul. How many SG girls are like that? esp those working in the CBD.

sharing this info... especially for drivers who change their own oil... Last oil change... N today's oil change... I poured in my usual measured amount (measured with measuring cylinders)... But oil was a lot above H mark... Even after starting engine n measuring with dip stick immediately. So today I seriously thought I didn't do a good job in draining my old oil... Maybe car was not on proper level ground... So when I checked my oil again a few hours after my oil change, I was prepared to drain some oil out... But when I pull out my my dip stick... Knn the yellow handle came off and the metal dip stick fell into the hole... WTF... maybe too many times measure oil level until handle came loose... hahaha... thank god i had a screw driver with a magnetic extendable tip (i bought many years back from a cute mei mei walking ard selling it at Maxwell market)... got my metal part of the dip stick out and fixed it back to the handle and measured my oil level and it was normal... wahhh.. heng sia... lucky i didnt drain any oil out... if not confirm oil pressure light sure come out and god knows what damage i might cause... hahaha... just sharing....

The Malaysian authority had done their job, thumbs up! Bros using NSE often, PLEASE do not bribe them from now!! http://www.mycarforum.com/index.php?showto...667844&hl=*

Went to the Drive A Formula Car Experience on 28th December in Sepang.Have no words to describe how much fun I had driving a Formula Race Car. Event was perfectly organized and went like clock work.The team is incredible good. They should have more pics on their Facebook page

For me, these are the cars that i will not buy 1) Kia Koup -- labelled as poser 2) Sonota (taxi model) -- unless i lose my job 3) WRX (even sti) -- poor man sports car 4) BMW 318 -- labelled as badge whore 4) Chery cars -- sat in one and the quality is terrible. 5) Renault Megane -- this just looks aweful to me 6) VW Touran -- looks like a van and not a car

http://v8.cache6.c.youtube.com/CjYLENy73wI...0/0/0/video.3gp

As above. and I shed tears a few times : 1. SPP CST - 100% tears com naturally 2. Pritam National Pledge 3. Nicole National Pledge In reverse I was very Tulan : 1. LBH cried 2. KBW cried 3. PM's IFs Sorry. 4. TPL trying hard to say a sad story.

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/listarticle...umentid=1184560

Of the years and years of pain. Of the failures to perform. Of the duty to take care of its citizens first. No we must never forget, instead we must do the right thing and correct what has gone wrong.

Why oh why they just never learn.... is it worth it.... http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/S...ory_651033.html They jolly know that country like China and Singapre carry the death sentence for drug trafficking... and they still wanna try.... kena caught, then cry father cry mother.... for fark.... Like the kangaroo fella who kena hanged..... it is sickening to see they film it into a documentary and show on TV... ... they make it seem as though we are a evil state that neber gibe this young, "innocent" fella a chance..... the CB ang mo can say.... "I do not understand why they neber gibe this poor kid, who has realise his mistakes and are repenting a chance to live....." Why he did not ask if he know its wrong, he should not have done it in the first place... the law is there for donkey years..... if he neber get caught... LJ he "realise his mistakes", he will "repent"... my arse.... YOU FARK WITH THE LAW, YOU NEED TO PAY..... just like going to Geylang.... you call chicken, also need to pay.... [laugh]

Parked my car without coupon that morning. When i returned to my car, fatimaah was walking away from my car, hand holding that machine thingy. Sprint to my windscreen and notice that there's no offence paper slip! Have they gone high tech? Paperless parking offence recording? So should i be expecting a fine in my letterbox soon? anyone encounter this before?

I advised u guys to use cash for payments in m'sia... my credit card account was been illegally used. HSBC called me. and now I already received the billing. from the transactions records and my memories recall, there is indeed something fishy about the waiter during my last transaction... it was in JB's city sq, SEED Cafe... the staffs there might not be "clean".. Guys, avoid card payment in m'sia, esp JB...

http://www.freetetris.org/game.php remember the tetris??.... when it first came out in a handheld game pad, you could see MRT passengers playing it.... recently i stumbled on the online version.... highest score so far: 59,000 (level one) ....