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U.S. Coronavirus Cases Surpass Those of China, Italy Confirmed infections top 82,000 across country, exceeding all other national totals Confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the US have topped the totals in China and Italy, making the US the center of the global outbreak. In the US, confirmed cases hit 82,404 on Thursday evening, surpassing China's 81,782 and Italy's 80,589. The total number of confirmed cases globally is 526,044, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Since the US reported its first coronavirus case on January 20, more than 1,100 people in the country have died from the disease. The death tolls in Italy and China are higher. Many of the new cases in the US are in major cities, like New York and New Orleans, where densely packed residents help the virus spread. Mayors and governors have said that patients with the virus could overwhelm hospitals, which would contribute to a rising death count. To halt the virus' spread, people in many US cities and states are under some form of lockdown order. People are supposed to leave their homes only to go grocery shopping and take care of other essential activities. According to data from Worldometer, coronavirus cases peaked in China in mid-February. The country combated the virus with strict quarantine measures covering 60 million people in Hubei province, where the outbreak originated. Life is returning to normal in China, but the US has a long road ahead, and the economic fallout from the widespread shutdowns has affected millions of workers and companies. US weekly jobless claims for the week ending March 21 totaled 3.28 million, the Labor Department reported Thursday, exceeding the consensus analyst forecast of 1.5 million. That was up from 281,000 in the previous week, which already marked a two-year high, Business Insider's Carmen Reinicke reported. There are early signs that the shutdowns are helping. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Wednesday that the aggressive social-distancing measures put in place in the state were starting to slow the virus' spread. New York is the center of the US outbreak, with nearly half the country's cases. https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-us-has-worlds-biggest-outbreak-topping-china-2020-3?IR=T

14 countries that are paying their workers during quarantine — and how they compare to America's $1,200 stimulus checks source: https://www.msn.com/en-sg/news/photos/14-countries-that-are-paying-their-workers-during-quarantine-—-and-how-they-compare-to-americas-dollar1200-stimulus-checks/ss-BB12I9Mr?li=BBr8Mkh 14 countries that are paying their workers during quarantine — and how they compare to America's $1,200 stimulus checks As countries around the world bear the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic, some governments are stepping in with direct assistance. From monthly payments to one-time checks, many countries are putting cash directly in the hands of impacted or self-employed workers. 80 million Americans should receive stimulus checks this week, and tens of millions are set to receive them today. Others, like France and Denmark, have stepped in to subsidize workers' wages and prevent layoffs. The wake of the coronavirus pandemic has left people around the world have with their livelihoods — and daily lives — completely upended. In response to the economic fallout, some governments have stepped in to cushion the blow felt by sudden closures and the shrinking of entire industries. In many countries, workers in specific sectors and self-employed citizens have found themselves particularly impacted. The United States Treasury Department announced that at least 80 million Americans will have their $1,200 stimulus checks direct-deposited this week — and tens of millions should have received them by today. On top of that stimulus check, House Democrats just introduced the Emergency Money for the People Act; the bill would give $2,000 every month — for six months — to Americans over the age of 16 making less than $130,000 a year. From checks to basic income, here's how different countries are providing direct assistance. Spain is moving towards establishing a permanent basic income. On Sunday evening, minister for economic affairs Nadia Calviño said that the government was working on implementing cash handouts. It will likely be for low-income citizens. There is no exact plan for when handouts will begin, or what exactly it will look like. "We're going to do it as soon as possible," Calviño said, Business Insider's Joseph Zeballos-Roig reports. "So it can be useful, not just for this extraordinary situation, and that it remains forever." Denmark will pay 75% to 90% of workers' salaries on behalf of employers, as long as workers aren't laid off. In mid-March, the Danish government announced that it would give private companies 75% of their workers' salaries for 13 weeks. Companies can only receive that money — $3,288 a month— if they do not fire workers, Derek Thompson at The Atlantic reports. The measure is meant to keep workers home during the pandemic; they're not allowed to work during the three month period. The government will also cover sick leave and give businesses money for fixed expenses like rent, Business Insider's Joseph Zeballos-Roig reports. The country may spend up to 13% of its gross domestic product financing the plan. In the Netherlands, the government will pay up to 90% of workers' salaries. Companies that expect to lose at least 20% of their revenue can apply for funding. The government will then cover wages for the next three months. Companies are only eligible for funding if they don't lay off workers during the time the government provides aid. The UK government will pay up to 80% of workers' wages, a first for the country. The plan will cover around $3,000 a month, Zeballos-Roig reports. And companies could use it retroactively, rehiring any workers who were laid off. In addition, the government has given free cash grants to small businesses. France is offering self-employed workers up to $1,600. Around 600,000 French citizens can receive the money if lockdowns stopped them from working or reduced business by 70%, reports Melissa Eddy at The New York Times. Additionally, the country is spending $50 billion to pay businesses to keep workers employed, according to Liz Alderman at The New York Times. "There's a very different strategy in Europe than in the United States about how to manage this recession," Patrick Artus, chief economist of Paris-based Natixis Bank, told Alderman. "The idea is to have no layoffs or company closures, so that when the coronavirus is finally under control the economy can start right back up." Germany is offering aid to small employers and freelancers, and 150,000 workers in Berlin received direct assistance within days. All 16 states in Germany are offering payments to smaller businesses and self-employed citizens, Eddy reports. The aid comes from a combination of state funds and federal support from the country's coronavirus package. In Berlin, this group accounts for almost a quarter of all business. The process for receiving aid there has reportedly been noteworthy for its efficiency. "We are all pretty amazed," Laurenz Bostedt, a freelance photographer, told Eddy. "It went surprisingly fast and was all refreshingly well-organized." Italy will give around $650 to self-employed and seasonal workers. The day after applications for funds opened, the website crashed, Eddy reports. The United States will send many Americans $1,200 stimulus checks. Many Americans will automatically receive their checks, Business Insider's Libby Kane and Tanza Loudenback report. Around 80 million Americans will receive them this week, with tens of millions slated to get theirs by April 15. Paper checks will be sent out after April 24. Not everyone will receive $1,200; you can use an online calculator to figure out how much you'll receive. Two House Democrats — Rep. Tim Ryan and Rep. Ro Khanna — have introduced a bill that would provide even more funds to Americans. Business Insider's Charles Davis reported that, under the Emergency Money for the People Act, American citizens over the age of 16 — and making less than $130,000 — would receive $2,000 a month. The payments would last for at least six months and until unemployment returns to a pre-pandemic level. Qualifying families could receive an additional $500 per child. In Brussels, self-employed workers are eligible for replacement income in March and April. The different regions of Belgium have offered different payments. Brussels will compensate those who are self-employed and have either had to stop working or had work disrupted for at least seven days. The different regions are all offering funding to impacted cultural sectors. South Korea will cover 70% or more of wages. Some contractors and self-employed or part-time workers may also be eligible for a one-time cash payment, The New York Times reports. Malaysia is offering direct handouts to workers in some impacted industries. Bus and taxi drivers, tour guides, immigration workers, and medical workers will all receive money from Malaysia's coronavirus package, Bloomberg reports. Ireland introduced weekly emergency payments for self-employed people and those who had lost their jobs. Payments were about $220 a week, according to Reuters. Over 58,000 people had claimed them just three days after the announcement. In Australia, over 6 million "low-income earners" will receive $750 cash payments. "Frankly, it is about a cash injection into the Australian economy, which supports small businesses and supports medium businesses," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, according to The Guardian. "That, in turn, supports the jobs, which means people can continue to participate positively in the economy and have greater confidence going forward." In Hong Kong, the government will pay 50% of workers' salaries for six months. The government will also funnel over $100 million into a program that helps workers learn new skills and businesses implement more technology, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reports. Additionally, the government will add 30,000 new jobs in the next two years. "In these unprecedented circumstances, the government must have some unprecedented responses — to help businesses to survive, safeguard employment, and minimize the burden on businesses and citizens," Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said, according to SCMP.

Time and time again MCF members keep on comparing the prices, specs and features of the cars sold in Singapore to other countries. They lament that they have been short changed by the ADs. Local cars lack this and that when we are paying so much more. Do understand that Singapore has a unique tax structure for the cars it imports. The democratic system is also unique. So stop comparing and be happy.

Hi guys I notice something In the overseas forums like USA U.K. And EU a lot of them boast about their super cars and their high life But when I throw a fun challenge ( just for the sake of fun) to them to buy a similar model in Singapore they turn quiet and try to change topic. I mean if they are brave to take up the challenge they should try buying the same luxury model and accept the challenge Eg Bentley bentayaga forums

Was at NTUC, HDB Hub just now and was looking at the Advertising Board at the entrance. HAPPY DEEPAVALI 2 Days offer. Can you spot the mistake ?

we all have the experience when we go to those RHD （Right-Hand-Drive Vehicle ）countries such as Malaysia, Thailand etc, we can rent local vehicles by present our Singapore Driving License, but if in those （Left-Hand-Drive Vehicle ）countries such as Taiwan,China, Korea and almost all Euro countries, North America etc, so how...

dun play play i think the technology that these cheaters use are more high tech than mission impossible

So much for politics of "carbon-friendly" and Paris accord climate change agreement.. What's new ?

Which country's immigration does not stamp your passport upon exit? So far, encountered UK. There is no immigration officers at the International departure hall of LHR airport. Immigration declaration is also for entry only, no departure portion. Anymore? 1. London, UK

25 happiest countries in the world. . . The UN has declared 20 March the International Day of Happiness, and in commemoration of that, we bring you the 25 happiest countries in the world, as listed in the UN's World Happiness Report for 2013. It's based on life freedom, GDP per capita, generosity, social support, perceived corruption and length of life, and survey respondents were asked to rate both their emotions and lives as a whole. Their answers are then placed on the happiness ranking with an overall score. Singapore ranks at number 30 on the list, the highest among its Southeast Asian regional counterparts as well as above Hong Kong, Japan, China and Taiwan. See the UN's full report here. #25 France #24 Brazil #23 Oman #22 UK #21 Belgium #20 Venezuela #19 Luxembourg #18 Ireland #17 USA #16 Mexico #15 Panama #14 UAE #13 New Zealand #12 Costa Rica #11 Israel #10 Australia #09 Iceland #08 Austria #07 Finland #06 Canada #05 Sweden #04 Netherland #03 Switzerland #02 Norway #01 Denmark From: Yahoo news. Here

Hi guys any story/experience to share driving in other asian countries/cities other than MALAYSIA? Let me share mine first, since I am relatively young, I have driven in Thailand and Indonesia before, driven car friend in bkk for half day only but was unlucky as traffic really jam. Drive around the sathorn area as well as sukhumvit area 3-4 years back in his CRV. Really pain in @ss driving in bkk as had to wait long in traffic light. Then in indonesia i have driven before in Surabaya, Bali and. Batam before through car rental. In Bali it was challenging as roads very narrow and gps somehow brought me to small road for one car only for shortcut BUT that road is for 2 ways. So when there is oncoming car, I had to keep the most left, ask my gf to check out left side of the car and then i fold the mirror, think left and right less than 15cm! Then also managed to drove to kintamani mountain for 3-4 hours drive from the denpasar city. Its tiring but fun Then in Surabaya, i rented an Innova and went to Taman Safari Prigen about 1 hr drive from the city. The fun part is that the safari is like jurassic park, lions and other animals is at ur car window as we drive in to see those animals using our own cars. Unforgettable experience indeed. Think if u watch one of the Running Man episode in Indonesia, its exactly the same. U can feed some herbivores food by opening ur window slightly. Its fun! Last but not least in Batam, rented a car drive to barelang bridges. Not much experience but fun part is when u cross the first bridge. Then i think in 4th or 5th island drive through viets village. Thats all about my Asia Driving experience

just curious, any countries which allow both left and right handed cars on its roads ?

Posted in Switzerland 20:54 hrs from Zermatt Alpen Resort Hotel. Pic 1 : Checked-in at 23:00hrs via SQ346 Switzerland Zurich bound at Changi Airport T3 Row6 Pic 2 : Boarding SQ346 at 00:40 hrs through Gate 10 Pic 3 : Boeing Jumbo Jet A380-800 Air Bus Take-off at 01:45 hrs 15 minutes delayed schedule 01:30 due to busy flight traffics Pic 4 : SQ346 Bird eye view of Switzerland Zurich Swiss Cottage, SQ346 flight touch down at 07:15 hrs Zurich time ( Actual flight time 12hrs 30 minutes, Switzerland time is 7 hrs behind Singapore GMT+8 ) Pic 5/6/7 : Mercedes Benz ML350 SUV driving to W.Germany visiting Rhine Water Fall and Black Forest Pic 8/9 : Driving from Switzerland Zurich to W.Germany border crossing, immigration and custom clearance is swift and easy by just showing International Passport together with Air Tickets and custom declaration pre-signed form Pic 10 : W.Germany Nuclear Energy Plant Pic 11 : W.Germany Rhine water fall

http://www.jetpunk.com/quizzes/how-many-countries-can-you-name.php Post your result Mine 107 countries answered

Taken from http://sg.finance.yahoo.com/photos/world-s...ries-slideshow/ Amazingly, INDIA is 4th! [laugh]

Greenland has the most youngster who use suicide as a fashion statement? In Asia, Korea rate is also scary, many are youngster and many due to depression [:(]

From Yahoo!News: "Probably from an American's point of view": Retirement in the United States is nice and all, until they ask you to actually pay for stuff. When retirees' nest eggs are a finite and dwindling resource, rising local and federal taxes can put even the staunchest, flag-draped patriotism to the test. If retirees are willing to leave the states behind, the savings can be substantial. The folks at International Living crunched the numbers and looked at the price of simple staples, assimilation and staying in touch with family left behind. The following countries scored high marks not only for their inexpensive living, but for overall friendliness toward American retirees: Panama A retiree has it pretty sweet in Panama, where a program commonly known as pensionado help retirees settle in quickly. International Living says retirees can live like kings here for $1,500 to $2,000 a month and score apartments for less than $500 a month or buy waterfront condos for less than $200,000. Pensionado, meanwhile, gives users 15% off fast food, 15% off at hospitals and clinics, 20% off professional services used in Panama, 25% off the price of food eaten in a sit-down restaurant; 25% off domestic flights on Copa Airlines, a 30% discount on public transport and 50% off movies, theater tickets and sporting events. There's no age limit for the service, either, so help yourself. Mexico Considering the tensions over the state of Mexico/U.S. immigration law, it's at the very least amusing to consider American workers streaming south to chase their retirement dreams. But great homes on Mexico's Caribbean coast go for less than $170,000 while places such as Lake Chapala are home to dozens of expat communities. It's not such a bad place for snowbirds, either. It's the only retirement destination on this list withing driving distance, and retirees can rent out their properties in the off months to cover costs. Malaysia The country's My Second Home retirement benefits program for all foreigners is a great draw, but so is the quality Internet access, cellphone coverage and roads. It also helps that it's dirt cheap. A sea-view apartment with a pool and gym on Penang Island goes for $1,000 a month, and big-budget movies usually premiere here, are shown in English and go for about $4. Oh, and there's plenty of English being spoken as well. Colombia Medellin has a notorious reputation among Americans who know it mostly for its drug-laden past, but that hasn't prevented a huge expat population from springing up within city limits. Medellin's El Poblado district has Japanese, French, seafood and Italian restaurants within a block of each other. Its health care system ranks atop any other stop on this list, while the cost of everything from housing to entertainment are a great fit for a fixed income. New Zealand The English speaking certainly helps, but so do the winters that come during an American summer. That's some pretty costly snowbirding, so maybe the proliferation and low cost of every day amenities as well as more frivolous items should be seen as long-term investments. New Zealand's reputation for healthy living and near-absent pollution should also appeal to those who want to extend retirement as long as possible. Nicaragua A visit to the doctor is $15. Overall health care can cost as much as 60% less than the U.S., while U.S.-trained doctors speak English and will make house calls. A huge expat population in the colonial city of Granada spends about around $1,200 a month to live there, considering a small house can be $500 to $1,000 a month to rent. The best steak dinner in town runs about $13, while regular meals go for half that and "local meals" are $2 to $3. Local beer, meanwhile, runs between 75 cents and $1.50. This makes Florida's cost of living look like Manhattan's. Spain Wait, the same Spain that just dodged a bailout and is still dealing with crushing debt? Yep, that's the one, but austerity measures haven't bitten into the best of what Spain has to offer. This is by no means the cheapest option on the list and, in fact, has the most expensive real estate of any country listed. That said, it's really easy to fit in, with near-ubiquitous English, three-course meals for less than $20 and modern infrastructure that places high value on convenient, punctual rail service. Combine that with teeming culture and tons of ways to pass the time and Spain can be a great fit for retirees who've already weathered a shaky economy. Thailand About $500 a month is enough to score a nice new home just about anywhere in Thailand. One of International Living's contributors pays just $222 a month for a beachside bungalow with air conditioning, hot water, Wi-Fi and a refrigerator. Altogether, the cost of living in Thailand sets retirees back only about $1,000 a month while giving them great amenities and vibrant cultural and entertainment options. Bangkok still gets pretty wild, but loads of expats and lots of English speakers help ease the transition. Honduras The benefits offered to retirees beyond the three-hour flights back to see the kids are fairly substantial, especially considering that expats living on beachfront property can do well here on less than $1,500 a month. The scuba diving, fishing, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling and surfing are lovely too. But even Honduras can't top the last entry on our list: Ecuador This basically is Florida or Arizona for the expat community. The country's retirement benefits package includes 50% off transportation, utility bills, international round-trip flights originating in Ecuador and tickets for cultural and sporting events. Foreigners can also enroll in Ecuador's Social Security medical program for $57 a month. Those over 65 also pay lower income tax. Penthouse suites and beachfront condos go for $50,000, while beachfront rentals hover around $500 a month. A retiree's entire cost of living rounds out to roughly $800 to $1,500 a month, and the neighbors more often than not are either A) other expats or B) English-speaking locals. We'll warn that this isn't exactly undiscovered country among retirees, but it's several steps up from the costly retirement kennels and golf carts of more costly American hot spots.

These are the happiest countries in the world: 1. Denmark > Life satisfaction score: 7.8 > Employment rate: 73% (6th highest) > Self-reported good health: 71% (17th highest) > Employees working long hours: 1.92% (4th lowest) > Disposable income: $23,213 (15th lowest) > Educational attainment: 76% (18th lowest) > Life expectancy: 79.3 (11th lowest) Denmark tops the OECD ranking as the country with the most satisfied citizens among the countries studied by the OECD. At first glance, the reason is not obvious. Denmark ranks no higher than fourth in any of the categories that appear to correlate strongly with overall satisfaction. Yet, in addition to the OECD, organizations such as the World Map of Happiness and the World Database of Happiness have consistently put Denmark at the top of their list of the world

http://www.forbes.com/2011/04/08/worlds-fr...ess-expats.html Living abroad doesn

The article is long, so please click link to read. Link to article

Seriously was inspired that life is not all about USA China Japan Singapore, etc. Looking at the flags and the various countries, 98% of them I cant even point out on a map location! Never even heard of and don't even know what language, food, culture, etc. I admit I am a frog in a well. I felt so small looking at the various countries! I am sure those countries will now know about Singapore! Ok, need some serious advice. Want to retire on Monday and start to live a full life knowing this earth as a human. 1) how much $$$ would it cost to visit every of the 204 YOG countries? 2) assuming staying at each countries for 3days, how many years would I need to accomplished it? 3) anyone wants to join me on this quest?

Guess which is #02? http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting...n-rich-and-poor

Dear bros, i was just wondering if singapore drivers are really SO bad ( lack to graciousness, likes to horn, no courtesy etc. ) as compared to drivers elsewhere, say China, Japan or even the States? maybe some comments from bros who travelled very frequently?

Asian Graduate Student Fellowships 2010 The Asia Research Institute of NUS invites applications from citizens of Asian countries enrolled for a fulltime advanced degree at a university in an Asian country (except Singapore) for consideration for the award of Asian Graduate Student Fellowships. These fellowships are offered to current graduate students doing their Master

1) Guy tries to pay in pennies after his car got impounded. 2) Kid smashes up grannies car. Enjoy!