my cpf wish for retirement 0 posts
Reply to topic .leetahsar
14 posts since Sep '07
Send Message .21 Dec `10, 10:56AM
Reply/Quote edit .got this in my email:
Info Update
Our last email update reported that CPF had won the prestigious Stockholm Challenge 2010 Award for Public Administration, and was the first Singapore government agency to win such an award, when it was the only Singapore government agency to win this year. We are sorry for the error.
Last Chance for My Golden Egg Draw
Have you figured out how much you need for your retirement? Pen your retirement wish now! This is your last chance to win an iPad in our Grand Draw. Contest ends 31 December 2010.
P/S Look out for our next email blast where we'll tell you more about the benefits of the CPF Minimum Sum (MS) Topping-Up Scheme!
Yours faithfully
CPF Board
so i penned my retirement wish:
i wish by 55 yo i would get back ALL my cpf savings even though it might be that much. i wish the gov doesn't raise the withdrawal age. i m confused whether i could draw out ALL my $ at 55 or is it 60...or 62...or 65....or shit!! even older :(
i ve been conned into a dunno what ELDERSHIELD which i ve no idea what the hell it's all about and how the hell and when i first signed it. a check with my friends revealed that if i bo chap about that years back, i was already conned into it. IT WAS A OPT OUT major con job which i wasn't aware :((
cpf keeps sending me increased cost for this con the eldershit plan. i can't terminate cos it was already been there so many years which means my meagre interests accrued every year goes to pay for this dunno what shield scheme which i m totally helpless and dunno what to do.
so my wish is very simple: I WISH I COULD GET BACK ALL MY CPF SAVING WHEN I REACH 55 YO. wasn't that the original game rule - withdraw in FULL when we reach 55??
by the way, i think there is a prize for the best RETIREMENT WISH. what irony!! cpf also has CONtests.
.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
emptiness is form, form is emptiness.....
Found this article which was posted on the Buddhist Channel.
More Moral Integrity Please
by Vajrakumara, The Buddhist Channel, Dec 6, 2010
Singapore -- A 'monk' who is an 'abbot' made grave mistakes. He has yet to express clear and open repentance for his multiple misgivings, even after being jailed. Most Buddhists are enraged at why the local Buddhist federation is not disciplining him - e.g. by defrocking him or demoting his monastic status.
Some Buddhists support him, saying he had paid his dues. But how about paying the Buddhist community affected by his shamelessness with a sincere apology in word and deed?
No, he agrees to attend an extravagant $200,000 dinner to 'honour' him by his devotees instead, when the money can go to the charity whose trust he seriously damaged. What is worth honouring anyway? The senior monks, including the one who ordained him refuse to comment. This is the summary of the situation so far.
While the 'monk' seems to lack the moral integrity to apologise, it is uncertain that the federation has power to trial the 'monk' because of it is not truly a central Buddhist body authorised by the Buddhist community to look after all matters of monastic discipline. In fact, it is questionable if the federation has enough moral integrity to judge him too.
For example, please see these articles on the serious mishandling of a recent international incident - 'Singapore's Minster did NOT Meet the Panchen Lama' (http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=22,9581,0,0,1,0) and 'Please Do Not Mix Religion & Politics' (http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=22,9582,0,0,1,0).
The federation itself has not yet apologised on this matter - of endorsing a puppet 'monk', which indirectly supports keeping the real one a political prisoner.
Back to the case of the unrepentant 'monk', it seems that all the key monks involved are at fault to some extent. Correctional action is wanting on all sides. What is the protagonist doing, by not apologising?
What is his teacher doing, by not openly demanding him to apologise publicly? What are his devotees doing, by feeding the 'monk' with undeserved honour? What is the federation doing, by not pulling up its socks of respectability by doing what is right and needed? (If it cannot defrock or demote the 'monk', he should simply be publicly denounced - to shame him appropriately as a last resort - to wake him up.)
What are the other apathetic monastics and laypeople doing, by remaining silent on this? If Buddhists do not care for the integrity of their community, who will? We will only be a laughing stock to non-Buddhists. The Buddha is unlikely to smile at this.
his good deeds are his bad deeds, his bad deeds are also his good deeds.... many see the bad in the monk while others see the good. whatever it is, is none of our business. it's his karma and he alone shall face the effect for the cause he has sown.
now what would be that "effect"? again, it's none of our business. but hell!! we are so kay poh to know!! :(
More Moral Integrity Please
by Vajrakumara, The Buddhist Channel, Dec 6, 2010
Singapore -- A 'monk' who is an 'abbot' made grave mistakes. He has yet to express clear and open repentance for his multiple misgivings, even after being jailed. Most Buddhists are enraged at why the local Buddhist federation is not disciplining him - e.g. by defrocking him or demoting his monastic status.
Some Buddhists support him, saying he had paid his dues. But how about paying the Buddhist community affected by his shamelessness with a sincere apology in word and deed?
No, he agrees to attend an extravagant $200,000 dinner to 'honour' him by his devotees instead, when the money can go to the charity whose trust he seriously damaged. What is worth honouring anyway? The senior monks, including the one who ordained him refuse to comment. This is the summary of the situation so far.
While the 'monk' seems to lack the moral integrity to apologise, it is uncertain that the federation has power to trial the 'monk' because of it is not truly a central Buddhist body authorised by the Buddhist community to look after all matters of monastic discipline. In fact, it is questionable if the federation has enough moral integrity to judge him too.
For example, please see these articles on the serious mishandling of a recent international incident - 'Singapore's Minster did NOT Meet the Panchen Lama' (http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=22,9581,0,0,1,0) and 'Please Do Not Mix Religion & Politics' (http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=22,9582,0,0,1,0).
The federation itself has not yet apologised on this matter - of endorsing a puppet 'monk', which indirectly supports keeping the real one a political prisoner.
Back to the case of the unrepentant 'monk', it seems that all the key monks involved are at fault to some extent. Correctional action is wanting on all sides. What is the protagonist doing, by not apologising?
What is his teacher doing, by not openly demanding him to apologise publicly? What are his devotees doing, by feeding the 'monk' with undeserved honour? What is the federation doing, by not pulling up its socks of respectability by doing what is right and needed? (If it cannot defrock or demote the 'monk', he should simply be publicly denounced - to shame him appropriately as a last resort - to wake him up.)
What are the other apathetic monastics and laypeople doing, by remaining silent on this? If Buddhists do not care for the integrity of their community, who will? We will only be a laughing stock to non-Buddhists. The Buddha is unlikely to smile at this.
his good deeds are his bad deeds, his bad deeds are also his good deeds.... many see the bad in the monk while others see the good. whatever it is, is none of our business. it's his karma and he alone shall face the effect for the cause he has sown.
now what would be that "effect"? again, it's none of our business. but hell!! we are so kay poh to know!! :(
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
could i also be a rich MONK?
MIN YIN or goh kah heng is in the limelight again and all for the wrong kind of news :(
#1 Today, 02:04 PM
Nomad
Alfrescian Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 664
My Reputation:Points: 174 / Power: 3
Ming Yi under fire again for $200,000 gala dinner
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote:
By Kai Fong – December 2nd, 2010
Email Facebook Twitter Print
Venerable Ming Yi
Barely three months after his release from prison, Reverend Ming Yi is embroiled in a fresh controversy, this time regarding a ceremonial dinner reported to have cost $200,000.
Organised by the Foo Hai Chan Monastery in Geylang, the $1,000-a-table dinner at the Pan Pacific Hotel was held on Nov 21 to mark Venerable Ming Yi’s 20 years of service as abbot of the temple.
The gala dinner has sparked off an emotional debate among Buddhists, reported The Straits Times.
Devotees of the said monastery called the celebration a sheng zuo dian li, or “rise to the power ceremony”; they said they wanted to celebrate Ven Ming Yi’s return to the temple.
But detractors asked if it was appropriate for the monk to turn the spotlight on himself — and so soon after his release from prison in September.
In addition, monastery records show that the 48-year-old monk’s 20th year of service comes about only in 2012.
Mr Lim Bock Guan, head of the Singapore Buddhist Lodge, told the same paper he had never heard of a monk being honoured for his service with a $1,000-a-table dinner in a top hotel.
The dinner was attended by monks from Malaysia and Hong Kong, but senior Buddhists in Singapore were noticeably absent although they had been invited.
The Buddhist Federation, the top Buddhist authority in Singapore, now wants Ming Yi to step forward and be judged by his fellow monks for crimes that landed him in jail earlier this year. Last October, the former head of Ren Ci was convicted of charges that included falsifying accounts and misappropriating funds.
For this to happen, though, Ming Yi has to step up voluntarily.
If he does, a disciplinary committee will be set up. It will be the first time that the Buddhist community here will have a panel of monks in a position to demote or defrock one of their own.
When asked for thoughts of the federation’s move, the chief disciple of Ven Wu Feng, the monk who had presided over Ming Yi’s ordination in 1984, said it was unlikely that Ming Yi would turn himself in, although “it is what he should do.”
“He’s climbed too far up, and now he has a long way to fall,” said the nun who declined to be named.
knn,$200K,can feed a lot of those patient at Ren Ci Hospital for quite awhile.
not fit to be a monk.
from another forum 3in1 kopitiam:
From: bratsalive 3:11 am
To: Sikodolauka unread (5 of 14)
41767.5 in reply to 41767.3
isn't it sad that the money was lavished and wasted in such a redundant ceremony when it could have been used more constructively?
according to the press, only by 2012 would min yi have served 20yrs. to celebrate his 20 yrs anniversary is already an exaggeration. yet as a monk, he proceeded instead of humbly disagreed to it. why?
according to the buddhist order, min yi has already breached all the 4 GRAVE OFFENCES: taking of life, theft, lust and falsehood.
taking of life: wastage of the money which could have used to save lives as in charitable purposes.
theft: how could a monk be owning so many condos, credit cars, cars and etc. what happened to his vow of denoucement of materialism?
lust: his obssession with raymond yeung and others remain dubious which had sowed the suffering to his present predicament.
falsehood: abet all that had happened, reported and convicted, he is now back into the limelight instead of doing much soul searching and repentance.
dynamic of buddhism is to reap what one sows. whatever min yi was and is sowing is really detrimental to his own effect and also others' perception and faith in buddhism and hence created a bad name for it if nothing is being done to correct this rogue.
people might in the end shun buddhism or be adversely disappointed by it if their belief and faith in buddhism is not firm or correct.
for this, the following applies:
BELIEVE IN THE FAITH OF THE RELIGION BUT NOT IN THE FAITH OF THE ONE WHO PREACHES IT.
#1 Today, 02:04 PM
Nomad
Alfrescian Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 664
My Reputation:Points: 174 / Power: 3
Ming Yi under fire again for $200,000 gala dinner
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote:
By Kai Fong – December 2nd, 2010
Email Facebook Twitter Print
Venerable Ming Yi
Barely three months after his release from prison, Reverend Ming Yi is embroiled in a fresh controversy, this time regarding a ceremonial dinner reported to have cost $200,000.
Organised by the Foo Hai Chan Monastery in Geylang, the $1,000-a-table dinner at the Pan Pacific Hotel was held on Nov 21 to mark Venerable Ming Yi’s 20 years of service as abbot of the temple.
The gala dinner has sparked off an emotional debate among Buddhists, reported The Straits Times.
Devotees of the said monastery called the celebration a sheng zuo dian li, or “rise to the power ceremony”; they said they wanted to celebrate Ven Ming Yi’s return to the temple.
But detractors asked if it was appropriate for the monk to turn the spotlight on himself — and so soon after his release from prison in September.
In addition, monastery records show that the 48-year-old monk’s 20th year of service comes about only in 2012.
Mr Lim Bock Guan, head of the Singapore Buddhist Lodge, told the same paper he had never heard of a monk being honoured for his service with a $1,000-a-table dinner in a top hotel.
The dinner was attended by monks from Malaysia and Hong Kong, but senior Buddhists in Singapore were noticeably absent although they had been invited.
The Buddhist Federation, the top Buddhist authority in Singapore, now wants Ming Yi to step forward and be judged by his fellow monks for crimes that landed him in jail earlier this year. Last October, the former head of Ren Ci was convicted of charges that included falsifying accounts and misappropriating funds.
For this to happen, though, Ming Yi has to step up voluntarily.
If he does, a disciplinary committee will be set up. It will be the first time that the Buddhist community here will have a panel of monks in a position to demote or defrock one of their own.
When asked for thoughts of the federation’s move, the chief disciple of Ven Wu Feng, the monk who had presided over Ming Yi’s ordination in 1984, said it was unlikely that Ming Yi would turn himself in, although “it is what he should do.”
“He’s climbed too far up, and now he has a long way to fall,” said the nun who declined to be named.
knn,$200K,can feed a lot of those patient at Ren Ci Hospital for quite awhile.
not fit to be a monk.
from another forum 3in1 kopitiam:
From: bratsalive 3:11 am
To: Sikodolauka unread (5 of 14)
41767.5 in reply to 41767.3
isn't it sad that the money was lavished and wasted in such a redundant ceremony when it could have been used more constructively?
according to the press, only by 2012 would min yi have served 20yrs. to celebrate his 20 yrs anniversary is already an exaggeration. yet as a monk, he proceeded instead of humbly disagreed to it. why?
according to the buddhist order, min yi has already breached all the 4 GRAVE OFFENCES: taking of life, theft, lust and falsehood.
taking of life: wastage of the money which could have used to save lives as in charitable purposes.
theft: how could a monk be owning so many condos, credit cars, cars and etc. what happened to his vow of denoucement of materialism?
lust: his obssession with raymond yeung and others remain dubious which had sowed the suffering to his present predicament.
falsehood: abet all that had happened, reported and convicted, he is now back into the limelight instead of doing much soul searching and repentance.
dynamic of buddhism is to reap what one sows. whatever min yi was and is sowing is really detrimental to his own effect and also others' perception and faith in buddhism and hence created a bad name for it if nothing is being done to correct this rogue.
people might in the end shun buddhism or be adversely disappointed by it if their belief and faith in buddhism is not firm or correct.
for this, the following applies:
BELIEVE IN THE FAITH OF THE RELIGION BUT NOT IN THE FAITH OF THE ONE WHO PREACHES IT.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
The Oprah Winfrey Show - Ricky Martin Interview Part 1
and now the man's side of the G story - RICKY MARTIN. homosexuality - an answer to over population or a prelude to world destruction or a more compassionate world to be?
to live....and let live. happily. who cares what others say.
sadhu...sadhu....
Portia de Rossi interview on Oprah (1 of 4) [HD]
what's becoming about this world? is this going to be the "new-age" trend? whatever it is, if one's happy with his/her life, then who cares what others look at it. it none of their business!
however, prejudice and ostracisation always rear their ugly heads frowning upon such life style. then what about adultery, infidelity and more flawed habits?
to each their causes and to each their effects.
sadhu, sadhu!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
$9K to buy NSmen's votes?
like the song suggested: what about the lau peng (those old army boys who have ROD or run out date long ago)? during those days, training was harsher and the pay was pathetic at $90 monthly allowance.
now the NS training is designed more for sissies - so much better life. could that be the residual side effect of the passe STOP AT 2 family planning campaign. the fragile army boys are now precious. complaint departments are set up for the sake of petty complaints. even the son of our PM complained about his commander. to enhance the new breed army boys' fragility, DDS or drop dead syndrome is now so common and frequent happening during their NS training.
during the recent NDP rally speech, our PM implemented this $9k reward for those who complete serving NS, "a little bit higher for commanders". then what about those who have already served long ago, probably in their middle-aged and out of job? what do they get? didn't he boast about NO ONE SHALL BE LEFT BEHIND?
could it be a constipation from his previous ludicrous slip of MEE SIAM MAI HUM foodfare galore?
i think this could be another "vote buying" to get NSmen - serving or ROD to vote for the gahmen. what other forms of angpows are installed to get the crucial votes for pap gahmen to stay in power?
it's so easy to seduce the peasants....but what weak and forgetful peasants do not realise is once GE is over, prices shall soar. it happened last time and everytime after GE, it's bound to happen again. maybe this time it would be even more balls strangling everlasting pain for the next 5 yrs.
sigh!! it happened before, it's going to happen again. devajua. so predictable and inevitable. peasants are going to be screwed pain pain again once the GE's over. :(
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
the MM's mantra.....
Living in a pure bred world
The following was posed to me in an email correspondence by a Straits Times Insight journalist seeking comments on recent comments made by Lee Kuan Yew. My comments follow in green.
The context: In reply to a question on what he sees in Singapore in 40 years and how he'd feel if the opposition did not prevail in those 40 years, Singapore's "Minister Mentor" Lee Kuan Yew spoke of the challenges Singapore faces as a "little red dot surrounded by green". Thus, the need for Singapore to have a government that was "really firm, stout-hearted, subtle and resolute". He went on to say that the attitude of Malaysia and Indonesia towards Singapore was shaped by the way they treated their ethnic minorities, and added: "My neighbours both have problems with their Chinese. They are successful, they are hardworking and therefore they are systematically marginalised, even in education. And they want Singapore, to put it simply, to be like their Chinese - compliant."
MM's bottomline was that Spore being a small kid in a tough neighbourhood exists under very different circumstances from other small liberal democracies, for eg NZ (which has also a population of 4 million) - and that is why we need a strong govt.
MM's position seems to be that this is one of the unchanging fundamentals about Singapore - and this explains why he and the PAP leadership are fight so hard against the growing desire for more opposition voices. Does this view need to change? Does Singapore need more opposition?
It is a fallacy to state that Singapore's unique circumstances require us to have a "strong government". Every country exists in a unique situation, and each requires not only "strong", but also responsible and good governments to lead them to progress and prosperity. MM Lee's comments must be taken in context of Singapore's leaders of the 50's and 60's being subjected not only to racial politics, but also Communism and Marxism. In order for the PAP to overcome and prevail, they had to adopt strategies that were undoubtedbly successful and effective at quashing the opposition. But are these strategies still relevant in the 21st Century?
Living in a society where there is only one ruling party can be analagous to being raised in a pure-bred family. In pedigreed animals, certain traits have been carefully selected and bred for over generations (in Singapore's case - three to four generations now!), but what few people know is that pure-breds are prone to genetic diseases and less adaptible to any kind of change - be it environmental, social or otherwise. Mixed breeds, on the other hand, offer several advantages - having a diverse genetic gene pool to select from, natural selection and evolution allows mixed breeds to select the best traits to be passed on, with each generation "learning" and improving on the last.
Yes, Singapore can continue to grow and improve by following the pedigree strategy, but we run the risk of finding ourselves selecting for traits that are no longer in favor in the near future. Our systematic silencing of opposing voices may yet be our downfall by making us less resilient to changes in the global environment.
Singapore no longer exists in the same set of conditions as it did in the 60's. We are now members of a global developed society which thrives above all on its diversity of ideas. In order for Singapore to fully participate in this new world, we must change our ideas of how different, or opposing views, may be welcomed instead of repressed. Most other developed nations have learnt how to embrace and manage this difference in ideas, philsophies and principles, harnessing it to create societies that not only tolerate, but embrace diversity. In this regard, it would be a shame for Singapore to still be in a 1960's mindset, where controlling and limiting ideas was the way to make progress.
The following was posed to me in an email correspondence by a Straits Times Insight journalist seeking comments on recent comments made by Lee Kuan Yew. My comments follow in green.
The context: In reply to a question on what he sees in Singapore in 40 years and how he'd feel if the opposition did not prevail in those 40 years, Singapore's "Minister Mentor" Lee Kuan Yew spoke of the challenges Singapore faces as a "little red dot surrounded by green". Thus, the need for Singapore to have a government that was "really firm, stout-hearted, subtle and resolute". He went on to say that the attitude of Malaysia and Indonesia towards Singapore was shaped by the way they treated their ethnic minorities, and added: "My neighbours both have problems with their Chinese. They are successful, they are hardworking and therefore they are systematically marginalised, even in education. And they want Singapore, to put it simply, to be like their Chinese - compliant."
MM's bottomline was that Spore being a small kid in a tough neighbourhood exists under very different circumstances from other small liberal democracies, for eg NZ (which has also a population of 4 million) - and that is why we need a strong govt.
MM's position seems to be that this is one of the unchanging fundamentals about Singapore - and this explains why he and the PAP leadership are fight so hard against the growing desire for more opposition voices. Does this view need to change? Does Singapore need more opposition?
It is a fallacy to state that Singapore's unique circumstances require us to have a "strong government". Every country exists in a unique situation, and each requires not only "strong", but also responsible and good governments to lead them to progress and prosperity. MM Lee's comments must be taken in context of Singapore's leaders of the 50's and 60's being subjected not only to racial politics, but also Communism and Marxism. In order for the PAP to overcome and prevail, they had to adopt strategies that were undoubtedbly successful and effective at quashing the opposition. But are these strategies still relevant in the 21st Century?
Living in a society where there is only one ruling party can be analagous to being raised in a pure-bred family. In pedigreed animals, certain traits have been carefully selected and bred for over generations (in Singapore's case - three to four generations now!), but what few people know is that pure-breds are prone to genetic diseases and less adaptible to any kind of change - be it environmental, social or otherwise. Mixed breeds, on the other hand, offer several advantages - having a diverse genetic gene pool to select from, natural selection and evolution allows mixed breeds to select the best traits to be passed on, with each generation "learning" and improving on the last.
Yes, Singapore can continue to grow and improve by following the pedigree strategy, but we run the risk of finding ourselves selecting for traits that are no longer in favor in the near future. Our systematic silencing of opposing voices may yet be our downfall by making us less resilient to changes in the global environment.
Singapore no longer exists in the same set of conditions as it did in the 60's. We are now members of a global developed society which thrives above all on its diversity of ideas. In order for Singapore to fully participate in this new world, we must change our ideas of how different, or opposing views, may be welcomed instead of repressed. Most other developed nations have learnt how to embrace and manage this difference in ideas, philsophies and principles, harnessing it to create societies that not only tolerate, but embrace diversity. In this regard, it would be a shame for Singapore to still be in a 1960's mindset, where controlling and limiting ideas was the way to make progress.
obama's mantra.....
Obama's Inauguration Speech
My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land, a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America, they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions � that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act, not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions, who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them, that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works, whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day, because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control, and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart, not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort, even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West, know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages.
We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment, a moment that will define a generation, it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility, a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence, the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed, why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."
America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land, a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America, they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions � that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act, not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions, who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them, that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works, whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day, because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control, and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart, not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort, even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West, know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages.
We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment, a moment that will define a generation, it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility, a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence, the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed, why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."
America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
was it his good karma or the "guanxi" ?
Ming Yi released from prison, now on home detention
By Claire Huang | Posted: 26 August 2010 1856 hrs
SINGAPORE : The former CEO of Ren Ci Hospital, Ming Yi, was released from prison on Thursday and is now on home detention.
Under the home detention scheme, Ming Yi will be tagged with an electronic monitoring device and will only be able to leave the house at fixed times.
Ming Yi was jailed for his role in an unauthorised S$50,000 loan to his former personal assistant, Raymond Yeung.
The 48-year-old monk was initially sentenced to 10 months' jail, but this was cut to six following a successful appeal in May this year.
The monk's death-defying stunts to raise money for the hospital had earned him a shorter sentence.
He has served four months and was given a one-third remission for good behaviour.
Ming Yi and 35-year-old Yeung were convicted in a district court last October.
The pair were involved in an unauthorised loan of S$50,000 made in May 2004 to the Mandala Buddhist Cultural Centre, a religious artefact shop formerly managed by Yeung.
They were also found guilty of giving false information to the Commissioner of Charities.
Responding to queries from Channel NewsAsia, Ren Ci said there are no plans for the monk to rejoin them. - CNA/ms
Lawyer for convicted monk Ming Yi says Judge "swayed" by irrelevant evidence
By Evelyn Choo | Posted: 13 April 2010 2146 hrs
SINGAPORE: The trial judge who convicted the founder of Ren Ci Hospital, Ming Yi, last year "appeared to have been swayed" by prosecution's evidence of the monk's "lavish lifestyle".
That is what Ming Yi's lawyer, Senior Counsel Andre Yeap, said on Tuesday in his High Court appeal against his client's conviction and sentence.
Ming Yi, whose real name is Goh Kah Heng, had bought assets in Australia in 1998. These included a plot of land, a BMW car and a country club membership.
In his appeal, Mr Yeap said the trial judge "appeared to have accepted" that Ming Yi enjoyed "an upper class lifestyle" and "therefore was more likely to be guilty" of the charges against him.
Mr Yeap added that it would be "unrealistic to compare the lifestyle of a traditional monk with a current day" one.
Ming Yi was earlier convicted on charges over an unauthorised S$50,000 loan made in 2004. He was also found guilty of giving false information to the Commissioner of Charities.
Ming Yi's former aide, Raymond Yeung - who used to manage Mandala, a religious artefact shop - was convicted of similar charges.
For these offences, the monk was sentenced to ten months' jail, while Yeung was given nine.
During the trials, Yeung had earlier said the S$50,000 from Ren Ci was a personal loan even though it was accounted as one to Mandala.
Yeung's lawyer, Ng Lip Chih told Justice Tay Yong Kwang that his client had forgotten to record the amount in the store's book. However, Justice Tay said that if it was a genuine loan, Yeung should have just said that he had forgotten to record it when he was asked about it.
The judge added that the effort to "plaster over the event raises a lot of questions". As he put it, it was like "digging a 20-foot tunnel to bury a small ant".
Similarly, Deputy Public Prosecutor David Chew said that the appellants should not have tried to hide the loan if it was legitimate.
Instead, the first thing they should have done was to inform other parties about the matter, including Ernst and Young, the professional services company appointed to review the case.
Justice Tay will give his judgement at a later date. - CNA/vm
just wondering....the alleviated sentencing of this rogue monk was due to his good karma or his "guan xi" or public relation expertise? if such criminal breach of trust was discovered, what other petty misappropriation might entail?
for the record, is this monk maketh RENCI for self enrichment tangibly or intangibly? monk owning condos. monking zipping around in luxurious car(s), monk rearing racehorse at exorbitant montly expenses, monk giving platinum supplementary credit cards. monk investing in foreign properties.....so many more (sadly not reported in finer details. mercy!!).
THEN WHAT IS A MONK A MONK TO BEGIN WITH?
personally, i think he should graciously defrock but i don't think there is such a "monk defrocking committee" here.
By Claire Huang | Posted: 26 August 2010 1856 hrs
SINGAPORE : The former CEO of Ren Ci Hospital, Ming Yi, was released from prison on Thursday and is now on home detention.
Under the home detention scheme, Ming Yi will be tagged with an electronic monitoring device and will only be able to leave the house at fixed times.
Ming Yi was jailed for his role in an unauthorised S$50,000 loan to his former personal assistant, Raymond Yeung.
The 48-year-old monk was initially sentenced to 10 months' jail, but this was cut to six following a successful appeal in May this year.
The monk's death-defying stunts to raise money for the hospital had earned him a shorter sentence.
He has served four months and was given a one-third remission for good behaviour.
Ming Yi and 35-year-old Yeung were convicted in a district court last October.
The pair were involved in an unauthorised loan of S$50,000 made in May 2004 to the Mandala Buddhist Cultural Centre, a religious artefact shop formerly managed by Yeung.
They were also found guilty of giving false information to the Commissioner of Charities.
Responding to queries from Channel NewsAsia, Ren Ci said there are no plans for the monk to rejoin them. - CNA/ms
Lawyer for convicted monk Ming Yi says Judge "swayed" by irrelevant evidence
By Evelyn Choo | Posted: 13 April 2010 2146 hrs
SINGAPORE: The trial judge who convicted the founder of Ren Ci Hospital, Ming Yi, last year "appeared to have been swayed" by prosecution's evidence of the monk's "lavish lifestyle".
That is what Ming Yi's lawyer, Senior Counsel Andre Yeap, said on Tuesday in his High Court appeal against his client's conviction and sentence.
Ming Yi, whose real name is Goh Kah Heng, had bought assets in Australia in 1998. These included a plot of land, a BMW car and a country club membership.
In his appeal, Mr Yeap said the trial judge "appeared to have accepted" that Ming Yi enjoyed "an upper class lifestyle" and "therefore was more likely to be guilty" of the charges against him.
Mr Yeap added that it would be "unrealistic to compare the lifestyle of a traditional monk with a current day" one.
Ming Yi was earlier convicted on charges over an unauthorised S$50,000 loan made in 2004. He was also found guilty of giving false information to the Commissioner of Charities.
Ming Yi's former aide, Raymond Yeung - who used to manage Mandala, a religious artefact shop - was convicted of similar charges.
For these offences, the monk was sentenced to ten months' jail, while Yeung was given nine.
During the trials, Yeung had earlier said the S$50,000 from Ren Ci was a personal loan even though it was accounted as one to Mandala.
Yeung's lawyer, Ng Lip Chih told Justice Tay Yong Kwang that his client had forgotten to record the amount in the store's book. However, Justice Tay said that if it was a genuine loan, Yeung should have just said that he had forgotten to record it when he was asked about it.
The judge added that the effort to "plaster over the event raises a lot of questions". As he put it, it was like "digging a 20-foot tunnel to bury a small ant".
Similarly, Deputy Public Prosecutor David Chew said that the appellants should not have tried to hide the loan if it was legitimate.
Instead, the first thing they should have done was to inform other parties about the matter, including Ernst and Young, the professional services company appointed to review the case.
Justice Tay will give his judgement at a later date. - CNA/vm
just wondering....the alleviated sentencing of this rogue monk was due to his good karma or his "guan xi" or public relation expertise? if such criminal breach of trust was discovered, what other petty misappropriation might entail?
for the record, is this monk maketh RENCI for self enrichment tangibly or intangibly? monk owning condos. monking zipping around in luxurious car(s), monk rearing racehorse at exorbitant montly expenses, monk giving platinum supplementary credit cards. monk investing in foreign properties.....so many more (sadly not reported in finer details. mercy!!).
THEN WHAT IS A MONK A MONK TO BEGIN WITH?
personally, i think he should graciously defrock but i don't think there is such a "monk defrocking committee" here.
Monday, June 7, 2010
why like that in mrt, huh?
are singaporeans the typical hoggers, blockers, no give-wayers or simply ungracious species?
OR is there a flaw in the mrt's design and system? dee..dee...deee...doors closing and you are a second too late. sorry, next train :(
OR is it always trains are jammed packed? "next station, QUEENSTOWN." dee...dee...deee....doors closing and you are still stuck within the packed sardine crowd and miss alighting your station. :(
so are those some of the reasons why mrt commuters have to be kiasu and kiasi to behave so self-centredly?
OR did the smrt specifically "train" us to be like that? why like that one when taking mrt, huh?
OR is there a flaw in the mrt's design and system? dee..dee...deee...doors closing and you are a second too late. sorry, next train :(
OR is it always trains are jammed packed? "next station, QUEENSTOWN." dee...dee...deee....doors closing and you are still stuck within the packed sardine crowd and miss alighting your station. :(
so are those some of the reasons why mrt commuters have to be kiasu and kiasi to behave so self-centredly?
OR did the smrt specifically "train" us to be like that? why like that one when taking mrt, huh?
Sunday, June 6, 2010
graffiti swiss vs SMRT's security system
if swiss oliver fricker didn't show SMRT how he had broken thro their cheapskate wire-meshed fence, deluded their so called "security" camera and spent about 20 mins spray painting a piece of art on their train, just imagine what would make them stand up and not being feeling so complacent about security that puts every commuters at the mercy of terrorists?
GRACIOUSNESS VS FINE, CANING & JAIL.....the singapore-style?
if oliver hadn't done it to alert SMRT, the real terrorists might prove to them how easy for them to plant a bomb in the trains without even SMRT knowing it after all had been done.
did SMRT know it from the YOUTUBE after the videoclip was put up? if that's the case, we are really in serious trouble. someone in smrt should get himself (or themselves) all buttered!!
how much would smrt have to pay to ask some security firm to test their system? that's a planned testing. it wouldn't be accurate than an impromptu one like what the swiss had done.
caning, jail and fine....wow! talking about graciousness and something that turned out to be a blessing in disguise to smrt. if oliver fricker hadn't done it, would smrt have realised their complacency and wait for the real terrorists to prove to them how lame their cheapo security has put the citizens at an explosive risk?
was there any real damage? yes. a cut cheapskate wire-meshed fence which would be easily and cheaply amended.
solution: SMRT (n singapore) should act GRACIOUS now and let the swiss off. he has proven to smrt that their security system is simply pathetic, hopeless and put every commuters at risk. just order the swiss to pay for the damaged fence and let him off. as for the graffiti, maybe they should just leave it. smrt trains are boring. if it's not, they are being exploited with advertising graffitis which obstruct visual just like the money-crazed sbs buses wih all their obstructing ads pasted all over viewing windows.
could SMRT be trying to get even with the swiss for a more intrinsic resentment? oliver did embarrass SMRT to every singaporean by breaching their overly bragged security system. does this incense smrt to wanna get even with oliver?
if that's the case, singapore can stop talking of being GRACIOUS. just let the world knows that we are indeed a tyrannic cuntry ruled by a dynasty.
loss of face vs getting even?.......
if the gov really wanna fine, maybe they should fine SMRT for providing such unreliable lousy security. if waiting for tragedy to happen, it would be too late cos many innocents would have paid for smrt's complacency with their lives and sufferings.so who actually is guilty of the bigger offence? oliver or smrt?
ST NEWS.....
Jun 4, 2010
MRT train vandalised
Man arrested; incident raises security concerns at restricted areas
By Teh Joo Lin
A screen grab taken off YouTube showing the graffiti-painted train in service. A commuter had shot video footage of the train pulling out of Kembangan MRT station and posted it on the video-sharing website. The train plied its route for an unknown period of time, in full view of commuters. -- PHOTO: YOUTUBE
AN MRT train parked in a depot was hit with garish graffiti in what amounted to a serious security breach in a restricted area here.
The vandal apparently sneaked into the sprawling depot at Changi, despite an array of barriers, including fences topped with barbed wire.
Once inside, he spray-painted elaborate graffiti on one side of a train, across one carriage. The Straits Times understands that the vandal, a 33-year-old Swiss national, cut through the fence of the depot along Xilin Avenue, in what is believed to be the first such case of vandalism here.
Read the full story in Friday's edition of The Straits Times.
joolin@sph.com.sg
Oliver Fricker, 32, a business consultant, was charged with cutting the fence of the depot and damaging public property. --PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM
Jun 5, 2010
Charge: Trespass, vandalism
By Shuli Sudderuddin
A SWISS national who works here was charged in a criminal mentions court on Saturday with trespass and the vandalism of an MRT train at the Changi depot.
Oliver Fricker, 32, a business consultant, was charged with cutting the fence of the depot and damaging public property.
He was also charged with vandalism by spraying paint on two carriages of an SMRT train, and trespass by entering the Changi depot without permission.
Also named on the charge sheet was British citizen Lloyd Dane Alexander. It is not known if he is still in Singapore and the police are still investigating.
Despite the barriers, including fences topped with barbed wire, the duo is believed to have cut through the fence of the depot, along Xilin Avenue. Once inside the depot, they spray-painted graffiti on one side of a train. The graffiti had the signature 'McKoy Banos', believed to be that of two persons who have vandalised trains elsewhere.
The train later went into service for some time, in full view of commuters.The incident was reported to the police on May 19. Fricker was arrested about a week later.
Read the full report in The Sunday Times.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
guy vs girl
the difference....
Funny Pictures Scraps @ OrkutUncle
the passion....
the obscene mind.....
and baby is born....
Funny Pictures Scraps @ OrkutUncle
the passion....
the obscene mind.....
and baby is born....
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
shit! i lost my very X latest XL CK X in genting highlands :(
the lst X in the heading is for eXpensive. the next X in XL is of course the size of my waist. the final X in CK X is the latest ck undies in the market.
bought it. tried it. very shiok! but not for long :(
genting highlands sent me a letter. wow! goodie! FREE STAY for 4Days3Nites! in RESORT HOTEL. then, FREE usuage of 4 hrs KTV room with FREE foods, drinks & etc - ALL FREE! then, FREE NITECLUB SHOW!! wow!! ITALIAN MAGIC SHOW - FREE!! i was entitled 2 tickets to the very front seat. yes, FREE!!
coincidentally, there was NATA exhibition in EXPO. my goodness! the super VIP coach ticket to genting as only at $20. and it was returned ticket some more. ON ah!! bought the bus ticket and ready to set off to genting hopefully for a good killing.
4d3n in genting...what could one do? gamble. and that was what kept me occupied. i lost every ringgit i had in my wallet. but worst, i lost my new , the latest very X ck X undies.
shit! ptui!! to genting! u took all my ringgit and u stole me beloved ck X. the osman who cleaned my room should be very happy. he should also be very sad. happy cos he found my ck X which was left in the bathroom. i forgot to pack it after a almost 24 hr gambling spree which sent me hurrying to chase after the bus. shit! shit! shit! i forgot about my very eXpensive ck X in the toilet. mati lah!! siao liao lah!!
osman, the room cleaner must be thrilled! my ck X was brand new and cost more than $50 (after promotional discount). BUT...he must also be sad cos osman was only a S size. how could he fit into my XL sized ck X. well, unless he fattened himself up 3 grades from S to M to L and finally to XL.
and oh!! my BO in the undies....hope it gives osman continuous wet dream! ;)
oh!! i miss my very X CK X XL brand new undies :*(
bought it. tried it. very shiok! but not for long :(
genting highlands sent me a letter. wow! goodie! FREE STAY for 4Days3Nites! in RESORT HOTEL. then, FREE usuage of 4 hrs KTV room with FREE foods, drinks & etc - ALL FREE! then, FREE NITECLUB SHOW!! wow!! ITALIAN MAGIC SHOW - FREE!! i was entitled 2 tickets to the very front seat. yes, FREE!!
coincidentally, there was NATA exhibition in EXPO. my goodness! the super VIP coach ticket to genting as only at $20. and it was returned ticket some more. ON ah!! bought the bus ticket and ready to set off to genting hopefully for a good killing.
4d3n in genting...what could one do? gamble. and that was what kept me occupied. i lost every ringgit i had in my wallet. but worst, i lost my new , the latest very X ck X undies.
shit! ptui!! to genting! u took all my ringgit and u stole me beloved ck X. the osman who cleaned my room should be very happy. he should also be very sad. happy cos he found my ck X which was left in the bathroom. i forgot to pack it after a almost 24 hr gambling spree which sent me hurrying to chase after the bus. shit! shit! shit! i forgot about my very eXpensive ck X in the toilet. mati lah!! siao liao lah!!
osman, the room cleaner must be thrilled! my ck X was brand new and cost more than $50 (after promotional discount). BUT...he must also be sad cos osman was only a S size. how could he fit into my XL sized ck X. well, unless he fattened himself up 3 grades from S to M to L and finally to XL.
and oh!! my BO in the undies....hope it gives osman continuous wet dream! ;)
oh!! i miss my very X CK X XL brand new undies :*(
what dr KY said to me...
dr KY: bob, u may not be able to afford the BEST of EVERYTHING; but surely i admire u for making EVERYTHING THE BEST for whatever u have.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
a plead from an aggrieved husband....
found this posting in a forum. could that really be the aggrieved husband?? i wonder what was the drama that entails. divorced? remarried? split the kids? or what? heartlander drama is mesmerising. the lust of love and the love of lust giving rise to the torrential emotion of the hearts.
Tea Talk Coffee Chat - ex-WP Lawyer sleeps with my wife Unsubscribe
From: jvlz4dkdfzlk 1/14/2008 1:03 pm
To: ALL (1 of 1)
630.1
谢智立(Chia Ti Lik): "不爱江山，爱美人！"
I'm coming online now to seek your supports and advice on my marriage problem.
I'm sure most of you have read the Shin Min Daily News front page news of 15 Nov 2007. Yes, I'm the man featured in the news.
My problem started when my company got into a business dispute with a major customer. The customer threatened to sue for damages for the inferior goods supplied. As I'm ignorant of business laws, I got worried that the lawsuit might ruin the company completely.
Luckily (or unluckily?), my wife and I found a lawyer in Tanjong Pagar who was willing to take on the case. As my wife was a director of my company without portfolio, this legal dispute was delegated to her to liaise with the lawyer. Fortunately we won the litigation, and I was very thankful to the lawyer.
After the legal dispute was settled, my wife continued to see this lawyer in the day time. At first I thought she was bored as a housewife, and it was good to keep contact with a lawyer who would be useful for future legal dealings.
Lately I discovered that she had been communicating with the lawyer using MSN. In one of many messages, she expressed that she wanted to marry him rather than being his mistress forever. Rumors started to appear that she was driving my car from my home in Queenstown to visit his home in Yishun during day time when I was busy at work. She even went to the extent of sending him to his office in Tanjong Pagar from Yishun. What she did in his home is everyone's guess.
Finally I felt that I must confront this bastard lawyer before my marriage is completely destroyed. So I visited his law firm in Nehson's Building. The rest of the story was reported in the Shin Min Daily News front page news of 15 Nov 2007.
I'm amazed that a highly educated lawyer would want an O-Level mother with 2 kids.
I regret that I didn't find out this womanizer lawyer earlier and I was made to wear green hat!
After this adulterous affair is exposed, this lawyer, who is already married, behaves like a typical playboy and does not want to marry my wife.
The question is: Should I divorce my wife?
The thought of divorcing my wife and giving her half of my assets and still maintaining her really makes me sick. What happens if she is stilling seeing him after gaining half of my assets and maintenance fees from me? I would be really looked like a fool of financing a mistress for the bastard lawyer!
What would be the best options for me? Please help!
PS: BTW, my wife and this lawyer are netizens of Sammyboy.com's Alfresco Coffee Shop using nicks LaMei and TiLik, respectively. Their photos are shown at the top.
Tea Talk Coffee Chat - ex-WP Lawyer sleeps with my wife Unsubscribe
From: jvlz4dkdfzlk 1/14/2008 1:03 pm
To: ALL (1 of 1)
630.1
谢智立(Chia Ti Lik): "不爱江山，爱美人！"
I'm coming online now to seek your supports and advice on my marriage problem.
I'm sure most of you have read the Shin Min Daily News front page news of 15 Nov 2007. Yes, I'm the man featured in the news.
My problem started when my company got into a business dispute with a major customer. The customer threatened to sue for damages for the inferior goods supplied. As I'm ignorant of business laws, I got worried that the lawsuit might ruin the company completely.
Luckily (or unluckily?), my wife and I found a lawyer in Tanjong Pagar who was willing to take on the case. As my wife was a director of my company without portfolio, this legal dispute was delegated to her to liaise with the lawyer. Fortunately we won the litigation, and I was very thankful to the lawyer.
After the legal dispute was settled, my wife continued to see this lawyer in the day time. At first I thought she was bored as a housewife, and it was good to keep contact with a lawyer who would be useful for future legal dealings.
Lately I discovered that she had been communicating with the lawyer using MSN. In one of many messages, she expressed that she wanted to marry him rather than being his mistress forever. Rumors started to appear that she was driving my car from my home in Queenstown to visit his home in Yishun during day time when I was busy at work. She even went to the extent of sending him to his office in Tanjong Pagar from Yishun. What she did in his home is everyone's guess.
Finally I felt that I must confront this bastard lawyer before my marriage is completely destroyed. So I visited his law firm in Nehson's Building. The rest of the story was reported in the Shin Min Daily News front page news of 15 Nov 2007.
I'm amazed that a highly educated lawyer would want an O-Level mother with 2 kids.
I regret that I didn't find out this womanizer lawyer earlier and I was made to wear green hat!
After this adulterous affair is exposed, this lawyer, who is already married, behaves like a typical playboy and does not want to marry my wife.
The question is: Should I divorce my wife?
The thought of divorcing my wife and giving her half of my assets and still maintaining her really makes me sick. What happens if she is stilling seeing him after gaining half of my assets and maintenance fees from me? I would be really looked like a fool of financing a mistress for the bastard lawyer!
What would be the best options for me? Please help!
PS: BTW, my wife and this lawyer are netizens of Sammyboy.com's Alfresco Coffee Shop using nicks LaMei and TiLik, respectively. Their photos are shown at the top.
Monday, February 15, 2010
mentalities of assean leeders
Some are smarter than others...
General Musharraf, Dr Mahathir, Gloria Arroyo & Lee Kuan Yew were sitting in a train.
The train goes through a tunnel and it gets completely dark for the next 8 seconds.
Suddenly there is a loud kissing sound and then a slap!
The train comes out of the tunnel.
Arroyo and Musharraf are seated across each other, both looking perplexed.
Mahathir, seated across LKY, is bent over holding his face, which is very red from an apparent big slap.
All of them remain diplomatic and nobody says anything.
Musharraf is thinking : ' These Malaysians are all crazy after Arroyo. Mahathir must have tried to kiss her in the tunnel.
Very proper that she slapped him ! '
Arroyo is thinking : ' Mahathir must have moved to kiss me, but kissed Musharraf instead and got slapped. '
Mahathir is thinking : ' Damn it, Musharraf must have tried to kiss Arroyo ; she thought it was me and slapped me instead. Shit !! '
Lee Kuan Yew is thinking : ' If this train goes through
One more tunnel, I could make another kissing sound and slap Mahathir again !! '
General Musharraf, Dr Mahathir, Gloria Arroyo & Lee Kuan Yew were sitting in a train.
The train goes through a tunnel and it gets completely dark for the next 8 seconds.
Suddenly there is a loud kissing sound and then a slap!
The train comes out of the tunnel.
Arroyo and Musharraf are seated across each other, both looking perplexed.
Mahathir, seated across LKY, is bent over holding his face, which is very red from an apparent big slap.
All of them remain diplomatic and nobody says anything.
Musharraf is thinking : ' These Malaysians are all crazy after Arroyo. Mahathir must have tried to kiss her in the tunnel.
Very proper that she slapped him ! '
Arroyo is thinking : ' Mahathir must have moved to kiss me, but kissed Musharraf instead and got slapped. '
Mahathir is thinking : ' Damn it, Musharraf must have tried to kiss Arroyo ; she thought it was me and slapped me instead. Shit !! '
Lee Kuan Yew is thinking : ' If this train goes through
One more tunnel, I could make another kissing sound and slap Mahathir again !! '
Monday, February 8, 2010
Pastor called up by ISD
Pastor called up by ISD
Feb 9, 2010
Insensitive comments made
Pastor called up by ISD
Leader of independent church apologises to Buddhists and Taoists
By Yen Feng
What ISD said
'Pastor Tan's comments were highly inappropriate and unacceptable as they trivialised and insulted the beliefs of Buddhists and Taoists. They can also give rise to tension and conflict between the Buddhist/Taoist and Christian communities. ISD told Pastor Tan that in preaching or proselytising his faith, he must not run down other religions, and must be mindful of the sensitivities of other religions.'
The Home Affairs Ministry, on what the Internal Security Department told Senior Pastor Rony Tan
What pastor said
'I sincerely apologise for my insensitivity towards the Buddhists and Taoists, and solemnly promise that it will never happen again.'
Senior Pastor Rony Tan, in his statement posted on his church's website last night
The video clips, which first appeared on the church's website two weeks ago, showed Pastor Tan questioning two church members as they recounted their past experiences as Buddhists. -- PHOTO: YOUTUBE
THE Government called up a Christian church leader yesterday after receiving complaints about online video clips that show him making insensitive comments about Buddhism.
The Internal Security Department yesterday met Senior Pastor Rony Tan, founder of the Lighthouse Evangelism independent church, and told him that what he did was wrong.
Last night, he posted an apology on the church's website, promising to respect other faiths and 'not ridicule them in any way, shape or fashion'.
The video clips, which first appeared on the church's website two weeks ago, showed Pastor Tan questioning two church members as they recounted their past experiences as Buddhists.
In the exchanges, some of Pastor Tan's comments - on Buddhist precepts of rebirth, karma and nirvana - drew laughter from his audience.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said last night that his comments were 'highly inappropriate and unacceptable as they trivialised and insulted the beliefs of Buddhists and Taoists'.
Read the full story in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times.
zengyan@sph.com.sg
Feb 9, 2010
Insensitive comments made
Pastor called up by ISD
Leader of independent church apologises to Buddhists and Taoists
By Yen Feng
What ISD said
'Pastor Tan's comments were highly inappropriate and unacceptable as they trivialised and insulted the beliefs of Buddhists and Taoists. They can also give rise to tension and conflict between the Buddhist/Taoist and Christian communities. ISD told Pastor Tan that in preaching or proselytising his faith, he must not run down other religions, and must be mindful of the sensitivities of other religions.'
The Home Affairs Ministry, on what the Internal Security Department told Senior Pastor Rony Tan
What pastor said
'I sincerely apologise for my insensitivity towards the Buddhists and Taoists, and solemnly promise that it will never happen again.'
Senior Pastor Rony Tan, in his statement posted on his church's website last night
The video clips, which first appeared on the church's website two weeks ago, showed Pastor Tan questioning two church members as they recounted their past experiences as Buddhists. -- PHOTO: YOUTUBE
THE Government called up a Christian church leader yesterday after receiving complaints about online video clips that show him making insensitive comments about Buddhism.
The Internal Security Department yesterday met Senior Pastor Rony Tan, founder of the Lighthouse Evangelism independent church, and told him that what he did was wrong.
Last night, he posted an apology on the church's website, promising to respect other faiths and 'not ridicule them in any way, shape or fashion'.
The video clips, which first appeared on the church's website two weeks ago, showed Pastor Tan questioning two church members as they recounted their past experiences as Buddhists.
In the exchanges, some of Pastor Tan's comments - on Buddhist precepts of rebirth, karma and nirvana - drew laughter from his audience.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said last night that his comments were 'highly inappropriate and unacceptable as they trivialised and insulted the beliefs of Buddhists and Taoists'.
Read the full story in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times.
zengyan@sph.com.sg
Sunday, February 7, 2010
if singapura were once called BABIPURA......
THE MERLION - a cross between a mythical mermaid and a horny lion? u must be joking! this is so embarrassing!!
sang nila utama couldn't ve seen a lion or in malay a "singa". it was his aide who told him that that was a singa he saw during his hunting trip.
lions as we know only live in AFRICA's savannah plain. they do not inhabit any SE Asia countries.
this brings us to this point:
IF SANG NILA had named singapura as BABIPURA cos what he saw could be a wild boar (hutan babi), would muslims (with apology) still wanna live in this place?
history has to be exact and accurate. singapura is not really true to what it was name.
THERE IS NO LION IN THIS PART OF THE REGION.
to enhance this flawed myth, singapore now even creates a MERLION.
question: how could a mermaid make love to a lion and produce a "merlion"?
before mermaid could copulate with the lion, it would be cat's food!!
there were many stray cats and pussies. perhaps it could ve been named kuchingpura.
pussipura would be quite X-RATED!
the trouble with the name kuchingpura sounded like "kuchingkurap" or peanuts.
maybe it should be called KACHANGPURA. then again, this name sounds like kachang puteh!
gosh!! every singaporeans should honor NOT sang nila utama but his nondescript aide who wittingly (or unwittingly) told sanny that what he saw was a SINGA and hence SINGAPURA was named.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
the stripping of stuntpunkmonk
en though goh kah heng has been convicted which means all allegations against him were found GUILTY, his many "supporters" are still backing him.
why is that so? they even posted an increased bail of 450K for him to get out of sgp. would the rogue monk abscond and poof! there goes all the bailor's money?
Jan 27, 2010
Ming Yi allowed to leave
By Elena Chong
CONVICTED Buddhist monk Ming Yi was on Wednesday granted permission to leave Singapore - the second time he has been allowed to do so since his sentencing in November last year.
The monk, who turns 48 on Thursday, is to travel to several countries for a month to deal with temple matters.
His bail of $450,000 was extended by District Judge Toh Yung Cheong, who gave him leave of a month from Thursday.
Ming Yi, who is appealing against his conviction on several charges including fraud, and a 10-month jail term, will head for Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and China, said his lawyer Hamidul Haq.
Neither his bailor Sim Beng Chye nor the prosecution objected to his applying for leave.
Ming Yi, the former chairman and chief executive of Ren Ci Hospital and Medicare Centre, was convicted last October of four charges of fraud, falsifying documents, misappropriating funds and giving false information to the Commissioner of Charities. The trial lasted more than 20 days.
Read the full report in Thursday's edition of The Straits Times.
it is quite humbling to the extent fo humiliating that RENCI CHARITY SHOW without his daredevil stunts showoff could garner a total donation of more than $7M. the figure is now the record breaker for all charity show held b4.
it has proven that compassion is still alive and not really dependent on this monk's gimmicky. conversely, could it be this monk who had in the past exploited sgporeans' compassion and generosity and stole the credit for himself?
he is a monk, an abbot but much of his mannerism is not much different from an average person. the only difference is he dons on a yellow saffron and bald. other than that, he's as as fallible n vulnerable by temptation as anyone else.
then why a monk in the first place?
why is that so? they even posted an increased bail of 450K for him to get out of sgp. would the rogue monk abscond and poof! there goes all the bailor's money?
Jan 27, 2010
Ming Yi allowed to leave
By Elena Chong
CONVICTED Buddhist monk Ming Yi was on Wednesday granted permission to leave Singapore - the second time he has been allowed to do so since his sentencing in November last year.
The monk, who turns 48 on Thursday, is to travel to several countries for a month to deal with temple matters.
His bail of $450,000 was extended by District Judge Toh Yung Cheong, who gave him leave of a month from Thursday.
Ming Yi, who is appealing against his conviction on several charges including fraud, and a 10-month jail term, will head for Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and China, said his lawyer Hamidul Haq.
Neither his bailor Sim Beng Chye nor the prosecution objected to his applying for leave.
Ming Yi, the former chairman and chief executive of Ren Ci Hospital and Medicare Centre, was convicted last October of four charges of fraud, falsifying documents, misappropriating funds and giving false information to the Commissioner of Charities. The trial lasted more than 20 days.
Read the full report in Thursday's edition of The Straits Times.
it is quite humbling to the extent fo humiliating that RENCI CHARITY SHOW without his daredevil stunts showoff could garner a total donation of more than $7M. the figure is now the record breaker for all charity show held b4.
it has proven that compassion is still alive and not really dependent on this monk's gimmicky. conversely, could it be this monk who had in the past exploited sgporeans' compassion and generosity and stole the credit for himself?
he is a monk, an abbot but much of his mannerism is not much different from an average person. the only difference is he dons on a yellow saffron and bald. other than that, he's as as fallible n vulnerable by temptation as anyone else.
then why a monk in the first place?
Saturday, January 2, 2010
the real fears of the land
it's definitely not the paps. in fact, the extremist troublemakers are more fearsome and u cannot anticipate what their antics might orchestrate to.
the real fears are neither about actually paps or the troublemakers. it's more of practical daily living matters. things like getting sick and not having enough money to seek treatment. having children and worry they might not make it through the stressful education system. when would one face the prospect of losing his job. or for those who have lost theirs, when would the next job be available to them. when it's available, would the pay be sufficient to provide comfortably for the entire family.....
the young have their fears. the working persons have theirs. the poor fear whether there would be a next meal. the sick fear dying from lack of money to treat their ailment and not really the sickness inflicted. the aged fear they might die alone without being discovered until the stench of their decaying corpse attracts some attention.
there are much anxieties, apprehension and FEARS. some are real; some unfounded.
2010 is a year of venturing into the unknown and unpredictable. the gov tries to re-assure us that growth could be 3 - 5%. that jobs availablity are increasing. that we must re-skill, upskill and multi-skill. now what if we are only singularly skilled? would one face the fate of redundancy. does being multi-skilled enable one to have an increased pay or better pay or just another pay cut or stagnant pay?
gov is putting many in a very disadvantaged position. all their exuberating sermons hide another unexplained FEAR. it sounded more like "if u don't heed our advices or follow our instructions, you shall get it!" Get it?
to overcome all such FEARS, it really depends on how you tune yourself. if you tune into the paps' channel, obviously the FEARs become very real. if you tune into your own inner channel, then all those FEARS seem irrelevant.
human beings are very versatile creatures. we are neither equipped with fangs or sabre tooth to hunt but we are given a very powerful brain to think. if we do not think too much and get ourselves over-stuffed with FEARS, we should remain happy and positive.
the secret to overcome all FEARS is to remain HAPPY, POSITIVE & SELF-SUFFICIENT. fear tells u that u cannot make it. well, that's FEAR. you tell FEAR, "I can make it cos i m human!"
so live 2010 without FEAR. live it with HOPE, HAPPINESS, POSITIVE ATTITUDE & SELF-SUFFICIENT and RELIANCE.
YOU CAN MAKE IT!!
the real fears are neither about actually paps or the troublemakers. it's more of practical daily living matters. things like getting sick and not having enough money to seek treatment. having children and worry they might not make it through the stressful education system. when would one face the prospect of losing his job. or for those who have lost theirs, when would the next job be available to them. when it's available, would the pay be sufficient to provide comfortably for the entire family.....
the young have their fears. the working persons have theirs. the poor fear whether there would be a next meal. the sick fear dying from lack of money to treat their ailment and not really the sickness inflicted. the aged fear they might die alone without being discovered until the stench of their decaying corpse attracts some attention.
there are much anxieties, apprehension and FEARS. some are real; some unfounded.
2010 is a year of venturing into the unknown and unpredictable. the gov tries to re-assure us that growth could be 3 - 5%. that jobs availablity are increasing. that we must re-skill, upskill and multi-skill. now what if we are only singularly skilled? would one face the fate of redundancy. does being multi-skilled enable one to have an increased pay or better pay or just another pay cut or stagnant pay?
gov is putting many in a very disadvantaged position. all their exuberating sermons hide another unexplained FEAR. it sounded more like "if u don't heed our advices or follow our instructions, you shall get it!" Get it?
to overcome all such FEARS, it really depends on how you tune yourself. if you tune into the paps' channel, obviously the FEARs become very real. if you tune into your own inner channel, then all those FEARS seem irrelevant.
human beings are very versatile creatures. we are neither equipped with fangs or sabre tooth to hunt but we are given a very powerful brain to think. if we do not think too much and get ourselves over-stuffed with FEARS, we should remain happy and positive.
the secret to overcome all FEARS is to remain HAPPY, POSITIVE & SELF-SUFFICIENT. fear tells u that u cannot make it. well, that's FEAR. you tell FEAR, "I can make it cos i m human!"
so live 2010 without FEAR. live it with HOPE, HAPPINESS, POSITIVE ATTITUDE & SELF-SUFFICIENT and RELIANCE.
YOU CAN MAKE IT!!
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