Food in Singapore

This will be my FINAL blog from Singapore ! Will post from Land of No Worries ! Kangaroo Kangaroo...My Ass as from Wednesday !

Zipped for couple of weeks !

A good place for Breakfast !

This Hainanese kopitiam (coffeeshop) is located @
8 Cheong Chin Nam Road .Aromatic coffee and traditional charcoal-grilled bread toast ! I checked it out to-day . No more Charcoal -grilled .It is ELECTRICALLY -GRILLED.

Cost
1/2 Boiled Egg 0.60 x 2 = $1.20
Kaya Toast =$1.50

Kopi-O = $0.90
Total : $3.60

Relatively cheap and affordable .

For sure you can't get all this in Melbourne !

Picture taken using a Nokia N80
There is even a 4D booth spanking new just a few shop away !!

SINGAPORE "LEFT-OVER " FOOD SALE !

In case you wanna hold a Tea Party try these outlets !

Be A "Cheap~poo" but who cares !

The Restaurants

Aji No Sato
Liang Court basement 1
Tel: 6338-3186

After 8.45pm on weekdays only, many items at this Japanese takeaway eatery are sold at half price. They include rice bento (usual price from $6 to $14.50) and croquettes ($4 for two).

Baguette
B1-55 Raffles City Shopping Mall, Tel: 6336-0057, opens daily
01-39 Market Street Car Park,
Tel: 6536-5426, opens on weekdays

This Vietnamese-inspired takeaway counter offers many items at 15 per cent off - the Raffles City branch between 8 and 9.30pm; and the Market Street branch between 6 and 7.30pm. Items include the fabulous fried chicken wings (usual price $1.20), rice paper rolls ($4.50) and Saigon baguette sandwiches ($5.60).

Corduroy Cafe
01-106 VivoCity
Tel: 6376-9895

After 9pm on weekdays only, pastries and desserts are sold one-for-one. Items include apple rhubarb crumble (usual price $6.80), panna cotta with wild berry compote ($6.80) and assorted cupcakes ($2.50).

Goodwood Park Hotel
The Deli
Tel: 6730-1786

After 8pm daily, selected pastries such as sliced cakes, Danish pastries, muffins, pies and sandwiches are sold at half price. The most popular items are royal chocolate crunchy hazelnut cake (usual price $5.80) and double chocolate mud loaf ($9.50). But its famous durian pastries, in season from March to August, are not discounted.

Grand Hyatt Singapore
The Deli
Tel: 6732-1234

After 8.30pm daily, items such as bread, Danish pastries, croissants, chicken pies and muffins are sold at half price. The usual prices range between $4 and $7 per piece.

Hilton Singapore
Checkers Deli
Tel: 6730-3392

Between 8 and 9pm daily, all bread and Danish pastries are sold at half price. But its famous cheesecakes are not discounted.

Hotel Phoenix
The Food Shop, Level 1
Tel: 6233-6137

Between 6 and 7.30pm daily, all items are sold at 40 per cent off. The bestsellers are the doughnuts (usual price $1.30), chicken pies ($3.20) and curry puffs ($2.20).

Kuriya Japanese Fresh Fish Market
B1-07 Great World City
Tel: 6836-4910

Located in front of Ichiban Boshi restaurant, this takeaway counter offers all sushi items at 20 to 30 per cent discount after 7.30pm. The most popular items include California maki (usual price $8.80), and assorted sushi (seven pieces, $14.80).

Orchard Hotel
Cake Counter
Tel: 6739-6565

After 5pm, all sliced cakes are sold at 40 per cent off. Varieties include the signature mango cake, blackforest cake, durian cake and cheese cakes (usual price $6 per slice).

Pan Pacific Singapore
The Atrium Deli
Tel: 6826-8331

After 7pm daily, all breads, muffins, croissants, Danish pastries and pizzas are sold at half price. The signature butter and almond croissants (usual price $3.50) are the first to be snapped up.

Pocket Full Of Posies/Greenhouse Cafe
B2-42 VivoCity
Tel: 6376-9706

From 8pm daily, the florist-cafe offers all sliced cakes at half price. Varieties include chocolate fudge cakes and Scottish carrot cake (usual price $4.50 to $5.50).

Raffles The Plaza
Prego Deli
Tel: 6431-5203

Between 9.30 and 10pm daily, bread, pies and doughnuts are sold at half price. The most popular items are the cakes, such as royal praline (usual price $22 for 500g), tiramisu ($24 for 500g) and cheesecake ($22 for 500g).

Raffles Hotel
Ah Teng's Bakery
Tel: 6412-1100

After 8pm, the bakery has a one-for-one offer on sliced cakes and pastries. Usual prices range from $1 for a raisin bun to $5 for a slice of cake.

The Shangri-La
The Line Shop
Tel: 6213-4275

Limited items are sold at a discount after 7pm. Whole cakes go for 15 per cent less. Pastry items like croissants, muffins and breads are sold at half price.

The Regent
Something To Go
Tel: 6720-8000

Between 8 and 9pm daily, all takeaway items like cakes, quiches, breads, salads and pies are sold at 30 per cent discount. Most popular items include gruyere cheese ciabatta ($6.60 per loaf) and beef lasagna ($15 per serving).

FROM LAND OF NO WORRIES !

Applying for Social Security & Disability

The woman says, "Unbutton your shirt." So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair.She says, "That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me," and she processed my Social Security application.
When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Centrelink office. She said, "You should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability too."

Smoking & Swearing

It was a wonderful week despite the rain and massive traffic jam . I have been busy preparing for my trip back to Melbourne that I simply have no time to blog, When post your blog too often people would say you have noting to do .Sad but true for the fact that I have nothing interesting to blog about .

They say that a leopard does not change its spots.
They say that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
They say that old habits die hard.
They should just SHUT UP.

THE YELLOW BOX SMOKER IN SINGAPORE

Eating Establishments are supposed to confine smokers inside the yellow box,which should take up no more than 20% of outdoor area . Is the system working ? NO because it is ineffective thus giving rise to frustration.

"DO YOU SMOKE ?" IF NOT PLEASE LEAVE THE YELLOW BOX. Smokers asked "How can
non-smokers sit in our zone when we can't sit in theirs ?''
Those who looked forward to smoke free meals are getting frustrated seeing smokers blowing smoke in their direction .

In my opinion placement of the smoking box makes a mockery of the rule . You cannot control where the smoke goes . So what is fucking point of the No Smoking zone !

Chairman Mao

The Chain Smoker !

I haven't had my coffee yet.

I would like to begin the week with an important community message from Brooke Shields:

Smoking kills. And if you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life."

Brooke Shields is making sense to me. That can't be cool.

SINGAPORE- $11+

COST S$20.00 PER CARTON

@ DFS VENTURE SINGAPORE !

SAME STUFF HERE COST AU $80 DUTY PAID ! OMG ~

Singapore Middle Finger Syndrome

The state of civility in Singapore has somehow degraded . When they are angry or agitated over minor thing ,out comes the middle finger . Singapore may be an economic powerhouse in the region but something is really wrong with our society. Always remember the basic instinctive human response is to smile.

Gadget 2006/2007

Dreaming to own one of this ............

The Nokia N76-Handphone

• Store up to thousands of songs with expandable memory up to 2 GB
• Access your favorite internet sites and services with the Nokia browser with Mini Map
• Make video conference calls using the QVGA video camera
• Send and receive emails and instant messages
• Take snapshots using the 2-megapixel camera with up to 20x digital zoom

Heard Nokia going to launch this during the Lunar New Year !! LOL

OTHER GADGET-MultiMedia Viewer

Vosonic VP8390 MultiMedia Viewer - Case Only
[VP8390-000]

SGD$599.00 [13/1/07]

NEW VP8390 uses OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screen which features vibrant colors, High contrast, excellent grayscale, full-motion video and wide viewing angles. You will see every vivid detail in brilliant color and clarity with it..
VP8390, a powerful multimedia viewer, not only inherits the professional features of VP8360, but also improves the screen size and storage capacity. 3.6” OLED and 2.5” HD capacity (40~160GB) give you more room and fun to play.
Support Upgradable 2.5” hard drive
VP8390 has infinite memory & storage expansion configuration with internal 2.5” Hard Disk (40~160GB). You can save all the data: music, photo, video and documents into it as supper portable storage device.

Easy to replace the Li-ion battery (NP-100 Compatible)
VP8390 is compatible with standard Fujifilm rechargeable battery model: NP-100 which can be easily got an extra one on the digital shop. It is also very convenient to replace it due to the battery compartment design.
Comes with FREE MAGIX Media Suite

Multi-cards Reader/Writer
VP8390 supports all memory cards such as Compactflash, IBM Microdrive, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard and 4 other formats, Mini-SD, RS-MMC, MS Duo and MS Pro Duo with a adapter (not supplied). It uses fast USB 2.0 interface for file transfer to your PC. Connecting the VP8360 to your PC, it works as hard drive enclosure and multi card reader/writer.
High speed data back up from memory cards
VP8390 supports to copy files from memory cards to the internal hard drive (No need PC). The backup function allows you to transfer the data from your cards to the HDD anytime, anywhere during your trip. No need to carry a notebook or several cards any more.
Video Player
VP8390 is your personal move theater and you can view the movies anytime and anywhere. TV out function even let you connect the device to TV and share the movie and photo on TV with your friends.

• Play Motion-JPEG in AVI and MOV, MPEG-1, MPEG-4 and Xvid file format.
• Quickly fast forward, rewind and pause when watching your video.
  

Audio Player
VP8390 let you access your music library on the go. The shuffle, repeat and EQ functions are available. Set Music as “play in background”, you can view the picture and enjoy music at the same time.

• Play MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC music files.
• ID3 tag support
• 7 bands mode EQ system (Normal, Bass, Classic, Dance, Live, Rock and Treble)
• Shuffle play from a designated playlist
• Support M3U playlist

Photo Viewer
VP8390 works as photo album with huge memory. The zoom in/out, rotate and slide show functions make the photo display more interesting. Exif information support is useful for professional photographer.

• Play JPEG, TIFF, BMP, GIF and RAW file format
• Support slide show with music playback
• Support Zoom in/out, rotate by 90 degree
• Support EXIF data to display the shutter speed, flash condition, focal length, and other image information

Voice Recorder
VP8390 allows you record the audio from line-in or internal microphone. You can record lectures in classrooms or record music from another audio player.

• Sample rate options between 16/24/32KHz
• Recording in compressing MPEG AAC format

Video Recorder
No need to use the traditional big video recorder at home anymore. The small VP8390 builds in video recording function. You can record the video from TV, DVD or satellite receiver.

• Support TV、DVD…etc with AV-OUT jack
• Recording resolution: QVGA 30fps, format: MPEG4, Sound: AAC

FM Radio
Auto scanning and presetting FM radio in 18 channels let you search the radio channel conveniently. You can also record the broadcast show or music via the recording function.
Play Games: Matrix, View Text file, Direct printing support
The games: Matrix playing and text reading function completes the entertainment from VP8390. It supports text files in 9 different languages as a E-book. You can while away your free time enjoying the fun from games and reading e-book. Further more, VP8390 has Direct printing function (PictBridge Compliant). It lets you connect to printer to print out your pictures without PC.

FUJITSU LIFEBOOK S 2110

Turion 64 MT-28 1.6GHz, 1GB RAM

I purchased this on 23 Dec 2006 - My christmas Gift ...after trade in my old Toshiba P3 for a miserable $200.00

singapore $1,788

So Far so good !!! only problem No Blue tooth !

Singapore Technical Helpdesk: (65) 62720088

109, North Bridge Road, #05-36, Funan DigitaLife Mall, Singapore 179097
(65) 67388118 10am - 7pm (Mon - Sun)

AsiaPac Distribution Pte Ltd
(65) 62720088 Customer CareLine: (65) 63956666

eneral
Processor	Turion 64
Processor number	MT-28
Processor speed	1.6 GHz
Motherboard chipset	ATI Radeon Xpress 200M + ATI SB400
Centrino	Yes
Memory/Storage
Amt of RAM	512 MB (max 2048 MB)
Hard drive	80 GB
Card Reader	SD, MMC, MS Pro
Optical drive	DVD/CD-RW combo
Connectivity
Ports	3 x USB 2.0; FireWire; mini S-video out; VGA-out; Ethernet; modem; headphone-out; mic-in; AC-in
Bluetooth	No
Infrared	Yes
Ethernet	10/100
Modem	56K V.92 modem
Wireless LAN	802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g
Display
Graphics hardware	ATI Radeon Xpress 200M
Amt of video RAM	up to 128MB shared
Diagonal screen size	13.3 inch
LCD technology	SuperFine XGA
Screen resolution (max)	1,024 x 768
Multimedia
Sound hardware	SigmaTel STAC9753 AC97 codec; dual stereo speakers
Software
Operating system	Win XP Home
Software included	PowerDVD; PowerProducer Gold; Sonic RecordNow DX; Sonic DLA; Fujitsu Update Navi; Fujitsu Hardware Diagnostic Tool; Norman Virus Control; Norman Personal Firewall
Chassis
Weight w/battery	1.84 kg
Dimensions	293 x 236.5 x 30.5 mm
Power Supply
Battery type(s) included	6-cell Lithium-Ion
Mfr-claimed battery life	3.9 hours
Warranty
Warranty	One-year int'l carry-in (parts and labor), second- and third-year local carry-in (parts only)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2006

Portege M500 Notebook Computer

Model PPM51L-004005

26/06/2007 ~ SRP $3,299.10 [$3,132.15]

Processor Intel Core Duo processor T2300 (1.66GHz)

Pre-Installed Software WinXP Professional

Standard Memory | Maximum Memory 512MB DDR2 SDRAM | 4096MB (maximum expandability) - 1GB SDRAM

Hard Disk Drive 80GB SATA

CD-ROM Drive DVD SuperMulti Drive

Display Size 12.1

Video Memory Intel GMA 950

Battery Life Up to 5.0 hours

Measurements 299 x 225 x 34 (front)/34.8 (back) mm

Warranty Period 3-yr ILW (carry-in)

Company Name:	Toshiba Data Dynamics Pte Ltd
Address:	10 Kallang Sector Data Dynamics Building
City:	Singapore
Mail Code:	349280
Country:	SG
Main Phone:	+65-6741 8181
Fax:	+65-6748 2505
Email:	pcenquiry@toshibadata.com.sg
Web:	www.toshibadata.com.sg

Acer AS 5672WLMI

Core Duo T2300 (1.66GHz 667MHz) 2 x 512MB DDR II 100GB S-ATA DVD Super Multi ATI X1400 (Up to 512MB Hyper Memory) 15.4in WXGA CrystalBrite 802.11a+b+g Bluetooth W/

XP Profesional Preloaded

SHTA-060320-092144

Part # AS.AA705.077SE

Price SIN $2,671.20

Latest Intel^® Centrino^® Duo mobile technology delivers exceptional take-anywhere entertainment!

• ATI Mobility™ Radeon^® X1400 with up to 512MB of HyperMemory™ presents high-definition visuals, cinematic realism, and stunning gaming effects.
• Acer CrystalBrite™ 15.4" wide screen with 16 ms response time shows ultra-vivid images, enhancing movies, photos, gaming and multi-tasking.
• Acer GridVista™ encourages masterly multi-tasking with efficient organization of multiple windows on two displays or an extended desktop.
• Acer Video Conference solution featuring Acer OrbiCam and optional Bluetooth^® VoIP phone lets you chat with friends and family across the globe.
• Intel^® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ network connection, optimized by Acer SignalUp™ technology, gives you a stable wireless link.
• Chic, slot-load DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive allows you to share your creativity and write up to 8.5 GB of media to all popular DVD formats.
• Acer Arcade makes it easy to share photos, listen to music, enjoy DVD playback, create home videos, and record TV programs — all from one portal.
• Acer Empowering Technology puts full control of your notebook at your fingertips — with just the touch of a button.

MODEL CONFIGURATION

Model Aspire 5672WLMi Price$ $2,698 (300 Acer $) Processor and Core Logic Intel^® Core™ Duo Processor T2300 (1.66GHz, 667MHz FSB, 2MB L2 cache) Intel^® Centrino^® Duo mobile technology
Intel^® 945PM Express chipset

Operating System Genuine Microsoft^® Windows^® XP Home System Memory 1GB of DDR II RAM Upgradeable to 2GB using dual soDIMM modules

Display/Graphics 15.4" WXGA Acer CrystalBrite™ TFT LCD, 1280 x 800, 16.7M colours ATI Mobility™ Radeon^® X1400 with up to 512MB HyperMemory™

Storage Subsystem 100GB S-ATA HDD DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer drive (DVD+/-RW)
- Read: 24X CD-RW, 24X CD-ROM, 24X CD-R, 8X DVD+R, 8X DVD-R, 8X DVD-ROM, 4X DVD+RW, 4X DVD-RW, 3X DVD-RAM, 2.4X DVD+R (double-layer)
- Write: 24X CD-R, 8X DVD+R, 8X DVD-R, 4X DVD+RW, 4X DVD-RW, 4X CD-RW, 2.4X DVD+R (double-layer)

Processor and Core Logic

· Intel^® Centrino^® Duo mobile technology

· Intel^® Core™ Duo Processor T2300 (1.66GHz Processor)

· Intel^® 945PM Express chipset

System Memory

· 1GB of DDR II RAM, upgradeable to 2GB using dual soDIMM modules

Display/Graphics

· 15.4" WXGA Acer CrystalBrite™ TFT LCD, 1280 x 800 pixel resolution, 16.7 million colours, 16:10 viewing ratio, supporting simultaneous multi-window viewing on dual displays via Acer GridVista™

· ATI Mobility™ Radeon^® X1400 with up to 512MB HyperMemory™

Storage Subsystem · 100GB S-ATA hard disc drive

Media Drive · DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer drive (DVD+/-RW)

Dimensions & Weight · 364 (W) x 274.75 (D) x 28/36.3 (H) mm · 2.95kg

Power Subsystem · ACPI 2.0 CPU power management standard: supports Standby and Hibernation power-saving modes

· 71 W 4800 mAh Li-ion battery pack (8-cell)

· 3.5-hour battery life with 8-cell battery pack

· Acer QuicCharge™ technology: • 80% charge in 1 hour • 2-hour rapid charge system-off • 2.5-hour charge-in-use

· 3-pin 90 W AC adapter

Keyboard and Pointing Device · 88-/89-key, inverted "T" cursor layout,; 2.5mm (minimum) key travel

· Built-in Touchpad with 4-way integrated scroll button

· 12 function keys; 4 cursor keys; 2 Windows^® keys; hotkey controls; embedded numeric keypad, international language support

· 4 easy-launch buttons: Internet, e-mail, Acer Empowering Key and user-programmable button

· 2 front-access buttons: WLAN and Bluetooth^®

Audio · Audio system with 2 built-in speakers

· Built-in microphone

· Intel^® AC97 audio support

· Sound Blaster Pro™ and MS-Sound compatible

· S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) support for digital speakers

Communication Interface · Acer Video Conference featuring Voice and Video over Internet Protocol (VVoIP) support via Acer OrbiCam and Acer Bluetooth^® VoIP phone

· Acer OrbiCam integrated 1.3 megapixel CMOS camera featuring:
- 225-degree ergonomic rotation
- Acer VisageOn technology
- Acer PrimaLite technology

· Modem: 56K ITU V.92 with PTT approval; Wake-on-Ring ready

· LAN: 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet; Wake-on-LAN ready

· Wireless LAN: Integrated Intel^® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG network connection (dual mode 802.11b+g) Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ solution, supporting Acer SignalUp wireless technology

I/O Interface

· 4 x USB 2.0 ports

· 1 x ExpressCard slot

· 1 x 5-in-1 card reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS Pro/xD)

· 1 x DVI-D port

· 1 x Fast Infrared (FIR) port

· 1 x Headphones/speaker/line-out port with S/PDIF support

· 1 x Line-in jack

· 1 x RJ-11 modem port

· 1 x Type II PC Card slot

· 1 x IEEE 1394 port

· 1 x External display VGA port

· 1 x S-video/TV-out (NTSC/PAL) port

· 1 x Microphone-in jack

· 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet port

· 1 x DC-in jack for AC adapter

OS Preload

· Genuine Microsoft^® Windows^® XP Home Software

· Acer Launch Manager

· Acer GridVista™

· Aspire Arcade

· NTI CD Maker™

Thursday 20 April, 2006

Service Center

Acer Computer (Singapore) Pte Ltd
29, International Business Park
#01-01, Acer Building, Tower A
Side Entrance
Singapore 609923

Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm
Extended hours: Wednesday, open till 8.00pm
Saturday, 9.00am to 12.00pm
(Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays)

STOMP published this to-day

FINALLY ..this story was published in STOMP

IN THE HEARTLANDS
POSTED ON 11 JANUARY 2007

Dog owner allows pet to poo anywhere

While STOMP user Deetao was passing by a house at Greenridge Crescent on Wednesday (10 January) at about 10am, he could not help but notice this "disgusting" sight of dog poo on the kerb just outside.

Deetao was disappointed that the pet owners did not clean up after their dogs and reckoned that some of these owners even let their "dogs out unsupervised".

Said he, "It is totally inconsiderate and disgusting to the extreme of these dog owners in the neighbourhood."

In an email to STOMP, Deetao also advised "owners to take responsibility for their animals as it is something that comes along with pet ownership".

STOMP feedback

A Blog is not a Newspaper !

Hi Bloggers ..

Wednesday night was a tad bit depressing... 4D Keena makan .:(

To-day,Thursday Jan 11 2007 was productive in the sense that I did a lot of recuperating.

To-day is the 3rd days GT/DT in Singapore International School . Both appears that have settled in .

Are you blogging as a business? If you are, then you should worry. If not, then why should you worry? Are your blogging for fun? If you are, good, coz the fun part comes from the writing.

A blog is not a newspaper. A blogger blogs for blogging’s sake. Blog whoring is only part of the fun, but it is never the main show.

The blog plots the blogger’s personal journey through time. It records the personal growth, the levels of maturity the blogger goes through, and the myriad ways by which the blogger has learned to express the thoughts. The number of daily hits have no bearing on this. So, if you are a blogger with zero visitors, should I worry? No worries Mate ! No, you need not worry as long as you don’t lose your most important reader.....you yourself. LOL

To all young bloggers .Take note of this ...........

The blogosphere has come a long way. Many blog entries may not represent truth, fantasy or whatsoever .Broadcasts to whole wide world to see you put you in a rather vulnerable position .Young blogger may think people only friends are reading their journals . They are DEAD wrong! Young Blogger should not reveal too much of themselves. Online blog might be read by potential employers, stalkers and pedophiles

FINALLY ........ABOUT ME ,YEAH

I spend most of my time at work facing a computer. I read the news online, I email, do research, earn money, do my banking, book my flights. etc.. All using a fxxckng computer. And with my career firmly in the IT line, I doubt things aren't gonna change for the better anytime soon. The sad fact is that I spent so much time on the computer that I don't know even how to lead a normal life without it anymore. It's bloody ridiculous.

Scoopy Scoopy Do

Irresponsible & Inconsiderate Neighbour

On Wednesday January 10, 2007 at about 10am I saw dog poo right in front of House No 23 lawn (near the driveway) . It is a shame to let your dog out unsupervised .It is totally inconsiderate and disgusting to the extreme of these dog owners in the neighborhood. Take responsibility for your animal; it’s something that comes along with pet ownership. It is the responsibility of owners to clean up after their dog poo. What a shame! Ugly neighbours who did this please identify yourself and clean the mess .

Be A Nice and Responsible Neighbour

MOE Response Date: 1/9/2007 6:52:49 PM

Comments

Application to study in an INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL are supported .Rather fast after my email to Ministry of Education went out . If not for his intervention we probably be waiting till Adam comes !!!

We were previously told by Mr L that we need another five working days for re-submission etc. I shall take Mr.Leong to task on his statement that he did NOT REFUSED to see us. A painful denial that I will not let matter rest .

From: Komathi SUPPIAH

Date: 1/9/2007 6:52:49 PM

To: dtao1@bigpond.net.au

Subject: School Admission

Please refer to your email addressed to the Minister for Education,

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam dated 8 January 2007 on the abovementioned

subject.

2 First, thank you for taking time to write in to share with us your

feedback. We wish to assure you that we take a serious view of all

feedback as it provides valuable insights to recover any lapse in our

service and also to improve our service further wherever possible to

members of the public like yourself.


BLAH BLAH BLAH

5 Thank-you.

Mrs Komathi Suppiah

Head Pupil Placement

School Planning & Placement Division § Ministry of Education, Singapore §

Tel +65 6 879 7323 § http://www.moe.gov.sg

Sorry unable to reproduced the entire email cos the retention or dissemination of its contents may be an offence under the Official Secrets Act.

Feedback

Good Morning Bloggers

Thank you for the feedback (reproduced below)

From: Burns, United States of America January 10 ,2007
Oh...too bad it did not get printed in the ST forum as that would have had way more readership than here. I think they select letters based on how widespread the problem is, and since not every 3rd S'porean is having this problem, I guess they didn't feel it worthy of printing. Sigh.
Overall you are not going to have a problem with S'pore's policies if you weren't gone for an extended period. Maybe this is why nothing had been done about it as the number of S'poreans returning from overseas after being gone for several years isn't a significant percent of the population. I agree it is sad, for I wonder how many of those overseas chose to stay overseas because they encountered problems going back?

From: Munich, Germany January 08 ,2007
It is sad that such things happen in modern Singapore. I just hope that the government makes an effort to try to solve this particular problem.

From: Burns, United States of America
I guess to them, Singaporean = Singaporean. It does not matter whether you're overseas S'porean or local S'porean, to them it's all the same as long as you're a S'pore citizen. I understand where you're coming from. Like you, I also had an unsuccessful attempt to return to S'pore some years back. In my case, the problem wasn't due to not being able to arrange schooling, but due to not being able to find work. But having been there, I understand your frustration. I don't have any advice for you, but I do wish you best of luck.

This is just an idea, so you don't necessarily need to follow it: have you considered writing to the straits times forum? You could take your letter below, and just condense it a bit to meet their size limitation, and then submit it. Maybe it won't be printed, but then again, maybe it might. If it does get printed, it will definitely get the attention of the appropriate authority and also someone who can help you. Because even though this topic got my attention, I am just a small potato whom nobody listens to, so it is not like I could do anything to help, even though I wish I could help.

From: Suzhou, China
oic. so sad. i believe it caught quite alot of people attention. i believe some reporters or govt is reading. even if you directly confront them. they will choose to avoid. cos there always proper channel. and proper channel waste time......

To be continued......

Globalise this Singapore Joke

Thank you OverseaSingaporean for the comments posted in response to my problem ! Here my response ......

I FULLY AGREED !!
QUOTE
if you directly confront them. they will choose to avoid. cos there always proper channel. and proper channel waste time......
UNQUOTE

Yes THE SINGAPORE FORUM did received a copy of this article on the same day that I decided to publish my feedback here. BUT they choose not to publish !! Who own the SINGAPORE Media ?? Media=Government Government=Media ! Complete waste of time ....

SOME ONE EMAIL ME THIS TO-DAY !!! HE TOO WAS SEEKING APPROVAL............ read on please !

TRUTH IS THE GREATEST ENEMY OF THE STATE
(Agni Kootthu (Theatre of Fire) )

The Media Development Authority of Singapore's (MDA) censorship of the arts has become an unbearable joke today.
5 August 2006

The Media Development Authority of Singapore's (MDA) censorship of the arts has become an unbearable joke today.

We applied for a public entertainment licence for the play SMEGMA, written and directed by Elangovan (bilingual poet-playwright- director) a month ago to the MDA for censorship vetting.

I called the MDA on Tue 1 Aug afternoon at about after 2pm to find out about the licence.

I was told that MDA has approved the licence and it was ready for collection. About half an hour later, I received a call from an MDA officer saying that the licence was not ready and they were still processing.

When I asked her whether it was a joke and also added that I would go the media, she immediately did a full roundabout and said that the licence was ready and we could collect it. We collected the black & white approved licence document from MDA at 4.55 pm on Tue 1 Aug 06 after paying them S$20 by NETS at the counter.

The conditions in the licence were as expected- RA18 with advisory: 'The play is Rated RA18. The play contains strong language and adult themes that may be objectionable to some members of the public. The advisory must be reflected in all publicity materials.'

Today, at about 2.30 pm, I received a call from an MDA official who did not reveal her name.

She informed me that the licence which MDA issued to our group Agni Kootthu (Theatre of Fire) for the play SMEGMA has been cancelled.

She did not give any reasons and I demanded for a written letter.

She said that MDA would follow up. Meanwhile, MDA had a press conference for the local media at 3pm at its premises to inform that they had cancelled the licence issued for the play SMEGMA.

The script of SMEGMA was given to the press members for private reading and collected back.

I finally received a letter by fax today from Ms Amy Tsang, confirming the cancellation of our licence with the following reasons:

para1. Further to our teleconversation today, we would like to inform you that the Media Development Authority (MDA) is cancelling the arts entertainment licence No: 005/08/2006 issued on 1 Aug 2006 for the play 'SMEGMA'.

para 2. After careful consideration, we find that the play undermines the values underpinning Singapore's multi-racial, multi-religious society, and may negatively impact upon our bilateral relations with our neighbours.

para3.The play portrays Muslims in a negative light. Two playlets featuring Muslim terrorists are also provocative in view of the increased tension in the Middle east.

para 4. In view of this, MDA has decided not to let the play be staged.
After the above fax, I received a call from MDA saying that they would be faxing another letter soon and it would supercede the fax sent earlier.

I received the final fax at 5.29 pm with a cover letter saying - "Please ignore the earlier letter on the above subject which we had faxed to you before 5 pm today. The attached supercedes the previous letter." Now, this fax had only one para (para 2) to give a reason for the cancellation:

para 2: After careful consideration, we find that the play undermines the values underpinning Singapore's multi-racial, multi-religious society, and portrays Muslims in a negative light."

Paragraph 2 from the earlier letter disapperaed and paragraph 2 has been amended.

Elangovan's TALAQ faced a different sort of problem in OCT 2000 from the then PELU of the Police. The licence was not issued and the whole situation ended in a fiasco, that led to a relook at the censorship laws for plays in Singapore.

But now, six years later, the esteemed MDA has created a mess for a small minority theatre group, by issuing the licence and then cancelling the licence, and also changing their reasons for the cancellation, the same day.

MDA had a month to vet the play. They claim on their website that they would usually vet a play and respond after two weeks. MDA had sufficient time to vet the play and inform us.

We would have made the necessary amendments if MDA had informed us earlier.

What's wrong with the Censorship panel of MDA and its super-efficient officers? Why are MDA officers behaving like this? Why cancel the licence on the eve of our production, which is tomorrow and Sunday? If MDA had cancelled the licence much earlier, we would not have proceeded with our production.

We would have saved our finances but now we have lost so much.

It only confirms that liberalisation of the arts in Singapore is just lip-service of the 66.6% powers that be. What happened to us (worse than the TALAQ incident in 2000) may happen to fellow artistes in this country.

With the National Day celebrations to glorify nation-building next week, and the IMF meeting in September, what Freedom of Expression are we talking about in Singapore?

It is a painful joke.

Grateful if you would globalise this Singapore Joke.

Thank you. S Thenmoli (Ms)
President
Agni Kootthu (Theatre of Fire)

Copy of email to Mr.Tharman Shanmugratnam

Monday, January 08 2007 at 4 pm I received a call from the respective International School that they have just received approval(via Fax) from Ministry of Education. Why the approval took so long is questionable. Anyway Many thanks to Mr.Tharman Shanmugratnam - Ministry of Education . A purge on the Ministry's deck would be necessary to prevent such unpleasant future occurrence

Here the email confirmation to Mr.Tharman Shanmugratnam

From: deetao Date: 1/8/2007 12:17:52 AM To: tharman_shanmugaratnam@moe.gov.sg Subject: MOE PUPIL PLACEMENT UNIT

CONTENTS OMITTED !!

Need Help on your child education ??

QUOTE

"The Government will help every child, regardless of the background he comes from "No matter how good the school he attends, no matter what type of school , be it a government school, polytechnic or university, no matter the student's family background,we will try our best to help him with his education."

MOE MISSION STATEMENT

International school placement is an obvious choice for Singaporean been away from Singapore for some 8 years based on the following MOE Mission Statement . Give them time to make necessary adjustment and excel according to their ability !


THE BASIS FOR SURVIVAL & SUCCESS

QUOTE
People are our most precious resource. Every citizen is valuable and has a unique contribution to make. Through education every individual can realise his full potential, use his talents and abilities to benefit his community and nation, and lead a full and satisfying life.

Every child must be encouraged to progress through the education system as far as his ability allows. Advancement must always depend on performance and merit to ensure equal opportunity for all.

Every child should be taught at a pace he can cope with. Each should be stimulated to excel according to his individual aptitudes. The system must be flexible, to cope with pupils who mature mentally, physically, emotionally and socially at different rates.

Every child must learn to take pride in his work, to do his best and excel in whatever he does, and to value and respect honest work.
UNQUOTE

The Super Elite Staff @ Ministry of Education

In the Sunday times, January 8, 2007 there was an article “Make Foreigner Feel Welcome” Mr.Wong Kan Seng ,who is the Minister of Home Affair (Singapore) said “many of us have ancestors from countries like Malaya, Indonesia, India and China .They were foreigners in the land years ago, but decided to sink roots here . This is how they become Singaporeans.” “In order to make Singapore-an attractive destination for migrants, we must make them feel welcome, help them to integrate into the community and sink roots in Singapore.” Mr. Wong also stressed that the Government will “continue to look after the Singaporean first.”

Well said Mr.Wong Kan Seng , but I feel that the government is not looking after the Singaporean first here .

We are Singaporean residing in Australia . Arrived in our homeland on 10 Dec 2006 with a second and FINAL attempt of settling my two boys education in their homeland. Our first priority was to seek a school for them and to help them to integrate into the local Educational systems gradually .We choose an International School not because of our dislike of Government schools. Our fear is they will need time to adjust to local systems and environment and this will minimum disruption and possible dropout from school etc.

In order not to waste too much of our precious time in Singapore , we found an International School on 13Dec 2006. We enrolled them to start a new term on 3rd Jan 2007. But was told we need to seek approval from Ministry of Education. Application was submitted on 14 December 2006. To our disappointment, we heard noting as of JAN 07 2007 ! In a desperate attempt, we marched into Ministry of Education office with the sole purpose of finding out what is holding back our application. To add to our insult, The person in charge of Pupil placement refused to see us. The conduct of the officer is therefore questionable . Is he that ELITE that he is unable to spare a few minutes of his time explaining to us what is holding back our application. We are no beggars. This is our home we want to feel wanted and welcome in our homeland.

I would expect the personnel at Ministry of Education are held to higher standard of professionalism and ethical responsibility than most because they are trained to lead the children – the future of Singapore .The Ministry of Education governing body has a duty to itself and the public to preserve the public confidence and uphold the professions standing .The public has a reasonable expectation of accountability.

Mr. L just refused to entertain us thus gave us an unfortunate impression it was giving excuses for them. Talking to my friends and colleagues later about my encounter with a Mr.L. I asked them what they would have done. It is just sad that is falling short of the exemplary role expected of him.

The answers I received were-variety of answers, It is quite hard to put forward my complaint to higher authority?? Many though that I had done the right thing. But I won’t forget the dilemmas I faced of getting the approval for my sons to study in an International School.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong spoke of the need to reach out to the Singaporean Diaspora in his National Day speech last year. To promote this it has even setup an Overseas Unit in the Prime Minister’s office. I quote “Let’s help them get to-gether ,” he said.

YES, PM LEE A BIG THANK YOU !! THIS OVERSEAS UNIT IS AN EXCELLENT ATTEMPT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION .

BUT MY MAIN CONCERN IS THERE ANYONE IN YOUR OFFICE FOLLOWING UP ON THE MANY ISSUES RAISED HERE ??

Singapore is our Home, where we want to make our contributions.

Where the support from the well said speech of Mr Wong Kan Seng that the Government will “continue to look after the Singaporean first.”?

Where is the “pillar of Social support” Dear Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam –Education Minister?

Where is the ongoing measure to ensure all Singaporeans prosper in the globalized world?

Where is the role in helping the needy, regardless of race or religion?

SO MUCH MONEY, SO LITTLE TIME

To enter the world of platinum privileges, it seems, one needs to have grasped a golden opportunity or be born with a silver spoon - or possibly both.

Millionaires are basically cash rich but time poor. Wealth gives them a broad range of options to spend their money,However, the third generation entrepreneur is actually frugal beyond his means. He travels economy class for his working trips, stays in moderately
priced hotels and is transparent with all company-paid expenses.

Sorry this Blogger is not a Millionaire but MillionHairs

Moron Driver SCM 4295 K

On Saturday 05 Jan 2007 at about 12.30 pm along Jurong Kechil Road (direcly opposite the Chinese Temple)

This idiot Mercedes driver SCM 4295 K, an uncle “AhBeng”class moron, had the audacity to glare at me and hope to walk off, when I pointedly stared at the man for parking at the parking space that I have waited for 30 minutes after I have moved my car forward to allow the Taxi park in the lot to move out . Not only an idiot - a undeniably selfish idiot that reversed and took my lot . even when I horned continuously did not appear to move his car. He even got the cheek to call the police. Yes the police did arrived took our particulars.


Sigh! These are the kind of morons given driving licences in Singapore ... perhaps the Traffic Police should incorporate a courtesy module into the highway code.