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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Cross-border transport gets boost

SINGAPORE: Currently, 200 cross-border taxis in Singapore and 200 in Malaysia are allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at just two places - Ban San Street near Bugis, and Pasar Bakti terminal in Johor.
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From July, taxis plying both sides of the Singapore-Malaysia border will be able to pick up and drop off passengers anywhere in their domestic countries.

The Joint Ministerial Committee also agreed to boost connectivity by further increasing the quota for cross border bus services.

A joint engineering study for the Rapid Transit System (RTS) link between Iskandar Malaysia and Singapore was also approved.

The project is targeted to be launched in May 2011.

ORIGINAL SOURCE

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Video: Videotaping teen takes on police

NEWARK – Khaliah Fitchette better hope she never trips and falls on a public sidewalk when somebody is walking nearby with a cell phone. I’m sure the “fotog” would love to record the embarrassing event – and maybe even put the video on YouTube.

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It would be the passerby’s way of exercising his “First Amendment” rights.

Fitchette is the Newark teenager who got into trouble last March for taking a video of Newark police trying to help a man suffering from a medical emergency on a city bus. Police asked her to stop taping, and when she refused, they took her into custody.

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The student was handcuffed, but not arrested. Police released her to her mother several hours later without pressing charges.

A thoughtful student would have realized that, “Hey, I really shouldn’t have videotaped that man in distress.” (The man had collapsed, and was unconscious.)

A thoughtful person would have reasoned, “Sure, it’s a public place, and like many teenagers, I like to tape my friends doing funny things. But if I fell on my face on a sidewalk or collapsed in a medical emergency, I sure would not want somebody taping me.” (Unlike my opening example, Fitchette did not put the video on YouTube.)

A thoughtful person would have further realized that, on reflection, “I wasn’t being very bright in defying the cops when they asked me to stop taping. The police have their job, and they’re mostly doing their best. They usually ask people to stand back, and I was interfering. Getting good pictures wasn’t the most important thing that day.”

It would have dawned on a thoughtful person that, “The cops understood – as I did not – that they were trying to protect the man’s privacy and save him from further embarrassment.”

A thoughtful person would have realized, “Now I understand why the police, angered by my defiance expressed by my refusal to stop taping, would have handcuffed me. I certainly did not enjoy being handcuffed and being held in custody for several hours. But,” a thoughtful person would have concluded, “I certainly brought that unpleasantness upon myself.”

Yes, a thoughtful person, upon reflection, would have understood all of that.

But Fitchette, now 17, is apparently not a thoughtful person. Instead of chalking it up as a lesson in maturity, the teenager sought revenge against the Newark police. Looking around for somebody to help her beat up on the Newark police, she and her mother found the New Jersey chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

For the ACLU, this student’s wanting to get back at the police was like manna from heaven. And so, the state chapter of the ACLU has filed a federal lawsuit on her behalf against Newark police, accusing them of illegally detaining her.

“This is part of a fairly pervasive pattern and practice by the Newark Police Department,” said Baher Azmy, a professor at ACLU, “to retaliate against individuals’ assertion of their First Amendment rights.”

That is utter nonsense. Go look it up: the First Amendment guarantees the right to speak your mind, practice your religion, and peaceably assemble.

It’s a far stretch to say that the First Amendment gives you the right to videotape the police trying to help somebody in distress, particularly if that officer asks you not to interfere with their official duties.

To be fair to our student, it is not illegal to videotape somebody in public. But when police arrive to help somebody in distress, they routinely ask people to get back, and out of the way. Sometimes, police “order” people to do that. With rubberneckers out of the way, first responders can do their job.

Fitchette’s mother even spoke at the press conference, available on YouTube. Nowhere does Kameelah Phillips mention the crucial point – that her daughter defiantly refused to stop taping, even after police asked her to stop.


I guess teenagers can do whatever they want. If the cops don’t like it – tough, we’ll call the ACLU.

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Man shot during confrontation with police

Earlier at about 10:08 p.m (PST), police responded to Kent's Lakes neighborhood after a report of a weapon being discharged.

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The two officers at first couldn't find the source of the shots, but more 911 calls from local residents helped narrow down the location. Officers found a man with a gun at 23300 61st Ave. S., at Bayview Townhomes.

The officers confronted the 63-year-old man, who then pointed the gun at them. He was shot.

The two officers involved in the incident were not hurt.

ORIGINAL SOURCE

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Businessman sues abbot for $1.39 million

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The businessman, Mr Chua Kwee Sin, 46, alleges that he paid the abbot, Venerable Meow Di, 43 (photo), abbot of the Mei Feng Fo Xin Buddhist temple in Geylang Lorong 27, the amount to set up a casino in Cambodia which did not materialise.
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Assured by the abbot, the businessman agreed to the business venture. He claimed that he forwarded S$1,394,860 over about 11 days in November 2009.

Venerable Meow is denying the claims, saying a third party named William Tan had proposed the casino project to Mr Chua.

ORIGINAL SOURCE

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Home Affairs Ministry introduces new study award

SINGAPORE: The Home Affairs Ministry has introduced a new study award to reel in more talent.
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The HOME Study Award allows polytechnic students pursue diplomas with course fees paid by the Ministry.

Award holders also get an annual allowance of S$2,400 while a bonus payout of S$1,200 will be given to those who pass all exam modules each semester.

Award holders have to serve a four-year bond with the Home Team.


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Obese man fused to chair, had to be cut



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Hunt in Perth for Singapore Air Force men's attackers

Ref: Singapore Air Force servicemen beaten up by gang in Perth

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POLICE in Perth yesterday released a photofit of one of 10 men suspected of beating up two Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) servicemen last Saturday.
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The assailant is described as slim, about 1.7m tall, with a dark complexion and dark brown hair. He is believed to be aged between 17 and 20 and was wearing dark clothing at the time.

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MAS to tighten policy again in April

SINGAPORE - The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the republic's central bank, is expected to further tighten monetary policy at its half-yearly review next month.
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The MAS manages monetary policy by setting an exchange rate band for the Sing dollar, against a basket of undisclosed currencies. By recentring the midpoint, it allows the dollar to move up or down within that band.

The latest monetary stance - to be released in the MAS's monetary policy statement around the second week of April - will likely be milder compared to the central bank's two aggressive tightening moves last year.

The Singapore dollar has appreciated around 11 per cent against the greenback since the beginning of last year.

Ongoing concerns over inflation and global economic impact following the Japan disaster and turmoil in the Middle East may be factors that could prompt the central bank to take that stance.

Singapore's economy is still expected to grow strongly this year.

ORIGINAL SOURCE

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Foreign Couple Who Stole $15,000 Diamond Bracelet Arrested

On 26 Mar 2011 at about 10.55pm, a staff of a jewellery shop along Victoria Street reported to the Police that a diamond bracelet had been stolen from the shop.

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Officers from Central Police Division attended to the case and conducted investigations. From the shop’s CCTV footage, the officers established that a Caucasian couple, a 34 year-old Colombian man and a 21 year-old American woman, were the potential suspects.

With this lead, officers from Central Police Division and Police Intelligence Department conducted extensive enquiries in a bid to arrest the suspects.

The officers’ efforts paid off on 28 Mar 2011 when they mounted a joint operation with officers from Tanglin Police Division and arrested the couple in a hotel along Geylang Road at about 12.30pm . The stolen bracelet was also successfully recovered from the couple’s hotel room.

The suspects will be charged in Court on 30 March 2011 for an offence of Theft in Dwelling with Common Intention under Section 380 of the Penal Code read with Section 34, Chapter 224 which carries a jail term of seven years and fine.

ORIGINAL SOURCE

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Euro Qualifiers: Netherlands made to work, Spain let one in against minnows

Tue 29/03/11 Czech Republic 2 - 0 Liechtenstein View events More info
Wed 30/03/11 Sweden 2 - 1 Moldova View events More info


Israel 1 - 0 Georgia View events More info


Turkey 2 - 0 Austria View events More info


Romania 3 - 1 Luxembourg View events More info


Netherlands 5 - 3 Hungary View events More info


Estonia 1 - 1 Serbia View events More info


Lithuania 1 - 3 Spain View events More info


Belgium 4 - 1 Azerbaijan View events More info


Northern Ireland 0 - 0 Slovenia
More info

Group C: Serbia denied victory
Marko Pantelic’s poachers’ strike in the 39th minute put the Serbians ahead in the first half, followed by a handful of missed opportunities. A late equaliser by Konstantin Vassiljev denied Serbia victory.
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The group’s other game saw Northern Ireland and Slovenia play out a 0-0 draw which could prove a missed opportunity for both nations.

Turkey up to third
Galatasaray midfielder Turan gaveTurkey the lead after beating two defenders before he placed the ball past Austria goalkeeper Jurgen Macho.
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The Turks doubled their lead through Gokhan, and had their glovesman, Volkan Demirel, to thank for saving a Stefan Maierhofer penalty in the 84th minute.

The group’s other match saw Belgium record a resounding 4-1 victory over Azerbaijan.

Netherlands maintain domination
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie's early strike gave the Dutch a half-time advantage but goals from Gergely Rudolf and Zoltan Gera turned the game on its head.
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Gera equalised again after goals from Wesley Sneijder and Ruud van Nistelrooy had got Holland back in front, before Kuyt had the final say to move Bert van Marwijk's side to 18 points from six games.

In Soha, Sweden had to withstand a late barrage from Moldova to claim a 2-1 win.


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International Soccer Friendlies: China trumps Honduras, Socceroos shock Germany

Tue 29/03/11 Guatemala 1 - 1 Bolivia View events More info


China PR 3 - 0 Honduras View events More info


Jordan 1 - 1 Korea DPR
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Oman 2 - 1 Tunisia View events More info


Belarus 0 - 1 Canada View events More info
Wed 30/03/11 Qatar 1 - 1 Russia View events More info


Peru 0 - 0 Ecuador
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Iraq 0 - 1 Kuwait View events More info


Cyprus 0 - 1 Bulgaria View events More info


Slovakia 1 - 2 Denmark View events More info


Greece 0 - 0 Poland
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Chile 2 - 0 Colombia View events More info


Germany 1 - 2 Australia View events More info


Ireland Republic 2 - 3 Uruguay View events More info


Ukraine 0 - 2 Italy View events More info


France 0 - 0 Croatia
More info


England 1 - 1 Ghana View events More info


Cuba 0 - 2 Panama View events More info


Portugal 2 - 0 Finland View events More info


United States 0 - 1 Paraguay View events More info

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Despite Mario Gomez’ first half goal, the Australians rallied in the second half to topple the home side, Germany 2-1.

A neatly-taken goals by Blackpool's David Carney, the 1000th goal conceded by Germany, and a penalty from Luke Wilkshire, consigned the Germans to defeat.

A late goal from Asamoah Gyan earned Ghana a 1-1 draw with England at Wembley.

Recent Liverpool signing Andy Carroll put the Three Lions ahead just before the interval but the English were denied a victory over the World Cup quarter-finalists when Sunderland forward Gyan curled in a fine goal for the Africans.

France and Croatia played out a scoreless draw at the Stade de France, in a rematch of the 1998 World Cup semi-final which saw Croatia coach Slaven Bilic controversially have his opposite number Laurent Blanc sent off.

World Cup semi-finalist Uruguay overcame a late comeback to grab an entertaining 3-2 win over Ireland.

A Shane Long headed effort cancelled out Diego Lugano’s goal but then strikes from Edinson Cavani and Abel Hernandez put the Uruguayans 3-1 ahead.

A Keith Faley penalty gave the Irish a chance but the Uruguayans held on.

Qatar grabbed a surprise 1-1 result against Russia. They lead through Mohamed Kasoula, but were denied a famous victory when Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko equalised with a shot that Qatari goalkeeper Meshal Mubarak got a hand to.

Former World Cup champions Italy beat Ukraine 2-1 in Kiev thanks to goals from Giuseppe Rossi and Alessandro Matri.

Greece was held to 0-0 draw by Poland in Piraeus despite a handful of scoring opportunities falling their way in each half.

Portugal beat Finland in Aviero thanks a brace from debutant Rúben Micael.

Canada edged out Belarus at a near-empty stadium in Antalya in Turkey courtesy of a 58th minute strike from Houston Dynamo defender Andre Hainault.

A Michael Krohn-Dehli winner saw Denmark come out on top against Slovakia. Denmark drew first blood after an own goal from Slovakia’s Kornel Salata although the Slovakians drew level Filip Holosko but it was the Brondby midfielder who had the last laugh for the Danes.

A solitary goal separated Bulgaria and Cyprus with the Bulgarians coming out on top courtesy of a contentious Martin Petrov goal.

In Asia, China resoundingly defeated Honduras by three goals thanks to a from goal from Huang Bowen, and a Yang Xu double – all of which were set up by Schalke midfielder Hao Junmin.

In Latin America, Ecuador were held 0-0 by Peru in The Hague, Netherlands.

The Peruvians, who were reduced to 10 men, managed to hold on after goalkeeper Salomon Libman’s saved Ecuador captain Walter Ayovi's penalty in the first half.

A Matias Fernandez free-kick and Jean Beausejour strike saw Chile beat Colombia 2-0.

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Videos: Police face 'angry mob' at beach

MIAMI — Last weekend’s throngs of tourists and event-goers may have been good for Miami Beach’s hotels, clubs and restaurants, but the thousands of visitors created a busy — and at times violent — week for the city’s police and firefighters.
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Between Wednesday and Sunday night, officers and paramedics dealt with a possible suicide jumper at the Flamingo condominium, a mid-day drowning at The Clevelander, a brutal gang rape at The Fontainebleau, and an officer attacked when crowds outside a concert on the beach degenerated into what a fire department spokesman described as an “angry mob.”

Some of the YouTube videos onlookers shot Saturday outside of the Funkshion Fashion Week concert headlined by Swedish House Mafia were sparking mixed reactions on Tuesday.

Watch the videos below were taken on March 26.











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Car insurance schemes in Singapore

It is compulsory for every car in Singapore to be covered by motor insurance. As each of the motor insurance package is only valid for a year, you will have to renew it by paying a new premium after each year.
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Below are 3 types of car insurance cover available:

- Third Party Cover
- Third Party, Fire and Theft
- Comprehensive Cover

Third Party Cover
This policy covers the driver's legal liability for damage to property belonging to other persons such as cars; fences; street lighting etc. It also includes the driver's legal liability for death of or bodily injury to passengers and third parties caused by his negligence. This is normally the cheapest car insurance policy as it provides the least coverage.

Third Party, Fire and Theft
In addition to the cover provided by the "Third Party" cover, this policy is extended include accidental loss or damage by fire and/or theft of the vehicle. This is slightly more expensive as compared with the third party policy. This car insurance is complusory for owners who are still financing their cars, which are more than 10 years old.

Comprehensive Cover
This offers the widest coverage and includes all the abovementioned covers plus accidental damage to the insured's own vehicle, accessories and spare parts arising in Singapore, West Malaysia and that part of Thailand within 50 miles of the border between Thailand and West Malaysia.

The additional cover provides personal accident benefits for the driver and medical expenses arising from the motor accident. Although the term "comprehensive" is used, the standard comprehensive cover does not include losses arising from riots, strikes and civil commotions, floods and windstorms. It also does not cover personal accident benefits for passengers and liability of passengers for acts of negligence.

Comprehensive insurance cover is not available for cars which are more than 10 years old. Owners are required to get comprehensive insurance cover if their cars are less than 10 years old and are still under financing.

* Note that third party here shall mean the victim in the accident.

Third Party Insurance Third Party, Fire and Theft Insurance Comprehensive Insurance Optional benefits for comprehensive policies (may be subject to payment of additional premium)
Death or injury of a third party, including liability towards passengers Death or injury of a third party, including liability towards passengers Death or injury of a third party, including liability towards passengers Windscreen damage
Damage to third party's property Damage to third party's property Damage to third party's property Damage arising from riot, strike and civil commotion

Indemnity to the insured for loss or damage arising from fire or theft Indemnity to the insured for loss or damage to arising from fire or theft Damage arising from flood and windstorm


Medical expenses Liability of passengers for acts of negligence


Personal accident benefits Personal accident benefits for passengers



Additional excess



No-Claim Discount protection (private car only)

Before making any claims:
If the total repair costs incurred is likely to be lower than the current discounts/rebates on your premium (also known as No Claim Discount), it is advisable not to claim the repair cost from your car insurance. You are better off paying for the repairs yourself in the long run.

Refer to the following table to know how much discount on the premium you get to enjoy after you have made any claims.

Current No Claim Discount Reduced No Claim Discount
1 Claim Made > 2 Claims Made
50% 20% 0%
40% 10% 0%
30-10% 0% 0%

ORIGINAL SOURCE
Related Articles:

Independent Damage Assessment Centres
What determines motor insurance premium
Car insurance terms - What is NCD, excess & named driver?
What to do in case of car accident
Motor Insurance Companies

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Man United to play Seattle Sounders FC on July 20

Manchester United will play Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire, New England Revolution and Seattle Sounders as part of its preseason tour of the United States.

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Organizers announced Tuesday that the Red Devils will face the Revolution on July 13 at Foxborough, Mass., and meet the Fire on July 23 at Chicago's Soldier Field. It's part of an exhibition tournament known as the World Football Challenge.

They also will play Barcelona on July 30 at the Washington Redskins' stadium in Landover, Md. Man United's game against the Sounders, which is not part of the tournament, will be on July 20 in Seattle. The Red Devils also play against the MLS All-Stars on July 27 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J.

The tour is preparation for the start of the Premier League season on Aug. 13.

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11 hurt in shooting, bus crash

Gunmen opened fire near 75th Street and Vincennes Avenue in Englewood this morning and caused a CTA bus to crash.
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The incident began around 9:30 a.m. when two men jumped from a red truck and began walking down the block, firing with AK-47s or Uzis as the truck followed them. They appeared to be aiming at a black sedan.

Around the same time as the shooting, a car veered into a westbound No. 75 CTA bus, pushing the bus into a light pole and injuring the driver and five passengers, said CTA spokeswoman Lambrini Lukidis. The injuries were not believed life-threatening, she said.

An employee who works at a nearby currency exchange said he was startled when he heard six to 10 gunshots fired just north of the store.

The bus veered left across the street, toppling a bench and a light pole before coming to a stop in a vacant lot.

Eleven people were hurt -- two seriously.

ORIGINAL SOURCE

Industry to face rubber shortage as demand increases

SINGAPORE: Industry experts said the shortage in the supply of rubber is likely to continue this year due to high global demand. Observers attribute this to the strong growth of manufacturing industries in Asia, coupled with a drop in supply because of bad weather conditions.
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The cost of the raw materials has gone up. Industry-watchers said the price of tyres has been increasing 10 per cent every three months, for the past year.

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