Mum's 18-point deal with son over iPhone goes viral

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.divaasia.com/article/19608

Like many other parents, Janell Burley Hofmann of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, gave her son an iPhone last Christmas. But her gift to 13-year-old Gregory came with strings attached-a long list of rules that he must follow.

The mother of five covered everything, curfew, porn and all-from "I will always know the password" and "Do not ever ignore a phone call if the screen reads 'Mom' or 'Dad'" to "Do not send or receive pictures of your private parts or anyone else's private parts."

The 18-point iPhone contract, which she first posted on her blog (www.janellburleyhofmann.com), was picked up by the Huffington Post and has gone viral since. Janell and Gregory have even appeared on TV.

In an interview with ABC, Gregory said, "My first reaction was why, why did she have to do this?" But he did say he would have followed those rules anyway. On Twitter, Hofmann said, "He says that making the contract was 'so my Mom.' We had some laughs, talked seriously and he signed!"

Here are the points in mum Janell Burley Hofmann's letter to her 13-year-old son.

1. It is my phone. I bought it. I pay for it. I am loaning it to you. Aren't I the greatest?

2. I will always know the password.

3. If it rings, answer it. It is a phone. Say hello, use your manners. Do not ever ignore a phone call if the screen reads "Mom" or "Dad." Not ever.

4. Hand the phone to one of your parents promptly at 7.30 p.m. every school night and every weekend night at 9:00 p.m. It will be shut off for the night and turned on again at 7.30 a.m. If you would not make a call to someone's land line, wherein their parents may answer first, then do not call or text. Listen to those instincts and respect other families like we would like to be respected.

5. It does not go to school with you. Have a conversation with the people you text in person. It's a life skill. *Half days, field trips and after school activities will require special consideration.

6. If it falls into the toilet, smashes on the ground, or vanishes into thin air, you are responsible for the replacement costs or repairs. Mow a lawn, babysit, stash some birthday money. It will happen, you should be prepared.

7. Do not use this technology to lie, fool, or deceive another human being. Do not involve yourself in conversations that are hurtful to others. Be a good friend first or stay the hell out of the crossfire.

8. Do not text, email, or say anything through this device you would not say in person.

9. Do not text, email, or say anything to someone that you would not say out loud with their parents in the room. Censor yourself.

10. No porn. Search the web for information you would openly share with me. If you have a question about anything, ask a person -- preferably me or your father.

11. Turn it off, silence it, put it away in public. Especially in a restaurant, at the movies, or while speaking with another human being. You are not a rude person; do not allow the iPhone to change that.

12. Do not send or receive pictures of your private parts or anyone else's private parts. Don't laugh. Someday you will be tempted to do this despite your high intelligence. It is risky and could ruin your teenage/college/adult life. It is always a bad idea. Cyberspace is vast and more powerful than you. And it is hard to make anything of this magnitude disappear -- including a bad reputation.

13. Don't take a zillion pictures and videos. There is no need to document everything. Live your experiences. They will be stored in your memory for eternity.

14. Leave your phone home sometimes and feel safe and secure in that decision. It is not alive or an extension of you. Learn to live without it. Be bigger and more powerful than FOMO (fear of missing out).

15. Download music that is new or classic or different than the millions of your peers that listen to the same exact stuff. Your generation has access to music like never before in history. Take advantage of that gift. Expand your horizons.

16. Play a game with words or puzzles or brain teasers every now and then.

17. Keep your eyes up. See the world happening around you. Stare out a window. Listen to the birds. Take a walk. Talk to a stranger. Wonder without googling.

18. You will mess up. I will take away your phone. We will sit down and talk about it. We will start over again. You and I, we are always learning. I am on your team. We are in this together.

WP files motion to debate town council issue in Parliament

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130109-394289.html

Town councils is set to be debated in the House when Parliament sits on Monday.

Workers' Party chairman Sylvia Lim said that she has filed an adjournment motion for the next sitting titled "Safeguarding the Public Interest in Town Council Management".

Members of Parliament file such motions when they want more time to tackle a particular topic.

During the 90-minute long question time, the Speaker decides which and how many supplementary questions to allow.

An adjournment motion - which takes place at the end of a day's sitting - allows a member to speak for 20 minutes.

News of the WP move comes on the same day Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that he had asked the Ministry of National Development (MND) to review the computer system transaction between PAP town councils and the company Action Information Management.

MND said the planning for the review began last week and field activities will take place soon.

Vehicle reverses into bride-to-be in broad daylight

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20130107-393821.html

She is hoping to get back into shape for her wedding in three weeks.

For now, the woman, known only as Miss Lim, is sitting in Tan Tock Seng Hospital with a skull fracture and other head injuries after an accident on New Year's Day.

At 5.30pm that day, in broad daylight, a car reversed into her from the main road as its driver attempted to park, throwing her into the vehicle's rear windscreen.

A witness told citizen journalism website Stomp that the impact was so great the whole rear windscreen was smashed.


"While some witnesses tried to take photos of the car plate, the owner of the car kept blocking them to prevent them from taking the photos," the witness said.

The accountant told Shin Min Daily News yesterday that her wedding could not be postponed.

She just had to get out of hospital for the ceremony, she said.

That evening, Miss Lim had gone with her groom-to-be to an eatery near Farrer Park MRT station, when she realised she had forgotten to take something with her and so she went back home, which was nearby.

As she was walking to her block, the car attempted to reverse into a parking lot.

That is when the accident happened.

Apple working on cheaper iPhone: Report

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.todayonline.com/Technology/EDC130109-0000053/Apple-working-on-cheaper-iPhone--Report

NOT ACTUAL IMAGE
Ah ha ha ha.

Apple is working on a cheaper version of its popular iPhone that could be released this year, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal yesterday.

The device could resemble the existing iPhone, but might use less expensive materials, such as a shell made of polycarbonate plastic, according to the report, which cited anonymous sources.

Apple could decide not to move forward with the lower-end iPhone, the report noted.

The product would represent the first time Apple has diversified its line of smartphones with significantly different models since launching the original iPhone in 2007.

Apple declined to comment on the report.

Wedding planner left these proud couples and their families in a lurch

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.divaasia.com/article/19602

It was the first wedding in their family, but these proud parents were left in a lurch when the planner did not provide enough food.

Even the food that was served was unacceptable.

To make matters worse, the names and date on the wedding cake were wrong.

Mr Mohd Salleh Mohd, 58, a clerk, and his wife Madam Sulaimah Jasmani, 50, hosted the wedding reception for their son and daughter-in-law - Muhd Saiful Anuar, 28, and Erlyna Jaafar, 25 - on Dec 30 last year.

Madam Sulaimah, a housewife, told The New Paper that they had signed up for a full package with Enchanted Wedding, which included food for 1,000 people, decor and entertainment.

The package cost $15,400 and they had paid $13,100. They are holding the balance because they feel that the company did not uphold its end of the contract.

Madam Sulaimah said the food was mostly finished two hours after they started serving, and by then, they had only received about 300 guests.

Although they were angry and upset with the planner, they tried to salvage the situation.

Family and friends cooked up fried noodles after rushing to a supermarket to buy the ingredients.

They also had to top up on drinks, ice cubes and tissue boxes.

Madam Sulaimah also said the beef dish they ordered smelled bad and the bonesteak was soaking in oil.

Said Madam Sulaimah: "It was so embarrassing for us. People will always remember what a disaster the wedding turned out to be. I really don't know where to put my face."

>>>

This couple had seen the grand pillars and balcony in the photo and believed the wedding planner would deliver that quality.

Instead, they got a flat board-like replica.

Mechanic Chua Md Syafidi, 23, and his bride, nurse Nur Shahidah Tahar, 24, had their hearts set on an extravagant garden-theme wedding, but they were disappointed with what they saw.

Enchanted Wedding delivered a white backdrop with mock windows and two stands covered in white cloth.

The couple, who held their wedding at a community centre on Dec 29 last year, had paid $3,675 for decoration services.

The groom waited nine hours for the wedding planners and their team to arrive on the eve of the wedding. At 7pm, only an assistant showed up, but she had no clue what was going on - she didn't know about the arrangements of the props or the colour scheme.

The couple had learnt of Enchanted Wedding through a wedding expo and had held many discussions with the planners before the big day.

Mr Chua told The New Paper that when he called the wedding planners, they gave him a variety of excuses. He added that he is trying to get some form of compensation from the company.

Faulty switch behind seaman's accident?

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130109-394206.html

A switch which malfunctioned on a Republic of Singapore Navy ship could have caused the horrific accident that resulted in a serviceman losing both his legs and his left arm last month.

Revealing the preliminary findings of ongoing investigations, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said yesterday that the electrically-controlled switch, or "contactor", used in the operation of the ship's motorised winch had failed.

In the Dec 10 accident, Mr Jason Chee, who holds the rank of Military Expert 2, was caught between the motorised winch and a rope on board the Landing Ship Tank (LST) RSS Endeavour. The ship was berthed at Changi Naval Base at the time.

"Contactors have been replaced on our LSTs as well as other ships," Dr Ng told reporters during a visit to the recently-reopened Safra Toa Payoh clubhouse.

He added that, among other things, investigations will look into whether safety precautions were taken, and if other mechanisms can be built in to enhance safety.

Beyond taking care of Mr Chee's compensation and rehabilitation costs, the Ministry of Defence will look into finding a vocation that fits his abilities in the future, he said.

"There are many things to look at, but let's persist and try hard," he added.

Dr Ng, who visited Mr Chee at the Changi General Hospital last Friday, said he will address the issue of compensation in Parliament.

BREAKING: Fight for Punggol East has been set

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://news.insing.com/tabloid/pungol-east-by-election/id-ec693f00

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has announced that the by-election in Punggol East will be held on 26 January.

Nomination Day will be next Wednesday, 16 January.

In a media release, the Government announced that the nomination centre will be North Vista Secondary School at Rivervale Link.

On his Facebook page, he said he advised the President to issue the Writ of Election for Punggol East constituency this morning.

The constituency lost its Member of Parliament (MP) Michael Palmer last month, after he resigned suddenly due to an extramarital affair with a People’s Association employee.

PM Lee said: “I have decided to hold a by-election in Punggol East to give the residents their own MP in Parliament, before we focus back on these national issues. I hope Punggol East residents will vote wisely for the candidate who can best represent them in Parliament, solve their problems and improve their lives.”

Channel NewsAsia reported that Dr Koh Poh Koon, 40, a colorectal surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Hospital, was introduced to constituents there and likely to be the party’s potential candidate.

Polling Day for a by-election will not be a public holiday.

MSL: Darul Takzim left stunned by Pahang

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://ht.ly/2u9K5A

Tuesday's Malaysia Super League Results
Terengganu 1-1 FELDA United
Pahang 3-2 Darul Takzim
Perak 1-0 T-Team
Selangor 1-0 Negri Sembilan

Malaysia Super League title favourites Darul Takzim were left stunned in their season opener against Pahang as they gave away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2.

Having splashed the cash during the off-season to bring in several Malaysia internationals including Safiq Rahim, Safee Sali and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, as well as marquee foreign signings Dani Guiza and Simone Del Nero, many were expecting Harimau Selatan to be the team to beat in 2013.

And they certainly got off to a dream start at the Darulmakmur Stadium on Wednesday as captain Safiq put them ahead after just 11 minutes, ghosting in at the near post to glance home a pinpoint left-wing cross by Guiza.

15 minutes, they doubled their lead when Guiza, who was part of the Spain side that won Euro 2008, once again proved his quality by creating space for himself with a sharp turn before threading a visionary pass through to Norshahrul, who steadied himself before drilling a shot past Nasril Nourdin.

However, Pahang pulled one back four minutes after the break when Fauzi Roslan converted a pass from Fazrol Hussain, but Darul Takzim wasted two excellent chances to reclaim their two-goal cushion shortly after the hour mark.

First, Nurul Azwan Roya could only watch on in despair as his well-struck effort from the edge of the box came back off the crossbar, before Guiza managed to miss from close range with the whole goal to aim for.

Those misses came back to haunt them in the 72nd minute when Fauzi grabbed his second of the game after good work from R. Gopinathan, and seven minutes from time, an unlikely comeback was completed when R. Surendran fired home the winner to hand Tok Gajah all three points.

>>>

Selangor got their campaign up and running after recording a hard-fought 1-0 win over Negri Sembilan at the Shah Alam Stadium, in a game which the visitors could have won had they been more clinical in front of goal.

Instead, it was Red Giants debutant S. Kunanlan who came back to haunt his former side by scoring the only goal of the game in the 68th minute, reacting quickest to a hopeful lob into the box and getting enough on the ball to direct it into the far corner.

>>>

Terengganu, who were looking to get the season off to a good start under new coach E. Elavarasan after a disappointing 2012, had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to FELDA United.

After a goalless first half, the visitors took the lead in the 54th minute through a fine solo effort by Mohammed Ghaddar, who picked up the ball on the right wing and sprinted past Faizal Muhammad and Qhairul Anwar Roslani before clinically firing into the bottom corner.

Nonetheless, the Turtles earned a share of the spoils five minutes later when FELDA captain Kaironnisam Sahabudin, in a bid to prevent a Ismail Faruqi Asha'ri corner from reaching Ashaari Shamsuddin, sent a header into the back of his own net.

>>>

Finally, Perak defeated T-Team 1-0 courtesy of a 93rd-minute own-goal from Nuraliff Zainal Abidin.

Malaysia Super League

#	Team		M.	V	P	D	goals	Dif	Pt.
1		Pahang FA	1	1	0	0	3:2	1	3
2		Perak FA	1	1	0	0	1:0	1	3
		Selangor FA	1	1	0	0	1:0	1	3
4		Felda United FC	1	0	1	0	1:1	0	1
		Terengganu FA	1	0	1	0	1:1	0	1
6		ATM FA	0	0	0	0	0:0	0	0
		Kelantan FA	0	0	0	0	0:0	0	0
		PKNS FC	0	0	0	0	0:0	0	0
		Singapore Lions XII	0	0	0	0	0:0	0	0
10		Darul Takzim FC	1	0	0	1	2:3	-1	0
11		Negeri Sembilan FA	1	0	0	1	0:1	-1	0
		PBDKT T-Team FC	1	0	0	1	0:1	-1	0

PM Lee asks MND to review AIM computer systems deal

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130108-394187.html

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has asked the Ministry of National Development (MND) to review the transaction involving Action Information Management Pte Ltd (AIM), the firm appointed to manage town councils' computer systems.

The Town Council Review Team will be led by MND's Deputy Secretary Mr Tay Kim Poh.

Read PM Lee's full statement below:

Last week, Mayor Teo Ho Pin explained the circumstances of the sale of Town Council (TC) management software belonging to PAP TCs in an open tender to Action Information Management Pte Ltd (AIM) in 2010. The transaction was not raised as an issue by any of the external auditors who audited the FY2010 accounts of these TCs.

In the interest of transparency and maintaining trust in the system, I have asked the Ministry of National Development (MND) to review this transaction fully, and satisfy itself that public funds were safeguarded and residents' interests were not compromised.

With a view to ensuring high overall standards of corporate governance in TCs, MND will take a broad-based approach, including re-examining the fundamental nature of TCs. MND has begun the review, which is expected to take a month or two.

In a separate statement, MND said:

Town Councils are autonomous bodies managed by elected Members of Parliament and governed by the Town Councils Act which MND administers.

The MND Town Council Review Team is led by Mr Tay Kim Poh, MND’s Deputy Secretary. The team will report to Permanent Secretary, MND.

Planning began last week and field activities should start soon. The team looks forward to the cooperation of all TCs.

Wildfires rage across Australia amid searing heat

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.todayonline.com/World/EDC130108-0000163/Wildfires-rage-across-Australia-amid-searing-heat

Firefighters battled scores of wildfires raging across southeast Australia today as authorities evacuated national parks and warned that blistering temperatures and high winds had led to "catastrophic" conditions in some areas.

No deaths had been reported, although officials in Tasmania were still trying to find around 100 residents who have been missing since a fire tore through the small town of Dunalley, east of the state capital of Hobart, last week, destroying around 90 homes.

On Tuesday, police said no bodies were found during preliminary checks of the ruined houses.

"We are shaping up for one of the worst fire danger days on record," New South Wales Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said. "You don't get conditions worse than this. We are at the catastrophic level and clearly in those areas leaving early is your safest option."

Catastrophic threat level is the most severe rating applicable.

OCBC Cycle Singapore beefs up

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.espnstar.com/other-sports/news/detail/item917495/OCBC-Cycle-Singapore-beefs-up/

The fifth edition of OCBC Cycle Singapore will take place over three days from 26 to 28 April - and will include several new additions to the event.

This year's event will feature a new ride category, two additional beneficiaries under its extended charity programme, as well as a host of enhanced sideline activities.

The Foldies Community Ride (24km) has been introduced to cater to the growing population of folding bike enthusiasts in Singapore and across the region. This addition is a result of feedback from enthusiasts who shared that they would like the opportunity to ride at the event.

In line with Sporting Singapore's Vision 2030 goal to use sport as a force for social good, OCBC Cycle Singapore 2013 has extended its charity partnership programme, Cycle of Hope, to two new charities. They are SingHealth Transplant and the Singapore Sports Council's SportCares. They join Dover Park Hospice and Singapore Children's Society to form the event's four official charities.

Through Cycle of Hope, participants can raise funds and increase awareness of these charity causes through a slew of activities at OCBC Cycle Singapore 2013. Cyclists can register for the Business Times Charity Challenge (39km) on Sunday, 28 April, a new ride category in which cyclists can choose to sign up in teams of four or as individuals and make donations to the selected charities.

Teams of four are required to make a minimum donation of SGD 3000 alongside their registration fees, while the minimum donation for individual entry is SGD 750. They will enjoy special on-site hospitality before and after their rides, while a number of prizes will also be up for grabs.

Teams and individuals who would like to take part in The Business Times Charity Challenge (39km) can do so by signing up via the event website and the fundraising platform www.simplygiving.com. All other individuals to register for OCBC Cycle Singapore 2013 can also raise funds through the same platform.

In another new addition to the charity programme, up to 200 cyclists from the four charities will take part in a ceremonial ride to raise awareness for their cause. Titled The Parade of Hope, the cyclists will take a leisurely 30-minute ride around the F1 Pit Building on Friday, 26 April as the large crowds gather to watch the OCBC Cycle Singapore Professional Criterium.

This year will once again see more than 60 local and international professional riders pit their skills on a 1.6km flood-lit route around the F1 Pit Building. As well as the host of international cyclists, the OCBC Cycle Singapore Professional Criterium will also include home-grown talent from the OCBC Singapore Continental Cycling Team.

Registration for OCBC Cycle Singapore 2013 opened on Tuesday.

2 suspects arrested for slashing man in Geylang

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1246691/1/.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Two suspects have been arrested for injuring a man in Lorong 17, Geylang on 4 January.

The two men, who are both 42 years old, were caught on Tuesday.

The first suspect was arrested at about 3:30pm in Jurong West while the second was nabbed at about 8:30pm in Ang Mo Kio.

The victim was found with multiple slash wounds at about 1:15am and is now in stable condition.

Police believe he was attacked by two males over a dispute.

The suspects will be charged in Court on Wednesday.

Doctor on trial for molesting nurse in operating theatre

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/singapore/story/doctor-trial-molesting-nurse-20130108

A former nurse testified in court that she did not confront a doctor who tapped her buttocks on three separate occasions in an operation theatre because she was busy assisting the surgeons.

At the start of the trial on Tuesday, the 26-year-old said that anaesthetist Senaka Liyanage, 37, from Sri Lanka, had approached her from behind before touching her inappropriately twice between 9.30am and 10.30am, and again at 2pm, on April 5 last year.

The woman cannot be identified as this is a molestation case. She said that prior to the incidents, she found Liyanage to be "quite nice and very kind" as he did not scold people or quarrel with the nurses.

The nurse of six years resigned from the hospital in August last year because she was "very disappointed" in the lack of support from the management.

Halimah Yacob named Speaker of Parliament

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130108-394103.html

The former unionist will be the country's first female Speaker. She will have to resign from her ministerial post to take on the Speakership, as the Constitution requires it.

Below is a statement from Madam Halimah Yacob:

I am deeply honoured by this nomination to be the Speaker of the House. I am aware of the high demands and the heavy responsibilities of this office. If elected, I will do my best to uphold the integrity and dignity of our august Parliament, and to conduct proceedings in a fair and impartial manner. I look forward to working with all our honourable Members of Parliament.

I really love what I am doing now, and I had been working with so many wonderful people who champion the different causes, be it the disadvantaged, the elderly or women and children. I am glad that even if I am elected, I will be able to continue work on some of these areas such as social issues and pre-school education.

Below is the press statement from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong:

I intend to nominate Mdm Halimah Yacob to be elected as the Speaker of Parliament when Parliament next sits on Jan 14th. I briefed PAP MPs on this at a party caucus this afternoon, and received their full support.

As the Speaker cannot be elected from members who are office holders, Mdm Halimah will be resigning as Minister of State (MOS) on January 13, 2013.

I wish to thank Mdm Halimah for her many valuable contributions in the Cabinet, and as MOS(Community Development, Youth and Sports) and subsequently MOS(Social and Family Development) over the past two years. In Cabinet, Halimah spoke up with a practical, compassionate voice, helping us to shape effective policies with a human touch.

In her portfolio, Halimah oversaw the expansion of home- and community-based eldercare services, and introduced innovative concepts such as Senior Care Centres and Senior Home Care Services. She enhanced ComCare support for the poor and needy, and strengthened services for children and families in need of care and protection. Halimah also worked with women's groups to expand the space for women to contribute to our economy and society. She is passionate about these issues, and threw her heart and soul into the work, as she had done during her time in NTUC, tirelessly championing the cause of low-wage workers.

I look forward to Mdm Halimah continuing her interest in social issues and pre-school education, in a suitable capacity that is compatible with her role as Speaker.

More Singaporeans hiring chartered buses for travel in Malaysia

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.relax.com.sg/relax/news/1524594/Free_wheeling_holidays.html

Singaporeans travelling in big groups to Malaysia are opting to hire entire buses for themselves as the way to go - never mind the expense.

They are hitting the road to places such as Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Genting Highlands and Ipoh for leisure activities by privately chartering their own mini bus, van or luxury coach.

This is despite the fact that it can cost up to 40 per cent more - depending on factors such as type of vehicle and level of service required - than just buying a seat on a regular bus service or flying up on a budget airline.

Those going the private charter route say they do it for the convenience of choosing their departure times and their drop-off points, and for a more fun and intimate experience travelling with a big group of friends and family.

Just last week, corporate finance executive Lim Li Lynn, 29, along with 10 other friends, hired a 16-seater double decker bus to take the group to KL for a friend's wedding and for New Year celebrations.

Ms Lim and her friends decided to charter their own bus, that included a staff member to serve them food and drinks, for about $900 one way because their group was big enough and they thought it would be fun rather than to fly to KL.

In this case, it worked out cheaper for them - they would have paid about $120 each to fly one way to KL on a budget airline.

Ms Lim said: "We all sat upstairs, and each chair was a massage chair. There was a lounge area downstairs and a space to microwave food on the bus.

She added: "It's fun because you get to hang out together and you could probably dance in the bus too if you wanted to because there were no strangers around."

The cost of chartering a bus or mini van varies depending on the size of the vehicle, destination, whether it is the peak or off-peak season and, in some cases, the duration of the booking.

For example, a two-way trip to Malacca in a 28- or 31-seat Super VIP coach with meals included can cost between $1,300 and $1,500 during the off-peak season and between $1,400 and $1,600 during the peak.

Day trips to places closer to home, such as Johor Baru, can cost several hundred dollarsfor a 10-seat mini bus.

In some instances, bus drivers double as guides, taking you to shopping or food haunts. Some operators also team up with hotels or travel agencies, offering package deals for customers who want a private chartered bus for resort stays in places such as Genting or Cameron Highlands.

Ms Sophie Tang, 33, a customer service executive with BusOnlineTicket.com said, "The good thing about a private coach is that it offers point to point transfers, you are taken directly to the hotel or the places you want to go."

Mr Bob Lim, operation director for online booking portal easibook added, "Sometimes it's not cheap - it can cost 40 per cent more than booking individual tickets depending on whether it is a first-class coach or a super VIP 28-seater. But it's very convenient because you get to pick the time you want to leave and your drop-off point in Malaysia."

Increased leisure activities across the Causeway, including the recent opening of the Legoland theme park in the Iskandar region, go-karting in JB and fishing in KL, are extra reasons to make a trip north these days.

Motoring enthusiast Walter Yeo found it cost-effective to charter a bus to JB for go-karting because the go-karting there was 50 per cent cheaper than doing it in Singapore - plus it was fun to travel with a big group of friends on a day trip and safe too.

"There is always a charm about going to Malaysia with your friends - you're probably doing stuff you can do in Singapore but it's cheaper and in Malaysia, you have to stick together as a group, so that can be quite fun."

S-League: One player has failed first-ever 2.4km run test

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.todayonline.com/Sports/EDC130108-0000091/S-League-conducts-first-2,4km-fitness-test-run,-one-fails

As part of a raft of changes for this year, the S-League had decided to scrap the controversial Beep Test and replace it with the 2.4km run.

More than 70 footballers from S-League clubs turned up at the Bishan Stadium yesterday morning to take part in the first-ever 2.4km running test conducted by the domestic league in order to be certified fit to play in this season's tournament.

Players now have to meet the passing mark of 10min 15sec. Those who run below 9 min will get a $100 cash reward while players who run faster than 8min 30sec will get $200.

Players who fail to meet the passing mark can retake the test as often as they want.

All but one player passed the run. The one who failed did not complete the test; the S-League declined to name the player who failed.

All of the players that TODAY spoke to said they preferred the 2.4km run to the Beep Test because they are more familiar with it, and can train for it by themselves. This is unlike the Beep Test which required additional manpower, cones and a timer to set up.

However, they could be in for a rude shock if they think the 10min 15sec passing park is a permanent fixture.

According to Lim Chin, the S-League will be reviewing the test results, and may lower the passing time - which he described as 'average' - next year and in subsequent years if it proves to be too easy for the players to meet.

Five injured after fire breaks out at Tanglin mall

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130109-394204.html

It seemed like any other day when store assistant Rita Mohd, 37, opened her clothing shop, Petit Bateau Store, on the second storey of Tanglin Mall at 9am yesterday.

However, just 15 minutes later, she heard a very loud explosion. She then saw a lot of smoke pouring out from the door opposite her store, from which a man without his shirt ran out with burns all over his neck, screaming for help.

The door led to a switch- board room, where an electrical box had caught fire. According to Ms Rita, a routine check is usually conducted by the same people in the room between 9am and 9.15am every morning.

Cleaning supervisor Thet Naing Win, 31, who was in his office just one floor below the switchboard room, also heard the explosion.

When he went to check out the situation, he saw contractors and managers - identified based on their attire - with their faces blackened by smoke.

When the Singapore Civil Defence Force arrived, the fire had already been extinguished. It said that five Chinese men were injured in the incident and taken to Singapore General Hospital (SGH).

One victim, in his 40s, suffered 18 per cent burns to his body and, as of press time, is in the intensive-care unit on a ventilator.

Three others suffered burns on their arms, faces and necks, and are still under observation at SGH, but their conditions were less serious.

The fifth man, in his 40s, suffered some discomfort in his left ear, following the incident.

He told Shin Min Daily News yesterday at the hospital that when he and a manager were in the room overseeing electrical works, they saw a sudden flash of light before hearing a very loud explosion.

Snatch thief preys on pregnant women

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1246645/1/.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

A man has been sentenced to six years' jail and 16 strokes of the cane for robbing two pregnant women.

26-year-old Muhammad Noh Mohammad Jais had snatched 29-year-old Chng Seok Keng's handbag at a lift lobby in Simei Street in the afternoon of November 14, 2012.

The victim was nine months pregnant at that time.

Earlier on November 12, Muhammad Noh attempted to rob another pregnant woman -- Ms Baquiran Majella Cybelle Fernandez, 34. She was eight months pregnant then.

The incident took place in a lift at Tampines.

Muhammad Nor grabbed the handbag with one hand and punched the victim in the head and shoulder with the other hand.

The victim had earlier withdrawn S$3,000 at an ATM so she resisted and held on to her bag. After a fruitless struggle, the accused fled but was eventually caught.

Book your FREE AirAsia tickets today

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Relax/Story/A1Story20130108-393991.html

Offer open only to Malaysians

AirAsia's 10,000 free return tickets to Sabah and Sarawak will be available for booking today for travel between Jan 14 and Feb 4.

The free seats are only valid for flights departing from peninsular Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak (Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Labuan, Sandakan, Miri, Tawau. Sibu, Bintulu) or from Sabah and Sarawak to the peninsula (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Baru).

AirAsia chief executive officer Aireen Omar said the programme was AirAsia's way of giving back to the rakyat for their support.

She noted that bookings for the free seats is open to all Malaysians with valid MyKads beginning at 12.01am on Jan 9 and will be open for 24 hours.

She said fares and fuel surcharge for the free flights would also be waived with passengers only having to pay airport tax.

The offer does not apply to domestic flights within the peninsula or within Sabah and Sarawak.

Baggage allocation, in-flight meals, seat selection and other value-added services are not included in the free seats offer.

New pump for advanced heart failure patients

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC130108-0000065/New-pump-for-advanced-heart-failure-patients

A new heart assist device that is smaller and lighter is now available for patients with advanced heart failure.

The golf ball-sized heart pump known as HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD) is the third generation of mechanical heart devices and will allow patients to enjoy a better quality of life and functional capacity while waiting for a heart transplant.

In September last year, the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) successfully implanted the first HVAD in 57-year-old Mdm Helen Tan, who has suffered from heart failure since 2006.

"Before...I was always out of breath, tired and so weak that I could hardly walk and go about with my daily life. Now that I have this heart pump, I can get back to my normal routine and help look after my grandchildren," Mdm Tan said.

LTA invites public to suggest names for Thomson Line stations

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1246633/1/.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The MRT stations of the new Thomson Line need names. And if you have any in mind, or want to have a say in what they should be called -- share your ideas with the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

The public can send in their suggestions to the LTA until February 17.

The LTA is roping in the public to come up with the official names for 16 of the 22 the stations of the TSL, located in areas such as Sin Ming, Great World City, Havelock and Lentor.

Six of the 22 stations -- Woodlands, Caldecott, Stevens, Orchard, Outram Park and Marina Bay -- are not included as they will be in operation on other lines before the Thomson Line is fully complete, and will be interchanges for the new line.

The TSL is expected to be fully complete in 2021.

Contributors must bear in mind several criteria: the name must make it easy for commuters to locate the station; it must say something about the history and heritage of the location, and reflect Singapore's multi-racial and multi-cultural identity.

The TSL stations in the naming exercise are: Woodlands North, Woodlands South, Springleaf, Lentor, Mayflower, Sin Ming, Upper Thomson, Mount Pleasant, Napier, Orchard Boulevard, Great World City, Havelock, Maxwell, Shenton Way, Marina South and Gardens By The Bay.

Contributors can send their suggestions to the LTA at talk2lta.lta.gov.sg.

Beat the inflation - 8 things you're really wasting money on

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://business.asiaone.com/A1Business/News/Story/A1Story20130107-393898.html

Inflation and rising costs of living, together with little or no increases in real income, may have hit some Singaporeans hard.

So if you find yourself spending more and more on everyday necessities, take a step back and examine what you've been buying.

Is that brand name detergent, or club sandwich at your favourite coffee outlet really necessary?

Marketing gimmicks, or just plain old habits, may have blinded you to what's really worth your money and what's not.

Below are eight items you've been wasting money on >>>

1. Bottled water

Drinking enough water and hydrating yourself is very important, but that doesn't mean you need to spend a few dollars every day on bottled water.

Boiled water, or even tap water, from your home works just as well in meeting your dietary needs.

2. Brand name cleaning supplies

The 'superior' brand may probably be just as good as the one on the supermarket shelf.

Regardless of how promoters market their cleaning products, they may perform just as well as the next.

So the next time you're tempted to splurge on a brand name cleaning agent, check with your friends or family that the cheaper alternative can do the job just as well.

3. First-class flights

If you've cash to spare, go for it.

But if you're watching the numbers in your bank account, flying economy class, or even on budget airlines, can get you from Point A to Point B just as quickly.

4. DVDs

It's only worth buying DVDs if you know you're an absolute fan of the movie and will watch it over and over again.

If not, don't be fooled by the glossy wrappings and the beautifully created covers of new movie DVDs, you may dump it in your DVD drawer after just watching it once.

5. Eating out

This is one of the simplest methods of keeping daily expenses low.

A meal packed at home is much cheaper, and more nutritious, than meals eaten at food outlets.

6. Premium petrol

With skyrocketing COE prices, do you really want to spluge even more on 'premium' petrol.

While such petrol does have its advantages, it many not necessarily be called for.

Double check your car manual to see whether you need to it's required - if not, you're probably wasting money.

7. Meals which you can make yourself

Like eating out, don't spend money on food which you can make at home e.g. sandwiches.

Take a few minutes at home to prepare your own lunch, instead of buying it from the nearest eatery.

8. Detergents with specific purposes

'For darks only' or 'For whites only' doesn't really matter as long as it's washing detergent.

Be wary of such marketing tactics, and just get one detergent - the one that cleans best.

Fire breaks out at Australian nuclear facility

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1246627/1/.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

NOT ACTUAL IMAGE

A fire broke out at a nuclear research reactor in Sydney Tuesday, but authorities said the blaze was brought under control and there appeared to be no damage to the reactors.

The state fire service said smoke was detected in an electrical substation at the rear of the Lucas Heights nuclear facility in southern Sydney shortly after 10.30am (2330 GMT Monday) but the source was yet to be found.

Two fire crews and a hazardous materials unit were on the scene but the spokesman said it did not seem to be serious and there was not thought to be any danger to the reactors themselves.