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Latest News

2011-09-01T00:09:00.005+08:00

10:31 AM Vote? No Thanks.
09:08 AM Is it Worth it?
08:49 AM Food for Joy!
06:58 AM The Rise of Violence?
01:49 AM The Scent, the Scene
05:21 PM Singapore Dreaming
03:53 PM The Good Old Days
03:38 PM Indulge Yourself this GSS
12:04 PM The Huge Exhibition

Is it Worth it?

2011-08-01T23:36:00.004+08:00

Posted Saturday, 16 July, 2011 at 09:08 AM.

As I walked past the 24 hour convenient store, I chance upon the rows of cigarette packs, and along with each pack, a gory picture stares at you.

The ministry of health has implemented that such gory pictures showing the tonsils/ lungs of a cancer patient due to the inhale of one deadly puff, would discourage smokers to continue their path. However, for Shi Rong, a student from Nanyang Polytechnic does not feel threatened by it. He has started smoking at an early age of 13 years old, and plans to continue the cycle. There were several unsuccessful attempt as he tried to resist smoking, but at the end of the day, he fell right back to the trap of “smoking”. “I have tried to quit smoking several times, by sucking on sweets when the urge came, and I kept telling myself that smoking is harmful. However, I was not determined enough.”

Statistics have shown that 1 in every 5 teenagers age between thirteen to fifteen years old smoke, and it is scientifically proven that 50% of them will continue to smoke for about fifteen to twenty years down the road. Based on a preliminary survey done by the Students’ Health Survey (SHS), 58% of the lower secondary students, and 53% of the upper secondary students who have already taken their first puff, said that they have no intention to quit smoking.

Teenagers might think that it is cool to smoke, and it provides them “the platform” to shine, and rise above others, but little did they know that, there are more than a thousand chemicals in every cigarette. They contain harmful chemicals like Nicotine, Acetone, Tar, Benzene and Carbon monoxide. You might ask, how are they harmful to our bodies? Well, here are the answers. Nicotine gives you the rush, and makes you happy, but they are very addictive, the same goes for Acetone, and they are found in nail polish. Benzene cause cancer, while carbon monoxide prevents oxygen from being circulated around the body. This explains why smoking is one of the greatest reasons that leads to diseases like lungs, larynx, bladder, kidney and esophagus cancer, which then leads to early death.

Despite giving every reason why a smoker should quite smoking, they believe that it is alright, and there is no reason why they should quit smoking yet. But Shi Rong mentioned that he has an aunt, who has been smoking for years, but once she knew she was pregnant, she immediately quit smoking as second hand smokers get about 4000 harmful chemicals, and she did not want her baby to suffer.

There are many reasons why teenagers smoke, to rebel, to be “cool”, to socialize, or to even release stress, but in order to stop one from smoking, there has to be more reasons given. “ I will definitely do my best to quit smoking one day, but when that day comes, there will definitely be a worthy reason behind it.”

Vote? No Thanks.

2011-08-01T23:33:00.006+08:00

Posted Sunday, 31 July, 2011 at 10:31 AM.

Here comes the millionth dollar question: How much do young Singaporeans really care about elections? If voting were not compulsory, would they even bother to vote?

In my opinion, not at all. Let us be realistic here, the youths of Singapore today are too busy with their own lives to deal with anything else. They are too busy trying to achieve their dreams, buy a car, get a high paying job, and get a home to call their own. Youths these days are busy people and many consider voting more of chore than a want. It’s like when you were ten again, and your mother asked you to clean your room, it was for your own good, but you did not know that. The same mindset applies for most young Singaporeans. Voting is an important issue, it determines the future of Singapore, yet many take this for granted thinking the People Action Party (PAP) will always win, they do not understand that one vote actually make a huge difference. A survey done by the New Paper showed that 600,000 of the 2.35 million eligible voters during the elections were aged between 21-35 years old.

A potential poll of people to throw off the competition, yet many does not feel that way. "I think PAP will probably still win, so my one vote won't make much of a difference,” first time voter, Engineer Toh Qingyao said.

The sad truth is, many young Singaporeans feel like they are not a part of the country’s decision making, they do not feel a sense of belonging to Singapore, they feel like their opinions do not matter and that the government is not listening to their opinions as the survey done by New Paper proved, about one in four of young voters polled feel that they want to, but have little say in government policies and decision-making. It is this sense of “my opinion does not really matter” that makes young Singaporeans feel like it is a chore to vote. The cure? Show them their opinions matter, let them be heard, answer their questions, assure them of their future, consider their thoughts.

So, are young Singaporeans politically apathetic? I do not think so. Deep down, many young Singaporeans do feel a certain responsibility when voting; they just feel unheard and hence, shrug of that responsibility. However, I firmly believe that if they feel a sense of belonging, if they feel needed, young Singaporeans will vote even if voting is not compulsory.

Food for Joy!

2011-08-01T23:31:00.006+08:00

Posted Tuesday, 12 July, 2011 at 08:49 AM.

Unlike other country, Singapore does not has its distinct well-known food, but she is proudly known for a wide-range of ethnic food like ‘Nasi Briyani, hainanese chicken rice, and Roti Prata” Definitely, it is something that Singaporeans are proud of, and it is a culture that should be showcased to the rest of the world.

Therefore, The Singapore Food Festival was set up 18 years ago, with its given intention to rejoice and celebrate the local ‘surviving’ food which was left behind by the past ancestors of different heritage and culture, which has provided Singapore with a reputation of being the food paradise. Food is mainly one of the attractions in Singapore, whereby the Singapore Food Festival which was set up by Singapore Tourist Board, showcases international and our multi-cultural cuisine.

The Singapore Food Festival takes place annually, with a different message every year. Just last year, the theme was ‘Explore, Taste and Celebrate’ whereby they discover the treasures of Singapore Chinese Dialect Food. This year’s theme is something different, as it goes all the way back to the history of the spice trade route in Singapore. In the 16th century, spices have not only played a vital role in developing the western civilization, but it has also make merchants rich instantly. Till date, spices like chili, cinnamon, ginger, coriander, cardamom and star arise are sold in supermarket, as such spices are use to bring out the fragrance in a dish.

Therefore, this year’s ‘Spice it up! Discover the flavors of Singapore Culinary Heritage’ theme has attracted many tourist and Singaporeans as they embark on a journey to discover and know more about the history of Singapore, as well as how the spices are used in different food. “ I have been going to the Singapore Food Festival for 5 years now, and I do enjoy myself, as much as the wide choices of food sold. This year, I have even brought my children along, and I am sure they have enjoyed themselves as well, as they were given a chance to take a sniff at how the different spices smell like. It is indeed educational!” said Mr Harry Chia. Parents with kids were not the only seen in the festival, even teenagers like Jace found the festival meaningful, as he mentioned that “it is something that Singaporeans should appreciate. Especially being such a food lover like myself, I was given the opportunity to try out the different food.” Tourist like Mr Kai Leach, from Australia said that “I enjoyed myself, as there are a variety of different kind of food available for me to try. It is something different, as Australia always has the ordinary fast food, and everything is the same, but over here, I can try out the different types of food! And, I really like the Popiah here!”

Indeed, the program highlights not only feature stalls selling different ethnic food ranging from curry fish head to North Indian curry, at Clark Quay, but also cooking competition, classes and demo happening at Asia Malls, Triffin cruise at Liang court jetty, The trishaw heritage, and the Longest table providing dinner buffet which took place at Little India.

The Huge Exhibition

2011-08-01T23:28:00.006+08:00

Posted Thursday, 14 July, 2011 at 12:04 PM.

“Sales”, “Lucky draws” or “Exhibitions” is what typical Singaporeans look out for. Getting a reasonable price for something that is costly gives you the urge to look out for it. An example is the furnishing products!

The Home Design & Decor exhibition was where you could truly find the right and economical furniture from. What’s more, the exhibition had sales with up to 80% off on furniture and design services. In addition, a lucky draw of $15, 000 worth of cash had awaited for the lucky winner. This year, the fair was held at the Singapore Expo whereby people of all ages crowded in a hall on 9 to 17 July.

Eagerness on the customers’ faces and polite service provision from the salespeople had created the right atmosphere to step into. Visually, the hall was exactly how you would fantasize your house to be where attractive lightings and furniture were placed in an orderly manner. Soon, you would find yourself spending a lot of time planted in front of the brands, having ideas of how you could furnish your home. Indeed, customers did not actually have to be troubled over it as there were free consultations regarding the floor plans of their homes on the spot. A large variety of improvements could therefore, be brought about on their own.

Well-known brands were exhibited in the hall, which include Sealy Posturepedic, Simmons, King Coil and companies comprise of IDees Interior Design, Classic Ideas and more.

Couples could be seen in the middle of the hall, due to the fact that they were testing out the beds. However, majority of them had taken the chance to try out the beds from Sealy Posturepedic. It is the number one highest quality standard mattress manufacturer in the world, which aims to address the needs of the human body at rest. The innersprings of the mattresses were jointly designed with the top orthopaedic surgeons to provide accurate support for the back and body.

“Because I am having back problems and that we are moving into a new apartment soon, so it is crucial when it comes to buying a bed.” said an engaged couple, Mr and Mrs Tony Sim. They seemed rather hesitant since many other brands were as competitive as Sealy Posturepedic.

“Nothing beats better than a good night’s sleep. I find that the brand and quality of the mattress should be of our expectations,” Said Mrs Sim. “My father-in-law is very particular with what type of bed do we sleep on. Overall, with what Sealy has proven to be an issue-free mattress, we may consider purchasing it.”

Mr Sim joked and said part of it was also that the commercial on television had enticed the couple to test if the bed could really make them fall asleep immediately.

It could be hard to say if the visitors were contented with their trips down to the Expo, but it might have satisfied their hungers for those reasonable prices for furnishing.

The Good Old Days

2011-08-01T23:27:00.008+08:00

Posted Friday, 29 July, 2011 at 3:53 PM.

“So what do you think about this heritage fest?”

I turned around and see a man, his glasses pushed up and an orange pen in his, “We’re doing a survey,” he says, “do you mind helping out?”

To be honest, I expected the heritage festival, held at Novena Square, to be boring and educational. I got the educational part right, but not about the part where the festival was boring. Upon my arrival, I witness a breath taking performance by a group of dancers. Watching them move gracefully to the beat of the music, their beaming faces, I was somewhat moved by their performance, and most importantly, the pride they had in their heritage.

The festival finale featured live performances, including dances from various ethnic groups, music from the 50s along with several skits. Themed “Family Fun”, the festival featured several exhibitions such as; The Family Celebrates, Down Memory Lane, Iconic Landmarks in Singapore, Entertainment in Singapore and Shopping in Singapore. All of which showcased how families in Singapore bonded. As I walked through the exhibition fringe, I realized how a “de-evolution” occurred. Videos games turned into board games with wrinkled covers which turned into toys such as five stones and ‘chaptek’, games my mother played, I was walking down memory lane and enjoying every moment of it. Giggles filled the air as children tested their skills at these games, practically extinct until now. However, they failed miserably, proving the fact that in this era, the skills of a player is in his thumbs and not his body.

“The games here are different from what I play at home,” Henry Chao said, revealing that his Xbox at home was the only thing he played nowadays. When asked on how the games from the past faired against his current technological hub, the twelve-year-old smiled, “My Xbox is definitely better, the games here gets boring after a while.”

His mother, however, had a different opinion. Having tried her hand at a game of five stones and conquering it she said with a laugh, “I’m actually enjoying this more than my son, even though I brought him here for his entertainment. It’s like going back to my childhood.”

Indeed, the heritage festival was bringing nostalgia to many adults, their joy written on their faces but for some, such as 17-year-old Alicia Long, the festival was a little plain and not as entertaining as she hoped. “It’s not very well planned, the exhibition is quite confusing, it’s here, there, everywhere! The showcases aren’t as engaging as I hope,” she added.

“Personally, I felt the heritage festival held here is a complete success and I have gain much insight on our local heritage, I think the event is worth going to, especially for adults who miss the good old days,” I smiled.

The Scent, the Scene

2011-08-01T23:25:00.006+08:00

Posted Tuesday, 19 July, 2011 at 1:49 AM.

Do you ever get bored of jogging at the same location; always passing by the dull surroundings? Well, if you do enjoy nature, there may be just an answer for you! It will definitely be a ‘Yes’ once you read this article. Labrador Nature Reserve is where you can take a slow jog or leisure walk to experience the scenic and magnificent view in the mornings. One fun fact is that Labrador Nature Reserve is locally recognized as the Labrador Park.

As you stroll along the park, songs from a variety of bird species, like the Oriental Magpie-robin, could be heard chirping at you. Spotting some squirrels scurrying up the tress is a norm as Labrador Nature Reserve has a rich variety of flora and fauna that beautify the entire park. Besides the biodiversity, it is more than just a nature reserve but with the only rocky sea-cliff and nature trails through the woods.

“I appreciate the natural sea breeze. I don’t usually jog here, but I am really fond of the environment where I can enjoy nature. It gives me the motivation to continue the jog so as to catch the attractive view further up,” said Madam Jasmine Chng, who is in her 50s. Her enthusiasm could be seen since that was the second time jogging there. She believed that many folks go to the park for bird-spotting, the “best park to value nature” at.

“The sea, the bird species, the tranquillity. Yes, some people may think that the nature reserve can be quite inaccessible, but how can it be in comparison to those that I have mentioned? I am pretty confident that locals will give the right choice to be here for the stunning view and peaceful environment!” It is agreeable with what Madam Chng had mentioned about the location of the park but what could stop people from getting pleasure over there? Joggers, listen good, hit Madam Chng’s advice and get straight down to the park for a change!

Well, apart from Madam Chng’s reminder, there was also a young lady who had greatly shared about the history spot in the nature reserve. You will definitely get tucked away with some war time structures filled with Singapore’s fascinating past.

“I jog in the park for only once a month. Some days right after completing the runs, I would take a stroll and take a look at the Machine Gun Bunker,” said the Bank Officer, Miss Kerine Tan. Teasingly, she said she would always imagine if her grandfather had run out from the bunker and fought the Japanese during the War.

“No matter who visits here, I am sure this park can be a learning experience of the military history of the British rule during the period,” Miss Tan added.

Another piece of advice given by the pleasant lady, “Therefore, jogging here has its benefits. You are able to experience the nature and at the same time, increase your knowledge regarding Singapore’s history."

Singapore Dreaming

2011-08-01T23:24:00.004+08:00

Posted Monday, 18 July, 2011 at 5:21 PM.

‘Singapore Dreaming’ a film directed by Woo Yen Yen and Colin Goh, showcases the everyday lives of a typical Singaporean. Well known actors like Richard Low who plays Low Poh Huat, the “pa” in the film, Alice Lim, who plays Siew Luan the “ma” in the film, Dick Su, who plays Seng, the only son in the film, Yeo Yann Yann, who plays Mei, the eldest daughter in the film, Lim Yu Beng, who plays C.K, Mei’s husband and Serene Cheng, who plays Irene, Seng’s fiancé.

The Film showcases Singaporeans who have their own dreams and aspirations, they want to make it big in the future, however reality pulls them back. In the film, Low Poh Huat work as a lawyer’s clerk. He feels indignant about his job as it does not fit his middle class dreams. He oftens take it out on his family. In the family, being successful, and earning big bucks are deemed as the most important factor which shows the degree of one’s respect. However, just as soon as Poh Huat was about to realize his dreams and aspirations after winning $2 million, a tragedy struck the Lows, and they had to curb with the loss. At the end of the day, it leaves them to think about life as a whole, without anything else.

In any film, the actors play a vital role, and certainly, with such award wining actors and actresses, they portray their roles well, that while watching, it makes you put yourself in their shoes, and think of Singaporeans as a whole, which made the film believable. By showcasing the different emotions well, it also allows the audience to feel like there is really a frustration in the situation. The story line for ‘Singapore Dreaming’ turn out differently from what I expected. There was a twist at the end, and it definitely arouse my curiosity, and I believe with that twist, it showcased the film in a different light, and it brings the film’s message across in a clearer cut. The shots and lighting of the film also brings out a clearer emotion, as well as how they want to showcase the mood of the scenes better. One example would be the HDB scene, whereby the dim lighting actually showcased the shabby house, which shows that the house had no meaning of life and family. The soundtrack used by ‘Singapore Dreaming’ is a song which is famous and shows importance. The Taiwanese song, “Bong Chun Hong” is especially popular in Taiwan, and it has also been described as the second national anthem of Taiwan.

‘Singapore Dreaming’ is a film that is produced based on well known actors, a good story line, and camera shots and lighting, and a popular soundtrack. It has bring the message across clearly, and allow Singaporeans to think of life as it is. Whether or not it is a worthy film to watch, it will be your choice.

The Rise of Violence?

2011-07-31T21:58:00.005+08:00

Posted Sunday, 31 July, 2011 at 6:58 AM.

With two cases of gang fights occurring within a short time frame last year, it was more astonishing when it was reported that of the arrested, there were youths aging 15 to 23 years old.

After the surface of youth violence, the government has been reviewing for suitable measures to contain this issue. Of which, the government has been looking at adjusting the current law to offer the police more authority to handle gang issues. Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam said “increased police power may be necessary since many youth offenders do not cross the threshold to be picked up under the Criminal Law Temporary Provisions Act, which allows for suspects of criminal activities to be detained without trial”.

However with stricter law, will it backfire instead? For youths who are going through a rebellious stage, they might seek to break the law simply for thrill.

To contain this problem, it should start from childhood education, rather than attempting to change fixed mindsets.

The upbringing of a child is critical, as it would determine their behaviour. It was found that children coming from broken families were “nearly five times more likely to suffer damaging mental troubles”, and children “brought up by a single parent are more likely to do badly at school, suffer poor health, and fall into crime, addiction and poverty as adults”. Before giving birth to your child, reconsider if you can remain devoted to providing for a family.

With the increasing living demands of Singapore, more families have both parents working, leaving their child to childcare centers. Although busy with their work, parents should aim to spend quality time with their child whenever they can, such as watching cartoons with their child. As the cartoon progresses, parents should make use of the program content to instill the correct belief towards violence.

Famous cartoons such as Tom and Jerry and Powerpuff Girls are just a few examples of violent cartoons. They can be entertaining and the child might be laughing at Tom’s failed antics despite using explosives, or Powerpuff Girls leaving the image that girls can beat up boys just as bad. But at the end of the day, it all leaves the child with a single message – violence is acceptable.

Rather than leaving your child to watch cartoons on their own as you work, it would be ideal for you to sit with your child and guide them through the cartoon. Why don’t the Powerpuff Girls have to go to jail although they have a fair share of beating people? Was it because they were carrying out justice and punishing the evil? What had the evildoers done that has been wrong? What could Powerpuff Girls have done besides fighting the evildoers?

Is youth violence really on the rise? Are the slashing cases really signs of an increasingly more aggressive society? Or it boils down to society’s negligence of the younger generation?

Indulge Yourself this GSS

2011-07-19T06:38:00.005+08:00

Posted Monday, 18 July, 2011 at 3:38 PM.

As the annual event finally unfolds, shoppers can expect to burn a hole in their pockets this Great Singapore Sale (GSS). However, apart from the usual shopping frenzy for clothes or accessories, how about spending this GSS bonding with your family and friends instead?

With discounts and promotions going on island wide, what is the most essential thing that shoppers can’t do without after a long day queuing for your victory items? The answer is definite – food.

Situated at River Valley, the Singapore franchise of the Japanese crepe chain, Mazazu Crepe (or Mother’s Crepe in Japan) experienced where food becomes the universal language. Famous for their delicious yet healthy crepes, Mother’s Crepe has at least 20 outlets worldwide. This GSS, Mazazu Crepe is offering a free drink of your choice with each crepe ordered.
From soft drinks priced at $2 to a cup of chocolate priced at $4.50 (hot) or $5.20 (cold), any drinks excluding gelato drinks come free-of-charge.

“Our cream contains healthy vegetable fats unlike usual creams, so it’s low in fats and beneficial. If you have reservations about the cream, you can always switch it to custard or enjoy a hot crepe which comes without cream.” Operations Manager, Mdm Julie Wee shared. “We are expecting increased business with GSS.”

Boasting a menu that has a total of 50 crepes and with the option of creating your own crepe, there is sure to be one that suits your appetite.

Frequent customer of Mazazu Crepe, Miss Shering expressed her happiness for the promotion. However, she wished that there were “even more promotional meal packages as the food is quite expensive”.

Thoughtfully presented in a cone, it is convenient to be shopping and eating at the same time. You can easily enjoy it as you go hunting for the best GSS deals with your family and friends. It can also be packed and taken home for you to share with your family.

If you’re enjoying your food at home with your family, what would be better than to watch your favourite drama series or movie together? With 28 outlets island wide, Poh Kim offers a wide array of the newly released dramas from South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and more.

This GSS season, Poh Kim is dropping various discounts on their home entertainment products. With 40% discount off Hong Kong dramas and Korea and Taiwan dramas going at two for $25, Sales Supervisor Miss Lim noted that “business is good with many foreign customers”.

“TVB dramas are usually expensive but the offer is such a good deal for an addict like me!” Miss Yeo expressed enthusiastically when asked about her view on the promotion.

Figures from MasterCard showed visiting cardholders spent nearly US$25 million and locals close to US$50 million, which were both significant increases from figures last year. The first weekend also saw great spending at eateries and restaurants, which tallied with retailers’ observations. Where will you be this GSS?

Locations

Mazazu Crepe
Liang Court
177 River Valley Road
#B1-30/30A
Singapore 179030

Poh Kim
Tanglin Mall, Plaza Singapura, Centrepoint Shopping Ctr, Novena Square, Shaw Plaza, Liang Court, People's Park Complex, 86 Whampoa Drive, Tiong Bahru Plaza, Bugis Junction, Suntec City Mall, Bukit Timah Plaza, AMK Hub, Westmall, Sembawang Shopping Ctr, Kallang Leisure Park, Aljunied MRT Station, Anchor Point Shopping Ctr, Habourfront Centre, Parkway Parade, Tampines Centure Square, Compass Point, Hougang Mall, 51 Yishun Central 1, North Plaza, Thomson Plaza, Hougang Mall, City Square Mall