The Vatican has recently said that Islam is the world's most popular religion, surpassing Roman Catholicism since 2006 as the world's largest religion.
I disagree with the Vatican's finding. I disagree because I've always believe that there are far more Muslims in the world than Christians. I mean Muslim families have more children, and there are more Islamic countries than Christian ones. Surely there are more Muslims than Christians. Since 2006?
No, more like since forever!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
How does this help?
Nowadays, when you de-registered a car in Singapore, The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will give you the PARF/COE rebate for you to either sell to a dealer or use to off-set your new car. In an effort to get people to give up his or her car, Transport Minister Raymond Lim said today that the LTA to work on a study with the Finance Ministry to see if the PARF/COE rebates can be given out in cash instead.
If the idea is to get people to give up their car, you can forget about this idea! Can someone tell me how would giving cash get a motorist to give up his car? What is to stop the motorist from using the cash rebate to buy another vehicle?
If you really are interested in lowering the car population in Singapore, here's a suggestion: "Increased the cost of owning and maintaining a car." In money-minded Singapore, taking money from Singaporeans' pocket is the best way to lower the car population. Increase Road Tax, increase parking prices, and there will be a drop in the population.
That's what the government should be doing.
If the idea is to get people to give up their car, you can forget about this idea! Can someone tell me how would giving cash get a motorist to give up his car? What is to stop the motorist from using the cash rebate to buy another vehicle?
If you really are interested in lowering the car population in Singapore, here's a suggestion: "Increased the cost of owning and maintaining a car." In money-minded Singapore, taking money from Singaporeans' pocket is the best way to lower the car population. Increase Road Tax, increase parking prices, and there will be a drop in the population.
That's what the government should be doing.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Singapore FA 2 Lebanon 0
As a Singaporean, I loved success as much as anyone. I think it is great that Singapore got into the third round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers. I watch it live on TV and as the ball was passed around in midfield by Singapore…I wonder if I can still call it Singapore?
This is how the question came about. As the ball was passing around in the midfield, the commentator said something to the effect of “John Wilkinson to Alex Duric to Shi Jia Yi to Mustafic Fahrudin to Daniel Bennett.” 4 passes, 5 players, and not a Singapore-born player among them.
In case anyone doesn’t know yet, Daniel Bennett and John Wilkinson are from England; Shi Jiayi is from China; Mustafic Fahrudin from Serbia and Duric is a former Australian born in Bosnia. Add them to Precious Emuejeraye and Agu Casmir from Nigeria and I have to wonder; is this Singapore or Singapore FA. I mean if you take out Fazrul Nawaz on the left, the whole of the midfield are foreigners.
I understand success is important and I love victory as much as the next Singapore. But let be honest here; it’s not Singapore 2 Lebanon 0, but the Singapore FA 2 Lebanon 0.
This is how the question came about. As the ball was passing around in the midfield, the commentator said something to the effect of “John Wilkinson to Alex Duric to Shi Jia Yi to Mustafic Fahrudin to Daniel Bennett.” 4 passes, 5 players, and not a Singapore-born player among them.
In case anyone doesn’t know yet, Daniel Bennett and John Wilkinson are from England; Shi Jiayi is from China; Mustafic Fahrudin from Serbia and Duric is a former Australian born in Bosnia. Add them to Precious Emuejeraye and Agu Casmir from Nigeria and I have to wonder; is this Singapore or Singapore FA. I mean if you take out Fazrul Nawaz on the left, the whole of the midfield are foreigners.
I understand success is important and I love victory as much as the next Singapore. But let be honest here; it’s not Singapore 2 Lebanon 0, but the Singapore FA 2 Lebanon 0.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Global warming break Antarctica
A massive ice shelf in Antarctica has broken off and fell into the sea. The Wilkins Ice Shelf has disintegrated under the effects of global warming and an iceberg from the shelf measuring 100 square kilometer has dropped into the ocean. This triggered the disintegration of a further 570 square kilometers of the shelf.
To give a better idea of how big that is, Singapore is about 704.0 km². So the destruction of the iceberg is about the size of Singapore.
Another example on the impact climate change has on the world. Will this prompt governments to do something on climate change? Somehow I doubt it.
To give a better idea of how big that is, Singapore is about 704.0 km². So the destruction of the iceberg is about the size of Singapore.
Another example on the impact climate change has on the world. Will this prompt governments to do something on climate change? Somehow I doubt it.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Review of Jumper
Jumper is a funny little movie. It is billed as a science/action film based on the science fiction novel Jumper by Steven Gould. Having seem the movie I have to ask: "Why?"
I mean the movie is nothing like the book. Outside maybe the first 10 mins, it's a totally new story altoghter. In fact there are differences even in the first 10 mins as David Rice's father isn't as bad as in the book. Near the end the father even stood up to the Paladins led by Roland Cox (Samuel L. Jackson) and was left for dead by them. So if you had read the book, ignore it. It has nothing to do with the movie.
Having said all that, the movie itself isn't that bad. The movie is about David Rice (Hayden Christensen), a man who can teleport himself anywhere by using his thoughts. Called a Jumper, David first uses his ability to rob banks and lived a life traveling across the world at a whim. His lifestyle abruptly ends when he returns home to find Roland Cox waiting for him. The Paladins are a religious group who are tracking and killing every Jumper they can find, believing that only God should be able to be everywhere and Jumpers are too powerful to be allowed to exist. David escaped and with his girlfriend Millie (Rachel Bilson) went to Rome.
In Rome, David was tracked down by the Paladins again but escaped again. This time he had help from another Jumper named Griffin (Jamie Bell). Far more experienced than David, he told David of a centuries-old war between Jumpers and Paladins, and how Paladins will stop at nothing to find Jumpers, including killing family members in the process. That's what happened to Griffin and he is trying to track down and kill as many of the Paladins as he can.
Fearing for Millie’s safety, David returns to Rome and puts her on a plane to Detroit, all the while keeping Millie in the dark about his powers. At this time, Roland met up with David's father (Michael Rooker) who refused to help him catch his son. Roland left him for dead.
David and Griffin decide to "team up" for an attack against the Paladins. After a long-running battle, including a fight between David and Griffin, David dumped Roland in a cave in the Grand Canyon.
As you can tell, the story itself isn't bad and the idea of a hero/villain who can teleport is a winner. However, the film received generally negative reviews from critics and I can see why. From the time David and Griffin decide to team up, the action gets very confusing. I still have no idea what is suppose to happen in the fight between Griffin and the Paladins. It was that confusing. It is disappointing as it is supposed to be a sci-fi action picture. An action picture with little coherence in it's action scenes...not a good thing.
However if you ignore the last third of the movie, it did do enough to get your interest. In the final scene, David locates his mother Mary who is a Paladin herself. He learned that his first jump was when he was five and that was the reason why she left her husband and son, so she wouldn't have to kill David. Yes, the smell of sequel in the air. I'll be watching for it.
I mean the movie is nothing like the book. Outside maybe the first 10 mins, it's a totally new story altoghter. In fact there are differences even in the first 10 mins as David Rice's father isn't as bad as in the book. Near the end the father even stood up to the Paladins led by Roland Cox (Samuel L. Jackson) and was left for dead by them. So if you had read the book, ignore it. It has nothing to do with the movie.
Having said all that, the movie itself isn't that bad. The movie is about David Rice (Hayden Christensen), a man who can teleport himself anywhere by using his thoughts. Called a Jumper, David first uses his ability to rob banks and lived a life traveling across the world at a whim. His lifestyle abruptly ends when he returns home to find Roland Cox waiting for him. The Paladins are a religious group who are tracking and killing every Jumper they can find, believing that only God should be able to be everywhere and Jumpers are too powerful to be allowed to exist. David escaped and with his girlfriend Millie (Rachel Bilson) went to Rome.
In Rome, David was tracked down by the Paladins again but escaped again. This time he had help from another Jumper named Griffin (Jamie Bell). Far more experienced than David, he told David of a centuries-old war between Jumpers and Paladins, and how Paladins will stop at nothing to find Jumpers, including killing family members in the process. That's what happened to Griffin and he is trying to track down and kill as many of the Paladins as he can.
Fearing for Millie’s safety, David returns to Rome and puts her on a plane to Detroit, all the while keeping Millie in the dark about his powers. At this time, Roland met up with David's father (Michael Rooker) who refused to help him catch his son. Roland left him for dead.
David and Griffin decide to "team up" for an attack against the Paladins. After a long-running battle, including a fight between David and Griffin, David dumped Roland in a cave in the Grand Canyon.
As you can tell, the story itself isn't bad and the idea of a hero/villain who can teleport is a winner. However, the film received generally negative reviews from critics and I can see why. From the time David and Griffin decide to team up, the action gets very confusing. I still have no idea what is suppose to happen in the fight between Griffin and the Paladins. It was that confusing. It is disappointing as it is supposed to be a sci-fi action picture. An action picture with little coherence in it's action scenes...not a good thing.
However if you ignore the last third of the movie, it did do enough to get your interest. In the final scene, David locates his mother Mary who is a Paladin herself. He learned that his first jump was when he was five and that was the reason why she left her husband and son, so she wouldn't have to kill David. Yes, the smell of sequel in the air. I'll be watching for it.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Talk
The Olympic Games was supposed to be China coming-out ceremony. A matter of ‘face’ is involved in ensuring that China has a problem-free Olympics. With the Tibet riots, there go that idea.
The Tibet riots for the past 2 weeks has put China in a very bad light and you have to say its’ a problem of China’s own making. Now I won’t go into whether Tibet should be a part of China or not as that is a question with no answer, but I don’t understand China refusal to speak to the Dalai Lama. Instead of talking to the Dalai Lama, they are accusing him of trying to take the Olympic Games "hostage" as the wave of violence hit Tibet. This despite the Dalai Lama’s repeated calls for peace talks and non-violence! In fact most observers believe that if it’s not for the Dalai Lama, the violence in Tibet would have been much, much worse.
What thanks the man get for trying peace? Nothing but threats and insults from China! The Liberation Army Daily, the People's Daily and other major papers in China has been filled with nothing but lengthy pieces lambasting the Dalai Lama for the alleged goal of independence for Tibet. I say ‘alleged goal’ because the Dalai Lama has always state that independence is not his goal.
Instead of talking to the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual and most influential leader, China has accuse him of formatting the riots. The unrest has become a major public relations nightmare for China just five months ahead of the Olympics, but to me that’s a minor point. No one will remember the unrest when they think of the Olympics in a few years time. But the treatment of the highly-respected Dalai Lama will be remembered, especially by the Tibetans. China sounds that they are almost wishing that there is someone behind the violence. Be careful for what you wish for; once the Dalai Lama die, the next Tibetan leader might just grant them that wish.
Talk to the Lama while there’s still a chance to talk peace.
The Tibet riots for the past 2 weeks has put China in a very bad light and you have to say its’ a problem of China’s own making. Now I won’t go into whether Tibet should be a part of China or not as that is a question with no answer, but I don’t understand China refusal to speak to the Dalai Lama. Instead of talking to the Dalai Lama, they are accusing him of trying to take the Olympic Games "hostage" as the wave of violence hit Tibet. This despite the Dalai Lama’s repeated calls for peace talks and non-violence! In fact most observers believe that if it’s not for the Dalai Lama, the violence in Tibet would have been much, much worse.
What thanks the man get for trying peace? Nothing but threats and insults from China! The Liberation Army Daily, the People's Daily and other major papers in China has been filled with nothing but lengthy pieces lambasting the Dalai Lama for the alleged goal of independence for Tibet. I say ‘alleged goal’ because the Dalai Lama has always state that independence is not his goal.
Instead of talking to the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual and most influential leader, China has accuse him of formatting the riots. The unrest has become a major public relations nightmare for China just five months ahead of the Olympics, but to me that’s a minor point. No one will remember the unrest when they think of the Olympics in a few years time. But the treatment of the highly-respected Dalai Lama will be remembered, especially by the Tibetans. China sounds that they are almost wishing that there is someone behind the violence. Be careful for what you wish for; once the Dalai Lama die, the next Tibetan leader might just grant them that wish.
Talk to the Lama while there’s still a chance to talk peace.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Comics this week
Countdown to Final Crisis #6- Countdown has been nothing short of terrible these few weeks. Finally there is light at the end of the tunnel. #6 is a narration from Buddy Blank, a no-name low on the totem pole scientist helping the heroes with the 'Great Disaster' (which was a little bit of a letdown). It shows how badly the writers had botched the heroes as the one issue that worked in about a month is one that the heroes hardly showed up. But beggars can't be choosers. Kill off all the heroes if you have to, just keep this up.
Avengers: The Initiative #10- MVP (or to be more exact, one of the MVP clones) continue his rampage through Camp Hammond in this issue and boy, did he do some damage or what! Let just say at least one of the Scarlet Spiders bit it this issue. Avengers: The Initiative is one book that has been surprising good, maybe even the best book that came out of the Civil War mess. Look out for the scene with Taskmaster when he show what an asshole he is, and why he could be perfect for Camp Hammond. I also like what is happening with Justice, he just never strike me as a Initiative kind of man. The large cast is still a problem but MVP can help with that problem next issue. I'll be here to (hopefully) see it happen.
Avengers: The Initiative #10- MVP (or to be more exact, one of the MVP clones) continue his rampage through Camp Hammond in this issue and boy, did he do some damage or what! Let just say at least one of the Scarlet Spiders bit it this issue. Avengers: The Initiative is one book that has been surprising good, maybe even the best book that came out of the Civil War mess. Look out for the scene with Taskmaster when he show what an asshole he is, and why he could be perfect for Camp Hammond. I also like what is happening with Justice, he just never strike me as a Initiative kind of man. The large cast is still a problem but MVP can help with that problem next issue. I'll be here to (hopefully) see it happen.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Mas Selamat, where are you?
Anyone remember the scratch & win coupons from Singapore Pools a few years ago? The search for Mas Selamat is becoming something like that; keep scratching, but no winning.
You would think that after 210,000 pamphlets on the fugitive and searching 121 empty buildings in one day (I know, Singapore has 121 empty buildings?); there would be some headway for the search of Mr. Mas. Since there isn’t, I wonder how long it will be before our dear Singapore government finally admits Mr. Mas is no longer in Singapore. Because every Singaporeans I spoke to believe that he is no longer in Singapore, it’s not hard to believe that the only people who believe he is still in Singapore is people in the Singapore government.
Why not just admit Mas Selamat has escaped? That way Singaporeans no longer have to be the butt of jokes everywhere, what else would you call headlines like: "Terror Suspect Eludes Posse of 4 Million"? If the government truly believes Mr. Mas is still with us, how about showing Singaporeans some evidence? I know those people struck in the jam at the Causeway will want to hear it
You would think that after 210,000 pamphlets on the fugitive and searching 121 empty buildings in one day (I know, Singapore has 121 empty buildings?); there would be some headway for the search of Mr. Mas. Since there isn’t, I wonder how long it will be before our dear Singapore government finally admits Mr. Mas is no longer in Singapore. Because every Singaporeans I spoke to believe that he is no longer in Singapore, it’s not hard to believe that the only people who believe he is still in Singapore is people in the Singapore government.
Why not just admit Mas Selamat has escaped? That way Singaporeans no longer have to be the butt of jokes everywhere, what else would you call headlines like: "Terror Suspect Eludes Posse of 4 Million"? If the government truly believes Mr. Mas is still with us, how about showing Singaporeans some evidence? I know those people struck in the jam at the Causeway will want to hear it
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Good news for America
Anyone who had read this blog before knows that I’m not a big fan of U.S President George W Bush. I’ve always thought Bush was a guy who meant well, but was too incompetent for the job.
He has just proved that I was right in my judgment. On the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, Bush had insisted that the world was a safer place because the US had acted to invade Iraq.
Which planet did the guy come from? Let us overlook the argument whether pulling out of Iraq now will be good or bad for the U.S, but how can anyone claim that the world is a safer place after the invasion of Iraq? I hope this is just a political speech Bush is giving out because if he really believe this…he is even stupider than I give him credit for. What’s even worse was when he said that the troop ‘surge’ had brought about "victory"...last I checked people are still dying in the streets of Baghdad.
Goods news for Bush is that the expected Republican Party nominee, John McCain, has continued to support the Bush administration policy in Iraq and is currently leading the Democratic Party’s Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in polls. So there’s every chance the war will continued after Bush.
In Bush’s mind, that will mean that America will even be “safer” in the future. Good news for America.
He has just proved that I was right in my judgment. On the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, Bush had insisted that the world was a safer place because the US had acted to invade Iraq.
Which planet did the guy come from? Let us overlook the argument whether pulling out of Iraq now will be good or bad for the U.S, but how can anyone claim that the world is a safer place after the invasion of Iraq? I hope this is just a political speech Bush is giving out because if he really believe this…he is even stupider than I give him credit for. What’s even worse was when he said that the troop ‘surge’ had brought about "victory"...last I checked people are still dying in the streets of Baghdad.
Goods news for Bush is that the expected Republican Party nominee, John McCain, has continued to support the Bush administration policy in Iraq and is currently leading the Democratic Party’s Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in polls. So there’s every chance the war will continued after Bush.
In Bush’s mind, that will mean that America will even be “safer” in the future. Good news for America.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Death of Arthur C. Clarke
A visionary died today. Science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke died aged 90 in Sri Lanka. Clarke captured the world's imagination with books such as "2001: A Space Odyssey" and famously predicted communication satellites.
Clarke was known as the grand old man of science fiction as he had written a visionary paper during World War II which he worked out the conditions for placing satellites in Earth’s orbit. Ironically, Clarke had an uneasy relationship with the scientific establishment as he has made some outlandish predictions; making contact with intelligent life on other planets by 2030; discovering the secret of immortality by 2090, etc.
Still he was a visionary and one of the most names in sci-fi, one of the Big 3 alongside Isaac Asimov and Robert A. Heinlein. He will be missed
Clarke was known as the grand old man of science fiction as he had written a visionary paper during World War II which he worked out the conditions for placing satellites in Earth’s orbit. Ironically, Clarke had an uneasy relationship with the scientific establishment as he has made some outlandish predictions; making contact with intelligent life on other planets by 2030; discovering the secret of immortality by 2090, etc.
Still he was a visionary and one of the most names in sci-fi, one of the Big 3 alongside Isaac Asimov and Robert A. Heinlein. He will be missed
Monday, March 17, 2008
Why bother?
I read there had been protests around the world against the Iraqi War, and I have to wonder. "Why do they bother?"
I mean the only way to stop the war is if the Americans pull-out of Iraq right? Do you see that happening? I don't. The 3 contenders to be the next White House resident is Republican John McCain, Democrats Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton, of which only Obama has openly said he will pull-out of Iraq if he win. I mean McCain has even went to Iraq to bolster his pro-war credentials! That if anything has proven to me that the Americans aren't that interested to pull out of Iraq (which ironically could be a better thing for Singapore than America).
The main thing seems to me that Americans still have this fantasy about winning the Iraqi War. How can they? This is a war that was supposed to last a few weeks, some in the Bush White House were even claiming days, 5 years later and Americans are still dying in Iraq. By fighting for 5 years, the Iraqi people, insurgents, terrorist (whatever you want to call them), has made it a fact that they will not be beaten. This despite being outmanned, outgunned and outfunded (they say America has spent 3 trillion dollars on the war already).
America can't win this war now, even if the fighting stop tomorrow no one will accept that its' a victory for America. The best America can hope for is a honourable draw. Unless they understand and accept that, I think the war will last for a long, long time.
I mean the only way to stop the war is if the Americans pull-out of Iraq right? Do you see that happening? I don't. The 3 contenders to be the next White House resident is Republican John McCain, Democrats Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton, of which only Obama has openly said he will pull-out of Iraq if he win. I mean McCain has even went to Iraq to bolster his pro-war credentials! That if anything has proven to me that the Americans aren't that interested to pull out of Iraq (which ironically could be a better thing for Singapore than America).
The main thing seems to me that Americans still have this fantasy about winning the Iraqi War. How can they? This is a war that was supposed to last a few weeks, some in the Bush White House were even claiming days, 5 years later and Americans are still dying in Iraq. By fighting for 5 years, the Iraqi people, insurgents, terrorist (whatever you want to call them), has made it a fact that they will not be beaten. This despite being outmanned, outgunned and outfunded (they say America has spent 3 trillion dollars on the war already).
America can't win this war now, even if the fighting stop tomorrow no one will accept that its' a victory for America. The best America can hope for is a honourable draw. Unless they understand and accept that, I think the war will last for a long, long time.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Comics this week
Countdown to Final Crisis #7- 3 weeks ago, I express my happiness when Paul Dini & gang gave Holly Robinson and Harley Quinn some cool new powers. This issue opened with those powers gone. How did both Harley and Holly lose their God-given powers...we will never know, unless of course we pick up some other stupid tie-in that explain that. As Countdown near its conclusion, I find wondering about Trinity (DC's new weekly after Countdown); should I collect it? Not after this mess!
Annihilation Conquest #5- The original Annihilation was so successful that it single-handedly revived the long neglected Marvel Universe cosmic characters. I hope Conquest doesn't finish the revival before it get started. Okay; Conquest isn't that bad, but it's just isn't that good either. A series that is suppose to be a sequel to Annihilation has to be great, and at best Conquest is merely good. The 3 separate storylines also didn't help matter; Star-Lord's escape, the High Evolutionary's scheme, and Ronan's final gamble are all interesting, but nothing like the epic battles of Annihilation. This issue is only good if you enjoy Ultron, and want to know how it became the supreme ruler of the Phalanx. If you (like me) never enjoy Ultron, then I'm afraid there's not much here for you.
Nova #11- The terrific duo of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning has done it again. They are seemingly having blast with Nova, and every issue so far has been one hell of a ride. At the far edge of the galaxy, Nova meet New Mutants' Warlock. Warlock is one of those characters that writers seems to have fun rebooting from time to time; I hope this latest version sticks. Warlock as the saviour of his race seems far-stretched, but it work here as he is given an underdog role. After Cosmo, the talking Russian dog, and now Warlock; I look forward to the next forgotten cosmic hero that will show up.
Annihilation Conquest #5- The original Annihilation was so successful that it single-handedly revived the long neglected Marvel Universe cosmic characters. I hope Conquest doesn't finish the revival before it get started. Okay; Conquest isn't that bad, but it's just isn't that good either. A series that is suppose to be a sequel to Annihilation has to be great, and at best Conquest is merely good. The 3 separate storylines also didn't help matter; Star-Lord's escape, the High Evolutionary's scheme, and Ronan's final gamble are all interesting, but nothing like the epic battles of Annihilation. This issue is only good if you enjoy Ultron, and want to know how it became the supreme ruler of the Phalanx. If you (like me) never enjoy Ultron, then I'm afraid there's not much here for you.
Nova #11- The terrific duo of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning has done it again. They are seemingly having blast with Nova, and every issue so far has been one hell of a ride. At the far edge of the galaxy, Nova meet New Mutants' Warlock. Warlock is one of those characters that writers seems to have fun rebooting from time to time; I hope this latest version sticks. Warlock as the saviour of his race seems far-stretched, but it work here as he is given an underdog role. After Cosmo, the talking Russian dog, and now Warlock; I look forward to the next forgotten cosmic hero that will show up.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Come soak up the sun
After days and days of rain, the sun finally decided to grace us with his presence. Outside there is warmth and sunshine, and what am I doing right now? Struck in the office with its’ too-cold air-conditioning. Let no one ever say that the heavens do not have a sense of humor.
So if you are able to; go outside into the sun and soak up the rays of sunshine! Soak up more for me. Heavens know I can’t join you
Thursday, March 13, 2008
War Drums beat on Iran
Recently, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew stressed his opinion in the Washington Post that America must NOT pullout of Iraq before winning. Mr Lee believes that it would be a disaster if they do so...maybe he should have hold off on his opinion.
Don't get me wrong, I don't think the MM is wrong. I do think it would be better for Singapore if America stay on in Iraq. It might not be good for America, but it will be in Singapore's interest if they continue to fight in Iraq as it would mean that 1) Singapore will continue to be a 'firm ally' of America; 2) angry terrorists would rather attack America than Singapore; and 3) there's no chance of Singapore's FTA with America being reviewed. Say what you want, but what do I care if young warmongering Americans die in a country most Singaporean never even being to?
What worries me now is U.S President George W. Bush obsession with Iran. Everyone knows that the White House wanted to attack Iran, but for one reason or another, it never could. Now one of those reasons is gone. The commander of US forces in the Middle East, Admiral William Fallon, has stepped down. Fallon, who even Bush admitted has "served this country with honor, determination and commitment," stepped down and went into early retirement after reports came out in the U.S that he differed with Bush over attacking Iran. AKA, Bush wanted to hit Iran and Fallon didn't.
The White House is trying to paper over the cracks, but no one really believes them. With Fallon's exit, does this means a U.S war with Iran? I hope not. With oil price at US$110; an ongoing war in Iraq; a revitalised Taleban in Afghanistan; war with Iran is the last thing America needs.
Now, I don't really care about how many wars America want to be dragged into, I'm worried about Singapore. I don't think it's in Singapore's interest to be seem hand-in-hand with America as they try to have war with the whole Islamic world. It just isn't.
So maybe the MM should have hold off on his comments; it might not be in Singapore's interest to be seem as a close U.S ally in the near future (when they attack Iran).
Don't get me wrong, I don't think the MM is wrong. I do think it would be better for Singapore if America stay on in Iraq. It might not be good for America, but it will be in Singapore's interest if they continue to fight in Iraq as it would mean that 1) Singapore will continue to be a 'firm ally' of America; 2) angry terrorists would rather attack America than Singapore; and 3) there's no chance of Singapore's FTA with America being reviewed. Say what you want, but what do I care if young warmongering Americans die in a country most Singaporean never even being to?
What worries me now is U.S President George W. Bush obsession with Iran. Everyone knows that the White House wanted to attack Iran, but for one reason or another, it never could. Now one of those reasons is gone. The commander of US forces in the Middle East, Admiral William Fallon, has stepped down. Fallon, who even Bush admitted has "served this country with honor, determination and commitment," stepped down and went into early retirement after reports came out in the U.S that he differed with Bush over attacking Iran. AKA, Bush wanted to hit Iran and Fallon didn't.
The White House is trying to paper over the cracks, but no one really believes them. With Fallon's exit, does this means a U.S war with Iran? I hope not. With oil price at US$110; an ongoing war in Iraq; a revitalised Taleban in Afghanistan; war with Iran is the last thing America needs.
Now, I don't really care about how many wars America want to be dragged into, I'm worried about Singapore. I don't think it's in Singapore's interest to be seem hand-in-hand with America as they try to have war with the whole Islamic world. It just isn't.
So maybe the MM should have hold off on his comments; it might not be in Singapore's interest to be seem as a close U.S ally in the near future (when they attack Iran).
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
High Oil Prices Here To Stay
Remember those days when oil was price at below US$100; how far ago that seems now. Remember the cries of anguish when oil price first breached US$100; how we wish those days would come back.
Dream on people! World oil prices are up, and they look like continuing their record charge in the near future. Already to US$110 dollars now, traders are now saying the unthinkable mere weeks ago; US$200! Of course the blame is cast on surging demand from China and India who are soaking up oil like water right now, but hey, it's not like there's any innocent party in this. We all use oil in one way or another right?
One good thing coming out of this. With higher oil prices, maybe people will now be less willing to buy cars and help destroy Mother Earth. Not very likely in Singapore, but I hope so.
Dream on people! World oil prices are up, and they look like continuing their record charge in the near future. Already to US$110 dollars now, traders are now saying the unthinkable mere weeks ago; US$200! Of course the blame is cast on surging demand from China and India who are soaking up oil like water right now, but hey, it's not like there's any innocent party in this. We all use oil in one way or another right?
One good thing coming out of this. With higher oil prices, maybe people will now be less willing to buy cars and help destroy Mother Earth. Not very likely in Singapore, but I hope so.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
But...she was the heroine!
You know, for a country determine to hold a good Summer Olympics this year, China seems strangely determined to score own goals also.
That's what I felt when I read that Oscar-winning director Lee Ang has come out to support Chinese actress Tang Wei, whose advertisements have been blacklisted in China following her role in Lee's "Lust, Caution." I didn't even know she was blacklisted till then, but the reason for the blacklist really got me laughing.
Now it's strange that China's State Administration of Radio Film and Television told local stations to cease airing ads starring Tang last week, what's even stranger to me was the reason why. Local Chinese media have linked the order to Tang's debut performance in the World War Two drama "Lust, Caution," but the reason why the Chinese were unhappy was because the movie 'defend the country's traitors.'
Now the movie features some lengthy and sometimes violent sex scenes with Hong Kong co-star Tony Leung (which were totally necessary by the way), but in what way did the movie 'defend the country's traitors'? Did they watch a different movie from me? Tony Leung's character (the traitor in question) was the bad guy wasn't him? A sensitive bag guy maybe, but he did torture and kill a hell of lot of people in the movie didn't he? In what way did "Lust, Caution" defend China's traitors? Which movie did they watch?
What's even funnier was that they punished Tang for the movie...and she was the patriotic heroine of the movie! Tang plays the student activist who gave her all to seduce Leung's Japanese-allied Chinese spy during the Japan's World War Two occupation of Shanghai. I mean what sense does it make to punish her?
After all the effort China has put into the Summer Olympics, I would strongly suggest they don't do anything else from now to the end of the Olympics; that way maybe they can stop scoring own goals.
That's what I felt when I read that Oscar-winning director Lee Ang has come out to support Chinese actress Tang Wei, whose advertisements have been blacklisted in China following her role in Lee's "Lust, Caution." I didn't even know she was blacklisted till then, but the reason for the blacklist really got me laughing.
Now it's strange that China's State Administration of Radio Film and Television told local stations to cease airing ads starring Tang last week, what's even stranger to me was the reason why. Local Chinese media have linked the order to Tang's debut performance in the World War Two drama "Lust, Caution," but the reason why the Chinese were unhappy was because the movie 'defend the country's traitors.'
Now the movie features some lengthy and sometimes violent sex scenes with Hong Kong co-star Tony Leung (which were totally necessary by the way), but in what way did the movie 'defend the country's traitors'? Did they watch a different movie from me? Tony Leung's character (the traitor in question) was the bad guy wasn't him? A sensitive bag guy maybe, but he did torture and kill a hell of lot of people in the movie didn't he? In what way did "Lust, Caution" defend China's traitors? Which movie did they watch?
What's even funnier was that they punished Tang for the movie...and she was the patriotic heroine of the movie! Tang plays the student activist who gave her all to seduce Leung's Japanese-allied Chinese spy during the Japan's World War Two occupation of Shanghai. I mean what sense does it make to punish her?
After all the effort China has put into the Summer Olympics, I would strongly suggest they don't do anything else from now to the end of the Olympics; that way maybe they can stop scoring own goals.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Are you kidding me?
If you had read this blog anytime within the past 2 weeks, you would have known about my bitching on how little we normal Singaporeans knows about the Mas Selamat bin Kastari’s escape. And that the government should tell Singaporeans as soon as possible on how the escape took place.
At least now know why there was no information. They don't know! Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has finally come out and said, "How did it happen? We're not absolutely sure yet." Are you kidding me? Didn't the government just said that no one helped Kastari escaped? How in the world would you know that if you don't even know how the escape took place? Someone explain that one to me please?
Personally I thought it was a little admirable that Wong Kan Seng (Singapore's Minister for Home Affairs) came out in Parliament and took the hit for the government. But 2 weeks in, and they still don't know how it took place? That I (and I believe most Singaporeans) find unacceptable!
At least now know why there was no information. They don't know! Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has finally come out and said, "How did it happen? We're not absolutely sure yet." Are you kidding me? Didn't the government just said that no one helped Kastari escaped? How in the world would you know that if you don't even know how the escape took place? Someone explain that one to me please?
Personally I thought it was a little admirable that Wong Kan Seng (Singapore's Minister for Home Affairs) came out in Parliament and took the hit for the government. But 2 weeks in, and they still don't know how it took place? That I (and I believe most Singaporeans) find unacceptable!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Big Shock in Malaysia
Going in to Saturday’s elections, everyone thought that the opposition in Malaysia will do better than they did the last time. But wow, not this good!
The ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) suffered their biggest electoral upset in about 40 years, losing their two-thirds majority in Parliament for the first time since 1969. BN managed to win only 139 seats in the 222-member Parliament, but what’s worse was that they lost 5 states to the opposition. Penang, Selangor, Kedah, Perak and Kelantan all fell to the opposition. This after losing just Kelantan in the last elections.
I can’t help but feel a little sorry for Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The biggest reason for the BN losses was the loss of votes from Malaysian Chinese and Indians, both Gerakan and MIC were just slaughtered in the polls. UMNO actually did quite well on it’s own but their BN’s component parties were just destroyed on Saturday.
Just it’s back to the drawing board for BN, and with calls already being heard for Abdullah to resign, Malaysians are in for an interesting time.
The ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) suffered their biggest electoral upset in about 40 years, losing their two-thirds majority in Parliament for the first time since 1969. BN managed to win only 139 seats in the 222-member Parliament, but what’s worse was that they lost 5 states to the opposition. Penang, Selangor, Kedah, Perak and Kelantan all fell to the opposition. This after losing just Kelantan in the last elections.
I can’t help but feel a little sorry for Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The biggest reason for the BN losses was the loss of votes from Malaysian Chinese and Indians, both Gerakan and MIC were just slaughtered in the polls. UMNO actually did quite well on it’s own but their BN’s component parties were just destroyed on Saturday.
Just it’s back to the drawing board for BN, and with calls already being heard for Abdullah to resign, Malaysians are in for an interesting time.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Comics this week
Countdown to Final Crisis #8- This is really pissing me off. I know that DC's second weekly is supposed to be the “spine of the DCU”, but how about a story that makes sense first! The story jumped yet again. Since when did Jimmy Olsen got back to Apokolips? How did the Atom get onto the chessboard and managed to see Darkseid playing the game? Isn’t Firestorm like in a coma or something? When will the writers stop jumping around the place? Luckily for me there’s only 8 more issue to go.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
New Campaign for Singapore!
You know how the Singapore government had been trying to get Singaporeans to have more children? And how they had been failing miserably for years? Here’s a novel reason for the failure: Singapore was not ambitious enough.
Singapore should take a page out of…Turkmenistan! Their president had just announced incentives to reward women who give birth to eight or more children. Yes, 8 children! They will get a one-off payment of US$250, free dental care, utilities and public transport.
You know the old football tactic; if you want a point, then you must go for 3. That way if you if fail to get 3 points, at least you can draw. Guess the Turkmenistan government is going for the same thing. If women do not get 8, at least they can get half that; 4 children for every couple!
Singapore should follow their example. Just imagine the slogan: Do your national duty; have 6 children or more! That way even if they fail to get 6 (and they will fail), they can at least have 3! Just in line with the “have 3 or more” thing they have now. The women will also be so miserable in failing to do their duty; they will put even more pressure on other women to make up the numbers for them. They will do the work for the Singapore government!
So what are you waiting for? New slogan; new campaign: Have 6 children or more!
Singapore should take a page out of…Turkmenistan! Their president had just announced incentives to reward women who give birth to eight or more children. Yes, 8 children! They will get a one-off payment of US$250, free dental care, utilities and public transport.
You know the old football tactic; if you want a point, then you must go for 3. That way if you if fail to get 3 points, at least you can draw. Guess the Turkmenistan government is going for the same thing. If women do not get 8, at least they can get half that; 4 children for every couple!
Singapore should follow their example. Just imagine the slogan: Do your national duty; have 6 children or more! That way even if they fail to get 6 (and they will fail), they can at least have 3! Just in line with the “have 3 or more” thing they have now. The women will also be so miserable in failing to do their duty; they will put even more pressure on other women to make up the numbers for them. They will do the work for the Singapore government!
So what are you waiting for? New slogan; new campaign: Have 6 children or more!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Where is Mas Selamat bin Kastari?
Like most Singaporeans, I had received a SMS message with a picture of Singapore’s most wanted man, Mas Selamat bin Kastari. His escape has caused no small amount of embarrassment for the Singapore government, and now come the overkill to catch him.
Too bad there’s no overkill on how did the escape happen. Yes, there’s an enquiry on how he’s escape but what info does Singaporeans has on the matter…nothing. However that’s a rant for another day. What I’m worried about now is how much is Singapore coordinating with Malaysia and Indonesia on the matter. Is the Singapore government is so worried about catching Kastari themselves that they are no considering all the options?
Is Kastari even still in Singapore? Singapore police had openly said that they believe he is, but Malaysian and Indonesian security agencies said that he is not. The Indonesians went so far as to claim a location; that Kastari is somewhere around Batam! Just who is right?
Hopefully, Singapore is not so worried about their ‘face’ that they are opening ignoring the possibility of Kastari leaving Singapore already! If he has left Singapore already, I think the most important thing is to help the Malaysian and Indonesian to catch him; not worry about who catches him.
However when you consider the ‘pride’ we Singaporeans hold in our ‘first-class security’, that may really be wishful thinking.
Too bad there’s no overkill on how did the escape happen. Yes, there’s an enquiry on how he’s escape but what info does Singaporeans has on the matter…nothing. However that’s a rant for another day. What I’m worried about now is how much is Singapore coordinating with Malaysia and Indonesia on the matter. Is the Singapore government is so worried about catching Kastari themselves that they are no considering all the options?
Is Kastari even still in Singapore? Singapore police had openly said that they believe he is, but Malaysian and Indonesian security agencies said that he is not. The Indonesians went so far as to claim a location; that Kastari is somewhere around Batam! Just who is right?
Hopefully, Singapore is not so worried about their ‘face’ that they are opening ignoring the possibility of Kastari leaving Singapore already! If he has left Singapore already, I think the most important thing is to help the Malaysian and Indonesian to catch him; not worry about who catches him.
However when you consider the ‘pride’ we Singaporeans hold in our ‘first-class security’, that may really be wishful thinking.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
HSBD hit with a $17 billion loss
The U.S subprime housing is still hurting financial markets throughout the world. Banking giant HSBC took a $17 billion hit on its exposure to the collapsed US subprime housing market.
This makes HSBC the latest bank to suffer from the housing market crisis. What's worse is that it said that it expect market conditions to get worse before it gets better. Which bring to mind what the hell the U.S are doing to rid the world of this crisis. The subprime crisis has been brewing for about a year already, yet we are still no closer to solving the problem. Amid global slowing economic growth and squeeze on credit, must they truly wait till after the U.S elections in Nov before they take action? How knows where the market will be then?
Since Singapore is a "staunch U.S ally", how about we make some noise and try to make the U.S take some action on the crisis before it drag the whole world into a recession...if we are not in one already.
This makes HSBC the latest bank to suffer from the housing market crisis. What's worse is that it said that it expect market conditions to get worse before it gets better. Which bring to mind what the hell the U.S are doing to rid the world of this crisis. The subprime crisis has been brewing for about a year already, yet we are still no closer to solving the problem. Amid global slowing economic growth and squeeze on credit, must they truly wait till after the U.S elections in Nov before they take action? How knows where the market will be then?
Since Singapore is a "staunch U.S ally", how about we make some noise and try to make the U.S take some action on the crisis before it drag the whole world into a recession...if we are not in one already.
Monday, March 3, 2008
EPL this month
Feb 08 is over and Tottenham is the new holder of the Carling Cup. Who else is hot this month?
Top Teams this month
Tottenham Hotspur- Juande Ramos did what he was paid to do; win trophies for title starved Spurs. What’s surprising is how fast he managed to do it. The Tottenham team got their first trophy in 9 years and they did it while playing good, attacking football. Maybe now striker Dimitar Berbatov will be willing to stay at White Hart Lane.
Manchester United – Like in past years, United seems to have gone into an extra gear once the season is going to end. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has spent over $60 million to get the Champions League and the EPL title together, and thus far it has works. As usual, people are talking about their attacking powers in the form of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Carlos Tevez but it’s still that defense that has impressed me. It will be between them and the Gunners for the title.
Everton- Manager David Moyes has put together a team that is strong, hardworking and very hard to beat; the result is fourth place in the EPL and a possible place in the Champions League. They still can’t beat any of the top 4, but Everton is beating the teams they are supposed to beat. They keep this up and Liverpool better be careful.
Surprise Team this month
Chelsea- I admit; I was expecting Chelsea to beat Tottenham for the Carling Cup. However, once I saw the lineup Avram Grant sent out; I thought they would be in trouble. Why did Grant sent out the over-rated Frank Lampard (who just came back from injury I might add) in place of in-form Michael Ballack? That was a strange one for me. Add that to stories of how captain John Terry and first-team coach Henk ten Cate had a training ground bust-up prior to the final, and you wonder if Avram Grant has lost the plot. But one game (even if an important one) is not the season, Chelsea is still in the Champions League and frankly, that’s the one Grant need to win to keep his job.
Disappointing Teams this month
Newcastle- Newcastle fans hounded old manager 'Big' Sam Allardyce out of the job because the team was playing boring football under him. How they wish they can have him back? I have said last month that Kevin Keegan is not the right manager for Newcastle at this time and the results have proved me right. No wins, no points and if they are not careful, I think Newcastle may be in danger of the drop. The biggest problem Keegan has is that he is trying to get Newcastle to play attacking football, but when your central midfield is Joey Barton and Nicky Butt; that’s a tall ask. Keegan need to change his tactics or else Newcastle may really be in trouble come end of the season.
Top Teams this month
Tottenham Hotspur- Juande Ramos did what he was paid to do; win trophies for title starved Spurs. What’s surprising is how fast he managed to do it. The Tottenham team got their first trophy in 9 years and they did it while playing good, attacking football. Maybe now striker Dimitar Berbatov will be willing to stay at White Hart Lane.
Manchester United – Like in past years, United seems to have gone into an extra gear once the season is going to end. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has spent over $60 million to get the Champions League and the EPL title together, and thus far it has works. As usual, people are talking about their attacking powers in the form of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Carlos Tevez but it’s still that defense that has impressed me. It will be between them and the Gunners for the title.
Everton- Manager David Moyes has put together a team that is strong, hardworking and very hard to beat; the result is fourth place in the EPL and a possible place in the Champions League. They still can’t beat any of the top 4, but Everton is beating the teams they are supposed to beat. They keep this up and Liverpool better be careful.
Surprise Team this month
Chelsea- I admit; I was expecting Chelsea to beat Tottenham for the Carling Cup. However, once I saw the lineup Avram Grant sent out; I thought they would be in trouble. Why did Grant sent out the over-rated Frank Lampard (who just came back from injury I might add) in place of in-form Michael Ballack? That was a strange one for me. Add that to stories of how captain John Terry and first-team coach Henk ten Cate had a training ground bust-up prior to the final, and you wonder if Avram Grant has lost the plot. But one game (even if an important one) is not the season, Chelsea is still in the Champions League and frankly, that’s the one Grant need to win to keep his job.
Disappointing Teams this month
Newcastle- Newcastle fans hounded old manager 'Big' Sam Allardyce out of the job because the team was playing boring football under him. How they wish they can have him back? I have said last month that Kevin Keegan is not the right manager for Newcastle at this time and the results have proved me right. No wins, no points and if they are not careful, I think Newcastle may be in danger of the drop. The biggest problem Keegan has is that he is trying to get Newcastle to play attacking football, but when your central midfield is Joey Barton and Nicky Butt; that’s a tall ask. Keegan need to change his tactics or else Newcastle may really be in trouble come end of the season.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Comics this week
Countdown to Final Crisis #9- I never got Brother Eye. Never got it during Infinite Crisis and nothing has changed. The machine created by Batman took over all of Apokolypse this issue. Yes, that’s right! A machine took over the world that is ruled by Darkseid. Nuff said. That’s how stupid this issue is. Skip it if you value common sense.
Crime Bible: The Five Lessons of Blood #5- A spin-off of 52, Crime Bible ends this issue the same way Black Adam: The Dark Age did. With the writer’s eye on the bigger prize; gunning for an ongoing series. The compelling miniseries has so far being the Question’s quest to learn the five lessons of blood that make up the Crime Bible– deceit, lust, regret, greed and murder. She has learned them well. So well that Flay, the leader of the Followers of Cain, decided to test her. A beautiful fight later, Flay lay dead and the Question is the new leader of the Followers of Cain. And then…the end. Like Black Adam, there's no conclusion to the story. Wait for the ongoing series people.
Project Superpowers #1- Project Superpowers follow the latest trend in comics recently. Get some Golden Age superheroes together and thrust them into modern times. We saw it with Marvel’s miniseries The Twelve, now it’s Project Superpowers. After reading it, I have a warning for everyone. Pick up Project Superpowers #0 first. If you don’t, you will not understand #1. The story is basically about the need to reopen Pandora’s Box. Only the problem is that in this story, the box is actually an urn. But the writers never explain this or why it's so important to open it! If you didn’t pick up #0, you will have no idea why the urn is so important. I cannot understand how Dynamite could miss that which is sad because the art is brilliant. Alex Ross outdid himself here. Unfortunately, the epic feel of the art could not save the mistake in the story. Pick up #0 first, and then come here.
Crime Bible: The Five Lessons of Blood #5- A spin-off of 52, Crime Bible ends this issue the same way Black Adam: The Dark Age did. With the writer’s eye on the bigger prize; gunning for an ongoing series. The compelling miniseries has so far being the Question’s quest to learn the five lessons of blood that make up the Crime Bible– deceit, lust, regret, greed and murder. She has learned them well. So well that Flay, the leader of the Followers of Cain, decided to test her. A beautiful fight later, Flay lay dead and the Question is the new leader of the Followers of Cain. And then…the end. Like Black Adam, there's no conclusion to the story. Wait for the ongoing series people.
Project Superpowers #1- Project Superpowers follow the latest trend in comics recently. Get some Golden Age superheroes together and thrust them into modern times. We saw it with Marvel’s miniseries The Twelve, now it’s Project Superpowers. After reading it, I have a warning for everyone. Pick up Project Superpowers #0 first. If you don’t, you will not understand #1. The story is basically about the need to reopen Pandora’s Box. Only the problem is that in this story, the box is actually an urn. But the writers never explain this or why it's so important to open it! If you didn’t pick up #0, you will have no idea why the urn is so important. I cannot understand how Dynamite could miss that which is sad because the art is brilliant. Alex Ross outdid himself here. Unfortunately, the epic feel of the art could not save the mistake in the story. Pick up #0 first, and then come here.
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