生活中难免会有些不愉快的事，但我们要懂得去面对去解决，去正视自己。人生几何不必太强求，顺其自然比较好。
1~成功的人不是赢在起点，而是赢在转折点。
2~人生没有如果，只有后果和结果。
3~人生就八个字，喜怒哀乐忧愁烦恼，八个字喜和乐只占两个，看透就好了。
4~少年的时光就是晃,用大把时间彷徨，只用几个瞬间来成长.
5~蓝天下便是阳光；艰苦后便是甘甜；失败了就当经验；成功时便是灿烂。
2012年3月23日星期五
女设计师新山被“刮”4000元
女设计师新山被“刮”4000元
（新山综合讯）一名在新加坡工作的女室內设计师，日前到新山办事时，在新山新关卡附近被两名假装成学院生的刮刮乐成员缠上，被骗9000令吉（约4000新元）。
事主孙敏菁（36岁）来自马六甲，在新加坡工作十多年，目前是新加坡永久居民。她于本月9日下午自新山返回新加坡时，在新山城中坊连接新关卡的行人天桥被刮刮乐成员纠缠，结果坠入对方圈套。
《联合早报》
（新山综合讯）一名在新加坡工作的女室內设计师，日前到新山办事时，在新山新关卡附近被两名假装成学院生的刮刮乐成员缠上，被骗9000令吉（约4000新元）。
事主孙敏菁（36岁）来自马六甲，在新加坡工作十多年，目前是新加坡永久居民。她于本月9日下午自新山返回新加坡时，在新山城中坊连接新关卡的行人天桥被刮刮乐成员纠缠，结果坠入对方圈套。
《联合早报》
Beware of phone calls offering zoo tickets
Beware of phone calls offering zoo tickets
If you receive a phone call telling you that you have won free admission to the Singapore Zoo, do not celebrate.
It is likely to be a scam to steal personal details like your name and identity-card (IC) number.
A handful of people turned up at the zoo earlier this month only to find out that the tickets they had "won" did not exist.
They also learnt that the person who called them did not work for the zoo.
In a statement issued to my paper, Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), which runs the zoo, confirmed that it has uncovered a recent spate of phone scams.
The victims were requested to reveal their IC numbers over the phone in exchange for "free zoo tickets", WRS said in the statement.
Ms Isabel Cheng, director of marketing and communications at WRS, advised members of the public to make a police report if they receive such calls.
The scam came to light after the Singapore Zoo received several inquiries, in person and over the phone, about the free tickets.
~News courtesy of Omy~
If you receive a phone call telling you that you have won free admission to the Singapore Zoo, do not celebrate.
It is likely to be a scam to steal personal details like your name and identity-card (IC) number.
A handful of people turned up at the zoo earlier this month only to find out that the tickets they had "won" did not exist.
They also learnt that the person who called them did not work for the zoo.
In a statement issued to my paper, Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), which runs the zoo, confirmed that it has uncovered a recent spate of phone scams.
The victims were requested to reveal their IC numbers over the phone in exchange for "free zoo tickets", WRS said in the statement.
Ms Isabel Cheng, director of marketing and communications at WRS, advised members of the public to make a police report if they receive such calls.
The scam came to light after the Singapore Zoo received several inquiries, in person and over the phone, about the free tickets.
~News courtesy of Omy~
2012年3月15日星期四
How to ask a girl out
How to ask a girl out
We've all been there. You have a crush who is a friend or colleague and you want to ask her out. All you have to do is ask, right? But there's more to it. Chances are, you might be thinking on how to get the ball rolling without ruining the friendship. While it might seem like a piece of cake, there are several things you need to keep in check before making that very move...
Her actions
First things first, does she like you? Most girls show their interest subtly but you can sense rejections from the hints she drops. For instance, if she never replies your text, you might think that she doesn't want to have anything to do with you. But if she's been giving out mixed signals, she's probably trying to get your attention and you should not feel discouraged just yet. Ask if she receives the text from you. If she says "I forgot to reply." or "I was really busy.", you can be sure that she's really not into you.
Be bold enough
Remember, she's not the only fish in the sea. Don't ever let the fear of rejection get the better of you. Do you want to miss it out just because you're afraid? And on the bright side, a 'no' doesn't mean that she won't say 'yes' in the future. Put yourself in her shoes, who doesn't like a confident person? You'd be surprised at how much it helps.
Be clear
If you're afraid of being rejected, you tend to be vague. For example, you'd say "Let's go out one day." or "Let's go out if you want." The problem is, more often than not, the girl will reject you if you're being unclear. And most of them find guys like that insincere. More importantly, she might nod and say 'okay' but you don't know for sure if she'd really go out with you. Plus, you'd need to go through all over again to set a date with her. It's best to specify when. So, appear nonchalant and try "Do you want to go out this Sunday?" Don't worry if she'll be busy on that day. If she's interested, she'll suggest alternatives. Even with rejection, at least you can stop wasting time and move on faster.
Avoid being overly eager
Never come off as a creeper by flooding her Facebook inbox or calling her up in the middle of the night. And you reek of desperation when you say "Can you please go out with me?" or "Why would you never go out with me?". Pulling off that sympathy or emotional card will turn the girl off quicker than you think.
No 'right' time
Fact is you're probably just afraid or deluding yourself into thinking that there's a 'right' time to ask a girl out. You don't need to know a lot about her for a date. And most think that by making her wait will instead pique her curiosity. When you've hinted her your interest, don't wait too long before initiating the move. She'd think that she might have picked up wrong signals from you and she'll start losing interest.
Always be prepared for the worst
Sometimes, she just doesn't have that feeling for you. Most girls are too nice to take the direct approach when it comes to rejecting someone but know when to give up. If she tells you she's crushing on someone else or not looking for a relationship at the moment, it means she's making it crystal clear. We advise you to move on to another prospect.
Failed? Try again..
So, it's a 'no'? Don't throw in the towel yet. If you really like your crush, you can always try again. Be persistent (but not overly) and when done correctly, she'll probably give you the chance and say 'yes' eventually. Wait a few more weeks before asking her out again. Avoid being pushy or you'll end up being treated like a stalker. She might give you the cold shoulder forever and even cut contact with you.
～Courtesy of xinmsn lifestyle～
We've all been there. You have a crush who is a friend or colleague and you want to ask her out. All you have to do is ask, right? But there's more to it. Chances are, you might be thinking on how to get the ball rolling without ruining the friendship. While it might seem like a piece of cake, there are several things you need to keep in check before making that very move...
Her actions
First things first, does she like you? Most girls show their interest subtly but you can sense rejections from the hints she drops. For instance, if she never replies your text, you might think that she doesn't want to have anything to do with you. But if she's been giving out mixed signals, she's probably trying to get your attention and you should not feel discouraged just yet. Ask if she receives the text from you. If she says "I forgot to reply." or "I was really busy.", you can be sure that she's really not into you.
Be bold enough
Remember, she's not the only fish in the sea. Don't ever let the fear of rejection get the better of you. Do you want to miss it out just because you're afraid? And on the bright side, a 'no' doesn't mean that she won't say 'yes' in the future. Put yourself in her shoes, who doesn't like a confident person? You'd be surprised at how much it helps.
Be clear
If you're afraid of being rejected, you tend to be vague. For example, you'd say "Let's go out one day." or "Let's go out if you want." The problem is, more often than not, the girl will reject you if you're being unclear. And most of them find guys like that insincere. More importantly, she might nod and say 'okay' but you don't know for sure if she'd really go out with you. Plus, you'd need to go through all over again to set a date with her. It's best to specify when. So, appear nonchalant and try "Do you want to go out this Sunday?" Don't worry if she'll be busy on that day. If she's interested, she'll suggest alternatives. Even with rejection, at least you can stop wasting time and move on faster.
Avoid being overly eager
Never come off as a creeper by flooding her Facebook inbox or calling her up in the middle of the night. And you reek of desperation when you say "Can you please go out with me?" or "Why would you never go out with me?". Pulling off that sympathy or emotional card will turn the girl off quicker than you think.
No 'right' time
Fact is you're probably just afraid or deluding yourself into thinking that there's a 'right' time to ask a girl out. You don't need to know a lot about her for a date. And most think that by making her wait will instead pique her curiosity. When you've hinted her your interest, don't wait too long before initiating the move. She'd think that she might have picked up wrong signals from you and she'll start losing interest.
Always be prepared for the worst
Sometimes, she just doesn't have that feeling for you. Most girls are too nice to take the direct approach when it comes to rejecting someone but know when to give up. If she tells you she's crushing on someone else or not looking for a relationship at the moment, it means she's making it crystal clear. We advise you to move on to another prospect.
Failed? Try again..
So, it's a 'no'? Don't throw in the towel yet. If you really like your crush, you can always try again. Be persistent (but not overly) and when done correctly, she'll probably give you the chance and say 'yes' eventually. Wait a few more weeks before asking her out again. Avoid being pushy or you'll end up being treated like a stalker. She might give you the cold shoulder forever and even cut contact with you.
～Courtesy of xinmsn lifestyle～
2012年3月13日星期二
天天吃红肉 早死风险增13％
天天吃红肉 早死风险增13％
红肉不宜多吃，美国一项对12万人的追踪研究显示，天天吃红肉，会提高早死与患癌的风险。
美国哈佛医学院对3万多名男性、及8万多名女性，进行了20多年的追踪研究。结果显示，每天多吃一份未加工的红肉，死亡风险就会比其他人高出13％，患上致命心血管疾病与癌症的风险，也会分别提高21％与16％。
如果摄取的是加工过的红肉，死亡风险更会攀升至20％。
研究员说，红肉中含饱和脂肪（saturated fat），可能提高心脏病风险，而加工肉品盐分高，也可能导致高血压，从而提高心血管出现问题的风险。
研究对象中，有2万3900人在研究期间死亡，其中5900人死于心脏病，9500人死于癌症。如果他们每天吃的红肉少于0.5份，近9％的男性及8％的女性就不会那么早死。
不过，营养专家指出，红肉还是可构成均衡饮食的一部分，但人们应尽量选用瘦肉，并采用较健康的烹调方法。
常吃汉堡包、火腿等加工红肉的人，也可换换口味，以鸡肉、鱼类等其他富含蛋白质的食品取而代之。
1份等于多少？
•1份未加工的红肉＝1片扑克牌大小的牛排
•1份加工后的红肉＝1条热狗或2片培根
不吃红肉，以什么取代？
•鱼肉：死亡风险可下降7％。
•家禽：死亡风险下降14％。
•坚果：死亡风险下降19％。
•豆类：死亡风险下降10％。
•低脂乳制品：死亡风险下降10％。
•全谷物：死亡风险下降14％
~omy~
红肉不宜多吃，美国一项对12万人的追踪研究显示，天天吃红肉，会提高早死与患癌的风险。
美国哈佛医学院对3万多名男性、及8万多名女性，进行了20多年的追踪研究。结果显示，每天多吃一份未加工的红肉，死亡风险就会比其他人高出13％，患上致命心血管疾病与癌症的风险，也会分别提高21％与16％。
如果摄取的是加工过的红肉，死亡风险更会攀升至20％。
研究员说，红肉中含饱和脂肪（saturated fat），可能提高心脏病风险，而加工肉品盐分高，也可能导致高血压，从而提高心血管出现问题的风险。
研究对象中，有2万3900人在研究期间死亡，其中5900人死于心脏病，9500人死于癌症。如果他们每天吃的红肉少于0.5份，近9％的男性及8％的女性就不会那么早死。
不过，营养专家指出，红肉还是可构成均衡饮食的一部分，但人们应尽量选用瘦肉，并采用较健康的烹调方法。
常吃汉堡包、火腿等加工红肉的人，也可换换口味，以鸡肉、鱼类等其他富含蛋白质的食品取而代之。
1份等于多少？
•1份未加工的红肉＝1片扑克牌大小的牛排
•1份加工后的红肉＝1条热狗或2片培根
不吃红肉，以什么取代？
•鱼肉：死亡风险可下降7％。
•家禽：死亡风险下降14％。
•坚果：死亡风险下降19％。
•豆类：死亡风险下降10％。
•低脂乳制品：死亡风险下降10％。
•全谷物：死亡风险下降14％
~omy~
每天喝超过1罐汽水 心脏病发几率增20％
每天喝超过1罐汽水 心脏病发几率增20％
美国哈佛大学的研究显示，天天喝汽水有损心脏健康，心脏病发作的风险将显著提高。
对超过4万名男性长达22年的追踪调查发现，每天喝350毫升的含糖汽水（一罐标准装汽水为330毫升），心脏病发的几率就会激增20％。350毫升汽水中，约含有10茶匙的糖。
调查还发现，喝的含糖饮料越多，患病风险就越高。每天喝两份含糖饮料，心脏风险将增至2％，如果日喝3份，风险更会高达69％。
调查也发现，每星期最多喝两次汽水，并不会提高心脏病风险。使用人造甜味剂的健宜汽水，也不会增加患病风险。
英国汽水协会驳斥了这项报告，并指调查对象在22年间的生活习惯变化，可能影响了调查结果。
不喝汽水，以什么取代？
•白开水
•不加糖的咖啡或茶
•低脂奶
•不加糖的果汁
~omy~
美国哈佛大学的研究显示，天天喝汽水有损心脏健康，心脏病发作的风险将显著提高。
对超过4万名男性长达22年的追踪调查发现，每天喝350毫升的含糖汽水（一罐标准装汽水为330毫升），心脏病发的几率就会激增20％。350毫升汽水中，约含有10茶匙的糖。
调查还发现，喝的含糖饮料越多，患病风险就越高。每天喝两份含糖饮料，心脏风险将增至2％，如果日喝3份，风险更会高达69％。
调查也发现，每星期最多喝两次汽水，并不会提高心脏病风险。使用人造甜味剂的健宜汽水，也不会增加患病风险。
英国汽水协会驳斥了这项报告，并指调查对象在22年间的生活习惯变化，可能影响了调查结果。
不喝汽水，以什么取代？
•白开水
•不加糖的咖啡或茶
•低脂奶
•不加糖的果汁
~omy~
Caramel colouring is safe, says Coca-Cola
Caramel colouring is safe, says Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola Singapore has come forward to "set the record straight", by affirming that the caramel colouring in its beverage is safe.
"The caramel colour in all of our products has been, is and always will be safe," a Coca-Cola Singapore spokesman said in a press statement yesterday.
The spokesman said its caramel manufacturers have been asked to "modify their production process to reduce the amount of 4-MEI in the caramel" and that the changes "will not affect the colour or taste of Coca-Cola".
The statement follows recent reports in the United States that Coca-Cola and Pepsi will reduce the amount of 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) in the caramel colouring used to produce their beverages.
In doing so, they are complying with an updated requirement set by California's Proposition 65, which aims to protect state residents from "chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm, and to inform citizens about exposures to such chemicals".
By modifying the production process, Coca-Cola and Pepsi will avoid having to put cancer- warning labels on product packages.
"Regulators throughout the world, including Singapore's Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA), have approved the use of the caramel found in our products," said the Coca-Cola Singapore spokesman.
AVA confirmed yesterday that "caramel is a permitted colouring in Singapore".
~News courtesy of Omy~
Coca-Cola Singapore has come forward to "set the record straight", by affirming that the caramel colouring in its beverage is safe.
"The caramel colour in all of our products has been, is and always will be safe," a Coca-Cola Singapore spokesman said in a press statement yesterday.
The spokesman said its caramel manufacturers have been asked to "modify their production process to reduce the amount of 4-MEI in the caramel" and that the changes "will not affect the colour or taste of Coca-Cola".
The statement follows recent reports in the United States that Coca-Cola and Pepsi will reduce the amount of 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) in the caramel colouring used to produce their beverages.
In doing so, they are complying with an updated requirement set by California's Proposition 65, which aims to protect state residents from "chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm, and to inform citizens about exposures to such chemicals".
By modifying the production process, Coca-Cola and Pepsi will avoid having to put cancer- warning labels on product packages.
"Regulators throughout the world, including Singapore's Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA), have approved the use of the caramel found in our products," said the Coca-Cola Singapore spokesman.
AVA confirmed yesterday that "caramel is a permitted colouring in Singapore".
~News courtesy of Omy~
苹果iTunes商店 户口疑遭黑客入侵
苹果iTunes商店 户口疑遭黑客入侵
我国一些苹果iTunes商店用户的户口，怀疑遭黑客入侵，进行多项未经授权的交易。
一家银行接受《海峡时报》访问时透露，2月份在iTunes商店上，至少进行了300起未授权的交易。
另一家银行则收到消息，指上个星期有约50起未授权的交易。
每起利用我国信用卡进行的未经授权交易，涉及的款项介于30元至40元。
《新明日报》
我国一些苹果iTunes商店用户的户口，怀疑遭黑客入侵，进行多项未经授权的交易。
一家银行接受《海峡时报》访问时透露，2月份在iTunes商店上，至少进行了300起未授权的交易。
另一家银行则收到消息，指上个星期有约50起未授权的交易。
每起利用我国信用卡进行的未经授权交易，涉及的款项介于30元至40元。
《新明日报》
Parents, don't leave milk bottle with junior overnight
Parents, don't leave milk bottle with junior overnight
When she started going to bed with a bottle filled with milk or fruit juice, three-year-old Kaitlin's (not her real name) parents thought nothing of it.
It was only when the toddler started experiencing severe pain and swelling in the gum area near her front teeth that her parents decided to take her to the National Dental Centre (NDC).
She was diagnosed to be suffering from an aggressive and severe form of tooth decay known as Early Childhood Caries (ECC).
The disease typically affects the teeth of children aged below five. Parents with bad oral hygiene can also infect their kids when they share food with their children.
Dr Tan Wee Kiat, a senior consultant at the NDC's paediatric-dentistry unit, said she and her colleagues are now seeing more than double the number of cases, as compared to a decade ago.
"At that time, there were fewer than 500 cases a year, but now it's about 1,000 cases and more each year," she said.
The cause of the infection is usually prolonged exposure to milk or fruit juice, such as when a child is allowed to sleep while sucking on a bottle or receives on-demand breast-feeding.
These habits increase the chances of tooth decay, due to the acidity of such liquids.
Poor oral hygiene also plays a part, as "some parents do not brush their children's teeth until they are about three years old", said Dr Tan.
~News courtesy of Omy~
When she started going to bed with a bottle filled with milk or fruit juice, three-year-old Kaitlin's (not her real name) parents thought nothing of it.
It was only when the toddler started experiencing severe pain and swelling in the gum area near her front teeth that her parents decided to take her to the National Dental Centre (NDC).
She was diagnosed to be suffering from an aggressive and severe form of tooth decay known as Early Childhood Caries (ECC).
The disease typically affects the teeth of children aged below five. Parents with bad oral hygiene can also infect their kids when they share food with their children.
Dr Tan Wee Kiat, a senior consultant at the NDC's paediatric-dentistry unit, said she and her colleagues are now seeing more than double the number of cases, as compared to a decade ago.
"At that time, there were fewer than 500 cases a year, but now it's about 1,000 cases and more each year," she said.
The cause of the infection is usually prolonged exposure to milk or fruit juice, such as when a child is allowed to sleep while sucking on a bottle or receives on-demand breast-feeding.
These habits increase the chances of tooth decay, due to the acidity of such liquids.
Poor oral hygiene also plays a part, as "some parents do not brush their children's teeth until they are about three years old", said Dr Tan.
~News courtesy of Omy~
2012年3月12日星期一
2012年3月6日星期二
一夜好眠3大秘诀 喝茶、穿睡衣、10时上床
英国研究：一夜好眠3大秘诀 喝茶、穿睡衣、10时上床
研究发现，要有高品质的睡眠，秘诀有3：喝茶、穿睡衣和10时就上床。
一夜无梦睡到天明，很多上班族都希望一觉好眠。研究发现，要有高品质的睡眠，秘诀有3：喝茶、穿睡衣和10时就上床。
英国一家床上用品公司最近作了调查，发现人们睡前多看一小时电视，就会躺在床上约半小时才能入睡。研究人员指出，睡前最好做些放松和温和的活动，如看书，每晚睡前阅读可令人酣睡8至9小时，应付翌日的工作。
吃太饱会睡不着，所以晚餐须在上床前1小时完成，在9时前喝一杯茶。此外，穿睡衣上床，睡觉会更舒服。
～以上新闻转载自omy～
研究发现，要有高品质的睡眠，秘诀有3：喝茶、穿睡衣和10时就上床。
一夜无梦睡到天明，很多上班族都希望一觉好眠。研究发现，要有高品质的睡眠，秘诀有3：喝茶、穿睡衣和10时就上床。
英国一家床上用品公司最近作了调查，发现人们睡前多看一小时电视，就会躺在床上约半小时才能入睡。研究人员指出，睡前最好做些放松和温和的活动，如看书，每晚睡前阅读可令人酣睡8至9小时，应付翌日的工作。
吃太饱会睡不着，所以晚餐须在上床前1小时完成，在9时前喝一杯茶。此外，穿睡衣上床，睡觉会更舒服。
～以上新闻转载自omy～
CPF Life plans to be simplified
CPF Life plans to be simplified
Singaporeans can look forward to a simpler choice between two plans that will provide them with a stream of retirement income for life.
This is because of major changes to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) system announced in Parliament yesterday.
The four existing plans in the CPF Life scheme, which caters to elderly people, will be collapsed into just two.
Individuals who turn 55 after Jan 1 next year and with at least $40,000 in their Retirement Accounts will get to choose between a new Basic Plan and a Standard Plan.
Under the Standard Plan, people will get higher monthly payouts but bequeath a smaller sum to their beneficiaries when they die. The new plan combines features of the existing Plus and Balanced plans.
The Basic plan, which tweaks aspects of another existing plan, offers slightly lower monthly payouts but a bigger bequest.
The current Income plan, which gives the highest monthly payout but leaves no bequest, will be scrapped, as less than 3per cent of CPF members who opted into CPF Life chose the plan.
Moreover, many members who chose this plan about 30 per cent later changed their minds about leaving no bequest.
Payouts under the two new plans will start only when the individual reaches age 65, in line with the existing plans.
Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who announced the changes, cited public feedback showing that it took significant effort to understand and choose between the four existing CPF Life plans.
He added that Singaporeans now live much longer and that a growing proportion of retirees will outlive their CPF savings if they stayed on the Minimum Sum Scheme.
The Minimum Sum Scheme gives payouts for a limited period of just over 20 years.
About half of the Singaporeans aged 65 today are expected to live past 85, with one third of them likely to live beyond 90. In the future, those who reach 65 are expected to live even longer.
"CPF Life is therefore both an important and timely evolution of the Minimum Sum Scheme," said Mr Tharman.
He added that the changes will "provide simplicity, but retain the best features of the existing plans" while giving the public a "meaningful choice".
Mr Seng Han Thong, an MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, asked about the popularity of the four existing CPF Life schemes.
Mr Tharman said most people chose the Plus and Balanced plans. About 90 per cent of the 73,000 people who have signed up for CPF Life since its launch in September 2009 chose either of those two plans, he added.
The new Standard Plan will be the default CPF Life scheme for individuals who do not make a selection when they hit 55.
Policyholders of the four existing CPF Life plans can stay with their chosen plans. They have until Dec 31 next year to switch to the new plans if they wish.
Men aged 55 with $40,000 of savings in their Retirement Accounts can get $380 a month for life under the Standard Plan, or $350 under the Basic Plan.
Mr Tharman stressed that the CPF system is "principally aimed at serving" the middle- and lower-income groups.
"It is not the purpose of the CPF to cater fully to the needs of better-off Singaporeans."
~News courtesy of Omy~
Singaporeans can look forward to a simpler choice between two plans that will provide them with a stream of retirement income for life.
This is because of major changes to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) system announced in Parliament yesterday.
The four existing plans in the CPF Life scheme, which caters to elderly people, will be collapsed into just two.
Individuals who turn 55 after Jan 1 next year and with at least $40,000 in their Retirement Accounts will get to choose between a new Basic Plan and a Standard Plan.
Under the Standard Plan, people will get higher monthly payouts but bequeath a smaller sum to their beneficiaries when they die. The new plan combines features of the existing Plus and Balanced plans.
The Basic plan, which tweaks aspects of another existing plan, offers slightly lower monthly payouts but a bigger bequest.
The current Income plan, which gives the highest monthly payout but leaves no bequest, will be scrapped, as less than 3per cent of CPF members who opted into CPF Life chose the plan.
Moreover, many members who chose this plan about 30 per cent later changed their minds about leaving no bequest.
Payouts under the two new plans will start only when the individual reaches age 65, in line with the existing plans.
Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who announced the changes, cited public feedback showing that it took significant effort to understand and choose between the four existing CPF Life plans.
He added that Singaporeans now live much longer and that a growing proportion of retirees will outlive their CPF savings if they stayed on the Minimum Sum Scheme.
The Minimum Sum Scheme gives payouts for a limited period of just over 20 years.
About half of the Singaporeans aged 65 today are expected to live past 85, with one third of them likely to live beyond 90. In the future, those who reach 65 are expected to live even longer.
"CPF Life is therefore both an important and timely evolution of the Minimum Sum Scheme," said Mr Tharman.
He added that the changes will "provide simplicity, but retain the best features of the existing plans" while giving the public a "meaningful choice".
Mr Seng Han Thong, an MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, asked about the popularity of the four existing CPF Life schemes.
Mr Tharman said most people chose the Plus and Balanced plans. About 90 per cent of the 73,000 people who have signed up for CPF Life since its launch in September 2009 chose either of those two plans, he added.
The new Standard Plan will be the default CPF Life scheme for individuals who do not make a selection when they hit 55.
Policyholders of the four existing CPF Life plans can stay with their chosen plans. They have until Dec 31 next year to switch to the new plans if they wish.
Men aged 55 with $40,000 of savings in their Retirement Accounts can get $380 a month for life under the Standard Plan, or $350 under the Basic Plan.
Mr Tharman stressed that the CPF system is "principally aimed at serving" the middle- and lower-income groups.
"It is not the purpose of the CPF to cater fully to the needs of better-off Singaporeans."
~News courtesy of Omy~
2012年3月5日星期一
Beware dangers of night cycling
Beware dangers of night cycling
Cycling enthusiast Bjorn Wong was cycling at night along a quiet stretch of Seletar Club Road last September.
Visibility was low and he did not see a road bump, which launched his bike into the air. He ended up crashing into metal railings at the side of the road, and suffered an open gash on his left arm and a deep laceration to his upper lip.
Mr Wong, 25, who is the editor of cycling-community website Togoparts.com, was lucky. He was wearing a helmet which protected him from more serious injuries. His bike was also equipped with front and rear lights to warn motorists of his presence on the road.
But cycling groups here say that cycling safety awareness, especially at night, is not commonplace.
Police statistics show that more than 450 cyclists are injured in road accidents annually, and more than 10 die in a year.
Many cycling groups, like Joyriders and Five-O, have observed a rise in membership, with Joyriders noting a 200-member increase and Five-O doubling its membership to 80 cyclists over the last two years.
Five-O founder Chris De Souza, 59, said: "Many newbie cyclists are not familiar with the correct equipment to use and the correct attire."
Cycling groups typically start riding in the mornings around 5am, or at night, after 9pm, where the lack of visibility can be a safety issue, said Mr Than Chen Munn, 36, director of a traffic-consultancy firm.
They choose to do so because of lighter road-traffic conditions and cooler air.
"When cycling at night, cyclists are impeded by the lack of light, which diminishes their senses, making them more vulnerable," he said.
To help educate cyclists on night-cycling safety, four students from Nanyang Technological University are organising Singapore's first night-cycling safety initiative to be held in East Coast Park and Changi Coast Road on Saturday.
The group is partnering the organisers of regional charity ride Firefly Night Race for the 30km event, called See and Be Seen Night Ride. The event aims to promote the importance of the five Cs clear lights, comfortable helmets, colourful clothes, a cautious attitude and constant hydration.
About 270 cyclists have signed up. Mr Marcus Yong, 25, the student-team leader, said: "We hope to spread cycling safety awareness and, next year, we want to expand (the event) to involve more people and have an islandwide park-connector- linked route."
~News courtesy of Omy~
Cycling enthusiast Bjorn Wong was cycling at night along a quiet stretch of Seletar Club Road last September.
Visibility was low and he did not see a road bump, which launched his bike into the air. He ended up crashing into metal railings at the side of the road, and suffered an open gash on his left arm and a deep laceration to his upper lip.
Mr Wong, 25, who is the editor of cycling-community website Togoparts.com, was lucky. He was wearing a helmet which protected him from more serious injuries. His bike was also equipped with front and rear lights to warn motorists of his presence on the road.
But cycling groups here say that cycling safety awareness, especially at night, is not commonplace.
Police statistics show that more than 450 cyclists are injured in road accidents annually, and more than 10 die in a year.
Many cycling groups, like Joyriders and Five-O, have observed a rise in membership, with Joyriders noting a 200-member increase and Five-O doubling its membership to 80 cyclists over the last two years.
Five-O founder Chris De Souza, 59, said: "Many newbie cyclists are not familiar with the correct equipment to use and the correct attire."
Cycling groups typically start riding in the mornings around 5am, or at night, after 9pm, where the lack of visibility can be a safety issue, said Mr Than Chen Munn, 36, director of a traffic-consultancy firm.
They choose to do so because of lighter road-traffic conditions and cooler air.
"When cycling at night, cyclists are impeded by the lack of light, which diminishes their senses, making them more vulnerable," he said.
To help educate cyclists on night-cycling safety, four students from Nanyang Technological University are organising Singapore's first night-cycling safety initiative to be held in East Coast Park and Changi Coast Road on Saturday.
The group is partnering the organisers of regional charity ride Firefly Night Race for the 30km event, called See and Be Seen Night Ride. The event aims to promote the importance of the five Cs clear lights, comfortable helmets, colourful clothes, a cautious attitude and constant hydration.
About 270 cyclists have signed up. Mr Marcus Yong, 25, the student-team leader, said: "We hope to spread cycling safety awareness and, next year, we want to expand (the event) to involve more people and have an islandwide park-connector- linked route."
~News courtesy of Omy~
数学差的人 生活较凄惨
数学差的人 生活较凄惨
英国一项调查显示，有五分之四的英国人，羞于启齿自己的英语能力差劲，却只有一半的人不好意思承认自己的数学能力差。
英国人对自己的数学能力差“不当一回事”，甚至对自己搞不懂数字“感到光荣”，让一个称为“全国算术”的慈善组织感到忧心。
这个组织的研究表明，数学能力差的人，生活也不尽如意，甚至落入凄惨的状况，例如：数学不好，影响其他课业的学习，毕业后找不到工作、贫穷一辈子、长期生病，甚至犯罪坐牢等，最糟糕的是，会拖累国家经济发展。
调查指出，英国有1700万名成年人（相当于近半的劳动人口）数学水平只有小学程度，连薪水单和火车时间表都读不懂，甚至日常购物找钱都存在困难。
有关调查毫不留情批判，英国49％的成年人，数学水平相当于9岁至11岁的小学生，其中四分之一更仅是7岁至9岁的学童程度，这一情况实在惨不忍睹。
英国的小学数学题，你会吗？
一家商店正在以25％的折扣出售原价72英镑的手机，请问，折价后这款手机多少钱？
－有4个包裹分别重：1.067千克、1.6千克、1.67千克以及1.607千克，哪个包裹最重？
一包螺丝钉的规格为30个，装一个托架需要4个螺丝钉，请问，一包螺丝钉可以装多少个托架？最后还有多少个螺丝钉剩？
59国当中，我国数理名列前茅
南大数理学院院长林杉教授受询时说，在最近一期的世界国民教育水平评估指标权威“国际数学与科学研究趋势”的报告中，本地学府所传授的数学知识，在59个国家和地区中，名列前茅。一般相信，我国完成至少中学教育的国人，数学都有中上水平。
然而，林教授说，现代的社会日渐复杂化，成人若只有小学程度的数学水平，将给生活带来一定的影响。
“比方说，当一个人有意购买房子时，却因为数学程度太差，不懂得计算贷款和利息，也就等于不了解自己到底负不负担得起，就贸贸然买了下来，下来可能就会面对很大的麻烦。”
～以上新闻转载自omy～
英国一项调查显示，有五分之四的英国人，羞于启齿自己的英语能力差劲，却只有一半的人不好意思承认自己的数学能力差。
英国人对自己的数学能力差“不当一回事”，甚至对自己搞不懂数字“感到光荣”，让一个称为“全国算术”的慈善组织感到忧心。
这个组织的研究表明，数学能力差的人，生活也不尽如意，甚至落入凄惨的状况，例如：数学不好，影响其他课业的学习，毕业后找不到工作、贫穷一辈子、长期生病，甚至犯罪坐牢等，最糟糕的是，会拖累国家经济发展。
调查指出，英国有1700万名成年人（相当于近半的劳动人口）数学水平只有小学程度，连薪水单和火车时间表都读不懂，甚至日常购物找钱都存在困难。
有关调查毫不留情批判，英国49％的成年人，数学水平相当于9岁至11岁的小学生，其中四分之一更仅是7岁至9岁的学童程度，这一情况实在惨不忍睹。
英国的小学数学题，你会吗？
一家商店正在以25％的折扣出售原价72英镑的手机，请问，折价后这款手机多少钱？
－有4个包裹分别重：1.067千克、1.6千克、1.67千克以及1.607千克，哪个包裹最重？
一包螺丝钉的规格为30个，装一个托架需要4个螺丝钉，请问，一包螺丝钉可以装多少个托架？最后还有多少个螺丝钉剩？
59国当中，我国数理名列前茅
南大数理学院院长林杉教授受询时说，在最近一期的世界国民教育水平评估指标权威“国际数学与科学研究趋势”的报告中，本地学府所传授的数学知识，在59个国家和地区中，名列前茅。一般相信，我国完成至少中学教育的国人，数学都有中上水平。
然而，林教授说，现代的社会日渐复杂化，成人若只有小学程度的数学水平，将给生活带来一定的影响。
“比方说，当一个人有意购买房子时，却因为数学程度太差，不懂得计算贷款和利息，也就等于不了解自己到底负不负担得起，就贸贸然买了下来，下来可能就会面对很大的麻烦。”
～以上新闻转载自omy～
2012年3月1日星期四
外籍配偶可逗留本地三五年
长期探访附加准证下月推出 外籍配偶可逗留本地三五年
近年来有更多国人与外国人结婚，移民关卡局将推出新的长期探访附加准证，让这些外籍配偶可在本地逗留三五年，无须像现在一样年年更新准证。
这个新的准证将在今年4月推出，有效期达三年，更新时可延长至五年，让外籍配偶可在本地逗留更长时间。
主管国家人口及人才署的副总理兼国家安全统筹部长及内政部长张志贤，昨天在国会拨款委员会辩论总理公署开支预算时，宣布推出新的长期探访附加准证（Long-Term Visit Pass-Plus，简称LTVP+）。
《联合早报》
近年来有更多国人与外国人结婚，移民关卡局将推出新的长期探访附加准证，让这些外籍配偶可在本地逗留三五年，无须像现在一样年年更新准证。
这个新的准证将在今年4月推出，有效期达三年，更新时可延长至五年，让外籍配偶可在本地逗留更长时间。
主管国家人口及人才署的副总理兼国家安全统筹部长及内政部长张志贤，昨天在国会拨款委员会辩论总理公署开支预算时，宣布推出新的长期探访附加准证（Long-Term Visit Pass-Plus，简称LTVP+）。
《联合早报》
右撇子或左撇子 潜在影响判断
右撇子或左撇子 潜在影响判断
你或许认为自己能为生活中的大小事做出决定，靠的是逻辑思考能力和道德价值观，这个说法虽然无可厚非，但也不完全正确。
据纽约新社会研究学院（New School for Social Research）的最新研究结果显示，一个人是右撇子或左撇子，对生活中的价值观，智慧等抽象概念的判断有着潜在的影响。
这项由新社会学研究学院认知功能学家丹尼尔卡桑托领导的研究通过一系列实验发现，人们一般偏好与惯用手处在同一边的事物。
其中，研究参与者被问及两个产品中会选择购买哪一个，两个求职者中会聘请哪一个以及单凭两个外星人的图案选择信赖哪一个等问题时，发现右撇子多数选择处在右边位置的事物，而左撇子则多数选择处在左边的事物。
对此，丹尼尔卡桑托解释，人们往往偏好能够和自己产生共鸣和互动的事物，选择和惯用手处在同一边的食物能给人一种安全感，潜意识中告诉自己的选择是好的。
然而，人们偏好和惯用手处在同一边的现象并不是永久性的。丹尼尔卡桑托举例说，一名右撇子如果不幸右手严重受伤，导致残废，他在没有选择的情况下必须学习利用左手，而潜意识中也会转而将自己的偏好和处在左边的事物联想在一起。
投选惯用手那边候选人
卡桑托指出，这种人类大脑的运作对日常生活有一定的影响，比如，在投票时，人们可能因为这个原理，把票投给被印制在自己惯用手那边的候选人。
本地心理治疗师林慧娴表示，从心里学角度来看，人们偏好摆放在惯用手那边的事物是因为得到更高的安全感。
“世界上大多数人口是右撇子，这造成我们在日常生活中的许多物品或用具等都是以右撇子使用时的情况制作的，也因此形成常态。人们常常把常态视为可靠，安全的。而左撇子更因为不向以右撇子为主的环境低头，因此有必要，也能够与摆放在左边的事物产生共鸣。”
～以上新闻转载自omy～
你或许认为自己能为生活中的大小事做出决定，靠的是逻辑思考能力和道德价值观，这个说法虽然无可厚非，但也不完全正确。
据纽约新社会研究学院（New School for Social Research）的最新研究结果显示，一个人是右撇子或左撇子，对生活中的价值观，智慧等抽象概念的判断有着潜在的影响。
这项由新社会学研究学院认知功能学家丹尼尔卡桑托领导的研究通过一系列实验发现，人们一般偏好与惯用手处在同一边的事物。
其中，研究参与者被问及两个产品中会选择购买哪一个，两个求职者中会聘请哪一个以及单凭两个外星人的图案选择信赖哪一个等问题时，发现右撇子多数选择处在右边位置的事物，而左撇子则多数选择处在左边的事物。
对此，丹尼尔卡桑托解释，人们往往偏好能够和自己产生共鸣和互动的事物，选择和惯用手处在同一边的食物能给人一种安全感，潜意识中告诉自己的选择是好的。
然而，人们偏好和惯用手处在同一边的现象并不是永久性的。丹尼尔卡桑托举例说，一名右撇子如果不幸右手严重受伤，导致残废，他在没有选择的情况下必须学习利用左手，而潜意识中也会转而将自己的偏好和处在左边的事物联想在一起。
投选惯用手那边候选人
卡桑托指出，这种人类大脑的运作对日常生活有一定的影响，比如，在投票时，人们可能因为这个原理，把票投给被印制在自己惯用手那边的候选人。
本地心理治疗师林慧娴表示，从心里学角度来看，人们偏好摆放在惯用手那边的事物是因为得到更高的安全感。
“世界上大多数人口是右撇子，这造成我们在日常生活中的许多物品或用具等都是以右撇子使用时的情况制作的，也因此形成常态。人们常常把常态视为可靠，安全的。而左撇子更因为不向以右撇子为主的环境低头，因此有必要，也能够与摆放在左边的事物产生共鸣。”
～以上新闻转载自omy～
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