At age 55, the CPF holders were promised that they could have their money back. The goal posts had since shifted, to 62 years, and will continue to 65 and maybe later. The CPF holders got to thank medical science for keeping them alive, theoretically till 90 or 100 years. So the simple logic is that they must have money in the CPF till 100 years. Bloody hell, if anyone is employed or self employed at 100 years old, he would still have to contribute to his CPF or Medisave!
Can we expect the next goal posts be shifted to 100 years? Possibly, but then you can call yourself lucky. I think the next goal posts could be further into the future.
Many CPF holders would die with plenty of money in their CPF, through the minimum sum and Medisave schemes. And this money will go to their beneficiaries. One of the presumed reasons why the goal posts were shifted to 55 was that at that point in time, there may not be enough money to pay out when too many are taking their money out at the same time. So the pay out date needed to be shifted, delayed. The official position is not true as the reserves are there as proof of money. If anyone still does not believe this is so, wait for the announcement for the next multi billion dollar purchase or the next multi billion dollar loss. No one will blink an eye, because money is plentiful in our reservers.
Rightly or wrongly, some believe that other schemes were thrown in to reduce the damage of a huge withdrawal at 55. Higher HDB prices, CPF Life, minimum sums, Medisave, etc etc, in a way added to reduce the damage should the money be returned to honour the promised date.
But would it work. At every point in time, unless the investments are bearing fruit with a handsome return, there will not be enough money when the date to payout is reached. And how could there be a handsome return when the cost of keeping 400 heads is as high as $8b? I hope this is a misprint, and not true.
If age 62 to pay out is no longer manageable, let’s push it to 65 and see whether there will be enough available. If not, 70 could be the next red letter day.
The other big red letter day is when all the oldies start to fall and their minimum sums in both the retirement and Medisave accounts are due for pay out. That day can come pretty soon as many oldies are past 60s. And if it comes, and not enough money to pay back, do not be surprised, a new ruling may come forth.
Let me try to guess. Just a guess, call it a wild guess, the sum left in the CPF of deceased members could be transferred to the special accounts of the beneficiaries. Ouch! No cash out.
If this is done, how long more will the money be pay back? The answer is Never, as it will float from one member’s Medisave account to the next beneficiary. Oh dear, I may have made a very bad slip and this idea could possibly be picked up by some brilliant kids.
PS. I wrote this on 13 Sep and delayed in posting. I am now told that this is already in practice. Really? My god, if this is true, then I am getting to think like supertalents. All this is just a joke, cannot be true.
10/12/2011
I hate Matilah Singapura
I think he is still reading this blog. Whenever I claimed that the money in my CPF was my money he would pour cold water on my head and pointedly told me that it was govt tax. He would add that it was money down the drain.
I refused to believe him. But as everyday passes, it is proving him more right than my fat hope that I will get to see all my savings back. They are scheming with more schemes to make sure that our CPF will last for as long as we live. Now how long would that be? And if that is long long long, then those jokers that surrender their ICs before 60s or anytime earlier will see a lot of money left behind.
I still want to think that I am right, that I will have all my money back at my own time and use it to do what I want. Maybe got to wait till 2016. Definitely I would not want to wait to spend my money when I am 120 years old. Maybe that is what many Singaporeans want and will keep the system going forever.
It is my money, our money. Matilah must be proven wrong. And only through our votes can this be changed, with a new govt to overturn things that we are not happy with, especially our CPF savings.
I refused to believe him. But as everyday passes, it is proving him more right than my fat hope that I will get to see all my savings back. They are scheming with more schemes to make sure that our CPF will last for as long as we live. Now how long would that be? And if that is long long long, then those jokers that surrender their ICs before 60s or anytime earlier will see a lot of money left behind.
I still want to think that I am right, that I will have all my money back at my own time and use it to do what I want. Maybe got to wait till 2016. Definitely I would not want to wait to spend my money when I am 120 years old. Maybe that is what many Singaporeans want and will keep the system going forever.
It is my money, our money. Matilah must be proven wrong. And only through our votes can this be changed, with a new govt to overturn things that we are not happy with, especially our CPF savings.
When policies were enlightened
There was a time when govt policies were enlightened, or were they policies initiated by enlightened men? Housing was a big issue when the colonial govt did not build enough for the people. Families were squeezed into little cubicles, and made do with the squalid conditions, sharing kitchens and toilets with neighbours and everyone.
Housing became a top priority of the govt, to provide every citizen with a roof over their heads, a stake in the country. The govt went further, to provide housing quarters for their employees in the civil service and the uniformed group. Then to encourage home ownership and loyalty to the service/country, priority schemes were launched to help uniform officers to own their HDB flats. Normanton Estate was specially built to house SAF officers as an employment benefit, as an important arm of nation building and the defenders of the country. The uniformed groups were seen as vital to nation building and the security of the country.
Somewhere along the way policies changed. No pension for armed services and no more housing priorities. They were treated just like any organization and will have to bid with everyone for public housing. Are the uniformed personnel less important today than the past? Is housing no longer that important to the people than the past? When prices were really reasonable, and when one could walk into HDB and get a flat within months, everything was fine.
Somewhere down the road, things changed, and policies changed. The new policies must be better and more enlightened, by more talented men. And the people must be happier.
Housing became a top priority of the govt, to provide every citizen with a roof over their heads, a stake in the country. The govt went further, to provide housing quarters for their employees in the civil service and the uniformed group. Then to encourage home ownership and loyalty to the service/country, priority schemes were launched to help uniform officers to own their HDB flats. Normanton Estate was specially built to house SAF officers as an employment benefit, as an important arm of nation building and the defenders of the country. The uniformed groups were seen as vital to nation building and the security of the country.
Somewhere along the way policies changed. No pension for armed services and no more housing priorities. They were treated just like any organization and will have to bid with everyone for public housing. Are the uniformed personnel less important today than the past? Is housing no longer that important to the people than the past? When prices were really reasonable, and when one could walk into HDB and get a flat within months, everything was fine.
Somewhere down the road, things changed, and policies changed. The new policies must be better and more enlightened, by more talented men. And the people must be happier.
Another piece of frightening news?
The people may find this piece of news frightening, but to the govt it is good news. The MOM is going to help the oldies again. Dunno why, whenever the govt says it wants to help the people, I got a very strange and uncomfortable feeling. This time the MOM is thinking of reviewing CPF rates for the above 50 uncles and aunties, the vulnerable group that have found themselves having not enough savings after a life time of savings. Dunno why, and nobody knows why. They must have squandered them away in wasteful spending.
So here comes the govt to help them, and very likely to raise their CPF and employers contributions. And the magical scheme called CPF Life will be relooked into to ensure that the annuity will be paid for life. The insurance men are smiling. Tell you what, I don’t like their smile. The longer the payout, or the more the payout, the more will be the pay in. And the longer annuity is to last, the longer it will stay in. As simple as that. If they plan the annuity to last till 120 years, it means whatever money, a big portion will stay in till 120 years. Simply ingenious and logical.
And I can already see how good the scheme is. And it is so good that it will be made compulsory for sure. Our reserves are going to get another boost and the country will be richer, and have more money to invest in big big deals. We can buy up the world.
This is going to be another win win formula, good for oldies, good for employers and good for the national reserves. It can’t be that frightening right?
The people are so lucky. Now they can live till 120 years or more, forever, and there will be more to take.
So here comes the govt to help them, and very likely to raise their CPF and employers contributions. And the magical scheme called CPF Life will be relooked into to ensure that the annuity will be paid for life. The insurance men are smiling. Tell you what, I don’t like their smile. The longer the payout, or the more the payout, the more will be the pay in. And the longer annuity is to last, the longer it will stay in. As simple as that. If they plan the annuity to last till 120 years, it means whatever money, a big portion will stay in till 120 years. Simply ingenious and logical.
And I can already see how good the scheme is. And it is so good that it will be made compulsory for sure. Our reserves are going to get another boost and the country will be richer, and have more money to invest in big big deals. We can buy up the world.
This is going to be another win win formula, good for oldies, good for employers and good for the national reserves. It can’t be that frightening right?
The people are so lucky. Now they can live till 120 years or more, forever, and there will be more to take.
10/11/2011
When a govt discriminates against its own people
Tony Tan talked about an all inclusive society and no one will be left out. Then why are citizens being discriminated by incompetence or bad policies? The citizens who are being barred from buying public flats because of some frivolous reasons, especially earning higher income is a glaring example of bad policies. In the first place, all the young people started with incomes within the HDB ceilings and exceeded only because they could not get a flat earlier. Over the years their incomes are bound to go up. Should not the criteria of income measure be at the time of application when they first started to work?
Then the stupid excuse that they will deprive the lower income buyers from getting a flat, or added to the demand. What kind of bull is that? There is no shortage of land to build public flats. In fact the govt is offering a lot of land to build private properties to be sold to foreigners.
Now, what is the real problem? The truth is that the govt is not building enough or had slowed down the building programme and created the shortage by its own bad policies. It is the artificially created lack of supply that is the problem. So who got blame and who had to suffer for such bad policies or bad planning?
The very own citizens are paying for it. And at the same time there are plenty of flats for new citizens, who are flooding into the market without anyone complaining that they are causing the demand to balloon and resulting in higher market prices. And the affected citizens suffered in silence with the govt refusing to acknowledge its own mistakes. We have many citizens who have done their NS and cannot afford to buy private properties and cannot buy public flats. How can such a situation be allowed to exist in an all inclusive society where no one will be left out?
It is govt logic versus people’s logic, or supertalent logic versus no talent logic. Of course supertalent or govt logic wins, and it is the right logic. This is simply brilliant. Create a supply problem and blame it on the young buyers who happened to earn a little bit more. Just pass the buck to them and force them to buy private. They die their pasar. So wicked.
Then the stupid excuse that they will deprive the lower income buyers from getting a flat, or added to the demand. What kind of bull is that? There is no shortage of land to build public flats. In fact the govt is offering a lot of land to build private properties to be sold to foreigners.
Now, what is the real problem? The truth is that the govt is not building enough or had slowed down the building programme and created the shortage by its own bad policies. It is the artificially created lack of supply that is the problem. So who got blame and who had to suffer for such bad policies or bad planning?
The very own citizens are paying for it. And at the same time there are plenty of flats for new citizens, who are flooding into the market without anyone complaining that they are causing the demand to balloon and resulting in higher market prices. And the affected citizens suffered in silence with the govt refusing to acknowledge its own mistakes. We have many citizens who have done their NS and cannot afford to buy private properties and cannot buy public flats. How can such a situation be allowed to exist in an all inclusive society where no one will be left out?
It is govt logic versus people’s logic, or supertalent logic versus no talent logic. Of course supertalent or govt logic wins, and it is the right logic. This is simply brilliant. Create a supply problem and blame it on the young buyers who happened to earn a little bit more. Just pass the buck to them and force them to buy private. They die their pasar. So wicked.
Daylight robbery
The robbing of motorists continues. We have not heard of the study by CASE on why motor insurance is going up and up like housing prices, despite motorists with clean no claim records and maxing their NCBs. Looks like it is thrown into the waste paper basket oredy. No political value and not worth looking into.
Today the oldies motorists are crying foul. They are going to be slammed with higher motor insurance premium because of their age. Did they say senior citizens should be treated with some respect? What about robbing them of more money? Why not, they are quite helpless. Just tell them they are old and more prone to accidents and it is only logical to make them pay more. A forum writer asked in his letter to the ST for statistical proof that oldies are more accident prone. I think he is asking for it. Statistics is the easiest instrument to bluff people with a little bit of juggling here and there.
Another intelligent reply from another forum letter by a William Tay caught my eye. He said these oldies can afford to drive expensive cars, why are they complaining about a few thousands more in insurance premiums? I love the logic. All those who can afford to buy big cars must pay more premiums. And oldies who can afford to buy big cars must pay lagi more because the cars are big and they are oldies. I second that with all my heart. I am going to give up my car and let the rich oldies go and pay and pay. It will be good for the GDP I supposed.
May I add a few more brilliant recommendations. Make oldies pay motor insurance according to their age, like 65 pays $6,500, 70 pays $7,000 or use the age as a multiplier. I really love the way I think. Maybe the motor insurance company can adopt my suggestion and allow me a free insurance for life. I am so brilliant.
Today the oldies motorists are crying foul. They are going to be slammed with higher motor insurance premium because of their age. Did they say senior citizens should be treated with some respect? What about robbing them of more money? Why not, they are quite helpless. Just tell them they are old and more prone to accidents and it is only logical to make them pay more. A forum writer asked in his letter to the ST for statistical proof that oldies are more accident prone. I think he is asking for it. Statistics is the easiest instrument to bluff people with a little bit of juggling here and there.
Another intelligent reply from another forum letter by a William Tay caught my eye. He said these oldies can afford to drive expensive cars, why are they complaining about a few thousands more in insurance premiums? I love the logic. All those who can afford to buy big cars must pay more premiums. And oldies who can afford to buy big cars must pay lagi more because the cars are big and they are oldies. I second that with all my heart. I am going to give up my car and let the rich oldies go and pay and pay. It will be good for the GDP I supposed.
May I add a few more brilliant recommendations. Make oldies pay motor insurance according to their age, like 65 pays $6,500, 70 pays $7,000 or use the age as a multiplier. I really love the way I think. Maybe the motor insurance company can adopt my suggestion and allow me a free insurance for life. I am so brilliant.
Canadian govt going bust soon
When I read a letter by an ex Singaporean, a Colombo Plan scholar who migrated there and living his retirement in that bitter cold country, I knew something must be wrong. Wong Thye, the ex Singaporean, is now 64 and getting about C$1000 per month of living allowances from the Canadian govt. His wife is also getting the same amount plus other perks, like C$36 free public transport fare for a year, and they are living their retirement in a frugal budget. Their house and car are paid for. And they live off the land, fishing, planting some vegetables, and having fellowship with friends. Quite pathetic. But no fear of big hospitalization bill that will bankrupt them or having to rent out their homes to share with strangers, or worst, to sell it for retirement money.
Compare to the Singaporeans in their 60s, eagerly waiting to go for further training to get a job, to be independent and living with dignity, maybe working till death, now which is better? Not forgetting that life begins at 60, to catch the second wind. And Singaporeans can look forward to a fatter retirement fund in his CPF, don’t expect govt charity, when he retires at 70 or 80. And making sure there is enough savings for the next hospital bill. I think a Singapore at 80 could enjoy the pathetic retirement lifestyle of Wong Thye. And I say the Canadian Govt is asking for trouble.
The Canadian govt has been feeding their retirees from public fund for so many years and must be running a huge budget deficit. And their leaders are definitely not that talented as ours given the small salary they are being paid. How could they manage to pay their oldies from the public coffers for so long while our Govt may go bankrupt if they do so here? And our Govt are so worried that our oldies will have not enough in their CPF savings and are introducing new schemes for the oldies to continue to work, and maybe to raise employer’s CPF contribution to help them.
I think our system must be better, at least the oldies got the opportunity to work till maybe 80, and live with dignity. But I will love to be in Wong Thye’s shoe, having a more relax lifestyle, and still got a house and no need to think of selling it or renting some rooms to earn some money for retirement. And still got a cheap car to drive around, and go for holiday. Now what kind of lifestyle is that, not working and wasting their time away? Look at the quality of our oldies here, fit as a fiddle, never mind if it is cleaning tables or washing plates. It is a very useful life, every moment and second is productive, and independent. Full of dignity and self respect.
Shit, I am going to trade this great dignity and respect and go waste my time in Canada, with no respect never mind, but with a life, a lazy life, and not having to work again. Some may think this is silly thought, but I still think life is more than just working to death and with a saving scheme that is never enough, and wondering when would the savings go kaput on hospitalization bill. And forget about owning a car.
And where got energy to catch the second wind? Walk also panting. For those who are mesmerised by the thrills of working till 80 or till they drop dead, I say, good luck, daffy. So pathetic that at an age when one is supposed to have a little bit of wisdom, one can still be easily conned.
Compare to the Singaporeans in their 60s, eagerly waiting to go for further training to get a job, to be independent and living with dignity, maybe working till death, now which is better? Not forgetting that life begins at 60, to catch the second wind. And Singaporeans can look forward to a fatter retirement fund in his CPF, don’t expect govt charity, when he retires at 70 or 80. And making sure there is enough savings for the next hospital bill. I think a Singapore at 80 could enjoy the pathetic retirement lifestyle of Wong Thye. And I say the Canadian Govt is asking for trouble.
The Canadian govt has been feeding their retirees from public fund for so many years and must be running a huge budget deficit. And their leaders are definitely not that talented as ours given the small salary they are being paid. How could they manage to pay their oldies from the public coffers for so long while our Govt may go bankrupt if they do so here? And our Govt are so worried that our oldies will have not enough in their CPF savings and are introducing new schemes for the oldies to continue to work, and maybe to raise employer’s CPF contribution to help them.
I think our system must be better, at least the oldies got the opportunity to work till maybe 80, and live with dignity. But I will love to be in Wong Thye’s shoe, having a more relax lifestyle, and still got a house and no need to think of selling it or renting some rooms to earn some money for retirement. And still got a cheap car to drive around, and go for holiday. Now what kind of lifestyle is that, not working and wasting their time away? Look at the quality of our oldies here, fit as a fiddle, never mind if it is cleaning tables or washing plates. It is a very useful life, every moment and second is productive, and independent. Full of dignity and self respect.
Shit, I am going to trade this great dignity and respect and go waste my time in Canada, with no respect never mind, but with a life, a lazy life, and not having to work again. Some may think this is silly thought, but I still think life is more than just working to death and with a saving scheme that is never enough, and wondering when would the savings go kaput on hospitalization bill. And forget about owning a car.
And where got energy to catch the second wind? Walk also panting. For those who are mesmerised by the thrills of working till 80 or till they drop dead, I say, good luck, daffy. So pathetic that at an age when one is supposed to have a little bit of wisdom, one can still be easily conned.
10/10/2011
Parliament opening today
After the May general election, nearly half a year gone by without the convening of Parliament. Is this the new normal for the Parliament to sit after a new govt is elected? The newly elected MPs will finally have a chance to warm the seats in Parliament, to be seen and to be heard in Parliament. How did they feel being kept out of Parliament for so long? Were they short changed, or the people shortchanged?
The election went by as if it was a non event. The only thing that the new MPs did was getting to know the people and perhaps meet them in Meet The People session which is not really an official function of the MPs. The key roles of MPs must be in Parliament, legislating laws and debating on national issues and the well being of the country.
The new MPs will have a chance to say their piece tonight. And even before they say anything, some jokers already presumed that the opposition MPs will be there to talk nonsense, just to make noise in Parliament, and they would rather such MPs not to represent them. There are also many people who did not want the majority of the MPs to represent them in Parliament. There are 40% of such people who just want other MPs to represent them, not those who will be in Parliament. Do they also think that those MPs they did not want to represent them will be talking nonsense as well, or not speaking for their interests?
Some views wanted opposition MPs to be more like the ruling party MPs, to be part of a symphony. For that, they might as well join the ruling party and be part of the ruling party, and to sing the same tune as ruling party MPs.
Then there are calls from the ruling party MPs saying that they must behave and play the role of opposition MPs, to be more critical of govt policies.
So what? People want opposition MPs to be ruling party MPs and ruling party MPs want to act more like opposition MPs. Sounds like LPPL to me.
The election went by as if it was a non event. The only thing that the new MPs did was getting to know the people and perhaps meet them in Meet The People session which is not really an official function of the MPs. The key roles of MPs must be in Parliament, legislating laws and debating on national issues and the well being of the country.
The new MPs will have a chance to say their piece tonight. And even before they say anything, some jokers already presumed that the opposition MPs will be there to talk nonsense, just to make noise in Parliament, and they would rather such MPs not to represent them. There are also many people who did not want the majority of the MPs to represent them in Parliament. There are 40% of such people who just want other MPs to represent them, not those who will be in Parliament. Do they also think that those MPs they did not want to represent them will be talking nonsense as well, or not speaking for their interests?
Some views wanted opposition MPs to be more like the ruling party MPs, to be part of a symphony. For that, they might as well join the ruling party and be part of the ruling party, and to sing the same tune as ruling party MPs.
Then there are calls from the ruling party MPs saying that they must behave and play the role of opposition MPs, to be more critical of govt policies.
So what? People want opposition MPs to be ruling party MPs and ruling party MPs want to act more like opposition MPs. Sounds like LPPL to me.
A stake in the country
Housing was a key factor to give the people a stake in the country in the early days of our nation building. When the people have a home, a stake, ie a HDB flat, there is something to fight and defend for. There was then a reason for National Service. It is a tangible asset that Singaporeans were told that is worth defending for even to the present.
Today, many Singaporeans who have served NS are told that they cannot buy HDB flats for one reason or another. After serving and sacrificing for the country in donning military uniforms, trained to fight and defend his land and his home, he is told that he cannot buy a HDB flat.
This is sounding comical. NS men to defend a country he has no stake in. Maybe what they said is true. We are still not a nation and nothing worth defending, particularly for those without a stake in his country. And the inequality becomes more ridiculous when new citizens and PRs are allowed to buy a stake in the country, a HDB flat, without serving NS, without pledging to fight and defend this country with their lives. All they need to do, maybe to be good in their civilian professions, which some equated them as national service. Even hawkers and taxi drivers must be doing national service, serving the people.
And those NS men deprived of buying a public flat will still have to defend this country and the foreigners and new citizens and their assets. This is uniquely Singapore in its most uniquely way.
Today, many Singaporeans who have served NS are told that they cannot buy HDB flats for one reason or another. After serving and sacrificing for the country in donning military uniforms, trained to fight and defend his land and his home, he is told that he cannot buy a HDB flat.
This is sounding comical. NS men to defend a country he has no stake in. Maybe what they said is true. We are still not a nation and nothing worth defending, particularly for those without a stake in his country. And the inequality becomes more ridiculous when new citizens and PRs are allowed to buy a stake in the country, a HDB flat, without serving NS, without pledging to fight and defend this country with their lives. All they need to do, maybe to be good in their civilian professions, which some equated them as national service. Even hawkers and taxi drivers must be doing national service, serving the people.
And those NS men deprived of buying a public flat will still have to defend this country and the foreigners and new citizens and their assets. This is uniquely Singapore in its most uniquely way.
Occupy Wall Street gaining momentum
The power of technology is sweeping through America in a most unexpected way. The home of high tech and innovation has been exploiting technology and developing technology in changing the way of life of human beans everywhere. In many ways, technology has improved the way information and communication has never been before. Lifestyle also changes with Ipad, Iphone technology, thanks to Steve Jobs.
While many improvements in the way of life have been taken for granted in the developed countries, technology saw its biggest impact in the bringing down of dictators in countries that have not really embraced technology in a big way. The falling of several kingpins in northern Africa, now famously known as the Arab Spring is a good example.
Now this Spring is arriving in the streets of America, in most of the major cities, where inequalities and injustice, greed and corruption are taken by horns when Congress refused to act or slept with the perpetrators of greed and corporate crimes. The American people have finally taken onto technology for the good of the ordinary Americans against the crooks in high places, especially Wall Street.
The greed in Wall Street knows no bound and are concealed or blatantly ignored by the congressmen and senators. Only the bringing down of Wall Street can the cancerous growth of greed in America and the financial world be arrested. Europeans and some American regulators are reported to be trying to clamp down on the new scourge in the stock markets, ie, computerized high speed trading. They have seen the ills, and some have been fined heavily. But they are very cautious as the literature and media are still promoting and praising the goodness of such tradings, ignoring or sweeping under the carpets the ills of high speed tradings. The benefits are superficial and actually non existence. The whole scheme is to clean up the market by the application of high technology against the innocent small traders without the advantage of sophisticated computers. The playing field is not level, which is criminal itself. But the big boys are ignoring the inequitable situation, to take advantage of the system against the ordinary guys.
Only when Wall Street is taken to task, taken down, can the stock markets of the world be returned to normalcy. And only the ordinary Americans can do it, with a little help from technology, the very technology that the crooks in Wall Street are using to rip them off. The American people need to bring the issue to their govt, who are just as guilty as the crooks in Wall Street. They are in cahoot, in a white collar crime that are hidden in the name of technology and expediency.
Deep down, everyone of the crooks know that they are cheating the people, the ordinary Americans in main street. They are laughing all the way to the banks, with the loot robbed from the ordinary guys. Bringing down Wall Street will set in motion a wave to bring down all the crooks in the international financial systems across the world.
While many improvements in the way of life have been taken for granted in the developed countries, technology saw its biggest impact in the bringing down of dictators in countries that have not really embraced technology in a big way. The falling of several kingpins in northern Africa, now famously known as the Arab Spring is a good example.
Now this Spring is arriving in the streets of America, in most of the major cities, where inequalities and injustice, greed and corruption are taken by horns when Congress refused to act or slept with the perpetrators of greed and corporate crimes. The American people have finally taken onto technology for the good of the ordinary Americans against the crooks in high places, especially Wall Street.
The greed in Wall Street knows no bound and are concealed or blatantly ignored by the congressmen and senators. Only the bringing down of Wall Street can the cancerous growth of greed in America and the financial world be arrested. Europeans and some American regulators are reported to be trying to clamp down on the new scourge in the stock markets, ie, computerized high speed trading. They have seen the ills, and some have been fined heavily. But they are very cautious as the literature and media are still promoting and praising the goodness of such tradings, ignoring or sweeping under the carpets the ills of high speed tradings. The benefits are superficial and actually non existence. The whole scheme is to clean up the market by the application of high technology against the innocent small traders without the advantage of sophisticated computers. The playing field is not level, which is criminal itself. But the big boys are ignoring the inequitable situation, to take advantage of the system against the ordinary guys.
Only when Wall Street is taken to task, taken down, can the stock markets of the world be returned to normalcy. And only the ordinary Americans can do it, with a little help from technology, the very technology that the crooks in Wall Street are using to rip them off. The American people need to bring the issue to their govt, who are just as guilty as the crooks in Wall Street. They are in cahoot, in a white collar crime that are hidden in the name of technology and expediency.
Deep down, everyone of the crooks know that they are cheating the people, the ordinary Americans in main street. They are laughing all the way to the banks, with the loot robbed from the ordinary guys. Bringing down Wall Street will set in motion a wave to bring down all the crooks in the international financial systems across the world.
10/09/2011
Need to review reservist liabilities
There is a need to review the NS/reservist liabilities of NS men who did not enjoy the same privileges as other NS men or citizens. I am referring to those who are barred from applying for HDB flats for the reasons the HDB chose to bar them, singles, earning too much, above the ceiling imposed by HDB, unable to form a family unit to be eligible.
A roof is the basic necessity for anyone to stay in a place or country. And when owning a roof is so expensive, it is more essential to acquire that roof to live in peace. If the country thinks it can deprive any citizen from the right to own a public flat, should the citizen so deprived be spared the duties of reservist liabilities? After all, he is now a lesser citizen than other citizens. And he has no home to defend, They are homeless in their own country unless they cough out every single cent they have to buy expensive resale flats or private properties.
If the state thinks it is fair to treat its citizen unfairly, and still demands that the citizen be fully liable to defend the state, it will be better for such diminished citizens to pack up and emigrate. There is nothing to cherish and defend for when one is an unwanted child. Worst, when one has no roof over one’s head, and have to defend foreigners and citizens with a roof over their heads.
Why should they stay on, especially those that exceed the income ceiling? These are the young professionals who are highly qualified and would have no problem shifting out, and be wanted by other countries. The very basis of discriminating against such citizens from owning a public flat is simply silly. Just because they are earning more, they must pay more? They might as well move put, and no more reservist liabilities. Can come back as foreign talents some more.
Forcing the highly qualified and highly mobile professionals to think of leaving this country must be a very clever policy. They must really believe that this country is that fantastic that these young people would not risk going away. The truth is that these young people will exactly do what the govt thinks they would not do. But it is ok. They will be replaced by cheaper foreign talents, who will then be allowed to buy cheaper public flats which our own citizens are not allowed in the first place.
I am still unable to fathom the ingenuity of such a policy.
A roof is the basic necessity for anyone to stay in a place or country. And when owning a roof is so expensive, it is more essential to acquire that roof to live in peace. If the country thinks it can deprive any citizen from the right to own a public flat, should the citizen so deprived be spared the duties of reservist liabilities? After all, he is now a lesser citizen than other citizens. And he has no home to defend, They are homeless in their own country unless they cough out every single cent they have to buy expensive resale flats or private properties.
If the state thinks it is fair to treat its citizen unfairly, and still demands that the citizen be fully liable to defend the state, it will be better for such diminished citizens to pack up and emigrate. There is nothing to cherish and defend for when one is an unwanted child. Worst, when one has no roof over one’s head, and have to defend foreigners and citizens with a roof over their heads.
Why should they stay on, especially those that exceed the income ceiling? These are the young professionals who are highly qualified and would have no problem shifting out, and be wanted by other countries. The very basis of discriminating against such citizens from owning a public flat is simply silly. Just because they are earning more, they must pay more? They might as well move put, and no more reservist liabilities. Can come back as foreign talents some more.
Forcing the highly qualified and highly mobile professionals to think of leaving this country must be a very clever policy. They must really believe that this country is that fantastic that these young people would not risk going away. The truth is that these young people will exactly do what the govt thinks they would not do. But it is ok. They will be replaced by cheaper foreign talents, who will then be allowed to buy cheaper public flats which our own citizens are not allowed in the first place.
I am still unable to fathom the ingenuity of such a policy.
10/08/2011
Catching the second wind
The sheer thought of the second wind is invigorating. Singaporeans are so lucky. This is a pleasure that only Singaporeans are blessed with. With life expectancy reaching 80 or 90, life begins again for Singaporeans at 60.
The first thing for those hitting the 6 big zeros, is to think about schooling, just like when they were 6. Go back to school to learn a skill, like the ITE. I am still wondering why old dogs need to learn new tricks. Nevermind, after a year or so, and armed with a new certificate, it is time to write the resume. The thought of going for the first job interview is exciting, adrenalin is gushing through my veins. Must get the white shirt nicely pressed.
In the meantime register to join a gym. Got to get the muscles toned and the skin taut. The face part is not a problem, just go for Botok. The eyes, ok, lasik surgery is so common now. In fact go for the full course, the hair, the denture, the manicure, it is a new life man.
Looking ahead, getting a new girl friend, courtship and perhaps marriage. And there could be little children running around too. And soon got to think of choosing the best primary school again for the little ones. May even have to do some voluntary work for a good primary school. These are the things that make one thinking, and feeling young once more.
With a fresh list of responsibilities and challenges, buying a flat, getting insurance and all those things, and preparing for retirement in another 20 years, things cannot be better. With the experience gained before, the second round can only be better.
I hope Boon Wan would let these first timers get their HDB flats. Yes first time seniors. Only after 60 can one qualify as a first timer once again.
Creak. What’s that noise? Uncle, you can have my seat. No thank you. I am 60 years young.
The first thing for those hitting the 6 big zeros, is to think about schooling, just like when they were 6. Go back to school to learn a skill, like the ITE. I am still wondering why old dogs need to learn new tricks. Nevermind, after a year or so, and armed with a new certificate, it is time to write the resume. The thought of going for the first job interview is exciting, adrenalin is gushing through my veins. Must get the white shirt nicely pressed.
In the meantime register to join a gym. Got to get the muscles toned and the skin taut. The face part is not a problem, just go for Botok. The eyes, ok, lasik surgery is so common now. In fact go for the full course, the hair, the denture, the manicure, it is a new life man.
Looking ahead, getting a new girl friend, courtship and perhaps marriage. And there could be little children running around too. And soon got to think of choosing the best primary school again for the little ones. May even have to do some voluntary work for a good primary school. These are the things that make one thinking, and feeling young once more.
With a fresh list of responsibilities and challenges, buying a flat, getting insurance and all those things, and preparing for retirement in another 20 years, things cannot be better. With the experience gained before, the second round can only be better.
I hope Boon Wan would let these first timers get their HDB flats. Yes first time seniors. Only after 60 can one qualify as a first timer once again.
Creak. What’s that noise? Uncle, you can have my seat. No thank you. I am 60 years young.
Ministerial jobs are too easy
This is the impression I had everytime I see more appointments being loaded onto the ministers. I thought being a minister, running a ministry, on top of all the MP and constituency matters would be enough to bog down a man for all his 24 hours. Apparently this is just a misperception from on ordinary bean. Either the jobs are simply too easy to handle, or the ministers have more than 24 hours a day and the biological constitutions to keep them going.
Chee Hean and Tharman have just been appointed as the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the National Research Foundation(NRF), a high level organisation that gives grants and directions to the R&D in Singapore. These appointments are not for people who simply sign off millions or billions of dollars without thinking. They are serious appointments.
Both Chee Hean and Tharman are deputy Prime Ministers, and Chee Hean is also Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs. Tharman is also Minister for Finance and Manpower. I think Tharman is also in GIC or Temasek. Both must have several other very important portfolios to watch over.
They would not have become such supermen if they were just CEOs of some private sector companies. Now their super talents are fully tested, to work super fast, to grasp complicated matters in diverse ministries and issues they have no inkling of what they are before, to work super long hours. Being a minister sure can turn ordinary man into superman.
I have no doubt that a minister’s job is a serious job and a complicated job with huge responsibilities. And equally, all the other appointments they are holding are just as demanding on their intellect and time. Really admirable people, at least for their staminas. Walking from one ministry to the next is already quite energy absorbing. It is simply amazing how they can coop with their jobs and without shortchanging the people in time and details.
Wonder if they still have a life other than official duties, like a little quality time for the family?
Chee Hean and Tharman have just been appointed as the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the National Research Foundation(NRF), a high level organisation that gives grants and directions to the R&D in Singapore. These appointments are not for people who simply sign off millions or billions of dollars without thinking. They are serious appointments.
Both Chee Hean and Tharman are deputy Prime Ministers, and Chee Hean is also Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs. Tharman is also Minister for Finance and Manpower. I think Tharman is also in GIC or Temasek. Both must have several other very important portfolios to watch over.
They would not have become such supermen if they were just CEOs of some private sector companies. Now their super talents are fully tested, to work super fast, to grasp complicated matters in diverse ministries and issues they have no inkling of what they are before, to work super long hours. Being a minister sure can turn ordinary man into superman.
I have no doubt that a minister’s job is a serious job and a complicated job with huge responsibilities. And equally, all the other appointments they are holding are just as demanding on their intellect and time. Really admirable people, at least for their staminas. Walking from one ministry to the next is already quite energy absorbing. It is simply amazing how they can coop with their jobs and without shortchanging the people in time and details.
Wonder if they still have a life other than official duties, like a little quality time for the family?
10/07/2011
The big scheme of things
The happenings in the stock markets around the world are happening because of the big scheme of things. Everyone is thinking damn bloody big, the biggest stock market, the biggest capitalization, the biggest computers, the biggest funds and the biggest war chests to manipulate the markets. No need to bother with slow and troublesome organic growth. Just MA, buy, acquire and expand.
When the heads are swelling so big, they forget the small stuff. There will not be any negativity in being too big too quick, think only the good stuff. The winds do not blow like before. It is like climatic change, big typhoons and big hurricanes. They move in and out, drive stocks up and down, only to clean up everything. Acts of God, no one to be blamed.
The falls in the world stock market are not just due the financial crisis, but aided by the big scheme of things. The big money and big machines were allowed to utilize their full advantage of size and speed. On paper, the machines are there to help generate liquidity, to bring down the cost of trading, for a more efficient system. No flaws. The machines are brought in to do social and charitable services at no cost.
In reality, the liquidity and lower cost of trading are there to facilitate the machines in their mopping up operations, cleaning up the whole market. By the time it hits, it is too late to run. Greed? Yes, with greed, all safeguards were down. And when the Americans are doing it, it must be good, it must be the way to go. It is where all the money of small investors will go.
All the big long term investors, including sovereign funds, must be bleeding profusely in the last few days.
No one wants to know why, or that they have allowed the system to turn into a monster, a Frankenstein, wrecking havoc at will, sanctioned by the authorities. There is nothing illegal, all part and parcel of a big and brilliant system, part of the game, part of the big scheme of things.
Very big, very good.
When the heads are swelling so big, they forget the small stuff. There will not be any negativity in being too big too quick, think only the good stuff. The winds do not blow like before. It is like climatic change, big typhoons and big hurricanes. They move in and out, drive stocks up and down, only to clean up everything. Acts of God, no one to be blamed.
The falls in the world stock market are not just due the financial crisis, but aided by the big scheme of things. The big money and big machines were allowed to utilize their full advantage of size and speed. On paper, the machines are there to help generate liquidity, to bring down the cost of trading, for a more efficient system. No flaws. The machines are brought in to do social and charitable services at no cost.
In reality, the liquidity and lower cost of trading are there to facilitate the machines in their mopping up operations, cleaning up the whole market. By the time it hits, it is too late to run. Greed? Yes, with greed, all safeguards were down. And when the Americans are doing it, it must be good, it must be the way to go. It is where all the money of small investors will go.
All the big long term investors, including sovereign funds, must be bleeding profusely in the last few days.
No one wants to know why, or that they have allowed the system to turn into a monster, a Frankenstein, wrecking havoc at will, sanctioned by the authorities. There is nothing illegal, all part and parcel of a big and brilliant system, part of the game, part of the big scheme of things.
Very big, very good.
Ethnic pride ethnic shame
Singaporean Chinese are different. They are not the same as the China Chinese or the Malaysian Chinese or Taiwan Chinese or any Chinese around the world. But some bear a very dominant trait in hating anything Chinese, dismissing anything Chinese, finding Chinese disgusting and something to be dissociated with. They see China Chinese as the lepers of the world, the rogue nation that meant no good but harm to the world. To this group of Singaporean Chinese, the China Chinese are the pariahs, the untouchables.
They forgot that they are Chinese too. They may call themselves Singaporeans or international citizens, citizens of the world, but they cannot hide the fact that they are the same disgusting Chinese that they detest and hate. There is no ethnic identity or pride in who they really are. They may harbour thoughts of dying their hair blond, bleaching their skin white, and adopt all mannerism of the westerners.
Can anyone be respected when he can’t even respect himself, his own identity and his own ethnicity? Such people will only be regarded as outcasts by their own ethnic groups, and be sneered at by those they hoped to be and wanted to be. The very basis of respectability is to respect yourself, your own ethnicity, be it Malay, Indian, Eurasian or Chinese. Only by respecting self can one earn respect from others.
I am a Singaporean Chinese. I do not hate nor despise the Chinese. Neither do I adore or idolize them. I do not prejudged them. I look at them as another people, to be respected or to be dissociated from, by their acts, by rights or wrongs that they do. Not simply because they are China Chinese. This applies to all other races. The 1.5b people cannot be simply grouped into one, one type, one kind, one behavior, bad and nothing good. They are a sea of humanity, with good and bad and ugly, just like us, just like every ethnic group.
But we have some very different Singaporean Chinese that have stereotyped the China Chinese, China, as simply of one kind, bad, bad intent, bad in everything. How their mindset gets to this level, with deep seated perversion of thoughts and thinking process is difficult to fathom. Our education system does not teach them to hate their ancestors, their breed or their ethnicity. How did they grow up to become thus? Yes, the Singaporean Chinese is different from all other Chinese, but some are much more different. To this group, they take pride in hating China and anything Chinese.
If they cannot see anything good in their own ethnicity, can others see anything good in them?
They forgot that they are Chinese too. They may call themselves Singaporeans or international citizens, citizens of the world, but they cannot hide the fact that they are the same disgusting Chinese that they detest and hate. There is no ethnic identity or pride in who they really are. They may harbour thoughts of dying their hair blond, bleaching their skin white, and adopt all mannerism of the westerners.
Can anyone be respected when he can’t even respect himself, his own identity and his own ethnicity? Such people will only be regarded as outcasts by their own ethnic groups, and be sneered at by those they hoped to be and wanted to be. The very basis of respectability is to respect yourself, your own ethnicity, be it Malay, Indian, Eurasian or Chinese. Only by respecting self can one earn respect from others.
I am a Singaporean Chinese. I do not hate nor despise the Chinese. Neither do I adore or idolize them. I do not prejudged them. I look at them as another people, to be respected or to be dissociated from, by their acts, by rights or wrongs that they do. Not simply because they are China Chinese. This applies to all other races. The 1.5b people cannot be simply grouped into one, one type, one kind, one behavior, bad and nothing good. They are a sea of humanity, with good and bad and ugly, just like us, just like every ethnic group.
But we have some very different Singaporean Chinese that have stereotyped the China Chinese, China, as simply of one kind, bad, bad intent, bad in everything. How their mindset gets to this level, with deep seated perversion of thoughts and thinking process is difficult to fathom. Our education system does not teach them to hate their ancestors, their breed or their ethnicity. How did they grow up to become thus? Yes, the Singaporean Chinese is different from all other Chinese, but some are much more different. To this group, they take pride in hating China and anything Chinese.
If they cannot see anything good in their own ethnicity, can others see anything good in them?
10/06/2011
Singapore a big player among the super powers
Yes we punch above our weight. And we must guard our national interest zealously, and speak out against any nation that does anything that will harm our national interest. One particular nation is China. China is growing its military forces to a level that is becoming a threat to us. It is building aircraft carriers too, never mind if their ICBM will wipe us off the face of this earth, and this will undermine the free passage of ships along international waterways. It will be dangerous if they park their aircraft carriers in the South China Sea or in the Straits of Malacca. We must question China’s motive.
We have no problems with the Americans. Our national interests coincide with the Americans. And we are pleased with their military might and military presence. They are here to protect our national interests. The Americans are a benign and friendly superpower. They have military bases everywhere, sailing their naval fleets everywhere, including the South China Sea, all for altruistic reasons, to protect smaller countries against China. Just dunno who America was protecting against before China. What is good for the Americans is good for us. What is good for China may be dangerous to us.
Americans know this and are watching the Chinese like a hawk. The Chinese are now an equal to the American war machine. Even India is concerned. India has historical and territorial disputes with the Chinese. And both are Asian superpowers and are rivals in this sense.
The trouble is that the arrogant Chinese are ignoring even India. They are only running a race with the Americans in their cross hair. They have no time to cast a glance at the Indians. The Indians are inconsequential to them.
But still we must make known our concerns to the Chinese, to make them listen to us. China must consider our national interest in what they do. They better don’t ignore us. Hey China, tell us why you need to build such a big and powerful military force? Tell us, tell us, we want an answer. We need to question you for our national interest.
China, tell us of your intention. Don’t be rude, we are asking you, tell us, tell us…..tell us please….please. Look down here, we are here.
We have no problems with the Americans. Our national interests coincide with the Americans. And we are pleased with their military might and military presence. They are here to protect our national interests. The Americans are a benign and friendly superpower. They have military bases everywhere, sailing their naval fleets everywhere, including the South China Sea, all for altruistic reasons, to protect smaller countries against China. Just dunno who America was protecting against before China. What is good for the Americans is good for us. What is good for China may be dangerous to us.
Americans know this and are watching the Chinese like a hawk. The Chinese are now an equal to the American war machine. Even India is concerned. India has historical and territorial disputes with the Chinese. And both are Asian superpowers and are rivals in this sense.
The trouble is that the arrogant Chinese are ignoring even India. They are only running a race with the Americans in their cross hair. They have no time to cast a glance at the Indians. The Indians are inconsequential to them.
But still we must make known our concerns to the Chinese, to make them listen to us. China must consider our national interest in what they do. They better don’t ignore us. Hey China, tell us why you need to build such a big and powerful military force? Tell us, tell us, we want an answer. We need to question you for our national interest.
China, tell us of your intention. Don’t be rude, we are asking you, tell us, tell us…..tell us please….please. Look down here, we are here.
Continuous good news in the property front
During the last term of Mah Bow Tan, there was continuous good news of property prices and that they were very affordable by the way they computed affordability. When Boon Wan took over, there was continuous good news of property prices too, from building more flats to some changes in HDB policies and priorities for first timers. And the people were equally happy.
Yesterday there were two charts in the media, one on property price index over 11 years and one on HDB resale price index for 5 quarters, 2 from 2010 and 3 from 2011. The first chart showed that property price index was almost flat from 2001 to 2006. Only in 2007 that it started to shoot up and this uptrend has been consistent till today for HDB resale price. What this means is that the prices are still going up at the same pace, no letting up.
From a base of 172 in the 4th quarter of 2011, the HDB resale price index has gone up by 1.6%, 3.1% and 3.8% in the third quarter of 2011. Yes, it is going up, regardless of the number of new flats that Boon Wan is going to build. And the good news is ‘Good progress in meeting flat demand.’ Nothing about the price.
Using the 172 base, HDB resale price till the third quarter has gone up by 15.1 points to 187.1 or 8.8%. By end of the year it could easily cross the 10% mark. Again looking at the first chart, the index was at 150 at end of 2009, or an increase of 37.1 points or 24.7% by the third quarter of 2011. These must also be good news for the property owners. For the buyers or potential buyers, it can also be good news as it means that at whatever price they are going to buy their new flats, they can expect the price to go up by more than 10% per annum or doubling the price in 10 years. In reality, with the compound growth effect, the price could easily double in less than 10 years.
What more good news can one ask for? And better still, with a decreasing lease life but rising prices.
Yesterday there were two charts in the media, one on property price index over 11 years and one on HDB resale price index for 5 quarters, 2 from 2010 and 3 from 2011. The first chart showed that property price index was almost flat from 2001 to 2006. Only in 2007 that it started to shoot up and this uptrend has been consistent till today for HDB resale price. What this means is that the prices are still going up at the same pace, no letting up.
From a base of 172 in the 4th quarter of 2011, the HDB resale price index has gone up by 1.6%, 3.1% and 3.8% in the third quarter of 2011. Yes, it is going up, regardless of the number of new flats that Boon Wan is going to build. And the good news is ‘Good progress in meeting flat demand.’ Nothing about the price.
Using the 172 base, HDB resale price till the third quarter has gone up by 15.1 points to 187.1 or 8.8%. By end of the year it could easily cross the 10% mark. Again looking at the first chart, the index was at 150 at end of 2009, or an increase of 37.1 points or 24.7% by the third quarter of 2011. These must also be good news for the property owners. For the buyers or potential buyers, it can also be good news as it means that at whatever price they are going to buy their new flats, they can expect the price to go up by more than 10% per annum or doubling the price in 10 years. In reality, with the compound growth effect, the price could easily double in less than 10 years.
What more good news can one ask for? And better still, with a decreasing lease life but rising prices.
What’s the message?
I was watching this new police TV serial, EU or Emergency Unit, from Hongkong showing in Channel U. It ended last night. It was about the police against crime and triads. The triads are still there even after 1997. The serial was about the good, the honourable versus the crooked and dishonourable. The young police officers who found taking down drug traffickers and triad bosses a heroic thing to do, despite the low salary and status as police officers. Even the senior officers were devoted to their duties in service to the people, the citizens. There were risks, the young officers went undercover and giving up their lives in the course of duty.
Such admirable traits and values can only be seen in celluloid, not in real life. Hongkong used to be a very corrupt place during the colonial rule. Corruption in the civil service was rampant all the way, particularly the police force, from the little Ah Sirs walking the beat to the angmoh superintendents and higher. Money was spread all round by the triad bosses. Hongkong today is the other extreme. Corruption and triad activities have been brought down to a level unknown in its history.
I think the message of the Hongkong serial, and the MediaCorp, is that there are still idealistic young and old civil servants, and uniformed personnel, who would find duty and honour more important than just money, or to quote David Marshall, the joy and excitement of serving the people and country. The message is timely, as such virtues are now taken very lightly, seen more as desirable and idealistic but not practical in the real world. And those who want to live their lives through such values, good, though privately seen as rather daft. There is a better and real world where money and self interests are everything. Sacrifices and heroics are good to have for other people, but can live without for the practical and smart people. Only fools believe in such ideals and virtues today. The Hongkong serial is pure fiction. Agree?
PS. I think I am continuing my lecture in National Education and conducting the course here.
Such admirable traits and values can only be seen in celluloid, not in real life. Hongkong used to be a very corrupt place during the colonial rule. Corruption in the civil service was rampant all the way, particularly the police force, from the little Ah Sirs walking the beat to the angmoh superintendents and higher. Money was spread all round by the triad bosses. Hongkong today is the other extreme. Corruption and triad activities have been brought down to a level unknown in its history.
I think the message of the Hongkong serial, and the MediaCorp, is that there are still idealistic young and old civil servants, and uniformed personnel, who would find duty and honour more important than just money, or to quote David Marshall, the joy and excitement of serving the people and country. The message is timely, as such virtues are now taken very lightly, seen more as desirable and idealistic but not practical in the real world. And those who want to live their lives through such values, good, though privately seen as rather daft. There is a better and real world where money and self interests are everything. Sacrifices and heroics are good to have for other people, but can live without for the practical and smart people. Only fools believe in such ideals and virtues today. The Hongkong serial is pure fiction. Agree?
PS. I think I am continuing my lecture in National Education and conducting the course here.
10/05/2011
Sushi any one?
Or would you prefer a half inch thick medium rare Kobe beef, where the cows were fed with beer and given massages under the watchful eyes of their caregivers?
There is now a furore over the dolphins in RWS. And many people are crying foul, for keeping free living dolphins in captivity and putting them under a lot of stress with tough trainings to perform acts to please. And RWS has replied that they are committed to marine conservation and research and the knowledge learnt from the captive dolphins would be used to make life better for the dolphins and marine life. Sound convincing?
I think the Japanese were much better in telling the world that their cullings of tunas and whales were strictly for research as well. And they are killing them by the millions annually. And no one says the Japanese were lying. How’s that compare to the 10 or 20 dolphins in RWS that are kicking and swimming and alive? How’s that compare to the hundreds of dolphins in other parks around the world? Sure some will die naturally, in captivity or in the wild. Nothing beats what Nature makes them to be.
The tunas and whales have an easier time. They need not suffer the pain and stress of training and performing to crowds. They just ended at the dinner table. Oh, training and performing are bad for animals. I will support the banning of all animal shows, including circus and dog shows. The owners and trainers thought it was fun and very clever to make the animals do all those tricks. But the animals were also put through many painful and stressful lessons to learn and practice them.
All animals should be free in their natural environment, not in captivity, not in HDB flats. And also not on the dinner table. Now, what am I ranting about? It is all garbled. I also want to save all the animals and the world. Incidentally, I am half vegetarian. I still eat killed animals on alternate days and cooked vegetables for the other days.
There is now a furore over the dolphins in RWS. And many people are crying foul, for keeping free living dolphins in captivity and putting them under a lot of stress with tough trainings to perform acts to please. And RWS has replied that they are committed to marine conservation and research and the knowledge learnt from the captive dolphins would be used to make life better for the dolphins and marine life. Sound convincing?
I think the Japanese were much better in telling the world that their cullings of tunas and whales were strictly for research as well. And they are killing them by the millions annually. And no one says the Japanese were lying. How’s that compare to the 10 or 20 dolphins in RWS that are kicking and swimming and alive? How’s that compare to the hundreds of dolphins in other parks around the world? Sure some will die naturally, in captivity or in the wild. Nothing beats what Nature makes them to be.
The tunas and whales have an easier time. They need not suffer the pain and stress of training and performing to crowds. They just ended at the dinner table. Oh, training and performing are bad for animals. I will support the banning of all animal shows, including circus and dog shows. The owners and trainers thought it was fun and very clever to make the animals do all those tricks. But the animals were also put through many painful and stressful lessons to learn and practice them.
All animals should be free in their natural environment, not in captivity, not in HDB flats. And also not on the dinner table. Now, what am I ranting about? It is all garbled. I also want to save all the animals and the world. Incidentally, I am half vegetarian. I still eat killed animals on alternate days and cooked vegetables for the other days.
Of course it is a thoroughbred!
Who says the horse is sick? Who says it is a workhorse, a farm horse? It is every inch a thoroughbred, and a winner. This is the other side of the coin. I read somewhere that several hundred companies are queuing up to list in the SGX. With all the listing fees, the bottom line of SGX will be extremely healthy.
I think every little company here or in China or anywhere in the world would want to be listed here. It is quite easy to raise several millions or tens of millions when liquidity is plentiful. After collecting the largesse, the viability of the company is a different story. Many unforeseeable events can happen quickly and the business could easily fail.
Nevermind, can always start another new company and a new listing. And there are still plenty of willing investors with plenty of money waiting for new IPOs.
There were horror stories of foreign companies running road, with their top management disappearing into thin air. There were stories of companies being scavenged and only a shell was left. But they were not many enough to turn into a horror serial. It is normal for such things to happen.
SGX is the best run Asian stock exchange and competing with HK as the number two biggest exchange in terms of capitalization. Never mind if it hosted a large number of penny stocks in its main board. There will be more companies from the second board being elevated to the first board to make up for the losses.
And the volume of trades is increasing to the region of billions daily. At $1b trades a day, at 0.3% commission rate, that is a cool $3 million revenue to be spread among the industry players. Divide by a workforce of 6,000 heads, that will give an average of $500 per head daily. It is a very healthy industry.
If they can get all the companies waiting in the pipeline to be listed, the industry should be able to absorb another 1,000 staff with more money to spread around.
It is definitely not a sick horse. Just another side of a story. Look at the volume and volatility over the last few days! This is great time for stock trading with great opportunities to make a pile. Just keep selling, no need to think, and sure to make profits. The banks have lost something like 30% of their values and the major shareholders must be licking their wounds. But for traders, especially big funds and their wonderful high speed computers, they must be making a killing.
For small investors, sell the blue chips, or if not, wait for a while longer, they will soon become penny stocks. Then go in and scoop them up in buckets and wait for another 30 years. Sure to go back to $30. Our stock market is doing excellent and many traders and investors are making plenty of money. Good times are here again.
With the volumes in the billions, SGX must be collecting quite a lot of clearing fees. Broking houses must also be harvesting a lot of commissions. The industry is well and alive, and kicking.
I think every little company here or in China or anywhere in the world would want to be listed here. It is quite easy to raise several millions or tens of millions when liquidity is plentiful. After collecting the largesse, the viability of the company is a different story. Many unforeseeable events can happen quickly and the business could easily fail.
Nevermind, can always start another new company and a new listing. And there are still plenty of willing investors with plenty of money waiting for new IPOs.
There were horror stories of foreign companies running road, with their top management disappearing into thin air. There were stories of companies being scavenged and only a shell was left. But they were not many enough to turn into a horror serial. It is normal for such things to happen.
SGX is the best run Asian stock exchange and competing with HK as the number two biggest exchange in terms of capitalization. Never mind if it hosted a large number of penny stocks in its main board. There will be more companies from the second board being elevated to the first board to make up for the losses.
And the volume of trades is increasing to the region of billions daily. At $1b trades a day, at 0.3% commission rate, that is a cool $3 million revenue to be spread among the industry players. Divide by a workforce of 6,000 heads, that will give an average of $500 per head daily. It is a very healthy industry.
If they can get all the companies waiting in the pipeline to be listed, the industry should be able to absorb another 1,000 staff with more money to spread around.
It is definitely not a sick horse. Just another side of a story. Look at the volume and volatility over the last few days! This is great time for stock trading with great opportunities to make a pile. Just keep selling, no need to think, and sure to make profits. The banks have lost something like 30% of their values and the major shareholders must be licking their wounds. But for traders, especially big funds and their wonderful high speed computers, they must be making a killing.
For small investors, sell the blue chips, or if not, wait for a while longer, they will soon become penny stocks. Then go in and scoop them up in buckets and wait for another 30 years. Sure to go back to $30. Our stock market is doing excellent and many traders and investors are making plenty of money. Good times are here again.
With the volumes in the billions, SGX must be collecting quite a lot of clearing fees. Broking houses must also be harvesting a lot of commissions. The industry is well and alive, and kicking.
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