How to cut an ice cream cake ?

Tools required : Knives and Hot water and 2 eager Cats

came across an interesting article today talking about the widening class gap in Singapore. Would be worsen further given the economic recession looming over us. Thought that this can be a reminder to ourselves to be more sensitive to the people around us. The so called elite school system... the haves and the have-nots....

Not the time to flaunt your riches

Insight Down South
By SEAH CHIANG NEE

A high-ranking civil servant’s account about spending RM110,124 for him, his wife and son to learn fine French cooking has blown up in his face.

A GOVERNMENT elite has stirred ripples by talking of his expensive cooking lessons in France, revealing how hard times are deepening class differences in Singapore.

Inadvertently creating controversy was the permanent secretary at the Environment and Water Resources Ministry, one of the highest ranking civil servants.

Tan Yong Soon had related how he had spent S$46,000 (RM110,124) for himself, his wife and son for a five-day trip to learn fine French cooking.

In ordinary times, this leisurely – but rather insensitive – account would not have amounted to anything much but these days are, of course, far from normal.

Two factors invited criticism to flare.

First, he was seen as flaunting wealth, obtained from his high pay, at a time when Singapore is suffering one of its worst slumps in history.

Many thousands of workers are still losing jobs or suffering wage cuts.

And, secondly, government leaders are accused of being hugely overpaid, as a result of which some are no longer able to relate to the common people.

Tan was also accused of “boasting” about his elitist background when he wrote that his wife was “a senior investment counsellor at a bank” and his son, a soon-to-be student at America’s prestigious Brown University.

“Taking five weeks’ leave from work is not as difficult as one thinks,” Tan said.

“Most times, when you are at the top, you think you are indispensable. But if you are a good leader who has built up a good team, it is possible to go away for five weeks or even longer.”

Singaporeans were largely unimpressed. Some were angry. His fling at France’s prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in the face of rising poverty is the latest example of how out of tune some of Singapore’s well-paid elites are with heartland realities.

About 20% of affluent Singapore’s population lives in poverty with welfare payout to the poorest of the lot limited to a mere S$290 (RM694) a month.

When a government backbencher wanted to have it increased, a Cabinet minister refused, demanding: “How much do you want?”

Many Singaporeans were already unhappy with the multi-million dollar salaries paid to Cabinet ministers and top civil servants even in happier times.

(Despite a recent cut of up to 19%, the government here remains, by far, the highest paid in the world.)

The pay issue remains very controversial and contributes to the class division in society, a them-verses-us mentality that has apparently sharpened as a result of the economic crisis.

The whole episode has shown how the class – and social – divide is widening in high-tech Singapore.

The controversy over Tan’s trip has political implications for a government that is pondering over whether or not to call for a snap general election, which is not due until 2010-11.

In other developed countries from Britain to Japan, it would not have any impact since it involves a civil servant, not a political leader.

But the system is very different in Singapore, where the line separating the two hardly exists.

The Chinese characters “zeng fu” are used to describe the political leadership as well as the civil service.

Some questioned why Tan’s choice of spending his own wealth should be the public’s business – but not many are buying into it.

Established blogger Redbean articulated: “Tan is no ordinary, rich Singaporean. He is a senior civil servant ... and part of the governing elite.

“(He) should be seen as one who would be able to empathise with ordinary Singaporeans who are going through tough times ... (when) the Prime Minister is preparing the people for some belt-tightening and ‘bitter medicine’.”

Besides, if Tan had wished he should have spent his money at home to help the troubled economy rather than abroad, some believed.

Tan’s is by no means the only example of elitist snobbery, nor the worse.

A bigger controversy flared up four years ago when Wee Shu Min, the teenage daughter of a Member of Parliament, came across the blog of a Singaporean who wrote that he was worried about losing his job.

She called Derek Wee “one of many wretched, under-motivated, over-assuming leeches in our country.

“If you’re not good enough, life will kick you in the b***s ... Our society is, I quote, ‘far too survival of fittest’,” said Shu Min, who hailed from the elite Raffles Junior College.

“... Unless you are an arm-twisting commie bully, which, given your whiny, middle-class, under-educated penchant, I doubt,” she added before signing off with “please, get out of my elite uncaring face”.

The girl was flamed by hundreds of Singaporeans, but when her father Wee Siew Kim – an MP in Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s constituency – told a newspaper that “her basic point is reasonable”, the row moved well beyond blogosphere.

A news agency, in reporting this, said: “The episode highlighted a deep rift in Singapore society and was an embarrassment for the ruling People’s Action Party and PM Lee.”

Raffles JC, which has produced several state leaders, had another brush with student snobbishness.

When a student found that a Raffles girl was dating a boy from a lower-achieving neighbourhood school, he hit out at him and had a message for lower-ranking students everywhere.

“Quit trying to climb the social ladder by dating students from top schools.”

There are signs the class distinction is getting into some young minds.

A reporter recounted how her friend was shaken when her young daughter came home one day and mentioned in passing that poor people were “stupid, obviously”.

Motivation

motivated by damselfish´s taunting...oops no ....her encouragement ...here´s my third post ...and the first post in year 2009 in the blog...mind you. :p

today I thought I would talk about motivation...in particular...what motivates you in what you are doing? life is after all a linear affair , goes one way and has no room for second chances....tough but this is what makes it so precious and all the more cherished...that we should live the best we can in the way that we would endeavor it to be. But then again we got to take a look at what we are doing and if what we call work is the right thing for our goals in life...Work is a very important part of the human life and gives us meaning and definition...I do not believe that work is anything boring...if it is you have probably got to re-evaluate. I cannot imagine bumming around and having nothing to show for it at the end of your 35th year and holy shit... realise that you can never ben 25 years again...different people have different motivation at work...just make sure that they are the right motivations for you.

if anyone reads this ...kudos...

Christmas in Norway

Raspberry cheese cake...its absolutely marvelous.

Declaration of First Post in 2008

I HAVE DONE IT....

Blogging again! Happiness. Let me explain my absence these few months ....-gasp- years It was not that I stopped blogging more like I did not manage to log in after some website revamp or whatever techny thing that I gave up understanding some years back....saw that my last activity was in 2005....no way....

This is awesome...after spending the last week in shorts and mosquito patches, now I am sitting in a living room decked in red and green (mostly red) and outside its minus 2 degree.

South Africa was quite unforgettable more so that we got to spend time with each other...it has been some time since we got together. what´s with our global jobs and busy lives dealing with the ups and downs in the financial world....(isn´t it curious how we all end up doing things related to finance....even our resident lawyer is a corporate lawyer...:-) )
Given that we agreed for a next group trip to Japan and everyone is generally enthusiastic...I guess we can say that our trip has been enjoyable for all to justify a sequel. :p

Singapore: Tainted Milk Scare Goes Beyond China

• Foreign
• Tainted Dairy Products From China

2008-09-23 12:10

SINGAPORE: White Rabbit Creamy Candy, a milk-based treat popular with children and adults here, has been found to be contaminated with melamine.

The candy joins two other brands--Dutch Lady strawberry-flavoured milk and Yili Choice Dairy Fruit Bar Yoghurt Flavoured Ice Confection--on the list of dairy products from China which the authorities here say are adulterated by the chemical normally found in plastics.

The tainted-milk scandal that originated in China is turning into a global food scare, as governments ban imports and retailers unilaterally take China milk products off the shelves.

In China, four children have died from taking contaminated milk and another 12,892 warded for kidney problems.

Sunday (21 Sept), a Hong Kong girl found with a kidney stone became the first suspected victim outside mainland China.

Farmers are said to add melamine to diluted milk to artificially raise its protein content.

Coming after a string of scares and general approbation over its safety standards, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao vowed in a state television broadcast to put an end to such scandals.

But the World Health Organisation (WHO) said Sunday that a quick reaction to the problem by Beijing had been hampered by delays in releasing critical information about the contamination of milk supplies.

WHO's Western Pacific director Shigeru Omi said his group had been helping China to deal with the scandal's fallout and advised Beijing to improve its safety checking and information disclosure systems.

In Singapore, the agri-food and veterinary authority (AVA) is taking no chances: Sunday night, it made it clear that it was suspending the import and sale of any product containing milk from China.

Besides milk and milk products such as ice cream and yogurt, confectionery items such as chocolate, biscuits, sweets and anything that could contain milk from China came under its latest advisory.

The Straits Times found on Saturday (20 Sept) that a 7-Eleven outlet in Braddell had pulled a list of products from its shelves. The list included Snickers bars, M&Ms, Nabisco Chicken In A Biskit, Dove chocolate bars, Mentos yogurt balls, Oreo wafer sticks, and Want Want Take One Baby Bites.

For consumers, reading labels seems advised: A check by The Straits Times last night found that the Snickers and Dove chocolates sold at a 7-Eleven convenience store in Toa Payoh were made in the United States, but those same chocolate brands sold at a neighbouring minimart were labelled 'Product of China'.

The attendant at the minimart said he had not been told anything about chocolates from China, but the shop had stopped selling White Rabbit sweets and Dutch Lady milk last Friday (19 Sept).

FairPrice, the biggest supermarket chain in Singapore, said it will be removing confectioneries made with China milk from their outlets from Monday (22 Sept).

Food science and technology lecturer Dr Leong Lai Peng from the National University of Singapore suggested that consumers buy only food that may contain milk from countries that are major producers of milk, such as Australia.

Avoiding cheap products is also another way. "With cheap products, there is a chance it is made with milk from a country that sells milk cheaply, such as China," she said.

Meanwhile, a new mother in Chengdu, Sichuan province, sensing a business opportunity amid the tainted-milk scandal has raised controversy by offering in an online advertisement to breast-feed other children--for a price.

The 32-year-old said she has more milk than her three-month-old son can consume and is willing to sell the surplus in a 'breastfeeding service' for 300 yuan (US$43) a day.

Bans and recalls

SINGAPORE: Banned all dairy imports from China on Friday. Yesterday, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority said confectionery such as chocolate, biscuits and sweets were also to be recalled.

MALAYSIA: Announced bans on milk products from China though it currently does not import Chinese dairy items.

BRUNEI: Took similar action as Malaysia though not an importer.

HONG KONG: Biggest grocery chains, PARKnSHOP and Wellcome, pulled all liquid milk by China's Mengniu from shelves on Friday. Products made by Yili Industrial Group recalled a day earlier.

TAIWAN: Consumer watchdog tracked down where 70 per cent of milk products from China's Sanlu had gone.

JAPAN: Marudai Food recalled five products imported from Yili, a major Chinese dairy firm. Nissin Foods recalled some possibly tainted products from Hong Kong.

SOUTH KOREA: Testing products made with powdered milk from China.

EUROPEAN UNION: Demanded answers from China on slippages in safety checks leading to the scandal.

NEW ZEALAND: Testing dairy products sold in Asian supermarkets for melamine.

UNITED STATES: Food and Drug Administration widened inspections at ports of entry to shipments of food ingredients from Asia that are derived from milk. Warned consumers not to buy milk products from China online. (By TESSA WONG And LIAW WY-CIN/ The Straits Times/ ANN)

Making Sure Your Overseas Marriage is Legal

Chun, for you if you haven't checked.

Quite a few couples have discovered a year or even more after their wedding abroad that they are not in fact legally married at all.

So it is very important that you take all the necessary steps to ensure that this does not happen to you!

There are four major points of which you need to be aware.

1. Registration of Your Marriage

If you marry abroad your legal certificate of marriage will issued by the country where you marry.

• Marriages that take place outside your home country are not registered and usually cannot be registered in your home country.

Don't panic, because....

• Marriages registered overseas are recognised for all legal purposes in in your home country, provided they take place legally in a country whose marriage law is recognised by your home country.

The countries listed here will in almost all cases recognise each other's marriages.

2. Home Country Laws take Precedence

Basically this means that if you get married in a country whose marriages laws permit a union that would not be permitted in your country, that marriage will not be recognised when you get home.

There are several situations where this can arise.

• Different countries have different laws regarding the closeness of the blood relationship between parties to a marriage. You need to comply with the laws in your country.
• Marriages between same-sex couples are legal in several countries, but such marriages will not be legally recognised in countries where they are not.
• Some countries still permit men to marry more than one woman. If your country's marriage law does not permit this, the marriage will have no legal standing at home.

3. Religious Ceremonies Abroad

It is commonly the case if you get married in a Religious marriage ceremony only in another country, that your marriage will have no legal status when you get home.

This is the case even though a marriage ceremony in a church of the same denomination in your country would be legal.

For countries where it is possible to have a legal religious ceremony, see ourDestinations Overview.

4. Countries where non-citizens cannot marry

There are some countries were it is either not legally possible for a marriage to be registered by non-citizens or residency or other requirements make it unfeasible for a legal marriage of foreign nationals to take place.

The "wedding" in such a country will in effect be just a celebration of your union - it will not have any legal standing.

If you intend to marry in one of these countries, you must have a civil ceremony either in your home country or in another country who will register your marriage.

SAFARI FAQ - this is for Kruger by Big 6

1. Is there a luggage restriction on safari? A. Yes, you are limited to one bag per person preferably a soft bag for easy packing. 2. Can a suitcase be left in storage at Johannesburg International Airport while we are on safari in the bush? A. Yes. If you go to Lock-up-Luggage at Terminal 2 in the basement below International Arrivals at Johannesburg Airport, they will store your suitcases there for approx. US$35 per item per week, or approx. US$5 per day. 3. Are children allowed and will they be a disturbance to my safari? A. Children are most welcome on this safari from 3 years old. Parents with children, in most cases have their own private vehicle so as not to in any way disturb other adults on safari. We can also cater for elderly persons. 4. What is the typical number of people on a safari? A. The camp in Sabi Sands is small and intimate,geared around personal service and comfort and are luxurious. These camps cater to between 16 and 24 guests. Kruger Park camp is much larger but your game drives will have a maximum of 9 people at any one time. 5. How large are safari bungalows? A. Bungalows are large and spacious, with two three-quarter beds, floor rugs and adequate space to hang and pack clothing, with private facilities and verandah with fridge, table and chairs. 6. Is the washroom arrangement very far away? A. All bungalows come with en-suite facilities, so it is a very civilised safari. Except on economy safari facilities are located a few metres away. 7. Are the guides qualified, friendly and what language do they speak? A. Yes, they are certainly qualified , speak English and are very attentive at all times, especially as there are small groups. 8. What does a typical day consist of while on safari? A. Early start to the day / tea & coffee / early morning game drive (+- 2-3 hours) / outdoor delicious breakfast / late morning game drive (+- 2 hours) / rest period at camp(+-4 hours) - time to shop, sleep, swim, suntan, catch up on favorite book and have lunch / afternoon game activity (+-3 hours)/night drive/ delicious dinner in evening. 9. What activities are there? A. Game drives, guided walks, birdwatching, night drives, library etc 10. What is the likely type of vehicle? Is there good visibility? A. On safaris, you will be travelling in on open Landrover or similar 4x4 vehicle, which offers excellent visibility and outstanding photo opportunities. On overland transfers, vehicles are either luxury VW microbus or Mercedes Vito SUV. 11. How many passengers are accommodated on the vehicles? A. A maximum of 9. 12. Do the vehicles allow for periodic pit stops for the passengers? A. As for the pit stops, the guests' requirements and comfort are paramount. There will be coffee and drinks breaks on your drives and everyone will make sure you have a great time, so yes pit stops are definitely allowed. 13. Is there any reason we might wish a private vehicle on any particular day? A. If you have a special day or requirement this can be arranged with pleasure at a small extra cost. There is no need otherwise. 14. Do you supply bottled water or is there a need to bring some with us? A. Bottled water is sold everywhere we go. 15. Is local currency available on landing in Johannesburg? A. Yes, South African Rands can either be drawn out of your account using your PIN at a bank machine or there are exchange facilities. 16. Are Rands the easiest to use for tipping on the tour? A. Yes, otherwise dollars or pounds will be very appreciated. 17. Is a safari an exhausting experience? A. Not really though, a safari is not without it own set of trails and demands. Besides the heat, that is another reason for the few hours of "siesta" every afternoon. If you are planning an extensive South African safari, it is often a good idea to stop off for a day or two in Johannesburg to rest, revive, shop etc. Remember most activities are voluntary so you can rest more than others if you wish. It all gets too exciting to miss anything out though. 18. What clothing should I take on safari? A. Clothing should be in neutral colours, eg, khaki, beige, bush green. NO bright colours - they scare away the animals! ONE pullover or cardigan. A hat is essential! A jacket is also required in our winter moths May June July & August. Otherwise cool comfortable clothes and comfortable walking shoes. Long sleeve shirts and pants are advisable in the evenings to keep insects off you. 19. Who washes my clothing? A. The lodge will usually see to your laundry requirements or staff cleaning your bungalow. 20. Can I buy photographic equipment in the bush? A. Yes, in Kruger National Park you can buy a whole range of goods from foods, to toiletries, to clothes to photographic equipment. 21. Can I get film developed in Southern Africa? A. The cities have many One Hour Processing labs. You can also get digital photos developed in Kruger National Park. 22. What camera equipment is essential on safari? A. Binoculars are vital, preferably wide angle. A good 35mm camera with a powerful zoom or telephoto lens will reward you with superb shots. 23. Can we phone our loved ones abroad? A. Yes, easily with phone cards or your mobile phone at every camp in Kruger .There is extensive mobile phone coverage in South Africa. Make them envious and tell them how many elephants you've seen that day in the glorious sunshine. 24. Hospitals? A. South Africa has many top private hospitals, excellent specialists and state of the art equipment and facilities, including emergency rescue and air ambulance. 25. Do we need medication and is there doctor on safari in case of emergency? A. Please consult your GP before leaving on safari and he will advise you about medication required. We do, however, recommend malaria medication. Your guide is trained in first aid, airlift emergency helicopter is available and a local doctor is on call from the main safari camp. Your in good hands. 26. What about Insurance? A. All travellers should be adequately insured against all eventualities and circumstances. This applies anywhere in the world. 27 .What about safety in Africa - the press makes it out to be a somewhat dangerous and violent place. What precautions must we take? A. While on safari in the bush, the only dangerous creatures are wild animals. The people are gracious and hospitable. But as in many cities around the world, there is a need to be careful and vigilant. Never walk in deserted areas at night, try not to look too much like a rich tourist with six cameras hanging around your neck, pockets bulging with dollars and gold chains, rings and diamonds dripping from your person. Be sensible. As in most cities, there are areas which are safe and areas where gangsters and criminals lurk. So choose the safe spots. Ask at your hotel, or ask some locals. 28. Are there carjackings? A. In most of Africa, it is not as bad as in Los Angeles. However, it does occur, especially in Johannesburg . Always drive with windows closed, doors locked and watch for suspicious looking people hanging around at traffic lights and intersections. Don't offer lifts to hitchhikers, unless it's your nephew backpacking through Africa! 29. We want to do a self-drive. What are the conditions of the roads? A. South Africa has a superb network of tarred freeways, highways and roads, comparable to any first world country. There are large filling stations along the freeways, with restaurants, restrooms and rest areas under shade. 30. What are the roads in the wildlife reserves like? A. Most reserves have a good network of gravel roads, well maintained and easy to drive with a standard vehicle, so you don't need a 4 wheel drive car. The majority of roads in Kruger National Park are tarred. Don't leave your windows open when baboons or monkeys jump onto your car - and don't feed them! There are no self-drive options in private reserves and lodges. 31. Can my mobile phone work in Africa? A. Yes, there is extensive coverage throughout South Africa and in Kruger Park. However, in South Africa, networks cover all national roads, towns and cities. Before travelling, ask your cellphone service provider to open your phone to allow international roaming. 32 .Can I hire a cellphone (mobile) at an airport? A. Yes. There are rental companies at the major international airports and some car hire companies also rent out cellphones. However, please note that you will not be able to use it on game drives. 33. Is there internet connection in Africa? A. Certainly. Most city hotels will have either internet connection in your bedroom, or a business centre where you can spend time online. There are also some safari lodges and camps in South Africa which offer this facility. Kruger park in only a few camps have an internet cafe. 34. Is the water safe to bath in? A. Yes. In South Africa, all piped water supplied by local authorities, is potable (drinkable). In the bush, lodges often have to pump water from underground, so ask the hotel staff whether it is potable. But is is always good enough for bathing. 35. But is the water safe to drink? A. Unlike some countries in Europe, tap water in South Africa is potable (drinkable). It's best to drink bottled water - it's available everywhere. But NEVER drink water, and NEVER swim in, any pond or dam. 36. Are there lions in the streets? A. No, absolutely not. You won't see a lion outside of a wildlife reserve, unless you go to a zoo. Except in the bush, your ranger and tracker will go just about anywhere to show you the lions! 37. Can I feed the wild animals? A. No. Feeding wild animals is not a desirable way to conserve wildlife, nor is such a practice allowed in any game reserve. If you try to feed the wild animals, you place your own life and other people's lives at risk. Remember that wild animals are Wild Animals. 38. What animals will we see or are the safaris long hot and uneventful? A. Bring plenty of film as you will be encapsulated in the thrill of seeing an outstanding array of wildlife. We take you to the premier safari destinations with sightings of wild lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, rhino, zebra, leopard, kudu, hippo, crocodiles, etc. You will never be bored!