MISSING: Tan Pheng Cher Violet (singapore)

MISSING: Tan Peng Cher Violet (singapore),
originally uploaded by stonz.

my cousin who was in phuket when disaster struck.

update: prior to earthquake info. her travel group was heading to khao lak. (from phuket)

we haven't had any contact from her since.
please contact me with any info.
mobile: +65 96666506
email: boonteck@gmail.com

fashion police! chairman "mm" lee?

[Category-Sillypore]

php09wGjt,
originally uploaded by stonz.

how about that? a mao shirt.
it's sad enough that our MM is doing everything. SIA labour discussions for the past 40 years?; speak chinese campaign for the past 30-40 years?.

now he even shows that he got more style and fashion sense than the rest of the cabinent put together.

out with the windbreaker. bring on the mao fashion!

legit by association!

[Category-Sillypore]
here's something to try in google; search for "TEMASEK HDB CORP"
e.g.
http://www.google.com.sg/search?hl=en&q=TEMASEK%20HDB%20CORP&btnG=Search&meta=


or
google: "HDB Corp Bonus"
http://www.google.com.sg/search?hl=en&q=HDB%20Corp%20Bonus&meta=

no wonder i've been getting hits from Monetary Authority Of Singapore & Housing & Development Board
sorry to disappoint you people. i don't have any insider info on deals or bonuses.
and for once... i can say this "big brother is watching...."

screwed. i'm in conflict. bah!

Your highest score was a tie between Type 3, Type 7, and Type 8. One of these is likely your Enneagram type.

ISUZU: Total Assy

ISUZU: Total Assy,
originally uploaded by stonz.

this one reads: Total Assy.
as found "tagged" onto the back of IZUSU Panthers in jakarta

link of da day: GmailFS (Gmail File System)

a hack, quite nicely done. integrated into windows explorer. you'll see a "Gmail Drive"; login in... and use the gmail space as file storage.

your files are stored as "emails" when u login via gmail interface
(it's easy to use a filter: Matches: subject:(GMAILFS:*); Do this: Skip Inbox, Apply label "gmailFS")

[link]

rant: M&A singapore-style

[Category-Sillypore]
kinda long. but article is under businesstimes (aka the other "bt"); gotta snag-it b4 it goes into subscriberland

good move i must say.... godmother (fade-in: godfather theme) goes to work.... hey presto! it's a clean slate. *hush-hush* as long as the carpet is big enough.... sweep it under.

we are a global financial hub? yeah!?! of cos. gotta keep the good stuff for ourselves.

how abt a wager? by 2006... HDB Corp would be....."sleeping with the fishes". (fade-out muzik)


Temasek buys HDB Corp for undisclosed sum in surprise deal

By ANDREA TAN

(SINGAPORE) Temasek Holdings has bought over HDB Corp for an undisclosed sum in a surprise deal announced yesterday. The divestment by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) was sooner than expected; equally surprising was Temasek as the buyer.

The deal caught the market by surprise as no tender was called for the sale. Both parties were tight-lipped about the price, saying only that it was a 'mutually agreed' sum.

In response to BT's queries, Temasek said: 'Our immediate focus would be to further grow HDB Corp into a regional developer of township projects.' Industry analysts say a gauge of the transaction value would be the average price-earnings ratio of construction firms. Construction stocks are trading at an average price-earnings ratio of 23 and applying that to HDB Corp's estimated net profit of $8.7 million would yield a price of about $200 million.

According to records filed with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (Acra), HDB Corp had net assets of $144.9 million and issued and paid-up capital of $142.6 million.

BT understands that the price paid was markedly below $200 million, or the net asset value of $144.9 million, or the company's paid-up capital of $142 million. Non-listed entities typically command lower PE ratios than listed counterparts in the same industry.

While Acra records do not show turnover or profit figures for HDB Corp, a tally of the numbers for the six HDB Corp subsidiaries bearing the Surbana name revealed a net profit of $8.7 million and turnover of $100 million for FY2004 ended March. HDB Corp uses the Surbana name overseas and in Singapore.

HDB Corp's main subsidiary Surbana Consultants had a net profit of $7.4 million on a turnover of $58.3 million, according to Acra records. Surbana International (Consultants) - the only loss-making unit - had a net loss of $2.4 million on turnover of $1.5 million.

Commenting on the deal, Temasek managing director for strategic development Wong Heng Tew said: 'We see good growth potential in HDB Corp and the markets it serves.

'We aim to be a value adding shareholder to HDB Corp and hope to grow it into a successful regional enterprise.' HDB Corp is in China, India, Myanmar and Vietnam.

Unlike the sale of CPG Corp which saw an international tender and a planned management buyout, there was no open bidding for HDB Corp. CPG Corp was sold to Australia's Downer EDI for $131 million in March 2003. CPG Corp was the former Public Works Department and a Temasek-linked company.

HDB said in response to BT's queries: 'We did not call a tender as one of HDB's primary concerns when considering the sale of HDB Corp was to avoid any disruption in services to HDB residents after the company is sold.

'We believe that under Temasek, HDB Corp will continue to deliver a high quality of service to HDB and its public housing projects, while it grows into a successful regional enterprise.'

HDB Corp was formed in mid-2003 after HDB's building and development division was corporatised. The $220 million restructuring of HDB resulted in the housing board shedding 2,630 jobs, of which about half joined HDB Corp. HDB Corp now has 820 permanent staff, Temasek said. Temasek said it does not foresee any impact on HDB Corp's staff.

HDB Corp is assigned HDB's design and development projects in the first three years but this will be lifted gradually to 90 per cent in the fourth year, 70 per cent in the fifth year and 50 per cent in the sixth year. HDB Corp said this will not change after Temasek takes over. HDB Corp will however not be able to retain the HDB name after June 2005.

Temasek said that 'should there be any merger, acquisition or divestment opportunities in the future, they will have to be evaluated based on commercial considerations'.

HDB Corp said: 'Temasek will exercise its shareholder rights to influence the strategic directions of all its companies but the day-to-day commercial and operational decisions will be left very much to management.'

link of da day: diy desk calendar 2005

DIY: desk calendar,
originally uploaded by stonz.

once every couple of years... i take a break from being a cynical bastard... and "give it away".

how abt this? a diy (u can get a pdf, print it, fold it) and give as 2005/ xmas presents to colleagues.
it's the thought that counts. thinking about doing it... works too. just let them know "i wanted to do this; just for you!"

[link]

new browns

29-11-04_2325,
originally uploaded by stonz.

meet revamped-left... and madeover-right.

rant: *gasp* oh no! the horror! oh my.....

[Category-Sillypore]
welcome to this edition of "...only in singapore"
every single day... the local news never fail to entertain and bring a smile to my face.... (immediately after that.... i do get embarrassed: we are like mountain turtles.)

A series of Nike ads in Singapore designed to resemble graffiti have stirred emotions in the Asian nation known for its obsession with cleanliness and civic order.

The small, page-size posters featuring anime-style images of NBA star LeBron James were pasted helter skelter over the ad panels of 700 bus stops, shocking commuters who are used to the ultratidy shelters.

At least 50 commuters have called or written to complain, said officials at Clear Channel, which owns the advertising rights to the bus shelters.

[link]

link of da day: "Admit to Something That Would Normally Result in Ridicule"

this incredibly funny forum thread [link]
"Admit to Something That Would Normally Result in Ridicule"


with classics like
"A mate of mine (no, really) was in Thailand getting a Thai massage off some hot Thai girl and he got the horn. She then noticed and said 'You want the wanky wanky?' He said 'Yeah, why not and closed his eyes. She then said 'Okay, I come back when you all done' and left him to it. She came back in about ten minutes and he said he has never felt worse in his life."

{pepsi-challenge} your stupidity immediately.

rant: Singapore reviewing smoking ban to include more areas

[Category-Sillypore]
pretty ridiculous.
if smoking is that undesirable, ban it.
if gambling is bad, ban it.
if drinking is unhealthy, stop selling it.

first they put this high taxes on it.... then they try to "discourage" by take these dumbass measures.

as usual, as long as "we" benefit both ways.
i don't smoke... but i feel for those smokers man. ciggies that cost 5 times more than anywhere else in this region. now they gonna be tagged as "social undesirables".
we should be thanking them, for the extra taxes.

taking "public opinion" on such matters, just sick of those "ST" reponses.

i'm already embarrassed enough when s'pore kids get out of singapore... and discover "chewing gum is not a drug, you don't need to register to chew."
"We do have evidence to show that non-smokers who are exposed to the smoking environment eventually take up the smoking habit and this is something we want to prevent. We will consult, we will consider all the issues before we move because there are implications."
[link]

pic of da day.

1,2,3,4,5,6,7.... all 7 of you.. if you had defended, you wouldn't need to be protesting...

reading: the dog catcher. alexei sayle.

the dog catcher. alexei sayle.,
originally uploaded by stonz.

another short stories collection by the russian dude.

the first story is better than the whole of the previous book.
so it's good... so far.

spied: rare visitor to my office.

already bought the 4D.... but it shitting all over an enclosed stairway (onto the carpet) can't be a healthy thing. there's this thing abt brain/ nerve damage and pigeon crap; right?

i'm guessing it's injured. if not, it wouldn't allow me to snap such closeup photos on the cameraphone.

rant: growing or shrinking?

[Category-Sillypore]
Singapore's Economy Probably Shrank Annual 3% in Third Quarter

i dunno man.... just interesting to read about something other than "booming", "can expect higher year end bonus"; "lowest unemployment rate in a decade"

[link]

rant: Singapore a matured society and ready for a casino: Dr Vivian

[Category-Sillypore]
mature? i would use the word.. "experienced"

weekly basis (for the english and mathematically challenged; that's Seven (7) days)

• 3 days of 4D
• 2 days of Toto
• 3-4 days of horse racing
• 10 to 15 football matches (almost forgot this)
  

monthly basis

• big sweep

every couple of months

• some sort of charity fundraising (to win a condo or car)

if you can't beat them join them, besides singaporean will just bet with illegal bookies, lose all their monies, pawn their children, turn to drugs, murder their wives.... i digress....

of cos we are more than ready for a casino... bring 'em on!
[link]

rant: 62 is too young to stop working

[Category-Sillypore]
Members of Parliament, union leaders, community group officials human resource experts agreed with the MM Lee that it is a waste to make able people stop working.

It is what many older workers want, and it can help people support themselves as they live longer lives.

His proposal is to let older workers carry on beyond 62 if they want to, but for lower pay because they will not be as energetic as before.
ok. now i'm wondering.... if you are 80+ and still working, should you working for free.
just like COEs, each additional year over 20 years, you pay 10% more. at +20 years... hmm..

i mean... if i'm working at 62... i would blame my useless kids, unable to provide for me. (if i have kids, that is; if not.... blame me useless self.)

[+]

joke: frog humor

A beautiful, well endowed, young lady, goes to her Local pet store in search of an exotic pet. She spots a box full of frogs. The sign says: "Sex Frogs...Only $20 each! Money Back Guarantee! (Comes with complete instructions)."

The girl excitedly looks around to see if anybody's watching her and whispers softly to the man behind the counter, "I'll take one." As soon as she closes the door to her apartment, she reads the instructions carefully:

1. Take a shower
2. Splash on some nice smelling perfume
3. Slip into a very sexy teddy
4. Crawl into bed and place the frog on the bed

Following the instructions exactly, she quickly gets into bed with the frog. Nothing happens. The girl is totally frustrated and quite upset. She rereads the instructions and notices at the bottom of the paper, "If you have any problems or questions, please call the pet store."

She calls and is told by the salesman, "I had some complaints earlier today. I'll be right over." Within five minutes he is ringing her doorbell and is welcomed in.

"See, I've done everything according to the instructions and the damn thing just sits there."
He picks up the frog, stares directly into its eyes. "Listen to me froggy. I'm only going to show you how to do this one more time!"

amem...

amem,
originally uploaded by stonz.

enough said.

rant: give yourself a pap...er pat

[Category-Sillypore]
a pat or a pap?

"The manufacturing sector created many more jobs in the third quarter and Singapore looks on track for a full-year growth figure of between 8 and 9 percent.........Against this background, labour leaders say it's now time for employers to reward their workers for braving the storms during the past few years....... As far as the public sector is concerned, we are reaching out for higher bonuses as economic growth is reaching 8, 9, even 10 percent." [+]

look out... here we go.... good times are here! time for an election. people vote best, when the economy is "recovering" (see how well we have done!) or "slumping" (you need us to do this, do that)

rant: COE vs Economy

[Category-Sillypore]
"COE prices for cars have plunged to their lowest levels in 12 months....The only rise was seen in the motorcycle category - from $602 to $651 - an increase of $49." [+]

of cos, i should have known. our economy is "good times", COE prices are dropping. geeee... genius! i wonder why are people buying motobikes, not cars?

copied: Words women use

FINE: This is the word women use to end an argument when they feel they are right and you need to shut up. Never use "fine" to describe how a woman looks - this will cause you to have one of those arguments.

FIVE MINUTES: This is half an hour. It is equivalent to the five minutes that your football game is going to last before you take out the rubbish, so it's an even swap.

NOTHING: This means "something," and you should be on your toes. "Nothing" is usually used to describe the feeling a woman has of wanting to turn you inside out, upside down, and backwards. "Nothing" usually signifies an argument that will last "Five Minutes" and end with "Fine".

GO AHEAD (With Raised Eyebrows!): This is a dare. One that will result in a woman getting upset over "Nothing" and will end with the word "Fine"

GO AHEAD (Normal Eyebrows): This means "I give up" or "do what you want because I don't care" You will get a "Raised Eyebrow Go Ahead" in just a few minutes, followed by "Nothing" and "Fine" and she will talk to you in about "Five Minutes" when she cools off.

LOUD SIGH: This is not a word, but is a expression often misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot at that moment, and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing" .

SOFT SIGH: Again, not a word, but a non-verbal statement. "Soft Sighs" mean that she is content. Your best bet is to not move or breathe, and she will stay content.

THAT'S OKAY: This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can make to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before paying you back for whatever it is that you have done. "That's Okay" is often used with the word "Fine" and in conjunction with a "Raised Eyebrow."

GO AHEAD!: At some point in the near future, you are going to be in some mighty big trouble.

PLEASE DO: This is not a statement, it is an offer. A woman is giving you the chance to come up with whatever excuse or reason you have for doing whatever it is that you have done. You have a fair chance with the truth, so be careful and you shouldn't get a "That's Okay"

THANKS: A woman is thanking you. Do not faint. Just say you're welcome.

THANKS A LOT: This is much different from "Thanks." A woman will say, "Thanks A Lot" when she is really ticked off at you. It signifies that you have offended her in some callous way, and will be followed by the "Loud Sigh." Be careful not to ask what is wrong after the "Loud Sigh," as she will only tell you "Nothing"

Send this to the men you know to warn them about future arguments they can avoid if they remember the terminology! And send it to your women friends to give them a good laugh!

reading: alexei sayle - barcelona plates

alexei sayle - barcelona plates,
originally uploaded by stonz.

he's russian i think.
heard/ read good things about him.
after the first story, not too bad. quirky dark humour. (and the black merc he crashed into was "princess di"? well. from reading amazon.com reviews) [+]

available from your closest national library of singapore. picked this copy from library@orchard.

a word from our sponsor

click to enlarge

ads for razr,
originally uploaded by stonz.

today's blog entries is brought to you by bt's razr: it's coming....

rant: dammit. darth vader is not a F4 band member!

taken from here

arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! here we go again.
george lucas trying to justify luke's wimpy roots
as a terminator once said: "girly-man!"

rant: Ride the bus or train - and you might win a car

[Category-Sillypore]
"TO REWARD its bus and train commuters, transport company SMRT is planning to give away a car. A Nissan March - minus certificate of entitlement, insurance and road tax - to be exact. It is the top prize in SMRT's inaugural Ride-for-Free Countdown promotion."
only in singapore.
to encourage public transport taking.... we give the top prize of a car. well, well... we have outdone all previous ironies.

"SMRT chief executive Saw Phaik Hwa said the promotion was to reward existing commuters and to encourage people to travel on SMRT's buses and trains."

here we go.... public transport is.... the consolation prize.
"The promotion ends in a grand draw on April 23, with the Nissan March as the top prize. Consolation prizes of a year's free travel on SMRT transport will be given to eight commuters."

and an open admission that "big brother is watching"; 1984 anyone?
what if my ezlink card is not tagged to my NRIC? does that make me a less loyal/ important customer? how are they gonna reward and encourage me?
"Launched yesterday, the promotion is on till April 11 next year. Commuters who make adult-fare trips on SMRT trains, buses and the Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit (LRT) will have the numbers on their ez-link cards automatically entered into mini-draws. These draws will be held fortnightly at 1pm."


ST link need registration? try bugmenot.com

quote: jobs

taken from gapingvoid


rant: sex & the city (& the neutered male)

older stuff from me.
-----------------

Q: what's worse than watching a season of sex and the city?
A: watching your guy friend watching it.... and him giggling to himself.. and laughing out loud.

this series must be payback for all bad things that men have done...
episodes and episodes of whinny voices... it's like they figured out how to package nagging, digitize it and make sure every household buys a copy and just irritates the heck out of every "normal" human male.

BT's theory on why sex and the city is made for the female form (and neutered males)
5) every episode last 30 minutes. no storyline to follow.
talking on the phone while watching the dvd? no matter. A is still a bitch in the next 200 episodes; B is still the one looking for fairy tale love story.

4) whinny, nagging voices that repeats the same information.... think barney... it's a comfort zone. hey! no need to analyse. no complex storylines. 30 mins of ONE single issue.

3) just in case, someone STILL doesn't get the "issue", they have the narrator telling you EXACTLY what they want you to know. the summary at the end. simple.

2) see points 5, 4, 3

1) you are finally getting my point.

rant: the numbers game

[Category-Sillypore]
older stuff from me.
-----------------

so what's in a number?

....The Singapore Women's Weekly Readership Survey 2003, conducted by Nielsen Media Research with a sample size of 1000 respondents, most of which were women, found that 97% of its readers decided on or influenced decisions on holiday purchases, 96% decided or influenced decisions for purchases of home furnishing or furniture, 88% decided on or influenced decisions on home property purchases and 69% decided on or influenced car purchases....

wait a min.... how true is this? ask the men who read fhm, you will prob. get 99.9% of readers... the 0.1% were caught by their womenfolk while filling in the survey...(under threat and duress)

..... women influenced on all that?.... or is it a case of.... "so they think...."

rant: Singapore Fines GIC Staff For Insider Trading

[Category-Sillypore]
sg yahoo news
theEDGEdaily

"The fines are meted out under a civil penalty action, which does not attract criminal sanction. Under Singapore's new Securities and Futures Act, a person convicted of insider trading can be fined up to three times the profit or loss avoided by such trading."

"The MAS said it brought the insider trading action under a new civil penalty regime, which came into force at the beginning of 2004. A civil penalty does not attract criminal sanctions."

interesting. 18 months > beginning of 2004. how does that compute?

i'm back!

stonz' back.
ignore the "year" of the previous posting. i was only gone... for 5 days.