Source:
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Malaysia/Story/A1Story20101220-253761.html

IPOH: Twenty-seven passengers of a tour bus were killed after the
vehicle hit

a divider and overturned on its way down from Cameron Highlands Monday.

Twenty-two died at the scene of the accident and five at the Raja
Permaisuri

hospital here. Another 10 injured were being treated at the hospital.

According to Perak state deputy CPO SAC Datuk Zakaria Yusof, the
fatalities

included three Malaysians and 24 Thai nationals, some of them children.

He
said the bus had 37 passengers onboard, 34 of them

Thai.

No other details of the victims are available yet.

The accident occured at KM15 of the Cameron Highlands-Simpang Pulai
at

11.40am. The bus was heading to Kuala Lumpur from cameron Highlands.

It is learn that the excursion bus company is registered in Jitra.

SAC Datuk Zakaria said the cause of the accident could have been
speeding or

brake failure



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





     






















My View :

Accidents like this are fatal and its very sad to see people losing their life
after coming from a wonderful happy holiday with thier family or friends.

Cameron highlands is one of malaysia's extensive hill station. It attracts many
tourists every year. It is a risky place to drive same as gneting highlands,
only experience people can manage it.

I think that drivers shouldnt speed very fast when coming down the hill. it is
very dangerous, as gravity may cause accidents to happen.

malaysia government could encourage of building cable cars. this would
definitely reduce the accident rates. Life is very valuable, and these people's
live was actually in the drivers hand, who made the misanke. though there is no
further news about the accident, precautions should be taken against this kid
of accidents.

done by: veshallini(:

 

Source: http://www.digitalone.com.sg/features/article/14199

Finally, an app for all our favourite Singlish phrases.
  Singaporean design firm Nokomai has developed "Hosay!", an iPhone app which has a dictionary of Singlish phrases and how to pronounce them.
  The app features animated characters, recorded voice acting, and a variety of phrases divided into different categories such as gambling, football and insults.
  There are more than 70 phrases with audio and definitions to help tourists, new immigrants and even locals how to speak good Singlish.
  It is available free from the App store.

 

 

 

 

My View :
I think this should't be encouraged because, right now the goverment is actually implementing speak good english, and at his point of time, this is going to influence the teeneagers who are the future generation more. Now itself, almost all are speaking SInglish and to further encourage this people this iphone application, its not a good idea at all. singaporeans think speaking good english is funny.
On the other hand, it can be used for the sake of fun. Singapore, now, is well known for its singlish, and definitely every singaporean knows one or two singlish terms. Some find it cool, even sometimes, i  find it hilarious and fun to talk like that.

 

so in conclusion all i would say is, we should know when to talk singlish and when to talk proper english. we should never be asamed of speaking good and proper english.

 

Done by : Veshallini

References: http://www.razor.tv/site/servlet/segment/main/news/57760.html
http://bongqiuqiu.blogspot.com/ and http://www.clicknetwork.tv/

Background:
Recently, there is an increase in number of bloggers who are appealing on their blogs for free sponsorship on either clothing, surgery or food. An example of a blogger is Bong Qiu Ting (better known for Bong QiuQiu) who appealed for free boobs surgery on her personal blog on 13 May 2010. This news was also reported by the local press, in the Chinese newspapers and Stomp. It caused quite a stir at that time of point because everyone feels that it is already not ethical for a blogger to ask for sponsorship on clothes, hair treatment and needless to say, now a sponsorship on boob job. Several weeks ago in November, a cosmetic surgeon Dr Jonathan Lee offered her a breast enhancement procedure for free. Qiuqiu has gladly accepted.

Here is the sequence of feeling that i feel:
I feel that it is not ethical for bloggers to keep asking for FREE sponsorships. The main reason that i disagree is because i feel that technology is made readily nowadays. At anywhere, anytime or any place, people can just use Internet freely. Since Internet is made available for people, children are definitely not excluded. Furthermore, social networks like Facebook.com, Twitter.com, Formspring.com and tumblr.com can definitely allow news to spread fast. The point that I'm making here is that the future generations will not take more than a week or so to learn about free sponsorships through social networks. By learning about the existence of free sponsorships, there might be the tendency that our future generations might rely on hoping for FREE items, privileges and surgery from sponsors and not work hard for the wants. This is definitely not the situation that we hope to happen to our future generations. I personally feel that there should be a limit to where bloggers can request for free stuff and they should never push their luck any further beyond the limit. I also can't deny about the win-win situation for both parties (the sponsors and the blogger) where the blogger gets his/her wants satisfied and the sponsors gets their items advertised on the blog.

Recently, i view a video from http://www.clicknetwork.tv/ on bongqiuqiu's plastic surgery. At the beginning, i feel that she is very much fame hungry. I said that because the moment she accepts the boob surgery offer, she will receive more attention from the public. These includes more hits on her blog, more people viewing her videos on http://www.clicknetwork.tv/ and news articles on her surgery etc. There might also be a possibility that she will earn a higher income because there might be more sponsorships for her and she might earn more as a model. (She has been working as a model since the age of 17) However, after viewing the video, i feel that she truly deserved the offer because we really didn't know what she has gone through for the past 6 to 7 years of her life. Imagine all the criticisms, sarcasms and the emotions that she has to go through. If you were in her place, how would you feel? To emphasize further, previously she couldn't even fit into the minimum bra cup size and now, she can finally fit into one! Picture the joy and excitement she would feel.

In conclusion, like what I've mentioned "there should be a limit to where bloggers can request for free stuff and they should never push their luck any further beyond the limit". To add on, not all bloggers should be deprived of the FREE items as it varies from case-to-case basis.
Sheridin Tan:)

Title: World's coolest doghouses: Paris Hilton's dogs live in US$325,000 'mansion'
Article by: Stomper
Source: http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sgseen/this_urban_jungle/509536/doghouses_so_amazing_youll_wish_you_living_in_them.html


STOMPer bow-WOW wouldn't mind sleeping in these lavish doghouses that would be the envy of humans. Some of them even cost just more than a 'humanhouse'.
Said the STOMPer:
"'It's a dog's life' -- people used to say, to illustrate a troubled life.
"But if I were the dog that got to live in these amazing doghouses, I wouldn't mind a dog's life at all.
"Aside from being cute and creative, these doghouses even boast running water, lighting, air conditioning, heat, and a swimming pool!
"But of course, all these creature comforts come at a price -- like the Brick Manor that costs US$25,000.
"Which is nothing compared to Paris' Hilton's Dog Mansion that costs US$325,000!
"And even that can't beat the pooch palace that some lady surgeon built for her Great Danes -- that place cost US$407,000.
"What can you expect? That place comes equipped with retina scan entry for dogs, webcams, a temperature controlled dog-spa with purification system, self-cleaning food and water bowls AND a 52-inch plasma TV!
"I wanna be one of those dogs!"

My views:
After reading the article, i'm speechless. Judging from the above pictures that i've print-screened, some dogs are living a really good life! I bet you, the one who's reading don't mind being one of those dogs too! Its amazing how much some people can spend their hard earn money on dogs. I mean, dogs are pets right? Pets are of lower class than humans. Its ironic how in some parts of the world humans dont even have the basic needs for survival (exp: Food and water) and in some other parts of the world, people are able to spent millions on houses for their dogs.
However, it would be unfair to compare in this way because they are different people from different parts of the world. Having an air conditioned house, multiple rooms, tv, spa, food, clothes and even a swimming pool that is of a shape of your favourite food --- isn't it almost like heaven?! Even the word 'Mansion' is underrated.

The word 'dog' used to be an insulting word to describe human beings but i guess this article changes it all.
I really don't mind being called a dog if being a dog means that i get to live life like those dogs in the above pictures.
BY: KAHMIN!!!!!!!!

Title: Sarcasm or apology? KFC sends 72 packets of chilli and 31 spoons for order of 3
Article by: Stomper
Source: http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sgseen/got_service_or_not/507446/meal_for_3_but_kfc_sends_72_packets_of_chilli.html


When a STOMPer informed KFC that his meal for 3 was delivered without chilli sauce, spoons or napkins, someone at the fast food chain over-compensated by following up with 72 packets of chilli sauce, 31 spoons and 32 napkins.
The STOMPer says:
"On December 5, I ordered a 'Bargain Deal' consisting of six-piece chicken, two cups of whipped potato, one cup of coleslaw and three cans of Pepsi from KFC delivery. They came without chilli sauce, spoons and napkins.
"So I called back and gave feedback. The guy who picked up asked me whether I wanted the items to be delivered.
"I said yes because I paid for all these things after all.
"When they delivered it to my house, they gave me one big bag consisting of the spoons, chilli sauce and napkins.
"There were 72 packets of chilli sauce, 31 spoons and 32 napkins.
"I believe that there would not be so much chilli even I had ordered a family meal.
"Is KFC try to be sarcastic or are they really trying to apologise with me? That’ is the question.
"This KFC outlet is likely to be in Woodlands".

My viewes:
I personally think that this article is interesting. Maybe interesting is underrated. It should be hilarious. Putting myself in the shoes of the writer of this aritcle, i can feel his anger and annoyance towards KFC. Delivering a meal without spoons, chilli sauce and napkins is kind of weird but it is not impossible to eat without them. The article also shows the impatience and nastiness of some people. I know it is KFC's fault for this mistake but it would be nice if you just accpet their apology. I personally think that asking for another delivery of spoons, napkins and chilli sauce is too much. Since you are dining at home, there should be napkins, spoons and chilli sauce around, isn't it? It is true that you paid for this service but if you be nice and forgive them this once you can make someone's day.


I work in Food and Beverage too and sometimes i can understand the feelings of the workers. Everyone makes mistakes. Especially during peak hours, everyone is rushing each other and in such delivery cases, KFC also has a limited amount of time to prepare the food and get the food delivered. During the process, things may happen, people forget things.


Sometimes we get customers who demands too much or customers who are really nasty, you just feel like slapping them in the face. But you cant! They're your customers and customers are always right. I think that is why the KFC delievery man delivered huge amount of things he left out the last time. It must be sarcasm.


I'm not say that the worker in KFC is right for his actions, it is definitely wrong. I'm also not saying that the customer is wrong for doing this. However. 'To Err Is Human, To Forgive Divine', forgive and forget! The world would be so much more beautiful.

BY: KAHMIN!!!!!!!!

ONE person in four worldwide paid a bribe during the past year These statistics were shown according to a study released on 9December to mark International Anti-Corruption Day. According to the article, this survey was "conducted among more than 91 000 people in 86 countries and territories" in the past 12 months. These institutions that bribes are paid to include the health, education or tax authorities. To our disappointment, the police were proved to be the most corrupted out of all institutions.

The statistics also showed that among the 86 countries and territories, "sub-Saharan Africa was the region reporting the greatest incidence of bribery, with more than one person in two saying they had made such payments to officials in the past 12 months." Following next will be The Middle East and North Africa that was found to be the next most-corrupt region, with 36 per cent of people there reporting having paid a bribe.

"Countries topping the list for reported bribe payments over the year were Afghanistan, Cambodia, Cameroon, India, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, the Palestinian territories, Senegal, Sierre Leone and Uganda, where more than one person out of two said they had handed out financial sweeteners to officials." The reasons to why bribes were paid were to avoid problems, while a quarter said that it was meant to speed up procedures. Comparing the lower income earners and higher-income earners, the lower-income earners reported paying more bribes than the better paid.

My response:
I personally feel very thankful to be borned in Singapore with the least possibility of institutions receiving bribery. Singapore is definitely one of the top countries with strong controls over systems and operations. Receiving or paying bribes in Singapore is least likely to happen as compared to the less developed countries. With a righteous and upright government looking after the citizens, we are the worthy of receiving the honour as the "happiest country in Asia" .

Apparently, though we do not have 0% of unemployment or 100% of happiness in Singapore, think about it, what do we really have to fear? We have a upright government that gives every Singaporeans a equal chance in every subsidary or job. We have a strong force of army who protects the citizens 24/7 and we have a good system of education where all Singaporeans get to study in. Apart so, we also have strong and well-trained medical health staff who take care of our health whenever we are sick.

I personally feel that since we are very fortunate, we should learn to bless others who are less fortunate. For example, those countries that are named at the top of the post. Camobodia is a country that is very misfortunate that has many undeveloped infrastructure and healthcare system. The Cambodians are the people who needs our help. By offering our help to them, we can help to prevent bribery from happening. I said that because they are less likely to pay bribes to institutions when help is offered to them. By helping them, we can also learn to be thankful and build our character.
Sheridin Tan:)

Post adapted from: http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/World/Story/A1Story20101210-251922.html
Image from: http://sg.images.search.yahoo.com/images

Summary
The US and South Korean military will stage more joint exercises to warn North Korea following its "deliberate" and "inhumane" attack on a South Korean island, which violates the UN Charter and the armistice agreement which ended the 1950-53 war
To deter further provocation, they would refine existing plans so they can "resolutely respond to further North Korean aggression".

Opinion
North Korea does not learn to heed warnings so i feel that continual showcase of military would only provoke the thick-headed communist leader Kim Jung Il, which may lead to a 3rd world war.
In my perspective, if South Korea is unable to tolerate any furthur military harassment from North which is only a short matter of time before the next attack takes place, our hopes of peace would be obliterated. Finally, after more than 50 years of maintaning world peace, history would soon repeat itself and something entertaning will be birth from this.

done by dingkiat

Employers are incurring over RM1bil (S$415.6 million) losses annually because of
workers who feign illness to get sick leave, according to the Malaysian
Employers Federation (MEF).
"Malingering or faking sickness to obtain medical certificates (MCs) has
become a rampant practice in the country. The MCs rate in the country is now
among the highest in the region," said MEF executive director Shamsuddin Bardan. "Some employees will take MCs to go fishing, watch a movie, attend a wedding
kenduri or send the kids to school. They will even ask their colleagues to tell
their bosses they are on MC if they do not turn up for work the next day."
The MEF, which has just completed its survey on workplace productivity for
2010, is expected to release its report next week.
Shamsuddin told Sunday Star that in Malaysia, about 4% of lost man-days or
working days are attributed to MCs alone.
While acknowledging there were genuine sick cases, he said the number of
deceptive cases was high, with some malingerers exhausting the maximum 22 days
sick leave allowed in a year.
"Malingerers usually follow a pattern - they will take MCs just before or
right after a weekend or public holiday. Companies are keeping a close watch on
these employees and once there is sufficient proof of abuse, they will be
dismissed," Shamsuddin warned.
Under the Employment Act 1955, an employee who has served at least five years
with the same company is allowed up to 22 days sick leave annually which
employers feel are "too high" and could give rise to abuse. The number of days
do not include the 60 days entitlement for hospitalisation.
Malingerers, he added, were putting a financial strain on employers who had
to pay 250% more for each man-day lost when a worker went on sick leave.
Given the 4% loss due to MCs, a company with 1,000 workers stood to lose
9,120 man-days a year.
Shamsuddin added that some companies which offered incentives for staff with
good attendance found they were able to reduce the man-days loss due to MCs from
4% to 0.01%.
However, the majority of employers did not see the point of offering such
incentives as they were already paying their staff to work.
MTUC president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud said they wanted to get a clearer
picture from the MEF, adding that it was unfair for employers to claim that most
workers on MCs were pretending to be sick.
"This is tantamount to questioning the integrity of doctors who issued the
MCs to the workers," he added.
He also disagreed with MEF's call to the Government to reduce sick leave from
the maximum 22 days, saying there were cases where employees were seriously ill
or had met with accidents and needed time to recuperate before reporting back to
work.

My Opinion :
Firstly, employees must understand that getting a job is not that easy and if they get one, they should know how to make sure that the job is safetly secured for them only and there is no way of loosing it.
Taking MC is no mistake but, employees on the other hand must understand that if they were not to go for work, when they are feeling well, the company is making a slight loss without them. Not only them if their colleagues also does the same thing, they company would definietly incur loss and the managment will definietly think of getting new people for their place. Its for sure that the company doesn't want to face any kind of loss. If not the employees have to look forward for pay decrease, and even to the extend of retrenchment.
Everyone wants to have a smooth and easy life. so its appropriate to take MC when really needed so. When taking MC the employee has to think from the company point of view to understand that wether the company needs them and that;s why they are employed.

Furthermore, doctors too must be aware of this kind of people and they must play a part to not to approve MC for this kind of people.

Done By: Veshallini