denise tan blogs

Welcome to Abbaworld!
ABBA exhibit has opened to public that will completely immerse fans into the world of ABBA’s music. London’s ABBAWORLD is a new “museum-cum-theme park” that has 25 rooms and 30,000 square feet devoted to the Swedish sensations! The exhibition plays the glorious music of the band throughout the attraction, letting visitors explore old memorabilia, recreate the band’s sound at interactive mixing desks and sing alongside an animated ABBA via “holographic video” technology. There is even an audioguide to lead you through the attraction, narrated by Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgard, one of the stars of the film version of Mamma Mia.
Click here for the full story!

Supermarket Dresscode

A British chain of supermarkets has introduced the dress code – which also forbids bare feet – due to a spate of people doing their weekly shop in their nightwear.
Customers in Cardiff, South Wales, are now greeted by signs warning them of the new rules. They were put up in response to customers complaining that the relaxed shopping habits of some made them uncomfortable and embarrassed.
The new signs read: “To avoid causing offence or embarrassment to others, we ask that our customers are appropriately dressed when visiting our store (footwear must be worn at all times and no nightwear is permitted).”

What do you think if Supermarkets in Singapore decide to enforce such a dresscode?
NAY

YAY

Fat Tax for Overweight Fliers?
Air France was last week mistakenly accused of launching a new fee for obese fliers which has re-ignited the debate over whether airlines should charge more when an extra seat is needed.
More than three-quarters of people believe that airlines should charge a “fat tax” according to a new poll by a travel website. Less than a quarter of the people surveyed disapproved of forcing those who can not fit into a standard airline seat to purchase a second seat, normally at a discounted rate. Others suggested that charges should be calculated on the weight of the person and baggage combined.
In 2008, Air France was ordered to pay £5,000 in damages to a 172kg passenger who had his waist measured at an airport check-in desk before being told he would have to purchase two seats.
The so called ‘Fat Tax’ is a very sensitive issue for airlines – they will have to tread carefully so as not to alienate heavier passengers. On one hand, it’s not unreasonable for airlines to charge passengers extra if they occupy more than one seat. On the other, many would argue that it should be the responsibility of airlines to adjust their standard seat size, enabling them to comfortably accommodate all passengers.
What do you think?

Today’s Show is made possible by the NUMBER THIRTY-SIX

36 – A football freestyler has set a new world record by keeping a football in the air for 13 hours while completing a 36 mile tour of London.
Dan Magness, Watched by adjudicators from Guinness World Records, visited London’s five Premier League grounds which finished at White Hart Lane. He was allowed to keep the ball off the ground using all parts of his body, except his hands. He even kept the ball up while conducting several TV and radio interviews!

36 - Worldwide, 36 miles (58km) of hair grows every day.

36 – Washing machines account for 36% of household water use.

36 - Since the moon’s gravity is only 1/6 that of Earth’s, it is possible to jump 36 (six squared) times higher there! Imagine all the basketball games you could win!

Hamish’s 5 Things

ITS FRIDAY – SO HERE IS YOUR REWARD – 5 OF THE MOST IRRITATING THINGS KIDS ASK OF PARENTS

5. WHY IS THE SKY BLUE?
4. WHERE DID I COME FROM?
3. ARE WE THERE YET?
2. HOW DO YOU KNOW VEGETABLES DONT FEEL PAIN?
1. CAN I HAVE MY ALLOWANCE NOW?

The Gold Health Guide
Common Health Myths #5
Can thong underwear cause infections down there?
Prevention magazine’s advisor, Dr Mary Jane Minkin says that she has not received any complaints from her patients who wear g-string underwear. However she says that it may be theoretically possible for infections to occur. The thin sliver of cloth that is at the back of the thong usually rests where it makes it possible for fecal bacteria to infect the private parts. A thong can also create tiny cracks in the skin, leading to mild irritation. Here’s the good news: if your g-string does not bother you, there’s no medical reason to stop wearing it!

MAKAN KAKIS
GOOD FOOD THAT’S EASY ON THE WALLET?

Better Than Ronaldo

Japanese scientists have created an engine-driven “free kick” machine which can kick a ball faster and more accurately than Cristiano Ronaldo.
The contraption can kick a regulation ball at speeds of 200km per hour – compared to around 130km by the most powerful players.
It is the the result of work by BP Castrol – one of the sponsors of the World Cup in South Africa – and will be taken on tour to promote the tournament.

Today’s Show is made possible by the NUMBER FORTY-FIVE

45 – The Guinness Book of World Records lists the record height for flipping a coin at 45 meters.

45 – There are at least 45 foods that have been shown in separate studies to prevent one kind of cancer, but cause another. For example, pineapples help prevent breast cancer, but increase the risk of skin cancer.

45 – Some 45% of wives say their husbands snore. But only 5% of husbands will admit it!

Hamish’s 5 Things

SSC looking for 950 race officials
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) is looking to recruit 950 officials for this year’s Singapore Grand Prix.
While it is expecting the return of some 600 race officials from the previous years’ races, it also hopes to train new blood, who can be assigned to trackside roles such as observers, track marshals and flag marshals.
Race officials will go through extensive training sessions, both theory and practical, specifically tailored to each role.
Trainee race officials can expect to go for approximately seven days of training, most of which will be conducted over weekends. Training for the general officials’ modules – where trainee race officials can expect to be briefed and trained on safety aspects, Formula One protocols and basic track and flag signals – is slated to begin in May 2010.
Interested participants can register to be a race official via the official website:raceofficials.singaporegp.sg.
Successful applicants will be notified of their selection by the end of March.

5 ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS NEEDED IN ORDER TO SECURE THE RACE OFFICIAL STATUS

5. LOVE THE SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER

4. BE ABSOLUTELY AT PEACE AMID DEAFENING 180 DECIBEL SOUNDS

3. HAVE NO FEAR OF CROWDED PLACES

2. PREFERS SPEEDING TO THE FINISH AS OPPOSED TO TAKING HIS TIME

1. ABLE TO KEEP EYES ON THE CAR AND OUT OF THE STANDS FILLED WITH HOT WOMEN.

Occupations that Turn Women On
A survey of women who had signed up to a online dating site quizzed them about their ideal partner.
Top 5 turn on jobs for women
Firemen
Doctors
Teachers
Police officers
Fitness instructors
Top 5 turn off jobs for women
Bankers
Estate agents
Politicians
Lawyers
Traffic wardens
No news on DJs though!

MAKAN KAKIS - CHEAP & GOOD FOOD!

The Gold Health Guide
Common Health Myths #2
Does exercising on an empty stomach burn more fat?
Prevention magazine says that it is possible, but overall fat burn wil be minimal. During exercise, the body burns both fat and carbohydrates for calories. Studies have shown that working out without eating might burn a few more calories. However, the total amount of calories expended is still about the same, continued the Prevention report.

FLAMING HOT TOPIC!
Employers’ Dilemma: Foreigners Willing to do what Locals Won’t even with More Pay?
When entrepreneur Adam Khoo wrote a blog entry titled “The Expats Will Rule Singapore”, he did not expect the flurry of hate mail that followed.
Mr Khoo, 35, co-founder and executive chairman of Adam Khoo Learning Technologies Group, had described how, when he advertised to hire a marketing executive, more than 60% of applicants were foreigners. He wrote that some of the foreigners had master’s degrees and were willing to work for less than $2,000 a month, compared to local fresh graduates who asked for at least $2,500.
Mr Khoo’s blog post was also copied and flamed in online forums.
But Mr Khoo has explained that his words were taken out of context.
The father of two young girls said that he felt foreigners were less picky than locals, and he was worried about how his daughters and other young Singaporeans would be able to compete with them in future. He added that it didn’t mean he preferred hiring foreigners.
Mr Khoo said that his office here has about 90 staff and only three are foreigners.
Mr Khoo said that when Law Minister K Shanmugam said at a dialogue with Yew Tee residents last Sunday that foreign workers were not stealing jobs from Singaporeans, but were really doing jobs shunned by Singaporeans, it struck a chord with him.
Employers in other sectors are also lamenting the reluctance of Singaporeans to take up certain jobs.
For e.g. Owner of the Paradise Group of restaurant Eldwin Chua claims he has no choice but to hire foreign staff – his attempts to hire and retain Singaporeans have mostly failed. “Singaporeans complain so much… But do they know that when locals take up the jobs, many of them turn up for just two days before quitting, because they can’t take the long hours of standing?”
The Paradise Group has 200 waiters and waitresses in its eight restaurants, and 90% are either permanent residents or foreigners from China and Malaysia.
Mr Kunasegaran, who has been in the cleaning business for 16 years, said: “I advertise for cleaners in the papers but when Singaporean applicants call up, they ask about the salary and whether they need to wash the toilets. Of course toilets have to be cleaned. And when I say so, they never contact me again.”
THE SMSes Came in Fast & Furious:

If public sector is alrdy paying bonuses, nothing wrong 4 any oth employers to maximise profit margins! If i am an employer, i wud recruit @ the zoo if the primates there can sing & dance, even if they can’t talk !

Speaking of Primates…
Film Made by Chimpanzees to be Shown on BBC

11 chimps at Edinburgh Zoo were given animal-proof cameras by scientists in a bid to see how they view the world around them.
For 18 months they used the ‘Chimpcams’ – which were housed in a study plastic box and had a viewfinder on the top – by carrying them around their enclosure.
The chimps then selected the clips they most liked to watch by using a touchscreen monitor on a wall in the research room.

Optimum Number of Friends You Should Have on Facebook
Many people have over 1,000 friends on Facebook, but experts say our brains can’t cope with more than 150. Academics from Oxford University claim humans are only capable of managing an active network of 150 friends because it’s the result of having lived for centuries in small tribes and villages.
Evolutionary anthropologist Prof Robin Dunbar, argues that while you may have over 1,000 friends on Facebook, you will only be able to maintain a worthwhile relationship with 150.

A Royal Flush
One of history’s great inventors died 100 years ago this week. Then again, maybe he didn’t. It depends on whether he ever lived. You see, while Sir Thomas Crapper is widely recognized as the inventor of the flush toilet, some say that he lived only in the mind of British author Wallace Reyburn, who wrote the alleged biography entitled Flushed With Pride. According to the bathroom history, Clean And Decent by Lawrence Wright, the island of Crete had flush toilets as early as 2500 B.C. so you can see that leaves Sir Thomas right in the Crapper!

Today’s Show is made possible by the NUMBERS ASSOCIATED WITH TOILETS!

hey 2.50 is way too easy. Anyway cambridge road market is the place to go. There is a carrot cake stall that goes for 1.50 or more. Stall has been there since 30 odd years ago! The old man still fries the carrot cake. Sometimes his son. Also there is a chicken, char siew duck rice stall selling each plate at 2. Comes with a bowl of peanut soup! No kidding! But no mixing of meats. Former is a long queue. Yum.

Hamish’s 5 Things

A LITTLE MIDWEEK MADNESS – BECAUSE WE NEED IT – 5 HILARIOUS ACTUAL WARNING LABELS

5. “Caution: The contents of this bottle should not be fed to fish.” — On a bottle of shampoo for dogs.

4. “For external use only!” — On a curling iron.

3. “Shin pads cannot protect any part of the body they do not cover.” — On a pair of shin guards made for bicyclists.

2. “Caution: Remove infant before folding for storage.” — On a portable stroller.

1. “Fits one head.” — On a hotel-provided shower cap box.

The Gold Health Guide
Common Health Myths #2
Are dental fillings that contain mercury dangerous?
Probably not, says Prevention magazine’s medical advisor.
Some critics claim that amalgam fillings may lead to health problems such as Alzheimer’s as they release minute amounts of mecury when they are placed in or removed from teeth, and when a person chews. However, almost every major health organization in America has declared such fillings safe. Two extended studies of about 500 children each who had amalgam fillings found no significant changes in IQ, attention span and memory.

Never Too Young for Compassion – 7-Year-Old Cycles for Haiti

Pontang Kings and Queens
A British study of 5,000 workers looked for the names of those who were most likely to ring in sick and fake their illness to get the day off work.
It was found that men named Andy and women called Sarah were most likely to call in sick when they were not!
The survey also discovered that for the average employee, out of 3 days they called in sick, they were actually not sick at all for 2 of those 3 days. Which means
Excuses like “the car won’t start” or ” my child is ill” were the most common, along with tried and tested excuses of food poisoning, migraines, and sore throats.
Odd and imaginative excuses for a day off work:
* An call-centre worker who rang up her boss and told him ‘I’m still too drunk to do any work’.
* ‘My daughter’s got chewing gum stuck in her hair and I’m trying to get it out’.
* An IT technician who claimed ‘My car blew up on my way into work, and I’m with the Firemen now’.
But be warned – if you’re not careful, you’ll get yourself in hot water by going too far trying to keep up the illusion. It is a tangled web we weave when we deceive!
We’re not sure how this reflects the Singaporean office worker, but have a go – have you called in sick when you weren’t? What excuse did you use?

Beer: the next health drink?
Benjamin Franklin said it best: “Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” And sometimes, beer loves us back too: Studies have suggested that, when consumed in moderation, beer has many health benefits.
Good for the Heart
At least if you drink moderately. An Emory University study involving over 2,200 elderly men and women discovered that those who consumed at least 1.5 drinks daily had up to a 50% lesser risk of suffering from heart failure. Another study conducted by Germany, France and the United Kingdom found that moderate consumption of beer or wine may have anti-inflammatory properties, which can lower the risk coronary heart disease.
Good for the Brain
Using an MRI, a Boston scientist discovered that light drinkers (one to six drinks a week) to moderate drinkers (seven to 14 drinks a week) have fewer strokes than nondrinkers — probably because of alcohol’s effect in thinning the blood and preventing the formation of tiny blood clots in the brain. Note, however, that although heavy drinkers (more than 15 drinks a week) have the least amount of strokes, they also suffer the most atrophy or wasting of brain tissues.
Moderate amounts of alcohol can also help reduce stress, decrease anxiety and self-consciousness, and improve your mood. Beer in particular has plenty of nutrients, such as protein, B vitamins, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, iron, niacin, and riboflavin.
Beer can also be unhealthy
Before you go out and celebrate with a few pints, keep in mind that all of the studies above point out that beer is only healthy if you drink moderately.
What all doctors and scientists agree on, is that the health risks of drinking larger amounts of alcohol will quickly outweigh its benefits; and to make matters worse, alcohol can impair your judgment, thus making it hard for you to stop at just a drink or two.
Remember that you bear the ultimate responsibility for your health — and if you love beer, this means understanding the health benefits and risks of alcohol, as well as drinking only in moderation. Taking care of your liver by taking liver-friendly supplements should also be a part of your daily health routine.

Growing number of men ‘use partner’s makeup’, survey says
A growing number of males admit to secretly dipping into the make-up bag owned by their female partner to help make them look beautiful.
More than a third of men questioned admitted to using these items in secret, despite 31% of women claiming to have caught their partner using them.
Just outside the top ten included hair straighteners, fake tan, nail varnish and eyeliner or mascara.
Surprisingly, the average cost of beauty damage by men to the home equates to about $565 each per year compared to $425 by women.
Top ten beauty products and appliances that men borrow are:
1. Tweezers (39%)
2. Moisturiser (37 %)
3. Hair dryer (36%)
4. Nail file / buffer (29%)
5. Hair styling products (22%)
6. Lip balm / lip gloss (22%)
7. Face mask / facial scrub (15%)
7. Shaver (15%)
9. Concealer / foundation (10%)
10. Hair removal cream / wax (8%)
Just outside the top ten included hair straighteners, fake tan, nail varnish and eyeliner or mascara!

Today’s Show is made possible by the NUMBER THIRTY-SEVEN!

37 – As seen above, 37% of men admit to secretly “borrowing” their female partners’ moisturise to use.

37 - 37% of professionals working in wedding based businesses will never marry. 79% of those who do will divorce before two years of marriage.

37 - On average, an adult male will get his hair cut once every 37 days.

37 - The typical bedroom closet/cupboard contains 37% more clothing than it was designed to hold.
Denise: Which is more than I can say for my brain!

37 - 37 hours. 102 sets. Two tired strangers. One Guinness World record! Gavin White, 39, and Jeganathan “Jega” Ramasamy, 48, both from Sydney, Australia, set out last Friday to play the world’s longest continuous singles tennis match. Battling shocking heat throughout Saturday, followed by rain, fatigue, sleep depravation and even delirium, the pair were supported by a team of family and friends as they smashed the Guinness World Record by almost an hour! Gavin had placed an ad in the local paper, keen to find a partner to break the previous record of 36 hours and 36 minutes and raise money for the Haitian earthquake victims. Jega was the man who answered the call.

Hamish’s 5 Things

LETS MAKE TUESDAY A WARM AND FUZZY DAY – 5 KIDS LETTERS TO GOD ALWAYS MAKES ME FEEL WARM AND FUZZY

5. DEAR GOD – My teacher is mean. She always yells at us. She’s old and ugly. Why did you make bad and mean people?

4. DEAR GOD – I don’t like brussel sprouts. Do I still have to eat them? I don’t like milk, either. Mostly I like pizza.

3. DEAR GOD – Would you make me a little brother? I want to have someone to boss around like my brother does me.

2. DEAR GOD – Why do old people smell funny?

1. DEAR GOD – Do you listen to my prayers every night? Do you really know when I only pretend to brush my teeth? Don’t tell Mommy, O.K.?

The Gold Health Guide
Common Health Myths #1
Will eating after 8 or 9pm cause weight gain?
Most people think that metabolism slows down at night, but that is not true. Eating at night may cause you to gain weight if you consume more calories than what your body usually expends. Many people practise emotional eating at night – out of boredom or otherwise – and they end up consuming more calories than is needed for the day. The extra calories are stored as fat. Therefore it’s about how much you eat, NOT what time you eat!

Service literacy test to up F&B standards

Foreign workers in the Hotel, Retail and Food and Beverage (F&B) industries
will have to pass a Service Literacy Test (SLT) in order to qualify for skilled
levy status.
With the implementation of the test, MOM aims to enhance
service standards, raise productivity levels and the quality of the foreign
workforce in Singapore.
The test will apply to new non-Malaysian work permit
holders, as well as existing non-Malaysian work permit holders who have received
their renewal notice from MOM.
The new criterion is in addition to all other
skilled levy requirements, such as possessing the requisite academic
qualifications or passing certain skill/trade tests.
While the additional
criterion will be implemented only in July this year, employers will be allowed
to register for the test from April 2010.
This is to ensure that employers
will have sufficient time to consider sending their work permit holders for
English language course before they sit for the SLT.
About the test
The test was developed based on general work settings in the
three industries.
Work permit holders will have to pass both components of
the test – Speaking and Listening.
In the Speaking test, work permit holders
will be asked questions through a pre-recorded video clip and respond by
speaking into an attached microphone. A computer system captures the responses
for scoring later.
In the Listening test, work permit holders will listen to
a conversation, instruction or comment, and subsequently be asked to select a
suitable response from a list of multiple-choice answers.

Gd morn’ guys. I had a Sri Lankan maid who came with hardly a working knowledge of English. But when she went home after her contract she could write letters to me although not in 100% perfection. It’s the willingness to improve that’s impt. right? Valerie

Most Common Internet Password
Security experts have issued a warning after discovering the number of people who use common passwords to protect themselves online.
A recent study of 32 million passwords found 20 percent of people use common words or phrases such as abc123, iloveyou and Password.
Experts claim this makes some users particularly susceptible to hackers and identity theft – even by just guessing at random passwords.
As 20% of people use one of the 5000 most common passwords, it’s claimed that it would take only one attempt to guess 0.9% of the users passwords. This is a rate of one success per 111 attempts.
They have even compiled a worrying list of the top 5 most common passwords:
1. 123456
2. 12345
3. 123456789
4. Password
5. iloveyou
The experts suggest that when selecting a new password you should not go for a name, a slang word, or any word in the dictionary. It should also not include any part of your name or your e-mail address or use consecutive digits and adjacent keyboard keys.

Today’s Show is made possible by the NUMBER THIRTY!

30 – The most Tabasco sauce drunk in 30 seconds is 120 ml (2 bottles) by Andrew Hajinikitas of Australia and was set in the studios of Guinness World Records in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia on 8 May 2005. Click here to see the incredible record-smashing feat!

30 - Most Emmy awards won by a series – Frasier, the Cheers spinoff & sitcom starring Kelsey Grammer.
Incidentally, today in 1949 marked the first Emmys Ceremony, in recognition of excellence in television performance and production, at the Hollywood Athletic Club.

30 - The record for most skips in 30 seconds is 152 and was achieved by Megumi Suzuki (Japan) at the Japanese Rope Skipping Championships in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, on 10 September 2006.

The Gold Health Guide
Cleaning Safety: Housework Hazards
Cleaning chemicals can cause breathing problems, according to a new study from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Those with asthma reported worse symptoms – such as coughing and wheezing – but cleaning gave even non-sufferers sneezing fits and a stuffy nose. Since a dirty house isn’t an option, breathe easier by trying these tips:

Hamish’s 5 Things

SOMETIMES WHAT WE NEED ARE HOMER SIMPSON QUOTES TO PUT MONDAY IN ITS PROPER PERSPECTIVE

5. Marge, don’t discourage the boy. Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It’s what separates us from the animals!… except the weasels. – Homer

4. I hope I didn’t brain my damage… – Homer

3.I saw weird stuff in that place last night. Weird, strange, sick, twisted, eerie, godless, evil stuff… and I want in. – HOMER

2. What’s the point of going out? We’re just going to wind up back here anyway. – Homer

1. No, please don’t eat me. I have a wife and kids, eat them. – Homer

Blast From the Past! – We Are the World

Update: Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie are planning to record a 25th anniversary edition of the song to benefit the Haitian earthquake victims. So far, artistes like John Legend and Natalie Cole have been asked to sing on the record.

Go Home and Make Babies!
South Korea’s health ministry, which is charged with boosting the nation’s low birthrate, is turning off the lights in its offices once a month to encourage staff to go home early and make more babies.
The ministry said in a statement Wednesday the switches will be flicked at 7.30 pm every third Wednesday in the month to “help staff get dedicated to childbirth and upbringing”.
Those with urgent duties will be exempt from the switch-off.
“Going home early may have no direct link to having more kids, but you cannot just completely rule out a possible link between them,” Choi Jin-Sun, who is in charge if the project at the ministry.
Low birthrate is a pressing issue in this fast-ageing society.
Health Minister Jeon Jae-Hee told the Korea Times newspaper,”Korea may lose out in the global economic competition due to a lack of manpower. It is actually the most urgent and important issue the country is facing.”
Married staff at the ministry are not doing their bit, with an average of 1.63 children compared to the average of 1.82 among all civil servants. The ministry aims to increase the figure to 2.0 in two years.
Ham: I can see the copy for their campaign now… Lights out so you can be Turned On! From midweek to midwife – it can be done!
Do you think it could work here in S’pore to boost our own flagging birthrate?

Simple Way to Make the Children Behave
Classical Music is doing a fine job of “disciplining” students at one school in the UK!
Disruptive students have to listen to classical music like Elgar, Mozart and Verdi in detentions and staff at West Park School in Derby claim the fear of being ‘subjected’ to two-hour stints of the classical music is improving behaviour.
Pupils are given two warnings before having to attend the Friday afternoon sessions.
Since introducing the musical aspect to the detention teachers say numbers of disruptive pupils have fallen by more than 60%!

Wear it, Eat it

Say I do to this wacky wedding creation – for the bride with a hearty appetite!
Lukka Sigurdardottir has made a wedding dress that doubles up as dessert.
Forget having your cake and eating it, now you can have your dress and eat it too!

Today’s Show is made possible by the NUMBER NINETY-FIVE!

95 – Over 95% of people will yawn within twenty seconds of seeing another person yawn unless they have yawned within the past 90 seconds.

95 – In a five-minute shower we use 95 to 190 litres of water! Shockingly, baths use less water than a typical shower. Soak in a partially filled tub and you’ll actually use less water than a short shower.

95 - An estimated 95% of all fireworks ever made were manufactured in China.

95 – A jellyfish is 95% water, as is a tomato.

Hamish’s 5 Things

As suggested by Gold 90FM Listener Joseph Ngo (Thanks for the email!):
5 UNIQUELY SINGAPOREAN REASONS WHY SINGAPOREANS LOVE TOOTING THEIR CAR HORNS:

5. YOUR CAR IS BLOCKING MY CAR AND I CANT GET OUT OF THE LOT AND YOU ARE MAKING ME LATE.

4. THATS MY PARKING LOT – I SAW IT FIRST AND NEVERMIND THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER AVAILABLE LOTS – I SAW IT FIRST – ITS MINE.

3. HEY ITS ME – YOUR FAMILY MEMBER, NO I DO NOT WANT TO USE THE MOBILE PHONE AND CALL YOU – I WOULD PREFER TO WAKE UP THE NEIGHBORHOOD JUST TO SHOW THEM HOW SLOW YOU ARE TO COME DOWN TO THE CAR.

2. THE LIGHT JUST TURNED GREEN 1 SECOND AGO – WHY AREN’T YOU SPEEDING OFF LIKE ANY GOOD SINGAPOREAN?

1. KARANG GUNI MAN IS HERE! KARANG GUNI MAN IS HERE!!!

The Gold Health Guide
Good Teeth = Good Health
Tip #5: Eat Right, Don’t Smoke
Include plenty of dairy and other calcium-rich foods, like sardines, in your diet. Calcium helps maintain strong bones and teeth, and the vitamin C in citrus fruits boosts gum health. Equally important to what you do eat is what you don’t. Sugary and sticky foods that stick to the crevices of your teeth are particularly bad, as bacteria feed off the sugars and release acids that cause cavities. If you do eat candy or other sweets, try to brush immediately afterward or, if that’s not possible, rinse your mouth with water.
Also, don’t smoke or use tobacco products. People who smoke are four times more likely than nonsmokers to have gum disease, according to a study by the Journal of Periodontology. Using smokeless tobacco increases a person’s risk for oral cancers, including lip, tongue, cheeks, and gums. On a smaller scale, tobacco products contribute to bad breath, or halitosis.

MAKAN KAKIS
Where can we find the best Hainanese-style Curry Rice in S’pore?

Other Recommendations today:

Celebrate Divorce With Gifts?
A UK high street retailer, has launched what is thought to be the first ‘divorce gift list’ for couples ceremonially untieing the marital knot.
The new service follows the rising popularity of ‘congratulations on your divorce’ greeting cards and divorce celebration parties, made popular by celebrities including Paul MacCartney’s ex-wife Heather Mills.
A divorce may not be universally seen as an occasion for celebration, but the divorce gift list could become the 21st-century equivalent of the traditional wedding list.
The tendency for modern couples to live together before getting married means the wedding list – designed to stock the newly-weds’ first home with basic goods – has become somewhat obsolete.
Divorce, on the other hand, results in one partner leaving the marital home, meaning they may have to furnish their new place with cookware, linens and electric goods.
A spokesman for the department store said, “Divorcing can be an expensive time and registering for a Divorce Gift List means that family and friends can help the newly separated begin their new life.”
High on the list of male divorcees: large plasma screen TVs, computer games and non-iron shirts!
What Do You Think?

Express Your Sarky Self!

Introducing… the SarcMark! Tired of having your text/ email messages misinterpreted? US firm Sarcasm Inc has invented a new punctuation mark that conveys sarcasm. The idea of a specific punctuation mark to indicate double meaning appeared to strike a chord with people tired of having their ironic emails misinterpreted, and the invention has since been picked up across the world.
Thousands of the sarcasm punctuation marks have been sold in less than a week and the makers are now in talks with websites and digital publishers about making them more widely available.
The inventors have already secured a sizeable windfall from the humble idea – a dot within a spiral that can be downloaded for US$1.99 – and hopes to make the mark a standard feature of email and text platforms.
The Michigan-based company has been keen to stress that their invention is more than a gimmick, pointing to its value as a tool for alerting deaf people to sarcasm in subtitles.
The SarcMark was eight years in the making due to the complexity of making the new punctuation mark compatible with the numerous word processing formats.

Worried that the SMS Generation Can’t Spell?
Despite using text-speak like LOL, plz and l8ter, children who are heavy mobile phone users are unlikely to be problem spellers and readers.
Research carried out on a sample of 8-12 year olds found that texting can even help pupils to spell better!
Experts from the University of Coventry claim text language word-play, such as cutting the end off a word, contractions and initialism – all show an understanding of English.
This means texting children are well equipped to learn correct spelling, contradicting previous thoughts.
OMG! Tt’s Gr8 nuz. LOL!

Today’s Show is made possible by the NUMBER FIFTEEN!

15 - In just 15 seconds, 250 electric eels can produce enough energy to power an electric golf cart for 130 minutes.

15 - By weight, about 15% of produce put on display at grocery stores is never sold, mostly because of bruises or overripeness. Tomatoes are the worst, with 1 in 3 being thrown away.

15 - If a person rubs a wet bar of soap vigorously against his or her wet skin for 15 seconds, the weight of the bar will be reduced by approximately 4.5 grams. Which means whithin 5 minutes, the average bar of soap (at 90g) will disappear completely!

15 - The odourless, colourless plasma emitted by a microwave stays in food for up to 15after cooking.

More Microwave Trivia

Hamish’s 5 Things

5 OTHER THINGS WE COULD DO IF WE CANT SEE THE WORLD CUP HERE IN SINGAPORE IN 2010.

5.PRAY THAT INTERNET LIVE STREAMING WILL NOT SUFFER THE SAME FATE

4. MAKE FRIENDS WITH FRIENDS FROM OUR NEIGBORING COUNTRIES AND SEE IF THEY CAN PUT YOU UP FOR 2 ODD WEEKS TO SAVE MONEY.

3. IF NO FRIENDS CAN BE FOUND THEN BITE THE BULLET AND BOOK A HOTEL ROOM WITH KAKIS IN SAME NEIGBORING COUNTRIES FOR THE SAME DURATION.

2. PUT ON A BRAVE FACE, GO INTO DENIAL FOR 2 WEEKS AND SAY ITS ONLY FOOTBALL. (FORGET IT THIS CANT BE DONE!)

1. IF ALL ELSE FAILS DO THE UNIQUELY SINGAPORE THING – GO SHOPPING

The Gold Health Guide
Good Teeth = Good Health
Tip #4: Brush or Floss First?
Both brushing and flossing are essential for good oral health, but does it matter which comes first?
Many dentists suggest that you floss first, then brush your teeth. Flossing before brushing gives you an opportunity to clear out the space between teeth, which will allow the toothpaste to do its job more thoroughly. It also loosens all of the food particles that will be washed away while brushing and rinsing.
However, the real concern is whether or not you floss. Flossing after you brush your teeth is much better than not flossing at all. Therefore the sequence makes no difference as long as you do a thorough job. Brushing and flossing is the best way to remove decay-causing plaque from your teeth and help maintain optimal oral health.

MAKAN KAKIS
Where can we find the best Hainanese-style Curry Rice in S’pore?

World Cup May Not be Shown in Singapore?

IF SINGTEL and StarHub’s joint bid to broadcast World Cup
soccer matches fails, Singapore will face a total television blackout on the
action from South Africa.
Not even the free-to-air telecasts of four critical
games will be shown here if the telcos fail to secure the rights from football’s
world governing body Fifa – at a reported $100million.
The matches are the
opening game between host South Africa and Mexico on June 11, the semi-finals on
July 6 and 7, and the final on July 11.
SingTel had said earlier that if the
joint bid failed, Singapore fans would still get to see those four key matches.
But a SingTel spokesman clarified with The Straits Times on Tuesday that
that would not be the case.
‘The free-to-air match telecast is dependent on
whether the broadcast rights for World Cup 2010 are awarded to Singapore,’ the
spokesman said.

Emotions ran high when we asked for your views this morning via SMS:

• hi DEN-ISH, oh i feel its terrible if you cant get 2 watch World Cup, or even worst have 2 pay in order 2 watch the WC . Yes, thats slaughtering pple 4 they will know these football fans will pay the money in order 2 get 2 watch the WC. Why pay when we already pd 4 our TV licence. Sounded like a football fan craze ?? but i am not, so have or no WC 2 watch does not affect me.
• you mean after going to the casinos and resort and when i retire to my hotel i can’t watch the world cup? You top guys must be pulling my legs. Spencer
• since we have many first, might as well make history to be the first developed country that will not telecast the world cup ! Brandon
• this is certainly the death of singapore football.there’s no respect for the beautiful game.all there is, is just money möney money. -zarifi.
• If World Cup is featured in Malaysia,all you have to do is go to JB, book a chalet there and use the TV to watch World Cup.
• No world cup?! Hurray! No more mcs, no more urgent leave, No more MIA from the office! Oh dear. No more world cup sales!
• I’ll boycott. They are holding us ransom.
• Don’t care. football is over rated anyway.
• john “It is totally not acceptable for modern Spore. We talk abt being “plugged in n “connected” 2 the world but 2 put ourself out of the world cup footprint is bad image n will hurt spore reputation.
• I’m disappointed, sick and tired of those in charge (FIFA, telcos, etc). They r nothing but sharks, taking us fans for a ride. I’m glad I’ve been getting my past world cup, epl, champs league, etc via free Internet streaming. Not good quality, but I’m not cheated. jam
• the news is in headlines, indication that we should be prepared to pay more. Don’t worry, we will somehow be able to watch it at higher cost probably. Steven
• Its a sin to waste so much money. Donate to haiti. I can forgo the world cup
• it is all the fault of privatisation. Free last time now pay oso cant c! Chilson Yuen
• JASON all this is only wayang by e telcos.
• If its election year? There surely will be showing the wc!
• sometimes its not just the profit. Its the total service package to be provided to the nation. No point showing a cheap movie no one wants to watch.
• assuming there r one million household in singpore. Each paying around a hundred for tv lic. Thats almost 100m. Some times we cannot even see the lions play live.
• blame telco for offering bid for EPL rights tt can’t be refused. So why should FIFA relent?
• Budiman singaporeans don’t worry. Indonesian channels RCTI and GlobalTV are airing the FULL WC season for free. Got antenna = got world cup.
• Never mind. Where is the nearest country with WC2010 tv rights? Let’s go on permanent holiday. Hey I’m retired already. Oz rules any one? Cheers Fairley

MAKAN KAKIS
It’s all about the Hainanese-style Curry Rice this week! Essentials – a good curry, crispy pork chop and stewed cabbage. But if you know of stalls with other yummy dishes, recommend them to us!

Handphones Powered by Soft Drinks
Designer Daizi Zheng, from Central St Martins college in London, came up with the idea of powering cellphones with soft drinks after reading about bio-batteries, which generate energy from glucose molecules.
Speaking of the design Daizi Zheng said: “The concept is based on the idea to create a pollution free environment by using bio-batteries as an alternative to conventional batteries. In order to use the bio-battery as a power source for the phone all that is required is a small supply of a sugary drink… Bio-batteries are fully biodegradable and have, on a single charge, a potential life-span three to four times longer than conventional lithium batteries.”
The future looks thirst-quenchingly conversational!

Most stressful time of the day for modern mothers
Apparently, 8.25am is the exact time of stress. Why? A poll of 2,000 mothers in England found that driving to work leaves 40 per cent of mums stressed before they even reach their desk.
Getting everything and everyone ready and dropping the kids at school makes a very stressful start of the day for mums.
Driving is something that requires concentration and when you add wet weather into the mix the situation can get dangerous.
20% of mums drive the kids to school when it’s raining and this adds to the cars on the road, and with the distractions and stress generated, extra care is essential.
The report also found that 40% of mums believe the school run is enough to make even the most patient people lose their cool.
42% of mothers said they had snapped at the children while making their way to school, regardless of whether they were well-behaved or not.
More than half then drive to work after they have dropped their children off, and admit that their morning routine is a bad start to the day.
The poll also revealed millions of mothers have a hard time organising the whole family on a day-to-day basis.
38% said making sure their child had the right P.E. kit, letters, homework, money and permission slips was enough to have them tearing their hair out.
More than a third said getting the children dressed in the morning was tricky, while 21% struggled with breakfast and 27% dread ‘inevitable’ traffic jams.
Just one thing – we know that mothers in Singapore get stressed much earlier in the day because schools start earlier here.

Today’s Show is made possible by the NUMBER THIRTEEN!

13 – The days get longer by 13 seconds every century.

13 – The longest distance in kilometres, to ride a bike while pulling a wheelie. A 14-year-old boy set a new world record for this bike stunt over the weekend. Aaron Stannage, lifted his front wheel and cycled for over an hour at a track in Leeds, UK for a total distance of 13km, conclusively beating the previous record of almost 2.5km.

Hamish’s 5 Things

LIGHTEN UP ! ITS WEDNESDAY! – BRING ON THE FUNNY ENGLISH SUBTITLES FROM CHINESE MOVIES AGAIN!

5. “Beware! Your bones are going to be disconnected.”

4. “How can you use my intestines as a gift?”

3. THE GOOD ELEPHANT IN AIRSHIP DROPPED WHAT THINGS?

2. THROW AWAY YOUR COMMON SENSE AND GET AN AFRO!

1. (THIS IS FROM A SCIENCE FICTION MOVIE FEATURING AERIAL DOGFIGHTS) HE IS IN MY BEHIND

The Gold Health Guide
Good Teeth = Good Health
5 Tips to a healthy smile – Tip #3
Visit your dentist.
Visit your dentist at least twice a year for thorough dental cleanings. Your dentist can spot the early signs of gum disease, which is more easily treated when caught in the beginning stages. If you are prone to gum disease and cavities, consider visiting your dentist every four months.
Similarly, if you have other health conditions that put you at higher risk for dental problems, ask your dentist how often you should have an exam. A special dental-hygiene regimen should be considered for pregnant women, people with diabetes, and anyone undergoing chemotherapy treatment or using medications that can affect the gums or dry out the mouth (including some psychiatric medications).
It’s wise to examine your own mouth regularly for signs of trouble, such as a nonhealing sore on the lip or inside of your cheek, swollen gums, or sensitive or bleeding gums. If you notice any of these conditions, make an extra dental appointment to have them checked out.

The 5-Hour Wheelchair Stand-off
Take 1 public bus, 1 bus driver, 1 family of 4 plus maid and 1 folded wheelchair and you get a stand-off of epic proportions…
On Sunday, the family got on a bus headed back to Bedok from Mandai but were asked to alight because they were carrying a folded wheelchair with them, just in case their 90-year-old relative needed it.
The driver’s reason? The bus is not wheelchair accessible and he was afraid of breaking company protocol and compromising safety rules. Needless to say, the family (90-year-old in tow) were not happy and refused to budge, leading to said 5-hour standoff, in which the other bus passenegers had to alight and the police were called in to mediate.

What are your thoughts?

Move Over Chicken Rice, See ya, Chilli Crab!
In the Tasty Singapore Restaurant Association of Singapore Chef competition held yesterday, eight teams of professional chefs were challenged to come up with the next iconic Singaporean dish.
Of the eight professional teams that took part, the Putien Group of restaurants proved to have the sharpest knives in the kitchen.
The chefs have to tackle five dishes – a starter, soup, meat, seafood and dessert – with just 56 minutes to prepare each.
Those competing include teams from Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Western restaurants in Singapore.
So what makes a dish uniquely Singaporean?
“Mainly, you have to come out with dishes that comply with the four races that we have in Singapore,” said one chef.
“We look for sweet, sour and spicy. It must have local ingredients like garlic, onion, chilli,” said another.
The winning entries include Heavenly Oriental Blossom soup by Putien Restaurants, Palm Beach’s Beef Satay with Peanut Butter Sauce and Crispy Soon Hockwith Honey and Tangy Sauce. Best dessert went to TungLok’s chilled fresh durian withpurple rice puree and coconut ice cream served in young coconut.
The best from the five categories will be served at the Restaurant Association of Singapore’s Industry night on January 28.
The winning dishes will also be used as ambassadors of the Singapore food scene.

Someone to Keep Your Bed Warm – Literally!
A hotel chain in England is employing human bed warmers to help guests get a good night’s sleep.
The five minute free bed warming sessions are touted to be ”like having a giant hot water bottle in your bed”.
The walking electric blankets are dressed in special all-in-one sleeper suits and are sent to warm the beds of guests staying at the Holiday Inn before they get under the covers.
Dr Chris Idzikowski, director of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre, said the somewhat whacky idea could actually help people sleep better. He said: ”There’s plenty of scientific evidence to show that sleep starts at the beginning of the night when body temperature starts to drop. The decline occurs partly because the blood vessels of the hands, face and feet open up and release heat. A warm bed – approximately 20 to 24 degrees Celsius – is a good way to start this process whereas a cold bed would inhibit sleep.”
The five minute free bed warming sessions are being tried out in London and Manchester at the end of January.

Today’s Show is made possible by the NUMBER TWELVE!

12 – One in 12 staples manufactured is used by the tea bag industry.

12 – On average, in any twelve month period, individuals with a net worth of over $125 million spend more time traveling off the ground (helicopters and jets) than they spend traveling on the ground (cars, trains, golf carts, etc.) .

12 - According to the International Association of Firefighters, approximately 12% of high-rise office fire alarms are set off by someone accidentally burning something in the microwave.

12 - Dodecahedrophobia is the fear of twelve-sided polygons.

12 - Only 12% of all monetary transactions around the world involve actual physical currency.

Hamish’s 5 Things

SOMETIMES TUESDAY NEEDS HILARIOUS HEADLINES TO HELP US THROUGH IT

5. Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers

4. Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Space

3. MAN SHOT IN HEAD NOT POPULAR

2. HEADLESS BODY IN TOPLESS BAR

1. IRAQI HEAD NEEDS ARMS

The Gold Health Guide
Good Teeth = Good Health
5 Tips to a healthy smile – Tip #2
A bright, white smile makes you appear younger and more attractive. And the mouth is also the gateway to the body, which means the state of your teeth and gums affects your overall health. Improve the health and appearance of your teeth with these tips for good dental care:
2. Floss daily.
Flossing removes the bacteria from in between your teeth that your toothbrush does not reach, which helps prevent gum disease. Most dentists recommend flossing twice a day, but if you only do it once daily, be sure to floss before bedtime. When you sleep, you produce less saliva, which leaves teeth and gums particularly vulnerable to bacteria.

Coffee Can Dry You Out
Q: To prevent your skin from becoming dehydrated and flaky, how many glasses of water should you drink for every cup of coffee you drink?
A: Two glasses.

… and for all the right reasons!

We’re awfully proud of Mr Brown for being the featured celebrity in Life!’s Monday Interview. Be sure to pick up a copy of the papers to read about your favourite morning show host (and enjoy the pictures of him as a 2-year-old, amongst others!).

Golden Globes Goodies
It’s luxury & excess all the way for the rich & famous… Each attendee will receive a gift bag valued at US$500: women will be given a Dooney and Bourke bag with Calvin Klein’s Euphoria perfume, L’Oreal cosmetics, and InStyle’s The Secrets of Style. Men, on the other hand, will receive a Tumi duffel bag packed with Euphoria for men, custom Alexander West shirts, and a book on style for gentleman. Every bag will contain a Martin Scorcese-directed DVD.
Things are looking good for presenters too. For ultimate in star treatment, the Globes committee has organized a special room, called the Presenters’ Lounge, where presenters can have their makeup retouched and drink champagne before heading on stage. The room is furnished with US$500,000 worth of decor, and its walls are covered in $3 million worth of artwork.

Stars Give Back
Balancing the excess of the Golden Globes, we must mention the big-hearted stars who have delved into their even bigger bank accounts to contribute to the Haitian Earthquake refief efforts:

How You Can Contribute to the Haiti Relief Effort
Red Cross: www.redcross.org
Doctors Without Borders: www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Today’s Show is made possible by the NUMBER THIRTY-ONE!

31 – Baskin Robbins has had mustard flavored ice cream among its 31 flavors for a total of 4 months 3 days over the past 72 years. The last time it was on their menu was 1954!

31 - 31% of business executives say the quality of a potential consultant’s business card is a “important” or “very important” factor in selecting a firm for business-to-business services.

31 - Legendary rubber-cheeked trumpet player Dizzy Gillespie could produce 31 psi (unit of pressure – pound-force per square inch) with his mouth – enough to inflate a car tire!

Hamish’s 5 Things

5 REASONS WHY ADDING 2000 SAMBA DANCERS TO THE CHINGAY PARADE IS A GREAT IDEA

5. BIKINIS ON PARADE IN SINGAPORE – I MEAN COME ON DOES IT GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT?

4. THEIR SAMBA IS HOTTER THAN OUR SAMBAL – NO QUESTION!

3. COSTUMES WOULD BE MINIMAL SO BUDGETS WOULD BE SMALLER – THANK THE MAKER!!!!

2. THIS IS AS CLOSE AS ANY SINGAPOREAN WILL GET TO AN AUTHENTIC VICTORIA’S SECRET LINGERIE PARADE EVER!!!!!

1. WITH 2000 SCANTILY CLAD DANCERS – PERHAPS OUR POPULATION WILL INCREASE WITH ALL THAT CHARGED LIBIDO !!!!

The Gold Health Guide
Good Teeth = Good Health
5 Tips to a healthy smile – Tip #1
A bright, white smile makes you appear younger and more attractive. And the mouth is also the gateway to the body, which means the state of your teeth and gums affects your overall health. Improve the health and appearance of your teeth with these tips for good dental care:
1. Brush regularly.
Brushing is the cornerstone of dental hygiene. It removes food particles that bacteria feed on, cleans teeth, and freshens breath. A toothpaste with fluoride helps strengthen teeth, but you must brush for at least two minutes to allow it to do its work! Many electric toothbrushes have a built-in two-minute timer, which can make brushing for the full amount of time easier, he says.

How to Burn an Extra 48,000 Calories Without Even Trying!
Go Shopping! Researchers found that the average woman burns off 48,000 calories a year just by going shopping. Women make up to 132 shopping trips every 12 months – spending a total of 159 hours and 56 minutes walking at a fast pace. Monthly shopping trips include two clothes-buying visits to the mall, five trips to get food and four trips to the convenience/ provision shop .During this time they burn off approximately five calories-a-minute – a total of 47,700 calories over a 12 month period. That’s the equivalent of 25 days worth of women’s recommended intake of 1,940 calories a day, or 500 glasses of red wine!
And that, is why men should embrace shopping too!

How Much do You Trust Your Help?
Making the news today is one family that trusts their domestic helper so much, she drives their cars (even the Jag!) to run errands like grocery shopping!
We ask – if your maid could drive, would you let her have use of your car?

Today is the Most Depressing Day of 2010?
Back in 2005, Cliff Arnall, a Welsh psychologist, ‘calculated’ that the 3rd Monday in January is the most depressing day of the year. The self-styled ‘freelance happiness guru’ chose the date based on a pseudo-mathematical formula involving the weather, debt, motivational levels and time elapsed since Christmas. He also reflected on what thousands had told him during stress management or happiness workshops and realised that there were these factors pointing to the third Monday in January as being particularly depressing.
However, Mr Atnall is now backtracking and is urging Britons to refute the whole Blue Monday notion and be cheerful instead. He acknowledges that proclaiming today as Blue Monday isn’t particularly helpful and it’s “almost a self-fulfilling prophecy that it is the most depressing day.”
He said Monday January 18 should instead be used to “get a bit of perspective” about our own lives – achieving happiness and being less materialistic was a year-round aim. He’s now also encouraging people to refute the whole notion of there being a most depressing day and to use the day as a springboard for the things that really matter in your life.
Ham: Allow me to add a little more perspective to your day then, via the old Brownian Wisdom… Life will always be happier if you’re able to see the waterfall in every drop of rain!