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TODAY Wine investors see red by Cheow Xin Yi 04:46 AM Jun 17, 2011 SINGAPORE - A week after news of a police probe into an alleged investment scam involving Premium Liquid Assets' (PLA) Hong Kong office hit the headlines in the territory, Singapore investors of the locally-incorporated wine investment company are also searching for answers about their investments. According to an automated reply sent to investors who emailed the company, the Singapore branch of PLA is "currently in the midst of handling a legal issue pertaining to our business partner in Hong Kong". The email added its Hong Kong office chief executive and director is "suspected of fraud", and the firm's Singapore and Malaysia branches have reported the matter to "relevant authorities and are cooperating with the police and related departments" to resolve the issue. "With sincere apologies, we are unable to officiate any liquidation or new investment at the moment ... We seek your kind understanding if your liquidation payment has been delayed," said the email. The email did not name the director in question, who is reportedly missing as Hong Kong authorities investigate a case which could involve more than 400 investors and alleged losses of HK$50 million. The wine investment circles here refer to the man as "Christopher Koo". When contacted, a Singapore police spokesman said: "It is inappropriate to comment on police investigations, if any." Investors MediaCorp spoke to have expressed frustration at the uncertainty. One of them, who only wanted to be identified as Francois, said his only point of contact is his PLA broker, who told him to "wait" pending internal and external investigations. The French national said he has invested about S$29,000 in wine portfolios through PLA since 2009. Although the lights were switched on when MediaCorp visited PLA's Ngee Ann City office on Monday, no one answered the door when this reporter rang the doorbell. Some investors have turned to legal experts for help. Lawyer Sean La'Brooy, from Wee, Tay & Lim LLP, was approached by about 20 PLA investors on Monday and he is now "exploring legal options" with them. Other investors have held preliminary talks with provisional liquidators and asset recovery firms. It is believed there are between 100 and 400 PLA investors in Singapore, with investment amounts ranging from between S$7,000 and S$160,000. The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) has received one complaint since March regarding PLA, but the consumer body's executive director Seah Seng Choon said the consumer body does not oversee investment-related matters. Wine investments are also not regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, noted Mr Seah. A check with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) showed PLA as a S$300,000 paid-up limited exempt private company which was incorporated in 2005. The records list a Mr Woo Kuan Yong as a director. When MediaCorp visited his flat on Wednesday, Mr Woo told MediaCorp that he was asked by his step-son, Mr Eldric Ko, to "register the company" but he has never been to the firm's office. Mr Woo's wife said she last spoke to Mr Ko, who had called from Bangkok in April. She added that subsequent attempts to contact him on his Singapore mobile phone have been unsuccessful thus far. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By Iceland, I mean Reykjavik, the Golden Circle route and the like.

any feedback? as i look ard n all costs 150++ thks all bros

can advise? i received a lot negativism on MBA. but wat's the alternative? Msc? i see Msc ppl all basically doing the same stuff they doing esp in engineering, no break thrus leh. i not taoking about insead or chicago. but average ones say from Australia Unis. i looking at uni of adelaide.

Subject: Fw: Ten Reasons to Throw out your Microwave Oven Looks like microwave may be one of the most useful and fastest but deadliest equipment in the kitchen! Wouldn't recommend using it for babies or young children. Dear All, As I write, a dear friend of mine lies dying of cancer. His doctor has given him only 3 - 4 months to live because the cancer has spread aggressively to many parts of his body and he is determined to be inoperable. The news came as a great shock to him, his family and close friends like me because he is relatively young, physically fit and strong, a Karate black belt holder, body builder, and a food and health fanatic. My friend is also a non-smoker, takes different kinds of fresh fruit salads every day of the week. He swallows multi-vitamin pills daily. He dines out only occasionally. He also takes his faith and religion seriously and goes to church every Sunday. So I pondered long and hard over the news. I asked myself and wondered for days as to how and why....... Is it possible that people including my friend and I are ignorantly sacrificing their health in exchange for the convenience of microwave ovens? Why did the Soviet Union ban the use of microwave ovens in 1976? Did you know it was the Nazis who invented microwave ovens, and why? The answers to these questions may shock you. With thanks to our forum member Mr. Chan Mun Chu who posted the initial warning earlier, I have read and managed to summarise his rather onerous and lengthy report into a more readible format. For those who are interested in the scientific details though, please click to open the attached, if not read on and warn your friends and loved ones about the dangers of a microwave oven. Who knows, you may save a life - even if that life is not yours. Eddy Cheong Founder & Chairman New Huaren Forum Ten Reasons to Throw out your Microwave Oven From the conclusions of Swiss, Russian and German scientific clinical studies, it has been found that:- 1). Continually eating food processed from a microwave oven causes long term - permanent - brain damage by "shorting out" electrical impulses in the brain [de-polarizing or de-magnetizing the brain tissue]. 2). The human body cannot metabolize [break down] the unknown by-products created in microwaved food. 3). Male and female hormone production is shut down and/or altered by continually eating microwaved foods. 4). The effects of microwaved food by-products are residual [long term, permanent] within the human body. 5). Minerals, vitamins, and nutrients of all microwaved food is reduced or altered so that the human body gets little or no benefit, or the human body absorbs altered compounds that cannot be broken down. 6). The minerals in vegetables are altered into cancerous free radicals when cooked in microwave ovens. 7). Microwaved foods cause stomach and intestinal cancerous growths [tumors]. This may explain the rapidly increased rate of colon cancer in America. 8). The prolonged eating of microwaved foods causes cancerous cells to increase in human blood. 9). Continual ingestion of microwaved food causes immune system deficiencies through lymph gland and blood serum alterations. 10). Eating microwaved food causes loss of memory, concentration, emotional instability, and a decrease of intelligence. Carcinogens in microwaved food In Dr. Lita Lee's book, Health Effects of Microwave Radiation - Microwave Ovens, and in the March and September 1991 issues of Earthletter, she stated that every microwave oven leaks electro-magnetic radiation, harms food, and converts substances cooked in it to dangerous organ-toxic and carcinogenic products. Further research summarized in this article reveal that microwave ovens are far more harmful than previously imagined. The following is a summary of the Russian investigations published by the Atlantis Raising Educational Center in Portland, Oregon. Carcinogens were formed in virtually all foods tested. No test food was subjected to more microwaving than necessary to accomplish the purpose, i.e., cooking, thawing, or heating to insure sanitary ingestion. Here's a summary of some of the results: * Microwaving prepared meats sufficiently to insure sanitary ingestion caused formation of d-Nitrosodienthanolamines, a well-known carcinogen. * Microwaving milk and cereal grains converted some of their amino acids into carcinogens. * Thawing frozen fruits converted their glucoside and galactoside containing fractions into carcinogenic substances. * Extremely short exposure of raw, cooked or frozen vegetables converted their plant alkaloids into carcinogens. * Carcinogenic free radicals were formed in microwaved plants, especially root vegetables. * Decrease in nutritional value Russian researchers also reported a marked acceleration of structural degradation leading to a decreased food value of 60 to 90% in all foods tested. Among the changes observed were: Deceased bio-availability of vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, essential minerals and lipotropics factors in all food tested. Various kinds of damaged to many plant substances, such as alkaloids, glucosides, galactosides and nitrilosides. The degradation of nucleo-proteins in meats. Microwave sickness is discovered The Russians did research on thousands of workers who had been exposed to microwaves during the development of radar in the 1950's. Their research showed health problems so serious that the Russians set strict limits of 10 microwatts exposure for workers and one microwatt for civilians. In Robert O. Becker's book, The Body Electric, he described Russian research on the health effects of microwave radiation, which they called "microwave sickness." On page 314, Becker states: "It's [Microwave sickness] first signs are low blood pressure and slow pulse. The later and most common manifestations are chronic excitation of the sympathetic nervous system [stress syndrome] and high blood pressure. This phase also often includes headache, dizziness, eye pain, sleeplessness, irritability, anxiety, stomach pain, nervous tension, inability to concentrate, hair loss, plus an increased incidence of appendicitis, cataracts, reproductive problems, and cancer. The chronic symptoms are eventually succeeded by crisis of adrenal exhaustion and ischemic heart disease [the blockage of coronary arteries and heart attacks]." According to Dr. Lee, changes are observed in the blood chemistries and the rates of certain diseases among consumers of microwaved foods. The symptoms above can easily be caused by the observations shown below. The following is a sample of these changes: * Lymphatic disorders were observed, leading to decreased ability to prevent certain types of cancers. * An increased rate of cancer cell formation was observed in the blood. * Increased rates of stomach and intestinal cancers were observed. * Higher rates of digestive disorders and a gradual breakdown of the systems of elimination were observed. Microwave research conclusions The following were the most significant German and Russian research operations facilities concerning the biological effects of microwaves: * Category I, Cancer-Causing Effects * Category II, Nutritive Destruction of Foods * Category III, Biological Effects of Exposure CATEGORY I CANCER-CAUSING EFFECTS [The first two points of Category I are not readable from our report copy. The remainder of the report is intact.] 3. Creation of a "binding effect" to radioactivity in the atmosphere, thus causing a marked increase in the amount of alpha and beta particle saturation in foods; 4. Creation of cancer causing agents within protein hydrolysate compounds* in milk and cereal grains [*these are natural proteins that are split into unnatural fragments by the addition of water]; 5. Alteration of elemental food-substances, causing disorders in the digestive system by unstable catabolism* of foods subjected to microwaves [*the metabolic breakdown process]; 6. Due to chemical alterations within food substances, malfunctions were observed within the lymphatic systems [absorbent vessels], causing a degeneration of the immune potentials of the body to protect against certain forms of neoplastics [abnormal growths of tissue]; 7. Ingestion of microwaved foods caused a higher percentage of cancerous cells within the blood serum [cytomas - cell tumors such as sarcoma]; 8. Microwave emissions caused alteration in the catabolic [metabolic breakdown] behavior of glucoside [hydrolyzed dextrose] and galactoside [oxidized alcohol] elements within frozen fruits when thawed in this manner; 9. Microwave emission caused alteration of the catabolic [metabolic breakdown] behavior of plant alkaloids [organic nitrogen based elements] when raw, cooked, or frozen vegetables were exposed for even extremely short durations; 10. Cancer causing free radicals [highly reactive incomplete molecules] were formed within certain trace mineral molecular formations in plant substances, and in particular, raw root-vegetables; and, 11. In a statistically high percentage of persons, microwaved foods caused stomach and intestinal cancerous growths, as well as a general degeneration of peripheral cellular tissues, with a gradual breakdown of the function of the digestive and excretive systems. CATEGORY II DECREASE IN FOOD VALUE Microwave exposure caused significant decreases in the nutritive value of all foods researched. The following are the most important findings: 1. A decrease in the bioavailability [capability of the body to utilize the nutriment] of B-complex vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, essential minerals and lipotropics in all foods; 2. A loss of 60-90% of the vital energy field content of all tested foods; 3. A reduction in the metabolic behavior and integration process capability of alkaloids [organic nitrogen based elements], glucosides and galactosides, and nitrilosides; 4. A destruction of the nutritive value of nucleoproteins in meats; 5. A marked acceleration of structural disintegration in all foods. CATEGORY III BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE Exposure to microwave emissions also had an unpredictably negative effect upon the general biological welfare of humans. This was not discovered until the Russians experimented with highly sophisticated equipment and discovered that a human did not even need to ingest the material substance of the microwaved food substances: that even exposure to the energy-field itself was sufficient to cause such adverse side effects that the use of any such microwave apparatus was forbidden in 1976 by Soviet state law. The following are the enumerated effects: 1. A breakdown of the human "life-energy field" in those who were exposed to microwave ovens while in operation, with side-effects to the human energy field of increasingly longer duration; 2. A degeneration of the cellular voltage parallels during the process of using the apparatus, especially in the blood and lymphatic areas; 3. A degeneration and destabilization of the external energy activated potentials of food utilization within the processes of human metabolism; 4. A degeneration and destabilization of internal cellular membrane potentials while transferring catabolic [metabolic breakdown] processes into the blood serum from the digestive process; 5. Degeneration and circuit breakdowns of electrical nerve impulses within the junction potentials of the cerebrum [the front portion of the brain where thought and higher functions reside]; 6. A degeneration and breakdown of nerve electrical circuits and loss of energy field symmetry in the neuroplexuses [nerve centers] both in the front and the rear of the central and autonomic nervous systems; 7. Loss of balance and circuiting of the bioelectric strengths within the ascending reticular activating system [the system which controls the function of consciousness]; 8. A long term cumulative loss of vital energies within humans, animals and plants that were located within a 500-meter radius of the operational equipment; 9. Long lasting residual effects of magnetic "deposits" were located throughout the nervous system and lymphatic system; 10. A destabilization and interruption in the production of hormones and maintenance of hormonal balance in males and females; 11. Markedly higher levels of brainwave disturbance in the alpha, theta, and delta wave signal patterns of persons exposed to microwave emission fields, and; 12. Because of this brainwave disturbance, negative psychological effects were noted, including loss of memory, loss of ability to concentrate, suppressed emotional threshold, deceleration of intellective processes, and interruptive sleep episodes in a statistically higher percentage of individuals subjected to continual range emissive field effects of microwave apparatus, either in cooking apparatus or in transmission stations. Forensic Research Conclusions From the twenty-eight above enumerated indications, the use of microwave apparatus is definitely not advisable; and, with the decision of the Soviet government in 1976, present scientific opinion in many countries concerning the use of such apparatus is clearly in evidence

Saw this new brand made in Singapore in Carousell recently and decided to try. Bought 2 bottles and got my workshop friend to change for a small labor cost.So far after a week all good. Went back and bought 2 more bottles to standby. Apparently the boss said they are doing some soft launch promo price now and will be selling off the shelves in supermarkets soon. When asked him if price will increase he just said enjoy the promo price first. 4L bottle fully synthetic api sn/sm $17.90

Any lucky chaps here? heard that it'll arrive at changi tomorrow

Taking my bed out for sun tanning is out! Any other suggestions?? Where can find bed bug killing power/solutions??? These are really blood suckers!!! Thank you very much in advance....

Hi, Planning to take a trip to Genting by driving. now thinking of booking room at Awana Genting, any feedback on the hotel? is it convenient to get to the theme park and casino? is Awana very old n rundown or new? T.I.A.

Recently got a Fiat and sometimes the gear cannot be engaged for unknown reasons. Anybody else facing this same problem?

anybody got kids with autism is there any cure is there any good kid doctor to recommend

Hi all. I have been observing that my HDB flat water pressure has been slowly dropping as the months go by. I suspect the HDB is slowly shutting the water valve controlling the water pressure to save water. Now the pressure has become so bad that if my washing machine is running, someone is using 2 other taps in the house, I got hardly any water for my shower in the Master Bedroom Toilet. I called them ysterday n ty sent a plumber who said his "meter" shows the pressure abt 2.2 bar is "good" n he cannot do anything. He checked my taps n said the filters r clogged n ask me to clean them. I did that but still the pressure is very low unlike when I moved in abt15-20 years ago when the water was spraying like a fire hose. I cud take a quick shower in 10 mins b4. Now takes at least 20 mins.

Haven't seen it mentioned anywhere but maybe it's no longer important. 75 years ago today was the fall of Singapore. Also heard that last July Temasek lost 9% in the value of it's assets. Didn't see that reported but could well have missed that although it is a massive amount.

Hi Brothers. Anyone saw these rims in workshops or forums (pre-owned)? RS-03 with Blue Lining in Chrome or Matt Black. 15" or 16" is okay. PCD 4x100. Am trying to find and seems like a lot of places have no stock and hence would like to look for pre-owned ones..

Hi Guys. Firstly, thanks in advance for reading this. Something weird happened to my Liteace alarm system for the last two days. I tried to install a new 12V Cabin Dome LED and it did not work. So I placed the normal filament bulb back into the Dome Chassis and no light has come on ever since. Note that I'm quite sure I din short any part of the circuit. Now, the digital clock is gone as well (seems like no electricity) and cabin light cant be turned on. Additionally, my alarm system seems to went bonkers. I made sure all doors are closed yet alarm will go off (like as if doors are not closed properly). Ironically, I am still able to use the remote to lock the whole car but whenever I do so, my mileage meter will reset and my radio's recorded channel wil be gone. I have looked into the fuse box and found all fuse to be intact and in good condition. As such, I am suspecting that its the fault of my alarm system. Anybody faces the same problem? Just want to make sure as I dun wanna change a new system and this problem persist. Thanks again!

Hi there, Has anybody tried the latest Kia Flexi Lease which offers 0 downpayment and 0 deposit? From what I know is done through Daimler Fleet Management. Anybody succeeded in leasing a car from this program? Kindly share. I was given a budget of $2k per month to lease a car as my job requires me the occasional travel to Malaysia sites. (Lease on my own and company will reimburse me). I asked for Kia K3 1.6 SX direct from C&C but monthly payment is $2,045. My salary is only $4.1k. What's the chances of me succeeding in my application? I feel that I stand 10% chance only. Thanks!

Interesting device... But think it's very anti social to use it. I would kpkb if I'm in the receiving end. If need the space then spend money to buy Biz class tickets!! http://travel.asiaone.com/article/news/one-mans-right-is-anothers-wrong 1. What is a Knee Defender? A nifty - or annoying, depending on how you see it - pocket-size device, Knee Defenders are basically sturdy plastic clips.Costing US$21.95 (S$27.41), they come in a set of two, and exist to protect the sacred ground that is an airline passenger's leg room.Opinion on the Knee Defender is varied - some, especially tall people, adore it, while others have taken to label it as plain rude. 2. Sounds interesting. How is it used? Preserving your leg room has never been easier.Users first extend the seat table in front of them, before proceeding to clip one Knee Defender onto each of the table's arms.The Knee Defender can then be slid up and down the table arm, effectively allowing the user to "control" how far the seat in front can recline.The closer the Knee Defender is to the seat in front, the less reclining leeway the seat will have.To top it off, the Knee Defender website even has a printable "Courtesy Card", which manufacturers suggest the user passing to the passenger sitting in front, to inform him or her about the upcoming failure of their seat's recline feature. 3. Why would I need such a device? Aside from the obvious comfort of having sufficient leg room, the space that a Knee Defender gives can be used to, according to the product's website, work on one's laptop or engage in anti-deep vein thrombosis (DVT) exercises.Don't miss these... Knee Defender a hit after in-flight spatFlight diverted because of quarrel over legroom DVT, also known as Economy Class Syndrome, is a medical condition whereby a potentially dangerous blood clot develops in a person, as a result of limited space or movement.Of course, whether or not the Knee Defender is the best solution to these problems is another contentious topic 4. Who invented it? Ira Goldman, a 1.93m tall Washington DC resident who wanted to help fellow tall airline passengers deal with the problem of being "bashed in the knees over and over again". He first marketed the product in 2003. 5. What are airlines' policies over its use? News reports regarding the Knee Defender stem mostly from the US, although its manufacturer's website claims to have purchases from the "7 continents". According to an article in the BBC, the US Federal Aviation Administration has yet to ban the gadget, although most major US airlines, such as United Airlines, have. 6. Where can I buy one? Do you think the Knee Defender is for you? Are you ready to accept the death stares or scowls of disapproval that might result from your using it?

http://youtu.be/Hw4E8nXcrTk Anyone saw this before? Which reminds me that I have things in my fridge older than a year! Maybe I will make this my next year's resolution

http://www.warranty.com.sg/carbonclean.aspx http://www.oxy-hydrogen.com/detail/246185/246185.html

It's a toy and hobby store located at Orchard since the 1950's...

My relative got -this. I have googled and learnt much about it. Just want to find out anyone had this and how it affect your normal life and what medical procedure you have gone through.

Call this fella. He say he can help [laugh]

Hi all, I'm driving a 07 avante. Just yesterday my engine light came on and I sent down to Komoco to see what's wrong. It was diagnosed to be a catalytic converter issue. My mileage is only at 97k km and always been using unleaded petrol. Anyone else has this issue?

Book a room for 2 adults but actually 3 adults share 2 beds can or not huh? I know some hotels/B&B pretty strict on the actual number of people staying a room. Anybody tried this in Bangkok Pratunam area?

This is a local site that offers to buy things from China like taobao among others. It caught my attention because taobao has alot to offers at very cheap price but not know of means to do it as normally the site require a china "local" address and payment also a hassle. Then my colleague recommended this to me. Basically you just need to send the picture of desired items from vendor websites to them, atm the money (local accounts), then make second payment on shipment charges when the items are delivered. Easy right? He used the service a few times and is quite happy with it. Now, anybody has used it before?