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"To err is human. To forgive divine." - Alexander Pope To take on a career in photography is to commit yourself to a lifetime of struggle against light and GAS. And recently I've been getting quite a severe bout of the latter. No, I'm not talking about the flatulence that Julian is prone to letting fly in the office, but rather about Gear Acquisition Syndrome - the dangerous compulsion to get more equipment and better lenses in the (usually misplaced) assumption that they will make your photos better. For those interested, I'm planning to write about how one can manage this strange phenomenon in the coming months, but for now, let's just say recently I gave in to this horrible affliction and committed myself to some rather hefty (in the context of what pittance a writer/photographer can afford) purchases. One of these is this rather lovely piece of glass you see in the picture above (the body, unfortunately, belongs entirely to Sgcarmart). It's a Zeiss Touit 32mm F1.8, and it's admired for the fact that it delivers images full of specular highlights, otherwise known as soap bubble bokeh. For those interested to know more about the lens, may I recommend this short film on the lens by GxAce? But surviving on that aforementioned wafer-thin budget requires prudence, so some homework was necessary before I swung down with what little was left in my bank account to make this purchase. And along the way, I stumbled across this other rather interesting video: In the video, YouTube channel Overexposed highlights (excuse the pun) the role which Zeiss played in supporting the German war machine in the Second World War, as well its use of forced labour during the war to support its operations. I'm sure the many automotive enthusiasts gathered here are also familiar with the fact that many of our beloved brands, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Porsche, alongside Renault, General Motors, Ford and Chrysler were also all involved (with varying degrees and levels of culpability) in the conflict. Which brings me into today's topic of discussion: Should we be concerned about what our favourite brands do or have done? Opioids available for purchase - Let's remember that the standards of the past differ greatly from those of today I'm sure many of you have heard about the McDonalds boycott currently ongoing in Malaysia. And I think it's not hard to see why there has been so much support for it. The spectacular rise of global MNCs and the increasing embrace of neoliberal policies by many states in the last decades has, I'm certain, shifted the perceived perception of the global balance of power in favour of these global corporations at the expense of the state. So, the common man, even if he/she may not articulate it as such, feels that his/her dollar has, more than ever, the ability to change the direction of current affairs more so than the cross he/she marks out at the voting booth. Carl Zeiss would eventually get split as either side of the Iron Curtain were eager to get their hands on the optical know-how that supported the German war machine (The half that ended in East Germany adopted this Carl Zeiss Jena name) But an ongoing conflict is entirely different from one that has happened in the past. And this, I think, is an important distinction that needs to be made. I'm all for putting an end to the bloodshed in Palestine (even though the realist in me would like to borrow from that famous line from Arthur Koestler to say that just as the beating of war drums have reverberated all through the history of mankind, this is likely one of those conflicts that was stay with us for the foreseeable future), but the idea that we should abstain from a firm's products because of its involvement in atrocities of the past looks, frankly, a little absurd. Let's get real. A business is out there to make a profit - whether it be to fatten a greedy owner, or to tease the pockets of its diligent employees - and it will make decisions that are in its own best interests, even if they may be morally questionable. And yes, you can argue that we should expect more out of the corporations that now play such a huge role in global affairs. But I retort with this: Let’s not act as if we are, as individuals, are such great arbiters of right or wrong to begin with. Perhaps a bit of reading about the Milgram experiment will convince those unpersuaded by my point here. That may be a Beetle in the diagram, but Ferdinand Porsche (pictured, lower left) was also responsible for the development of some of the tanks of the German war machine The reality is, Man can be compelled to do silly and even reprehensible things whether it be in in the name of duty, patriotism, or perhaps even by sheer simple greed (and hence Koestler's observation that conflict has followed through all the history of mankind). And like it or not, it's these same everyday men and women that lead businesses. So expect corporations to make mistakes, to err, and to falter. And expect them to continue to make embarrassing decisions. But don't get yourself too caught up with what any firm has done in the past, or abstain from any product just because of the mistakes of a few past business leaders. Life is short, and the threat of conflict is never non-existent, so you might as well go out there and enjoy the moment. Go out there and buy that Mercedes-Benz or BMW, or that Zeiss or Hugo Boss that you've been eyeing. But if you want to afford many nice things, don't take on a job with any firm as a writer or a photographer. - Clarence Images courtesy of Wikipedia Commons, Porsche Newsroom

Do remember to check the medication your elderly at home are consuming. They are the most vulnerable groups. HSA recalls 3 brands of high blood pressure drugs over potentially harmful impurity SINGAPORE: Three brands of high blood pressure medicine containing the ingredient losartan have been recalled because they contain higher than acceptable levels of a potentially harmful impurity, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said on Thursday (Mar 28). The drugs contain the active ingredient losartan potassium, which was manufactured by Indian pharmaceutical company Hetero Labs. The affected products are the 50mg and 100mg tablets from the brands Losartas, Losagen and Hyperten and distributed by local suppliers Apotheca Marketing, Medicell Pharmaceutical and Goldplus Universal, respectively. About 137,000 patients in Singapore are using the three recalled brands of losartan medicine, said the Ministry of Health (MOH). Losartas is prescribed in public healthcare institutions, while Losartas, Losagen and Hyperten are prescribed at private healthcare institutions. HSA has advised patients not to stop treatment on their own as there is no immediate health risk and sudden stopping of the drugs can pose greater immediate risk to their health. The recalled products were found to contain trace amounts of a nitrosamine impurity, N-nitro-N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid (NMBA), which are above internationally accepted levels, HSA said. Exposure to nitrosamines at high quantities over a long-term period may potentially increase the risk of cancer. For example, the added cancer risk from an additional six-month exposure is estimated to be less than 0.0002 per cent. “The risks of trace amounts of NMBA are associated with long term exposure. Sudden stopping of the medicines can pose greater and more immediate risk to patient’s health … We have advised healthcare professionals to review the medicine and treatment plans of their patients,” HSA said. HSA said that several losartan medicines have been recalled overseas since end-February due to the presence of NMBA. It tested all locally marketed losartan products for the presence of the NMBA impurity and in March found the three brands contained trace amounts of NMBA above acceptable levels. The other seven brands of losartan medicines marketed in Singapore are NOT affected by this impurity.

https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/tesla-lays-off-singapore-country-manager-after-elon-musk-warns-of-global-job-cuts Tesla lays off Singapore country manager after Elon Musk warns of global job cuts SINGAPORE - Tesla Singapore's country manager has been laid off as part of global job cuts that chief executive Elon Musk has warned about in recent weeks over worries about a coming recession.

With all the rave over electric cars in Singapore recently... According to Rave Reviews, Tesla is apparently Singapore's most hated brand. https://www.sgcarmart.com/news/article.php?AID=25607&fbclid=IwAR12tO1yIbeN82ozi62UuskdsiFJ9xyYkiJgLEon6QocQaHXcFaffLKF0m4 What is your take for it? Would you choose Tesla if an electric car is going to be your next car? Also, if no, why?

We had so much fun talking about this last year, with supporters and haters of various brands coming out of the woodwork.. Should we fear starting a topic on this? Nah... Like Nike, Just Do It 😉 So which cars will feature in the top ten? How about the brands? Which ones will be top again? IMO, the top brands won't change much: Toyota, Honda, Merc and Hyundai will be there. Who else will be interesting to watch, as the fortunes of the various brands have changed a lot over the last year. Nissan would have been there a few years back when they had the QQ, the darling of the local market five years ago, but no longer so. The Subaru Forrester used to sell very well, but let's see if the current version can do the same too. Come come, send in your predictions, but this is no EDMW, so let's keep it civil 🙂

Based on my own opinions, these are few brands which I feel have made tremendous improvements and progress to their car making etc. Kia Mazda (since last 5 to 6 years) Especially their new Mazda 3 and 6 are quite awesome. Hyundai Peogeot (their latest series of car are very exciting indeed) Reliable or not, maintenance high or not, still unknown Opel and Renault - their latest models are really heart stealers. Very sleeze and timeless. Reliable or not.. Another issue as I have not tried owning one before. Here are some brands which I think quite disappointing in recent years. Toyota - maybe still as reliable but somewhat losing much of their appeals in terms of their designs and overall. It still cannot do away with the reputation of producing uncle's cars model that appeal to more mature people. My personal opinion. Honda, mobilo, shuttle, grace and even the new civic.. Looks kinda awkward and it seems they are trying too hard but too overkill. The new civic looks overkill and trying too hard, and it does not look very modern and rather backwards.. Personal opinion again. Nissan.. Well as always, they are never the best among the top and always churning out bulky, fatty, mature looking cars that not really appealing to younger buyers. Mitsubishi..their peak was the Glx and ex Lancer era.. After which... It seems really difficult to accept. Maybe they are gg for higher end suv or mpv now.. But their sedan's series is quite pathetic. Suzuki and surbaru... Maybe surbaru are going better but still 2nd tier or even 3rd tier when comes to those mentioned.

Wow Honda #1 http://www.carbuyer.com.sg/singapores-top-10-car-brands-of-2018/

Hi Guys, Like to find out from you guys that which battery brand is the consumer's choice. Kindly share with me the battery you are using and maybe why did you choose that battery! (:

I came across a brand of rims called 'Forged'. Very literal. Not sure if the rims are actually cast or forged. Very curious about this brand as I cannot find anything about it online. Is there anyone who knows any info on this brand of rims?

Came across this international web article which I find should make for an interesting discussion thread especially when discussed in local Singapore context This thread is meant to be light-hearted and for many of us to share our own observation and preconception towards drivers of certain car brands on our roads. ============================================================================================== Car Brands vs. Personality Traits of Men Give a man a car and he’ll act like a kid. Give a man his favorite car and he’ll love you forever! All men dream about is having their own car since they are little kids, but as the years pass them by they start having daring dreams which are getting renewed once they get the car of their dreams. Like Owning a type of car corresponds to the verge they’ve reached in their lives. In the same way the pets resemble to their owners, by analogy, men choose their cars depending on their preferences, congeniality and, of course, according to their personality. Men’s ego must be satisfied by the brand and the car’s performances. We’ve analyzed five car brands to show you what kinds of men own such vehicles. Ladies might want to be attentive! Audi Owners The first thing that comes in mind related to these kinds of men is the fact that they are very impulsive, extremely enthusiasts and care about their car more than anything in this world. If you’ll ever ask them to choose between a woman and their car, they will definitely go with the car. They love spending time driving and they are extremely agile and seem like they are always in a hurry. They take great care about their car and if it has even the smallest scratch, they will instantly take it to the car service. They love the tuning and want to own a vehicle with as many options as possible. If you were to be a car, you will definitely have to be an Audi in order to have a caring owner. BMW Owners Related to their personality, the BMW owners are nice guys, friendly and jovial. They love to brag about their car and to stand out in every way, even if that means turning the music up. On the road, they are respectful drivers, they give priority and they have adrenaline in their blood because they enjoy the speed very much. They can’t stand having a scratch on their car but if it occurs, they wait patiently to solve the problem. BMW owners are extremely proud of their acquisition and this thing can be noticed by anyone who sees them. They can often attract the antipathy of the others because of their attitude. Mercedes Owners What we can say about them is that they are some very friendly people that want comfort and the acceptable level of luxury. They are practical men, often undecided and they are not the best drivers on the road. As for their temperament, they are friendly people and very voluble but they always succeed to maintain the necessary distance with the people around them. They are tempered and respectful drivers, who prefer to avoid confrontations than provoking them. Volkswagen Owners This type of men belongs to the category of the people who are very full of themselves, who are very aware of their value as persons and who give the impression of being very sociable. They enjoy driving their car and they are very reluctant when it comes to borrowing it to someone. They are very good drivers who take into account the traffic rules and who love traffic order, preferring to avoid the agglomerated areas. These men love to make promises without keeping them and like to excessively brag about their car and life. Opel Owners They are the men that are part of the reserved category of people. They are proud of their vehicles but they keep the feeling for themselves. This type of drivers is respectful and they take into account the fact that they have to avoid trouble in traffic. They love off-road driving and they feel very relaxed and worry-free when in their cars. They are ambitious people who love to dream about more than life can offer them. http://glamgrid.com/car-brands-vs-personality-traits-of-men/

Hi, I am thinking of changing my tyres on my Estima. Current I am using Dunlop (225/50R18) but few months back it hit a nail so I am contemplating to change it soon. The current model as I have checked with many shops are hard to replace (ie such models are not common in the marketl) so it's best to change all 4. I have been reading that certain brands have their pros and cons. In my previous ride which is a Toyota Wish from BM, I used to always use Yokohama (stock). I am not into tyres so basically safety is the top prority and I do travel to Malaysia quite abit with my family. Any brand of tyres to be recommended for safety and fuel efficency? Thks.

Can anyone think or funny names for these brands ? BMW Bring Me Worries AUDI ?? Benz ?? Fiat ?? OPEL ?? GM Got Money ? Toyota ?? Honda ?? Mazda ?? Ford ??

How accurate is this? http://www.newsday.com/classifieds/cars/consumer-reports-best-and-worst-car-brands-in-2015-include-lexus-mazda-and-toyota-1.10387053

hi there ! Just discovered that the front/rear left tyres of my 2002 Renault Classic are nearly botak on the side. But the right set is still quite good. Is it possible to keep the 2 good ones and use as the rear wheels while I get 2 new (diff brands) ones for the front? Please advise. Current set is Continental EcoContact while i'm thinking of getting 2 new BridgeStone GR80. appreciate if anyone know of good lobangs for the wheels too. Thanks !

Link: Yahoo 1. Toyota 2. MB 3. BMW 4. Honda 5. VW 6. Ford 7. Hyundai 8. Audi 9. Porsche 10.Nissan 11.Kia 12.HD 13.Ferrari

If you are reading this blog entry, then you are probably one of the members who spend hours on mycarforum and myautoblog every day. And hanging out with other car enthusiasts, you would probably know at least the basics of cars; maybe more. When you buy a car, you more or less know what sort of car and kit you are getting for your hard earned money. But you would be in the minority. Most Singaporean car buyers couldn't give a damn what is under the bonnet, the figures or even if the car was rear wheel drive. What they do give a damn about though is the badge stuck on the bonnet and boot of the car. Who cares about how the car drives so long as the badge is fancy enough to impress your next door neighbour, your relatives and your friends. The car badge is literally worth more than its weight in gold. Anyone remember those fake Lexus Harriers running rampant in Singapore several years ago? And unsurprisingly, the premium car marques in Singapore have caught onto this propensity for flashing wealth. And so BMW brought in the 1 series as an affordable and attainable way of getting on the premium car bandwagon and then the 320i and then the 318i. Well guess what? Now there is an even more affordable way to lay one's grubby Singaporean hands on a snobbish German badge - the Audi A1! If one can put up with the small size of the car, it represents the most badge for buck! Imagine the 4 Audi Circles for $126 grand thereabouts! With COE prices as they are these days, this sum isn't all that steep (relatively speaking). This has got to be my top pick for maximum badge for minimum cash! So, just in case, if you happen to be in the majority (i.e. you have some snob in you); and are in the market for a premium car, you should head down and plonk down some cash for an Audi A1 right away. No test drive needed and don't even bother with the car reviews. It won't matter to you anyway. You get all your money back the next time you pull up alongside your neighbour's VW Golf. Well, at least until the Aston Martin Cygnet goes into production and your neighbour gets his hands on one. PS: If you were ever in doubt, this was a review of the new Audi A1 and it told you all you needed to know about it. And no I didn't have to drive one to write this.

Used to be low/mid range models made by BMW, Merc, or maybe even Audi, but nowadays if you shut your eyes and throw a coke can, you will hit at least half a dozen of them!! :D So what are the new generation Hao-Lianers'' preferred brands/models now??

the crystal brand is no good. please recommend a few good ones.

Which one is the oldest and still survives today? Crocodile (shirts)? OR Creative? More recent ones are:- Osim, PageOne(?), Breadtalks?? there's a local burger chain, but forgot the name this morning...(started by an angmoh) What's happened to Fashion? Will we see 'Breasts Talk', 'CoffinTown', etc coming soon?)

1. Lexus 2. Honda 3. Acura 4. Mercedes Benz 5. Porsche (tied) 5. Mazda (tied) 7. Toyota 8. Infiniti 9. Cadillac 10. GMC (http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20110629-286621.html) S'poreans who keep thinking tat toyota is the most reliable need to be educated.

Which brands of cars have 5 yr warranty? 1. Toyota 2. Mitsubishi 3. Kia 4. ?

hey guys, tell me do men and women have the same appetite for high end fashion? what will get for ur gf/ wifey? well for starters i know men and cars are inseparable, and women have tonnes of things to cling on, shoes, bags, clothes...... they dream on Birkin and the most expensive louboutin(the heels wit red sole) so what abt man? i never hear my male friend brag abt new bags... new heels... carry the most expensive bag to dinners (even to rent it)..... So gentlemen post ur views

i saw a lot of smokers smoke the M brand. it seems to be the most expensive among other brands. smokers, is the tobacco and taste really so good?

dear all, i would like to buy engine oil that comes in 5liters... anybody know which brands come in 5 liters? so far i know only Liquid Moly and c-----e... many thanks....

http://www.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story...404-208276.html