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The era of discrimination has ended. Saudi Woman Makes History Driving F1 Car On The Day Female Ban Was Liftedhttps://www.carscoops.com/2018/06/saudi-woman-makes-history-driving-f1-car-day-female-ban-lifted/ Aseel Al-Hamad of Saudi Arabia drove a 2012 Lotus Renault F1 car on the very same day that a driving ban was lifted on female drivers on the Gulf kingdom’s roads. Al-Hamad is the first female member of the Saudi Arabian Motorsport Federation to drive around the French Grand Prix circuit. This past Sunday, she took the 2012 Lotus E20 out in front of thousands of fans, saying that she felt she belonged in the driver’s seat. “I believe today is not just celebrating the new era of women starting to drive, it’s also the birth of women in motorsport in Saudi Arabia,” she said during an interview with Reuters. “The most important thing I am looking forward to is to start seeing the next generation young girls trying (motorsport). I want to watch them training and taking the sport very seriously as a career. This is going to be really my biggest achievement.” The Saudi interior designer and businesswoman had driven the E20 around Paul Ricard before, part of a familiarization day. She’s also the first woman to import a Ferrari to Saudi Arabia, and has taken part in track days, workshops and professional racing courses around the world, in her 458 Spider. As for the Renault-powered F1 car she drove on Sunday, it’s the same one that Kimi Raikkonen drove to victory in Abu Dhabi in November of 2012. “It was perfect. Everything was smooth, I felt I belong in the seat,” she added. “I loved the fact that there was an audience around…today is magical.” Saudi women gear up for new freedom as driving ban endshttps://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/24/end-to-driving-ban-for-women-in-saudi-arabia.html The lifting of the ban, ordered last September by King Salman, is part of sweeping reforms pushed by his powerful young son Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in a bid to transform the economy of the world's top oil exporter and open up its cloistered society. Women with foreign drivers' licenses only began converting them earlier this month, so the number of new drivers remains low. Others are training at new state-run schools, with 3 million women expected to drive by 2020. Women in Saudi Arabia took to the roads at midnight on Sunday, ushering in the end of the world's last ban on female drivers, long seen as an emblem of women's repression in the deeply conservative Muslim kingdom. "It feels weird, I am so happy ... I'm just too proud to be doing this right now," said 23-year-old Majdooleen al-Ateeq as she cruised across Riyadh for the first time in her black Lexus. The lifting of the ban, ordered last September by King Salman, is part of sweeping reforms pushed by his powerful young son Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in a bid to transform the economy of the world's top oil exporter and open up its cloistered society. Women drove up and down a main road in the eastern city of Khobar and cheered as police looked on. "We are ready, and it will totally change our life," said Samira al-Ghamdi, a 47-year-old psychologist from Jeddah, one of the first women to be issued a license. The lifting of the ban, which for years drew international condemnation and comparisons to the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan, has been welcomed by Western allies as proof of a new progressive trend in Saudi Arabia. But it has been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent, including against some of the very activists who previously campaigned against the ban. They now sit in jail as their peers take to the road legally for the first time. Women with foreign drivers' licenses only began converting them earlier this month, so the number of new drivers remains low. Others are training at new state-run schools, with 3 million women expected to drive by 2020. Some still face resistance from conservative relatives, and many accustomed to private drivers say they are reluctant to take on the country's busy highways. "I definitely won't like to drive," said Fayza al-Shammary, a 22-year-old saleswoman. "I like to be a princess with someone opening the car door for me and driving me anywhere." Economic boon Concerns that women drivers will face abuse in a country where strict segregation rules usually prevent women from interacting with unrelated men prompted a new anti-harassment law last month. The Interior Ministry plans to hire women traffic police for the first time, but it is unclear when they will be deployed. The public security directorate reported no unusual incidents one hour after the ban ended. Riyadh resident Amr al-Ardi said the women in his family would wait to see how the system works before they start driving. The decision to lift the ban in the tightly controlled kingdom — where once-forbidden cinemas and concerts have also returned — is expected to boost the economy, with industries from car sales to insurance set to reap returns. The change should save families billions of dollars on chauffeurs while encouraging more women into the workforce and raising productivity, if only modestly at first. Auto companies have produced theatrical ads marking the ban's end, while private parking garages designated "ladies" areas with pink signage. Many Saudis celebrated on social media, but some reactions were derisive or expressed concern about social impacts. One Twitter user said he would not allow his wife to take the wheel: "If she wants to drive she can go to her father and God willing she will drive lorries. Decisions like this depend on personal freedom #She--Won't--Drive." Much of the kingdom's overwhelmingly young population supports Prince Mohammed's reforms, but many Saudis fear their speed could provoke a backlash from religious conservatives once seen as dominant. Activists arrested Activists and diplomats have speculated that the arrests of more than a dozen women's rights advocates over the past month were aimed at appeasing conservative elements or at sending a message to activists not to push demands too far. The crown prince's modernization efforts have won praise at home and abroad, but he has also provoked unease with an anti-corruption purge last year, when scores of royals and top businessmen were detained at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh. Most were freed after reaching settlements with the government. Billionaire investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, an early advocate of women driving who was detained at the Ritz for three months, tweeted a video of his daughter driving. "Saudi Arabia has just entered the 21st century," he said to his granddaughters in the back seat in the video. "Thanks to King Salman for this achievement." Even with the end of the driving ban, Saudi Arabia remains one of the most restrictive countries for women, who need permission from legally mandated male guardians for important decisions such as foreign travel and marriage. Amnesty International said lifting the ban was "a small step in the right direction," but called for an end to other practices that discriminate against women. Activists have already begun campaigning to end the guardianship system, which has been chipped away at slowly over the years. Prince Mohammed declared in an interview earlier this year that he believes men and women are equal. But veteran Saudi activist Hala Aldosari says women remain second-class citizens and criticized the crown prince's "piecemeal approach" as serving the interests of the elite at the expense of women from more restrictive families. "Worst of all will be if these small-scale reforms, and the silencing of feminists, slow the momentum for pushing the Saudi regime into making more meaningful change," she wrote in a U.S. newspaper.

as above

Izwan brilliant as Singapore hold mighty Japan in World Cup Qualifying A hero in last month's Malaysia FA Cup final, goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud excelled for Singapore in Japan. Izwan Mahbud put on a goalkeeping masterclass to help Singapore hold Asian giants Japan to a 0-0 draw in their 2018 World Cup qualifier at the Saitama Stadium on Tuesday night. On the night of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games closing ceremony, the Lions produced a courageous performance to stun Japan's new head coach Vahid Halihodzic in his first competitive match and leave a crowd of more than 55,000 shocked. Singapore now sit top of Group E on four points after negotiating their two away games with a 4-0 win against Cambodia last Thursday to go with the draw in Japan. Syria and Afghanistan are the other nations in the pool. It was an uninspiring performance from the Samurai Blue against a team 102 places below them in the world rankings. Bernd Stange's Lions frustrated the hosts who simply could not find a way past the brilliant Izwan in goal. Things did look ominous for the visitors when Keisuke Honda thumped a 15-yard shot in the third minute which needed two attempts before Izwan finally gathered. Shinji Kagawa was next to threaten on 12 minutes. But his shot was tipped out for a corner by Izwan, who was always predicted to be Singapore's busiest player on the night. Japan captain Makoto Hasebe led by example as he drove down the middle of the park, but it was Kagawa's failure in finding his shooting range that proved costly. Two attempts in quick succession failed to trouble Izwan in goal. Singapore finally broke out of their half when Zulfahmi Arifin found space just outside the box. The young midfielder opted to shoot despite the shouts from Khairul Amri who'd made an intelligent run. Japan's best chance of the half fell to Shinji Okazaki after some good work between Usami Takashi and Honda. But the home fans couldn't believe their eyes when Izwan pulled off a superb save to keep things level. Stange was visibly elated as both teams walked at half-time while his counterpart Halihodzic had a pensive look after Japan's dismal showing. Singapore defenders, led by Baihakki Khaizan, heroically backed up goalkeeper Mahbud's masterclass during the goalless draw against Japan. The Japanese started the second half in determined fashion, with Usami taking a couple of early pot shots. Izwan was the hero again on 55 minutes when Ota Kasuke's pinpoint cross was met by an Okazaki header. Once again, the Singapore custodian pulled off an instinctive save to deny the hosts. Halihodzic saw enough and stunned the Saitama crowd when he took off Borussia Dortmund's Kagawa and brought on FC Koln's Yuya Osako. The Izwan versus Japan battle continued in the 63rd minute when the keeper foiled Usami's cross-shot as a restless Japanese bench looked more tense by the minute. Another one-handed save three minutes later, off Honda's powerful header from an Ota corner saw the AC Milan man let out a big scream of frustration. Nothing seemed to go right for the Samurai Blue as Honda's 72nd minute free kick cannoned off the post. Izwan was on hand to save Usami's meek shot from the rebound. When Iraqi referee Mohanad Sarray blew the final whistle, he left the Japan team and fans shell-shocked. The 154th ranked Singapore players punched the air in delight in what felt like a victory for the underdogs from Southeast Asia. After their disappointing AFC Asian Cup in January when they were knocked out in the quarterfinals, the Japanese are still searching for answers. Japan: Eiji Kawashima (GK), Ota Kasuke, Hiroki Sakai, Makino Tomoaki, Maya Yoshida, Makoto Hasebe ©, Usami Takashi (Yoshinori Muto 78'), Gaku Shibasaki (Genki Haraguchi 70'), Keisuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa (Yuya Osako 61'), Shinji Okazaki Singapore: Izwan Mahbud (GK), Shaiful Esah, Baihakki Khaizan (Firdaus Kasman 80'), Madhu Mohana, Nazrul Nazari, Zulfahmi Arifin, Hariss Harun, Izzdin Shafiq, Hafiz Sujad, Fazrul Nawaz (Yasir Hanapi 90+1'), Khairul Amri (Khairul Nizam 85')

https://www.facebook.com/SMRTCorpSG Unfortunately, for those of us with 5 digits, you gotta figure it out yourself.

I juz received a mail from Safra, should I accept it, a) eligible for $100 worth of Safra vouchers and free membership up to one year. b) SAFRA vouchers and memberships free and an additional 2 years membership. c) Any catch ? tied in promotion shuld be included into the renewal. d) Wad if existing membership has yet to expires, can ask for reimbursement ? fellow reservist's comment/ feedbacks/ inputs much appreciated. Thx

Finally after a long drag...

Guys, check this funny and comical stage show. If I am the guy, I would run road and stay far far away from her. Haha Enjoy..... http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=n9KHZknMq3I

Hi all, Is there any way to improve the holding of driver in the existing normal car seats without going for bucket seats? Any after-market inserts or tied-down cushions? What I saw selling in Autobacs are more for therapeutic back/hip support. Thanks for any advice!

DAVID STOCKMAN: You'd Be A Fool To Hold Anything But Cash Now AP | Mar. 3, 2012, 6:47 PM | 39,684 | 94 A A A inShare.62 Facebook Linkedin62 Twitter Google+ Email AP / Louis Lanzano See Also 3 Things You Should Do With Your Extra MoneyWARREN BUFFETT: The Investment You Think Is 'Safe' Is Actually The Riskiest In The WorldWhen Greece Comes Crashing Down, Everything Comes Crashing Down NEW YORK (AP)

The Straits Times www.straitstimes.com Published on Feb 16, 2012 http://www.straitstimes.com/print/Breaking...ory_767123.html WP has let Hougang voters down: PM Lee Hsien Loong PAP chairman Khaw questions WP's 'sudden U-turn' in Yaw saga By Janice Heng The Workers' Party (WP) has let down the voters of Hougang in its handling of Mr Yaw Shin Leong's alleged extramarital affair, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Wednesday. Mr Yaw was the WP's MP for Hougang constituency until his expulsion from the party on Wednesday left the seat vacant. Under the law, the Prime Minister decides whether to call a by-election. Mr Lee said he would consider the issue carefully. 'Now, the Hougang SMC (single-member constituency) seat is vacant, as a result of what Mr Yaw Shin Leong has done, and the way the WP has handled the matter,' he said in a statement to the media. Copyright

Either wear gloves or sterilize your hands afterwards

Sianz, I have to decide when to hold my company dinner but right now the staff are damn pissed with me over some things that are really not my fault. Some months ago, I decided to renovate the office but then my janitor never maintain the toilet as instructed so the toilet bowl overflowed, destroying the new flooring. I gave the janitor a good and he assured me it was a freak event and will never happen again. One week later, the same toilet bowl overflowed, destroying the newly re-laid floor. Then one of my managers accidently cc and bcc a private email between ourselves to everyone on his mailing list. In it, I made some truthful comments about certain people connected with the company. Although what I said were all true, some sore losers just cannot accept being called flabby or old. Our company mascort Sam also went missing for some time. People say it's my fault because I forgot to lock Sam's cage properly after playing with him but who would expect a turtle to run so fast? Luckily we found Sam after almost 1 year of searching. He was hiding next door all along. If I were to have the company dinner now, I would probably get booed when I go on stage to give speech. To pacify the staff, I probably have to declare a fat bonus to all of them. Unfortunately, I am a rather stingy guy. How ar?

For me, I am hoping and praying for (1) Successful bid for COE (2) Good results for my child's PSLE (3) Better returns on investments [laugh]

It's the rumor that just refuses to die. We're not sure if that means there's a lot of truth behind it or it's just wishful thinking, but once again we're hearing that Mazda is hard at work on a new RX-7 sportscar. And while you might think such a vehicle would be as easy as adding a turbocharger to the existing Renesis-powered RX-8 and jettisoning the back seat (or pulling a Kabura with the MX-5's platform), Mazda apparently has much more grandiose intentions for its next range-topping sportscar. According to Motor Trend, Mazda's oft-talked-about 16X rotary engine is now capable of running on either gasoline or diesel with nary a difference in performance. We have to wonder about the accuracy of such claims, but if true, perhaps running on diesel or biofuels would give Mazda the eco-cred it's aiming for

Very well written by Christopher Tan, enjoy reading reading..... http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/Owner...405-208579.html Point. 1 "In the early noughties, the number of COEs released had always been far fewer than actual deregistrations. Then in the last five years, we witnessed an oversupply that caused car premiums to crash." Point 2. "This effect was in play between 1990 and 1999, when the supply formula was based on past deregistrations." Point 3 "In the case of the maiden quota of the new formula, the supply will also be abnormally low because it is based on deregistrations in 2009, a recessionary year which saw the number of cars scrapped or re-exported falling to the lowest level in 10 years."

ok, from this--> http://motoring.asiaone.com/Motoring/Owner...5-208579/3.html wonder how many of you actually falls in either one of the above situation and what decision have you made or going to make?.. my car is 39mths old and i won't change car under such situation (even if the premium didnt sky-rocketed, i dont have plan to change car as well..).. so, my option is #4.... .......

http://www.divaasia.com/article/5359 if the couple choose to select a venue which offers expensive menu/fanciful ambience and expect their guest to give them fat hongbaos...really can dream on.... as for me, it depends on how close is the relationship btw myself and the party who invite me...i really cannot believe ppl bao hongbao mostly based on the venue...simply cannot understand such mentality....if the couple holds a wedding dinner in damn posh venue, will you bao more than $1k???? it is the couple damn business to hold at posh venue but dun expect guest to reciprocate back with fattest hongbaos loh....

Greets everyone here............ SEASON GREETINGS FROM ME (PICNIC06) TO ALL MCF MEMBERS May your year of Rat be WEALTHY, HEALTHY & LONGEVITY

What is the correct way to hold the steering wheel?Its certainly not putting ur wrists over the rim...

Hi guys, can the many chevy bros here help me to solve this puzzle. Its said that optra auto has a "hold" mode, wat exactly is that, a clutchless manual transmission? Thanks!!

Just another observation about certain drivers that I just love to poke at these past few days... I noticed that around corners and bends... eg. BKE exit to PIE (eastbound)... sometimes when I overtake a taxi with the fellow on my right... and I pull ahead of him (or her ), they'll normally high-beam at me... damn irritating at night... Now this has gotten me thinking about previous scenarios about taxis cutting fast in front of me or pushing me out of my lane... Frankly, I think they're just sore losers at "street racing"... come on, I'm not even gunning to race them, just merely OVERTAKING them... and they can't stand to "LOSE"... Taxi companies out there - your drivers are now not only reckless in my book, but they're also sore losers... A few exits I can think of where the taxis simply hate to "LOSE"... KJE entry into BKE northbound KJE entry into BKE southbound - taxis don't try me or prepare to eat railguard BKE exit to PIE eastbound - watch it you taxis, don't you know there's a speed trap??? BKE exit to PIE westbound SLE westbound exit to BKE southbound - don't you taxis even dream of cutting me last min, you basically CAN'T... hahahah BKE northbound entry to SLE eastbound - try eating me on the merging lane and I'll let you eat railguard once again PIE westbound entry to CTE northbound with merging lane - don't you taxis dare try to eat me on the right inside lane, or prepare to have your right wing mirror replaced CTE westbound exit to Havelock Road - I don't think you taxis can hold that corner at that speed, so DON'T even think of trying Be a safe "racer" and don't try stupid stunts just cos you're trying to send your customers "faster" to their destination / quickly go and change shift... cos one fine day, you're gonna meet me on the streets and I ain't gonna let you "win" with your "dirty" driving habits