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We have all read in the papers about how people win big big in casino and how others lose a large fortune there also. So some will win and some will lose. Is there really such thing as a professional gambler who wins consistently(say 7 or 8 out of 10 games) so that he/she does not need to work? I started this topic out of curiosity and thought it may be an interesting topic. Any real life examples will be great !

The Government is in the process of tightening controls on licensed moneylending in Singapore, but the changes couldn’t come sooner for Terence (not his real name) who has been drowning in debt for the past two years. He has been forking out S$4,000 a month, or 88 per cent of his take-home pay, to pay interest on a loan he took from a licensed moneylender. He agreed to speak to inSing about his problems on condition that he not be identified, because if his employers found out about his debt, he would lose his job. The 33-year-old is an honours degree holder and a white-collar professional. He estimates that he has paid out about S$70,000 in interest over two years on his original loan amount that was S$20,000. He has had to take up a second job, working weekday nights and over weekends so that he is able to pay his utility bills and to support himself. OVERSPENDING BEYOND MEANS His debt problem was seeded about 10 years ago, after he graduated from university and got a job. “My family has never been well-off, he said, "so when I started my first job and earned a proper salary, I suddenly felt like I was awash with cash. I started splurging.” He admits he was not very prudent with his money. He bought a car within six months and went on frequent holidays. When he went out with friends at night, he would order bottles of wine and pick up the tab for everyone. “The banks kept on sending me invitations to sign up for credit cards, and at one point, I was using 10 different credit cards. I lost track of my spending,” he said. He started incurring higher interest rates when he began using "cash advance", also a banking feature that comes with credit cards, allowing cardholders to spend first in advance and pay later. It comes with an effective interest rate of 24 per cent per year. “I thought I had it under control," Terence said, "because I had my year-end bonus to count on. Every time I splurged, I would tell myself never mind, I will throw in my bonus to repay my debts. But when the year-end interest came, there would be other things to splurge on, so the credit card bills continued to pile up." BURDEN INCREASED In his second year of full-time employment, Terence’s parents retired and he had to help pay their household utility bills. Together with his car loan payments and petrol usage, he had to set aside S$1,500 every month for these, nearly half of his take-home wages back then. “Fortunately, my parents now have monthly cash payouts from their CPF (Central Provident Fund, a national savings scheme) accounts so I do not need to support them,” he said. His girlfriend learnt about his situation and it resulted in a major fight. His credit card bills amounted to nearly a year of his salary. Soon, he cancelled all his credit cards, stopped going on holidays, and cut down on clubbing. He spent the next two years trying to pay off the banks. Towards the end of 2011, he received a writ of summons from two banks that threatened to take him to court over the remaining S$20,000 he owed them. MONEYLENDERS If Terence had gone to court, he would have lost his job. So out of desperation, he turned to licensed moneylenders. “A primary school classmate was working for a licensed moneylender and suggested that I borrow from them, so I took a loan of S$20,000. The interest rate was 12 per cent per month,” he said. The interest rate meant that Terence would have to repay S$2,400 every month in interests alone. “I am not stupid, I knew it was a lot to repay every month, but I really felt like I had no choice at that point in time. I didn’t want to lose my job. My plan was to endure it for six months and after that, borrow money from the banks again to pay off the moneylender,” he said. Six months later, his plan hit a snag. The banks refused to lend him any more money because of his poor credit rating. He then paid to get his credit bureau report and realised that he had been blacklisted by the banks, and would be allowed to get any loan after three years. Terence decided to "refinance" his loan with the moneylender by taking out a S$25,000 loan at a higher interest rate of 16 per cent a month. The principal amount of money owed to the moneylender also ballooned to S$30,000 due to a late-fee penalty of S$120 a day. CREDIT COUNSELLING If Terence had gone for credit counselling to work out a repayment plan with the banks, he would not be in this situation, but he did not know he could do this. He has been living “under immense stress” for the past two years, he said. His girlfriend broke up with him and he has no one to confide to about his problems. These days, Terence has a no-frills lifestyle. “I haven’t gone on holiday in two years. I eat most of my meals at home except for lunch at a hawker centre. I don’t spend on anything. My life is all work and then I go home. I have stopped going out with friends. My parents have also become frail, and that is an added reason for me to spend more time at home with them.” The silver lining is that because of all the time he spends at home, he has become closer to his parents. “They know about my debt, but they don’t have the financial ability to help me. I have spared them the details and told them that I can manage on my own,” he added. ONE FINAL LOAN He hopes he will be able to completely pay off the licensed moneylenders in six months’ time. His credit rating will be refreshed and he may take up bank loans at more manageable interest rates this time. Terence hopes his experience will serve as a warning for people who are overspending more than they can afford and rolling money on credit cards. He also advises against taking loans even from licensed moneylenders because “everything can quickly spiral out of control”. He said: “The current cap of 20 per cent on monthly interest rates is really too high. The cap should be lower. Lately, I have started to see these moneylenders set up branches in HDB (public housing) estates. I am worried that more people may make the same mistake that I did.” A check on the Insolvency and Public Trustee’s Office’s website showed that there are now 180 licensed moneylenders operating in Singapore and at least 25 operate within public housing estates. Terence hopes that the Government may provide more help for borrowers like him. He said: “I really pray that I will be given a second chance to get my finances and life in order. All I really need is a bank willing to take one more chance on me and provide me with a loan. My current situation is sucking the life out of me.” http://features.insing.com/feature/a-matter-of-life-and-debt/id-154a3101/ The interest rate charged by licnsed moneylender is not much dif from the illegal loan sharks. These so called licensed $ lenders are legal loan sharks. This guy pays a monthly interest of $2,400 for a loan of $20,000.00. And he has paid out about S$70,000 in interest over two years on his original loan amount that was S$20,000.

Many thread on EPL, MSL and even online soccer management game and etc. So thinking of starting a thread to discuss our very own Singapore soccer league aka the S-league. I know many people will start to come in and throw all sort of insult to our local league. Bear in mind, this is our very own soccer league. If we don't support our league, how we expect a strong national team. Be it of interest to you or not, please give this thread and our league a chance to ''live'' in the world of professional soccer. ....Peace to all.

Looks like a professional group at work this is more exciting than Ocean 11, 12, 13

Hi All Can any forumers recommend me a good service house mover and not too X . I know there are alot being advertised in ST...but you do not know of their service or whether they are responsible type. Thanks in advance.

They say that if you are determined and willing to work hard towards your dream, you will achieve your goals one day. Alright, I would not say this is a dream but hats off to this guy who must have spent quite a bit of effort training to exhibit such skills. I must say it is pretty amusing to watch him going sideways while travelling straight. http://dai.ly/x1nksnf_professional-wheel-chair-drifting_auto

I will also start the ball rolling.... There is a fruit stall at Hougang Central, at the corner of the roundabout into the MSCP, near the Fragrance bak kwa shop. They sell a variety of durians from top end to 3 for $10, or one for $5. I asked for two one for $5. I tri my luck and say if got sweet and creamy the best. The man specially picked two which were exactly sweet and creamy. Best still, ask me try one seed first. I tried and it was great, then he passed me a box of tissue for my durian stained hand. So really professional and good service standard too.

Just wondering if there is any bros here that know of anyone that can provide an assessment of the overall workmanship for a house renovation. If yes, please let me know. I am having issues with my tiles (uneven) and renovator act blur. I need a 3rd party to provide a fair judgement before I put up my case. Thanks in advance...

Heaven

Read this a while ago... Seems that this liquid glass technology (Glassplexin) will replace conventional deataling. Check out http://www.glare.com.sg. Any comments?

Hi fellow MCFers, I was wondering whether anyone here has any "lobang" for where I can get professional photos taken? I'm currently looking to get photos of myeslf that can be used on business cards and resumes :) Thanks for all the help!

http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews...712-226595.html S'pore bookies are favourites in the region By MAUREEN KOH SINGAPOREAN bookies - who operate betting websites - are hot. Not only here but also in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, the Philippines and Malaysia. At least, that's what several punters and bookmakers contacted on various betting websites told The New Paper on Sunday. And the reasons they're hot with bettors are the same ones you'd find in mainstream Singapore society. Chief among them: They play fair. Punters say that Singaporean bookies may chase you to pay up promptly when you lose, but when you win, they also pay you promptly. Australian "Mr Grim", who is a member of one website, attests to that. "I like that payment is prompt - that's like a Singapore stamp of guarantee," he told The New Paper on Sunday. Another punter, Gigi, who is from Hong Kong, said she has switched to Singapore bookmakers. She used to place bets with websites run by mainland Chinese syndicates and Hong Kong triads. "You can be sure they'll be at your back for payment when you lose, but it's a different case when you win," she said. Gigi claimed she once had two triad members turn up at her workplace when she defaulted in payment to threaten her. Another reason why punters like Singapore bookies: Their websites - usually hosted in the Philippines - are "professionally-run", said members. Paul, from Australia, said: "Good English in quick news updates indicate efficiency." Wisely, a senior member on a betting forum, said: "Of course it's "safer" to bet with Singapore(an)-managed agents", as they will pay you. He claims he is an agent based in Thailand but collects bets for a Singaporean "master agent". He said: "Singaporeans are very organised, so everything is in order." A random check with members across various forums hosted by at least 10 betting portals indicated that at least half of the websites are believed to be Singaporean-owned. The New Paper on Sunday unsuccessfully tried to contact the hosts of eight websites through e-mails and feedback forms for verification. A spokesman for a law firm in Makati, Manila, that specialises in assisting foreign companies apply for online gaming licences in the Philippines, said there are several key players (websites) which are run or owned by "legitimate businessmen". According to the spokesman, foreign companies can legally set up business in the online gaming, sports and betting industries as long as they comply with a set of regulations. Citing client confidentiality, she declined to provide any figures but confirmed that "a number of these businessmen are Singaporeans who have the money to buy the licenses". A retired bookie said: "There are a few big plates (bookie speak for illegal betting operations) - and they are not restricted to just one website. "They are controlled by only one or two main players but many of the shareholders are Singaporeans." He described these "shareholders" as "individuals who have the money to buy franchises to operate the website". A senior agent, who is based in China, likened it to "multi-level selling". He said: "Master agents then recruit agents - bookies - from all over the region to take the bets." All transactions - wins or losses - are usually wired or transferred electronically. While it may be legal to host a site outside Singapore, placing bets with it is still illegal in Singapore. All forms of soccer betting are illegal here, unless they are placed with Singapore Pools and its authorised agents. To date, Singapore police have arrested 36 persons during this World Cup season for illegal football betting, with estimated illegal bets amounting to nearly $1.5 million. Assistant director of the Specialised Crime Division, CID, Superintendent of Police Goh Lam Kiong, said: "This series of operations show that we are serious about clamping down on illegal betting activities. "We will not hesitate to take action against those involved in such activities, regardless of their role." In 2008, 1,566 people in Singapore were arrested for illegal gambling and betting activities, according to police figures. On Wednesday, Hong Kong and Guangdong police busted a syndicate that collected some seven billion yuan (S$1.4 billion) in illegal bets - mostly on football matches. Hong Kong police arrested 74 people in Hong Kong and 29 in mainland China during the joint operation, reported the South China Morning Post. A police spokesman told The New Paper on Sunday: "Investigations are still ongoing but we don't believe any Singaporean is involved."

Around 1++ - 2 weeks ago, i met an accident at the West(Insurance case still pending). I was driving my car straight down a main road. As i was about to reach the yellow box of a turning spot for the opposite traffic, a car from the other side suddenly dash through towards a side road on my right that leads to a market. I had to brake immediately to avoid him. Unfortunately, i crashed into the side of his car. In this situation under BOLA, who has the right of way? He said i was speeding so he didn't see me coming. Can i have some professional advice on the take of this situation? Last week, my insurance company advised me that this situation is most likely 50-50 cause he can claim that i crashed into him while he was making a turn. Until today i have yet to receive any news so i am a little worried. Thanks alot guys! Oh, and there were no injuries, no skid marks and the contact was quite minor. Can these be evidence that i didn't speed? I really didn't speed by the way. I might have been walking on the line 5km/h below the speed limit, but then again, how can i proof that i did not speed?

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/M...ory_489708.html This is what i call professional. Not waiting until someone complain or when someone died then call for recall. Recall the moment they encounter problem.

Anyone knows where can i take professional passport pictures? preferably in central and east. thanks!

All, Can any forumers recommend me a good service house painting company and not too expensive. I know there are alot being advertised in ST but I do not know of their service or whether they are responsible type. Thanks in advance.

Home > Breaking News > Singapore > Story Sep 12, 2008 Man fined for slapping son By ELENA CHONG ANGRY that his two kids had been watching television, a father slapped his seven-year-old son and hurled him against a wardrobe, wall and the ceiling. The 43-year-old marketing executive was fined the maximum $1,000 by Community Court judge May Mesenas on Friday. He had earlier pleaded guilty to hurting his son at their home on Sept 15, 2006. The boy suffered multiple bruises in his forehead, left arm and legs and several patches over his neck and back of his left shoulder. The accused had returned home and found the victim and his six-year-old brother misbehaving. When he questioned them and did not get a proper response, he slapped the victim in his face. He picked him up by his armpits and threw him against a wardrobe in the room. He also later threw the boy against a wall and up against the ceiling. The incident came to light two days later when a teacher noticed bruises on the victim's brother, whom the accused had also caused hurt to. The accused's lawyer K. Mathialahan said his client had been receiving counselling and treatment and attended eight sessions at the Centre for Promoting Alternatives to Violence (Pave) at Ang Mo Kio. Counsel said though the accused had a problem with anger management, he loved his children and had done everything possible to ensure he did not hurt the boys again. http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNew...ory_277817.html

1. I'm seeing the trend of younger and more educated people becoming Monks. They drove big cars, talk better and don't live the way the Monk that we saw in Movies. I may be wrong, they are like well paid social workers these days. This is just my personal impression. 2. In Japan, Monks have fashion show to showcase nice and modern robes. If I'm correct, Jap Monks can have wife too. Regards,

Though many who are employers practise this, few would ever openly vouch that this is true in their own practice. Performance in work aside ( the male and female have different edge ), the overall package seem less attractive when it comes to hiring a female. Besides the part where employers can be left to 'fill the blanks' when such females employees go on maternity leave...there are more hidden but proven industy facts as to why employers have come to be biased towards employing female when it comes to highly skilled and management posts. What are your views?...male and female views are welcome!

Dear bros & Sis. I would like to recommand this Car Grooming service which I have went to this morning. I paid $49.99 (Promotional Price) for the basic package which include: - Pre Wax Wash. - Hand Polish with Radiant Wax. - Polish of Windscreen, Rear & Window screens. - Dress dashboard, bumper / tires. - Vaccuum seats & carpet - Clean Rims & polish tyres. I have found that they have done a very good job and the service is good. You may give them a try. The also have paint restoration package from $138. They are support by AutoGlym. Address: James Lee & Brothers The Arena Country Club (In-house Car Park). 511 Upper Jurong West Road S'pore 638366. Contact: 9181 3341 (Next to Burger King), Direct infront of SAFTI Military Institude. Webpage: www.jameslee.com.sg FYI. I don't earn commission for this recommandation. It's fully a service acknowledged by me.

Hi guys, just got my "xmas gift" this afternoon.. it's called RIM SCRATCH... any idea where i can get it repair/ touch up??

Can anyone recommend any good & professional workshop to install brake disc and is capable of checking runout? Below is an extract of proper disc installation: If sport rotors are not checked for runout, driving without even applying brakes will exhibit a clicking noise on a

After sending 2 a professional to detail my car what should i do 2 maintain... Someone even tell me 2 only wash with water, others say dont touch at all.. Any bros or sis can provide info????

Held on the 11th march 2006, Shah Alam Go Kart Track, Malaysia Representing Singapore in the D1 Professional Drift Grand Prix race are Elvin with his Impreza Crist Seck with his Nissan 180SX Jansen Tan with his Nissan 180SX Ivan Lim with his Blitz-Yokohama D1 SPL Silvia S15 The event is judged by the famous Dorikin or Drift King : Tsuchiya Keiichi from Japan Elvin's rex : Crist's 180SX Jensen's 180SX Ivan Lim in the Blitz-Yokohama D1 SPL Silvia versus Tenku Djan(Malaysia's Prince of Drift) is his Proton-R3 Trueno AE86 Accidents are inevitable in racing D1 Babe : Another D1 Babe : Even the guys from the West Coast Customs (USA) as seen in MTV's "Pimp My Ride" are here in KL witnessing the D1GP Malaysia Series : Qualifying results : Twin Drift Tsuiso Battle : Winners of D1GP Malaysia Round 1 Shah Alam : 1)Zero Lim A31 Cefiro (Malaysian) 2) Lim Zee King 180SX S13 (Malaysian) 3) Tenku Djan Ley AE86 Trueno (Malaysia) From Left to right : Tenku Djan, Zero Lim & Lim Zee King) More Nice hi res pictures are available here : http://motospx.fotopic.net/c889188.html http://veecee.smugmug.com/gallery/1282479/2 Those who make it to the Top Sixteen : Ivan Lim & Blitz-Yokohama D1 SPL Silvia Jansen & his KC Autolink 180SX Ivan's qualifying : http://www.boomspeed.com/hyperlemon/d1gp_r...fy_BlitzS15.mpg Ivan Versus Tenku Djan(Malaysia's Prince of Drift): http://www.boomspeed.com/hyperlemon/d1gp_r..._tenku_djan.mpg Those who represent Singapore for the D1 Grand Prix race, a big thank you and a big cheers for you guys !

Not bad... Comes with a application sponge and application is very easy. Just apply on, wait for 5 minutes and wipe off... After application, my tyres look wet and glossy again... But not sure how long the gloss would last... And it even comes with UV inhibitors to 'protect' the tyres... Or so it says...