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SINGAPORE - Singapore may well become the first country in the world to ban the sale of packaged drinks with high sugar content. This is one of the moves the Ministry of Health (MOH) is contemplating in its efforts to cut the high sugar intake of people here, as it is a major factor for obesity and diabetes. The MOH and the Health Promotion Board are asking people for their views on four measures to cut sugar intake from drinks, which include 3-in-1 mixes, cordials, yogurt drinks, fruit juices and soda drinks. The target is on drinks as they account for more than half the 12 teaspoons of sugar people here take each day. One in four sugar-sweetened beverages contains 5.5 teaspoons of sugar or more. The four measures the MOH wants public feedback on are: - Total ban on pre-packed high-sugar drinks - Single or tiered tax on high-sugar drinks - Mandatory front-of-pack labelling on sugar/nutrition content - Ban on advertisements on all platforms for high-sugar drinks, including social media and on buses Singapore already does not allow the sale of high-sugar drinks in schools and on government premises. Many companies also refrain from advertising high-sugar drinks during the hours when children are more likely to be watching television. There is also the Healthier Choice Symbol to identify healthier drinks. But this, too, is voluntary. The public consultation is to gauge people's reactions to pushing these boundaries further. In a press statement, the MOH said that every 250ml of sugar-sweetened beverages daily raises a person's risk of getting diabetes by 18 per cent to 26 per cent. This is from various studies, so the amount of sugar in the drink was not indicated. The World Health Organisation (WHO) encourages people to take as little sugar as possible as "nutritionally, people do not need any sugar in their diet". It said reducing sugar intake to 25g a day would provide health benefits. This is equal to five teaspoons as measured in Singapore, but six teaspoons according to the WHO. Experts The Straits Times spoke to all agreed that a total ban on high-sugar drinks would be the most effective, but also the least politically palatable measure. Professor Teo Yik Ying, dean of the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, said the four measures are not mutually exclusive and together, are "very much in the right direction". He added that any reduction in sugar intake will directly translate to health benefits. Both he and Professor Eric Finkelstein of the Duke-NUS Medical School agree that packaged fruit juices, even those with no added sugar, should not be exempt. Prof Finkelstein said sugar is sugar, adding that the narrower the tax, the less effective it is as people can still have other high-calorie drinks as substitutes. Dr Kalpana Bhaskaran, a glycaemic expert from Temasek Polytechnic, said a 330ml can of soda and one of apple juice have about 36g of sugar each. Ms Gladys Wong, a senior principal dietitian at the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, thinks the suggested measures do not go far enough. She said: "There must be a fair way to tax the freshly prepared beverage outlets, not just the pre-packaged drinks." Professor Rob van Dam, an epidemiologist at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, said high sugar content in drinks adds calories but does not make people feel full, so it is worse than sugar in food. He said a study in Mexico estimated that a 20 per cent reduction in sugar would reduce obesity by 12.5 per cent. Being overweight or being obese are key risk factors for diabetes, heart attacks, stroke and some cancers, he added. The public can give feedback at www.reach.gov.sg/sugarydrinks or e-mail [email protected] from now till Jan 25 next year.

All time greats:- how would you name the greatest 5 or 10 for each of these categories: Hard, Soft, Metal?? (or they overlap?)

Soft 99 cleaner & polish Luster Wax (blue tin). It stated 'Do not apply onto dark coloured and pearl & metallic car body'. My car colour is Alabaster Silver (NH-700M). Can it be used?

Recently bought the old mx5 that comes with soft top. Any idea how to maintain the top? And if Kenna bird shiet, how to remove it properly?

Hi, Always hear comments about certain cars body very soft while others are much harder. But when I touch those cars in the showroom, they all feel the same. So how do you tell whether a car's body (or the metal used) is hard or soft? Or shall I simply bring a hammer to showrooms next time?

Quite scary to know that some poison banned in certain countires are allow in other countries. Aspartame is another poison that is banned in many countires....but allowed in Singapore. I totally stopped my zero drinks one month ago....now I think clearer and feels more refreshed! I wonder how many poison are allowed into Singapore. How come it always take Taiwan to warn first before other countires take notice. What can I do without these spot on Taiwan watch dog. respect!! TAIWAN - A batch of Coca-Cola Zero imported into Taiwan from Shanghai has been found to contain an additive banned by Taiwan authorities but allowed on the Chinese mainland. One batch of the syrup used to make free-flowing Coca-Cola Zero has tested positive for methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, a kind of antiseptic?which cannot be added to fizzy drinks in Taiwan, the Xinmin Evening News reported on Monday. According to test results of the health department of Taiwan, each kilogram of syrup in the batch tested contained 2062 milligrams of the banned antiseptic. The batch of this original liquid has been banned from sale in Taiwan. However, the addictive is not banned on the mainland. Cola-Cola said in a statement that this antiseptic is allowed by the food-related laws in many countries and regions including the USA and Hong Kong. The banned syrup is used to make Coca-Cola Zero used in drink dispensing machines, such as those used in some fast-food chain stores, and is not used in the bottled or canned beverage. Zhai Mei, a Coca-Cola Co. official, said the sample tested in Taiwan was concentrated ingredients and it would be diluted before sale. After dilution, the percentage of the antiseptic will be much lower - 0.015 milligram per kilogram, Zhai added.

An article written by Ho Kwon P, published in ST this week. Interesting read. http://www.smu.edu.sg/news_room/smu_in_the..._20110707_1.pdf

Soft Truth #1: The trend in the motor industry is to appoint a top-notch mechanic as storeman to make sure nobody, not even the bosses or tou-jiu, can take parts out without approval. One such top-notch mechanis is called Anthony, he headed the mods/major-repairs dept for the past 20yrs, all the juniors mechs called him 'Chairman', and he guided the workshop to reach the top name in the local motor industry. Last week he decided quit as senor mechanic to apply for the job as the workshop's storeman as the current one has worked 12 years since he was 75 as the storeman and he's now 87. The industry was puzzled with the resignation as chairman-mechanic's experience and knowledge are useful to the workshop but not the storeroom. The outgoing storeman said:- "Enough is enough, although many customers say i have been slacking the past 12 years, but i did try hard. I thank everyone for being kind to me although frankly I havent been doing much even the boss paid me 40k a month as a storeman. Hey, dont blame me, its the boss who decides to pay me 40k...... Also, the next storeman better come from the workshop floor, ie a senior mechanic will be just nice as he will know very well which parts are 'in demand' and he himself has stolen from the store (i didnt stop him from stealing, coz we're 'ka-ki-nang', and my best performance as storeman was saying 'yes' to everything...), so he should perform the job as storeman well after i leave and go count my money in my bank accounts. Anthony chipped in and said: the next few years will be crucial for the workshop, and it definitely needs a high power ex-senior-mechanic to be the storeman to jaga all the parts. When asked about his past association with all the mechanics in the workshop and how he can possibly avoid showing 'ka-ki-nang' favour if the latter try to steal parts from the store, Anthony avoided the question but just said "I am well suited for the storeman job because i know the in and out of the workshop's operations...." The reporter mumbled "Hey, is the sleeping quarter for the storeman actually an old folks' home where all inmates start life there at 75 and will be discharged at 87, in between these 12yrs the home did not charge him for the stay but instead paid him 40k??" The good things about this old folk home are two: There will always be only one inmate On special public holidays, it will be open to the public for visit FOC. Anyone knows the address of the old folk's home? The above is pure frictional, any resemblance to any live persons is clearly coincidental.

Dear MCFians, Need product recommendations to polish my black coloured MR-S Soft Top. It's turned matt black and was wondering if there is any product in the market to restore it to a shiny black tone. Any advice will be much appreciated. Thank you. Regards Luke

Hi all. I got a carton of soft toys[free samples] which i want to give away to anyone who wants fr yr kids. Each person can take 1 or 2 pcs. Let me know n we can arrange pick-up. Maybe can pass to u during next meet-up wil b easier. It wud b a waste to throw away cos these selling in shops fr several $ ea. Various shapes n sizes.

Hi bros need some recommendations on this. Where is good quiet place to chill out? Not too many FTs vying for SPGs, just a relaxing non threatening non competitive atmosphere. For a bachelor on a lonesome holiday eve or lazy Fri night. Thanks in advance

In the latest blow to a Japanese automaker, Honda will recall 412,000 vehicles to fix a faulty braking system. Consisting of 344,000 Odysseys and 68,000 Elements, from 2007 and 2008, the recall aims to fix "soft" brake pedals. When the 'vehicle stability assist modulator' tests itself on startup, a small amount of air is allowed into the hydraulic brake lines. Over time, the air can build up and cause the brake pedal to require more force to get the vehicle to stop. According to Honda spokesman Chris Martin, "It's definitely not operating the way it should, and it's safety systems, so it brings it to the recall status." Owners will receive a letter in the mail, by the end of April, with additional information about the recall. If your vehicle already has a "soft" pedal, Honda dealers can bleed the braking system which should temporary fix the problem until recall parts (plastic caps and sealant) are available. So far, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported three crashes related to the recall. No one has been killed, but minor injuries have been reported. Source: detnews.com

WASHINGTON (AFP) -

Hi all, Is it a matter of personal taste or a psychological thingy (de-stress) that we see car drivers putting soft/stuffed toys in the car? You could even find them in luxury cars. What do you guys think? Thank you. Regards,

Yo Bro, I have this little problem here. I bought my girlfriend quite a few soft toy (Tigger) for her during our relationship for the past 1 yr or so. There was this particular one she likes a lot because I get it out from those catcher machine at Iluma. She will always bring this soft toy out and talk to it and use it to talk to me inside the car or other places. Initially I thought it was ok but as time goes by, it sort of getting serious because she is doing it regularly. She would get angry whenever I ignore her over the soft toy and stuff... Any advice on this? It is common among girlfriends of your bro here?

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business2_feb7_2009

erm i need help urgently.. i need to find the patrick (from spongebob sq pants) soft toy but cant seem to find any.. any1 knows?

http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/news/story/0,...,185089,00.html? TENANTS can afford to be picky these days as the property market turns sluggish, and recession fears abound. But not if the lease is in Chip Bee Gardens near Holland Village, with its popular black and white inter-terrace houses. Instead of cutting rents, the landlord - JTC Corporation - has raised them. And for some tenants, by as much as 90 per cent. JTC's justification is that the tenancy agreements had to be revised to reflect rising rental market in the last two years. But some of the tenants are angry with what they see as an ill-timed increase, given the economic climate. About 40 tenants have two-year leases which will end in the next three months. JTC's 349 state-owned three-bedroom terraces have an area of 1,356 sq ft each. After the hike, the rents range from $3,400 to $3,900 a month, according to the location and condition of the units. HIKE: Despite the economic gloom, the rents for these terrace units at Chip Bee Gardens have been increased this year. TNP PICTURES: KUA CHEE SIONG One tenant, visual artist Ketna Patel, 39, saw her rent jump by more than 50 per cent this month. The Uganda-born Singapore PR, who is married to a musician, has been living in the estate for 13 years. The couple have been renting two terrace units alongside each other, paying $2,500 each for them. One is their home, while the other functions as a studio. They spent $50,000 to renovate the two units four years ago. The couple said they received a letter from JTC about two weeks ago, saying the rent would go up to $3,800 each for the two units. Said Ms Patel: 'That is unreasonable in this market. We can't afford it and, with the new rates, we definitely can't afford to rent here any more.' The couple have until the end of this month to decide whether to stay put and pay the higher rent, or move out. They are considering leaving the country altogether if they can't find cheaper accommodation in the area. Ms Patel said the rent was $2,500 when they moved into the estate in 1995. At that time, they were renting only one unit. Though the rent was revised whenever their two-year lease expired, they had never paid more than $2,500. Ms Patel also felt it was high-handed of the landlord to give them such a short notice period and no room to negotiate. Physiotherapist Surendra Ratnam, 38, said the rent for his family home has increased 90 per cent - from $2,000 to $3,800. His 68-year-old mother has been renting the same unit in the estate since 1991. The family paid $1,600 in rent back then. Mr Ratnam, who works in India, flies back to Singapore every few months. He said: 'Naturally, my mother is very upset about the whole thing. She has been here for such a long time. 'She has always paid her rent on time and has even done up the place. JTC has not been flexible at all.' He said they were informed about the increase only two weeks ago and they have to move out by the end of the month. This short notice does not give them much time to consider other options. Added Mr Ratnam: 'We're angry at the manner that this has been dealt with. They (JTC) are short-sighted because they don't see that this will mean an exodus of artists.' He said his mother has been offered a smaller loft unit in the area by JTC, at $2,800 a month. They're also looking to buy a five-room HDB flat in Toa Payoh. The quirky neighbourhood attracts a motley mix of expatriates and locals setting up homes or studios there. They include painters, photographers, architects, actors. There are also some doctors. Holland Village and the surrounding offbeat area was cited as one of Singapore's little Bohemias by then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong in his National Day Rally speech back in 2002. Bohemian But Ms Patel fears this bohemian aspect will be lost to the high rents as more artists leave. 'Without Chip Bee Gardens, there's no point for us to stay here,' she said. 'They (JTC) keep saying the increase is due to market forces. 'But this is not just about money. That is so short-sighted. They (JTC) don't understand the consequence that more artists will leave this community.' When contacted, JTC explained that the estate is managed on a commercial basis and so the rental rates are determined based on market comparables. Added a JTC spokesman: 'In the last two years, real estate market rentals have moved up significantly as a result of the property boom and inflow of foreign talent. 'So, Chip Bee Gardens' rentals have also been adjusted in line with market movements.' JTC said the market rent of the terraces there ranges from $3,500 to $4,000 per month, according to external valuers. JTC had also received as many as 80 rental enquiries in the last two months, and had a list of potential tenants waiting to take up any vacant unit at the prevailing rent. The estate is now at full occupancy. The spokesman said JTC would continue to monitor the market closely and adjust the rents, if necessary, to ensure that they are in line with market rates. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JTC: Rent is reasonable ARE JTC's rents pegged too high? Mr Eric Cheng, executive director of HSR Property Group, said JTC's asking rent of about $3,600 is reasonable. For example, monthly rents for inter-terrace houses in the Holland Village area were about $4,500 last year. They have dropped this year and are in the region of $3,200 to $3,800 now, depending on the unit's condition. He said: 'Their (JTC's) pricing is right. The property market may be weak, but don't forget that there is still demand for those units.' Mr Cheng advised the existing tenants to take the opportunity to secure the lease because they've enjoyed fairly low rent for the last two years. If these tenants average their rent out over the four years, their rent per month will work out to about $3,000. He said: 'I don't think some tenants leaving because of higher rents will affect the culture of the estate much, or the demographics. 'There's still demand for those houses. If a group of artists move, a different group will take over.'

anyone knows where minitoons got their supplies from?

Spotted these while shopping for new pads, backing and adhesive has been improved. They seem to be machine washable now. Has anyone tried them? Not too sure if foam compound has been changed, the finishing pad is now black in colour. Pics taken from http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=155

Hi all, GF left after 9 years,sold off my ride as well to forget eveything . Now I want to accomplish something while still alive,own a cabriolet,must die die own 1 this lifetime! But stay HDB safe to buy soft top cabrio? I aiming 1 second hand Mini Cooper S cabrio,but worried soft top can kena people cut leh Anyone stay HDB bought soft top ? Can advise? Thanks. All my frens say HDB better don't get this type, sure kena cut hole on rooftop

Don't know whether posted before...find it damn funny, hit the right spot.. Letter from Banta Singh to Mr. Bill Gates Subject: Problems with my new computer Dear Mr. Bill Gates, We have bought a computer for our home and we have found some problems, which I want to bring to your notice. 1. There is a button 'start' but there is no 'stop' button. We request you to check this. 2. One doubt is whether any 're -scooter' is available in system? I find only 're-cycle', but I own a scooter at my home. 3. There is 'Find' button but it is not working properly. My wife lost the door key and we tried a lot trace the key with this 'find' button, but was unable to trace. Please rectify this problem. 4. My child learnt 'micr*soft word' now he wants to learn 'Mi crosoft sentence', so when you will provide that? 5. I bought computer, CPU, mouse and keyboard, but there is only one icon which shows 'My Computer': when you will povide the remaining items? 6. It is surprising that windows says 'MY Pictures' but there is not even a single photo of mine. So when will you keep my photo in that 7. There is 'micr*soft OFFICE' what about 'micr*soft HOME' since I use the PC at home only 8. You provided 'My Recent Documents'. When you will provide 'My Past Documents'? 9. You provide 'My Network Places'. For God sake please do not provide 'My Secret Places'. I do not want to let my wife know where I go after my office hours. Regards, Banta Last one to Mr. Bill Gates: Sir, how is it that your name is Gates but you are selling WINDOWS...?

Is this product good for our metalic paint work ? I saw tis product selling at a very affortable price in most Gas station.. Any comment..

1. It seems that Goodyear F1 sidewall is rather soft, barely less than a year and without tracking the side profile and treads begaining to show obvious sign of thining and aging. 2. Do you guys who are on this made also experiencing the same issue? 3. I wonder which are the tyres than have a stronger side-wall that at least last a year or so. Thank you. Regards,

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