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End of an era: Kenny Rogers Roasters at Great World City will serve its last meal on Apr 14 We, as a nation of foodies, have moved on to bigger trends and better chains. Which is probably why mediocre international brands like Chili’s, Pablo Cheese Tart, and Dazzling Cafe gave it their best shot but ultimately didn’t make the cut when it comes to longevity in Singapore. On the heels of their exit from our shores, it looks like once-popular rotisserie Kenny Rogers Roasters may soon follow suit. The American restaurant chain, which opened here in 1994, used to see crowds of diners hungry for roasted chicken and corn muffins flock to its outlets. But it appears to have quietly closed down several spots in the last couple years. Apparently, at least according to the Singapore Atrium Sale Facebook page, the Great World City branch is its last, and it’s shuttering after one final day of operations on April 14. In a notice at the outlet, the management Pacific Utama thanked customers for their “patronage all these years” and notified them of the impending closure. No confirmation yet if the brand is permanently leaving Singapore, but with the Suntec City and Novena ones already gone, it seems the future could be dire for country music star Kenny Roger’s restaurant.In the online sphere, netizens have been lamenting the exit of yet another nostalgic spot, so perhaps the venue could see a spike in customers just before it closes this Sunday.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-2865342/Korean-Air-executive-kicks-flight-attendant-plane-moments-New-York-failing-serve-nuts-properly.html An executive for Korean Air is facing investigation after she reportedly delayed a flight because a member of the cabin crew didn't serve her nuts properly. The flight was was about to take off from New York's JFK Airport when Korean Air's vice-chairman Cho Yang-ho had a flight attendant removed from plane for failing to offer her a packet of macadamia nuts. South Korean news service Yonhap reports that, when prompted, the attendant gave the daughter of the airline's chief executive Cho Yang-ho macadamia nuts in a bag, and not on a plate as formal business class procedure dictates. For that oversight, Cho, who also goes by her English name Heather, reportedly yelled at the cabin crew member and ordered her off the plane as it was readying to depart JFK Airport for Incheon, near Seoul. The South Korean Government is looking into the executive's on-the-spot disciplinary action against the attendant, who hasn't been named. The plane was already in the process of being taxied to the runway but had to return to the passenger terminal, with the whole saga delaying the New York-bound plane's take-off by 11 minutes, it was confirmed by the airline. However, Korean Air also confirmed that the decision to expel the crew chief had been made in consultation with the pilot. A Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport official, who spoke to Yonhap on the condition of anonymity, said there will be a government investigation into the incident. Law dictates that the cabin crew is under the orders of the captain while on a flight. 'The official explained: ''Even if she is the vice president of the airline, she was one of passengers and should have been treated as one. 'The lesson for the flight attendant could have been given after returning to South Korea.'

Hi all, Ok, I start 1st. I find that you need to turn off the car engine and use the car key to open up the petrol cap in Citroen C5. Troublesome and I wonder whether other cars have this feature as well. Regards,

I saw this from another forum. TBH, I don't know whether to laugh or to cry when I read the portion that says medishield helped him defrayed some cost in the HIV treatment medication. But then, he claimed to be able to serve NS upon request although he has contracted AIDS. http://pozboysg.tumblr.com/post/28630808700/dereks-story-my-life-with-hiv-as-a-student Hello, I am Derek, 19 this year and in my final year of my course of study at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. I was diagnosed HIV positive in November last year and it was my first ever HIV test. On that day, Actions For AIDS (AFA) was having an anonymous HIV test booth at a local gay bathhouse and I happened to be there at the same time. I’ve always wanted to take a HIV test but due to financial constraints, I shelved the idea aside. Without much hesitation, I proceeded on with the test. The test kit needed about an hour to generate results, so I left the bathhouse to attend another appointment in the meantime. They provided me with a number to call and check my result. I made the call about an hour later. I was really scared. The fear of hearing that I’m positive. While the phonecall was still waiting to be answered, I was hoping silently inside that it would be a negative result. I remember clearly how the conversation went, and the AFA volunteer asked if I could meet them in person. Those words really got me panicking. The suspense was killing me. It got me thinking, “Why is he asking me to meet him? Is my result really positive?” so I asked, “What’s my result?” and he then replied, “It’s positive.” I really couldn’t believe what I heard when they broke the news to me, my only reply was, “Orh.” It was a mixture of shock and surprise. That was the only word I could muster. * I never planned to disclose my status to my family. Unfortunately though, when I was out one night, my parents decided to peer into my bag. They found 3 bottles of my HIV medication and even went to the extent of doing some online research! My father approached me calmly when I went home and asked me about the medication. The first two questions my Dad asked were, "Can it be transmitted through saliva?" and "Can mosquito bites transmit the virus too?" I wouldn’t say that they are fully supportive of my status and I do understand where they are coming from, since they do not have much knowledge about HIV/AIDS. They even wanted to inform my siblings about my HIV. But with me insisted on not letting my siblings know, for fear maybe they would feel very sad. Thankfully, my parents acceded to my request. Things have changed slightly after my fateful disclosure to my family members. I used to always be informed of dinnertime with family but on one occasion, my family even started having dinner without asking if I wanted to join in, in spite of reaching home a little early. It’s never been the case. Because of the issue, I had a small talk with Dad last week. He claimed that he’s perfectly fine with my status, so I’d assume the person he was talking about is my stepmother (my Dad remarried) who wasn’t really okay with my HIV status and rather worried that I might accidentally transmit the virus to her children. Not too long ago, my parents even forbade me to place my chopsticks in my mouth if I’m sharing dishes with people. My Dad claimed that he had asked people around him and they told him that you can contract HIV through saliva and sharing food. I believe this is the stigma that HIV positive Singaporeans are facing still. And however hard I tried and how many times I have told him that it is a HIV Myth, it just can’t make him understand. I tell you this sad turn of events because I feel very strongly about this issue, and I really hope things will change for the better. My advice to those who have recently tested positive for HIV is DO NOT ever tell your family members; if you do, be prepared for the worst, things will never be the same again. * I have the habit of pouring out my grievances and woes to my dearest friends whenever I am unhappy, with the hope of finding solace, support and understanding from them. Indeed, they never disappoint me. My friends are very supportive and always give me encouragement to persevere in life. I feel really blessed to have them as my confidantes. * I started my HIV anti-retroviral medication about 3 months ago. I was really scared initially whether I would be able to cope with the financial burden as well as the side-effects of the medications. The first week after I started was a little tough. There was this ‘hangover’ feeling that I’d get the next morning which would last all the way until the evening. I must say that I was very lucky to experience minimal side effects. My first line HIV medications are Efavirenz, Tenofovir and Lamivudine. CDC pharmacy prices for these medications are as such: Efavirenz (SGD $200) Lamivudine (SGD $200) Tenofovir (SGD $550) I am thankful to be a recepient of the Medifund and it helps pay for the entire cost of my medications, especially since I am a student. HIV+ young men are usually exempt from National Service responsibilities but I actually made the concious decision to serve my country. The good news is that the government would also help with the subsidies as a serviceman. I am glad to say that I have acclimatised to my medications now, though I now realise the importance of ample rest, especially as a PLHIV. * If you haven’t been tested, please do so, its bad form to only seek treatment when you start falling very sick and you are realising that something is terribly wrong. Sometimes its difficult to get back into the pink of health. And to people who have tested positive, live life to the fullest - HIV is only a small part of your life. I always tell myself, "No point crying over spilled milk. Life goes on. Dont let HIV control you. You still have your life ahead of you to lead." Be like me! Obtain a happy-go-lucky spirit. And also, don’t think too much. Whatever problems you are having, if you can, solve it. If you can’t, leave it. Or if you can, do seek help from friends who understand. Don’t be stubborn and keep all your problems to yourself. If you’re positive, I recommend you to find out more about the support group events that the Communicable Diseases Centre (CDC) organises every few months or so. The safe confines of the support group provides emotional and psychological support for HIV+ participants and you’re able to learn from each other and also be in the warm company of people who will most understand what you are going through. Also, you’d be able to gain a better knowledge of HIV through the events and you get to make new friends too! If you’re positive, all the more you should be positive! :)

http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/eat-drin...-4210619-3.html I wonder how he managed to siam NS??

Will this happen here? Well if our falling birth rate persists, no one can be certain about this. But to serve in Spec Ops units will be a long shot no matter how you look at it. Women in combat: Good to go if they meet standards By LOLITA C. BALDOR | Associated Press

From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_799326.html NS: PRs who don't serve will face adverse consequences Published on May 16, 2012 WE REFER to the commentary by Dr Leong Chan-Hoong ('Bridge the foreign-local gap with NS'; last Wednesday) and related letters ('Have alternative NS for new citizens, PRs' by Dr Harold Teng Siow Song, and 'No NS? Get new citizens, PRs to do community service' by Jack Lin in Forum Online; last Saturday) recently about national service (NS) for permanent residents (PRs). NS-liable PRs who fail to register or enlist for national service will be treated as national service defaulters. PRs who renounce their PR status without serving national service will also face adverse consequences. Their failure to serve national service will be taken into account when they subsequently apply to study or work in Singapore, or when they try to have their PR status reinstated. These adverse consequences will apply to the PRs, quoted by Dr Leong, who gave up their residency before being enlisted for national service. Under the Enlistment Act, male PRs are liable for national service. First-generation PRs who are able to contribute to Singapore economically immediately upon the grant of PR status are administratively exempted from national service. Second-generation PRs, who are sponsored by their parents for PR status and those granted PR status at a young age based on their potential to contribute to Singapore in the future, are required to serve national service and will be enlisted after age 18. Therefore, it is incorrect for any PR who is serving or has served national service to claim that he volunteered for it. National service is mandatory for PRs, just as it is for Singaporeans. Colonel Kenneth Liow Director, Public Affairs Mindef

There are a few private condos which enjoy the use of traffic lights to stop main road traffic so that residents can drive out easily.... i thought private residences including condos should not be using such LTA installed traffic lights to "obstruct" the free flow of traffic on main roads? at most yellow box which is already a big concession? anyone here living in such condo to tell us how they manage to make LTA do it and use taxpayers' money to put traffic lights to obstruct traffic?

The man himself finally speaks about his pay check and that of his kakis.... From CNA: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1177352/1/.html Vital to get ministerial pay system that works for S'pore: PM By Imelda Saad | Posted: 17 January 2012 1748 hrs SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said that it is vital to get a ministerial pay system which works for Singapore. Weighing in on the debate on ministerial salary in Parliament on Tuesday, Mr Lee said the government accepts the recommendations suggested by the review committee. He stressed though that the issue is not just about how much money ministers will get but about ensuring Singapore's future. "It's about ensuring that Singapore always has a good government, leaders who care for our people and our country, who have strong abilities to carry out the responsibilities of ministers, and to have more than that - the character to handle pressure and the mettle to provide steady leadership in a crisis," said Mr Lee. "And if we can get that right, then we can protect what we have achieved and build better lives for all. If not, then the little red dot will become the little black spot." PM Lee spoke of the challenge of building a good government and drew from his own personal experience grappling with the issue. He said he has grappled with the issue of salaries during his entire career, first in the Singapore Armed Forces, then later when he entered politics. He acknowledged that ministerial pay remains an issue for many Singaporeans, and it all came to a head in the 2011 General Election. But Mr Lee pointed out that the issue cannot be easily settled in the heat of an election campaign. "We certainly do not want an auction to the lowest bidder...people saying 'I will serve for less' and the other person says 'I will serve for even less' and you think that if you choose the cheapest one, you get the best value for money," he said. Mr Lee explained why pay is critical to Singapore. "Because pay goes to one of the core requirements for Singapore to assemble the best team to serve Singapore and if you have the wrong system of pay, you have the wrong team," he said. As Prime Minister, Mr Lee said that is his constant worry. He cited how some of the current office holders were recruited, and said he never discussed salaries with them. But Mr Lee questioned if Singapore can risk its future on the assumption that salaries do not matter. He acknowledged that there will be Singaporeans who do not care about money, but questioned if there will be enough of them to form a top-notch Cabinet. "I do not see it likely that we are going to find it easier to get good ministers in future. I think the contrary is the case. First of all, Singapore politics is becoming more complex, more uncertain. It's not a sure ride, it's not a career move," said Mr Lee. "You can lose and even if you win, the job of politics, persuading people, arguing with people, dealing with the brickbats, is a lot more complicated than before." Mr Lee added: "On the other side, there are many more exciting career opportunities available for able and ambitious young Singaporeans here and abroad. "In that situation, I think it's going to take a lot of persuading to get young people to give up these opportunities and enter politics, whatever ministers are going to get paid. "If pay is not competitive, then that's just another obstacle to the path of people who might have something valuable to add to Singapore. "(Senior Minister of State for Information, Communications and the Arts) Grace Fu was completely right in this point when she posted in her blog to say that this salary revision is okay but if you go too far, I think that's going to be a problem for many Singaporeans. She got flamed online, but she was right and she was honest to point this out." Mr Lee also agreed that ministers should be accountable, whatever the pay. And he shed some light on how he assesses his team. Discounting the two deputy prime ministers, there are currently 10 ministers at the entry-level grade and one, a grade above that. Mr Lee did not reveal who they are. But he said he expects to, in a steady state, promote more ministers to higher grades. Mr Lee said he wants to build a team comprising three tiers of ministers, that is, newer ministers developed for heavier responsibilities in future; more experienced ministers overseeing major ministries and areas of work; as well as senior ministers who help coordinate more than one ministry and oversee whole-of-government issues. Mr Lee stressed that Singaporeans must evaluate ministers fairly. He said they cannot expect ministers to never make mistakes. But when they do, he said, they must acknowledge errors and fix things. "Negligent or dishonest ministers will be sacked but ministers who do not perform well despite their best efforts will be moved to a less demanding portfolio, or, if necessary, phased out discreetly," he said. But he added exits are "delicate matters" and "must be handled with dignity and decorously". Mr Lee said it must not "be turned into a public spectacle, lest it deters even more good people from entering politics". PM Lee also explained why it's not possible to have a pre-set formula to determine the performance bonus for ministers. Each minister, he said, has different responsibilities and the way he assesses their performance is to make a subjective judgement and then consult his senior colleagues. "Ultimately Cabinet is collectively responsible for what the government does, and Singaporeans will be the final judge of the government's record at elections," he said. - CNA/ir

So can we all singapore male citizens contribute in other ways besides NS????

Stand for election? 'Ensure male candidates do NS first' By Teh Joo Lin & Cheryl Lim WORKERS' Party (WP) secretary-general Low Thia Khiang yesterday proposed amending the Constitution to ensure that all male election candidates must have done national service (NS). He said it did not feel right for male MPs to represent the people unless they have gone through that rite of passage. Mr Low did not name names, but his point was clearly aimed at People's Action Party (PAP) new face Janil Puthucheary, 38, who became a citizen in 2008 and has not gone through NS. Rejecting those without NS stints would only be fair to everyone who has been through it, he said, including himself and his Aljunied GRC teammate Chen Show Mao. Taiwan-born Mr Chen, a top corporate lawyer, did his NS before taking up citizenship in 1986. Mr Low said the PAP should not field a candidate 'who just became a new citizen without serving national service'. He pointed to the tough stance that the Government takes against Singaporean males who default on their NS obligations, and referred to statements by Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is also Defence Minister, on the subject. Mr Low pointed out that Major-General (NS) Chan Chun Sing, an MP-elect for Tanjong Pagar GRC, took a different line when asked about PAP candidates who had not done NS. He quoted MG Chan as having said that someone who was not a citizen previously might not have done NS, but the more important question was what he could contribute to Singapore. Mr Low asked: 'How can a former Chief of Army publicly state something contradictory to the Minister for Defence?' Mr Chen, who also spoke at the WP rally last night, called for a more calibrated approach to immigration, in response to Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang's comments that capping the size of the foreign workforce presented a 'real dilemma' for the Government as it would likely mean turning away big-money investments from abroad. Mr Lim had said on Sunday: 'We will keep foreign workers to one-third of the workforce, but I can tell you that one-third is a very severe limitation to us.' Mr Chen said: 'Do you know why it's one-third? I don't know. Shouldn't we send someone to Parliament to ask them?' He pointed out that the WP was not anti-immigration, but foreigners had to contribute to Singapore, instead of depressing the pay of locals. Mr Chen added: 'The test of our progress as a nation is not whether we have more for those who already have much, but whether we provide enough for those who have less.'

* Abstract from TR Chen Show Mao emigrated to Singapore when he was 14 in 1975 when we were all in Secondary 2. He was my year and with me in ACS before going on to NJC for Pre-U. He also served full time NS as Assistant Brigade S1 at HQ 3 SIB at Ulu Pandan Camp with me and I used to see him every day as we worked in the same building. Both of us ROD-ed in June 1982 back when NS was 2.5 years long for those of us with A-level qualifications. Kindly get your facts straight before you try to smear somebody. Chen Show Mao from NJC topped Singapore GCE

Double posting

PAP MP Alvin Yeo: Foreigners will not come here if we make them serve National Service In yet another sign that young Singaporeans are getting increasingly impatient and frustrated with some policies of the ruling party, a PAP MP Alvin Yeo was lobbied relentlessly with tough and sensitive questions during a policy forum held at NUS on 26 January 2010. (read the field report here) Mr Yeo was one of the panel speakers. The other two were Sylvia Lim from Workers

Rats fall from ceiling of restaurant: Source of rats being investigated, says McDonalds On September 8, STOMP received an e-mail from STOMPer Nightwind about his encounter that involved rats falling from the ceiling of a Tampines branch of McDonald's. In the original e-mail, Nightwind says:

Feb 22, 2008 No NS please, we're Indonesian PRs Indonesia has asked Singapore to exempt Indonesian citizens who are permanent residents from performing National Service. By Salim Osman, Indonesia Correspondent In Jakarta Indonesia has asked Singapore to exempt Indonesian citizens who are permanent residents from performing National Service. Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said that such an exemption was necessary as Indonesian citizens doing military service in another country risk losing their citizenship. 'For our citizens, whatever the reason, undertaking foreign military training would mean losing their citizenship under the citizenship law,' Mr Hassan was quoted as saying by the Republika daily on Friday. He said that the issue of national service for Indonesian citizens with permanent resident status had been around since the Singapore government started requiring foreign citizens with such status to be enlisted. 'In our communication with the Singapore government, we have requested that Indonesian citizens, including those with permanent resident status, to be exempted from doing national service,' he said. He did not disclose when the Indonesian government had made the request. He also said the government could only remind Indonesians that under the law, their citizenship could be revoked if they agreed to be enlisted. Correct me if I am wrong, does PRs serve NS? My understanding that their offspring would serve instead Perhaps our govt might want to cut down NS to 2yrs then make it compulsory for FTs turned PRs/Spore Citizens to serve 2.5yrs instead