[MyAppleMenu] Apr 29, 2011

[applesurf at myapplemenu.com]

MyAppleMenu
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**** Adobe Releases Lightroom 3.4 And Camera Raw 6.4 <http://www.macworld.com/article/159525/2011/04/adobe_cameraraw_lightroom.html#lsrc.rss_main>
Sam Felsing, Macworld

The updates add compatibility for a multitude of new cameras and lens profiles, add tethering support for three popular DSLRs, and fix a number of minor bugs.

**** How The iPhone Knows Where You Are <http://www.macworld.com/article/159528/2011/04/how_iphone_location_works.html>
Glenn Fleishman, Macworld

GPS is, in fact, rocket science at many levels. But the way in which Apple combines and supplements information from multiple sources to create a fast and accurate lock explains why to us as users it’s all “GPS” and just works.

**** Isolator 4.4 <http://www.macworld.com/article/159541/2011/04/isolator_gems.html#lsrc.rss_main>
Dan Frakes, Macworld

When Isolator is running, everything but the frontmost application, the Dock, and the menu bar is dimmed—”tinted” in Isolator’s nomenclature—to help you focus on the active program. Switch to another application, and that application is immediately displayed at full brightness, with other programs faded to the back. You can adjust Isolator’s tint level, from very faint to completely opaque, and you can choose the duration of the fade action, although Isolator’s range of durations is small—even the “slow” setting is faster than I’d prefer.

**** Apple Beats Microsoft In Quarterly Sales And Profits <http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/04/28/microsoft_reports_quarterly_revenues_earnings_below_apple.html>
Daniel Eran Dilger, AppleInsider

Apple's revenues and net earnings for the first calendar quarter of 2011 both beat the reported sales and profits of its rival Microsoft for the first time in recent history.

**** Gore, Ex-Apple Engineers Team Up To Blow Up The Book <http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/04/app-stars-push-pop-press/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Index+3+%28Top+Stories+2%29%29>
Brian X. Chen, Wired

What do you do after working for Apple, a company whose mission seems to be nothing less than disrupting entire industries? Easy. You start a company to create your own ding in the universe.

That’s the idea behind Push Pop Press, a digital creation tool designed to blow up the concept of the book. Frictionless self-publishing is a fertile new space, but this particular startup got a little help from former vice president Al Gore, whose exacting demands on an app version of his book Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis gave this would-be company its first real boost.

**** Samsung Sues Apple Over 10 Patents In The U.S. <http://news.cnet.com/8301-27076_3-20058468-248.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=News-Apple>
Josh Lowensohn, CNET

Adding to its lawsuits against Apple in three other countries, Samsung has filed another against the iPhone and Mac maker, this time in the U.S.

**** iPads Become Inevitable For Enterprise IT <http://www.itworld.com/mobile-wireless/160253/ipads-become-inevitable-enterprise-it>
Kevin Fogarty, ITWorld

For a lot of IT managers – who may have been hoping the whole bring-your-own-technology thing and iPad tablets specifically would go away – the rest of this year is going to be put-up or shut-up time.

IT departments that haven't started projects to support, manage and run apps on and for wirelessly connected, highly mobile tablets are shooting themselves in both feet.

**** Answering Reader Questions About My MacBook Air <http://brooksreview.net/2011/04/mba-qs/>
Ben Brooks, The Brooks Review

Regular readers know that I don’t put praise on things where it is not due — the MacBook Air is due all the praise I can heap onto it. I love this machine.

**** Apple's iPad 2 Launch In Asia Draws Long Lines <http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/04/29/apples_ipad_2_launch_in_asia_draws_crowds.html>
Josh Ong, AppleInsider

**** Mac IT Guy: Sharing Printers, Storing E-mail <http://www.macworld.com/article/159500/2011/04/shared_printers_pop_email.html#lsrc.rss_main>
John C. Welch, Macworld



MyAppleMenu Reader
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**** The Female Body <http://www.thesmartset.com/article/article04281101.aspx>
Jessa Crispin, The Smart Set

Dead girls — both real and fake — send a powerful message. It's not a good one.

**** The Forgotten Waltz By Anne Enright: Review <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookreviews/8480088/The-Forgotten-Waltz-by-Anne-Enright-review.html>
Edmund Gordon, Telegraph

Enright’s achievement in this book is not only a matter of cleverness, or of stylistic brilliance, though. Her language never becomes a character in itself, but is always pressed into the service of her story. She has an eye for the perfect, human detail and is often very moving.

**** The Advantages Of Writing In Bed <http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2011/apr/28/writing-in-bed-robert-mccrum?commentpage=1>
Robert McCrum, The Guardian

Writers like Orwell, Proust and Churchill liked doing it. Could it have been because writing in bed can help access the unconscious?



SingaporeSurf
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**** That's A Long Time To Service Home Loan <http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_662429.html>
Tan Pang Soon, Straits Times

Based on the data of a five-room flat at the price of $354,000, with a monthly instalment of $1,275 and a salary of $5,600, it would take more than 20 years just to service this loan, excluding any interest.

On top of that, with the higher property value, one would have to fork out more property tax on an annual basis. My concern would be when one begins to retire.

**** Workers' Party Rocks Hougang, 28 Apr 2011 <http://siewkumhong.blogspot.com/2011/04/workers-party-rally-at-hougang-28-apr.html>
Siew Kum Hong

Now that I'm back at home, adrenaline fading and legs aching, caught up on Facebook and much of the material from the other rallies, the question in my mind remains one asked by one of the speakers (Chen Show Mao?): last election, we also had huge crowds, but look at the voting outcome. What will it be like this time?

**** GE: NSP's Goh Meng Seng Blames SM Goh For High Cost Of Living <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125575/1/.html>
Channel NewsAsia

Instead of giving Singaporeans the Swiss standard of living as pledged, the NSP's Mr Goh said the fomer prime minister had introduced a Swiss cost of living. 

Speaking at the NSP's rally for Marine Parade GRC on Thursday night, the opposition candidate accused SM Goh of turning Singapore into a "company", and for shifting the government's focus from the people to GDP growth.

**** Democrats Take PAP To Task For Uncaring Policies At First Rally <http://yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/4781-democrats-take-pap-to-task-for-uncaring-policies-at-first-rally>
Singapore Democratic Party

Mr John Tan, who leads the Sembawang team, raised the immigration policy and its impact on employment and wages. He strongly advocated for the SDP’s Singaporeans First policy which requires employers to create an environment where Singaporeans are employed before a case can be made for employing a foreigner.

Dr James Gomez, challenged the health policies of the current Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan who is his contender in Sembawang GRC. He highlighted how the minister’s shameful statements about parents being placed in nursing homes in Johor are not new but were also made previously.

**** A Voter Speaks Up: How I Shall Choose My MPs In This GE <http://www.sgpolitics.net/?p=6659>
Elaine Wong, Sgpolitics.net

We, the more educated voters, always view such politics in our neighbours as gutter politics. I am very puzzled why Vivian Balakrishnan would want to break away from SM Goh’s call for a gentlemanly contest and move political discourse to such a low level. In an inclusive society we should not discriminate against anyone based on their race, language, religion or sexual orientation.

In a general election, I only look at whether a candidate has the passion to serve, the compassion to speak up for the poor and the duty to put their country and people first.

**** 'GRC System Not The Reason We Work With Minorities' <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110429-0000332/GRC-system-not-the-reason-we-work-with-minorities>
Tan Qiuyi, Today

Speaking after the party's walkabout, Mr Pwee said that with or without the GRC system, Opposition parties are working with minorities. He pointed out that Opposition parties have set up ethnic community bureaus because of a fundamental belief in the need to engage and represent minority voices, and not because of the GRC scheme.

**** WP's Yaw Promises To Continue Low's Work <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110429-0000351/WPs-Yaw-promises-to-continue-Lows-work>
Christopher Toh, Today

During his speech, Mr Yaw, 35, who reminded the audience a couple of times that he is Teochew, also raised the issue of upgrading in the Opposition stronghold.

He praised Hougang resident Seah Yin Hwa, who had quizzed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during a recent televised forum on why Hougang residents were "penalised" by being left out of programmes such as upgraded schemes for HDB estates.

"Upgrading ... can it be politicised for partisan advantages? No, we can't politicise that. We should give Mr Seah a big round of applause. I am proud that we have many like-minded Hougang residents like him. This is the spirit I'd like to build on," Mr Yaw said.

**** RP Campaigns On Cost Of Living, Immigration <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110429-0000352/RP-campaigns-on-cost-of-living,-immigration>
Neo Chai Chin, Today

The Reform Party (RP) has promised to listen to voters and address their concerns over issues such as the rising cost of living, affordability of housing, the influx of foreigners and overcrowded public transport.

Ang Mo Kio GRC candidate and undergraduate Lim Zi Rui asked how good the current Government was at listening. "Singapore is prosperous and has improved, but we are not all prosperous," he said in Mandarin.

**** NSP Chief Questions Policies Of Goh Chok Tong Administration <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110429-0000350/NSP-chief-questions-policies-of-Goh-Chok-Tong-administration>
Ansley Ng, Today

Referring to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) for cars and the Electronic Road Pricing system, the NSP chief said both policies were introduced during Mr Goh's tenure as measures to control traffic congestion. The Opposition leader described them instead as a revenue mechanism that failed. "Do we have congested traffic now? Who should be accountable then?" he asked. "They wanted to make money."

Turning to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which was introduced in 1994 at 3 per cent, he said: "The most famous thing they installed is the GST. What we are suffering right now is a heritage from the past, which came from the Goh Chok Tong administration. Do you want accountability from him? Do you want to vote him out?"

**** The New PAP Is Building Houses Out Of Straw, Says SDP's Michelle Lee <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110429-0000346/The-new-PAP-is-building-houses-out-of-straw,-says-SDPs-Michelle-Lee>
Cheow Xin Yi, Today

"We have been reminded not to rock Singapore's foundation and we have absolutely no intention of rocking that. The new PAP, on the other hand, are building houses of straw on this strong foundation when they should be building houses of stone," Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Michelle Lee Juen said.

Such straw houses include the casinos, which have placed temptation in the way of "many husbands and fathers" and exacerbated problems with illegal moneylending; as well as the lack of accountability over billions lost in overseas investments by state-owned vehicles like Temasek Holdings.

**** Stop Throwing Darts And Come Up With Answers, Says Shanmugam <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110429-0000340/Stop-throwing-darts-and-come-up-with-answers,-says-Shanmugam>
Ian De Cotta, Today

Although Nee Soon residents understand the cost of living is affected by price increases overseas because "Singapore imports everything", it is still a battle to win their hearts and minds, said the minister.

**** New Candidate Yaw, Accompanied By Low, Makes The Rounds In Hougang <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110429-0000315/New-candidate-Yaw,-accompanied-by-Low,-makes-the-rounds-in-Hougang>
Teo Xuanwei, Today

A day after he was officially unveiled as the candidate to defend the Hougang seat vacated by Workers' Party chief Low Thia Khiang, Mr Yaw Shin Leong was out and about yesterday morning.

It was evident that Mr Yaw was no stranger to the Hougang residents; a point Mr Low had made when he explained his rationale for choosing Mr Yaw as his successor during a press conference on Wednesday.

**** Rising Costs A Global Issue: Khaw <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110429-0000314/Rising-costs-a-global-issue--Khaw>
Cheryl Fox, Today

The problem of rising costs is not just a local but a global issue as well, said health minister Khaw Boon Wan yesterday.

He hoped that Singaporeans would not focus solely on the May 7 General Election but also on events happening around the world that could easily affect the country, such as the Middle East crisis.

**** Co-driver There To Slap Driver <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110429-0000355/Co-driver-there-to-slap-driver>
Tanya Fong, Today

Said Workers' Party (WP) secretary-general Low Thia Khiang: "Bear in mind that just putting on a safety belt and hope that the driver will drive you to your destination is not enough. A co-driver is essential, especially as road gets tougher to navigate. The co-driver is there to slap the driver when he drives off course or when he falls asleep or drives dangerously," 

**** PAP Steamrolls Policies Through: SDP <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110429-0000354/PAP-steamrolls-policies-through--SDP>
Lin Yanqin, Today

"While we see more money being wasted, we are being asked to pay more and more taxes, and levies," Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Vincent Wijeysingha said. 

The PAP, he said, "have stopped asking us what we wanted, they have steamrolled through policies and we are now struggling".

**** Nicole Seah Eyes The Foreigner Issue <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110429-0000349/Nicole-Seah-eyes-the-foreigner-issue>
Ansley Ng, Today

Speaking on the issue was the party's star attraction, Ms Nicole Seah, who said Singapore's population had increased by 26 per cent over the last decade, attributing the growth to the Republic opening its doors to foreigners. The squeeze, she added, was felt most on the public transport system.

The Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency (GRC) candidate also touched on jobs and the Goods and Services Tax (GST), reiterating that NSP will fight for Singaporeans to have priority in employment and for the GST to be reduced to 5 per cent if her party was voted into Parliament.

**** Opposition Parties Attack PAP's Record <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110429-0000345/Opposition-parties-attack-PAPs-record>
Loh Chee Kong, Today

Spread across the island at four rally sites, the Opposition sang from the same hymn sheet as they harped on a litany of what they argued were results of the PAP's mismanagement: The recent flooding incidents, the influx of foreigners, the congestion on public transport, the growing income disparity, the rising cost of living and the high property prices. Contrasting the high ministerial salaries to the sums that those under the Public Assistance scheme receive, some of the Opposition candidates also attacked the PAP for not caring enough for the people. 

These are signs that the "new PAP" cadre, a term coined by Singapore Democratic Party candidate Michelle Lee, do not match up to their predecessors - a comparison drawn by three of the four Opposition parties that held their rallies last night.

**** PAP Ministers Warn Of 'Dark Clouds' On Horizon <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110429-0000341/PAP-ministers-warn-of-dark-clouds-on-horizon>
Derrick Paulo, Today

PM Lee said: "We can see dark clouds on the horizon - the political upheavals in the Middle East, the tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan, serious debt problems in Europe, and a crisis in government finances in the US.  Our neighbouring countries also face security challenges from extremists and terrorists. All these could impact our growth, stability and security."

**** PAP Minister On SDP Manifesto ... <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110429-0000353/PAP-minister-on-SDP-manifesto-,,,>
Shamir Osman, Today

"It may have attraction in the short term but actually represents a significant threat to our long-term security." Drawing down on the reserves, deputy prime minister Teo Chee Hean explained, would impact the Singapore dollar's exchange rate and "make inflation worse for ordinary Singaporeans".

**** Nicole Seah Makes Political Rally Debut <http://yawningbread.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/nicole-seah-makes-political-rally-debut/>
Alex Au, Yawning Bread

**** Young Candidates Of Substance <http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/4/28/nation/8566284&sec=nation>
Shahanaaz Habib, The Star

“They are looking for someone who can give them hope, who can promise them change and who can tell them this is your hands' and you have the ownership of how you want to steer the country forward',” said Nicole Seah, who is the youngest candidate to stand in the May 7 election and currently Singapore's second most popular politician on Facebook.

She acknowledged that it was rare for a 24-year-old to say “yes, I want to be the one to make a change”, but quickly added that “politics is not about a certain type or breed of people”. “It is a representation of the different voices we have in society. This might not be restricted to older folk. Even younger people have issues and areas of concern.

**** GE: If Workers' Party Loses Hougang... <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125481/1/.html>
Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia

Mr Yaw Shin Leong acknowledged that being sent to the ground was "a heavy responsibility". Referring to the party's election slogan, he said: "I promise to do my very best... so that we can strive towards this First World Parliament".

**** Lee Kuan Yew Tells Old ‘Grandmother Story’ Again On How His PAP Created Today’s Singapore <http://singaporege2011.wordpress.com/2011/04/26/lee-kuan-yew-tells-old-grandmother-story-again-on-how-his-pap-created-todays-singapore/>
Singapore Election 2011

**** Ministers Come Under Heavy Fire At SDP Rally <http://www.straitstimes.com/GeneralElection/News/Story/STIStory_662423.html>
Ignatius Low, Straits Times

Singapore's cabinet ministers were taken to task on Thursday at the Singapore Democratic Party's (SDP) first rally for the General Election, for being incompetent and undeserving of their high salaries.

Minister for national development Mah Bow Tan came under the heaviest fire, as SDP candidates accused him of negligently allowing the price of HDB flats to become unaffordable for young couples in Singapore.

Health minister Khaw Boon Wan was again taken to task for alleged comments he had made about nursing homes. SDP's James Gomez claimed Mr Khaw had suggested Singaporeans send their aged parents to homes not just Johor Baru but also to Bintan and Batam. The minister is leading the PAP team in Sembawang GRC, which SDP is contesting.

**** Party Political Broadcast 1 – 28 Apr 2011 <http://whyliddat.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/party-political-broadcast-1-28-apr-2011/>
Why Liddat?

In case you got caught up with the rallies and missed the first run of party broadcasts, here are the main points of each party’s speech, in the order they spoke, based on the notes I took during the speeches.

**** Four Legs Good, Two Lees Bad <http://singaporedesk.blogspot.com/2011/04/four-legs-good-two-lees-bad.html>
Singapore Notes

MM Lee himself warned of a government on auto-pilot, blind to the realities of the moment. Wong Kan Seng is singing the tune that a terrorist on the loose was no danger to the country, just because he wasn't slapped out of his complacency stupor. Mah Bow Tan repeats ad nauseam that public housing is affordable, while omitting the inconvenient truth that a 30-year mortgage results in zero balance at the twilight years of retirement. Assuming that he can count, Vivian Balakrishnan must have known the expenses for the YOG were busting the budget, but there was no one there to restrain his intoxicated spending. Teo Chee Hean is having a field day distorting an opposition member's remark that spending $16 billion for the people is small change, but did anybody whisper to his ear about the 50 billions lost by GIC alone? And the 59 billions blown by Temasek? Lee Hsien Loong himself is holding on stubbornly to his Workfare solution for the poor, blinkered from the sights of little old ladies carting used cardboard to stay alive for another day. How will their suffering be salved by the snake-oil of Workfare? All these characters operating with tunnel vision, setting their sights solely on the GDP bonus, are running amok simply because the co-pilot's seat is empty. They may bleat in unison four legs good, two legs bad, but two Lees are definitely lousy for the country. Especially when one of them is way, way past the use-by date.

**** SDP Puts On A Fiery Show <http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/04/sdp-puts-on-a-fiery-show/>
Jewel Philemon, The Online Citizen

Perhaps the most popular candidate was Dr Vincent Wijeysingha, whose entrance was marked by a massive roar followed by the crowd chanting his name. He graciously wished the PAP the best of luck, and hoped that the best man or woman will win. He also assured the people that the SDP’s only aim and agenda was to help Singaporeans ask the hard questions in parliament, and to “step into a future with no one left behind”. “I have no other agenda than your agenda,” Dr. Wijeysingha told the euphoric crowd.

If this first SDP rally is any sign, the crowds would only swell further in the up-coming week. Such is the strength of SDP’s slate of candidates that impressed many people in the crowd tonight. It is clearly the SDP team’s message that the public is responding well to. As Dr Wijeysingha summed up for the folks in Commonwealth, “All Singaporeans deserve to be happy and fulfilled. We are not just economic digits!”

**** Poor Turnout At PAP’s First GE Rally <http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/poor-turnout-pap-first-ge-rally-184231332.html>
Fann Sim, Yahoo!

If the outcome for this General Election was based purely on rally attendances, the Opposition would win hands down.

**** Devil Fight Devil <http://singaporelifetimes.blogspot.com/2011/04/devil-fight-devil.html>
Singapore Life And Times

**** Make Things Right For Singapore... <http://singaporemind.blogspot.com/2011/04/make-things-right-for-singapore.html>
Diary Of A Singapore Mind

It is difficult for the PAP govt only because they care little about the poor and elderly. They want to send our elderly to Malaysia and have failed to seriously address the issue of growing poverty and rising income gap. The real burning question is how long do we want to wait for them to fix the problems they created? 

**** Hammering Their Way Into People’s Hearts <http://newasiarepublic.com/?p=27994>
Christopher Pang, New Asia Republic

As a libertarian, it is heartening to hear these three speakers. It gave me hope that we might be able to witness a better democratic system towards a better parliament. First world or not, we can only wait and see. However I did sense the difference in opinions on the grounds based on the level of cheering on different issues. For housing, the older generation seems to be quieter than the younger generation. For costs of living, the cheers come from the older generation. How this will translate into a voting results is difficult to predict. It seems apparent that everyone has his/her agenda in voting. It is definitely the same for every MP going into parliament, be it for the money, to serve the people or even fighting for rights of the minorities. The Workers’ Party has shown its hand by putting all its eggs into a basket to contest for Aljunied GRC.

**** Why We Need Opposition Parties To Be Co-driver <http://blog.dk.sg/2011/04/29/why-we-need-opposition-parties-to-be-co-driver/>
Dee Kay Dot As Gee

The ministerial pay hike is not the only Bill that is not good for Singapore. There are several other Bills that most Singaporeans disagree. But we can’t do anything about it. The ruling party control the Parliament.

We need to do something to stop this from happening. The people of Singapore need to be represented in the Parliament. We need to have the power to say no to bad Bills.

**** Workers’ Party Rally: S’poreans Taken For A Ride Without Co-driver <http://rogerpoh.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/workers-party-rally-sporeans-taken-for-a-ride-without-co-driver/>
Spotlight On Singapore

The only way the ruling People’s Action Party can save its skin is to accept change, listen to public opinion and introduce political reforms.

**** Chen: Don’t Be The Cowardly Lion <http://satayclub.net/2011/04/chen-dont-be-the-cowardly-lion/>
Satayclub.net

**** To Build A Home: From Hougang To Aljunied <http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/04/to-build-a-home-from-hougang-to-aljunied/>
Khairulanwar Zaini, The Online Citizen

But Low later built upon his co-driver analogy, maintaining that ‘if the driver is friendly and drives responsibly, we just keep talking to him to keep him awake’. And here Low hints to the key behind attaining a First World Parliament: whether parliamentary diversity leads to consensual and constructive engagement depends not so much on the opposition, but on the ruling party. If the PAP can play fair and be responsible, then it would not find a plural parliament as a problem.

And playing fair seems to be hard for the ruling party. Sylvia Lim called on the PAP to ‘treat citizens fairly’ – invoking the contentious use of public funds to discriminate against non-PAP wards.  Hougang and Potong Pasir have often been overlooked for estate upgrading programmes as the ruling party prioritises its own constituencies. Considering that the residents of these two wards are required to pay the same amount of tax, Lim maintained that the ruling party’s policy was tantamount to using ‘Potong Pasir and Hougang [residents’] money to reward others.’ In a recent forum with university undergraduates, the Prime Minister had offered the residents of the two wards his solution for this quandary: vote the PAP.

But this is nothing short of ‘bullying’, said Lim.

**** Vincent Wijeysingha Moves The Crowd At The SDP Rally At Commonwealth (& Kenneth Jeyaretnam At West Coast) <http://singaporeactually.com/2011/04/29/vincent-wijeysingha-moves-the-crowd-at-the-rally/>
Singapore Actually

What I love also is whenever I see unity between the Alternative parties and I feel a sense of respect between SDP and RP.

**** When In Doubt, Turn To The Data (GDP And Median Household Income) <http://flaneurose.blogspot.com/2011/04/when-in-doubt-turn-to-data-gdp-and.html>
Flaneurose

**** When In Doubt, Turn To The Data (Generational Shift Effect) <http://flaneurose.blogspot.com/2011/04/when-in-doubt-turn-to-data-generational.html>
Flaneurose

**** The Great Steve Tan Cover-up <http://satayclub.net/2011/04/the-great-steve-tan-cover-up/>
Wayne Sim, Satayclub.net

The scandal also casts doubt on the PAP’s selection process, which has already been criticised as being too insular, seeing as its candidates have mostly been drawn from a small inner circle of civil servants, SAF generals and NTUC unionists. The possibility that no due diligence was done before Mr Lee made the decision to field Mr Tan as a candidate reflects poorly on the PAP leadership, and the PM stands to lose votes if he does not give a full account to the public.

**** Important: Do Not Write Anything Other Than A Cross On Your Voting Slip. <http://singaporege2011.blogspot.com/>
Wake Up Singapore!

Please be reminded that you should not write anything other than a cross when you are casting your vote.

Even if you have crossed the box, you should not write anything else.

Don't draw smiley faces, don't draw middle fingers, don't draw peanuts or hammers or anything!

**** Low In Aljunied: Masterstroke Or Fatal Mistake? <http://article14.blogspot.com/2011/04/low-in-aljunied-masterstroke-or-fatal.html>
Article 14

Such a scenario is not improbable and our Parliament might go back to where it was 30 years ago when all seats were occupied by the PAP before JBJ broke into Parliament in the 1981 Anson by-election. That is the doomsday scenario for the opposition. But, it is a scenario that does not bode well for the future of our country.

**** Legislation, Not Administration. <http://kirstenhan.me/2011/04/29/legislation-not-administration/>
Funny Little World

If I vote against the PAP on May 7, it will be because I feel that the PAP should not have such an overwhelming presence in Parliament. I don’t care about whether they have groupthink or not – I just want there to be more groups. I want there to be more groups so that the PAP can no longer just bulldoze through policies that do not really address the needs of Singaporeans. So that the PAP will be forced to get in touch with the people again, instead of being complacent in their ivory towers, ignoring the needs of the lower-income.

When I wake up on May 8, I want to find out that the PAP has less seats, and that there are more alternative parties in Parliament. And the only way I can contribute towards that is to vote against the PAP in my GRC.

**** A Short Reflection On The Opposition Rally <http://logos-pistis.blogspot.com/2011/04/short-reflection-on-opposition-rally.html>
In the Beginning was the Logos...

Well, if the ideology of PAP goes unchecked, the coming generation will not survive, but instead go utterly extinct.

**** The Paradox Of An Electorate’s Emotional Dilemma <http://thethinkingfishtank.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/the-paradox-of-an-electorate’s-emotional-dilemma/>
The Thinking Fish Tank

At the end of the day, the Worker’s Party is working within our “democratic framework” to bring us democracy. Perhaps the incumbents should review the “democratic framework” that they have set up over the past decade and question if, in actuality, they are the root cause of such emotional dilemmas and burden. Certainly, there can be nothing wrong when the opposition fields a strong team in any GRC. In fact, voters should be glad that they are able to choose from two high caliber teams.

**** Singapore's Top Satirist Thrives In Election Season <http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gbX3fMhqrpRtzQXpsSd22KeVAr9A?docId=CNG.de91b56f8456056a3aee9514e682a9d5.301>
Philip Lim, AFP

Lee insists he is a non-partisan figure and argues that the PAP's overwhelming dominance simply makes it a "big fat target" for satire. "They're going to get more of the nonsense from me because they permeate our lives more, so there's more opportunity for humor there," he told AFP.

**** Low To Yeo: Clarify What Happens To Aljunied Plans If PAP Loses <http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/04/low-to-yeo-clarify-what-happens-to-aljunied-plans-if-pap-loses/>
Jessica Lim, The Online Citizen

When asked for comments, Workers’ Party (WP) Secretary General Low Thia Khiang questioned what exactly the PAP’s plans were for the area. In January this year, George Yeo had announced plans for Hougang under the HDB’s ‘Remaking our Heartland’ programme. “Is that the government’s plan or the PAP’s plan?” questioned Low. “Please make it clear.”

He also asked the PAP how much it would be putting into Hougang this time round. In 2006, the PAP had dangled a S$100 million carrot for upgrading Hougang if its candidate was elected. ”It should be more I expect?” said Low.

**** WP's Low Thia Kiang: Is Foreign Minister, George Yeo, Concerned About WP's "A" Team? <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110429-0000849/WPs-Low-Thia-Kiang--Is-Foreign-Minister,-George-Yeo,-concerned-about-WPs-A-team?>
Joanne Chan, Today

Mr Low said: "I would ask if it's Mr George Yeo's plan, or is it the Government's plan, let's make clear here. And if it's George Yeo's plan or the PAP's plan, where the money comes from, let us know. We are not the Government, so we currently would not be able to give you a local plan until we take over the town council, and we will be able to tell you what we want to do. But for sure, I've been in Hougang for 20 years, and if you look at Hougang yourself, Hougang is not a slum."

**** Print Media — Some Things Change, Some Things Stay The Same <http://yawningbread.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/print-media-some-things-change-some-things-stay-the-same/>
Yawning Bread

The days may be over when newspapers can be used to blatantly twist stories or allocate coverage to benefit the PAP, but there are subtle ways nonetheless to set an agenda favourable to the ruling party.

**** The Chicken Little Election Strategy <http://singaporedesk.blogspot.com/2011/04/chicken-little-election-strategy.html>
Singapore Notes

Stay the course, stand by the incumbents, we will steer you clear of the hidden dangers as before, is the new mantra of the ruling party. The hiccup here is that when Charlie Rose asked Lee Hsien Loong why Singapore was not sunk by the 2008 crisis, Lee said, "“I think firstly we were lucky.  The world picked up better than we expected.  I think the American team, Paulson and Bernanke, Geithner did a good job and we are beneficiaries." See, nothing to do with skill, knowledge or experience, it was pure dumb luck.

**** Brace Yourself For 87-0 <http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/04/letter-to-toc-brace-yourself-for-87-0/>
Loh Kai Herng, The Online Citizen

If Mr Low and Mr Chiam lose – and the opposition has always lost a GRC fight – come May 8, we will read in this newspaper that we will have no opposition MP in parliament for the next five years. We would have then done nothing but only succeeded in gagging ourselves, and killing our fledging democratic movement.

No one claims that our democracy is perfect. But if we continue to be apathetic and unwilling to give the opposition a chance, then be prepared to live for the next five years with no elected alternative voices in Parliament. My fellow Singaporeans, are you prepared for 87-0?

**** 21-year Old Disgusted With Straits Times <http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/04/21-year-old-disgusted-with-straits-times/>
Wong Pei Ting, The Online Citizen

I stand as a citizen trying to make a decision in this elections which side I will be on. But I am saying that Straits Times, you should start waking up and write what citizens deserve to hear. Maybe you had been driving the vehicle too long and have become complacent too? Yours shouldn’t be a bunch of politically correct words. You should report truth, as it is. Uninterrupted.

**** GE: Door-to-door Visits Vs New Media In Sembawang GRC Contest <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125688/1/.html>
Cheryl Fox, Channel NewsAsia

**** Emotional Dilemna Created By WP? Mr George Yeo, The PAP Did It First In 1991! <http://www.sgpolitics.net/?p=6670>
Ng E-Jay, Sgpolitics.net

The most famous emotional dilemna that the PAP placed on voters nationwide was in 1991, when Mr Goh Chok Tong, the newly minted Prime Minister, told the electorate that he regarded the 1991 GE as a referendum on him.

While we are on the topic of emotional dilemnas, what do you then call the PAP policy of giving higher priority for HDB flat and lift upgrading to constituencies who are not under the opposition?

**** Will Hougang, Potong Pasir Remain SMCs In Next GE? <http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC110429-0001081/Will-Hougang,-Potong-Pasir-remain-SMCs-in-next-GE?>
Andrew Lim, Today

Perhaps prime minister Lee Hsien Loong can give residents the assurance that these two wards will remain as SMCs for the next election so that residents can give an assessment of the performance of the two PAP candidates, should they be elected this time. If not, then the residents will have no chance to reject their MP if these two wards become part of a GRC.

**** Shanmugam Questions WP's Co-driver Analogy <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110429-0001026/Shanmugam-questions-WPs-co-driver-analogy>
Ian De Cotta, Today

"Mr Low is not satisfied with being a watchdog. He wants to jump next to the driver's seat. Do you really want a co-driver who will be fighting with the driver to take over the wheel and slapping, kicking him? Is this the way forward?"

**** GE: Shanmugam Says Crowd At Opposition Rallies Not Unusual <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125739/1/.html>
Sharon See, Channel NewsAsia

Mr Shanmugam said: "In the previous election and elections before that, the rallies of some opposition parties attracted crowds of such size. What the PAP stands for are our track record, what we are going to do, it's all very clear. But at the same time, there isn't too much fun and entertainment at PAP rallies either."

"As for the opposition, I think people are curious as to what they've proposed, what they want to do, and people want to listen, which is a good thing."

**** GE: Disqualified Tanjong Pagar Team Returns Donation <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125738/1/.html>
Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia

The opposition team which was disqualified from contesting in Tanjong Pagar Group Representation Constituency (GRC) said it has returned about 80 to 90 per cent of the money it received from well-wishers.

**** æ–°åŠ å¡ä¸ºä»€ä¹ˆä¼šæœ‰åå¯¹å…š <http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_4910bb4301017kja.html?tj=1>
孤独川陵

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**** GE: No "Empty Promises", Says WP <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125749/1/.html>
Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia

Workers' Party (WP) chief Low Thia Khiang said the party will not make "empty promises" to voters, and that his party's focus is on what is at stake for Singapore.

Mr Low said: "I think Singaporeans do understand that a First World Parliament is not an abstract concept. You ask people on the ground, people will tell you, yes, basically we can't let the PAP rule everything and capture all the seats. We need opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) to represent us and to speak up for them."

"They also can see the outcome of a First World Parliament would translate into good policies, into safeguarding their rights and interests, and probably resulting in a better life".

**** I Live Here, I Know Sengkang West Well: WP Candidate <http://www.straitstimes.com/GeneralElection/News/Story/STIStory_662771.html>
Fiona Low, Straits Times

Workers'' Party (WP) candidate Koh Choong Yong is confident he can represent voters in SengKang West because he has been a resident of the ward for 10 years.

'I am a part of the people here. I think I can safely say that as a result of the 10 years that I have lived here, I know the place,' said Mr Koh, speaking to The Straits Times during a Friday morning walkabout in Anchorvale Road.

**** GE: WP Eyes "Flexible" Help System <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125759/1/.html>
Channel NewsAsia

The Workers' Party (WP) team contesting in Moulmein-Kallang Group Representation Constituency (GRC) said if elected, it would adopt a flexible system where residents can approach any of them for help.

Ms Frieda Chan said residents seeking help are currently restricted to specific Members of Parliament (MPs) based on the zoning of the wards, which has led to some inconvenience.

**** 'Allegations Are False And My Conscience Is Clear' <http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/ntuc-youth-wing-leader-drops-ge-race-020245855.html>
Fann Sim, Yahoo!

Rumours on internet forums said his decision could be down to harrassment issues when he was working at the National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) umbrella union. Allegations have been made against him by female former colleagues while letters have also reportedly been sent to the Prime Minister's Office.

**** GE: SDP Talks About Foreign Workers In Rally <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125773/1/.html>
Channel NewsAsia

Assistant Secretary-General of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) John Tan on Friday brought up the issue of foreign workers taking away local jobs, at the party's night-time rally at the Jurong East Stadium.

At the same rally, SDP candidate for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC Tan Jee Say issued a challenge to minister for community development,youth and sports Vivian Balakrishnan. He asked the minister to account for the S$387 million spent on the Youth Olympic Games (YOG), from an initial budget of about S$104 million.

"Let me give you a piece of advice, Mr Minister; manage your own ministry's budget first, before you comment about the figures of other people."

**** GE: First World Parliament - An Original Idea? <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125776/1/.html>
Dominique Loh, Channel NewsAsia

Mr Goh said of more value for debate is to consider the merits of a first-rate government.  "First-rate government is a government which produces results," he said.

**** GE: Road To Politics Tough For Opposition: Yee Jenn Jong <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125777/1/.html>
Dylan Loh, Channel NewsAsia

"Now the government knows that monopoly in business is bad, so they passed the competition, or anti-trust law to prevent monopolies from taking place. But when it comes to politics, they say no, they must have everything. They must have monopoly of the Parliament," Mr Yee said.