[MyAppleMenu] Apr 30, 2011

applesurf at myapplemenu.com applesurf at myapplemenu.com
Sat Apr 30 18:59:00 EDT 2011


MyAppleMenu
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**** How To Delete Your Mac's Web Browser History <http://www.macworld.com/article/159539/2011/04/deletewebhistory.html#lsrc.rss_main>
Michael Harvey, Macworld

If you’re concerned about your privacy, it’s a good idea to clear the history when you’re done browsing. The downside is that you no longer have your history to find a site you may have stumbled upon, though you might be able to find that site again through Web search.

**** Mail Designer Lets You Get Creative With Stationery <http://www.macworld.com/article/159562/2011/04/mail_designer_stationery.html#lsrc.rss_main>
David Chartier, Macworld

Since Apple introduced stationery to Mail in Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, a handful of shops like Jumsoft and Equinux have offered add-on stationery packs that offer a little variety from Apple’s slim selection. Now Equinux is going one step further with Mail Designer, a new tool that allows you to design and customize your own stationery for Mail.

**** Tip Of The Week: Making Notes In iBooks <http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/tip-of-the-week-making-notes-in-ibooks/?partner=rss&emc=rss>
J.d. Biersdorfer, New York Times

**** Apple's Upcoming 'Reading List' For Safari To Compete With Instapaper And ReadItLater <http://www.macrumors.com/2011/04/29/apples-upcoming-reading-list-for-safari-to-compete-with-instapaper-and-readitlater/>
Arnold Kim, MacRumors

Apple is working on a new feature for Safari in Apple's Mac OS X Lion that will bring a different kind of bookmarking functionality to the browser. Apple calls it "Reading List" and is meant to offer users a way to save pages for later reading.

**** Create A Mother’s Day Card With iPhoto ’11 <http://www.macworld.com/article/159579/2011/04/mdaycard.html#lsrc.rss_main>
Adam Berenstain, Macworld

Mother’s Day is fast approaching, but that doesn’t have to mean giving mom just another basket of flowers or a phone call (not that she’d mind either or both). With iPhoto ’11, you can design a beautiful and memorable custom card to accompany your other heartfelt messages. Here’s how.

**** What Safari’s “Reading List” In Lion Means For Instapaper <http://www.marco.org/2011/04/30/lion-safari-reading-list>
Marco Arment



MyAppleMenu Reader
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**** Embassytown <http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/332d6644-711f-11e0-acf5-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=rss>
James Lovegrove, Financial Times

This is a novel about language – in particular Miéville’s love of language, evident in his use of neologisms and allusive derivations. His prose bristles with verbal invention and at moments verges on a sort of dense polyglot poetry.

But there is also an underlying theme of language as a means of social control. Words can bridge gulfs of understanding but can also, whether inadvertently or not, lead to tragic misunderstanding.

**** How Writers Build The Brand <http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/01/books/review/how-writers-build-the-brand.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss>
Tony Perrottet, New York Times

In this era when most writers are expected to do everything but run the printing presses, self-promotion is so accepted that we hardly give it a second thought. And yet, whenever I have a new book about to come out, I have to shake the unpleasant sensation that there is something unseemly about my own clamor for attention. Peddling my work like a Viagra salesman still feels at odds with the high calling of literature.

**** The Novel As Puzzle <http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/01/books/review/book-review-there-is-no-year-by-blake-butler.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss>
Joseph Salvatore, New York Times

This novel is a thing of such strange beauty that digging for answers of your own will yield the rewards that only well-made art can provide.

**** Rereading: Great Food Writers <http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/apr/30/rereading-great-food-series-penguin-cooking?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Fbooks%2Frss+%28Books%29>
Bee Wilson, The Guardian

As for the content, they are eloquent reminders that food writing is not just about food. These books have the power to summon up – and often prescribe – an entire way of life.



SingaporeSurf
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**** GE: SPP's Chiam See Tong Urges Mas Selamat Accountability <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125788/1/.html>
Wayne Chan, Channel NewsAsia

The Singapore People's Party's (SPP) Secretary-General Chiam See Tong said he is a living example that Singaporeans have nothing to fear when it comes to joining the opposition to demand more accountability and transparency from the government.

Mr Chiam, who spoke on Friday at a rally held near Jurong West Ave 3, said that as the highest paid ministers in the world, Singapore ministers need to be more accountable.

"Take for example our Minister Wong Kan Seng," Mr Chiam said. "He is paid highest in the world. And yet, at the same time, although he has a great responsibility, he cannot keep his responsibility. It was in his charge that ... Mas Selamat escaped from.... his care. When he escaped, the danger grew, and the minister, though the highest paid in the world, escaped with only an apology. How can that be so? He should take the full responsibility."

**** GE: Raising Salaries "Robin Hood" Style: SDA Sidney Soon <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125801/1/.html>
Channel NewsAsia

Kicking off the SDA rally in Sengkang East Friday evening, one of its candidates Mr Sidney Soon rebutted comments made by PAP's candidate Mr Gan Thiam Poh who had questioned how the SDA intended to fund such a move.

Mr Soon said: "The money can come from reduction, in the salaries of the top management, including the ministers. This is modern day 'robin hood', robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. In this way, the income gap can be further moderated."

**** 6 Dumb Singaporean Election Claims <http://mollymeek.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/6-dumb-singaporean-election-claims/>
Molitics

It is actually untrue that opposition politicians have done nothing for the people. It is just that the nature of what they are doing is going to be different from what their MPs do. Because they are not MPs. Would Dr. Chee Soon Juan and company get into so much trouble with the law if they have done nothing to speak up for the people?

If Singaporeans continue subscribing to the belief that the PAP has done a good job, then the PAP will continue doing the same good job it has been doing.

It might even do better. More foreigners to create jobs for us. More GST to help us financially. More ERP gantries to ease traffic jams. More fare hikes to solve bus and taxi problems. More restrictions in expression to promote harmony and social cohesion. More liberal immigration policies to compensate for low birth rates. More work-till-you-drop policies. More CPF withdrawal restrictions. More “affordable” HDB flats. More opacity in governmental spending in events like the YOG. More smear tactics against the opposition during elections. More happy Singaporeans dismissing the validity of your misery.

**** How Many People At The Workers’ Party Rally In Serangoon? <http://yawningbread.wordpress.com/2011/04/30/how-many-people-at-the-workers-party-rally-in-serangoon/>
Alex Au, Yawning Bread

But let’s say Aljunied voters were over-represented at the rally. At the low end, we can assume that they made up twice their normal weightage, i.e. 12.2 percent; at the high end, we’ll assume they made up four times their normal weightage. Then, if we use the middle figure of 48,000 people in the stadium, only 5,800 to 11,700 of those at the rally were really Aljunied voters.

That’s not a big chunk of Aljunied voters. That’s only 4 to 8 percent of the 143,148 who will cast their ballots in that constituency next week. In other words, however enthusiastic the people were at the rally, it really says very little about how the vote will turn out in that constituency.

**** Bus Driver Self-Pwn <http://mollymeek.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/bus-driver-self-pwn/>
Molitics

Does the power to ask for information equate to the power to get the information being asked for? For instance, does the power to ask for the exact employment statistics of Singapore citizens and PRs without the two groups being lumped together equate to the power to have access to the information?

Does the power to ask come with the power to influence? If not, what’s the point of asking?

**** A Tick For SDA? <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110430-0000272/A-tick-for-SDA?>
Today

SDA secretary-general Desmond Lim told Today that this was done deliberately to 'create public attention'. 'This will prompt people to take a closer look at the poster and allow them to know us,' said Mr Lim, who will be standing in Punggol East.

**** SDP's James Gomez Uses New Media To Reach Out To Voters <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110430-0000276/SDPs-James-Gomez-uses-new-media-to-reach-out-to-voters>
Sharon See, Today

"It's about communicating policies effectively through a multi-medium platform. And the SDP is using a mixture of platforms, including traditional house visits and traditional visits to the hawker centre, websites, rallies and trainings," Dr Gomez told MediaCorp yesterday.

Dr Gomez said that he had two questions for Mr Khaw: What policy was he communicating during his house visits, and how many of the homes he visited were foreign households?

**** PAP's Promises Of 2006 Not Fulfilled, Says NSP <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110430-0000305/PAPs-promises-of-2006-not-fulfilled,-says-NSP>
Tan Weizhen, Today

Homing in on the ruling party's promise then of a better life for all, the candidate for Chua Chu Kang GRC Jeisilan Sivalingam cited a study by Swiss bank UBS which showed that the wages of average Singaporeans have declined. "Singapore has a purchasing power lower than that of Malaysia. Can you believe that?" he said to the crowd at the rally for the Radin Mas SMC.

Calling on Singaporeans to examine the PAP's track record, he said: "Yes, we have definitely advanced as a nation, (from) 40 years ago ... But the last five to 10 years? Definitely no."

**** What Is Wrong With Education, Asks SDP's Teo <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110430-0000310/What-is-wrong-with-education,-asks-SDPs-Teo>
Christopher Toh, Today

Citing the statistic that 97 out of 100 students have to receive tuition on top of attending school, Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for Yuhua single-seat ward Teo Soh Lung, 62, posed this question to her direct opponent, the People's Action Party's (PAP) Grace Fu, who is Senior Minister of State for National Development and Education: What is wrong with the education system?

The problem, said Ms Teo, was that parents spend "as much as S$500 a month" on tuition fees. She also lamented having too many students in a classroom managed only by one teacher. "How come after over 50 years of PAP rule we still have 40 students in a class and not 20 students in a class - as in a First World nation? I feel so sad that the system has deteriorated."

**** SDP's Tan Jee Say Questions DPM Teo, Dr Balakrishnan <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110430-0000313/SDPs-Tan-Jee-Say-questions-DPM-Teo,-Dr-Balakrishnan>
Christopher Toh, Today

Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Tan Jee Say - who is contesting in the Holland-Bukit Timah Group Representation Constituency - has taken both Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean and Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, to task after being chided for calling the S$60 billion he had wanted to use from the national reserves "small change".

"Let me ask the honourable minister, did you ask GIC, the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation, and Temasek Holdings how many zeros there were ... lost in bad investments?" he said.

"Singaporeans have not been told the true figures of their investment losses. But their refusal to disclose the figures can only mean it was not small. (That money) is lost - but my S$60 billion that I have proposed will remain invested in Singapore schools, hospitals, polyclinics, daycare centres for children and the elderly, business enterprises of our young professionals."

**** Opposition Needed For Democracy: Chiam <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110430-0000309/Opposition-needed-for-democracy--Chiam>
Lin Yanqin, Today

Said Mr Chiam: "In order for democracy to grow, you must have opposition. And in order to reach democracy, you must have transparency and accountability,"

Bringing up the issue of ministerial salaries, Mr Chiam said: "If we have more transparency and accountability, we shall know why our ministers get paid so much."

Mr Chiam said that Mr Wong, for instance, is among the highest-paid ministers in the world and yet he "could not keep up with the responsibility", and terrorist leader Mas Selamat Kastari escaped from detention under his watch.

**** 'Look After Yourselves First' <http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110430-0000311/Look-after-yourselves-first>
Teo Xuanwei, Today

Workers' Party secretary-general Low Thia Khiang retorted that "nothing is more against the spirit of democracy than the GRC (system)", a system which is in the People's Action Party's (PAP) self-interest. He cited the example of the PAP's last-minute induction of Dr Chia Shi-Lu, who became an MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC via a walkover.

He told the crowd: "Let me tell you, if no Opposition is able to break through a GRC, you will be forever shackled under the system. The power to vote will be just symbolic and your voice will be limited."

**** Nation Before Self <http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_662820.html>
Ang Miah Boon, Straits Times

National interest comes before constituency interest. Isn't this what the People's Action Party has been trying to educate us: Nation before self; no country, no people?

If I believe it is in the interest of Singapore to have a strong and credible opposition, then my duty is to vote in the most credible opposition.

**** Walkabout Absence Common Across Parties <http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_662826.html>
Chua Wan Chern, Straits Times

However, PAP candidates themselves, after being elected, are not seen, at least in the constituency I belong to - Jurong GRC.

During the last elections, my constituency was a walkover GRC. After the elections, the only times I saw my MPs were at events.

**** The True Singapore Girl <http://feedmetothefish.blogspot.com/2011/04/true-singapore-girl.html>
Feed Me To The Fish

It is a shame that Singaporeans have been so brainwashed by the MSM especially Straits Times and Channel News Asia that most have been confused and do not know the difference between the government and PAP. It is worse so when PAP thinks of itself as the "forever government" of Singapore! The audacity of the Prime Millionaire and his "stooges" who so often talk of "freak election result" and their "succession plans of next prime minister and leaders" takes for granted that they will win at every election. It is time to show them that it's time for them to be humbled by true leaders who are in politics not for money but for the love of their country and fellow citizens! Definitely not a Kate Spade or Sarah Peilin!

**** Singapore’s Rulers Fighting Like Never Before <http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/04/30/singapore’s-rulers-fighting-like-never-before/>
Maxwell Coopers, Free Malaysia Today

So deeply incensed is the electorate over the rising costs that even one of former prime minister Goh’s Chok Tong most senior aide, Tan Jee Say, was compelled to ditch his former boss and trade his political jersey. Tan is now with the opposition Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), the party the PAP continually hounded and persecuted with defamation suits.

The large foreign community numbering 1.5 million out of five million in the republic has widely been blamed for snatching jobs away from Singaporeans, raising the price of public housing transport and giving what can be called “undesirable” competition in schools.

There is a growing feeling that Singaporeans may wind up becoming second-class citizens in their very own country!

**** 2011 Election Being Fought On The Net <http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?col=insightdownsouth&file=/2011/4/30/columnists/insightdownsouth/8577363&sec=Insight%20Down%20South>
Seah Chiang Nee, The Star

Meet the Facebook Generation. If this election throws up a surprising outcome, it is due to the movement. Over 45% of Singaporeans own an FB account, making the island republic one of its biggest users.

As I write this, a small army of young Facebook eager beavers – some of them armed with iPads - are volunteering, discussing and organising political rallies for various parties.

This is the Facebook Generation in action.

**** Plans To Go Ahead Even If PAP Loses: George Yeo <http://www.straitstimes.com/GeneralElection/News/Story/STIStory_663057.html>
Amresh Gunasingham, Straits Times

The People's Action Party's (PAP) team leader in the hotly contested Aljunied GRC has assured residents there that programmes such as the extension of the North East MRT Line would carry on regardless of whether the team was re-elected.

Other plans such as lift upgrading for housing estates that had already been announced would also go ahead, added Mr George Yeo, who leads a five-man team contesting the GRC against a Workers' Party 'A' team that includes its chief Low Thia Khiang, Ms Sylvia Lim and Mr Chen Show Mao.

**** Govt 'Not Perfect' <http://www.straitstimes.com/GeneralElection/News/Story/STIStory_663054.html>
Straits Times

Addressing a PAP rally at the Yio Chu Kang stadium in Ang Mo Kio GRC, where his six-member team is being contested by the Reform Party, Mr Lee Hsien Loong said: 'The PAP government is not perfect. I would be the first to acknowledge that. We made mistakes, we have slip-ups from time to time.

'Things sometimes go wrong. When they do, what must we do? We must apologise, acknowledge, put it right, learn from the lessons and try not to make the same mistakes again."

**** Affordable Housing Is In Sight <http://singaporedesk.blogspot.com/2011/04/affordable-housing-is-in-sight.html>
Singapore Notes

The bad news is that the 25- to 30- year repayment schedules are all true. The good news is that houses in opposition wards are cheaper.

**** SPP: ‘This Is Singapore And This Is Our Home.’ <http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/04/spp-‘this-is-singapore-and-this-is-our-home-’/>
Benjamin Cheah, The Online Citizen

‘We want to listen to your heart and bring it to Parliament.’

These words, uttered by Mr Benjamin Pwee, seemed to be the Singapore People’s Party’s (SPP) rallying cry. The three key themes of the rally were government accountability, increasing costs of public housing, and increasing number of foreigners. All speakers took every opportunity to deride the People’s Action Party (PAP) on these three fronts, but of the SPP’s proposals they said little.

**** Dealing With Democracy From Young <http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/04/dealing-with-democracy-from-young/>
Ow Shi Hong, The Online Citizen

**** I Don’t Know How To Vote, But Do You? <http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/04/i-dont-know-how-to-vote-but-do-you/>
Clement Chio, The Online Citizen

**** PM Lee Hsien Loong Invokes The Bogeyman Of The Violent Parliament <http://www.raviphilemon.net/2011/04/pm-lee-hsien-loong-invokes-bogeyman-of.html>
Ravi Philemon

The voters are now matured enough to know that parliament is not going to degenerate into fist-fights just because more opposition members have been elected into Parliament.

Please stop treating voters like little children, egging them on not to vote for the opposition by invoking a bogeyman who does not exist - the bogeyman of a violent Parliament.

**** 延伸 延续 传承 波东巴西和后港打虎精神 <http://newasiarepublic.com/?p=28110>
New Asia Republic

反对党的两位打虎英雄已经下山了。一位打虎英雄攻打阿裕尼集选区,另一位攻打碧山-大巴窑集选区。他们要攻下行动党的强大山寨。完成一个看起来是不可能的任务。

**** Location And Timing Of Sat's Rallies <http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20110429-276448.html>
AsiaOne

**** Lee Kuan Yew Deploys ‘Fear-mongering’ Tactics In Aljunied GRC <http://www.temasekreview.com/2011/04/30/lee-kuan-yew-warns-aljunied-residents-their-property-values-may-drop-if-wp-wins/>
The Temasek Review

A quick check on propertyguru.com.sg however, revealed that there is little difference in selling prices of similiar-sized flats in both Hougang and Aljunied GRC.

**** GE2011: Stop Wasting Saliva - Just 1 Qn Is Enough! <http://young-pap.blogspot.com/2011/04/ge2011-stop-wasting-saliva-just-1-qn-is.html>
Young Pay-And-Pay Blog

Are you better off than you were 4 years ago?

**** GE: SPP Supports Lina Chiam's Independence As Candidate <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125876/1/.html?utm_medium=twitter>
Channel NewsAsia

Mrs Chiam said during the rally, which was held near Jurong West Ave 3, that she would not be riding on her husband's name when running Potong Pasir Single-Member Constituency (SMC).

She said: "I am known as Mrs Lina Chiam, and not Mrs Chiam See Tong. I have my own name, my brand."

**** Thinking The Unthinkable <http://www.straitstimes.com/GeneralElection/Blogs/Story/STIStory_663039.html>
Eleanor Wong, Straits Times

Well, there are many reasons why the WP might lose big in Aljunied, but it'd be a shame if it happens just because, after four decades of pragmatism, Singaporeans have blunted their capacity for thinking the unthinkable.

**** SDP's Tan: How Much Did Temasek, GIC Lose? <http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/sdp-candidate-hits-back-much-did-temasek-gic-013557497.html>
Faris Mokhtar, Yahoo!

The rally's last speaker for the day, Dr Vincent Wijeysingha, 40, also weighed in on DPM Teo's comments that the reserves gave Singaporeans a sense of "comfort".

"The reserves are money; they are not there to give us confidence and comfort. Teddy bears are there to give us confidence and comfort," he said.

"Money is there to be invested for the future of the people of Singapore. And it is a very basic idea when the business is doing well, when you're strong, when your reserve is large, you invest for the future," said the social worker.

**** Who Is George Yeo Kidding? <http://satayclub.net/2011/04/who-is-george-yeo-kidding/>
Cheryl Chan, Satayclub.net

Exactly who does Mr Yeo think he is kidding? The ruling PAP has been acting against the spirit of democracy for decades, having gone to enormous lengths to skew the political playing field. In fact, the odds are so unbalanced that voters have never really had a choice other than to accept the PAP as their government. Now that the WP has taken a huge step out of its comfort zone in an attempt to offer the residents of Aljunied a real alternative choice, Mr Yeo says they are subverting the spirit of democracy. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tell that this is hypocrisy of the highest order.

**** ‘Help George Yeo Into Early Retirement’ <http://satayclub.net/2011/04/help-george-yeo-into-early-retirement/>
Satayclub.net

Speaking to a massive rally crowd gathered at Serangoon Stadium, Ms Lim said: “One of the things you might be thinking about is whether the election of Workers’ Party candidates in Aljunied means that Minister George Yeo’s talents will be lost for Singapore. We understand how you feel, but please think about this carefully. Mr Yeo’s talents will not be lost if he loses.”

“Remember that the PAP has control and influence over all government-linked companies and statutory boards, which means that Mr Yeo still has a bright future. He will be able to contribute to the national interest in so many ways. He could easily be appointed as chairman of one of these organisations, or even ambassador-at-large like Professor Tommy Koh.”

“In fact, this is what happens to PAP ministers when they retire. So don’t think of voting for the Workers’ Party as voting against George Yeo. Think of it as helping him into early retirement.”

**** A Moral Dilemma? <http://thebluesweater.blogspot.com/2011/04/moral-dilemma.html>
The Blue Sweater

And this election probably reflects that we are moving ever closer to being a mature democracy then we have ever before. And rather than look at moral dilemmas as a bad thing, we should perhaps derive some lessons from it, and take the opportunity to reflect on our responsibilities as the electorate in a democracy.

**** No Emo Dilemma In Aljunied Obviously <http://thinkhappiness.blogspot.com/2011/04/no-emo-dilemma-in-aljunied-obviously.html>
Think Happiness

If the Workers Party was really such a bad estate manager, they would have been voted out of Hougang long ago. To these voters, I say take a walk in Hougang. The estate may not look as new as those in certain PAP wards but the managers have done a decent job.

**** And The Threats Keep Rolling In For Aljunied <http://whyliddat.wordpress.com/2011/04/30/and-the-threats-keep-rolling-in-for-aljunied/>
Why Liddat?

Which government, which politician, which MP, with his/her heart in the right place, would make such threats to the people? Are governments not supposed to look after all citizens? Around 40% of Americans did not vote for Barack Obama. Did he devise punitive measures to punish those Americans? Did he make them pay? It is only in Singapore, where the PAP is allowed to rule without fear because of its parliamentary dominance, that such threats can be made. When can Singaporeans ever look forward to the day when such threats are not made in a desperate bid to win votes?

**** A Tale Of Two Opposition Parties <http://singaporekopitok.blogspot.com/2011/04/tale-of-two-opposition-parties.html>
Singapore Kopi Tok

**** Graduating From A Spare Tyre To A Co-driver To A Slap On The Face! <http://article14.blogspot.com/2011/04/graduating-from-spare-tyre-to-co-driver.html>
Article 14

So, Low Thia Khiang’s rebuttal at last night’s rally using the same analogy was simply brilliant and to really add sting to it he threw in a slap.

**** The Holland-Bukit Timah Connection <http://newasiarepublic.com/?p=27988>
Faisal Wali, New Asia Republic

It may be premature to rule out the possibility of a public morality debate. Although this is not about the gay issue, the ingredients are definitely there. We have a member of the opposition voicing his disagreement to the establishment of casinos up against an incumbent responsible for their establishment. So watch this space.

**** Comparison Of Manifestos <http://rot.blogsome.com/2011/04/29/comparison-of-manifestos/>
The Rot Within

The PAP’s argument is basically ‘we brought you prosperity, therefore we are the best candidates to continue to bring you prosperity’. Even if you grant their premise (which is far from uncontroversial as it blithely credits the PAP with the achievements of the civil service and other workers), it’s not clear that what worked in the past is going to work in the future. If the PAP thinks that their old industrial strategy will continue to work in the future, they ought to argue for that in their manifesto. More words, fewer pictures, please.

**** Will The Crowds Translate Into Votes? <http://satayclub.net/2011/04/will-the-crowds-translate-into-votes/>
Nigel Tan, Satayclub.net

While analysts have predicted that the ground has shifted away from the PAP thanks to issues such as the rising cost of living, the huge influx of foreigners and depressed wages, a swing of 5 to 8% could easily be negated by votes from “new citizens” who now make up a significant part of the electorate. These naturalised voters are expected to support the PAP’s liberal immigration policies, while being put off by the opposition’s attempts to restrict the inflow of foreigners. This is a significant group of voters who will add to the PAP’s ‘silent majority’, since they will likely vote for the ruling party automatically even though they won’t bother turning up at the rallies.

Though many are hopeful that the opposition will finally make a breakthrough at this election, expectations that the PAP will lose one or two GRCs may be overly optimistic. The rally crowds, as we have seen, are not necessarily indicative of the sentiment on the ground. While opposition rallies are attended by hundreds of thousands, many of them are just there out of curiosity and to enjoy the adrenaline-charged atmosphere that only comes about once every five years. On Polling Day, many of them will still vote for the PAP.

**** What The PAP Do Not Want You To Know <http://tankinlian.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-pap-do-not-want-you-to-know.html>
Tan Kin Lian

Singapore will do better under a new government - even a coalition government involving the PAP. The old policies will have to be changed and the new policies will be be better for the people.

**** PAP = Government = Parliament? <http://darryl-giggs.livejournal.com/25833.html>
Babolat

It really pains my heart that our ministers no longer have the ordinary Singaporeans at heart. Worse, with all the alleged 'under the table' dealings that Singapore has with drug-trafficking administrations (like Myanmar), the proliferation of scandals involving 'charitable organisations' (one of which is a subsidary of the PAP Government), the super-duper high salaries of our ministers, I cannot help but wonder --- will we see a Suharto situation in Singapore?

**** The Showdown In Aljunied <http://ge2011.theonlinecitizen.com/2011/04/the-showdown-in-aljunied/>
Ng E-Jay, The Online Citizen

What is clear is that the PAP’s biggest battle is in Aljunied, and they will most likely leave no stone unturned in convincing voters that Mr Low’s team should not be voted into Parliament.

It is up to voters now to decide whether they wish to preserve the status quo and hand Aljunied back to the PAP on polling day, or whether they wish to give Mr Low’s team a chance at building a First World Parliament.

**** GE: NWC's Calls To Increase Wages Timed To Coincide With Election, Says NSP <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125889/1/.html>
Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia

NSP candidate for Chua Chu Kang GRC, Jeisilan Sivalingam, said that over the last few years, the NWC had consistently recommended that wages be kept down and its current slew of recommendations is a 'matter of too little, too late.'

**** Aljunied Voters May Not Regret Choosing WP <http://chaptertworeload.wordpress.com/2011/04/30/aljunied-voters-may-not-regret-choosing-wp/>
Aaron Ng, Channel NewsAsia

Aljunied voters need not fear choosing the Workers’ Party. Hougang, under the care of the Workers’ Party for twenty years, is not a shanty town. The Workers’ Party election video showed Hougang as a clean, safe and vibrant community.

Such fear mongering tactics do not destroy the credibility nor the appeal of the Workers’ Party; instead, they speak volumes about the insecurity of the PAP.

**** What The Elites (Or Rather, Elitists) Think <http://laicite.wordpress.com/2011/04/30/what-the-elites-or-rather-elitists-think/>
Laïcité

So is this what the more privileged people in Singapore really believe? That they got where they are merely through their own hard work, and that those who are not able to live comfortably in Singapore deserve their fates as a result of their own stupidity and laziness? Are all elites elitists?

Of course there are people who are unsuccessful in life because of laziness and/or stupidity, and of course there are many successful people who got there because of sheer hard work and ingenuity. But to argue that the status quo is perfect and fair is simply naivety, and to accuse those unhappy with the status quo of being responsible for their own failures is simply elitism at its finest. The sad truth is that meritocracy in Singapore is imperfect. The sadder truth is that the disconnect between the average Singaporean and a privileged one is wide enough for the latter to make such comments and be proud of it.

**** GE: GIC, Temasek Reserves Safe, Says Balakrishnan <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125915/1/.html>
Sara Grosse, Channel NewsAsia

Dr Balakrishnan said the finance minister had already revealed in the last Parliament debate that the portfolios of GIC and Temasek Holdings are back to pre-crisis peaks.

"In other words, there is no loss of national reserves. They (opposition candidates) are going around claiming losses on national reserves or losses on town council reserves. These are pure fabrications, and coming from someone like Mr Tan. I would have expected that he would have done his homework and bothered to check statistics and data which are available in the public domain," said Dr Balakrishnan.

**** GE: NSP's Nicole Seah Voices Concerns Over Move To Maintain Food Prices <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125917/1/.html>
Channel NewsAsia

The National Solidarity Party (NSP) on Saturday voiced its concern over hawker stalls having to keep their price stable for the next six months.

Ms Seah said the NSP is concerned on how the hawkers are going to maintain their revenue and profit margin if they continue to keep their prices low. "There are no other measures in place to subsidise their rental or any way to alleviate their cost burden at their end without having to pass it on to the consumer."

**** GE: 6 Election Rallies To Be Held On Sunday <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125924/1/.html>
Sharon Tong, Channel NewsAsia

**** “Emotional Burden”? We Should Rejoice Instead <http://theonlinecitizen.com/2011/04/“emotional-burden”-we-should-rejoice-instead/>
Steffen Toh, The Online Citizen

Finally, what really saddens me is the ‘emotional burden’ argument, because it makes me question the extent to which we have departed from the visions that originally emboldened our founding fathers to take the building of Singapore’s future into their own hands. The bottom-line is this: In a truly democratic society, every single vote that is cast MUST carry with it an ‘emotional burden’. That is the essence of a society in which its people are active players in their collective future. Each vote carries an emotional burden, each vote should make the person casting it ‘uncomfortable’, because each vote is supposed to count towards something, and not to be taken lightly.

And the truth is, for far too long, Singaporeans have had this ‘emotional burden’ removed from them, because of one, the presence of an admittedly outstanding government that takes care of all of our needs, and two, the lack of a viable alternative. For far too long, when it comes to elections and voting, Singaporeans have proceeded on auto-pilot, and have not had to grapple with the significance that each vote carries. For too long, we have abdicated from our duty to consider the importance of every vote before casting it.

**** PM Lee Is Right. Government ‘Not Perfect’ <http://blog.dk.sg/2011/04/30/pm-lee-is-right-government-not-perfect/>
Dee Kay Dot As Gee

But has the PAP done what you had said?

I certainly don’t remember anyone stepping forward to apologize for the flooding in Orchard Road and Mas Selamat escape. Instead, Singaporeans get blamed for not having the nation building spirit. And did we learn the lessons from the flooding in Orchard? Certainly not. We still get quite a number of flooding after the Orchard Road flood. It was so bad that whenever there is an heavy rain, people turn to Twitter to check if there’s flooding. There’s even a Twitter hashtag #sgflood for flooding in Singapore.

So, what talking you?

**** Disappointed With Dr Vivian <http://thinkingbetterthinkingmeta.blogspot.com/2011/04/disappointed-with-dr-vivian.html>
Sam Ho, Sam's Thoughts

It is rather infantile to reduce a discussion of constitutional rights of Singaporeans on the grounds of sexual orientation to one that is forwarding the “gay agenda”.

There exist people who are guided by myths that demonise gay Singaporeans. The lack of anti-discrimination laws and absence of statutory laws to protect the constitutional rights on grounds of sexual orientation allow these myths to perpetuate.

**** No Money No House <http://singaporelifetimes.blogspot.com/2011/04/no-money-no-house.html>
Singapore Life And Times

I admit that I am one of those who benefited from the relatively cheap housing in the early 1990s, but you know, I don't gain any more benefit from the rising value of my house today. On the other hand, the increased (and increasing) valuation of my property only attracts higher property tax. The real beneficiary of asset enhancements is the government. So, tell me, Mr Mah, how has PAP's recent housing policies really benefited me and the many property-owning Singaporeans?

**** Imagining Electoral Calamity <http://yawningbread.wordpress.com/2011/04/30/imagining-electoral-calamity/>
Au Waipang, Yawning Bread

Perhaps you remain sceptical. Will any of these things change just because we vote in more opposition members of parliament? After all, the PAP will still form the next government. Won’t they carry on as before?

No they won’t. Because if suddenly they realise that they have no more immunity, the psychology changes. They realise they have been put on notice by voters that the old ways of carrying on will not be tolerated, and going forward, they will have to pay more attention to the people, rather than to their own self-interest and the interests of the socially privileged class they belong to.

That is the big, big thing we will all gain if the opposition gets a breakthrough at this election.

**** Commercial Support: Breaking The Fear Barrier <http://yoursdp.org/index.php/news/singapore/4784-commercial-support-breaking-the-fear-barrier>
Singapore Democratic Party

There seems to be a stirring of our nation's soul this elections. It has been a soul that has long been silenced out of fear. Fear never made a country strong, and we want our Singapore to be strong.

To all of you who have shown your support for us, we say a heartfelt thank you. You do this not for any one party but for the nation that we all love.

**** GE: MM Lee Defends PAP's Record On Helping S'poreans Cope With Cost Of Living <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125935/1/.html>
Imelda Saad, Channel NewsAsia

The cost of living is an issue for all Singaporeans, and Mr Lee said the government has introduced a slew of measures to help citizens. These include the Grow and Share Bonus, Workfare and utilities rebates.

When asked about the battle for Aljunied GRC, Mr Lee questioned the Workers' Party's real intentions. "It's not just to win one GRC. Let's have no hypocrisy about this, every political party sets out to win and win a majority and they are setting out from a single constituency to a GRC and then expand to more GRCs and then take over. It's up to you to decide whether they are capable of running Singapore," said Mr Lee.

"The only hot seat is Aljunied and if Aljunied decides to go that way then Aljunied has five years to live and repent," he said. "Losing one GRC does not mean the end of the world and we will try to regain it after five years, but they would have made an inroad into a GRC and they would try to make more inroads."

**** GE: Voting Out George Yeo Will Upset "Politically Balanced Picture": SM Goh <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125964/1/.html>
Channel NewsAsia

Speaking at a rally in Marine Parade GRC, Mr Goh in particular spoke of the potential impact should Mr Yeo lose his seat. Mr Goh said Mr Yeo has been handling delicate negotiations with Malaysia and Indonesia on border issues.

Mr Goh also said Singapore has what he described as a "beautiful arrangement" - with an Indian as President, a Chinese as Prime Minister and a Malay, Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, as potential Speaker of Parliament.

**** GE: SDP Reveals "People's Plan" For Sembawang GRC <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1125971/1/.html>
Channel NewsAsia

The SDP Saturday evening also launched its "Peoples' Plan" to address the concerns of residents in Sembawang GRC. It deals with issues of overcrowding, high transport and medical costs, and care for the aged.

"Rather than sending our senior citizens abroad for aged care in Johor Bahru, Batam or Bintan, the SDP Town Council will convert void decks and keep them relevant and keep our old people within our estates so we can look after them. We don't need to send them anywhere!"

**** 'Let Me Fight Potong Pasir Battle Alone': Sitoh <http://www.straitstimes.com/GeneralElection/News/Story/STIStory_663130.html>
Tan Hui Yee, Straits Times

People's Action Party (PAP) contender Sitoh Yih Pin has specifically asked its bigwigs to stay away from the single-member constituency, which has 17,327 voters. 'Because, to me, this is about persistence, perseverance and faith in my voters. And this is about my relationship with the voters.'

**** Workers’ Party Chief Slams GRC System <http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/workers-party-reaches-aljunied-voters-190428837.html>
Alicia Wong, Yahoo!

Calling for a "breakthrough" this election, he argued that the GRC system, introduced in 1988, "served the PAP's self-interest and not the voters".

"Let me tell you, if no opposition is able to break through the GRC, you will be forever shackled by the system. The PAP will continue to govern, and to bully you without having to account to you all," he said.

**** Emotions Run High At SPP Rally <http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/emotions-run-high-spp-rally-202415509.html>
Jeanette Tan, Yahoo!

**** Vote For The Incumbent Party, But Know What You’re Standing For. <http://blueballs.wordpress.com/2011/04/30/vote-for-the-incumbent-party-but-know-what-youre-standing-for/>
Blueballs

You have every right to vote for the incumbent party. Indeed that is the essence of democracy. But when you do so, just be aware of what you’re signing up for.

**** What Is A Freak Election? <http://singaporeelection.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-is-freak-election.html?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed>
Singapore Election Watch






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