Huat Zai

Since we're going there

Unless you do full spec analysis on your water source, you won't know exactly what is in it. A broad spec filter (a good one) should be better than specify ones, IMHO, YMMV

@chamfer

by Augustine Low The recent call by “expert” observers to Singaporeans to step out of our comfort zone and venture overseas for work has understandably struck a raw nerve. Especially in light of the budget statement this week by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who highlighted that governments around the world are “looking for ways to rebuild their manufacturing capabilities and create jobs for their people.” He added: “Countries are thinking less about mutual benefit and interdependence, and more about national gain and security. An era of zero sum thinking has begun.” DPM Wong made it crystal clear that countries are looking inwards, putting their own interests first and looking to “create jobs for their people.” Two questions for DPM Wong then. One, does he think it makes sense for Singaporeans to venture overseas for jobs at a time when other countries are putting their own interests and own people first? Two, is Singapore bucking the trend, welcoming foreigners with open arms while other governments, as he himself pointed out, are focusing on national gain and indulging in zero-sum thinking? Which then brings to mind that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told unionists previously that Singaporeans must “make sure you steal somebody else’s lunch.” The question is, do we steal people’s lunch here in our own backyard or are we now called upon to go overseas to steal people’s lunch? Either way, it doesn’t bode well for Singaporeans. Instead of putting the onus on Singaporeans to steal lunch, why not protect and safeguard the lunch of Singaporeans? Minister Chan Chun Sing has said that the ultimate competition is “Team Singapore, comprising Singaporeans, the PRs and even the foreign workforce … competing to give Singaporeans the best chance possible.” Since he put it so broadly – everybody being part of one happy family – how are Singaporeans to tell the difference? Whose jobs are being prioritised, whose jobs are at risk, who is stealing lunch from who? DPM Wong says other countries are engaging in zero sum thinking, putting national interests first, while another minister says that Team Singapore comprises Singaporeans, PRs and foreign workers! What’s worrying also is that so many Singaporeans are resorting to delivering lunch instead of holding good jobs to earn their lunch. Just look at the number of food delivery riders all around the country, at all times of the day. Is this how our people should be gainfully employed? Is there no better solution? What we are having instead is one national conversation after another. The current one is called Forward Singapore, a year-long exercise to gather feedback and ideas from tens of thousands of Singaporeans, being led by DPM Wong. As with previous such exercises, we will end up with more slogans and more motherhood statements, when what we really need are real solutions to real problems. https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2023/02/18/just-exactly-who-is-stealing-whose-lunch/

https://www.everytown.org/state/mississippi/

A man armed with three guns fatally shot his ex-wife and five others during a rampage in a small rural town in the US state of Mississippi, police say. The victims were killed at several locations, including a store and two homes, in Arkabutla, a community of fewer than 300 people. Police have charged a 52-year-old local man with first-degree murder and held him at the county jail. No motive for his attack has yet been identified. The suspect is believed to have acted alone, said Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves. The rampage began when the gunman entered a petrol station convenience store at around 11:00 local time (17:00 GMT) and shot a man to whom he had no apparent connection, Sheriff Brad Lance said. He then went to a nearby home where he fatally shot his ex-wife and, according to CNN, struck but did not shoot her fiance. Investigators say the gunman then drove to a home next to his own residence and fatally shot a man who may have been his stepfather, as well as an unnamed woman, the New York Times reports. He then shot two people, one inside a car and one on the road, not far from his own home. The final two victims appear to have been construction workers on a job at the site, according to Sheriff Lance. Deputies spotted the suspect inside a vehicle matching witness descriptions and were able to apprehend him near his home after a brief car chase. "We don't have a lot of violent crime here. This is shocking," said Sheriff Lance. "I never dreamt that we would deal with something like that here." He said the suspect had a shotgun and two handguns in his possession. A primary and secondary school in nearby Coldwater were placed on lockdown during the incident, which unfolded 45 miles (72km) south of Memphis, in neighbouring Tennessee. Ethan Cash, a 19-year-old local resident, told WREG-TV that he had seen the gun-toting suspect. Mr Cash said he also checked the pulse of the victim who died inside his vehicle and drew his own pistol on an injured man nearby who turned out to be the victim's brother. Gun violence in US and what the numbers tell us Friday's incident marks the 73rd mass shooting since the year began, according to the Gun Violence Archive (GVA) non-profit research database. GVA defines a mass shooting as an incident in which four or more people are injured or killed. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64684350

Eunos Bird Shop Is Called SMLJ, Sells ‘Jiaos’ Of Various Sizes & Essential Supplies SMLJ In Eunos Is A Bird Store Full Of Colourful Parrots & Birdkeeping Essentials When it comes to birds, there are some humans who absolutely adore them while others may view the creatures as flying menaces. Some of those belonging to the former group may have birds as pets and go-to pet stores where they often buy supplies or even more of the creatures. But few may be familiar with this salaciously named store in Eunos, which is actually a shop specialising in all things birds. Source: Google Maps Called Small Medium Large Jiao or SMLJ for short, the shop is a one-stop store for all birdkeeping essentials. SMLJ has popular parrot breeds like budgies, cockatoos & quakers Tucked away at 48 Jalan Eunos, the store regularly brings in rare birds of all sizes for sale — apt, considering its name. ‘Jiao’ means bird in Hokkien. For example, here are some English budgies, a specially-bred species from the early 20th century. Source: Small Medium Large Jiao – SMLJ on Facebook They were primarily bred for the pet trade and as ‘show’ birds, according to HereBird. Another popular species is the Quaker. TheSprucePets says that these parrots are known for their fun-loving personality and energetic nature. Source: Small Medium Large Jiao – SMLJ on Facebook With their ability to speak well and not grow any more than 30cm, they’re like pocket-sized jesters that brighten up your day when you return home. If you fancy a larger winged buddy, the store also has these beautifully coloured Galah Cockatoos. Source: Small Medium Large Jiao – SMLJ on Facebook A common sight if you’ve been to Australia, these birds are very smart and love having human company, according to Beauty Of Birds. Directions to SMLJ bird store in Eunos While we can continue waxing lyrical about these birds, it’s best to see their bright colours and quirky personalities for yourself. So, here are directions to get to SMLJ: Small Medium Large Jiao (SMLJ) Address: 48 Jln Eunos, Singapore 419506 Opening Hours: 11 am – 5 pm daily Closest MRT: Eunos Station In case you get lost looking for the store, keep a lookout for the huge sign with the letters ‘SMLJ’ hanging at the storefront. Just make sure no one you know sees you waltzing in if you want to avoid an awkward conversation. Pick a ‘jiao’ of your fancy at SMLJ Whether you’re looking for a ‘jiao’ or ‘jiao’-keeping essentials, SMLJ will surely have something that suits your fancy. With an extensive selection of birds and pet supplies piled high, ‘jiao’ lovers will have a field day in the store. https://mustsharenews.com/smlj-bird-shop-eunos/ @Standing Birdy @Bigbird

@HarrisY1